New Years Q & A Pilfered from Slowtoread

New Years Q & A Pilfered from Slowtoread

1. Will you be looking for a new job?

No, I have 2 already. One I will retire from in 7 years, I’ll have 31 years in at that point. The other one I just love too much to do away with, and it pays well.

2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?

Nope, got all I want in what I got.

3. New house?

Thought has crossed my mind, but not too serious about it. I like my crooked, drafty house with one name on the mortgage ... MINE!

4. What will you do different in 2008?

I will stop spending all my money on my kids, my grandkids, and moochers. I will make a budget and stick to it.

5. New Years resolution?

Reluctantly, I resolve not to drink so much coffee. Guess three pots a day is a bit excessive. Wonder if that has anything to do with the anxiety I’ve felt lately? Nah, it’s probably something else.

I resolve to get more sleep. Of course, my area supervisor is going to get upset when I don’t make it into the classroom on time. Go to bed earlier? Why, that’s unthinkable. That would require missing the end of a TV program that I’ve only seen once or twice before - or, even worse, not reading all my email.

I could spend less time on the computer and more time on self-improvement type activities? Ha, don’t be ridiculous, how can I know what to do to improve myself if I don’t look it up on the Internet?

I would resolve to stop drinking, but since I am a non-drinker, maybe I’ll just resolve to remind everyone else that they should stop. Boy, that ought to make me really popular!

I might resolve to be neater and to organize things better. Of course, I would have to wait until I have time to get organized before I could do this one. Compulsive neatness makes people uncomfortable anyhow. I may need to prioritize on this one.

I could resolve to work harder and be more efficient. But to be efficient, I need to have some time off for relaxation and recovery. How can I be more efficient without rest?

I might resolve to take an educational improvement course of some type. Let’s see, cooking? No, I already know how to cook. Golf? I’m not interested in hitting balls around. Music? It takes too long to learn. I just can’t think of anything that I want to improve enough to devote the work necessary to do it.

Probably I could eat more nutritiously and cut down on fats and calories. Of course, I’ve been trying to do that for years anyhow. Besides, everyone makes New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight. Nothing creative here. Maybe I could resolve to GAIN weight. Then if I don’t keep my resolution, I would be better off instead of worse off.

Maybe I could resolve to drive more carefully and always obey the speed limits. I do this one already. Ha, ha, just kidding you law-enforcement officers. (Whew!)

I could also resolve to relax more. Of course, just deliberating the need to relax makes my heartbeat faster and my blood pressure rise. Face it, if I relaxed any more, I’d be a couch potato. Pass the remote control, would ya?

Everyone resolves to save money. But, what’s the point of saving money unless I want to buy something with it? And if I’m going to spend it anyhow, why bother to save? All I do is eliminate the middleman by spending it as soon as I get it.

How about if I resolve to be more productive? I never did know what I was supposed to produce to be productive. Is it possible to be productive without a product, or is productivity itself a product? It all becomes very confusing.

That is the whole darn troubled with New Year’s resolutions. If you can, you already are. If you can’t, then why worry yourself to death with resolutions?

The best idea of all still seems to be the classic one of resolving not to make any New Year’s Resolutions.

6. What made you cry in 2007?

Letting go.

7. Any trips planned?

Always planned, depends on moolah and desire to leave my humble abode when the fancy strikes.

8. Wedding plans?

At first I typed out a resounding HELL NO!! But the I realized I do have wedding plans. My son who will turn 25 in July is getting married to a young woman whom I adore. I couldn’t have chosen anyone better for him. She completes him; he completes her. It’s a beautiful love affair that will culminate in a garden wedding in August.

9. What's on your calendar?

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December ... Monday, Tuesday ... well you get it, same ol’ same ol’.

10. What can't you wait for?

I can’t wait for my daughter to tell me she’s pregnant again... Now I might be getting ahead of myself here a bit seeing that my sweet Cloey Jo is only 2 months old, but Becca does pregnancy and babies so well that I’m sure I’ll hear the words at some point in the year.

11. What would you like to see happen different?

I’d like to see my paychecks last longer. I’d like to see my monthly budget increase and my bills decrease.

12. What about yourself will you be changing?

My last name. When I divorced some 5 or 6 years ago, my judge would not allow me to change my last name until I remarried or my youngest child turned 21. She did in June, so $20.00 and a form at the courthouse and I will own my own last name once again!

13. What happened in '07 that you didn't think would ever happen?

I didn’t think that he’d listen, he did and is now in a Rehabilitation Center. It’s his second stint in, but what the heck.... he’s trying. Of course it’s way passed too late for it to be for us, but it’s not too late for it to be for him. I wish him sobriety.

14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about?

I think that will be engraved on my headstone : "She was a nice lady." No, nice is something I know and live.

15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 2007?

Nope. No siree! I am a comfort gal all the way! I wear jeans, sweatshirts, Berkinstocks or Keds. White bobby socks, big ol’ grannie panties and the first thing I take off once I hit home is my brassiere. No make-up and no fancy shmancy hair ritual. Plain as they come, and I like it that way.

16. Will you start or quit drinking?

I don’t drink a lick, and changes are I won’t quit smoking today, or tomorrow, who knows what might happen once I get the nerve up to let it go.

17. Will you better your relationship with your family?

Family. I love my family. My folks, my children, my grandchildren, my cousins, my aunts and uncles, well it just don’t get none better there. I do have 2 brothers. They are my only siblings. There has been animosity between us since the day I was born. I would like it to be better with them, but will it be? Probably not now, probably not ever.

18. Will you do charity work?

I do charity work now. I read at the library for the babies, I read at the old folks home for the well, old folks. I help out now and then at the Angel Food Ministries. I do as much as feasible, but not as much as I would like to do.

19. Do you expect 2008 to be a good year for you?

I have high hopes. I have recently began the journey of finding my own damn way in this world. It was a tentative beginning, I’m nowhere near where I want to be emotionally, but I just take the minutes as they come, one at a time. And I keep my grandma’s mantra in my mind as the minutes sometimes slow down to a crawl on my emotional scale, "And this too shall pass."

20. How much did you change from this time last year til now?

Um, ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strange changes.... I didn’t change much, but my world ... Greatly.

21. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now?

You betcha! I love people. I want more, more more!

22. Major lifestyle changes?

I think this is a redundant question. Unless I find a new sexual orientation, lay with dogs, or discover a hidden fetish, the answer is no.

23. What will you make sure doesn't happen in 2008 that happened in 07?

I will make certain, damn certain that no man controls me, not in 08, not ever again. I will not settle... for anyone, especially for me. I will make sure that the next man I lay my heart out for is not a drunk, or an abuser, or anything but good to and for me.

24. What are your New Years Eve plans?

I invited a man over to stay the holiday with me. He’s asleep in my bed right now. Okay, fine he is my little man, but his sweet, sticky kisses are the best kisses a YaYa could hope to have!

25. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?

No, hopefully little man will be asleep by 7:30! I will tiptoe ever so quietly it to see his angelic sweet baby face and lightly kiss his cheek and wish us both a happy year to come.

26. Wish for 2008?

Yes.

My wish for YOU in 2008 -

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your pants become a magnet for money. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address! And may the fleas of a thousand camels infest the cloth of those who make you unhappy!

In simple words ............
May 2008 be the best year of your life!

and I am smiling ...

love me later~tj

Eugene Slips In...

I was scrapbooking all day. I was really into it with paper pieces strewn everywhere. I did 24 pages in a marathon craft day. Way back this morning, I had kicked my slippers off, my old comfy pair I wear outside to get the paper and the mail. Well, I suppose my Eugene felt a little bit like I was ignoring him, poor kitty. He wasn't gettin' any momma lovin'.  I turned around and had to grab my camera. Did you ever see a cat wearing slippers? You can't really see it in the photo, but he has one paw in each slipper. It was worth taking a laugh break.

and I am smiling

love me later~tj

My Christmas Wish For You

(My Sweet Santa Daddy and his Great-Grandchildren)   My Christmas Wish For You My Friend

My Christmas wish for you, my friend Is not a simple one For I wish you hope and joy and peace Days filled with warmth and sun I wish you love and friendship too Throughout the coming year Lots of laughter and happiness To fill your world with cheer May you count your blessings, one by one And when totaled by the lot May you find all you've been given To be more than what you sought May your journeys be short, your burdens light May your spirit never grow old May all your clouds have silver linings And your rainbows pots of gold I wish this all and so much more May all your dreams come true May you have a Merry Christmas friend And a happy New Year, too! love me later~tj

It's not "...eight strapping, virile reindeer..." for a reason

If they were male

it would be "...eight strapping, virile reindeer..." or "...eight beer swilling, slovenly reindeer..."

While both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.

Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.

We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost ... and get the job done right!

Interesting

The German spelling of "Donner and Blitzen" translate as "Thunder and Lightning" in English.

A Visit from Saint Nicholas
IN THE ERNEST HEMINGWAY MANNER

By James Thurber

It was the night before Christmas. The house was very quiet. No creatures were stirring in the house. There weren't even any mice stirring. The stockings had been hung carefully by the chimney. The children hoped that Saint Nicholas would come and fill them.

The children were in their beds. Their beds were in the room next to ours. Mamma and I were in our beds. Mamma wore a kerchief. I had my cap on. I could hear the children moving. We didn't move. We wanted the children to think we were asleep.

"Father," the children said.

There was no answer. He's there, all right, they thought.

"Father," they said, and banged on their beds.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"We have visions of sugarplums," the children said.

"Go to sleep," said mamma.

"We can't sleep," said the children. They stopped talking, but I could hear them moving. They made sounds.

"Can you sleep?" asked the children.

"No," I said.

"You ought to sleep."

"I know. I ought to sleep."

"Can we have some sugarplums?"

"You can't have any sugarplums," said mamma.

"We just asked you."

There was a long silence. I could hear the children moving again.

"Is Saint Nicholas asleep?" asked the children.

"No," mamma said. "Be quiet."

"What the hell would he be asleep tonight for?" I asked.

"He might be," the children said.

"He isn't," I said.

"Let's try to sleep," said mamma.

The house became quiet once more. I could hear the rustling noises the children made when they moved in their beds.

Out on the lawn a clatter arose. I got out of bed and went to the window. I opened the shutters; then I threw up the sash. The moon shone on the snow. The moon gave the lustre of mid-day to objects in the snow. There was a miniature sleigh in the snow, and eight tiny reindeer. A little man was driving them. He was lively and quick. He whistled and shouted at the reindeer and called them by their names. Their names were Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen.

He told them to dash away to the top of the porch, and then he told them to dash away to the top of the wall. They did. The sleigh was full of toys.

"Who is it?" mamma asked.

"Some guy," I said. "A little guy."

I pulled my head in out of the window and listened. I heard the reindeer on the roof. I could hear their hoofs pawing and prancing on the roof.

"Shut the window," said mamma.

I stood still and listened.

"What do you hear?"

"Reindeer," I said. I shut the window and walked about. It was cold. Mamma sat up in the bed and looked at me.

"How would they get on the roof?" mamma asked.

"They fly."

"Get into bed. You'll catch cold."

Mamma lay down in bed. I didn't get into bed. I kept walking around.

"What do you mean, they fly?" asked mamma.

"Just fly is all."

Mamma turned away toward the wall. She didn't say anything.

I went out into the room where the chimney was. The little man came down the chimney and stepped into the room. He was dressed all in fur. His clothes were covered with ashes and soot from the chimney. On his back was a pack like a peddler's pack. There were toys in it. His cheeks and nose were red and he had dimples. His eyes twinkled. His mouth was little, like a bow, and his beard was very white. Between his teeth was a stumpy pipe. The smoke from the pipe encircled his head in a wreath. He laughed and his belly shook. It shook like a bowl of red jelly. I laughed. He winked his eye, then he gave a twist to his head. He didn't say anything.

He turned to the chimney and filled the stockings and turned away from the chimney. Laying his finger aside his nose, he gave a nod. Then he went up the chimney. I went to the chimney and looked up. I saw him get into his sleigh. He whistled at his team and the team flew away. The team flew as lightly as thistledown. The driver called out, "Merry Christmas and good night." I went back to bed.

"What was it?" asked mamma. "Saint Nicholas?" She smiled.

"Yeah," I said.

She sighed and turned in the bed.

"I saw him," I said.

"Sure."

"I did see him."

"Sure you saw him." She turned farther toward the wall.

"Father," said the children.

"There you go," mamma said. "You and your flying reindeer."

"Go to sleep," I said.

"Can we see Saint Nicholas when he comes?" the children asked.

"You got to be asleep," I said. "You got to be asleep when he comes. You can't see him unless you're unconscious."

"Father knows," mamma said.

I pulled the covers over my mouth. It was warm under the covers. As I went to sleep I wondered if mamma was right.

Gotta Love Hemingway!

and I am smiling ...

love me later~tj

I had a horrible, terrible, awful, very bad, no good day.

I had a horrible, terrible, awful, very bad, no good day.

But ...

I woke up to a bill collector calling me. "Yes, I know it’s past due, yes I plan on paying it, no I can’t pay the whole thing, Yes I will be there today." I didn’t have enough money. I know we’ve all been there, done that. There are reasons, but it all boils down to the fact that I am a nice person that I have short changed my bill money.

So I am embarrassed, I work very hard long hours every week to take care of myself. I do a fine job usually. I humbly go to the teller and offer my meager money to spread over my bills. Now I just need to find $475.00 stuck in a pocket somewhere to cover the rest that I promised them before the end of the month. I’m totally frustrated, mad, angry, crying, embarrassed and not knowing where I’m getting the money from ...

So ...

I am driving away from the bank and I asked God to help me out of this pickle I done got myself into doing what the good book says to do. I forgot to look out for myself I told him, and that’s the truth.

Well, I was fumbling around in my purse for my ringing telephone and I happened across a lottery ticket I had forgotten to scratch off. Wouldn’t you know that God has a sense of humor? I won $36.00. I told Him that was very funny and I reminded Him of the figure I needed, like He didn’t already know ...

Then ...

I went on to work (my little part time job) and my boss asks me what the hell is the matter with me. "You look like hell!" I guess this was the wrong (or right) thing to say to me because I unloaded it all on him. How I wound up in the predicament I found myself in today. The bank lady, the promise, all of it. All of it except for the amount of money I needed. Bless his heart, he listened to all of it. He told me then that he never paid me for a job I did back in August for him. He was right about that. He didn’t. We had both forgotten until right then. It was $175.00 that he owed me. He also paid me for the week, which was a slow week, but it came to $150.00.

Okay so ...

On my way home I stopped by the party store to cash in the lottery ticket and as I was pulling it out of my wallet, I see a check my mother had written me for $70.00 that I never cashed. I’m exhausted from the emotional turmoil I have put myself through today, and the day ain’t over yet. I don’t add up the money. I go by the bank to deposit the uncashed mother check and I run into my neighbor who says, "Hey Tammy, I was just coming over to your house. I have the money for you." Money? I’m thinking.... "The $45.00 you loaned me. I told you I’d pay it back on payday, well it’s payday." I thank him and stuff it into my purse.

Coffee and Motrin and ....

I calculate the money. $36.00 + $175.00 + $150.00 + $70.00 + $45.00 = $476.00

I’ll be back at the bank tomorrow morning, to pay my bills in full.

Who said God doesn’t listen?

Do you think I might be pushing my luck if I take the $1.00 and buy a lottery ticket?

The Christmas Rock - A re-post Worthy of a re-read.

Truly Appreciating Festivities

I was so excited. My daughter was coming to spend a week for the holidays! With her were her husband and her son. My fiancé and I took the trip up north 5 hours away to get them and bring them home for the holidays. Oh, my word this is what I have needed to make my holidays perfect! We traveled in his truck. The back seat would be a tight fit for the kids, but we would manage. We set off a little later than I had hoped. I had a few last minute details I needed to attend to. So after the bows were placed just so, and the floors vacuumed extra well, the cookies put out on the table, off we go. I'm a notorious car sleeper, so I packed my blankets and my music and Wally took off. I couldn't stand it. Every 45 minutes or so my sweet daughter would call asking, "Where are you now? Drive FASTER!" I understood her sentiment perfectly! How I wanted, needed, yearned to be there with her. We got there without much toodo. It was perfect driving weather, clear and dry, not too much traffic. We got there and she ran to me and I swung her up and held her tight. We laughed through our tears of joy and love. Three months was a long time to be apart. We sat and talked for a bit with her in-laws while the menfolk loaded up the truck. We were off again in the twilight of the evening. We stopped on the way home frequently, the baby wasn't feeling good. He had a cold so we stopped for decongestant. The kids were hungry so we stopped for a late dinner. The baby being in the car we stopped once or twice for a smake and diaper change. We laughed and talked and laughed some more. The time was flying by even with all the stopping, I felt joy and peace and so damned happy.

That is until 12:30 that night. We had just junctioned onto I-69 off I-96 a bit north of Lansing and still over an hour away from home. I was talking with her husband. I was leaning toward the middle of the seat with my head between the seats. My back was to the window. Her hubby was leaning toward the middle with his head stuck between the seats talking with me. Out of nowhere my daughter let out a blood curdling scream and throws herself over the baby. In slow motion in my head, but a nanosecond in real time, I reached toward my daughter then turned toward the window. Glass was flying inward, ricocheting and bouncing off everything. The noise was horrendous. The wind and glass was spraying everywhere. Wally was calm and sure as he pulled the truck off the freeway. We took stock of each other. Wally ran around the truck and grabbed me and turned me toward hin, "Are you okay? Dear God, are you okay?" Were we all okay? What in the world happened? Oh my word, what is happening?

I grabbed the cell phone and dialed 911. I was trembling, the woman heard me asking, shouting, if the baby was okay. The words wouldn't come. .. . "I don't know what happened. No, I don’t know where we are. .. . Send the police, I think someone shot at the truck . .. . No I'm not sure. .. ." Wally took the phone from me, I was trembling to hard to talk. I wanted to see my daughter and the baby. I knew her husband was okay, he had jogged up the side of the freeway to see the mile marker. He couldn't find it. He came back to the truck and then ran off again, back the way we had came. Wally talked with the 911 operator. I started wiping glass out of the truck seats, but had no luck without gloves. My daughter wanted her husband to come back. He wasn't gone long. He wanted to see the sign on the overpass we had just gone under, so we could tell the police exactly where we were. It wasn't marked. What he did see brought on the tears that hadn't come. He saw 2 boys, almost grown huddling under the viaduct. Then he saw the rock in the road. He gave chase for a moment and thought better of it. If these people would throw a rock at us moving 75 miles an hour in the pitch of night, what would they do to him if he caught him? These two had come down from the overpass to huddle together and watch the mayhem they had created. To see if the moving target they hit carried a bloody massacre with it. He came back and as he got closer we saw he was carrying an objet. It took both hands to hold it. It was the rock.

We calmed down as we waited for the police to appear. Wally cleared out the truck of glass, he had found some gloves in the truck. We discussed the situation. Someone had aimed a rock, thrown it and damn the consequences on the target. Unbelievable as it was, it happened there on the freeway to us. We hugged each other and kept patting the baby who only cried once when his momma screamed. We closed my blanket into the door to stave off the wind as best we could from the baby, and 50 minutes after it happened got back on the road. The police never showed up.

We stopped at the next rest area to change the baby's clothes. There were shards of glass all over his clothes. We adults took off our clothes and shook them off. I emptied my shoes and watched glass fall out, hearing it ping on the tile floor. We got back in the truck after hugging each other once more and drove the rest of the way home.

The rock had first hit the mirror on the truck, shattering it. Then it bounced up onto the window , exploding it as well. Three inches to the right and it would have come through the windshield. We got the window replaced Monday morning.

Late at night, I close my eyes and I see the mayhem that could have occurred. I open my heart and I see the hand of God reaching out and swatting a rock out of the path of destruction, leaving just enough chaos for us to realize the love we have. For the love of God we are safe at home enjoying the holiday festivities and truly giving worship to the Lord Christ's birth.

The rock sits under our Christmas tree.

It is a very Merry Christmas.

And I am smiling.....

love me later...tj

Just A Week ...

Beautiful Fun

I’ve had a beautifully fun, busy last couple days. I had my grandchildren over for the weekend and I taught my Booger the finesse of frosting a cookie. We also happened to have more snow this weekend than we have had in one day in a long time. So I bundled Boog up (reminiscence of ‘A Christmas Story’) and took him sledding in a make-shift bucket-sled. He had a ball! 20 minutes bundling him, 10 minutes unbundling him for a grand total of 12 minutes outside! Well worth it to hear his, "More! More! More!" Baby Tink has pneumonia and RSV. She was scary ill for awhile, and her nebulizer and medicine schedule kept me busy. She’s doing much better, and the doctor cleared her as well on Monday.

I don’t remember how I did it, when my kids were small, I worked full time, had both of them bathed and ready for the day by 7:00 am, I went to college in the evenings and had time to play with my kids and give them memories to boot. I had these two small children and when Sunday came, I felt like I was done runned over by a big ol’ truck! I’m glad school was cancelled on Monday, I needed the day to recover!

Decorating Cookies?

Bundled

(Ralphie's little brother Randy?)

Bucket-Sled (My Newest Invention!)

Sweet Baby Tink

Well, Monday came and my boss calls me at 7:30 asking me if school is out. "Yup". He sounds desperate and asks me to come help him. He started a snow plowing business and needs help keeping appointments straight and customers happy and just bringing a calm to a hectic day. (New Business + Biggest Snow In This Decade = CHAOS) I went over and did what I could. I stayed till 6:30 and accomplished a bit for him. I came home and fell out in the bed.

I woke up this morning with a sore throat, coughing, sounding like a Froggy from the ‘Little Rascals’. I went to work and came home to ship out 5 packages for eBay, wrap 35 gifts for work, make up 36 children’s gifts, and put a photo collage together. I’m ready for Motrin and Chicken Soup. I feel so yucky.

Tomorrow I take my babies at school to the Old Folks Home to sing for the old grandmas and grandpas. It’s my favorite field trip of the year. (If you haven’t yet, read my blog I titled Harvesting...Love) There is a special magic that happens when mixing babies and old folks. I’m more than a little pissed off at the weatherman right now though. He claims we are going to have freezing rain in the wee hours tonight and into the morning, along with fog. Not on my favorite day of the year! Please Mr. Weatherman not tomorrow!

Then comes Thursday, my last day in the classroom this year! In the middle of glue, and paint, markers and glitter, flour, sugar, chocolates and peanut butter, Christmas Trees and Christmas Carols, we have had a Christmas BLAST these last couple weeks. The kids will get their gifts, eat all the treats we have been making, read the books we wrote about Christmas and I will happily send them out the door for 2 glorious weeks! (Oh My Word, do I see Christmas in my classroom? Shame on me!)

I hope your week is going as well as mine!

and I am smiling...

love me later~tj

Ugly Christmas Lights! YIKES!

UGLY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

2007 Collection

Jesus House
Wreath Nose
Santa's Place
Redneck Xmas
Love in the Daylight
Swingset
Curtain Call
Floating Window
Dead Tree Lights
Roof Drinking
Foil House
Throw Them Anywhere
Globe
Bulbless
I Give Up
Shepherd Down
Tree Gift
House of Blues

and I am smiling ...

love me later~tj

Writer's Block Challenge #26 '...and it came true.'

Writer's Block Challenge #26  

I wish to stand on a sandy beach. Feel the wet sand push between my toes. Hold bread that I tear in pieces, raise it aloft as the seagulls swoop ever closer finding the nerve to take it from my hand. Listen to the rhythmic water’s lapping at the shore. Scour the beach for perfect black mussel backs.

I wished, and it came true.

I wish to lean into a curve at 65 miles an hour feel the wind rush by, arms wide as I close my eyes and fly around the curves. Sunshine beats down to make my scalp hot while the breeze of moving cools me. My hair dances and twirls behind me and I hang on tight as I round yet another curve. I giggle and my smile stretches wide.

I wished, and it came true.

I wish to sit at the table with you, look in your sweet face and talk of memories of our lives, how they intertwine to this day. I pour more coffee as we laugh and giggle like schoolgirls finding the purest sweetest love in one another. Our faces change over the years, the wrinkles come, the hair turns gray, the eyes grow wise, and still we laugh. A lifetime of talking, laughing loving, friendship.

I wished, and it came true.

I wish to sit on a bench surrounded by wild flowers. The sun peeks through the green leaves on the branches hang low and the summers breeze billows about me. A thousand and one butterflies hover near, lighting on my hand, my shoulder, my toes. The comforting silence of being there awakens a new hope in my spirit.

I wished, and it came true.

Somewhere, where wishes grow in fields of dreams, I have a "wishflower" growing. Every so often, a sage ladybird lights on it, throwing my wishes to the wind. Some get scattered and tattered and lost, but every now and then, when I really need it, a wish takes root and grows into reality.

 

"...and it came true."

tjs© December 4, 2007

100 Things About Me

 

"I would love for all my friends here to do the 100 things about them challenge. Be sure to come back to my 100 things about me blog and post it in my comments when you are finished so everyone can come read yours. It's fun and a great way to get to know ourselves and each other. "

My Multiply Buddy Cherie threw out this challenge. Now I offer it to all of you. It isn't as easy as it would seem to be at first glance.

One hundred things about me…

1. I used to wear makeup until one day when I was in my 20's I woke up and my eyes were swollen shut from mascara. I haven’t worn makeup since that day.

2. I love M&M’s any flavor any color, but the green ones are my favorites. They just taste better to me.

3. I can’t get through the day without coffee…lot’s of it! Instant, brewed, percolated, dripped, 2 creamers, 1 Equal and an ice cube or a splash of cold water and I am happy. McDonald’s and Starbuck’s are my favorite coffees.

4. I like liver and onions. I only order them at restaurants because I don’t like the lingering smell of them in my house.

5. I’ve been told that I am a generous lover and a great kisser.

6. I want to visit Ireland.

7. I don’t eat venison. Ever. Growing up in a hunting family this was a difficult thing to not do. I have no problem with deer hunting, I just don’t like the flavor.

8. I have 2 grown children a son and a daughter and 2 grandchildren a boy and a girl.

9. My son calls me 'Momma'.

10. My daughter calls me 'Mommy'.

11. I hate being called 'Mom'.

12. My grandson calls me 'Yaya'.

13. I collect pennies from 1984.

14. I have been married a total of 17 years in my life. Two years the first time. 15 years the second.

15. I’ve been divorced. Twice. I let a man move in with me for a year or so, but I wasn’t married to him. I asked him to leave. He was an alcoholic, and broke my spirit.

16. I have learned not to fully love again.

17. I have learned not to fully trust again.

18. I have learned never to allow myself to be controlled by another person ever again.

19. I love to hug people. All people.

20. My favorite sport to watch is High School Football. There is no other sport that I have seen that the players play for the sheer pleasure of playing. You can scour the earth and find no more passionate players than a High School Football Team.

21. I love emeralds. I think every redhead should wear emeralds.

22. I spend way too much time on the computer.

23. I believe in God and the power of prayer.

24. I have a hard time asking for help when I really need it.

25. I give everything I am in a relationship. Too much. I almost give ‘me’ up in a relationship just to make someone else happy.

26. I’m selfish when it comes to time spent with my family.

27. I once drove a semi truck fully loaded with cans of Coca-Cola down the freeway for about 9 miles on a dare. It was a thirteen gear double clutch truck, and I did it with out a pause!

28. I love wearing flannel footy pajamas, I wear them all winter long.

29. I long to be married one day to a man who adores me.

30. My favorite kisses are from my grandchildren.

31. I only wear white cotton ‘granny’ panties.

32. I hate wearing socks ... and shoes.

33. I don't believe in 'soul mates'.

34. I am an Aquarian.

35. I’m a published author.

36. One time I was visiting my sister-in-law in Ohio and there was this great hill I drove down. I got this idea that I could get my car airborne on that hill so I turned my Pinto around and did just that. I hit that hill going 95 mph and flew off it. The car came down and the feeling was so euphoric... until the cops stopped me. I got away with a warning the day I learned to fly. I have never flown a car since.

37. I have lived in 3 houses and 3 apartments throughout my life.

38. I own my home. It was one of my proudest moments in my life signing the paperwork. ONE owner. ME.

39. I weighed 496 pounds when I was 21 years old.

40. I had gastric bypass surgery to lose weight. I lost 361 pounds.

41. I had to have my gastric bypass reversed 17 years later. The doctor told me I would gain all my weight back.

42. I weigh 238 pounds now.

43. I almost died because I wanted to be thin.

44. I’m very comfortable with my body size now.

45. I was a union president for almost 10 years.

46. I was the first ever woman to sit on City Council in my little town. They named a day after me when my term was up.

47. I have a cat named Eugene that came to my house as a tiny, near death kitten. I fell in love with him. He’s still here and weighs 21 pounds and is 11 years old.

48. I’m not a cat person.

49. I’m extremely shy and afraid of new people entering my life. My coworker’s view me as outgoing and gregarious, so I hide it well.

50. I despise change. My furniture hasn’t been rearranged in 12 years.

51. I once delivered an hour long speech in front of 3500 people, and received great reviews on it.

52. I love the smell of diesel fuel.

53. I adore my Ma’s Parmesan Chicken.

54. I would make up things to do with my kids when they were little, because I couldn’t afford to pay for a day outing. We would go to a bridge over the freeway and count the trucks and wave at drivers. I used to take them to the airport when they were little. I would pack a lunch and we would sit on a blanket watching the airplanes take off and land. We took scavenger hunt walks a lot. They still remember those times as great times.

55. My children grew up rich even though we never had two pennies to rub together.

56. I have a great (albeit warped) sense of humor.

57. Stephen King is my favorite author. His writing scares the hell outta me.

58. I dig life.

59. If I get an idea for writing I will stop and write it down on anything handy. Restaurant placemats, napkins, toilet paper, my hand... If I don’t write it down immediately, the specifics of what I’m thinking will leave me and I am left with generalizations.

60. I like to be cuddled.

61. I love to sing.

62. The smell of Noxema Lotion is comforting to me.

63. I am a redhead, and ornery.

64. I love old Musicals. Singing in the Rain, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Holiday Inn. I love Gene Kelley, Bing Crosby and that whole era of shows.

65. I love exploring the nooks and crannies you only find in the hollers in West Virginia.

66. I dig people with integrity. They are hard to find.

67. I am honest to a fault.

68. If I am mad, I won’t talk. I need time to think it through before I say something I might regret later. I didn’t talk one time in my marriage for 13 days.

69. Writing is my biggest passion but I don’t share much of it. I get embarrassed when people read my pieces. I’m not very good at it, and don’t like folks commenting on my skills.

70. I wear Estee’ Lauder Cinnabar perfume.

71. I have trouble being naked in front of people.

72. I had a grand maul seizure once because of low blood sugar.

73. I’ve won 7 ribbons at the County Fair over the years. All of them for my baking.

74. I am deathly afraid of low flying bats. I have panic attacks if one is in my house.

75. I was an unwed mother.

76. I quit smoking when I was pregnant. I want to quit again, and NOT be pregnant.

77. I hate to shop for shoes, I own 2 pair of shoes.

78. I spent a week with my best friend almost 10 years ago. Her son committed suicide and I stayed with her making arrangements and helping her bury him. It was the hardest thing I ever did for a friend. We've been best friends for almost 30 years.

79. I have about 9 gazillion freckles.

80. My proudest accomplishments in my life are my children.

81. I have 5 tattoos.

82. I went deep sea fishing off the Jersey shore once and caught a fish big enough to eat. It was the only ‘keeper’ of the day. I kissed the fish.

83. I’m a lousy housekeeper.

84. I love the music that Harry Chapin made.

85. I’m allergic to hay and corn tassels.

86. I’m faithfully my daddy’s little girl.

87. I play the TV for background noise. I rarely sit down to watch a show.

88. The first memory of what I wanted to be never changed…I always wanted nothing more than to be a mother and a teacher. I am both.

89. My saddest moment in life was when my firstborn daughter died. She was 4 hours old. I named her Christopher Robin.

90. I have never been beautiful.

91. My favorite movies are Heart & Souls, Braveheart and Pretty Woman.

92. I love feeding seagulls at the beach.

93. I have two older brothers. Neither of which I’m really close to. I’m okay with that.

94. I love the feeling of holding a newborn baby on my tummy.

95. I have been to the Ozark Mountains.

96. I watched a man get beat up by his brother once, his brother attacked him with a hammer. I called 911, and held his bleeding head in my hands. When the police arrived, I threw up.

97. I am addicted to my grandson’s giggles.

98. Autumn is my favorite season of all.

99. I have held the same job for 21 years. I am a Head Start Pre-School teacher.

100. I love splashing in mud puddles.
 

Picture Perfect - Harvest

Harvest
Verb
3.) To receive (the benefit or consequences of one’s actions)

Harvesting Love

Henry was the In-Store Santa in town from 1945-1985. He Ho! Ho! Ho!-ed his way through countless Christmas seasons. His time came to hang up his beard and put to rest the jingling bells. He entered the Nursing Home without notice, without fanfare and without debate. He remembered no more the delight in the eyes of the children that came to him for magical visits through the years. Sometimes he forgot his own name; he rarely remembered his sweet wife of over 60 years when she came to visit.

I called the director. “Can I bring my class of 36 - 3 year olds this December to sing Christmas Carols for all the Grampas and Grandmas there?”

Three days prior to our arrival, I was told by the director, Henry refused to shave. He became agitated and unruly. He was searching the home for something he couldn’t bring voice to. They summoned his wife. She came in a hurry to settle her dearest down. “I know right where it is, Henry” she told him. “I’ll bring it”, she promised.

The children got off the bus and sang their little hearts out. Off key, bodies twirling, super fast renditions of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Little Toy Trains, and the finale, Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

The children scattered from the hearth side and sat on couches to pass out the cards they made and cookies they brought. In amongst the hugs and sticky kisses with the old folks, we heard it....

The sweet silver tinkling of jingle bells from down the hall. The massive, unmistakable “HO! HO! HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS! “ That only Santa himself can muster. The room became hushed as expectant eyes searched for the man...

and then he was there...

He sat in an armchair, patiently listening to each and every one of the childhood dreams, making magic happen for my children in the old folks home. His wife brought his outfit to surprise the children. He had not wore it in years, but it fit him perfectly. Little eyes danced with tales of trucks and dolls, balls and dresses. The children hugged, kissed and sometimes waved as they left Santa’s lap that day. They boarded the bus with red striped candy canes and smiles.

I slipped back into the home to say thank you to Henry and his wife. I hugged them both; she snapped this photo of me and Santa Henry. Then she pulled me aside. She wanted to thank me!

“For giving him a day filled with joy. For the past three days he thought of nothing more than being Santa. When he heard the children were coming, he stopped shaving so his beard would be full. He searched for his outfit. He had me bring candycanes. Thank you for bringing life back to my husband for Christmas.”

I hugged her again and jotted her address down so I could send her a photo or two of the children with Santa Henry.

Just before Christmas I mailed off a scrapbook of thank you notes and photos to Mrs. Claus. About a month or so later I received a letter in the mail from her....

Henry had passed away just after Christmas that year. Four years later I look at this photo and still get misty eyed. This man who one last time brought magic into the lives of little children. As his eyes twinkled with delight, he had remembered who he was.... Santa Claus.

and I am smiling...

love me later~tj

A Fun Friday-ish Activity That Anyone Can Join In On!

Writer's Block Challenge # 18 - Returning Men

  Writer's Block Challenge #18  

 

I visited the Yahoo 360 blog to see what I missed. I saw Challenge #18 and knew I wanted to post something about it.  I wrote this a couple of years ago. Forgive me, but I felt compelled...

 

'My Boys'  before they returned men.

   Ben, Caleb and Scott

Returning Men

I received this e-mail from my son Scott in February 2004. His childhood friend was overseas fighting a war that I couldn't comprehend. My own son would shortly depart for that foreign land. My knees were raw from kneeling and praying. "Please bring these boys home safe and unharmed."  Several of my son's buddies chose to fight for the very freedom's we take for granted. Or at least they thought that was their mission. I knew they would all be men once they returned. Boys to men in the hot flash of a gun's firing. How changed they were would not show until the darkest moment in the night, when the nightmares start and the day couldn't come swiftly enough. The perilous pushing of morals to one side as they march out to do the deeds of men. It was in the very midst of this upheaval that I received this letter. 

I feel blessed that all 'my boys' came home, secretly scarred in their own way, but for the most part when we gather as family does, they are unharmed, they are happy. They are among the lucky ones.

From my e-mail box:

"This is a powerful message from my best friend. I was hangin’ out with him only a week and a half ago while he was home on R&R. Please have him in your prayers as well as the rest of my brothers and sisters in Iraq. This is real. Scott"

***

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today I had the sadness of attending the 5th memorial since I have been in Iraq. The reason I am writing about this to you all is because I want to tell people about this so I don’t keep it all balled up inside of myself. So in other words you all are very important to me and so I am leaning on all of you.

Three days ago my camp was attacked with rockets. Fortunately I was not here for the bombing. I was off at another camp turning in ammo. For the day I was to turn in ammo I had gotten into an accident and so the group I was with had to stay the night there and come back the next day. Well the next day we had to go pick someone up from another camp. When we got there the individual that we were supposed to pick up was not ready to leave, so we stayed for an extra hour so he could ride back with us.

When we arrived to the gates of our camp is when we were told about the bombing. The attack had just happened five minutes before we had arrived. See if it werent for my accident and then the Major not being ready when he was supposed to be, I would have been in that attacking. For the rocket hit there very tent I would have been in that day. Fortunately I wasn't because of those incident I wasn't in the camp at all.

But, unfortunately there were people in the area of the attack and in the tent. Total there were seven people with minor injuries taking shrapnel in various parts of the body. One had his shoulder ripped off but he is doing fine he has full capability of his hand. Only two were able to return to duty the rest went onto Germany for more surgeries to remove the shrapnel, and for rehabilitation. They will not return to combat duty they will return to Fort Hood and await for our return in March.

The sad part of this day was that there were more then seven casualties, there was one more. His name was Staff Sergeant Turner, he died a few short hours after the attack occurred. I knew this man, for I am saddened for we have lost such a great man. He had been in the military for 18 years. He was Christian, and he showed it everyday in every way. He took great care of his soldiers, and made sure everything with them was more then good. Unfortunately we are not the only ones suffering his loss, for he is leaving behind a wife, and two children. This man went to great extent to make sure his family was taking care of. He rode a bicycle to work everyday just so the money he would have spent on a vehicle went into an account for his son so he could go to college and not worry about the money.

This man will be missed by more people then he could think of, for he touched everyone he associated with. Please take a minute to think there are more SSG Turners out here giving the biggest sacrifice of all... for our country, for our freedom, for our families. Please read and understand this to honor this man and the sacrifice he made for our country. Let people know what really goes on out here. Thank you for your time, and remember things happen for a reason, because that’s the way God planned it.

Thank you, and God bless America.

Love,

Spc. Caleb Michael Monroe

***

tjs© November 16, 2005

Writer's Block Challenge #25 'Tarnashun Woman!'

Writer's Block Challenge #25

Tarnashun Woman!

"Aw hell, Ma!" "What in tarnashun did you up and go do?" "I hate socializing with the town folk!" "You took on an invite from the Mayor of Cornpolk Hollar for a disguise get-up shebang at the town hall?" "Well hell, woman!" "We hain’t got a dadgum thing to ware!" "Oh, I see, you got sumptin in mind huh?" "The purfect getups for us, huh?" "Things ain’t noone would never ‘spect outtin us, huh?" "Holy Sweet Moses Ma!" "Come on over ‘ere, lemme fork ya ‘fore we get a move on....."

tjs© November 20, 2007

Picture Perfect~Repetition

Again! Again! Again!

A Fun Friday-ish Activity That Anyone Can Join In On!

love me later~tj

The Mayonnaise Jar

The Mayonnaise Jar
When things in your life seem
Almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar
And 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class And had some items in
front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large
And empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students
If the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar.
He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open
Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked
The students again
If the jar was full..
They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand And poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded
With an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced
Two cups of coffee from under the table
And poured the entire contents
Into the jar, effectively
Filling the Empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor,
As the laughter subsided,
"I want you to recognize that
This jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health,
Friends, and Favorite passions -- Things that if everything else was
lost And only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter Like your job, house, and
car.

The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first,"
He continued,
"there is no room for
The pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time
And energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for
The things that are
Important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things
That are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
Play another 18.

There will always be time
To clean the house
And fix the disposal.

"Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand
And inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.
"I'm glad you asked".

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for A couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Writer's Block Challenge #24

Writer's Block Challenge #24

Decisions, Decisions

He always headed to the beach alone when he sought solace and comfort. The seagulls were the best for helping him through a rough time. He was having a rough time right now. He had a major decision to make. He wanted none of his friends with him, none of the cheerleaders or his teammates around him when he mulled over this life altering decision.

He had a passion that none of his high school comrades knew of. A hidden talent that he secreted away so securely that it would stun everyone if they knew. Everyone that is except his parents. It was what made him feel alive. Then there was the college scholarship he was offered last night.

After the crowd’s cheers died down, after he made that last shot of the game, the winning shot, he was offered a full ride. Oh, what a shot that was! He pulled it out of a prayer, a full court, nothing but net shot. He was very, very good at basketball. He was celebrated in his hometown for what he could do on the court. Prestige, fame, money (eventually) he could have it all. He could go pro. It wasn’t his dream though.

Oh what to do? Take the course in life that gives him money, fame and security? Or take the path that feeds his passions? A heavy load for a young man of eighteen. He screamed out to the water, kicking the sand as far as it would go. The seagulls flew up and shrieked there disapproval. It did no good, he still had no answers. He began to walk the water’s edge. The waves skirting up and flowing back. His feet started moving to the waves rhythm. He felt the beat of the pounding waves, heard the music of the shore and the sky and he began to dance.

Hours later, spent and exhausted from dancing with the ocean, he had made his decision. He hung up his basketball shoes on the way home. He chose his passion.

He would dance.

tjs© November 11, 2007

Attitude Is Everything!

Wanna Nibble?





Wanna Nibble?

Visit with Santa Claus at northpole.com

http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/
Christmas Cooking!

Fudge & Candy Recipes! A Gazillion MORE Christmas Recipes!

 

Fudge & Candy Recipes!

2 Minute Microwave Fudge Aaron's Buttery Cashew Brittle Almond Bark Amanda's Peppermint Creams Ann's Cream Nut Candy by Ann Byrne Bavarian Inn Peanut Bars Beth's Delicious Fudge Buckeyes Buckeyes Butter Mints Candy Cane Brittle Candy Cane Fudge Caramel Krispie Treats Caramels Carmel Corn Carol's Christmas Treats Chocolate Balls Chocolate Billionaires Chocolate Chow Mein Candy Chocolate Covered Cherries Chocolate Covered Nuts Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Nut Caramels Chocolate Popcorn Chocolate Silk Bon Bons Christmas Candied Walnuts Christmas Crackle Candy Christmas Mice Chunky Mallow Candy Cinnamon Hard Candy Cinnamon Popcorn Cranberry Nut Fudge Cream Cheese Candy Creamy Chocolate Truffles Creamy Microwave Pralines (Texas Stye) Dark Chocolate Fudge Deborahe's Holiday Chocolates Divinty Easy Candy Easy Divinity Easy Divinity Easy Divinity Candy Easy Fudge Easy Granola Candy Easy Microwave Carmel Easy Microwave Fudge Easy Pecan Logs English Toffee English Toffee English Toffee Bars Fabulous Fudge Fake Brittle Five Minute Fudge Fool-Proof Fudge Frosted Pecans Fudge Fudge for one Fudge Puddles Grandma Donna's Nummies Grandma F's Delicious Fudge Grandmother's Holiday Fudge Hard Candy Hard Tack Candy Ho Ho Hash Holly Confection Honey Comb J & D's Peanut Butter Balls Jeanne's Tiger Butter Jen's Chocolate Meringues J's Cream Fudge Maple Rum Balls Margie's Best Candy Martha Washington Candy Martha Washington Mounds Marzipan Melting Moments Melting Moments Meme's Best Ever Peanut Butter Fudge Meringues Microwave Pralines Milk Fudge Milky Way Bars Mimi's Famous Fudge Mocha Truffles Mom's Mints Mr. Monroe's Famous Fudge Mrs. Eisenhower's Fudge Never Fail Fudge Never-Fail Fudge No Bake Rum Balls No Cook Peanut Butter Fudge No Fail Fudge Novia Scotia Treats Nutty North Pole Fudge Orange Balls Orange Glazed Pecans Out Of This World Fudge Oven Carmel Corn Peanut Brittle Peanut Brittle Peanut Brittle Peanut Brittle (Microwave) Peanut Butter Balls Peanut Butter Balls Peanut Butter Balls Peanut Butter Candy Peanut Butter Candy Peanut Butter Cups Peanut Butter Cups Peanut Butter Fruit Squares Peanut Butter Fudge Peanut Butter Fudge Peanut Butter Fudge Peanut Butter Snowballs Peanut Clusters (mircrowavable) Peanut Krispies Peanut Patties Pecan Candy Pecan Kisses Peppermint Bark Peppermint Bark Peppermint Bark Peppermint Wands Popcorn Cake Popcorn Cake Potato Candy Potato Candy Potato Candy Potato Candy Praline Kisses Pralines Pralines Puppy Chow Puppy Chow Puppy Chow Puppy Chow (for Humans) Quick and Easy Fudge Quick and Easy Mini Marshmallow Sandwiches Quick and E-Z Fudge Raspberry Fudge Balls Reindeer Chow Reindeer Chow Reindeer Chow Reindeer Food Reindeer Food Reindeer Oatmeal Raisin Bars Rocky Road ROCKY ROAD Rocky Road Bark Rudolph's Favorite Pecans Rum Balls Salt Water Taffy Snowballs Snowballs Snowballs Snowballs Snowy Divinity Spiced Pumpkin Fudge Stained Glass Candy Sugared Nuts Super Peanut Clusters Triple Layer Bars Truffles Truffles Turtles Uncle Ferd's Butter Crisp Cracker Candy Uncle Jack Hallwood's Peanut Butter Fudge Very Easy Fudge Willy Wonka Bars Winter Strawberries   love me later~tj