💚2021 March FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

            💚     2021 March FROM MY PERSPECTIVE     💚

Well, here it is March…..month number 3; Spring’s tempest; wild hares chase each other; my birthday month; named after Mars in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars; the second of seven months to have a length of 31 days; in the Northern Hemisphere, the meteorological beginning of spring occurs on the first day of March; and according to the old saying---it comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.  Well, that remains to be seen.

There are 171,146 words in the English language.  According to the Oxford English dictionary the first word is “A” and the last word is “Zyzzyva” (pronounced: “zih-zih-vah”) and meaning:  a genus of tropical weevils (family Curculionidae) native to South America and typically found on or near palm trees.

When I became a mother I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had and fears I didn’t know could exist.  I didn’t know I could love a being more than I loved myself, or anything else, for that matter.  I didn’t know I would have to hold down something so precious I helped create so its body could be violated by needles or looked into where it was dark.  I had to soothe the screams and cries stifling my screams of, “Stop it; you’re hurting my precious one” as my tears were burning my eyes and my throat hurt holding back my screams.  I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin or a good grade on a test in a subject that was so tough, or an “I did it, Mom!” I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep, or listened to a child breathe right in front of me or on the phone miles away---
”What are you doing, Mom?” he asked. “Listening to you breathe, Honey, just like I did when you were here,” I choked.  “Oh, Mom, you’re so silly. The Navy is really cool.  I get to do all sorts of things I hadn’t planned to do!” he proudly said.  “I’m sure you do, and you look so handsome in blue and white,” I said thinking, “And I know you didn’t plan on me missing you more than heart beats, either.”  “Mom, college is so wonderful.  I’m so thrilled to be here,” she said.  “I’m glad you are loving it, Sweetie; you’ll do very well,” I replied thinking, “If I told you how much I missed you….I can’t do that, it would ruin your independence.  Someday you’ll know.”  Before I was a Mom, I never slept on sheets 12 days old because I didn’t want his/her odor to be washed away after they went away to college or the Navy.  Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down or held on to a hug after it was time to let go.  I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt or disappointment.  I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.  I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.  Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.  I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby or a “starved” teenager.  I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.  Being a mother is never over, even when we pass on, because our spirit will be with our children, and our title reigns to eternity.

Chief Dan George from the Salish Tribe of British Columbia said, “If the very old will remember, the very young will listen.” Isn’t it amazing how the young can teach the old, though?  With all the experience I have had teaching young people, they still continue to amaze me.  Here are some examples.  Each of them has happened.  Get your child the color of dog they want.  Otherwise, they’ll paint the one you got for them that color.  “Filling the gas tank” does NOT mean putting rocks and sticks in it.  Do not take for granted your son will walk AROUND the mud puddle, when there is no time to spare for a change, on the way to a wedding.  Hide ALL permanent markers from a 5 year old just learning to write their name.  They’ll lay claim to everything they see by proudly writing their name on it, including the freshly painted kitchen door.  Do not take your exuberant child shopping right after they have been given 2 Twinkies and 8 ounces of red Kool-aid by the “helpful” neighbor.  Make sure you are exact when telling your son to feed the dog the food for him (dog) which is in the refrigerator.  You’ll lose the intended left-overs for supper to the delighted dog.  Make sure there is no SILLY STRING hidden by your children in the van when going on a long trip using only the interstate; that also goes for whoopee cushions and balloons.  Do not get an 80 pound greyhound and let your 60 pound son walk the dog in the country.  Do not assume the children will NOT misbehave when you are attending a meeting on “Discipline Without Spanking.”  Please know that a boy’s size 4 feet WILL fit into Grandpa’s size 14 shoes.  The boy says so, and Grandpa believes him.  Make sure your child has dark drapes and blinds at their bedroom window in the spring and summer months.  Otherwise, at the first sign of daylight, they will announce, “It’s morning time!!”  Do not throw away unusable hand-held hair dryers where an adventurous 15 year old boy, wearing his uncle’s state police uniform to see if it fits, yet, can find it.  They will go to the end of the drive-way, point it at cars causing them to learn all sorts of profane words and creating havoc with the drivers.  Make sure you have a supply of dish WASHER liquid detergent when you ask your teen son to load and turn on the dishwasher.  Dish WASHING liquid is NOT the same thing and it will take 2 hours to relieve the dishwasher of the suds.  Lay towels down in front of the machine or there will be a whole new definition to the song SLIP SLIDING AWAY.   According to a young lad, he has “314 brain cells and every one of them are working.”  Hmmm, I know some adults with more, and they can’t say that.  I realize some of you are passed the small children stage, but grandchildren and great-grandchildren do this, too.  It is their job.  We are not safe by a long shot!

Most of my readers know I enjoy words, especially unusual ones.  The word QUEUE comes to mind.  It is pronounced “Q”; it means “in a strait line, one following another”.  Why it has to have 4 unpronounced letters with one following the other I don’t understand.  The word CWM (yes it is a word), pronounced “koom” meaning “a steep-sided hollow at the head of a valley or on a mountainside; a cirque” is another one I have trouble with.  It has no vowels, not even a “y” and the only letter pronounced as it usually is, is C; which leads to another quirk of that word.  “C” has no sound of its own.  It takes the sound of a “K” or “S” with the “S” sound made when the “C” is followed by a vowel, and the sound of “K” when followed by a consonant. Now, about the word “XYST”.  O.K., I won’t go there. Yeesh!

“I’m so glad you came over to set a spell and chat,” cooed Aint Daisy, “I know you’re busy.”  I smiled and told her I had time, besides it’s always refreshing to chat with her and listen as she shares her wisdom.  “Not many folks seem to have time to set a bit and chat.  They think a phone call will take care of a personal visit.  Phone calls are nice, but seeing the person and feeling their presence is so much better.  You see, chile, words in the ear linger for a spell, but the sight of the person is remembered in the heart and mind a lot longer.”

While messaging my daughter on Facebook, I sent, what I though was, one emoji of  🎜🎝🎜.  It turned out I punched the send key about 4 times.  She sent me a question mark.  I casually replied, “It’s a song.  I don’t know which one, but it’s a song.”  She replied with, “LOL”.  I think if I still taught English composition, I’d have one assignment of writing a composition using emojis where applicable.  I’m sure it would be fun and interesting.

My friend, Carole (same age as I am), had an appointment to get her car looked at.  She was in a bit of a hurry and didn’t have time to get all spruced-up.  A friend took her to the dealership to drop off the car and then they went for a ride.  Carole mentioned how nice the young men were to her, especially if you look really decrepit.  Then she added, “But we’re not acting.”

I text, but so many times I have to retype something because either auto-correct gets involved or I’ve struck the wrong key (usually the one beside the one intended).  I don’t like retyping unless it’s to someone I don’t really like.  Then, I just leave it and let them guess.  Then I laugh.  Well, I was texting to Carole and hit the wrong letters while telling her the above.  I retyped the word three times in a row.  The last word was “laugh”, but was typed “lsugh”.  I retyped it.  She fired back, “You’re laughing, aren’t you?”  ‘Made me laugh harder.  I just love her.

♥♥♥♥2021 February FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

                ♥♥♥♥     2021 February FROM MY PERSPECTIVE    ♥♥♥♥

I remember when I was a kid, I rode my bike up and down the hills, blew through multiple yards with sprinklers going full-blast, out-ran a running dog at my heels, and skidded to a stop using my feet.  I got on my stationary bike and pretended I was doing it all over again.  After 2 minutes of peddling as fast as I could, I got off and collapsed on the couch and fell asleep.  At another time when I was 10, I rode my bike at high speed on a gravel road only to skid and fall down, picked myself up, and rode back home about 1 mile away.  Now, if I sleep on the wrong pillow I’m about nonfunctional for two days and calling the chiropractor.  Who can identify???

I read this recently and added to it.  THINGS EVERYONE NEEDS TO COME TO TERMS WITH:    No response is a response.  If they wanted to, they would.  Timing will not always be in your favor.  Not everyone has the same heart as you. Not everyone is as honest as you. Not everyone has the good standards you do. Not all who are intelligent are smart. Some of the kindest people are the toughest looking. Sometimes some time isn't enough, and sometimes it's too much.  Not all that glitters is gold.  A tear can mean many things.  Sometimes unanswered prayers are best.  A challenge can be a blessing in disguise.  “Bless your heart” can mean other things.

RED, the color associated with Valentine’s Day and one of my favorite colors.  It is a color of action, passion, intensity, determination, daring, aggressive, excitement, and boldness. The world would be a dull place without red people, so I’ve read. I’ve always liked this color ever since I can remember. I’ve read that lovers of red have a lot of trouble with routine or doing the same thing over and over.  I have trouble with this, especially when I crochet.  But, unlike repetitious crocheting, I don’t have trouble counting money, though!  I usually wear red when I count green money.  I figure “Hmmm, red and green are Christmas colors.  Christmas=gifts.  Money is a gift!  Alrighty then!!!

When Guy and I got married in 1987, him for the 1^st. time and me for the 2^nd, he mentioned to me about us having children.  I had 3 from my first marriage, the youngest being 12.  I told him, “Let’s think about this. With both of us being teachers for such a long time, do you really think we could come up with a name for a child which wouldn’t raise the blood pressure in one of us?”

BUMPER STICKERS OF TODAY:      *KEEP HONKING.  I GIVE ROAD RAGE A NEW DEMINSION **I GET ALL THE EXERCIZE I NEED BY PUSHING MY LUCK **IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO HAVE A HAPPY CHILDHOOD **TURN SIGNALS: NOT JUST FOR SMART PEOPLE ANYMORE **WE HAVE ENOUGH YOUTH, HOW ABOUT A FOUNTAIN OF SMART **I’M TOO POOR TO PAY ATTENTION **SOME DAYS THE WINDSHIELD, SOME DAYS THE BUG **DAISIES: NATURE’S SOPHISTICATED HUMOR TO EENIE, MEENIE, MINEE, MOE **HOME: WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME….YOUR REAL NAME!!!

Brenduhh came over all in a twit.  “Trute, I’m going to die soon; I just know it.”  I poured the tea and motioned for her to sit down with me.  “What makes you think that is going to happen soon, sweetie?” I said trying to comfort her.  “Well, I was taking a little drive and swung into the cemetery down the road.  I wanted to look at some of the oldest headstones.  All of a sudden a voice in my car announced, ‘You have reached your final destination.  Good Luck.’  That was my sign, I just know it.”  “Oh sweetie, that’s built in the car and is a GPS---Global Positioning System.  It tells you where you’re going,” I explained.  “See?!  I told you it was a sign,” she lamented.  More tea was poured.

I found another good use for my George Forman counter-top grilling machine.  I poured pancake batter on the heated grids covering just 5 of them.  Since the grill is slanted to have the fat of meat run off, the batter ran for a short distance and stopped.  I put the lid down and when I thought it was done, I lifted the lid.  There were perfect “hand-cakes” for the family.  One really can bite the hand that feeds them, with this.

I was talking to a friend of mine who had visited Dallas.  We agreed there was too much traffic for either of us.  I’ve been there once and probably won’t go there again.  Then I told her about Chicago and how I didn’t like the driving there, either. She agreed to that, too.  She’d never been to Pittsburgh, PA where I grew up, so I described the downtown area---no 2 streets are parallel---and the tunnels, which go through some of the hills connecting one section to another.  She was amazed and asked what they were like at rush hour.  The only thing I could equate the “adventure” to was “the prayer chapels of Western Pennsylvania.”  I remember getting stuck in one due to an accident right in the middle.  Talk about being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but----, and a whole new definition and experience to claustrophobia.  You can’t even use your vehicle’s radio; the waves are absorbed by the density of the earth and concrete.  Those of you who have ever been there can agree.

I stopped by Aint Daisy's to discuss an issue.  She was busy in her kitchen making all sorts of goodies from main courses (shepherd’s pie) to desserts (cherry, pumpkin, peach, chocolate pies).  She does this about every two weeks so she can fix a meal quickly and have treats for those who visit.  I sat at the kitchen table sipping some of her delicious sweet tea and eyeing one of the cherry pies she'd baked.  "Aint Daisy, I have a little problem I'd like to discuss with you," I said.  "Go on about it, chile; I'll listen as I make these pies."  "Well, the other day a friend of mine told me they'd been scorned because the person who thinks their job is more important than hers told her that her position wasn't as important as theirs.  It hurt her feelings and she didn't know what to say.  Do you have any ideas about how she can let that person know her job/position is important?" I inquired.  Surprisingly, Aint Daisy cut a slice of a shepherd's pie and put it on a plate, then cut a slice of cherry pie (my favorite) and put it on a plate.  Then she did the strangest thing, she took a fork and gently pushed down in the center of each.  "Now looky here.  That shepherd's pie has no bottom and kinda looks like a mess on a plate, now doesn't it?  But, the cherry pie pretty much looks the same, but a little flatter.  Do you know why?" she questioned.  "It's because the bottom crust of the cherry pie holds the other two parts together and keeps them in order.  The shepherd's pie doesn't have a bottom crust to do that and when pressure is applied, it all starts to fall apart.  The bottom crust is really the most important part because it gives stability under pressure and holds the other parts in position.  You go tell your friend her position may be at the bottom, but it is very important in holding every other position in place."  Pies took on a more expanded meaning to me that day.

Some thoughts of mine and others:  Why are the soft shoes called "tennis shoes" if you don't play tennis? Bubble gum does lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight, gets dusty, too; so, why are you wondering?  What’s a fly without wings----a Walk?  If a child swears in Sign Language, does the mother slap the hands or mouth?  Does an air fryer really fry air and how does it taste; is it greasy or not? 

MOST TOILETS FLUSH IN E FLAT; MOST ELECTRIC RAZORS BUZZ IN B FLAT. (ENGLISH RAZORS BUZZ IN G.)  Up until mid-1960, most American car horns sounded to the musical notes of E flat or C.  Now, most car manufacturers have tuned them to F sharp and A sharp.  And, to think some of you thought you couldn’t carry a tune in a wash bucket.  I think, when the wash bucket is hit, it’s a dull A-flat.

Daddy was a man of high expectations and had little patience with people who were stupid or incompetent having positions of responsibility. Ignorant is a different set of values: “Ignorant is not knowing; stupid is knowing, but doing something anyway;” now, on with the story.  Daddy had taken an antique, winged-back wooden chair to a repair and refinishing shop for re-gluing and refinishing.  They told him it would be ready in a week.  Ten days went by and there was no call; he was irritated about this.  He went to the store to find out the progress of the chair.  The receptionist greeted him chewing gum as she talked---another irritation of his.  He asked her, “Has the winged back chair I brought in ten days ago been finished?”  She looked at him and said, “I don’t know, but I do know that chairs don’t have wings; they don’t fly.”  Daddy, trying to be a tolerant Southern gentleman, asked her to please go check.  She got up and went into the back room.  She came back telling Daddy it was ready, but she’d still not seen any wings on it.  Daddy smiled and said, “I noticed you didn’t take the gum out of your mouth before you went back to check.  I’m surprised you can walk and chew gum simultaneously.”  She just looked at him not knowing what he was meaning, nor the innuendo implied.  That was Daddy.           PEACE  and  HARMONY-----------Trudy :)

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2021!! January's FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

                                       2021 January FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

Happy New Year!!!  I truly hope this year will be so much better than last.  I know I’m not alone with my hope.  However, for every blessing, whether it’s little or big, we need to say, “Thank you” and maybe write it down to read and reflect on at the end of this year.

I read where the body knows what the mind thinks.  I know this to be true.  It was a difficult day, and I was getting more frustrated as it progressed.  I didn’t seem to have time to do what was needed to be done.  As the spilled syrup spread over the counter, I thought, “Oh crap!”  The body responded to the thought giving me only seconds to run to the bathroom where I did.

The best theology is probably no theology; just love one another. -Charles Schulz, cartoonist (26 Nov 1922-2000) That’s a lot easier to say than do.  Some people are really difficult to like, let alone love.  But, as I have learned through experience and studying psychology, to love someone is not as difficult as to like them.  The Bible says to love one another; it doesn’t mention a thing about liking.  So, I’ll go on loving others, but choose who I like AND love.  I hear some murmurs of agreement.  You’re welcome.

I approached the little house with the front porch holding 4 rocking chairs.  It was a bit too cold to sit and chat out there, so I knocked on the door.  “Well, looky here!  It’s you coming for a visit.  Come on in, chile,” invited the sweet, wise lady.  “How are you on this fine January day?” she asked.  “I’m doing fine and really glad last year is behind me.  Gosh, Aint Daisy, it surely was a difficult one all along the way.  I’m thankful I made it though.  I know the Bible say to be thankful for the trials and tribulations, but it got a bit difficult at times.”  She listened intently.  I could tell she was thinking and remembering her blessings, trials, and tribulations of last year.  It was as though the Rolodex was turning in her mind.  “Ya know, chile, I’ve lived a long time, had lots of blessings, and had lots of tribulations.   I’ve walked a lot of “paths” and on each one there were “holes” with water of one size or another.  Every path has a few puddles.  You can either go through ‘em, around ‘em, or over ‘em, and the dry spots will be welcomed more.  Well, that is unless you’re a child---------then, you jump smack dab in the middle splashing the water and laugh.”

In the surrounding neighborhoods, there have been some “kids will be kids” attitudes at the pranks and inconsiderate actions of some of the youth in the area.  I’ve dealt with kids for over 60 years; of course, part of that I was a kid, too.  I have/had taught all levels of school for over 30 years. I have seen a drastic change in parenting strongly leaning to the school to do it and a lackadaisical attitude toward discipline of those who are parents. I do not believe in "kids will be kids" or "let kids be kids" philosophy. Mistakes made in childhood can be a directional tool for a responsible parent to teach what is accepted in the majority of society. I, also, strongly believe in "treat others the way you'd like to be treated" and practice it, as well as, practiced it when I was teaching. Respect NEVER goes out of style and neither does responsibility for your actions and words.  I told mine as they were growing up, “You’re mine and have my name, so you’d better act and talk as though I’ll find out about your behavior and statements.  Do not embarrass me or I will do so to you in turn.  Your job is to make me prouder of you than I already am.”

My friend, Shelli Lillian, was fixing breakfast.  Little Miss Hazel was in the kitchen, too.  She spied some brownies.  Here is the conversation:  Hazel: What's this Lily?  Me: A brownie   Hazel: Can I have it?
Me:  No brownie until after breakfast (the brownie is about the size of an adult palm, and I was currently cooking bacon and eggs).  And, you're definitely not getting the whole thing. That's for damn sure!  Hazel in a whiny voice: "Who is 'Damnshur'?"

I’ve read so many statements of, “I don’t give a sh**” that it causes concern about chronic constipation for those people.

FRIEND, FIEND, FRIED all different, but one letter added or omitted changes the definition and word.  Interesting.

Here are some little tips:  *Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.  *Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.  *Never be too open-minded; your brains may fall out.  *Learn from the mistakes of others.  You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself, and besides, being greedy is one of the 7 deadly sins.

Memories are happenings of the past that, if you choose, can bring to the present and live all over again.  I find this to be true as I’ve done it when I am missing a loved one or a friend, or I’m feeling nostalgic.  Sometimes an odor/fragrance or a sound or sight of something will bring back a memory; and there I am, again.

I had someone tell me recently, “Oh what a rotten day it’s been so far, and it’s just started!!”  I felt their pain as I have had those moments and exact thoughts.  I looked at her, smiled, and said, “You awakened, sweetie.  That’s a blessing; and there are those who are glad you did.  I am one of them.”  

Prefixes (before) and Suffixes (after) can help you understand the meaning of a word.  Here are a few which can get you started:   miso- (hate), poly- (many), audio- (sound), deont- (obligation), silvi- (wood), and -cainea (new), -gyny (woman), -phile (love), -logy (study), -colous (inhabiting).

My sweet daughter-in-law gave me a very unique gift for Christmas---a memory book which is printed by a company the next year after you have answered questions which jog your memory about you and your “adventures” or other happenings.  It is bound and given as a gift from you to your children and grandchildren.  Here is one of my entries answering the question, “Where did you go on vacations as a child?”   Usually vacations were spent with my cousins, Sharon and Craig. They lived in Illinois. It was always an anticipated fun time which produced many adventures and laughter. I was the cautious one, but Sharon had adventure galore. One time she and I went to a dumpster and found some pretty flowers. We chose the best ones and went around the neighborhood selling them. We made a little money and used it to buy penny candy at the local store. Little did we know the flowers were thrown away from the recent funeral of a person in town. One lady even commented, “These look familiar.”

I used to be against gun control.  A while back, I mentioned that to a grizzled, old feller one day who was talking about his guns.  He was surprised to hear a woman say they were against gun control, so he asked me “Why?”  I told him I had 10 children---birth control hadn’t worked, so how could anyone think gun control would?  I don’t have 10 children, but I wanted to make my point.  Another time, I had someone ask me how many children I had.  I told them, “6.”  Then they asked me their ages.  I told them, “64, 35, 33, 30, 11, and 8.”  Sixty-four!?!” they exclaimed and questioned.  I said, “Yes, I count my husband.  Some men just never grow up.”

Now that most of us are in “snow time” and have dealt with too much to make us happy, haven’t you ever wondered how the guy who drives the snow plow gets to work ,to get out the snow plow, that goes down the road ways, to clear the road, for others to get to work?  I figure they just sleep at the snow plow barn from November to April.

There have been a few students go through my life whose mentality is somewhere between the intelligence of dead skin cells and pond scum.  This one particular boy became angry with me at the assignment I’d given.  He tried to get me to argue with him, which I didn’t. (You don’t bait the trap with soap and expect the mouse to bite.)  He became so angry he yelled, “You dumb bitch!”---Yes, some have been known to spew forth their entire vocabulary.  I gave him a pass to the dean’s office and told him it would be in his best interest to stay there.  Then, I went immediately to the principal’s office to tell him what had transpired.  When I told him the happenings, I included, “Dustin, also, called me a dumb bitch.” He came out of his chair.  He was incensed and started to go to the dean’s office.  As he passed me, he asked, “Is there anything else I need to know, Trudy?”  I said, “Yes, there is---for the record, I’m not dumb!”

As always, Trudy J

 

                                  🎄 2020 December FROM MY PERSPECTIVE 🎄

DECEMBER, the twelfth month of the year, but it’s really the tenth if you understand the beginning of it.  DEC means ten, just as NOVE means nine, OCTO means eight, and SEPT means seven.  Two rulers decided they needed to be remembered.  So, they took days from other months and made July and August (Julius Caesar and Agustus Caesar).  What would your month be called?

A friend of mine tells me of what her husband did one Friday night.  He arrived home later than usual after an evening with his buddies.  He’d evidently had a bit too much to drink.  My friend met him at the door with a broom in hand.  He slurred, “Hi there, sweet pea.  Are you sweeping the floor or flying somewhere?”  She told me he stayed home in bed for two days.

My friend, JoEllen, told of this happening to her.  “Well, this was a crossroad:  the young man in front of me at the gas station was purchasing a bottle of vodka and a pack of condoms. He was carded. 1998.  I chuckled for a second. “Oh to be 22..”.  But then, the mom (of three girls) in me was like, ‘what the hell are you planning, punk?’”

Aint Daisy was in her kitchen fixing delicious rolls and pies.  She invited me in to “set a spell” and chat.  She saw I was a bit perturbed and asked what was bothering me.  “Oh, I just had an encounter of words with someone I thought was really kind and caring.  It surprised me what she said, and it hurt, too.”  “Well, do you know all there is to know about her past?” questioned the wise one.  “She was a lonely child, ignored by her parents, picked on and smacked around by her siblings, and didn’t have many friends.  Then she met her former husband.  He seemed just right for a while, then he started hurting her, too, with words and hitting.  So, the words which came out of her mouth, which she may not have been able to stop, are the history of her hurts.  Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight, chile; and ‘sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me’ is not true.  Words, kind and mean ones said to you, are with you forever.”  I learned one more thing that day.

It seems that now days, the cars have such bright headlights that the driver is trying to see into the future or read the thoughts in my brain.  Talk about Manfred Mann’s “Blinded By the Light” song hitting home, driving at night anymore is it.

At 75 there isn’t much I want or need in the way of Christmas gifts.  I really have all material things I need and plenty of what I want.  So, when my sweet children ask me what they can give me for a gift for Christmas, I tell them, “M’love, you can’t give me what I truly want because they are in Heaven.  What you can give is:  continued success in all your endeavors, continued love for those who love you, continued acceptance at me slowing down, continue to make me proud you are my child, continued kindness to those who might irritate you, and continued laughter at life’s dilemmas and tweaks.  And, for what I can hold in my hand……well, MOUNDS is my favorite candy.”

I was making stained glass cookies using very thinly sliced gumdrops for the “glass”.  Brenduhh came over and saw them on the paper cooling.  She asked what they were.  I told her, “Stained glass cookies.”  She became concerned and asked, “That’s really dangerous, Trudy.  Aren’t you afraid people will cut their mouth on the stained glass?”  You know how you roll your eyes sometimes and hope they don’t get stuck?  Well, hello eye rolling.” 

Four birds were sitting on wire.  One says, “CHEEP.”  The one next to it says, “OH great.  Now that’s stuck in my head all day!”  I can relate.  Child said, “Mom, see? A baby shark.”  Gods all day long!

There was a lamp found at a thrift store with the clean, glass base filled with popcorn.  I could imagine the newspaper headlines saying, “SMALL ELECTRICAL LAMP CATCHES FIRE.  Fire department requests butter.”

A little town, Downs, IL, was having troubles with the parcel post organization cooperating with deliveries there.  You might say, “It had UPS in Downs from time to time.”

Everyone has a secret or 2 about themselves.  I eat peas with a spoon; slucking long spaghetti is fun; I think spiders are interesting to watch---outside; I shower naked; I’m very quiet at home; I loved teaching others and still do.

I asked someone how much more time the job they were doing would take.  They replied, “It’s almost finished.”  That didn’t give me a time amount because “ALMOST” is difficult to measure.  “A BIT” is another ambiguous, immeasurable amount to me.  I can measure “a skosh”, “a pinch”, or “a smidgen”, but not “ALMOST”.

Aint Daisy’s living room was all a glitter with garlands on the mantel and a beautifully decorated tree filled with twinkling lights (my favorite).  “Oh Aint Daisy, what a lovely tree you have,” I exclaimed.  She smiled and told me to sit a spell, and she’d tell me a story of the tree.  “You see the shape of that tree, chile?  Well, those are God’s trees more than any other.  It has 3 points on it representing The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.  These trees are decorated at this time of the year to honor the Holy Trinity and a pretty gift for the new born savior.  I put twinkling lights on mine so others’ attention will be drawn to it.”  Once again, wise words from a beautiful soul. 

Oxymorons are one of my favorite rhetorical figure of speech in the English language.  The word means, “Contradiction in terms”.  I’ve found some more:  found missing; open secret; small crowd; fully empty; pretty ugly; original copy; only choice.  The best at this time is----SOCIAL DISTANCING.

When my two grandchildren, whom we had adopted, were very young, we had gone to my son’s home for Christmas family celebration and dinner.  The daylight was short as it always is in December around here.  We thought it would be best to leave their home around 5 to return home.  Here is the account of the highlight of the drive home.  Amara, our greyhound, was very glad to see us.  She ran circles around us and in the yard only stopping for a bit to relieve herself.  We were all in bed by 8:30.  It had been a tense drive home due to the fog.  Just after the Marshall County game reserve, 3 deer were in the road licking at the salt residue.  I slowed down, blew my horn a lot, and off they went.  The truck behind me flashed his lights.  I don’t know if it was for “thank you” or something else, but since I was the leader, I got to choose what to do.  I uttered, “Good Lord!”  Guy responded with “Yes?”  I let him know I really wasn’t talking to him, but was glad he was alert to help me with the “deer drive”.  The dash board has his hand print on it for some reason.  Stephen & Tara, in the back seats, asked why I blew my horn.  I told them about the deer.  They, of course, wanted me to turn around and go back so they could see them.  I told them I’d get out the “D” encyclopedia and they could look at the pictures.

Did you know it’s o.k. to be o.k. in Okay, OK?  Yep, there really is a town named “Okay” in Oklahoma.  It’s a town of 620 people located along the east bank of the Verdigris River in Wagoner County, Oklahoma.  It’s only 529 acres big.  Vatican City is 100 acres big; Monaco is 499 acres big.

May your Christmas, or Hanukkah, or Kwanza be blessed with love and laughter.  Trudy

2020 November FROM MY PERSPECITVE

 

                                    2020 November FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

It will be Veteran’s Day on the 11^th.  We owe a debt of gratitude to those who fought for our continued freedom and rights.  You may not agree with me; however, I am the daughter of a father who at 26 commanded a ship in the gulf of Iwo Jima during a fierce battle to overcome that little island and its occupation of what was the enemy, at that time, to the United States of America.  My Daddy was a kind, gentle, Southern gentleman who had high standards and did not waver from them.  I met some his crew in 2001 when I attended a reunion of his shipmates.  Every one of them told me of their admiration of my father---“He was tough, but he was fair.”  “He’d stand watch with us on the tower and help us if we needed it.”  “In the midst of battle he stayed calm and kept up the morale.”  “We went through hell, but he brought us home safely.”  “He was a hero to many of us.”  Those words have stayed with me all these years.  Daddy never talked about the war or his experiences.  He’d seen and engaged in enough danger and action.  It was only when I met his crew did I learn more about this man.

To all those who have or are fighting for our continued freedom, I dedicate these words and thoughts by Raymond Chandler of what a hero is.

“Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. He is the hero; he is everything.”  I am adding:  “Down these mean streets/seas/airs…..”

Negativity and positivity use the same amount of energy.  The difference is that one will drain you and the other will fill you up.  It takes 7 good shuffles to thoroughly shuffle 52 cards. 

Faces are interesting.  They tell a lot if you look closely.  The lines are gifts of emotion---you cared, you laughed, you cried, you loved, and so on.  In fact, they show all the emotions in one crease or another.  Even your thoughts are revealed on your face.  “The fingers of your thoughts are molding your face ceaselessly.”  Charles Reznikoff, poet, 31 August 1894-1976.

Aint Daisy was on her porch rocking and sipping lemonade.  “Hi, Aint Daisy, how are you today?” said the little neighbor named Beth.  Aint Daisy told her she was fine and to come sit a spell to keep her company.  Aint Daisy knew Beth had lost her daddy just about a month ago.  They had a good relationship, took walks together, and sang silly songs under the big oak tree in their yard.  “I miss my Daddy so much, Aint Daisy.  I just feel so alone, even when relatives and friends come over,” Beth sadly said.  Aint Daisy sat as Beth spilled her memories to the kind, listening ear.  “Beth, would you go get me a twig, please?” asked the wise woman.  Beth found one and took it to her.  “Now, see if you can break it.”  She snapped the twig into 2 pieces.  “Now, go get me about 15, please.”  Beth wondered out loud why, but gathered 15 twigs and presented them to Aint Daisy.  “Put them all together straight up with one of the pieces of the one you broke in the middle, sweetie,” urged the kind soul.  “Now break the whole bundle like you did the single one.”  Beth tried and tried, but was not successful.  “I’ll tell you why they didn’t break all around the piece of the single one you brought me.  The piece you broke is you.  When you’re alone, all the forces can break you; but, when you are surrounded by your family and friends, they protect you and keep you strong.”  Beth smiled and nodded.  She understood the wise, old Aint Daisy.

I was thinking about how a status symbol of today is those cell phones that everyone has clipped on.  I can't afford one, so I'm wearing my garage door opener.  Now everyone thinks I'm cool, too.   I was thinking that women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans!  I was thinking about old age and decided that it is when you still have something on the ball, but you are just too tired to bounce it.  I thought about making a fitness movie for folks my age and call it, "Pumping Rust"; it would make Jack LaLane sick.  I see some have gotten that dreaded furniture disease....that's when your chest is falling into your drawers!  You know when people see a cat's litter box, they always say, "Oh, have you got a cat?"  Just once I want to say, "No, it's my third bathroom!" 

A friend of mine said, "It's weird being the same age as old people."  I laughed and told her, "Age is a matter of mind. If you don't mind, you are any age you choose. Presently, I'm 28 with the mind of a 75 year old, and the body of a very large Twinkie.”

I have found that most politicians are truth slayers.  They don’t walk the talk they said they would.

It’s that time of year when other women look cute in their flannel shirts, and I look like I’ve misplaced my axe.  It wouldn’t be so bad if I wasn’t referred to as “Babe”.

Brenduhh called me to come over and help her with something.  “Would you open this for me, please Trudy?  I’ve been trying for 15 minutes and can’t.”  I took the large envelope off the porch floor and zipped it open, then handed it to her.  “What was so difficult about that, kiddo?” I questioned.  “Well, look on the front of the envelope.  It says, ‘DO NOT BEND’.  How am I supposed to open it if I can’t bend over to pick it up from my porch?”  I asked her if she needed anymore help with her mail.

Sometimes the thinking process of a young adult is confusing to a vintage person’s thinking.  Case in point:  My daughter had put away the groceries.  She was in her room with the door closed when I called to her from the kitchen much later, “Where did you put the chicken breasts I bought?”  She cracked the door of her room which was down the hall and around the corner of the kitchen.  She called out, “Look in the garage refrigerator.  Don’t talk to me now, I’m naked!!”  Somehow I think she thought I had super powers enabling me to look through walls and doors and around corners.  Sheee-rah Queen of some powers at your service.

My Beloved knew an ex-con who was sitting at a bar telling all his woes and downing one glass of suds after another.   He said, “I’ve been a police officer, MEG agent, railroad detective, incarcerated thief, and now I’m an alcoholic.”  The bartender, tired of listening to his lamenting said, “Well, you might say you’ve seen both sides of the bars.”

I went to college in West Virginia; met my first husband there,---a local fella--- and married him.  I learned a lot there from the people, the community, and land.  It was a culture shock to this gal from bustling Pittsburgh, but it was rewarding and enriching.  I learned to can vegetables, ate wild game (I'd never eaten before in my whole life), and remember the first meal I ever ate at my in-laws’ came from their huge garden and the end of a gun---even the butter was made right there by Bessie's contribution.  I learned a new vocabulary---a dirt and gravel road winding through two hills was a "holler", "warshing" clothes in a wringer washer got "wrenched" in a separate tub, a closet was a "press", and "right cheer" meant immediately next to you.  There are lots more things I learned, and I carry them in my heart and memories every day.  The memories and teachings are still with me of a beautiful state where the hills are alive with the sound of music from fiddles, banjos, and heartfelt singing of those singing on a porch up a holler.

A friend of mine came home from work tired and hungry.  When he got into the house he smelled a freshly baked cake.  He looked all over for the cake only to discover his wife had scented wax cubes burning called BIRTHDAY CAKE.  

While sitting on the deck, my daughter and I were watching a flock of birds turning left then quickly right, then swooping down and immediately back up.  We both wondered, “What about those birds which have ADD or are directionally challenged?”  We couldn’t stop laughing.

There have been some burglaries in my surrounding area.  I mentioned to a friend they could put some signs on their doors and windows.  The signs are:  “Before you break into my house, get right with Jesus because you’re going to meet him if you do.”  or “A retired special forces sniper lives here.  Guess where I am.” 

Peace, smiles, good thoughts, and thankfulness until next month……………….Trudy 😀

2020 October FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

 2020 October FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

I’ve been thinking about some things.  If you’re cleaning out a vacuum cleaner of the debris aren’t you a vacuum cleaner cleaner, or if you’re in space doing it, would you be considered a vacuum vacuum cleaner cleaner?  What about when you light a lighter; aren’t you then a lighter lighter?  And, should you be standing next to an elephant comparing weight differences and doing the same thing, aren’t you really a lighter lighter lighter?  What if your last name is Turner and you develop a kitchen tool for flipping over pancakes, are you a Turner turner?  What about saying, “Hello” to a woman’s garment-----you address a dress.  Could a man who lives a cloistered life in a monastery slicing potatoes very thin and frying them be called a chip monk?

I taught at a school which had 3 of the 4 seasons on its faculty---Ms. Summer, Mrs. Phal, and Miss Winter.  Mr. Spring was on break, I guess.

When our dear greyhound, Tuxedo, was alive, he’d get ornery.  One day he picked up some of the children’s soft toys and put them in his crate trying to adopt them as his own.  I never thought he’d do this, though.  I have many dictionaries, all of different sizes.  This particular one was setting on a chair next to me.  Tux quietly came over and picked it up with his mouth.  I called for him to drop it, but he kept on walking.  I got up and retrieved the dictionary.  Yep, one might say I took the words right out of his mouth.

Do you know the difference between God and a doctor?  God knows he’s not a doctor.  I told this to my chiropractor as he was adjusting my back.  ‘Guess I’m a bit brave, too, because he cracked up laughing.

I called to Aint Daisy through the screen door.  She answered and told me to come on in and to the kitchen.  She was making bread.  She makes the best bread in town, but it's not an every day or week happening.  Her eyebrows were knitted together, and I could tell she was tense.  “I see you're making your delicious bread, but I, also, see you're a bit on the irritated side.  What is the matter, if I may ask?”  She was quiet and continued to smack and punch the dough.  “Oh, I got a bit upset with one of my grandchildren and their behavior.  Before I could correct them, they took off down the holler.”  “O.K.  So, why are you being rough on the bread dough?” I questioned.  It was then she smiled and a twinkle came to her eye.  “Oh, chile, I find it's better to be strongly physical with bread dough than the bottom of a child.  All my frustration is put into the kneading and punching of the bread dough.  I'm usually calm by the time I've finished that stage of making bread.  Besides, the outcome is much better and tasty for others, I'd say.”

Those who wish to sing always find a song.  Swedish proverb

Brenduhh came over to tell me she’d received a note from a friend to watch a video attached; that it was amusing and interesting.  She did and all that was there was a dog drinking water, then it flopped down beside the bowl.  “Trudy, there was no amusement with this video.  In fact, I’m wondering who watches it and finds it amusing and interesting.  It says thousands of people have watched it.  Gods!!!”  I told her that people who did were probably bored and found very simple things amusing. You watched it, didn’t you?” I asked.  “Well, yes, but I was told to,” she spouted.  “And, I have seen you watch paint dry, clap your hands, and smile, Brenduhh,” was my poignant response.

It’s a known fact that most of us have had to deal with a know-it-all.  I came across this helpful information and will share it.  Here is the insight by Madisyn Taylor:  People (who)are know-it-alls are simply stuck in a pattern and may actually have feelings of low self worth                                                                                                                                                             Most of us have encountered a person in our lives who can accurately be referred to as a know-it-all. This person seems to know everything about anything that gets brought up and tends to dominate the conversation. They don't take well to being questioned, and they have a hard time ever admitting that they were wrong.   Being around a know-it-all is inevitably tiring because there is no shared energy between the two of you. Rather, you become an audience member to this person's need to be the center of attention. Attention and respect are probably the two things this person most longs for, and at some point in their lives, they learned that knowing it all was the way to get those needs met. Over time, they have become stuck in this pattern, regardless of the fact that it is no longer working. They may feel afraid of the experience of listening, being receptive, or learning something new, because it's so unfamiliar.  On the one hand, when we see the childlike need underneath the know-it-all's mask of confidence, we feel compassion for the person, and we may tolerate their one-sided approach to conversation out of a desire not to hurt their feelings. On the other hand, we may be feeling drained and tempted to avoid this person altogether. In the middle of these two possible ways of feeling, we may actually like this person and wish for a closer relationship. If we come from a place of kindness, we might attempt to bridge the gap that this person's habitual way of relating creates. Simply expressing a desire to be closer may open their heart, and give you a chance to ask for what you need in the relationship--a chance to contribute.

I had someone ask me, "Have you ever thought: 'I’m fat. I’m old. I’m not enough. I was young once.'?"  My response was, "Nope. I think, I'm fluffy and more to love; I'm seasoned and enriched; I'm not enough for some and too much for others; I was young once as were others who have been blessed with age; I don't have grey hair, I have silver because I'm expensive."

Each of us has had daunting moments of unhappiness/feeling all alone/feeling unloved or unwanted. Sometimes those moments are extended to time frames we’d like to get away from. An animal shelter is about the best place to be when you have or have had those times. There is unconditional love and acceptance there. In fact, you can just sit and do nothing and a warm body will come and reassure you with a nudge, snuggle, wet nose, or paw on your arm or leg that life will be better, even if it's just for that moment. Nothing is expected of you, but plenty is given to you. Peace my friend, a peace you weren’t expecting.

A single strand of spaghetti is called spaghetto.  I didn't know this, but then, again, who eats a single strand of spaghetti?   “Not I,” said the spaghetti slucker.

Shadow owes its birth to light. -John Gay, poet and dramatist (30 Jun 1685-1732)

Did you know the subject of proctologist is above podiatrist in the phone book?  How interesting the placement of the two.  Sometimes I’ve wondered how the T-rex or a dugong ever showed enthusiasm, joy, or appreciation to something or played along to the song, “If You’re Happy and You Know It”.  What hand does a mother octopus spank its young with?  Why can you have red body wash, but the bubbles are white?  What’s a synonym for synonym?  If Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson got together for a chat, the audience would get buzzed on the air they exhaled.  When applying for a job at Hooters, are you given a bra and they say, “Here, fill this out.”?

On Sundays, one of the radio stations in Peoria, IL plays an oldies music program hosted by Casey Kasem, a music historian and disc jockey who passed away in 2014.  I always listen to it.  With many songs, the memories flood my mind bringing a smile, or tear, or both at the same time.  Music helps one to remember and relive so much.

“Only God can turn a MESS into a message, a TEST into a testimony, a TRIal into triumph, a VICTum into victory.  God is GOOD all the time.”  Thank you, Melodie, for posting this a while back.

Until next month, may you have peace, if even for a moment, and a smile with good thoughts.  Trudy

2020 September FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

                                2020 September FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

 

I was talking to a dear friend.  She always brings out the silliness in me making us both laugh very hard.  At our ages it can be a problem due to misplaced “tears”.  Sure enough, we started laughing uncontrollably.  When I caught my breath to speak I told her, “Sweetie, I’m going to have to hang up the phone.  The Depends I’m wearing is for light emissions; I’m passed that,” which ensued another round of hysterical laughing.

I’ve read that laughter is the safety valve of the heart.  With certain friends and people I interact with, I won’t be seeing a cardiologist anytime soon.

I’m sure most of you have had to deal with “eye rolling”.  That subtle, non-verbal “Oh here she/he goes again; I’m trapped having to listen to her/him; they don’t know what they’re talking about as they yabber on,” statement/thought process.  Well, if there ever is a sensor for detecting it behind one’s back, I’m screwed.

Aint Daisy had a little fella visiting her when I arrived.  He was sitting next to her on her flowered, overstuffed couch wiping away some tears.  I saw a fresh Band-aid on his knee.  “Aww, what happened, sweetie?” I inquired.  He sniffled and told me he’d fallen on the sidewalk when he’d come to see and keep Aint Daisy company.  He pays her a welcomed visit about every day.  Most of the little children in the area know her, enjoy visiting her often, and always know she’ll have a piece of pie or baked cookie ready for them.  She is always glad to see them and makes them feel special.  I mentioned the Band-aid, calling it a badge of courage.  He smiled and said, “It’s not a badge, yet.  I’m waiting for Aint Daisy to make it that way.”  Aint Daisy took out a marker and put a smiley face and star on the Band-aid.  “Now, I have a badge of courage, and I feel so much better,” he announced.  He got off the couch to go swing on the swing in the big oak tree a bit passed the front porch.  Aint Daisy watched him and said, “I guess it’s the little things that make things better.”  I agreed and told her, “Yes, and sometimes they have two legs.”

Homer the Greek: “The man who acts the least, disrupts the most.”  Boy, is that ever true.  I’d been in the deepest throes of dealing with dawdling children; a whining, hungry dog who wanted to go outside; the clock was ticking because it was about time to leave for school; and cooking a good breakfast.   SOMEONE just sat and watched.  The irritation was overwhelming, and I found the lack of action grounds for a “discussion.”  “I am just sitting here not doing anything!” he said, which was the lead-in for the encounter.  “ABSOLUTELY!! And that is what honks me off,” I fired back.  “I didn’t want to get in the way,” he feebly responds.  “That, also, honks me off!” I fire back.  “I can’t win,” he sighed.  “You’re catching on real quickly,” sending another “round” of ammunition.  Only in the wild does the lack of movement protect the animal from attack.

I know someone who works in a fiber factory.  They told me the crew asked the owner for a raise.  The owner, after they stopped laughing, told them not at this time, and for them to get back to work.  The angry crew all said, “Knot going to happen.  There’s knot a thread of hope until we get our raise, so don’t string us along.”

When my kids were little, I would introduce different veggies for them to eat.  The rule in my home was: "Eat just one bite, that's all which is required." I made sure I didn't serve veggies which usually are rejected at young ages. We, also, grew some of our veggies and that, too, was an incentive until one had a bright idea to give names to the different veggies. Then, "I can't eat Tom; I can't eat Korrin; I can't eat Barbie.  I’ll be hurting her/him," was announced.

I have a friend who is a librarian.  She posted a message on their announcement page which told the patrons thinking that to kill the corona virus will work by microwaving the book is a big mistake.  She said, “If the book has a magnetic sensor in it, it will fry the book and destroy your microwave.”  I asked her, “What about cook books?”  I haven’t heard from her, yet.

Daddy had often told me to have good character and not tarnish the family name.  I started thinking recently about what good character is.  I was reading a book, PEARLS OF WISDOM, written by Doro Bush Koch (daughter of President George H.W. and Barbara Bush).  Mrs. Bush stated, “Good character is telling the truth, knowing the difference between right and wrong, tolerance and intolerance, having the moral filter to pick the right way.”  When I read that, I started thinking of other things which demonstrate good character:  treating others the way you want to be treated, showing respect, being kind even when you want to be difficult, laughing at yourself, giving thanks for your blessings and trials (trials build strength), don’t whine---everyone has tough moments in life, and helping yourself when it would be easier to ask someone else.  Bad character------well, it’s just the opposite.

In Illinois the DMV has extended the renewal of licenses and license stickers to October.  However, some have not gotten the message and are forming lines at the facility I go to.  The forward movement of the line reminded me of the grade school cake walk; there was, also, a picture of a sloth at the window.  How appropriate.  This creature moves so slowly, mold and mildew form on its coat.  I checked my arms.

I went grocery shopping last week.  I got a box of Cherrios and some other cereal.  When I got home, I started putting the items away.  I put the box of Cherrios on the counter.  Later when I was busy being Dolly Domestic, one of the kids asked if there was anything to snack on.  I told them there was a box of giant Cherrios on the counter in the kitchen.  The found them and called to me, “Mom, these aren’t giant Cherrios----they are glazed donuts!!”  Man, I hate it when that happens.

It was a very hot, sultry day in central Illinois---almost like central Florida weather.  The humidity was so thick it hung in the air like a lace curtain.

I didn’t accept a friend’s request on Facebook from Capt. Morgan.  He wanted to go on a 3-hour cruise.  You know how that turned out.  General Mills asked me to be his friend on Facebook.  NOPE, he’s a cereal killer.  Chef Alpo wanted me to try his meatloaf.  Yuck!!!  It tasted like dog food.  Don’t believe you’ll, Win Dixie.  Ha!!  They’ll start a war. 

Brenduhh came over all excited.  “Trudy, I had to replace one of the tires on my car, and I’ll be prosperous and happy for 365 days.   The salesman told me it’ll be a Good Year.  I can’t wait to see what happens.”  I didn’t want to deflate her joy, so I kept quiet.

Names I’ve found:  Beau Zoh---president of a clown school; Wendy Dae---meterologist for a Chicago weather station; Greg E. Lectrick----his mom called him “Sparky”.

Jellyfish have survived 650 years despite not having a brain.  Wow!!  There’s hope for some people.

We are owned by two cats.  One is aloof and independent; the other is our love-bug and likes to be held and cuddled.  I wasn’t feeling very well one day and being left alone was helping me.  That was until “Love Bug” decided to come and sit all over me thinking her purr therapy would help.  I think I’ll call her, “Doc” from now on.            PEACE AND HARMONY TO YOU, Trudy 😊