Meeting the Challenge

Philadelphia Street Art

Today's post is the product of a challenge issued by my friend Nicky at We Work for Cheese.  She is funny, talented, and loves cheese!  So when I read her latest post, "The I’m Hungover And Have To Go To My In-Laws Post" wherein this challenge lies and saw that she had opened it up to whomever wished to participate, I jumped right in.  The challenge is to link to seven posts in the following categories.  I mulled over nearly two years of posts and came up with these to meet the challenge requirements.

1. Most Beautiful Post:  This one is, for obvious reasons, a tie between two posts.  Happy Birthday Mom and Daddy and Me.  My parents have been gone from my life for some years now but I remember and think about them every day.
2. Most Popular Post:  The Peace quote.  This is one from my Quote of the Week series.  A blogger friend had a picture on her blog that included the quote in a photograph she'd taken.  With her permission, I used her picture for my quote and interpretation.  This post was stumbled and I still get traffic from it.
3. Most Controversial Post: Charlie Sheen: Don't Feed the Frenzy.  Tribal Blogs hosted a blog carnival and the hot topic of the day was Charlie Sheen and his impending meltdown.  I chose my angle to express my distaste at how the media exploits and distorts the personal lives of celebrities.
4. Most Helpful Post: Ten Things I Have Learned From Blogging: Anniversary Edition.  In celebration of my one-year anniversary in the blogosphere, I shared with my readers some of what I had learned over the year.
5. Most Surprising Successful Post:  Conversation in the Tomato Patch.  This was written for Magpie Tales based on a picture prompt of...you guessed it...tomatoes.  Some of the other veggies joined in a spirited conversation about their impending harvest.
6. Post that didn't get the attention it deserved:  Five Things You Should Never Pay Full Price For.  I am a bargain hunter, thoroughly trained in the skills of effective shopping by my Mom.  I use store sales and coupons to maximize my savings, and like to share those strategies with others.  Some things are just way over priced, and I show you how to reduce the impact on your wallet.
7. Post I am most proud of:  I Sing No More.  This is another of my Magpie Tales creations.  The prompt that week was a sculpture.  A bust of what looked like a girl singing.  This is probably one of my best pieces of poetry.

Ah, this is the point where I am supposed to nominate a half dozen or so unfortunate lucky bloggers to participate.  I know a lot of people don't like to be singled out, so I'll leave it up to you whether or not you play the game as it makes its way around the blogging world.  My only request is to please include a link back to this post.

A Night to Remember

Image Source:  Magpie Tales

I look at the photo of our smiling faces.  We were happy then.  The three of us were on our way to our high school dance.  None of us had dates, but that didn't stop us.  We were filled with a zest for life, and hope for the future.  There was a big beautiful world out there just waiting for us to make our mark.

It was a warm fall evening, and the dance was the first event of our senior year.  Donna was driving her Dad's car.  She was the first one of us to get a driver's license.  She was a happy-go-lucky, up for anything girl.  Ben was the wild and crazy guy, the risk taker and live wire of our trio.  It fell to me to be the level-head voice of reason.

We arrived at the dance to find the the lights bright, the music dull and the dance floor nearly empty.  We had the car and permission to be out until 11:00, so why waste the night here.  Ben suggested we pick up his pal Rick and go hang out at the park.  Where Ben was a bit crazy, Rick seemed dangerous.  Donna and I were a little leery of him, but agreed because Rick could buy beer.  
We swung high on the swings with beer bottles in hand until we could barely walk.  Then we went down to the lake, toting a flashlight, blankets and the last six-pack.  Let's go swimming Rick said eyeing us girls, and Ben piped up a quick second.  "That's crazy" I said.  "It's dark and besides we don't have swim suits."  Donna, more of a free spirit than me, said "That's OK" and started to remove her skirt and blouse.  "Oh, all right," I agreed, not wanting to be the only stick in the mud.  One by one, we stripped down to our undies and waded into the lake.  The water was colder than we expected, and once in about waist deep, Rick and Ben took great delight in splashing Donna and me until we were all shivering. Thinking maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all, we slogged our way to the shore.

Back on dry land, we wrapped ourselves in the blankets and talked of our dreams and how we would take the world by storm.  "To good friends, good times, and having our whole lives ahead of us" toasted Ben as we finished off the beer.  "This is a night to remember."

Now the moon was high in the sky and it was getting late. "We need to get going," spoke the voice of reason, so we headed back to the car.  Donna was sleepy, so we let Rick drive.  That's where things started to go wrong...fast.  Fast as in Rick was driving like a madman.  How many beers did he have anyway?  The road twisted right then left and back again.  We were approaching the curve too fast.  Rick lost control and yanked the wheel to bring the car back onto the road.  The car crossed back and then off the other side, crashing through a fence and down into a ditch plowing into a big oak tree.  It all happened in a matter of moments but it felt like slow motion. 

Rick was killed instantly when we hit the tree.  Donna died later from her injuries.  Ben and I were pinned in the back seat for what seemed like hours until we were found.  A passing driver saw the tail lights and went to call for help.

Ben walks with a limp, his right leg twisted as a result of being awkwardly pinned for so long.  I was the only one who escaped serious injury.  I was still wrapped in my blanket when I was removed from the car.  Ben could have had surgery to repair his damaged leg, but he chose to live with the pain and disfigurement as a reminder of that night, and his decision to include Rick in our plans.  The accident wasn't his fault, but he carries the guilt of their deaths with him every single day.

Yes, it was indeed a night to remember.

Written for Magpie Tales #79

For more fiction, please join me tomorrow at Sara Healy's a sharing connection where I will be guest posting. 

Quote of the Week

 
The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection. - George Orwell


It seems that today, as a society, we are always striving for perfection.  To be good is not good enough, to be better still falls short, and only by achieving perfection, can one truly be satisfied.  The problem with this is that true perfection does not exist in human nature; there is always another level to be reached.  While putting your all into seeking that elusive state of perfection, you neglect to pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and say "That's good enough".

Have I Got Holes in my Head?

Don't answer that!

How come it is when you wait until you have time to sit and write down all the thoughts rolling around in your head, they seem to have rolled right out.  It’s like my head has holes in it, and my thoughts and ideas just plop right through the holes.  That’s it – my head is a sieve.  Nope, that can’t be it – then everything would fall out.  I must have a flashing sign inside my head.  One that says “All good ideas must exit here”.  

It’s a one way door like a turn style.  Oops, no can back up.  Sorry, let’s keep it moving.  Don’t want to create a bottle neck.

Then the lights are out and the door is locked.  A couple of the bolder ones pound on the door but the guard just yells “Go Away – She’s done thinking for today."

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.

 - Anais Nin


Who we are as individuals influences everything around us, including what we see.  Two people may see the same picture, building or other object and offer completely different opinions.  Using the cliche about seeing the glass half full or half empty, it is easy to see how different personalities would have different views.

Nursery Rhyme Redo: Humpty Dumpty

Image source:  merlinprincesse's photostream

Humpty Dumpty was fat and grumpy
And off of the wall he fell
He landed astride a nobleman's horse
Who tossed him into the well

It's Time to Go

Summer Evening, Edward Hopper, 1947

It was a hot summer night following the end of World War II.  A woman's voice could be heard above the call of the frogs and crickets.  "Charlie, you can't leave, it would break mama's heart.  She would be lost without you with Daddy gone."

Lauren, Charlie's sister, was trying to dissuade him from enlisting in the Army on his 18th birthday.  

"The war's over," Charlie explained.  "This is my chance to see the world, learn a trade, and make a life for myself.  Daddy would be proud."

"Daddy died in the war.  You think he'd want you running off and leaving mama and me.  To risk ending up like he did?"  Lauren was not only scared for her brother, she was angry.  Angry that he could just up and leave them.  It wasn't mama's heart that would break as much as her own.  Not only was he her brother, he was her twin and her best friend.  Losing him would be like losing half of herself.

Reading her thoughts, as he did so often, he said quietly, "Don't worry, you won't lose me.  I'll be safe.  Daddy will be watching over me.  It's time for me to go."

Written for Magpie Tales #77

Quote of the Week

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

-Albert Camus

 True friendship is not about following or leading the other, it is about sharing the path we are on together.

Best Friends

Frank and Neil toss their cans into the barrel and turn in.  Tomorrow's a big day - both are entered in a bass fishing tournament.

Best of friends, each secretly hopes to take the prize.  Come morning, however, Neil's boat stalls.  Rules state one contestant per boat.  Frank offers Neil his boat.  Thanks...but I can't.

Written for Friday Flash 55.

Evening Glory

Tis calm and serene

Water caressing the shore

As the evening fades

Quote of the Week

A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an optimist doesn't see the clouds at all - he's walking on them.  -Leonard Louis Levinson

This is an interesting take on life and how it is viewed from three perspectives, by using clouds as the canvas.  For the pessimist, life is stormy and uncertain.  The philosopher always sees both sides, so the dark clouds on the horizon are balanced by life's pleasures.  The optimist, however, sees only the brilliant blue sky as the clouds of life are beneath his feet, and every day is like a perfect summer afternoon.

Daddy and Me

Daddy and Me.

This was taken during some quality time with Daddy.  You see Daddy was a truck driver, and this took him away from home a lot, especially when I was little.  That made our time together even more special.

As I grew up, he was always there for me.  I got my first bicycle with training wheels when I was 6.  I still have that bike.

While we sat outside as he grilled steaks, he took the time to explain how patents worked.

He paid for braces at 14, and took me to get my license the day I turned 16.  He bought me my first car that June.

He was there every step of the way.  He watched as I got married, and loaned us money for a down payment on a house.

He was always there to help us, but never offered up advice or opinion unless asked, and then sometimes he would pose a question instead of giving an answer.

He was born July 30, 1928 and grew up in a small town in Southern Virginia.  He enlisted in the Army/Air Force in 1946 when he was 18.  And after serving 6 years, he moved to North Carolina to begin working as a truck driver.  He and my Mom married in 1956 in Dillon, SC.

He worked hard his whole life, and lived a life of which he could be proud.

Any man can be a father, but it takes someone very special to be a little girl's Daddy. He was the best a girl could ask for, and I miss him every single day.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

 

Is It My Turn?

The cat carrier, that dreaded implement of transportation.  As much effort as it is to get them into the carrier for a trip to the vet, you'd think they wouldn't hop in of their own free will.  

Sometimes, though, it makes a great place to hang out for a little down time.

Is it my turn?

Even Rosie takes his turn.  Sometimes you can even hear him snoring away in the box.  All cats love their hidey places.

Peek-a-Boo

Apparently it is also a source of entertainment, too.

Who's in there?

And, not to be left out, Dood peers out of the "fun box".

Can you see me now?

  

A grand time was had by all, and I guess it was a lesson in taking turns.

Quote of the Week

Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us.  They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives. - Author Unknown

The memories we hold of our loved ones keep them forever in our hearts.

Today's quote is in honor of my uncle who passed away unexpectedly 
last week.

The Sights of Minnesota

OK, so we're here in the state of 10,000 lakes.  They're everywhere!  There's practically a lake on every corner in the state.  Why, then, cannot we not find a lake?  Because Minnesota is a big state.  The corners are farther apart.

There was supposedly one at Como Park where we went to the zoo.  Didn't see it. 

We did see the mighty Mississippi River as she flowed powerfully 

through the city.

Then there were tall buildings in the city of Minneapolis.  All lovely and interesting, but I want to see lakes!

A trip to Minneapolis isn't complete without a visit to the Mall of America, complete with it's own amusement park.  Again, no lakes.

Finally, on our way to Stillwater, we stumbled across Lake Elmo Park Reserve.  Here is a man fishing with his son, who just caught his very first fish.

Here is an satellite view of the pier, courtesy of Google Maps.

At first glance this appears to be another lake.  It is actually a swimming pool.  It is filled with chlorinated water and filtered just like a regular pool, but has the look and feel of a lake with a beach.

It was cool and overcast, but there were still folks in the water...kids, that is!

It looks like I was looking through a window doesn't it?  Well I was, sort of.  This was a tiny building at the end of boardwalk through a marsh-like area leading to another lake in the park.  Tall grass on either side was nearly as tall as me.  I think this was built as a shelter to observe wildlife. I love getting back to nature, although we didn't see much wildlife.

Except for this little guy!

So while I did get to see some of Minnesota's beautiful lakes, it was only a drop in the bucket.  There are about 9,998 to go.

Nursery Rhyme Redo: Birds of a Feather

Pink Flamingo at the Como Zoo

Birds of a feather dressed in leather 

Danced with the pigs in a line 

The rats and mice held their own 

And formed a chorus line

For those of you (like me) not familiar with the original verse, this is the original "birds of a feather".

Birds of a feather flock together

And so will pigs and swine

Rats and mice will have their choice

And so will I have mine

Quote of the Week

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.  - Erica Jong

How many times have you asked someone "What should I do" after you have wrestled with the problem for hours, always coming to the same conclusion?  You know what is right, but want someone to confirm the choice you would prefer to make.  Sometimes the right answer is the hardest thing to hear.

Dude, you're gettin' a Dell!

Guess who just got a new computer?

Remember the old Dell commercials with Steven?  Seems like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?  Well in the techno-gadget world it was actually a millennium ago.

I thought the ads were corny but cute.  The Dell dude always made it sound like such a sweet deal!  "Dude, your gettin' a Dell!"

I had been intrigued by the fact that a college student started and ran a computer production business from his dorm room.  I believe in supporting young entrepreneurs, and this ingenuity made the Dell computer compelling. 

I've had several computers over the years, and as with all things technical, we eventually want something bigger, better, faster, with more bells and whistles.  Fast forward to the present.  I needed wanted a new computer.  Hubby got a heads up from one of his co-workers on a getting a good deal on a Dell.  He uses them in a side business and has good success with them, so for a mere one-third the cost of my first computer back in the early 90s, I am the proud owner of a Dell Inspiron.

I guess that makes me a Dudette!

It's my initial foray into Windows 7.  I've been an XP chick for the last 6 years and prior to that it was Win95.  Yeah, I don't exactly jump on the runaway upgrade train.

So, how often do you change with the technological times?

A Swedish Beauty

From the Como Zoo Conservatory

 Petals of velvet

A delicate rosy hue

A lovely lady

  

Posted for One Shot Wednesday.

Quote of the Week

Love yourself unconditionally, just as you love those closest to you despite their faults. - Les Brown

Nothing expresses unconditional love as well as the animals with whom we share our homes and our lives.  They love us without reservation, whether we are happy, sad, fat, thin or grouchy.  

We should look at ourselves with acceptance and love just as we do with others instead of wishing we were thinner, prettier, or smarter.  Only in this way can we be all we were meant to be and enjoy life to its fullest.

Let's Get Creative

Hello! I'd like to take a moment to invite you to join me today at Tribal Blogs, where I will be guest posting on the topic of creative writing.  I will take you through my process for creating fictional stories.  Let's take a walk on the creative side together.

Tribal Blogs is a place where writers of all types come together to share tips, discuss writing, technical issues, and generally support and entertain each other.  Come see what we're all about!

A Day at the Zoo

Who needs breakfast?  That would be me.  Sure that we would find breakfast somewhere along the way, we headed out to zoo and our meeting with Jen, who writes the humor blog, Redhead Ranting.  Unlike where we live, there was not a McDonalds or BoJangles on every corner.  What to do?  We drive and drive...growl.  I can't go to the zoo on an empty stomach.

Just when we were about to give up and just eat whatever we could find at the zoo, we stumbled onto a nice little bagel shop in a shopping center.  A cinnamon raisin bagel toasted with butter, please!  Wonderful...it just hit the spot.

Now we backtrack to the fairgrounds where we could pick up a shuttle to the zoo.  There is on-site parking, but we had read that is highly recommended to take the shuttle.  They run some wildly decorated buses that leave no doubt as to their destination.  This one is giraffe spotted; the other is a zebra.

They had a posted schedule, and it appeared it would be another half hour, and we barely had time to make our meeting with Jen.  I called to let her know we'd be late, and she offered to pick us up.  About that time another bus pulled in - so much for their schedule.  


It was a short ride to the zoo, even though the bus felt like it had a square tire.

We hung out for a few minutes while Jen and her daughter caught up with us.  Like I said, parking is available, but getting a space isn't always easy.

 

 
I gave her a call to tell here where we were waiting, saying I would be the gal wearing a blue top with penguins on it, next to a guy in a blue Hawaiian shirt - what a pair!

Yay, the long-awaited meeting.  Jen is a warm, down to earth lady, who was in "mama mode" that day.  She had her lovely daughter with her, who added an interesting perspective on our activities.  We had a great time looking at the animals and reptiles and watching Sparky the sea lion perform for a packed arena.  It was a picture perfect day, but it began to get hot in the bright sunshine.  
 
It's lunch time.  There was a decent snack bar with a good selection of the typical zoo foods, burgers, hot dogs, pop corn, nachos and of course, ice cream.  We enjoyed lunch where we talked blogging, compared notes about the differences in our weather, and shared pet stories - hubby and I are never lacking for weird pet stories.

You can only ask so much of an 8-year old, so they left after our visit to the Como Town amusement park.

Afterward, hubby and I walked through the many rooms of the conservatory, a building filled with all sorts of unusual plant life.  This room was filled with ferns of all kinds, including the largest fiddlehead I've ever seen.

It was a lot of fun to meet fellow blogger, Jen, face to face, and enjoy some beautiful Minnesota weather.  There was so much more to see but, alas, not enough time.

Quote of the Week

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; 

it must be achieved.  

 Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd U.S. President)

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.   William J. Clinton  (42nd U.S. President)

In honor of the 235th birthday of America, I chose two quotes from Presidents, separated by not only decades, but world events, and the times in which each served.  They shared not only their political affiliation, but their propensity for enjoying the company of  women to whom they were not married.  However, they were both capable leaders, and popular presidents.

During his reign, Roosevelt stated that Freedom is not a gift, but something we must achieve through our efforts and faith in ourselves.

During his presidency, Clinton told us we can fix whatever is wrong in our country by using our inherent goodness. 

For all that some perceive is wrong with America, there is far more good in the people of this country.  We can accomplish anything if we just believe in ourselves.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

The Escape

Image Source: Luciano Meirelle

Gene eased the Harley out of the garage and walked it quietly down the street.  So intent was he on getting away unheard, he would not start it for three blocks.  Safely away, he fired up the big bike.  He loved these early morning rides along the coast.  A great escape from the "honey-do" list.

Written for Friday Flash 55.

Breakfast at the Wienery

It's not just for Hot Dogs!

You don't judge a book by its cover so don't judge a restaurant by its exterior, or even its interior.  We were hungry and not interested in having to track down breakfast, so we asked at the front desk of our hotel if there was any breakfast within walking distance.  The desk clerk said there wasn't much in the way of breakfast, but that The Wienery did serve breakfast.  We had walked by it the night before and hadn't given it much thought.  Now it seemed like our only option if we had any hope of getting breakfast before lunch time.

414 Cedar Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN

Here's a look at the inside.  It is simply laid out, bordering on worn out.  But don't judge it before you sit down and enjoy a unique breakfast experience. 

The Wienery has changed hands several times since it opened in the early 1980s, and is now owned by Pat Starr.  The Wienery was voted the city's best hot dog for 3 consecutive years. 

This morning, however, we wanted breakfast and we wanted it fast (at least I did).  We studied the menu for something that would be filling and on the table quickly.  We chose the #6 Wienie MacMuffin, an egg and cheese sandwich on an English Muffin with your choice of meat.  Of course I chose bacon!

Now all these items are prepared fresh to order while you wait.  It is pretty much a one-man show, and he had to make a quick trip to his car across the street for the groceries.

Was it good?  You bet.  It was like walking into a friend's house and having them whip up breakfast for you right on the spot.

And...he has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

This place gets two thumbs up from me, so if you find yourself in the Minneapolis area, I highly recommend checking out The Wienery.  Click here if you can't see the video.

Quote of the Week

Yesterday is but a dream,
Tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Salutation of the Dawn

- Kālidāsa (The complete works of Kalidasa) 

This is a lovely way of saying we should live for today, and make every moment count.  It is all too easy to get caught up in the "should haves" of the past, or the "got to's" in the future that today slips through the cracks.

Nursery Rhyme Redo: Hey Diddle Diddle

Image source: Curt Merrill

Hey diddle diddle the cat played the fiddle 

and the cow slept in until noon

The little dog did laugh and cavort 

and then he began to croon

Did She Really Ask That?

Image source: Miriella's photostream

Back before hubby and I were married we went to visit some of his old friends, a get together held in the home of one of the guys.  The location - a former slave cabin...deep in the woods...in South Carolina.  No, it wasn't creepy, just different. 

I was a little nervous about meeting these particular friends because I wasn't the super outgoing, confident woman I am today [wink], and they were all super brains, you know the kind who can make you feel inadequate just by looking at you.  Did I mention they were musicians, too?  I felt a bit  like a goldfish who had just flopped out of his bowl - can someone give me a hand here?

However, this is what really made it  different.   Would you like fries with that?  Can I buy you a drink?  These are normal questions asked by strangers.  Upon our arrival, and at the point where one would be escorted inside and offered a drink, our hostess asked?  "Would you like to use the bathroom?"  

Pause.  What?  Um- maybe later, but I will take a jumbo-sized margarita if you have one...thanks!  No, I didn't say that...I just accepted her unique hospitality.

What was even more strange than the question, though, was the facility itself.  It was separated from the rest of  the room by a curtain.  Just a curtain to flap in the breeze.  No door, no lock for privacy, just a curtain.  Hubby-to-be  stood guard.  That was our first and last such get together.

Got a "strange" story to share?

Quote of the Week

  

Happiness does not depend on outward circumstances, but on the state of the heart. 

- J.C. Ryle

Instead of relying on others and what is going on in our lives for our happiness, we should look within ourselves.  Therein lies the root of true happiness.

Tick Tock

The old clockmaker squinted through the lens at the tiny gears.  They must mesh perfectly or it won't be accurate, and his clocks were always accurate.

Image source: tibchris' photostream

Ah, but maybe it's time to retire, to let his apprentice take over.  After all twenty years is a long time to stand in someone's shadow.

"Daniel, it's your turn."

Written for Friday Flash 55.

My House is a Fortress

Tuesday was just another day, or so I thought.  It was one of those picture perfect days, not too hot with a nice breeze.  The yard needs mowing so I change, grab a bottle of water and head out the door. What makes today different?  I close the door (I usually leave the inside door open).  OK, so you know that sinking feeling you get when you realize you've accidentally done something stupid?  That's how I felt the moment I heard the door click behind me.  I was just going to mow the yard...why did I close the door?

I reached back to check, hoping against hope that I hadn't done what I thought I just did.  Yep...locked.  Grrrr!  

Now what?  I assess what I have with me.  My pocket knife, chap stick, nail clippers and a bottle of water.

A cardinal who often visits my window sill.

Being the resourceful gal that I am, I pulled out my pocket knife.  Just for the record, I have no lock-picking skills and the knife didn't do anything anyway.  I walked around the house...thinking.  We have a few basement windows, but they don't open from the outside.  Neither do any of the other windows - they are securely locked from the inside.

There's no choice...I must call hubby and confess.  Since I don't have my cell phone, I trudge up the street to the convenience store to use the phone, make the call, and trudge back.  As usual, he takes it all in stride, explains his need to take an unplanned half day of vacation and heads home.  

It'll take at least an hour for him to get home, so I figured since I came out to mow the yard, I might as well do it while I waited.

The good news from all of this...my house, although a modest brick ranch, is really a fortress.  With the doors locked, no one (especially me) is getting in.

Care to share your best lock out stories?

Quote of the Week

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. - Mahatma Gandhi

Our thoughts, words and actions are like dominoes.  One affects the next, and it affects the next and so on.  We are the happiest when all the pieces flow smoothly, and are in sync with one another.