Fiction 55 Friday!!

With anticipation heightened from the long drive to the country, the search began. Running through the maze of cedar and pine, she longed to meet that special one…one that would make her holiday meaningful. The search ended as quickly as it began when her eyes beheld the 7-foot Douglas fir.

Next to the last day of NaPoBloMo

Has posting become more of a 'habit' or a 'challenge'...to complete one for each day in November? Hmmm...I wonder.

The mother of a dear friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer yesterday, and not expected to survive much longer...they are hoping until Christmas...but it looks bleak. She is so weak, but still can be coherent and joke a little bit with us. The whole family is in shock understandably, but trying to be brave for her. She is quite the talented lady and has raised such a loving family with a strong faith in God. You never leave the house (or the church, or anywhere else they might be) without a hug!!

W-W-W-Wednesday

Yesterday's weather was absolutely beautiful...and today looks like it will be the same! THIS is my kind of weather, sunny and cool!
Work is.....work......is......work. Looking forward to being off at some point.
We have our 'crazy' cantata practice tonite, where we attempt to drive the choir director right up the wall with our antics. So much fun!

So far, so good

Nothing like a good laugh first thing in the morning....gotta read 15-minute lunch...he is hilarious! Thanks friend!!

So, the tree is not up, the gifts are not wrapped, no decorations are out...so I am behind...BUT...
my blog is up to date!!

Yee haw!

Dodged a bullet...

Looks like I still have a job...though my responsibilites are being shifted somewhat...but thank God no pay reduction. I am still getting the distinct pleasure of the entire blame, though he heard things today he didn't hear me say last week. Don't know if that makes a difference or not, but now, and with a witness, he knows.

Seems I'll be assuming the CCBW role for the moment...or the CCBWFS...(chief cook bottle washer floor scrubber)....until something else happens...I'll be sweeping up the crumbs...but thats ok...I'll handle it. We'll actually sit down and come up with a plan in writing later this week...so for now....off we go!

Wee wee wee wee!

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Its good to be back in town...cold, rainy days and nights make me chilled to the bone!! Although its still misting and the temperature is low, it will be nice to be under my own covers tonight.

The cantata performance was a success. All the members spoke to us and were so appreciative that we traveled to sing for them. I am thankful that my friend drove and we all had a lot of fun.

Wondering what tomorrow will bring....

Saturday

Shortly I'll be heading to Shreveport with the choir for a performance of our cantata. I've been thinking so much about work lately, it will be nice to get away...although I am the biggest worrier on the planet. Its rainy and cold....hope it clears off soon.

Friday - Non-Fiction This Time!

People call this day after Turkey Day
Black Friday for retailers all
The biggest day of the shopping year
And everyone heads to the mall

Up before sunrise and out the door
Go the shoppers from young to old
Often waiting for stores to open,
Find that gift and mark it 'sold'!

Not me, no way, no how, uh-uh
I'm not joining that spending spree
I'll stay tucked in bed awhile
And consider leftover turkey!

After twenty-plus years on the retail
Side of the counter, no one could pay
Me enough to fight the clerks & crowds
On the day after Thanksgiving day!!

Hope you had fun, with sleep in your eyes
As the store displays you perused
And headed home with sacks and boxes
As I layed in bed and snoozed!
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Thanksgiving Day

A day to give thanks
Should somehow be more
Than the turkey and dressing
That we all adore

As we sit down to dinner
And comfortably graze
Lets remember the others
With a wide staring glaze

Their tummys not full
They wonder their fate
As we add more food to
An already full plate

Giving thanks without giving
Leaves me empty inside
And so with a prayer
God be my guide

To be gracious and give
Of myself and my time
I want to be part
Of a plan that's not mine

To listen in love
To act without pride
And draw others in need
Close to my side

Bowing heads to give thanks
Sharing bread for the day
Its all about giving
In your own special way.

Whoo-Hoo...Wednesday

It will be nice to be off for five days....but I have to say that my attitude needs to be one of gratitude, even though my circumstances are allowing me to feel otherwise.

I Know That I Am Blessed, a poem by yours truly:

I know that I am blessed
Though life tells me otherwise.
I know that through these tests
In life there is a prize.
The prize is not material
But oh, the riches gained!
With grace thru faith ethereal
Life in Christ to be attained.
Believing in my Jesus Christ
I know that I am blessed
Day to day I'll fight the fight
To live with Him at rest.

Recap of blue monday...

Monday turned out to be the worst day of all...as there is speculation, accusation and more that may lead to the end of my current job. Can't go into much detail, but will note that yes, I made a mistake. No, nobody got sick, no one was hurt or bleeding and no, nobody died. Except maby me from embarassment. An unforgivable mistake? Puh-lease!! No way!! As my sister would say, "Oh HELL to the NO".

I owned up, explained that I was only doing as directed/instructed and otherwise told...but yet...I am named 'incompetent'. I apologized but...don't you know we can't afford to make mistakes....gee! I thought I was human...and the only PERFECT one walked the earth a long time ago.

Monday of Turkey Week

Only working two days this week....and evidently not too much of that at all!

Trying to decide between a broccoli salad or copper pennies to take to Mom's on Thursday...hmmm...maybe both.

Looking forward to seeing family that day...and maybe a day or two more. Thankful for family and for God's many blessings, I wish you all the best!

Random Thoughts for a Sunday

I like to dip hot buttered toast in my hot tea for breakfast. The tea has sugar and milk.

There are some hymns I can sing without looking at the hymnal. I can't read music anyway, so I try to remember the words.

I love the hugs from my Sunday School kids, or having them sit in my lap during 'music' time.

Its great to have friends with whom you can cry. No explanations needed.

Turkey day is this week...so turkey sandwiches are not far behind! Gotta love 'em!

Point to Ponder from Dr. Phil

Don't make anyone a priority
Who only makes you an option.

Stumbled across this quote...and I like it

At the end of the day faith is a funny thing.
It turns up when you don't really expect it.
It’s like one day you realize that the fairy tale may be slightly different than you dreamed.
The castle, well, it may not be a castle.
And it's not so important happy ever after, just that it’s happy right now.
See, once in a while, once in a blue moon, people will surprise you, and once in a while people may even take your breath away.

-from the TV Show "Greys Anatomy"

Fiction 55 Friday!!

Colors of fall remind me of us, piling up the leaves just so we could scatter them as we jumped in wildly. I never tire of a crunchy crisp leaf underfoot, or the smell of a campfire lingering on my jacket, sticky with s’mores. Oh, memories of Girl Scout camp!!!

Thats What Friends Are For

When I left work yesterday I was so totally in a funk, beat down from accusations that are simply a perception - not the truth. Then when I got to church to help with the midweek meal, followed up by choir practice, my friends just help all those feelings melt away. Their smiles and friendly jokes/comments/etc really lifted my mood. I am so blessed to have great friends and family. Thanks, guys, I needed that. :-)

Wednesday Blog - The Strangest Food I Have Heard Of...

From the big city of Sedalia, Missouri - hometown to my parents:

The "GuberBurger" (goo-ber-ber-ger)....a hamburger with peanut butter.

What's the weirdest food you've ever heard of? Would you try it?

November 13th

Gosh it seems like overnight the leaves have changed...a tree in my backyard looks absolutely beautiful. Hope the leaves will hang around (literally) for a little while.

Random thought for the day....data is data...on a spreadsheet or in a system...and last time I checked, I am still human!!

Veteran's Day

Today we honor the veterans all
Who fought for freedom and answered the call
Of Uncle Sam and the U.S. of A.
So many the ultimate price did pay

A parade to honor them, poppies of red
Refrains of soldier songs ring in my head
Proudly wearing their courage once new
They found so bravely for me and for you

Just saying 'thanks' doesn't seem quite enough
For those who braved the war on the front
A lump in my throat, I choke back a tear
And mourn for those that are no longer here

Until days when we see no flag folded such
Presented to a family with appreciation much
Pray for peace in our nation and peace in the world
And pray for the soldiers who our flag unfurled

Sunday

Sunday routines.....
Church at 8:00, Sunday School at 9:15
Home by 11:00
Newspaper spread out on the table - ads to the left - all sections of the paper in order on the right, ready to be scanned at leisure - often with coffee or a coke
Lunch is simple - leftovers or a sandwich
Then the couch calls....DIY television and the zzzzs sneak in...and are welcomed....mmmmm.....nap!

TIme for # Ten!

Tenth in a series...Wow! Can't believe it!

Random thought for today:

When your head hurts really bad,
and even the hair on your head aches,
a nice hug can help it all melt away.
And of course a couple of Advil or
Tylenol help too...and there's nothing
like a cup of hot tea...made perfectly
with a little sugar and milk. :-)

Post #9...and Fiction 55 Friday!!

Ah...my favorite time of year! When the weather turns crisp..at least in the mornings...and the leaves start to change colors (at least a little bit here in Texas) and fall from the trees like confetti to celebrate the season. A walk on campus finds folks enjoying the weather...with fewer wearing the traditional flip flops...and sweatshirts becoming the norm. A drive through the park reminds me of high school days with friends...escaping at lunch and turning up the radio as we ride with the windows down, sun in our eyes and thoughts of a picnic along the river. I can't wait for the smells of a fire to waft my way...and maybe snuggle up with someone special.

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A watched phone never rings. Just as she gets lost in cooking dinner, catching up on crossword puzzles and paying bills, her mind wanders as she hopes to hear from him again. She longs to tell him how she feels. At last, “Dr. John’s office calling with your test results…”.

#8 Post

My eyes were fried last night as I left work at 8pm...after having been there since 7:30am...I could say that I never wanted to look at another computer screen or spreadsheet ever again...but here I am...surprise! NaBloPoMo has me hooked! So for the "I really can't concentrate" Thursday, my post will be short and sweet...as my mind tends to wander...as it seems to be doing at the moment....la de dah, la de dah, la de dah dah de dah dah....

OCD? Post #7

What to do, what to do. Have you ever thought about whether or not you are a 'routine' person? What I mean by that is do you have a general 'routine' when getting ready in the morning, do you always put your keys/glasses/purse or wallet in the same place before retiring for the night? Do you always take the same way to work? I think I am a little bit of both, although nothing is set in stone I'd like to think. For example, if I don't speak to my daughter at LEAST once a day - no later than 9:30 pm usually - I'll miss her call, but I won't make a big deal out of it. I don't have things THAT planned or organized I guess I should say. I think I am fairly organized, but I still wish for more. I don't think I am OCD in general, but perhaps in some areas. How about you?

Hmmm....

What do you enjoy more...the anticipation and planning....or the trip itself? If you apply that to life in general, I guess I'd have to say that 'planning' is lots of fun...but it also entails thinking, dreaming, hoping and scheming (hmmm....sounds like a song!) But what happens when it all falls through? Your plans, your hopes, your fantasies...do you assume that they are not meant to be? Disappointment follows, only to be followed by yet another plan-it-all-so-hard-that-it-has-to-come-true-phase. Guess you could say thats not living in 'reality'...not in the 'here and now'. But if you want your dreams to be reality, I guess it is! Back to thinking, and dreaming! Cheers!

Monday Morning Haiku

Time change Saturday
driving to work in daylight
home again at dusk

So...is your internal clock askew? Going to bed at what seems so early...then getting up even earlier? I am. Wish I had a 're-set' button.

4th in a Series...

Sunday morning and I am just back from church and teaching first grade Sunday School. While only a class of 6 to 8...those kids can wear me out. They love the Bible stories and the art projects that go with their lesson even more. They also all want my attention - at the same time - and while they are certainly sweet, their little high-pitched voices can give me a headache. I have taught Sunday School off and on for many years....and each group has known my one 'rule'..."Hugs in the Hall". They know that if they see me or I see them first, we get hugged in the hall. The older they get, the harder it is to get hugs...so sometimes a smile and a wave will do. Gee, this really makes me feel old thinking about the ones I have had in class and watched them grow up.

Another Day...

Another blog. Number three to be exact. Reading other blogs has shown me what talented writers there are out there in cyberspace. Really awe-inspiring, funny, and insightful to what goes on everyday. Do your friends and family know how talented you are or are you keeping it a secret? I guess if its on your blog its really hard to keep it a secret...unless you only use an alias. Seriously, though - thanks for what you do. I add sites to my favorites all the time and enjoy reading your posts. I can only aspire to be half the blogger you are.

Something about me that may be quirky...I sleep best in total darkness...no night light, no glow from the alarm clock, no moonlight streaming through the window, no illuminated light switch on the wall. This can be difficult as I use a c-pap with annoying little buttons that shine bright blue in the dark. I know what you might be thinking...close your eyes! Of course I do, but there is just something about a light being 'on' in the room that keeps me from sleeping well. Then there is the total opposite...where on a Sunday afternoon I can be totally in REM stage sleep right there on the couch...with football or a movie on the TV...and snoring like a freight train. Golf on TV can induce sleep fairly quickly...without even trying. Have you ever experienced that type of sleep where you think you're asleep but can hear things going on around you and try to respond, only to find out later you really were asleep...and talking or mumbling incoherently to those that might venture to actually stay in the room with you? I hate that. Ok, enough about sleep, its 8AM on the time change weekend.....ready to "fall back"????

Blog #2...and 55 Fiction Friday

Whoo-hoo - its blog #2....wake up and smell the.....coke? Yep, coke is my morning beverage of choice while driving to work. Being caffienated is oh so important to getting your day off to a great start. Sometimes I chase the coke with cafe vienna...you know, that international coffee...to celebrate the moments of my life. Oh yeah! Are you looking forward to the time change this weekend??? How will you spend your 'extra' hour when we 'fall back'??

And now, a two-fer, that is, two-blogs-in-one....da da da da!!!! (a drum roll of sorts???)

55 Fiction Friday:


“Harden your heart” I heard them say
You’ll look back on this one day
Perhaps a smile will come to you
And leave you feeling a little blue.

Blue is better than a heart torn in two
Your last attempt was nothing new
Turn and leave without goodbyes
Hope the tears don’t sting your eyes.

NaBloPoMo

Well, guess I'll give it a try....here goes nuthin'....

A theme, huh? Something I was skeered of? When I was little, my Dad used to don a werewolf mask and come up to the windows outside to scare us...and it worked. So much so, I am not overly fond of masks...ones that cover the head entirely anyway! An eye mask...with feathers or other appendage...thats ok...but not the whole rubber with fake hair and other accessories...those creep me out.


BTW: NaBloPoMo = National Blog Posting Month = posting something every day for a month. Give it a try!!