Unknown Dangers or Risks

While I wrote this before I began blogging, it is just as meaningful now.

After viewing Facebook, my daughter, Michelle had complimented my adventuresome spirit. It stemmed from a photo posted by my grandaughter, Miche. I was on a trampoline! And it was my first attempt, I had waited a long time to try. The experience proved it was more difficult than it seems, but Miche was right there with me, holding my two hands much like we do for small children learning to walk.

Aside from balance, the most difficult things was to get my feet into the air. We've all watched a toddler try to jump. They use a lot of body motions, but their efforts only allow one foot off the floor at a time, much was the case for me. The difference being, I couldn't get either foot off. Yes, I did try and it evoked much laughter, but also a feeling of accomplishment.

After thinking about an adventuresome spirit, I am in full agreement. Just never really thought about it before. In fact, asked about it, my response would have been just the opposite. In my defense I will just mention a few experiences. I married when I was only eighteen and began the biggest adventure of my life. Drove alone with my sister to Augusta, Ga. to be with my new husband while he was in the US Army for basic training. I was the first of my siblings to leave our home state and live over a thousand miles away. I began college when the youngest of our five children started to kindergarten. I took up skiing late in life, mainly so that our kids had the experience. I didn't stick with it very long. Dressing in ski suit, sitting in the lodge, sipping a beverage, and watching the skiers was more to my liking. The next adventuresome challenging experience was backpacking and hiking to Havasupai in the Grand Canyon. Wow, somewhere along the trail as I was on my way out of the canyon, I wasn't sure I was going to make it. About the same time a mule train was on their way down. Sitting on one of the mules was a guy, who looked like he should be carrying the mule, looked down at me and said, "Ah, it can't be that bad?" I cannot write what I was thinking!

Probably, the second most adventurous would have to be writing and publishing my memoirs about five years ago. Sure would like another experience like that. It takes such a lot of work. But writing is an adventure in itself, you know not where it will take you.

Right now I am living a new adventure, one day at a time trying to build a new life for myself since my husband went to be with the Lord two and a half years ago. One thing I know from experience, adventures are not always enjoyable, they can, and most often are challenging, but generally, when finished you can say to yourself, "Job well done!"

Defined by Webster, adventuresome is characterized by unknown dangers and risks. That means just getting into your car everyday proves you are adventuresome, doesn't it?

Is Someone Messin With Me?!

Challenge for the day: Write something, and I have. I responded to several e-mails, did some postings on "facebook," and now for the real challenge, The Writing Edge!

Today, I am entertaining thoughts about, Lost and Found or maybe it should be Found but not Lost! Confusing. . .I know I am confused. This is what happened, and it is not the first time.

This is so strange, yesterday afternoon I opened one of the kitchen cabinets that I don't often use. It holds dishes that won't fit in the china cupboard. At first glance I saw a slip of paper in one of the tea cups, wondering what it was, I picked it up and saw a set of numbers on it. All of a sudden it came to me, this is the combination for the safe in the office! I told Dana, my son, several months ago it was missing. He reminded me that he had given it to me to put in a safe place after we had gone through the contents a year or more ago. At that time I could not open the safe at all. Neither the key or combination would work for me. Thought I might have to hire a safe cracker. (a little humor) I don't have thousands of dollars in jewelry or other expensive items, but there are important papers. I purchased the safe as a gift for Dick at one time. Tell me what good is a safe if you can't open it?! Which brings me to the present time. I don't even remember what prompted the thought of going through the safe again. I thought we had left it unlocked, but not the case. So where was the slip of paper with the combination? I know a lot of places where it wasn't. When there is something I cannot find, it drives me nuts. I go on hunting rampages until I find what I am looking for. I checked in every nook and cranny, and was certain it was not in the house. What really gets to me, is the fact I know without doubt, I have been in that cupboard quite a few times. Where was that little slip of paper that was now so prominently displayed?

This is not the first time for something like this to happen to me. It hasn't been all that long ago, I found a paperback recipe book by Peg Bracken, I had been searching for, for several years. And where do you think it was? Right in its proper place with other books of its kind! Can't begin to tell you how many times I had been through all of those books, all to no avail!

How do these things happen? I really don't believe in ghosts! However, makes for good story telling. Dana, told me one time when something of this kind happens to him, he thinks someone who has passed, like his brother, is messin with him. I know what I think and it might surprise you, but what do you think? Is someone messin with me?!

Definitely an Ahhhh, Moment!

Just returned from a two week trip to Lincoln, Nebraska including side trips to Conestoga Lake, Denten, NE, Giltner, NE, as well as a day on each end in Pine, Az. But the main reason for the vacation was my 60Th high school class reunion in Lincoln. ( I know, you are all working on the math.) I will write about reunions at a later date. It is enough now just to say, a good time was had by all.

My sister, Jan joined me in the trip and that way, I didn't have to fly. Not my favorite way to travel, nor hers. We have had a couple of experiences leading to our dislike. I fly only when it's the only way. She, her husband Tom and their three yorkies live in Pine, AZ and that's my reason for stopping there. I leave Max with his buddies, Reggie, Molly and Penny(the yorkies). On leaving I impart to everyone that Max is going to camp. And he really is. Tom takes them on hikes in the forest almost daily. They can bark at the deer and even Lucy, an elk that frequents the area right behind the back fence. Believe it or not they pay little heed to them. As far as they are concerned these little dogs are just a nuisance. Of course, the dogs know when other animals are around before they can be seen, giving them plenty of reason for barking and running the fence line.

The weather in Pine this time of year is great, with cool temperatures and usually includes a slight breeze blowing through the pines. Tom pampers and spoils the dogs with love, I sometimes refer to him as the Pied Piper, because they follow him everywhere. Not at all unusual for all of them to be sitting on the chair with him at one time. For me, my favorite thing to do there, is sitting on the deck with Jan, Tom and all four dogs, having my morning coffee. Believe me, it is definitely an "Ahhhhhhhhhh, moment!

Well, we are now home and it will take Max and I some time to recover from all the activity. Max checked out the back yard and all his favorite places immediately, going first to a little statute fountain. He seemed intrigued with something about it even before we left. After watching him sniffing all around it, I saw what it was that had his fancy. A very tiny little ground squirrel ran out from underneath. He went so fast, I don't think his little feet had time to touch the ground. Max was right behind it, and I was right behind Max. What a sight?! Thankfully the little creature found safe haven in some tree branches on the ground. They were from a tree I had taken down shortly before I left, fearing it might well come down by itself during a monsoon storm while I was gone. Max, not wanting to give up, finally responded to my command of "Leave it! and Come." But it was at his will, not mine if you know what I mean?

Anyway, right now he is doing one of his other favorite things and that is sleeping. This is about his third little nap of the afternoon. My own recovery will be adjusting to the two hour difference in time and enjoying the best part of any vacation and that is sleeping in my own bed tonight!

Adventure -- One Day at a Time

My year of adventure continues one day at a time, and today it started with a trip to Scottsdale for a medical appointment. The report wasn't great, but it was good. My blood pressure 100 over 62? Must be from all the rest I've been getting sitting at the computer these past few weeks.

On the drive there, looking towards the northern horizon, I saw beautiful billowing, vertical, cumulus clouds building up over the desert mountains. They had the appearance of being mountains too, or enormous mounds of whipped cream. They will probably bring rain and storms up north, but there is no rain in the valley desert forecast for awhile.

My first stop back to Awahtukee, the residential area where I live, was The Native New Yorker for lunch. I was starving, having had no breakfast other than coffee that morning. I had been thinking Philly cheese steak sandwich and iced tea every since I decided to eat out. My server was about the age of one of my grandsons and had sweet endearing names for me. It didn't hurt my feelings and he certainly wasn't being condescending. The service and food was good as I expected, but not out of the ordinary for the establishment. It was a four star experience, maybe three due to noise from one of the nearby tables.

There had to be another stop yet, and that was the grocery store. This is truly an unwelcome task for me. But, I've put it off about as long as I can and still have food in the house. Mainly I was in need of fresh fruit. Max and I had our last apple yesterday. I sit in the recliner after peeling the apple and Max sits on the edge of couch. Then I cut off small pieces for each of us. He loves the apple and attention! Anyway, I made my way up and down the aisles not seeing anything I really wanted, and asking myself, "Why are you here?" Tonight when I am unable to come up with anything for supper, I'll remember.

I am actually becoming more observant, especially of people. As I was meandering around the store I saw this guy several times,walking around more aimlessly than I was. What struck me as odd or strange, was he was not exactly a young guy, and he was wearing short shorts! Most men regardless of age, if they were wearing shorts, they were at least to their knees and baggy. You see, now I am part of the men's fashion police!

And this brings me to my next adventure or encounter or whatever. Only one register was open and I was the last one in line. One of the cashiers came out and said he would take me at the next register. I followed. As I struggled with my keys to get the little discount card for him, he asked, "May I see you ID?" You know, for the beer. May I see your ID? All the time I'm still trying to get my keys from my purse. It finally registered what he had said. Do you know how long it has been since anyone asked me that?! I've just been waiting for the time, and when it happened all I could do was stutter and stammer making no sense. The young man sacking groceries had just the hint of a smile! I saw it, and that's okay. We all enjoyed the moment! And I won't forget anytime soon that I was asked verification of my AGE! lOVED IT!

Writing Exercise - - -Rob Parnell's, The Easy Way to Write

This writing exercise was to participate in some people watching and catch little snippets of individuals or small groups, to later write about. It is a study in developing characters for fiction. I've had plenty of time for observing others due to all the problems and wait time I've had with my car. In fact, the setting for my characterization, was in the parking lot of one of those repair shops. This is what I caught in my mind's camera.

I was about fifteen minutes early for my seven-thirty a.m. appointment. Because it was already warm outside, I sat in the car with the door open and the radio playing softly. I had been watching people go inside, and figured they were employees. As I was staring out into space waiting for the clock to move, I caught a glimpse of a man slowly making his way across the drive. I think it was the resemblance to my late husband that kept me intrigued. The man was elderly, walked slowly with the use of a cane. It did not appear it was giving him much support. His stature was heavy and of medium height. He wore a cap, and was dressed in a tee shirt and shorts. There was no one with him, so I assumed he had driven himself. He sat on the bench just outside the door that entered the building lobby. Obviously, he was early too. The man lacked any facial expression, but seemingly deep in thought. He sat with his head bowed, chin on top of his hands that were resting on the crook of his cane. I remember thinking, and wondering what was going through his thoughts. Wondering if perhaps he had something very serious on his mind. Or, was it that he was just tired from having to arise so early, and plainly would prefer to be elsewhere.

The next time I looked his way, he was gone, but returned a short time later, and was seated in the same place. A couple more gentlemen and a woman went inside. Obviously, the office was now open. Joining the others inside, I made arrangements for my car. It took but a short time as they were already familiar with my situation and had read the fax I had sent to them. As I opened the door, crossing the threshold on my way out, I saw the man was still seated on the bench. Looking up at me, we greeted one another and made some comment about having to be there etc. I replied, explaining in a very few words with frustration clearly evident in my voice, why I was there. And if I could, I would gladly use a hammer on the infernal engine light! It brought an immediate response of hearty laughter on his part. Then a car pulled up, he stood and was on his way, leaving me to continue pondering, while waiting for my ride.

Make Your World a Better Place - SMILE

August 3, 2010

Today, I learned something new about myself. Well, maybe I just never gave it much thought before. I have a good sense of humor! In fact, I would stretch that a bit further to include our entire immediate family as having a good sense of humor. And I do look for this trait in others as well. Michelle (daughter) and I were discussing this very thing recently, because we happened to be talking about Darrel (deceased son). We spoke about what a wonderful story teller he was. I venture to say that no one could have heard him tell his story of the trip home from the North Rim of the Canyon when we were all there many years ago, and not be doubled over in laughter. He was with Bob. Bob is like one of the family and he was the main topic of the story. (We love you Bob.)

Grandma Dutton, an extremely hard working, no nonsense kind of person. But what a sense of humor she had. Many were the times I saw her laugh until the tears were rolling down her cheeks. And when she told a story, she had a talent of being able to use accents of the individuals, and make you feel like you were right there. It added immensely to the humor and the story. In fact, she sometimes gave readings for some of the local women"s groups. I'm not putting any of us in the category of a comedian, just the ability to see humor in everyday things and really enjoy laughter, sometimes at our own expense.

This morning, I took the car (about the fourth time) for emissions testing. The last time it failed because, "It wasn't ready." Well, neither was I. Anyway, this time it passed! Oh, Happy Day! I drove it about twenty miles before and maybe that helped, I don't know, just glad it passed. To celebrate I stopped at Paradise Bakery for a bagel and coffee on my way home. I hadn't had breakfast yet. As I was leaving, two gentlemen were standing outside the door talking and when they saw me both reached for and opened their side of the door. I thanked them as I walked out between them and said, "It's not every day I have two good looking men open the door for me." I caught them off guard and then they both laughed as I did. One of them replied still laughing, "We're not referred to that way very often either." I just kept walking with a big smile on my face and I'm sure they did too. Now, I didn't know I was going to say anything at all to them, it was just spur of the moment thought, but I gave them and myself just a little bright spot in our day!

Lord knows, in today"s world we all can afford to do more things in our lives that make us smile! So make it a practice everyday, of giving some of yours away! You'll be glad you did. It is almost unheard of, if you give a smile to someone, that they won't return it. So make your world a better place - SMILE!

There is Stuff, and Then There's More Stuff

Every so often I make the declaration to be on clutter patrol! My kitchen table, and desk catch the most, especially after mail call. I don't know what to do with some of that stuff! Usually I sort the mail out into several stacks as I go through it: l. definitely save, which requires filing, 2. definitely throw away 3. mail received for others and 4. that which does not fall into any of these categories. So when I've finished the table top is completely covered with stuff. I get a lot of junk mail, not only for me, but other family members. And since I'm not sure it is junk, I save it and let them throw away their stuff the next time they come over. But what to do with it until then? Max has stuff too. He has his toys and he generously will share them with me. The only problem is, he doesn't return them to his toy box. Sometimes he will carry some of his stuff outside and leave it there. His preference though is the landing of the stairs. I also have my writing stuff on the computer desk. I am well aware that filing is an excellent strategy and tool to use to control clutter, especially paper clutter. Why am I compelled to keep a hard copy of stuff I write on the computer? I know it is filed there. There is just something about holding that piece of paper in my two hands as I read. I catch a lot of errors that I wouldn't have caught otherwise. How to file this stuff, is always a challenge and conflict? Everyone has stuff in their lives and this is just a small splattering of mine! Maybe the next time I will attack my stuff in the china cupboards,closets, upstairs office, kitchen drawers, or maybe even the garage or yard! What about your stuff?!

I would like to underline the word stuff in the foregoing, but, have to admit I just don't know how. Nothing I've tried seems to work. I tried Ctrl I for Italic too, but that also failed. "Trial and Error" I've used the word "stuff" in context of whatever may be possessed or owned!