TWENTY DAYS of LOVE.... Day Seven

January 31st....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

      Day Seven

This morning I found six silk red roses in a vase next to my coffee cup.  I was lax in giving my husband six roses.  Instead I gave him six red silk carnations wrapped in tissue paper.  We then put both roses and carnations in the vase.  My husband for some reason likes carnations.  Actually to be honest I’m not a fan of red roses; well more than six red roses.  I enjoy roses of other colors; pink, purple, white, yellow or pastel.  A dozen of these shades I have no issues with, BUT, personally I find more than six red roses vulgar.  I just feel red roses are over rated.  What can I say?  There are fans of red roses out in the world.  Everyone has their own opinion on the type of flower they really like.  I have besides the different color  roses a few others I enjoy receiving such as multicolored carnations and tulips, sunflowers, daisies, orchids.  My birth month flower is the violet. I’ve never really put much thought to them one way or another.  When you decide on flowers for someone I think you should concentrate on the favorite flower of the recipient.  It means    so much to them that you pick the flower they really enjoy.  Roses are generally flowers one gives on Valentine’s Day but it’s not written in stone you need to give roses.  

Consider the recipient and what would give them pleasure to receive.  I would have been quite happy with red carnations or red tulips.  

Until tomorrow....start thinking about Day Eight and the gift idea.  As always you can tweak it if you so decide. 

Have a wonderful Friday. 

Gift Idea Day Eight....Container of heart shaped cookies. 

 

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Six

January 30th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

               Day Six

Today instead of surprising my husband and he surprising me, we decided to show our gratitude to an acquaintance.  In fact it’s two different acquaintances.  

This one person is a chocoholic and sweetoholic.  Now I know sweetoholic is not a word but it’s one I decided to invent for an individual who loves their sweets.  This person is a really nice guy and both of us enjoy being in his company. He is my frozen pickle connection.  He makes frozen pickles and gives me a small container or two.  Do I share them with my husband? NO!  Because of this persons generosity, I decided he’d be the individual to receive the gift for day six.  Instead of a container of kisses, I gave a larger size chocolate kiss. 

My husband decided another friend should get a container of the kisses.  She has gone out of her way to make him some nice male pieces of jewelry to wear around his neck. He has liked everything she made him; she has even repaired pieces he broke by accident.   The twenty days of love is not just intended for that special person in your life, but those who you think of in high regard who has made an impact on you.  Yesterday my neighbor has again done something  for us.  In the coming days I will reciprocate with one of the gifts or a tweak on that particular days gift.  Funny both my husband and I decided to spread the love to others today.  The days we do this, he and I give each other a small note stating something along the lines that even though I love you, today I’m spreading the love around.  Love of friends is indeed a different type of love from that special person or that of family.  These twenty days is not just designated for that certain person in your life, but for anyone who holds a special place in your heart or life. 

Until tomorrow....when buying those chocolate kisses get a small bag for yourself.  

Gift Idea Day Seven.....vase with six silk red roses 

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Five

January 29th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’ 

    Day Five

 What could be a better gift than a book of love poems?  Perhaps poetry is not your cup of tea but think of it like this.  The book of love poems can work like a card.  It says words you want to convey but in written form. Books of poems can be found at the brick and mortar book stores or on book sites on line.  Both my husband I do electronic reading.  We can access one another’s account and order a book for one another.  Last year my husband gave me in lieu of the book of poems a romantic suspense novel instead.  That itself was a nice surprise as I do like a good romantic suspense to read on occasion.  This morning I found he had a new poetry book added to my collection.  Such a surprise as I was sure I’d find an IOU for today. Actually it was me given him the IOU for the book of love poems.  It’s not that I did not want to get the book for today; I could not find one that really spoke to me.  I found a few, read the description but none seemed to just hit the spot for a purchase.  I’m sure eventually in the next week I will find one.  I need to keep searching. That’s one of the things about showing love, finding the right words in a card.  That is the reason behind a book of poems; you might find the right words. 

A few years ago I published a book of love poems.  A few I used in previous ramblings. Over the course of the next few weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day I will either post one of these pieces or a quote from one or two.  

Today I’m posting a piece I composed in 2017 after an evening stroll down by the lake.  It comes from events in my life. 

Until tomorrow....perhaps you and that person could read a love poem or two together. 

Gift Idea Day Six....Container of chocolate kisses. 

      WISH UPON a STAR

          © Scottie-ann Murphy

        A pinkish tinted full moon shines down giving us light as we walk towards the lake 

      Reflecting moonlight on the water

     Casting eerie shadows upon the ground 

A warm April night strolling to the end of the dock

  Taking a seat on the bench 

  Staring out across the water

         We do not speak....both of us lost in thoughts

      I wonder what you are thinking.....do you care what is on my mind

    Silence it's deafening 

      Looking up into the evening sky

      stars sparkle like a million diamonds 

   I find a star.....make a wish

      You reach for my hand 

           Then whispering you say 

       "I love you"

          

        

      

    

      

   

      

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Four

January 28th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

        Day Four

One of my favorite things I loved as a child about Valentine’s Day was the conversational hearts candy.  The cute sayings is what I think intrigued me the most.  I enjoyed getting them more than a valentine card from a classmate.  As I grew older, like candy corn during Halloween, candy conversational hearts were part of the holiday.  It was not Valentine’s Day unless I had a bag of this candy or a box.  My first time getting the hearts was when I was in first grade and a boy I liked gave them to me.  I of course ended up sharing them with my cousin, John, who was the same age as I.  At the the time I lived with my cousin’s family.  We sat in the basement of the house (actually a two story apartment building my uncle owned) and devoured the candy.  We hid away from the rest of the others as we crunched away on the sweet tasty treat.  This memory came back to me a few years ago for some reason.  Now like the candy corn I eat each year (as a fond memory) I have done the same with the hearts. Of course it’s only ten hearts these days; the rest usually end up being given away if I have a bag. The box is a two time consumption.  Today I received a bag of the hearts candy.  I have not opened them as of yet for a good reason; I want to do so when I can put them into a bowl to pass out at my veterans club.  I hate to waste anything but I only like the pink and white color ones; so the other ones I will give away in a bowl. To be sanitary I place put a plastic spoon for people to take out what they want.  My husband received a box of the hearts from me today.  I had actually a few boxes which I purchased and I plan to pass them out to others.   I like passing on the love to everyone.  Think about what you want to purchase; the bag or a box or two of candy hearts. 

A few years ago I write a piece dedicated to the candy hearts.  I posted it on my blog dated February 13, 2019.  I have researched poems about candy hearts and found many out there available.  This tells me others enjoy the sweet confectionary treat besides me.  Perhaps you can download my piece to give or one of the others to give with the person who is recipient of the candy hearts.  This would be a special treat for them. 

Until tomorrow....happy Tuesday.  

Day Five Gift Idea....Book of love poems (hard copy, paper back or digital on electronic reader).  

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Three

January 27th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

          Day Three

I enjoy cinnamon flavor every now and then.  This morning I found a bag of cinnamon 

jelly hearts waiting for me.  My third day of Valentine’s Day gifts.  I should say I found two different bags.  Bag number one was jelly hearts covered with sugar; bag number two hearts were a gummy cinnamon type.  I happen to like both.  Of course the two bags will last until Valentine’s Day if not beyond.  As my husband is not a candy person I gave him a small little gift bag containing four miniature bottles of cinnamon whiskey and a shot glass.  Knowing him, he won’t be indulging in the whiskey any time soon.  It’s not when the item is used, but the idea you give a small gift each day.  Personally I think he’ll be taking the whiskey on a bus trip we are taking in a few weeks.  Gift giving for twenty days can be a challenge even when a list is planned in advance. As the composer of the list, I have bought things ahead of time; for few days in advance.  What you can do is actually give an IOU for the day then purchase the items at a later date.  This works fine as long as you follow through on the IOU.  What my husband did the second year of this Valentine’s gift surprise was to write me a letter explaining what he planned to do.  It stated an IOU may be given, but the gift(s) would find their way to me eventually.  Did he keep his word? Oh yes he followed through.  Last year I had the opportunity to pick out the one item as he wanted to make sure he wasn’t duplicating what I already had.  Doing this little acts of love or showing love is not to be stressful.  It is designed to give you and the other person a few minutes from perhaps busy schedules to appreciate one another.  As my husband and I are retired but still active with volunteer type events almost daily, it gives us an opportunity over our morning coffee to enjoy our surprises.  I do admit I’m guilty of the IOU’s.  Why you wonder? Because I don’t always find the right item for my husband.  This may ring true as we get to day ten through thirteen.  The whole idea of the twenty days of love is to have fun. Last year I remember the bag of cinnamon candy found its way to an acquaintance; they in turn shared with others.  

Until tomorrow....start thinking about the card you are to make for that special person.  Enjoy your Monday. 

Day Four Gift Idea....Bag or couple boxes of conversational candy hearts. 

TWENTY DAYS Of LOVE....Day Two

January 26th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

       Day Two

This is Day Two of the ‘Twenty Days of Love’.  

Today I received a red plastic wine glass with a heart design. It was a well received item from my husband as the one I received last year broke. After all it is just plastic and a bit fragile.  I did use it for at least five months, so I guess that wasn’t too bad.  I found a heavier study plastic wine glass last year after the Valentine holiday was over.  It had been stored away until today when I gave it to my husband.  He questioned on where I got the glass as he liked it better than the one he gave me. I explained where I purchased it and that I had it hidden since the previous year.  He explained he thought it made more of a mixed drink glass (bourbon and cola) than one he uses for wine.  Like his coffee cup, he is quite particular on the glass he uses at home for wine.  Now this gets me into how people have certain type glasses or cups they use.  When we visit one of our veterans clubs, my husband requests a beer mug for his bourbon drink.  Myself, I bring my own wine glass from home as I don’t care for the ones they give me.  I knew of individuals who had a certain glass they kept at a place they frequent for drinks.  Of course these were regular customers not just the occasional visitors; but they insisted they wanted their own special glass. Now getting back on track to Valentine’s surprise, it’s fun to use the holiday themed glasses at home during the days leading up to the holiday. I’ve even used my glass from last year until it cracked.  In the past I have used the holiday themed glasses and mugs, I received over the years, as a candy dish.  Possibilities on repurposing are up to your imagination.  

It’s is fun each day to just take a few moments to give a small surprise to someone.  Generally I go to bed after my husband so I leave his surprises on the desk next to the computer.  On a chuckling note today, he appreciated the wine glass but asked why I did not give him a bottle of wine also.  Unfortunately that was not part of my program, but maybe someone else would up this day two surprise. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy your Sunday. 

Day Three Gift Idea...Bag of cinnamon candy hearts or jelly hearts.  

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day One

January 25th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

      Day One

The next twenty days the ramble will be titled Twenty Days of Love. 

As of today there are twenty days until Valentine’s Day.  I can take or leave the day. A few years ago my husband did something different; he gave me something from February first till Valentine’s Day.  The items were whimsical and inexpensive but it was the idea he did something.  Just like the acts of kindness one can do for December, days of showing love and caring can work as well to brighten the day of that special someone in your life.  Each day from now till Valentine’s Day I’ll blog about something you can do for either a spouse, friend, family member or neighbor.  Some days items may be just for a female, but I can provide alternatives for a male if need be.  

Let’s start with today.  Pick up a Valentine’s Day coffee mug. These can be found at any dollar type store.  In fact pick up more than one for later use in the month. Give it to the person with a cute note explaining how important they are to you; or something along those lines.  This morning I surprised my husband with a new coffee mug with a heart design.  Hopefully he’ll begin to use it,  but he is attached to the one he uses day in and day out.  I may have to hide his favorite mug for the duration.  He has seen the list for the next twenty days so it’ll be interesting to see what he will come 

up with as surprises. Unfortunately I was not recipient of any surprises today from my husband, but it’s still early in the day. 

Each day I’ll let you know the following days surprise so you have time to get it. 

I also may post love quotes from my book as I did last year.  

Until tomorrow....enjoy your Saturday. 

Day Two Gift Idea....Valentine’s Day drinking glass or two 

DAILY RAMBLINGS....Day Ten

January 24th....‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’

          Day Ten

Back in 2012 I took the challenge of writing a poem a day for National Poetry Month in April of that year.  I know I’ve mentioned this prior.  The following year I repeated the challenge but this time added a three line thought each day.  I called this thoughts my haikus or my version of such.  Re-reading the book which I have both 2012 and 2013 years pieces published, I found the following so true.  There are times I get writers block. It’s not a fun thing.  My mind whirls with thoughts and they tumble in my mind like the clothes in a dryer.  Today’s rambling is short.  It sometimes feel my mind is just spinning around even when I’m not going to write. Seems when I have a lot going on in my life I spin out of control. I don’t know which way is up, down or in the middle.  My mind twirls with so many thoughts.  It’s at times like these I need to sit down, take a few deep breaths then prioritize what needs to come first.  It is the same with writing; whether it’s a journal entry, flash fiction story or verse.  I’m old school at times and like to feel a pen or pencil in my hand while looking at a pristine sheet of paper in front of me.  I recall I once composed a piece about sitting at my computer with an open document and could not come up with something to type (as we don’t write on the computer we type).  Life can be like this at times unsure of what we want to do and we are boggled mentally.  When this happens remember to just sit for a few moments, take a few deep breaths, clear your mind then think of what you have to do.  Write everything down on a list; review it then label each item from most important to least.  It does work for me; hopefully it will for you. 

Until tomorrow....it’s Friday, enjoy the day. 

      

        Day Fourteen 2013 

My mind spins with ideas

    To create my latest blog

         But nothing seems of interest 

           “PAPER HIGHWAY”

            © Scottie-ann Murphy

My eyes stare at the blank sheet of paper in 

         front of me

The lines remind me is a long stretch 

             of highway

That goes on and on and beyond 

               into infinity

An adventure on a road....having no idea    

             where it will take me

Picking up my pen, I begin to write

Wondering where this journey will end

DAILY RAMBLINGS....Day Nine

        

January 23rd.....‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’

        Day Nine

The following free verse was one I composed in April 2019.  It was one of the poem a day pieces I composed during National Poetry Month.  As I have said before when I do the challenge quite a few of the pieces I compose are actually about what is going on in my life at the time.  This was one of the things going on back then. At the time I was the head officer of a local veterans organization.  I held the position for three years; as well as this I held the third highest office in the same organization within my state.  Due to personal problems,  which were health issues with my husband,  I advised the state I would not not seek the next highest office (which would be second highest state office).  No problems from the powers that be.  They accepted my decision and knew that MY FAMILY came first and foremost, which it should. Unfortunately at the local level I was treated unfairly.  I was asked why I could not take lesser officership position.  Duh, any officership position still would make me responsible to the organization.  I needed to be just a regular person to take care of what I needed.  I explained over and over but as the piece says my explanation fell on deaf ears or in one ear and out the other. Being asked over and over why I was doing what I was doing got me riled. If only people shut up to listen, but as soon I tried to explain all I received in return was grief.  It seemed NO ONE listened to me. Finally I got to the point where I was so upset about hearing grief for my decisions I began to hyperventilate and throw up.  Still it did not dawn on people I had issues.  Why is it people only want to hear what they want?  Why do people keep asking the same questions over and over as if they were law enforcement and you a suspect or person of interest?  Quite a few individuals need to give attention when being spoken to; need to hear exactly what is being said to them. You should wait till someone finishes speaking before you start to question their motives.  I’ve always given courtesy to the person speaking before commenting or asking questions.  There are some people who jump into the conversation before hearing the other person out.  It’s only good manners and common sense. As I feel if you have a question about something, they may be answering it before hand.  I bring this up as I’ve been hearing similar problems from others.  Please remember that FAMILY comes first.  Organizations and volunteer work come second in your life.  Don’t let anyone bully you into thinking you’re letting down an organization if you can’t give it your all.  You need to think of yourself; your well being; your family and their needs first. 

Do what you can do and if it’s not appreciated then think this; Do you really need to be a member of that group? Any group or organization will be happy to accept whatever time you can provide.  

Until tomorrow....have a terrific Thursday. 

“THE INTERROGATORS 

© Scottie-ann Murphy

“What do you not undestood?

   I tell you I must take a give up certain 

         things

    unable to do them......need to look out for 

              myself

What is not understood?”

“Why must you ...why....why?”

Questions asked over 

       and over 

               and over again

Like a dog with a bone 

       unable to give it a rest.....

         questions.....the same questions 

              WHY?  WHY? WHY?

I repeat the answer....over 

         and over 

               and over again

     I’m tired of repeating myself.....

         sounding like a broken record

“What is it you don’t understand?”

Some people...bull headed....

      thick headed or just plain unable to comprehend what’s being said to them

So I keep answering the same questions 

       over......

               and over......

                     and yet over again

I feel like a suspect being interrogated by 

      the police 

 Except these are not law enforcement personnel 

     but......individuals who can not take the fact that at this time 

   I must put my family and myself first

         Not their organization 

DAILY RAMBLINGS....Day Eight

January 22nd....‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’

     Day Eight

Today is my husband’s birthday.  Wow seems just like we celebrated it and here it is again. In fact this morning I saw the pictures from last years celebration on Facebook memories.  I’m glad I saw them before I got ready for the day. Seemed I had the same outfit picked out for today including my jewelry. This was just too funny. The unfortunate thing is that with his birthday today that means mine will be right around the corner; actually twenty-five days from today.  January does not seem to hold many birthdays where I sent greetings as does February for some reason. Only a few in the immediate family have January birthdays; one grandson,  my husband and a few cousins. February brings on many birthdays in the family; not only mine, but a grandson, step-son, cousins as well as friends and acquaintances.  As I looked over the days for February I find on one day I’ll be sending out at least four birthday greetings.  A few years ago I composed the following piece about birthdays.  I thought about my own birthday and what it meant for me. I decided years ago it was a day I’d do whatever I thought I’d want to do. Today with it being the birthday of my husband, who is my best friend, it’s the day for him to do whatever he wants to do. I have made plans for him to go to lunch and then for adult beverages.  I’ll be the DD (Designated Driver).  Birthdays to me are an important date.  It’s actually to me the New Years of ones life.  It’s actually the beginning of another year in a person’s life.  Personally I feel that the birthday is the New Years of the individual; after all a new year begins in the person’s life.  Think about this. Are not many of you still the same age on New Years Day?  Shouldn’t your birthday be your new year?  My husband uses his birthday as the day he makes his goals and intentions for the next twelve months. He had told me this for the past thirty years;(we’ve been married twenty-nine years in October twenty-nineteen.).  I’m actually considering his way of thinking for my birthday to begin my true goals and aspirations for this year.  As you think about your own birthday (whether it’s past already for this year or in the future) think about it as your own personal New Year’s Day. Remember it’s your WHATEVER DAY; as the day after is your WATCH DAY!

Until tomorrow....Happy Hump Day!

”WHATEVER”  ©Scottie-ann Murphy Another birthday…..your own personal WHATEVER day Time to celebrate doing WHATEVER makes you happy Remain in bed as long as you please Watch WHATEVER you want on television Eat WHATEVER would satisfy your hungry Drink WHATEVER would quench your thirst WHATEVER you do……do it up right Because tomorrow it is back to the same old grind The day after your birthday is WATCH day WATCH what you eat, WATCH you drink and what you do Your birthday….WHATEVER day....celebrate for twenty-four hours

DAILY RAMBLINGS....Day Seven

January 21st.....‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’

      Day Seven

My blog descriptions mention I’d post poetry, flash fiction and other things.  The next few days I’m posting poem or verses I’ve written over the years.  Every April I take the write a poem a day challenge.  Easy to do you say, NO!  It is hard to come up with inspiration at times. Many of my April pieces have come from real issues in my life.  A few years ago, I published two years worth of the April verses.  It’s interesting to go back to see what was going on in my life at the time.  Yesterday I wrote about a piece I composed centered around destiny.  The piece today actually goes hand in hand in a way with yesterday’s piece.  Back in twenty-eighteen people seemed to think they knew the real me.  They had no idea my situation in life, my defeats and my accomplishments.  People see only the outside of a person not their inside soul. Not everyone dresses to please the masses and wear the latest trend.  I wear my own style and am happy with it.  I do not put my DIRTY LAUNDRY out for the world to see.  I do not tell the world my problems or issues. All in all I am a private person.  I expect people to respect it but back in twenty-eighteen quite a few people thought they had the right to my personal issues. One should always respect the privacy of another.  Sometimes there are just things people need to keep private; the world doesn’t need to know every little thing going on in their lives.  Social media has made it easy for people to tell the world their issues and problems.  It’s like many enjoy putting their drama out there to read. I feel before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes. In my case how about walking a mile or even half mile in my flip flops.  Once you are in the other person’s shoes, boots, high heels or flip flops, then say what you want.  Until then, keep quiet. 

By the way my flip flops have the words 

Corona on them. 

Until then....happy Tuesday. 

            FLIP FLOP WALK

              © Scottie-ann Murphy

Walk a mile in my shoes

    Lyrics from an old country song

Walk a mile in my flip flops

   after which you can say about 

        me whatever you want 

You don’t really know the REAL 

        me

   Don’t know my personal pain

       What I fear....my troubles....my past

My dreams.....my desires....my hopes

You only know the part of me I     

        want you to seen 

          

You judge people by their outside

  cover....not their inside self

Walk a mile in my flip flops

    I dare you! 

         I double dare you! 

            

 

     

                        

                       

      

DAILY RAMBLINGS....Day Six

January 20th....‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’

        Day Six

No one can control your destiny but yourself.  What you do; how you do it; what you think; why you think it; how you feel and why you feel as you do, it is you and you alone that controls these factors in your life.  I wrote the following piece back in April of twenty-eighteen. At the time I was making a decision about something in my life that would change things for a period of time. I had issues that were in the past concerning my decision, but I felt going forward I could control what will be.  It was not an easy decision to make at the time, but I made it.  I heard a lot of flack about what I planned, but the decision was mine.  Did I make the right choice? I believe at the time that I did.  Thinking back, I may have made a few changes but it’s now in the past.  I don’t expect this opportunity to come again.  Have you been in a situation where you were unsure how to proceed? We all have at one time or another. Easiest thing to do is weigh the options of what could be the outcome. Go with what you and you alone feel is right.  If things go wrong or not how you thought it could, you’ll only have yourself to blame and no one else. The past are memories and can’t be changed.  Think of them as lessons learned.  Forget what was; live for the day and look ahead to what will come. I am at a crossroads again and weighing my options.  I can only make the choice on what to do. 

 Until tomorrow....happy Monday. 

 WORDS TO PONDER 

              © Scottie-ann Murphy

Accept how things are 

   Just go with the flow

      Sometimes it can not be 

           changed

It is what it is....old cliche but true

Let go of the past....

    You can not change what was

        It's just a history now

          A memory of yesterday

Look ahead to what will be

  Have faith things will be better

     You alone control your destiny

        No one but you can make

            your decisions 

So look ahead....accept the now

       Forget the past

            Have hope for the future 

  

        

 

     

                        

                       

      

DAILY RAMBLINGS....Day Five

January 19th....‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’

       Day Five 

I had this thought for over the past year and decided it was time to ramble about it. If you belong to any type of organizations where you pay yearly dues, you might have noticed this or then perhaps you have not.  Either way I feel it explains quite a bit. I’m not saying every organization is guilty, but there are some that are, in my opinion. 

There is a reason some people drop out of belonging to organizations. It’s because of the people in charge that can not comprehend another individual’s issues. Most meetings and fund raising events are in the evening.  There are some who have night driving vision problems and can not drive past sunset. They also may have other health related issues that prevent them from volunteering or attending meetings; or personal problems within the family that must take precedence.   These heads of the organization had been told by the member of their situation more than once but I guess it falls on DEAF EARS!  Instead of realizing this, they start giving members a hard time and treat them like they are worthless individuals.  These people are not worthless. They still pay their yearly dues. They still purchase fund raising tickets, even if not attending, and/or make monetary donations to help the organization coffers.  

Organizations want members but if a member is not able to be there they should have some compassion for the situation.  There are many who want to help WHEN they can do so.  I’ve found new members who joined not being asked for help as many organizations just keep relying on those who’ve been there years past.  I’m certain that if asked to help, a new member would be willing to help. Many members will keep memberships in organizations just so the organizations can maintain their charter.  Without these members the organization could possible fold.  I’m bringing this up today because I’ve seen this happen time and time again.  I have been on the receiving end of being harassed for not being available to do what I’ve done in years past. I also have been a new member with organizations and hoped to be asked to help when possible.   Please keep this is mind if you belong to any organization with yearly membership dues.  Keep this in mind also if you are an officer in an organization; remember the newest members who have joined.  Make them welcomed.  Get to know your members and listen to any suggestions they may have.  It’s the members who make up any successful organization.  I’m having second thoughts about which groups I want to continue to keep paying membership.  Unfortunately for this year I have renewed my yearly dues, but my continuation depends on my treatment by those who are currently in charge; and how I notice they treat their members. 

Until tomorrow....happy Sunday. 

DAILY RAMBLINGS....Day Four

January 18th....’DAILY RAMBLINGS’ 

           Day Four

What is with people in stores these days?  I go to the store purchase what I need.  It’s a get in and get out situation.  In fact my husband and I each get a shopping cart and each split the list so we each pick up different items.  We pick a designated area which to meet when done.  It’s generally at a location that is not high traffic in the store. There are days I wonder about people.  The other day as I stood waiting for my husband near the ice refrigerator a woman asked me to move.  I said sorry I’ll let you get ice. She replied she did not want ice but wanted to see if there was anything on sale in the case. I though lady it says on a sign in big letters ICE. 

That’s all that’s in this refrigerator case. What was she expecting to find inside besides ice a can of soup? You’d think I was hiding something from her.  A few moments later another person asked me to move she wanted to see what’s in the case. I said to this woman it’s ice and she said well maybe there’s something else in there. I realized that people get upset over fact they may miss something on special at the store but the ice refrigerator never has anything inside but ice.  Of course I believe these are the same people who block the aisles as they stand to talk with another person they encounter.  I hate how their carts are in the way and you ask them politely to move so you can get past them.  Grocery store aisles  are not the place to hold a gabfest.  There are times I just hate grocery shopping.  What is even more frustrating are those who do not have the store rewards cards ready to hand over.  They searched their purse sometimes dumping everything out to find it. Why don’t they have it ready when they are in the checkout line.  I carry mine in my pocket and hand it over first thing.  Is it just me or do you feel like screaming sometimes in the store?  The best laugh I had was on Christmas Eve. I had gone out specially to get a sale on Christmas candy. I knew from experience on Christmas Eve it was reduced.  I planned to get it for the luncheon I planned to attend Christmas Day.  The items were on a table as you went into the store.  One woman for some reason was taking cell phone pictures of the candy.   Why doing this was beyond my comprehension.  Another individual was crawling under the table looking through boxes stored there.  I found what I wanted leaving them to do whatever it was they were doing.  As I stood in the checkout line the photo taker was talking on her cell phone.  I heard the reason she took the photos.  I heard her tell the person on the other end of the phone she planned to hit the other grocery store to compare the candy prices. Good luck I thought; hope the other store had a sale. 

If you observe people like I do at times you’ll find it amusing.  Some days they make my day.  Later this morning I need to venture out to the grocery store.  My list ready; my husband’s list ready. What will we encounter today at the store?  Only time will tell but I think I’ll wait for him today near the beer aisle and see how many will ask me to moved just to look at the beer; just in case I’m blocking something on sale. 

Until tomorrow....happy Saturday.  

DAILY RAMBLINGS....Day Three

January 17th....‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’

        Day Three

Yesterday I rambled about laundromat visits. I had no idea what today’s ramble would be.  Sometimes I think ahead on my rambles. It wasn’t until later last evening before I called it a day I decided on today’s post.  Shopping experiences I’ve encountered.  I know everyone has them. I have a few but my favorite deals with the handicapped shopping carts at the stores.  These carts are for those who are handicapped and not the lazy.  A few years ago my husband and I were going into a grocery store. We noticed a woman pushing a walker slowly walking behind us. She had to park at spot not for handicapped as all those were already taken. As we made our way across the parking lot I was almost run down by boy who’d I say was twelve years old. He pushed past me with no sorry for his actions. His mother nonchalantly walked behind us. As I walked into the store I saw the kid sitting in the handicapped cart waiting for his mother. She walks inside behind me and away they go with him as the driver. The poor woman with the walker came inside the store to find NO handicapped shopping carts. I went over to the woman with the boy in the cart and mention the carts are for handicapped only. She tells me the following.  “My poor son is tired. He was up late last night and had ball practice this morning. He needs this cart.”  I get all up in her face and say “well you kid sure didn’t seem tired when he almost knocked me over.  Just because he’s tired does not give him the right for that cart. That woman over there is using a walker to get around and deserves the cart as she is legitimately handicapped not tired from playing all day.” The mother said “well it’s first come for the carts.”  I went to store management but they did not do anything.  The handicapped woman thanked me for trying to help. She said she’d be okay as long as she can push on the shopping cart.  I told her that’s not the point.  A few minutes later a store employee came over to her with a handicapped cart that became available.  I was informed by the cashier they cannot regulate the usage of the handicapped carts. Well perhaps they should.  This is one of my many peeves with shoppers.  What ticked me next was the mother and son.  They checked out before I did. He rode the cart to their car, packed away their items in the trunk and left the cart in the middle of the parking lot.  My husband, being a nice guy, drove it back into the store. That’s where I again followed him inside and complained about how that cart was abuse. A few weeks after this incident a friend told me a similar story.  I’m happy to see stores offering these conveniences to those who need them, but please be in need and not just too lazy to walk around the store.  Perhaps you’ve noticed a similar situation.  I think I wanted to bring this to the notice of others. A few days ago my husband had been asked by a woman if he could get a store employee to bring a handicapped cart to her car.  Instead of bothering the employee he did it himself.  This was quite a selfish act as my husband has a bad back and knee himself but wanted to help a stranger in need.  I am under the impression that the stores offering these carts need to regulate their use better.  I notice many only offer two at the least.  Yes they are costly, but why can’t there be a few more available?  

Thanks for letting me ramble about this.  

Until tomorrow....it’s Friday so enjoy. 

‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’....Day Two

January 16th.....’DAILY RAMBLINGS’

     Day Two

Good Day one and all; go forth and enjoy the day.  Yesterday I explained that next few days or more I’d be rambling about different things.  I’ve thought what would be a good ramble subject for today.  Well perhaps it could be going to the laundromat.   I’ve had my share of stories over the years that they’d make a book.  The reason I picked this topic is that the last few times there it’s be incident free.  Seven times out of ten I have some story to tell my husband when I get home.  I’ve learned over the years to actually fold my clothes as I remove them from the dryer.  Socks, underwear and towels I put into a bag to do at home.  I DO NOT use the tables anymore.  Reason is two incidents that occurred.  The first was a woman comes in with a bag of fast food and a newspaper.  She spreads the paper out on the table opens the bag of food and proceeds to eat and read.  No way do I want to put my freshly laundered items on a table that held greasy food.  I mentioned this to her that the tables are for folding laundry not to be used for dining. Her remark was no one seems to be using the table at the moment.  After she finished her greasy meal I’d thought well she’d at least wipe off the table where I noticed she squirted ketchup but no she just folded the paper and put her empty food wrappings in the trash.  Well at least she done that.  Another reason I don’t use the tables is the woman who thought it made a good changing table for her kids.  Again no consideration for her actions.  Do I want to put my clean laundry on a table where dirty diapers sat?  One of my all time favorite incidents is those who arrive at a laundromat and ask customers to  give them change.  To me if your going to a laundromat isn’t it common sense to have change for the washers and dryers. Yes there are change machine, but they don’t always work.  I had been approached by a woman who demanded I give her change. I told her I only bring enough for what I need.  Then I asked why she did not go to a bank to get change.  Her reply left me laughing.  She said the bank won’t give change.  Now that’s the best one yet.  What bank won’t give you change? She asked if she could get a few quarters from me and I again said I only brought enough to do my own laundry.  I already had my clothes in the dryers and no money on my person.  Of course I had quarters in my car but did not tell her that.  She ended up asking others for change; she got the same answer no one had any.  Found out from one of the other customers that this particular woman does it all the time.  Comes with her three baskets of clothes and expects others to be her change machine.  I ended up actually seeing this woman at a local club playing the coin dozer machine a few weeks later.  I walked up to her and said if you didn’t put your quarters in this machine you’d have them for the laundromat.   She did give me an earful but I ignored it and walked away. The other funny incident that has occurred is the person who comes in the laundry and takes up at least six washers then asks if they can borrow some of you detergent as they didn’t have any at home.  What can’t these people stop at the store on the way to buy some?  Anymore I put my clothes into the washer then go out and sit in my car.  I watch the time and know about how long until my clothes are done. The same with the dryers.  It’s that I don’t need laundromat drama.  There are some really nice people there but I’d rather wait out my time while my clothes are being done in my car playing a game on my phone or reading a book. If you go to laundromats is your experience a tad on the odd side at times?  If you frequent them, observe those around you and DO NOT use the tables to fold your clothes; you never know whose greasy food was on the table prior or whose baby’s dirty diaper laid there. 

Until tomorrow....have a good day. 

‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’....Day One

 January 15th....‘DAILY RAMBLINGS’ 

        Day One

Since the blog is called ‘ramblings’ I am going to ramble for the next few days or so. The topic can be just about anything.  Today I’m going to ‘ramble’ about how a daily plan is great to have or a daily to do list, but what can occur. The smallest thing can change your plans for the day. I’m trying to work off of a ‘to do list’ this year. I’ve done it before and I throughly found it helpful to me.  Of course there is always a reason things need to be put on hold or rescheduled. As I looked out my window at seven thirty yesterday I noticed it was foggy.  The sun should have been up and shining.   As I took my first sip of coffee I realized it was going to be a depressing day if it stayed overcast or at least for me.  Well maybe not depressing but a day I’d have no ambition. At first I did not want to go out and tackle my ‘to do list’ for the day; but knew I must as errands needed to be done whether it being a foggy day or sunny.  I did my morning routine of reading emails and answered any that needed to be done; sent my good morning texts; posted to my social media page and posted my blog.  I then received a message on messenger plus two Facebook notifications.  One notification was a friend’s birthday reminder that is auto sent; the other from an individual. All this before an hour ended  and my first cup of coffee unfinished. The messenger message was pleasant and I looked forward to connecting with the individual later in the day.  I already had plans to be where they would be that afternoon.  The birthday was no problem as I sent a greeting to the friend and wished her a happy day. The other notification was about the passing of the spouse of someone in the family and that the person whose spouse died is recovering from surgery.  I knew what needed to be done.  I had no get well or condolence cards at home.  It was get motivated to finish my morning routine, shower and hit a store for cards.  Over the years I’d have a stock pile of all occasion cards, but in the past (true so true) five years my supply became depleted.  As the person in an organization which both my husband and I belonged one duty we held as a officers was to send out sympathy cards and get well cards to individuals when the occasion deemed. Of we would send out same type of cards within our family and to friends when necessary.  It appeared my large stock was no longer. Odd how just doing a simple thing such as reading my messages set the tone for my day.  I ended up rearranging my Tuesday tasks till today; I’ll get both Tuesday and Wednesday hopefully done in the same day now. As for stock piling all occasion cards, it appears I should do so again.  Before hitting stores for them I’m going to try what I had done years ago; thrift stores.  Believe it not, I’ve found really nice unused cards at thrift stores.  I was amazed the price was well worth it also.  One year I picked up an eight package of cute cards for Valentine’s Day for a quarter.  They were still in the original package and the original store price tag still showing.  A few weeks later I found a plastic storage bag of thinking of you cards which were perfect.  Sure enough that began my stock pile.  Today what I’m saying is that you never know what each day will bring.  Plans and lists are great (I have them) but once in a while something will happen to change them.  I’m sure this has happened to you.  Making of lists is wonderful but there are times I feel I need to chuck them and just go with the flow. Yesterday was one of those days. 

Until tomorrow....think about how just one little message can change or rearrange your day. As of right now, I’m still on track with today’s plans. 

NEW BEGINNINGS..... Day Fourteen

January 14th....’NEW BEGINNINGS’

       Day Fourteen 

Today is Orthodox New Year.  Happy New Year to those who are celebrating the day. 

Yesterday I rambled on about prioritizing my morning routine.  I must say it went well for day number one.  Although I’ve already decided to move two items around. The last will be posting my blog. I find it’s easier to do so after the other things I do. It’s the last thing I work on at night for the following day and last on my morning list of things to do while enjoying my coffee.  My idea of shopping on a Monday had gone great when I first began, but in the last few months it seems Monday is also a busy day.   I even went at the same time I usually would go.  Perhaps others found this a good shopping time to hit the stores.   I only hope it’s a fluke.  As for making a list and sticking to it, well that worked out fine except found a great sale on soup.  I decided to stock up; otherwise there was no over buying.  I just wonder how long I can keep with my goal of shopping from a list only without impulse buying.  As I look at these first fourteen days of the new year and goals I hope to achieve, I am so far right on the track.  If course it’s been less than half a month.  It is not easy making any changes to your lifestyle.  It takes determination and a willingness to succeed.  Beginning tomorrow I’m changing the title of these ramblings; the new title undetermined as of now. The content will remain to be seen also.  Until then thank you for reading these ramblings. Keep working on those good intentions for the year.  I may be visiting this topic again to keep you all posted on my progress and to have you thinking about your own progress. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy the day. 

NEW BEGINNINGS....Day Thirteen

 

January 13th....’NEW BEGINNINGS’

     Day Thirteen 

The new year is now thirteen days old.  So far many have kept their goals and aspirations or at least those I asked.  I’ve done so also, well so far.  The last eight days I wrote about eight things to quit this year.  It’s hard to do them all at one time, or at least for me.  I’m taking those items one at a time as it comes up in my life.  One thing I realized is that over the years I tried hard as I may to do too much at one time.  This year I plan to prioritize things.  Example would be my early morning routine of visiting my social media page and my emails as well as my daily good morning texts to people.  I plan to do these while enjoying my two cups of coffee.  Once they are done, I should have read my emails, sent my daily ‘Good Morning’ greetings and posted my daily ‘Holiday Countdown’ and updated the list for the following day. As for the blog I should have most of it composed and ready to post.  These I compose in the evenings before going to bed with a final review in the morning.  I’ve also found I need to make a list prior to grocery shopping and other shopping lists.  I’ve found over the years I go into the store and walk up and down aisles browsing.  Doing this has caused me to over shop and purchase things I don’t really at the time.  Another thing I am doing when I make my shopping list is to look through the advertisements from different stores.  There are four within a half mile from me and I can shop at the one having the best deals as long as I make my list.  I’ve done the list thing before a few times and found it worked well.  I also found not to shop on certain days due to larger crowds. As a retiree I’ve learned Monday is good day for me between eleven and one.  Of course you need to find your best day for shopping.  As I sat with my coffee yesterday I realized that I try to do everything at once.  I look at emails, social media page, newspapers and try to text at once.  I realized I need to figure out which to do first.  My new plan of action is:

  a). Send ‘Good Morning’ text first

  b). Read emails and see if any need 

            immediate replies 

  c). Review blog and post blog

  d). Social media page

  e). Read my online newspapers

I give myself one hour to do it all.  It should be just enough time.  As for reading emails throughout the day, I’m designating time after dinner.  Nothing should be so important it needs immediate attention.  If it is important most will send text or call.  My new routine begins today. I’ll keep you posted on the results of this.  If I find it’s not working, there is always room to tweak it. It is never to late to begin a new routine; even if not beginning it at the first of the year. As we go through this new year, you too may decide to make other goals and aspirations.  I believe that is a good sign; of making changes as you go.  Remember just because something works for one person doesn’t mean it works for everyone.  Also don’t forget you can make changes to any goal at anytime. 

Until tomorrow....have a good Monday; the first day of a new week. 

NEW BEGINNINGS....Day Twelve

January 12th....’NEW BEGINNINGS’ 

    Day Twelve

The last item on the list of eight items to quit this year is to quit thinking you have no purpose.  We all have a purpose in life.  Some of us might take years to realize just what is actually the purpose.  We all have one. It could be something simple like being there at the right time when another had an issue or problem that you helped solve.  Maybe you did a good deed you never realized you did.  It does not matter what you do or don’t do.  Does not matter what you accomplish or don’t.  There is a purpose to your life.  You need to find that purpose.  Define your goals then strive to meet them.  Look around you see what is happening. You may be doing something you don’t realize is making a difference. Your purpose can be that you’re doing volunteer work helping others.  Perhaps your purpose is doing your job.  Never feel worthless.  Everyone has a purpose and you do too.  Just quit thinking you have none.  Make this year one full of positivity and happiness.  

Now review the list of the eight things to quit this year.  As you go through the year review it on occasion.  See if you have quit them all or a few.  Make your goal all right. 

Until next time.....enjoy your Sunday. 

 EIGHT THINGS to QUIT in 2020

1. TRYING to PLEASE EVERYONE 
2. FEARING CHANGE 
3. LIVING in the PAST 
4. OVERTHINKING 
5. BEING AFRAID to BE DIFFERENT 
6. SACRIFICING YOUR HAPPINESS FOR OTHERS 
7. THINKING YOU’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH 
8. THINKING YOU HAVE NO PURPOSE