FAT TUESDAY

Today is Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday.  Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season. Growing up Catholic I’d always thought only Catholics gave up something for Lent. I find anyone can do so or my opinion.  As a child we always were required to give something up for Lent.  Generally what we would give up would be sometime we really liked such as candy, dessert or soda.  Most of the time it was soda pop.  The reason I picked soda pop because it was such a treat to actually have in my home.  A twelve ounce bottle or two would be opened and only half would be poured into a glass.  The bottle was shared with one of my step-siblings.  I don’t think I ever had a whole twelve ounce bottle by myself until I was a teenager.  Now days, I don’t indulge in soda and have no problem with only six ounces.  As Lent approaches, many are thinking of giving something up until Easter.  I wonder why don’t we try to do something besides abstinence from certain foods or drinks.  One idea is to give up having a grudge against another. Perhaps someone did you wrong in the past; you hold a grudge towards them. Just give up that grudge feeling and get on with things in your life. Rid yourself from feelings of discord and discontent from that person.  You don’t have to go all BFF on them; just rid those negative thoughts and feelings.  

Perhaps you are one who over purchases at times.  During this Lenten season buy only what you need.  If there is something you feel you need, wait to make the purchase. You just might find in the long run it’s an item you can do without.  You can also spend less time on social media for these days of Lent and more time on a hobby you enjoy.  Like at Christmas do a few kind acts during Lent.  Give of yourself to help a family member, friend or acquaintance in need.  Spend time each day (five minutes) to reflect on the meaning of Lent and Easter.  Lent does not always mean you need to give something up; it could be giving up on how you perceive things and make a change.  This Lenten season I plan to stop having a grudge against one who hurt my feelings and treated me badly.  Instead of cringing when I see them, I plan to stand tall and get on with my life.  I refuse to let them bring me sadness or discontent.  I feel I don’t need negative feelings inside me; I plan to say hello and be polite but not go out of my way for them as in the past.  I refuse to be treated badly again by this person; but I will give up my grudge and mark it down in my book as experience what to do and not what to do in the future. 

Think about what, if anything, you plan to give up or perhaps do for Lent. 

Until next time....today let’s all enjoy Fat Tuesday!

THINK BEFORE YOU POST

Posts on social media can be confusing at times. People need to clarify specifically what they are conveying to the masses.  A good example occurred a few days ago. An individual showed a photo of a residence fire and posted it was their house.  Reading the post and looking at the photo it appeared this was their home, when in fact it WAS NOT. 

Now just because a person once lived in a certain residence at one time does not mean it’s theirs now or ever was owned by them in the past. 

What the post should have stated was that they had once lived there for a few short years. In fact why post some else’s unfortunate troubles at all.  When posting on social media you need to clarify just what you want to convey; write it out; read it over for content; think how another would interpret it before you hit the post button.  I’ve reread a few of my posts after I hit the post button and realized I needed to do an edit; which I did immediately. 

As I read that specific post that day it sounded like the individual was the home owner and not a past tenant.  I showed a few people the post; they too were under the same impression.  Think before you post is all I can say.  Secondly I felt the person had no rights in putting the incident on social media as it is not or ever was their property in the first place.  The property owner, I learned, did not want the unfortunate incident blabbered all over the social media world.  Newspaper stories and television news stories were sufficient.  I guess some people have no respect for other people or their privacy.  Please think before you post; would you want others blabbing your troubles to the world?  I’m sure you would not.  Remember there’s that old saying about what goes around will come around.  Don’t forget once something is put out on social media trying to correct it may not always work.  People only see and read what they want.  

Until next time....think before you write; reread once or twice; clarify what you’re conveying.  

BIRTHDAY

February 16th

Today I’m having a birthday.  It seems the past year sped by quickly.  I can’t fathom where the time went and all I did this past year.  I did accomplish a few goals but not as many as I hoped.  A few years ago I wrote that birthdays are your own personal New Year’s Day as it’s another year in your life.  Another year to make changes, begin again.  Many people have birthday parties; I’ve only had one in my sixty plus years.  That birthday was when I was in the first grade. At the time I lived with my mother’s brother and his family.  My aunt arranged a party with classmates being invited as well as a few others from my church school class.  I remember my favorite of all the gifts.  It came from a girl named Judy who was in my class at school.  The item was a small white, red and green plastic  lunch box with a tiny red thermos.  Inside the lunch box were lollipops.  I loved this gift.  There was something about this small lunch box that I found intriguing.   A few days later I shared the candy with two of my cousins.  I kept this gift until my mother had married my step-father and I had to live with her and my new step-family.  Somewhere along the way moving into this new home the lunch box was no longer among my things as well as a few other items.  I remember being told now that I was eight years old I no longer needed toys or stupid things; I needed to grow up and learn to do adult things.  No more play time for me.  I had to learn to do dishes, iron, hang laundry, clean, change bedding, sweep floors, sew, rake leaves, shovel snow and trim the edgings around the yard after the grass cut.  No longer did play time be part of my life.  I was eight years old. My step-grandmother became the one who took over my care along with my two step-siblings.  My mother worked a forty hour then plus at times.  I felt I missed a lot of my childhood.  I found solace in reading.  I read Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden and anything girls my age could get their hands upon. Evidently reading was an okay way to pass the time as well as coloring in books when not doing chores.  How I missed playing with dolls and other fun toys.  Birthdays were just another day in our life.  Perhaps that is why I want to go out and enjoy my day as I got older.  It’s terrible to think I had no real childhood to speak about. We were not poor; both my mother and step-father had decent jobs.  It was the fact that the person left to raise us felt different.  I digress of course; back to my current situation.  Today I wore a headband tiara like a Queen and went out for a brunch and drinks.  Tomorrow I’ll do the same as I go on a veterans bus trip.  I don’t ask for gifts, but wish I could find a little lunch box with candy inside.  I’d share with others. 

Yes today is my own personal New Year’s Day. I have goals that I want to accomplish before my next birthday. Think about your own birthday.  Do you have one that stands out?  Or were you fortunate to have more than one?  Hope your memories are pleasant.  

Until next time....make each day be special. 

POST VALENTINE’S DAY

February 15th

It’s the day after Valentine’s Day.  I hope everyone had a nice enjoyable day.  I know I did.  My husband and I had to do some banking and ended up of course at the bank. On Friday the credit union gives out popcorn, lollipops and wrapped mints to customers. I took the woman who does this job (she works on Friday only) a small valentine card with heart shaped lollipop.  The woman was giving away pens with silk roses attached to them to the woman who came into the bank. One of the male customers asked her about the pens.  She explained they were for the ladies for Valentine’s Day.  He said oh no, he forgot that it was today.  She gave him one of the pens for his wife and I ended up giving him the valentine card and lollipop.  He told us we saved his bacon.  I laughed and told him the stores are opened for shopping.  It was my nice gesture of the day.  I continued giving out the remaining cards and lollipops to veterans at my Amvets post.  These guys seemed happy and it gave me a nice feeling that it may have made their day. I was thinking of spreading a bit of happiness and letting these guys know they are not forgotten.  My husband did enjoy his last e-card which had a bottle of champagne on it with few other items.  I put the words ‘you’re the champagne of my heart, valentine’.  He liked the card and bought me two glasses of champagne for Valentine’s Day during our stop at the club. I like champagne and have it on special occasions.  Next time will be my birthday which is tomorrow.  All in all I did enjoy my Valentine’s Day and like doing the simple things that made it special.  Remember just because Valentine’s Day has past, doesn’t mean you forget to keep being romantic.  Tell that special one in your life how you feel each day.  Make a date night once a week if possible.  It can be as simple as going out for coffee, drinks or pizza; if it’s summer maybe an ice cream cone, Italian ice or stroll in a park.  Just keep showing your special someone how much they mean to you.  I read something earlier today about that if you’re in a relationship or commitment to another every day should be Valentine’s Day.  

Until next time....take care and enjoy your day. 

 

VALENTINE’S DAY

February 14th

It Valentine’s Day and that one day a year that is set aside for lovers; the day we show that special person in our life how much we care for them.  Why is it we are expected to show this on just one day a year? If we truly care for someone shouldn’t we show them each and every day?  In the piece I wrote and posted a few days ago, I mentioned how this holiday is a big money making business.  Sometime to help the candy manufacturers with sales after Christmas and before Easter.  Florists for some reason seem to up the price of flowers, red roses in particular on Valentine’s Day.  Years ago, after moving to Florida, my husband and I noticed a outdoor sign at a florist shop.  It had the price of roses at twenty dollars for a dozen.  A few days before Valentine’s Day the price more than doubled.  Restaurants seem to all vie for those wanting to go out for a romantic dinner.  They will offer a special deal (or so they want you to think) for the holiday.  Some will offer this a day or two prior and sometimes continue it for a day or two after Valentine’s Day ends.  It seems people crowd restaurants cause it is February the fourteenth.  When I made my ‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’ list, I put two days before Valentine’s Day as a day to do the romantic dinner.  If you read yesterday’s ramble you’d see the place my husband and I chose was quite busy.  In fact for lunch there was a wait list.  We opted to sit in the bar area and dine at the bar.  After telling the server why we were out (as I was wearing all my apparel) she thought it a great idea to celebrate early.  We found a few others were doing the same also.  One couple mentioned they wanted to avoid the holiday crowd and they have been doing early valentine’s lunch for the past few years.  Other manufacturers are involved with the holiday sales; clothing, card companies, those who make holiday decorations and yes even the liquor industry.  On social media I noticed an advertisement for a heart shape box filled with miniature bottles of a popular drink.  I do know liquor manufacturers go all out for gift sets at Christmas, but this is a first that I noticed for Valentine’s Day.  

As I mentioned yesterday, I really enjoyed my twenty days of love gifts I received plus the IOUs I’ll eventually use.  This morning I sent my husband the last of the e-card valentine’s at three in the morning.  Then when I came out from getting up for the day, I walked over to him gave him a big hug and kiss; said to him “Happy Valentine’s Day.  I love you and thank you for being you and all you do for me”.  Simply put and expressed without a lot of fanfare.   We will be out and about later today doing errands and giving cute valentine’s cards to few people.  Nothing extravagant planned as we always make the most of any outing and enjoy just being together.   

Hope each of you have a nice Valentine’s Day and remember it’s not what you purchase to give to another, it’s spending quality time and most of all telling that special person each day you love them. 

Until next time....take care. 

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Twenty

February 13th.....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

             Day Twenty

 Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and that means today is the last day of the twenty days of love.  Today sit down and write that special person a love letter.  Tell them why you feel as you do for them; let them know why they are special in your life.  Sometimes words are hard to say so let those words come through on paper.  This morning I found a small poem my husband wrote for me.  It said few words but the few words had an impacted meaning.  It is not the length of the letter or note, it’s the words you convey. In this day and age of electronics where we text and use emojis, a hand written letter or note is forgotten.  I’m guilty of using e-cards and emails to my husband, but he says my hand writing is hard to read.  He’s so right; and yes I took the lazy way out with an email note.  He can save it and it will last longer than one I write on paper or so that’s my thought on the subject.  Of course along with the letter you could put a few IOU Coupons for something such as do one chore in the future, foot massage, breakfast in bed or day out doing fun activities.  In case your wondering, yes I added IOU Coupons.  One was to do the one thing I dread, pumping gas and the other taking the car for oil change.  I hate waiting around at the service garage while I’m having that done; but I will honor my coupon. 

Yesterday’s gift idea worked out great.  We decided on lunch.  We told our server what we were doing then found out a few others at the restaurant were also doing the same thing.  Guess great minds think alike. 

I’ve enjoyed my twenty days of love.  Now tomorrow there will be no pressures to try to come up with the right gift or romantic gesture just because it’s Valentine’s Day. 

Hope you to had an enjoyable twenty days of love.  

Until tomorrow and next time I blog....enjoy your day. 

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE.....Day Nineteen

February 12th....TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

     Day Nineteen

Restaurants are gearing up for Friday night. Valentine’s Day is two days away.  Eating establishments will be busy with those individuals going out for a romantic dinner especially with the holiday on a Friday.  Why wait till then for an evening of romance?  Why not celebrate a few days early?  That’s exactly what we have planned for today.  I’ll be wearing my apparel f days ten through thirteen; not the jewelry I still have not ordered anything as of yet.  I’ll wear the tee shirt, head piece, socks, scarf and yes the funky glasses.  We are still in a quandary as where to go.  It does not really matter to me. Oh by the way it’ll be a romantic lunch about one o’clock as opposed to early dinner.  As long as we’re together that is all that matters for us.  You don’t have to spend an arm and leg on a night out.  Go someplace where you enjoy the food and atmosphere.  Tell your server you’re doing an early valentine’s dinner.  You never know what could happen by doing this.  Perhaps you may be reading this before breakfast or lunch. Hey a romantic breakfast and/or lunch could work too; of course this would work if you’re retired and have all day for such an event.   The idea of this gift is to celebrate two days early to avoid over crowded restaurants and to ensure the cooks and servers are not being rushed with creating and delivering the meal. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy your romantic dinner or night out. 

Gift Idea Day Twenty

Write a love note or letter to that special person 

             

               SIMPLY PUT

                  © Scottie-ann Murphy

The day of proclaiming love has arrived 

Here we go....rushing out to make 

           purchases

   to present to the one we hold dear in our 

            heart 

Shopping is a pleasure for that special 

               person

Picking the perfect tokens to show our 

           undying love on Valentine’s Day

Many think they need to feed the senses

      with gifts of smell, hearing, touch, sight 

                and taste

Bouquet of roses that fragrance the air 

     Romantic music downloaded to an IPOD 

           A plush teddy bear soft as cotton 

              Words of love written inside a card

and the sweet candy nestled in the heart      

                  shaped box

Small fortunes are spent on Valentine’s Day

But....that special one....absolutely worth it

Although my craving for chocolate is all 

              grown up

I would welcome a cellophane bag of 

         Hershey’s kisses

    over the two pound box of 

                   Russell Stover’s

a single silk red rose from the dollar store

       and a song of love sung by you

As I ponder the day set aside for love

    and how to express our feelings for 

             one another

I decided this is how we do it this year....

Just say “I LOVE YOU” and give each other 

              a kiss

A gesture quite simple....priceless and from 

            the heart

   

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Eighteen

February 11th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

         Day Eighteen

This morning I opened the bottle of sparkling grape juice and poured into the two plastic fluted glasses.  Surprised my husband got the juice, thought for sure it would have been the champagne.  That’s what I gave him; inexpensive Spumante instead of champagne and the two plastic drinking vessels. I put the bottle in the refrigerator after he went to bed the night before.  We will open the bottle later to drink it.  The grape juice was a nice little treat for the morning.  I did not see the juice the night before, but I was not looking all over the refrigerator either.  The reason I got Spumante is because my husband is not a fan of champagne.  He finds it a tad too dry.  Then again I could have made mimosas with it tomorrow.  Now that I’m mentioning champagne, I’ve come across a few cute gift ideas for the one who enjoys drinks.  You can make the most interesting baskets of alcohol miniature bottles.  Ideas include little disposal shot glasses with the gift basket; small bottles of soda and/or juice for mixers.  You can always search the web for ideas on this gift.  Today the e-mail valentine card was with an old fashion typewriter.  There is sheet of paper in the carriage and I inserted the words ‘you’re just my type, valentine’.  A bit cheesy but that’s what I am trying to do; recreate the old type of cards we received as a child. Today I including a tribute to candy hearts.  I think this came to my mind as I looked at the bag I purchased as a gift for an acquaintance. 

Until tomorrow....have a terrific Tuesday. 

Gift Idea Day Nineteen

 Celebrate Valentine’s Day two days early.  Wear the apparel from days ten through thirteen. 

          LOVE HEARTS

          ©Scottie-ann Murphy

The cellophane bag taunts me

   It waits to be opened

     Inside small colorful candies

         white, 

            pink, 

               yellow, 

                    orange, 

                        purple, 

                               and green

Shaped like a heart 

    Containing red printed words

‘BE MINE’ 

       ‘KISS ME’ 

             ‘HUG ME’ 

                   ‘LUV YOU’

Confined inside the package 

      waiting to be read

           and waiting to be consumed 

 I pick up the bag....to release them

      Carefully opening it

A few hearts escape their confinement 

   A pink ‘LUV YOU’

      A white ‘KISS ME’

They seem to talk to me

   tell me how they feel

      pink heart....loves me 

            white heart....wants a kiss

Small pieces of candy....simple and 

    comprehendible 

telling their desires in bright crimson   

             lettering

    a hug.....a kiss....to be loved

Picking up the white....I give it a kiss

 Its needs met....I devour the sweet 

            sugary confection

  

If only....some people could be as 

         expressive as the tasty hearts

   love then would be uncomplicated 

   

    

   

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE.....Day Seventeen

February 10 ‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

     Day Seventeen 

One, two or even five pound boxes of candy are great to receive but who needs all those calories?  A small four piece box or five is a nice gift to receive.   Being the creative person, I sometimes can be, I picked up a plastic heart shape box and put miniature candy bars inside for my husband.  The box can be recycled and used for another purpose.  Today my gift was a box with six chocolates inside.  The amount is perfect as the candy won’t be sitting around for weeks upon weeks.  Of course with any of the gift ideas you can actually tweak them as I did with today’s.  While at one of the stores I frequent for my gifts, I found that the area where Valentine’s items were stick seemed a tad bare.  Perhaps they moved them to another part of the store, but I doubted it.  There are only a few days left till Valentine’s Day.  I’ve been seeing many offers for dinner specials for Valentine’s Day.  No doubt with the holiday falling on a Friday, restaurants will be quite busy.  If you’re planning to go out, might be in your best interest to make a reservation.  

The e-card challenge to my husband is going well.  Today I did two by mistake so I sent both; one was a football themed card and one with cowgirl.  He is enjoying receiving them and said he’s already looking forward to tomorrow’s.  You do realize that surprises aren’t just for the days leading to Valentine’s Day.  You can do this anytime during the year.  Maybe pick out a month, do a seven days of love or five; it’s up to you to decide.  Today I’m sharing a rather cynical view of Valentine’s Day.  Not to deterrent you from celebrating but a view on why we need a day for showing love; it should be every day. 

Until tomorrow....enjoy your Monday. 

Gift Idea Day Eighteen

 A bottle of sparkling grape juice and/or champagne and two fluted glasses. 

           JUST ANOTHER DAY

               (A Cynical View)

            © Scottie-ann Murphy

  

It is just another day for many....St. Valentine’s Day

      Another holiday for many businesses enterprises to make money

A cynical observation....though some will 

           agree

Valentines cards, flowers, chocolate   

          candy and romantic dinners 

    All symbolic items representing February 

           fourteenth gifts for the one you hold 

                dear

      Every year a card with words of love, a   

             dozen red roses, box of candy 

                      and a dinner 

         Nice as they are to receive....flowers    

              wilt and die....cards put in a drawer    

                         or trash bin eventually 

             The chocolates devoured and soon                         

                     forgotten expect on the 

                                  waistline 

                 It’s always the same each  

                        year....cards, flowers, candy 

                            and dinner 

                    Nevertheless something new 

                           would be a welcome   

                                   surprise 

                            Each Valentine’s Day is just    

                                    another day....except    

                                        for florist,

                                            candy makers,

                                               card companies,

                                                 and restaurants 

                                              

Why is there a day set aside to show how   

     much we appreciate that one special 

           person in our life? 

Shouldn’t we show them every day?   

                                           

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Sixteen

February 9th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

        Day Sixteen

Stuff animals are cute but as my husband refers to them as dust collectors.   In a way he is right.  Over the years my little stuff animals have found their way into storage bins.  They are fun to receive for the holiday that is being celebrated but once the holiday has past, they are put away with other decorations.   Today I found an adorable little red dog waiting for me by my coffee cup.  My husband received a small brown teddy bear that I had purchased awhile back (from my hidden items of things to give).   Eventually his bear will find its way to anew home.  My husband enjoys karaoke and doing songs by Elvis.  On occasion he’ll sing the song “Teddy Bear”.  After he finishes the song he’ll generally give one of the women a teddy bear.  So I know this bear will find a new home.  Stuff animals of all sizes can be found at most any place during the valentines holiday.  They range in size like the small type to be given today to two foot.  No one says you need to give a small one today, it’s up to you. I suggested a small stuff animal since this is a twenty days of love idea.  

By the way I’m continuing the handmade card idea until February 14th for my husband. I’m sending an e-card I created every day.  Today I did a race car theme one. The words were ‘racing my way to be your valentine’.  The female cartoon driver was in a pink car and one the car I put the words ‘Sweetheart #1’. He did get a laugh from it.  Not sure what tomorrow’s will be yet.  

Until tomorrow....enjoy your Sunday. 

Gift Idea Day Seventeen 

      Small box of chocolates 

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Fifteen

February 8th...‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

           Day Fifteen...Handmade card

Let’s do something fun for day eight.  Let’s make a handmade card for that special person.  It can be as simple as you want or it can be as elaborate as you want.  The choice is yours.  My card was simple that I received.  The front had a hand drawn 

heart; a clip art of a skunk inside and the words....’love stinks at times, but I still love you’.  I did my card as an e-card using photo shop.  It contained a female baseball player (clip art) hitting a ball; a heart with ‘Be Mine’ and the words ‘I’ll always go to bat for you’.  Simple and sweet.  I thought it be fun for my husband to open the card from his email.   Of course I’ll be doing more e-card greetings until Valentine’s Day for him. Not sure what I’ll do for tomorrow but certainly it’d be a cutesy one. 

Have fun doing your card; if like me you can always do an e-card after all it’s your creation.  

Until tomorrow....go out and enjoy Saturday.

Gift Idea Day Sixteen.....Little stuff animal

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Fourteen

February 7th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

     Day Fourteen

Lollipops tied up with a red ribbon was what I found this morning.  My husband found six cherry and six chocolate Tootsie Roll Pops in a vase with a red ribbon around the top.  He is a fan of that lollipop so I went with his choice.  As for my heart shape ones, I’ll have one or two then give the rest to a friend for her grandchild.  Remember it’s the thought that counts.  Throughout the past thirteen days I’ve enjoyed the small gifts.  Each day I am surprised on what it will be even though I know I made the original list.  I never know if it’ll be an IOU for that day, something I stated as gift or a tweak of the gift item.  It’s fun to receive things I can share like the lollipops, cookies or cinnamon hearts.  Those with whom I share enjoy being recipients of my little gifts.  I’ve always been taught to share with others.  Why receive a one pound box of chocolates you know you’ll never eat? Why have a dozen heart shaped cookies or donuts that will eventually go stale?  Yesterday I picked up a box of kiddie Valentine’s cards. I taped a small box of candy hearts to some, small size candy bars to others and a silk red rose to others. I plan to pass them out on Valentine’s Day at my veteran’s club to the patrons.  A small little gesture gets everyone in the spirit of the day.  Perhaps you are unable to find heart shaped lollipops; that’s not a problem you can use any type.  Just be creative with the presentation.  

Until tomorrow....have a great day. 

Gift Idea Day Fifteen....Handmade card

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Thirteen

February 6th...‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

      Day Thirteen 

Jewelry is the gift idea for today.  Yes men also wear it.  I received an interesting item which was an IOU for something I’d want down the line.  I’m difficult where jewelry is concerned.  I’ve given up wearing earrings awhile ago due to having longer hair.  I gave my husband an IOU also to have a one of a kind item made by our friend.  We have a friend who creates her own pieces.  She has made a lot of what I’m wearing these days.  She also has made pieces for men and my husband wears his proudly.  Recently she made him a necklace on a leather band with the emblem of his favorite baseball team.  Now that spring training will be here in a few weeks, he will be sporting the piece.  The reason we gave each other IOUs is that at the moment neither of us have any idea what we want next.  After all why get something for the sake of the gift for the day.  No doubt we will find the perfect idea for a necklace eventually and matching bracelet.  There was a reason for items to wear the past few days. It will be revealed on day nineteen.  Until tomorrow...the following piece can ring very true at times.  Ponder what it says. 

Gift Idea Day Fourteen....Bouquet of hearts shaped lollipops 

TREATMENT OF LOVE

        © Scottie-ann Murphy

Very often we take for granted the person       

                 we truly love

  And we sometimes ignore their thoughts, 

                  needs and feelings

    Like yesterday’s unread newspaper....at     

              times we treat them

       Easily put aside when our presence is  

                   required elsewhere 

          Never considering our actions 

                 towards them at that moment

             Time and time again we say 

                   “nothing else matters but you”

                It seems....those are only words to 

                        make us feel better inside

                  Neglecting that one person like 

                        the newspaper left by the  

                                 door

                       Expecting when we 

                        return....they will be waiting

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Twelve

February 5th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

      Day Twelve

We continue our twenty days of love with day three of wearing apparel.  Today it’s something to wear on the head.  I gave my husband a red baseball cap.  This one was plain with no insignia on it.  I actually had it hidden away from a year ago when I found it.  I knew it’d be perfect for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, but I decided to keep it till now.  On the hat I tacked a heart shape pin.  

I also gave him a pair of Valentine’s Day socks.  Not certain if he’ll wear them as he rather white socks, but it’s the thought. I received also a pair of Valentine’s socks and a headband.  The headband has hearts sticking up in the air; they move around when you walk.  I do know I’ll be wearing it on February the fourteenth.  The one I received last year got damaged in the storage box.  Dollar mart stores sell a few varieties of head pieces; picking one was a big decision according to my husband.  All in all he picked a really nice one this year. 

Dollar marts are great places for inexpensive whimsical gifts.  I’ve found you can create a nice gift for under twenty dollars.  I found a cute tub shaped container in the area where Valentine’s items were being sold. You can fill it with candy, stuff animal, perhaps some bath items or even small bottles of alcohol for a miniature basket of cheer.  

Today I’m sharing a poem about love from my book of love poetry. 

Until tomorrow....have a nice Wednesday.  

Gift Idea Day Thirteen....jewelry 

          ALL OR NOTHING 

              © Scottie-ann Murphy

Materialistic things are insignificant to me

  You lavish me with flowers and candy; 

    diamonds and rubies;

           satin and silks;

                silver and gold.

Share with me,

      every sunrise.......       

           as a new day begins;

hand in hand......

      view the sunset at twilight.

Be with me;

    in autumn......

       as leaves turn

           red

                 gold

                       orange

                         and brown;

spring.....

   as the first robin

         sits outside my window.

Give me yourself

     or

        nothing at all 

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Eleven

February 4th....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

    Day Eleven

    Unfortunately it was hard to find a cheap tie for my husband.  I ended up getting a red bow tie at a thrift store. I did find glasses with heart shaped lenses.  Now he can put the tie around the collar of his red golf shirt if he so wants.  I received two (yes two) Valentine’s Day scarves.  One I can use as belt on my black shorts and other I can wear around my neck.  I liked the funny eye glasses I received.  It’s a shame I did not decide to run a Valentine’s Day dress up event at my veterans club as I’ve done for other holidays.  It would have been fun to see what type of outfit people would wear or create for the day. Perhaps next year.  There are quite a few cute and funny costume ideas one can find for Valentine’s Day. I did an internet search and the results surprised me.  It would be interesting concept to dress up in costume for the holiday.  As many are not into the traditional Valentine’s Day ritual, it could be almost like Halloween except dressing up in theme of the day.  I could just picture some guys dressed like Cupid.  But one cute dressing up idea I notice during my research online was a doctor.  Doctor Love costume would be so simple; red scrubs, stethoscope, hearts on the scrub top, name tag stating Dr. Love and small containers of candy hearts (as pills).  How about a chocolate kiss Queen?  One idea I thought of is messenger of love; carry messenger bag and pass out Valentine’s. What fun that could be. 

As for today’s gifts these could become part of the Valentine’s costume.  I’m now thinking about doing some type of costume for that day.  I’ll keep you all posted.  Ideas are whirling around in my head at the moment. 

As I said not everyone is fan of Valentine’s Day.  For those who are why is it we need a day set aside to tell and shove that special person how much we care? Shouldn’t we show it and tell them everyday? 

Until tomorrow....enjoy the day.  

Gift Idea Day Twelve.....Valentine’s headpiece for female; red cap for guy. A pair of either red socks or Valentine’s Day socks. 

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE....Day Ten

February 3rd...‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

     Day Ten

Did you watch the Super Bowl? Did you enjoy the outcome?  Did yesterday’s gift idea go over big with the recipient?

Today we’re beginning the four days of gift items to wear.  This morning my husband found a new red golf shirt to wear.  No he does not play golf, but thought a plain red shirt would be perfect.  We wear red shirts every Friday and the ones he had are staring to fade.  I found a new red tee shirt also (plain).  It was fine as sometimes I like a plain shirt as opposed to one with a design. There are a few possibilities I can do with the plain shirt.  Wear it under a vest or blazer.  Add a nice scarf with it or piece of jewelry.  Also it can be worn all year not just during Valentine’s Day month (as no hearts or Cupid on it).  Many stores where you find clothing will have shirts for holidays and you may want to give one of those.  Besides the plain red shirt I found a long sleeve pull over piece with a hood that had the word LOVE printed on the sleeves and front.  It sure is a different item and will come in handy on chilly Florida days.  Another idea you can go with is to give few inexpensive tee shirts in the colors used for Valentine’s such as red, white and different pink shades. As I stated plain shirts can be worn all year. Today I’m sharing another verse composed by Murph.  

Until tomorrow....enjoy your Monday.  

Gift Idea Day Eleven....Valentine’s scarf and heart shaped eye glasses; for man red tie or Valentine’s Day tie. 

       GIVE ME A REASON 

       © Murph (Jimmy Murphy)

Love is more or less then 

    It should be

        Or

          I want

But it is not easily said 

        Or

           Implied

Without saying I love you

     Where can I go

          And stay

            Not believing in the words I say

One more chance is all I wanted

   To see a new tomorrow with you

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE.... Day Nine

February 2nd....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

     Day Nine

It’s Ground Hog Day and Super Bowl Sunday.  We all wonder if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow and which team will win the big game. As for myself it does not matter if the ground hog sees his shadow or not; and as for the Super Bowl I don’t care who wins.  But today’s gift idea can be useful for watching the game.  Today we give a gift bag of snacks.  This was an easy gift to put together.  I took a gift bag (red in color) and inside put my husbands favorite snack foods; chips, pretzels, gold fish crackers, cashews and chocolate covered raisins as well as package of fig cookies.   This gift will last awhile that’s for sure.  My gift was a bit smaller.  It contained two bags of cheddar and horseradish chips and two small bags of jalapeño chips.  It’s the thought that counts not the size of the gift. The best thing about this gift is you pick treats the recipient enjoys.  This is also a great idea for anyone to whom you want to give a gift.  Sometimes it’s not easy thinking what to give someone and you just don’t want to give cash or a gift card.  Over the years I’ve made treat gift bags.  You can get as creative as you want. Add an inexpensive snack bowl to the bag or two. How about a cute drinking cup or glass.  Perhaps add a place mat and cute napkin. Think outside the box with this idea.   

Until tomorrow....have a super Super Bowl Sunday.  Enjoy the game if you watch it. 

Gift Idea Day Ten....Tee shirt, sweatshirt or sweater in red or Valentine’s Day theme. 

TWENTY DAYS of LOVE...Day Eight

February 1st....‘TWENTY DAYS of LOVE’

       Day Eight

Day eight’s gift was a tweaked a bit today. 

This morning I found pink and white iced cookies waiting for me.  They weren’t heart shaped but were iced in Valentine’s Day colors.  I gave my husband two pink and white frosted cupcakes.  During this time of year, you can find bakery delights frosted in pink and white, red or just pink; some cookies sprinkled with red sugar.  You can find cookies shaped like a heart, cakes and  donuts heart shaped. Last year I received a rather nice container of heart cookies with red sugar sprinkled on top.  Treats such as this is nice gift as they can be shared.  I recall after I took out two I put the remaining on a red disposal plate, covered it with plastic wrap and placed a red bow on top.  They were given to my neighbor to make her day brighter.  You also put some candy hearts or chocolate kisses around the cookies to make it more festive.  Sometimes doing a small gesture such as this can brighten a person’s day.  The cupcakes I gave to my husband came in a container of a dozen.  Since he’s not much of a heavy frosting lover that’s why I only gave him two.  The remaining I divided between two others.  I had red disposal plates available at home; put five on a plate and gave to neighbors.  

Today I’m sharing a poem my husband composed years ago.  I always think about the meaning behind this.  He had written this after witnessing a scene between a couple.  Personally I don’t recall the incident, but he took my notebook from my purse and wrote down the words.  

Until tomorrow....enjoy the daily gift. 

Gift Idea Day Nine....bag of treats

  NOT A GAME

    ©Murph (Jimmy Murphy)

Love is not a game 

If I could only explain 

     the love that I feel

I want to tell you how much I love you 

But the words don’t come easy 

It’s not a game we play 

Please love me as I have always loved you 

Tonight give me joy if only 

      for a few short hours 

Be mine tonight 

Just be mine tonight