tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162141356450465422024-03-19T00:28:40.569-07:00Sarah Says Express YourselfRants, Raves, Ruminations, and Remembrances
on Family, Children, Miracles, Spiritual Matters and . . . HumorSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-12284741340290148862020-03-14T20:08:00.002-07:002020-03-14T20:08:40.958-07:00On Your Own Again (written 1985)<br />
<div class="Section1">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">On
Your Own Again</span></b><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Alone,
at last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">No more fights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">No more screaming
matches<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Hateful looks
(outbursts)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">No sullen pouts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">No one to challenge
your decisions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Just one in charge .
. . You<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">It</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">s what you wanted,
isn</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Responsibilities
</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">How to fix the
broken lawnmower<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Where IS that
wrench?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">And how do I charge
that battery . . . again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">The car </span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"> but I just replaced
the tires six weeks ago . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Align them, did you
say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twenty-five Dollars, did you say?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">The dryer won</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">t run<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">A new motor it
needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">And what</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">s that funny <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clanging in the washing machine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Please, God, you fix
it , indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span>
<div class="Section2">
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<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 28.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">* *
* * * * * * * *</span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">To face the
difficulties of life </span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"> alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">To discover
strengths you didn</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">t know you had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">To be content with
what you have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">To stretch </span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"> and reach </span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"> and stretch again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">The path you</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">ve taken has it</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">s hills and valleys<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Rock and
gulleys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">But the climb builds
strength <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">And confidence that
you can do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">what needs to be
done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">It</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">s what you needed,
isn</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Freedom
</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">To do what you want<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">When you want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">To drink that early
morning cup of coffee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Without the TV
chattering, bringing you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unwanted news on timely topics<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">The lovely peace of
sharing your morning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">With nothing but the
Shining Sun, the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chirping birds, the rustle of the wind in the
trees<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">Peace, at last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">It</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">s what you wanted,
isn</span><span style="font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola;">t it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Gabriola; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-18614519560112243022020-03-11T11:50:00.007-07:002022-07-18T17:13:01.471-07:00Yesteryears . . . <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The youngster raced down the steps of the two-story house. It's barn-style roof made it appear larger than the homes on either side. Slinging his belted books over his shoulder, the young boy took the stairs two at a time, youthful energy bubbling from his small, wiry body. If you could have looked into his large, hazel eyes you would have seen a glimmer of mischief lurking behind his innocent smile.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Halfway down the street, he stopped to adjust his knee-length socks which never stayed tucked inside his knickers when he ran. Wool tweed knickers, long black stockings held up by garters that always seemed to be too tight or too loose, black high-top, lace-up shoes, white shirts and bow ties were standard school attire for boys his age. Jack hated the baggy pants and itchy socks.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the corner, he turned right and ran the short side block to the school yard. The school and playground took up an entire city block with the front of the school facing the residential street Adeline and the rear and playground backing up to State Fair, one of the busy city streets that bounded the State Fair Grounds in Detroit, Michigan.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The large playground contained swings and slides in several locations. However, he had no time for play. The first bell was ringing as he entered the massive wooden doors on this side of his school, Grayling Elementary. He was seven years old and in the second grade. The year was 1919.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* * * * *<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The little girl jumped down the steps of the small bungalow-style house she shared with her mother and father. Her large, expressive, hazel eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and her small slender body seemed charged with energy as she bounced her way down the steps, one at a time. <br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Her long dark brown hair was parted on the side with a big red bow and curled in the Shirley Temple ringlets that were a popular style of the times. She was wearing a red, white, and blue gingham dress, smocked and gathered in the front, with white collar and cuffs, sewn on her mother's new sewing machine. Red tights and sensible brown Oxfords completed her apparel. The dress was one of many lovingly hand-made by her mother.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the bottom of the stairs, she began skipping and singing her way down the street. Reaching the corner, she turned right and ran the short side block to her school, Grayling Elementary. She was seven years old and in the second grade. The year was 1945.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* * * * *<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Serendipity. Life is full of it. That little boy and girl? Each spent almost ten years of their childhood on the same street albeit twenty-five years intervened. Big deal. So what . . . unless you know the little boy became the father of the little girl. Serendipity. <br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Of course a lot of things happened to the young boy known as little Jack Hopps between the years 1913 and 1945. By then he had married and fathered a child--the little girl--who he adored almost as much as he did her mother. And in 1945, he was about to become a proud father once again, this time of a son.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>His daughter certainly thought it was unusual that she and her parents lived just a few houses down from her father's childhood home. Unfortunately, she didn't learn this until she was grown and long gone from her childhood neighborhood.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As a child living in this community, she had always been especially drawn to the two-story house a few doors down from her own. At the time, she thought it was because of it's Dutch roof. Anything that looked like a barn or smelled like a farm always drew her attention. That's because her mother's father had a farm in Tennessee and every summer they would spend a couple of weeks with him. She loved visiting Grandpa Roberts on his farm. Although he sold the farm and moved to town when she was still a little girl, throughout her life, the smell of barns and horses and hay would always be to her the best smell in the world.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As far as the barn roof house is concerned, maybe it was something else that drew her attention; that beckoned her. An aura perhaps, a presence, of the laughter, the tears, the sorrows, the joys of the people who had lived there 25 years earlier. <br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Whatever it was remained a mystery. She never knew the people who lived there during her childhood well enough to be invited inside. And never had the chance to heed the beckoning of the house by venturing inside. Years later, when she learned it had been her father's childhood home, she remembered the emotions the house had stirred in her. And wondered. And desperately wished she could have gone inside and seen--"experienced"-- the rooms where her father and his parents had lived a portion of their lives. <br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When the girl was just thirteen, her paternal grandmother died. And her paternal grandfather moved to California long before she was born. In fact, she only saw him twice. Being in the house where they once had lived would have enriched her memories.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But the essays I'm writing are not about the little girl. They are about the boy. And some of the significant and serendipitous events that took place in his life between the years 1913 and 1945. Events and circumstances that shaped him into the man he was to become. A man of responsibility and integrity and scrupulous honesty. A man who respected the authority of his parents, his church, his community, his country. A man of peace who nevertheless stood firm for his principles when confronted with conflict or controversy.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The little boy became a man. The man became my father. One of my heros . . . . except I’ve never told him so.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If he reads my essays, he'll know.<br />
<br />
Sarah Barnes<br />
June 1996<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-18604755688801625962020-01-01T10:14:00.002-08:002020-01-01T10:20:14.171-08:00MEMORIES . . . and JOYS --- Then and Now<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">12/09/2019</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">So.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back home agin. (*)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">Left Thursday afternoon to meet with some friends from church;
one of whom drove us to Cheekwood for the Holiday Lights show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AWESOME!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even if it DID cost $22.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheaper
if you're a member (free to join, so I did to qualify for discount prices for
future events).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">She drove straight down <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Hillsboro Road</st1:address></st1:street> to Old Hickory and then on
over to Cheekwood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've been to
Cheekwood but it's been a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just being a passenger along this route reminded me of places and things
I haven't seen for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of which
has changed a bit, of course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">* * * * * * * * * *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">(I used
to take <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Hillsboro Road</st1:address></st1:street>
to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Moore</st1:place></st1:city>'s Lane
where I turned right down to the offices of Matrix Enterprises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Franklin</st1:place></st1:city>'s cable company back in the 80s and
when I first joined the staff they were actually located in the county jail
building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can picture the building now
but can't remember exactly where or if it's still standing. We moved to the new
building on <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Moore</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">s lane a few months after I
began working for them.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">* * * * * * * * * *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">After we left the Cheekwood exhibit, we headed back to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Franklin</st1:place></st1:city>, choosing Zolo's
for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That took me back some
years, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">I don</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">t often eat out anymore but when I do I always check out the
appetizers/soup/salad side first </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> and sometimes that</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">s all I get </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> since I get filled up quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I do get a full dinner, I always bring home enough left-overs for at
least 2 more meals. So it</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">s a good deal, either way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">What's This?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OHMYGOSH! I
had forgotten all about these . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">(When I
lived and worked in Franklin, shortly after Jer returned to Michigan, I
frequently stopped at Zolo's for this absolutely DELISH (and filling) . . .
Crusted DEEP FRIED Artichokes!!!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">WOW!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Price has
doubled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I gotta have </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">em anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the other ladies agreed we would split
the price and the consumption. 👍<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">Oh, I will definitely be stopping here regularly once again
whenever I</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">m visiting J/B in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Franklin</st1:place></st1:city>. In fact, I may
have to come </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">more often.</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">= 😉</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">I ended up choosing the Lemon Chicken/Pasta ($22) as my entree
so between that and the artichokes I ordered, I had enough food for (3) more
meals when I left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the price wasn</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">t too bad after all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">Friday morning I headed to CJ</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were going to work out a tentative plan
for how/when I will help her (data entry stuff) organize/record data in
connection with one of her new clients and then watch a movie with dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rocket</st1:city>
<st1:state w:st="on">Man.</st1:state></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">So we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Rocket
Man was no longer available so we watched Big instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I ever watched it, I didn</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">t remember any of it and it was
delightful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
still had some planning to do, plus I always like to help with laundry whenever
I go to the kids</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">re in that phase of life that
keeps them running in ten directions at once and I have time on my hands now,
so I am glad to pitch in on the easy stuff whenever I can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">So CJ and I spent Saturday continuing to organize/plan stuff
and that night we watched First Man during dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was heavy duty at times but an excellent
re-telling of the expeditions leading up to and including the moon landing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">Before leaving CJ</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">s the next morning (Sunday) I called to check with Becky/John
to see what, if anything, was going on there (I knew they had had a houseful
with John</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">s birthday and their anniversary
celebration being one day apart </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> on the 5<sup>th</sup> and 6<sup>th</sup> </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> and wanted to check and see if
they needed me to play laundry catch-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Depending on what was going on, I could stay overnight and head home in
the morning. Or head back home late afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">Not surprising, John said </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">A</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">come on over; maybe we</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">ll watch a movie later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or not. We</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">ll figure it out.</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">@</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">So I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
stayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hectic but joyful </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">little kid</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> hectic stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">My staying would definitely be helpful, they said, because one
of the little ones (5 years) has to have a surgical procedure tomorrow and John
is going with them to the hospital for the procedure and Becky will stay home
with the two smaller siblings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if I
stay, I can help; one way or another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">So I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately,
all the kids have some kind of </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">flu/cold bug</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> but the doctors said it was a kid</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">s virus and adults weren</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">t susceptible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">But then this morning </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> Becky was sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flu
Sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they insisted I leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">t have what the kids have but
that means I could get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I DID get the
</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">super</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> flu shot for older folks, but
still . . . it</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">s probably better if I leave. I never had to worry about this
when I was younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always have had an excellent
immune system and hardly ever got the flu </span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">B</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";"> or if I did it came and went in 24 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">(*) I
feel like I</span><span style="font-family: "wp typographicsymbols"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "WP TypographicSymbols";">=</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Yu Gothic UI";">m abandoning ship!</span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-29251326919285771242019-11-20T16:19:00.001-08:002019-11-20T16:34:55.506-08:00Online Sharing . . . Good or Bad<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="7nc68" data-offset-key="4hism-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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95% of my posts are about animals and/or people who rescue/help/love their animals -- or folks who "pay it forward". Or beautiful sunsets. Or uplifting, encouraging thoughts or actions that make the world a better place. It's who I am. Mostly. <br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> get a 'few" Likes. Maybe.</span><br />
Once in awhile, Evil twin escapes and posts something more serious -- a problem for society, for example -- a 'thought-provoking' quote or statement . . . </div>
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<span data-offset-key="35vnb-0-0"><span data-text="true" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And then . . . All Hell Breaks Loose and my intelligence, my integrity, my purpose are subjected to ridicule and/or insults.
Strange. I learned how enlightening/helpful 'discussions' can be when I attended the First Unitarian Church in Nashville during the time of my second marriage.
Groups got together regularly -- to discuss ALL SORTS of problems. No one ever got mad. No one spoke disrespectfully of another's point of view. Did we all agree? Of course not. People from all walks of life, all religious/philosophical backgrounds/ethnic groups/educational and professional backgrounds -- came together because . . . all were welcome.(*)
Often, the response to someone's point of view was: "Interesting. I never thought about it from that perspective before."
At 50 years of age, it was so encouraging/enlightening to realize there were folks who could discuss and entertain a different perspective than their own. Without being rude. Without being insulting/disrespectful.
Sometimes it changed their opinion, sometimes it didn't. But that was okay. With everyone.
I miss those times. I need to find a group like that agin.
And By-Pass Facebook.
Hopefully Optomistic,
Sarah
(*) Unitarians tell this joke on themselves: Is it intolerant to be intolerant of intolerance?
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-42198300318342517732018-08-28T10:39:00.000-07:002018-08-28T11:48:17.697-07:00Libtard . . . Progressive . . . Someone recently referred to me as such.<br />
<br />
Me??? Wait just a New York minute . . .<br />
<br />
Hmmm. Let me think about this. Not very familiar with those terms; never thought of myself that way exactly . . . .<br />
<br />
So let's see – my husband and I raised our kids to be respectful . . . and truthful . . . and responsible –<br />
<br />
We taught them to be honest and dependable --<br />
We taught them to clean up after themselves --<br />
We taught them to finish what they start --<br />
We taught them to be kind to others, and forgiving --<br />
We taught them to study hard to get good grades –<br />
<br />
And being being part of a family means fun times AND responsibilities IN the family so --<br />
<br />
We assigned home chores for each of them from age 3-4 --<br />
<br />
When they were old enough for part-time jobs, we taught them it was important to show up on time 'ever' day and do a good job, that there is no “free lunch”. Work hard, do your job, you will be rewarded.<br />
<br />
Personally, like Elvis, I believe in “a little less talk, a little more action”so like Graham Nash once said when being interviewed by Tavis Smiley in 2011, “I’ve got to be the way I want the world to be” is a credo I strive to live by. <br />
<br />
And having been raised in a church that preached “we’re right and everyone else is wrong”, I have fought against that perspective my whole life – always attempting to find ‘common ground’ whenever/wherever possible with people of differing perspectives. Learning along the way, how often that results in finding much about which to agree.<br />
. <br />
I believe what I believe because it works for me. Living in America, I recognize the same 'freedom of choice' applies to you and yours.<br />
<br />
Being a ‘free thinker’, I also believe what I think today may change depending on what I learn tomorrow.<br />
<br />
So here I am today – in this self-absorbed, anything goes, “ if it feels good, do it” world --<br />
<br />
just now learning that all those things I taught and practice and still believe in makes me a “Libtard”, a “Progressive.”<br />
<br />
It’s GR-ATE to learn sumthin’ new ever day, is it not?<br />
<br />
Yeah, it is.<br />
<br />
This calls for a celebration. Yeah, it does. Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-43242871490536087822018-08-27T13:07:00.000-07:002018-08-27T13:36:48.759-07:00The Mystique of Music . . . <br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Passing thru the living room to feed the birds and make my coffee, I turn on Easy Listening, as usual. Then I let Rocky out for his morning ritual.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sitting down with my coffee, Rocky joins me momentarily, as the sounds of the theme from Schindler's List begin.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I pause as the melancholy melody fills my heart and soul with such poignant emotions.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How do they do it? Composers, I mean.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Twelve notes produce such unimaginable combinations. Well, I shouldn’t say unimaginable ‘cuz someone does. Imagine them, I mean.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Listening to this music that is SO BEFITTING of the story . . . the sadness, the tragedy, the pain – it’s all there. In the notes, the melody.<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And then – think about this. The difference in composing in a Minor Key – or a Major Key:<br />
<br />
F Sharp – it’s the same note as G Flat.<br />
C Sharp – it’s the same note as D Flat<br />
and so on.<br />
<br />
Except (3) instances: There is no note identified as C Flat or E sharp or F Flat.<br />
<br />
So why . . . how come . . . if you compose in the Minor Key – instead of in the Major Key – it changes the SOUND, the EMOTION . . . EVERYTHING --.<br />
<br />
– to produce music such as the theme from Schindler’s List – evoking sounds/emotions that are –<br />
<br />
– melancholy, dismal, heartbroken. mournful. pessimistic. somber. sorrowful.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
Whereas, music in the Major Key makes you want to sing along, dance, jump for joy, or blissfully close your eyes and relax while your mind finds its Happy Place.<br />
<br />
How can this be?<br />
<br />
I can’t explain it but I sure can love it . . .<br />
<br />
The Mystique of Music . . . is a Blessing Beyond Measure.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * </div>
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.”<br />
— Pablo Casals<br />
<br />
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pablo_casals_100781<br />
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-17391899647677650762018-08-21T18:54:00.000-07:002018-08-21T18:58:49.097-07:00Good Stuff Happens; Yeah, It Does!. . . <div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">What a Day! What a Guy! Son, John, that is.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Malfunctioning AC unit repaired and a NEW Water Heater installed.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What he thought would be a 2-3 hour job took all day. 'Course I stood By-The-Ready to "hold" the hammer or the screw driver -- and even became a "Ready-to-be-Certified" Welder. Yeah, I did. Well, maybe certification will come with a little more practice. ??</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So here’s the deal –</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the summer, I keep the thermostat set at 76. It works well for Mary 'n me. Yesterday, for some reason, I walked thu the hall and "happened" to look at the thermostat and was surprised to see it was set at 76 but Temp was 77. I check it on occasion -- but not often -- and always the Set temp matches the actual Temp.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So this (the descrepancy) was odd. Hmmm . . .</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A few minutes later, John called to say he was coming by to check on my water heater and to see if he could determine the source of the water leak; maybe it WAS the water heater. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"Good," I thought; he can change the AC filters (2) and I will mention the 76/77 Temp descrepancy.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He had asked for and I had sent him info from the hot water tank a few days ago and he had now determined it was 20 years old. So when he came over and we looked at the water leak in the garage again, he told me he thought the water leak likely was the heater, esp. considering its age. Based on this and his recommendations, I decided to purchase a new one.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then he checked the thermostat and the AC unit (outside) and came in to tell me "Mom, this is the 3rd AC unit I've seen in the last couple of weeks with this problem." Then he showed me "the problem." Two copper wires were touching and they caused a break and leagage/foaming at the break. Not an uncommon issue/problem, apparently.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So. "Every . . . thing . . . matters" -- once again, the quote of Andy Andrews proves itself. (Noticing that descrepancy in the Temp and the Setting (76/77) on the Thermostat 30 minutes before John called to say he was coming over was NOT accidental.)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So then we drove to Franklin -- Ferguson HVAC -- where I purchased a new water heater and the parts and pieces needed to fix the AC. Not exactly cheap but considerably better than if I had to call an unknown.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We returned with our purchases and John proceeded to fix the AC and pull out the old water heater and install the new one. Which was a few inches larger and barely fit in the space (but did, thank goodness) except it required going to Home Depot for some add'l parts to line up the pipes correctly (because of the larger size of the tank). GAH!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>While he's busy fixing the AC unit and installing the water heater, I spent about 1-1/2 hours pulling weeds along the side of the house where the AC unit is -- a garden area completely overgrown with crab grass and weeds. Don't ask what happened when I tried to stand up! ACH! OOWW! My aching joints!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>WHAT AN AMAZING DAY OF ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thank you, dear John, STILL my Son-Shine boy! Hopefully you will have a restful evening and night.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As for me, I am enjoying a good dinner (Steak, fries, brocolai, corn, and strawberries dipped in brown sugar, a glass of Vino, and a small piece of choc. pudding cake for desert.).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">AND at bedtime, a dose of Aspirin -- 500 mg for body aches and pains -- for my ACHING JOINTS!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sons are Good! Life is Good! God is GOOD! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Yeah, it is!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sarah</span></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-20107411108246663272018-08-16T12:02:00.001-07:002020-06-17T13:02:14.696-07:00Who Was That Guy . . . Really. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Who was that guy, anyway . . . ???</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You know . . . he lived a long time ago . . . back in the ‘olden” old days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Walked and talked to folks, kinda like town meetins’, in a way. I mean we’re talkin’ really LONG AGO and FAR AWAY . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I ‘member sum of the things he said . . . like . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love your enemies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do good to them that despitefully use you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Judge not, that ye not be judged.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Blessed are the peacemakers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you see someone without a coat and you have two, give him one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Take care of widows and orphans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Really???? C'mon, Guys! I mean . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sounds like sum kinda Commie Socialist ‘er sumthin’ . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh, wait . . . now I ‘member.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was . . . Himself! The “Man”! . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His name was Jesus.</span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-60415334818773410982018-03-20T15:14:00.000-07:002018-08-16T12:27:56.703-07:00Oh, What a Night It Was, it Really Was . . . (*) <br />
Tonight -- what a surprise! <br />
<br />
Last week Caryn invited me to come over on Saturday, my birthday. “We want to take you out for your birthday. Come around 3-4 p.m.; we’ll leave around 5 p.m.” <br />
<br />
Got here around 3 p.m. She had advised me to wear something 'nice' 'cuz we were going to dinner. So I did. Now it's about 5 p.m. and we're on our way. We drive and drive and it appears we are heading to Nashville. <br />
<br />
Me --So what restaurant are we going to, anyway?<br />
<br />
CJ -- Who said we were going to a restaurant?<br />
<br />
Me -- Well, that's usually where you go to eat.<br />
<br />
CJ -- Well, it doesn't have to be a restaurant, you know.<br />
<br />
Me -- Huh? OK, so now I'm really confused. Hmmm.<br />
<br />
But she continues driving towards Nashville and then I see Charlotte Avenue -- Oh, ok; we’re on the west and north side of downtown. More "Hmmm". I am totally wondering where on earth we are going.<br />
<br />
CJ's phone rings and we take turns talking to Lisa. Jeff and Lisa sing Happy birthday on speaker. We hang up.<br />
<br />
CJ -- Oh, by the way, we're all coming to your house tomorrow. For dinner. We're bringing it..<br />
<br />
Me -- WHAT???<br />
<br />
CJ -- Well, we were going to surprise you but I thought we'd better tell you in case you had made some other plans (they know what a social butterfly I am!)<br />
<br />
Me -- OHMYGOSH! You Guys! No, I have no other plans. This is so great!<br />
<br />
So she drives some more. And then turns down a street and starts to drive into this B-I-G parking lot. With a B-I-G building next to it. I look up. There is a Logo across the top of the building.<br />
<br />
I gasp as I blurt out -- WHAT????<br />
<br />
The Logo says "CabaRay".<br />
<br />
I nearly fall out of the car/faint! This is Ray Stevens' new Venue. I watch his 30 minute show every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. on PBS. I L-O-V-E this guy. Always have. He is a comedic musical genius.<br />
<br />
I AM BLOWN AWAY With JOY!!!<br />
<br />
This is ABSOLUTELY what you call a . . . C-A-P-R-I-S-E!!!(**)<br />
<br />
So we go in and have an amazing delicious meal. And then, at 7:30 p.m. the show begins. Out comes Ray. Lookin’ and actin’ like he always did . . . and does. <br />
<br />
And he sings and tells jokes and entertains us for close to 1-1-/2 hours. Of course, you KNOW what song he closed the show with, right? Right. <br />
<br />
No? The Streak, of course . . .<br />
<br />
The show is amazing . . . he is amazing . . . the energy . . . and musicality of his voice . . . at 79 years of age !!! . . . and flipping so perfectly into that perfect falsetto . . . (you remember Tarzan, the Guitar Man; right?) <br />
<br />
I am in music/happy heaven. And he throws in a couple of love songs . . . and a couple of hymns before he’s done.<br />
<br />
They told us when we arrived Ray would come into the bar area after the show to greet folks. So after the show we went there and waited. After about five minutes he walked in.<br />
<br />
CJ took some pictures of me talking with him. <br />
<br />
I told him he was a national treasure and that this had been a surprise dinner/concert for my 80th birthday because I was such a big fan. And I mentioned that my son John (***) had been in the music business for over 30 years and had been married to Jeannie C. Riley's daughter. (That because the venue had photos of Ray and so many musicians all over the walls and Jeannie's picture was up there with him in one of them). <br />
<br />
And then we drove back home to Fairview.<br />
<br />
WOW! Topping this would be hard. <br />
<br />
(*) And this was one of the songs he sang, also (Johnnie Ray was my First Teen Hearthrob)<br />
(**) What Tom called ‘surprise’ when he was little.<br />
(***) John told me the next day that his sound company, Gopher It, had run sound for Ray at least once ‘back in the day’.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * *</div>
And now it's the next day – the second surprise. <br />
<br />
Caryn told me last night all 'the kids' were coming over after church and bringing all the food. So I knew that.<br />
<br />
MAN . . . This party just keeps on keepin’ on. (Well, that’s what I tried to teach ‘em; keep on keepin’ on, I mean. Guess it worked.) <br />
<br />
But now I’m pulling into my driveway and I see this red truck settin’ on the side of my yard (I’m a corner lot). “Wonder why some neighbor picked THAT spot to park? Odd . . . But Tom has a red truck. And it’s a Chevy. Like that one. Maybe he came a little early . . . “<br />
<br />
So I pull into the garage and enter the house via the pantry/laundry room that leads into the kitchen. And the french door from the dining area that leads to the back porch is o . . . . pen . . . <br />
<br />
OHMYGOSH!! It’s Tom . . . and John . . . and they’re standing on a board on a divided ladder and they’re hanging/nailing screening. <br />
<br />
It’s happening. It’s really happening. The screened-in porch is getting F-I-N-I-S-H-E-D!!!<br />
<br />
And the Birthday Joy just keeps on keeping on . . . <br />
<br />
Once they got the screens done, John and J-Man (his son, Jeremy) went to Home Depot – I tried to go with them and argued and pleaded and stamped my foot a couple of times. I knew they were going to get a new screen door (the first one got broke a couple years ago) and I have a credit card with Home Depot – and it has a zero balance! 'No way, Woman. You’re NOT goin’!"<br />
<br />
Later, I found out J-Man paid for the door. <br />
<br />
Luckily, we checked the status of the gas tank (for the gas grill I only use when kids are around for gatherings) and it was nearly empty so they bought another tank of gas, also. I presume John bought that.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, the younger kids – grandsons and great-grand kids are out in the yard playin’ catch. <br />
<br />
Us girls are yakking and getting the food ready; hamburger patties to grill, salads, etc. and CJ and Becky begin spearheading a plan for a “girls week escape’’ for later in the year on St. George Island at a house on the beach where Caryn and Randy and the boys . . . and me . . . spent a week a few years ago. It was awesome great. 4 BR, with pool under the carport and . . . fifty feet of beach ending at the ocean edge! <br />
<br />
She checked prices and availability and called and MADE THE RESERVATION! And we paid the deposit!!! <br />
<br />
Good Times Just Keep on Keeping On . . . <br />
<br />
Did I mention how much I love these ‘guys’ and how very blessed I have been and continue to be . . . I am one LUCKY MOM/Grandma/Great-Grandma.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sarah <br />
(This one will be hard to top!)<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-5271024180484716782017-10-01T21:59:00.000-07:002017-10-01T22:19:25.815-07:00Glen and The Music . . . (10 01 2017) Ah, here it comes -- PBS 7 p.m. Special -- repeat from 2007 – Glen Campbell: Good Times Again. The Love of My Life -- entertainer-wise, I mean. And you should see the line-up of singers/entertainers on the show.<br />
<br />
Joy . . . Joy . . . JOY!!! Be still my heart.<br />
<br />
And here's Linda -- (Ronstadt, that is) – hair down to her waist! Beautiful. "Carolina in My Mind."<br />
<br />
And now it's Ray . . . "Cryin' Time".<br />
<br />
And Bobby Gentry? Didn't know he recorded an album with her. And they sing a duet . . . oh, no, it’s "Let it Be Me." That was mine and Jer's song; it was playing in the car on the way home from one of our dates . . . the night we fell in love. . .<br />
<br />
And Ricky Nelson. . . and Cher.<br />
And Ann Murray . . . "Ain't No Use" . . .<br />
And Roger . . . "King of the Road."<br />
<br />
And then Glen, this time just him doing "By the I get to Phoenix" . . . another heart-wrencher.<br />
<br />
And here’s a clip of him meeting John Wayne . . . explaining how he got the role in True Grit. And now he sings it.<br />
<br />
And then he explains how "Raindrops," by B. J. Thomas, beat him out for Best Song that year. And then he and B. J. Sing it. "Raindrops," I mean.<br />
= = = =<br />
And I listen . . . and my heart swells with emotion and my eyes drip . . . from the beauty of it . . . and with what now seems like the "innocence" of it all . . . what??? innocence???<br />
<br />
Well, not really . . . unless it was mine, maybe??? Because of the safety and security of the life I was living at the time. . . being loved and needed by family and friends . . . and thinking that it would always be so. ??<br />
= = = =<br />
And here comes Johnny -- no, not Carson. The One, the ONLY -- CASH! And listen to Glen do that guitar and voice solo. AND, then, of course, that signature "arm/guitar movement" of Johnny's as he plays that guitar.<br />
<br />
And now it's . . . who ?? I recognize the voice, but the SHORT hair??? OMG -- it's Willie . . . and he and Glen do "Lonely Walls." Had forgotten he ever looked like this.<br />
<br />
And now here comes "Gentle On My Mind" . . . with John Hartford . . . and the story behind it of how Glen 'fixed' the beat/timing of it. So awesome, so perfect.<br />
<br />
Oh . . . that's it? It's over?" . . . No.<br />
<br />
I will never erase this!<br />
<br />
Somewhere . . . somehow . . . the music lives on . . . and so do we.<br />
<br />
And don't ask me to explain that. I'm just the W.O.W.<br />
<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-37102741592186061852017-08-23T20:50:00.000-07:002017-08-23T20:50:14.395-07:00My Detroit Neighborhood -- Back In The Day (Originally Written in 2010)Detroit Neighborhoods--Back In The Day<br />
Boundary of Woodward/John R - 7 Mile/State Fair<br />
<br />
My father lived at 492 Fernhill as a boy in the 1920s; I lived with him and my mom at 456 Fernhill as a child in the 1940s.<br />
<br />
When I googled the neighborhood and rode the cyberspace arrow up and down the streets, I could not believe the destruction and neglect. At least half the houses on Fernhill are gone.<br />
<br />
When I saw the empty lot where my house used to be, it broke my heart. How crazy is that! It was more than 60 years ago! My dad's house still standing was a wonderful surprise. In my mind's eye, I can see the street and the people as they were so long ago. I don't know why I care. Maybe it has something to do with being a writer.<br />
<br />
On the North side of the street, it appears the house once owned by the Maynards, the Etheringtons, and the Hopps family (492) remain.<br />
<br />
On the South side, across from where 456 used to be, the house owned by the Luscitch family in the 1940s is also still standing.<br />
<br />
Time has not been kind to this little community but it was a wonderful and safe place to grow up in the 1940s.<br />
<br />
From Fernhill we walked to the corner of Havannah, turned right one block, and there was our beautiful school, Grayling Elementary. What has happened to this school? The building remains but it is not listed as a Detroit elementary school.<br />
<br />
From 456, my friends and I would walk two blocks to Beauman, turn left and pass a little convenience store on the right filled with penny candy or continue a few more short side blocks up to 7 Mile to Brown's Creamery, where my Grandma Hopps, the store manager, would give us delicious double-dip chocolate cones for TWELVE CENTS!<br />
<br />
In the summer, my friends and I would walk the 2-1/2 blocks over to State Fair and spend the entire day at the Fairgrounds!<br />
<br />
I remember the fire there in 1942. I was four and sat on my dad's shoulders as he and half the neighbors walked over to watch the horror and listen to the screaming horses.<br />
<br />
We did not have a car then and my dad rode the bus to and from work. Sometimes I would walk to the other end of Fernhill, to Charleston, (remember when they built that manufacturing plant there?), turn left two short blocks and meet him at the top of the stone steps he walked up when he got off the bus by the viaduct at State Fair.<br />
<br />
Or we could walk up Charleston to 7 Mile and turn left a block or two and be at Trinity Reformed Church, where my dad went to church as a boy and my grandma still attended in the 1940s.<br />
<br />
Our next door neighbors, the Hoffmans, attended Epiphany Lutheran Church located across the street a little ways from the creamery. It was such a beautiful church, I wished I was Lutheran so I could go there. It is now known as Oasis of Hope Christian Church.<br />
<br />
If you have memories or pictures you are willing to share of those "grand old days", please contact LibralLady@aol.com<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
Dawn Hopps Coyle Bohannon<br />
AKA Sarah BarnesSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-46943547564420024862017-07-20T12:52:00.000-07:002017-07-20T12:53:59.703-07:00To Pee Or Not to Pee . . . (Originally Written 02 27 2017)<br />
Bathrooms . . .<br />
<br />
I sit here listening to the News and the discussion about bathrooms and who should go in which ones.<br />
<br />
And my first reaction has always been – who cares? A bathroom is a bathroom is a bathroom. As long as there are stalls for privacy who cares?<br />
<br />
And then I pause . . . and reflect.<br />
<br />
I remember being a little girl in my Detroit neighborhood. Such grand memories. We played kick the can and baseball and sometimes my girlsfriends and I played “house” up in my attic playroom . . . or on the porch. We were mommies and our dolls were our babies . . .<br />
<br />
And then . . . I was a teenager and going to high school . . . and I had a boyfriend . . . and he was my forever love . . . and we went to dances and . . .<br />
And then . . . I was a young bride . . . waking down the aisle of the church . . . promising to love and honor my husband . . .<br />
<br />
And then . . . I was a young mother . . . with my firstborn . . . and second born . . . and third born . . . and fourth born . . . and then . . . on my own and working once again . . . and then . . . a grandma . . .<br />
<br />
And then . . . I start to think of others . . . who never really knew who they were . . . or struggled trying to understand who they were . . .<br />
<br />
And tears fill my eyes . . . and my heart wrenches . . . because . . . because that kind of confusion . . . anguish . . . was something I have NEVER had to come to terms with.<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-39159351714404315902017-06-08T09:45:00.000-07:002017-06-08T15:20:59.586-07:00The Big and Small Of It . . . AgainSoSaysSarah<br />
06 08 2017<br />
<br />
The Big and Small Of It – Again<br />
<br />
Here I sit, as usual of a warm morning -- on the porch with The Rock and my coffee for my morning meditation. Which is also when I get the most inspiration/ideas about life, my life, my kids, the world, ya-da ya-da.<br />
<br />
So here goes. Again.<br />
<br />
Thanking Him for my blessings and what a beautiful world I have been fortunate enough to inhabit, my mind is drawn back to the snippet of news I heard last night (which I want to review/research more) about the latest findings of where/how/when humans originated. I only caught bits and pieces but the consensus of this latest study indicates the studiers think we are much older than previously thought.<br />
<br />
Oh. Ok. Maybe. Who says? How come? Or, what if . . .<br />
<br />
That’s the way my brain thinks. Always has, always will. I like it like that.<br />
<br />
Following THAT train of thought I am reminded of the post I saw yestserday on Facebook, another silly test – what profession are you best suited for? I took it. Mine came up Lawyer. Lawyer? GAH! <br />
<br />
(I used to type depositions (for pay) for my court reporter friend wherein I learned, first-hand, how lawyers will take three paragraphs to say something that more clearly could have been stated in one sentence. But then, sometimes, that IS the point.) Highly educated people often do this. 😕 <br />
<br />
And then, synchronitically (is there such a word?) it came into my head – maybe I AM lawyer-like. In my thinking, I mean. I tend to see BOTH – or more than both -- sides to almost every issue. Understanding the perspectives of everyone. <br />
<br />
Finding the right ‘balance’ – the ‘fine line in the middle’, the most logical, the most just, most respectful, most merciful – solution in resolving the issues we as individuals and society at large face is and always will be the difficulty.<br />
<br />
So – Back to my thoughts with regard to last night’s News and the Age of Humans.<br />
<br />
They were, of course, discussing “The Big Picture” -- who are we, where did we come from? IS there a parallel universe? What IS String Theory? That star is how many million miles away, did you say???<br />
<br />
Those of us currently, or previously, residing on this amazing planet called Earth – have been and will continue to research/study/argue about The BIG Picture. ‘Cuz we’re human AND we have a brain, a consciousness. So be it.<br />
<br />
We will be discussing/arguing/studying this to . . . Infinity. And learning, of course. (Hopefully.) 😉<br />
<br />
But then – there is “The SMALL Picture”. <br />
<br />
You know. Small as in – family concerns, jobs, society’s problems, health care, immigration, world issues/conflicts. The day-to-day issues for us humans. Right here, right now. Problems that need solutions. Now. <br />
<br />
Whatever we think about The BIG Picture – whatever our religious beliefs or lack thereof – we CAN all agree on how to solve some of the issues of The SMALL Picture. <br />
<br />
The Small Picture of the Here and Now. Our time. Our lives. Our World.<br />
<br />
∙<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We can be kind and thoughtful to one another.<br />
∙<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We can respectfully disagree.<br />
∙<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We can show compassion and help those in need.<br />
∙<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We can be honest and responsible in our behavior.<br />
∙<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We can practice forgiveness.<br />
∙<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We can get up every morning, go to work, earn our money,<br />
and take care of our families.<br />
<br />
And THAT’S some Truth about which we can ALL agree!<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
Sarah <br />
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-57967832925636298992017-06-01T18:00:00.000-07:002017-06-01T18:00:06.263-07:00Boys Town & Father Flannigan (1938)So here we are, me and John, watching Boys Town; 1938 B&W movie with Mickey Rooney and Spencer Tracy. Based on the real life story of Father Flanagan.<br />
<br />
Ten minutes into the movie and the tears are falling. It's what happens to W.O.Ws. <br />
<br />
The music, the buildings, the clothes, the cars -- all of it touches my heart. And not just because it illicits memories of my childhood.<br />
<br />
Have you ever seen it? You should. The message, the music, memories from my childhood. But so much more.<br />
<br />
Maybe it WAS Hollywood -- but these stories always had a message. A moral message. This movie epitomises it.<br />
<br />
If ever we needed the message of this movie . . .<br />
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-56507568920010370522017-06-01T17:46:00.000-07:002017-06-02T14:53:54.576-07:00Beauty and the Mess . . . (10 16 2015)<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> So here I am again – on my screenless porch – with my coffee – and Rocky – and two MORE puppies. (Puppy sitting for a couple of days). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> (Well, one puppy, the littlest one, Cissy, is hunkered down in her crate in the living room – free to come and go as she pleases – except she pleases to stay in it most of the time. The Vet told my daughter she had a scar on her head indicating head trauma so we think she was abused before my daughter got her. Cissy is uncomfortable with new places/people.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The beauty of the morning, though chilly, touches me. Soon I will be taking my morning coffee/meditation inside next to the fireplace but for now I am still enjoying these outdoor mornings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The beauty of my world – the people, the places, the things and times of my life – overwhelm me with gratitude. My little corner of the world has been so safe, secure, and lovely – mostly. And I think of the many more physically beautiful places on this earth – most of which I will never see. Except in TV documentaries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The beauty – and the mess – of the world . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once again – this thought overwhelms me and my heart squeezes and pushes water from my eyes. I wish, somehow I could "fix it" -- the mess, I mean.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Silly me. Well, they don’t call me W.O.W.(*), for nuthin’, you know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* * * * *</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I watched Oprah on the Stephen Colbert Show (or whatever he calls it now) last night. I have always perceived her to be a great role model and example. Based on the few programs of hers I have seen and the snippets of her life I have read.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last night she and Stephen teased each other a bit, as you would expect. She laughingly referred to herself as "the preacher girl" which she told him was her nickname as a youngster because she was always spouting scripture. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I get the impression – rightly or wrongly – that Oprah herself is a Christian. But through her experiences and opportunities has been exposed to many influential people of all sorts of beliefs. And that she has found common ground in many of these belief systems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kind of what I have experienced, as well. Growing up Christian but in adulthood getting to know folks of various persuasions – Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Jews, Buddhists, Atheists. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* * * * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The beauty and the logic of God . . . I/we can’t really comprehend it, can we? All these nations. All these peoples. All this religion. All this fighting – so often over religion. Or the lack thereof.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gets complicated. For me, maybe, but not for God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Seems to me it starts with where you are born. America during my lifetime has been, mostly, a Christian leaning country. My parents were Christian, most everyone I knew until adulthood attended Christian churches. So it’s understandable for me to have embraced their beliefs initially. But as I grew up and studied the Bible for myself, it still made sense to me and I have continued to embrace its teachings, even as I have been exposed to and compared various other persuasions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But what about all these folks in other countries – Japan, India, Iraq, Israel, Turkey, Greece. Etcetera, etcetera. Such contradiction. Such conflict. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can’t figure it out. I can’t solve it. And my soul hurts for all the pain and anguish that these conflicting beliefs produce in the world. The fighting, the wars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can’t solve this. But then God reminds me – it’s not YOUR problem; it’s MINE. MY job. And the pain in my heart subsides once more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* * * * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> We are ALL His children. It doesn’t matter whether we’re born in Iran or Italy or Japan or . . . Hoboken . . . :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We likely start out believing what our parents tell us to believe. Inch by inch we start thinking for ourselves. Sometimes we embrace our parents’ beliefs, sometimes not. Whatever. If we are seeking God, He will find us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He takes us wherever He finds us and brings us to where we need to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All we have to do is seek His will . . . and follow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Blessings!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sarah</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(*) Kids = Wacky Old Woman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Me = Wise Old Woman </span><br />
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</span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-37894447236659745002016-12-26T10:44:00.000-08:002016-12-26T10:56:23.819-08:00Those Were the Days, My Friend . . . (*)<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Home from two days of family celebration, waiting for the next event . . .</div>
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Eating lunch and watching one the the TCM movies I taped; this one, "Holiday Affair" with Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh and her 6-year-old son (in the movie, that is). They agree to lunch and then a walk in Central Park.</div>
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The scene shifts to the park -- lo and behold -- a street vendor with his portable, on wheels, caliope (organ) and his performing monkey.</div>
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You Guys (Yankee for All Ya'll) remember them, right?</div>
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And all those 'street vendors' that went thru the neighborhhods with their carts -- the ice truck and the milk truck, horse-drawn, of course. And the Avery bakery truck and the dry-cleaner truck. <br />
<br />
Up and down the street delivery. Hey, you drone techies -- just remember, you got the idea 'back in the day.'<br />
<br />
The best one of all, of course, being 'the Sheeney Man," yelling out his wares.</div>
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Oh, yeah . . . those were the days . . .<br />
<br />
((*) Detroit, Michigan, Fernhill Street</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-80576684840384813422016-12-21T07:56:00.001-08:002017-06-01T18:00:44.560-07:00Close Encounter With . . . A Jar of Honey (Originally Written 2006)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I blew it.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For several days I had intended to stop at Food Lion to pick up the dark, rich, raw honey that I haven’t found anywhere else. But it isn’t exactly on my way home so I put it off.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tonight I will go. And pick up some chicken, as well.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Driving down Lebanon Road, passing Donelson Pike, where I usually turn to go home, I need to go further down Lebanon Road to Stewarts Ferry, turn right, drive about three more miles, stop at Food Lion, get the honey, get the chicken, and head for the house.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Traffic slows to a crawl and just before the light at Donelson I notice Apple Market which sits next to Blockbuster at the corner of Lebanon Road and Donelson Pike. I have the strongest urge to pull in and try my luck here. Thinking they just might have raw honey and that would save me going out of my way to Food Lion.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am mulling this over in my brain and traffic is now moving forward. Should I, shouldn’t I . . . the driveway entrance for the market is right here on my right. MAKE A DECISION! Swerving right and deciding simultaneously, I pull into the market parking lot. If they have the honey, I’ll just get the chicken here also. I enter through the automated doors and notice an elderly white haired, small-statured gentleman sitting on a bench right next to the door. Probably waiting on a shopper who brought him along, I think.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On to the honey. I’m unfamiliar with this market but reading the signs high above the aisles I notice the jam/jelly/peanut butter aisle. Usually where the honey is kept. Ahh, there it is. Honey. But not the dark raw kind I like. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Oh, well; on to Food Lion. Won’t save myself the extra drive after all.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> As I head towards the door I notice the little old man again. Still waiting. His solemn, almost severe expression and his size reminds me of my own dear little daddy. Who departed this world four years ago this month. I wonder if this old man’s serious expression is the result of frustration at having to wait, or worse, maybe confusion, if he has memory problems.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Barely conscious of thinking it as I hurry out the door, a thought flits across my mind. Go over there and sit down next to him and talk to him. Tell him he reminds you of your daddy. And give him a hug. The dialogue continues in my mind as I reach my car. What? Don’t be silly. People don’t just stop and talk to strangers. In grocery stores or anywhere else. Besides, I have to finish my errand and get home some time tonight.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>SO off I go. As I drive away, headed to Food Lion, I start to cry. Thinking of my dear little daddy, and this dear little old man who is somebody’s daddy. We all become someone’s dear old daddy or dear old mom at some point. If we live long enough. So I think on these things, and ponder the strength, the frailty, the stages of life, and cry about it all as I drive on to get my honey. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It isn’t until after I left Food Lion with my good dark raw honey, and my chicken, AND a couple of other things that my thoughts return to the little old man in the Apple Market. Sitting on the bench. Waiting. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Suddenly a light bulb goes off in my brain and I realize the reason I felt the urge to pull in to Apple Market wasn’t because the honey was there and I was to get it. It was because the little old man who reminded me of my daddy was there and I was to sit and talk with him. And give him a hug.<br />
<br />
And I blew it.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Through the years, I’ve learned to trust my gut, my feelings, to listen to the urgings of my heart. Most of the time. I’ve come to believe that every thing we say or do matters. I believe we entertain angels unawares.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> And something else I’ve learned. Sometimes, without our knowing and for reasons we don’t understand, just for a moment, or an hour, in a conversation or a few words with a stranger, or a friend, God lets us stand in for one of His angels. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If we’re listening.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-43645070468592741572016-11-22T08:38:00.005-08:002020-11-26T22:31:49.432-08:00Dinner at Aunt Fanny's (1960)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I walk from my bedroom thru the hall to the living room and turn on the TV to Easy Listening, as I do each morning. Rocky follows and I let him out to do his morning business and then I turn back to the living room and light the gas logs in the fireplace. Next, I head to the kitchen to start my coffee. While the coffee brews, it’s outside to feed and water the birds.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Returning to the kitchen, I wash my hands and pour my mug of coffee. As I add the honey and cream the next song starts playing. I pause with my coffee and phone before heading upstairs to the computer. The Frank Davis Orchestra is playing, “Let It Be Me.”<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb7DUM3dSY0<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My heart skips a beat as I pause to sit on the couch by the fire. The music fills my heart and soul with memories. And one special memory. Of a first date at Aunt Fanny’s restaurant in Royal Oak – right on Woodward Avenue if I remember correctly.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The wait staff was quite taken and attentive to the handsome “older” man and his petite, pretty “young” companion. (Older as in gainfully employed twenty-four year old, young as in a somewhat naive twenty-one year old part-time college student, that is.) In fact, one endearing comment I remember from that conversation was Jer saying, "you have such a serious, mature look on your face one minute and the next a child-like innocence. I can read your face like a book."<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Delicious dinner and interesting, funny conversation.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And this song on the car radio riding home.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>. . . Jer and me.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>. . . The night we fell in love.<br />
<br />
* * * * *<br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvA-STM7oJk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvA-STM7oJk</a><br />
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<img src="https://www.royaloakhistoricalsociety.com/guestarchive/sold1939.jpg" /><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-88941462396534420842016-11-03T13:45:00.001-07:002019-05-14T12:27:18.618-07:00The Music of My Life . . . (JE November 3, 2016) Returning from running errands I sit at my dining room table for a few and eat some lunch before heading upstairs to my office. Just as I finish, Beautiful Instruments (TV station that plays all day, every day. Til News Time at 6 p.m.) begins another song. As I listen, I am taken back. Suddenly, I am hearing . . .<br />
<br />
The Music of My Life . . .<br />
<br />
It’s Friday night, the game is over, and we have arrived at the high school gym. Me ‘n my Forever Love, L'il Joe. The DJ plays the current hits of the day and the kids begin to mingle and reach for their partners. Me ‘n my Forever Love head to the dance floor to the strains of . . .<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Only You” </div>
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<u>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FygIKsnkCw</u></div>
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* * * * * *</div>
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And then, suddenly, all too soon, it's time for graduation. We start attending the local city college (Wayne State U) in Detroit. After a couple of years, my Forever Love spends the summer as a counselor at a church camp . . . and falls in love with one of the other counselors. Together they will "save" the world. Shock turns into heart-wrenching pain and sense of loss. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
And time passes; slowly, painfully, at first. But then, a new encounter. A male friend from church brings a friend to church. They are sharing a house together. My friend introduces us and the young man named Jerry and I have a 'first date'. At Aunt Fanny's on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan. Something 'clicks'. On the way home, the radio is playing this song. It becomes "our" song" --</div>
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<br /></div>
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"Let it Be Me"<br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvA-STM7oJk</div>
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* * * * *</div>
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The years pass. Marriage to Jer, four children, and then . . . divorcing after 22 years . . . struggling on my own for a time. Finally, a second marriage to "Gary", and seven years later a second divorce. And the song that I will forever associate with THIS relationship is --<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"Desperado"<br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUg10CPelvo</div>
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* * * * *</div>
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But through the years . . .always . . . whenever I hear this next song, I imagine Jerry hearing it . . . I imagine that HE is thinking this. Even though I know it is only and Always on MY Mind.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
“You Were Always on my Mind”<br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u5LZ-DN3iA</div>
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* * * * *</div>
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And then, the song which for 21 years always reminded me of a man, a mutual friend of Jerry's and mine during our marriage, and of the attraction – never acted upon – between him and me; albeit he is 15 years older.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“It’s Impossible”<br />
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<br /></div>
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And now, 30 years later, we reconnect. He is single, I am single. And we are young and in love all over again. Hard and strong and beautiful . . . "Lovejames" and I.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
“And I Love You So”<br />
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Alas, too many years have passed and old age interferes. Reality intervenes once again. Several months of a brief and beautiful interlude conclude.<br />
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* * * * *</div>
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And now . . . and now . . . life and memories remain. And I am content. Mostly . . .<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"What a Wonderful World"<br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21LGv8Cf0us</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-67923691721903070802016-11-01T12:19:00.000-07:002017-06-02T14:42:23.130-07:00Ponderings . . . Christian Nation? Again (10/22/2015)<span style="font-family: "constantia";">Lots of talk about the U.S. being "a Christian nation." Hmmmm. . . <br />
<br /><br />
So that means, I think, the nation (collective) would purpose to practice/follow the teachings of Jesus – as in:<br />
<br /><br />
– Loving your neighbor as yourself<br />
– Giving your second coat to someone who has none<br />
– Forgiving 70 times 70<br />
– Caring for Widows and Orphans<br />
<br /><br />
Of course we all realize individuals can practice this but to me, the idea of a "Christian nation" suggests we (citizens) collectively implement/practice the above. So how can we do that?<br />
<br /><br />
Hmmm . . . let’s see. How ‘bout setting up government organizations (collectively supported by our tax dollars) to assist people in need.<br />
<br /><br />
Oh, wait a minute. We DO that. Yeay for us.<br />
<br /><br />
Okay. Moving on. Jesus also said – "Love your enemies; do good to them who despitefully use you."<br />
<br /><br />
Now THAT’S a hard one. But wait, I have an idea for that, too.<br />
<br /><br />
Conscript the U.S. Military and utilize their funds, their resources, their time and effort – <br />
<br /><br />
and send them off to the Middle East (for starters, anyway) – with medicines and doctors and food and clothing and toys for kids – <br />
<br /><br />
and just BOMBARD them with it all – <br />
<br /><br />
LOVINGLY ADMINISTERED WITH BEAR HUGS.<br />
<br /><br />
And tell them, "Jesus sent me."<br />
</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-62946775545862218852016-05-07T18:05:00.002-07:002021-01-18T09:50:59.980-08:00Rigidity (And So It Goes . . . A)There are all sorts of people in this world<br />
<br />
But for purposes of this discussion, I have limited/divided them into two categories –<br />
<br />
1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>People who are rigid in their thinking.<br />
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2)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>People who are not.<br />
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* * * * *</div>
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I grew up in a conservative Christian home. I have been a Christian all my life. My church taught me WE are right. WE have the ‘TRUTH’. Agree with us or suffer eternal damnation in HELL. So there. ‘Nuf said. Period.<br />
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And then I was married for 22 years to a man who said, “well, of course, you’re entitled to your opinion. But, of course, it’s wrong.”<br />
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* * * * *</div>
I have fought against these mentalities all my adult life. <br />
<br />
Our teenage Sunday school class was taught by our minister. Many times his lesson for the day included these words, “and we believe blah, blah, blah”. I, my boyfriend, and his best friend, were the only ones who frequently raised our hands and said, “but what if . . .”, “what about . . .”, “how come . . . ”. Most of the rest of the class just sat and listened . . . respectfully.<br />
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* * * * *</div>
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In the course of my life, which is rather circumspect in some respects I admit; nevertheless, I have met people from various walks of life, various ethnic groups, various philosophical persuasions. My ten years or so attending the Unitarian Church in Nashville was enlightening on many levels. People from a variety of religious backgrounds came together joyfully and respectfully and shared their experiences and beliefs.</div>
<br />
Always I learned something from my reading and/or experiences. Often what I learned was there is much that I don’t know. Watching science programs showing the earth in relation to the sun, the moon, other planets, our solar system, our universe . . . one of many . . . Planets and stars that are MILLIONS of light years away . . .<br />
<br />
It has made me very humble.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * *</div>
Humble about what I believe about anything. Especially compared to others. <br />
<br />
My faith is strong; my faith is precious to me. It has served me well; very well. It works for me. I am blessed. And grateful.<br />
<br />
Of course, my faith has changed through the years. I would like to think my faith has matured as I have physically and mentally matured. But maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part.<br />
<br />
Whatever it is, I know that I am comfortable being who and what I am. At last. It took fifty years but twenty more have now passed and I realize I am pretty much who I’m going to be. And that’s okay.<br />
<br />
Because part of who and what I am is someone who believes in keeping an open mind. To the extent of my ability and knowledge at the time, I use logic and problem solving techniques to arrive at my conclusions. Note I said ‘extent of my ability and knowledge.’<br />
<br />
All those things I said mostly I don’t know about? Lots of them are things I have no interest in.<br />
<br />
If I DO have an interest in something, I check into it – read/research – until I satisfy my curiosity. For that time, anyway. Maybe later, I’ll find a reason to check further. Maybe later I’ll learn something that will change my mind – again. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * *</div>
Because my faith is precious to me, because I realize how little I really ‘KNOW’ about so many things – I must assume another’s faith/philosophy is just as precious to them.<br />
<br />
I don’t mind if you don’t see things my way. Why should you; you’re not me. What I think and do is right for me. It doesn’t follow in my train of thought that what I think and do MUST be right for you.<br />
<br />
That is for you to decide.<br />
<br />
If you and I are having a discussion – about anything (well, almost) – when I state my opinion, it is always from the perspective of what I know now, what I have heard/read/experienced – so far. It is not written in stone. I may learn something tomorrow that will change my mind.<br />
<br />
I won’t, however, necessarily change my mind today because of something YOU tell me. I am a skeptical optomist – about everything I see and read and hear. The result of the world/technology we live in.<br />
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People that understand this – who ‘get it’ – who may be the same kind of thinkers themselves – are not offended by this.<br />
<br />
People who are rigid – do not. <br />
<br />
They get offended if I don’t agree or understand their point of view. Some of them talk condescendingly . . . or worse . . . as if they are scolding their child.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * *</div>
On a similar note, why is it that some people are offended if you ask questions? I am a question asker. It’s one way to understand, to learn. If I ask you a question, I am not questioning your authority/knowledge, I am trying to understand. Sometimes I rephrase and say, “do you mean blah, blah, blah?” Often, I am interrupted, impatiently, with additional information/explanation that I wasn’t understanding in the first place.<br />
<br />
And so it goes . . .Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-69483803868765226842016-04-02T17:20:00.002-07:002017-06-01T18:03:28.260-07:00A House Full of Kids (Originally Written 1995)As I sat signing my Christmas cards this evening, I came across a card I'd received from Joyce McGowan, a dear neighbor from another time, another place. Another me.<br />
<br />
I noted she had moved from Vernon Avenue in Huntington Woods, Michigan, where we had lived as neighbors for so many years. Her husband, Mickey, died a few years ago but I never imagined she would move, and I wrote a note to say, "Take care, dear old friend". Unexpectedly, my eyes filled with tears. They splattered on the words that I had written as images of her house, that beautiful old house across the street from ours, blocked out the present.<br />
<br />
The images continued, the years fell away, and I was back there once again.<br />
<br />
It seemed to be summer and the sun was shining. Everything looked so bright. The huge old trees that lined the street were laden with foliage, the well-cared-for lawns were lush with deep green grass, and the sky was startlingly blue. The picture in my mind was of our street as though I was looking out from my house to hers.<br />
<br />
I didn't actually see her but she was there. In her house full of kids. And I was there. In my house full of kids. We were friendly, borrowing neighbors and our kids played together and got into trouble together.<br />
<br />
And I wondered why it had seemed so often hard at the time to be there in that house full of kids. Then it seemed that the cares of the day often overwhelmed me. So many little hands and feet and mouths to wash, to dress, to feed. Too many dishes and clothes to wash, too many dinners to cook, too much dust to sweep, too many trips to Krogers, to the doctors, to the school, too many . . . not enough me.<br />
<br />
Funny how time puts such a different perspective on things. If I could be there right now, today, somehow I would find the patience to do it better this time. This time I would know to just hold those little kids and hug them tight and tell them how precious they were to me. Every day. Several times a day. <br />
<br />
Today it would be such fun to gather them in the tub and wash their sturdy little bodies. I would relish the feel of their wonderfully tender skin as I rinsed and dried them with a big fluffy towel. And once again I would kiss them in that delightful, most vulnerable spot right where their neck and shoulders meet.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Today it would be such a joy to help them get ready for bed. Each one a different age, a different size. Each one needing a little more or less of mommy's helping hand. And then I would set them on the couch, my four little stairstep cherubs. And we would read some bedtime stories. Then, as I tucked each one into bed with one special song, I would give them one last kiss and hug as I listened to them say their prayers.<br />
<br />
I did those things back then, of course. But not always so joyfully, I think.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* * * * *<br />
As I sit here at my dining room table signing Christmas cards in 1995 remembering my dear old friend and the lives we lived back then, it seems like it must have been the loveliest, most wonderful thing I can think of . . .<br />
<br />
To have lived at . . . .<br />
<br />
10075 Vernon Avenue in Huntington Woods, Michigan . . .<br />
<br />
in a house full of kids.<br />
<br />
Blessings<br />
Sarah<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>December 1995Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-83667867622558866682016-01-26T09:51:00.001-08:002017-06-01T18:04:30.266-07:00Stone Soup Blessing <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Waking, I stretch and enjoy the sensation of feeling rested . . . feeling good. And feeling rested.. Such a lovely way to wake up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Good Morning, God. So glad to be here. So glad to feel like me. In fact, if I could always feel like “me” til it’s time to go, what a blessing. In fact, that’s blessing enough.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Yes, feeling good – no aches or pains – no ‘funny’ feelings in my head or wherever it is they show up from time to time – that would be enough. Enough blessing in my life. Well, that . . . And maybe having enough money to pay my bills. Yes, feeling like me and having money to pay my bills. That’s enough blessing. That's all I need.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“And . . . “</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And then I start to smile remembering a story from my childhood. From a book my mom read to me when I was young, like 3-8, maybe. A story from The How and Why Library; My Story Book. A story called 'Stone Soup.'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Betcha no one reading this has ever heard of that story . . . or these books.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I say books because the How and Why Library consisted of 5 hard cover books –</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Hero Book, My Nature Book, My Knowledge Book, My Travel Book, and My Story Book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Both the Hero and Story Book contained stories for children pre-school through maybe sixth grade (at that time, anyway).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>These were the two books from that library that my mom read to me from most often. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My Hero Book was divided into sections called: Holiday Stories, Great Men, Character Building Stories, Health and Thrift Stories, Selected Stories, Dramatizations, Bible Stories, and Other Lands and Peoples.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stories like The Secret of Mrs. Santa and Skeesix, The Truthful Little Persian, The Fox Who Lost His Tail, stories about Charles Lindbergh, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Moses, the Law Giver, Happy Face, the Indian Boy, and others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I still have four of the five books. Only My Story book is missing. How and Why I do not know. (Pun intended) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Full of stories and poems. She, and then I, read it the most. I wish I could find another copy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I WILL find a copy. I think. Oh, yes, it’s available on Amazon.com. Yeay!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And that's all I need . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* * * * * * * * * *</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Original Stone Soup Story</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The original stone soup story was first published in English in London in 1808. The author is Robert Moser. Stone Soup is classified by folklorists as a Stone Soup is an Aarne-Thompson-Uther type 1548 folktale. That is a folktale in the “clever man” category. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> In Moser’s version of the story he emphasizes the traveler’s social skills. Tired, hours on the road and hungry he nonetheless starts out the conversation with the woman at the farmhouse with small talk. When he finally gets around to asking for the pot and explaining about how he will make stone soup he does so in the way of a performer — “If you will lend me a small pot,” said the Traveler, “I’ll show you.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And I think that is way the stone soup story always ends up on a happy note. The traveler, the tramp, the soldier, whoever it is who needs to eat but only has a stone knows how to entertain! And the soup is always so good! If you are interested in the full history of the stone soup story, and its first publication 1720 by he French journalist, Madame de Noyer, please look at our stone soup history here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">— http://www.stonesoup.com/history-of-the-stone-soup-story-from-1720-to-now/</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-78761250540972127832016-01-08T11:53:00.001-08:002017-06-01T18:04:54.483-07:00One of These Is Not Like the Other . . . National Religion ???<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Okay, Folks – Evil Twin reporting in here --I’m just gonna come out and say it –<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If this IS, in fact, a “Christian” nation, then we have to repeal the First Amendment.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If that’s what we want, we can make Christianity the country’s religion. There have been countries with national religions. Japan was and still is mostly Shinto, China mostly Buddhist. England’s national church was once The Church of England, India’s national religion was/is Hindu.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And then, it would probably be a good idea – if we wish to maintain this purity – to pass legislation that ONLY Christians be allowed to immigrate. If we choose to pass laws to this effect, if that’s what the majority want, we can do this. It would be perfectly legal.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>HOWEVER . . .<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>From our country’s founding til now – that isn’t the kind of country we have set up nor aspired to be. We have welcomed people from all countries, all backgrounds, all religions, or no religion. And told them they can be citizens of our country.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Like The Lady says: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”<br />
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But -- for the sake of this argument -- let’s say we DO decide to do this. The majority of us want to be a “Christian” nation, and we repeal the First Amendment.<br />
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The next thing we MUST do – IMMEDIATELY – is change our behavior. Drastically.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>First and foremost we would have to get rid of the humongous military complex and portion of our national budget that goes to fund bombs and submarines and planes and guns and ammunition – you know, weapons of mass destruction. <br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And then – we have to use that money to “bomb” our enemies with food and medicine and building supplies and send doctors and nurses and medicines and teachers and construction workers to administer the aid.<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And then – we need to “bombard” the News Worldwide with pictures and updates – daily – of what we are doing.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And then – when they ask why, tell them – “Jesus sent me.”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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* * * * *</div>
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”<br />
– Matthew 5:44<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * *</div>
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”<br />
– Chronicles 7:14<br />
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* * * * *</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Personally, I wouldn’t really have a problem with that. Being a Christian, I mean; albeit a “liberal” one. As in because my faith is precious to me, I recognize/acknowledge the same for others. My faith has sustained me through good times and bad. God is as close to me as my prayer, my thought. I believe He walks with me every day of my life. He has blessed and protected me and my family mightily.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So if we DO decide to repeal the first amendment and this becomes a nation of Christians in reality/fact, it wouldn’t disrupt my life much at all.<br />
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Others, on the other hand, might find the results rather daunting.<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
<br />
Sarah<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-616214135645046542.post-78983644502902130822015-12-30T09:40:00.000-08:002017-06-01T18:05:31.247-07:00It's All About the . . . Love . . . Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation<br />
<br />
Journey to the Center<br />
Monday, December 28, 2015<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Both God's truest identity and our own True Self are Love</b></span>. So why isn't it obvious? How do we find what is supposedly already there? Why should we need to awaken our deepest and most profound selves? And how do we do it? By praying and meditating? By more silence, solitude, and sacraments? Yes to all of the above, but the most important way is to live and fully accept our present reality. This solution sounds so simple and innocuous that most of us fabricate all kinds of religious trappings to avoid taking up our own inglorious, mundane, and ever-present cross of the present moment.<br />
<br />
As James Finley says, "The greatest teacher of God's presence in our life is our life."<b><span style="color: red;"> For some reason, it is easier to attend church services than quite simply to reverence the real --the "practice of the presence of God," as some of our saints have called it.</span></b> Making this commitment doesn't demand a lot of dogmatic wrangling or managerial support, just vigilance, desire, and willingness to begin again and again. Living and accepting our reality will not feel very spiritual. It will feel like we are on the edges rather than dealing with the essence. Thus most run toward more esoteric and dramatic postures instead of bearing the mystery of God's suffering and God's joy inside themselves. But the edges of our lives--fully experienced suffered, and enjoyed--lead us back to the center and the essence, which is Love.<br />
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We do not find our own center; it finds us. Our own mind will not be able to figure it out. We collapse back into the Truth only when we are spiritually naked and free--which is probably not very often. We do not think ourselves into new ways of living. We live ourselves into new ways of thinking. In other words, our journeys around and through our realities, or " circumferences, " lead us to the core reality, where we meet both our truest self and our truest God. We do not really know what it means to be human unless we know God. And, in turn, we do not really know God except through our own broken and rejoicing humanity.<br />
<br />
In Jesus, God tells us that God is not different from humanity. Thus Jesus' most common and almost exclusive self-name is "The Human One" or "A Son of Humanity." He uses the term seventy-nine times in the four Gospels. Jesus' reality, his cross, is to say a free "yes" to what his humanity daily asks of him. <b><span style="color: red;">It seems that we Christians have been worshiping Jesus' journey instead of doing his journey. </span></b>The worshiping feels very religious; the latter just feels human and ordinary. We are not human beings on a journey toward Spirit, we are already spiritual beings on a journey toward becoming fully human, which for some reason seems harder precisely because it is so ordinary.<br />
<br />
Gateway to Silence<br />
God's life is living itself in me. <br />
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Reference:<br />
Adapted from Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer (The Crossroad Publishing Company: 2003), 17-20.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Bold Red</span></b> is my highlighting. I read this – and these words, especially, resonated in my heart and soul. The “light bulb” effect. Kind of. I have been coming to this understanding for the past few years – and the way he says it here just kind of hit me. Yes! That’s it.<br />
<br />
God is L-O-V-E. He is all things, the beginning, the end, et cetera. But first and foremost, God is L-O-V-E. So completely revealed in the reality of His Son, Jesus, and what He did.<br />
<br />
And if we “get it”, then we are L-O-V-E – also. He is IN us . . . i.e., WE are Love. First and foremost, we are LOVE.<br />
<br />
And<b> everything</b> we say and do comes from the heart and soul of us whose generator is LOVE.<br />
= = = = = = = =<br />
Does this makes sense to anyone but me?<br />
<br />
Sarah<br />
<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424956837905880390noreply@blogger.com0