🎒 August 2026 FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

My daughter, age 30, and I had a bit of intense fellowship for a moment.  We went our separate ways in the house.  Thank goodness it is a big house with two floors.  After a while, I heard my phone ding with a notification.                                                                                                                                       **Here is what she wrote to me:  “I love you more than you know, Mom.  Your love and guidance and protection help me grow. Never forget that each time you worry, each time we have our moments, and each love we share, is a blessing to keep.  You are my blessing from God.  I cherish you every way; you are my light that I run to, Mom.  When things are tough, I know you'll always have my back.”           **Here is my reply:  “Thank you.  Love is concern because I've been in the world longer and seen more. Love is tolerance when you want to strike. Love is silence when you want to say hurtful words because you've been hurt. Love is letting natural consequences happen knowing it's going to hurt the other and you. Love is there even when it could be gone. Love doesn't stop at death---it leaves a mark, a memory, a feeling that always hovers around you.” 

I taught school for many years, different grades and levels of achievement.  There was discipline in my classroom, but of course, some rebelled and I had to talk to the parent(s) about the actions and words their child performed.  When the parent(s) mentioned, “My child wouldn’t do/say that,” I mentioned it was a performance because of the audience of peers, and included they probably don’t do it at home because there is no audience.  It was interesting to watch their faces as it dawned on them that I probably was correct.  I mentioned I believe in accountability because the world expects it and will challenge the readiness of their accountability.  Without accountability of the actions and words, life will be very tough and uncomfortable.  I mentioned my standards are not unattainable and pretty much parallel the world’s.  The world’s rules don’t care if you don’t like them or not.  Those rules are basic and consistent.  Discipline is fought where and when it is not taught. 

Some words to think about.  KAKISTOCRACY: government by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous people.  NOOCRACY:  government led by wise, knowledgeable, or intellectual people.  TIMOCRACY:  a system of government where power is linked to property ownership, wealth, or honor.  MISPRISION:  deliberate concealment of a crime or failure to report wrongdoing.    I don’t talk about politics or religion, but some of these terms tell more than my tongue will. 

I hadn’t seen or talked with Aint Daisy for about a week.  I paid her a visit and sat on the porch in one of the rocking chairs.  “Aint Daisy, I’ve been wondering how you are, so I’ve come to pay you a visit.”  She just grinned and rocked after she patted my hand.  “Oh chile, you jes make me as happy as a pig in mud.  I hope yer a-thinkin’ yer gonna set a spell.  I’ve made some sweet tea with mint sprigs.  He’p yerself.  It’s so hot, it’s air soup out thar and I’ma gonna wring out the air. I see yer all gussied up with that purty dress and hair bow.  Why yer as pretty as a peach,” she said just grinning each time she mentioned an old country saying.  Not many young people use them, but when you talk with an old one, you’ll hear all sorts of descriptions, and in my opinion they are more descriptive than what is said today.  I mentioned the Cable twins and how they were in school.  “Aww, they got gumption fer sure, but they’s good people, chile.  Why the girl is smart as all get out.  She’s gonna go places and make her ma and pa mighty proud.  O’ course, the boy hain’t no broken twig.  He’s got smarts in the machinery stuff.  I ‘speck he’s gonna open his own garage and fix cars and such.  He tuned up Charlie Myers’ old truck finer than a fiddle played on the fourth of July.”  I learn something new every time I visit and talk with the Lady of the Holler.  And, boy can she cook.  Her biscuits melt in your mouth and you can’t eat just one.  Every thing she cooks makes you just want to slap the table and turn in your chair three times.  Yep, I’ve lived in the colorful talking country.  I love the language. 

A group of ladybugs, the nice kind because the other kind are not nice and they’re not LADIES, is called “A Lovelibness.”  I call the other kind, which bite,….”bitc* bugs”. 

Imagine, if you will, what would happen if a group of 18 year olds were put on a deserted island.  They would have to work together to get off using only four things:  a paper map, an analog clock (clock with hands, number, and dots), a rotary phone, and instructions written in cursive. 

Incorrectly is the only word in the dictionary spelled incorrectly.  I started to get into an argument with someone.  But, I remembered what Aint Daisy told me one time.  “Chile, a bee don’t waste it’s time an’ energy trying to convince a fly ‘at honey is better ‘en poop.  Save your time an’ energy for what matters a’cause some minds jes won’t change and ye cain’t fix stupid.”  

A man and wife went to a department store together.  They separated to shop.  After a while, the man was standing in the house cleaning department and called his wife.  He asked her, “Where are you?”  She told him, as she looked at all the lipstick, make up, nail polish, and cosmetics, “I’m in the women’s department.”  He looked around and said, “Well, I don’t see you here?”  She asked where he was.  He told her, “I’m in the house cleaning department.”  She replied, “Gods!!  I’m coming to you, so don’t move.”  I can’t print what she told him when she got to him, but his head was hanging as they walk to the registers. 

Some things I’ve wondered:  If the Number 2 pencil is the most popular, why does it still #2?  Why do “fat chance” and “slim chance” mean the same?  Why do people say, “heads up” when you should duck?  Why is a “pair” of underwear/a pair of scissors/a pair of pants/pair of glasses, one item?  

I went to SUBWAY and bought a sandwich.  It was wrapped nicely with the “SUBWAY” logo showing.  I looked at it and beneath the logo was this warning, “DO NOT EAT THIS WRAPPER”!  Someone must have complained or was very hungry. 

Brenduhh came over one hot evening for some cold, spearmint tea.  As we were talking, I mentioned I saw a deer on the way to work that morning.  She asked, “How did you know it was on its way to work?”  I just stared, like a deer’s eyes in headlights. 

Here are some facts you may not know:  In Washington, D.C. there is a buildings height law----no skyscrapers.  Atlanta, GA has 70+ streets named “Peachtree”.  ‘Better know which one you want to use.  The Gateway Arch (630 feet high)in St. Louis, MO is the tallest U.S. monument.  Hawaii is the only state made entirely of volcanic islands.  Alaska has a longer coastline than all other states combined.  Florida is the flattest state with the highest point of 345 feet.  Michigan touches 4 of the 5 Great Lakes and has the most freshwater coastline.  The 5 Great Lakes spell HOMES.  Lake Superior is 31,700 square miles and is the largest.  Lake Ontario is 7,340 square miles, and is the smallest. 

Here is a gruesome fact about one of the Great Lakes.  Lake Superior is famously known for not surrendering its dead.  Its deep waters remain frigid year-round, usually around 34 to 40 degrees F.  This inhibits bacterial growth required for a submerged body to decompose, produce internal gases, and float.  YIKES!!! 

You can’t give your life more time, but you can give your time more life. 

The jaw’s crushing force is the strongest muscle you have, pound for pound.  It’s the masseter muscle which is in the lower jaw (the upper jaw does not move).  When it is fully engaged, it can close your teeth with a crushing force of up to 200 pounds.  I know this for a fact.  No M&M, plain/almond/or peanut, has ever made it out alive from my mouth. 

School will be starting soon.  I remember when Guy and I taught high school. Guy would make coffee every school morning. He's put 12 cups of water in the carafe and 9 scoops of ground coffee in the container. I asked him, "Why so much coffee? It's very strong." He replied in all sincerity, "It's called COURAGE IN A CUP." 

May you be blessed with another day so you can bless another with one of your smiles.

Trudy😁

🎆 2026 July FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

Month #7…the nation’s celebration of being the United States of America and birthdays of some special people who were in my life.

My dear friend in Florida sent me a note about a product she found.  I’ve mentioned this product in a few of my past columns.  Here is what transpired between us:                                                              Mel: “Do you remember us talking about bacon grease and how you should be able to buy it at a store. Well, I'm never out of bacon grease but I'm seeing a lot of bacon grease in a tub advertised and sold at Walmart. It's with the cooking oils, a shelf staple! Can refrigerate after opening, or not.”                     Me: “Yes, I found it and gleefully expressed my joy. Aisle 6 at Walmart will never be the same, and "HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH!!" was said over and over.  My exuberance was not welcomed by management, but there were some ladies who were. I think they were from the FIRST CHURCH OF THE HOLY JOY and HALLELUJAH REVIVAL.  They joined in.  Some were even clapping and tapping/stomping their feet.  I still buy cheap bacon just for the grease, and fry it or bake it in my big cast iron skillet.  I put the grease in an old crock which was my mother’s.  It’s red, of course.” 

The older I get the less beer I drink for someone to hold.  Imagine the look on owl enthusiasts faces when they entered HOOTERS.  I’ve always wondered who the brilliant one was who saw fan blades turning and wondered, “I wonder what would happen if I threw excrement at them.”  The older I get, the hell to the nopeist nope I get.  My doctor told me I was out of shape; I told him, “Round IS a shape, Doc.”  There is a street in my area which has a very wide utility pole on it.  Behind that pole is the speed sign of “25 MPH”.  You had one job, kiddo!!! 

Aint Daisy was rocking very fast and determined as I approached her porch.  Her face was red and her eyes flashing sparks.  “Good almost-afternoon, Aint Daisy.  May I sit with you for a while?”  She kept on rocking, but nodded her head.  Her eyes were blazing and her jaw was set with teeth clenched.  I’d never seen her so angry.  I gently asked, “You’re troubled right now, aren’t you?  May I help in any way?”  She just rocked a bit more, slowed down and smoothed her flowered apron.  “Whall, chile.  I jess had quite a grumble with old Horace Bills.  He was a-whippin’ his old mule a-cause he wouldn’t work no more.  It’s 95 degrees in the sun an’ mules are really smart.  They know when to quit a-workin’ so’s they can cool off.  They jess won’t budge, an’ he kept on a whippin’ and whippin’ that poor animal.  I went to the fence and hollered at him to stop or I’d call the sheriff and animal police on him.  He stopped and went to his barn.  He shoulda gone t’ the out house--- that’s where waste goes. Finally, the mule wandered over into the shade of the big tree where there was a trough of water.  I’m jess so mad!  I swear that man is so mean and evil even a corpse would be scared to return to life.”  I patted her hand and got up to get some lemonade for both of us.  I knew my Lady of the Holler had to refuel her wisdom. 

“Your importance is measured only by how important you make others feel.” Tjr 

There was a convention of egotists meeting in a large, public room.  Each was given an assignment to tell the saddest story they could think of which happened to them.  After a while, the sprinkler system malfunctioned and came on.  There wasn’t a dry I in the place. 

My husband and I had tried a new brand of coffee.  It didn’t measure up to the quality we liked.  My husband said, “Maybe we could get some strong, expensive, 100% Colombian coffee.”  I said, “Id much rather put the money toward something that would last in stead of something which just goes in one end and out the other.”  “That’s for sure.  You don’t own coffee, you just rent it,” perked my hubby.

Groups of living things interests me.  I found:  a group of fireflies/lightning bugs is called a SPARKLE.  A group of feeding vultures is called a WAKE.  A group of flamingos---a FLAMBOYANCE.  A group of peacocks---an OSTENTATION.  A group of otters---a ROMP.  A group of parrots---a PANDEMONIUM.  A group of giraffes when standing still---a TOWER;  when moving together---a JOURNEY; and when moving in circles as a group---a KALEIDOSCOPE 

I was in a very deep conversation with a dear friend.  She told me she was so glad we became friends and believed God had brought us together.  I agreed with her.  I told her, “He supplies our needs through our relationship with others.  He sends people to us in time capsules---some are here for a short time, some for a bit longer, and some (very, very few) are here for a very long time.  Those are the ones who are steadfast and true.  Those are the ones who stand firm in the definition of FRIEND.  Those are the ones who love us and support us in our darkest moments and are joyful and dance with us in our brightest ones.  Those who stand firm do not enable, they guide and are, sometimes, the brakes needed so we don’t self-destruct.” 

It was TAKE YOUR CHILD TO WORK day.  So, I took my four year old daughter to my high school English classes.  She was very enthralled at the process of my teaching and their interactions.  After lunch, another group came into the classroom.  We proceeded as all the other classes had.  Half-way though the class time, she raised her hand.  I called on her and she asked, “Mommy, when do they take a nap?”  I tried not to laugh as I knew she was serious and didn’t want to stifle her.  I smiled and said, “Oh, sometimes they just fall asleep, in their seat, when they feel like it.”  I heard some muffled agreements, and quickly told my students, “NO!  That answer does not give you permission to take a nap.” 

Correction is always taken personally when accountability is not taught and unfamiliar.  Accountability is courage over comfort.  It’s choosing principles over convenience.  It’s choosing to practice good values instead of profession them.  Words are just words unless actions back them up. 

“Live for something…Write your name in kindness, love, and mercy on the hearts of thousands you come in contact with.  You will never be forgotten.”  Thomas Chalmers

Have you ever had someone, whom you’ve not seen for a very long time, say to you, “I’ll never forget the kind {words, encouragement, help, etc.} you did for me.  Thank you so much.”?  You leave “your mark” with everyone you meet.  The mark can be good, bad, or ugly, but it is there and you might not even realize it.  Sometimes you don’t care, but perhaps most of the time you do. 

Brenduhh came over very angry.  I asked her what the issue was.  She growled, “I just had a strong verbal encounter with someone.  I’m just going to go into my MAYBE mode.”  I quietly asked her, “What is a “MAYBE mode”?  She replied, “It’s MAYBE I’ll care, and MAYBE I won’t.”  I totally understood. 

Did you know love has a stethoscope?  It helps you hear the “heartbeat” of another.  Love is a pulley…it lifts up another.  

I saw this on a drink mug and laughed out loud.  Although I don’t have ADHD, I have a dear friend who does and a child who does.  “I came, I saw, I forgot what I was doing.  Went back, got distracted and have no idea what’s going on.  Is this my cup?  I have to pee.”  Whenever I have a conversation with them, I have to keep my mind on “track” or the train of thought goes to the roundhouse and gets lost. 

“Thoughts and words are just the thunder, be the lightning! Your actions are who you are regardless of what you think or say.” Andy T.  If you think about the two, thunder is just sound and does nothing; lightning is the action which produces the sound and it does something----it either regenerates or it destroys. 

In closing:  I asked God why He led me through so much darkness.  He answered, “It’s so you know the way out when I send you in for someone else.”  I can’t argue that as I’ve experienced it throughout my life. 

Peace and love-----Trudy

🦟 June 2026 FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

Month #6, BUT we are not half-way through the year, as some think.  July 2, 2026 is the half-way point this year.  June is the main month of weddings, and nine months later, for some---babies!!  Babies born in June are either Geminis (born May 21–June 20) or Cancers (born June 21–July 22). In general astrology, they are often called "summer babies" or "June bugs".   June derives from Iunius in the Latin calendar, named after Juno, the ancient Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. For this reason, June remains the most popular month for weddings.  We celebrate Father’s Day and other somewhat new ones to celebrate.  June is one of only two months (along with October) associated with three different birthstones: Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite; and, the official flowers representing the month are the Rose and the Honeysuckle, both signifying deep affection and sweetness.  These are some facts I found about the month of June.  It is, also, the birth month of a very dear friend of mine, Melodie, and my dear, first-best-friend, cousin, Sharon.  Happy Birthday sweet ladies!!!

🦟 Soon those little blood sucking, annoying creatures will be with us once again.  No, not the politicians, but close.  There are deterrents which are chemical-free you can use.  Don’t use perfumed deodorant, or perfume; don’t use hair spray; wear tan clothing---forget blue because they love that color and you’ll become the blue-plate special.  If you do get bitten, blame it on the female.  The males have no mouth parts to suck the blood.  They just hang around to breed.  Mosquitoes live long enough to make us miserable.  If you get bitten by one, warm a spoon and put the bowl of the spoon on the bite.  The heat will destroy the protein that causes the itching reaction.  The itching is an allergic reaction to the protein.  I’m looking for my soup ladle. 

My mother-in-law was coming for a visit one year.  It took me half a day to clear out a closet so she’d have a place to hang up-side down to sleep.  I, also, had to polish the cauldron so she could make her famous brew.  I never could find an eye of a newt, so I found some gummy eyeballs for her to use. 

Some actual, but funny signs:  Shoe repair store:  “We will heel you.  We will save your sole, we will even dye for you!”  An eye clinic:  “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’ve some to the right place.”  Plumber’s truck:  “We repair what your husband fixed.”  In a restaurant window:  “Don’t stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up.”  In the front yard of a funeral home:  “Drive carefully.  We’ll wait.”  On the back of a septic tank truck:  “Caution---this truck is full of political promises.” 

“Never odd or even” spelled backwards is still “never odd or eveN.”  

LADYBUG in Japanese is TENTOMUSHI, “heaven path insect.”  TEM is Heaven; TO is path; MUSHI is insect.  They are called this because when you hold them up, they fly to heaven.  The Japanese believe a 7 spotted ladybug carries the 7 sorrows of the world on its back so everyone else can be happy.  Ladybugs are very beneficial to a gardener---they eat destructive insects.  In fact, boxes of ladybugs can be purchases to release in your garden.  They are highly specialized predators that voraciously consume soft-bodied pests like aphids, mites, and mealy bugs.  Praying mantises are good, too, but they eat ladybugs and are ugly.  Ladybugs are cute and don’t bite the head off their mate after mating like female praying mantises do.  Talk about an attitude! 

I found these quotes.  They are quite profound and thought provoking.  “You cannot change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”  “The one who throws the stone forgets; the one who is hit remembers forever.”  “The living close the eyes of the dead, but the dead open the eyes of the living.”  “Sometimes you have to not have to know what you have.” 

“Come on in, chile.  I gots some fresh pie and whipped cream made an’ I know ye want to have some while we talk,” she said as I knocked on the old screen door.  “Here, set yerself down an’ I’ll get some plates and forks.  How are ye, an’ thanks fer comin’ over.  I was a-getting’ lonesome,” she chattered as she gathered the plates and forks.  “I’m doing fine, Aitn Daisy, but I have a friend who isn’t.  She’s all upset at what some of her “friends” have been acting towards her and what they have said to her---down right hurtful thinks.  I told her they were jealous of how nice she is, kind she is to others, and doesn’t say gossip to others.  If fact they’ve even mocked her because she doesn’t talk a lot.  Do you have any wisdom I can share with her, please?” I asked.  Aint Daisy smoothed her apron, adjusted her chair, and started talking slowly.  I knew she was remembering what she’d learned throughout her many years of living.  “Chile, those other girls are jes plain jealous, as ye said, an’ weak.  Jealous people are unhappy and weak people often hurt others so they’ll feel strong.  Truly strong people are usually kind an’ the smart people usually stay quiet.  Those chatterboxes o’ girls really know the least ‘cause they’s a-talkin’ the most.  So’s you tell yer friend what I’ve said an’ tell her not to fret no more a’cause she’s much better’n them.”  How’s the pie?”  Ahh more wisdom from the Lady of the Holler. 

The light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.  The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.  As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.  After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door.  She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.  He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally....I assumed you had stolen the car."   I’ve had that happen at the store with the adult swearing at the kids, then getting into a car with all the religious stickers on it and a cross hanging from the rearview mirror.  I tapped on the window and asked them if the car was theirs since their words didn’t demonstrate what all the stickers were saying.  You should have seen the looks; ‘won’t repeat the words, though. 

DIDJA KNOW DEPT.:  There are US towns with animal names?  Chicken, AK; Bumble Bee, AZ & CA; Beaver, AR, PA, KS, OR; Badger, CA; Dinosaur, CO; Butterfly, KY; Pigeon, MI; Alligator, MS; Yak, MT; Roach, NE; Worms, NE; Duck, NC; Fly, OH; Porcupine, SD; Blue Goose, TN; Clam, VA. 

Oh that Brenduhh!!  She came running over to tell me what she thought was good news.  “Trudy, Trudy, look at this award I got!” she said with so much enthusiasm.  “The police complimented me on my driving the other day.  Evidently, they’d seen me struggling to parallel park the van in between the yellow lines of the red curb space, which was beside the fire hydrant.  Finally, I got the whole thing just about in the space.  They left a note on my windshield.  It said, ‘PARKING FINE.’  I thought that was nice.”  I could NOT “let the air out of her tires” of thought. 

Guy got irritated at me for a little thing.  It seems he was getting tired of making the coffee every morning.  Even if he got up later than I, he still made the coffee.  He mentioned he thought there was no reason for me to NOT make it if I was the first up.  I told him I didn’t want to go against what the Bible says about this issue.  He was stunned and asked me to show him where in the Bible it says a man is to make the coffee.  I opened the Bible and pointed to the book right after Philemon.  “See, there it is---HEBREWS,” I chortled.  He told me to go away; I told him he brewed a good cup of coffee.  ‘Got told, again!!  Imagine that. 

Blessings and smiles until next month.    As always, Trudy

🎕 May 2026 FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

It’s always amazing to me when I sit down to write this column/newsletter the things I place here to help, entertain, or inform you readers.  Sometimes my mind is just vacant and I wait.  Today was one of those days where the “VACANCY” sign was so prevalent.  Then, all of a sudden so much came.  I’ll share those comings with you, now. 

I found these puns (I love puns), and want to share them with you:  My hubby told me to stop impersonating a flamingo; I had to put my foot down.  The guy who fell into an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.  Parallel lines have so much in common; it’s a shame they’ll never meet.  The rotation of Earth really makes my day.  The guy who invented the door knocker got a no-bell prize. 

“Christ has turned our sunsets into dawns.”  Clement of Alexandria.  Even in death, the sunset of life, a new dawn breaks.  Over the last year, I’ve had to deal with the death of some I loved.  Of course, the grief and tears came, but then the acceptance slowly moved in, like a gentle fog, and helped me to accept the sunsets and recognize the new dawns.  The void of their being will always be with me, but the knowing of the new dawn they are experiencing is comforting.  There is a Japanese saying, “Crying is a way your eyes speak when your mouth can’t explain how broken your heart is.” 

I live by 7 Marine rules:  Tell the truth.  Do your best, no matter how trivial the task.  Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong.  Look out for the group before you look out for yourself.  Don’t whine or make excuses.  Judge others by their actions not their race, color of skin, or religion.  Respect those who are in authority; if not them, respect their rank. How interesting it has been to read the 10 Life lesson based on Navy SEALS’ training:

Start by making your bed—start each day by completing a task.  Find someone to help you paddle or get through life---you can’t change the world alone, look for help.  Measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers---the will to succeed is greater than one’s physique, background, ethnicity, etc.  Get over being perfect and move forward---you will never be perfect. Strive for progression, not perfection.  Don’t be afraid of the circuses---overcoming failure makes you stronger.  Slide down obstacles head first sometimes—risk being called foolish.  Don’t back down from the sharks---Stand up to obstacles and fears, head on, to succeed.  Be your very best in your darkest moment---be calm and composed, use all your tactical skills, strength, and fortitude.  Start singing when you are up to your neck in mud---Be the ONE to inspire.  Don’t ever ring the bell---NEVER quit. 

I was asked what my advice to today’s graduates is.  My answer:  “NEVER stop learning.  NO matter how big or small the lesson, learn from it.  Learn practical things; learn some challenging things.  With each opportunity, learn something because eventually you will use what you learned to better yourself, situation, or help another.” 

A former student of mine smashed his finger, a few months ago, doing some repairs.  There was no damage shown at the moment, but about a week later a purple mark showed up under the fingernail.  It worked its way about half-way up his nail.  No pain, just working its way out.  He started thinking that so many of us are damaged from our past.  Maybe trauma, maybe loss, maybe addiction, or what ever it may be messed us up.  Healing isn’t always evident or loud.  Sometimes, it’s just a slow process we may not even notice.  Thank you, Andy, for your insight and words of wisdom.  A+, kiddo!!! 

On a certain question about things people brag about, one person mentioned that people proudly wearing a cap which says "Viet Nam Vet" irritated him. He stated, “It’s like the guy in his 70s still wearing his high school letter jacket.  Have you not grown or accomplished anything in the past 60 years?”  My poignant response to him was:

"Obviously you have NEVER been in a war like Viet Nam was. Obviously you have NEVER looked the end of lives in the face like these vets have. Obviously you have NEVER had your buddy lose their life who was beside you. Obviously you have NEVER carried over 100 pounds of your life on your back walking through mine fields, swampy "land", hot and humid jungles knowing there is someone or something hidden which will kill you. When you have done all that, you are entitled to criticize another proudly wearing a piece of garment telling where THEY went through all that and retuned ALIVE."  The "administration" did not accept my reply. But, they did accept another telling the irritant he was an ass.  Interesting. 

How Come Department:  How come there’s enough asphalt for speed bumps, but not enough for pot holes?  How come peanut butter is put in small mouth jars instead of large mouth so you can get every bit out?  How come young family members return to the fridge a milk carton with only a tablespoonful of milk when there is enough room in their glass for that one tablespoon?  How come directions are posted in Braille at an outside drive-up window?  How come some parents object to discipline at school?  Could it be it shows what isn’t done at home?  How come some parents would rather be liked than respected by their child?  How come when you meet the tree you understand the apple?  How come 72 degrees in the summer feels differently than 72 degrees in the winter? 

Aint Daisy was rocking in her chair on the screened porch as I approached.  “Whall, looky here who’s a-come to see ole me.  Come on up and set a spell, chile.  Tell me all about yer week.  I sat down in the other rocking chair and smiled at that sweet, wise soul.  “It’s been quite a week, Aint Daisy.  I’ve had lots of smiles, but some frowns thrown in for appreciation of the smiles.”  She grinned.  “Looks like yer a-learning ‘bout life, sweet one. Did ja learn anything with all that?”  I told her I was pretty certain I had.  She said, “Whall, what cher learnt was experience.  What cher learnt was experience is not weakness; it is strength shaped by resilience, perseverance, and time.  You’ll use it all as the days go along.  Then, ifin yer wise, like I think ye are, you’ll pass that experience along to others.  I got some fresh cherry pie and whipped cream in the kitchen.  Come on in and let’s have us some.”  Of course I was not about to turn down any pie from my Lady of the Holler. 

I have a former student who has battled cancer.  She has beaten it with determination and prayers from others and herself.  After chemo, she lost her hair.  It is slowly returning, but she doesn’t think she looks very attractive.  I told her, “Your beauty is not superficial.  It has been and will always be what cosmetics or hair pieces can’t cover up.  Your beauty is from within, and that is the most important beauty of all.  You’re not tough; you’re resilient.  Resilience is more than tough because it comes back.  You are loved, sweet girl.” 

“Ugliness is not about how someone looks.  It’s is revealed in the way they lie without flinching, manipulate without shame, and hurt others without any remorse.  Beauty is telling the truth and knowing if it hurts trying to make it gentle; helping another feel important as they help you; and not purposely hurting another in words or deeds, but when it happens, you apologize with your heart.  As my sweet mother always said, “Beauty is only skin deep.  Kindness, truthfulness, and sincerity go to the soul.” 

We were experiencing a severe rain storm.  The rain was pretty strong and the thunder, which followed the lightning, was deafening. One of my little ones said, “Mom, it’s raining pretty hard out there.”  I told her the rain was all of God’s tears pouring down.  She then asked, “If the rain is God’s tears, what is the thunder?”  I started to answer, but her brother called out, “It’s God’s farts.”  I put a pillow over my face so he couldn’t hear the screaming laughter from me. 

“It may not happen today.  It may not happen tomorrow, but if I give up it will never happen.” Author unknown 

Well, I’ve come to the end of the 2 pages.  I’ve been blessed with all this for you.  I hope you have enjoyed what you’ve read.  Share the link with another, if you’d like.  https://frommiperspective.blogspot.com/ 

Smiles and blessing to you,

Always, Trudy J🎕

 

♰ 2026 April FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 ♰

During this Christian holy week, I came upon a thought of the importance of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and why he rode on a donkey instead of with great fanfare and celebration.  Not all who are truly important are celebrated with fanfare and glamour.  Usually those who are humble and true don’t want it.  Their importance is revealed in other ways.  By entering as a king, Jesus challenged the authority of the Roman Empire, but in a nonviolent manner.  Unlike a conquering king who might arrive on a warhorse, riding a donkey highlighted His role as a humble, peaceful king. 

Did you know when you mix honey and ginger it dissolves inflammation in your joints?  Did you know when you mix oatmeal and cinnamon your blood sugar is stabilized and afternoon crashes? 

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”  “Some friendships are deeper than others.  You trust your soul to them.”  “Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.” Aristotle 

The strongest people are not the loudest.  The most powerful words are often the quietest.  “Patience and Silence are two powerful energies.  Patience makes you mentally strong.  Silence makes you emotionally strong.  Patience trains the mind.  Silence protects the heart.”  Abdul Kalam 

Aint Daisy is on vacation this month.  She’ll be back by May. 

I have two cats.  One (Gidget) is an opportunist and the other (Jada Jane) is a thinker, loves to cuddle, and cagy.  I have a room I prefer they not go in unless Tara or I are with them.  There’s just too much to get into.  It wasn’t time for the evening feeding, but it was sort of a snack time---well, Jada Jane thought so.  I had to open the special room door too turn off the light I’d forgotten to turn off.  I didn’t realize Jada Jane was hovering close.  The door opened and in she ran.  I knew if I put some food pellets in her bowl, she come out and to the bowl.  Sure enough, she ran in, and the room door got closed quickly.  I told my daughter, Tara, “Jada is calculating.”  Tara laughed and said, “She’s more cat-q-lating, Mom.” 

“April showers bring May flowers.”  I’ve heard this for years, and as I get older I notice there is a difference in the April showers of 30 and 40 years ago.  They seem to be more torrential now with darker skies and more severe lightning.  But, the flowers seem to stay the same---beautiful, rich in color, and refreshing.  Pansies are my favorite for a variety of reasons.  They don’t seem to “collapse” as quickly as jonquils and daffodils; the color selection is just about overwhelming because I’d like to have every one; their scent is gentle and alluring; but mostly it is how they look.  Every time I see one I see an angel in the middle.  Most people have told me they see a face.  Well, o.k., but it looks like a pug dog’s face.  I didn’t see the angel until Stephen and Tara came into my life in 1999.  I’ve told you they are challenged…they are in the autistic spectrum.  They see the world so refreshingly different than cynical mature people.  We were at a local nursery looking for flowers to put in pots.  They stopped at the pansies, and there was silence.  I watched as they gently bent over looking deep into each flower.  They touched each “face” ever so lightly with one finger.  They turned to me and whispered, “Grandma, come here and see what we found.”  I approached and stood next to them.  In unison they whispered pointing to the pansies, “Grandma, look what God has brought you---angels.”  I choked up looking at them and could barely say, “Yes, He has; oh yes, He has.”  I think we bought 24 plants so they could enjoy their angels.  We buy pansies every spring---for the angels. 

A Japanese legend says about crying:  “Crying is just a way your eyes speak when your mouth can’t explain how broken your heart is.”  I dedicate this column/newsletter and that statement in the memory of my beloved sister, Colleen, who passed away suddenly on March 27, 2026.  She was unique, loving, kind, and touched many lives throughout hers.  The memories I have are precious.  Love, Dew

🎂 2026 March FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

March, the third month of the year.  The saying, “in like a lion, out like a lamb” applies to most places, but I live in Illinois.  Illinois has its own saying---“Maybe I’ll come in like a lion; maybe I’ll go out like a lamb.  But, I’ll change right in the middle of the day at any given time and even change seasons three times.” 

It is named for the Roman god of war, Mars, was the first month in the early Roman calendar, and marks the beginning of spring with the Vernal Equinox, bringing events like Pi Day (3/14), St. Patrick's Day, and International Women's Day, plus traditions like Daylight Saving Time March 8. It's known as the "Stormy Month" by Anglo-Saxons and features the Pisces and Aries zodiac signs, with daffodils as the birth flower and aquamarine/blood stone as birthstones.   It’s my birthday month, too.  I’ll see #81 this year.  What blessings I’ve had. 

Oh that Brenduhh!  She came over all in a fluff.  “Hi, kiddo, how are you today?” I inquired.  “Well, I had quite a time on the road, Trudy.  I had to call for roadside assistance due to a flat tire.  The fella arrived and started taking off the stuff that holds the tire on my car.  I guess I asked him too many times when he’d be finished, because he kept saying, ‘Bear with me.’  It really scared me because I kept looking around and didn’t see any bear.  I didn’t want the bear to sneak up on me and me be its lunch.  You know they can hide.”  I told her I was glad she was all right and didn’t see a bear.  I offered some tea and a cinnamon roll to calm her nerves……well, really to help me not have my eyes stick in the top of my eye sockets. 

Have you ever been so angry you just about can’t see or think straight?  I have.  It’s unsettling.  I came across a piece of wisdom.  It said, “You cannot see your reflection in boiling water; nor, can you see truth in a state of anger.” 

There are unusual words for everyday things.  Even our bodies have them.  Glabella---the space between your eyebrows.  Wamble---the growling sound your stomach makes when you’re hungry.  (Also, the sound of a mating whale when you’re in a place there is to be silence and your stomach announces, “FEED ME!!”)  Phosphenes---the spots or light patterns you see when you close your eyes and press on them (“seeing stars” is what I call it.)  Minimus---your smallest toe or finger. (When your small toe finds a piece of furniture and stops you immediately and you do the pain dance, you utter maximus words your mother didn’t teach you.) Columella nasi---the bit of flesh separating your nostrils.  Crapulence---the awful feeling after overindulging in food or drink. 

When Guy and I were teaching, we had many levels of “mental accomplishment” (that’s what we called intelligence).  One day we were walking and a convertible car drove by us going faster than the speed limit sign suggested.  A kid stood up with the wind blowing their hair all around, waved their arms, and yelled, “Hi Mr. and Mrs. Ripka!!!”  Guy looked at me and said, “There goes one of my fourth hour students.  It looks like they are refueling their brain.” 

When one of my children, who was about 6, was taking a bath one evening, I heard a lot of splashing and cheers of glee coming from her.  Cautiously I entered the bathroom---one never knows what one will find with this kid and her exuberance---and asked her what she was doing.  With as much gusto as before she happily replied, “Oh Mom, I’m just surfing.”  The bathroom looked it, too. 

I like dogs.  I was wondering what different breeds would say to changing a light bulb.  Here are some:  Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?  Border Collie: Just one. And then, I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.  Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!  Rottweiler: Make me; just make me.  HA!  Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.  Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeze let me change the light bulb! Pleeeeze, please!  German Shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I've led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.  Cane Corso:  If it moves and doesn’t live here, it’s curtains for it.” Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb?  Now, here is what a cat would say:  "Dogs do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So, the real question is: How long will it be before I can expect some light, some dinner, and a massage?" ALL OF WHICH PROVES, ONCE AGAIN, THAT WHILE DOGS HAVE MASTERS, CATS HAVE STAFF. 

While driving, I see humorous alert signs from Illinois Dept. of Transportation.  Here are a few:

“Text while driving…..Oh cell no!”;  “Don’t want to meet by accident?  Don’t text while driving.”; 

  “No texting, No speeding, No ketchup.”   "Keep your eyes on the road and your head out of your apps."

Do you like tongue twisters?  I do.  TEXT TEST; SLY SALLY SLANDERED SAL SLIVER; 

QUICK QUALITY QUESTION; CHICKEN CHASERS; WAFER WAFFLES; TRUSTS TOSSED;  

PLEASE PLEAT PLAIDS. 

“Patience and Silence are two powerful energies.  Patience makes you mentally strong.  Silence makes you emotionally strong.”  Abdul Kalam   Patience trains the mind.  Silence protects the heart. 

The richest wealth is Wisdom.  The strongest weapon is Patience and sometimes silence.  The best security is Faith.  The greatest tonic is Laughter, and surprisingly, all are free. 

Do you know the difference between a New York lawyer and a new York lawyer? 

“Come on in here, chile.  I got something for ye,” Aint Daisy hollered from the kitchen.  Oh the odor coming from that room of love.  I knew she’d been baking her rolls and pies.  “Set yerself down an’ I’ll bring us out some rolls and butter.  They jess came otta the oven.”  I about drowned in my saliva!!  She came out with two plates, knives, butter, napkins, and a basket of rolls.  “Hep yerself while I go git something I got fer ye.”  I could not resist taking four of the hot rolls.  Sometimes it’s best NOT to tell me to help myself, especially when it’s something I love to eat.  She returned with a lovely wrapped box and set it in front of me.  “What have you gone and done, Aint Daisy?”  She smile, sat down across from me and encouraged me to open the box.  This here is yer birthday gift, chile.  So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!!”  I gently unwrapped the box.  There was a lovely, yearly calendar.  I opened it and in the bottom of each daily square was neatly written “gift”.  365 of them, to be exact.  I smiled and said, “This is so nice.  Thank you.  I needed a calendar, too.  Why is the word “gift” written on each day, if you don’t mind me asking?”  She smoothed her apron, which told me something wise was going to be said.  “I wrote the word “gift” in each daily square so you would be reminded that each day, every day is a gift to you from the Lord.  What you do with that gift is a gift to the One who gave it to you.”  I smiled, had  tears in my eyes, and thought for a while about the truth this dear soul had said.  More wisdom from the Lady of the Holler.

***I do NOT know why there is a glitch in the format.  I'm sorry it is not consistent all through the reading.  I didn't know how to fix it!!  grrrrr

That’s all for this month.  Smiles and good thoughts are coming you way.   Always, Trudy J

 

💘2026 February FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

Omnia causa Fiunt (Latin)---“Everything happens for a reason.”  Trust that every moment is guiding you towards a wiser, stronger, and better version of yourself.  “Not all the storms come to disrupt your life; some come to clear your path.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (the song TURN, TURN, TURN uses this Bible verse(s)) states says that all events, good and bad, have a divinely appointed time and season in life.  Some things are beyond human control and, that while we can’t control the timing of events, we should accept life’s changes, and find meaning by living wisely in the present.  I’ve had many things happen where I’ve asked, “What positive could possibly come from this!?”  Later, I found out.  I don’t question as much as I did. 

Life is like a traveling city bus---there are many stops and different people are getting on and getting off.  Sometimes the destination is familiar and sometimes not.  It (life) is all about mindset.  From the moment you wake up, to the moment you rest your head at night, everything is up to you.  Your emotions, your thoughts, your perceptions, your reactions, your decisions, and your choices are all up to you.  

Some thoughts I have from time to time:  If you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?  What’s another name for THESAURUS?  Who is more foolish—the fool or the fool who follows him?  Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?  If a book about failures doesn’t sell, is it a success?  If someone tells you they are a liar, are they telling the truth?  If you’re a judge, and you judge people, do you consider “judge not that ye not be judged”?  Why does colored soap and shampoo have white bubbles?  If you’re allowed to drive on the driveway, why is it not allowed to park on the parkway?  With the word QUEUE, why isn’t the letter Q be the only letter? 

COURAGE:  it’s when only you know you’re scared.  It’s you knowing the opposition is very strong, but you face it anyway.  It’s knowing and believing what is right and good while facing what is wrong and bad, and not backing down.  It’s standing on Satan’s belt buckle and spitting in his eye.  This is what Daddy told me when I was scared.  He told me of his ordeal in battle at Iwo Jima commanding a ship of “kids” who were scared to pieces.  Daddy was 26, every one of them was not even 20!  I asked him if he were scared.  He reiterated his definition of courage.  

I slowly walked up the flat-stone path to the Lady of the Holler’s little house.  My emotional burden was heavy.  I knocked on her front door.  She answered it and immediately knew I was not in the best frame of mind.  “Oh chile, I see yuv got a burden.  Come on in here and set down and tell Aint Daisy what-cher troubled about.”  She knew I’d have tears, so out came the tissue box and set down beside me.  “Oh, Aint Daisy, you always know I’ll probably have tears when I have something heavy on my heart.”  “Whall chile, h’aint no trouble airin’ yer toubles to one who’ll listen.  Anyway, tears help ye t’ see the answer bettah, and they clear the heart an’ mind.  Now tell me all ‘bout it.”  I told her some gals, who I thought were my friends, had been saying untrue things about me, and it all came back to me via a friend who’d overheard the comments.  “Whall, here’s how I see it,” she started.  “First off, a friend h’ain’t gonna resay those things t’ you a cause they know they’ll hurt ya.  They, also, know those words h’aint true.  Jess remember:  if  nobody sees ya as an enemy, yer not important an’ they know yer better ‘n they is; if some don’t talk about ya behind yer back, yer not relevant; if these folks doubt yer good intentions, it means they know they’s not as good as ya are; if someone tries t’ put ya down, yer already above ‘em---hate comes from below, not from the Good Spirit.  I know all this is a lot t’ remember, but if’n ye can remember some, it’ll hep ya.  How ‘bout some tea and a slice of the cherry pie and whipped cream ‘ats out in the kitchen coolin’?”  Of course, I didn’t turn THAT down.  It always amazes me how this sweet one, my Lady of the Holler, knows exactly what to say.  She’s a treasure for sure. 

If you’re over 50, you’ve probably uttered or thought these words:  “I don’t need to write it down.  I won’t forget it.”  Have you ever, more than once, put the things you were planning to get at the store in your memory, and as soon as you go thorough the doors and get a cart, your mind goes blank!!??  It’s the DOORWAY EFFECT.  “This is actually a phenomenon where a person’s memory declines when passing through a doorway, and is often the main culprit for people forgetting to do things when leaving a room, or walking into a room and forgetting why they’re there.  It’s thought to be due to the change in the physical environment.”  I have a flight of stairs in my house.  There have been times I’ve arrived at the bottom or top and wondered, “Why am I here?”  No, I’m not questioning my existence!  I know why I’m here, but why was I there at the top or bottom of the stairs?  It’s almost like Abbot and Costello’s WHO’S ON FIRST or the comedic orator, Henry Cho, talking about his friend who’s last name is Me. (Google that one.  It’s hilarious.)  So sweetie, you’re not losing your mind.  You’re experiencing THE DOORWAY EFFECT. 

INTUITION:  “When you don’t know how you know…but you know you know…and you know you knew…and that’s all you needed to know.”  Yep, I knew I knew after something I know I knew was mentioned. 

Brenduhh and her sister, Fonduhh, were all excited to go to Disney Land in Florida.  They packed their car and took off for a wonderful vacation of a full-week there.  How surprised I was when they returned two days later.  Brenduhh came over very unhappy.  I was surprised to see her and asked her why they were back so soon.  She said, “Well, we almost got to Disney Land in Florida.  We saw a sign on the highway which said, “DISNEY LAND LEFT”, so we thought, “Why go any farther when Disney Land has left?  So, we turned around and came home.”  I thought it futile to explain their misinterpretation of the sign; my head hurt. 

I found this about fighter jets.  It’s amazing and logical.  “Fighter jets fly faster than the bullets they shoot.  The glass is bullet proof and bird proof.  They can cost more than a small town.  A jet’s engines can suck in a human if they get too close.  A supersonic jet’s boom can shatter windows.” 

It was Monday, and my friend was listening to my lament about something going on in my life.  I finished and she lovingly said, “Just take it one day at a time.”  Criminies, what else am I going to do…skip Tuesday and maybe Wednesday? 

One of my precious ones was in the full throes of the adolescent years.  Wisdom had not come calling, yet.  I was concerned about their appearance and hygiene, and asked, “Are you going to take a shower?”  In their rationale, they replied, “Mom, why should I?  I haven’t done anything all day.”  

When my 15 year old son had been visiting relatives in another state for longer than I liked, I called him.  During our conversation, I asked him if he missed me, because I really missed him.  He answered, “Yes, I do.”  I was a bit skeptical because I know kids will say what they think parents want to hear.  So, I asked, “Really, honey.  You really miss me?”  He replied with all the wisdom and tact of a teenager, “Mom, I miss you a lot, but I haven’t had time to think about it because I’ve been so busy.” 

A chicken’s version of a popular Shakespearean tragedy is called, “Omlette”.  The actors are all birds and are paid a poultry sum. 

A hungry Greek man was infatuated with a lady who loved music.  He wanted to impress her, but wanted his song selection, to sing to her, to be original.  Sure enough, he sang, DID YOU EVER KNOW THAT YOU’RE MY GYRO?, (pronounced “year-o”) 

Hubby and I attended his 50^th high school reunion years ago.  A gal came up to him and asked if he remembered her.  He indicated he did.  She turned to me and said, “I used to be his flame.”  I smiled saying, “Yes, I know, but I’m his bonfire now!”  She didn’t have much more to say.

💙Every autistic child carries a love so pure it teaches the world how to feel deeply and love without conditions. I leave you this month with these thoughts:  

💜💜  “How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.”  Philippians 3:13-14:  Happiness is found in three things---letting go of what was; enjoying what is; having faith in what will be.                        Peace and smiles to you-----always, Trudy