Stores Open on Thanksgiving--Good or Bad?
Some people are upset. Traditionally, this day has been the day for families and friends to gather and enjoy a home cooked meal. It has been a time to watch football. It has been a time to take a walk to ward off the groggy feeling that arrives around 3 PM. It has been that one time of the year when we visit with those we love but see occasionally. It has been celebrated as a family day.
It still is. So why are some folks upset?
Some businesses made the decision to open on Thanksgiving Day. In addition, they decided to run sales on the merchandise most wanted by shoppers. Saving money is at the top of everyone's list during the biggest shopping season of the year as is getting what they want at a fair price. It looked like a win/win. Besides, people who work have limited time to shop for those on their list. How could this be a bad thing?
When we travel over holidays, we appreciate gas stations and fast food businesses that remain open. It is comforting to know that hotels and motels are ready to greet travelers. Some resorts advertise holiday weekend specials which include lodging and a Thanksgiving meal. Theaters are often open to give people the opportunity to relax and be entertained. The point is many businesses have remained open for years on holidays. They know travelers have needs, and they are in the business of providing those needs. Travelers or those on holiday appreciate trains, planes, and busses that take them from point A to point B.
When we use any of those services, we are spending money. I think it is all in the psychology of the thing that we get lost. When things stay the same in our lives, there is comfort. When things change or when something we disagree with comes on the scene, we are quick to criticize. We attempt to place our beliefs on others. That never works well. It is ok to engage in capitalism to get where we want to be or to take that long awaited vacation. We tend to forget that others have to work to make our decisions possible.
It is Thanksgiving Day. I am sitting in my warm family room watching the parade on tv. Others are working--actually advertising with those huge balloons--to make my day at home a fun experience. In a bit I will begin preparation for tomorrow's meal when our family joins us. I am hoping I have all the ingredients needed for those dishes. And I will be grateful if one grocery store is open today should I need something for tomorrow's feast.
Rather than criticize others for the decisions they make, I will exercise choice. It is my personal choice whether I shop on this day, or whether I do not. No one is forcing me to get dressed and drive to any store. No one is forcing me to stay home. If others make the decision to take care of business on this day, what is that to me? While I believe that we have lost something very precious in this world, we have gained much, also. So, I will stay home today. Not to make a statement, but to enjoy the company of my husband and to prepare for my family tomorrow.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Being Cold, Being Hungry, Being Me
Being Cold, Being Hungry, Being Me--
It is very cold outside.
My usual response to the cold would be that it is that time of year, and we all should expect it. Or I might respond with something a little less gentle. This is November in the Midwest. It is like this every year!
We forget. In the blush of spring and the heat of summer, we romp and play. We turn on air conditioners and fans. Coats and scarves are moved to the back of our minds and closets. And while they are in the back corner of our closets, they are plotting against us. They know that soon we will be reaching for them. They know that their time of rest is almost over. Maybe as they wait, they anticipate the rush of cold they will soon experience. They will do the job they were designed to do, and we will all stay warm against the blasts of cold. They know that even though we ignore them for a period of time, they will be needed. So they wait. Maybe with a smug look on their faces--if they have faces.
Ok. It is cold, and we are warm. But, others aren't so lucky. Maybe we have the attitude that it isn't about luck. Maybe our beliefs are that we planned well. We worked at a job that provided us with more than enough funds to have warm coats and homes. We deserve to be warm in winter and cool in summer. We earned what we have. Absolutely. I agree that many of us did work hard for many years. We paid our dues. We followed the rules. However, a nagging thought that returns to me is why did my life turn out well, and other lives didn't. Is it a result of my upbringing that taught I must work for what I desire? Is it due to the fact that I borrowed money to go to college so that I could have a career and provide for myself? Is it possible that I have been given opportunities while others haven't? Or did I make those opportunities happen? Did I know the right person who recognized talent or promise in me? Did that person pave my way?
My truth is none of us walk this walk totally independent of others. We all need help. Most of us received employment because of someone we knew or from a recommendation of someone we knew. We relied on the kindness and trust of others to help us secure that job we so desired. That first job became the springboard for the next move up. That move up came after we proved ourselves to be ready for the next step. It is the way it works.
If this truly is the way the world works, then what about all those who have no one to see their worth? How do we explain away their lack of success? How do we justify being warm and full while others are cold and hungry? I do understand what you are thinking. But, what if they never had a chance at a better life? What separates people? More important, what can we do to change this?
I am thankful for organizations that see human need and set about to help. I am thankful for churches that assist food pantries so that no one will be hungry. I am thankful for the people who see their calling to be making sure everyone has enough. What does enough look like? I know what more than enough looks like.
Since we all need one another, it seems so appropriate that we reach out to others and offer coats and food and shelter. Some find themselves needing assistance due to our economy. Jobs were lost and not found. How humbling to need help with the basics of life. I don't think it matters why. If someone needs a coat, there should be one available. If someone needs food, food should be there for them. Judging others and their situations is an ugly way to live. Would we want someone to make a decision about our need based on their personal beliefs?
Once I started writing, this took on its own life. It went in a direction I had not planned. Perhaps that is a good thing. Perhaps I needed to be reminded that many are not warm. Many are hungry. Many are worried about where the next meal will be found. Many wish for a better life but don't know how to make that happen. To be honest with you, sometimes I worry that I am not being the person I should be. If I truly am the keeper of others, what am I doing to help? It is a difficult question. It seems so easy, but in reality it is not easy at all. I fear I insulate myself from seeing the distress of others. Wish I had not started this!
You know how a rock thrown into a pool of water make ripples? Helping others is like that. We help, and we feel warm. We want that feeling again so we help again. And each time we reach beyond our front doors and into the big world, we make that ripple a little wider. Each time we offer ourselves, that ripple extends beyond our knowing. Maybe we inspired another person to cast a rock into the pool of water. I think it is in the goodness and kindness of people that change occurs. You and I going about doing the good we can do makes this world so much better for so many--including ourselves.
Ok--I am done with this. But not really.
It is very cold outside.
My usual response to the cold would be that it is that time of year, and we all should expect it. Or I might respond with something a little less gentle. This is November in the Midwest. It is like this every year!
We forget. In the blush of spring and the heat of summer, we romp and play. We turn on air conditioners and fans. Coats and scarves are moved to the back of our minds and closets. And while they are in the back corner of our closets, they are plotting against us. They know that soon we will be reaching for them. They know that their time of rest is almost over. Maybe as they wait, they anticipate the rush of cold they will soon experience. They will do the job they were designed to do, and we will all stay warm against the blasts of cold. They know that even though we ignore them for a period of time, they will be needed. So they wait. Maybe with a smug look on their faces--if they have faces.
Ok. It is cold, and we are warm. But, others aren't so lucky. Maybe we have the attitude that it isn't about luck. Maybe our beliefs are that we planned well. We worked at a job that provided us with more than enough funds to have warm coats and homes. We deserve to be warm in winter and cool in summer. We earned what we have. Absolutely. I agree that many of us did work hard for many years. We paid our dues. We followed the rules. However, a nagging thought that returns to me is why did my life turn out well, and other lives didn't. Is it a result of my upbringing that taught I must work for what I desire? Is it due to the fact that I borrowed money to go to college so that I could have a career and provide for myself? Is it possible that I have been given opportunities while others haven't? Or did I make those opportunities happen? Did I know the right person who recognized talent or promise in me? Did that person pave my way?
My truth is none of us walk this walk totally independent of others. We all need help. Most of us received employment because of someone we knew or from a recommendation of someone we knew. We relied on the kindness and trust of others to help us secure that job we so desired. That first job became the springboard for the next move up. That move up came after we proved ourselves to be ready for the next step. It is the way it works.
If this truly is the way the world works, then what about all those who have no one to see their worth? How do we explain away their lack of success? How do we justify being warm and full while others are cold and hungry? I do understand what you are thinking. But, what if they never had a chance at a better life? What separates people? More important, what can we do to change this?
I am thankful for organizations that see human need and set about to help. I am thankful for churches that assist food pantries so that no one will be hungry. I am thankful for the people who see their calling to be making sure everyone has enough. What does enough look like? I know what more than enough looks like.
Since we all need one another, it seems so appropriate that we reach out to others and offer coats and food and shelter. Some find themselves needing assistance due to our economy. Jobs were lost and not found. How humbling to need help with the basics of life. I don't think it matters why. If someone needs a coat, there should be one available. If someone needs food, food should be there for them. Judging others and their situations is an ugly way to live. Would we want someone to make a decision about our need based on their personal beliefs?
Once I started writing, this took on its own life. It went in a direction I had not planned. Perhaps that is a good thing. Perhaps I needed to be reminded that many are not warm. Many are hungry. Many are worried about where the next meal will be found. Many wish for a better life but don't know how to make that happen. To be honest with you, sometimes I worry that I am not being the person I should be. If I truly am the keeper of others, what am I doing to help? It is a difficult question. It seems so easy, but in reality it is not easy at all. I fear I insulate myself from seeing the distress of others. Wish I had not started this!
You know how a rock thrown into a pool of water make ripples? Helping others is like that. We help, and we feel warm. We want that feeling again so we help again. And each time we reach beyond our front doors and into the big world, we make that ripple a little wider. Each time we offer ourselves, that ripple extends beyond our knowing. Maybe we inspired another person to cast a rock into the pool of water. I think it is in the goodness and kindness of people that change occurs. You and I going about doing the good we can do makes this world so much better for so many--including ourselves.
Ok--I am done with this. But not really.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
The Beauty of People
The Beauty of People--
Sometimes it takes a tragedy to remind us of the beauty of those who walk their walk beside our own.
We live in routines. There is a time to get up, a time to be at work or school, and time to eat, a time to go home from daily activities, a time to rest and refresh, a time to go to bed. When morning arrives, we do the same things. Routines are comforting. We know what to expect. We recognize there will be occasional bumps in our routines, but we expect nothing significant.
Then the unexpected happens. The horrid unexpected. Our routine is off. Our lives are off. Our homes are off. Nothing looks or feels the same. We stand and stare at what was while wondering what will be. It takes time to assimilate all the change. Too much in such a short amount of time. Where to go? What to do? How to make sense of all of this?
And then the beauty of people begins to pour into lives. People stop their daily routines to offer help. People take time off from work to comfort. People write checks that will be used for food, clothes, lodging. People offer to pick up debris. People comfort. People call friends and organize ways to meet the most basic needs. People open homes, churches, businesses. And the beauty of it all is overwhelming.
When storms rage into our lives, we are forced to think outside that routine that we love so much. We struggle with no routine or trying to establish something that reminds us of our routine. We know we are different from the inside out. We know that from this moment forward, we will see life through a new lens.
Those lovely souls who show up to support and help teach us once again about the beauty of people. For the most part, people are so good. They reach out to help others because they sincerely care. They feel sorrow for the losses of those in pain. They desire to help pave a new way.
Yes, people are beautiful.
Sure, it is certainly possible to list all the ways that people are not supportive or helpful. But, why? Why spend time thinking about those who have not learned to love others. Let us spend our time loving those who see the need and go towards it.
I will say it again--people are truly beautiful.
Sometimes it takes a tragedy to remind us of the beauty of those who walk their walk beside our own.
We live in routines. There is a time to get up, a time to be at work or school, and time to eat, a time to go home from daily activities, a time to rest and refresh, a time to go to bed. When morning arrives, we do the same things. Routines are comforting. We know what to expect. We recognize there will be occasional bumps in our routines, but we expect nothing significant.
Then the unexpected happens. The horrid unexpected. Our routine is off. Our lives are off. Our homes are off. Nothing looks or feels the same. We stand and stare at what was while wondering what will be. It takes time to assimilate all the change. Too much in such a short amount of time. Where to go? What to do? How to make sense of all of this?
And then the beauty of people begins to pour into lives. People stop their daily routines to offer help. People take time off from work to comfort. People write checks that will be used for food, clothes, lodging. People offer to pick up debris. People comfort. People call friends and organize ways to meet the most basic needs. People open homes, churches, businesses. And the beauty of it all is overwhelming.
When storms rage into our lives, we are forced to think outside that routine that we love so much. We struggle with no routine or trying to establish something that reminds us of our routine. We know we are different from the inside out. We know that from this moment forward, we will see life through a new lens.
Those lovely souls who show up to support and help teach us once again about the beauty of people. For the most part, people are so good. They reach out to help others because they sincerely care. They feel sorrow for the losses of those in pain. They desire to help pave a new way.
Yes, people are beautiful.
Sure, it is certainly possible to list all the ways that people are not supportive or helpful. But, why? Why spend time thinking about those who have not learned to love others. Let us spend our time loving those who see the need and go towards it.
I will say it again--people are truly beautiful.
Monday, November 18, 2013
The Storm
The Storm--
It was around noon when the rain began. That was quickly followed by strong winds and hail. Lightening flashed. Trees swayed and bent against the wind. Large limbs crashed to the ground. The power went out. On days like this we are very grateful for a basement.
The local TV station reported tornado touchdowns in towns very close to us. Pictures of damaged neighborhoods were posted for all to see. It was devastating. Truly, the pictures looked like a war zone. And that is exactly what it was. Nature attacked. People had no way to defend. Survival became the only thought as people tried to get to safety.
I grew up in the South. Tornados took the homes of many neighbors. In fact, where we lived was called tornado alley. People built storm shelters and huddled inside them until it was safe to be outside. The storm shelters were actually rather scary. Damp and dark with bugs and spiders. But, that was much safer than trying to ride the storm in our house. There were no cell phones. Nothing to help us. Many of our neighbors lost everything to those storms. Our worst damage was a barn that collapsed with a horse inside.
The storms of my youth were certainly horrible. The storms in my adult life seem so much more vicious, and they arrive with greater regularity. Who would have thought a storm like this in November in the Midwest? I suppose there have been some. I just don't remember any of this magnitude.
One moment everything is normal in life. Kids are playing, lunch is ready to be consumed, football is on tv. Families are doing what families do. Maybe the washer is churning away. Plans are made for the day. And then almost without warning, life is split wide open. People gather children and head to the basement. They huddle together trying to protect one another from the assault of wind, rain and hail. It seems like an eternity yet it is over in a few minutes. From this moment on children will fear dark clouds, rain and wind.
There is rejoicing that everyone survived this attack. Yet amid the rejoicing, there is shock and saddness. Things are different. The house that provided shelter could not withstand the strength of nature. It did its best. It stood strong and tall as long as it could. If it could communicate, I think it would express its saddness and despair that it was unable to offer protection and shelter.
And now pieces of life are collected and placed in baskets, boxes and bags. Tears flow as memories flood the soul. Let those of us who have undamaged homes listen carefully for ways to help those who suffer this day. It is at times like these that people experience what it truly means to be human. People rush to offer anything they have to aid those in distress. People are truly good at heart. We reach out to those we do not know because we "know" deep within ourselves that we are all in this together. Another's suffering is my suffering. Another's joy is my joy. We cannot separate ourselves from others.
A clear blue sky greeted me this morning. As I scanned the heavens, yesterday's news flooded my heart. How can the world move so quicky from despair to beauty in a few hours? I don't understand. But, I do understand that out there amid that destruction is someone I can personally help. I wait with anticipation for that person to become visible. And maybe that is the lesson to be learned or relearned. We are our brother and sister's keepers. We may not be in relationship with them. We may not know their names. We may not live next door. But, what does any of that matter? Honestly, it doesn't. What matters in this life is people. At this moment in our lives we have the golden opportunity to reach out beyond ourselves and comfort another fellow traveler on this planet. I know we will all do exactly what is right for each of us to do.
I will go about my daily routine. But, there is a difference within me today. Once again I have been taught that life is fragile. That things change. Yet, love and kindness remain. Shared hugs and tears bind people together. People who "show up" offer us the strength to move forward. We do what we can. We love.
If you are reading this, my prayer is that you are safe. I am grateful for you even though I don't know who you are. May you experience a day of gratitude this day. And may you reach beyond yourself in ways you have never done before. That is my prayer for me as well.
It was around noon when the rain began. That was quickly followed by strong winds and hail. Lightening flashed. Trees swayed and bent against the wind. Large limbs crashed to the ground. The power went out. On days like this we are very grateful for a basement.
The local TV station reported tornado touchdowns in towns very close to us. Pictures of damaged neighborhoods were posted for all to see. It was devastating. Truly, the pictures looked like a war zone. And that is exactly what it was. Nature attacked. People had no way to defend. Survival became the only thought as people tried to get to safety.
I grew up in the South. Tornados took the homes of many neighbors. In fact, where we lived was called tornado alley. People built storm shelters and huddled inside them until it was safe to be outside. The storm shelters were actually rather scary. Damp and dark with bugs and spiders. But, that was much safer than trying to ride the storm in our house. There were no cell phones. Nothing to help us. Many of our neighbors lost everything to those storms. Our worst damage was a barn that collapsed with a horse inside.
The storms of my youth were certainly horrible. The storms in my adult life seem so much more vicious, and they arrive with greater regularity. Who would have thought a storm like this in November in the Midwest? I suppose there have been some. I just don't remember any of this magnitude.
One moment everything is normal in life. Kids are playing, lunch is ready to be consumed, football is on tv. Families are doing what families do. Maybe the washer is churning away. Plans are made for the day. And then almost without warning, life is split wide open. People gather children and head to the basement. They huddle together trying to protect one another from the assault of wind, rain and hail. It seems like an eternity yet it is over in a few minutes. From this moment on children will fear dark clouds, rain and wind.
There is rejoicing that everyone survived this attack. Yet amid the rejoicing, there is shock and saddness. Things are different. The house that provided shelter could not withstand the strength of nature. It did its best. It stood strong and tall as long as it could. If it could communicate, I think it would express its saddness and despair that it was unable to offer protection and shelter.
And now pieces of life are collected and placed in baskets, boxes and bags. Tears flow as memories flood the soul. Let those of us who have undamaged homes listen carefully for ways to help those who suffer this day. It is at times like these that people experience what it truly means to be human. People rush to offer anything they have to aid those in distress. People are truly good at heart. We reach out to those we do not know because we "know" deep within ourselves that we are all in this together. Another's suffering is my suffering. Another's joy is my joy. We cannot separate ourselves from others.
A clear blue sky greeted me this morning. As I scanned the heavens, yesterday's news flooded my heart. How can the world move so quicky from despair to beauty in a few hours? I don't understand. But, I do understand that out there amid that destruction is someone I can personally help. I wait with anticipation for that person to become visible. And maybe that is the lesson to be learned or relearned. We are our brother and sister's keepers. We may not be in relationship with them. We may not know their names. We may not live next door. But, what does any of that matter? Honestly, it doesn't. What matters in this life is people. At this moment in our lives we have the golden opportunity to reach out beyond ourselves and comfort another fellow traveler on this planet. I know we will all do exactly what is right for each of us to do.
I will go about my daily routine. But, there is a difference within me today. Once again I have been taught that life is fragile. That things change. Yet, love and kindness remain. Shared hugs and tears bind people together. People who "show up" offer us the strength to move forward. We do what we can. We love.
If you are reading this, my prayer is that you are safe. I am grateful for you even though I don't know who you are. May you experience a day of gratitude this day. And may you reach beyond yourself in ways you have never done before. That is my prayer for me as well.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Going in Circles
Going in Circles--
Setting on my desk is a round container designed to hold BB's. There are no BB's in that container.
Yesterday afternoon my grandson, Jack, brought a gift to me. He said it took him a long time to collect the inhabitants of that round container. He said he had to chase them. Once he caught them, he placed them in the container. And now three Lady Bugs are circling the inside of that container expecting to find a way out. It won't happen. The only way out is for me to open the lid and give them freedom.
There is nothing for them to do but circle. They can't fly. There is nothing to eat inside the cylinder. They simply have to go in unending circles. I waited until he was gone to set them free.
All of that made me think about life. Humans aren't confined in round cylinders with no way out. Yet, there are certainly times in life when we feel trapped. Just like the Lady Bugs, we go in circles ending right back at the beginning. It happens to everyone. At one time or another in our lives, we experience frustrations that seem to have no way around, through or out. We circle. Maybe there is comfort in circling.
How could there be comfort in circling, you ask? Well, it could be that as we circle, we think about our challenge. Thinking is a good way to assess exactly what is going on. Sometimes we cannot change anything. But there is something we can do. We can change our own attitude towards our challenges. We have the ability to understand that while nothing may change outwardly, inwardly we can see things through new eyes. It isn't easy, that's for sure.
It could be that while we are circling, we are buying time. During challenging times, taking time to think, pray, visit with others, listen, read offers us new ways to see our own situation. While the end result may remain the same, our understanding can change. It is possible that we might notice all the help and support others have so graciously given. Nothing touches us like a friend or family member who understands our hurts and reaches out with love to comfort us. Buying time means we haven't given up--rather we are taking a minute to breathe. Going in circles can be quite tiring on our bodies, our minds and spirits. When we take the time to "just be," we feel refreshed and ready to meet the next challenge.
Yes, I go in circles. Like the Lady Bugs, I hope someone will notice and open the container and let me fly free!
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Putting Fear Behind Me--
Putting Fear Behind Me--
It could have happened. Yes, it could. But, due to my procrastination, it will take longer than I anticipated. When I think about it, it makes me a little angry with myself.
It was within my grasp. All it would have taken was a little time and a few instructions. Instead of getting the help I needed, I simply watched the days go by. Now I will have to reboot my enthusiasm.
Yes, I could have had my second book ready for you before the holidays. That was my goal. Instead, I have pages and pages that are crying out to be pulled together. So, the question is why I let the time pass without completing this goal.
My only answer to this question is fear. Fear that you, the reader, will not find any pleasure in my writing. Fear that I have nothing of value to share. Fear that no one will want to purchase the new book. So many things to keep me from accomplishing this goal.
It is time to put fear in its place. Writing is so personal. When I put my thoughts out there for others to read, I am sharing parts of me. It is a bit scary as all control is lost once my part is finished. Once the words meet your eyes, mind and heart, I can only hope that you are encouraged, or your day is brightened. I can only hope that you are challenged by my experiences. If some of what you read adds joy to your life or makes you smile, then I have met my goal.
So, with that I will attempt to pull the pages together and get them off to the printer. If you are interested in a copy of the new one, please let me know!
It could have happened. Yes, it could. But, due to my procrastination, it will take longer than I anticipated. When I think about it, it makes me a little angry with myself.
It was within my grasp. All it would have taken was a little time and a few instructions. Instead of getting the help I needed, I simply watched the days go by. Now I will have to reboot my enthusiasm.
Yes, I could have had my second book ready for you before the holidays. That was my goal. Instead, I have pages and pages that are crying out to be pulled together. So, the question is why I let the time pass without completing this goal.
My only answer to this question is fear. Fear that you, the reader, will not find any pleasure in my writing. Fear that I have nothing of value to share. Fear that no one will want to purchase the new book. So many things to keep me from accomplishing this goal.
It is time to put fear in its place. Writing is so personal. When I put my thoughts out there for others to read, I am sharing parts of me. It is a bit scary as all control is lost once my part is finished. Once the words meet your eyes, mind and heart, I can only hope that you are encouraged, or your day is brightened. I can only hope that you are challenged by my experiences. If some of what you read adds joy to your life or makes you smile, then I have met my goal.
So, with that I will attempt to pull the pages together and get them off to the printer. If you are interested in a copy of the new one, please let me know!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Who Would Have Thought Continued--
Who Would Have Thought Continued--
Now he tells me. Some dishwashing soap wrapped in paper actually does dissolve--paper and all.
Goes to show what I know!
Now he tells me. Some dishwashing soap wrapped in paper actually does dissolve--paper and all.
Goes to show what I know!
Who Would Have Thought..
Who Would Have Thought..
Thought you might enjoy how an intelligent woman lives....
My husband does the grocery shopping. He takes his time reading labels and comparing prices. He knows we save money if he does that task. And, he doesn't mind. That is amazing to me.
On a recent grocery run he purchased a new dishwasher soap. We have used the same brand of powder detergent for a long time. When I opened the cabinet door and saw a different product, I assumed he had studied the differences in the products and purchased the one he deemed better.
The new detergent was a capsule wrapped in paper. How clever, I thought. No detergent would be spilled when I filled the small compartment in the dishwasher door. After I finished loading the dishwasher, I took one of the capsules and placed it in the proper place, hit the wash button and closed the door. The quiet hum of the motor told me I would soon have super clean dishes.
My husband was the one who emptied the dishwasher. I was working on my computer when he walked into my office holding the dishwashing capsule. He was smiling. That smile told me I had done something goofy. Cannot bring myself to say "stupid." He said we would get lots of washes out of that one capsule. And then he said the paper covering had to be removed prior to putting it in the washer. He was laughing when he left the room. First, I heard scissors busy cutting paper. Then I heard the dishwasher door open. I heard a clunk as he placed the small square in the proper place. Finally, the door closed. The motor began to run. And this time soap was dispensed. I think the company who makes the small squares of soap should give that paper covering the ability to dissolve when hot water hits it!
Do you suppose the soap came with instructions? Everytime I load the dishwasher, I smile. And then I take the scissors and cut the paper.
This silly event is one piece of my story. It is not life changing or deep. It won't impact anyone's decisions. But, it is one item on a long list of funny events in my life. I am grateful for silly things that happen. They remove stress and cause laughter. Who doesn't need laughter? At our house we don't have to wait long for the next happening--usually at my expense.
Beware of new inventions, my friends!
Thought you might enjoy how an intelligent woman lives....
My husband does the grocery shopping. He takes his time reading labels and comparing prices. He knows we save money if he does that task. And, he doesn't mind. That is amazing to me.
On a recent grocery run he purchased a new dishwasher soap. We have used the same brand of powder detergent for a long time. When I opened the cabinet door and saw a different product, I assumed he had studied the differences in the products and purchased the one he deemed better.
The new detergent was a capsule wrapped in paper. How clever, I thought. No detergent would be spilled when I filled the small compartment in the dishwasher door. After I finished loading the dishwasher, I took one of the capsules and placed it in the proper place, hit the wash button and closed the door. The quiet hum of the motor told me I would soon have super clean dishes.
My husband was the one who emptied the dishwasher. I was working on my computer when he walked into my office holding the dishwashing capsule. He was smiling. That smile told me I had done something goofy. Cannot bring myself to say "stupid." He said we would get lots of washes out of that one capsule. And then he said the paper covering had to be removed prior to putting it in the washer. He was laughing when he left the room. First, I heard scissors busy cutting paper. Then I heard the dishwasher door open. I heard a clunk as he placed the small square in the proper place. Finally, the door closed. The motor began to run. And this time soap was dispensed. I think the company who makes the small squares of soap should give that paper covering the ability to dissolve when hot water hits it!
Do you suppose the soap came with instructions? Everytime I load the dishwasher, I smile. And then I take the scissors and cut the paper.
This silly event is one piece of my story. It is not life changing or deep. It won't impact anyone's decisions. But, it is one item on a long list of funny events in my life. I am grateful for silly things that happen. They remove stress and cause laughter. Who doesn't need laughter? At our house we don't have to wait long for the next happening--usually at my expense.
Beware of new inventions, my friends!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Things That Bring Happiness--
-
Things That Bring Happiness--
-Hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream
-Friends who make us laugh
-Family--especially those family members who laugh long and hard
-Grandma's cookies
-Being on a team
-Taking a walk on a snowy day
-Haircuts that are perfect
-Sharing a cup of coffee with a friend
-That one moment when the house is clean
-All the laundry done
-Reading a good book
-Knowing someone understands you
-A surprise
-A bouquet of flowers on a rainy day
-The smell of a puppy
-Love
-A baby's first smile
-Learning a new thing
-Paving the way to success for another
-A hug
-Finding the solution to a challenge
-Walking into an inviting, warm room
-Sharing a meal with special people
-Grandchildren
So many life experiences bring us happiness. It is a good thing to think about those things more. However, when life sends us those pesky challenges, we get lost in the negative. Who wouldn't?
One thing we can do when life hurts is to stop and breathe. Slowing ourselves down helps us see more clearly. Perhaps as we slow our lives down, we will be able to see what is good. Even in those darkest moments of our lives, good lives. Instead of concentrating all our energies on how things have gone wrong, maybe we can remember a good time we had with family or friends. Maybe we can be thankful for good moments before all the bad ones came crashing down around us.
Life is not easy. When we look at another person's life, we only see the facade they wish us to see. We don't see the daily struggles they encounter. We don't see the insecurities they live with everyday. We don't see the holes in their hearts that are so like our own. We only see the outside.
If another life looks easy from the outside, it could be that they have learned to accept that life is not fair. They understand that attitude plays an important role in how they experience life. Having a positive attitude in challenging circumstances does not mean laughing when the world is falling apart. No one appreciates a flip attitude when life hurts. But, others do appreciate sharing converation with another who has walked a similar walk. Everyone appreciates it when a fellow life traveler holds our hand as we struggle through our own difficult time. These people are gifts. They understand that bad times come to all, but good times will return. They help us see that happiness is out there waiting for us.
Happiness comes to those who seek her. She is always waiting to give huge bushels of herself to anyone who comes seeking. I welcome her into my life!
Things That Bring Happiness--
-Hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream
-Friends who make us laugh
-Family--especially those family members who laugh long and hard
-Grandma's cookies
-Being on a team
-Taking a walk on a snowy day
-Haircuts that are perfect
-Sharing a cup of coffee with a friend
-That one moment when the house is clean
-All the laundry done
-Reading a good book
-Knowing someone understands you
-A surprise
-A bouquet of flowers on a rainy day
-The smell of a puppy
-Love
-A baby's first smile
-Learning a new thing
-Paving the way to success for another
-A hug
-Finding the solution to a challenge
-Walking into an inviting, warm room
-Sharing a meal with special people
-Grandchildren
So many life experiences bring us happiness. It is a good thing to think about those things more. However, when life sends us those pesky challenges, we get lost in the negative. Who wouldn't?
One thing we can do when life hurts is to stop and breathe. Slowing ourselves down helps us see more clearly. Perhaps as we slow our lives down, we will be able to see what is good. Even in those darkest moments of our lives, good lives. Instead of concentrating all our energies on how things have gone wrong, maybe we can remember a good time we had with family or friends. Maybe we can be thankful for good moments before all the bad ones came crashing down around us.
Life is not easy. When we look at another person's life, we only see the facade they wish us to see. We don't see the daily struggles they encounter. We don't see the insecurities they live with everyday. We don't see the holes in their hearts that are so like our own. We only see the outside.
If another life looks easy from the outside, it could be that they have learned to accept that life is not fair. They understand that attitude plays an important role in how they experience life. Having a positive attitude in challenging circumstances does not mean laughing when the world is falling apart. No one appreciates a flip attitude when life hurts. But, others do appreciate sharing converation with another who has walked a similar walk. Everyone appreciates it when a fellow life traveler holds our hand as we struggle through our own difficult time. These people are gifts. They understand that bad times come to all, but good times will return. They help us see that happiness is out there waiting for us.
Happiness comes to those who seek her. She is always waiting to give huge bushels of herself to anyone who comes seeking. I welcome her into my life!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
A Colorful Fall Morning
A Colorful Fall Morning--
It is Saturday morning. The air is crisp. The trees are putting on a fashion show. Some are wearing bright yellow. Others chose orange. A few continue to wear greens--all shades. Well, green is a good fall color, too. There are a few browns scattered here and there. One decided a light purple was the best color for her. The tall grasses have turned a light tan which adds such a soft accent to all the brighter colors. They are certainly showing off their best colors today.
Since the outside is so astoundingly beautiful, I decided it was time to add bits of color here and there inside the house. The easiest way to do that is to visit the outside with a pair of scissors in hand and cut a few choice limbs from the tree. Bringing the outside in is easy for me since I am surrounded by nature. The leaves won't last long, but until they are finished, they will add natural beauty to the house.
Eye candy is everywhere. Driving along a city street this week, the vivid colors were screaming at me to stop and look. It was actually distracting. Enormous trees clothed completely in reds, yellows, oranges, greens and mixtures of those colors were everywhere. How proud of themselves they must be. To be sure they are aware of all the humans who gaze on them in total wonder. It is their time to shine. And they are certainly shining.
Soon they will drop all those colorful leaves. The ground will be carpeted in their offering. People will gather wheel barrows, rakes, bags and begin the task of removing them. Piles and piles will call children to jump and play. Parents will take pictures as a remembrance of this particular fall. This is the absolute best fall, they will say. Of course, it probably isn't the best one. We tend to forget. So when fall returns, we will once again remark that this one is the best ever. Fall does that to us. It catches us off guard. We are brought out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. And then it is all done for another year.
Sitting here writing, I am aware that there is something important missing in my life. That something would be apple cider. Hot apple cider. So, I am getting dressed, combing my crazy hair and heading to the grocery store for a gallon of that delightful liquid. And then I am going to walk among all the fallen leaves. I am going to look up into the trees and marvel at the wonder of nature. I may build a fire in the outdoor fireplace and sit with my cider and think on all things beautiful. Yes, that is what I shall do.
If you are in my neck of the woods, please stop for a visit. The hot cider is wating!
It is Saturday morning. The air is crisp. The trees are putting on a fashion show. Some are wearing bright yellow. Others chose orange. A few continue to wear greens--all shades. Well, green is a good fall color, too. There are a few browns scattered here and there. One decided a light purple was the best color for her. The tall grasses have turned a light tan which adds such a soft accent to all the brighter colors. They are certainly showing off their best colors today.
Since the outside is so astoundingly beautiful, I decided it was time to add bits of color here and there inside the house. The easiest way to do that is to visit the outside with a pair of scissors in hand and cut a few choice limbs from the tree. Bringing the outside in is easy for me since I am surrounded by nature. The leaves won't last long, but until they are finished, they will add natural beauty to the house.
Eye candy is everywhere. Driving along a city street this week, the vivid colors were screaming at me to stop and look. It was actually distracting. Enormous trees clothed completely in reds, yellows, oranges, greens and mixtures of those colors were everywhere. How proud of themselves they must be. To be sure they are aware of all the humans who gaze on them in total wonder. It is their time to shine. And they are certainly shining.
Soon they will drop all those colorful leaves. The ground will be carpeted in their offering. People will gather wheel barrows, rakes, bags and begin the task of removing them. Piles and piles will call children to jump and play. Parents will take pictures as a remembrance of this particular fall. This is the absolute best fall, they will say. Of course, it probably isn't the best one. We tend to forget. So when fall returns, we will once again remark that this one is the best ever. Fall does that to us. It catches us off guard. We are brought out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. And then it is all done for another year.
Sitting here writing, I am aware that there is something important missing in my life. That something would be apple cider. Hot apple cider. So, I am getting dressed, combing my crazy hair and heading to the grocery store for a gallon of that delightful liquid. And then I am going to walk among all the fallen leaves. I am going to look up into the trees and marvel at the wonder of nature. I may build a fire in the outdoor fireplace and sit with my cider and think on all things beautiful. Yes, that is what I shall do.
If you are in my neck of the woods, please stop for a visit. The hot cider is wating!
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