Lazy summer days, where we’d be gone as soon as breakfast was shoveled in and return for various bouts of eating, until “last call,” that twilight time when the street lights began to flicker and hum louder than the mosquitoes that perpetually gnawed on me summer long. Dad would invariably be found, reclining in his chair, watching our 19” black & white television when we came in.
Hopping on the Stingray boy’s bicycle my dad had built from an old bike body and turned into the coolest custom ride I’d ever seen. Being the coolest in the neighborhood x10 when he then built a tandem bike and painted it red and put white seats on it. It always seemed safer riding a bike that my dad built than riding in the car he drove as he seemed to have a penchant for driving up on sidewalks after squirrels.
Standing out on the front lawn on the occasional stormy evening when the sky would suddenly turn a unique shade of pea green/yellow which meant tornado coming. Winds blowing–suddenly–they’d stop–even the birds somehow knew what was looming and stopped their incessant chatter. I’d stand out on the lawn with my dad, scared, but also invigorated because I was living life on the edge for those few minutes before dad would say, “let’s go in the basement.”
Hiding out the cubby hole in the back of dad’s 1965 VW Beetle after church and convincing my sister that she should go along with me in our trickery. He always knew I was there, but would pretend he’d “lost” me.
Dad, my sister, and I would ride the two or three minutes from church to grandma’s for lunch. My cousins would usually be there too. We’d hit the road, running all over the neighborhood through back yards and up alleys. There were no fences then, but there was the occasional very sharp, thorny row of bushes. I liked to visit on Saturday better when the penny candy store was open around the corner. I don’t remember ever having anything besides fried chicken at grandma’s, but I’m sure we did at some point.
Watching as my dad created a finely crafted wood and metal weather vane for my 4th grade science project. It stacked up more than nicely against the construction paper, 2-dimensional weather vanes the other kids did. I didn’t get the best grade on that project since all he had let me do was use sandpaper on it after he was done building it. I always thought he would have been happier being a carpenter.
Sitting out on the front steps with just a jar and a lot of patience as we’d fill the jar with as many fireflies as we could find. I wonder what happened to all the fireflies, haven’t seen one in years.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Good Memories of a Father
Best decade
We went to a "goodbye snowbirds" party at the clubhouse Saturday. It was wonderful, the usual hot dogs, hamburgers, beans, salads, cold drinks, free beer and cake and watermelon, it was so terrific. There were about one hundred and fifty people all having a terrific time.. some dancing, some just listening to music and a few in the pool. It was about eighty with low humidity. Paradise for seven dollars per person, most money going for charity.
I started thinking about some of the very young and beautiful girls in their bathing suits and wondering if this was the time of their lives.. although this is wonderful, I was thinking my thirties were perfect... I was aware of where my children were at every moment and as we lived day to day and life seemed to move along and we felt better and had very active social lives.. maybe I am mis-remembering... what were the best times for you? Is it now?
Sunday, March 30, 2008
My Role Model
In 1998, I had called my Aunt and Uncle to let them know that my Mother’s Husband had departed from his battle with cancer. To this day I still remember my Aunt’s voice as she broke the news to me on the phone, my Uncle died unexpectedly in his sleep of a brain aneurysm. Serendipitously, both men died within 24 hours of one another. A few years later while sorting through the baited rat trap of boxes I had accumulated over the years, I had to face and embrace the memories of my Uncle Bill. Each photo found, showed him as a tall lanky Gentleman whom never seemed to age. Amidst my collection were letters from him and my Aunt; places they had been, things they were doing. A wonderful assortment of cherished birthday and holiday cards from them - expanding from my youth to that of an adult. And with each memorabilia, I found myself on a journey down memory lane filled with echoing heart felt laughter and love. My Uncle Bill made his living painting homes and in-between his brush decorated canvases with beautiful pictures. My favorite are those of trees and covered bridges. Recently franscud; Francis Scudellari Author of Caught In The Stream posted about Mr. Potato Head. I mention this because one of my fondest childhood memories is when my Aunt and Uncle took me on a trip with them to Tennessee, for their Daughter’s wedding. First, one must envision such a tall man being the owner of and driving a VW, back in the days when these adorable beetle bugs were petite. As a child, I always found it humorous and amazing how my Uncle Bill fit himself into this car. In Tennessee, Uncle Bill took me for my first double dipped ice cream cone! Outside the snack bar, my top scoop plummeted to the ground immediately. Uncle Bill merely smiled; gently taking my hand, he walked me into the ice cream shop again, for another delicious dip atop my cone! On our way back from the wedding, the heater in the VW decided to quit. When Uncle Bill stopped to get a few repair supplies, he made a side stop into a near by store where he bought me, yes – Mr. Potato Head! And so, with permission from Francis; for all those boxes that couldn’t hold all my treasures of yesterday; I present to you my Readers, Mr. Potato Head, for all to enjoy! May such a photo be liken a feather duster on the memory box in your minds and bring you treasured smiles also.
Here’s to you, my Uncle Bill!
Previously posted at Binding Ink on Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, March 28, 2008
Team Spirit!
The Team Spirit of Blue Ribbon Bloggers is shining bright as always! Suggestions for posts, challenges, etc. are always welcome.
Currently we have Mo with “Do you have a role model in your life”
from his post Thinking Of Family. Feel free to share with us your pictures and/or posts about your role models!
For the time being; while I am currently sorting through my pictures for a pix, purplefrogcat(kim) has posted What kind of car has been your problem vehicle? receiving several comments worthy of a post:
Mo from It's A Blog Eat Blog World said...
My worst car was also a Ford.
They don't call 'em
Found On Road Dead for nothing, ya know.
Mine would see a hill in the distance and slow down.
Then, in a parking garage, during a winter, the transmission fell out of it with no warning. I had to pay the parking garage fee for the towtruck, too!!!!
My most reliable car: a Pontiac Vibe
Ellen from Positive Communication said...
My best and worst cars ever are Alfa Romeo's.. Beautiful, fast italian cars, but trustworthy... uhmm.. not..
One day one of my colleagues suggested that the car should have been delivered with a standard bookshelf.. so I'd have something to read every time the car broke down..
Linda from Are We There Yet?? said...
Probably my worst car ever was a Ford also. It was the only one that I ever had the transmission go on. I traded it in a few years back for my current car which is a Mazda 3S. It hasn't given me a bit of trouble - knock on wood!
As for myself - ndpthepoetress Jeane Michelle, personally I think my car woes could out do anyone. Lets see, Buick Skylark. Crossing the road with traffic coming at my passenger and driver side door – the drive shaft drops! Thankfully, I managed to skid safely across the road.
Pinto, not sure what kind, just rather small – my little Brother was in town on a rather heavy rainy night. He had stopped by my job to surprise me for a visit. On the ride home that night the water level on the road stalled my car. We didn’t want to impede traffic so my Brother and I pushed my Pinto off the street and accidently into a deep ditch. Needless to say, my car drowned head first.
Unbeknownst to me, a vindictive Person once put sugar into the gas tank of my Dodge Colt station wagon. The next day, traveling on the interstate during lunch hour bumper to bumper traffic, my car suddenly stalled out. Just as traffic was starting to pick up speed, another auto came racing off an exit ramp and suddenly rear ended my stalled car with me in it. My car was totaled but fortunately I had only minor injures and back problems that had me out of work for nearly two years.
Several pictures to accommodate this post will pursue as soon as found :)
Thanks you all; keep the posts a coming, comments, challenges, pictures, etc. always welcomed!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
What kind of car has been your problem vehicle?
I have a problem car.. Mine is a 94 ford taurus... We have so much problems with that darn car over the years since we bought, we have learned never buy a ford car ever again.. So what has been your problem vehicle so we can learn to never buy that type of car? We have all heard stories of certain cars.. What`s yours? Some cars can live forever and others only for a few years if you are lucky. Do you have any funny stories you would like to share about your vehicle? If so, please tell us.. Thanks!
purplefrogcat(kim)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Back to normal
Easter Sunday is over. I hope the flu is gone. It's time to finish the work in the second bathroom... It's just the sink and vanity, which he could have done in a couple of hours but instead, decided to use much of what is there, which has taken him about a week so far. I mentioned that I always thought the vanity was too low and now that he had it all apart would it be just as easy to raise it up a bit...He then asked everyone what they thought and the consensus of opinion was...yes it should be raised...now I'm so sorry I mentioned it... I don't know how much longer it's going to take to get things back to normal. Even Penny is getting sick of the mess...You have to work around it. Why bother using that bathroom... you can't use the sink to wash your hands...all sorts of tools adorn the bathroom floor. If one more person tells me I'm so lucky to have someone who can do all this work himself... I might spit.. Forget going out to dinner... I takes him an hour to get himself presentable and there is a thin layer of plaster dust and tile dust covering everything in the house.... you can even taste it... I swear... gross on so many levels... now I'm at the point I would like to have this place clean enough to just enjoy it before we go home to encounter.... who knows what mess my son has created in Massachusetts.
Last year the following had to be replaced... the coffee pot.. vacuum cleaner... (hubby looked at the huge hole on the side of the bag and asked... "did you try to vacuum up a hot coal from the wood stove?" Yes, Dad I did... young son answered.. I couldn't have come up with that in a hundred years.. hubby is starting to think like him..... anyway.... his room was so disgusting some of the walls had to be scraped... I don't even want to think about what was on them... the floors and walls all through the house were spilled on and tracked on... the living room was re-arranged and when the cable would not reach he just drilled another hole in the hardwood on the other side of the room... the toaster oven had burned out... and no, I don't know how he managed that one.... he had burned everyone of my decorative candles, not putting anything under them and all areas they came in touch with had to be restained or cleaned... when we got home he had the dining room table set with my good dishes and crystal, along with my sterling silver..... for a birthday party for his then girlfriend.... I have to stop... I am depressing myself.. anyway if we stay hubby will keep re-modeling but what awaits when we go home?
I have given myself a mad headache and I'm going to lay down.....
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Hoppy Easter!
And For Those Who Enjoy Pondering:
Main-stream Society has done far more irrectifiable damage to individualism than any distraught bullies have ever hoped to inflict upon seemingly Plain Janes or Computer Geeks. One need not be of Christian faith to enjoy the spirit of Easter nor does one need to be so of Christian faith as not to be able to participate in the frills of Easter. For there is such a thing called a medium – a middle ground; a point of view midway between extremes. Truly here is where individualism thrives. But how many dare to walk such a thin line? Come, stray for a moment if you will and walk with me away from the main-stream. For surely if it is true that life imitates art and art imitates life than what of this book called the Bible so many protest, perhaps merely literature, symbolism at its best . Gethsemane? Surely “[Surprisedbyjoy writes all of us will experience Gethsemanes in our lifetime. They are moments of great distress, fear and anguish. We may be experience hatred and betrayal. We may be called to pick up our ‘wounds’ and we don’t want to do it. Even Christ needed companions in Gethsemane. Sleeping friends were better than being alone. …we would be wise to ask for friends to be with us in our Gethsemanes. Don’t be upset when ‘some’ let us down. Judas betrayed, the others slumbered, Peter denied their relationship and they all ran away in fear. We see a picture of life drama and human frailties.]” This is Gethsemane, merely truth; facing the truth – moments of truth. As for the cross, we all have ours to bear, some more than others. I think the hardest cross to lay down and upon is forgiveness. “[Surprisedbyjoy states All of us have forgiveness issues. Human nature clings to grudge holding which leads to destructive bitterness and venom. For ‘any hope of any kind of’ growth, healing and maturity, ‘though’ we must forgive]” Often the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. Truly we are our own worse enemies at times. And so begins the crucifixion; we crucify those who have done us wrong and worse we crucify ourselves. It is a vicious circle, one perhaps of a dog trying to chew his own legs off only to succeed in immobilizing himself to never walk again. Oh but if we could forgive, especially ourselves we would truly rise again anew. A testament to all the Doubting Toms! Here in lays the problems, here in indeed. Inside this fleshy shell of ours, our very own tomb. Maybe the secret is buried in first healing the wounds; rather inflicted by others, and/or circumstances, or self. After all it is Spring and ‘Hope Springs Eternal’. And so this is Easter, the passing over and into the realizations of Gethsemane. We have ventured far enough now from the Main-stream Society for most to have seen the middle ground of art imitating life. I much rather join the allusion and dance with the Easter Bunny and color eggs than spend any more time dissecting life’s many illusions, delusions. Cause for now; liken love, spring is in the air - spring is every where! repost
Binding Ink
Easter
Blue Ribbon Bloggers
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Auntie Chickie
Another older post..this is about my wonderful Aunt we lost a year ago Christmas..also a book club member
Auntie Chickie
Your our rock of Gibraltar
the one we all choose
you worry and nurture
and relay our good news
You help to solve problems
and lend us your ear
to listen to grousing
and allay all our fears
You help take the place
of those loved ones who've gone
to help keep us centered
and form a real bond
Not just with each other
although that's so great
to have found again cousins
before it's too late
To share all experiences
to remember fun things
from Grammy's great cooking
to which one's of us sing
Your the dearest of people
the best of the bunch
the kindest and nicest
and I have a hunch
We will need you forever
so please never roam
we trust you and love you
our treasure our own
The family book club
When my cousin Laurea and I started the family book club, I wrote this poem
The family book club
A handful of women
sitting around the table
sipping tea
discussing books
wise women
bearing ideas as well as children
dispensing wisdom
aiding each other
from thirty to seventy
not a sarcastic voice
no testerone needed here
so much caring and admiration
the current book is discussed for moments
but love and solidarity is theirs forever
mostly descended from a mutual grandmother
but enhanced by overwhelming respect
solving problems, no petty jealousies
just delight in individual strengths
dynamic women
sitting around the table
sipping tea
discussing books
saving the world
(by Maureen Vellucci)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The morning after the night before
We attended a St. Pat's party last night, right at the end of our street. It was a perfect Florida night, just cool enough. Except, all the year rounders had to wear sweaters or jackets along with their greenery to celebrate the holiday.
Of course, there was a keg of beer and almost everyone brought mixed drinks or wine, as well as a covered dish or desert. I'll bet there were well over a hundred people but we were sitting in folding chairs outside so no one felt crowded.
Irish music and other favorites played all night.. the decorations were wonderful and almost everyone got up to dance. Peter and Bunny... both 80... danced almost every set... it was so fantastic.... it was a great night for the Irish and everyone was an honorary Irishman last night.
Hubby made stuffed mushrooms.. under my expert help and they were a great hit... as usual there was much too much food and it seemed the more you ate, the more dishes seemed to appear.
Then it started to get rather drunk out... so I wanted to walk home... I'm not comfortable around people who drink too much and no matter what I drank it was impossible to get a moderate buzz on.. even though last night I tried.... but my beautiful and wonderful cousin died yesterday and the world seemed to stop for me.... I still don't believe it, she was so close to me, more like a sister.... When the band started playing Happy Days are here again... I just got up and started walking home.... Hubby followed but I really wish he had stayed... now I have to make my apologies to our friends who ran the party, but I am sure they will understand... but I don't.... and I just never will...........
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Green Cheers!
To all Readers of BRB, To all You who kindly take the time to Comment here at BRB, and to Each Blue Ribbon Blogger:
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
meme from Colin
1. Last person you had a deep and meaningful convo with? my sister about selling her condo for less money
2. Where was the last place you went? to Peter's 80th birthday
3. If you could be with your first love, would you? God no.....
4. Yippeeeeeee someone screwed up! no number 4
5. Who was your first crush? Banana Crush! Ray..something or other....you can see how much he meant to me.
6. What was the last thing you highlighted? can't even remember
7. Who is the last baby that you held? Carmen and Italo's baby Carley
8. Do you know of any twins with rhyming names? probably can't think right now
9. Are you ticklish? sure but only sometimes...when I'm in the mood....not so much lately
10. Have you ever worn a crown? no but I should be queen of something
11. Last time you saw fireworks? A few years ago in Winthrop....with my wonderful girls
12. Who is the last person you hugged? Peter for his eightieth birthday...weren't you listening?
13. Do you have a black dog? nope but we have had our share of white dogs.....
14. Do you have a little black dress? oh sure in every shape and size...be prepared is my motto....
15. What are you wearing right now? jean shorts and a navy tee...
16. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? my sister...about her condo...and her kids
17. Do you like coffee? love coffee in the a.m.
18. Are you missing someone? yes....my beautiful and perfect grandchildren...and I want to go home...
19. Reason behind why you last cried? it's been awhile so I really don't remember...I think it was about Laurea...
20. How much cash do you have on you? about thirty dollars
25. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? just two disposible camera's
26. What would you choose, a million bucks or to be able to change a regret? no real regrets..I'd take the cash
27. What’s on your mind right now? doing this stupid thing
28. Do you have a deep dark secret? sure...doesn't everyone
29. Do you wish you were with someone right now? kind of wish I were home with the kids...
30. Who was the hottest teacher you ever had? there were hot teachers? not at my schools
31. What was the last thing you ever got grounded for? Who can rememberr? I was always grounded
32. What was your childhood nickname? Maun or Maunie
33. Do you have any strange phobias? I don't think so.....
34. Have you ever played naked twister? no...we didn't have twister when we lived in the cave....
36. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? A madman was going to come in the window..
37. Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet? you want me to list them all?
39. Do you crack your knuckles? no but I have lots of other annoying habits
40. What’s one thing that can always be found in your refrigerator? juice..water...milk...coffee...always thirsty
41. What color are your bed sheets? today they are navy and white
42. How many kids do you plan on having? I'm done and nobody will have any more for me
43. What did you do today? It's morning...haven't done it yet
44. How would you like to die? in my sleep on my ninty fifth birthday
45. Have you ever been in love? sure....its good to be in love and loved
46. When is the last time you went out of the state (province)? in January when we came to Florida
49. Do you judge people? I really try not too...
50. Generally, in life, what makes you happy. my family friends..reading..going out to dinner..a good movie or book
I’m not going to tag anyone, however, if you succumb to the sudden, compelling urge to do this, just copy and paste the questions. Have fun and leave a comment
Posted in 50 Questions Nightmare, memes Tagged: 50 Questions Nightmare, Bloggers, blogs, Grilling, Life, mems, tags
Make A Wish
The BRB Linda from "Are We There Yet?" tagged me to participate in her freshly baked MEME.
I posted my wish over at my blog´s new home It´s Sanni-licious and love to know about your wishes...
The "Make A Wish" Meme
Here are the rules:
1. Think about what it is that you want more than anything, what your heart's desire and fondest wish is, and what it is that you would wish for if you were to see the above wishing star flame across the night sky.
2. Right click and SAVE the blank graphic.
3. Use a graphics program of your choice and place your wish on the picture.
With no further ado, here´s my wish:
Now make your wish... yes, you: The Blue Ribbon Bloggers
Friday, March 14, 2008
Dear Neighbor
Dear Neighbor:
Allow me to introduce myself. I'm the woman who honked and yelled this morning when you pulled up your driveway, too intent on the conversation you were having on your cell phone to stop and look for traffic before pulling out into our street.
If you didn't like me yelling from behind a closed window, you're really not going to like what I have to say next.
You see, if I'd been on my bicycle instead of in my car when you charged up your driveway and into the street, I'd be dead.
Maybe you think that's being sensationalistic of me. That's probably because you don't know the things I do. About the twelve-year-old niece of an acquaintance who was killed while riding her bike last summer. Or about our neighbor who was hit by a car while biking, also last summer. He required neurosurgery, you know. He almost lost his own career as a surgeon. Oh, he's fine now -- or as fine as you can be once you've gone through an experience like that.
The irony in this situation is that, foiled by a phone call, the neighborhood school bus and a moving van or two, I missed the class at my gym I had been intending to take. Instead, I was coming home to grab my helmet and jump on my bike for a spin around the neighborhood and, perhaps, the industrial park that borders our homes.
Study after study has shown that those of us who ride our bikes, who jog, who walk our dogs or simply go outside and take a stroll have an impact on road safety. A positive impact. The more of us there are out there, the safer we all become.
Yet I took the wimpy way out and rode my other bike, the one that has spent a portion of the winter mounted to a device that allows me to ride in my basement as though it's a stationary bicycle. After all, I was a bit shaken up after almost being broadsided by you. And, too, I had a feeling you were still out there on the road somewhere, probably talking on your cell phone as you drove without watching traffic.
I doubt you took anything away from our encounter other than outrage at being stopped and seeing a stranger yell at you. But I'd like you to think about something else:
Maybe next time, it won't be me in my car. Maybe it won't even be me on my bike. Maybe next time, it'll be my seven-year-old son, leading me up the street on our way to his friend's house, the next neighborhood over. Maybe you won't stop in time.
Can you live with that? Because, I have to tell you, I'm not going to stop riding my bikes. Rita's Italian Ice tastes awfully grand once you've ridden the just-over-a-mile to get there. Kids are glad when their friends show up with bicycles; it gives them a reason to turn off the video games and get outside. Biking's a great way to combat rising gas prices. It's a fantastic way to get in shape, raise your fitness level, decrease your likelihood for many common diseases. It's a nice way to familiarize yourself with the critters who live in our shrubs and the trees behind our houses, who seem to think that our flowers are their gourmet meals.
You should try it; I'd be glad to ride with you. You see, riding is important to me. Not only do I dream of being able to ride one hundred miles around Lake Tahoe one day as I raise money for various charities, I ride because having my two children destroyed me, physically. Riding a bike, for whatever reason no one really understands, eases the perpetual pain in my back and hips. It allows me to escape and feel whole again.
As an SUV driver, you've got a certain level of power. You can ensure that I arrive alive, and you can do that by doing such simple things as being aware of the traffic around you. You can move over and share the road as you pass me. You can hang up your cell phone, as study after study shows that drivers on their phones are distracted drivers.
But mostly, you can remember to stop at the top of your driveway. I am glad you managed to stop before my car stopped you the hard way. Yet I remain wary. I may not have the visibility a car affords me, you may not stop, and we both may face a more haunting price than a simple raise in your car insurance rates.
A quick note from Susan: while I retain all copyrights to this piece, if you'd like to share it with someone who needs to see it, just make sure I get the credit for it. Let's not lose any more bikers this year! Particularly me.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The horrid stinky day
Yesterday I had an awful stinky day... you know, the kind of day you wish you could just yell I want a start over... and you can... and everything falls nicely into place so I really had to iron otherwise I would be relegated to wearing hubby's clothes... (I haven't ironed since I was sick) although I have been wearing clothes I haven't worn in years because of my weight loss... but I ran out of those too... I ironed for three hours… three hours... and my house had clothes hung from every cabinet and doorknob... so hubby invites our new neighbors in to see his new bathrooms... my bed is loaded with clothes... the kitchen counters, the tables in the living room... well... you get the idea… Hubby came through the door first so I was going to bean him with the iron and pretend I thought he was a burglar, but he was too quick for me... The couple seemed nice but I was so embarrassed I could hardly keep up my end of the conversation... then... then... hubby says, "who would like a drink or a nice glass of wine?" Can you just imagine? And anyway I had on old jeans and a ripped sweatshirt of his... and now I'm entertaining... What’s with these men... to make a very boring story more boring... they stayed until 10:00 p.m. until her hubby was drunk as a skunk... we ordered pizza at some point, and I finished clearing up all the clothes etc. about 11:30 yea, yea, I know, in the scheme of things it's not so bad... but I even missed American Idol... now that's tragic... Anyway... I have been clearing away and dusting all morning and just as I was going to jump into the shower I asked hubby if he would like to invite them over again... now that the house looks normal, and I am on my way to looking half decent and he replied..."No, I don't think so... did you notice how much he drank? And she is really boring"... now where did I put that iron?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Thinking out loud
My friend and I went to clean out her Mothers apartment after her Mom died of cancer.
The big things were to be picked up and distributed..it was just papers etc. we were to go through...I was amazed to find notebooks and journals filled with hate and petty nonesence..
My friend glanced at a couple and was shaken so I took it upon myself to throw them all in a bag and destroyed them...I know I didn't have the right..but I did it anyway.
She and her husband visited us in Florida for a few days and she mentioned she wished she had kept the papers so she could get more insight into what her Mom was feeling in those last days..
did she forget how hateful they were? I just mumbled something about our not thinking clearly that day and said I was sorry if I overstepped my bounds...she answered they weren't that bad? Were they?
What would make someone do such a thing and with deliberate malice try to hurt their family? How hateful must you be? How unhappy with your life?
I know the first thing I did when I got home was destroy anything I had written about my family..even though nothing even remotely mean spirited was said...it was a good lesson for me. What do you think? Did I overstep my bounds...Should I have just backed off and left them for my friend and her brother to sort out?
Monday, March 10, 2008
My Wish 4 U!
Good Morning!
Just wanted to share this story with you and to say truly I wish you enough...
Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.
Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.
The daughter replied, 'Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom.'
They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'
Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'
'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral,' she said.
'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough. May I ask what that means?'
She began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.
Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
Then, she began to cry, and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them.
TAKE TIME TO LIVE.....
To all my friends and loved ones,
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.
Found on the internet somewhere, kindly emailed to me, from my heart I am glad to share with each of you and wish you all enough!
Maunie Trivia
1. what is your occupation...lay about...do not work
2. color of socks....hot pink
3. what are you listening to? Hubby speaking to our cat Penny about her weight problem
4. last thing I ate..bacon and eggs
5. can you drive a stick shift...yes
6. if you were a crayon what color would you be....green
7. last person you spoke to on the phone....my perfect granddaughter home sick with the flu..
8. do you like the person who sent this to you...sure...but no one sent it to me
9. favorite drink...coffee...no white wine...no juice...diet soda
10. fave sport to watch...baseball..Boston red sox
11. have you ever dyed your hair?
of course...every six weeks
12. Pets...Penny..the most wonderful cat ever..
13. fave food...lobster...duck...king crab legs
14. Last movie...the bucket list..favorite line from movie...never trust a fart (after last three weeks of illness)
15. fave day of year...grand kids birthdays...love celebrating with them
16. how to vent anger...write a long letter..re read it next day..then throw it away
17. fave toy..doll house
18. whats your fave..spring or fall..fall
19. hugs or kisses...both
20. kind of pie..choc. cream
21. want your friends to email you back...of course
22. who is the most likely to respond ....no clue
23. who is least likely...no clue
24. living arrangements...live with hubby and penny
25. last time you cried..when I found out about my favorite cousin having cancer.
26. whats on the floor of your closet...shoes and hand bags
27. who is the friend you are sending this to you have known the longest....no idea yet
28. who is the friend you have known the shortest? no idea
29. favorite smell...vanilla...shalimar
30. what inspires you...my family..a good book...sitting on the beach...
31. what frightens you....mice..rats..large bugs..aggressive people
32. plain..cheese..or spicy hamburger...cheeseburger with lettuce tomotoe and onion
33. favorite car...my beautiful green el dorado caddy...I still miss it...
34. favorite pet breed...my beautiful calico cat...german shorthair dog
35. number of keys on your key ring.....6
36. years at current job... 28
37. favorite day of the week..Sat.
38. how many states have you lived in.....two...Ma. and Florida
39. how many countries have you visited...Canada, all of the carribean islands...Hawaii..even though it's part of the U S just like mentioning it...some of south America...Italy...Sw.
I'm really boring and have no tattoos nor do I plan on getting them since I hear they hurt
Maunie
Saturday, March 8, 2008
In Good Company
I'm having one of those days. There's some personal stuff going on that probably won't get discussed with anyone but my best friend and my hairdresser. And then there's this.
It's stupid. So stupid I can't stand it. Someone judged a piece of my writing not on its merits or its content, but on the fact that I'd put a line on top to the effect of: This is for those who are over 18 only. The reason was that I had two characters engaged in an adult situation: the man (yeah, for you who know me, that'd be Trevor) sniffed the back of the woman's knee and a discussion ensued. That was it. Nothing explicit. Nothing overly titillating.
I have readers who appreciate those warnings. That's why I included it. They quietly skip those outtakes. Some loyal friends don't read most of my outtakes because they don't like the four-letter words that guys in rock bands are attached to. They simply show up and comment on choice things: my characters Chelle and Roadie Poet, or the not-fiction. But they don't judge the stuff they don't read.
That's what's sticking in my craw right now.
There's a bit of irony in this. At the same time my judgement was being handed down, Maxim magazine was being blasted by The Black Crowes (see? Once again, it all gets back to music! Books or music; it all gets back to one, the other, or both.). The magazine seems to have run a review of the Crowes' new CD. Problem is, it was a negative review.
Okay, negative reviews happen. But take a second. Think. How does this parallel my story?
Well, yeah. You've got it! The reviewer didn't hear the whole CD!
Am I really vain enough to compare myself to a Platinum-selling band? Looks like it, although I'm certainly not expecting the same uproar, outcry, and show of support. Too, the situations are different: the person in question in the Black Crowes bru-ha-ha was supposed to write a review. Judging something is part of being a reviewer. I know this; I write reviews, myself (albeit book reviews).
In the case I'm bummed about, I'd submitted a piece of my writing to someone who didn't have any stated content restrictions. I never received an e-mail saying that there was an objection; I had to initiate the discussion, and then, the resolution, such as it was, wasn't handled in a way I was overly pleased with. Nor was my piece of fiction read beyond that disclaimer at the top. Nope, the person in question stood by the first two lines of my piece.
Which is fine. That person made a decision and is standing by it. More power to him or her. It'd have been nice if some sort of content restriction was included in the submission rules, but not everyone operates on the same up-front policy that I do. Nope, apparently, this person would rather … what? Alienate the participants? Make arbitrary decisions based on partial information? Not bother to tell people that there are rules we should know thanks to the oh-so-dependable proceess of Osmosis Through Computer Screen?
Either way you look at it, this person looks as bad to me as Maxim Magazine does to a Black Crowes fan right now.
Of course, there are still people who will go buy Maxim Magazine. There are still people who will submit fiction and poetry to this person in question. That's fine; this is a great big world we live in and we're all free to make our choices. The fact that we all make different choices is part of what makes us unique and what makes us humans so fantastic.
Frustrating, too. Why have I been wasting my time with someone who changes the rules on a whim? Or who makes assumptions -- when asked, I was told that I'd written erotica. Given that my friends who do write erotica laughed hysterically at my self-imposed rating, I'm pretty sure they have nothing to fear from me. I'm even more certain, yet again, that my piece was never read by the person making the erotic assumption.
The Tour Manager tells me that my sin was in being my usual, forthcoming self. Apparently, "don't ask, don't tell" applies to more than the military. Yes, I've learned my lesson. Instead of acting to make sure I've covered my basis, I should take the wimp's way out and plead ignorance of my actions.
Because, you know, everyone else does.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Fun in the sun
Hubby and I had both been sick for about a week...the fun kind...sitting on the toilet and throwing into a bucket...to add to the fun, the main bathroom was torn apart so we had only one toilet and one sink and shower...which were located four steps from the bedroom...oh the joy and glee...Hubby, of course, was not content with just the throwing and going...oh no...he had to announce whatever was coming up or out...ie..those salsa chips with the spinach dip was not a good idea....and the sangria...nasty..did you eat any of the chunky chocolate mint ice cream?
Anyway, God was good because he only had the throwing part for about three days while mine lingered on for weeks...I wasn't eating but we had friends coming in a week so I was kind of
forcing myself to do things, until I forced myself into the local hospital with atrial fib...they kept me for four days and only let me out when I threatened to leave against doctors orders...our
friends were coming in the next day..all was okay...they did whatever they wanted during the day and we all went to dinner at night...when the guys were in a golf tournament we went to the movies and saw...There will be blood....three hours later... I didn't enjoy it but it was wonderful
seeing our friends and I am getting back to normal slowly....I lost over twenty pounds...would love to keep that off but easier said then done...anyway just when you thought it was safe...I'm back...because I missed you all so much...Maunie
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
What Do You Love?
You see, love is the secret to making everything more positive. Focus on love and illusion retreats. Focus on love and worries abate. Next time your monkey-mind is swinging out of control, take a deep breath and focus on anything you love. Keep a list handy of your personal, positive loves and refer to it in times of need. Add to your list on a daily basis. When you turn your thoughts to something highly personal and highly positive, blood pressure drops. Tears dry up. Shoulders relax. Give your mind a needed rest. Focus on what you love.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Lori Trivia
1. What is your occupation? I just accepted a new management position with a major publishing firm - start in about 12 days.
2. What color are your socks right now? Black
3. What are you listening to right now? The grinding of my brain gears to the exclusion of the din outside of my office, where many other people find their gears grinding too.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Turkey.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yep.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Indigo.
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? A former colleague
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? So far, so good!
9. Favorite drink? 20-year-old Port
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Women’s professional basketball (but that’s not saying much, televised sports puts me to sleep)
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, to hide the gray. Not anymore though. Gray and proud.
12. Pet, Pets names? Gina & Daisy, Smooth Collies
13. Favorite food? Seafood – especially snow crab and sea scallops
14. Last movie you watched? Little Children
15. Favorite Day of the year? Bastille Day
16. What do you do to vent anger? Formulate letters in my mind that I usually do not send to people who really tick me off or pace around.
17. What was your favorite toy as a child? A monkey & a clown
18. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring.
19. Hugs or kisses? Kissing, and lots of it with the right kisser.
20. What kind of pie? Salt, not sweet.
21. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes, unless it would be like my oldest son responds: “Yes. No. Yes. Maybe.”
22. Who is most likely to respond? It’s longer than I would send to most people (who share my short attention span).
23. Who is least likely to respond? To what? See, short attention-span.
24. Living arrangements? Me and my kids – 2 boys, 1 girl – all hormonal all the time
25. When was the last time you cried? Sunday, when I realized I was truly loved by the one I love.
26. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes and an electronic thingie I have no idea what to do with
27. Who is the Friend, Friends you have had the longest that you are sending this to? I probably won't send it to anyone.
28. The Friend, Friends you have known the shortest amount of time that you are sending this to? Again, probably won't send, most of them are non-bloggers and get cranky about tags.
29. Favorite smell? Magical Samantha lingering on my sheets.
30. What inspires you? My lover, my children, my friends, and the stars I’m fortunate enough to see when I look up at night.
31. What are you afraid of? Running out of toilet paper.
32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheese.
33. Favorite car? 1963 Aston Martin DB 5
34. Favorite pet breed? Collie
35. Number of keys on your key ring? 14
36. How many years at your current job? 4 years until next week – then movin’ on
37. Favorite day of the week? Saturday.
38. How many provinces/states have you lived in? 6 states, 2 countries
39. How many countries have you been to? Germany, The Netherlands, England, Belgium, Luxemborg, East Germany, Scotland, Canada.
Next?
Lady Rose - Getting to Know Me Questions
Here goes -
1. What is your occupation? Test Creation Administor II
2. What color are your socks right now? off white
3. What are you listening to right now? the sound of my own typing (but if I wasn't at work - I adore listening to my Loreena McKenna cd I got at her last concert a few months ago, and will be going to see the Chieftians this weekend (awesome Irish folk music)
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Apple
5. Can you drive a stick shift? No
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My hubby
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes
9. Favorite drink? Coffee, with LOTS of sugar-free creamor
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Ice Skating
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? No, but I might some day (the grey is showing a bit)
12 Pet, Pets names? Dog: Murphy; Fish: Elvis; Cat: Mei Mei (Chinese for little sister)
13. Favorite food? Pizza with macroni and cheese on top (had to combine them, can't pick just one) - but of course now that I eat healthy, I don't actual eat this!
14. Last movie you watched? Last Mimzy
15. Favorite Day of the year? My Birthday - it's the day before Halloween (Mischief Night), and I also take the day off work as a treat to myself
16. What do you do to vent anger? Plot devious revenge, then go to sleep and start the day with a fresh attitude
17. What was your favorite toy as a child? Yellow and white stuffed bunny
18. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Fall, definitely
19. Hugs or kisses? Hugs!
20. What kind of pie? Boston Cream
21. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes
22. Who is most likely to respond? Friends
23. Who is least likely to respond? Family
24. Living arrangements? Living with hubby and daughter
25. When was the last time you cried? Last summer white reading the last book in the Harry Potter series (I'm a huge fan!)
26. What is on the floor of your closet? boxes, shoes, hangers, and misc. other things
*27. Who is the Friend, Friends you have had the longest that you are sending this to? My two dear best friends in the whole wide world (one I've know for 20 yrs, the other 16 years)
*28. The Friend, Friends you have known the shortest amount of time that you are sending this to? My three co-workers
29. Favorite smell? Vanilla
30. What inspires you? Nature, full moons, the ocean, my daughter, my hubby, my friends
31. What are you afraid of? Spiders or anything creepy crawly
32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheese (with lettuce and tomato)
33. Favorite car? Volkswagon Bug (but I've never owned one, I just think they are adorable)
34. Favorite pet breed? hard to pick just one - pomperanian (my very dog), but I also love cats (any kind), and ferrets are just so cute (I used to have 3 years back)
35. Number of keys on your key ring? 2
36. How many years at your current job? 16
37. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
38. How many provinces have you lived in? none
39. How many countries have you been to? not counting the US where I live - I've been to 4 (Ireland, France, England, Egypt, China) plus the island of Jamaica
Thank goodness you didn't ask about tattoos (I have 5 so far btw)! LOL
Health and Happiness, Lady Rose (from the Diet Pulpit)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Getting to Know You!
Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you,
Getting to know what to say
Haven't you noticed
Suddenly I'm bright and breezy?
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I'm learning about you
Day .. by ... day.
Getting to Know You
Ok, I’m really not going to serenade you, instead I’ll answer the call of the wild, the nutty, the best posters - BRB Co-Authors, in re to Link Call: Your Favorite Things. So I thought this tag would help to answer a few of my favorite things and also encourage all Blue Ribbon Bloggers to join in the fun, even if you have already posted about your favorite things!
Getting to Know You
Copy this entire list of questions and change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then tag and pass it along to other blogging friends. Let’s see how well we can get to know one another!
1. What is your occupation? Support Associate for a Government Contractor
2. What color are your socks right now? Slipper socks… WINNIE THE POOH
3. What are you listening to right now? Annie Lennox Take Me To The River
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Pizza
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes!
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Bittersweet from 1990–1992 Crayola crayon colors
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Little Sissy Sis!
!!8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Like, Love, Adore, Admire, Cherish Deborah from Climate of Our Future!
9. Favorite drink? Coffee, oh wait… more coffee!
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Basketball
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? No, however; sadly soon as my Silver Linings are starting to show
12 Pet, Pets names? Cats: Whoopee Doo, Sir Socrates, Lady Honey Dew; Fish: Art
13. Favorite food? Fried Shrimp
14. Last movie you watched? When Nietzsche Wept
15. Favorite Day of the year? Easter (I still believe in the Easter Bunny!)
16. What do you do to vent anger? Dancing
17. What was your favorite toy as a child? Easy-Bake Oven
18. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Fall, every season I fall in love again with the many colors of the leaves
19. Hugs or kisses? Hugs of course, ‘Hugs to all from the Universe’ is my motto!
20. What kind of pie? Cherry
21. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes
22. Who is most likely to respond? Everyone, Family, Friends
23. Who is least likely to respond? Tech Support
24. Living arrangements? A Woman is entitled to keep a few secrets :)
25. When was the last time you cried? To recently, too many deaths of those I know, to much sad tv news
26. What is on the floor of your closet? Camping gear
*27. Who is the Friend, Friends you have had the longest that you are sending this to? All Blue Ribbon Bloggers Co-Authors , each of whom I enjoy getting to know more about and reading their posts.
*28. The Friend, Friends you have known the shortest amount of time that you are sending this to? All Original Blue Ribbon Bloggers who haven’t posted yet or recently. We would love to learn more about them! Come on, join the Family of Fun! Here’s a great opportunity with this tag!
29. Favorite smell? Peach Candles
30. What inspires you? Random selected words in the Dictionary, Philosophy, etc.
31. What are you afraid of? Even my own shadow at times :)
32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Spicy, bring on the jalapenos, hot sauce, wasabi, etc.
33. Favorite car? Any that runs
34. Favorite pet breed? Maine Coon Cats
35. Number of keys on your key ring? 8
36. How many years at your current job? 3
37. Favorite day of the week? Friday of course, last day of my work week!
38. How many provinces have you lived in? One
39. How many countries have you been to? Currently none
Tag Your It! Let the Fun begin with 'Getting to Know You'!
