🎅 2023 December FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

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As I approached the front door of the cozy, little house, I saw a familiar face sitting on the flowered, over-stuffed couch.  She appeared to be distressed and had tissues crumpled in her hand.  Aint Daisy sat in her rocking chair intently listening.  I hesitated to knock, but Aint Daisy saw me and motioned for me to come in.  “Come on in here, chile.  I’m sure Sara Jo won’t mind you a-bein’ here.  She’s got a triffle right now and is sharin’ it with me.  Meh-be ye can give a bit more advice than I can.”  I sat down on the red chair across from both of them.  Sara Jo faintly smiled and continued her conversation.  “I just can’t forget all they did to me and the hurtful words they said.  I feel shattered.  I know I’m supposed to forgive them, but I just can’t forget,” she sobbed.  Aint Daisy took her hand and asked, “When ye remember the happenin’ ‘n words, you’re a-thinkin’ you should fergive it all, but it seems kinda silly to try ‘n fergive when yer still hurt ‘n angry.  Right?”  Sara Jo replied, “I don’t know.  I’m still caught up in the hurt and I’m mad.”  Aint Daisy rocked a bit, squinted her right eye and nodded her head.   “Whall, fergivin’ doesn’t mean you should ferget it ever happened.  It means yer fergivin’ the person, but ye aint a-fergettin’ what happened or what was said.  If’n ye ferget the happenin’ and the words, then yer fergettin’ the warning’ and lesson that was taught t’ ye.  Now, ye need to not be angry when yer forgivin’ a-cause forgivn’s about puttin’ the happenin’ and words away and not a-bein’ angry when ye do it or think about it from time t’ time.  Ain’t that right, chile?”  “Aint Daisy, I could not add anymore to what you’ve said.  You’ve given more wisdom to us, again, and we thank you.  You are our Lady of the Holler,” I said with a smile.

Brenduhh came over with a question.  “Trute, I’ve been reading some entries on my chatting site and people don’t use words; they use capital letters.  I understand some of them, but others I don’t.  Do you know what IDK means?”  “Yes, I do,” I said.  “O.k. what is it?” she asked.  “I don’t know,” I said.  “You just told me you knew!!  Make up your mind.  Yeesh,” she snarled.  “Yes, I know that IDK is ‘I don’t know’,” I responded.  “There you go again!!!  Now I’m totally confused and you don’t make any sense.  Good-bye for now,” she said as she left.  I don’t think she’d understand Abbott and Costello’s WHO’S ON FIRST, either.

My friend, Theresa Marie, told me, “Trudy, I’m trying so hard not to act like I feel.”  I told her, “Oh honey, I know all about that.  Today, at this time, I feel GREAT----but take the E-A-T out of the word.”  She laughed and told me, “That one statement from you made me feel a bit better.”  Laughter is medicinal, y’all.

One year over Christmas break, my beloved hubby gave a short assignment in the geography classes he taught to be written about where the student was and to describe the geographical surroundings.  It was due the day the students returned.  Two weeks later the students returned and the assignment was collected.  One student told him, “I don’t have mine.  I had it and had written it on the beach in Florida when a wave came up and took it out to sea.  Could you give me another day to write it?”  My husband told the student he was sorry that happened, but it was due that day.  The student whined and whimpered stating they weren’t going to get a grade for it.  My husband, with the quick, droll wit he had, told the student they would get a grade and it could be found on the beach where the student had sat.  Thus, the student was to look for it when they returned to that spot.

 I’ve seen some amusing and punny headlines.  Here are a few:  “Skiing Season Opens in Iran”; “Toilet-seat Firms Sit Down and Talk”; “Postal Service seeking ways to deliver mail more slowly” with this headline following the next day---“Overnight, second-day mail will be delivered a day later”; “Mortuary adds drive-through”; “Hemorrhoids inspire respectful hindsight”; “Studies indicate fat intake affects obesity”; “Envelope company envelops more land for enlarging company”; “Toilet paper company on a roll for production”. 

A while ago, I posted, on Facebook, something I believe in and try to do each day.  It said, “Today will never come again.  Be a blessing; be a friend; say words to encourage, comfort, heal, not wound.  Give some one a smile; it may be the only one they get all day.”  There were comments.  One person stated they “always try, but it’s hard sometimes when you never get anything in return.”  I told them, “The feeling of satisfaction you’ve made, a moment of positive to another and yourself, is really all you need.  Any of the actions mentioned shown to another may not produce a response, but you planted a seed.  The farmer plants a seed; other elements and actions help it to grow.  The farmer did his job and saw the results of planting the seed.”

Brenduhh called me and asked what works to clean a dirty oven.  I told her, “Baking soda works.”  She thanked me and went on to clean her oven.  I got another call about 2 hours later, only this time she was hysterical.  “Come over here right now!!!  I want you to see my oven!!”  I ran over, well…..I walked fast.  As I entered her house, she was yelling.  I went to the kitchen which looked like a brown bomb had gone off on the stove.  “What in the world happened, kiddo?”  I asked.  “Well, I did what you told me that baking soda would clean my oven.  So, I took a liter bottle of Coke, put it in the oven, and set the temperature for 375.  In about 20 minutes the bottle exploded and this is what is the results!!!!”  I felt so sorry for her and offered to help her clean up the mess.  “This is the last time I’m asking YOU for advice on cleaning products,” she snarled.  Guess who was a bit relieved.

I read a new law has been passed in Illinois.  It is now ILLEGAL to have your dog ride in your lap when you are driving.  It’s about time.  I’ve wondered how safe driving ensued when the dog was in the lap of the driver.  I saw a Doberman sitting on the driver’s lap one time.  “Right hand turn, Clyde,” came to mind.

English is difficult.  It can be understood, though, through tough, thorough thought.

Have you ever told God what you’ll never do?  Well, I did.  He had me never-ing like I’d never ever never-ed before.  Ya just don’t tell Him what you won’t do.  He has His ways of convincing you to do what you thought you’d never do.

Do you remember the YEP YEP muppets on Sesame Street?  I do, and every time I say, “Yep” the mental visual and auditory memory of them pops up in my mind.  Then, there is the “1-2-3 Ladybug picnic” song.  It’s only 58 seconds, but a very catchy tune and a smiley one at that.  Yep, it’s stuck in your head, now, isn’t it?  You’re welcome.  Then there’s “Baby Shark” or “The Macarena”.  O.K.  I’ll stop.

If you are over 50 and reading this, you might have noticed that as you’ve “matured” (I don’t like the word “old” unless it’s referring to antiques) drama and toxicity stop looking like excitement with adventure, and a peaceful, easy feeling stops looking like boredom. 

A friend of mine came over all excited about her new exercise routine.  I politely told her I have my own every morning.  It consists of:  getting my foot and leg through my unders’ and pants’ holes and not fall over; bending my arms backwards to fasten my bra without getting a cramp somewhere; bending over to get the “girls” in place without my back going out; putting my socks on each foot as I try to bend my leg to get my foot up to rest on the opposite knee and then, when successful, straightening out each leg; afterwards, and then---let’s talk about standing up.

The Christmas tree; have you ever thought about its shape in relationship to the meaning of this celebration?  It is triangularly shaped, with usually a star at the top.  Each point represents the trinity:  Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  We decorate it to draw attention to it---really subconsciously drawing attention to the trinity.  The lights light the way, just as the trinity lights our way to Heaven.  Have you ever noticed how your eyes travel from the bottom to the top as you gaze at the beauty of your tree?  Don’t your eyes travel up when you are talking to The Master in Heaven?

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa, y’all.

 

🦃🦃 November 2023 FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 "Be who you are and say what you feel.  Those who mind don’t matter, and those that matter, don’t mind.”  Dr. Seuss

This is so true. I remember when I was a kid there was a saying:  “Be what you is, because if you ain’t what you is, you isn’t what you ain’t.”  In my life I’ve seen many people trying to be what they aren’t, confirming that they aren’t what they are and have lost sight of who they should be---themselves.  So much energy is spent trying to be something you aren’t, and it all comes out sooner or later.  Unfortunately, the deception makes you look really bad to those who care about you; and to those who don’t care about you----yeesh, it gives them more ammo to say nasty things or confirms what they’ve thought all along.  So, be who you is, not who you isn’t, because if you ain’t what you is, you isn’t what you ain’t.

"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." (Maya Angelou) 

The old farmer says:   *Yer fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.  *A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.  *Words that soak into yer ears are whispered...not yelled.  *Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.  *Forgive yer enemies.  It messes up their heads.  *Do not corner something that ya know is meaner ‘n you.  *It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.  *You cain’t unsay a cruel word.  *Every path has a few puddles.  *When ya wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty and smelly.  *Don’t judge folks by their relatives.  *Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.  *Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.  *Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier ‘n puttin’ it back in.  *If ya get to thinkin’ yer a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.  *Make sure yer on the upside of the tree yer tryin’ to fall.  *When you barrey from yer neighbor take back twice the amount ya barryed.  *God gives ya jest as much daylight as He does the feller down the road.  *Don’t think ya can outrun a mad bull or mad sow.  *If the corn crib’s empty, so’s gonna be yer belly.  *Pay attention to yer barkin’ dogs.  *The quiet dog on the porch doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t bite.  *When yer think yer too good to say “I’m sorry”, yer not good enough.  *The fruits of yer labor depend on how many jars ya canned.  *There’s more in a smile than what is on yer face.  *Not every crowing rooster has somethin’ to crow about.  *The best ride is the one home.  

An OXYMORON is a figure of speech in which two words with opposing meanings are used together for effect.  Interestingly, the word OXYMORON is a compound of two words: (oxús, “sharp, keen, pointed”) and (mōrós, “dull, stupid, folly”). Translated literally, you get “sharp-dull”, "keen-stupid," or "pointed folly." In other words, "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. The common plural form is "oxymorons, but the actual plural is "oxymora."  Here are examples: jumbo shrimp; pretty ugly; random order; dry shampoo; civil war; silent scream; old news; bitter sweet; plastic silverware; working vacation; stupidly stubborn; deafening silence; deceptively honest; freezer burn; good grief; larger half; plastic glasses; small crowd; unbiased opinion; etc.  I’m sure you can think or have heard others.

A new liquor store was established in a town.  Its name was “Boo’s”. 

Speaking of liquor, I have a friend, Charlotte, who enjoys wine every day.  She sometimes enjoys it a bit too much.  This particular evening, she’d had a lot of “enjoyment”.  The hostess was gathering the empty glasses and came to Charlotte’s.  The hostess asked if she wanted anymore.  Charlotte replied, “I’ll have a splash more.”  The hostess had never heard of that “measurement” and asked how much that was.  Charlotte replied, “A splash more is when you know you’ve had a bit too much, but you like it so much you want to have just a splash more.  It’s just enough to make a small splash in the carafe.”

My friend was traveling though the deep South.  She wasn’t familiar with the area and stopped at a gas station for directions.  She approached the old cashier and asked where a certain place was.  He said, “Well, it’s two sees down yonder.”  She didn’t have a clue about where he was talking and humbly asked, “What is ‘two sees’ and ‘down yonder’?”  He explained, “Look out the window.  Look as far as you can and tell me what you see.”  She did and told him she saw two silver silos.  He said, “Alrighty.  That’s one see.  Now go to that and look as far as you can and that’s the second see, and there you’ll be.”  She asked what “down yonder” was.  He chuckled and said, “That’s the straight away you’ll travel to your two sees. ‘Yonder’ is referring to something in the distance. ‘Down’ is the direction indicated.  So, ‘down yonder’ means something off in the distance in the direction indicated. It’s off in the distance in the direction you’re a-going.”  When she returned, she asked me to help her with some of the terminology said there since I’d lived in Atlanta years ago.   I told her I’d gladly help her.  Then she asked about the foods.  I told her she’d have to buy two cast iron skillets preferably at a thrift store and make sure they are used and old.  She asked why.  I told her to just buy the skillets and I’d explain when she got them.  She didn’t know I’d be in my glory with all that.

While driving down some country roads to a little town, my daughter, Della, was with me.  The scenery was lovely as I watched it go by as I drove.  She mentioned I needed to pay attention to my driving and quit looking around.  I assured her I was doing just that.  “Oh right,” she muttered.  The air conditioner was on, and I noticed she had her arms crossed.  I asked her if she was cold.  She said, “No, Mummy.  I’m just hanging on for dear life.”

“Patience is not just the ability to wait; it’s the courage to endure the waiting without losing hope.”

As I walked up the stone sidewalk to Aint Daisy’s house, a mutual friend of ours was leaving.  I noticed his steps were a little heavy and his head wasn’t held as high as it usually was.  I knew he’d had some rough times, recently.   I greeted him with a smile and words of, “It’s nice to see you.  Have a good day.”  He faintly smiled with a nod of his head and walked on.  I knocked on her door and she invited me in.  “Good morning, Aint Daisy.  How are you, today?”  I asked.  “Oh chile, it’s good to see ye.  Come on in and set down.  ‘Want some sweet tea?  Get ye some, ifn ye do,” she softly said.  I did, then sat down on the overstuffed, flowered couch.  “I notice, Mike came for a visit.  How is he really doing, Aint Daisy?  He’s had some rough times, recently,” I asked.  “Chile, bless his heart, he confides in me, and I try to give him the best advice I have based on my experiences.  He told me, ‘Thank ye for always being there for me and for always believing in me.  You are one of the very few who do, and a lot of days that keeps me going.’  My oh my, I sat here a-trying not to have tears, but that was a bit difficult as I know what all he’s a-been through, which he didn’t deserve.  I told him, ‘At the times of challenge, it is difficult to believe the ‘trial’ will work out and to believe in yerself.  Barrey my belief in ye ‘til ye can find yers, again.  Tough times do not last, I know this fer sure.’”  Such grace, kindness, and wisdom comes from our Lady of the Holler.

One of our past presidents was briefed on the drought which was occurring in a large area of our country.  He said, “I believe rain is needed to end the drought.”  Ya think??  In the 1988 Georgia legislature was a bill presented to the governor which sat on his desk for a while.  All it required was his signature.  From what I read, the governor was not expedient on signing the bill which would ban nude dancing on the governor’s desk.  I guess he couldn’t make up his mind. 

Peace and kind thoughts for this month.  Trudy J

 

👻💀 2023 October FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

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I was walking one afternoon and passed an elementary school yard.  I watched the kids playing on all the equipment provided.  But, there was one piece which stood alone and empty.  It was a metal merry-go-round with inverted u-shaped bars and spaces between those bars to enter and sit down on the spinning fun machine.  One of the children, who knew me, saw me and came over to the fence.  I asked him why the merry-go-round was empty and not being used.  "Oh, we don't go near it because it spins too fast, we get sick to our stomach and so dizzy, and sometimes it throws us off onto the grass."  I replied with, "Oh, interesting."  As I walked away, I remembered the times I rode on that thing, got thrown off, got dizzy, jumped up and waited to ride it again.  I believe that is one of the reasons my generation is tougher than the ones now.

Every now and then I have a former student contact me with a question.  It usually leads to a discussion with enlightenment on both parts.  Here is one I had with Bill about common sense.

BILL: What happened to common sense conversation? In the past we were allowed to disagree with people. Now, you can't disagree about anything political or not. How do I deal with people that are against conversation? And, I typically avoid politics if possible. You've always had common sense, so I thought I would ask you.  ME:  Well, as you are finding out, COMMON SENSE just isn't so common.  In today's society, so many want to be "politically correct", have become so sensitive that a regular conversation which we'd had in the past is basically obsolete.  Everyone has an opinion, which is fine, but too many have become zealots and try to ram theirs down another's throat.  BILL:  But, is that expected to be our new “normal”?  ME:  It’s a defensive age and the “new normal” is looming.  BILL:  A lot of people are willing to die on a hill to become a damn martyr. ME:  “NORMAL” is an ambiguous word, to me.  I have two children who, years ago, would be considered “not normal”.  Well, with all my knowledge and experience, they are smarter than some who are considered normal.  If you think about it, Bill, what IS normal?  Everyone has an area of challenge; some just have a bit more.  Yes, some people are determined to have 10 seconds of fame hoping it will expand.  I just call them “FOOLS”.  BILL:  I think everyone has something to offer to others whether they are “challenged” or “normal”.  But, there is a lot of attacking on the part of the enemy, and some of this crap makes me want to get mean.  ME:  I understand.  There was a teacher at EPCHS when I was there, who made a statement about the very challenged special needs kids who were leaving their classroom as we stood in the hall.  He said,  “They shouldn’t be at EPCHS; they should be in an institution with the other abnormal people.”  I about went ballistic on him.  I told him, “There, but for the grace of God, goes one of your children or grandchildren.  I have adopted two children who are challenged; they are my grandchildren.  They are smarter than YOU because they are accepting of people who are not as challenged as they.  YOU ARE A FOOL, in my opinion!!”  And, with that I walked away.  You do not have to get mean to defend an opinion.  You will be the fool if you do.  FIRM is accepted and not degrading to you, but being mean is.  As I said, the intolerance of a person toward another and their challenge is worse than the challenge of that target or targeted one.  In essence, the criticizer is the one with the problem and a big handicap, not the criticized, challenged one.  BILL:  I knew there was a reason I asked you!

I was texting to my daughter about making ground chicken and ground turkey blend of meat patties for supper.  I called it “turken”.  When I looked at what was printed that I’d sent, the “turken” had been changed to “turkey”.  I hate it when my made-up word gets misspelled.

Brenduhh had a question/statement for me.  “What rhymes with ORANGE?”  Me:  “No, it doesn’t.”  Brenduhh:  “What does!”  Me:  “No, it doesn’t.”  Frustrated she asks, “What word rhymes with ORANGE, smarty pants?!”  Me:  “Actually, there is no word which rhymes with ORANGE or SILVER, for that matter.  Did I ever tell you about the dialogue between Abbott and Costello called, ‘Who’s on First’?”  Brenduhh:  “Arrrggghh! You know too much!”  Me:  “Hmmm.”

People treat you exactly how they feel about you.  It may not initially appear, but it is revealed as time goes on in your relationship.  Does it feel to be a duty or a want to be with you?  Is the smile forced or comes automatically when you are seen?  There are other clues; you just have to look for them.

As I approached Aint Daisy’s house in the late morning, I noticed the porch floor had been refreshed with new paint and all sizes of footprints painted all over it.  Each footprint had a name on it.  “Good morning, Aint Daisy.  How are you this fine day?  I see the porch floor has been enhanced with footprints painted on it.  That’s a unique presentation.  Who are all the names, though?”  I asked her.  She smiled and had a twinkle in her eye.  “I’m a-doin’ jess  fine, chile.  About those footprints with names on ‘em, whall each footprint reminds me o’ someone who done brought a smile t’ me.  I believe ya need t’ leave footprints o’ love and kindness wherevah ye go.  So’s, there’s some o’ those who’s a-done jess that.”  There’s more wisdom from the Lady of the Holler.

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”  Albert Einstein”

Be humble and never think you are better than anyone else… ‘for dust you are, and unto dust you shall return.’ That’s why I have a strong hesitancy to vacuum-up dust bunnies.  Gods!! It may be someone I know!

As I’ve lived and discovered, there IS a difference between being kind and trying to please people.  Some of you have probably discovered, there are some people who just can not be pleased, no matter what you try to do. I saw some examples of not really being kind, just trying to please people.  Here are some:  *Repeatedly forgiving people who refuse to change; *Not expressing your feelings when you’re upset; *Taking on more than you can handle even when you’re very tired; *Not standing up for yourself when people are disrespectful to you; *Being a crutch for others when you’re burned out; *Being everyone’s support system but your own; *Saying “yes” to things and regretting it later; *Going along with things you are not happy about or which go against your standards just to avoid creating friction.

As a teacher, I’ve dealt with a lot of different personalities of kids.  There have been really smart kids all the way through not-so-smart.  Some have been very unique; and some have been common, ordinary, down-to-earth.  I was listening to some teachers talk about some of my students whom they, also, had.  The remarks were not very kind---they were ridiculing of the uniqueness and not-so-smart traits and the shy ones.  I’d had all I could listen to and decided I’d mention something they all had which is more important and trumps the idiosyncrasies of them, in my opinion and experience.  I said, “Y’all have talked about some of the same students I have.  You have ridiculed their uniqueness and individuality.  What they all have in common which is the most important is, not a single one of them is mean---they are all kind.  THAT is what is important!!”  With that all said, I left the group shaking my head in disgust.  So, if you have children or know children who are unique, smart, not-so-smart, creative, shy, quiet, weird, clownish, theatrical, a chatter box, or adventurous appreciate the trait(s) they have, but most of all, appreciate that they aren’t mean.

There are many famous lines from movies I’ve seen which stick in my mind and I use, when the time is right.  Here are a few: “If I am to be insulted, I must first value your opinion.” –Doc Holliday, Tombstone.  “Bah da bing, bah da boom.” --Godfather 1972.  “I am under no obligation to make sense to you.”—Alice in Wonderland 2010.  “I’m your huckleberry.” ---Doc Holliday, Tombstone.  “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.” ---Godfather 1972.  “A very merry unbirthday to you!”---Alice in Wonderland 1951. I’m sure you have some which are your favorites.  Enjoy the memories.

May the sunset of the evening remind you of the blessings of the day and hopes for tomorrow.                                                

Always, Trudy J     

🍎🍏 2023 September FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

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SEPTEMBER is the ninth month of our year.  It actually was the seventh month (SEPT means seven), but Julius Caesar decided he wanted to have a month named after him.  So, he took some days from each of the original months and made a month for himself calling it July.  Not to be outdone, Augustus Caesar did the same and he got AUGUST.  That all sounds pretty logical, but here is what really happened:  “The meaning of September comes from ancient Rome: Septem is Latin and means seven. The old Roman calendar started in March, making September the seventh month. When the Roman senate changed the calendar in 153 BCE, the new year started in January, and September became the ninth month.”

Well, Brenduhh came over all in a huff.  “Trute, I am so irritated.  I got two tickets today from a police officer!!” she whined.  “What were they for, and why did you get them, Brenduhh?” I inquired.  “I was about to stop at a stop sign, but I was in a hurry and drove on through it.  Then, I turned right into another lane, but didn’t stay in the inside lane causing a police car to almost crash into me,” she whined some more.  “The police officer made me pull over and stop.  He told me, ‘You could have earned three tickets---one for not stopping at a stop sign, and the second one for not staying in the inside lane when you turned onto the two-lane road; that’s called IMPROPER LANE USAGE.  I can’t give you the third ticket because the printing company ran out of ink for printing the ‘stupid’ tickets.’ ” I told her he was very observant.  I went to get some tea started and put a fresh cinnamon roll on our plates.  She mentioned she was working at a mattress store, but there wasn’t much business.  Most of the employees just lay around doing nothing.  She had been in vacuum sales at another store, but quit because she found most of her profits were sucked up with taxes.

I got a message from FACEBOOK a few months ago. It said, "Your account is restricted for 24 hours. Your account activity didn't follow our Community Standards, so you can't do one or more things you usually do." I posted for all to see/read, "Facebook says I'm restricted from "doing what I usually do" for 24 hours because I went against community standards. WTF??? Of course they won't tell me anything." The gamut of replies made me laugh. Here are some which I thought were enlightening and responses which were amusing:

Darren: "Facebook and "standards" are antonyms." Joseph: "Did you appeal it? Sometimes they will say oops we goofed up." My response: "Oh, like when pigs fly? It will take more energy to appeal than to rest my finger. So, whatever standard I went against, it must be in the realm of nit picking."  Nancy: "It's like you got detention!!" My response: "Yes, and I ran Saturday morning detentions! Oh the irony." Melodie: "WTH?!? You, of all people! Weird." My response: "I know, and here I am all out of M&Ms." Jeremy (one of my Saturday morning detention frequent flyers and former student): With a big laugh icon, "You're in detention!!" My response: "Yep, Ironic, huh?  So, I’ll see you Saturday?”                Donna: "Facebook is sensitive." My response: "I have other words which are more appropriate and       descriptive." Those of you, who know me, know of my vocabulary, that I read dictionaries like others   read novels, and am a retired English teacher.  Carey: "They know who the trouble makers are!!” (big laugh icon)  My response: "Carey, I'm changing your grade!" (He was a student of mine and did very well.) Dianna: "At least you didn't have to sit in a corner at the front of the class on a tall stool with a Dunce cap on!! LoL!!!” My response: "Well, that's a relief, but I would have made it fun."  Craig: "I get that a lot....no way to debate them!" My response: "Cowards make it so you can't show them              where THEY were wrong. Truth is hate to those who hate the truth."  Carole: "They did that to me also, several times. Not sure what they are doing to me now. Not seeing many posts from friends. According to them, I incited violence.” My response: "I can't stop laughing." Carole has the most fabulous sense of humor----dry, witty, droll---and is a very peaceful person. I, on the other hand, am a warrior. So, our being opposites makes me laugh.  Sandi: "Yea, that's FB for ya just tell them you don't agree with their decision and sometimes they'll unblock you." My response: "Well, as I've said, I'm giving my finger a rest or workout."  Then, there was one (a former student) who became a defensive ally. She thought someone had verbally attacked me and blasted them. What a comforting feeling her defense ensued.

Creative people don’t have a mess; they have creative ideas lying around everywhere.  And, if someone else cleans up the “mess”, we have lost our mind.

My daughter and I were at a store.  I saw someone I didn't really like, but couldn't hide among the clothes' racks fast enough.  She saw me-----"Ohhhh, Trudy, how ARE you?  I see you've gotten a bit more plenty to love, and you really should make an appointment with MY hair stylist.  She could do something nice with your hair." (ad nauseam, ad infinitum)  She gushed on and on about her life as we stood there wishing she'd shut up.  Finally, she took a breath long enough for me to tell her we had an appointment soon (like tomorrow).  I hugged her good-bye and walked away.  My daughter asked, "Mom, why did you hug her?  You don't even LIKE her; and she was so insulting to you."  I calmly answered, "Sometimes you have to hug someone you don't really like to find out how big to dig the hole in the woods."  My daughter couldn't stop laughing.

There were some pretty bad storms and high winds in my area recently.  Tree limbs were blown down with leaves blown off some remaining limbs, patio furniture rearranged, bushes bowing to the ground like they were showing respect to royalty; I even saw some inflatable, plastic pigs flying around.  Whelp, I won’t be able to use that phrase anymore.

There are some products offered to us which actually lie about what they are.  For instance:  SLIM FAST---takes too long; it’s time challenged.  SKINNY JEANS---they don’t work and they show all the Twinkies you ate.  SMART WATER---doesn’t work on everyone.  CALGON---Ha!! It didn’t take me away when the kids were at the closed bathroom door---I was still in the tub.

Aint Daisy was busy making pies and rolls as I knocked on her kitchen door.  “Come on in, chile.  I jes took out a cherry pie about an hour ago.  Would ye like some?”  Oh bless her heart.  She knew I would and knows it’s my favorite kind of pie.  She cut a big piece and started piling on the whipped cream she’d, also, made.  When she finished, I think there was still a piece of pie under the mound.  “Thank you, Aint Daisy.  I just love your pies, and you’re so generous with your homemade whipped cream; ‘love that, too,” I said as she smiled, wiped her hands on her apron and sat down across from me with her pie and whipped cream.  “I’ll tell you, Aint Daisy, sometimes I get so busy I wish I had another day in my life to just rest.”  She sat there quietly eating her pie.  “Hmmm, mmm,” came her reply in agreement to my statement.  There was a pause, she looked at me and said, “Chile, if the good Lort gave ye or any body else another day, He’d not be a-doin’ it so ye could rest.  He’s already gone and done that.  He’d add it t’ the already seven a-cause someone out thar needs ye.”  There’s more wisdom from the Lady of the Holler.

My daughter, Della, makes beautiful jewelry, sun catchers, pictures from old jewelry, and other lovely things to sell.  She goes to many vending shows to sell her “pretties”, as I call them.  I called her to come over for a break.  She said, “Oh I’d love to, but my candle’s done burned out.  I’m so far behind I think I’m in first place to be last.”  I went for the snort.

Did you hear about the obstetrician who was quite the STAR WARS fan?  Even his primary office and name were appropriate---OB 1, Ken O’bee, M.D.  He shared an office building suite with a psychiatrist and proctologist.  Some patients referred to that section of the suite as “ODDS AND ENDS”.

I was raised in the South where tea is sweet; summer starts in April; macaroni and cheese is a vegetable; front porches are wide and words are long; pecan pie is a staple; “ya’ll” is the only proper noun; biscuits come with every meal, so do grits; everyone is ‘darlin’ & someone’s heart is always being blessed.

Smiles and blessings for another month.  Trudy J

🏫 2023 August FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

AUGUST is 2/3 of the way through the year.  My how the months fly by when you’re older.  Life’s been good, interesting, and a challenge at times, but I’ve learned a lot and appreciate the “weather” of the years.  I hope you’ve had good “weather” with some challenging “weather” throughout your life.  Without the contrast, it would be dull and void of experiences which turn into wisdom if you learn from them.

Soon school will start for some of you and for the children of some of you.  As a retired teacher of many levels of education, except for college, I can identify with what I’m going to share with you below.

ELEMENTARY:  Okay, we’ve got some extra wiggles to work out before we can begin our lesson.  MIDDLE SCHOOL:  As a reminder, the weather is getting warmer.  Let’s all remember our deodorant.  HIGH SCHOOL:  For the love of Pete, put some clothes on!!!  This is a classroom not a beach party!!

The high school one reminds me of a moment when one of my girl students asked me if I wanted to see her new tattoo and piercing.  I had my back turned and answered, “Alright.”  When I turned around, she had pulled her jeans down passed her navel and showed me the tattoo and pierced area around her navel.  I was a bit surprised she’d do that and told her, “Oh my, Brittany, that’s too much information for this old teacher.”  She laughed and went to her seat.  I, mentally, tried to block out the whole scene.

A friend of mine has sent me some published statements made by the VP of the United States.  They really don’t make much sense, if you read and think about what she’s said.  On one particular one is---“IT IS TIME FOR US TO DO WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING, AND THAT TIME IS EVERY DAY.”  I responded with, “We have been doing what we’ve been doing when we have been doing what we’ve been doing.”  I heard from him about my statement; he put 8 laughing faces icons as his reply.

Ahhh!!!  I sat down to a delicious cup of courage-induced liquid this morning to deal with another day.  There’s nothing like 16 oz. of freshly brewed, hot, dark brown, wake-up-girl, ground caffeinated beans.  I thought as I looked at the cup, “This morning’s liquid courage from Brazil is brought to me by Whitesnake’s ‘HERE WE GO AGAIN’ with Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘HELLO DARKNESS, MY OLD FRIEND’ overtures.”

Brenduhh came over all in a twit.  “Trute, I was talking with someone about an issue and they started an argument with me.  I tried to explain my position, but they just would not listen.  They got mad and said, ‘Oh Brenduhh, just clear your mind!’  I just quit talking to them.  What do you think?” as she explained the issue and her perspective.  I listened and told her she had a valid point in her perspective and to just go on with her plans and thinking.  I didn’t want to tell her ALL of what I was thinking-----“If you cleared your mind, it wouldn’t take long.”

I enjoy watching and listening to BORED TEACHERS.  It’s on Facebook and has various statements and actions from administrators to teachers.  The teachers’ replies run the gamut of funny to serious.  One entry was about lesson plans being expected.  I taught for a long time and found lesson plans to be a good guide for me at times and definitely for a substitute.  Of course, some of my lesson plans in the book looked like flight patterns at a busy airport.  Here is my reply to the lesson plans statement:  “Lesson plans helped the substitute when I was gone, and, also, helped me. BUT, when I was told I had to have DETAILED plans with book name, objective, prediction of outcome, and expected results----------THAT WAS AN INSULT. One time I wrote for Book name---The only red one on my desk with the subject clearly printed on it;  Objective----Get these terrorists to listen and learn; Prediction of outcome-----survival at its fittest; Expected results------leave school unassisted by law enforcement. The principal was not amused. I guess the broom stick up their butt was uncomfortable.

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.”  Albert Einstein theoretical-physicist

I stopped in to see Aint Daisy, recently.  I had been very busy helping a dear soul try to change a certain aspect of their life which caused them unhappiness and confliction.  “Hi, Aint Daisy.  I’m sorry I haven’t been over to visit this week.  I’ve been busy trying to help Sara Grace change an issue in her life which makes her unhappy.  She was trying, but another person had criticized her and her efforts so much by mentioning her past mistakes that Sara Grace was a mess.  I need a little advice from you, please.”  I told Aint Daisy about the issue and my efforts and suggestions I gave Sara Grace.  The wise one listened intently, rocked a bit, squinted her right eye, and then spoke:  “Don’t mention a person’s mistakes when they are trying to change.  That’s like throwing rocks at them while they climb a mountain, or throwing mud on them when they’re trying to get clean in a shower.”  I chose to mention that to the person who was criticizing and bringing up the past. ‘More wisdom from the Lady of the Holler.

Talking to a friend who was trying to lose weight, I jokingly mentioned rice cakes and what can be done with them.  She scowled and said, “Your joke is tasteless!”

I received a package from AMAZON.  I looked at the address label to make sure it was for me.  This is because I’ve played the game called “Guess what’s in the package and check the address label because I can’t remember what I ordered or when.”  I hope I’m not the only one playing this game.  Gods!!!!

I went to Wal-mart the other day.  To my surprise there was a sign over the self-check out which said, “EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.”

When Walmart started selling their brand of wine, there was a contest to name the various kinds.  Here are the entries:  12. Chateau Traileur Parc 11. White Trashfindel 10. Big Red Gulp 9. Grape Expectations    

8. Domaine Wal-Mart "Merde du Pays" 7. NASCARbernet 6. Chef Boyardeaux 5. Peanut Noir 4. Chateau Des Moines 3. I Can't Believe It's Not Vinegar!  2. World Championship Riesling And the number 1 name for Wal-Mart Wine: 1. Nasti Spumante

I saw a sign from Illinois Dept. of Transportation the other day.  It said, “Use your turn signals---the original instant messaging.”  If only people would obey the signs and use their turn signals, it would help so much with the swearing I have to do.

I was listening to a gal sing at a certain church.  I knew her and knew she found and uttered notes which weren’t written.  I’ve studied music and, when I was young, worked with a semi-professional opera singer.  So, the unwritten notes performed were a little difficult to listen to.  A friend of mine was with me and knew my background.  After the performance, my friend asked, “So what did you think?”  Being as diplomatic as I could, I responded with, “It brought tears to my ears.  I’ll probably not forget the performance, but I’ll try.”

“When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”  Euripides

I think of this when one of my children has been hurt physically or emotionally.  A mother aches right along with her child no matter how close or far they are from her.  And that “mama bear” protective mode, well, it does not wane-----at least for me it doesn’t.

Brenduhh came over and told me she was going to pay $250 to get all the toxins out of her colon with a cleansing.  I told her to save her money because Taco Bell has a deal for $5.00 or an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Tootles y’all.  Have a great month.   Always, Trudy J

🎆 2023 July FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 🎆🎆🎆 

We are more than half-way through this year!!  Soon the fireworks will be sounding letting us know of the freedom others have fought so hard to keep for us.  I won’t go on my soapbox about how I feel when someone starts complaining about this country, but I will tell you what I usually say to them if they spout off to me----“There is no one insisting you have to stay living here.”  And, to hear someone from another country complain, makes me livid.  I usually tell them how many shed blood for them to have the freedom to say what they have just said, or I tell them, “No one is keeping you from returning to the country you left.  Planes and ships leave every day.”  O.K. I’ll put away the soapbox I said I wouldn’t stand on.  God, bless America.

Brenduhh came over all in a huff.  “Trute, I go a ticket for going the wrong way on a one way street!  I wasn’t going the wrong way; I was going only one way.  The policeman in the other car was going the wrong way because the street was only wide enough for one car!!”  Sometimes trying to understand her reasoning is like trying to smell the color 9.  Then, she followed with, “Trute, do you know why 10 is afraid of 7?”  “No why is that, Brenduhh?” I queried.  “It’s because seven ate nine.”  Oh gods, she’s on a roll, y’all.  Then she told me, “Yesterday I told something to my husband.  He wasn’t happy with what I said and told me, ‘NO!!! and that’s no enzymes or buts!’  I have no idea what he was talking about.”  I told her, “I think you incorrectly heard him.  It’s ‘no ifs, ands, or buts’ meaning, his ‘NO!!” was the answer and he wasn’t going to discuss why with you.”  She still had the “What???” look on her face. 

I’ve discovered that I usually go through five mental stages of awakening in the morning---denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.  There’s really another stage, but it’s verbal.  It’s, “Ohhhh, ugggghh, ummphff, yeesh; come on joints and bones, get with it and move!!”

I found a recipe for cream of chicken soup.  It’s wonderful!!                               ¾ C. low sodium chicken broth; ¼ tsp poultry seasoning; ¼ tsp garlic powder; 1/8 tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp salt; 1/8 tsp dried parsley; pinch of paprika; ½ C milk or half & half; ¼ C all-purpose flour.  In a medium saucepan, bring the broth and seasonings to a simmer.  In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until incorporated and smooth.  Slowly pour in the milk and flour mixture and whisk until it starts to thicken in about 2-3 minutes.  You could stir in shredded chicken and sautéed onions and celery, if you’d like. 

During my teaching career, I had some interesting requests from parents.  Here is one for your enjoyment:  The young man was a senior in high school.  He decided to be disrespectful to me in my class, call me a few choice names, and refuse to do what I’d instructed him to do.  His behavior was an immediate pass to the dean’s office and a referral which would garner him time with me in Saturday morning detention.  A meeting was called by the dean which consisted of him, his mother, the deans, the security officer, and me.  We discussed what he had done and said.  The mother asked me to rescind my referral.  She said it would interfere with his opportunity of joining the Marines.  She, also, informed all of us that the Marines were not as tough as my discipline, and I was being unreasonable; but, the Marines were not unreasonable at boot camp.  The security officer about fell off his chair when she said all that.  He was a retired police officer from the K-9 division and had been a sergeant in the Marines.

Three very good friends and chefs, Brock Oli, Kohl Rahbee, and Sal Add decided to open a restaurant.  It was a vegetarian one.

The phone rang and a male voice said, “Grandma, this is your oldest grandson.  I’ve been in an accident.  I’m in jail and the assistant district attorney told me I’d need $9,000 to get out.  Please help me.”  I listened as he went on in a voice imitating physical discomfort and anguish.  I knew he was not my oldest grandson and decided to play with his mind, the little he had.   I told him, “Oh that is awful.  Let me see what I can do for you.”  He told me where to send the money.  I said, “I have twin grandsons who are my oldest grandsons.  Which one are you so I can write your name on the money order?”  There was silence, a click, then a dial tone.  I guess he didn’t know who he was.

My heart was heavy as I walked in the front door of my dear friend Aint Daisy’s house.  She noticed right away.  “Chile, ye have somethin’ heavy on yer heart, ain’t that right?” she stated as I sat down on the flowered, overstuffed seat on her couch.  “Yes, I do, and I’m sorry to bring it with me on my visit to you.  I just can’t seem to get over the death of someone I cared a lot about.”  There was some silence as she rocked back and forth in her favorite rocking chair.  I knew she was thinking and going to console me.  “I read a piece by a feller named Aeschylus.  I don’t really know who he was, but he must have been smart a-cause he said, ‘Even in our sleep, pain which can not forget falls drop by drop upon the heart.’  I’ve experienced the passing of people I cared a lot about.  The pain o’ grief brings wisdom and experience.  Grief is the dues we pay for a-caring and  a-loving.  It never goes away; it jess gets tolerable little by little.  So, child, do not begrudge yer grief.  It teaches that nothin’ is permanent, not even grief.”  ‘More wisdom from the lady of the holler.  I’m so glad I have her in my life.

As I was lying in my comfy, warm bed on a dreary day, I kept telling myself it was time to get up and get busy being a Dolly Domestic diva.  The radio was on and the song I DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING (THE LAZY SONG by Bruno Mars) came on.  Gods!!!  How did they know that was my theme song at that moment?

I like to cook and have been doing it for a long time.  I’ve come across some measurements which are no necessarily in a cookbook terminology section.  They come handed down by good cooks and come with practice.  Here they are:          A dash: is roughly 1/8 teaspoon.
A pinch: based on the amount of spice you can literally "pinch" between your fingers, is around 1/16    teaspoon.
A smidgen: is approximately 1/32 teaspoon. It's often used when the recipe creator is trying to add the  tiniest note of flavor to a dish.
A skosh: just a bit or a smidgen, but not much. (That's about as clear as strong coffee, huh?)
A tad:  about as much as a skosh, but a bit more.
A slice:  wel-l-l-l, that is determined by how much you want.  A slice of my favorite pie, to me, is a lot larger  than a slice of avocado, which I don't really like.
A handful:  Oh gosh, this is immeasurable to me.  Look at your hand.  Now, look at the size of someone else's hand.  They're not really the same size, so the measurement of "a handful" is going to be different. A handful of M & Ms is a lot different than a handful of peas, isn't it?
Seasoning to taste: leaves the home cook in control of the final dish.

👀 2023 June FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

During my marriage to my Beloved---me for the second time and him for the first---he’d mention he’d found out how educational marriage was.  He told me, “With both of us being teachers, it seems I’m finding out how educational this reunion can be.  You’ve taught me:  toilet paper is best replaced when the roll is empty; grocery shopping is to be done on Sunday through Thursday with a list and full stomach; and even there is a right way to put a carton of milk in the fridge!”  Well, bless his heart.

Aint Daisy was on her porch rocking and humming.  “Good afternoon, Aint Daisy.  It’s good to see you and hear you humming,” I said as I stepped up on the porch.  “Do you mind if I sit a while and enjoy your company?” I asked.  “Oh chile, you jes come on up here and set down next to me.  I like havin’ you here, too.”  We chatted for a while, rocked, listened to the “critters” run about, and birds sing.  I noticed a plate of home made cookies on the little table.  She saw me look at them.  “Well, are ye a-wantin’ one or two, or are ye jes gonna look at ‘em, Chile?”  She asked with a chuckle.  I told her I was a little hungry and would like to have two.  She looked at her watch and saw it was going on 4:00.   “Oh my lands!!  It’s a-goin’ on supper time.  You come on in and have a bite with me.  I’ll bring the cookies, too,” she said as she started opening the screen door.  I followed her and asked if I could help her in the kitchen.  She gave me some things to do and told me to “set down right cheer in this chair”.  I’d set the table with all the necessary things and sat down.  She had macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, green beans fixed the best way---her way, and some home made cinnamon apple sauce.  “Oh Aint Daisy, this is one of my favorite meals.  Thank you for going to the trouble of fixing this delicious food and for sharing with me.  You are so kind,” I said to her.  She smiled and told me, “Ain’t no trouble at all, sweet girl.  I like yer company.  There are two old sayin’s---Share and it comes back to you ten-fold; and friends who plant kindness gather love.”  “I couldn’t agree more, Aint Daisy,” I told her.  Ahh, more wisdom from The Lady of the Holler.

I went over to Brenduhh’s house to borrow a hammer I needed quickly.  She came to the door after I’d rung the bell about 4 times.  “Hey girl, I need to borrow a hammer real fast.  I hope you can find it,” I said in a hurry.  “Yes, come on out in the garage.  I know right where it is,” she assured me.  Well, we got out there in what I call “the den of inequity” due to all the stuff she has out there.  Lordy, I think a mouse would get lost trying to find some bait.  She pulled out things---talked about them; lifted others---talked about them, too; moved something about 6 times after explaining its history, then finally found it.  It took about 10 minutes.  Remember I said I needed it quickly?  Brenduhh doesn’t know what “quickly” means.  I think if she’d gone any slower a sloth would beat her in a race or she operates in reverse.  Maybe it’s both.

I’m not a gad-about----someone who goes out a lot.  I enjoy staying home; after all, we/I worked hard to pay for it, and it costs to live/be there whether I’m there or not.  I enjoy the “fruits of our/my labor”.  My “gypsy” daughter thinks I need to get out more and go more places.  At 78 years old, I need to have restrooms close by and able to use one sooner than someone who is 50.  I told her I DO leave the house at least 5 times a week to take her niece/sister to work about 2 miles away.  Her measured retort was, “Wow!!  Soon you’ll have to resole your shoes!”  She’s such a smarty pants.

Last winter on a cold, rainy week-end, a 40-something friend asked me what I was doing during the week-end.  I told them, "Sweetie, I'm 77 years old; arthritis is taking residence in my joints.  I wrapped myself in fleece and heating pad while I nibbled on dark chocolate M&M pieces."

Mr. and Mrs. Zippah had twin daughters Teeh Doodaah and Teeh Dayh.  They always were together, even in the same classes in school.  Finally, the principal had to intervene.  They were placed in separate classes.  It seems the original teacher had a lot of difficulty calling roll, not laughing, and then maintaining discipline afterwards.  She always called the students’ names last to first.  It seems the students, after the girls’ names were called, would burst into song.  She said, “Zippah, Tee Dodaah; Zippah, Teeh Dayh.”  The students would sing out, “My, oh my, what a wonderful day.  Plenty of sunshine heading my way….”, get up, clap and dance.

Brenduhh came over all bandaged, bruised, and walking slowly due to pain.  “What in the world happened to you?”  I inquired.  “Well, I was crossing the road and stopped to admire some clouds.  There was a tiny, tiny truck coming toward the intersection I was standing in.”  “Why didn’t you get out of the way?” I asked incredulously.  In the typical Brenduhh thinking she said, “Well, when I saw it, it wasn’t all that big, but when it got to where I was, it grew so big I didn’t have time to move out of the way!”  “Hmm, imagine that!” I said.

I admire those who spoke another language first and then had to learn English.  The English language is moderately difficult with Chinese being the most difficult.  With that said, imagine what it would be like to try to learn English by just reading it.  I look at the "ough" words.  That sound has "uff (as in tough)", "Oh" (as in dough), "aw" (as in thought), "ow" (as in bough), "oo" (as in through), "off" (as in cough), "up" (as in hiccough).  Then there is YACHT.  Looking at the way it's spelled, it should be pronounced "YAH-CH-T"; but, it is pronounced "YAH-T". Another is CWM, pronounced "COOM".  I think I'd give up about then.

I saw a message on the Department of Illinois Transportation sign.  It said, “Texting and driving is never wreck amended.”  What a great play on words.

A friend was having a difficult time adjusting to a sad happening in their life.  The showed me this: What’s done is done, What’s gone is gone.  One of the best life’s lessons is learning how to let go and move on.  It’s okay to look back at your memory but never let the past stop you from moving forward.

I told them this was true; however, one needs to stop and rest when moving forward. Thus, reflection on fond memories revitalizes and comforts, which promotes more forward action.

I was walking in the woods surrounding my house.  I saw a tree which had encapsulated a small, brick chimney.  I knew trees would do this to anything in the growth area.  I thought maybe it was an abandoned Keebler factory.  I walked around the tree looking for cookies.  There were none to be found.  I guess the elves ate them all.

I had a phone call from a fella who, with a very pronounced East Indian accent tell me his name was Tom.  He asked me how I was and told me he wanted to talk to me about my medical coverage.  I told him, “I’m very angry.  First, your name is NOT Tom.  It’s a name with 17 or more letters in it.  Second, I have asked that my name be removed from the call list, and obviously it hasn’t.  Third, I promise if you call me again I will talk to you about your car warranty!!”  He hung up.  Imagine that.

If Bobby Flay of the Food Network had a daughter, I think he should name her Sue.

When one of my five children was young, they had misbehaved.  They needed to be redirected in a positive way so their self-esteem wouldn’t be compromised.  Well, that’s what a well-known psychologist wrote in their book.  I call it “disciplined”.  The child argued as I told them, “Kindly put your buttocks on the third step of the stairs.”  The kid looked at me and said, “What??”  At that point, I became irritated and snarled, “Go put your butt on the step and stay there before I smack it!!”  They understood that statement for some reason.

“Some cause happiness wherever they go; some whenever they go.”  Oscar Wilde

Peace and smiles to you for another month.  Trudy 😃