Summer Days--Summer Nights

What is summer without hot days? I have expressed many times I dislike humidity. The hot, breath of summer hitting you in the face the same in the morning and also late at night--not my idea of fun summer life. Warm with a breeze in which you can sit out and enjoy the sunrise or sunsets is more to my taste. We have only had a few of those lately with a helping of cloud formations for storms either coming or going by. We may have not had 100 degree weather (yet) but it inches closer and closer to three digit temperatures. Maybe if we are lucky (fingers crossed) we won't have any this season.

One night recently when it was cool enough to sit out on the porch and actually enjoy a breeze, made me think of summer evenings as a kid. We didn't have fans, or air conditioning, we really didn't need them living close to the coast but sometimes all you could do is find a place on the floor, open the sliding glass window and think cool thoughts. With the lights on and some form of music playing your imagination took you to places only a youngsters mind could.

Summer vacations typically started out with summer school to curb boredom in the mornings. I was one of those strange kids that didn't mind going at all. Trips to the library to get books to read and skating sessions at the skating rink. What kid didn't want to go to the rink in sub zero temperatures and come out from the rink only to have your feet steam from the sudden temperature changes. While spending time on Pinterest recently I found the picture below that summarized it oh so well.

If enough time was to be had for the rest of the day you spent some time in the sun to get a little of the white ice rink pale face a little color. If we only had spray tans back then like they do today. Somehow the orange tan lotion just didn't cut it.

This summer enjoyment will be coming to an end soon hopefully all the other social uproar that has been a part of our lives lately will also just be a memory also. Only we can make that possible. The weather well you know Mother Nature does what she wants--doesn't every woman?

Wake Up People

Well this past week has been an interesting one. The weather has been soggy, and my schedule, thank goodness I use pencil when I am actually writing it down and with my new phone my alerts would buzz on the 10 minute before it happened.

The older we get the more we seem to need a little push or sometimes a slap on the head to either remember something that needs to be done or maybe just to change the perspective that needs updating. Living where we attempt to get all seasons (they may be a month or two off in some cases or stuck on the same weather event) but I like to compare people sometimes to hibernating animals. We have been in the warm winter comfortable blanket and when its time to shed it, I am usually the first person stripping to spring clothing, airing the house or just making the change over as quickly as possible.

Some people might consider the town in which I live a small bedroom community, other's would say boy are you wrong it is a big town of almost 23,000. However you look at it,some people's desire to kick it into gear can be slower than slow.

This past week we had many people from according to the local newspaper, all over the globe. The weekend was a get together for Red Power Roundup International Collectors. I personally did not come into contact with any of the visitors but the traffic it brought to town made for some unique driving skills and patience for which mine became ragged. The sudden, although by the article businesses knew at least a year in advance of the event, it seemed as though most of the businesses I frequent on a regular basis were ill-prepared to say the least. I have always said don't wait until the last minute to hire someone and expect them to learn the entire operation under excessive pressure--most are ill-equipped.

I think the one major thing that never sits well with me is how people have to be told to "make visitors extra welcome so they think highly of our town". This leaves a bitter taste in my mouth each time I actually see it in print.  Hence, the title of this blog. WAKE UP PEOPLE, do you really think that impresses people when they act different than the normal everyday way? Why leave a false sense if security. This town or no town that I have ever visited rolls out the perfect red carpet.

I always go back to the same movie scenario "Funny Farm". Rent it, Netflix or however you want to watch. It's one of Chevy Chase's funniest and fits any small town to a tee.

Our society seems to have many "wake up people" moments on the horizon. With elections coming up, the economy ever changing, sometimes we need to be hit over the head. Alarm bells sound every day for the varying amount of diseases, remedies to take and ways to change our life. I am all for making changes, but don't change who you are to make everyone else feel welcome.

Over the weekend I volunteered at out annual golf tournament for the organization I have volunteered for over 10 years. The beautiful scenery, even with the rain storms brought out all the wonderful nature the hosting town has.

I captured the picture of the hummingbird, (not always an easy task). The wing speed is always fascinating to me. The fact that pictures of the little birds are a little hard to get, I felt fortunate it stopped to get a quick drink before going off somewhere else. I guess the feeder was its welcome to the clubhouse, red carpet moment and no one really made that much out of it.

I May Have Lost My Mind, but Not My Heart

I am borrowing our pastor's sermon title again. I felt it was a rather good fit for the past several weeks.

When I worked full time, had an hour commute and dropped off kiddos and navigated my way through routines in my 20's and 30's ice skating was my sanctuary. Pregnancy brain, fast-paced life I attempted to keep from losing my mind and skating was such a wonderful outlet. The ice rink was cold and would calm me and I could blow off steam all at once. Skating will always hold a dear place in my heart. Now its keeping up with skating friends on social media and gliding through a next generation of skaters.

I am still a Mom and now a MiMi, and sometimes have those lose your mind moments. You take on extra responsibilities,  have a list of projects you want to complete and those honey-do's for the hubby.  I possibly might lose my mind during the completion of the many house projects we have on the list. Doing as many as possible during the nice weather months sometimes turns out to be like the shell game. Too many things need attention before the luxury just want updates. Hopefully the smaller list will get done before the weather turns, I am hopeful. I had happiness abound last week to have two rooms painted. The older we get the more basic changes can make us happy.

Our fourth grandchild arrived the end of last month. Not soon enough for my daughter who had an eventful first trimester of the pregnancy  and by the last few weeks was feeling ready for the blessed event. It was funny how slightly similar our deliveries of our second child were. If it is any indication Gentry will be a force to be reckoned with. Now that she has two little ones, I am sure she will have many instances in the next several years where she may think she will lose her mind. Rest assured every parent but especially Mom's wonder if they are giving enough time to each kid and yet still have time for themselves.  I am a firm believer of "ME" time. If you don't give yourself a break I don't believe you can truly be the best parent you can be. Children need to grow just like the plumeria flower in the above picture. They need nurturing, water, food, a trim now and then and eventually they will blossom into what you see in front of you with maybe a little extra help.

I questioned all the time if I was around enough when they were little, was a stay at home Mom  when they were teenagers and probably around more than they wanted. I didn't always get my lost my mind time away for the last several years but tried to make do with the arrangements that I was given and roll with it. 

I have probably lost my mind more than I care to admit, but at this stage in life my heart continues to grow with the love of family, finding things I enjoy for fun and connecting with friends although most are far, far away.

Thanks pastor for the inspiration.  Starting the week with a clear mind, but a happy heart.

A List of First Time's in a Lifetime

We have all heard, "first time for everything" throughout our lifetime. I remember my first skating competition. I wore a blue dress that my mom made and I beaded myself. The rink the competition was held at has been gone for years but it was one of my favorites because it had a mural around the entire rink so it made it look like you were skating outside.

Think of how many times a first comes into your life. First kiss, first time riding a two-wheel bicycle, driving a car, first time you try a new food.  Many firsts come in and out of your life during your entire lifespan.

Recently my daughter and granddaughter and I experienced a first time going for a spa day. As the due date comes closer and closer  for our fourth grandchild, my daughter wanted a relaxing pedicure. My granddaughter got to experience her first time getting her toes painted by someone other than Mom or MiMi. She took it all in and we had a good time. While at the salon we encountered a couple and their first pedicure experience. The young lady talked her boyfriend into getting a pedicure. He didn't seem too enthusiastic at first, lots of laughter and strange facial expressions between them but it provided laughter and chatter among the customers and staff. He was definitely a trooper to go along. I know my husband even when we were dating would have never and will never have that first experience.

Our other granddaughter had her first dance recital. She definitely has showbiz in her blood already.  Watching all our grandchildren experience many first time things will be a joy.

It is not just about one time situations though. Repeating things you enjoy helps too. We watch sunrises and sunsets many times throughout our life, yet each one is like seeing it for the first time.

I guess the music group Foreigner knew what they were doing when they had the song "It Feels Like the First Time".  Each experience in life is different and sometimes better as time goes on.

What we Want to Do and What we Have to Do

How many times have you heard your child say, "Do I have to do that?". I know I heard several times with my kids and I was guilty of doing it also when I was a kid. I can remember my go to tag line when I didn't want to do something right away was "Just a minute".  That minute didn't go over well for my parents when they wanted me to do it right away.  I wanted to do what I was doing at the time and didn't want to interrupt my flow. Has that changed since I am older now? Probably a little but I still hate to be interrupted when I am deep into doing something else.

Even as we get older we still have to do things we really don't want to do. My list varies. I don't like to clean the toilet but since I don't have someone to clean my house I don't have a choice. I have a few choice words while I am doing the task as I am sure most people say those same words.

Everyone has their own way or technique in doing things. Most of the time you do what is easiest for you to get the job or task done. I am always for the less steps possible to still get to the final conclusion.

I recently came across a thimble in my sewing tote. I had to have it as part of my sewing kit when I took sewing in junior high school. Along with a seam ripper, sewing chalk, and several other accessories. My teacher Mrs. Keane was very old school in the techniques she passed on to her students. Many were the same rules that my mother and grandmother used because that was how they were also taught.   I have recently been doing a few small sewing projects.  So when I saw my thimble I thought about how little I have ever used it and wondered why I have kept it all these years.  I know why I was suppose to use it back in the day. Mrs. Keane always wanted us to get used to it on our fingers while we were learning. It was suppose to be an assistant in pushing the needle through the cloth and also I always figured so we wouldn't stick our fingers with the needle. It made my finger sweat more than anything and being who I am I would put it on while the teacher was in front of me but as soon as she walked away, off the thimble went. For me it seemed more of a hindrance than a help.

Sometimes I feel like I spread myself so thin on what I have to do that what I need to do sometimes gets put aside. I am trying to be more aware of trying to add those things I want to do to the front of the list, but sometimes what I don't really want to do seems to take over.  I remember when I was younger people would tell me oh you will have plenty of time to do what you want when you get older. Hummmm that hasn't been the case. I still have things piled up that I need to finish.

I think I have heard a saying about a thimble. Something like "it wasn't enough to put into a thimble". I guess that means very little? Well maybe that is why I kept it in the first place. Maybe I thought when I got older I wouldn't have much to put in it to do. Boy, was I wrong.

Sometimes a Human's Best Friend Isn't Always Human

I am not sure who penned the phrase "A man's (or women's) best friend is his dog" but I am pretty sure it was probably a dog lover. I have almost always had a dog in my life from birth to present day with a few fish, birds, turtles, mice and one cat thrown in for good measure. But dog's for me have always been a special companion. In my 53 1/2 years I have had five. My two boys now are in their senior days of life. I cherish each day I have them both and know I will be a sad sight when they do go on to the rainbow bridge.

Pets provide comfort and companionship usually when you need it most. Most of the time they rule your roost just like a human does unfortunately sometimes even more.

Many times I have had dogs appear at my door because they decided to see what it was like beyond their own backyard. One time I had the same experience when our Bishon  Frise decided to take a vacation. It ended a week later on a good note.

I find lately being a social media follower that between the postings of dogs being lost or found, the funny videos of animals interacting with each other or with other unlikely pairings it definitely brings a chuckle when you need it most. The negative side is those sick individuals who chose to abuse animals, who in my book should be tared and feathered. Cowards take the easy way and go for animals when they can't express themselves. It seems like it gets worse or maybe its just again social media brings it to our attention.

Christmas 2014 Scooby Doo and Snookie

Many times I have had people ask me how can I stay by myself all the time with my husband gone on the road. In 30+ years I really haven't been alone.

My one public service announcement that I would suggest to those that have animals goes like this. As Bob Barker used to say on his closing of the Price is Right, "Have your pets spayed or neutered". Although I have never had a rescue animal myself, I am an advocate if you can find the right one that fits your needs and the needs of your family.  Be very sure because they are like children in my mind. A true thoughtful, caring person wouldn't give back a child so don't give an animal back--they have feelings too. They take time, money and more time to take care of.  When you take your dog for a walk--pick up the poop! I equate it too when you go to someone's house and use their bathroom don't you flush?

 While my daughter was away at school years ago, I picked this sign up at a craft fair. It pretty much says it all. 

Letters and the Joy They Can Bring Anytime

I often find some very interesting stories in the Parade Magazine section of the weekend paper. I came across one recently that I had saved to read for later. The cover had Al Pacino on the front and his new movie coming out called Danny Collins. It is based on a true story about a letter John Lennon wrote to a British folk singer back in 1971. The folk singer never got the letter until 2005 from a collector that had found it.  I am not really a Al Pacino fan but this looks like a movie maybe worth seeing.

What caught my eye was after reading the article that maybe the lost art of letter writing might be making a comeback. (Not sure if maybe it ever really left, at least not for me).

When you stop and think, there are many types of letter you can write. When I think back to all the letters I have written over the year's, several important ones come to mind.

When I went through my quest to find my adopted family, I wrote MANY letters. The final one was to my birth mother. I still have a copy today that I occasional reflect over.

 As a student in school I remember having writing assignments where you had to write to a business asking for information. I remember at the end of junior high probably in a social studies class we had to locate a person (pen pal) to write to from another country. The teacher had located somewhere the class could write too. The teacher sent the letters and you waited to hear back.  We eventually heard back from a class in Korea. The girl that was assigned to me wrote back a few letters but eventually after a short time I didn't hear from her. I was very disappointed but she had somehow sent my name to a girl in Sweden. I remember in the last letter she sent to me she stated she didn't have time to write so she was sending my name to this other girl because she wanted me to have someone to write too.  I eventually wrote the girl a few times and she wrote that she had too many people to write too also (guess by today's standards its like having too many Facebook friends) so she was passing my name to a relative.

The true pen pal letter writing campaign started in 1976 and lasted until 1981. Lisette was the same age as I was but lived a very exciting life. She was going to university (equivalent to our high school at the time) and was working as an au pair. She would send me postcards of all her travels in Europe with the different families she was employed with. She wrote frequently about drinking and other things at the time I had no clue about. I remember my mother thought she was just too advanced but it was so fun reading about her adventures. I kept the letters and occasionally think back how innocent I was and how much of a jet setter she was.

I now wonder what that 54 year old woman is up too. Is she living in Europe? She had always talked about visiting me and I her which never happened. Is she married with children? She talked about wanting to work for the airlines also at one time. I am sure our lives are completely different but I would love to find her now and catch up.

One of the letter writing stories mentioned in the article was a website started by a girl in Atlanta. MoreLoveLetters.com was started by Hannah Brencher in hopes of inspiring more letter writing. She has also wrote a memoir If You Find This Letter: My Journey to Find Purpose Through Hundreds of Letters to Strangers. 

One of the sad statistics listed in the article was since 2007 the U.S. Post Office receives 20% less letters.  One  positive statistic is 1 million+ kids in America alone sent letters to Santa Claus last year (he would still rather get a letter than an e-mail or text in my opinion).  I know I still enjoy sending a letter to a few people during Christmas and I really enjoy getting a response from them.

  It also reminds me of a song I heard as a kid called "I'm Going to Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" from the musical Ain't Misbehaven'. I might just write a letter to a friend I haven't heard from in a very long time. You can too!