Fess Up No Fess

I hate to start your day this way but, there will be no Fess Up Friday.

Oh now, I know it's heartbreaking.

But, you'll get over it.

I have a legit reason for not fessin.

I have a story I need to tell instead.

So see ?
It all works out.
&
here it is ...

The plan was for Dad to drop us off at Denny's.

That's where the bus would pick us up.

We were headed for Florida.

Husband has always wanted to take a Greyhound bus trip to somewhere.

I agreed to this adventurous excursion because he usually misses all the beautiful scenery when we drive because he does most of the driving.
& plane trips ...?
Even though I love clouds, not much scenery up there.

So anyways, the online bus instructions informed us to arrive at Denny's one hour before the scheduled departure.

Ok.

We will and we did.

We soon figured out though, there was really no need to be at that Greyhound pickup so early.

No need at all.

Instead of just leaving us and our suitcases at Denny's for that hour, my nicest of nice Dad decided to park the car and wait it out with us.

The three of us sat in Dad's warm car and enjoyed some good yappin time.

We were parked at Point A.

It seemed a reasonable spot.
When the bus stops at Point A, we will have a short walk with our suitcases.
Sweet.

Eventually, the bus arrived, right on schedule.

But, Mr Bus Guy decided to park that big ol bus at Point B instead of our strategically planned Point A.
rats.

Ok.

No worries.

It took a bit of maneuvering but, we ventured over to Point B.
YaY.
The bus is here, we are ready to go, let's go !

And so, Dad, husband and I exited the car, all opening and closing our doors in unison.

!!!!!!!!!! WAIT !!!!!!!!!

We cannot figure out how it happened but, it happened.

Yes.

The keys, suitcases and all the good stuff were sitting in the still running, locked car.

GULP.

Ok then.

What to do ?

Well, we began by saying hello to the puzzled bus guy.
We informed him of our predicament.

Thanks but, no thanks, bus guy.

We have to get these keys and all our goods out of our still running car.

Bye Bye !

Luckily, we knew there was a layover at Bus Destination # 2,  two hours south of where we stood.

We decided to call AAA, get the car unlocked, and make a southern run..

Dad didn't mind.

We didn't mind.

Let's do it.

As we were waiting on our savior from AAA, we all decided we needed a Denny's breakfast.

Yum.

Now.

In all this fussing and worrying about what to do next, I had the most wonderful conversation with an employee of Denny's.

She had witnessed our dilemma and wondered  if she could help in any way.

You know that 'I think I've met you before' feeling ?

Yep.

I felt it.

This lady was kind, helpful and very interesting !

She made our unexpected stay at Denny's so very enjoyable.

After a short while, along came the AAA man.

With a big smile and a very cool device, he had that car door opened in no time at all.

YaY!

Long story short

(or long story longer)

We made it to Bus Destination # 2 with plenty of time to spare.
And now, we are sitting in Florida.

My point to this morning's rambles …?...

Sometimes the best laid plans don't happen the ever so careful way they are planned.

Sometimes, there are bumps in the road.

Sometimes, those bumps are small.

Sometimes, those bumps are monstrous.

Either way, whatever it is ...

Don't worry

Don't stress.

Your best bet is to just jump in and go with the flow.

Just go with the flow.

If you trust that everything will turn out the way it's supposed to turn out , by golly, things usually turn out just fine.

Everything, and I mean
Every. Thing.
happens for a reason.

So just go with it.

Along the way you just might meet some very kind people who make those bumps in your road worth the trip.

:)

Say Cheese

I have a mini obsession with cameras.
Don't know why.
I figure it must be a previous life thing.

I love them.

I have a box filled with old, wonderful cameras in my closet.
I just can't throw them out.
My plan is to put my cameras in my antique room.
If I ever have an antique room.

So, you figure if I have a thing for cameras, I must have a thing for photos too.
I do.
I have many, many, photos.
At last count, there are thirty photo albums pleasantly stacked in a corner of my room.
Sitting right there, next to my collection of record albums.

The books date back to 1977 or thereabouts.
That's a good chunk of my life.
Eek.

Good news though ...!
The photos are in chronological order.

Back when those albums were brand new, I would write the name of each person, mark the date, and place each picture ever so nicely in it's orderly spot.
How tidy of me.

It's because I love chronological order.

When the digital camera entered my life it really messed me up.
No longer could I just take my roll of film to the store and have the store people handle it.

Nooooooo.

Mr Digital Camera Guy had to make life complicated for my non technological brain.
Thanks, guy.
Thanks a lot.

My chronological, orderly, named and dated photo collection came to an abrupt stop.
I just didn't 'get' digital.
I could not compute.
& it breaks my heart just thinking about it.

I want my roll of film back, please.
Please.

I do have random pictures of birthday parties and other important events tucked away in an album or two.
Thanks to an occasional kind soul who would walk me through the digital printing process.
The majority of my photos, though, are hanging around in computer land.
Wandering aimlessly.
Wondering where the heck are their photo albums ?!?

Picture taking is just no fun anymore....!....
Life isn't life until you experience flashbulb eyes.

Dot. Dot. Dot.

If I ever own a camera shop, I'm bringing back film and flashbulbs.
& I'm naming my shop 'Chronological Order'.

You're welcome to join me there.
Anytime.

I'll show you my treasured box of  'I'll never throw these away' cameras.
& I'll tell you all about my antique room.

If I ever have an antique room.

:)

Fess Up My Way

I type with one finger.
Yep.
It's true.
I used to type the way average people type.
But now, I prefer using my right index finger.
I'm faster that way.
So ... that's the way I do it.

I write all my stories, poems and daily blogs on paper first.
Yep.
It's true.
Paper then laptop.
Why ?
Cause I love a good pen.
& there's nothing like a spiral notebook.
Being able to scribble, cross out, doodle and all that other good pen and paper stuff brings joy to my heart.
So ... that's the way I do it.

I cut our acre of grass with a push mower.
Yep.
It's true.
I cannot describe the glee I feel when my music, my loyal lawn mower and I get down to business.
I will never, ever use a rider.
Nope.
I love the walk.
So ... that's the way I do it.

I shovel snow with a snow shovel.
Yep.
It's true.
A snow blower ...?
Don't even bother to ask.
I'll pick my snow shovel's upper arm exercise every single time.
It may take forever but, it brings back warm memories and makes me feel happy.
So ... that's the way I do it.

I was dishes in the sink instead of using the dishwasher.
Yep.
It's true.
I suppose the dishwasher still works ...?
I don't know.
Haven't used it in years.
I don't remember why I got into the habit of sink over dishwasher.
It's just what I like to do.
So ... that's the way I do it.

If there is a longer, more 'difficult' road to get somewhere I will be on it.
For sure.
And I don't mind.
At. All.
It's just the way I am.
So ... that's the way I'll do it.

I am shunner of the simple way.

Yep.
It's true.

Fess !
Fess !

:)

A Friend with a Message

Ever have one of those half awake half asleep dreams ?
A dream that seems so real when you're experiencing it but, disappears when you wake up...?

I had one of those the night before last.

I had fallen asleep on the couch
& I dreamt I was lying on my couch talking to a friend.
I was on my side, leaning on my elbow, looking at him.
He was on his side, leaning on his elbow, looking at me.
My couch isn't that wide so my friend was kind of hanging in the air.
He and I were very deep in conversation.
btw ...
This friend I was talking to looked an awful lot like Jesus.

When I woke up, I remembered my dream and thought 'how wonderful !'
& I wished I could remember what my friend who looked like Jesus and I had talked about but, the conversation was gone.
Evaporated.

As my yesterday continued, it turned into a very unusual day.
In the morning, I was pleasantly phone call reunited with a friend I hadn't talked to in twenty years.
In the afternoon, I received an update on a family member's cancer diagnosis.
& the evening brought news of  the sudden, unexpected death of a much too young family friend.

All last night and into this morning, I've been thinking about my dream
my phone call
the cancer diagnosis
a sudden death.

I can't be certain but, I think there's a message in there somewhere ....

Whatever you're putting off till tomorrow ...
Do it NOW
Today.
You'll be very happy you did.

No matter what your journey is ... whether you think it's fair or unfair ..
You have to trust it.
Trust is the key.

&
Live each day to it's fullest.
Celebrate each and every day like it's your last because, one day, it will be.

I hope I got it right, dream friend.

:)

 

Promises ! Promises

Dear 2015

I never seem to keep resolutions so this time, I'm calling them promises.
 & this year,  I promise you I will ....


1.  Get things done.
     It's true.
     My sidetracking days are over.

2.  Be ok with and get better at self promotion.
     It's a toughie but, I must.
     I must !

3. Strum Mandy on my guitar.
     It WILL happen.

4.  Find my publisher and my music writer.
     I know that person is out there and we meet one day.
     & if we don't...

5.  Become my own publisher and learn to write my own music.
      Oh, yes I can.

6.  Stop depending on others to help me figure out technology.
     I'll try.
     I'll really, really try.

7.  Don't be afraid to speak up.
     Yep.
      This year, if I'm thinking it, I'm saying it.
      eek.

8.  Keep walking.
     YaY !
     I will.

9.  Eliminate or at least regulate the consumption of chips, chocolate and peanut
     butter in my life.
     Think portion control.
     OUCH.

10. Thank my loyal readers more often.
      They need to know how very much I appreciate them.
      Thank You Loyals ! I do ! !

      &
      finally, most importantly
   
      Be sure to make you, 2015, the best year ever.
      You will be.

      I promise.

      Love,
      Me

      :)
   

They Did

I saw a man teaching a woman how to ride a bike the other day.
They were 30 years old or so ish.
It was such an uplifting sight.
A definite 'oh yes you can' moment that is now stuck in my head.

I saw them in the park.
The patient instructor and his nervous student were on the grass.
Seems the 'what if I fall / safe landing factor' was well thought out and debated before they began.
So adorable.

I walked pass, unnoticed.
The determined couple was completely absorbed in their lesson.
She was squealing with glee
& he was holding on tight.
Words of encouragement were being whispered in her ear.

"How fun !" I thought as I walked by
& So Darn CUTE.

It was my first go around the park.
I figured the happy pair would do their thing and be long gone by the time I made it back to the learning spot.
& so, I tucked this scene away in my thoughts and continued along.

After a two mile, approximately thirty minute gap I came upon the couple again.
They were still very much involved in the teaching / learning process.
He was handing her encouragement.
She was giggling with excitement.
But, he wasn't holding on quite as tight or as long anymore & she was riding.
Riding in short, interrupted intervals but, riding it was.
YaY for them !

As I walked by, I couldn't help but think ...

Determination.
      +
Encouragement.

What a wonderful combination of 'oh yes they did " ! !

:)





 

Land of the Duds

I was at my dad's the other day.
Little sister was in town so I scurried over there for some much needed visiting.

I knew Dad was planning on Christmas decorating.
& sure enough, when I arrived, the tree and lights were up and boxes of ornaments were scattered about the living room.

Dad, sister and older brother were hunkered down watching football.
Nobody looked too concerned about the ornaments.
Ok...!
Cool...!
I found a spot and hunkered down too.

Every once in awhile Dad would comment about finishing the tree trimming.
& as the day went on, his hints were becoming more obvious.
Apparently not obvious enough for his children though.
Neither of my siblings or I jumped up to volunteer our ornament hanging services.

My excuse was that I had just finished decorating my own Christmas tree.
Every person has their own, preferred way of hanging ornaments I halfheartedly insisted.
I didn't want to mess with Dad's ornament hanging style.
Yeah.
That's it.
Ornament hanging style.

Dad didn't buy my well thought out excuse.
The hints kept coming.

Finally, after he fed his non-volunteering son and daughters a delicious Sunday meal, Dad said
"I'll do the dishes. You three do the ornaments".
Gee Dad, who knew you were so against ornament hanging ...?

My brother ran for the hills.
He's pretty fast when he sets his mind on something.

It seemed my sister and I were stuck with the festive task.
& so the opening of the ornament boxes began.

Sis and I soon fell into a surprisingly happy little pattern of ornamenting.
It wasn't long until we realized we had put all the not as pretty as the other ornaments toward the back part of the tree.
The part of the Christmas tree nobody notices unless you happen to have your face plastered against the front window.
My sister and I were thrilled that we unintentionally made a little village of not so pretties.
We named our village the Land of the Duds.
YaY Duds !

We soon discovered we had actually formed a few different ornament villages.
The heavier ones, aka The Heavies, live at the bottom of the tree.
The prettier ones, aka The Pretties, are scattered amongst the villages, happily showing off their prettiness.
& the just darn cute ornaments, aka The Just Darn Cutes, are front and center because they are just so darn cute.
We even found a couple of twin ornaments.
We called them The Twins but, separated them.
Figured they could use some time apart.

Eventually, Dad wandered in to check on our ornament hanging skills.
Yes.
He was pleased.
Very pleased.
I think he realized his daughters had created a community of ornament perfection.

YaY for us.

YaY for Christmas tree decorating.

YaY for Christmas....!....

&
Dibs on hanging ornaments for Dad next year.

YaY

:)