September is here ~ I’m delighted because it’s one of my favorite months!
I’m leaningin for:
A steady stream of sunny days
A significant drop in humidity (my hair approves!)
Stew simmering in the Crock pot
This morning the kitchen smells of savory meat, root vegetables and pepper
No fall candle can top that!
The start of College Football
Windows open, A/C off
Sweater weather returns
But we may need shorts & a hoodie in the same day!
Tracking Hurricane Dorian and scrolling through other news stories, this caught my attention:
When I was a girl, we ended up with a Pit Bull at our farm ~ one of Dad’s jockeys brought him to Canada from Louisiana, probably illegally. He was skinny and jumpy, tied up all day in the city. Brian brought him out in the spring when they broke horses and when he left, Butkus stayed. Filled out. Bulked up. He followed Dad everywhere ~ he snorted and drooled and intimidated everyone who pulled into the farm yard. But he was a big baby ~ a cuddle bear, he loved to play tug-o-war and lie on his back for belly scratches. The irony of his ruff & tuff exterior was that it was two “safe” dog breeds – an idiot neighbor’s Labrador & Dalmatian, who got to him. They fought, he lost; he crawled home where he died in my Dad’s arms. #therearenobaddogs
Now, I don’t want to end this post with you upset and sad, so I offer you this —
I was so looking forward to this day: a gathering at a friends’ lake house. A day of sunshine, water, good eats, laughter, camaraderie & pontoon rides. A day of good tunes, easy conversations, jet skis, sunblock and beach hair.
Like I do, I carefully planned the foods I’d bring, deciding on a fresh peach/blueberry cobbler & an appetizer dip. Hubbs and I eagerly anticipated the day, the forecast was perfect for a country ride “up” to the lake house, and the camaraderie we were soon to experience.
Arriving just after 1pm we set down the coolers and arranged chairs; food covered their kitchen counter and friends hugged hello, gathering around the patio table. Classic 70s rock playing in the background, a waterfall trickled softly and we savored the summer breeze off the lake.
Soon the Hostess asked if I was up for a ride on her “new” jet ski, the high powered one gleaming in the distance. “You bet,” I answered but “let’s visit first.” And so we did. When I offered how I didn’t bring my swimsuit andjust had a tee shirt & shorts she promised, “I won’t get you wet.” And I know she knows what she’s doing .. so I went with it.
As we strapped on life vests and headed to the dock, another couple joined the party – so soon came more greetings before climbing onto the Sea-do. Heading to the open water, with my pal driving and me holding tight, we navigated smaller waves until a time she could “open it up” – flying now – fast and tight, my hair whipping behind me, I caught a glimpse at the speedometer: 57mph. Shrieking, we leaned into a turn, jumped the wake left by a puttering pontoon boat, both of us rocketing forward and laughing our heads off. Hanging on, fully exhilarated, truly living.
Having an “it-doesn’t-get-better-than-this-moment,” and then some. 😀
Life is too short to sit on the shore!
We circled a few times then made our way back to the dock where friends gathered, men on the deck, ladies on chairs in the shallow water, waves lapping their calves. Coasting into shore, I commented on how good of a driver my friend is, and thanked her that I did not have one drop of water on me, amazing! We hopped off and waded towards shore, where the women gathered. With everyone watching, one gal commented “you went all that way and didn’t even get wet” and I nodded and smiled, about to compliment my friend on her excellent command of the machine. But before I could do so, that same woman reached down and, with both hands, doused me in water, from head to toe. Water soaked my hair, dripped down my sunglasses and face, top, shorts and underwear now completely drenched, with rivulets of water running down my legs. I stood there in shocked disbelief, having my own “Carrie” moment, trying to come to terms with what just happened.
What. The. ??? What’s wrong with you?
Stephen King’s 1970’s Horror classic, “Carrie”
Looking back, there’s a part of me that almost did what I’d always done: “take the high road” “turn the other cheek” and all that other passive bullsh*t I’d been preached to my whole life. The same words that always translated to justlie down, be quiet and take it.
And I might have done that until I saw another so-called friend laughing.
And that was it. That was the tipping point.
Shaking water off my sunglasses while simultaneously wiping it from my eyes I looked around at those who looked away, said nothing, and the splasher and that one “friend” laughing.
All at my expense. Nice.
I’m 5’2″ and the splasher well she’s 3 years younger and 4″ taller.
But it only took an second – I lunged at her with both hands, knocking her off her feet.
I’m petty sure she got air before landing in that lake sideways with a thud. Sputtering she got up yelling, flailing and swearing …. “I thought you were a nice girl” and my response was this, “I am. You started it. Want some more?”
Women backed off, clucked, fussed and did nothing.
Someone said “this feels like High School” and I answered “YEP it sure does, I hope you all remember who started it. Just keep it up and I’ll finish it!”
I probably should feel remorse …. but I don’t.
I probably should be embarrassed …. but I’m not.
I hit her with everything I’ve got and then some. And I’d do it again.
#Sorrynotsorry
Maybe when bullies decide they’re going to pick someone’s hide, they should consider who they’re picking: in my case, she picked a 50-something woman who’s had enough of immature jerks and is no longer going to lie down and take it.
And I have better insurance, too.
Gotta love me some TOWANDA!
Your turn:
When’s the last time you dealt with a bully?
What did you do?
In the situation described above, what would you have done if you were me?
Why?
If you ever retaliated against someone’s nastiness, how did leave you feeling?
I don’t feel great about it, but I don’t feel bad, either. 😀
It’s Friday, and time for some randoms … ready? Let’s do this!
1 ) Elvis my Elvis – 42 years ago TODAY the world lost a legend with the passing of Elvis Presley. I was at horse camp when I heard the news and still remember the sorrow and disbelief felt. There’s never been a time when I wasn’t a fan but if you asked me to pick my favorites from his music, I’d pick this:
an MJ favorite; image from amazon.com
2 ) Seasons – School hasn’t started yet but Halloween displays are going up. Slow down already, wouldja?
google.images.com
3 ) Home shopping – I love a good deal — some “finds” have been duds, but others have been bang-on. This is one of my top finds, ever – a luggage set by Samantha Brown (of HGTV fame). Well made, well organized, well structured, well … everything. I’ve never been complimented on luggage before owning this ( bought in burgundy). Really really well done.
4 ) Fall – We’re starting to see signs of Fall here ~ after a wet spring, it’s been dry of late so certain trees are turning color already. Mornings are a smidge darker, nights a bit shorter. There’s been a nip in the air some mornings. I know we’re in for more heat waves but, in the meantime, I’m leaning in…. because I LOVE FALL!
Our Frankie loved Fall!! An Emjayandthem (C) photo
5 ) Golf – Hubbs and I were talking golf strategy last night, with me asking questions about certain clubs ~ He assumed I “didn’t like” a certain club which I hardly use until I explained I hadn’t yet been taught how to use it – for me, golf lessons have been great but a bit like being parceled out individual chapters to a story you’ve not yet read. I want to jump ahead and know how the story ends! (Patience!) In the midst of our conversation I asked, “Did you ever think we’d spend an hour talking Golf?” and he laughingly responded “No, did you ever think you’d get me to talk this much?” HA!
We are enjoying this new adventure together! 😀
How about you? Are you an Elvis fan? Seeing signs of Fall? Take up any new past-times lately?
This should be a national holiday .. with paid time off .. with cozy chairs and coffee/tea for anyone interested. 😀
I’ve written before of my love affair with books .. and it hearkens back to being a very young girl. Cozied up next to Mom while she read me a story, I remember the heat of her body on mine as I leaned in wide-eyed and wondering.
Mom took me for my first Library card before I started school and I still remember the joy felt filling the book bag up to the top, the weight of it necessitating a drag to the Oldsmobile. Sorting through my choices, the smells filling my senses, I lined my books up in order of priority.
I remember a similar thrill when the Book Fair came ’round each school year ~ bringing home the paper-thin order sheet and circling choices, then handing my list over for her review and approval. She always encouraged us to “read up,” and we discussed choices and our reasoning behind them. Looking back, I can see she favored intelligent choices and those fought hard for. And if you couldn’t defend it, you didn’t need it.
Another one of her life lessons right there!
And, as I’ve grown, books remain a comfort to me ~ a place I love to belong.
A summer read takes me back to our backyard canvas tent, reading my sister’s “Valley of the Dolls” or “Love Story” before moving on to “It” or “Roots” or other intriguing plots.
A winter read can transport me back under the covers of our shared girls’ bedroom, the weight of winter blankets cocooning me into a drowsy state of relaxation.
It’s National Book Lovers Day ~ but I’m celebrating all year long!
“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.” ― William Styron, Conversations with William Styron
Are you celebrating National Book Lovers Day with me?
If you’re a reader, who encouraged your love of reading?
It’s August already! Summer took forever to arrive and now it’s flying by .. “Back to School” supplies have been on store shelves since 4 seconds after the 4th. We’ll blink and Halloween will be here.
For me, the first half of the year flew by due to copious amounts of work travel, work schedule, work projects, work calls and … work.
One thing that’s saved me has been steadily indulging my passion: reading. I’m devouring books on planes and in hotel rooms; picking up more at bookstores in tiny towns as I pass through. I’ve lost count of the number read this summer … but it’s not about the number. It’s about the departure. Falling into a good book is like coming home.
Just finished. Delicious!
Recently I saw these words below and they resonated with me. Not just because I adore the fruits of summer … cherries, watermelon, and fresh peaches coming soon … but because, just like in life, we can’t feel our growth until the fruits begin to appear.
It’s Sunday, mid-July, and here we are cruising down hill towards August. Time for 5 Rapid Fire Randoms from my world. Ready? Set – Go!
1 Aging apps – friends on Facebook are posting results of an app that ages you by 40 years. Here’s one to try- ha!
2 Dog days of Summer – Our West MI Summer took it’s sweet time arriving. Our first 80F day was June 20th. But now that we’re into July – with more than 3 weeks of warm weather behind us – folks are already CRABBING about it. I was doing fine until that sweltering sweaty muggy stuff landed last week ~ the hot, humid, dank weather that steals your breath away at 6am. The humidity so high that you sweat AFTER a shower. Our local AM radio host cheerfully announced, “The heat index – with the humidity – is already over 90F.” I turned up the fan and suppressed my crabbiness.3 Grand Dames – I read a recent interview with actress Shirley MacLaine. Always liked her. Classy, smart, sassy … takes no prisoners. This quote resonated with me:
“I have what I consider just a perfect life … I eat what I want, I sleep when I want. Not that much bothers me. I think attitudes are a choice. Anger is a choice, peace is a choice, sarcasm – which is what I’m good at – is a choice.” ~ Shirley MacLaine
I wanna be Shirley MacLaine when I grow up!
the incomparable Shirley MacLaine
4 Stopping when necessary – As I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten better at stopping what doesn’t work for me. Try something new but don’t like it? Don’t keep doing it. Order a new food that disappoints? Set it aside. The same goes for books – I LOVE to read, as in l-o-v-e to read. Summer = reading for me. But just recently I started a book with characters so awful – I had to stop. The female character allowed herself to be manipulated by a narcissistic and cruel man, a man who enjoyed the “game,” playing with her emotions and physical safety like a cat with a mouse. I could see where the story was going after reading just a few chapters. Yes, I knew she’d probably become her own kind of hero but I just couldn’t sit through the abuse.
So I stopped reading it.
I didn’t give it away, I didn’t turn in for re-sale or donate it.
I threw it out.
You might be empathic if …
5 Heading to a corporate conference this week ~ practicing self-care now – there – and thereafter!
Ever stopped doing what didn’t work for you?
Does Shirley’s quote resonate with you as well? Why?
We’re nearing the end of our July vacation ~ and it always amazes me how quickly vacation flies by!
Ahh the lazy days of summer. It’s hot, sticky and sunny. Even with my 70SPF I have a warm tan with tan lines where my flip flops go and tank tops end. As when I look back at all we’ve accomplished and had going these past 2 weeks it’s no wonder we’re both moving a little slow this weekend.
I arrived home on a Friday after attending a 3 day corporate conference
Had new window treatments installed (involved moving furniture/etc out of the way and back again)
Played in a couples golf scramble
all in the same day 😀
what was I thinking?
Say yes and you’ll figure it out later
Picked my sister up from the plane and, for a week, stayed up late and got up early, still talking
Visited the big lake (Lake Michigan) 2 x + Won and lost money at the Casino
Cried watching “Toy Story 4” and “The Mustang”
laughed at all the same places in “Bridesmaids”
Reveled in the ability to sit across the table from each other, laughing until we choked while finishing each others sentences
Skipped breakfast & enjoyed watermelon and cherries for lunch
Savored pots of coffee & tea out on the patio with sister, Sully and Hubbs … plus a cold beer or two, too
Mornings with Sully, an Emjayandthem (C) Photo
Up and outside early and to bed when tired with no alarm clocks – WHEE!
Celebrated the 4th with amazing fireworks, dancing fireflies and neighbors
Decorated the hall for the kid’s wedding and hosted the rehearsal dinner, ordered the limo, catering, bar, DJ and more plus managed the details!
Helped him get ready on his big day
Cried with Hubbs and my sister at ^^ above
Smiled at his smile when he saw her
Cried again
Witnessed their vows, celebrated by dancing with our boys, my sister, hubbs and friends.
Polka’d till I lost my breath and then went out and did it again 🙂
Cleaned up the hall and tumbled into bed
Got up early & hosted a gift opening
Languished in the hot tub
Cared for, slept with and supervised grand-dog Sully ~ who is adorable and hilarious but a bit like having a 70lb toddler
Today I cooked up brunch, did some catalogue perusing and online shopping but still haven’t started on my books, there’s been no time. …. but I think I’ll take a page out of Sully’s book and go enjoy a nap in the a/c.
Here we are nearing the end of June ~ it’s time for 5 Random Thoughts from my world. Ready? Let’s do this.
1 ) Golf – who knew I would have this much fun golfing? Even the lessons are fun! I tell him this all the time so I’ll tell you, too: Hubbs was right. You cannot golf and work. Beyond being together and being outside, disconnecting from my job is something I’m enjoying so much. I like what I do, but no one needs to do it a-l-l the time! 🙂
2 ) Good tired. We both worked around the house & yard yesterday and I went to bed early ~ It was a “good tired,” the tired that comes with aching muscles and sore feet but the knowledge you accomplished something. Then, to no surprise, I found myself awake at 4, then 5, at by 6:10 I threw the covers back with a “oh just get up already.” Laundry’s done, coffee’s hot and Salsa Chicken simmers in the crock pot ~ I’m enjoying padding around a quiet house on a sunny summer Sunday.
3 ) Joe Friday – Heading to another corporate conference this week ~ there have been even more organizational shifts with senior people leaving and new folks coming in. The bench is deep and the talent is impressive. And, as we’ve done before, we were asked to complete the Myers-Briggs personality test. I’ve taken this test many times over the course of my corporate life and I always get the same result – I’m an ISTJ —
ISTJ – The Inspector (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) ~ Quiet, serious, earn success by thoroughness and dependability. Practical, matter-of-fact, realistic, and responsible. Highly capable and decides logically what should be done and work toward it steadily, regardless of distractions. Take pleasure in making everything orderly and organized – their work, their home, their life. Value traditions and loyalty.
I’m Joe Friday! Google.images.com
However, the test is only as accurate as your answers are honest. And like we’ve all seen, there are some who “play it” up for the big cheese(s), sit in the front row, hang on the leaders’ every answer, and kiss the ring. These are the same people whose profiles never match up to who they actually are. I’m fine with my results because I know exactly who I am – the good, bad, and the ugly. And that’s exactly why such trips are so taxing!
4) Wedding bells – Our youngest son is getting married in just a few weeks! 10 minutes ago he was this little. But he’s not so little anymore. He still has the same laugh & love for life ~ and now he has a beautiful partner by his side, someone to call his very own. The love between them is palpable and we couldn’t be happier!
Corporate Family picnic, an Emjayandthem (C) photo
5 ) Summer Vacation – After this week’s conference ends comes 15 – count ’em – 15 days off! I’m leaning in for time with Hubbs, time with my sister, trips to the beach and Casino, visits with our boys & their girls, a happy wedding to enjoy and dance to, grilling out, grand-kids, grand-dogs, Golf, sunshine, sunscreen, watermelon, flip flops, tank tops, down time , new books and more good tired.
Sometimes little nudges come from the most random places. Today, this popped up in Facebook Memories ~ it was a passage I needed to read again and I thought you might, too:
“In the space between yes and no, there is a lifetime. It’s the difference between the path you walk and one you leave behind; it’s the gap between who you thought you could be and who you really are; it’s the legroom for the lies you will tell yourself in the future.” ― Jodi Picoult.
5 Things I’m excited about today:
Road trip – tunes at the ready, coffee up!
In about a month our baby boy will be married; in < a month my sister arrives for the wedding 😀
We just got the news that another grandchild is on the way – oldest boy & his wife are expecting a baby in December 🙂
I’m taking my first golf lesson this week!
The days are longer, the nights are shorter and I do believe summer will be here soon!
And pie, always say YES to pie~
What lives in your space between yes and no? What are you excited about today?
It’s Friday and time for a few randoms from my corner of the universe. Ready? Set? Go:
1 ) Mother’s Day as a child meant 3 things: a) Church/Sunday School, b) a family get-together and c) Homemade cards/gifts for Mom. Like they’ve done before, my boys asked to take me out for “a nice lunch.” They know this is the one thing I want more than anything from the store – time with them. We met up – they gave me their gifts and cards with notes of love and appreciation and I savored the moment. We laughed till we cried and I beamed with the love I feel for them. In my view, the greatest gift a Mom can ever get is children who grow up to be people you want to be with! We ate, we laughed, we leaned in. I felt the love then and still do. ❤
2 ) Whenever I have a “big” meeting or presentation to do I “bring” Mom with me – by wearing a piece of her jewelry as her reminder to “go get ’em, kid” – She’s met the Governor, Congressmen/women, Leaders of state, Senators, House Reps, congressional pages, Mayors & more ~ she’s with me every step of the way. And if I encounter any “nonsense” I’m not afraid to use my firmest “Momvoice” which of course I learned from her!
Just a couple of Mom’s rings – Peridot & Padparadshca Citrine ~ she loved her “right hand rings” from the shopping channel.
3 ) In meetings earlier this week I had one of those moments we’ve all had where you know the answer to a question not yet asked. Tingling and trying not to jump ahead I listened closely; when I shared my thoughts later the speaker pulled back, her eyebrow went up and a smile filled her face. “How did you know that?” she asked. “Because sometimes I just know.” We talked about coincidences and serendipity and how sometimes we find ourselves right where we’re meant to be; it’s up to us to recognize it when it happens. The more I acknowledge it when it occurs, the more it occurs for me.
Fate’s like that, I find.
4 ) Saw this and laughed out loud because 1) it is so true and 2 ) I admit that I often still revert to “old school GPS” – read on ~
5 ) I’ve been traveling weekly these past few months; one day easily rolls into the next, weekends have been full and a Tuesday morning can feel like it should be Saturday already. Memorial Day is next week and – gasp – it’s been 3 months since I woke up to this:
Winter 2019 – an Emjayandthem(C) photo
So, what’s new in your world? Experience any coincidences lately? Do you remember “70’s GPS?”
Sunday ~ windows open, birds chirping and lawnmowers buzz in the distance.
3 weeks ago ~ snow; today ~ 70F.
Hubbs hurried around earlier as he readied for golf; I slept in, savored coffee and started a pot of soup. He’ll be back later, wind burnt and sore, happy and tired. We’ll visit over soup and smile at the day.
It really doesn’t matter what season it is, there’s something about Sundays that I love most.
It could be the quiet stillness of the house.
It could be the smell of supper lingering on the stove.
It could be meandering phone conversations with my sister or cousin or none at all.
It could be me starting a new book or reading 5 magazines or sitting on the floor sorting .shoes.
It could be towels tumbling in the dryer and fresh warm sheets on the bed.
It could be me that I spend my Sundays doing whatever I choose.
“Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you’re supposed to. Stay home on New Year’s Eve if that’s what makes you happy. Skip the committee meeting. Cross the street to avoid making aimless chitchat with random acquaintances. Read. Cook. Run. Write a story.”― Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
How do you “spend” free time?
Do you feel compelled to be productive and get things done?
Are you able to let the day lead you?
When’s the last time you had nothing to do and a whole day to do it?
It’s nearly May and *gasp* I’ve hardly been here. As in, on the blog. I’ve driven to and been in meetings all over this state – an excess of 2,500 miles logged in the past 5 weeks. I’ve woken up and thought Monday was Saturday. I’ve wondered where I was – hotel or home? Too much, too much. I’m ready for some down time and soon. So, with that, I do believe it’s time for 5 Randoms from my world. You ready? Let’s go.
1 ) This room: I can feel myself, coffee in hand, meandering my way to that white patio chair ~ birds signing and me humming, you?
2 ) I accepted a last-minute speaking request Monday for an event on Wednesday. 150+ in the audience in a City I’ve never been with people I’d never before met. One had been in the audience for a presentation I’d given at a neighboring conference so that happenstance created the opportunity for this one ~ Motoring there, tunes up, I remembered this quote:
“Great things never came from comfort zones.” …
And I smiled at how much I welcomed the “break” in my ‘routine.’
3 ) Miss Kitty Kitters (neighborhood cat) visited us earlier in the week ~ Spring’s arrival means she moseys by and stops in for a pet or five. I don’t know where winter holds her, but she sure is happy to be out walking the her beat again.
She looks like this and is even cuter!
4 ) Something I’ve noticed working 5 days a week – office or home – I tend to eat on schedule. And sometimes, I think I eat because it’s time to, not b/c I’m hungry. ( It’s that old fear of low blood sugar shakes returning that causes me to do this, I know.) On weekends, I’m up early – between 6 and 7am – but I don’t eat until ~1pm… I mosey through the house, straightening this, cleaning that, and sipping coffee all the while. I eat around 1 and again at 6 or 7pm & then I am done for the night. And I’m just fine, not starving. Not one bit.
An epiphany — I’ve been “Intermittent Fasting” without even realizing it – this. is. how. my. body. prefers. things. to. be. A light bulb went on – I’m gonna give IF a go during the work week, too — for more info on the benefits of Intermittent Fasting (eating in a window only), read Gin Stephens’ “Delay Don’t Deny”– reading now .. and yeah, wow!
Most of a fast happens when you are asleep … hence break-fast
5 ) At a meeting several weeks ago a seemingly mild-mannered individual suddenly turned. Red-faced and angry, he snarled, looking for a fight. I didn’t take the bait. In that moment, I remembered these words, and I might have even said them out loud, I’m not sure. See I get angry, too, and I refuse to be bullied or talked over. The meeting soon ended, he’s likely still angry and Jimmy Cracked Corn!
