Showing posts with label Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arts. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Don'ts For Girls--A Manual Of Mistakes



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]A mother plays the guitar while her two daught...[/caption]


This past Saturday, my daughter and I went to do some antique shopping in Mount Victory, Ohio. I love this type of thing, and can "get lost" for hours, if left to my own devices. I collect antique books. Most of my books are school books from the turn of the last century. On this particular trip I came across an interesting little book called Don'ts For Girls-A Manual Of Mistakes, written by one Miss Minna Thomas Antrim. The book was copyrighted in Philadelphia by the Henry Altemus Company in 1902. From the inscription in the front cover of the book it was given as a Christmas present in the year 1907. When I see inscriptions such as this, I often wonder what the young lady that received this book looked like, or acted like? Obviously, her parents wished for her to be a proper young lady.

This small, hardback book is packed with little nuggets of wisdom, along with some statements that make me giggle. Some of these verses are so foreign to me, being that I was born in 1968--and by that era, times were most definitely different! In my mind and imagination, I picture a twelve year old girl, on the verge of young womanhood...one from a proper Victorian family. On Christmas morning she opened this gift from her parents, and vowed to read the book from cover to cover.

As she gently opened the book and turned to the first page, this is what she read...

*Don't be ashamed of your parents. They may be unlearned and dull, but they gave you the chance to become what you are. Honor them before all men.  ( I read this to my daughter, and she laughed. I do not wish for her to believe that her daddy and I are unlearned and dull, though I do like the honor part.)

* Don't neglect little deeds, while dreaming of great ones.

* Don't be a prig. Girls who are never a little foolish, are always deadly dull. (I like the word prig. I think I might start using that. Can I bring the word, prig, back?)

*Don't chatter. Babbling is baneful. Gigglers should be punished by solitary confinement. (If one is going to giggle, do it in private!)

* Don't regulate your behavior by geography. Be as modest at the sea shore as at home. ( I love this one. Anyone that has been to the beach lately knows, that some young ladies need to be more modest--allowing everything to hang out is not pleasant for us that are forced to watch.)

* Don't be good because you must, but because you should. ( Amen. Enough said.)

* Don't be anxious to get "in the swim." Many drown there. (Many of our young people today, still have this problem. Following one's peers can prove deadly.)

*Don't fail to lock the family skeleton securely in the closet when guests are expected. ( Doesn't this crack you up? I bet a lot of Victorian closets were bursting with bones...but, the key to the closet was kept cleverly hidden:)

* Don't go anywhere with a young man alone. Convention admits no exception of this rule. ( That would save a lot of heartache, wouldn't it? :)

* Don't listen to anything revolting. There are things in life that should never be made known to a sensitive girl. ( A young Victorian girl would never make it watching the news these days. Or any TV. Or any movies. Or most books. Or...or....or.....)

The book ends with this last page.

* Don't begin the day with a sigh, or you may end with a downpour.

* Don't lament because your neighbor's garden surpasses yours. Keep hoeing. ( I love this one in particular. Plenty of people in our entitlement society, need to read this.)

And last but certainly not least...

* Don't fuss. If things never went wrong who'd long for heaven? (Amen, to that.)

I hope you've enjoyed this brief look into the beginning of the last century. It's always fun to look back...

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Saturday Morning



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Downtown Mount Victory[/caption]


I'm reading a decorating magazine, writing in my eucharisteo journal, and drinking a mug of coffee. I'm also watching the news. The sun is actually shining this morning, before the rain returns later in the day.

It's a quiet morning.

I have much to be thankful for, on this day before Easter.

My daughter wants to go to Mount Victory. To check out the shops.

Maybe we will.

Saturdays are good.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Letting Go Of Expectations



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="255" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Great Expectations (1999 film)[/caption]


Have you ever read something and realized it was YOU the writer was talking about? Okay, well maybe not really you, but it may as well have been. The words hit so close to home that you look over your shoulder to see if anyone is watching you, as you read...

I've finished One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I'm reading it again. It's that good. On pages 168-169, Ann discusses "expectations". During book club it was discussed that expectations are premeditated resentments.

Ouch.

How many times have I let my expectations, ruin the moment? How many times have I expected something, only to see that others can't meet that bar? How many times have I expected perfection in the moment, only to be sorely disappointed? I struggle with the way I think things "should be". When things don't turn out the way I had hoped, I am left frazzled, irritated, and resentful.

Resentment. I know it well. I wish I didn't.

That insidious word, feeling, has stolen my joy on numerous occasions.

It builds up inside of me, until it blinds me to all else. I can no longer see the joy of the moment because resentment has me standing in darkness.

I bite the words as they come out of my mouth. Hard and bitter.

I need to let the expectations go.

Do I want to enjoy the moment that God gave me, or do I want to "be right"?

"Expectations, kill relationships", Ann surmises. I tend to agree.

I'm a work in progress.

Joy is in the moment.

I'm learning to "let go" so I can enjoy the moments God has given me. The lessons are not simple, nor easy.

All of life is learning.

It's hard to stay resentful... if I'm giving thanks. The two don't mix well. I will continue with eucharisteo.

Amen.

We are discussing "letting go" this week at A Holy Experience. If you would like to read more, click on my Walk With Him Wednesdays graphic on my right side bar.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Written In My Own Hand



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by Bob AuBuchon via Flickr"]Pen & Journal[/caption]


Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~ William Wordsworth

The leather bound book feels smooth in my hands. I open it to the page, after my last entry. The white emptiness awaits my pen.


I've kept journals my entire life. For me, there is something therapeutic  about putting feelings, thoughts, experiences down on paper. I like to express myself with words on the page. I've had people say to me that they could never keep a journal....because they would be afraid that someone would read their journals, or family would read them after he/she is gone.  My thought is, read them! READ THEM. I hope my family reads all my boxes of  journals. I think they will see that I was a real person, with real issues, joys and sorrows. I had dreams and I tasted grief. I was sometimes goofy and yet a deep thinker.

*In eighth grade I wrote poetry and doodled hearts in the margins of my journal. I practiced different styles of handwriting to see which one was the most beautiful. I wrote of the seasons and time.

*In college I wrote letters to my boyfriend. I'm reminded of some of the deep issues we discussed on paper. (yes, the 80's were still pre-personal PC days)  I could hold my own in a debate.

*As a college graduate I wrote about my search for a job and my desire to teach. Once I landed my first job, I wrote about my days as a teacher, and my students that made it all worth while.

*I wrote as a newlywed, learning how to share my life with another.

*I began to write a journal to my son when I was only five months pregnant with him. I wanted him to know that he was loved from before he was even born.

*I wrote a journal of grief, for the whole year after my first husband died.

*I wrote when I was a single parent. The joys and the heartaches.

*I wrote when I started dating again. Dating in one's mid 30's is a lot different than dating in one's early 20's. Just sayin'.

*I wrote to my new husband. Of course, my witty banter won him over....along with my amazing email skills and my otherwise complete lack of knowledge of computers. (Giggle)

*I continue to write in my prayer journal. I pour out my heart to the One who knows and understands...my soul bleeding out on each page.

Each day I etch words into time. I write how I am feeling at that moment. The ups and downs of my life. The bubbled up laughter spilling out in joy. The anguish of dreams not met.

I love writing.  I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.  ~James Michener

 

 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Simply Love...



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Love for Arts[/caption]


"Le Prix d'Amour, C'est Seulement Amour."

The price of love, is simply...love.




Family. Unconditional love. Safe and secure.

Growing up, I never doubted love.

I was seventeen.

He held my hand. We shared a kiss.

The sweet tenderness of young love.

I was a young woman dressed in white, a young man at the end of the aisle.

We faced each other and declared our love.

Until death do us part.

The nurse handed the wrinkled bundle of baby boy to me.

I, as mother, looked at my newborn and love enveloped my heart.

Love tries again. Second chances are real. I step out into love.

Love for those I surround myself with.

Agape for my fellow man.

Love and thanksgiving to God.

....And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13 :13)

 

Sunday, February 6, 2011

A Dare To Live Fully

Silver Gift Boxes

The postman delivered my book last evening. The book, written by Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts. I was so excited to receive it.  Despite all the snow and ice on the roads the postman got it to me.

I read the first chapter and into the second. I wanted to be prepared for the video book club that starts today. To be able to discuss. To share.

Mrs. Voskamp is an author who has the skill of a surgeon, her words cut through me like a knife. From the very beginning, she challenged me...caused me to consider.

How do we live in a world full of pain, in the shadows of what should have been? How do we live a life of thankfulness in the midst of it all?

Radical gratitude. Not what you might think.

 

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Noises Of The Every Day



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by rishibando via Flickr"]Sunlight.[/caption]


It is in the quiet when I hear His voice.

The TV blares the day's latest news.

The kids are talking.

The phone rings.

I hear my husband's voice as he answers a call.

The dishwasher hums.

My computer keys click.

Music plays.

The dogs bark.

I live in a cacophony of noises.

Noises of the every day. Noises of urgency. Noises of my life.

My soul realizes that something is missing.  I long for the quiet peace that comes from just being in His presence.

Just being with Him, the One who created me, and knows me most intimately.

I come to be renewed. Rejuvenated. Cleansed.

I sit at His feet and listen.







Monday, January 31, 2011

Living Life, Fully In The Moment



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by doug88888 via Flickr"]Laughing girl[/caption]


We all struggle in this life.

I, along with you, want to live life fully...but, I confess I don't know how on most days. I am a failed perfectionist. I like my life to be ordered and understandable. How many opportunities have I missed because they didn't fit in my schedule? I hadn't penned them in my Daytimer? I was too busy to slow down, and with that I missed some of God's most extraordinary moments for me. Although my life here on earth will never be perfect, and even though I mess up on a daily basis, God remains gracious. He gives me more opportunities to slow down and communicate with Him. More than I deserve.

Sometimes the day to day living gets in my way. My eyes are too eagerly set on my plans for tomorrow, to stop and enjoy the exquisiteness of today. I often times forget that I am but a pilgrim on this journey. This place is not my home. I was created for something so much more. God knows this. He reminds me of it, if I will only take the time to stop and really see...... to see His moments.

As much as I enjoy the beauty of this world, I am aware that this world is just a shadow of what is to come. In my quieter times, this thought crosses my mind. My breath catches in my throat and my eyes tear up as I contemplate what that truly means.

How many of us dare to live fully? I'm not talking about risk taking, or defying rules. I'm talking about slowing down enough to savor the wonderful gifts that God chooses to give us. To fully appreciate the joy of each day, regardless of the weather, how much money is in the bank, or whether or not  everything is checked off on the to do list. When was it that we fell asleep at the wheel?

Do you understand that life is really not about those  lists of things? Do you really? If you are like me, you say you do, but so many times I know I don't truly comprehend the depth of it. So many times I rush head long into the day, never looking back, and then before I know it, it is time to go to bed. Where was the enjoyment? The abundance? The moments?  Oh, they were there. I was just blind to them.

When I think about that....it makes me cry. How many years have I wasted in my rush to the finish line? How much of  what God  offers, have I chosen to ignore?

Ann Voskamp, author of ONE THOUSAND GIFTS: A DARE TO LIVE FULLY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE, says this:

Dare to Live Fully

Open your eyes to ordinary amazing grace. Life is sometimes dark, gritty, and tough, so how in the world do you find joy? How do you live really, fully alive? How do you see what God is providing right here? How do you find God?

 

The In Courage group is starting a book club. I think I'm going to join because I need the challenge. The dare. To live a full life. Will you join me?

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Really, Real Housewives



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="180" caption="Image by bbcworldservice via Flickr"]The Real Housewives of New York City[/caption]


I had a blogging buddy recently post about the show, Real Housewives. She can't stand it. The other day, I saw some favorite news anchors talking about Kelsey Grammer's "real housewife" and the couple's imminent divorce. Now, that's some reality for ya. I've only caught the show when surfing the cable channels. If this insane display is reality than I must be living in la-la land...and quite happy to be there!

Here is my take on REAL housewives. I have some life experience in this department.  This could get gritty, but if you are interested in REALLY, REAL housewives than buckle up and hang on tight. Here goes...

REAL HOUSEWIVES:

1. Love their husbands...they don't just use their husbands. They care about what he thinks, how he feels. They see each other on a regular basis because they LIKE each other. This doesn't happen on reality TV.

2. They get up with their sick children. Hold puke buckets. Or hold their hair while they throw up in the toilet. They clean up the vomit that doesn't make it to the toilet. They rock their children. They hold their hands. They rub their backs. They sit with them. They sing to them. They pray for them. They love them.

3. Have jobs that are never done. Some wives work outside the home. Some don't. Both are valid. I have yet to meet a housewife or mom that sits by the pool on a daily basis, sipping drinks with umbrellas in them while making calls to her manicurist or pet groomer.

4. Wear jeans or khakis on most days. Yoga or sweat pants are also an option. Most don't shop at fru-fru boutiques, or spend $5,000 on a dress just to go out to lunch with their peeps.Most women aren't runway models, and even if they were, hopefully they'd have enough common sense to realize that they'd be just as pretty in jeans and a T-shirt.

5. Are so busy that they can't remember their own names, much less schedule "girl time" at a swanky restaurant, where they've have to drop a grand for food that would barely feed a mouse.  Then while eating, talking about each other and talking behind the back of whoever isn't at the lunch. Really, real housewives have their family and friends backs 'cause that's how we roll.

6. Don't have "procedures" done to their bodies. Most, are just stuck with whatever God gave 'em. Stomach a little flabby after having babies? Buy a workout video at WalMart. Getting some gray hair? Have it dyed---salon, or at home. Whichever works. Crows feet? Dab on extra eye creme. Need whiter teeth? Change toothpaste.  It's called the real world.

7. Live out of their mini van. This is obvious from the empty coffee cups, stale french fries in the back seat cushions, and soccer shoes that slide around on the floor. Really, real housewives don't have chauffeurs, they ARE the chauffeurs.

8. Cook meals for the family...and not just for show. Real home made food. That tastes good. Foods whose names can be pronounced correctly, even if one isn't French.

9. Go grocery shopping. Do price comparisons. Buy store brands. Aren't afraid of discount stores.

10. Will never know fame or fortune...and they are okay with that. They are smart enough to know that the most important things in life can't be bought...not even if one is a reality TV star.

Monday, January 17, 2011

From Canada, With Love...



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]A beach near Stanhope, Prince Edward Island, C...[/caption]


I had never seen the movies based on the book. At 42, I asked for Anne (with an "e") of Green Gables for Christmas. My husband bought me the collectors edition. The two of us watched the entire series over Christmas vacation. I loved it! The actress, Megan Follows, played Anne perfectly.  I now want to visit Prince Edward Island, Canada. The scenery was gorgeous. The blue of the ocean against the  the green meadows. Those of you that live in Canada, please tell me that it really looks that way....in real life.  I was amused by Anne's spirit. "You can call me Cordelia." Is that your name? "No, but I've always liked Cordelia." What IS your name? " Well, if you won't call me Cordelia, Anne...with an 'e', if you don't mind." Thank you Lucy Maud Montgomery for giving us the wonderful spirit of Anne.

A couple of Christmas's ago I bought my husband, The Red Green Show. I had never heard of it until he mentioned that he had watched it at some point and loved it. For those of you not in the know....it sort of is the Canadian version of Home Improvement. Men meet at the Possum Lodge in northwestern Ontario, to solve the problems of a man's world....much to the detriment of those around them. I laughed my way through those DVD's.

[the "Men Anonymous" pledge, or the Man's Prayer]
All: I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess.

I have several readers in Canada. To all my neighbors in the north, what are some Canadian shows that you enjoy? (or shows from the past) Make some suggestions for me.

 

Sunday, January 16, 2011

The Piano That Nearly Killed Us



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by windsordi via Flickr"]a tale of two keyboards[/caption]


It all started when a friend of mine (whom I will call Lindy) put some items online, that she was getting rid of for FREE. Free being the operative word here. I noticed that she had an older upright piano that she wanted out of her house. It just so happens that hubby and I were in the market for a piano. The fact that she was giving it away spiced up the deal quite a bit. Lindy informed me she just wanted it out of her house. "Heave ho, out it goes" was her new mantra.

This past Thursday evening my two sons, husband, and I trekked off to her house. We were determined to haul this piano to it's new home in our dining room. After much pushing, shoving, a scratched door frame, a few pieces of wood splintered off of the piano AND possible hernias for everyone involved, the piano was in the trailer. A shout out to "Lindy's" brother, also known as the strong man. He was a good brother and helped his sister get rid of this hulking hunk of wood. I do believe this particular piano had lead in the bottom of it. It was very heavy. I for one did not lift or push the piano. I was there for moral support for the males. Everyone needs a cheerleader. Just sayin'.

We were getting ready to leave when "Lindy" said, "Look, if it falls off the trailer on the way home...just keep driving. Pretend you have no idea how a piano fell off your trailer. Where in the world did that come from? Then speed off and don't look back." Thankfully, the piano cooperated and stayed put on our, what should have been 20 minute trek home, going a whopping 10 m.p.h.

Once we got home the fun started. Let's just say there was a lot of huffing and puffing. Some body parts got smashed. The dogs ran for cover. We were never so glad to get that piano into the house and rolled into it's new spot. My husband and I have decided that the piano is staying put until we die or Jesus comes again. Amen.

Monday, January 10, 2011

What A Wonderful World



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by IronRodArt - Royce Bair via Flickr"]Earth and North America from Space[/caption]


 

How many times do we stop in our busy lives...really stop...and enjoy the world that God has created? HIS handiwork is a beautiful thing. Each season brings beauty of its own. I am constantly amazed at the beauty of trillions of sparkling stars in the onyx night sky. The sight of falling snow quietly blanketing the world, reminding me to slow down. The green of springtime, the color burst of Fall. Rainy days, and hot sticky nights.

It truly is a beautiful world.

 

Louis Armstrong knew something about beauty.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
(George Weiss / Bob Thiele)

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shakin' hands, sayin' "How do you do?"
They're really saying "I love you"

I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Oh yeah

 

Monday, January 3, 2011

Standing On Stage



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]A view of the stage of Lemont High School's Pe...[/caption]


The lights dim. The audience hushes. The curtain parts.

I stand on the stage, alone. The spotlight is on me.

And I wonder to myself if the people will like me? Do they want to hear what I have to say? Will they laugh with me? Will they cry? Will they see themselves in me? Will they care if I miss a line or will they smirk at my mistakes?

I clear my throat...and, I begin to speak.

Life is like a stage for all of us, isn't it? Some days we are the witty ones full of good one liners. Other days we are the tragic hero/heroine, who is able to withstand life's hardships. There are the days when playing the villain seems more the choice of character. Sometimes our play is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Sigh. We are all so complex.

On days when I feel the pressure to "perform"  for others... When I try to be everything for everybody...I have to quietly remind myself that I should only be concerned about the audience of one.

One. The only one that really matters. God watches me....as I stand on the stage.

I matter to Him.

Not because of anything I did. Quite the contrary.To be honest, my performance can be lousy. I get nervous. I forget my lines. I feel the sweat trickle down my back. I weep at my lack of skill.

He loves me.

He really loves me. He said so.

I stand on the stage at the end of the performance. My eyes strain to see Him as the lights come up.

He stands and walks toward me.

All the difficult practice, the memorization, the ups and downs of life on the stage, all melt away. It's now just the two of us.

No other critiques or reviews matter except for ONE.

It is HIS voice I long to hear. It is HIS words that make my heart sing. It is HIM that I long to please.

His words resonant in my heart.

"Well done my good and faithful servant."

 

 

 

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Wheelchair Dancing



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]A close-up of a rear wheel of a wheelchair.[/caption]


I don't remember what caused me to think of it... a memory that has been tucked away, for at least twenty years. It's funny how things just pop back into one's mind, when least expected.

Everyone wants to be accepted. Everyone wants to feel wanted. Everyone needs a friend. In those ways we are not so very different.

A group of friends. Laughing and dancing. Being silly. Being young.

One friend's brother sat in a wheelchair. An accident had taken away his ability to walk...ever again.

He wanted to dance.

He didn't think anyone would want to dance with him...because his legs didn't work. Because he was different. Because of fear.

He shyly looked at me. Will you dance with me?

"Yes", I replied in youthful exuberance , "let's go".

I sat on his lap, wrapped an arm around his neck and off we went. We rolled, and rocked, and spun in dizzying circles.

We laughed out loud.

After the song, we rolled to a stop. We were out of breath from laughing and spinning.

He thanked me for dancing with him.

And I thanked him for asking.

That night I learned a valuable lesson.

Take a chance. Don't let fear stop you from asking. Don't worry about what others might be thinking.

And enjoy the dance.

 

 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Up To My Armpits In Mud

muddy_boots.JPG

Our yard is a muddy, mucky mess. This water line to the barn has become the bane of our existence. I'm working up my energy to go back out there again. I guess I need to go, since we are getting a storm (first rain/ then snow) tonight and deathly cold temps (16 degrees) with 40 mph gusting wind. Doesn't that sound fun? So....on that note....I guess I should go back outside and help my (very muddy) husband.
Oh, by the way, I'm loving the ideas for my blog title. Some people have left comments on my blog, others, where I post on Facebook. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Get Out And Vote



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="202" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]The film's famous sequence where Jack sticks h...[/caption]


I hope that everyone (well, everyone that is legal and registered) gets out and votes tomorrow. If one doesn't vote than that person has absolutely no reason, or in my opinion, right, to go and talk smack about anything political. If said person can't get off their duff to go vote, than no one wants to hear any complaining. Got it? Good. I feel so much better having unloaded that. In all seriousness, regardless of party, or personal political views---it is important to have each voice heard. We are Americans after all. It is not only our responsibility, it is our privilege. So, as the former Nike slogan declares, "Just do it!".

1. Get to the polls as early as possible. If you don't, you could get stuck behind 50 bazillion people who seem to be moving at a snails pace. Whether they are or not doesn't matter. They SEEM to be. Try to be patient.

2. Be nice to the people working at the polls. They are doing their best to keep up with making sure everyone is registered and in some semblance of order. I mean, really, would you want that job? Smile at them. A nice smile. Not one of those maniacal, Jack Nicholson in 'The Shining' type smiles. That would be scary.

3. Do not get into verbal altercations or fist fights at the polling place. That is totally not classy. Don't act like a guest from The Jerry Springer Show. You'll be in the news and everyone will think you are an idiot. So, instead, be nice.

4. Be careful, once in the booth. Make sure you know what you are doing. Don't just start pushing buttons...because it can be tempting with all the lights flashing. Show restraint. This might be hard for some people, but you can do it!

5. And finally, enjoy the experience. People all over the world wish they were us. They wish they could vote without fearing for their lives. They wish that their vote mattered. Don't ever take voting for granted. It is a huge deal.

Check out the history of voting. Very interesting.

 

 

 

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Chilean Miners



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by FredMikeRudy via Flickr"]The First Chilean Miner Rescued[/caption]


Did you watch the drama unfold in Chile, yesterday?

1. It's nice to watch GOOD news on TV, isn't it?

2. I loved watching the men hug their family members.

3. I teared up.

4. It must have been scary being in a hole for 60+ days.

5. One of the men told his family..."There were 34 of us down there, because God was there with us. He never left us."

6. That gives me chills.

7. I'm so glad they all survived.

8. We all NEED the good news.

9. People around the world watched the events unfold.

10. We were all cheering them on.

I wish them all well.

 

Friday, October 8, 2010

Autumn Bliss

Farm at night

The nights bring a chill to the air

The sounds of football and marching bands become Friday night staples

I walk on crunchy, colored leaves

The candle light in the windows flickers in the evening dusk

A hot cup of coffee

A steaming mug of hot chocolate

Big, orange pumpkins for sale, by the side of the road

The honking of geese in the distance

Farmers harvesting their crops well into the night

Combine headlights looking like alien UFO's in the fields.

Sweaters pulled out of storage

Snuggling under soft blankets

The world is having one last fashion show of color

Before it settles into it's winter rest

 

 

 

Monday, October 4, 2010

Back In The Day



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Radio cassette player[/caption]


I'm in my early 40's. Not old. Yet. Although, a lot has happened since I was a kid.

1. I remember having one phone--IN THE WHOLE HOUSE.

2. It was rotary. It hung on the kitchen wall.

3. And NO answering machine.

4. If someone called and we weren't home...oh, well.

5. We didn't have a microwave.

6. We warmed up stuff on the stove, or in the oven.

7. My Mammaw was the first person I knew to get a microwave.

8. It was HUGE.

9. She tried it out by putting a hot dog in to cook---FOR FIVE MINUTES.

10. It exploded.

11. Opps.

12. There were no such things as personal computers when I was a kid.

13. I had to use the phone if I wanted to talk with someone.

14. Or go to the library for information (and the information wasn't on a Kindle or Ipad)

15. Imagine that.

16. MP3 players...what were those?

17. I had a cassette player.

18. Cassettes were what music came on.

19. And one had to worry about having their tapes eaten up by the machine.

20. In my younger days, records were becoming obsolete.

21. Didn't have VCR's, much less DVD players, no such thing as Blu-Ray.

22. If we wanted to watch a movie, my family went to a theater.

23. We watched the three main channels and a few other fuzzy ones on the TV, if we were lucky.

24. People had antennas on their houses in the 70's.

25. Cable didn't come until much, much later.

26. My kids have absolutely no idea what life is like without the "modern conveniences".

27.  Sometimes this worries me.

28. Because they don't (can't?)  really appreciate what they have.

29. Who knows what it will be like when they are adults?

30. Maybe they'll all be living in a virtual world by then.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Cartoon Saturdays



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Bugs Bunny's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[/caption]


My son asked me the other day about a cartoon. I don't know where he had seen it, but it was a cartoon from the 70's. It got me to thinking...

1. I remember getting up early on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons.

2. That was when cartoons only used to come on, on Saturday mornings.

3. That was before Cartoon Network, or Nickelodeon.

4. Remember... Hong Kong Phooey

5. Super Buggy

6. Jabber Jaws

7. Classic Scooby Doo

8. Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester and Tweety?

9. After I took that little trip down memory lane

10. I also remembered watching The Kroft Super Show on Saturday mornings.

11. So, through the power of  Youtube, I found some old clips.

12. I laughed so hard that I got the hiccups.

13. It was so 70's...

14. In a scary, psychedelic sort of a way.

15. The "adults" on the show were singing dressed in leotards,and covered with glitter.

16. Weird.

17. Remember H.R. Puff an Stuff?

18. Witchie Poo always scared me.

19. Sigmund The Sea Monster?

20. The 70's shows were freaky...

21. I managed to survive that era.

22. When my son was young (in the late 90's)

23. We used to watch Johnny Bravo and Two Angry Beavers.

24. Those were funny.

25. My oldest son showed me Roadents (spelled that way) on Hulu.  It's about two guinea pigs named Pee Pee and Buttercup that drive a 1983 Winnebago on road trips.

26. I can't remember the names of the creators.

27. But, they have my sense of humor...and excellent taste, if I do say so myself.

28. Hilarious stuff.

29. Being a child in the 70's wasn't so bad.

30. It gave me really great taste in cartoons.

31. Now, my big cartoon fun is with Hoops and Yoyo

32. I stand at the card aisle at Walmart and play all the sound cards.

33. Hoops and Yoyo are my favorite.

34. They always make me smile.

35. So, if you ever buy me a card, make sure it has Hoops and Yoyo on it. It gets me every time!