The Forgotten One at Christmas

 Christmas time is here! Amidst all the hustle and bustle, present buying, Church service preparation, Christmas Eve / Christmas Day meal shopping, planning and prep, something seems to be overlooked year after year.

All thoughts go automatically to Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus, and of course the Christ child Himself. But how much thought is given to Joseph, who played a small but important part in the Christmas story?

As you know, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she was highly favored in God's eyes. She was chosen to be the vessel to carry the Son of God through immaculate inception. She was scared, and worried, and had questions but as a girl of faith (she might have been 16) she accepted this. She wasn't sure how this would all play out, since she was engaged to Joseph and she was going to be pregnant soon, but her faith gave her strength.

However, imagine her trepidation when she actually had to tell her fiancé that she was going to be carrying the Son of God, and hadn't actually cheated on him? And the conversation went exactly as she thought it would: he wasn't going to marry her. But because he was a man of honor, he said he would "put her away quietly" so no one would badmouth her.

Then, Gabriel made an appearance to Joseph in a dream to tell him that he can still make Mary his wife. He explained the circumstances and being a man of God, Joseph decided yes, he would quietly wed Mary his betrothed and become the stepfather to Jesus.

Even with that honor, there isn't a whole lot more about Joseph mentioned. We don't get much more insight into him.

And then: Michael Card wrote a song that sums it up perfectly. Here are the lyrics; and I get no recompense for this, it is all Michael Card. Please feel free to YouTube the song: it's absolutely beautiful.

Joseph's Song

How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully.
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be?

Lord I know He's not my own.
Not of my flesh, not of my bone.
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love.

Chorus
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king? How can I raise a king...

He looks so small, His face and hands so fair.
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear.
But when He laughs it shines again.
How could it be?

Chorus

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours.
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter.
How can I raise a king? How can I raise a king...

How could it be this baby in my arms,
Sleeping now, so peacefully.
The Son of God, the angel said.
How could it be?

As beautiful as this song is, I have never heard it sung in a church service. Since I knew I'd never be able to get the key right, I couldn't sing the song. So I asked my good friend Jim Bird if he would sing it as special music during yesterday's service. He was honored to do so, and even dedicated it to my sister Robin. Once she discovered this song, it became her favorite for Christmas. It was just beautiful...thank you Jim.

I hope this has you thinking about the small but necessary part Joseph played in the Christmas story. I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

What They're Missing

 I received the local obituaries in my inbox this morning as I always do, for some reason. Maybe because last year, being late to the party, I found out that a friend of mine had died from covid several months ago, and I was devastated that I hadn't known so I could have reached out to the family. Hence my every morning delivery.

Anyhoo, when I opened them the first name that I saw was very familiar, although I didn't personally know the gentleman. He had died Thanksgiving morning surrounded by his loving family. Reading through, I realized that yes: he was the grandfather of a good friend of mine who was mentioned as a survivor of the deceased. So I sent him a quick text expressing my condolences. I was rather shocked at what I received back:

"Thank you. I don't even know him. I never even talked to the guy. He must be a real big piece of crap to not wanna have even met me. How did you hear that he died?" Hmm...apparently the grandfather wasn't surrounded by all of his family when he died; but just the loving ones indeed! 

I was getting ready to text him when he called me. I told him I had seen the obituary. Nope: no one had told him or his father that the man had died on Thanksgiving, no less. He wanted to tell his father before anyone else beat him to it. I said, "You really never met him?" He replied, "Nope, and now I don't have to worry about meeting him. I'm not sure how heaven and hell work. But I hope wishes can send someone to hell, because I hope he's there and his wife goes with him."

Listening between the lines, I realized there was a lot of hurt there. To know that your grandfather was local, but never wanted to meet you. And I'm pretty sure I deduced why...

First of all, I love my friend. He is funny and charming and business smart. We get together periodically and always have the best time and the best laughs. And he tells me everything. So thinking about how his family represents itself in public, I knew why the grandfather didn't want to meet him. It's because he is half Mexican, and that "sullies" the bloodline.

You would think that in this day and age, something like that would be considered ridiculous. But no: it still happens and could be generational with the grandfather. His father and mother haven't been together in many years, but the family still wasn't approving of this. So they ended up shunning the father and my friend.

That's really a shame because they don't know what they're missing. He is generous and enthusiastic about life and the glass is always half full. He has a great sense of humor and tells the funniest stories. He continuously works to better himself and hurts no one, although I know at times he has been hurt. And he's pretty easy on the eyes!

So it hurts me that he has an entire side of his family that dismisses him for a lame-ass reason. It isn't my place to say who this incredible young man is, but I'm going to pray a blessing for him. He knows I am always there for him. And I will pray that he rises above the bitterness, hurt and anger because he's better than that and better than the haters. The people in his life that love him, like me, are his family. And I'm going to get him to church so he doesn't really wish people to go to hell. Thankfully, God takes care of that. 🙏

Time Loop

 I have a friend that means a lot to me. We met in 2005, and became the unlikeliest of friends.  To be honest: there were times when we were not friends. However, we always made our way back to each other.

We worked for the same company but in different cities. When my job took me to the western part of the state, we usually arranged to see each other. It was always nice to see him in person instead of calling or texting or emailing.

We were casually texting in May when he dropped a bomb on me. "I have cancer."

You want to talk about hitting a brick wall...I was stunned. "What can you tell me? Are you okay?" He is not. After more testing, he informed me that it had metastasized, it is inoperable and he is getting a series of chemo shots. 

It was very hard for me to wrap my head around. He is so full of life, 6'5" tall and always so big and vibrant with a quirky sense of humor that you had to be quick to keep up with. I adore my friend and can't imagine him suffering or not being here. We only talked about it a little bit and I told him I would pray for him. He appreciated that.

Fast forward two months later and I get this text: "Today is attorney day. Have to take care of some stuff." That was the second brick wall I hit. That's something  you do when you don't expect to be here a whole lot longer. That was the one that made it all clear to me: I was eventually going to lose him. And the weird thing was: that morning, before I woke up, I actually had a dream that involved his attorney. That might have been why his news was so scary for me.

I had to see him. But whenever I would ask, he would put me off. Or send me a picture. He's lost so much weight, but even though his face is so much thinner: it's still a face that I love.

I worry about him so much. But he doesn't want that.

I haven't been sleeping well, as you can imagine. A couple of weeks ago I got up for work and started my usual routine. When I came out of the bathroom, I looked at the DVR clock. It said 7:02. I was way ahead of schedule so I took a little time with the dogs. I looked at the clock again. It was 7:02. What? I looked at the microwave clock. It said 7:08. I looked back at the DVR. 7:02. Back to the microwave: 7:02! WTH? Was I in some kind of time loop? It was frightening. I looked back at the DVR: still 7:02. Now the microwave said 7:13, and so did my cell. Shit, I had to get out of there and away from that 7:02!

When I got to work I emailed Brie and told her what had happened. "What do you think was up with that 7:02? Did you notice it?" She hadn't because she wasn't looking at the TV. "I'm sure it's nothing mom." "Okay."

But after those emails it  hit me: was that clock stuck on 7:02 because my friend had died at that time? I immediately texted him: "You need to text me back immediately. I don't care if  you just say hi. TEXT ME." He did not. "Seriously!" No word. Oh snap: was I going to have to call his wife? I was just about to call her when he responded, "I loved the poem you sent me last night." I didn't know whether to be mad or relieved. 

I emailed Brie and she replied, "Yeah...I was afraid of that. I thought he died at 7:02 too. Thank God he's okay because you are not ready." I don't know if I ever will be...

Later that morning she texted this to me:

So that was interesting. But I still was freaked out about it. And I don't do numerology or any of that stuff. However, good to know that at least it's an angel number. And hopefully I won't be stuck in any more time loops!

Behind the Music - Summer, the First Time

 The title kind of says it all. But let me back up...

Bobby Goldsboro was a popular pop and country singer/songwriter in the 60s and 70s. He was best known for wholesome songs like "Watching Scotty Grow", "Little Things", "Honey" (the biggest hit of his career) and "Little Green Apples".

Then once the 70s hit, Mr. Goldsboro went left in 1973. He wrote a controversial song entitled, "Summer (The First Time), which reached the Top 25. As a young girl barely out of toddler hood 😄 this song was absolutely scandalous. Let's look at the lyrics. As always, I own no rights to this song and make no profit from it:

'It was a hot afternoon, the last day of June, and the sun was a demon. The clouds were afraid, 110 in the shade, and the pavement was steaming.' So far, so good: it's a hot day and he really drove home this point and set the stage.

Then we get to 'I told Billy Ray, in his red Chevrolet, I needed time for some thinking. I was just walking by, when I looked in her eye, and I swore it was winking.' Yep: now we're starting to get an inkling...

'She was 31 and I was 17-' Hold the phone Mrs. Robinson: what nefarious thoughts were budding in your head about this innocent boy? 'I knew nothing 'bout love, she knew everything, but I sat down beside her on a front porch swing, and wondered what the coming night would bring?" I bet you did little boy! Even though you shouldn't have been wondering anything where this woman was concerned, except how many other teen boys had sat on that porch with her! Let's continue:

'The sun closed her eyes, as it climbed in the skies, and it started to swelter. The sweat trickled down, the front of her gown, and I thought it would melt her.' Now see if it was me, I wouldn't have been sitting outside sweating. But apparently she wanted him to watch the sweat dripping off of her. Yuck.

'She threw back her hair, like I wasn't there, and she sipped on a julep. Her shoulders were bare, and I tried not to stare, when I looked at her two lips.' Um...are you sure it was her two lips you were trying not to stare at? 'And when she looked at me I heard her softly say, "I know you're young, you don't know what to do or say, but stay with me until the sun has gone away, and I will chase the boy in you away."' Say what Mrs. Robinson??? Was 17 the age of consent in your state in 1973?

'And then she smiled, then we talked for a while, then we walked for a mile to the sea. We sat on the sand and a boy took her hand, but I saw the sun rise as a man.' 😲

At this part of the song you hear the crescendo of violins and hear waves in the background...you get the idea. Just in case you didn't realize they had sex. I'm sorry: she had sex. He "made love". And I guess his parents didn't realize he wasn't home at lights out. Or maybe they thought he was spending the night at Billy Ray's. Seriously.

The last part of the song: 'Ten years have gone by since I looked in her eye, but the memory lingers. I go back in my mind, to the very first time, and feel the touch of her fingers.' I have absolutely no doubt that he remembers that time: probably every single day. And I'm sure if he was with anyone else after that (no guarantees!) he compared them all to Mrs. Robinson. But I bet her next deflowering was with Billy Ray! Where's that song???

Thank You, Merci, Gracias!!

 As of today, October 10, 2022, my little blog has 30,004 reads! Whoo hoo!! Of course, it is thanks to all of you that are faithful readers. I am truly humbled at your loyalty; and appreciate those of you who share my blog with the people you know 💛 

I would like to share some numbers with you; as it appears that not only is the blog being read in the U.S.: but also overseas! I always say I have no idea how they found it, but I'm glad they did. I know that Google + (rest in peace) had a lot to do with it, so I am thankful for the time that platform was alive and well. Regardless, over the lifetime of the blog, here is a synopsis of where it has been read:

19,600 U.S, 1,330 France, 1,140 Russia, 661 Canada, 644 Unknown Region (the International Space Station???), 615 United Arab Emirates, 598 Germany, 466 Poland, 336 Portugal, 203 Spain, 134 Ukraine, 126 India, 121 Belgium, 113 Mauritius, 109 Netherlands, 103 Argentina, 95 Japan, 86 Switzerland, 63 United Kingdom and 3,420 Other (where / who are these people?).

I wish I knew who some of the people are in the foreign countries, but it's all good. I am thankful for their readership!

I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you so much for your loyalty. Hopefully I can keep you entertained, or thoughtful, or emotional for the next 30,000! And always feel free to leave me a comment or just reach out in general. Much love! 💛💓

Yes it's a real cake, and yes it was delicious! I will miss Gamble's Bakery when they close at the end of the month. May the memories live on forever 😎, but hopefully not the pounds!

A Little Knowledge...

 …can be a horrible, tragic thing.

Very recently, I was given some information that devastated me. It was something that had been briefly broached to me before, but then was brushed aside as it was unsubstantiated.

Unfortunately, I cannot go into detail about all that I now know is truth, as I wish to protect some parties involved. But I have discovered, once again, that just because a package is pretty on the outside, doesn't mean that what's inside isn't dark, disturbing and disgusting.

Since learning of this tangled situation, I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. Normally, I would give it to God and move forward. But this time I seem to be stuck in a time loop of terrible thoughts with my mind seemingly unable to process that what I now know is real. I know God has this. But if you know me at all, you know I'm a fixer. However, I can't fix this. I am certainly available to the innocent people involved, but there's only so much I can do in this situation without throat-punching the evil bastard responsible. And even if I did that: it doesn't erase what already happened. So Jesus, please take the wheel on this one; and let there be healing to repair all of the damage that has been done.

Amen. 

It's For A Good Cause!

 I was sitting on my sofa minding my own business (mistake #1) when Brie came home from work. "Guess what?" she said. "What?" "We're having a bake sale at work!" "Cool. What are you contributing?" "Your famous brownies."

I rolled my eyes. "Are you making my famous brownies?" "Well no. But because you're so smart and pretty and the bestiest baker ever, I figured that you would like to make them." Ugh. "Why me?" "Because it's for a good cause!"

It might have been for a good cause, but it wasn't my good cause. However, I begrudgingly said I would make them. "When do you need them?" "Not for a couple of weeks. I was volun-told that I needed to be on the committee so this will be my contribution." "Okay."

A week later, I was sitting on my sofa minding my own business (mistake #2) when Brie came home from work. "Have I told you lately how much I love you, and how pretty you look sitting there and oh so young?" she said, smiling sweetly at me. I gave her a look. "What?" "I have good news for you!" Now I was really suspicious. "What?" "Well, you no longer have to make your famous brownies." I sighed in relief. "Great! So what are you making instead?" "Um, your famous chocolate covered bacon!"

"Are you kidding me??? I'd rather make the brownies! Why did you mention the bacon?" She had the grace to look contrite. "It wasn't me, it was Becky! She was telling the big boss about how I had brought in some before, and it was so delicious, and he was like oh I've never even heard of that, who made it? and she was like Brie's mom Rita and so they decided that the chocolate covered bacon would be a big seller and it's for a good cause!"

Yes my chocolate covered bacon (it really is a thing) is wonderful and merges savory and sweet in the best way possible, but it's a pain to make. And to make enough for a bake sale? I glowered at my oldest daughter. "You soooo owe me!" "Thanks momma!! It will be the best thing at the bake sale! And remember: it's for a good cause." "Yeah, yeah."

I put it off for as long as I could, but by 9:00 pm Sunday night I knew I had to make that chocolate covered bacon for the next day before I fell asleep. It's a bit of a process and takes quite a while, especially when you're making enough for a bake sale and I don't use the pre-cooked bacon (I don't trust it)! However, it was for a good cause! So I had the oven going because that's how I cook my bacon. I had to monitor the bacon, make sure I had snack bags to divide it up into, make the chocolate dipping concoction. All with no help from the person on the committee who was currently on the sofa! 

Finally, around midnight, the luscious chocolate covered bacon was all laid out on sheets to harden overnight. I told Brie the least she could do would be to put it in the snack bags in the morning, which she graciously agreed to do 😒

Fast forward to mid-morning the next day. I hadn't heard from Brie so I emailed her. "Hey, how's the bake sale going? Did they like the bacon? Did it sell out fast?" After a few minutes I got this reply:

"Um...the bacon was the biggest hit! It didn't quite make it to the sale. I gave a snack bag to Becky, and then I couldn't leave out her boss. He loved it so I actually tried a piece, and it was soooo delicious! Then Laurel wanted to know what we were all eating so I gave her a bag too, along with Trevor. Long story short: it never left my team and we ate all of it!"

"WHAT???" I typed. "You said it was for the bake sale and a good cause!"

"It was, but they had enough stuff. Cookies and cupcakes and the like. Everyone on my team loved the bacon and said thank you and you're the best!"

So it looks like I slaved over a hot stove for the good cause of her and her greedy co-workers! Brie soooo owes me!

I Think This Could Happen

 Last night, the group Shinedown was at SPAC with Jellyroll opening. Brie was bummed that she couldn't go because her boyfriend had to work, and they had wanted to go together. As she was bemoaning the fact that she hadn't seen any concerts this year, I had to remind her of two things: 1) he took her to Hawaii for a week; and 2) she was going with me to see Chris Botti (hey, I needed someone to drive me to Troy!). As you can imagine, the second one didn't make her happy!

However, I am very happy. In case you didn't hear the screams of joy last month: I have secured second row seats to see jazz trumpeter extraordinaire Chris Botti in concert in October! Yes I have seen him before but I need to see him again! The first time I saw him, Kitty and I were at SPAC to see her favorite group Earth, Wind & Fire. Chris was the opening act. After his set, he was doing a free meet and greet and I hustled Kitty over so I could have him sign my CD. All was going well and I knew once he met me, he would realize we were meant to be. When it was my turn, he asked my name and chatted as he signed the CD. I was already trying out the name "Rita Botti" in my head. Then he got to Kitty and said, "How are you this evening?" to which she replied, "I'm here to see Earth, Wind & Fire". That was the dart that burst my dream balloon!

But now I have the chance to try it again! When I saw Maria Schneider at the Troy Music Hall, she did an impromptu meet and greet afterwards and signed my program. I'm pretty sure Chris will do the same. I can't wait!

As Brie and I were getting ready to leave for work this morning, I said to her, "Do you think Sting will be with Chris Botti when he does my favorite song?" "I really don't know mom." And then inspiration hit: if Sting couldn't make the concert to sing, maybe Chris Botti would invite me onstage to sing "It's Probably Me" with him! I could contact him via social and suggest it to him!

There was a slight look of alarm on Brie's face as we started walking down the hall. "Um...I don't know about that. You don't sing on stage." "But I sing solos at church and I'm part of the worship team so it's like the same thing! I'll show you." And I burst into an impromptu chorus from the song.

For some reason, Brie began walking faster. "Why are you walking so fast?" Then we got to the stairs and she fairly flew down all 30 of them. "Wait! How does it sound?" I asked, trying to catch up to her. I'll admit it: I don't quite know all the words and made some up, but I needed her to get the gist of how it would sound. And I may not have had the perfect key either, but still: "Picture it with the trumpet!"

She didn't even hold the downstairs door for me! I followed her to the parking lot and called, "What did you think??" I think I'm glad I didn't hear her answer!

Thankfully I have time to practice. You know: so I can be prepared just in case. Stranger things have happened. To paraphrase from the song: "If there's one girl, just one girl, Chris Botti should give a whirl, it's hard to say it, but I have to say it, it's probably me."  I believe this could happen! And admit it: Rita Botti has a really nice ring to it!

I Just Wanted to Hang Up My Dress

 Friday night I decided to go through the Loft bag that had been delivered that day. It was just like Christmas! (still working on that 'date' wardrobe) The first thing I took out of the bag was a lovely white sweater with blue stripes. Too bad it was something I had already ordered that wasn't returnable! So Brie got the sweater. Twinning!

Then I took out what I knew to be a dress, but it was a color I never wear. It looked orange, but according to the tag it was 'bright Paprika'. Brie said, "Well that's different." She was right. But I took it out of the plastic and you know what? It was a nice dress! Maybe I needed a fresh pop of color. So I decided to hang it in Brie's spacious closet with my other dresses. I put my feet into a pair of flip flops and went into her room with her behind me. I got a hanger, put the dress on it and proceeded to hang it up. And then something happened...

I turned to say something to her, not realizing that the flip flops I had on were slippery. My left foot slipped a little and I put my left hand on her hamper, leaning as my right foot came up off the ground. Brie said, "Put your foot down!" but it was too late. My hand sunk in the clothes, I slid a little more as my right foot rose higher, and the next thing I knew I was laying on some shoe boxes next to the fallen hamper. "Are you okay?" Brie asked, stifling laughter I'm sure. I had to laugh. "Yes I believe so." One of the shoe boxes had come open and Brie said, "I've been looking for those shoes!" "Really?" I said. "I'm glad I could help you find them! While you celebrate finding your shoes, can you help me up?"

Before she could do that Lilly came in the room, saw me on the floor and started whimpering, running over and scrambling on top of the boxes so she could examine me to make sure I was all right. Then she gave Brie the stink eye because she thought Brie had tried to hurt me! Vivian came in too but was disinterested in poor Grammy laying on the floor so she left. Hater!! So now I'm trying to reassure Lilly and calm her down, while Kitty entered the room to see what was going on. And then came the project of getting me up. 

I have a bad left shoulder so I couldn't use the foot board of the bed to pull myself up. I had knee surgery so I couldn't get on my knees to get up. Kitty took my right hand to pull me up but that wasn't successful either. There wasn't enough room between the shoe boxes, Lilly and the bed. So I finally had to scoot on my butt until I was past the bed, roll over onto my poor bony knees and haul myself up. Ouch! Then I limped back into the living room.

Luckily I hadn't hit my head on anything. But I knew my neck, back and hip would be sore for a few days. Thankfully poor traumatized Lilly got up in my lap to make me feel better. Not!

Ever helpful Brie said, "I don't know why you wore those flip flops. They are very slippery." Are they Brie? I wear them because you bought them for me!

Here is the dress that started it all:

Cute, right? Yet not worth the aches and pains. And Brie is not allowed to buy me any more flip flops!

The Blueberry Club

 There is this great local supermarket that I frequent called Market 32. It used to be called Price Chopper, but I guess that wasn't fancy enough so they had to upgrade the name.

A big perk of shopping here is they have an Advantage card, which entitles you to extra discounts on grocery items and Sunoco gas. We could all use that now! And when they have special items, like bakeware and cookware, you can use your points to buy them. I was all about the MasterChef cookware!

Anyhoo, I was perfectly happy with my Blue Advantage card, until I noticed a woman ahead of me in line. She took out her Advantage card, and the picture on it was blueberries! You know I had to ask her where she got it from, and she said, "When I signed up for the card, this is what they sent me."

As you can imagine: I was so jealous! I had a plain old blue card, and she had blueberries! My mission was to get one of those cards! So when I went home, I ordered a new Advantage card and eagerly awaited delivery. When the envelope came in the mail, I ripped it open, unfolded the sheet -

- And the same plain blue card was in there! I was so upset! I wanted to be part of the Blueberry Club too! To try to make myself feel better, I did buy a reusable bag that had the blueberries on it, but it wasn't the same. 

My ire was further raised when the girls decided to get their own Advantage cards instead of me getting all the points. As you already know: of course they were both given the blueberry card! Why was I being excluded from this obviously exclusive club? Why did Price Chopper / Market 32 hate me???

So I had to suck it up and not sulk like the child I am inside. I would just continue to use the stupid plain Advantage card and be satisfied.

Then my card stopped working, and I used my license for the points. Yep: I did that right up until a male cashier one day said to me, "You live in South Glens Falls, right?" "Um...I might. Why?" "Well I saw your address on your license the other day. I grew up right around the corner from your family and I know your brother." That's when I knew I had to stop using my license! I didn't need anyone showing up at my house because they know my brother! That was all the impetus I needed to go online to sign up for a replacement card.

My new card arrived Saturday. I opened the envelope and unfolded the sheet, and what to my wondering eyes should appear? A blueberry card to fill me with cheer! I was finally a member of the Blueberry Club! I immediately put the card in my wallet, and I even have one for my keychain which I display proudly because I'm a nerd. Yet I feel like one of the cool kids now 😎 Thanks Market 32! Recognize!

An Interesting Question

 Brie and I were in the living room one evening, just hanging out. Kitty was in her room. Brie was on social and said to me, "Hey, here's an interesting question." "What?"  She continued, "If someone gave you a box that contained everything you ever lost, what is the first thing you would look for?"

It took me about five seconds, if that, to come up with an answer that surprised me. I said, "Bobby Thombs."

"Really?" Brie said. "I would look for Chootie." (our former tiger cat) "Oh!" I said, "I didn't even say my Pumpkin Louise!"  We all know how much I loved my little long-haired Chihuahua. But she isn't what this post is about.

I met Bobby Thombs when we were freshmen in high school. He was one of the kids that transferred to South High from St. Michaels, since that school only went up to the 8th grade. We got to know each other through mutual friends, and were acquaintances through school.

We didn't start to "notice" each other until the end of Junior year / beginning of Senior year. We'd talk at parties, and I remember how shocked I was that he could dance. Of course, this was usually after a couple of beers because he was kind of shy. But he was tall and cute and had the prettiest brown eyes. Yep: I was smitten!

And then I found out that he wanted to double with me, my best friend and her boyfriend and go out dancing at a fancy place called The Fountain in Albany. I was so excited, as it would be our first date! I bought a new red dress to wear, and Emily and I chatted about it constantly since neither of us had been there before. We felt so grown up!

The week before our big date, Bobby and some friends were walking home. A drunk driver hit Bobby and a couple of other boys. He was taken to the hospital and was in critical condition, while the other boys only had minor injuries. I was terrified when I found out. But I prayed for him and told his friends that he would be okay. After all: we were both looking forward to our big date!

Alas, he died the night before our big date. My best friend came to my part-time job at Montgomery Ward to tell me, and to take me home. I was absolutely numb.

All of his friends went to Bobby's wake. It was the first time I had ever attended such an event, and I was a most unhappy camper. Finally: someone who wanted to date me and was actually able to date me, had been cruelly taken out by a drunk driver instead. i was devastated.

A few years ago I was sitting at my desk at work. All of a sudden, I felt...something go through me, and I heard the word 'Bobby'. That day I went to the cemetery to talk to him. I guess he wanted to make sure I didn't forget him. As if I could...

Forgive me Pumpkin Louise for not naming you first. But I think you understand.

So I ask you the same question. What would you look for first in that box of everything you've lost? Let me know!

Sometimes I Feel Like...

 ...Somebody's watching me. And I know exactly who it is: the internet and more specifically: Google. Seriously: how do they know what I'm looking at within five seconds of me looking at it???

A couple of weeks ago during my lunch break, I was looking to see what kind of good clearance items they had on the Torrid website. I have a collection of "date night" clothes and wanted to add to it in case someone wanted to take me to the Ridge Terrace before they close for the season (hint hint). 

Anyhoo, there was this really great electric blue dress that was FINALLY on clearance, and in my size! I hurriedly put it in my cart, along with its sister in black in case I lose my nerve with the blue one. It's a little out of character for me, but not for the Ridge Terrace! Or 15 Church, for that matter 😉 Then I found a couple of nice tops I'd had my eye on and now they were clearance too! So I put 3 in the cart (you know I had to get one for Brie or else I'd never hear the end of it once she saw them!) and a t-shirt dress I can't wait to wear. I placed my order and was satisfied.

A few minutes later a co-worker came over with a non-work question about a recall he had heard about. I looked in my email and I had one listing different recalls. I clicked on it (as I always do when I see recall alerts) and not only did the list of recalls come up: but also on top were all of the items I had just bought! He's a smart man so didn't say anything, but he was fighting to not burst out laughing as I clicked on the recall he had mentioned. The only thing that would have been more embarrassing was if I had ordered lingerie!

Then, when I went on Instagram and Facebook a little later: there were the ads for those same items! Why am I being stalked by the internet? Why does the internet want people to know what I buy??

I'm sure some people think it's a good thing so they never miss a sale or get to see new items coming up, but I find it a bit creepy. I don't need their suggestions of what I might like: nor do i need them reminding me of what i bought or that the price is now 70% off instead of 60%. Leave me alone!

But if I'm being completely honest, and I do try to be, there is one ad that I don't mind seeing at all. One day I was thinking about my new favorite show, Yellowstone, and a commercial I had seen. So I went to the website of Tecovas boots, which is what they wear on the show. No I didn't buy any because they're like $275 a pair, but I am not mad when those ads pop up! Rip, feel free to call me and I'll put on that blue dress for ya! 

Your Item Has Been Delivered

 No, it hasn't. 

You see, I placed an online order with Old Navy for leggings. They were only $6.00! Yes I know I already have 742 pairs, but when you have to split them with Brie...well you can imagine! And the weird thing is: she always tells me to stop ordering them because I have enough, yet when they show up she wants to know if I got her any! But I digress...

Anyhoo, I placed the order and even though it's 180 degrees every day, I couldn't wait to get them. I finally got the email that they had been shipped for free. Hooray! I'd have them soon and put them away for Fall.

And then, on July 14th, I got the text: your packages have been delivered! I was so excited. When I got home they weren't in the package area for deliveries, so I assumed that Kitty had taken them up and put them away. Then I promptly forgot about them until a few days later when Brie asked if we ever got those leggings. "Yeah, they were delivered on the 14th," I replied. "Well do I get to see them?" "When I'm ready to show them to you." Then I again forgot about them.

Schmoop-dog came over the following Sunday, and Brie again asked about the leggings. I half-heartedly looked around and said, "I think your sister brought them up. Ask her where she put them." She did, but her sister said she hadn't brought up any Old Navy bags. Then Schmoop said, "Didn't we carry up a couple of bags a couple of weeks ago?" I thought I vaguely remembered. "Maybe. Where did we put them?" We all looked around the room. "On the island?" he said. Nothing on the island. I saw a bag on a box by the front door. "Oh this must be it!" But it wasn't: it was tee shirts.

I checked my phone and went back to the text. I clicked on the link and there was a picture of a delivery guy with my packages by the door. Had someone stolen them??? Ugh, what a drag! "I'm going to have to contact Old Navy and tell them I never got my packages. I hope they replace my leggings!"

And as you can imagine: I never contacted them. It was too hot for me to do much of anything. Seriously: I cannot stand summer!

So a week or two later: imagine my surprise when Kitty sent me a text that said "I brought in your Old Navy packages." "What Old Navy packages?" "The ones in front of our door from FedEx." WTH...?  Sure enough, when I got home, there were the two Old Navy packages that were photographed supposedly delivered on July 14th, yet were brought to the apartment on August 2nd. And it wasn't laser ship this time: it was FedEx. Go figure!

I think the important thing is that I received my items without calling Old Navy, since I made no move to actually do it. However, the other thing is I think this was God's way of saying 'enough with the leggings!' I believe he's right!

I Thought It Was Bronchitis

 Over several years I have developed allergies, which blows by itself. This summer I had the usual symptoms: slight sore throat, watery eyes...you know the drill. And then the cough started. That deep, bronchial cough. I hate having bronchitis. It was Sunday, so I knew there would be no going to work on Monday.

Monday the back ache started, right across my bra line. Ugh: all of the coughing was now causing the body aches, but weirdly not in my ribs. So I was sucking down cough medicine and taking Tylenol like a junkie. However, it didn't seem to be helping. I had no appetite and because I wasn't eating, I wasn't taking my actual daily medication. Ugh.

Then Tuesday rolled around. It's summer but I was going from hot to cold. I finally ate a banana so I could take my meds. That evening, I don't know what happened. I woke up, stood up, and felt woozy. I have never fainted in my life but this came really close. "Mom, what's the matter?" Brie asked. "I don't know." "You look terrible!" It felt like my eyes were rolling around in my head, and I had never felt like this before. "Maybe I just have to use the bathroom. I'll be right back." I stumbled to the bathroom and sat down.

When I came out I went back to the couch and collapsed. "Um, mom: do you think you need to take a covid test?" Brie asked. "Nope. I take one every week at work and it's always negative. And I'm always very careful." "I think you should take one." I didn't have the energy to fight. "Okay, if you set it up." She did.

The box said that you would get results in 10 minutes. In 20 seconds it came back positive! I was so offended, I didn't know what to do! I wanted to cry, but didn't have the energy. I told the girls to take tests and thank God they came back negative. So I was quarantined with only the dogs for company. They were so happy to have Grammy home with them! Selfish little dogs.

I think that if I'd had any idea that I had covid, I would have panicked and it would have been worse. But I thought it was bronchitis so I treated for bronchitis and body aches, which is what my doctor (when I called her the next day) said to do: just treat your symptoms. So in the grand scheme of things: I was very lucky. I never lost my sense of smell or taste, I lost a few pounds, no one else got it and I was better by Friday. God is good!

The funniest incident from this is one night the girls were begging me to eat but I wasn't hungry. I was laying on the couch half asleep and then I informed them that I was going to order prime rib from Texas Roadhouse for delivery, and also steak frites from Gaslight in Lake George for delivery. Brie said, "Um...neither of those places deliver mom. Did you want something else?" "No, that is what I want for dinner." Then I fell asleep.

When I woke up 2 hours later, I asked Brie where my food was. "What food?" "I ordered delivery from Texas Roadhouse and Gaslight." "Mom, you didn't order anything and they don't deliver. I'm sorry." "No one cares about me! TJ could have brought me my dinner from Gaslight! I have no food!" "Mom, I'll make you something. What do you want to eat?" By this time I had fallen back asleep.

The morale of the story is this pandemic has been going on for almost two and a half years. Numbers are down: but that still doesn't mean covid is gone. You can be vaccinated and boosted yet still get covid. So remain vigilant!

Lastly, here's a pic of my souvenir from my brush with covid. It's a patch of vitiligo on my wrist. It's not contagious, there's nothing you can do about it and I'm praying it doesn't spread. It's caused by a virus: just like covid. Bummer!

They're All Exactly the Same

 This morning I woke up to another hot and probably going to be humid day. It's Friday, and that means you can wear jeans to work. But I would have to be crazy to put on jeans in this weather: even a pair of the cute capris I bought yesterday at Maurice's. So again: it meant I was going to wear one of my summer dresses.

Don't get me wrong: I love my dresses. But I just want a moderate day where I can wear something else. Anything else!

Anyhoo, I went into Brie's room to get a dress out of the closet, where I keep all of my dresses. As I thumbed through them I noticed something. All of the dresses were exactly the same.

I had bought these dresses at Old Navy and Maurice's. I am so sure of my size that I can just order them online, which is very convenient. But getting back to them: they are all sleeveless tank dresses with pockets. Cute, but identical. Sure they are different solid colors (Old Navy) and different patterns (Maurice's) but they are the exact same dress. When I pointed this out to Brie, she just laughed at me. I don't know why: because she has like 5 of these dresses too! Twinning!

So now I wonder if other people, like my coworkers and people at church, have noticed this phenomenon. And wonder why a woman of a certain age would buy dresses with short hemlines to parade around in.

Because I can! It's hot! I only pay between $8 and $13 for these dresses, and I get free shipping. They are cute, comfortable and it's summer, for heaven's sake. According to Brie, I have the heat crazies from this weather (can't stand summer) so I need to do what I can to be cooler.  Besides, the legs have stood up over time, no pun intended! 

So I'm going to continue to wear these assembly-line dresses until the weather gets below 75 degrees. Then I can switch to something with short sleeves, or a midi dress. Can't wait!

In the meantime, I just got an email from Maurice's. My new dress is ready for pick up! 😮

 

The Real Fruit in the Garden

 I don't like to window shop, but I do like to catalog shop when it comes to food. Omaha Steaks: show me that beef! Wisconsin Cheeseman: show me those Easter cookies! (not interested in the cheese). Swiss Colony: show me those petit fours! Hale Groves: I see you Ruby Red Grapefruit!

But my absolute favorite has to be Harry and David. Their catalog has the best photographer because every picture is perfect and looks delectable: even if it's something I don't eat. Like summer sausage. Or trail mix. Or the grand Meat and Cheese box. Yikes!

The most amazing photos, though, have to be of the fruit. The beautiful, delicious, very expensive fruit! I don't even remember when I ordered my first box of Royal Riviera pears at an exorbitant price but let me tell you: it was worth every penny! Those pears arrived at the peak of perfection: not hard like a lot of pears are. I didn't have to wait for them to soften up: they were eating-ready when they arrived. And I ate! They were the perfect consistency and so juicy and sweet: the girls were lucky they got one because there were only nine in the box. Best. Pears. Ever! So every year I order one or two boxes because I deserve it!

Then I discovered something even better. I'm not a big fan of peaches: I don't eat peach cobbler (only the crust), I don't eat peach pie (only the crust) or peach jelly or jam. However, in the catalog they had this great picture of peaches in a basket with one sliced on a plate, all juicy and shiny. I read the blurb about these Oregold Peaches and I believed the hype! So I ordered a box of nine at an unheard of price and proceeded to wait, and wait, and wait until they were at the peak of ripeness where they would be rushed to me.

Let me tell you something. When that box finally arrived and I got out my scissors to cut the tape and opened that box...my olfactory senses were assuaged with the tempting aroma of fresh peaches. I picked one of the nine up: hmm, it had a good hefty weight. I thought about washing it but then figured it would be okay to at least take a bite to sample it. So I did.

That peach practically burst in my mouth with sweetness and juice. I sat there like a child: juice running down my chin and fingers getting sticky but who cared? It was the best-tasting fruit I had ever had, and that's even counting cotton candy grapes! (yes, that's a thing)

When I came out of my peach-induced trance and washed my hands and wiped my face, I tried to figure out how I could keep all of the peaches to myself. But because I'm a good mom,  after fighting with myself I did let the girls try them. And they agreed they were so good you didn't even need to peel them: just eat them skin and all. Ambrosial!

With all of this background, here's the crux of this post. For centuries people have been arguing over what Eve ate in the Garden of Eden that got her and Adam kicked out. I'm a King James Bible girl, and that version just says it was fruit. Other biblical versions say it was an apple. But have you ever had an apple that was so good you had to rave about it? Nope. Brie says she saw that it was a pomegranate. Are you for real? No such thing as an ambrosial pomegranate.  And I've never heard that, except from her. 

But I'll tell you what: after experiencing that Oregold peach, I know that had to be the fruit! Eve wasn't going to be tempted by an apple or a pomegranate, for goodness sake. Would you? However, that Harry and David Oregold Peach would have done it. So I think the reason it only says fruit in my Bible, was because no one had yet thought of a name for a fruit that was so indescribably delicious! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

So if you have an extra $40 - $60 laying around, do yourself a favor and order a box of these little pieces of Heaven before the season is over. I guarantee you won't regret it!

Tis a Mystery - A Quick One

 I was getting ready for work early this morning and was brushing my teeth. I was in a good mood and happened to look down at the sink as I brushed. And today was the first time I noticed this: there are five toothbrushes and five tubes of toothpaste on the top of the sink. However, there are only three of us...

This struck me as odd. There were two toothbrushes in the toothbrush holder, and three toothbrushes in open containers that they had come in. There were three kinds of Crest toothpaste: 3D White, Pro-Health and Crest Kids (no littles in the house); one tube of Listerine toothpaste and one Dental Care tube. So besides us: who else was brushing their teeth???

I cracked open the door and the two puppy heads were there wagging their tails at me. I closed the door again. No, it couldn't be...

Well of course it wasn't the dogs! But why in the world were there so many toothbrushes and so much toothpaste? How many teeth do we have? Kitty, who seems to be the one of us with the most sense, probably only uses one toothbrush. I only use one toothbrush. But would Brie use three toothbrushes? And for what? I use the Listerine toothpaste, Kitty uses the Dental Care religiously, so does that mean Brie is using three different kinds of Crest toothpaste: one for each toothbrush? Tis a mystery.

So when we're all home later, hopefully I'll get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, in a reusable bag I found two more tubes of toothpaste before I went to work. Looks like I'll be adding Ultra Brite and Pronamel to the rotation! So between all of the toothpaste and toothbrushes: we should have the cleanest teeth in town 😄

For Ramona

 My favorite radio show of all time is Bob and Sheri. They were based out of Charlotte, NC and were a hoot. Through their show, I got to know Max Sweeten, one of the engineers who has the kindest heart of anyone I know; and the People's Movie Critic Lamar Richardson who is hilarious and a devout Christian. But that isn't what this post is about.

As I listened, and then started following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, I noticed other radio people that would sometimes like the same things I liked, or would like something I posted and we began following each other. One of these people was a radio personality named Ramona Holloway.

I've never met Ramona, yet I feel as though I know her. A couple of years ago I saw she was doing a FB live called "The Recovery Room" and she did it every Monday. So I started watching and learned a lot about her. Her premise was, "We're all recovering from SOMETHING right now so I'll be sharing helpful and hopeful stories with a sick world just trying to get well." I believe she started it around covid time and after her mother, Wheezy (Louise), was diagnosed with dementia.

Knowing that I was in a similar situation, I became fascinated with Recovery Room and Ramona in particular. I loved how close she was to her mother, who had lived with her for years. I loved the videos she shared of Wheezy, and I couldn't believe how much she reminded me of Marie in a way. These videos were very entertaining, but never disrespectful or exploitative. And it wasn't always sunshine and roses. They showed in real life what it's like caring for someone with dementia: the good and the bad. It's the same whether you're a celebrity (like her) or a regular person (like me).

Ramona shared how upset she was when her mom remembered the dog (Henri) but not her. She knew it was the disease but that really hurts. Marie would tell stories about her children when they were young, but she never remembered me in those stories. When she had to go to a nursing home and I would call her: she would forget it was me in the middle of the conversation. So whatever name she would call me by: I would answer to. So I knew Ramona's pain.

I remember how torn up Ramona was when she knew she couldn't provide at-home care for Wheezy anymore; and she had to go to a nursing home. I was just as upset. Wheezy wanted to stay home with her daughter, but you know when you can no longer provide the care they need. That can be excruciating. Although Marie drove me bonkers sometimes, when she wasn't at the house anymore, I really missed her and felt guilty for not being Superwoman.

Wheezy went to a very nice facility and the videos continued. Ramona created an all-ages inclusive fundraiser called #FamilyDancePartyCLT to support local charities and teach the next generation about philanthropy. I saw a clip this year of Wheezy dancing at this event and I loved it!

Alas, that clip was deceiving. A couple of weeks ago I saw something on social regarding Wheezy's death. I gasped and couldn't believe it. How had I missed it? I immediately reached out to Ramona and she confirmed that Wheezy had died in April of 2021. I was heartbroken and sent a lovely note to Ramona. 

Why would the death of a stranger hit me so hard? Because through Ramona, I got to know her and her mom, like they were actually a part of my family. I got to see the love and sacrifice of an only child, doing what a child needs to do in later life: take care of the parent that raised and took care of them. I learned a lot through watching their lives unfold.

Someday I fully intend to visit Charlotte, North Carolina to meet my favorite radio people. Ramona is first on my list. I want to thank her for sharing Wheezy with all of us, for the love and care she provided to her mom and for never being too busy or too famous to respond to me.

Here they are with Henri. R.I.P Wheezy. You were certainly loved.

Pass the Cigars!

Going through some files on my computer, I came across the following, which I never posted. It's about my beautiful Luna, and her adopted brother Binky. I know there were a couple of previous stories, but this one was the most interesting. So from somewhere around...2000, here we go!

As time wore on, Luna and Binky continued with their little hijinks. These included hiding our jewelry (she would knock it on the floor and they would bat it into a plastic bag) and lying right in front of my bedroom door so when I opened it in the morning, they would be the first things I’d trip over on my way to the bathroom.

Binky outgrew his name as he got older, but Luna continued to be a lightweight. When it came time for them to get spayed and neutered, we made Binky’s appointment but Luna didn’t weigh enough to have the procedure. This wasn’t an issue, as Binky, to put it mildly, never did seem to be the brain trust of his litter. But of course we loved him anyway.

The day before Binky’s appointment, I received a frantic phone call at work from Brie. “Mom, something’s wrong with Luna!”

“Oh no! What happened to my Tootie-girl?!”

“I’m not sure but I think she hurt her back or her legs. She’s crawling around on the floor, dragging her hind-end and she’s yowling!”

Another one of Luna’s nicknames was mute-cat, because she never meowed or anything. So this was highly suspicious behavior.

Suddenly, the light bulb went on. “Oh no! She’s in heat! Get her and put her in the bathroom; don’t let Binky get near her!”

“Okay mom.”

All we needed was for Binky, in his myopic clumsiness, to attempt to put his big body on top of my little Loony-patootie. But he hadn’t exhibited any type of behavior even reminiscent of birds and bees knowledge. So I knew I wasn’t going to be the surrogate grandmother to a litter of kittens. The next day Binky got snipped, and we figured we’d gotten it done just in time!

And lo and behold, Luna finally started to put on a little weight so we could schedule her appointment with the vet. I would pick her up and notice she was getting heavier, and I asked her, “Luna, are you finally getting your womanly figure, my tootie-tootie-tootie?” She would purr and rub her furry little head against mine, because wouldn’t you if I called you my tootie-tootie-tootie?

A few weeks later, Schmoop-dog and I went out to dinner. Afterwards, we stopped off at my parents’ house to visit for a few minutes. “Have you called home?” Marie asked me. “No, why?” “I really think you should.”

I dialed my house and Brie answered the phone. “Mom! Luna had kittens!”

I can honestly say that is the first time my legs gave out under me and I plopped into a chair. “What? How could that be?”

“Apparently Binky wasn’t as slow as we thought. He must have gotten to her before I realized she was in heat.”

When I got home, there was Luna with 3 tiny kittens. Brie said, "We heard Luna yowl a bit earlier, and Kitty told me she had a kitten. I told Kitty there was no kitten: she probably saw a bug. Then I figured if a bug was as big as a kitten, we were in trouble. So I went in the kitchen and lo and behold: by that time there were two!"

"Well, and now there are three!" I looked at mama Luna, who stared back at me. "Isn't this something?" Then Luna let out another yowl and a fourth one popped out! I wasn't expecting that at all! Thanks for saving one for me Luna.

So Luna hadn’t been getting her womanly figure, she had been growing four kittens in her tummy. Can you tell Biology wasn’t my best subject in school? Or Brie's best subject either, ha ha. And you know I wanted to keep all of those kittens, but common sense won out and we just kept the little orange and white tiger, Charlie. But maybe someday I'll have a cat again. Maybe...

The Little Things Make it Worthwhile

 If there was one thing that I wasn't in the mood for yesterday, it was to leave work in Queensbury, drive to South Glens Falls to my brother's, drive back to Queensbury to do his grocery shopping, drive back to South Glens Falls to drop it off, and then drive home. Yet that's exactly what I did.

Now that I no longer live in South Glens Falls, I don't want to have to go back there. But Keith doesn't drive, and he had the Market 32 circular so he had picked out exactly what he wanted and needed me to get it for him. Ugh! I had tried to get him to just tell me what he wanted and I would pick it up and cut down on driving (gas is $4.99) but that's not how he operates. However, he did say that if I wanted a steak or anything, he would buy it for me. Okay then!

At least I knew it would be a quick trip. He only wanted three sets of items, so it wasn't that bad. Started out in the meat section. Success! They only had 2 of his 3 items, but i still counted that as a win. On to the cheese section. Hmm...not as successful as they only had the store brand, and not the name brand that was in the circular. But I cut my losses by getting 1 of the store brand for him to try. Then on to the seafood section!

I didn't need any assistance as I was just looking for pre-packaged seafood salad. I noticed the guy behind the counter and thought he looked familiar. He finished with his customer and then said, "Do you need any help with anything?" I took a good look at him and realized  he was one of the students I used to help when I worked in Financial Aid. "Paul!" I said,  "it's so good to see you! How are you?"

"I'm doing pretty good." He added shyly, "I actually graduated."

"You did? That's amazing!" I exclaimed. "I'm so proud of you! So what's next for you?"

"Well, I was thinking about going to SUNY Empire."

"And what would you take?"

"Independent Studies to work towards a Human Resources degree. Don't know how I'll do but I'd like to try."

"Paul, I have the utmost confidence in you. If that's your dream, go for it and I think you just might surprise yourself."

And then he said, "Thank you Rita, for all of your help over the years. You were always very nice to me."

"Well why wouldn't I be? Thank you for saying that Paul; it made my day and I was glad to help. I know I'll be seeing you around. Take care."

"Bye Rita."

And that's why God had me run that particular errand for my brother: so I could run into this particular adult student and share in his accomplishment. Paul had struggled, but he never gave up and graduated! I really was proud of him and I hope he gets that HR degree and a great job in the future. Although there's nothing wrong with working the seafood counter at Market 32!

So then I wasn't so mad at my brother. And in honor of this revelation: I went to the bakery and bought a dark chocolate fudge cake, on him. Thanks Keith! 

It's always the little things that you don't see coming, that can totally change your attitude and make something tedious into something worthwhile. For that I am grateful 😊 Fudge cake helps too!

Rita Dot Com by Amy T

I can't even take credit for this one. Let's call it a Friday Flashback, because my friend Amy T. (remember her? Inspiration for Irrational Fears - The Musical) actually wrote this years ago. We were sitting at work one day, bemoaning the fact of the dearth of men in our demographic. Then lo and behold: she found one online. Fast forward: they ended up getting married and still are to this day.

Since she was so lucky, she said I should also try online dating. NOPE: been there, done that and burned the internet down. She laughed and said it was time for me to try again.  I said there was no way and it took up too much time and brain power to complete the profile. She said she'd do it! So I let her, and here it is. Grab a cup of coffee (or a cocktail!) and settle in for this post!

 "The best part of being my age, truly, is that I am happy with myself.  I’m proud of the things I have accomplished, satisfied with my life and know that there is a great difference between being alone and being lonely; I am not lonely by any means.   I am looking for someone who just wants to enjoy Act II of life, for all the wonderful things that are in store.   I feel that chemistry and honesty are the most important qualities in building a relationship of any kind so I will share the key elements of my life and in turn will share the expectations I have in the kind of person I am seeking.  All the little things in-between we can find out in person if the chemistry is right. 

I have a strong faith in God and am very active in my church; my ideal man doesn’t need to attend church every weekend by my side but will have to believe in God and pride himself as one who walks in Faith.  I am an accomplished romance writer and poet and have several books that can be purchased from the Amazon store.  I could also share with you my blog as it would also be a way to get to know me better.  Perhaps we can talk about that one night over dinner; I’m always looking for inspiration for my work.  

I am drug and disease free and limit my drinking to a toast or two a year; in fact I hold several advanced designations in Toastmasters International.  I love music of all (okay…MOST) genres but jazz in particular.  I was a club DJ when I was only 17; and I even DJ’ed for a local radio station for 12 years!  Some of my favorite things to do are to travel, dine out, read books, and let me tell you, I make a mean batch of dark chocolate fudge brownies!  My homemade lasagna also gets rave reviews!  Since honesty is a priority in my life, I am open about the fact that currently my adult daughters live with me; but they work and have their own lives.  My oldest moved back from the West Coast and is taking some time to rebuild her life; my youngest daughter is currently looking for the ideal living situation for herself.  Both daughters are self-governing and I don’t interfere too much with them, nor they with me.  Instead, I have a small dog and two cats who own ME; yet I am far from being a crazy cat lady. 

I know there is no such thing as perfect, but let’s agree on the fact that we all deserve to be happy and can accomplish that by being honest about our needs.  Chemistry is huge, so if there is a mutual interest I’d prefer to meet briefly for coffee or an appetizer and see where it goes.  Spending a lot of time texting or on the phone tends to drag out the first meet-up and we’ve both spent time building expectations that may fall short if the attraction is non-existent in person; seems fair to both of us, right? 

I’ve told you about me.  This is what I need from you and sorry, no exceptions; haters need not comment, for it is what it is.

I’ll make it very clear that I am not here for hook-ups but there are plenty of girls who are.  Best of luck!

My special someone cannot smoke, must work, live independently and have his own transportation; I can guarantee the same from my end, so that is only fair.

I have a great smile, so when I make you smile, I want to see all of your well-kept teeth

I am not interested in being someone’s secret girlfriend

I limit my game playing to Bejeweled Blitz, not with people’s heads or hearts.  Playa’s need not apply

I am open to dating people of other races and/or relatively different age groups but will make clear that I am NOT interested in any little boys who approach me with the line, “I have never had a black woman before” because quite frankly, you're not having this one either. 

Lastly, thank you for reading my profile.  We are all here because we are all looking to find that someone to love and to love us.  I wish you all the best of luck in finding the woman of your dreams."

Didn't she do an awesome job??? She pegged me pretty well. Yet I never posted it. I wasn't looking to meet strangers on the internet. Ever hear of the Craigslist Killer? You have no idea of what you might get. But I sure did get a kick out of reading it. Thanks Amy! I wish we still worked together; because who knows what other genius ideas you could hatch for me?! 😉

Have a great weekend! And as always: feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me. I want to know who you are!

Starting Fresh

 Out of all of the moves I've done, this last one was the hardest. I'm sure a lot of it had to do with the circumstances, since I hadn't planned on moving by the end of April. But God always has a plan for me that I might not see at the time, but looking back I certainly see His hand in it all. Although I wasn't planning on moving: He knew I had to get out of that house.

Not that it was a bad house. It certainly served its purpose while we were there. However, it had gotten to the point where, due to unforeseen circumstances, it was like a spirit of oppression, or depression, began to permeate the house. I'm pretty sure I know where it came from. But digging that all up isn't the purpose of this blog post.

I had been under so much stress for the past three years or so. It seemed to affect every facet of my life. I lost a lot of weight. I wasn't sleeping. My dietary habits dissolved into chaos. I became very introverted, not going anywhere and putting friends on pause. I didn't even look the same...And this was without even bringing covid into the mix!

Long story short: I believe God finally decided that enough was enough. If I wasn't going to try to change things, He was going to make things change. So the next thing I knew: I was looking for a new place to live.

Once I got over the shock, I decided that this was a good thing. It was forcing me to get out of my funk, and do something about my own situation. If the sale of the house didn't get me out of my inertia, I don't know what would have. But trust me: this did it!

And as I went through the house, purging a LOT of stuff, I felt lighter. As we started moving stuff into our nice new place: I began to feel like me again. And I hadn't felt like this in a long time. As I felt better, I realized I was looking better too! The closer it came to the day I'd totally walk away from the old house: the more I started to recognize the person in the mirror... 

This past Saturday was the very last day I had to go back to the old house to do one more walkthrough. Schmoop-dog was with me. There was nothing left but empty rooms. No life, no echoes, no indication that I had ever lived there. He went out the front door to his vehicle. I stood in the doorway, whispered a goodbye and thanks for the memories that were good, and locked the door for the last time. As I headed for my car, I noticed poor Schmoopie had burst into tears. He said even he had so many memories there, and it was tough knowing he would never be there again. Personally, once I knew I was never going back, I felt great! No more oppression, no more depressive mood and now the world could be my oyster! I got in my car, blew a kiss and drove away without a backward glance.

Gabriella said that once I was out of that house, my entire life would change for the better. She was right! I'm sleeping so much better, my food issues are gone, and when I look in the mirror I like what I see. Dark circles are almost gone, my skin looks and feels great, and Gabriella wants to know where I have gotten the really nice dresses I've been wearing to work. Don't worry about it and don't touch them! I'm feeling good so I want to really look good too! Plus I'm much closer to work now 😀

But the best thing that happened: a call from my brother in Texas on Saturday was a life-changing experience for me. What we talked about is personal, but suffice it to say God was written all over it. 💖

So I'm starting fresh in a number of areas, and feeling so good about it. I can't wait to see what other great things are in store for me. Letting go and letting God have his way in this is going to be amazing! So stay tuned!