The Morning Shower

Did you ever notice that the morning shower is sometimes more than just good hygiene?  Only on super chilly mornings do I dread entering the shower and then only temporarily, because when that warm water hits and begins to thaw me out -- heavenly is the word that comes to mind.  It's more than pleasant smelling soap and warm water though. For me, the morning shower has become a time of inspiration.  I don't know if it is because I have figured out things in my sleep and the shower awakens my brain, or if it is something else.  I read one time that the presence of water sometimes makes inspiration come more easily. (It's like in that old movie, Laura, where the old skinny guy writes his newspaper column while sitting in the bathtub.)  I guess I care less about the why or how; it's more that the shower time is often productive in solving problems, or in getting new ideas to explore, or in thinking of new ways of doing things.  Have you had this experience?

I don't often share this with people for obvious reasons.  I mean who goes around saying, "You know what I thought of in the shower this morning?" 
Although --  odder still is the story someone told me one time about his father suddenly making a appearance while he was in the shower.  His father was deceased.  Actually I was most interested in this -- didn't find it creepy at all...and, interestingly, neither did he. The whole "thing" was reassuring somehow.  Yet when I think about it -- there are few people I would want to share my shower with -- and all of them are alive -- and some of them don't even know me.  On second thought, I hope I can reserve my shower space to myself. I get a lot of good thinking done there.

Scissors

There have been times throughout my life when I have listened to people lament the loss of a sock.  "It's like the washing machine eats them for fun", they say.  I am thinking that you may have had a similar experience or have heard others talk about coming up one short of a pair.  Here's the thing... I don't really have a problem with missing socks.  I don't recall ever having such a problem.  My issue is scissors.  

Scissors have always been an issue for me.  I will give you a for instance....  In 2001 I moved into a new home.  I distinctly remember counting my scissors as I found them while packing to move.  I was astounded to find that I had sixteen pairs including a pair of pinking shears that are more than a little difficult, if not impossible, to operate.  Of those sixteen pairs, the only one I am able to locate at this moment in time are those cantankerous pinking shears. I have no idea where the rest of them are.  

Have no fear, however... There are now several other pairs floating around  -- at least 12 that I know of -- all purchased in the past 14 years.  I counted four dirty and well used pairs of various sizes and colors while I was working in the garage just the other day. I distinctly remember using my favorite pair to open a tough bag of rock salt last winter. They have never been the same since -- thus their placement on the shelf in the garage. There are also texturizing scissors in my bathroom, a pair of tiny thread cutting scissors in a drawer someplace, and at least four pairs of nice scissors that I have ruined by cutting things like twine, cardboard boxes, mailing paper and packaging tape.  They look nice standing in a mug on the kitchen counter, but good luck getting them to cut a hanging thread or to open a plastic bag of mini pepperoni. (Looks aren't everything, as we know.) It's a dilemma, one that I have created.  

So -- once again decent scissors are on my shopping list -- all the while I am promising that I will save this pair to use while cutting fabric or when mending. I am not kidding myself though -- I know that will not happen.  I know that in the pressure of the moment, I will grab the scissors now and regret later. It's shameful.  At least I eventually relegate the dull ones for use in the gardens and garage if I don't misplace them first.  Where do they all go?  Does anyone else out there have this issue? Do I have to move again to find those other sixteen pairs? Would I want them if I did find them?  I just don't know.  Am I alone in all of this?  Are all of you missing sock people?    

Heart Hugs

I had a wonderful friend who gave what he called heart hugs.  They were the kind of hugs where you wrapped your arms around each other and pressed your hearts together.  They were indescribably wonderful. He being much taller than I sometimes made these hugs hard to manage, but if I could find a step to stand on, they were perfect.  I miss him.

Recently on Facebook someone shared a copyrighted "photo" that made me remember these hugs.  It was a scene of Charlie Brown and Snoopy hugging. The words? "I love the kind of hugs where you can physically feel the sadness leaving."  I think the source was something like "You are My O2" It was sort of hard to see.  Anyway -- that is the best definition of a heart hug that I could ever imagine.  Perfect....

A wise woman once shared with me that she never passes up a hug. She is one smart lady as she is definitely a hugger and thrives on them. Not all people are huggers though. I think hugging may be a learned behavior and some families are just not into it.   I am from a hugging family and sometimes I am not into it.  I get it. 

Hugs are healthy in general. Not all may be heart hugs, but all hugs are a good thing...even the ones that send your glasses flying. I have taught my grandchildren the heart hug.  Some things are worth passing on from generation to generation.  I consider it a gift from my friend to them. They never had a chance to meet him. I think, as he did, that it is important to share the good things, the best things about people who have passed through your life, whose lives have been a blessing. It's a poignant kind of immortality -- if the best that was them continues on. 

Heart hugs all around. 

A Laugh Fest

Laughing is one of my most favorite things.  It is good for a person -- physically and mentally. Over time, many have written about laughter being good medicine, good for the soul, etc. Still true today, and isn't it nice to realize that some things last -- that this is one of the things that has survived? 

Recently I shared a delicious, homemade brunch with several of my cousins. When we get together for this type of relaxed, no-special-reason get-together, it is always a time of laughter.  "Funny" runs in our family, I think. We enjoy each other -- know each other -- have known each other all our lives. We laugh together.  It's bonding.

Topics of conversation vary, of course, but we usually touch on a few funny stories about our relatives, current goings on, plans, etc. Once in a while there is something we have to sort out. This particular gathering we got caught a bit on pierced ears. I think it is important to note here that there are lasting effects from some of life's decisions -- like having one's ears pierced -- or like the time my sister got a new electric razor from our Aunt Doris and decided to try it out on my legs. I was ten. Sometimes your life changes forever. Before I get to the cousin discussion though -- I want to share with you how I remember the whole ear piercing thing in my life.  I  don't remember ever wanting my ears pierced. My Mom and sister, both girly girls, decided that I needed them pierced, and for my sixteenth birthday and gave me earrings they liked and an appointment to have my earlobes drilled. I distinctly remember our family doctor grumbling that if God wanted our earlobes to have holes, he would have put them there. Neither he nor I were thrilled -- but we went along. Must mention that I haven't worn earrings in years. I like them on other people, just not my thing. I don't often think of the holes in my lobes. It's all good - although I just wish they would disappear.  Speaking of -- don't you wonder what all these tattooed people will think as they grow older all colored in ink that may clash with their outfits or that may be an unfortunate lesson in what happens with aging skin? There are going to be a lot of wrinkly tattoos...for sure.

Anyway... to get to the point -- this was the situation at the laugh fest:

One of my cousins had her nine-month-old granddaughter with her. (In our family, we like to start the children young in respect to the laughter "thing".) The baby had recently had her ears pierced, and that event gave direction to the conversation as two of the cousins, in their sixties or thereabouts, have always wanted to have their ears pierced, but being the big chickens they are on things like this, have never done so.  So -- the questions began. "Did the baby cry?"  Was there an audible crunching sound?"  What is the healing time?  We actually found quite a bit to say on this topic. The baby was totally happy to sit on her Nana's lap and was not at all aware that her teeny earlobes had become the center of attention.  My one cousin brought it all to a fun highpoint with this remark or something sort of like this (I don't always remember word for word and sometimes lose my notes).  She said...  I have often thought that I should have one of those medic alert bracelets engraved -- If you find me unconscious, please pierce my ears.  Need I say more? 

Having written all this, I just hope I am invited to the next laugh fest.  Maybe they will let me come if I promise to leave my notepad at home. I have to say -- this group has been my inspiration more than one time.  They are like that.  Fun and funny does run in the family. We all love to share laughter; it's a good thing all the way around.

I call her the Lovely Luna...

I call her the Lovely Luna. She is a regal Norwegian Elk Hound mix, playful, loyal, gentle, but "mega" protective, and... top dog intelligent. I hope you know or have known a dog like this one -- a bit on the timid side until she launches into her protective mode. She loves her humans. I have mentioned her before in this blog -- she is the inspiration for the almost 3 acres of invisible fencing that came up in a post a few weeks ago. I will do what I can to protect this dog.  Recently she stayed with me for a few days, and I must say that she is welcome again at any time in the future -- definitely.  She is a lovely and frequently invited "guest". If truth be known - she is Family (notice the capital F) as well as the perfect visitor. She happily eats whatever you put in front of her, she never snarly mumbles or makes any noise of any kind actually, except a rare single bark to "ask" someone to open a door. If she had thumbs, I am convinced she would open the door herself. She is pleasant, has friendly eyes and appears to listen to everything you say to her with the added bonus of seeming to be interested in what you are saying. I am thoroughly convinced that she understands a good deal of English.  She also sleeps all night on her own bed -- doesn't lurk about or sneak up on furniture,  and ---she smiles.  She is never a Miss Grouchy Face -- ever. Can you ask more than that from a guest?  I think not.  She is perfect except for when she rolls in questionable pasture substances like deer poop or bear meadow muffins  and ... then... there is the doggy breath issue that may or may not be related to the previously mentioned dubious behavior ... but....  I can easily overlook these minor "unpleasantries" -- they are innate dog characteristics and... I love her. Plus it is obvious that she thinks she smells good and is so proud of herself that you just have to laugh as you gag.  

Other than going to work with my daughter at a nearby animal hospital, Luna is, for the most part, an outdoor dog. That probably is a good thing considering the last few sentences of the  previous paragraph. When visiting she spends most of her time wandering about and rolling in/sniffing things in the pasture or making a good show of being a ferocious guard dog.  She is protective. She especially enjoys positioning herself in elevated places and scanning her territory with head up and at least one ear raised.  She has trouble keeping both ears perked at the same time for more than a few moments. I don't know why. Perhaps it is a concentration issue. She does appear at times to be a little bit ADHD. Anyway ---it is especially nice for me when she has returned from her explorations and is tired out a bit. I like it when she snoozes on the floor beside my desk chair (like she was doing when I began to write this post).  As I said before -- I love her. What I did not mention previously is that she understands me. The house seems somehow empty when she leaves even though you hardly know that she is here when she is.  One last good thing is -- I know she will come back often if for no other reason than she goes almost everywhere with my grandkids...and...  I buy special cheese to put on her dog food and sometimes sneak her food from the table.  She likes to eat here.  Yep -- she will be back and that is a good thing.

P.S.  Reality check. A few days ago the lovely Luna had an "encounter" with a skunk.  She won't be visiting for a while.  I do love her, but I do have my limits....

Memo to The Donald

                                       
                      Memo


To:     Donald J. Trump,  aka The Donald
From:  http://frompencilboxtokeyboard.blogspot.com 
Re:     Seven reasons why people like you...or not
Date:  A little more than a year away from the next Presidential election...


It is quite clear that:

1. you are not concerned with being "politically correct". Some find this to be refreshing even if offensive from time to time. It's an unusual sort of mixed reaction...complicated somehow.
2. you are driving the talking heads of media, including major networks, as well as both CNN and Fox News, to the point of stuttering as they scramble to force you into some mold with which they are comfortable. Some find this to be most amusing to watch and wonder why they are so afraid of you and of your potential - why they go out of their way to make you look bad when over and over it turns back on them and has the opposite effect. The US media could use one of those people who helps create a positive spin on things. Their image is "hurting" big time. For many people I have talked with, media ranks right there with politicians on the distrust meter.
3. you don't seem to be in major need of financial contributions. What? Some find this to be a most pleasant change among politicians. No one owns you.  This is a good thing. No wonder some are twitchingly nervous. You are so not a typical politician... so not a member of the political version of the "good ole boys club".
4. you seem to manipulate the news to provide free campaign "advertising" without even trying. Some find this to be creative and intelligent as well as entertaining and endearing. Some of the less objective news people (which is most of them) are starting to move into a panic mode  -- at times becoming way too obvious in their attacks on you.  Ugly and sad to watch... they seem pathetically desperate somehow, but their actions keep your name in the forefront of the news. This phenomenon is great fun for those who enjoy some of the ironies of life.  Yep -- Those of us whose intelligence the media is underestimating do enjoy watching the media getting what's coming to them.
5. you somehow make the common man believe that you understand his situation even though your holiday "gratuities" to doormen may be larger than most yearly salaries of aforementioned Middle America. Some find this surprisingly and oddly bond-creating. Strange, isn't it?
6. you make city life look tolerable. Some, more rural Americans, find your love of city life to be sad, but understand that you call New York City your home - especially since you own a lot of it. We can't fault you for loving your home.  It's just that you are missing so much and that makes many who live a simpler life feel a bit sorry for you.... Rural America is largely underestimated by those who are sometimes referred to as "City Slickers". You do know, don't you, that New Yorkers are obnoxiously provincial? Actually, it's a very unattractive quality of many "city folk". Do we have glimmers that you do know that there is another world out there?  I think so.  American is a large nation; many think that you "get that".
7. you make a suit or dress clothes look almost as comfortable as jeans and a flannel shirt. Some find this to be odd but recognize that you, of course, may wear whatever you want. However -- one suggestion is that you stay away from baseball caps.  They are a bit of a stretch and an odd contradiction to the whole Presidential image even if you delete the boring, constricting necktie and switch to khakis and a sports coat on such ballcap wearing occasions. Further --  if you feel you must "dress down" upon occasion, please oh please spare us the rolled up sleeve look.  We know you didn't just finish mucking out the stalls in the horse barn. Actually -- we don't want you to do that. We have other jobs for you to do -- hopefully. We like it when you look Presidential.

Now here is the thing that you really need to keep in mind.  If you are in fact accomplishing all of this turmoil on the political front for any other reason other than to actually run for president, there are many who are not going to like you any more -- at all. Please don't become one of "them". Please know that there are those out here in the world of normal who have come to dislike politicians, who have learned to identify and to distrust all the false rhetoric and promises, who are disillusioned and apathetic -- rightfully so. You, seemingly a non-politician, appear to be asking all the right questions and at the same time making media, government, and some big business edgy and afraid. Some of us like that a lot and think that their discomfort is way overdue and well-deserved. Please be the answer for us. Give us hope. With you, even as arrogant as you are/can be, maybe some of us will become more trusting, less disillusioned and less apathetic. Maybe we will get to be a part of the new American dream.

Go for it, Donald. Although you sometimes seem to carry things a bit too far, there are those out here who are watching -- maybe even daring to hope again.   Don't make us ask the question: "Where is Jeb Bartlett when we need him?"

Facebook for Boomers?

Primarily as a way to broadcast my blog, I joined Facebook about a year ago. Now, at times, I wish everyone I know belonged. I have found Facebook to be enlightening, surprising, funny, and - to be totally honest - sometimes I have found it to be a little offensive. Nevertheless, I have learned a few important tidbits of information, reconnected with friends, laughed, and sometimes been so touched that I have cried for people I know and... for some I have never met. All things considered, I am glad that I signed up.  Never one to want to miss something, I check in almost every day to see what is going on. I am rarely disappointed. For sure this particular social media works "on several different levels". 

Take the past few days, for example....  I have seen more than a few family and pet postings that bring a smile, plenty of "newsy" updates on the goings-on of others, funny and not so funny videos gone viral, and tidbits from politicians and businesses. Using a blast from the past phrase, "It's all good." I must admit though that I do find myself playing favorites.  I love, for example, when people share actual photographs of things they made or are proud of.  It is just plain good and healthy for people to be able to take pride in things they have accomplished and/or value.  I also enjoy the "photos of quotes" that people "share"  -- the ones that make statements about the human condition, current events or national news are on the top of my list.  I confess that sometimes the snarky ones are especially appealing to me. For example the one posting that says something like "If you read it on the Internet, you know it's true.  Abraham Lincoln." It seems to be all in good fun... for the most part. One nice thing about Facebook is that you can ignore or make disappear the posts that aggravate you. I have no problem disregarding what I don't want to deal with.  Facebook makes it very easy to do so...unlike other parts of the "real" world.  At this "stage of the game" we all know about that sort of thing - both the ignoring and the getting rid of....

Now here is my Facebook dilemma of the moment.  I read a little "shared photo" this week entitled "ATM Pin Number Reversal...".  The blurb explains that if you are ever taken against your will to an ATM machine and forced to enter your pin-- try to remember (in all the hubbub and terror) to enter your pin backwards. The ATM will not only give you the money you asked for but also, notify the police that you are being robbed.  Meanwhile -- the ATM is busily recording everything. Obviously -- although I have found out through a little detective work that most ATM's are not set up to do this (although they apparently could be), you can see why I don't want to test this myself.
The more I think about it... there is another problem here as well.  I have enough trouble remembering my ATM pin # as it is, and I am not sure that I can translate it into backwards in my head in time. I mean -- it's not like my pin # is 1234 which easily translates into 4231-- oops - 4321.. (I can't remember my license plate number either.) Actually I haven't heard of any ATM robberies in my town anyway -- merely thinking of the "just in case" scenario, and... I am curious. I also like to think that I am prepared.  It's sort of like putting your cell phone on your nightstand or putting the spare car keys in a handy drawer so that you can set off the car alarm if need be when you hear a series of bumps in the night. It's like remembering to have your keys in your hand when walking to your car so you aren't digging around in your purse while someone approaches you from behind.  Ah -- the joys of living in 2015.... "The Times, they are a changin...."  Now if you remember those lyrics from the early 60's or thereabouts, you are definitely a Boomer and totally get all of this.  Good thing we adapt so well to change. Argh... We have had a lot of changes to deal with for sure.  We have been adapting for a long time now.

"Come gather round people/Wherever you roam/And admit that the waters/Around you have grown...."  Are you singing Bob Dylan words in your head?  I am thinking that you might be....  And so... you know how the rest of the song goes....

Hope to see you on Facebook...and have a good week.