㋈ 2025 September FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

2025 September FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

Don’t bother walking a mile in my shoes; you’d be bored.  Spend 30 seconds in my head.  THAT would be a trip and a half.  I know some, where 30 seconds is too much time, and 30 seconds is not enough time. 

Just a little mind challenge:  How much tow can a tow truck tow, if a tow truck could tow trucks?  

I don’t know why so many are against sugar.  What stood by you when things went wrong and you were sad?  Who stuck with you and didn’t leave in a hurry; and keeps staying hugging your hips and thighs?  What was always there ready to soothe your wounded heart and can even repair a physical wound?  What was there in any state not turning to a brown, slimy mess?  Well, you can bet it wasn’t lettuce. 

My dear friend in Florida, Melodie, sent me a seasonal guide to Florida.  It said, “Spring, Summer, Hurricane, Mosquito, and Boiled Alive in Your Car.”  She said she doesn’t bother to cook on the stove during Summer; the sidewalk to their house does a great job of frying eggs and burgers.  She’s even laid out hot dogs on the lanai of the pool and had them “cooked” to perfection. 

I walked over to Brenduhh’s house to return a kitchen utensil I borrowed.  I ran the doorbell and waited.  While waiting, I noticed a sign she had on the door---“WELCOME—ish.  It depends who you are, and how long you stay.”  She opened the door as I was laughing.  “Hi kiddo.  I like your sign on the door,” I chuckled.  “I’m glad you do.  It really does apply to some people I know and really don’t know, like sales people and others who with silly requests.  You don’t count, Trudy, so come on in.”  I was relieved at her back-handed compliment. 

I had a friend tell me, “I think we are BFF---best friends forever.”  I thought a bit and replied, “I can't be a BFF because nothing is forever other than the word "forever". However, I can be a terrific friend for a long time.” 

I was reading about the behavior, attitude, and “work” of various 10 buzzing, striped insects.  All were rather mild-mannered, minded their own business, left you alone unless you bothered them.  Then, came the yellow jacket.  Complete irrational, aggressive, and radical behavior and attitude.  It usually builds its nest in the ground, usually where you mow your lawn.  It will attack you and keep on stinging you until IT feels like stopping.  Then it calls its buddies to come on and join in the attack while it goes to get a snack, usually something sweet and tasty. It will even chase you!!  It’s known as the bastard of the buzzing, striped insects.  Two things it doesn’t like:  the odor of peppermint and spearmint.  So, in the nice months of being outside, get some peppermint soap and use that when you bathe.  I speak from experience, y’all. 

Grief came knocking at the memory’s door, again.  It fades and then returns.  It hides better in the day, but at night it sits beside me in silence.  So, to deal with it, I go to my memories and there you are, again, and I smile.  What was can still be…in my memory. 

I came across a quote which said:  “The most valuable math you can learn is how to calculate the future cost of your decisions.”   Hmmm. 

Incorrectly is the only word that when spelled right, is still spelled incorrectly.  Look at the word “minimum” written in cursive.  It looks like a trek up and down the inclines of a mountain range. 

I got my electric bill recently.  I think they charged me for the sunlight, moonlight, street light, the light at the lightning bug’s butt, and the light at the end of the tunnel!!  It’s been hot, y’all and the air conditioner has run a lot.  However, I’m in love with Mr. Carrier, the man who invented the air conditioner.  He’s been good to me. 

If you think you can, you can; if you think you can’t, you can’t.  It’s your choice, plain and simple. 

As I approached the screen door of Aint Daisy’s little house, I heard a loud voice saying things which shouldn’t be said.  I soft voice kept trying to get the loud one to calm down, but it was futile.  Out the door stormed one very angry young gal.  I greeted her with, “Hello, Mary Lou,” which was returned with, “Oh go stub your toes!!” and down the stone walk-way she stormed.  I waited a few minutes because I knew Aint Daisy was collecting herself.  “Aint Daisy, it’s Trudy.  May I come in, if you’re all right; well even if you aren’t all right, may I come in?”  I heard her blow her nose and softly say, “Come on in, chile.  I’ll be all right in a bit.  Set yerself down, let me catch m’ breath, an we’ll talk.”  I waited until she spoke again.  “Wahl, I recon you heard all that ruckus from Mary Lou.  She was mighty angry with me a-cause I wouldn’t tell her she was right about something.  I told her she might wanna rethink her actions and words to the person she was angry with.  I encouraged her to apologize t’ them.  That’s when she done blew her cork, and bellered like an old bull at me.  I recon since I wasn’t gonna side with her and jess kept quiet, she decided t’ leave.”  There were some sniffs and patting tears away from her eyes.  I went over and gave her a gentle hug.  “Aint Daisy, you’re the wisest lady I know.  Your advice is always correct and profound.  How did you keep so calm when she was so stormy?  I would have blown up at her for yelling at me, especially when she came to me for advice.”  There was silence, the smoothing of the flowered apron, and another dab to her eyes with her hankie.  “Chile, I haint regretful about being good to her in the middle of her blowin’ her cork.  My behavior says every thing about me; and her behavior says enough about her.  The good book says, ‘A soft answer turns away wrath.’  So, I practiced that.  I recon it works a’cause that storm of wrath turned away and blew out my front door.”  There was a soft chuckle from the wise lady of the holler. 

When I was teaching, I had many conferences with parents.  The ones which stood out were the conferences with parents who thought their child could do no wrong, and I was the culprit.  One parent in particular challenged me every time we met.  Weeks before the meeting, the school installed auditory and visual equipment for the teachers to use in their classrooms as an experiment.  Because this particular student was known for their behavior and inappropriate word choices, I engaged the system before he came in for class.  Other teachers told me he was “really cranked up today.”  Sure enough, he came into the classroom in a rancid mood and was looking for someone to verbally attack.  Guess who was chosen??!!  I told him he was to go to the deans’ office and gave him a pass with a message to the dean to contact me a.s.a.p.  A conference with mother was arranged with the dean and security officer present, too.  I verbally presented what had happened and told of what he’d said.  She denied it all saying, “You’re lying because he doesn’t act like that.”  Trying to remain calm, I played the recording of his “performance”.  Then, I told her, “These are the cold hard facts and proof that your child said and did what has just been presented to you.  Reality can be beneficial; delusions can be detrimental.  I have nothing to lose by telling you the truth; you have plenty to lose by not believing it.”  With that, I excused myself and let the dean and security officer talk with her.  I’d had it. 

A man walks into a pharmacy and wanders up and down the aisles. The sales girl notices him and asks him if she can help him. He answers that he is looking for a box of tampons for his wife. She directs him down the correct aisle, and a few minutes later, he deposits a huge bag of cotton balls and a ball of string on the counter.   She says, confused, "Sir, I thought you were looking for some tampons for your wife? He answers, "You see, it's like this, yesterday, I sent my wife to the store to get me a carton of cigarettes, and she came back with a tin of tobacco and some rolling papers; because it's so much cheaper. So, I figure if I have to roll my own ..... so does she." 

Guy, my beloved, was telling me about a friend of his who had studied law, and while in college he could only afford pork and beans to eat.  He started to say more, but I interjected, “Well, with his chosen profession that was the perfect thing to eat, especially with the results of that product.”  Guy growled, “I WASN'T finished talking.”  I innocently said, “Well, you took a breath, so I thought you were.” 

“Always forgive your enemies; it really irritates them.”  Oscar Wilde   Do illiterate people get the full effect of alphabet soup?  These are just a few of the things I think about from time to time.  So, until next time, it’s been a grand time to spend time with you.  Trudy J

😸 August 2025 FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

I was talking with my friend who lives in Florida.  We got on the subject of weather.  At the time, my area was not hot and humid as it usually is.  Hers was typical Florida weather in the late Spring and Summer----hot and humid.  I mentioned to her, from my experience of being there, Florida had only two seasons---deodorant works and deodorant doesn’t.  She laughed, and the conversation swung to deodorants, in one swipe. 

I like to go through my library to find interesting books and titles.  Here are some:  Bad Cow Jokes by Terra Bull; How to Avoid Falling Down Stairs, a step-by-step guide; Ambushed by May B. Surprize; Chicago Gangs and Families by Tom E. Gunn; Downpour by Wayne Dwops; Sparkling and Clean by Armand Hammer; Ten West Virgina Fixes by Jerry Rigg; How to Survive Being Laid Off by Gwan Home; Simple Lawn Care by Ray King; Coping With Bad Neighbors by Bill D. Fense; Gentle Massage by Ophelia; Tug of War by Paul Hardd. 

I was having my hair done.  A very disgruntled customer, who had a strong attitude of entitlement, started to berate and demand free service from the strong, female owner.  The owner would not succumb to the threats telling the customer she had had the same stylist and procedures for many times.  The customer told her, Well, I’m going to bring my husband here to fix all this!”  She thought that would scare the owner.  Fat chance since the owner was a very strong female who was not intimidated by anyone, easily.   All I could think was, “Her bringing her husband here to intimidate this very strong woman is like bringing a cake to a knife fight---kind of a crumby idea.” 

While visiting a friend, we started looking at pictures of old cars.  The restoration of ’56 and ’57 Chevrolets were featured.  All I could think of was, “Who in 67-70 years will want to restore a Tesla?”  

I’ll never be OK with donut shops cutting a hole in my donut, and then charging me separately for the same hole they robbed me of.  That’s double dipping, in my opinion.  Soooo, I buy whole, holeless donuts to get my money’s worth.  I want a whole holeless donut, not whole holes from a whole donut. 

Always remember, someone’s effort is a reflection of their interest in you, and that they care about you. 

When one of mine was little, they were full of questions; some I couldn’t answer and some I could.  We had just come home from church.  Out of the blue this inquisitive one asked me, “Mom, does God have a pencil?”  I responded with, “Yes, I’m sure He does.”  Silence, but I knew the look on their face; the silence meant they were thinking.  “Mom, does the pencil God have, have an eraser like mine?”  Without missing a beat I said, “No.  The pencil God has doesn’t have an eraser, because God doesn’t make mistakes.”  The silence was profound and the face of this sweet one showed agreement. 

Have you ever made biscuits and gravy?  If so, you know that gravy is just flour, water/milk, salt, and pinch of flavoring, and grease/oil/butter.  Good biscuits for this dish are a bit crunchy on the outside.  I equate gravy to glue and the biscuit to me.  The gravy/glue holds the biscuit/me together.  No wonder I feel good after eating that. 

I was visiting Aint Daisy when Sara Lou came stomping up the porch stairs.  “Whall, hey, chile.  What’s a-botherin’ ye that ye need to beat yer feet so?”  the wise one asked.  “Aint Daisy, I’m so mad at my husband.  He keeps telling me how to cook, comparing me with his ma, cain’t seem to say anything nice to me at all.  I don’t know what to say to him to make him stop.  It’s getting mighty difficult not to smack him a good one, but he’d hit me back only harder.  Do you have any ideas to help me, please?” she cried.  The sweet, wise one smoothed her apron over her knees, rocked a bit, took a deep breath, and squinted her eyes.  “Honey, I’m sure you’d liked t’ hit, but that hain’t a gonna solve anythang. An’, it seems if’n you say anythang to defend yerself, it will fall on deaf ears a-cause he don’t think he’s doin’ anythang wrong.  Sos, ye do th’ best thang, ye keep silent, no matter how angry ye get.  Jes let him bellow like an old bull.  Ye knows ye ain’t a-doin’ anythang wrong and ye know ye know more’n him about what he’s a-puffin’ about.  An iffin’ he askes ye why yer offended, jes tell him, ‘I hain’t easily offended, but I sure cain git easily annoyed.’ Can ye do that…..stay silent? ” she asked.  “Oh, I suppose I can, but what good will it do?  I want to yell at him in my defense,” she grumbled.  “Whall, lemme tell ye that silence is sometimes the best answer; it really h’aint gonna gitche in trouble; it gives wonderin’ to the other, and it soothes yer soul.  He’s a-gonna get tard o’ blowin’ his wind an’ will go off ‘n leave ye be.  Lemme know how it turns out, and ye come on back fer some pie when yer a-gonna tell me.”  Sara Lou walked a bit softer as she left and she surely had a straighter back.  I could tell she didn’t feel as defeated as when she arrived.  ‘More wisdom from the Lady of the Holler. 

I was asked, “What is the worst response to a police officer that asks, ‘So you know why I pulled you over?’”  My three responses were:  “”You were lonely?” or, “Well, if you don’t know, neither do I.” or “Hmmm, forgetfulness is a bummer, huh?” 

When I was teaching, there were meetings featuring an “expert” on various problems/challenges we teachers faced every day.  I’ve always wondered how many years these “experts” spent in the classroom.  So, in my last year of teaching, I asked one of them in an after school meeting on a Friday.  The response was, “One school year.”  Then, they smiled all proud.  I responded with, “So, your ONE year, versus 5-30+ years represented here, makes you an EXPERT??”  Some teachers applauded.  I sat down with a smile. 

A long time ago, I was taught that respect will take a person further than they think.  I taught this to my children and others’ children.  One child, not mine, refused to “learn” saying it really wasn’t necessary.  Well, they didn’t show respect to a person in uniform thinking their yelling, “I have rights!!” would take care of the issue.  They were very surprise when that didn’t happen.  They called me telling me about what had happened, and they’d just been released from jail.  I asked why they called.  They told me, “I remember something you often told us about respect.  You know that statement of, ‘Learn respect.  Many apologies will not take its place.’”  I told him, “Yes, I remember the jest of what you’re telling me.  The correct phrase is, ‘Disrespect will close doors that apologies can't reopen.’  Both statements of respect are correct.  Some ‘doors’ close, due to disrespect, may never be opened.  And, some ‘doors’ closed may be opened a bit, but never fully as they were before.  Respect and disrespect are a choice for you.  There are more consequences for you with disrespect than with respect.  Hugs to you and keep learning.” 

The old saying, “Teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a day and more” is very true.  But, if you teach a woman to garden, she feeds the whole neighborhood zucchini!! 

Brenduhh came over a bit grumpy.  “What’s wrong, kiddo?” I asked.  She said, “Well, the doctor told me I had to replace coffee with green tea.  It’s something about oxidants and all that stuff.  He, also, said I’d feel better,” she grumbled.  “Hmmm, I don’t think your doctor is totally correct.  I read where when you do that, you’ll lose 89% of what joy you have in life,” I said sarcastically.  “You are 100% right, Trudy.  What joy is in a cup of tea when you love coffee?” she grumbled some more.  I agreed and poured her and me a cup of strong coffee and placed a warm cinnamon roll on our plates. 

I like cake, but I LOVE pie.  I was reading something and enjoying a piece of pie.  It amused me because it was logical and dealt with mathematical terms.  “Eating too much cake is the sin of gluttony.  However, eating too much pie is okay, because the sin of pi is always zero.”  I cut and ate another piece of my cherry pie and enjoying it without one bit of guilt. 

Some words to think about:  Never regret a day in your life:  good days give happiness, bad days give experience, worst days give lessons, and best days give memories. 

My daughter, Tara, came to me all excited.  “Mom, my friend got some chickens, and they can count their eggs!”  I was surprised and exclaimed, “Wow!!!  That’s unusual.  What kind of chickens are they?”  She smiled and said, “They are mathemachickens.”  She got me on that one…..we laughed.  Later she asked me, “Mom, what do you call a prestidigitator that’s good at arithmetic?”  “They are called mathemagicians!” she glowed.

Smiles and blessings to you.  Trudy 😁

 

🎆 2025 July FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

🎆 It’s kind of scary when the weatherman is the closest one to telling the truth on the news these days.  I don’t watch the news very often because I don’t know what is really the truth or the embellishment of someone’s imagination.  I’d like to find a media which tells the truth about what is happening.  

Everyone has a contribution to give our society, especially a contribution of enlightenment.  I was chastised for helping a man had AIDS.  He needed help with his mother who lived with him; the help was to keep her company so he could go see a friend or take a walk, or go to the store.  She could not be left alone.  I learned a lot and had an enlightening experience.  I had students who were gay and treated poorly in school, not only by other students, but by some teachers.  For some reason they felt safe and accepted with me, they told me.  More enlightenment and life experience.  The world and its people have so much to teach, if one would choose to learn the lessons. 

I found this somewhere and want to share it with you.  “You will never be good enough for everybody, but you will always be the best for someone who really appreciates you.”  I’ve found in all my years, and they are many, that statement is so true.  Have you done or said something thinking it will improve a situation only to be criticized or scoffed at?  It’s deflating and defeating.  Then, later on, you do or say pretty much the same thing to another and they tell you it “made their day” or “that’s exactly what I needed”?    Don’t let the “grumblers” dictate to you what you feel is good to say or do.  Someone will appreciate it.  “There is never a wrong way to do right.” 

Well, May 7, 2025 has come and gone and the federal government has commanded all those who choose to fly in an airplane to have a REAL ID with a gold star in the upper right corner.  I’ve decided I’m not flying anymore (I didn’t like it, anyway).  I noticed my hardware store was having a sale on brooms.  I’m tempted to rescind my choice of not flying, anymore. 

I was reading Snow White to a child.  Remember the wicked witch gave her an apple with poison in it?  If I were Snow White, I’d never be able to be killed with an apple.  You’d have to poison me with a crème-filled donut, or a cinnamon roll, or a MOUNDS bar, or mashed potatoes.  But, an apple?-----oh puleeze. 

“Laziness has some people believing they have an unfair life.  If you do nothing, you will get nothing.”  That can be argued, but reality does happen, eventually. 

There was a sign at an awards ceremony.  It said, “PARTICIPATION TROPHIES ARE A JOKE.  TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO HANDLE WINNING AND LOSING IS A VALUABLE LIFE SKILL!”  I have a friend who believes that is exactly correct; I do, too.  He mentioned those who came up with that idea must have had their head up their butt.  I told him, “They have severe ‘cranial-rectal inversion syndrome”.  He mentioned something about not able to see for something or other. 

Folks, there is no “teacher shortage.”  There are thousands of certified, qualified, experienced teachers who are no longer teaching.  There is a shortage of appropriate compensation, respect, and allowing teachers to actually teach.  There is a shortage of administration support.  There is a shortage of not accepting disrespectful behavior and verbiage from students AND parents.  THAT is where the shortage is!!! 

Dandelion season is waning.  These plants are valuable, especially to bees.  The dandelion is the first food for them to gather pollen to make the honey most of us enjoy.  They are the “flowers for mom/grandma/friend from a little, earnest soul.  They are a sea of gold which turns to a sea of white wishes.   Every part of a dandelion can be eaten or made into wine.  These plants teach resilience, determination, and perseverance (ever try to kill them off in one application of spray or pull an older one out of the ground?  They have a ‘grip’ which would shame a body builder.)  My neighbor told me to get rid of them.  I put a sign out, “FREE DANDELIONS, THE FIRST FLOWER OF THE SEASON.  HELP YOURSELF.”

Arrogant people are really insecure people.  They hide their insecurity, because they don’t want another to know it and possibly use it against them.  So, they inflate their importance and value.  They inflate their strength(s), but y’all, it catches up to them.  Then, one of the things from others they fear happens---they are laughed at or called on their failure. There are reasons for arrogance which include: insecurity, upbringing, social status, fear of vulnerability, and lack of empathy.  About the upbringing---I know a couple who praised their child on everything the child did.  Seldom let the child know they had done or were wrong.  They constantly told the child how important and smart they were.  Well, the child took the inflated attitude and thoughts they could do no wrong to school.  Let’s just say there were some significant rude awakenings delivered by other kids and teachers. 

I stopped by Aint Daisy’s for a little refreshment of pink lemonade and whatever she’d baked that day.  She bakes every day and shares her delicious fare.  “Whalll, lookie here who’s come to pay a visit.  Come on up here and set yerself down.  I’ll get us some drinks and pie.”  She returned with a silver tray balancing two glasses of pink lemonade and two plates with cherry pie topped with a mountain of homemade whipped cream on the top crust.  “Oh Aint Daisy!!  You brought out my favorite pie and your delicious lemonade.  Thank you so much,” I drooled.  “Haint nuthin’, chile.  ‘Glad to share what I’ve got.  Lemme tell you about that pie.  Ye’ve heard people say they’re rubbing elbows with the ‘upper crust’ folks.  I chuckle when I hear that.  The upper crust of a pie hain’t as important as the bottom and the middle.  Th’ bottom supports it all.  So’s it’s gotta be verrry strong.  The middle, whall, it makes the pie what it is.  Now, the top crust is o.k., but not as important as the other two.  In fact, there are pies which haint got no top crust an’ they’s just as delicious as ones ‘at got all three parts.  Now, haint they?  So’s jest remember when somone’s a-talkin’ ‘bout the upper crusts are so important, ye know they haint that much.”  Ahhh, more wisdom from the Lady of the Holler.

On the BORED TEACHERS post on Facebook, there was a statement:  "Teaching is saying  'I just need to get through this week for 30 years until you retire.’”  I used to tell myself after a particular rough day, "Orange is NOT your color, honey, and you don't like it, anyway."  Or, "Although black and white together is chic, the stripes make you look bigger, sweetie."

I think it's funny when people think they are champagne in a crystal flute when they are actually sloppy mud in a used paper cup.  My beloved used to say, "They think they are big shi* on a board when they are actually nothing but a fart on a splinter."

"Walk away from people who put you down.  Walk away from fights that will never be solved.  Walk away from trying to please people who will never see your worth.  The more you walk away from things that poison your soul, the healthier you will be."

On a social media site, a stranger made flattering remarks to me, and then asked me where I was from.  I'm very savvy about those questions which can reveal more about me than I want.  So, my response was, "Third planet from the sun."  I haven't heard from him, again.  Perhaps he's trying to figure out which one it is.

HONEY is a fabulous substance.  It contains a substance that helps the human brain work better.  It is the ONLY food on earth that can sustain human life alone.  A teaspoon of honey is enough to sustain human life for 24 hours.  It is a natural antibiotic.  It has no expiration date.  Only non-metal spoons should touch honey because metal destroys some of the enzymes.  Honey put on a burn will stop any scaring which may occur. (I personally have done this to a second-degree burn on my leg.  There is no scar or indication where the hot bacon grease burned my leg.)  Bees are the ONLY insect which produce food for humans.

"I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed." That sounds like something Doc Holiday would say in the movie TOMBSTONE.  Shakespeare had some doozies, though. “He has not so much brain as earwax.” —Troilus and Cressida, Act 5, Scene 1. “I do desire that we may be better strangers.” —As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 2.  “There’s small choice in rotten apples.” —The Taming of the Shrew, Act 1, Scene 1.  "That kiss [your concern] is as comfortless as frozen water to a starved snake." (Titus Andronicus)  “I am sick when I do look on thee.” A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act 2, Scene 1)

Until next month, Peace and smiles to you.  Trudy :) 

🌞 2025 June FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 🌞 June, month number 6.  If this month is your birth month, you were probably conceived in September.  June is the beginning of summer for the northern hemisphere part of the world.  However, in the southern part of the hemisphere it’s winter.  That’s an impossible concept for me, and I’m sure for a lot of you.  Well, that is for those of us who do not live in the Arctic region of the northern hemisphere.  Then, it’s:  “big deal, or “it’s still cold”, or “tell me something new”, or “whatever”.  Sooooo, if June is your month to celebrate your birth---HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  I hope it’s a joyous, loving one for you. 

I came across this profound, truthful comment.  I’m sharing it with you.  Maybe you can use it.     “You’re not grown until you know how to communicate, apologize, be truthful, and accept accountability without blaming someone else.” 

I was talking to Guy, my beloved, as he was getting dressed.  He put on his jeans, zipped them, snapped them, put on his belt, and fastened it.  Then, he put on his shirt, buttoned it, unbuckled his belt, unsnapped the snapper, unzipped and tucked-in his shirt.  Then he pulled them up, zipped them, snapped them, and fastened the belt.  I looked at him quizzically and asked, “Why do you do that getting-on-your-pants thing all backwards?”  He couldn’t answer, but told me he was late and needed to leave.  The next day he started with the pants thing.  I mentioned putting on his shirt first, AND THEN do the pants thing.  He tried it, looked at me and said, “Now you’ve screwed up my thinking and I can’t remember what to do next.”  I mentioned his socks and shoes; however, he should have put his socks on first, then his shirt, then his pants and finally the shoes.  Folks, he told me to leave.  I was just trying to help. 

I don’t know if you like cornbread, nor if you have a cast iron skillet, but I do like cornbread and use cast iron more than all my other pots and pans.  I came across an easy cornbread recipe, and you cook it in a cast iron skillet.  I have a 10” and use that one.                                                                                      3 cups of self-rising cornmeal, 2 eggs, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 ¼ cups buttermilk and 1/4 cup water, pinch of baking soda if you don’t want the tang of buttermilk.  I put in about 1/8 to ¼ cup of sugar in my mixture.  Mix all this together, pour into a heavily greased 10” cast iron skillet.  Cook on 450 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.  Now, IF you like a crusty kind of cornbread, heat the skillet in the 450 oven while you mix all the ingredients together.  Then, take it out of the oven and pour the mixture in.  Bake accordingly. 

Brenduhh came over all proud of herself.  I noticed she wasn’t speaking clearly and smelled alcohol on her breath.  “Well, look at you dressed up all fine with your hair fixed and nails painted,” I crowed to her.  “Yep, but a cop stopped me and told me to get out of the car and walk a little ways passed my car.  I did.  Then, he told me, ‘I think you’re staggering.”  I told him, ‘Well, thanks.  I think you’re rather handsome yourself.’  I don’t know why he wrote me a ticket since I’d given him a compliment, too.”  “Oh, Brenduhh, how about some strong coffee and a few muffins?  You stay awhile before you drive home?” I encouraged. 

Have you ever thought about the word NOW?  I have.  Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a question of being, but NOW is now---imminent, immediately, the present.  We can’t do anything about the other two, but we can about NOW.

My Beloved prided himself in being accurate at what he did.  “After all, I was in military intelligence where accuracy is very important; and, I majored in geography and political science in college where accuracy is, also, very important,” was his rationale.  One day he had to count his daily medicine to make sure he had enough for the trip we were preparing to go on.  Later that day he realized he’d made a mistake in counting--- he’d forgotten to take into count the medicine he has to take twice a day.  He kept lamenting about his mistake indicating he was having a lot of trouble accepting that he’d made an error.  To help him put his error in perspective I said, “Well, at least this wasn’t a goof-up I’d have to bring to your attention.  You need to be rejoicing about me not saying anything.”  With that, he retorted, “I think I’ll start admitting my mistakes frequently just to keep you quiet.”  Smart ass 

I stopped by Aint Daisy’s just to chat.  Lilly Ann, a high school gal, was telling her all the things which had gone wrong: she was failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her, and her best friend was moving away.  Meanwhile, Aint Daisy was baking a cake and asked Lilly Ann if she would like a snack.   Lilly Ann told her, "Absolutely, I love your cake." ”Here, have some cookin’ oil," Aint Daisy offered. ”Yuck", said Lilly Ann. ”How ‘bout a couple raw eggs?"   “Gross!" she replied.  “Would you like some flour then? Or maybe bakin’ sodee?" Aint Daisy continued to ask. “Aint Daisy, those are all yucky!"  Aint Daisy replied: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves, but when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!  God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We jes have t’ trust Him an’ ‘ventually, they will all make somethin’ wonnerful!  More wisdom from the lady of the holler. 

The other day I was driving down our road which has 2 yellow lines painted on it from my house to the stop light 2 miles away.  Out from nowhere came a fella in a big, grey Dodge truck.  He moved closer to my rear bumper, backed off, moved closer again.  He flashed his lights, made hand gestures (I knew what he was saying, too!), and motioned for me to go faster.  The speed limit is 35 mph and that is how fast I was driving.  I did the only thing I could; I rolled down my window and motioned for him to go around me.  This was all just as I was approaching the place where a friend of mine, a deputy sheriff, often sits to nail someone for improper driving skills.  The guy went around, and the next thing I knew “Christmas lights in motion” started flashing.   The fella got pulled over.  I came up beside them, rolled down my window and yelled, “Hi Shirley.  How are Mike and the kids?  We’ll see you tomorrow night for dinner.  Could you bring a fruit salad?”  As I drove on, I looked in my rearview mirror watching her write something and hand it to that guy.  I don’t think it was a dinner invitation, either. 

Recently my challenged daughter was threatened, through social media, by someone who didn't know her, but was angry with me.  They were cowardly in their approach to "get at me", but had no idea of my level of protection of a child of mine.  I swear, every mama bear which is within me was rattling her cage to get out.  My thoughts---now just my thoughts---went from a bruised ego to worse.  I knew I couldn't put into play any thought because any one of them was:  legally wrong, morally wrong, and biblically wrong.  So, I did the best thing, I prayed, "Dear Lord, please let this fool know vengeance is Yours.  It says so in Your book."  Later, I old a friend of mine about it, and she knew how to take care of the situation legally.  Prayer works, y’all!! 

A friend of mine was looking for another church.  She loves colorful clothing and wears it often and with a lot of class.  She came over for some coffee and a cinnamon roll.  During our conversation, she told me about the new church she went to, but decided it wasn’t for her.  I asked why she felt that way.  She told me, “The minister told me the colors of my clothing were too much for worshiping in his church.”  “The colors of your clothing are beautiful, and what do they have to do with worshiping?”  I exclaimed.  She replied, “EXACTLY how I felt and believe.  So, I told him, ‘I thought worshiping the Lord was about what’s in your heart, not what the color on your back is.’  I left and do not plan to return.”  Then we got on the subject of amounts of sleep we have been having.  It’s called “Not Much”.  I told her I’d read that when people get older, they don’t seem to require as much sleep as they did when they were young.  I told her, “I’m not getting much sleep, either.  I think I’ll be awake at my funeral.” 

In the South, there are polite ways to say insults and comparisons of people to things.  Here are a few I’ve used and heard:  “I’ve been turned down more times than a motel bed sheet.”  “If the sun was shining in her face, she’d still be in the dark.”  “He’s so dumb he doesn’t even know how to make a plus sign.”  “He smells so bad, even the skunks hold their noses.”  “There are no branches on that clan’s family tree.”  “Good heavens!! The guitar of her brain has no strings.”  “I get about as much attention as a broken, white crayon.”  “He’s the kind of person you just want to buy them a toaster for their bathtub when they’re in it.” 

Well, I’ve run out of paper (something ya just don’t want to happen in the bathroom after yesterday’s feast at a Mexican food buffet.)  Have a lovely month.   Smiles and kind thoughts to you.  Trudy J ♫

🌼 May 2025 FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

I love the movie TOMBSTONE.  I’ve watched it so many times I can just about quote many poignant lines.  Doc Holliday says some real good ones.  Little did I know I’d say a semblance of one to someone.  This person told me, “Trudy, I really don’t like you.”  Silence can be the best response at times, but this person really needed to know how their statement affected me.  I waited for a few moments, and then said, “For your statement to matter and hurt me, I first must consider you to be important in my life.  Bye.”  Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday said, “Sir, if I am to be insulted, I must first value your opinion.”

While talking with a friend, she mentioned what she had read, "A man will never cheat on you if you give him love, care, time, and attention."  I said to her, "It's a choice and can apply to women, too.  Some do not choose wisely.  They not only cheat the other, they cheat themselves.  Someone always knows; someone is always watching.  Don't fool yourself."  I could see she was thinking.

I was discussing how to take care of cast iron cooking pots, pans, and skillets with a gal.  She had been using it for a short time.  I’ve been using it for over 50 years and love it.  I have many pieces, some of which are almost 100 years old.  She was telling me how heavy she found cast iron to be, but wanted to still use it. She mentioned she’d noticed her arms and chest muscles were getting stronger.   I told her, “Yes, cast iron is very heavy, especially when it has food in it.  I’ve, also, found that cast iron can be a body building product.  So, why go to a gym?  And, in a home invasion, cast iron can be a great weapon.” 

I saw a coffee mug the other day.  It made me laugh.  It said, "Honk me off again and we will play a game called 'DUCK, DUCK, TAPE'."

I ran across a greeting card company that is fabulous for my sense of humor.  Here are a few I found to be a riot and a few tweaked my thoughts:

“Happy Birthday!!!  Just look at who’s all grown up and ready for a colonoscopy.”  “Balloons are so weird.  It’s like saying, ‘Here’s a sack present of my breath.  Happy Birthday!’”  “Parenthood is the scariest hood you will ever go through.  Congratulations on your new family member.”  “Get well soon.  I can only be nice for so long.”  To a best friend---“We go together like drunk and disorderly.  I’m glad you’re my best friend.”     “Happy Valentine’s Day.  I love you even though you load the dishwasher wrong.”  “People Write Congrats Because They Can’t Spell Congrajlashuns.  So, congra, congashula, oh whatever.”

I visited a friend who has a very rambunctious, demanding, hellion of a child.  He was pretty much out of control, so his mother put him in his room.  There was a lot of yelling, screaming, and banging when she left the room.  Even the two cats ran and hid.  She returned to his room.  I heard her applying some warranted butt awakenings and attitude adjustments.  I heard her say in a very firm voice, “You will stay in here or you’ll get more good behavior encouragements!!”  She shut the door and returned to her seat across from me.  Very irritated and feeling defeated she said to me, “You know what, Trudy?  I don’t know if the devil would take him back.”

On Facebook, I posted a grumbly face with the message, “It’s Monday.”  A friend of mine said, “Again!?  Didn’t we just have one last week?”  I replied, “It’s replication at its finest, sweetie.”

While at a grocery store, I was in the baking aisle.  To my thrill, I found a packaged tub of BACON GREASE!!  It is called BACON UP, and it's very good.

I use bacon grease in a lot of foods I make, and my supply has dwindled to almost nothing.  I don’t buy bacon very often and when I do, it’s the cheapest I can find because I cook it just for the grease.  The name of this product is BACON UP.  It is filtered and in an oval tub with a lid.  It’s good, too.  Of course, there are no little pieces of bacon in it like your home cooked bacon and grease, but it will do in a pinch.

OINT:  To smear with an unctuous substance.  From Latin ungo.  Ointment comes from that little word.

Talking with a friend, she told me of a family she knew which had 8 children.  She told me their names:  Red, Tan, Violet, Coral, Amber, Jade, Ebony, and Emerald.  I mentioned those were colorful names.  She said, “Oh I know; their last name is Crayonns.

Aint Daisy was sweeping her porch when I walked up to visit for a bit.  “Well looky here who’s come to visit.  Come on up here and set a spell.  I’m so glad to see you, chile,” she said with a warm smile and twinkle in her eyes.  “Aint Daisy, I’d like your opinion on something which was said to me recently.  I was told that now days people are told, ‘Work harder, buy more, and keep up.’  What do you think of it?  Personally, I don’t think there’s much peace in it.”  She smoothed her apron, rocked a bit as she nodded her head oh so slightly.  “Whall, here’s what I think, chile.  It seems that ain’t gonna getcha much ‘cept frustration an’ being tard.  Sos, Imma gonna jes sit here on m’ porch an’ watch the squirrels play, the chipmunks chase each other, an’ listen to all the birds call.  I’ll work at the pace I want, buy what I can afford, and don’t mind others’ business. Now, that’s peace in my soul and what I think.”  Ahh, more wisdom from the lady of the holler.

Everything is a lesson to teach you something from which you can benefit.  Like, if a door was shut in your face, it could have protected you from a rogue elephant coming your way.

Brenduhh came over in a little huff.  “Trudy!!  I’m a bit perplexed.  I used to think that coffee was bad for me.  So, I gave it up completely,” she told me.  “What?  You enjoy coffee, Brenduhh.  Why did you give it up?” I asked in surprise.  “Oh, I didn’t give up coffee.  I gave up thinking,” she proudly said.  I think my eyes stuck in the top of my eyebrows.

Have you ever had tears because you prayed for something and surprisingly it happened?  I surely have.  I found this in my bible:  Habakkuk 2:3 “There will come a time when your tears will fall, not because of your troubles, but because God has answered your prayers.”  Wow.  There it is written a long time ago, the reason why tears of appreciation/joy/surprise happen.

Have you ever just about given up on something only to “refuel your jets” and continue on?   I have.  Then I read this:  “Stay determined until your determination gets you to your destination.”  Daddy used to call me “stubborn”.  I told him, “I’m not stubborn, Daddy; I’m determined.  There’s a difference.  Stubborn is you know you should or shouldn’t do something but you do or don’t, no matter what.  Determined is, you have a goal and you will do all you can to achieve that goal, no matter what.”  He nodded his head and smiled.

Here are some signs posted at or on various places:  Hardware store:  “Need a good screw?”  Church:  “Heaven has strict immigration laws, hell has open borders.”  On a hearse:  “Still texting and driving?  C U soon!”  On a sign in front of a resort lodge:  “I hate this snow! No, wait.  I love this snow! Signed, Bi-polar bear”  Just a sign:  “STUPIDITY SHOULD BE PAINFUL!!”  Ironically I’ve seen it be very painful. 

I was answering a questionnaire when I came to a requirement.  It told me I had to write the number 1, 1000, 51, 6 and 500 in Roman numerals.  I thought, wrote, erased, wrote some more then slammed my pencil down.  I picked it up and boldly wrote:  IM LIVID just to relieve my stress.  My friend came by and saw it.  “Trudy, are you angry?  You just wrote the numbers 1, 1000, 51, 6 and 500.”

Do you think songbirds get irritated at hummingbirds for not knowing the words?  The best time on a regular clock is 6:30, hands down for sure.  The best time to pray is 12:00, both hands are up.

Ernest Hemingway once said, “The most beautiful people we encounter in life are often those who have walked through fire.” They’ve faced defeat, endured pain, struggled with hardship, and experienced loss in ways that most of us can scarcely comprehend. Yet, it is through these trials that their true beauty emerges—not the kind that can be seen on the surface, but the kind that radiates from deep within.  Beauty is only skin deep.

Have a lovely month.  See you in the next one.  Trudy  J ♫

☂ 2025 April FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

I had to knock real hard on the screen door of Aint Daisy’s house. I could hear her humming from the kitchen and smell the aroma of bread baking. I called loudly through the screen, “Aint Daisy, are you here? It’s Trudy at your door.” She answered she was in the kitchen and for me to come on in. “Well, looky here. My sweet chile has come t’ visit this ole gal,” she said with a big smile. She always makes me feel so special and welcomed. “Ye jess come on in and set down in th’ kitchen. I’m a-bakin’ some bread an’ rolls. In fact, I jes took some outta th’ oven about 15 minutes ago. Wanna have some warm rolls with buttah and jam or honey, sweet thang?” She asked. Of course I told her I’d love some if I didn’t choke on my saliva before I sat down. She chuckled. “Ye always make me chuckle, chile,” she said. As she got out the flowered plates, knives, butter, jam, and honey, I sat going over what I wanted to share with her about a gal we both knew. “Whall naw, whatcha wanna talk about today, chile?” She asked as she put the plate and rolls in front of me. “I have a bother, Aint Daisy. It’s about Sue Ellen. I don’t know what her problem is, but she surely is mean spirited anymore. In fact, it’s been a long while since I’ve seen her smile or heard her laugh.” Aint Daisy listened intently. I could tell because her eyes sort of squinted a bit and she turned her head to the right and pursed her lips. I continued to tell of things I’d heard Sue Ellen say and actions she’d done...all of them on the hateful side. When I finished, Aint Daisy sat back, smoothed her striped, neck-to-knee apron and said, “Honey, I know yer troubled by this with her. I am, too. Ye see, I’ve known this gal fer nigh on t’ twenty years, an’ she ain’t always a-been thata way. Ye know she losst her sweetie man, then losst her mama, then her dog who was such a big part o’ her life, ‘specially after her sweetie man passed. I reckon there ain’t nothtin’ she has t’ look forward t’ which’ll give her a smile. Then, she’s got a sickness which causes her hair t’ fall out an’ medicine she takes which makes her git all puffy all ovah. I’m sure she’s mizzerable all th’ time. Folks who are not happy with themselves are mean to others. It don’ happen all at once, though. Be patient with her an’ give her a smile when ye see her, even if’n she don’t smile back. It’ll be a little bright spot in a moment fer her. An’ if’n ye might talk a bit t’ her, let her know she’s a blessin’ to ye. Blessin’s come often t’ those who tak time t’ see ‘em; an’ then thank the good Lord fer ‘em. Be a blessin’ t’ her. It won’t go a-wasted.” I thanked her for her loving wisdom and warm rolls (I lost count how many I ate as Aint Daisy talked…LOL). I walked away thanking the good Lord for my very special Lady of the Holler.

Ya know what? Flaws; I got ‘em. Laws: I broke ‘em. Dues: I paid ‘em. Scars: I bare ‘em. Lessons: I learned ‘em. Problems: I still have ‘em. Love: I give it and get it. That’s life…..and I love it.

Brenduhh came over all in a huff. She was very opinionated about something which was very insignificant to mankind or any other entity. I mentioned my position on it which was very logical. She started to argue her point, or lack of, to the level it became ludicrous and inane. I gently mentioned the logic of the issue; she still argued her position. Finally I said to her, “Brenduhh, your argument is irrelevant to the issue. You keep flailing your arms, blurt out irrelevant statements while I’m trying to explain, and growl like an animal. This discussion is like talking to a wall with Tourettes. Gods!!!” She left, I went for a cup of calming tea and muffin. Then, later she returned. Burst through the front door and shouted, “Trudy!!! I just rolled a joint!!” I came from the kitchen wondering what she was exclaiming. We’d had a discussion about smoking, so I was really curious. “Brenduhh, you rolled a joint? Girl, have you lost your mind?” I exclaimed. “Yes, I did. Do you want to see it?” she inquired. I told her I did. She pulled up her pant leg and showed me her puffy, bruised ankle. “I tripped over the cat and rolled my ankle joint. Boy, does it hurt.” I hung my head and rolled my eyes. “Do you want me to wrap your ankle so it feels a bit better?” I asked. She said she did. Then we had tea and some muffins.

Names. Ever stopped to think of all the names you’ve been called by those who like and love you? Not really something we’ve chosen for ourselves, but usually as others perceive us. Mother named me Gertrude Jean Davis representing two generations of people. Gertrude in honor of her mother---that was her name. Jean…Mother’s middle name. Davis….Daddy’s last name and his father’s. But, Mother didn’t want me called Gertrude; Trudy would be my “calling name”. Of course, when Mother got irritated with me or wanted to make her point known, I’d hear all of my 3 names. My sister, and to this day, still calls me Dew. As I got older other names slipped into the picture. My friends called me Trood. I heard Babe once in a while from Daddy (always liked that nickname), and Toodle Boo from Mother. My Grandmother Davis always called me Trudy Girl. Time marched on and others pinned Trudy Lou, T2, and Tootie. Then Mom came around. That one, I think, is the most important and brings a smile to my face each time. Guy calls me Babe, Trute or Toots (rhymes with foots). Now Grandma is heard. Perhaps I fit them all, at least in the eyes of the caller.

Through the years, we have had dogs and cats as pets. They are enriching creatures and members of our family. I wrote a letter to them mainly to recapture their antics and personalities for memories. The last two are the dogs we had.

Dear Sunshine, Oreo, Tubby, Sweetie, Pryhyssii, Moana, Jada Jane, Gidget, RPGP, and Tux,

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack, so knock off the time trials. Beating me to the bottom is not the object.  Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.   I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible.  I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm. I don't really need you keeping me warm when it is 95 degrees outside.  Let's just use your free heating system when it is really cold.  If you're cold, find a blanket.  "Wake-up calls" when I don't have to get up are not necessary.  I know you are here/there and I will talk to/with you later.  Whining is not appreciated; you're NOT 2 years old and neither am I.  So, knock it off!!! There is, also, the matter of time---yours vs. mine. Sweetie, two o’clock in the morning is not my idea of playtime, which corresponds with 1:00 in the afternoon when YOU don’t want to play with me. Knock off playing with the door stop in my room at 2:00 a.m., or anyone else’s for that matter. Making it go “BOINGGGGG” WILL NOT entice me into play. You WILL receive a well-aimed shoe at your butt. I am sleeping you fool. That’s another thing, when you yawn to let me know you are sleepy go find a comfy spot and lay down. Do NOT yawn in my face seeking approval to take a snooze; it’s annoying. I don’t do that to you. Why is it you can leap up on my bed when I’m sick and I not even know you are there; BUT, god forbid if I’m asleep---you are a ton of bricks landing on my back. Then you have the nerve to run away, you yellow-bellied coward. Snooping is also an irritant, at least to Guy it is. Tracking some odor you want to investigate coming from his under shorts was hilarious, but the poor man almost fell out of bed; leaving nothing funny about how you almost became flat when he rolled over. You both moved quicker than I’d ever seen. Just be very cautious should you ever try that adventure again. A word to the wise, etc. Got it? For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, and try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open.  Sweetie, you are SOOO guilty of this!!!  I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years-canine or feline attendance is not mandatory. Get that Tux and Sweetie?!  Spinning the toilet paper at 50 mph is for the circus.  You are not a member of any circus troop, YET!!  So, knock that off, too.  I like my toilet paper pieces complete, not as puzzles. This brings me to the farting issue…claim that which is yours, for crying out loud. Walking away AFTER you let one SDB go around us humans is rude and cowardly. We have a tendency to fight about ownership of those things as we try to figure out who did it. We have seen the smirk on your muzzle. Besides, yours smells like something from the sea or beef; ours do not. We have more methane. The proper order is: kiss me, and then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough! Gidget, I’m glad you enjoy me singing and sitting next to me as soon as you hear me, BUT trying to put your face in my mouth to find out where the sound is coming from, is not polite. Jada, thanks for being the purr therapist you are. My lap is fine and positive results happen. Around my neck is a bit much and claustrophobic to me, though.

Y’all, I’m sure you have stories of your own about your fur babies and four-legged family members. Write them down in a blank book to read when the world seems unreasonable.

Always, Trudy 😁

💚☘ 2025 March FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

The third month of the year usually comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.  Of course that is the prediction, but it can be just the opposite.  Those born in March are usually conceived in June, which is the month of a lot of marriages and honeymoons.  “Madder than a March hare” comes from an old English idiom which refers to the wild, erratic behavior of hares and rabbits during their breeding season, usually in the month of March.  My birthday is in this month.  

Superman has super vision.  I need supervision.  Spelling and grammar are important, y’all.

I was raised in the South.  I learned to cook mostly while in the South as I watched my mother and grandmother fix the deliciousnesses of the day.  Grandmother would fix butter beans; mother fixed lima beans.  They looked different, tasted a bit different, and were cooked differently.  What a surprise to me when I found out they were the same bean, but just at different stages of maturity.   I equate the two to human stages of development.  The lima bean is youth---strong and resilient.  The butter bean is an older adult---a bit softer and more vulnerable, but can hold its own surrounded by the broth, ham pieces, and cornbread of life.

As I approached the little house with the red front door, sitting in her favorite rocking chair on the porch was my dear, wise friend Aint Daisy.  She was watching some squirrels “rassle”, as she calls it, under the big oak tree.  She smiled as she saw me and called for me to “come on up he-ahh, chile.”  I sat down beside her.  She reached out her cool, slender, wrinkled hand and gave mine a squeeze.  “How are ye, t’day, sweet thang?  I been watchin’ those critters rassling with each other for nigh on an hour.  I’d think they’d get tarred o’ all that business,” she said.  It was that time of the year animals sought out a mate and these two evidently had found each other.  “Aint Daisy, I have a bit of a dilemma, and I want to know what you think about what I should do,” I mentioned to her.  I told her of what I was dealing with and the conundrum of choice I had.  She sat listening intently, smoothed her neck-to-knees, flowered apron, and spoke.  “Whall, as I see it, they both have rewards an' consequences.  Ye either quit an’ do nothing, or ye move on a-head and do som’tin.  Yer gonna have t’ live with yer decision fer a long time.  Sos, yer choice needs t’ be wise and fits ye the best.  Don’t make yer decision real quick.  Ye need to think ‘bout both choices an’ sort out th’ twigs an' briars.  Ye know iff’n ye rush the bread dough, the bread ain’t a gonna turn out as good as iff’n ye’d let it set a while.”  Her analogies were not related to each other, but made a lot of sense.  (Of course they made sense; they were coming from Aint Daisy!)  We talked some more, and as we talked I was able to sort out all the “twigs and briars” of the choices I had with the help from The Lady of the Holler.

There is a fallacy about trauma, I believe.  Some have told it makes people stronger.  Well, maybe it does, BUT are those who believe that, aware of what it really does?  It damages the nervous system.  It hijacks the digestive track.  It keeps the person on a constant loop of hyper vigilance.  It keeps the “ghost” of the cause and ordeal ever present in the memory.  I’ve been there and am reminded every day of what happened; so, I know what I’ve mentioned is true.

A friend of mine came over in a mixed-feeling attitude.  She was so irritated and happy due to someone had been quite rude to her.  I knew why she was irritated, but questioned her why she was happy.  She said, “After they got that smarty smirk on their face of thinking they’d succeeded in insulting me, I said, ‘I’ve been called worse by those better than you.’  As I walked away, I knew that come-back had made them mad.”

“If they left your life and you gained peace, you didn’t lose, you won!”

FYI:  The longest alphabet is the Cambodian with 74 letters.  Antarctica is actually a desert.  Dogs’ nose prints are as unique as human finger prints. A hippo's jaw opens wide enough to fit a sports car inside.  A group of flamingos is called “a flamboyance” (imagine that!).  The color blue attracts mosquitoes two times faster than any other color (you’ll be the ‘blue plate special’).  Sloths are so slow with everything they do; even their digestion is slow.  This creates gas, but they can’t fart.  So, the gas is reabsorbed into the blood stream and is respired out of the lungs into the breath.  That gives morning breath a whole different perspective! Sloths move so slowly that mold grows on their fur. 

My husband was the best straight man to my sense of humor and shtick.  Here is an example:  I was sitting in my chair thinking about a lot of things.  Guy said, “A penny for your thoughts.”  I didn’t answer, so he said, “O.K., how about could I buy one and get one free, or are you going to give me some witty answer?”  I asked, “If I tell you something witty on your “buy one get one free” deal, then you’ll call me a half wit.”  “Oh please give me a break,” he moaned.  I told him, “It’s a good thing I’m not knitting.  Then you’d call me a knit wit.”  He told me to go away; can you imagine that?

Brenduhh told me she went to the eye doctor to get contact lenses.  The technician told her there was a tiny black dot on the top of the right one so she wouldn’t get them mixed up and put them in wrong.  A week went by and she seemed to be having some trouble with them.  She went in to have them be checked.  The technician looked them over, inserted them into Brenduhh’s eyes and asked her if it was better.  Brenduhh was thrilled, but couldn’t figure out why they were fine at the office, but not at home.  She said, “I think I was wearing them up side down.”  She said the technician rolled her eyes.  “I guess she was looking for her contact lenses, Trudy.”

There is only one country which can be spelled using only one row of keys on the typing keyboard----PERU.  There is only one state which can be spelled using only one row of keys on the typing keyboard---ALASKA.  You’re welcome.

I saw this and thought it would be nice to share:  “When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, you don’t throw it away, your change the batteries.  When a person messes up and finds themselves in a dark place, do you cast them aside?  Of course not, you help them change their “batteries”!  Some need AA…attention and affection; some need AAA…attention, affection and acceptance; some need C…compassion; some need D…direction.  And, if they still don’t seem to shine, simply sit with them quietly and share your light.”

You shine brighter when you light another’s “candle” with your own.  You can’t brighten your shine by messing up another’s.  These sayings are a segue to what my Daddy instilled in me.  When I was invited to work in a managerial position, I told Daddy.  He had an illustrious career with a major corporation in a managing position and in sales.  He listened, smiled and said he was proud of my accomplishment.  There was a pause, then he said, “Babe, you’ll have times you’ll have to step on someone’s toes.  A good manager will have to do that, but they won’t mess up the person’s shine.”  He was very wise; I was very blessed to have him as my Daddy.

I was told I was a bitter woman because I brought to light the apparent lack of actions of a school district, which is close to me, to ensure a safer crossing of the students who have to cross a very busy 4-lane highway which has a light and ONE crossing guard. I was told, "The crossing guard is very devoted to the safety of the children crossing." Hmmm, no matter how much devotion ONE crossing guard has to protecting the children, they are no match to a two-ton, or more, vehicle going faster than they are walking. I mentioned my doubt that the administration and board of education of that school district were as concerned as others about having more guards and even law enforcement at the crossing for 30 minutes in the mornings and 30 minutes at dismissal. This idea had been presented to the administration and board. Nothing has been done. This idealist told me the school was not responsible for the safety of the children crossing this major highway; it was the drivers of the vehicles responsibility. I think the ivory tower this idealist lives in is fully furnished. And, I think the administration and board of education of this school district forget that if the students were all gone there would be no reason for them to have the positions they do. So, is it going to take a child or children to get seriously hurt or killed before they do more to protect the children?

Always, Trudy J