Journaling Woman

Training the A-Z way

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

It’sJanuary and it's my plan this year to participate in the blogfest A-Z Challenge in April. This blogfestis about posting for 26 days with every day corresponding to a letter of thealphabet. There’s much more to it at the Blogging from A-Z Challenge site here. Wait; don’t go until you readmy post.

Leeat Tossing it Out is the manbehind the scheme. He thought up this challenging blogfest and it’s been a hit eversince. And he’s recruited some of his friends and fellow bloggers along the wayto help. Beginning January 30^th you can sign up.

Now, I don’t join blogfestsoften. There’s the commitment issues. There’s the “marching to my own drummer”philosophy. But sometimes you long to belong.

And that’swhere the Bloggingfrom A-Z Challenge comes in. Toget prepared, I’m in training. Here’s my workout plan.

Exercising

Fingersstretch out. Fingers pull in. Repeat eight more times. Then—stop.

Resting

· Geteight hours of sleep.

· Dreameach night about a dancing alphabet.

· Leapvigorously to catch random letters in your dreams since you will need them to complete A-Z.

· Andeven if they struggle and bite to be free, catch them. It’s well worth it.

Mental Games

Repeatdaily: A-Z is only one month. Not even a month. Only 26 days. It’s achallenge not a marriage. You’re only committing yourself for 26 days. Considerit a very long date.

Read

· The Little Engine That Could (I think I can, I think Ican)

· OldA-Z posts for ideas. New A-Z posts for ideas. (This helps you know you’re not alone.)

· Gone with the Wind (“I can’t think of that right now, If I doI’ll go crazy. I 'll think about that tomorrow.”)

Nutrition

· Eatchocolate – lots and any kind is fine.

· Drinkcoffee. Lots. Coffee helps with memory. True story, I think.

· Eatfried foods to store fat because writing is a lonely and cold profession. You’llneed the comfort of fried food.

Write

Writerandom ideas. Write conversations. Write grocery lists. Write until you findyour theme. Then…write it for real.

Andthat’s my training workout for the Blogging From A-Z Challenge coming to a blog near youApril 1-30. I’m stoked. I have a theme.I’m getting prepared.

Now go visit theBlogging from A-Z Challenge site to learn more about it. Get outta here--go!

Success

2012-01-25T01:00:00.000-06:00

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends.

To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded." ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

What's your version of success?

Quote Source: http://www.inspirationpeak.com/success.html

Mondays

2012-01-23T06:43:00.000-06:00

Some days I've just got nuttin' to share, except:

It's Monday

Have a great one!

~~JW

Relationships

2012-01-22T08:40:00.000-06:00

One of the hardest things about grandchildren for me is after they’ve reached six months, they can control who holds them. For a short time, the chubby cheek kissing stops. The holding them close—stops.

Don’t cry for me Argentina because once I develop a different relationship with my grandchildren there’s no peeling them off me. It’s a wonderful thing.

This last little man and I made connection on his terms late last year. I was sitting on the floor of my living room talking, when out of nowhere, he leaped into my lap. No warning. No may I? He just leaped into my lap with the twinkling eyes and the sweet grin of his daddy.

A good relationship is never one sided.

We can live our lives with minimal relationship with our Heavenly Father. But, without knowing who God is and what he can do for his first love—humankind, we are not getting the complete experience of God’s love and power.

A good place to start? Praying.

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.” Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)

God is always there. He's waiting.

Blessings,
JW

Life Edits

2012-01-18T07:06:00.000-06:00

Are you the editor of your life?

As I write and then rewrite, I use my editing skills. During the process, I often learn what not to repeat and what works well. I’d like to say I learn the first time from my mistakes, but not necessarily. And guess what? If I don’t apply the edits, I may get the same bad results the next time.

We are the first editors over anything we do—or we should be. We should edit:

· What we say.

· What we do.

· What we spend.

· What we eat.

· What we keep.

· How we live.

Do you learn from your edits the first time (for whatever it may be) or does it take a try or two?

Be inspired to be your own life editor. Happy Wednesday!

~~JW

Monday's Random Thoughts

2012-01-16T02:00:00.010-06:00

This is what I've been up to.

On Writing:

1. I’m working on a story for the Highlights Fiction Contest. It needs to be a children’s story influenced by an unusual news item. Due January 30. Go here to read more about it.

2. I’m fine tuning two shorts to go out.

3. Still working on a Christmas story. Its working title is Three Miracles. But that sounds lame—so I’m not sure.

On Reading

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

At the Movies

I got out of the house this weekend and went to see Joyful Noise with Dolly Pardon and Queen Latifah. I didn't go to see it with those two, they were in it. Just wanted to make that clear.

It was a fun movie and (I wasn’t expecting it) had a spiritual tone. It had lots of humor, romance, disappointment, tense moments and happy endings. Oh and it’s totally a musical, but I like musicals. For me, some of the storyline was lame, but I enjoyed it.

On Music

If you haven’t been there yet, I’ve put up something new at The Ruralhood, a post titled Music Traditions in the Ozarks.

Random Thoughts

Dear Store Cashiers, I like to use cash to purchase. It’s my thing—helps me see where my money goes. It hurts my feelings when you hold my bills up to the light to see if they’re real. I promise—they’re real. And why aren’t you holding up the new coins, that I gave you, to the light to see if they are real? Huh?

Dear Bearer of Gossip, if you’re going to talk about someone, do not stand with your back to the door. The subject of your news might come in and hear you. Ok, they did hear you.

Dear Diverticulitis, Ouch. Please, go away. Don’t come back another day. Leave now. Your taxi’s waiting.

Dear Humongous Store, you might think by moving your inventory around that it will cause the consumer to buy things they didn’t intend to buy, but this only causes me to give up and go home. Now what do you think about that? You made me tired. I went home. Now you can’t hold my thousand dollar bill up to the light.

Dear Beautiful Stray Cat, if you want me to sneak around and feed you, you must not antagonized Kiki Dee. She’s Queen Bee. I’m sure you’ve heard that she rules? She will make you go away, so be nice. I’m just saying.

Love, JW

Those are my random thoughts, what’s yours?

3:16

2012-01-15T08:11:00.000-06:00

^{There’s more to it, John 3:16.}

¹ Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.

⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

⁹ “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

¹⁰ “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? ¹¹ Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. ¹² I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. ¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,¹⁵ that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:1-21 (NIV) (Underlining emphasis mine.)

There’s more to this well used verse. God is not our fairy godfather. He's God. He's about real love and eternal life. And, we have the choice to either follow him or not.

That's what John 3:16 is about.

Scripture source: BibleGateway.com

I feel like an Idiom

2012-01-12T10:40:00.000-06:00

I was as sick as a dog with a chip on my shoulder. Why you ask? Because out of the blue, someone rubbed me the wrong way, jumped the gun and now will pay the piper.

This is how it went down.

“Will you forgive me?” he asked.

“You’re barking up the wrong tree, Buddy. Forgive? Maybe once in a blue moon, maybe never,” I said.

“You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”

“Way to be an eager beaver when asking for forgiveness,” I wheezed with anger and sarcasm.

“Get off your high horse.”

“YOU hold your horses.”

“Baby, it’s a dog eat dog world,” he said, “and, you eat like a horse.”

“You need to watch your step, Mister.”

“But, it was a piece of cake.”

“No, it was my last Twinkie and you ate it AND—Twinkie is going bankrupt,” I cried.

“You’re blowing this out of proportion."

“I know and I feel like an idiom,” I said laying my head on the kitchen table, facing the empty Twinkie wrapper.

Do you have a favorite Idiom?

Sources for ~~Idiots~~ Idioms: http://www.idiomsite.com/, http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/

2012-01-11T12:51:00.000-06:00

On May 22, 2011, Joplin Missouri was hit hard by tornadoes. When disasters happen life is usually lost and unquestionably lives are altered. Heart breaking.

The world talked about it. We talked about it too, here.

Joplin is recovering.

In October 2011, Extreme Makeover Home Edition (EMHE) visited Joplin and built homes for some of those who lost their homes. This Friday EMHE (ABC) will present their final show—their series finale. Their last show will be about their visit to Joplin.

There were seven families that were helped through the EMHE show. You can read here a blurb about them.

I’m going to watch.

~~Teresa

This and That

2012-01-09T06:25:00.000-06:00

Closets

I cleaned my main clothing closet and removed three bags of clothing. I'm ashamed I had so many clothes and I didn't wear them. We have so much and really need so little.

Then, I forgot.

I forgot that I cleaned my closet. When I walked in my closet later, I thought I'd entered Narnia because I didn't recognize it. It was a wonderful world my closet, but it wasn't Narnia.

Message conveyed: Don't clean your closet or you'll become confused.

Revelations

It’s going to be a great week if I make it so. I had two revelations this weekend—revealed about self-power.

1. If you are waiting for validation from someone and you can get it to save your life, stop. The waiting isn’t worth it and the validation is not on its way. And, if you continue to wait for that validation, you're putting your power in the hands of someone who does not care about you or you would have experienced the validation already.

2. If you don’t look fear square in its face, fear will pursue you relentlessly. Fear will also take your power from you.

Message conveyed: Don’t give away your power. It’s yours.

A New Year's hope for you and me.

"Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours." ~Swedish Proverb

Happy Monday!

FPS or Faith Position System

2012-01-08T08:23:00.000-06:00

A couple of years ago, I went to one of the best technology conferences I’d ever been to and—it was at a lake resort. It was March 18, my birthday, and I was excited. I was looking forward to sitting in the midst of Geeks and Nerds for the intelligent vibes I was hoping to capture just by sitting next to them. I think it worked don’t you? Never mind.

I started out that morning a little before eight o’clock thinking I would have ample time to get there for the key speaker at nine. What I didn’t count on was driving through Missouri fog which took longer. And although I’m familiar with the area, I had no idea how to get to the resort. So, I whipped out Agnes, my trusty global positioning system (GPS) and began my journey.

The morning was beautiful and semi-warm. The fog trapped the morning sunrise in beautiful shades of reds and yellows. Silhouettes of nature posed alongside the road. I’m directionally challenged but felt ok about my travels—until I got to the lake roads. I had put my faith in Agnes and my GPS became confused. After following her directives to turn persistently, repeating the word “recalculating” at least twenty times—Agnes went silent.

In the middle of a lake road covered bumper to bumper in fog and with few houses around me, I was alone. Ironically, I had trusted technology to deliver me to a technology conference. I immediately prayed and found my way back to the main road and then effortlessly to the entrance of the resort.

This bible verse came to mind of Abraham. “…he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)

That day, I had put my faith in a GPS. Daily we put our faith in various things: cars, people, electronics, restaurant cooks. (Yep, I said it.)

God may allow us to make a thousand turns and mistakes, but he never abandons us or shuts down. We have the same opportunity to put our faith in God of the heavens and earth as we do in other things, but with greater benefit.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear." Luke 12:22 (NIV)

What’s your faith position this morning?

So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:5 (NIV)

Is your faith in the right place?

Scripture Source: Bible Gateway

Another Night...

2012-01-04T02:00:00.002-06:00

With My Imagination

Something wakes me. I hear drumming. Is it the wind? We’ve had high winds lately. An intruder? I hope not.

It’s 12:10 a.m. and if I were nine again, I’d climb under the covers,head and all, until the monsters went away, but I’m not nine again.

My school resource officer says my idea of using a 20 foot-shootin’ can of bug spray to stop an intruder might be a good idea if my aim is good and I hit the intruder in the eyes—with the spray or the can.

And then I remember I ran out of bug spray during the summer—while spraying wasp nests. My supply is nil. I'm on my own.

So, as I always do, I leap out of bed and race through my bedroom to flip on the light switch. I hurry down the hallway and flip on another light switch. I race through the darkened dining room because I believe in running head-on in to “drumming” monsters. I hit a wall—literally then turn on–you guessed it, the light switch. The dining room is lit. The kitchen is lit. The living room was already lit with my heavy duty security nightlight. No need to go there.

Now, I race through another doorway for the last switch on my itinerary that will shed light on the family room. I still hear the drumming. But, it seems to be getting louder and reminds me of a steady heartbeat which makes my groggy mind think of Edgar Allan Poe and The Tell-TaleHeart.

By this time my adrenaline has diminished. I can’t make myself go to the last two rooms, the utility room or the upstairs bedroom to shed light on the (hopefully) light sensitive drummers. Instead, I opt to peek out the double doors and flip on (repeat with me) the light switch. Light switches have always helped me be braver.

Then, I recognize the drumming sound as rain that I hadn’t heard in months.

It was raining. I had heard the rain. I turned off all light switches and crawled back in bed wanting the rain drumming on the roof to lure me back to sleep.

It’s 12:15 a.m. My eyes are wide open.

I love my imagination, but not at 12:15 a.m. Aren't you glad you're not me?

The End.

It's Time

2012-01-02T01:00:00.002-06:00

It’s time to take the decorations down,

It’s time to set the goals,

It’s time to move from old to new,

It’s time to take control.

That's all I've got today because it's time to go back to work. I'm wishing you all a great day.

It's Time!

~~Teresa

Leaving it Behind and Looking Ahead

2011-12-30T09:54:00.000-06:00

A Few Things learned in 2011

1. You CAN leave your car keys in the ignition and the alarm will not alert you when you get out of the car that your keys are dangling from the ignition. And, you CAN return a couple of hours later and find your car still there. You CAN.

2. People complain about being married. People complain about being single. People complain too much. I guess we’re never satisfied.

3. Reinventing yourself through a new job is like pulling an established tree out of the yard and planting it elsewhere. It’s painful for the tree. Once replanted, it either lives or dies. I, the tree, lived.

4. Letting go of stupidly will only benefit you. But, stupidity is like static cling, I’m telling ya.

5. Not everyone is a friend. Be very aware.

6. You can’t get ahead financially until you stop spending unnecessarily. Duh.

7. I have commitment issues and that’s that. I need to love myself in spite of my issues, but I can’t commit.

My Writing Goals for 2012

1. I am joining Write 1 Sub 1 A year long writing experience in Ray Bradbury's shadow, this year—the monthly route.

2. I am going to schedule my writing time instead of—not. This method will assault my free spirit mindset and play negatively with my non-commitment issues. It must be done.

3. I am going to join Blogging from A-Z in April. I need to sharpen up on my alphabet skills. Sesame Street, here I come…again.

4. I am going to concentrate on finishing one book this year instead of working on all of them. However, I’m worried that the others will be mad at me because I know what those characters are capable of-- I'm just saying.

I wish you blessings galore for 2012, my Blogging Buds. Happy New Year!

~~Teresa

Winner

2011-12-26T08:46:00.000-06:00

I hope you enjoyed your Christmas holiday. It was very enjoyable and busy with my family.

We're all winners, but I'm popping back in to announce the winner of the journal from Wrote by Rote. Congratulations to Doris from "Hold my hand" A Social Workers Blog. Don't forget to go read the post at Wrote by Rote. It has a Christmas memory written by Lee called Assembly Required.

Doris, if you will email me your address, I'll get it sent to you.

A Moment From My Christmas Day
Me to granddaughter: What do you want to drink: iced tea, Pepsi, Mountain Dew?

Granddaughter: Mountain Dew

I pour MD into a glass.

Granddaughter: Can I have Pepsi instead?

Me: Of course.

I'm a pushover.

~~~~Teresa

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T23:45:00.000-06:00

Christmas on Planet Exile

2011-12-21T08:45:00.000-06:00

Christmas on Planet Exile

“Where am I?”

“This is the planet Exile. I’m Marsh Man, who are you?

“I dunno.”

“You need a new name on this planet. I’ll call you BenJoid. You’re from the planet Earth.”

“I forgot.”

“Come in my tent, you’ll be safe in here. We have to stay inside at night because of terrible things. Do you know what’s out there? It’s cold and dark and there are zombies that eat people.”

“What’s a zombie?”

“I won’t tell you, it's too scary.”

“You’d better tell me, Marsh…Man. Is this the land of no return?”

“Yes, we can never go back—ever. This is where people go when they do wrong.”

“Is there TV or games? Are there Angry Birds?”

“No games or TV here, just something called con.tem.pla.tion.”

“I don’t like the dark. Is that when the zombies come out to eat—people?”

“Not as long as I have this flashlight to shine on them. I hope the batteries don’t die.”

“We’re going to miss Christmas.”

“Maybe we can have Christmas here, BenJoid.”

“It won’t be good with no presents or food. You know who I miss the most? Mom. Because I haven’t seen her in a long time.”

“I don’t miss nobody.”

“She was really mad. She said, 'I’m your judge and jury and you need to think about what you did or I'll send you to planet Exile.'”

“You’ll have time to think about it here—forever.”

“Marsh Man.”

“Don’t cry.”

“I’m not crying, crying is for babies and I’m not a baby…. I smell something cooking. I’m hungry.”

“I don't smell anything cooking. It’s your imagination.”

“I want to go home.”

“BenJoid, stop thinking about it or you’ll be sad. You did the crime, now you gotta do the time. We’re in trouble forever.”

“I hope it's not forever. She’s our mom. And--and what if Santa knows we were bad or-or if he can’t find us here on this planet?”

“Marshal? Benjamin? You can come out of your room now. Come help me decorate the cookies for tonight’s Christmas Eve party. And, since you made a tent out of your sheets, you’ll have to make your beds again.”

“I missed you, mommy.”

“I missed you too Benji and you too, Marshall.”

“I’m mad at you because you made us stay in our room for hours. We were desperate.”

“Marshall, you’ve only been in your room for 20 minutes. But, I hope you both have learned your lesson about sword fighting with scissors. Boys who are six and eight years old should know better than to do something so dangerous. You could have hurt yourselves. Now, hurry and get your sheets back on your bed then come help me.”

“Can we save some cookies for Santa?”

“Of course, Benji.”

“I’m glad you let us come back for Christmas, Mommy.”

“What?”

The End

Monday Thoughts

2011-12-19T02:00:00.002-06:00

What’s been going on with me?

1. I can’t believe someone wanted me to guest a post. Whew. I feel honored. I’m over at Wrote on Rote which is a wonderful blog about memoir writing by Lee.

2. I have a new post up on The Ruralhood.

3. Wednesday I’m posting a dialogue only Christmas story. Wish me luck.

4. The Tacky Tree is up. The T.A.C.K.Y. TREE is up. Out of all the decorations I own, my $5, three foot pop-up, tinsel tree makes me the happiest.

Posts that caught my eye and touched my heart.

Mary from Play Off the Page is filled with love and peace which is what Christmas is all about. She said Love is the Gift of Christmas. I believe it.

Deb from Catbird Scout shares grief over her daughter’s death and seeing a glimpse of hope in a beautiful sky. HerSky Gift. Awesome.

Life at number 10, a Melbourne girl- Leslie has had a shake up. After 12 years of employment with a company they said, It’s not you, it’s me. Really? So unfair.

A Little Selfish Santa Humor

To Mrs. Claus. “You’re only a housewife, can’t you go this year?”

At each stop on Christmas Eve. “One for you, one for me.”

To an Elf. “You’re short.”

To the Reindeer five hours off course. “I don’t need to ask for directions.”

To a young Mrs. Claus. “I don’t want children. I don’t like ‘em.”

To Rudolph. “You weren’t my first choice.”

To a child. “There’s no Santa. It’s all a lie.”

To God. “Can’t you take some of this work off me? It’s your holiday after all.”

From me to you: Breathe and enjoy each breath.

I Believe

2011-12-18T08:25:00.000-06:00

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” C. S. Lewis

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”Romans 10: 9-13 (NIV) Holy Bible

Scripture source: Biblegateway.com

Nothing But Something

2011-12-16T22:49:00.002-06:00

In November, I took my eight-year-old granddaughter out for pizza, just she and I. It was her birthday. We sat in a booth drinking our beverages and waiting on our pies. She talked. I listened. She had a lot to say and I was keeping up with the continually changing subjects.

Then she stopped talking and her eyes grew large. “Is there gum under the table?” Her nose crinkled.

“I don’t know, but DON’T touch under the table.” My voice came out with a desperate quality to it. Then I laughed.

“I WOULDN’T,” she squealed, giggling. “That would be disgusting.”

I laughed again. She matched it.

We both stared at each other saying—nothing because we were both thinking something. There was a possibility that used gum was stuck under the table where we sat.

(I'll be over at Wrote by Rote, on Saturday, where I "wrote" about recording family history.)

Where is my humor?

2011-12-12T02:00:00.001-06:00

I’m losing my ability to be funny, to feel funny, my—wit is being compromised because I’m too busy. I’m so busy I feel like I’m running a race with myself and I’m worried how that will end.

· My day job bled into the night and early mornings last week with interviews for the vacant (other) social work position in our district. Did I tell you that I’m the only SWKR for the entire district right now—since October? Did I tell you that? Did I? I am.

· Also the end of semester attendance review meeting ran into the evening as we saw students and parents.

· There are grandkids Christmas programs, but those are the best.

· After a CT scan I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. Ouch.

So, I’m behind in all things known as life and holiday preparation and I'm not feeling my best.

I’m losing my humor, I tell ya.

Saturday, I bought three Christmas mugs with coffee and stuff for friends. I carried the mugs in bags to the car. I somehow-don’t know how-flipped one of the glass mugs out of the bag and onto the pavement and watched it rolled. It didn’t break. Another mug that was wrapped in paper hit “something” and broke.

I’m on my last nerve and my humor is waning.

Sunday I returned a coverlet to TJ Maxx. They no longer have a customer service desk (they told me this). No- no. I would need to stand in a long line of shoppers to return it. I did. When it was finally my turn, I put the packaged coverlet on the counter and gave the cashier my receipt. Her eyes became large and looked alarmed as she said loudly, “You’ll have to return this to Marshalls.” I stared at her for a few ~~hours~~ seconds trying to process what was happening then smiled and said, “I knew that.” I apologized and returned it to the correct store.

I’m losing my humor and my mind.

I have a million things to do. I can do it. I can do it. Breathe. Breathe.

How are you all doing?

Gifts and Blessings

2011-12-11T09:40:00.000-06:00

It’s the Christmas season where we experience a flurry of shopping and gathering together with family and friends. Children sit on Santa’s lap and ask for what they want for gifts. We all like giving and receiving gifts. God loves giving his children gifts, too.

David was a man after God’s own heart. He provided a son, Solomon, to take his place on the throne to keep God’s plan--progressing. God came to Solomon in a dream and asked what he wished for (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon, a young man, said this:

“Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3: 7-9 (NIV)

Solomon knew what he REALLY needed and asked for wisdom. God gave Solomon the wisdom (it would be up to him to use it) and much more.

“The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 1 Kings 3:10-14(NIV)

God's provisions and blessings are more than we could ever imagine when we are open to receiving them.

Have a great Sunday!

Scripture source: BibleGateway.com

Tis the Season

2011-12-05T06:24:00.000-06:00

When you think you're not going to make it through the week with all you have to do or that you'll never get it all done for the holidays, stop and breathe. You'll make it, you (and I) always do!

God didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can? ~Author Unknown

Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are. ~Chinese Proverb

Have a Happy Monday and a great week!

Quotes from Quote Garden

A Light in the Dark

2011-12-04T08:40:00.000-06:00

If you read my blathering on this blog then you know I have a fear--of the dark. I prefer light bulbs to candles, electric lamps over lanterns.

When my electricity goes off and I need to use a candle or a flashlight, I am amazed how a small flicker of light can transform an entire room. Without the light I can’t do what I need to do without bumping into and falling over things. Light is helpful.

As Christians we have been commissioned go out and tell others about Jesus and how he saves (Matthew 28:18-20). We are to be Gods hands to help, mouth to speak, legs to travel (1 Corinthians 3:5-9). We are to be his light in this world.

Even if we don’t feel like it, we are to represent God in all we do (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). Those we encounter need to see us as one of God’s disciples.

We are to be the “light on the hill” a beacon of hope.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16 (NIV)

Be a light for Him all year long.

Scripture source: Holy Bible, biblegateway.com

Running with Dreams

2011-11-30T05:49:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I talk to kids about what’s going on in their lives, dreams after high school, and missing too much school where they could lose credit for an entire semester. And that was just yesterday.

Most times, I light a little fire under them if only momentarily before they return to past decision making. I always hope that the connection I see in their eyes is a seed planted in their brain.

Sometimes, because of circumstances and choices, they feel their original dreams for the future have died. We all do that. We allow circumstances and people to direct our well-being. And often we feel helpless.

So I tell my students:

1. When you make a wrong decision, try to make it right again.

2. Only you can kill your dream and—don’t.

3. No one can stand on your own two feet for you.

4. It’s never too late to start over.

5. Hard times will not last forever. If they seem to be lasting forever, then you need to recheck your method for change.

I’m telling you this, too.

Today be inspired. Introduce yourself to your dream(s) again and run with it. If you trip and fall, get up and run again.

Running with Dreams.

Saturday

2011-11-28T01:00:00.001-06:00

I would like to ask you...

Who in the world would move furniture to the middle of a room, tape off the wood trim, lay down old sheets to protect the carpet and then after pouring paint in a tray, tip the can back too far and spill lots of paint on one of the sheets, then as it’s soaking through the sheet, step in it with her toes before running on the carpet to get plastic to slip under the wet sheet to save the carpet?

Did you guess it was me?

If so, YOU win a prize: a freshly painted wall by me. No? You’re not going to take that chance? You don't want your prize?

I don’t blame you. I don't trust me either.

Sincerely,

Journaling (Painted) Woman

P.S. By the way, how do you get painted toe prints out of the carpet?

P.S.S. How was your weekend?

image source: I forget

Nuggets of Learning

2011-11-23T08:32:00.000-06:00

If we don’t learn something new every day then we’re not looking for those nuggets of information.

Some things I’ve learned in the last week:

1. Together, my sister and I can load a chair in her pickup even though when I push she pulls and when she lifts, I’m setting it down.

2. If you are going to have a CT scan and they ask you to list reactions you had the last time with Iodine, never ever offer the word tingling for a warm flush. Just saying, because if you do indicate one over the other, your entire appointment could be cancelled.

3. You never get tired of hearing that you look too young to have a daughter who is 29. I didn’t mention my 34 year old son. He’s my secret. J

4. A car engulfed in flames alongside the highway is very shocking to see.

5. Spending time with my granddaughter confirmed what others tell me. She and I have so many things in common.

6. Said Granddaughter is so intelligent, creative and funny, I can hardly endure the happiness this gives me.

7. My older grandsons hug very tightly. I take this expression of affection as a humongous proportion of love.

8. Thanksgiving dinner in America can mean anything: Hamburgers, Mexican and Chinese cuisine, barbecue or Turkey. Awesome!

9. There are still too many hungry people in the world. This includes children. This is a travesty.

Be thankful! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration, my wonderful blogger friends!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AN AWESOME LITTLE 8-YEAR-OLD GRANDDAUGHTER!

Grateful Hearts

2011-11-20T08:32:00.000-06:00

Our egos may tell us that we are an island and that we get through life on our own. Our egos may be lying because we are not an island. We have people who love and support us, who cheer us on to the finish and who hold us accountable.

Did you know that we often take those people for granted? As we celebrate Thanksgiving in America this week and as we count our blessings, we need to show our grateful hearts by telling those people we love and admire how thankful we are--for them.

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100: 1-5 (NIV)

Source: Holy Bible biblegateway.com

The Short Story Writer

2011-11-18T02:00:00.002-06:00

You may be a short story writer if:

· You’ve been diagnosed with Adult ADHD.

· You only have 10 pieces of computer paper left and the nearest store is 30 miles away.

· You’re a person of few words.

· You like to love 'em then leave 'em.

· You believe less is more.

Do you have anything to add while you’ve got my attention?

The Ruralhood

2011-11-14T03:00:00.001-06:00

Hey, I'm over at The Ruralhood. I've neglected her long enough and thought I should spruce her up a bit. Come on over and visit! You might even discover what makes me tick. Of course, that could be scary. I'm just warning you.

Have a great Monday!

No Greater Love

2011-11-13T01:04:00.004-06:00

There was a woman who loved her dog. One evening, she let the dog outside. It wasn’t long until she heard a commotion and then her dog crying. The woman rushed outside and saw her German Shepherd being attacked by a mama bear with a cub. There’s nothing fiercer than a mother bear with her cub.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15: 9 (NIV)

The woman didn’t think twice about fighting the mama bear for the life of her beloved dog, Otto. The mama bear didn’t like the woman’s attack and grabbed the woman’s head in her mouth as the woman fought to free Otto from the bear.

“Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15: 13 (NIV)

At some point, the woman broke away from the grip of the bear and stood tall yelling and waving her hands in the air. The action initiated by love compelled the bear to retreat with her cub. The woman with claw marks on her back and bites on her head made sure Otto was alive.

Otto? Well, he was injured too, but the vet said that Otto would be fine after he recovered.

What’s more powerful than the love of a Mama Bear with a cub and a human Mama of a beloved dog?

God’s powerful and undying love for his children. It’s a love affair of great proportion. And, after all this time God persists with love to save us all.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

Source of Story: Good Morning Weekend Edition

Scripture Source: BibleGateway.com

Weird or Creative?

2011-11-09T06:38:00.001-06:00

I had a dream a month ago. It started out a little troubling but then turned bizarre.

The very end of the dream went like this. I walked into my dining room and the fan was spinning over the table and on the end of each blade was a Cabbage Patch doll head.

Weird huh? What could be weirder than that? Could it be me making a photo rendition of my dream to show you?

Knock Knock, is Stephen King in the house?

I need to do a family tree.

Questions you may be yelling at your computer screen:
1. Did you ever have a bad experience with a CP doll? Not at all. Some of my best friends are CP dolls.
2. Did "they" really let you raise your children? Yes, nobody else wanted them.
3. Was there blood in the dream? Yes, but it wasn't red. It was green...like cabbage.
4. Have I ever had therapy? Of course, but not lately.

Happy Wednesday!

Parade

2011-11-07T06:24:00.000-06:00

I have to admit, I haven’t been to a parade since my daughter was drum majorette (I think). Saturday, I went to watch three of four grandchildren in our local town Veteran’s parade. It was cold.

Shivering kind of cold.

My grandsons rode on a fire truck with my D-I-L’s stepdad. They were loving it. They adore their granddad.

My granddaughter debuted her baton twirling. I yelled her name to get a photo and when she turned she had a “I’m freezing” look frozen on her face. But, she’s related to me and she toughed it out. Ok, I might have been complaining prior to the parade about the cold. But, I did tough it out.

As I was walking back to my car, I came upon a sorry sight.

There was a parked pickup that was having an embarrassing day. You know how when you visit the restroom and you come out with toilet paper stuck to your shoes? Imagine you’re a pickup and you have no hands and you need to remove toilet paper stuck in one of your doors.

That’s what happened. I didn’t help out either. I laughed, took a picture and walked on.

Hey, I didn’t want to get involved and I don't know where that paper had been.

~~JW

Word Verification

2011-11-06T07:58:00.000-06:00

Just like everyone else, I get discouraged and I get the “Woe is me” mindset.

The other day I visited a new blog that had just started (which has nothing to do with this post). I wanted to leave a comment and she had the kind of comment box that is embedded and had Word Verification. I rarely see real words in word verifications. This time I did.

The word I needed to type in was Bless.

In spite of my emerging poor-me-itis I AM blessed.

Some days I brood over things like:

Stomach upsets
Where does my money go?
A house that needs a thousand repairs
Spilling Milk
Dropping my keys five times

Life stuff.

Sometimes I get discouraged. And then I count my blessings:

Laughing grandchildren
Loving family
A job
Home
Friends
Clothing
Plentiful food
A country where I can worship God without consequences.

Just to mention a few.

I am blessed, and it took word verification to remind me—I am blessed.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalms 100:1-5 (NIV)

Count your blessings and it may just change everything.

Scripture source: biblegateway.com

Keeping It Short

2011-11-04T02:00:00.001-05:00

I just finished writing my first short story romance unless you count the play I wrote in 6^th grade which featured 6th grade romance or the love letter I wrote in 3^rd grade to my long distance boyfriend. Why, you ask, would I write something so complicated as a romance story in less than a thousand words?

I love short stories and it's a challenge – and I believe:

· romance is basic...WE make it complicated.

· romance is universal…as you read this, there may be people on Mars at this very moment falling in love.

I learned some things about romance writing during this short story project. You need:

1. At least one person who is interested in another (by chance or by scheme).

2. Two characters who are not in another love relationship (it's a short story).

3. You need the possibility of romance (closed off people need not apply).

4. You need flirtation.

5. You need characters that will take a chance on love and be open to the opportunity.

And you still need to think about:

1. Interesting and believable characters.

2. A beginning

3. A middle

4. An ending
5. Creative sentences that make the story move.

A short story romance, that's what I've been up to.

How do you take your romance story? Long? Short? Complicated? Basic?

A Little Creepy

2011-10-31T06:43:00.000-05:00

...but true.

You may want to know that your naked foot will never forget if it steps on a live spider especially if it's a big one.

It won't...forget.

What is the worst thing you've ever stepped on when you were barefoot?

photo borrowed from: DIYnetwork.com

Where's my Soapbox

2011-10-26T03:00:00.003-05:00

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, children deserve a good childhood. All children should be loved, protected, parented, and have their needs provided.

There are ways parents should embarrass their children:

Kiss them in public.
Wear a funky piece of clothing from another era.
Just exist.
Show parent dancing skills while chapperoning dances.
Say ‘Cool’ or ‘Groovy’ loudly around their friends.

But, there are ways parents should never embarrass their children:

Be drunk or high in public places.
Curse their children in public (or anytime is my vote).
Use their sports events to get rid of anger.

Children aren't interested in perfect parents just parents who will love and take care of them until they are able to leave the nest.

“What a child doesn't receive he can seldom later give.” ~P.D. James

And that's my soapbox for the day!

Quote source here

Life is one quote after another

2011-10-24T06:19:00.000-05:00

This quote made me think of texting: “Let us make a special effort to stop communicating with each other, so we can have some conversation.” Mark Twain

This quote made me think of Libya: “It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage that we move on to better things.” Theodore Roosevelt

This quote made me think of Bucking Change: “It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.”
C. S. Lewis

Happy Monday,

~~JW

Quotes by: Brainy Quotes

Stepping in the Water

2011-10-23T09:09:00.000-05:00

Being a rural child had many advantages. I played in creeks and rivers with my siblings and cousins. Because of our running and splashing, the water would become murky. Our actions created a reaction.

Before we clouded the water, we could see under the surface. There were cute little minnows that tickled your legs and fat tadpoles metamorphosing. There were smooth and jagged rocks to navigate around. Then there were the crawdads racing from under the rocks toward toes that were bigger than they were and of course there were snakes who tried desperately to escape.

Murky water. We “felt” ok when the water was clear, but when the water became murky we experienced some trepidation.

We’re like that in life. We want to control the water. We want to see clearly because we think if we do see everything, we’ll be all right. Not necessarily so. Seeing everything does not promise an easy road or a pain free existence.

But, that’s where faith comes in. As a Christian, we need to believe that even though we can’t see though the murk that God is in control.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1: 3-9 (NIV) (Emphasis mine)

We believe in so many things that leave our souls empty and our minds frayed. As a Christian, stepping in the murky water will require "geniuneness of your faith". The rewards are great.

Have wonderful Sunday!

~~Teresa

I'm a winner, I am

2011-10-17T01:00:00.001-05:00

My Winnings

I can’t believe I won three books in the last couple of weeks. Amazing I am. Ok, ok, the sites I visit are amazing.

I won and received Monarch by Michelle Davidson Argyle from the awesome site of Judy Crome: Author on the Prowl. I started reading it Sunday afternoon. Thanks, Judy.

I won HELP! FOR WRITERS by Roy Peter Clark and reviewed on the awesome blog of Thoughts in Progress! Thanks, Mason.

And, I won a book from Kathleen Ernst and I chose Clues in the Shadow. Kathleen was hosted on another awesome and favorite blog Mystery Writing isMurder. Thanks, Elizabeth and Kathleen.

Three awesome people and blogs (4 if you count me, IF YOU count me) where I won books.

I feel very lucky. Too bad I don't play the lottery. Too bad.

My Aunt

I mentioned yesterday that we are mourning my aunt’s passing. Thanks, dear ones, for your sweet comments. My Aunt Mildred was an awesome woman. I feel sad with her passing, but at 88 years of age I happen to know she lived a wonderful life. She had great parents (my grandparents) and siblings with the youngest being the best of all – my mother. She had an awesome husband and two sons and grandchildren.

We will miss her very much.

I’ll be checked out this week and will look in on you when I can. My week at work promises to be murder by stress.

See you soon.

2011-10-16T09:06:00.000-05:00

This weekend, my aunt Mildred died where Friday meets Saturday. She’s my mother’s sister and was 88 years old. She had a long and wonderful life. I've been compared to her many times and I have always taken the comparisons as a compliment.

I hadn’t seen her in years, so I didn’t think I would cry.

I did.

Then I thought what a great tribute it is to shed tears for someone we’ve loved and lost. But, because of my faith, I know I will see her again in heaven along with many other family members and friends including a grandchild I’ve never met.

That’s the substance of my hope—my faith in Jesus Christ and a life after this. I am encouraged.

“Now also we would not have you ignorant, brethren, about those who fall asleep [in death], that you may not grieve [for them] as the rest do who have no hope [beyond the grave].

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him through Jesus those who have fallen asleep [in death].

For this we declare to you by the Lord's [own] word, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall in no way precede [into His presence] or have any advantage at all over those who have previously fallen asleep [in Him in death].

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first.

Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!

Therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thess. 4:13-18 (Amplified Bible)

It is a great thing to believe that always - and through the eternities - we shall be with the Lord.

~~Teresa

Bible Source: Bible Gateway

Today

2011-10-14T01:00:00.001-05:00

Today, I'm keeping my crazies under the bed in a box. No really I am.

Have a good weekend!

Humor me?

2011-10-11T06:21:00.000-05:00

It was going to happen...

At some point in time, someone on Craigslist was bound to post in the pet give away section-- a rock. I don't know why it was in the pet area, but it was there. I have so many opinions on people putting their pets on Craigslist to give away. But, this isn't a post about that. No. This post is about me "rehoming" my pet rock.

A recent Craigslist ad:

	MY advertisement.
	_________________________________________________________________________________

Pet Rock
Date: 2011-10-10, 5:07 p.m.

I have a pet rock whose name is….Rock…ee, that’s it… Rockee, that I can no longer take care of. Gender unknown (sorry but I don't know where to look). Rockee has been a loyal door stop in my office, however, due to circumstances beyond my control, I can no longer keep it. I need to get rid of Rockee, because I’ve noticed he/she has no patience with kids. At first he/she would lay there like a good rock. But lately, Rockee is doing a wild rock stare when students pass by and well…I’m afraid Rockee cannot be trusted.

This beloved pet rock (I inherited with my new job nine months ago--true story) comes with a bag of rock candy, a watering dish and a red bow. I hate to give up Rockee, because it’s the best pet rock I've ever had-- especially at propping open doors.

I’m asking a rehoming fee of $5 to ensure my pet rock goes to a good home. A home visit is required. Serious inquiries only. Now look at this face and tell me Rockee isn't the cutest rock you've ever seen. Warning: Rockee will need training to help he/she stay off the furniture. (See below.)

Location: Rocky Ridge

· it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

_____________________________________________________

      P.S. I changed my mind, Rockee had to go back to the school world.

          Sincerely, Journaling Woman

God is

2011-10-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

It's every person's right to believe or not believe in God who created the heavens and the earth and all that goes with it. But, no opinion will make God disappear or diminish who he is.

C.S. Lewis said, “A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.” (source here)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1: 1-5 (NIV)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelations 1:8 (NIV)

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Scripture source: Holy Bible, BibleGateway.com

Out of Pocket

2011-10-05T06:56:00.000-05:00

Out of pocket can mean more than when money leaves your wallet. Let me tell you about Heidi*.

Heidi is a friend of mine and a fantastic teacher. When she taught high school, her students loved her teaching style and her ability to make them feel valued. She didn’t have classroom discipline issues. And, she made algebra and trigonometry interesting for her students; someone needed to.

One day she was lecturing in front of a class. Like many people, my friend uses her hands to help herself talk. She would use hand sweeps to emphasize her points. This particular day she had turned her back on the class which was ok because where other students in other classes might talk or throw things behind the teacher’s back, her students did not.

At one point, she wrote with her right hand an equation on the board and stuffed her left hand in her pant pocket. When she was finished, she turned back to an attentive class to explain the mathematical problem on the board.

It was at that moment that she pulled her left hand out of her pocket and began a grand sweep. Little did she know that stuffed deep inside her pocket was the biggest string of lint you’ve ever seen. Somehow that stringy, ugly, gagging type of lint attached itself to a minute flaw of jagged nail and followed her hand to the outside world.

It was as if that lint had waited a lifetime to make its debut. Her hand had become—a kite and the lint a tail. She lectured; the lint flopped and flailed in the air.

The students didn’t giggle, no—no. The students went hysterical. Heidi became confused and was clueless until one of her students pointed to her hand and the long string of lint.

Out of pocket— and at her expense. But at least she didn’t have to pay out the nose. You know what I mean?

What’s in your pocket?

*Name change

Sunflowers

2011-10-03T07:03:00.000-05:00

Remember the blizzard of 2011? Well I do. Remember how Mike, a neighbor, took his Bobcat from driveway to driveway to help his neighbors clear their driveways (read it here)?

Even though it's not their job most days, Mike and his wife Lisa have made me happy again.

They have planted an entire field with sunflowers.

Now, every morning, I have to adjust my drive to work taking the long way (5 minutes vs. 2 minutes) just to see the sunflowers look in my direction.

Have a great Monday!

Comfort

2011-10-02T08:19:00.002-05:00

When my children were young and they were upset, frightened or ill they would search for me in a crowd of people just to find comfort. They trusted me. I hope I’m still a comfort to them.

Sometimes we look to everything else in the world except God for comfort. We get busy buying things, posting our status on social networks, and even turning to alcohol or drugs—trying to feel comforted.

Comfort comes in a calm and quiet soul where God can speak.

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.

But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore. Psalm 131 (NIV)

Scripture Source: Bible Gateway

Good?

2011-09-29T12:23:00.000-05:00

(Walking toward a high school student on the sidewalk.)

Hi, how are you?

STUDENT

Good. How are you?

Good.

STUDENT

(Walks on by)

Good. Good.

What I gleaned from this conversation is that we were both doing fine. Do I still have it or what…you know speaking “their” language? Right?

Good. Good, good.

A Week's Learning

2011-09-26T06:29:00.000-05:00

I learned last week:

1. You can’t make people DO anything, but you can ask nicely.

2. If parents put their children’s welfare over their own desires and lusts, I’d be out of a job.

3. Writing: The more you do, the more you do.

4. Goals don’t have to be daunting. Choose one goal a month (not 1040 or is that just me), make it doable and experience it.

5. There is nothing better in this world than crisp fall air…unless it’s crisp dark chocolate.

6. People own too much stuff and yet we continue to add to it.

7. There is still a lot of hate in the world over stupid things.

What did you learn last week?

Experiencing Loss

2011-09-25T08:14:00.000-05:00

Have I ever told you about my friend Madeline*? She was 80 this year and said she doesn’t like to think about being that old. I told her, it’s a good thing. I’ve known her for years. She knew my family before I was born. She helped me through a very difficult time in my life.

Madeline came to mind as I watched the programs covering the anniversary of 9-11 and the losses experienced. I have friends who have lost a child. I have friends who have lost a spouse. My son lost his best friend in a car accident. The loss of someone we love is nearly impossible to shake.

Madeline lost both of her children.

So they sat down with him (Job) on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great. Job 2:13 (NKJV) (parenthesis mine)

Although I was young when it happened, I clearly remember when her son died. This is how I remember the tragedy. The news spread through the countryside like wildfire, as they say. He’d been swimming in a river, at a state park, with friends. He dove in and an undercurrent pulled him down and he drowned. I think he was 18.

Several years later, Madeline’s daughter (who had three young children) was diagnosed with cancer and could not win the battle. She died too.

Two children born and loved—and then they were gone. I can’t imagine anything worse.

Madeline is one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. I’ve never heard her blame the river or the cancer or God. I’ve never heard her say that she should give up. I’ve heard her talk about the blessings of her life.

His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

He replied, “You are talking like a foolishwoman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job 2:9-10 (NIV)

It’s easy to blame and understandable, but peace and blame cannot coexist. Blaming has nothing to do with healing and blame can lead to bitterness. It muddles the mind and interferes with the peace in our soul.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ( said Jesus) John 16:33 (NIV)

In my own heartbreaks, my faith in God and his ability to help me overcome terrible times has kept me alive…literally. Madeline says the same thing.

*Name changed to protect my innocence.

Resources: Holy Bible and Bible Gateway

Distracted, but why?

2011-09-20T22:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Journal,

Why am I so distracted? Why can’t I get back to my blogging schedule?

Is it because I didn’t go to kindergarten…because I couldn’t. They didn’t have it at my school.
Is it because I keep thinking about planting new mums where I killed the old ones?
Is it because I keep looking for a black Pug or a Brussels Griffon or a Boxer puppy that I can’t commit to?
Is it because I’m busy ~~not turning my back on~~ teaching Kiki Dee how not to lash out at me—you know not scratch?
Is it because I dream of taking a nap and then I nap and then I dream of being awake?
Is it because I keep moving my furniture around and then back again?
Is it because I’m restless, but not young? (You know The Young and the Restless?)
Is it because I get caught up in reading everyone’s blog?
OR is it because my focus thingy is broken?

~~Teresa

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-17T08:14:00.000-05:00

This is just for me, but you may read it if you want also. I want to wish my second oldest grandson a Happy Birthday. He is 10 years old!

I picked him up from school yesterday and we had dinner out, just the two of us. We came back later to my house and he opened his gifts from me. We talked and played a card game of his choice.

He is a precious child.

I enjoyed the time with Grandson 2. He said he had fun.

It's important to me to spend one-on-one time with my little ones, once in a while. I hear their inner voice better when there isn't competition. It's important to be heard especially if you're a child.

Over the years, I've learned these things about him:

He does NOT like chocolate--except Tootsie Rolls
He has a helpful spirit. He ALWAYS jumps in to help me with anything I'm doing.
He loves Legos. Give him a package and it's amazing what he will create.
He adores his oldest brother in a deep heartfelt way.
He wants acceptance from all and is hurt deeply when he is not valued.

I'm the oldest in my family. He is the middle child in his family or he was for years. And as I've watched him these years, I have come to this conclusion. It's not always easy being the middle child and one of three boys.

Happy Birthday to a precious soul.

Image source here

Echoes and Reflections

2011-09-14T06:31:00.001-05:00

Dear Journal, If you hear footsteps behind you…think echo. If you see a face looking in the window at you late at night…think reflection. If you feel you aren’t alone…it could be your cat or dog or it could be…a rogue cricket.

Someone (my sister) once said, “Some things can be explained, and some things can’t.”

~~JW

You’re almost there, grab Wednesday and run as fast as you can--Friday is waiting.

Something I learned last week...

2011-09-12T23:12:00.000-05:00

My posting schedule is sooo off. So, I might as well tell you something I learned last week just for the fun of it.

Some people practice being human with grace and love and some people practice with meaningless activity.

I've heard it said, "practice makes perfect", but, we should be careful about what we practice to be.

~~JW

9-11

2011-09-11T08:01:00.000-05:00

We may be knocked down, but we will not stay down.

After 9-11, I saw America forget differences, love more on family and friends, serve others and grow in faith.

After 9-11, some people grew closer to God. Some people questioned his existence. Some people’s faith remained the same. Our world may change, but God is everlasting.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:1-2

We know how to survive blizzards, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, fire, recessions and—terrorists’ attacks.

America’s fabric is tough. We are tough people. We don’t give up.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46 1-3

I heard this week that more young people than ever before are signing up to be firemen, police officers and soldiers.

We’re truly the land of the free and brave. I'm proud to be an American.

God does bless America.

Scripture source: Biblegateway.com

Photo source 4 photos

Ramble That

2011-09-05T02:00:00.005-05:00

~~Netflix~~

Has this ever happened to you? Well, I advise that you don’t…let it happen.

Let’s just say that you return a movie, but you really didn’t, but you thought you did.

Something will happen.

1. You’ll wait and wait for it to show on your account as returned.

2. Then ~~weeks and weeks~~ two weeks will pass before you get a mysterious white envelope in the mail with no return address.

3. You WILL open it, because it could be from George Clooney.

4. But instead, you open it to find one of YOUR movies instead of the one “they” lent you.

5. You realize THEY are picky about which movie they get in return.

6. Then you find out YOU have to return their movie on your own dime and envelope.

7. You find no mercy, not online nor in the white envelope.

And don’t be asking me why a ~~half way~~ grown woman would own the movie The Goonies. There’s a lot you don’t know about me. Trust me, you’re safer that way.

Now… I have some questions.

1. Why the white envelope and not a red one?

2. Why was there no return address on the outside?

3. Why was there no one that I can talk to or email directly?

4. Why do I have 8 movies in my “Saved DVD” list (queue) that NF can’t send me because date available is unknown?

5. Why did NF allow me to choose those movies in the first place thereby getting my hopes up, IF, I will never be able to view them?

It was all a bit traumatic, but I’m ok now, except, I thought the white envelope might be an invitation from GC. That was a little bit disappointing, but I’m ok now.

I'm OK...now.

Every Good Path

2011-09-04T07:02:00.000-05:00

Have you ever argued a point—really to its death, just to find out you were wrong? And at some point you realize you are incorrect, but you keep going?

“I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man I have ever met”. ~Dwight Lyman Moody

Ok, that may just be me, but…

Sometimes pride drives us down the road of erroneous information. When we are prideful we may believe we know it all, but of course we do not. We are never finished learning.

God tells us in Proverbs that IF His children will gather His words in their hearts and minds, accept His instruction, and apply His concepts to their lives then they “will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path”.

If our steps are well thought out, there will be less stumbling on our journey.

Proverbs 2:1-12

1. My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

2. turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,

3. and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

4. and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

5. then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

6. For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7. He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

8. for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

9. Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.

10. For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

11. Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.

12. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse, (NIV)

Scripture resource: BibleGateway

This and That

2011-08-29T06:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday!

Today is the first birthday of my littlest grandson. He’s the spittin’ image of his dad, my son.

Happy Birthday, little one, you are a joy and sweeter than candy!!!

Work

The second week of school was just as intense as the first two days. This was my first "first day of school days” in this position, so I didn’t know what to expect.

I still like the job. And my job is tons easier than social workers who work out in the field. And with budget cuts taking the wind out of the social services sail, more work piles on individuals who are the lowest on the totem pole, of course.

I count myself very blessed to be working as a school social worker.

Someone asked me why I would want to leave the world of technology to do the job of a social worker. I answered that it serves someone besides me. And if every job is easy-peasy then there will be no growth. Besides, someone needs to do the job.

Why not me?

The weekend

I wanted to go see my folks Friday night and take pizza for dinner. They live about 28 miles out in the country. When I told my daughter what I was planning, she asked if she could ride along. I convinced her to stay all night with me.

My parents are awwwwwesome.

My sister brought her new collie puppies (six months old) and their mother to visit. They aren’t little anymore like this. One of the girls decided to use me as her doggy bed. I complied. They are beautiful, sweet and very well behaved. Now if we can get my sister trained….

Back home, my daughter and I read a journal that I gave her documenting about six months before she was born—1982. It was funny, dramatic and sad at times.

Saturday we went to the library book store where we bought books for 50 cents each. Then we went to a flea market and a thrift store (benefiting a pet charity) in a nearby town and then back to my town and out in the country to a Mennonite own and operated store. I bought locally produced honey.

When we got back home, I put the baby down for a nap.

Me.

The End!

May your week be filled with the wonderful goodies of life!

Praying....

2011-08-28T08:20:00.000-05:00

May--

"The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Join me in praying for all who are in the path of the Hurricane Helen.

~Teresa

Scripture source: Bible Gateway

2011-08-18T22:14:00.000-05:00

One Last Road Trip

2011-08-15T01:00:00.022-05:00

Today, I'll be back at work. My vacation has expired. But, I wasn't going to go quietly, no siree. I went on one final road trip.

Remember, when I led you down the Kansas and then Iowa trails in search of Laura Ingalls Wilder home sites? This weekend my daughter and I made our annual trip to Mansfield MO to see if anything new was going on at Laura and Almanzo's home place. There wasn't. Except...there were a BAZILLION people there.

There are two Wilder homes to tour in Mansfield. The farmhouse was built by Almanzo and Laura Wilder over a 19 year span (it may have been 18). They also had a second house built for them by their only living child--Rose Wilder Lane. She felt they needed a more modern home. Rose built it not far from the farmhouse. While they lived in the Rock House, Rose lived in the farmhouse. It was during their time at the Rock House that Laura began writing her books.

Let's begin this pictorial journey with (did you guess) the driveway leading to the farmhouse, museum and store.

The Sign

This is the farmhouse. You get to tour everything except the upstairs. We had the best tour guide. She knew her stuff. Yes, I quizzed her to make sure I was getting my $8 worth. No, I ditn't. My daughter ALWAYS makes me behave.

This is the Rock House sign. We had to wait on another tour to finish and sat outside the tour station until a wasp flew in. We decided to let him stay and we would move. See those benches, we sat there and waited.

This is the more modern/less work for her parents--Rock House (yes I always capitalize Rock House) that Rose built and where Laura and Almanzo lived for a few years. But, when Rose moved to Danbury Connecticut, L and A moved back into their beloved farmhouse. I mean who needs closets, electricity and less work? ME!

After we left the home sites, we went back to Mansfield and found a little Cafe'. I had a Bacon Cheeseburger. I 'm only telling you this because I'm a boring eater. I'm very predictable. My daughter likes to try new foods and I admire that. So when she ordered fried pickles I wanted to try one.

Me: I want to try one of your pickles.

Daughter: Ok (I think she was surprised, but so was I.).

Me: No, never mind. (I should have listened to me.)

D before the order came: Have you ever had fried green tomatoes?

Me: No, I don't think so. Maybe. Is that what they taste like?

D: I don't know, I've never had a fried pickle.

(She's starting to make no sense--like her mother. Somebody help her, please.)

Me: Ok, I'll try a little one. (I took a bite and ewww, it was bitter. Oh wait, it was pickle.) Do you want it back? (I have no idea why I asked her this.)

D: Nooo (she laughed). (She told me later that she wished I could have seen my face when I bit into it.)

We also visited a (used) bookstore that we went to last year. They have three extra large tiger striped cats in residence. One follows your every step (or maybe it's just us) and talks the whole time. Seriously, I couldn't get a word in edgewise. Meow this, Meow that.

I've been looking for Under The Dome by Stephen King. I started it over Christmas break last year but didn't finish it before I had to return it. I only paid $8 for a $35 book. Now I can finish it at my leisure during the daytime and with all lights on in my house.

That's it--my last road trip for the year.

P.S. If you ever get near Mansfield Missouri, you must visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder (and Almanzo) homes. You will not be disappointed. I promise. I'll even meet you there if I can and you're not scary and if you won't take my picture.

P.S.S. The house photos were taken at an earlier date because...well I already have several photos of the houses. Just saying.

Have a great week and think of me as I come off of a 6-week-vacation. Are you crying a tear for me? I didn't think so.

Radiance

2011-08-14T01:00:00.003-05:00

I’ve never seen a sky like that before in all my life. I should have stopped the car and used my cell phone to capture the beauty. I wouldn’t have believed it myself later, except my daughter witnessed it too.

The sky was lightly crimson because it was sunset, but not just crimson—yellow. The sun should have been low, but it was still high enough to be imposing. There were clouds covering the sun, but, the clouds were peeled back from the center reminding me of outstretched arms. Through the opening (and we’ve all seen it) were golden rays falling down to earth, yet not quite reaching the earth.

A very dear man died last week, a Christian man who lived and worked a long time for God (with his wife) through his church—the same church where I grew up; the same little country church where my husband and I raised our children. Last Wednesday, I went to this man's visitation. On the way home, I saw a sky that took my breath away.

Later I wondered, did God peel back the cloudy sky and allow the sun rays to pour down to earth to symbolically welcome Tom home—to heaven? If that sky was even a hint of God’s Glory, I’ll be holding my breath a lot when I see God face to face.

“Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.” Ezekiel 1:28 (NIV)

Scripture source: Bible Gateway

If I Were a Tree Frog

2011-08-10T01:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Journal,

I saw the baby Missouri Gray Tree Frog the other day that rode the skirts of my screen door. He’s grown bigger. So, I’ve been thinking about tree frogs lately, and how I rescued that baby frog from what I could of…well we won’t talk about that any longer. It didn’t happen.

He was rescued that’s all we need to remember.

But, if I were a tree frog I would climb trees to the highest branch and look for juicy bugs to eat and foreign countries like Iowa. I wonder if frogs like corn.

If I were a tree frog, I would not gag on or puke up those juicy bugs but would count it a blessing when one flew in my mouth—like they sometimes do.

If I were a tree frog, I would tell the bullfrogs to SHUT UP for a minute and stop trying to be the center of attention so that everyone could hear my beautiful tree voice and nighttime tunes.

If I were a tree frog, I would admire my little feet and their agility, strength and suction cup beauty.

If I were a tree frog, I would teach humans that daily stupidity is not worth holding on to, but nature is worth holding on to and its beauty should be cherished and enjoyed--like life.

Thanks for listening, Dear Journal.

Love,

To read about Missouri Frogs and Toads click here.

Fun Stuff

2011-08-08T21:33:00.000-05:00

Back to work and back-to-school is approaching and I wanted to spend some extra time with the little ones in my family.

We went to see the movie The Smurfs and they stayed all night with me, too.

Kids are funny and they say funny things. Here are a couple of funny remarks from our time together. I know, I know this is like making you look through the baby’s photo album, but you can handle it.

Looking at the posters outside the theater

Me: “If you guys were older, I’d take you to see Rise of the Planet of the Apes movie.”

Granddaughter (age 7): “I’m glad we’re not old enough, that movie looks too scary.

First born Grandson (age 11): “I would like it.”

The Next Morning

Me to all three: “Did you sleep well last night?”

Second born Grandson (age 9 until next month): “Yes, but when I woke up this morning I was confused and I thought, Am I grown up? Then I rolled over and saw (brother’s name) and I thought, no, I’m still little.”

Breakfast

I tried, really I did, to feed them good stuff for breakfast. When all choices were offered and they hadn't agreed to the choices, I buckled and offered--frozen waffles. All three wanted them.

First born grandson: “Grandma, you did a good job on the waffles. They are very good.”

Me: “All I did was put them in the toaster. The toaster did the rest.”

FBG: “Yeh, but you knew when to take them out.” (There's a deeper meaning here that I will contemplate.)

See, that wasn’t so painful was it?

The Smurf Movie? It was cute. I finally found out why there is only one girl Smurf. Do you know why?

Plans and Steps

2011-08-07T08:36:00.000-05:00

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Scripture source: Bible Gateway

My Laura Ingalls Wilder Road Trip

2011-08-01T08:14:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I went on a road trip.

I have loved Laura Ingalls Wilder since I was 10 years old when I read the first Little House book.

Although I can never meet her, I can visit her home sites or in some cases the area of her childhood homes.

I live in MO so I visit Laura and Almonzo's home place just about every year. I like seeing her adult homes, but of course I wanted to see the others.

Independence, Kansas and the Little House on the Prairie Museum

First, I went to Independence, Kansas to find a simulation of what her house on the prairie would have looked like. Included on the site were buildings from that area and era.

The place provided a cabin fully furnished (on the right) that Laura's family would have lived in (not the actual cabin though) and two buildings from that pioneer time: school and post office. And there was a little museum.

Cabin life for pioneers always humble me. With the outside temperature over 100 degrees I was humbled even more imagining people living there. The cabin was actually cooler inside than the outside temperature which I was not expecting. But, it was still hot. I loved standing inside this tiny house imagining how pioneers lived. I felt very grateful for my air conditioned home.

Burr, Iowa and Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum

Burr Oak is a wonderful little township or village. The guide was wonderful and knowledgeable about Laura and her family and their time in that area. I learned new things about the Ingalls family,their time living in a hotel and (Ma Ingalls) working at the hotel as a cook.

This is the hotel. The Ingalls' family live here for a while. Ma Ingalls worked as a cook and of course the girls helped too. The hotel was a private home turned into a hotel. It is actually larger inside than it looks on the outside with its upstairs and basement kitchen.

Men travelled plenty (at that time) to work and would stay at this hotel. One humorous thing (to me) was that because there were so many men needing accommodations, the men had to sleep 3 to 4 a bed. Oh and the full size bed... was smaller than the beds today. I still laugh imagining 3 or 4 men sleeping in those beds.

I've now been to three home sites if you count Missouri--and I do.

Oh and I always learn things about myself when I travel and they're not always pretty.

I learned:

1. No offense to my Iowa neighbors or Iowa's corn crops, but fields and fields of corn and hundreds of miles of road combined put me on the brink of insanity. I won't eat corn for a year and I mean it.

2. It's a given that I WILL get lost in a major way on every trip I take. Being lost usually includes back roads that may make you think--Deliverance.

3. Don't touch your GPS screen accidentally. You can't always go back and entering your destination again may or may not work properly, hence, Deliverance.

4. I'm a better traveler if I eat very little food.

5. I'm a snob and like to stay in nice hotels and will not consider motels which I'm sure are plenty nice but had a bad experience once and well...now I'm a snob.

6. I love my daughter even more (if that's even possible) for going with me even though she knows my navigation skills are sad. It was very nice to have her along. Thanks, Dr. Lovely Daughter.

Have you visited a home site of one of your favorite authors? If so, who and what did you learn that you didn't know?

Hold On

2011-07-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

The soft, sweet summer was warm and glowing,

Bright were the blossoms on every bough,

I trusted Him when the roses were blooming;

I trust Him now. (Excerpt from: The Song of a Bird in a Winter Storm, author unknown)

Everything around us may change, but God does not change. He is forever faithful and committed where we are concerned.

So, hold on tightly until the end. Don’t give up. God's love, for his children, is vast and awesome. Our future is bright.

For we have become fellows with Christ (the Messiah) and share in all He has for us, if only we hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation [in virtue of which we are believers] firm and unshaken to the end. Hebrews 3:14 (Amplified Bible)

Resource for poem: Cowman, Mrs. Charles. (1965) Streams in the Desert. March 6. p 82

Scripture Source: BibleGateway.com

Using Fear to Your Advantage

2011-07-29T07:13:00.000-05:00

My granddaughter told me the other day that she’s afraid of the dark. She’s seven. According to the experts, being afraid of the dark at that age is common and will go away as she grows older. My fear of the dark did not go away, but that’s ok. I’m brave in other areas.

I must admit I use my own fears for the good of my writing--to spur the imagination. Fear helps me create scary scenarios. Elements of fear are widely used in movies and books to scare the bajeebers out of the reader and movie audiences.

Common Fear Elements

*The dark (What is in the dark? Is it coming for you? What will “it” do to you?)

*Vicious Dogs (Can you imagine being chased by rabid, angry or possessed dogs?)

*Spiders (Can you imagine waking up in bed wrapped in a spider web and seeing the spider over you chomping?)

*Snakes (Remember Indiana Jones and his fear of snakes?)

In The Hotel (working title), my MC’s fears include an abusive father, not being able to escape her horrible life, and of losing those she loves most. People can be driven to desperation when they are afraid.

Fear can touch the reader in very personal ways.

If you write, how have you used fear? If you are a reader, what fear was used in a book (or movie) that still lingers in your mind?

Have a great weekend!

It's Never What It Seems

2011-07-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

Dear Journal,

It’s never what it seems to be, is it?

History and… scary movies tells us that it only takes one of something to start the world’s end. You know the signs, a locust or a grasshopper, a crazy rogue robot or, as we saw in the movie Arachnophobia, one spider leads to another and suddenly your world is one big wicked web.

So imagine my distress when I went out to my breezeway (screened porch thingy) to feed my cat and saw a huge spider on the inside of the screen door. (It is to the left of the red slur of words that I tried to provide you as a guide, but you can't read.) I didn't want to get upset so early, so I didn't look at it again. But I was feeling anguish...early morning Arachnophobia anguish.

That's the worse kind for me.

So, I fed Kiki Dee (cat) and retrieved my can of 20-foot shootin' bug spray and strapped it on my hip and headed back outside. See here’s the thing, I do own a heart. My rule is if spiders are on the outside of my house, I won’t kill them. And it was technically on the outside.

My desire was to shoo this one out the door without freaking out.

As I walked closer to the door, I realized I'd been mistaken because on the screen was a beautiful baby frog instead of a spider. I put down the can of spray and picked BF up and took it safely out of doors.

See how I am?

Dear Journal, we must learn lessons or life is a waste. My lesson that day? Don’t jump to conclusions without further investigation. Many things in life, I've learned, are not what they seem to be. The good can turn ugly and the bad can turn to good.

Oh and I learned, I could really benefit from some Arachnophobic therapy. Journaling is not helping in this case.

Lovingly yours,

PS I think this is BF's parent. I found this tree frog on my deck. He or she looks surly. Probably, he's a he if he's surly. Hee Hee!

Changing Careers

2011-07-25T09:59:00.000-05:00

I’m looking into changing careers again. No new education required. The new career? I want to be a Couch Potato.

I believe I have all the needed qualifications for being a couch potato and without much effort.

I have eyes.

I’m round.

I roll unevenly.

In this weather, I feel baked.

I've never been called Spud, but that's easy to fix.

I like sitting.

And most importantly, I have a couch.

Now, tell me, am I qualified or not?

2011-07-24T08:40:00.000-05:00

We are blessed in our family with our share of artists. My sister, who has many talents, created this (ignore the glare) wonderful sketch for me. Through the years, I’ve gained comfort not only from the picture, but from the Bible scripture attached, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 (KIV)

Every day throughout our world there is heartache from people making horribly wrong decisions. Some of those decisions are huge and include violence to others and some {decisions} include harm to themselves. Their (and our) actions affect the people who commit them, but their actions also influences the world around them. They've caused sorrow, anger, and chaos.

Of course there is comfort in the world, but as Christians we have the ultimate comfort to look forward to. We are told in Revelations that God has prepared a place for you and me in his house where we will never again know pain or grief (Revelations 21:4).

He has been busy preparing a future home where we will experience only comfort and peace.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14: 1-5 (NIV)

Blessings,

~~ Teresa

Scripture source: Bible Gateway

The Story Concludes

2011-07-21T18:45:00.000-05:00

Not Alone

(Part I)

Sam had warned her. Actually, Erica’s husband had forbidden her from watching crime TV while he was away on a hunting trip. When she’d finally turned off the TV scenes of torture and murder danced in her mind. But, she liked watching crime shows.

Erica pulled a blanket tight around her body despite the muggy summer air moving through the basement patio door. It was midnight and she was wide awake and—anxious. She sighed and turned the flat screen on again to watch a late night talk show.

“I wonder what Sam’s doing,” she said then pulled a cell phone from her pajama pocket and pushed a speed dial digit.

The number rang once and again and after the fourth ring went to voicemail. “This is Sam, leave it and I’ll return it.”

“Hi, Babe, just wanted to say I’m missing you. I hope you’re having fun, but I can’t wait to have you home again. Call me when you wake up? Love you.” Erica ended the call and placed the phone on the table next to the couch. She pulled free of the tangled blanket that held her captive and headed for the kitchen upstairs.

Erica stopped on the first step. “Maxy, where are you?”

Max strolled from behind a chair stretching his legs and meowing with each movement a wimpy sound not worthy of his thirteen furry pounds. He flipped his bushy tail then rubbed against her legs.

Erica doubled over to gather Max in her arms, but soon released him when he squirmed for freedom. She took another step up then stopped to sniff the air. Was that cigarette smoke she smelled?

She remembered the open door and ran back to close it. Erica jumped when she saw her own distorted reflection in the glass then pulled the sheers over the black hole.

“I shouldn’t have let Sam take all the guns with him.” She laughed and walked back to the stairwell.

From the kitchen upstairs, Erica heard a muffled clatter that caused her heart to bounce in her chest. The noise stopped.

Should she be quiet? Should she make noise? Was there was someone in the kitchen?

(Part II)

Supported by a bookcase at the bottom of the stairs, Erica stood frozen except for her trembling legs. One at a time, she lifted each foot to climb the stairs and with each step she pressed herself flat against the wall pausing to listen. Her eyes darted from the upper landing and back to the basement. She didn’t have a plan if she met an intruder—except to run.

Once she reached the top, Erica jumped around the corner like one of the cops on the crime show she’d been watching—minus the weapon. She fumbled for the lights and heard a crash behind her. Erica clutched her chest and fell against the wall only to realize she’d heard the icemaker releasing the ice.

A cabinet door squeaked when she opened it to get a glass to fill with water. Then, she hurried back down the steps spilling droplets along the way. Just as Erica came out of the stairwell, she felt someone grab her hair and pull her sideways toward the bookcase. The glass she held fell to the floor as she fought to pull away from her captor.

“Max, what are you doing?” Erica said expelling the air in her lungs. She pulled the cat from her hair. “You’re not supposed to be on the bookcase. I guess we shouldn’t have taught you how to leap on heads, even if it seemed cute at the time.” Her hands trembled as she comforted the insulted cat and then released him on the floor. Erica sprinted back to the couch scooting under the blanket. She hated sleeping in their bed when Sam was away, but she wasn’t having any luck sleeping on a couch either.

She pulled the blanket up to her chin and studied the room that was illuminated by the glow of the TV. The oversized clock on the wall read 2:10 a.m. The talk show had turned into an infomercial. Her eyes paused at the sheers swaying over the patio door, except, she’d closed the door. Erica held her breath as her heart kept cadence with every step of a pacing shadow outside the glass door.

(The Conclusion)

The fear that had paralyzed Erica melted when she heard the lurking shadow bark. “Tinkerbell!” She cried out at her parents’ part Labrador-part something else-dog. “I forgot about Tinkerbell.”

Erica fumbled for her cell phone and pushed the speed dial for her parents’ home number. “Answer please, Mom, answer,” she whispered then listened for the rings.

“Hello,” said a sleepy voice.

“Mom, sorry to wake you, but I wanted to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“Did you and Dad have fun tonight at the card game?”

“Is that what you wanted to tell me?”

“I wanted to tell you there was a death in the Coot’s family.”

“Who died?”

“Susie died,” said Erica.

“Who’s Susie?”

“Remember the new dog Susie, I think she died.”

Her mother sighed. “Have you been watching something scary?”

“Mom, I’ll be glad when Sam gets home. I’m lonely, and, yes I’m a little scared.”

“You wouldn’t be scared if you didn’t watch crime shows.” Her mother reminded.

“I know, I know. Can you some sit with me for just a little while, Mommy?”

“Erica, you’re downstairs in our basement.” She heard her mother take a deep breath and release it. “Would you like your dad to come down and check out the basement for you?”

“No—no I’ll be ok. Thanks for letting me stay here while Sam is away,” Erica said. “Sorry I woke you. Love you.”

“Love you, too. Now get some sleep.”

“Do you think Dad would mind coming down and...?” The call went dead in Erica’s ear. “Mom?”

~~~~~

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Photo source: Google images

2011-07-18T06:40:00.000-05:00

I am in and out this week meaning I won't be around much in the Blog World.

Have a wonderful week!

2011-07-17T07:06:00.000-05:00

Sometimes in the middle of our circumstances we might need to be reminded we are always on God’s mind.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore." Psalm 121 (NIV)

Have a blessed week knowing that you are not alone!

~~ JW

Scripture source: BibleGateway.com

Not Alone: Part II

2011-07-15T09:06:00.002-05:00

If you've read Part I and don't wish to read it again, scroll down for Part II.

Not Alone

Part I

Sam had warned her. Actually, Erica’s husband had forbidden her from watching crime TV while he was away on a hunting trip. When she’d finally turned off the TV, scenes of torture and murder danced in her mind. But, she liked watching crime shows.

“I wonder what Sam’s doing,” she said then pulled a cell phone from her pajama pocket and pushed a speed dial digit.

The number rang once and again and after the fourth ring went to voicemail. “This is Sam, leave it and I’ll return it.”

Erica stopped on the first step. “Maxy, where are you?”

Max strolled from behind a chair stretching his legs and meowing with each movement a wimpy sound not worthy of his 13 furry pounds. He flipped his bushy tail then rubbed against her legs.

Erica doubled over to gather Max in her arms, but soon released him when he squirmed for freedom. She took another step up then stopped to sniff the air. Was that cigarette smoke she smelled?

She remembered the open door and ran back to close it. Erica jumped when she saw her own distorted reflection in the glass then pulled the sheers over the black hole.

“I shouldn’t have let Sam take all the guns with him.” She laughed and walked back to the stairwell.

From the kitchen upstairs, Erica heard a muffled clatter that caused her heart to bounce in her chest. The noise stopped.

Should she be quiet? Should she make noise? Was there was someone in the kitchen?

Not Alone Continues....

Supported by a bookcase at the bottom of the basement stairs, Erica stood frozen except for her trembling legs. One at a time, she lifted each foot to climb the stairs and with each step she pressed herself flat against the wall pausing to listen. Her eyes darted from the upper landing and back to the basement. She didn’t have a plan if she met an intruder—except to run.

A cabinet door squeaked when she opened it to get a glass to fill with water. Then, she hurried back down the steps spilling droplets along the way. Just as Erica came out of the stairwell, she felt someone grab her hair and pull her sideways toward the bookcase. The glass fell to the floor as she fought to pull away from her captor.

“Max,” Erica said expelling the air in her lungs then pulled the cat from her hair. “What are you doing? You’re not supposed to be on the bookcase.” Her voice was shrill and nervous. “I guess we shouldn’t have taught you how to leap on heads, even if it seemed cute at the time.”

Erica’s hands trembled as she comforted the insulted cat. She released him on the floor and sprinted back to the couch scooting under the blanket. Erica hated sleeping in their bed when Sam was away, but she wasn’t having any luck sleeping on a couch either.

She pulled the blanket up to her chin and studied the room that was illuminated by the glow of the TV. The oversized clock on the wall read 2:10 a.m. The talk show had turned into an infomercial. Her eyes paused at the sheers swaying over the patio door, except, she’d closed the door. It wasn't the sheers that were moving. Erica held her breath as her heart kept cadence with every step of a pacing shadow outside the glass door.

Stay tuned for the conclusion of Not Alone next friday.

A Thought

2011-07-12T08:22:00.000-05:00

I thought of something this morning. When an elder dies, of course a family changes, but so does a community.

It must.

My Daughter-in-law's dear grandmother passed last evening. A heavy cloud of sadness is over her family. Facebook is already showing she will be missed.

In Journaling Woman Land

2011-07-11T08:36:00.000-05:00

Last Week...

I started my vacation.

As many of you know we had my son’s birthday celebration on July 4^th. Then Tuesday and Wednesday, I kept littlest G-baby who is a little over 10 months. We had some bonding time, but I must admit I was exhausted mainly because I didn’t take my eye off him and because he’s got more energy than a boat load of monkeys. I’m just saying it.

Out of all the toys I had, I think his favorite toy at my house was…a bowl. The other favorite toy was a large plastic soup ladle. He hit me (ok tapped me) once with it, but I didn’t hold a grudge. And he might have giggled when I said OWWW! So that may have caused the second tap.

If he were any cuter it would have to be against the law.

There is sadness in my world. He had to start a new babysitter a couple of weeks ago and the gal takes her vacation around the 4^th. His great grandmother (my Daughter-In-law’s grandmother) has been the caretaker over all four of their children from nearly birth until preschool age and his as well. But, we found out recently that she has terminal cancer. Her family has been told there is nothing that can be done.

How can this be? She always looks so healthy. She’s had energy to take care of my four grands plus a few others. Our family is devastated. Please, if you pray—PRAY for her pain to be less. And for her family who are hurting too.

I am so sad over this news.

Weather

It’s a 100+ degrees here. That’s all I’m saying about that, except sweat does not become me. What a horrible year for weather here in MO.

JW

I went to the doctor last week for illness. The nurse practitioner put me on an antibiotic and Prednisone. The Pred is doing funny things to me (of course). I had to leave church early yesterday because of dizziness. I had planned to go see my DIL’s grandmother, but came home instead. This morning I woke up to my bed spinning. Call me Dorothy! I called the NP and she said to stop taking the Pred. Is a medication supposed to kill you before it cures you?

The Ruralhood

If you’re interested, I finally posted another post on the Ruralhood Blog titled The Right of Passage. It’s about something everyone may need at this time of year, Deodorant. Click on the Ruralhood photo in the sidebar and you'll magically go there. But, before that...

What's the temperature where you are? And if it's a cool 85 degrees or lower may I move in?

Not Alone

2011-07-08T10:13:00.002-05:00

Remember in the olden days (or maybe not) magazines that carried fiction and the stories were continued in the next month's magazine...a serial? Me either, I was a baby then. (Yes I was.) For something different, I'm posting an old short story, in three parts, for your reading pleasure or pain (if you choose to be editor instead of reader it could cause pain).

Not Alone

Part I

“I wonder what Sam’s doing,” she said then pulled a cell phone from her pajama pocket and pushed a speed dial digit.

The number rang once and again and after the fourth ring went to voicemail. “This is Sam, leave it and I’ll return it.”

Erica stopped on the first step. “Maxy, where are you?”

Max strolled from behind a chair stretching his legs and meowing with each movement a wimpy sound not worthy of his 13 furry pounds. He flipped his bushy tail then rubbed against her legs.

Erica doubled over to gather Max in her arms, but soon released him when he squirmed for freedom. She took another step up then stopped to sniff the air. Was that cigarette smoke she smelled?

She remembered the open door and ran back to close it. Erica jumped when she saw her own distorted reflection in the glass then pulled the sheers over the black hole.

“I shouldn’t have let Sam take all the guns with him.” She laughed and walked back to the stairwell.

From the kitchen upstairs, Erica heard a muffled clatter that caused her heart to bounce in her chest. The noise stopped.

Should she be quiet? Should she make noise? Was there was someone in the kitchen?

Continued... next Friday.

Photo source: Lifestyle

2011-07-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

I always feel blessed to live in this great nation, the United States of America. Although, we have our share of hard times, we always come out stronger and (I believe) better as a nation. America was built on the idea that God blesses America and that America trusts in God. I feel blessed!

I also believe that I am a part of the Holy Nation of God.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)

Happy Birthday July 4 to my great nation- USA!

AND Happy Birthday July 4 to my son!!!

Scripture source: Bible Gateway
Photo source: Google

When Your Love is...Dead

2011-06-29T07:11:00.000-05:00

Dear Journal,

I fell in love with him at the age of 10 or maybe 11. It's hard to be precise when love is so unpredictable. I first saw him on a deck of cards and immediately fell in love. I became determined to get his cards from the other players (clueless children) as we played the Author Game. I had no problem with the age difference or the fact that this marvelous man was longtime dead. I was intrigued. Was it his steely eyes, his strong features or the promise of romance that held my attention? Who knows.

Later in high school, I discovered what he was all about. He was a poet and he knew about life, love and tragedy—all good experiences for a poet. I read his poems with anticipation and formed the images he proposed in my own mind.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and what… a fellow. One of my crushes of dead men.

Thanks, Dear Journal,

Teresa

Photo source: http://www.everywritersresource.com/poemeveryday/2010/the-builders-henry-wadsworth-longfellow/

And http://www.directsource-games.com/kidscardgames.html

Slim Pickings...

2011-06-27T06:49:00.000-05:00

...on my ramblings this Mon...day.

I'm determined to finish my Steinbeck book soon, The Winter of Discontent, so I can begin another of his books. May I start your work week with a little of Johnny's humor?

"The profession of book-writing makes horse racing seem like a solid, stable business." John Steinbeck

Have a great week!

Teresa

Quote: ThinkQuest

Blame

2011-06-26T08:14:00.000-05:00

When my son was three or four years old he was running through our house, tripped, and hurt himself. During his crying jag, he said to me, “Why did you let me run in the house? I hurt myself.”

He wanted to blame someone.

Instead of laughing at his question (because I really wanted to) I pulled him in my lap and covered his tear stained little face with kisses and said, “Sometimes you have to decide whether you should run or walk.”

Of course, we would like to keep our children from experiencing pain, but we can’t. Instead, we step back most of the time and hope they will grow forward from experience. Wisdom gained through a journey of bumpy roads is not easily forgotten.

Have you ever said this to God, why do you let these things happen to me? I have. Human nature tends to shift blame to someone else. The art of blaming began early when Adam blamed Eve (and God for giving her to him) and Eve blamed the tempter (Genesis 3:11-14).

I don’t know exactly why God allows suffering, but, I believe he uses our experiences to perfect us for his Kingdom (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

“We know that God uses everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose—for them.” Romans 8:28 (NIV).

God’s plan for His children’s eternity is huge. We will live in a paradise (like no other). We will not see one more tear. We won’t have one more backache. We will see the lion lay beside a lamb without giving into his own cravings. We will live in the presence of the most pure and powerful form of love—God the Father and forever. It’s something we can only imagine.

When bad things happen, it’s understandable to say “Why are these things happening to me”. But consider this, the next time good things happen to you to try saying, “Why are these things happening to me?” It changes everything.

“Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.” Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (NIV)

Blessings ~~JW

Bible Source: Bible Gateway

Wishing

2011-06-22T06:42:00.000-05:00

Have you ever made a wish list? Here’s one of mine.

I aspire to:

Not merely exist.

Live today.

Enjoy the current season.

Laugh at my calamities.

Race over the speed bumps.

Hear those I love.

Drink in the sun.

Run not walk.

Eat glue if I want.

Love self and others.

Forget the naysayers.

Acknowledge the unacknowledged.

Never ever stop learning.

Be!

How about you? What's on your wish list?

Rambling Monday

2011-06-20T02:00:00.001-05:00

What's on the top shelf of your bookcase? I have photos of my babies (yes I need new frames). Of course, they have grown a bit. My son on the left (whose hair looked like a girls, but I liked it that way) will be 34 on July 4. My daughter on the right (who got very upset with me because I kept throwing a blanket over her head to get a natural shot) turned 29 on June 4.

They were perfect children. They still are.

Other Ramblings

Running through the Sprinklers

It was like running through the lawn sprinklers only not. First there’s water, then there's slip/sliding, and then splashing to stay upright. That’s what it’s like when you snake the drain to the washer (I guess I need a plumber) and forget to put the washer's hose back in the drain and walk away after starting the washer. And…you don’t notice until gallons of water are flooding your utility room.

It’s like running through the sprinklers…without the running and without the fun.

Driving in the Rain

When you put your money in the car wash money thingy (what’s that called?) you should remember to roll up your window because you will think you are driving in the rain with your window down when you feel water spraying on your shoulder.

It’s like driving in the rain with your window down…except scarier.

Granddaughterisms

“Grandma, when I go to bed every night I think about you and ask my mommy if I can come stay all night.” Ahh!

What little 7 year old girl cleans up the playroom at her grandmother’s house without being asked and all by herself--after she and her brothers played with ~~it seemed like all~~ the toys? Ahh!

May your week be wonderful and without mishap, because I'm not cleaning up any more water.

Comfort

2011-06-19T11:05:00.000-05:00

My children went through phases of being fearful of storms. When the thunder boomed they would either run to our bedroom and wake us or call out. Because I was determined to keep our children out of our bed (I thought I owed that to my husband) I would go sit by their bedsides with my hand on them for comfort until my child fell asleep. Either of my children could have chosen not to be comforted, but instead they trusted me and chose to be comforted by me.

God is so close that we should feel his Holy breath upon our face. He’s not high in heaven only looking down to play us like puppets. He’s with us everywhere in everything (Psalm 139:7-12, NIV). There is no circumstance too dark or difficult that God will not go through it with us (Hebrews 13:5-6, NIV). He is always ready to comfort.

But, for whatever reason, we may choose to reject his comfort. We may choose to feel miserable and defeated.

I heard someone say recently that she sets aside a quiet time each day without TV, people, or computers just to listen to God. It’s important to get the world’s voices out of our head in order to hear the comforting voice of our Holy Father.

Be comforted.

The Living Dead

2011-06-17T02:00:00.007-05:00

Dear Journal,

Know what? I forgot about the Cicadas. While mowing my .76 acres (or approximately ¾ of an acre) I like to mull over the stories that swim laps in my head. I would also like to listen to music, but the rider mower is too loud, so I think and plot.

The other day while thinking and ploting, I was interrupted by a Cicada jumping on my ball cap. My arms and one foot flailed about(without me screaming) and the Cicada left. My cap is green and looks worn; I bought it that way except for the sweat which has nothing to do with this post. Anyway, I had forgotten about them (the Cicadas) until one jumped on me. I prepared myself to go in the house saying phooey to keeping up with my neighbors’ yards.

Instead, I mowed on.

It wasn’t long after that another little ~~sucker~~ Cicada jumped on my face. I swear he was trying to kiss me. They’ve been away from society so long; I guess he just wanted a smooch. I do look pretty good in my ball cap, tank top and sunglasses. (Please never spy on me, because I might be lying.)

But, I’m not that kind of girl so I said to him NO, absolutely NOT—no kiss. You're too green and your eyes creep me out. I pushed him off into the grass.

This is what happens when you’re a part of the living dead and you reenter society, you have no social graces.

No not me— the two Cicadas.

Thanks for listening! Oh and the photo is of a real Missouri Cicada stolen from my sister.

~~JW

The Sky

2011-06-15T06:35:00.000-05:00

I'd forgotten that I took this photo in between the storms on May 22, 2011. At that time, I didn't know how hard Joplin had been hit. It was an eerie sky.

What I don't want to forget, however, is how the survivors have lost so much and how they will have to rebuild their lives.

Is this Weird?

2011-06-13T02:00:00.001-05:00

Hydrangeas

My soil's pH is confused. It doesn't know which color of Hydrangea it prefers.

Me either.

Craigslist

I don’t know why I do it because mentally I'm insulted and emotionally I’m suffering. But, I’m weak and do it again and again. I look watch the Craigslist Pets section. I get angry and sad and other things. But one thing jumped out at me the other day—a trend that is puzzling.

One good thing about the pet listing is that you can post your lost pet and some are even found and returned. I was reading one of those ads when the light bulb came on. All over Southwest Missouri, Boxers (dogs) are jumping their fences. That in itself is not unusual, but lately with sooo many boxers escaping, I’m wondering….

Where have all the Boxers gone? (Imagine this question to the tune of Where have all the flowers gone? playing in the background. Just do it!)

The photos of the missing dogs look like happy well cared for dogs, so, why are they leaving? Are they Tweeting each other? Are they a part of a Flash Mob? Will they be dancing somewhere in unison? Are they meeting to protest? Are they planning a takeover of CL?

My beloved Boxer, Suki Aki (1990-2000), jumped the fence once and plowed through it once. But, the last time she did it, Suki immediately ran to the front door and knock on it (don’t ask me with what, but my mother-in-law heard her). She and my daughter let her back in.

Suki really didn’t want to leave home for good, now did she? Of course, she didn’t have a cell phone or a Twitter account or “things” might have been different.

Confused Hydrangea bushes and runnaway Boxers. It's weird. As my sister use to say, "Some things can be explained and some things can't."