December 31, 2016
6:50 p.m.
This will be my last blog...
In 2016.
Next time I share my thought with you, it will be a brand new year. I look forward to it.
In the meantime, I would like to share with you a loving look back at celebrities we lost this year. We will remember them fondly:
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/2016-year-in-review/look-back-all-famous-figures-who-died-2016-n698791
I would also like to share with you once again a loving goodbye to my sweet cousin, Rusty: https://pshablo.blogspot.com/2016/05/may-6-2016-900-p.html?spref=fb He was much too young and so, so missed by family and friends.
Also to my dear friend Annette Haney: https://pshablo.blogspot.com/2016/07/july-15-2016-1229-p.html?spref=fb When I arrived in Wyoming this month, my first thought was of going to the office to say hello; it just keeps hitting me over and over again. I still haven't wrapped my head around losing her.
Please remember the people I grew up knowing in my little hometown who were called home this year:
Helen B Syndergaard
Frank Reyes
Floyd Johnny Ortega
Clora Arguello
Theresa Stephens
Joyce Davis Patterson
Dennis Seyersdahl
Toni Morgan
Leo Montoya
Laura Makie
Christopher Randles
Edward "Burt" Lucero
Ronald Bingham
There's no doubt in my mind that I've probably missed mentioning someone; these are people I knew personally and I hope you'll understand if I unintentionally left anyone out. They were all well-loved and missed by family and friends.
Many young--really young--people were called home this year. I have to believe that the good Lord is in need of a lot of good helpers to lend a hand in the coming years.
Anyway...good-bye, 2016. You've been tough on us, but we've ended up stronger and more determined than ever to make 2017 a better year for us all!
___________________________________________________________________________________
7:40 p.m.
In other thoughts, I have to express my gratitude to all of you who read this stuff. It keeps me busy--and also sane!--writing down the often nutty stuff that crosses what passes for my mind, and I appreciate the readership.
(Okay, which one of you questioned my sanity?)
(Oh. It was me.)
__________________________________________________________________________________
I'm wishing you all the Happiest of New Years. May all your dreams come true, may all your schemes succeed, may your blessing be many and your trials be few.
Live Long and Prosper!
Good night.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Thursday, December 29, 2016
December 29, 2016
11:24 a.m.
Okay, first of all, you all need to get back up; I know it floored you to see a post beginning in the a.m.
I know you don't believe it, but I do get up in the morning. I just don't accomplish much until after noon.
I know I said I was done with 2016 a couple of days ago, but apparently, 2016 is not done with us. One day after losing Carrie Fisher, we lost her beautiful mother, Debbie Reynolds.
I get it, really. Losing a child must be the most devastating thing that can happen to a mother. Debbie Reynolds was heartbroken; of course she was.
They are together again.
I suppose we could call 2016 a year of great reaping, at least in terms of celebrities. I'm sure the total numbers of all deaths is comparable to any other year; I'll never know that for certain, of course, since I am not going to do the kind of research it would take to arrive at an unquestionable conclusion, but I'm assuming it averages out. However, my perception of losses in 2016 is that we've lost more people in a year's time than ever before.
Many of my friends lost family members this year. Several lost parents during this holiday season.
I personally lost a very dear friend who died suddenly at home, and a cousin who battled brain cancer and lost while still in his twenties.
Christmas week in Wyoming was difficult for a couple of families, one who lost a young daughter and another who lost a father/grandfather.
God must be in need of some good helpers to be calling so many home; what else could it be?
But as I bemoan the awfulness of this past year, those around me have been reminding me of all the good things that happened this year, for them and for me.
1. New granddaughter
2. I was hugged several times by Cary Elwes. Yes, from The Princess Bride. Great hugger.
3. He hugged two of my grandchildren, too, and was very kind to all of us. Denver ComiCon.
4. I have spent a good deal of time in Wyoming with my parents this year. Priceless.
5. I was blessed to be able to provide a place for my daughter and her family to stay while they rebuild their lives. It's not much, but they have a roof over their heads until they can get their own.
6. My brother made that roof less leaky. Yay.
7. My children and grandchildren are well.
8. My parents are well.
9. My siblings and their families are well.
It's sad how making this list suddenly caused me to be scared that I might be jinxing something!! Oh, me of little faith! Pray for me; I need it.
Speaking of having little faith, I am one of those people who order things and then stress out about delivery. This year everything got delivered in a timely manner except presents for two grandchildren. So I sent my daughter last minute shopping so they'd have a gift from Grandma--and then, of course, the packages were delivered. Oh well, the kids got extra. Nobody loses, right? Haha.
(Anyway, who can blame me for a lack of faith in the post office? Do you have any idea how many things they have lost for me over the years? Mortgage checks. Utility bills. Packages. I was justified in my faithlessness.)
Two more days, and I can start stressing out about 2017.
Nope. Not gonna do that. I really am hoping that 2017 will bring better things to us all.
___________________________________________________________________________________
12:25 p.m.
I tried a new shampoo today. Something sulfate free. My hair feels great, but I'm not going to tell you what it is until I use it over a course of time and see how it does.
Oh my gosh, I sound like I'm planning to do product endorsements. Excuse me while I go laugh.
__________________________________________________________________________________
1:42 p.m.
No, I didn't laugh that long. I put clothes in the dryer, ate lunch with my Mom and did a few chores.
I'm back!
Just read some news reports and learned that President Obama is sending some Russians home. How about that?
Ah, I could do some major complaining about politics, but I think I am done complaining for today. It doesn't do any good anyway, makes me feel grumpy and you all get sick and tired of me.
So I will spare us all.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Good book time! Read The Fireman by Joe Hill. You will thank me later. Honest.
https://www.amazon.com/Fireman-Novel-Joe-Hill/dp/006220064X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483044807&sr=1-1&keywords=the+fireman
___________________________________________________________________________________
Okay, book recommendations mean I am ending on a positive note. At least, that's what I think!
Have a great day!
11:24 a.m.
Okay, first of all, you all need to get back up; I know it floored you to see a post beginning in the a.m.
I know you don't believe it, but I do get up in the morning. I just don't accomplish much until after noon.
I know I said I was done with 2016 a couple of days ago, but apparently, 2016 is not done with us. One day after losing Carrie Fisher, we lost her beautiful mother, Debbie Reynolds.
I get it, really. Losing a child must be the most devastating thing that can happen to a mother. Debbie Reynolds was heartbroken; of course she was.
They are together again.
I suppose we could call 2016 a year of great reaping, at least in terms of celebrities. I'm sure the total numbers of all deaths is comparable to any other year; I'll never know that for certain, of course, since I am not going to do the kind of research it would take to arrive at an unquestionable conclusion, but I'm assuming it averages out. However, my perception of losses in 2016 is that we've lost more people in a year's time than ever before.
Many of my friends lost family members this year. Several lost parents during this holiday season.
I personally lost a very dear friend who died suddenly at home, and a cousin who battled brain cancer and lost while still in his twenties.
Christmas week in Wyoming was difficult for a couple of families, one who lost a young daughter and another who lost a father/grandfather.
God must be in need of some good helpers to be calling so many home; what else could it be?
But as I bemoan the awfulness of this past year, those around me have been reminding me of all the good things that happened this year, for them and for me.
1. New granddaughter
2. I was hugged several times by Cary Elwes. Yes, from The Princess Bride. Great hugger.
3. He hugged two of my grandchildren, too, and was very kind to all of us. Denver ComiCon.
4. I have spent a good deal of time in Wyoming with my parents this year. Priceless.
5. I was blessed to be able to provide a place for my daughter and her family to stay while they rebuild their lives. It's not much, but they have a roof over their heads until they can get their own.
6. My brother made that roof less leaky. Yay.
7. My children and grandchildren are well.
8. My parents are well.
9. My siblings and their families are well.
It's sad how making this list suddenly caused me to be scared that I might be jinxing something!! Oh, me of little faith! Pray for me; I need it.
Speaking of having little faith, I am one of those people who order things and then stress out about delivery. This year everything got delivered in a timely manner except presents for two grandchildren. So I sent my daughter last minute shopping so they'd have a gift from Grandma--and then, of course, the packages were delivered. Oh well, the kids got extra. Nobody loses, right? Haha.
(Anyway, who can blame me for a lack of faith in the post office? Do you have any idea how many things they have lost for me over the years? Mortgage checks. Utility bills. Packages. I was justified in my faithlessness.)
Two more days, and I can start stressing out about 2017.
Nope. Not gonna do that. I really am hoping that 2017 will bring better things to us all.
___________________________________________________________________________________
12:25 p.m.
I tried a new shampoo today. Something sulfate free. My hair feels great, but I'm not going to tell you what it is until I use it over a course of time and see how it does.
Oh my gosh, I sound like I'm planning to do product endorsements. Excuse me while I go laugh.
__________________________________________________________________________________
1:42 p.m.
No, I didn't laugh that long. I put clothes in the dryer, ate lunch with my Mom and did a few chores.
I'm back!
Just read some news reports and learned that President Obama is sending some Russians home. How about that?
Ah, I could do some major complaining about politics, but I think I am done complaining for today. It doesn't do any good anyway, makes me feel grumpy and you all get sick and tired of me.
So I will spare us all.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Good book time! Read The Fireman by Joe Hill. You will thank me later. Honest.
https://www.amazon.com/Fireman-Novel-Joe-Hill/dp/006220064X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483044807&sr=1-1&keywords=the+fireman
___________________________________________________________________________________
Okay, book recommendations mean I am ending on a positive note. At least, that's what I think!
Have a great day!
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
December 27, 2016
3:08 p.m.
Well, 2016 is winding down, and it seems like it is in a huge rush to reap as many more precious souls as it can before it is finally all over.
Carrie Fisher. Probably my first female hero, Princess Leia was an inspiration because she was a leader of a rebellion and a total bad-ass. She was witty, gritty and smart as a whip, and that tiny little thing stood up for herself and her people with everyone, up to and including Darth Vader. Carrie brought this character to life and inspired many of the young women in my youth to be strong and brave and stand on our own two feet, rather than waiting to be rescued by a "Prince Charming."
Later in life, Carrie Fisher became quite a wonderful writer. Her wit was unique and truthful.
We lost her this morning, and I am profoundly sad. She will certainly be missed.
On Christmas day, we lost the very talented George Michael. "Careless Whisper" left me in tears the first time I heard it. I'm listening now, but I'm tougher now than I was then, so I can still see my screen. So sad to lose such a talented man at age 53. He will be missed.
I cannot neglect to mention the passing of my brother's beloved dog, who went to pup Heaven yesterday. I'm so sorry, family of Loki. He was a good boy.
This has been a rough year. I've been trying to count the numerous blessings that surely came to pass this year, and at this moment, I remember the birth of my beautiful granddaughter, who joined the family in March. I continue to be blessed with parents and siblings who doing are well, children and grandchildren who are doing well, and I am so thankful for all that. I have many people in my life to love, and that can never be a bad thing.
But I will add that it has been tough. We have dealt with displacement, unemployment, poor health and a few other hardships this year that I hope will all soon be resolved.
We have watched a decline in this country due to poor judgment and downright ignorance on the part of many of the people in power who have failed to do their jobs. We have dealt with disorder in the police departments across the country. We have watched people cause destruction and death in the name of peace. We have watched as our country would once again rally to rape the land and waterways of the Natives in the name of the Almighty dollar. We have elected an incompetent spoiled baby to lead our Nation, and those who should know better have responded not with peaceful protests but with rioting, looting and destruction. (To those who DID protest peacefully: I commend you. Thank you.)
I can only hang my head in shame. I have never felt so disappointed.
I'm afraid to be hopeful for the coming year, but honestly, hope is all I have left!
So to end this little rant, I would ask that we all spend more time getting involved in the process of bringing pride back to this country. It's too important to ignore; we all have a responsibility to our offspring, and their offspring, to get things back on the right track. Clean up the waterways. Fight for renewable clean energy. Recycle. Do your part, however small; it all adds up.
We have four more days. I pray that they are all quietly peaceful--boring even.
May 2017 come in with peace and prosperity for all and make up for 2016 a little bit. We need a break!
I really mean it when I say this to all of you: Happy New Year!!
3:08 p.m.
Well, 2016 is winding down, and it seems like it is in a huge rush to reap as many more precious souls as it can before it is finally all over.
Carrie Fisher. Probably my first female hero, Princess Leia was an inspiration because she was a leader of a rebellion and a total bad-ass. She was witty, gritty and smart as a whip, and that tiny little thing stood up for herself and her people with everyone, up to and including Darth Vader. Carrie brought this character to life and inspired many of the young women in my youth to be strong and brave and stand on our own two feet, rather than waiting to be rescued by a "Prince Charming."
Later in life, Carrie Fisher became quite a wonderful writer. Her wit was unique and truthful.
We lost her this morning, and I am profoundly sad. She will certainly be missed.
On Christmas day, we lost the very talented George Michael. "Careless Whisper" left me in tears the first time I heard it. I'm listening now, but I'm tougher now than I was then, so I can still see my screen. So sad to lose such a talented man at age 53. He will be missed.
I cannot neglect to mention the passing of my brother's beloved dog, who went to pup Heaven yesterday. I'm so sorry, family of Loki. He was a good boy.
This has been a rough year. I've been trying to count the numerous blessings that surely came to pass this year, and at this moment, I remember the birth of my beautiful granddaughter, who joined the family in March. I continue to be blessed with parents and siblings who doing are well, children and grandchildren who are doing well, and I am so thankful for all that. I have many people in my life to love, and that can never be a bad thing.
But I will add that it has been tough. We have dealt with displacement, unemployment, poor health and a few other hardships this year that I hope will all soon be resolved.
We have watched a decline in this country due to poor judgment and downright ignorance on the part of many of the people in power who have failed to do their jobs. We have dealt with disorder in the police departments across the country. We have watched people cause destruction and death in the name of peace. We have watched as our country would once again rally to rape the land and waterways of the Natives in the name of the Almighty dollar. We have elected an incompetent spoiled baby to lead our Nation, and those who should know better have responded not with peaceful protests but with rioting, looting and destruction. (To those who DID protest peacefully: I commend you. Thank you.)
I can only hang my head in shame. I have never felt so disappointed.
I'm afraid to be hopeful for the coming year, but honestly, hope is all I have left!
So to end this little rant, I would ask that we all spend more time getting involved in the process of bringing pride back to this country. It's too important to ignore; we all have a responsibility to our offspring, and their offspring, to get things back on the right track. Clean up the waterways. Fight for renewable clean energy. Recycle. Do your part, however small; it all adds up.
We have four more days. I pray that they are all quietly peaceful--boring even.
May 2017 come in with peace and prosperity for all and make up for 2016 a little bit. We need a break!
I really mean it when I say this to all of you: Happy New Year!!
Thursday, December 22, 2016
December 22, 2016
7:07 p.m.
It took me a few days to figure out how to do my blog from my Dad's computer--somehow I failed to remember how to log in from any but my own devices. Silly me!
But here I am!!
My Dad and brother came to Colorado to pick me up, and we made it to Wyoming ahead of a snowstorm. Let it be known to all that something went right in 2016. (We'll disregard the trips that had to be rescheduled due to things NOT going right in 2016!)
It was a quick but pleasant trip. My brother did indeed do some temporary roof repairs, and according to my son back home, so far so good. Yay.
Of course, I did forget my purse and we had to go back and get it, but we hadn't gone too far before I realized it. Whoops!
You see, the repairs required some smelly stuff, and as you know, I'm allergic to smelly stuff, so they kicked me out with the dogs for awhile. the dogs were pretty happy to spend some extra time outside, since it was a lovely day. But then, when it was time to go, I didn't get to do a walk-through. You know what I mean, that walk through all the rooms to make sure you're not forgetting anything? So, naturally, I forgot something!
All was cool, though. We made it out of Denver and stopped in La Porte for lunch at a place I haven't been to or even thought about since I was a child: Vern's. Great food, great atmosphere, great memories once I got through the door. We used to stop there on trips to see our grandparents in Denver; there was a place nearby where you could look at tame deer that someone kept. Then the road from Fort Collins to Laramie was rebuilt with a slight route change, and we never went there again, until last week! My Dad and I were tickled to see it again. My brother had rediscovered it on a trip with his family; my sister-in-law's family used to go there years ago as well.
A little time travel never hurts anyone, right. Ah, memories!
So, here I am back in my old neck of the woods, and so far I have failed to call and let anyone know I am here. We've been busy getting ready for Christmas, and since I plan to stay awhile, I plan to get in touch with everyone soon. I am still struggling to get rid of this sinus infection and not ready to go out and play yet.
We shopped at the local--sort of, it's in the next town east of us--Wal-Mart this week; what a zoo! Too many people for such a relatively small town! It's worse here in town where there is only one grocery store; what they have is what they have, the prices are high because they have no competition and it was jam-packed with people today. Goodness! You almost have to shove your way through the aisles. It seems weird to me that when this town had half as many people there were twice as many stores--more, if you include the small markets that used to be here. King Soopers has a monopoly on this place; is that even legal?
Still, it is always nice to be home, and I am sure enjoying the time with my parents. I am grateful every day for the time I have with them; it is so precious!
Hopefully I will be thinking thoughts soon, but just in case--Merry Christmas to all!
And to all--good night!
7:07 p.m.
It took me a few days to figure out how to do my blog from my Dad's computer--somehow I failed to remember how to log in from any but my own devices. Silly me!
But here I am!!
My Dad and brother came to Colorado to pick me up, and we made it to Wyoming ahead of a snowstorm. Let it be known to all that something went right in 2016. (We'll disregard the trips that had to be rescheduled due to things NOT going right in 2016!)
It was a quick but pleasant trip. My brother did indeed do some temporary roof repairs, and according to my son back home, so far so good. Yay.
Of course, I did forget my purse and we had to go back and get it, but we hadn't gone too far before I realized it. Whoops!
You see, the repairs required some smelly stuff, and as you know, I'm allergic to smelly stuff, so they kicked me out with the dogs for awhile. the dogs were pretty happy to spend some extra time outside, since it was a lovely day. But then, when it was time to go, I didn't get to do a walk-through. You know what I mean, that walk through all the rooms to make sure you're not forgetting anything? So, naturally, I forgot something!
All was cool, though. We made it out of Denver and stopped in La Porte for lunch at a place I haven't been to or even thought about since I was a child: Vern's. Great food, great atmosphere, great memories once I got through the door. We used to stop there on trips to see our grandparents in Denver; there was a place nearby where you could look at tame deer that someone kept. Then the road from Fort Collins to Laramie was rebuilt with a slight route change, and we never went there again, until last week! My Dad and I were tickled to see it again. My brother had rediscovered it on a trip with his family; my sister-in-law's family used to go there years ago as well.
A little time travel never hurts anyone, right. Ah, memories!
So, here I am back in my old neck of the woods, and so far I have failed to call and let anyone know I am here. We've been busy getting ready for Christmas, and since I plan to stay awhile, I plan to get in touch with everyone soon. I am still struggling to get rid of this sinus infection and not ready to go out and play yet.
We shopped at the local--sort of, it's in the next town east of us--Wal-Mart this week; what a zoo! Too many people for such a relatively small town! It's worse here in town where there is only one grocery store; what they have is what they have, the prices are high because they have no competition and it was jam-packed with people today. Goodness! You almost have to shove your way through the aisles. It seems weird to me that when this town had half as many people there were twice as many stores--more, if you include the small markets that used to be here. King Soopers has a monopoly on this place; is that even legal?
Still, it is always nice to be home, and I am sure enjoying the time with my parents. I am grateful every day for the time I have with them; it is so precious!
Hopefully I will be thinking thoughts soon, but just in case--Merry Christmas to all!
And to all--good night!
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
December 14, 2016
4:31 p.m.
The month is flying by, and I have accomplished practically nothing. Unless you count blowing my brains out numerous times a day because I have a sinus infection and my poor old nose is trying to run off my face--when it's not bleeding. Ugh!
It's hard to write an intelligent sentence without a brain.
I think it's getting bettterm finally, but it has made for a rather unproductive month.
I'm just proud of myself for getting the Christmas shopping done for my grandchildren. I feel very accomplished for having done that!
Can I just say that I love the ability to shop online? If I had had to leave my house to shop these last couple of weeks, nothing at all would be done. I was able to mindlessly scroll through the websites until I found what I wanted, order it, pay for it and call it good. Hurray! The children will now get a Christmas from Grandma. It's a miracle.
I had a good laugh at myself while shopping, though. It took me SO LONG!! And I waited so late in the month that many of the things I would have liked to get were not available. That made me sad. I am choosing to blame it on illness. Got whopped with the flu before Thanksgiving and it's been one thing after another ever since.
Plus I wrote 50,000 words on my book in November--go me--by signing up with NaNoWriMo and meeting the challenge, But the research involved kept me busy, so...no shopping. No planning for Christmas.
When I was younger--teen years, young adult with small kids--I used to start shopping really early. I have no idea what happened to me! I used to do it up so well! These days I'm lucky to get the shopping done in the nick of time, and it's a miracle if I manage to get it wrapped.
What happened to my Christmas Spirit?
I have spent the past month or so waiting to get to Wyoming to see my folks. One thing after another has been happening to get in the way of the trip: illness, snow storms, wacky work schedules. The plan as of this minute is that my brother is coming for me in the morning.
Please, please, pray that it happens this time!! I am very ready for a visit with my family back home.
I do feel bad that I won't have Christmas here with my kids and grandchildren who live in the area, but I see them a lot more often than I do my parents, and they understand. Plus, I finished shopping for the kiddos, so I think they'll forgive me.
The year is coming to a close, and I am going to be glad to see 2016 in the rearview mirror. This has been a tough one on so many different levels.
We lost over a hundred celebrities this year, including David Bowie, Prince, Gene Wilder, Alan Rickman, Dan Haggerty, Abe Vigoda, Florence Henderson, Alan Thicke, Garry Shandling, Garry Marshall, and the way, way too young 27-year-old Anton Yelchin. This list is way too short, so I will include a link to the many who deserve to be mentioned. http://www.thewrap.com/hollywood-notable-deaths-of-2016-photos/
More personally, I lost a dear friend this year who I still find myself trying to text message before realizing--again--that she's gone on. It was so sudden and unexpected that I still can't wrap my head around it. I miss you, Annette.
The USA went bananas and elected a complete and total expletive, colorful swear word, bleep as our next POTUS.
The government continues to screw the American Indians, who want nothing more than to save us from ourselves. We need clean water--duh!
Everyone wants to shoot everyone else, and no one wants to make guns more difficult to obtain, so I guess the government is also okay with everyone shooting everyone else.
*SIGH*
Maybe starting 2017 isn't the greatest idea after all.
___________________________________________________________________________________
9:23 p.m.
Do you ever get the idea that I'm easily distracted? Hahaha!
I've got a houseful here, and we were all supposed to watch "Home Alone" together. I'm watching it--all alone.
It's quiet in here--at the moment, anyway. Weird.
I don't care; I love this movie almost as much as I love "A Christmas Story". My family groans out loud when I want to watch that one, but this is a favorite of us all. So...where is everybody??
I laugh when I watch this, but seriously...everyone should be either in the hospital or dead. Even Kevin; that fall when his brother's bookcase came down should have caused some serious damage to that little boy. Talk about a "don't try this at home" premise.
By the way, I read somewhere that the real house used in "Home Alone" recently sold for over a million.five dollars. I love that house. It's lovely. Of course, I could never afford it in a million years, but it sure is nice.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Well, my bags are packed, I'm ready to go. Just watching the weather and hoping for the best. Winter--bah, humbug!
Say a prayer for nice weather, clear roads and safe travel for my brother and dad and me, will you, please?
Thank you, and good night!
4:31 p.m.
The month is flying by, and I have accomplished practically nothing. Unless you count blowing my brains out numerous times a day because I have a sinus infection and my poor old nose is trying to run off my face--when it's not bleeding. Ugh!
It's hard to write an intelligent sentence without a brain.
I think it's getting bettterm finally, but it has made for a rather unproductive month.
I'm just proud of myself for getting the Christmas shopping done for my grandchildren. I feel very accomplished for having done that!
Can I just say that I love the ability to shop online? If I had had to leave my house to shop these last couple of weeks, nothing at all would be done. I was able to mindlessly scroll through the websites until I found what I wanted, order it, pay for it and call it good. Hurray! The children will now get a Christmas from Grandma. It's a miracle.
I had a good laugh at myself while shopping, though. It took me SO LONG!! And I waited so late in the month that many of the things I would have liked to get were not available. That made me sad. I am choosing to blame it on illness. Got whopped with the flu before Thanksgiving and it's been one thing after another ever since.
Plus I wrote 50,000 words on my book in November--go me--by signing up with NaNoWriMo and meeting the challenge, But the research involved kept me busy, so...no shopping. No planning for Christmas.
When I was younger--teen years, young adult with small kids--I used to start shopping really early. I have no idea what happened to me! I used to do it up so well! These days I'm lucky to get the shopping done in the nick of time, and it's a miracle if I manage to get it wrapped.
What happened to my Christmas Spirit?
I have spent the past month or so waiting to get to Wyoming to see my folks. One thing after another has been happening to get in the way of the trip: illness, snow storms, wacky work schedules. The plan as of this minute is that my brother is coming for me in the morning.
Please, please, pray that it happens this time!! I am very ready for a visit with my family back home.
I do feel bad that I won't have Christmas here with my kids and grandchildren who live in the area, but I see them a lot more often than I do my parents, and they understand. Plus, I finished shopping for the kiddos, so I think they'll forgive me.
The year is coming to a close, and I am going to be glad to see 2016 in the rearview mirror. This has been a tough one on so many different levels.
We lost over a hundred celebrities this year, including David Bowie, Prince, Gene Wilder, Alan Rickman, Dan Haggerty, Abe Vigoda, Florence Henderson, Alan Thicke, Garry Shandling, Garry Marshall, and the way, way too young 27-year-old Anton Yelchin. This list is way too short, so I will include a link to the many who deserve to be mentioned. http://www.thewrap.com/hollywood-notable-deaths-of-2016-photos/
More personally, I lost a dear friend this year who I still find myself trying to text message before realizing--again--that she's gone on. It was so sudden and unexpected that I still can't wrap my head around it. I miss you, Annette.
The USA went bananas and elected a complete and total expletive, colorful swear word, bleep as our next POTUS.
The government continues to screw the American Indians, who want nothing more than to save us from ourselves. We need clean water--duh!
Everyone wants to shoot everyone else, and no one wants to make guns more difficult to obtain, so I guess the government is also okay with everyone shooting everyone else.
*SIGH*
Maybe starting 2017 isn't the greatest idea after all.
___________________________________________________________________________________
9:23 p.m.
Do you ever get the idea that I'm easily distracted? Hahaha!
I've got a houseful here, and we were all supposed to watch "Home Alone" together. I'm watching it--all alone.
It's quiet in here--at the moment, anyway. Weird.
I don't care; I love this movie almost as much as I love "A Christmas Story". My family groans out loud when I want to watch that one, but this is a favorite of us all. So...where is everybody??
I laugh when I watch this, but seriously...everyone should be either in the hospital or dead. Even Kevin; that fall when his brother's bookcase came down should have caused some serious damage to that little boy. Talk about a "don't try this at home" premise.
By the way, I read somewhere that the real house used in "Home Alone" recently sold for over a million.five dollars. I love that house. It's lovely. Of course, I could never afford it in a million years, but it sure is nice.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Well, my bags are packed, I'm ready to go. Just watching the weather and hoping for the best. Winter--bah, humbug!
Say a prayer for nice weather, clear roads and safe travel for my brother and dad and me, will you, please?
Thank you, and good night!
Saturday, December 3, 2016
December 2, 2016
4:35 p.m.
Wow, it's hard to believe it's already December. I hate to say it, but I'm going to be glad to see the end of 2016. This year has been a rough one.
But--OH MY GOD!!--I am not ready for Christmas, and it's in 22 days (I'm not counting today, it's pretty much a gone thing.
I have no idea how I'm going to do Christmas this year. Ugh!
Okay, not gonna cry about the Christmas thing.
I'm gonna cry because my trip to Wyoming has been delayed until mid-month. I'm sad, but my mom was sadder. She was almost in tears when she called to tell me, which nearly made me cry, too. But I am going!! I am!! And I can hardly wait.
___________________________________________________________________________________
I must be the weirdest person alive. I am basically a night person--I will go to bed at four a.m. and be perfectly happy to be up all night.
It's dark at night--right?
Are you following me?
But here's the thing--I hate the fact that it is now dark outside, at five p.m. I hate that the days are so short and that the sun will disappear before six for the next couple of months.
Why should that even bother me? I'm up at night! In the dark! Every day, all year!
But the fact is, it really does bother me. And of course, I don't go to sleep at daylight and get up when the sun goes down. I try to sleep about six hours--I TRY--but I'm up during the daytime for several hours. (I consider daytime sunrise until eight p.m.) As far as I'm concerned, I should be getting twelve hours of daylight EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Yeah, yeah, I know it doesn't work that way. Not here, in Colorado. Not in Wyoming. I would have to live near the equator. No fluctuation to day and night hours. No seasons. I could deal with the day/night thing. But I like seasons.
So clearly, I'm weird and unreasonable. And even if I could win an argument about daylight savings time--which saves no daylight at all--it would still be dark earlier at this time of the year, and there would still be fewer hours of daylight overall.
I lose. Bummer.
___________________________________________________________________________________
11:24 p.m.
Well, I got a little sidetracked, but I'm back!
All these delays in my trip to Wyoming have reminded me why I always wait until the last minute to pack.
Not really, I'm just the Procrastination Queen.
But, honestly--if I had packed, I just would have had to break into my suitcase like ten times already. So my procrastinating ways have paid off in spades this time. Yay, me!
___________________________________________________________________________________
December 3, 2016
12:12 a.m.
Oh, my gosh, I have to get an un-distracted button!
Your win--a two-in-one! It's officially a new day, and I'm wondering what the heck the little dog ate, because--phew! What stinky farts she's producing! Had to send her across the room to sleep. How can anything that cute be so smelly?
I thought I'd be quietly snoozing myself by now. I took some Nyquil, which usually makes me sleepy, but it doesn't seem to be doing its job right now. On anything. Still sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching and not sleeping. Bad advertising, man!
___________________________________________________________________________________
Is it just the musician in me, or does it bother everyone to see actors pretending to play an instrument they clearly have no idea how to play, and doing it so badly that even those of us who are not musicians should clearly be able to tell that they never took a music lesson in their lives? Am I being mean?
Uh...I think I need to try to go to bed now.
Good night.
4:35 p.m.
Wow, it's hard to believe it's already December. I hate to say it, but I'm going to be glad to see the end of 2016. This year has been a rough one.
But--OH MY GOD!!--I am not ready for Christmas, and it's in 22 days (I'm not counting today, it's pretty much a gone thing.
I have no idea how I'm going to do Christmas this year. Ugh!
Okay, not gonna cry about the Christmas thing.
I'm gonna cry because my trip to Wyoming has been delayed until mid-month. I'm sad, but my mom was sadder. She was almost in tears when she called to tell me, which nearly made me cry, too. But I am going!! I am!! And I can hardly wait.
___________________________________________________________________________________
I must be the weirdest person alive. I am basically a night person--I will go to bed at four a.m. and be perfectly happy to be up all night.
It's dark at night--right?
Are you following me?
But here's the thing--I hate the fact that it is now dark outside, at five p.m. I hate that the days are so short and that the sun will disappear before six for the next couple of months.
Why should that even bother me? I'm up at night! In the dark! Every day, all year!
But the fact is, it really does bother me. And of course, I don't go to sleep at daylight and get up when the sun goes down. I try to sleep about six hours--I TRY--but I'm up during the daytime for several hours. (I consider daytime sunrise until eight p.m.) As far as I'm concerned, I should be getting twelve hours of daylight EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Yeah, yeah, I know it doesn't work that way. Not here, in Colorado. Not in Wyoming. I would have to live near the equator. No fluctuation to day and night hours. No seasons. I could deal with the day/night thing. But I like seasons.
So clearly, I'm weird and unreasonable. And even if I could win an argument about daylight savings time--which saves no daylight at all--it would still be dark earlier at this time of the year, and there would still be fewer hours of daylight overall.
I lose. Bummer.
___________________________________________________________________________________
11:24 p.m.
Well, I got a little sidetracked, but I'm back!
All these delays in my trip to Wyoming have reminded me why I always wait until the last minute to pack.
Not really, I'm just the Procrastination Queen.
But, honestly--if I had packed, I just would have had to break into my suitcase like ten times already. So my procrastinating ways have paid off in spades this time. Yay, me!
___________________________________________________________________________________
December 3, 2016
12:12 a.m.
Oh, my gosh, I have to get an un-distracted button!
Your win--a two-in-one! It's officially a new day, and I'm wondering what the heck the little dog ate, because--phew! What stinky farts she's producing! Had to send her across the room to sleep. How can anything that cute be so smelly?
I thought I'd be quietly snoozing myself by now. I took some Nyquil, which usually makes me sleepy, but it doesn't seem to be doing its job right now. On anything. Still sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching and not sleeping. Bad advertising, man!
___________________________________________________________________________________
Is it just the musician in me, or does it bother everyone to see actors pretending to play an instrument they clearly have no idea how to play, and doing it so badly that even those of us who are not musicians should clearly be able to tell that they never took a music lesson in their lives? Am I being mean?
Uh...I think I need to try to go to bed now.
Good night.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
November 29, 2016
6:54 p.m.
I usually post a Thanksgiving post, but just getting dinner done was a task this year.
Everyone got sick this year. One by one, down we went--vomiting, diarrhea, fever, body aches, then coughing and runny noses.
Yep, we were fabulous this year.
But I did it! I roasted a turkey, made some ham, did potatoes and gravy. My daughter peeled all the potatoes and baked a cake, bless her heart, and my other daughter made macaroni salad and green bean casserole, bless her heart, too. I even baked rolls. There were pies and whipped cream, and we all managed to eat a bit and keep it all down.
Then we just had a lazy afternoon and watched movies, and called it a day.
Off and on since, I have taken to my bed a lot of the time, trying to get well.
I have a sinus infection at this point, and I'm getting sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Anyway, there are no pictures of Thanksgiving this year, really. I'm a little upset with myself over that, but I'll give myself a pass this time. I mean, who wants to pose when they're sick?
But this is going to be my Thanksgiving post, because in spite of 2016 being an overall terrible year--I could make you a list, but I won't--there were plenty of things to be thankful for. A new granddaughter in March. That's a total of nine wonderful grandchildren, all of whom are healthy and beautiful and wonderful. Everyone has a job now--well, except me, but I am writing! Healthy family members. Roof over my head, and the heads of my family. (It leaks, but thankfully, there is a plan.) I have sold several copies of my book, which is pretty cool. So I have a lot of reasons to be thankful this year, and I really do thank God for all the blessings.
Cancelled my dad and brother two weeks ago due to illness. (The roof plan) They cancelled Thanksgiving week due to weather. Maybe they'll make it this week. Maybe it'll snow. I'm not holding my breath, but I would really like to go to Wyoming for a visit, and when things are done, I'm planning to go home with them for a while. I can't wait to see everyone!
On the super-plus side, for the month of November I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to push myself to finish the book I'm working on, and I got my 50,000 words, so I am now a NaNoWriMo winner. Whatever else that means, I have over 200 pages written so far and I feel like I'm in the home stretch--until editing starts. Ha ha. I hate editing. That's the hardest part for me. There will most likely be more research before I finish, but surprisingly, I'm having fun with that.
It's almost December. Oh my gosh. Christmas is coming. I have no plan this year. Oops!
Take it easy, everyone!
Good night.
6:54 p.m.
I usually post a Thanksgiving post, but just getting dinner done was a task this year.
Everyone got sick this year. One by one, down we went--vomiting, diarrhea, fever, body aches, then coughing and runny noses.
Yep, we were fabulous this year.
But I did it! I roasted a turkey, made some ham, did potatoes and gravy. My daughter peeled all the potatoes and baked a cake, bless her heart, and my other daughter made macaroni salad and green bean casserole, bless her heart, too. I even baked rolls. There were pies and whipped cream, and we all managed to eat a bit and keep it all down.
Then we just had a lazy afternoon and watched movies, and called it a day.
Off and on since, I have taken to my bed a lot of the time, trying to get well.
I have a sinus infection at this point, and I'm getting sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Anyway, there are no pictures of Thanksgiving this year, really. I'm a little upset with myself over that, but I'll give myself a pass this time. I mean, who wants to pose when they're sick?
But this is going to be my Thanksgiving post, because in spite of 2016 being an overall terrible year--I could make you a list, but I won't--there were plenty of things to be thankful for. A new granddaughter in March. That's a total of nine wonderful grandchildren, all of whom are healthy and beautiful and wonderful. Everyone has a job now--well, except me, but I am writing! Healthy family members. Roof over my head, and the heads of my family. (It leaks, but thankfully, there is a plan.) I have sold several copies of my book, which is pretty cool. So I have a lot of reasons to be thankful this year, and I really do thank God for all the blessings.
Cancelled my dad and brother two weeks ago due to illness. (The roof plan) They cancelled Thanksgiving week due to weather. Maybe they'll make it this week. Maybe it'll snow. I'm not holding my breath, but I would really like to go to Wyoming for a visit, and when things are done, I'm planning to go home with them for a while. I can't wait to see everyone!
On the super-plus side, for the month of November I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to push myself to finish the book I'm working on, and I got my 50,000 words, so I am now a NaNoWriMo winner. Whatever else that means, I have over 200 pages written so far and I feel like I'm in the home stretch--until editing starts. Ha ha. I hate editing. That's the hardest part for me. There will most likely be more research before I finish, but surprisingly, I'm having fun with that.
It's almost December. Oh my gosh. Christmas is coming. I have no plan this year. Oops!
Take it easy, everyone!
Good night.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
November 20, 2016
9:11 p.m.
Oh boy, I think I might live through this one!
Today I got out of bed. I ate some cream of wheat and apple sauce. I had a little coffee.
Today I managed to visit with the kids, feed the little baby, draw with the bigger baby and even got a little writing done.
Yay, me.
So, it's flu season. You go the doctor and get your shot, and then you catch the other strain. And that's if the shot didn't make you sick as well, which always happens to me.
We're close to a week in now. There are presently eight people in my house. It started with the baby. (The bigger baby. The little one doesn't live here.) Next came her older brother.
On Wednesday I had a free two night hotel room offer from the casino, so I took them up on it and went to Blackhawk. Good thing I did. I got sick that night, and so did my daughter-in-law, who was home. We have one bathroom, which would have been impossible, so at least the fates were on our side with that one.
When I wasn't in the hotel bathroom Wednesday night through Friday at check out, I was literally passed out in bed. I dragged myself up in the wee hours of Friday morning to soak in a hot bath, but other than that, I was basically useless.
At some point on Thursday I got dressed and went out for Sprite. I distinctly remember doing that. I had meant to do it all day. I was dehydrated and my stomach hurt, and I really, really wanted 7-Up, but no one ever has that anymore.
I don't know what time I finally made it out, but the sun had gone down.
Now, there had been a plan in place for my brother and dad to come down on Friday. My brother is going to help me with my leaky roof, God bless his heart. But there is no way on God's green earth that I am going to knowingly let anyone walk into my house full of sick people and catch a bug like this one, so I called them and said, "Let's rethink this!"
We're re-thinking it.
Of course, it snowed. And melted. And leaked. Meh!
Anyway, I had also planned to get some writing done while I was there, but nothing too productive came of that plan. I read over some of what did get done--wow, am I going to be editing! I mean, I managed to get a surprising number of words on the page, and there's some workable stuff. But...a little word to the wise: if you can't hold your head up, you probably shouldn't be trying to form a cohesive scene.
Heck, I should just be proud that I made it out of bed in time for check-out Friday morning. I had tea. I had some more Sprite. I took the bus home. And before I went to bed for the rest of the day, I even took the dogs out!
I have a blurred memory of yesterday, once again a-bed, watching bits and pieces of...something. A movie? The Librarian? Maybe. By then everything had changed from stomach to head, nose and chest. Believe me, it's been lovely. I wrote a little here and there, but mostly I tried to fix what I'd managed in my delirium.
Today, out of bed, I sent my stuff from my tablet to my PC and read it through again. Wow.
Like I told my daughter-in-law, my ghostly characters didn't even bother to visit me in my fever dreams. Oddly, though, a new character showed up and started his story, so I don't think it's a loss; it just requires big-time edits.
I have been participating in NaNoWriMo this month just for the kick in the butt to get it done, and it's a good thing I got something done, but gee whiz! I was hoping I'd already hit that 50,000 word target.
Nope! But I am counting every word I put in over the last few days. They cost me. This may be the hardest part of the book to edit, but it fits in the story and I don't want to lose that surprise character. He's pretty cool.
I guess no matter how you plan, you can get a big surprise any time.
My son thought he was going to get by with only the headcold part of this illness, but lo and behold--it got him tonight. Poor guy, we who have gone before him feel his pain.
In the meantime, my granddaughter has so far managed to escape the stomach-centric part of this strain, but not the headache and generally yuckiness. We were hopeful, considering how her uncle was doing, but now I am a little worried. Pray she escapes.
Daughter and son-in-law status: she has sad tummy and a giant pain in the neck--probably from sleeping crooked. He is cruising along like a superstar. Hopefully he will escape entirely.
Other daughter and son-in-law came today with their kids--they must have been crazy! But they said they have all been sick, too, so hopefully we are all over this in time for Thanksgiving. I'm sure we would all like to eat something tastier than Cream of Wheat.
Okay, so--don't catch this! Seriously! It really sucks. Stay well.
Good night!
9:11 p.m.
Oh boy, I think I might live through this one!
Today I got out of bed. I ate some cream of wheat and apple sauce. I had a little coffee.
Today I managed to visit with the kids, feed the little baby, draw with the bigger baby and even got a little writing done.
Yay, me.
So, it's flu season. You go the doctor and get your shot, and then you catch the other strain. And that's if the shot didn't make you sick as well, which always happens to me.
We're close to a week in now. There are presently eight people in my house. It started with the baby. (The bigger baby. The little one doesn't live here.) Next came her older brother.
On Wednesday I had a free two night hotel room offer from the casino, so I took them up on it and went to Blackhawk. Good thing I did. I got sick that night, and so did my daughter-in-law, who was home. We have one bathroom, which would have been impossible, so at least the fates were on our side with that one.
When I wasn't in the hotel bathroom Wednesday night through Friday at check out, I was literally passed out in bed. I dragged myself up in the wee hours of Friday morning to soak in a hot bath, but other than that, I was basically useless.
At some point on Thursday I got dressed and went out for Sprite. I distinctly remember doing that. I had meant to do it all day. I was dehydrated and my stomach hurt, and I really, really wanted 7-Up, but no one ever has that anymore.
I don't know what time I finally made it out, but the sun had gone down.
Now, there had been a plan in place for my brother and dad to come down on Friday. My brother is going to help me with my leaky roof, God bless his heart. But there is no way on God's green earth that I am going to knowingly let anyone walk into my house full of sick people and catch a bug like this one, so I called them and said, "Let's rethink this!"
We're re-thinking it.
Of course, it snowed. And melted. And leaked. Meh!
Anyway, I had also planned to get some writing done while I was there, but nothing too productive came of that plan. I read over some of what did get done--wow, am I going to be editing! I mean, I managed to get a surprising number of words on the page, and there's some workable stuff. But...a little word to the wise: if you can't hold your head up, you probably shouldn't be trying to form a cohesive scene.
Heck, I should just be proud that I made it out of bed in time for check-out Friday morning. I had tea. I had some more Sprite. I took the bus home. And before I went to bed for the rest of the day, I even took the dogs out!
I have a blurred memory of yesterday, once again a-bed, watching bits and pieces of...something. A movie? The Librarian? Maybe. By then everything had changed from stomach to head, nose and chest. Believe me, it's been lovely. I wrote a little here and there, but mostly I tried to fix what I'd managed in my delirium.
Today, out of bed, I sent my stuff from my tablet to my PC and read it through again. Wow.
Like I told my daughter-in-law, my ghostly characters didn't even bother to visit me in my fever dreams. Oddly, though, a new character showed up and started his story, so I don't think it's a loss; it just requires big-time edits.
I have been participating in NaNoWriMo this month just for the kick in the butt to get it done, and it's a good thing I got something done, but gee whiz! I was hoping I'd already hit that 50,000 word target.
Nope! But I am counting every word I put in over the last few days. They cost me. This may be the hardest part of the book to edit, but it fits in the story and I don't want to lose that surprise character. He's pretty cool.
I guess no matter how you plan, you can get a big surprise any time.
My son thought he was going to get by with only the headcold part of this illness, but lo and behold--it got him tonight. Poor guy, we who have gone before him feel his pain.
In the meantime, my granddaughter has so far managed to escape the stomach-centric part of this strain, but not the headache and generally yuckiness. We were hopeful, considering how her uncle was doing, but now I am a little worried. Pray she escapes.
Daughter and son-in-law status: she has sad tummy and a giant pain in the neck--probably from sleeping crooked. He is cruising along like a superstar. Hopefully he will escape entirely.
Other daughter and son-in-law came today with their kids--they must have been crazy! But they said they have all been sick, too, so hopefully we are all over this in time for Thanksgiving. I'm sure we would all like to eat something tastier than Cream of Wheat.
Okay, so--don't catch this! Seriously! It really sucks. Stay well.
Good night!
Monday, November 14, 2016
November 13, 2016
11:54 p.m.
Wow, the moon! And tomorrow it will appear to be bigger than it has in decades.
People keep telling me that the moon IS bigger. Nope. Science, people. The moon is the same size--it appears bigger because the moon and the earth as passing closer together in their orbits than they have in decades. Objects appear bigger when they are closer to you than they do when they're further away.
What is it with education these days? Why do people put more faith in Internet memes than in actual scientific evidence? What will it take to get this country back on track with schooling?
When I was a kid, education in the United States was considered some of the best in the world. The USA no longer holds that record.
Why? What happened to this country?
I'd like to think that things could get better, but I have serious doubts; it doesn't seem like very many people actually care.
Music and art are cut from education programs at an alarming rate. Yet, both can contribute considerably to the math skills of students. So, why are they less important than football? It makes no sense!
The majority of schools are cutting the teaching of cursive writing because everyone these days uses a keyboard. How are the generations to come ever going to be able to read historical documents?
Penmanship is a thing of the past. I don't think my grandchildren have ever hand-written a letter or addressed an envelope. Everything is a text, and most of those are filled with misspelled words, incorrect punctuation and grammatically incorrect usage.
How are they going to get jobs when they won't even be able to write a resume?
Speaking of resumes, whatever happened to walking into an establishment, meeting the owner or manager face to face and asking for a job? Everything has to be done through a website; there's nothing personal about the process these days. Frankly, I don't really want to apply for a job anywhere that I can't go into in person and meet the people I'll be working for. Instead, I'm required to submit everything online, and the first people who contact me likely have never set foot in the establishment I'd work at.
I don't much care for the world we've created with our technology. It intimidates and frightens me. I feel that it makes it easier to treat each other badly. People think they can't really hurt or be hurt by those they never see. Cyber bullying? There's still a person behind that tech persona, and that person can still hurt or be hurt. Just because you don't witness that hurt face to face doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
Face to face interaction is going away; I have seen kids sit side by side on a sofa and text each other on their phones rather than interacting. It makes me crazy.
Here's a Thanksgiving plan for you: collect all the phones at the door, or at the very least, get every guest to agree that those phones will be used ONLY to take pictures. No calls, no texting. Eat your meal, talk to each other. Interact.
At the end of the meal, if you REALLY MUST, send your out-of-town family and friends a nice video greeting from everyone. Just one.
Here's my challenge: three whole hours without a tweet, text message, Facebook upload, phone call. Three hours. Then do your video, if you must. When you get home, share your pictures. Tell your friends about your food.
Most of all, tell them about the conversations you were able to have because you decided to shut down the tech for a little while and be people who look each other in the eye and share a connection that uses no plug-in.
After that little experiment, try it again at Christmas. And feel free to share your results with me--I'm really interested to see how it all works out. You might find out that Grandma has had a really interesting life, and that your uncle was a hero. You might find out that your cousin is a bit of an ass--but how would you know if all you ever saw was the memes he shares about football?
Get to know the people you should be getting to know. Unplug and enjoy them.
I challenge you: do it! See what you learn.
That's what I've been thinking about lately, and for me it will be easy, because I'll be with my folks for the holiday, and they're already unplugged.
I'm looking forward to it.
Good night.
11:54 p.m.
Wow, the moon! And tomorrow it will appear to be bigger than it has in decades.
People keep telling me that the moon IS bigger. Nope. Science, people. The moon is the same size--it appears bigger because the moon and the earth as passing closer together in their orbits than they have in decades. Objects appear bigger when they are closer to you than they do when they're further away.
What is it with education these days? Why do people put more faith in Internet memes than in actual scientific evidence? What will it take to get this country back on track with schooling?
When I was a kid, education in the United States was considered some of the best in the world. The USA no longer holds that record.
Why? What happened to this country?
I'd like to think that things could get better, but I have serious doubts; it doesn't seem like very many people actually care.
Music and art are cut from education programs at an alarming rate. Yet, both can contribute considerably to the math skills of students. So, why are they less important than football? It makes no sense!
The majority of schools are cutting the teaching of cursive writing because everyone these days uses a keyboard. How are the generations to come ever going to be able to read historical documents?
Penmanship is a thing of the past. I don't think my grandchildren have ever hand-written a letter or addressed an envelope. Everything is a text, and most of those are filled with misspelled words, incorrect punctuation and grammatically incorrect usage.
How are they going to get jobs when they won't even be able to write a resume?
Speaking of resumes, whatever happened to walking into an establishment, meeting the owner or manager face to face and asking for a job? Everything has to be done through a website; there's nothing personal about the process these days. Frankly, I don't really want to apply for a job anywhere that I can't go into in person and meet the people I'll be working for. Instead, I'm required to submit everything online, and the first people who contact me likely have never set foot in the establishment I'd work at.
I don't much care for the world we've created with our technology. It intimidates and frightens me. I feel that it makes it easier to treat each other badly. People think they can't really hurt or be hurt by those they never see. Cyber bullying? There's still a person behind that tech persona, and that person can still hurt or be hurt. Just because you don't witness that hurt face to face doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
Face to face interaction is going away; I have seen kids sit side by side on a sofa and text each other on their phones rather than interacting. It makes me crazy.
Here's a Thanksgiving plan for you: collect all the phones at the door, or at the very least, get every guest to agree that those phones will be used ONLY to take pictures. No calls, no texting. Eat your meal, talk to each other. Interact.
At the end of the meal, if you REALLY MUST, send your out-of-town family and friends a nice video greeting from everyone. Just one.
Here's my challenge: three whole hours without a tweet, text message, Facebook upload, phone call. Three hours. Then do your video, if you must. When you get home, share your pictures. Tell your friends about your food.
Most of all, tell them about the conversations you were able to have because you decided to shut down the tech for a little while and be people who look each other in the eye and share a connection that uses no plug-in.
After that little experiment, try it again at Christmas. And feel free to share your results with me--I'm really interested to see how it all works out. You might find out that Grandma has had a really interesting life, and that your uncle was a hero. You might find out that your cousin is a bit of an ass--but how would you know if all you ever saw was the memes he shares about football?
Get to know the people you should be getting to know. Unplug and enjoy them.
I challenge you: do it! See what you learn.
That's what I've been thinking about lately, and for me it will be easy, because I'll be with my folks for the holiday, and they're already unplugged.
I'm looking forward to it.
Good night.
Friday, November 11, 2016
November 11, 2016
2:55 p.m.
Veterans' Day has rolled around again. It does my heart good to see all the tributes to family members and friends who served this Country over the years.
I have several family members who served. One was seriously injured and spent the rest of his life minus a leg and his vision. Others escaped unscathed, and I thank God for that; they could have shared the fate of my great uncle, or lost their lives entirely, as so many in this country have done.
The unselfish act of joining forces with their fellow Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine comrades too often goes unpraised--even entirely unnoticed--by those of us they served to protect. Too many people have even gone so far as to chastise or ridicule them for their desire to protect this country from those who would gladly take our freedom from us.
This week has been a nightmare for this country. I say that not because of the outcome of this latest election, but because of the outcome of the outcome. Since Tuesday both major party's constituants have gone out of their way to make complete fools of themselves by propogating hateful acts across the country. This behavior has shown the rest of the world what they'd already begun to believe of us--that our country is filled with hateful, ignorant people and that we are doomed to failure.
And do you know what? They are right to feel that way! If something is not done immediately to quell the behavior of the people who are putting on this disastrous show of spoiled brattiness, entitlement and bullying, the whole world will shake their heads and turn their backs on a country they once admired and respected.
And we will deserve their scorn.
But, damn it, our VETERANS do NOT deserve it! We owe them better than this--this--outragous display. We owe them a debt of gratitude and humility and RESPECT!
And how do we do this? We stop acting like spoiled brat babies and GROW UP! We take what has been given to us and make the very best of it. We are still "The People" and we are still empowered to take control of ourselves and our futures, but we will not accomplish anything until we act like mature adults and get hold of ourselves and make the good things happen.
Show RESPECT for those who were willing to die for your freedom.
It is Veterans' Day. Take a deep breath, say thank you and then show them you mean it; deal with cards you've been dealt and make the best of it. You say you're proud and grateful--prove it. Make our veterans proud and grateful for you.
Okay, I'm done.
Thank you, Veterans, for your service. I really am proud and grateful for all of you.
2:55 p.m.
Veterans' Day has rolled around again. It does my heart good to see all the tributes to family members and friends who served this Country over the years.
I have several family members who served. One was seriously injured and spent the rest of his life minus a leg and his vision. Others escaped unscathed, and I thank God for that; they could have shared the fate of my great uncle, or lost their lives entirely, as so many in this country have done.
The unselfish act of joining forces with their fellow Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine comrades too often goes unpraised--even entirely unnoticed--by those of us they served to protect. Too many people have even gone so far as to chastise or ridicule them for their desire to protect this country from those who would gladly take our freedom from us.
This week has been a nightmare for this country. I say that not because of the outcome of this latest election, but because of the outcome of the outcome. Since Tuesday both major party's constituants have gone out of their way to make complete fools of themselves by propogating hateful acts across the country. This behavior has shown the rest of the world what they'd already begun to believe of us--that our country is filled with hateful, ignorant people and that we are doomed to failure.
And do you know what? They are right to feel that way! If something is not done immediately to quell the behavior of the people who are putting on this disastrous show of spoiled brattiness, entitlement and bullying, the whole world will shake their heads and turn their backs on a country they once admired and respected.
And we will deserve their scorn.
But, damn it, our VETERANS do NOT deserve it! We owe them better than this--this--outragous display. We owe them a debt of gratitude and humility and RESPECT!
And how do we do this? We stop acting like spoiled brat babies and GROW UP! We take what has been given to us and make the very best of it. We are still "The People" and we are still empowered to take control of ourselves and our futures, but we will not accomplish anything until we act like mature adults and get hold of ourselves and make the good things happen.
Show RESPECT for those who were willing to die for your freedom.
It is Veterans' Day. Take a deep breath, say thank you and then show them you mean it; deal with cards you've been dealt and make the best of it. You say you're proud and grateful--prove it. Make our veterans proud and grateful for you.
Okay, I'm done.
Thank you, Veterans, for your service. I really am proud and grateful for all of you.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
November 10, 2016
4:57 p.m.
Fifty-five years ago today, the world was blessed with the birth of this lady right here: My sister! Happy Birthday, Melanie!!
A few years ago, Mel came to visit. We went to see Alice Cooper and had a great time. Then we went up to Blackhawk, CO so we could lose some money, and we had a great time again.
I never get to spend enough time with this great gal. I'm looking forward to spending some time with her later this month.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I am getting excited because my brother and my father are coming next week. Time to repair the roof--YAY! The weather has so far been cooperative, so I am just hoping and praying that it holds out until the work is done.
And then--guess what? I am going to go home with them for an extended visit. It's so important to me to be able to spend time with my parents and family.
My daughter and her family are staying with me right now, and this visit away will make a little more room in my house for them. I'm so glad they are here. Starting over is hard, but they are making a good start. Getting the grandkids into new schools has been hard, though, especially the High School student. Changing schools is rough.
While I'm in Wyoming, hopefully I will manage to finish my book. I hope it's done before Christmas and then I'll start the editing process. For me, that's always the hardest part. It will be good to do it there--it's nice and quiet at my parents' house.
Oh boy, now I am laughing at myself--I don't necessarily work well in quiet. Sometimes it seems to me that I get more work done when the baby is running around like a whirling dirvish, giggling and screaming, than I do when everyone is asleep. A room full of people shouting at the video game they're playing is sometimes my best background noise. I've written a lot lately.
I am wierd.
But really, editing is a different story. Quiet should be good for that. Editing is hard; you find all your silly mistakes, you decide your scenes suck, you discover that your facts don't add up. Ugh! I never look forward to that part of the writing process. But it has to be done.
_________________________________________________________________________________
6:00 p.m.
There's a "Jane the Virgin" marathon going on at my house right now. This show is so cute. I introduced it to my granddaughter so she'd have a positive role model in actress Gina Rodriguez.
When I was a kid, I had favorite actors, writers, and musicians that I looked to; it's just a part of growing up, I think. I still have favorites, as I'm sure you all do. Some of them are the same favorites I had as a kid growing up--for example, I will never NOT love Alice Cooper. I love him more than ever, but not for all the same reasons I loved him as a kid. I didn't know, as a kid, that he was such a good golfer, or that he was a good Christian. I didn't know he'd end up being a great husband and father. These are things I admire him for now, in addition to loving the music. As a kid I just knew that he kind of freaked my mother out, and that was a cool thing.
I think kids still choose their favorites based on the "Mom's creeped out" factor, but some of these so called "role models" are so inappropriate that I have felt the need to try to influence my kids and grandkids to choose some role models that are actually good. That's why I encouraged my daughters and granddaughters to watch "Jane the Virgin" and in the process get to know a good role model in the actress who portrays her.
Gina Rodriguez is college educated and an advocate for education. She has been honest with her fans regarding her health issues and weight issues. She is a Latina who has brought attention to the Hispanic community's contributions to the entertainment industry. My girls have always needed to know that it is not necessary to be a blue-eyed blond to succeed. My granddaughters also need to know that it is not necessary to dress inappropriately or swear like a sailor in order to be noticed. I admire Gina Rodriguez for giving them someone who really is appropriate to look up to.
And the show is so cute. So fun. So silly. We all enjoy it. We also enjoy the actresses who portray Jane's mother and grandmother. We think the baby is adorable. And on the super-plus side--there are some nice looking men! It's a win-win.
My plug for "Jane the Virgin": Now in its third season. Seasons one and two available on Netflix. Watch it on the CW. Enjoy!
_________________________________________________________________________________
It's November 10th. I have still not turned the heater on! Wow!!
I'm cold. But not freezing. So, robe and blankets. No one else seems to be cold so far this season, so I can be tough, right?
(Said the wimp)
_________________________________________________________________________________
9:25 p.m.
Oh, what fun! The kids are watching "Shrek". It's been ages since I saw this movie; it's still fun. I've been writing all evening, and now I think I'm going to take a break and watch with the kiddos.
Have a good night!
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
November 8, 2016
9:08 p.m.
Election day.
Feeling more than a little sick to my stomach.
Appalled and amazed that my country has come to this.
I totally expected this to be a close race. (Because I'm not really the eternal optimist people think I am.)
I HOPED it wouldn't be. I HOPED that the people of this once-great country would show some sense.
So much for hope.
Ugh!
Done. Over and out.
9:08 p.m.
Election day.
Feeling more than a little sick to my stomach.
Appalled and amazed that my country has come to this.
I totally expected this to be a close race. (Because I'm not really the eternal optimist people think I am.)
I HOPED it wouldn't be. I HOPED that the people of this once-great country would show some sense.
So much for hope.
Ugh!
Done. Over and out.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
November 5, 2016
6:32 p.m.
Autumn is my favorite time of year, but I hate the time change, and it's happening tonight. Ugh!!
(I'm almost certain I've complained about this before, so I apologize in advance, because I'm about to complain again.)
I will never understand the necessity to change the time. Supposedly it adds an hour of daylight in the summer--it doesn't, there are the same number of daylight hours regardless of what time the clocks say it is. And in the winter, when we really need some extra daylight, we turn the clocks back so it gets dark by four in the afternoon in December.
WHY????
I don't know about you, but I didn't appreciate walking home from after-school activities in the dark, and I really don't want kids in this day and age walking home in the dark.
In my opinion, the whole thing is just dumb, dumb, dumb. It's already getting dark early enough, thank you very much. It's pitch dark right now, and it' not even seven o'clock. Who needs this happy crappy?
I can hear you now--"But you're a night person! Why do you care?"
I am one of those people who really, really need light. I need it. Winter darkness can literally make me a sad sack.
Besides, this is no longer a country full of farmers, who supposedly benefited from daylight savings time. I don't know how or why; I already told you we have the same number of hours of daylight regardless of what the clock says. Farmers are going to rise with the sun and work til they can't see anymore regardless of what the clock says, anyway.
So who is getting anything out of this arrangement? I don't get it.
Ugh!!
So tomorrow at this time it will be 7:50 instead of 6:50. What a bunch of hooey!
Ridiculous.
Okay, I'm done.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Still doing the NaNoWriMo. I went to a "write-in" on Thursday evening, and it was kind of fun. However, I didn't realize I needed to take a lap-top or tablet with me--there are computers there at the library--so I ended up hand-writing. Ouch! Not so good at that anymore. I guess using a keyboard has gotten me pretty spoiled.
Today is double word-count day, and here I am blogging instead of working on my book! I'm having to do a lot of research on New Mexico, and wishing I could just hop in a car or a train or a plane and go visit in person. The last time I was actually in the state was years ago, and I've never gotten to do a good tour of the area I'm trying to pretend I know about! Haha!
Science fiction is easier--I just make it up as I go. Who can prove me wrong when I say aliens hold my character in a white room, or whatever? But I'm certain some of my readers might actually know what the museum looks like.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Those who know me know that I am a pretty low-key person for the most part. I like drama only as a genre of books, television and movies. In my own personal life, I prefer everything calm, cool and collected. Totally predictable. No surprises, no conflicts, no drama.
That said, things around here have taken an unexpected turn.
Last summer I suddenly acquired a couple of little dogs. they are cute and cuddly and well behaved.
Unfortunately, they are a make and female, and neither have been fixed. So for pretty much the whole month of October they were a nightmare come true. Never again. Snip, snip, Rex. Snip, snip.
Now my daughter and her family--all five of them--have joined us and the house is full.
I'd forgotten what full-time kids was like. Busy, busy. There's a teenager, and nine-year old and a toddler. Whew!
Did I mention busy?
My grandson started his new school this week and already made a friend in the neighborhood. My granddaughter should start in her new High School next week, and she's a wreck, of course. Changing schools is hard enough without having to do it mid-semester.
The circumstances don't matter, except that there was drama. Ugh! I'm just hoping everything will go better now.
In the meantime, I do not have a toddler-proof home, and storage is a problem, so yesterday I bought a pantry from Lowe's and when my daughter-in-law started to assemble it, one of the parts was the wrong size. Jeez! It just figures, right? You trust that everything in the box will be correct, you know? What a pain.
It's times like these, though, when I realize how much junk I've collected over the years that should have already been donated or discarded. I am such a pack rat!
So right now the kids are playing video games and the baby is pretending to play video games. My daughter and son-in-law are grocery shopping and my son and daughter-in-law are trying to get the correct part for the pantry.
Me? Trying to get a constipated little dog to poop. Poor thing. Can you give a dog a laxative?
Also trying to do research and write, but I am not feeling particularly enlightened or inspired at the moment, so I am griping about daylight savings time, family drama, Lowe's and constipated dogs.
Wow, my life is so exciting!
Can I just add that election day is coming up? And the whole year has given my stomach ache a stomach ache! What a nightmare election year. The idea of the next four years has me feeling pretty low.
So, yeah, not the greatest week around here.
Wow, the grocery shoppers have returned. We need that pantry! Yikes! I hope they can get the part we need at Lowe's.
_________________________________________________________________________________
8:58 p.m.
Man, I can't catch a break. No part available, pantry defective. I think I need a nap.
On the plus side, my brother is coming soon to fix my roof, and it's not going to be as bad as I had thought. Plus my dad is coming, and he ordered some of the materials as my early Christmas present.
I have the best family.
No matter what. Just the BEST.
And now, I'm going to sign off before I can even think about complaining about something else.
Good night!
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
November 1, 2016
1:09 p.m.
Oh my gosh, it's November!
This month I have decided to participate in NaNoWriMo--that means National Novel Writing Month. I am still trying to figure out how to properly use their web site.
I've actually been working on this book for awhile, but a lot of the work has been research. Now it's time to crunch out the words!
I was planning to release a small sampling yesterday, in time for Halloween, but life in the Shablo family intervened, and so the exerpt is late.
Before reading, here's what you need to know: the main character, Emma, discovered as a small child that she was able to see and speak to her deceased family members. Most came to her to reveal family history or to clear up misunderstandings. Sometimes they came just to help. When Emma was twelve, she was a lonely child with few friends, Suddenly, a couple of popular girls befriend her and invie her to a Halloween party. Her mother makes her a lovely gypsy costume, and she goes tp her first Junior High party.
1:09 p.m.
Oh my gosh, it's November!
This month I have decided to participate in NaNoWriMo--that means National Novel Writing Month. I am still trying to figure out how to properly use their web site.
I've actually been working on this book for awhile, but a lot of the work has been research. Now it's time to crunch out the words!
I was planning to release a small sampling yesterday, in time for Halloween, but life in the Shablo family intervened, and so the exerpt is late.
Before reading, here's what you need to know: the main character, Emma, discovered as a small child that she was able to see and speak to her deceased family members. Most came to her to reveal family history or to clear up misunderstandings. Sometimes they came just to help. When Emma was twelve, she was a lonely child with few friends, Suddenly, a couple of popular girls befriend her and invie her to a Halloween party. Her mother makes her a lovely gypsy costume, and she goes tp her first Junior High party.
Jack dropped her off at Cherry’s house at
seven that evening; the party was supposed to end at eleven, the latest Emma
had ever been out.
Cherry’s mother met her at the door, and
greeted her by name. “Everyone is waiting for you!” she told Emma excitedly.
She waved at Jack, who was sitting in the car, and closed the door.
“Waiting for me? Why?” Emma asked.
“Don’t be silly, dear! You know!”
“I—I do?”
The woman laughed merrily and led Emma to
a door that opened to the stairway to the basement. “You look fabulous, dear!
Down you go, now!”
So Emma went down the stairs. Twenty-one
faces stared up at her as she descended. She held her tambourine in one hand,
her crystal ball in the other; she felt, for the first time, an actual moment
of precognition: she’d been set up.
Cherry and Candy advanced on her, smiling
brightly. “At last!” Cherry cried.
Candy added, “She’s here! Now we can
begin!”
“Begin…what?” Emma asked, dreading the answer.
“Gypsy fortune teller, Emma!” Candy
announced, and all the kids applauded. “Here’s your table, Emma,” she added,
leading her to a small, round table covered with a dark cloth and laden with
fortune-telling paraphernalia: a deck of tarot cards, a crystal ball, a pair of
dice, feathers and rune stones.
“What is this?” Emma demanded.
“It’s your table,” Candy repeated. “You’re
the fortune teller—tell our fortunes!”
“I’m not a fortune teller,” Emma
protested. “I’m a gypsy.”
“That’s what gypsies do,” Cherry explained.
“It’s okay, Emma,” she added. “We all came prepared to pay, if you want us to.”
“Pay for what?”
“Our fortunes!” Cherry pointed to the
table. “We set it all up for you; it’s our theme!” Gesturing grandly she intoned:
“‘Talk to the dead and learn your
fortune!’” She smiled winningly. “We just knew you’d love it; you can show off your power!”
“This
is your theme?” Emma cried.
“Sure!” Candy smirked knowingly. “You’re
always talking to someone—at least you say
you are--”
“So how about a little proof?” Cherry
added.
“We’ve been watching you do it since first
grade—“
“So do it now, for us!”
“It doesn’t work that way,” Emma cried.
“Fortune tellers just call the spirits,”
Candy said. “So do it. We want to ask them questions.”
“It doesn’t work that way!” Emma repeated.
“Just sit down, Emma!” Cherry whispered
viciously. “You’re ruining the party!”
“Cherry, I can’t call the spirits,” Emma
argued.
“See?” Candy spat. “I told you it was all a fake, Cherry!”
“So you don’t talk to dead people?” Cherry demanded.
“Yes, I do, but—“
“Then do
it! It’s a party, Emma; just do it.”
“Cherry—“
“She’s a fake, just like I told you,”
Candy said. “I always said she was just talking to herself, trying to get
attention.”
“Attention
is the last thing I want!” Emma
protested.
“Look, Emma,” Candy sneered menacingly.
“We went to a lot of trouble to set this up. No one believes in your power, but
we told them all you’re the real deal. So don’t
mess it up!”
“Is she ready yet?” a boy named Martin
piped up. “I want to talk to my Grandpa.”
Emma whispered frantically, “Why didn’t
you ask me first? I could have told you! It doesn’t work that way!”
“You said you had powers,” Candy accused.
“I never
said I had powers,” Emma shot back. “I talk to my family. My family.”
“You’re going to do this,” Cherry told
her.
“Oh, no I’m not!”
“Oh yes you are! Or we’re telling everyone
you’re a big fat faker!”
“So what? You’ve all been calling me that
for years!” Emma retorted. “You think that’s a threat?”
“If you are nothing but a faker, anyway,” Candy reasoned, “then just fake
it now. Who’s gonna know the
difference?”
“I
will!” Emma cried.
“Told ya,” Candy said to Cherry. “I told you she’s a fake; I told you she’d wimp out.”
“You should have told me,” Emma said. “If I’d known, we could have—“
“Could have what? Figured out how to fake
it better?” Candy sneered.
“Figured out a better theme,” Emma
muttered.
“You’re wrecking the party, Emma!” Cherry
said. “Is that what you want? To ruin the best party of the year?”
“No, but—“
“Then just sit at this table and tell
fortunes. What’s it gonna hurt?”
“Cherry,” Emma growled through gritted teeth,
“I have no idea how to tell a fortune. I don’t get a choice when spirits visit
me; they come when they want to, not when I
want them to.”
“Just fake it like you always do,” Candy
prodded.
“I don’t fake it!” Emma cried. “And even if someone came, they don’t tell
fortunes. They talk about the past.”
“She’s a fake,” Candy declared firmly. “I
knew it.”
“Hey!” Martin hollered. “Are we gonna do
this, or what?”
“Shut up, Marty!” Cherry yelled. “We have
to get ready.”
“I’m not doing this,” Emma said.
“Yes you are,” Candy replied. “I don’t
care how you do it; you do it. That’s the whole reason we
invited you.”
“That’s
why? To humiliate me?”
“Big word, Emma!” Candy applauded
sarcastically. “You even used it right! Mr. McKenzie would be so proud!” She
poked a finger at Emma’s chest, and Emma jerked away. “No, stupid! We invited
you for you! Everyone says you’re a
fake; we were trying to help you. So
you could prove once and for all you have powers.”
“I don’t have powers,” Emma hissed. “I have a damned curse is what I have. And I don’t have to prove a thing—not to them, not to you, not to
anyone!”
“Of course you don’t,” Cherry agreed
soothingly. “But we invited you to the best party of the year, Emma! Do it for us!
We did it for you!”
“Cherry, I can’t just—“
“Just pretend.
Fortunes are just a game, anyway, right?”
“Just sit in the chair and pretend you see
stuff in the crystal ball,” Candy cajoled.
“Don’t ruin our party,” Cherry begged.
“We did it for you,” Candy added.
“The hell you did,” Emma spat. “You did it
for yourselves! Either way, you’re not the ones who end up looking bad!” But
she sat down. She sifted through the things on the table top and shoved the
tarot cards aside. “I’m not touching this crap,” she added.
“I have a Ouija board,” Cherry offered.
“Don’t even think about it!” Emma shuddered. “You guys are going to hell,” she
added, muttering.
“What?” Candy demanded.
“If you missed that bus, you’ll have to
wait for the next one,” Emma declared dismissively.
“What?”
“Slow.”
Emma shook her head contemptuously. “I’ll use the crystal.” She glared at the
girls. “You better hope this all stays
fake,” she warned, narrowing her eyes menacingly.
“You don’t scare us,” Candy said; but she
looked worried, suddenly. She glanced at Cherry, now not so sure of herself.
Emma was furious; she wanted nothing more
than to stomp up the stairs and call her parents for a ride home. There was
also a part of her that was so hurt she wanted to curl up in a corner and cry.
And the most vindictive part of her hoped that a ghost would show up—one who could bang on walls, rattle chains, moan
dramatically and move things; one who could pull Candy’s and Cherry’s hair and
make them scream; they deserved it!
That wasn’t likely; ghosts, in her
experience, just sort of stood or sat there and told you stories.
Still…one could dream. And if they wanted
a fortune—well, by God, she’d give them a show, at least. If that made them
really believe she was nothing but a fake, all for the better. She knew she
wouldn’t be hanging out with them after tonight, anyway.
She put her own crystal ball in her lap;
the one on the table had an elaborate stand, and in spite of herself, she liked
it. She sat her tambourine on the table, near her left hand.
She took a deep breath and let it out. She
repeated the action. Then she frowned up at her former friends. “If you’ve got
snacks and drinks, you better bring them. Fake or not, this requires a lot of energy.”
Candy stared at her for a moment, and then
darted off to the other side of the room. “Is it?” Cherry asked.
“Is it what?” Emma countered.
“Fake.”
Emma stared at her, not blinking. “No,”
she said. “Or…is it?” She raised her
eyebrows inquiringly.
“Emma, I—“
“Shut up, Cherry.”
Emma stared out into the room, a long
recreation room decorated with small card tables covered with Halloween-themed
cloths. A stereo was playing eerie music. In one corner there was a large tin
tub; presumably, they’d be bobbing for apples at some point. In the other
corner, a long table was set with a punch bowl and glasses, rows of caramel
apples and popcorn balls, bowls of chips and dip and wrapped candies.
Emma took another deep breath. “Martin?”
she called. “I guess you’re first.”
Cherry hurried off to help Candy.
Emma had a plate heaped with pumpkin
muffins, chips and dip. Candy had filled a goodie bag with candy, a caramel
apple and a popcorn ball. Cherry brought her a steaming cup of apple cider.
Emma sipped her cider and waved the girls
away. They backed off and sat with their guests.
All eyes were on Emma. She was terrified;
she was trapped.
Where’s
a good ghost when you need one?
Martin sat across from her. He looked as
nervous as she felt. “So,” he said. “You’re a fortune teller, huh?”
“I’m a gypsy,” Emma said.
“Candy says you can tell fortunes,” Martin
told her testily. “Can you?”
“I guess we’ll find out,” Emma muttered.
“I really need to talk to my grandfather.”
“Why?”
“What do you mean, why?”
“I mean, why, Martin? Ghosts do not
just show up; there has to be a reason,
and it has to be important.” Emma was
flying by the seat of her pants, but this was something she knew for certain;
if the reason wasn’t compelling—and not to the living, but to the spirit
involved—they had nothing to say.
“How do you know?” Martin demanded.
“My great grandmother came to me in the
middle of a school day to let me know that my grandmother—her daughter—needed
help right away,” Emma told him. She’d never explained her abrupt departure
from school during a snowstorm to any of her classmates before; Emma was not
compelled to explain anything to anyone outside her own family. Martin was not
one of the classmates who had been there, but several of them were here—Candy and Cherry, for two—and
were hanging on her every word. “It turned out she had a heart attack,” Emma
continued. “We went back to Idaho for over a month while she got well. But if
my great-grandmother hadn’t come to me, she would have died, because she was
home alone when it happened.”
There came a sound of many gasps in the
room, but Emma ignored it. “Do you think your grandfather has something
important to tell you?” she asked. “Or do you just want to say hi and make him
prove something to you? Ghosts aren’t interested in proving to anyone that they
exist.”
“But they said—“
“I don’t care what they said! All
I care about is your reason for being here. Why do you want to talk to your
grandfather, Martin?”
Martin stared down at his lap, muttering.
“What?”
“I said, because I miss him!” Martin
cried, and his face told the story of someone still in the midst of grief.
Emma nodded. “It hasn’t been long since he
passed,” she observed. “Less than a month, I’d say.”
Martin looked impressed. “That’s right!”
he cried.
Emma studied him; she could make some
guesses, but she felt badly for him and didn’t want to make him feel worse. She
forced herself not to glare at Candy and Cherry, and continued to make eye
contact with Martin. He looked by turns grief-stricken, defiant and hopeful.
Emma wanted to cry.
“He wasn’t sick,” Emma said. It wasn’t a
question; Martin exhibited all the signs of one who’d been completely taken by
surprise by death.
“No.” Martin agreed. “He was the
healthiest guy I knew!”
“I don’t think he’ll talk to me, Martin,”
Emma said. “He has to come to terms with his death first.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well,” Emma said, “sometimes, when it’s
sudden, ghosts don’t really know what happened to them…” Emma was thinking
about a train crash and a ghost who had yet to visit her himself.
Martin smirked; it seemed self-protective,
really; it made Emma sadder for him. “Then why did your great-grandmother come
to you?” he demanded.
“It was different,” Emma replied
thoughtfully. “She had cancer. She was really sick for a long time; she knew
she was going; she was ready to go.
Once she did, it was all better for her.” Emma sighed. “She came to tell me so;
so I could tell my family. They needed to know she was better off.”
“Maybe I need to know that, too!” Martin
cried.
“You already do know that,” Emma said.
“No I don’t! He shouldn’t have—it
wasn’t—damn it!” Martin had tears in his eyes, and Emma felt awful.
“Accidents happen, Emma.”
Emma looked up; her great-grandmother was
there! Emma stared at her, hopeful for the first time that night. “What kind of
accident was it?” she asked.
“Tragic,” her great-grandmother said.
“Stupid,” Martin said.
“That’s helpful,” Emma muttered.
“This is not a good idea, Emmaline.”
“I know, Grandma.”
“What—your grandma comes, but not my
grandpa?” Martin cried.
“Martin—“
“Tell him to always check the safety.”
“Grandma—“
“Tell him!”
“Martin. Martin!”
“What?”
“Always check the safety.”
Martin’s mouth fell open. “How did you--?”
“Tell him it was an accident.”
“It was an accident, Martin.”
“Tell him to stop blaming his friend.”
“Stop blaming your friend.”
Martin started to cry. “He’s not my
friend!” he moaned.
“His grandfather’s
friend,” the great-grandmother clarified.
“He was your grandfather’s friend. It was
an accident. Stop blaming him.”
“He—“
“Stop it, Martin!” Emma knew she could
take it from here; her great-grandmother was gone, at any rate. “He already blames
himself so much that your blame can never hurt him. It was an accident!” Fully
aware that every eye was on them, she leaned closer to Martin. He leaned in
closer to her and she whispered, “If you don’t let this go—if you don’t forgive
this man and go on—you’re the one who
will suffer. Holding a grudge is hard work, and never worth it, Marty. Your
grandpa has moved on; he doesn’t hold a grudge; he knows his friend would never
have done it on purpose. He wants you to do the same.”
“I don’t know if I can!” Martin sobbed. “I love my grandpa!”
“I know you do. He knows it, too.” Emma
put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “And to honor him, you need to let it
go.”
“I’ll try,” Martin whispered. He got up,
turned away from everyone and ran up the stairs.
Emma stood up and faced her seated peers,
who were staring at her with a mixture of awe and fear. She pointed at Candy
and Cherry. “You!” she cried. “I hate
you guys.”
“But you did it!” Cherry argued. “You—“
“She’s a witch!” one of the girls gasped. It
was Muriel, one of the kids Emma had known since first grade.
“Shut up, Muriel!” This came from a new
girl, one Emma hadn’t met previously.
Emma continued. “This was all your doing! Do you think that was fun for him?” She pointed at the
stairway. “He’s suffered a loss, and you made a game of his pain!”
“Who’s next?” a boy Emma didn’t know
asked, oblivious.
“No one’s next!” Emma shouted, furious. “I
never should have done this in the first place!”
“But, Emma!” Candy cried. “The party’s
just getting started!”
Emma stared at her, jaw slack. “Are…you…crazy?” she demanded. “Or just stupid?”
“Hey!”
“I’m not doing this,” Emma declared
emphatically.
“Yes, you are!” Cherry argued. “We’ll tell the whole school what a fake you
are!”
A few of the other kids nodded, and Emma
heard several say “Yeah, we will,” and “Just wait and see,” but she didn’t
care. She snatched up her crystal ball and her tambourine and stalked toward
the stairs.
“Get back here!” Candy cried. “You’re
spoiling all the fun!”
Emma whirled around and glared at her,
furious. “If you think using me to make a game of someone’s grief is fun, Candy, you’re one sick puppy.”
“I didn’t know—“
“You knew enough!” Emma spat. She shook
her head, filled with contempt. “You should have known better!” She started up the stairs. She was startled to find the
new girl right next to her. “What?” she cried. “What do you want?”
“I’m going with you,” the girl said. “I
don’t want any part of this!
Or
any of that…that…mess!” She opened the door at the top of the stairs.
Cherry’s mother stood there, looking
distraught as Martin sobbed on the phone. “What did you do to him?” she demanded when she saw Emma.
“Ask your kid,” Emma snapped. She
regretted her rudeness immediately, but offered no apology.
Martin hung up the phone. “She didn’t do anything, ma’am,” he sniffed. To Emma he
said, “My dad’s coming.” He shuffled his feet, and his face reddened. “Do you
want a ride home?”
Emma nodded, surprised. “Yes, please,” she
replied.
“We’ll take you, too, Sasha,” Martin
offered.
The new girl smiled. “Thanks, Marty.” She
turned and offered Cherry’s mother her hand. “Thank you for having us,” she
said.
The woman, caught off guard, shook hands
with her. “Wait,” she told them. “I’ll get your treats!”
“That’s not—“
She darted down the stairs.
“—necessary,” Emma finished weakly.
“We’ll be right outside,” Sasha called to
the woman, and the three of them went out the front door. “Whew!” Sasha added.
“That was—“
“Hell on earth,” Emma said.
“Good enough,” Sasha agreed. “Are you
okay, Marty?”
“I’m sorry, Emma,” Martin said. “I didn’t
know…”
“I’m the one who’s sorry,” Emma sighed. “I
never should have let them talk me into that.”
“Guilt you into it, more like,” Sasha said
disdainfully. “I heard them; they went behind your back and then made you feel
responsible for the success or failure of their ‘great’” (she mimed air quotation marks) “party. Hmph!”
“And I just made things worse,” Martin
added, “because I really wanted to talk to my grandpa.”
Emma shrugged. “Everyone has someone they
want to talk to,” she said. “But—“
The door banged open. “Here are your bags!”
Cherry’s mother thrust goodie-bags at them. The kids took them from her
awkwardly. They were stuffed with muffins, candies, caramel apples and popcorn
balls. The woman looked flushed and harried. “Enjoy! Thanks for coming!” And
she slammed the door.
The
trio looked at each other, and wandered away from the porch to the sidewalk.
“Well,” Sasha said. “I’m thinking things might not be too pleasant in there.”
She nodded toward the house, eyebrows raised dramatically.
“Wish you were a fly on the wall?” Martin
asked.
Emma toed the sidewalk. “Not really,” she
said. “The rumors will be flying on Monday. I can wait til then to find out
what a fake and phony I am.”
Sasha shook her head. “You’re not,” she
said.
“No,” Martin agreed emphatically.
“You wait,” Emma told them. “There are a
lot of kids in there. They’ll find a way to make this my fault.”
“Emma—“
“You’ll see.”
Martin’s father pulled up next to them
then, and they all climbed into the car. “Party’s a bust?” he asked.
“And how,” Martin agreed. He proceeded to
tell his dad the whole story.
Stopping for a traffic light, Martin’s
father turned to look at Emma. “Well, well,” he said. “I know your dad; he
never told me you were so special.”
“I’m not,” Emma muttered.
“Don’t worry.” The light turned green and
they moved on. “Being special just means you understand the hurts of others
well enough to be helpful.”
“Wow,” Sasha breathed. “That’s profound.”
“Your grandpa was a wonderful guy,” he told
Martin. “He raised your mom right; that’s how she’s managed to be so great to
us. Right?”
“Yes,” Martin agreed.
“Your friend is right; he would never want
you holding on to this. Let it go, son. His friend needs to let it go, too, but
so far he’s not listening to us. Maybe…”
“I’ll call him tomorrow,” Martin said.
Emma started to cry. “Accidents happen,”
she whispered.
“Yes,” Sasha agreed. “Yes, they do.” She
put her arms around Emma and patted her awkwardly.
True friendships really can be formed in
an instant. The three of them formed their own circle that lasted throughout
their school years. Emma had never since longed for a greater circle of
friends; she had learned that if you have one or two who accept you and believe
in you, it’s really all you need.
So there's your Halloween treat. I hope you like it. Please let me know.
Happy (late) Halloween.
Bye bye.
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