💘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 

🏆 2026 January FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

Happy New Year!!!  May 2026 be a trophy year for you.  2025 went by very quickly; well, to me it did.  I guess when your age is passed 50 time goes faster.  My 365 days were filled with smiles, some frowns, some tears---which make the smiles even more enjoyable, and gratefulness.  I gained people in my life and lost some.  The memories of those lost will keep them close.  I have a friend who is struggling with grief.  We have talked about it and how I handle(d) the grief I have.  I told them, “Grief causes me to wonder where to put all the love I still have to give to those who I’ve loved and are now gone.  Grief changes everything---your think more, move a little slower, develop deeper insight, and sometimes you just don’t want to do anything including thinking.  You know you miss the person, and then, you realize you miss the relationship, which becomes, ‘I miss us.’  There is no time frame on grief.  Everyone is different.  In my opinion, grief doesn’t get smaller, you just grow around it.”

This is a comparison of an English statement and poetry of the departure of 2025. The English version: “Goodbye 2025.”  The poetic version:  “Farewell, old year of fleeting light,/Your days have folded into night./You leave behind your joy and scars/A trail of dust beneath the stars.” 

Sometimes I hear different words than those which are spoken.  I’d asked my daughter to flip and move the cushions on a certain couch.  I was busy in the kitchen when she announced, what I thought she said, “Mom, I’ve frisked and mooed the chickens.”  When she approached me, I said, “What?!?!  We don’t have any chickens, so how could you have frisked and mooed the chickens??”  She looked at me and laughed.  “No, I flipped and moved the cushions.  Mom, you are hilarious.”  We both had a good laugh of the day.  I found these misheard lyrics to some songs.  I’m not the only one who “mishears” words.   'Bad Moon Rising' by Creedence Clearwater Revival- Misheard: "There's a bathroom on the right"- Correct: "There's a bad moon on the rise" 'We Didn't Start the Fire' by Billy Joel - Misheard: "We didn't start the fire, it was always burning, said the worst attorney"- Correct: "We didn't start the fire, it was always burning, since the world's been turning"; ‘Waterfall’ by TLC—Misheard: “Don’t go Jason Waterfalls”—Correct: “Don’t go chasing waterfalls”; ‘Desperado’ by The Eagles—Misheard: “You’ve been outright offensive, for so long now”—Correct: “You’ve been out riding fences, for so long now.”

Brenduhh came over excited.  “Trudy, I have something to tell you.  The car just plain stopped right in the middle of the street.  Luckily I was in front of my car service garage.  I called to Mike that the car had stopped for no reason.  He came over and pushed it into the garage.  After he fiddled around with it, it started.  I asked him ‘What’s the problem and how do I fix it?” Mike said, ‘Just crap in the carburetor.’  I was amazed, so I asked him, ‘How often do I have to do that?’ ” I was almost speechless, so I sputtered, “Would you like some tea and cookies I just made?” 

I was a little…oh alright, a lot, upset one day.  My voice was loud and body language ominous.  One of my kids, I think it was the brave one, said, “Mom, you remind me of two dogs.”  Well, that didn’t sit real well with me in that moment, so I insisted they support their statement and with caution.  “Yes, two dogs.  You have the attitude of a Chihuahua---thinking confidently you can take on just about anything; and, the posturing of a Cane Corso---enough body mass and intimidation to warn the opponent.” 

When you can’t put your prayer into words, God hears your heart.  Tears are prayers, too. 

I was talking to someone about anagrams using SILENT and LISTEN as an example.  I told them, “Silent and Listen have the same letters, but they are changed.”  She asked me if there were other examples.  I shared this with her, “Anagrams involve rearranging letters in existing words to form new words.  There are so many and even names and sentences:  Eleven plus two—Twelve plus one.  A decimal point---I’m a dot in place.  Vacation time---I am not active.  By rearranging “Clint Eastwood,” you can spell “old west action.”  “William Shakespeare” can be rearranged to spell, “I’ll make a wise phrase.” She seemed to be listening intently because she was silent for a while.  Then, she said, “You hurt my head.” 

It was really cold and windy when I hurriedly walked up the sidewalk to Aint Daisy’s house.  She must have seen me coming because as I got to the front door, it opened with her standing there.  The aroma of freshly baked pie, cookies, and bread enveloped my nose.  “Oh Aint Daisy, it smells heavenly.  I’m sure you’ve been busy this morning because it surely smells like it.”  She smiled and told me to hurry on in the house and get warm.  “Chile, set yerself down in the kitchen.  It’s a-warmer in there ‘cause the oven’s been busy all morning.  Did ye come to visit or ye need some advice?” she asked with a twinkle in her eye.  “Oh, I just came to visit.  I always enjoy talking with you, and I usually learn something new,” I said.  “Whall, that’s jess fine.  I have all these here goodies to share an’ I know ye like most o’ ‘em.  Did ye know that when ye share the good’s ‘at ye done, it’s a blessin’ to ye and another; an’ when ye share a trouble with another, it’s half a burden to ye?  So’s, ye jess he’p yerself to all ye want.  I a-got plenty.  I’ll fix us some nice, hot tea,” she said with a big smile.  ‘More wisdom from the Lady of the Holler. 

I came across a quote that said, “Maybe your path is harder, because your calling is higher.”  It made me chuckle.  With that thought, God must think I can leap a tall building with a single bound, and run faster than a speeding bullet. 

Here are some lessons I’ve mentioned to my children and students:  Life isn’t fair. Failure is part of success. Not everyone will like you. You are responsible for your actions and words. The world doesn’t wait for you. Hard work beats talent. You can’t control everything. Life will challenge you. You can’t please everyone. Happiness is not guarantee.  When it's your time to pass away, make sure you have left a good mark while you lived. I could give examples of each one, but they would be mine.  You are invited to reflect on examples of your own. 

“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.”  Judge Frank Caprio, Providence, R.I. 

I like to dunk my French fry in sauces.  I was busy chatting with others and dipped my fry in, what I thought, was a mild sauce.  It wasn’t.  It was wasabi infused catsup!!!  It cleaned my sinuses; I was breathing in 10 dimensions; I could smell around corners; my nostrils were on all six planes of my skull, and I sneezed through the soles of my feet.  NOTHING I drank put out the inferno in my mouth.  I could not even swear!!! 

I found this German word.  It really tells it like it is.  I couldn’t find an English equivalent to it, though.  FRUHSINN (FROO-zin)  “A cheerful, optimistic mood that arrives early in the day.  It reflects starting with clarity and lightness, before worries have the chance to settle.”  I think of me when I awaken and am still in bed.  I think to myself, “Alrighty, you’re going to get up, do some domestic diva stuff, laundry, vacuum, and maybe make a casserole for supper.”  Then, I do get up, fix my coffee, sit down in my chair and review FACEBOOK, play a little game, and enjoy the warmth of our cat, Jada, who finds my lap irresistible to lie on and purr.  I look at her and think, “How can I disturb this sleeping, warming, healing darlin’ by getting up and doing all those domestic diva actions?  Well, I can’t.”  So, I sit there and usually doze until Jada decides it’s time to move. Another German word which has no English equivalent is SCHADENFREUDE (Shaden froida)  “pleasure derived by someone from another person’s misfortune.”  I equate it to, “I told you so” said with a sly smile. 

I looked in the mirror.  I know, it’s stupid to do that, especially in the cold winter months and right after two food infused holidays.  I thought, “I wish I were as fat as I was the first time I thought I was fat.”  That fat thought was when I was in high school with a 26” waist and size 12.  I do know I’ll be that size again-----like 2 years after my last breath. 

May this new year bring you joy, more love, and lots of what you enjoy and want.  May you make “lemon pie with real whipped cream” using the “lemons” you’ll have from time to time.

***I dedicate this column to those who were a part of my life, past and present, who made their journey to Heaven in 2025.  You all made your marks, and they were good.  

Always, Trudy J

⛄ 2025 December FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

Scintillate, scintillate globule vivific fain.  Would I fathom they nature specific.  Loftily perched in the capacious ether, strongly resembling a carbonaceous gem.  Now that I have your attention, this is a complex verbiage of TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR.  What a difference simplicity makes.  J

 Having some troubles one day, I just shut down.  My daughter came to see me and noticed.  “You’ve shut down, haven’t you, Mom?  I told her I had and didn’t know when I’d be up and running again.  She smiled and said, “You’re just like a MacDonald’s ice cream machine---shuts down when you least expect it and no one knows when it will be up and running again.”  She made me laugh.

 From the past:  I made a meat loaf using the 93% lean ground beef Guy had purchased at the store.  While waiting for it to cook, I fixed each of us a cup of tea to enjoy together.  Guy asked me how I liked the meat he’d bought for the meatloaf.  I told him I wouldn’t know until it was cooked.  He asked me what time it was.  I told him, “5:04” thinking it strange he’d ask me when I could see he was wearing his watch.  I mentioned that too him.  He said, “Well, somewhere I lost an hour and 14 minutes.”  I couldn’t figure out why, so I asked, “What do you mean?”  He replied, “I’ve been sitting here looking at the clock on the stove and it says 3:50.  You better call the appliance store and have them come out and check it.”  Trying not to laugh, I said, “That 3:50 is not the time, it is the temperature of the oven which is cooking the meatloaf.  Maybe I should have set the temperature to 365; then you would have known it was not a time.  Or, I could have set it for 300, but you would have wondered why Tara was home from school so soon since she arrives at 3:30.”  “Oh be quiet,” he snorted.  I just looked at him after that.  He must have read my mind because he called me that animal he thinks is so smart. J

 I had one of those horrid procedures---a colonoscopy. The gallon of "poops a lot" was the worse stuff I'd ever tasted. Then I had a gal take me to the procedure room only to have her take me to ONCOLOGY. I would have pooped out of fear and concern they knew something I didn’t know, but I had nothing to deliver. When she got me to the right place, they positioned me at the camera, and I was EXPOSED!!  I didn’t realize they had a wide lens camera in that department.  The doc came in and introduced himself. "Hi! I'm Dr. Woo Wee." I went to sleep shortly after the introduction, or I passed out…I can't remember.

 Good thoughts lead to good spoken words, which lead to good actions.  Do the good.

Laziness kills ambition. Anger kills wisdom. Fear kills dreams. Jealousy kills peace.  Now, read it right to left.

I feel sorry for people who have professions which entail cleaning out-houses and sewers.  They have crappy jobs. 

My footsteps were heavy on the steps to Aint Daisy’s front door.  I guess my knock was harder and more demanding than I thought, as she came to the door quickly with a concerned look on her face.  “Oh, chile.  You come on in here and set yerself down.  I’ll get us some cold sweet tea and muffins.  As she went to the kitchen, I was able to settle my irritation to a soft roar.  She returned, placed the muffins and glasses of tea on the coffee table, and sat down on the flowered, over stuffed couch.  She smoothed her neck-to-knees apron, looked me in the eye and gently said, “Now, tell ole Daisy whatcha frettin’ about, chile.  ‘Haint no need to take more ‘n yer time carrin’ all that.”  I took a few sips of my tea to help settle me more.  “O.K., I’ll tell you about it.  I was sitting at a table with my back turned to another table of gals.  Among them was a person I thought was my friend.  I didn’t greet her because she was busy talking; it would have been rude to interrupt her, in my thinking.  Well, I could hear everything she was saying, and I didn’t like it.  She was talking badly about others and then she came to my name.  Oh Aint Daisy, she really was nasty about what she was saying about me.  I finished my lunch, got up, and left the restaurant.  I don’t know whether to confront her or just leave it alone.  Those who were with her knew me, but didn’t say a word in my defense.  I am so angry and hurt.”  Aint Daisy smoothed her apron, again, took a sip of her tea, and bowed her head.  A moment of silence reigned.  “Chile, I can tote-ly undertand yer feelin’s.  Ye know a viscious tongue is the devil’s delight.  I know yer probably thinkin’ there’s sometin’ wrong with ye a’cause she’s spoken badly ‘bout ye.  Whall, there haint nothin’ wrong with ye, even though ye might think there is.  So’s ye need to stop a-thinkin’ that.  Actually, there’s somethin’ wrong with her.  She’s probably not feelin’ real important, so she thinks talking bad ‘bout you will make her ‘pear important, when actually it jess makes her look bad to others.  Those who gossip or speak bad ‘bout another when none of it is true, jess don’t have much glowin’ from their candle an’ think blowin’ out another’s glow is gonna make theirs brighter.  T’aint so.  Has any o’ this I’ve told ye helped ye any?”  “Yes, Aint Daisy, every bit of what you’ve said has helped me.  I’ll just be nice to her, but distant myself from now on.  I don’t need that stress in my life.  Thank you so much,” I said.  We continued our chat on more enjoyable notes.  There is always wisdom from the Lady of the Holler……always in all ways.

 A Roman walks into a bar, holds up two fingers and says, “Five drinks, please.”  Y’all think about it.

I don’t really want to be the sun to brighten someone’s life.  I’d rather be the moon to shine on someone’s darkened hours. 

 My sweet Guy was complaining about the extra skin that was around his neck.  Age does that, much to our chagrin.  I listened as he lamented on and on and on.  When he stopped, I got up, went to him, put my hands around his neck and squeezed a bit.  He growled, “What are you doing!!!”  I lovingly said, “I’m tightening the skin around your neck.”  He told me to go away…..imagine that.

 I was looking for batteries.  Here is what I found:  A, AA, AAA, C, D, button, and 9V.  Why isn’t there a B battery?

 A friend of mine was telling be about someone who was revealing her faults and past to others.  She told me that after she found out what they were saying about her, she confronted the person and said, “I know my skeletons, and I’m not afraid of them.  I have no problem letting YOURS out to play.”

 “Stay away from negative people.  They have a problem for every solution.”  Albert Einstein

 My daughter and I were in a specialty grocery store.  We walked by a large display of individually wrapped salt water taffy.  My daughter saw me take some of each flavor.  “Mom!  Is there ANY flavor you don’t like?”  I told her, “Yes.  It’s called EMPTY WRAPPER.”  She couldn’t stop laughing.

I live close to a large mid-western city.  There in an increase in shootings and violence.  The mayor of that city made a statement to the press.  “All this shooting and violence is not acceptable!”  All I could think was, “Sooo, when is it acceptable?”

“You never lose by being kind. You only lose when you forget to be.” Chief Judge Frank Caprio, Providence, RI

 Brenduhh came over in a huff.  “Trudy, my kid’s doctor said he had ADD!!”  “O.K., there’s not much wrong with that if you watch his diet eliminating as many chemicals as possible, sugar, dyes, and provide fruits, veggies, and lean meats/poultry/fish,” I soothed.  “Well, yes there is a lot wrong with that ADD.  How’s he going to do other math with just ADD?  You know, since you’re a teacher, there’s still subtraction, multiplication, and division.  He can’t just ADD everything!!” she clamored.  I really wanted to explain ADD to her and the math she was wondering about, but my head hurt from all the eye rolling that I’d done.

 As you gather with others to celebrate the special moments of this season, please know---your presence is a present unlike any other.  You are wrapped in joy, tied neatly with a bow of smiles.  May your holiday memories be lovely and bright.  May you give without remembering, and you receive without forgetting.

As always, Trudy 🤶🎄

 

🦃 2025 November FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

Month #11.  It really is #9, if you know what “NOVEM” means.  It’s the month of:  1 All Saints Day, 3 Sandwich Day, 4 National Candy Day, 4 Men Make Dinner Day, 6 National Nachos Day,   7 Daylight Savings Ends, 10 Sesame Street Day, 11 Veteran’s Day, 13 World Kindness Day, 14 National Pickle Day, 16 National Fast Food Day, 18 Mickey Mouse’s Birthday, 25 Thanksgiving Day, 26 Try to Buy Nothing Day (oh right!!), 28 National French Toast Day, 30 National Day of Giving 

I heard a knock at my door.  I opened it and there stood my friend, Aint Daisy.  What a surprise, but there was concern on her face.  “Hello, chile.  I’m a-wonderin’ iffn ye have time to talk a spell,” she said with a shakey voice.  “Of course I do.  Please come in.  I’ll get some sweet tea.  Please sit where you’re comfortable,” I told her.  I got the tea and some freshly baked cookies, set them down on the coffee table and sat down across from my dear friend.  “Help yourself, Aint Daisy.  I have plenty to share,” I told her.  “Hain’t much fer eatin’ right now, chile.  I’m hurt and outta sorts.  How ‘bout I tell ye what’s on my mind,” she said with a quivery voice.  I made sure there were tissues close as I could see she was on the verge of tears.  She told me of one of her kids (“youn’uns”) had come over all angry at her because she’d asked some questions, which caring mothers do.  The kid told her she was nosy, didn’t really care about her, didn’t like her as her mother, she needed to go to a nursing home, and she didn’t want her to talk to her until she called and said she may.  As she talked, choking back tears, I ached for her.  I knew all she’d done to help this child: the unconditional love which oozed from her being for her, and the things which most people would not have done to help a child succeed, so many sacrifices, and thousands more things.  “Chile, what do you think?  Right now, I’mma lost fer words to say t’ her.”  I thought a few minutes and said, “Aint Daisy, I’m so sorry this happened to you and hurtful words were said without thinking.  I know how much words can hurt.  Words said in anger hurt the most.  The tongue is the hardest muscle to bridle.  It is, also, the strongest because in one swoop it can build or tear down.  The owner of the tongue chooses what it does.”  Aint Daisy reached for a cookie and her glass of sweet tea.  She sat there fiddling with the tissue I’d given her.  “Thank ye, chile.  I’ll jes be quiet t’ her until, maybe, she will realize what she said an’ how it hurt.  Ye know, silence can be the best answer,” she said softly.  “You know, Aint Daisy, you are the wise lady of the holler.”  She looked at me with a gentle smile and said, “Honey, I ain’t the only one.”  I gave her a much needed hug and silent prayer for peace and hurting heart mended, as she went back to her little house.  

A certain toothpaste company is featuring LEMON and Salt in their product.  When they put tequila in with the lemon and salt, I’ll be buying this product and brushing my teeth at least 8 times a day. 

My friend was walking her dog through her neighborhood.  She’s very diligent about cleaning up after her dog as they stop and start on their outing.  I guess not everyone is as thoughtful or considerate.  She told me she came to a front yard which had multiple signs firmly staked throughout the front yard.  They said in bold, colorful letters:  NO TRESS-POOPING!! 

I found this interesting information about a dog.  I don’t know the source, though.   “Did you know that the tiny vertical groove between a dog’s nose and upper lip actually has a purpose? It’s called the vegetal groove (or philtrum), and it’s not there by accident!  Each time a dog licks its lips, a bit of saliva collects in that groove. Through a process called capillarization, the moisture travels up to the nose — helping keep it damp.  And why does that matter? Because, a moist nose is much better at capturing and holding scents from the air. That’s part of what makes a dog’s sense of smell so incredibly powerful!”  Now you know. 

If the beverage tea starts with the letter T and is called “tea”, why can’t coffee, which starts with the letter C, be called “C”?  Why can’t the word “queue” just be the letter Q?  Why does the letter W have 2 syllables when all the other 25 have just one?  Where do the stars go when the sun comes out?  When you’re running after a toddler who has something dangerous in their hand, why don’t you get out of breath or breathing hard; but when you just run the same distance you are out of breath or breathing hard?  If you were traveling at the speed of light and turn on the headlights, what happens?  Since there is a speed of sound, what’s the speed of silence?  Why can’t I see eye to eye?  Why is the black box on an airplane actually orange?  Banquet and Bouquet, both end in “quet”, but it’s pronounced differently.  

I had a student ask me, “If I buy a pair of shoes, I get two shoes; but, I only get one bird when I buy a parakeet?”  I told him he had a good question and to ask the next shoes sales clerk when he was buying shoes. 

There are anger management classes to take, but there are no stupid management classes.  You can be angry and take a class to help you, but if you say something stupid or are stupid, there is no class to help you.  Well, what if I’m angry because you said or did something stupid?!?!  Where’s my help? 

I read that your brain produces enough electricity to power a light bulb---about 20 watts.  Hmmm, that’s interesting; however, I’ve dealt with some people who are such dim bulbs, their wattage is a nightlight size. 

Denzel Washington tells about being smart and the number 5.  “If you hang around 5 confident people, you will be the 6^th.  If you hang around 5 intelligent people, you will be the 6^th.  If you hang around 5 millionaires, you will be the 6^th.  If you hang around 5 stupid people, you will be the 6^th.  Be smart who you hang around with.” 

Well, the holidays are just about upon us.  I think of all the delicious food which is presented to my palate.  Here’s a recipe I came across which sounds really good for toast, muffins, scones, or use as a topping for oatmeal.  CRANBERRY BUTTER RECIPE:  1 cup softened butter; 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries; ¼ cup honey---or to taste; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. 

INSTRUCTIONS:  Soften the butter to room temp.  Mix the butter, chopped cranberries, honey, orange zest, and salt in a bowl until well-combined.  Taste and adjust the sweetness or cranberry flavor as needed.  Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or roll it into a log shape using parchment paper.  Chill in the fridge until firm (at least 30 minutes).  Enjoy!! 

There is an Italian phrase which is so appropriate to mention to students and those trying to be successful.  Chi la dura la vince---(Kee lah Doo-rah lah VEEN-cheh)  It means:  Perseverance wins.   Success belongs to those who do not give up, because persistence overcomes obstacles that strength alone cannot. 

Did you ever have to deal with a narcissist?  I have, and it can be emotionally and even physically draining.  I discovered they are severely emotionally stunted, underdeveloped adults.  No matter how high they mentally function, they have the emotional intelligence of an angry, irrational young child.  This is where the physically draining comes into play-----I just want to slap the snot out of them, but have to restrain myself by clasping my hands or hugging myself.  The mentally draining comes with thinking of ways, which are legal, so I can slap the snot out of them. 

A male teacher friend of my husband called his quizzes “QUIZZIES”.  One day an unprepared student said with a sigh, “If this is on of your quizzies, I’d like to see on of your testies.”  The room exploded with laughter. 

My husband and I taught at the same high school.  He taught civics and geography; I taught English.  We frequently had the same students.  One ornery, attention-seeking student came into my husband’s class, creating a disturbance, and announced, “I just had your wife.  She doesn’t like me very much.”  My husband became noticeably irritated with the student.  From across the room another student called out, “Looks like it runs in the family, John!” 

Look for the GLIMMERS in your day, which are opposite of TRIGGERS.  Glimmers are the moments in your day which make you feel joy, happiness, peace, or gratitude. So, train your brain to look for those moments.  They will appear more and more. 

Sometimes when you hit rock bottom, God lets you, so you’ll know He’s the rock at the bottom. 

May you give thanks for giving on your Thanksgiving.  Trudy J

🦃

🎃 2025 October FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

🎃 

Sometimes words have a different meaning than the obvious.  I came across some and I’d like to share them with you.  PUSH---Persist Until Something Happens; MOVE---Make One Valuable Effort;   FALL---Fight Again, Learn & Lift;  PEACE---Pain Ends And Clarity Emerges;  HOPE---Hang On, Pain Ends;  TRY---Take Responsibility Yourself; RISE---Repeat It, Start Everyday; ROAR---Rise Over Any Regret; FREE---Forget Regret, Enjoy Everything; BURN---Build Until Results Notice; FRIENDS---Faithful Reliable Inspiring Encouraging Nurturing Devoted Souls; KISS---Keep It Simple, Sweetie.

Brenduhh came over pretty upset.  I finally was able to get her to calm down and tell me what the problem was.  “Oh Trudy, I’ve fallen and failed so much,” she wailed.  “Oh honey, it’s not about how many  times you fall or fail; it’s about how many times you get up and try again.  You’re not going to fail if you keep trying,” I soothed her.  She sniffed and cried, “That’s not how field sobriety tests work, Trudy!!”  I went to make a pot of coffee and get out some cinnamon rolls. 

One of my favorite books is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, a classic novel by Harper Lee about racial injustice and the loss of innocence in the American South during the Great Depression of 1929-1939.  It’s sad to say and know that there are some school districts which have banned the book and teaching the story.  I was blessed to be able to teach this book\story before the banning.  I guess the banning was on charges (or dreamed up ideas) that the book teaches racism and prejudice.  HA!!  Far from it, in my opinion and the opinion of others.  These aren't just lessons from a novel, they're moral blueprints for a broken world. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ doesn't just tell a story---it teaches us how to be better humans when the world forgets how.  It looks like the world of some people, who want the book banned, has forgotten how to be better humans.  I found a chart on what To Kill A Mocking Bird teaches.  Here are the 10 points:  It’s important to have courage.  It’s important to fight for justice.  It’s important to be compassionate and understanding.  It’s important to have hope.  It is important to know everyone has something to teach us.  It’s important to stand up for what is right even if it’s difficult.  Be kind and compassionate to others, even though they may be different from you.  It’s important to not judge others too quickly.  It’s important everyone deserves to be treated with respect.  And finally, it is important to know the world is not always fair. 

As I approached the porch of the little house, I could hear voices, mostly the young one who’d come to visit and seek wisdom from our lady of the holler.  I knocked on the screen door.  Aint Daisy called out, “Come on in, chile, I know it’s you.  I can smell that sweet perfume you always wear.”  I smiled and entered the tidy living room with an overstuffed, floral couch and matching chair.  In between the couch and chair was Aint Daisy in her rocking chair listening closely to what the “youn’un” had to say.  At the end of his monologue, came this question, “Aint Daisy, how’d you get so much good judgement and smart?”  She smile, smoothed her flowered, bib apron, and squinted her right eye.  “Chile, imam mighty old an’ through all them yars, there were lessons taught to be larned.  Now, I haint gonna tell ye I learnt ‘em all, nor was it easy.  Sometimes I was contrary and didn’t pay no attention t’ the lesson.  But, eventually I learnt the lesson and kept it in my mind.  Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.  Yep, I made a lot o’ mistakes along the path of my life, but when ye make a mistake, learn from it.  Find out why ye made that mistake, learn that, and use it t’ make yerself bettah.”  She smiled, and I could see her eyes as she remembered times, trials, and lessons learned many years ago.  Once again, there was the wisdom from our lady of the holler. 

HIRAETH:  A homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was;                        the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past. 

I’ve opened a can of worms.  They just sit there, the worms.  They are hardly the chaos that’s been mentioned.  A can of fleas is more like it----uncontrollable, nervous, searching for blood, annoying to the point of wanting to kill.  THAT’S more like it. 

Neil deGrasse Tyson, a popular astrophysicist, published this.  It’s fascinating to me.  So, I’m sharing it. On 31 December 1899, the passenger steamer SS Warrimoo was sailing quietly across the mid-Pacific, on its voyage from Vancouver to Australia.  The navigator finished checking the stars for the ship’s position and gave the result to Capt. John D.S. Phillips:  Latitude: 0 31 N (just north of the Equator); Longitude:  179 30’ W (near the International Date Line).  First Mate Payton realized something exciting:  “Captain, we’re just a few miles from the point where the Equator and the International Date Line meet!”  The captain saw a chance to do something unforgettable.  He slightly changed the ship’s course and adjusted the speed.  The night was calm, the sky was clear, and the timing was perfect.  At exactly midnight, the ship was positioned to that:  The front of the ship (bow) was in the Southern Hemisphere, enjoying summer.  The back of the ship (stern) was in the Northern Hemisphere, in the middle of winter.  The date at the back was still 31 December 1899, and the date at the front had already become 1 January 1900.  All this meant the ship was in:  Two different days, two different months, two different years, two different seasons, two different centuries---ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!! 

I’d had a rough time with some colitis one day.  It was getting close to the time to take my daughter to work…she doesn’t drive.  I knew I wouldn’t be able to do it, so I asked her to call my other daughter and ask if she could come take her to work.  She said she would.  I called her the next day to tell her thank you for the favor.  She told me she’d had a horrid day and to top it off, 5 minutes before the request call, she’d knocked over a large container of seed beads on her carpeted, craft room floor.  She said she was beyond upset.  I told her how sorry I was it happened.  Without thinking, I said, “I so appreciate you dropping everything to come over here and take Tara to work.  Thank you so much.”  I heard a scream, and then, “Oh Mom, I literally did drop everything.”  We both laughed…..even went for the snort. 

Recently a friend came to me a bit perplexed, but smiling.  She said, “Trudy, I think I’ve just won an argument with a very determined person, but they don’t know I won.”  I asked her what made her think that.  She said, “I took your advice on how to end an argument.  I said to her in my best Southern drawl, ‘Well, bless your heart.  Possibly you’re right.’  Then, I walked away.”  I told her she chose the right words and POSSIBLY was perfect.  “POSSIBLY is a word of ambiguity or inexactness.  Your opponent probably doesn’t know that and thinks they won, but in actuality they lost.  They’re all proud of themselves because what they heard was ‘you’re right’ and were deaf to the actual implication of they really aren’t.  Carry on, girl.”  She told me she hadn’t thought of it that way and walked away with a big smile. 

“Hate has 4 letters, but so does Love.  Enemies has 7 letters, but so does Friends.  Lying has 5 letters, but so does Truth.  Cry has 3 letters, but so does Joy.  Negativity has 10 letters, but so does Positivity.  Life has two sides; choose the better side.”  

My friend asked me, “What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done?”  I thought a few minutes reviewing my 80 years of life and said, “How sweet of you to think I’ve peaked dumb actions.” 

I was watching a clip which someone had filmed.  It was a flood happening in front of the person.  As the rushing water was coming down the path, the person started to say, "Holy smokes!  Holy smokes!"
The water kept coming and was increasing it's speed and volume.  As the camera started shaking,
the man's exclamations went from "Holy smokes" to "holy sh*t!"  I guess HOLY SH*T trumps HOLY SMOKES.

Here's a question:  if I'm minding my business, and you're minding my business, who is minding your
business since we are both minding mine?!

Listening to some kids "case" others about intelligence, they came up with some funny ones.  "He's as smart as a broken rake."  "She's so dumb, she wouldn't know what apple pie was."  "He'd get lost in a round room." "I've seen gnats smarter than she is."  But, the one that made me laugh out loud was, "She has the intelligence of a bubble."          

                        Smiles and blessings to you, Trudy J

㋈ 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 😁