Now you've dunn it!: The HiLonesome Band

Fred, Susie, Steve, Mandy, Tomisina and Mom in front.

My cousin Fred Sanders played in a free concert at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena last week so Mom, Steve & I took a road trip down to see him. I think we really surprised him. The venue is an outdoor amphitheater in a friendly park setting. He plays string base in a Bluegrass/Appalachian style band. It was a fun show full of delightful music. Good times.

Pigs To Twigs

I have been keeping a diet journal. Sounds somewhat boring but as it turns out it helps me account for my food choices. All you naturally skinny people out there do not have a clue what I am talking about; however, if you are someone who has had to fight the weight war perhaps you can relate. I set up a separate blog and call it ‘Pigs to Twigs’. It is listed it in my Places To Go People To See. If you are ever up late because you cannot sleep, try checking it out – It will be better than a sleeping pill.

We're dunn - a little history

If you are visiting this blog chances are you know us a little or even well. Here are the cliff notes: Stephen & I met in Bakersfield, September 1978 just one week after he joined the church. We were introduced after sacrament meeting and he offered to take me to the young adult fireside that same night. He said it was so I could show him the way to the Moyes home where the fireside was being held; he being new in town and all – smooth….... definitely smooth.

When he took me home we sat in his car outside my apartment and talked for hours. The following morning his plans were to take the missionaries golfing so he invited me to come along. After golfing, we spent the rest of the day together. Life as a young adult usually holds a fair amount of drama and our lives were no different. Heartbreaks and disappointments as well as dreams and aspirations were all laid out to view. I sure liked what I saw because that night I made my move. I kissed him! Well actually, I told him I wanted to kiss him (lucky boy) and he was ever so obliging. Now what is that clever little saying I have heard…..... oh yes...….. ‘And the rest is history!’

We were engaged by November. Being newly baptized, we planned the wedding for September 1979. At that time Stephen would have been a member one year and we could be sealed in the temple. Then 26 & 21 years old, we started our family. We have been blessed with three delightful children, Tiffany, Sonnet and Blake. This is the Dunn family many of you know but there is one more son to meet. Years before we met, Stephen had been married and divorced. He has a son named Thad. In 1992 Thad came back into our lives and has been a welcome addition to the family. Our children and their spouses love each other and the grandchildren have become best-buddy cousins.

Bridesmaids cont....

Oh, it all seems very far away now, but when we were young, being a sixth ward laurel was a big part of our identity. Although very diverse in background, interests and abilities, we were bound by our faith and membership in the church. What we had in common far outweighed the differences as well as the quirks of adolescent females.

Growing up three doors down from Shelly, I cannot remember a time I did not know her. I joined the church just before my junior year of high school. So did Debbie. Almost the first week of school, we met Cindy who had just moved to Bakersfield from San Jose. Going to church every Sunday and Wednesday nights, I got to know Jill and Diana. Who could have foreseen how two short years of high school would shape the rest of my life - but it did. Most of my choices for good, personal aspirations, and eternal goals had their beginnings either sitting in our little class listening to Sister Hemingway, hanging out in the Taylor home, or were formed by the countless heart to heart talks and examples of these friends.

So, when I married four years after graduation, it was the girls from my laurel class I wanted at my side. Now, after over 30 years, I am inviting them all to Bakersfield for a slumber party. As I said when I emailed them, “I would love to catch up with everyone. Wouldn't it be great to hear how our lives have turned out thirty-five years down the road from our girlish dreams?” I hope it comes together.

To Rinez

In the movie, on one occasion at a Christmas party, a happy baby announcement is made. The crowd cheers and rushes to the young couple who are the object of the rejoicing. Four of the friends likewise cheer but instead of rushing to the young couple, seek first their fifth friend who is the expectant grandmother. Their hearts fly to her. Such is the way of sisterly love. In a closing scene, one of the friends stands alone in front of the rose laden casket of her beautiful young adult daughter. One by one, the circle of friends peel off from the funeral attendees to go and stand beside her. To offer support, comfort and love. That is the position I find myself in this week. My dear friend Rinez Campbell bade farewell to her daughter Shannon as she left this world early Sunday morning. How do we bear it? We fly to each other. We speak, we remain silent, we listen. We hug, we stand back, we watch over. We pray, we bear testimony and we receive peace.

Now you've dunn it!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

The HiLonesome Band

2 comments:

Pigs To Twigs

Places to go - people to see

We're dunn - a little history

Forever Dunn

OCS Graduation

My Mom - My Hero. Happy Birthday!

Powderhorn Guest Ranch

Horse Ride at Powderhorn

A Rasmussen Rodeo

Meet my Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids cont....

My Bridesmaid Reunion

A dream come true

Walkie-Talkie's

To Rinez

Arggg, tis a Pirate Party!

Tahoe Splinters

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