ONE HOLIDAY AT A TIME

As of today, Halloween is twenty-one days away.  Thanksgiving is forty-seven days away and Christmas seventy-six.  Yes people are already posting how many days till Christmas on social media.  I like to take holidays, one at a time.  Presently I am celebrating the season of Halloween.  The fall is a fun season for me.  Although living now in the south, I can honestly say I miss fall; not the cold days but the days of Indian Summer.  I enjoy seeing Mother Nature’s handiwork as she paints the trees with brilliants shades of burgundy, orange, gold, yellow and red.  The fallen leaves make a colorful carpet on the ground that eventually will turn to dark brown.  Living up north, I always enjoyed going to a farmer stand for apples and fresh made apple cider.  Visiting a haunted house or barn, going on a haunted hay ride and walking through a haunted maze were fun activities.  My favorite colors to wear during the Halloween season, black and orange or black and yellow.  Candy corn reigns supreme as the sweet confectionary treat.  As I grew older, I can only eat twenty pieces.  I recently pondered what one could do with left over candy corn.  Low and behold, internet research provided many interesting ideas from using candy corn to make adult beverages to using the candy for baking and craft items.  There is even a wacky/weird holiday on October 30 called National Candy Corn Day.  This seems like a fun activity for me to pass out bags of candy corn at one of the veteran’s clubs where I hold membership.  Everyone enjoys getting a little something for free, so why not make it a reason to celebrate.  I only hope I can find an appropriate outfit for the celebration.

As many stores are already or have been displaying their Christmas items, we should remember that fall holds many other holidays.  October brings us Columbus Day, National Candy Corn Day and Halloween.  November not only brings us Thanksgiving but we have Veteran’s Day which will be in thirty-two days; Pearl Harbor Day, December is only fifty-eight days from today and the Army-Navy football game sixty-three days. 
As I previous mentioned, I am taking ONE HOLIDAY at a time.

 The merchants need to take it, one holiday at a time.  Yesterday while out shopping I noticed employees setting up Christmas items in the same area where I seen ghosts, pumpkins, witches and black cats.  I had hoped to find a turkey, Indian or Pilgrim item, but none to be had.  We all live in a fast paced world, but we just need to stop, take a deep breath once in a while and smell the roses, or in this case since it is Halloween Season, the candy corn.  November first, put away those ghosts, goblins, witches and zombies bring out the Indians, Pilgrims, Capricornia and turkeys; leave the pumpkins and scarecrows out for Thanksgiving.  Don’t forget on November 11th to proudly fly your flag in honor of Veteran’s Day.

Till next time…dress up on October 31st in a costume, pour a glass of apple cider, have a few pumpkin flavored or apple-caramel donuts and eat some candy corn.

MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day holiday weekend is here.
Many consider this the first official weekend of the beginning of summer, even though the first day of summer is a few weeks later.
For some, Memorial Day weekend is a chance to take a trip to the shore or beach, an opportunity to go camping, have a picnic in the park or enjoy a cook-out in the back yard. Many will get together to watch the Indy Race. The holiday means something different to everyone.
As a veteran, the Memorial Day is a day to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and now slumber under grassy covered mounds. The day is one where flags are flown at half mast. There will be parades to honor those fallen heroes, services at gravesides or at a veteran’s club. Speeches will be given by key note speakers at many of these observances and someone someplace may read John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields”. Recently I learned that John McCrae was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Canadian Army. This poem is considered one of the most memorable war poems ever written. As I read the poem during the week prior to Memorial Day I find the words moving on how the poppies grow between the crosses of those who gave their lives. Years ago I wrote a poem for Memorial Day where I mentioned the poppies being the color of the blood of those who died and were buried in Flanders Fields.
Over the years I have composed many a patriotic poem for Memorial Day. Ninety-nine percent of the poems have been dedicated to members of either my family or my husbands. A few have been dedicated to a family member of a friend or acquaintance or dedicated to a friend who served in the military and has passed on. This year will be no exception as I stand at the podium on Memorial Day at services and read a new poem dedicated to a member of one of the veteran’s organizations of which I am a member.
Sometime this weekend, I suggest you attend a Memorial Day service in your local area. It only takes no more than an hour out of your weekend. Buy a poppy if available; fly your flag; wear your red, white and blue and remember this weekend is about those who gave their all so we could enjoy the barbeques, cookouts, picnics and Indy Race.
Till next time….remember FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
　

GIVING ALL WITHOUT HESITATION

©

Scottie-ann Murphy

MAY WE ALWAYS REMEMBER AND NEVER FORGET

ALL WHO ANSWERED THEIR COUNTRY’S CALL

ON NONNATIVE LANDS THEY FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY

AT TIMES UNCERTAIN OF HOW THEIR DAY WOULD END,

GIVING THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICED

MANY PERISHING UPON THE BATTLE FIELD

THEIR BLOOD SOAKING INTO FOREIGN SOIL

WE CALL THEM

‘HEROS’

UPON THEIR FINAL RESTING PLACE

A FLAG IS PLACED LETTING EVERYONE KNOW THEY

PROUDLY SERVED UNCLE SAM

TODAY….A GRATEFUL NATION WILL UNITE TOGETHER

TO PAY HONOR AND TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO

HAVE GONE TO THEIR FINAL REST

FLAGS LOWERED TO HALF MAST

WE BOW OUR HEADS FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE

THE RIFLE SQUAD FIRES A TWENTY-ONE GUN SALUTE

AND THE BUGLER WILL SOUND “TAPS”

FOR THOSE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVED WITH

DISTINCTION….HONOR….AND PRIDE

WITHOUT HESITATION…THEY GAVE THEIR ALL

Hello to April

Hello to April. Goodbye to March that in some parts of the country did not got out like a lamb. April, I find most interesting. The first day is known as April Fool’s Day. I decided to find out more on this day via internet research. How interesting the information was to me. April is also the month where we in the United States have to pay the piper or Uncle Sam by filling out those dreaded tax forms. I always thought there should be a symbol of sorts on the calendar for that day which would be a dollar bill with wings to show how our money has to fly away from us. But then that is just my thought on the subject. Easter is celebrated in April. One of the most holy days of Christians. Easter Sunday always means to me the actual first day of spring (even though March is the official start of the season). Many will don a fancy outfit of a pastel color, go to church and have a large Easter meal. I always enjoyed getting a new Easter bonnet to wear, a new dress and new dressy shoes. As I got older, I adorned my home with hyacinths, a lily and some tulips. Last year I got an orchid corsage to wear. April showers they say bring May flowers; a rhyme I recall from my youth. As I mention rhyme, let us remember April is National Poetry Month. Thirty days to celebrate the genre of poetry. The past few years, I took a challenge to write a poem a day in honor of the month. This year will be no different. I plan to continue my goal of writing one poem each day (number of lines is not an issue); what the issue is taking the time to sit down and compose. I must say this is not an easy quest. As of this afternoon I have not yet composed Poem One for Day One. Guess this my April Fool’s on myself. As you think about the month ahead with warmer temperatures, spring cleaning, spring break for some and the snowbirds returning home after their winter in the south, Christmas is only eight months away.
Until next time….enjoy your Easter holiday. Eat some jelly beans, a marshmallow peep or two and a cream filled chocolate egg. I hope to get a milk chocolate bunny in my basket so I can eat off the ears.
　
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH AGAIN
　
National Poetry Month arrives with little fanfare
No big announcements on news channels,
articles in the local papers
or mention on social media sites…..
(Ah but I will do so….a post to inform friends and the world)
Thirty days…dedicated to the genre of poetry….
Reading of odes, rhyme, free verse, ballads, limericks
The creating of new works by poets
A month just to make all aware…poetry is not lost or dead
Poetry is alive….patiently it waits to be created by the poet
Read by the masses…..recited and heard at poetry readings

Hello to March

March is now here. In some parts of the country it has come in like a Lion with all the wintery weather of snow, freezing rain, icy roads and frigid temps. Let’s hope it goes out as they say like a Lamb. In Florida it seems our winter is now over and we are experiencing spring like temperatures. Moving to the south over ten years ago, it took me about three years to get what is called “Florida Blood”. I feel the cold when it is 70 or below. The best temperature for me is 85. Seventeen days till spring. This weekend we will turn the clocks ahead one hour. I never look forward to the time change. It takes me at least a week to two weeks to get use to it. Of course I like turning the clocks ahead as we get more daylight hours. I doubt I accomplish more though but it is a nice thought.
So as I began saying March is now here. It is a month packed with quite a bit, or perhaps here in the ‘Sunshine State’ and the area where I live. A few years ago I penned a poem regarding all March has to offer. First there is setting ahead of the clocks; we all can enjoy the extra hours of daylight. Spring will arrive on the coattails of winter; hoping to bring milder weather to those living in the northern states. St. Patrick’s Day always a fun filled March holiday; everyone is Irish for at least one day a year. Palm Sunday comes on the last Sunday of the month. March 15^th is the Ides of March; okay maybe we don’t celebrate it, but another holiday for some. Women’s History Month is celebrated in March. Here in Sebring, Florida, the big race brings spectators to the area. The 63^rd Annual Mobil 1 Twelve hours of Sebring takes place on March 21^st. Fans will flock to the track when it opens on the 18^th.
Many will travel here to Florida for spring break to enjoy our wonderful beaches and other attractions. We must not forget major league baseball teams are in the throes of spring training during March. Basketball fans will pack sports bars and pubs to watch teams as they shoot for three pointers and free throws as March Madness dominates the sporting world. March has a lot to offer to beat the winter blues. Veteran’s belonging to the American Legion can look forward to The American Legion’s 95^th birthday in March. (I had no idea how old it was so I checked soures on line). Of course members of the veteran’s organization the Forty and Eight (40&8) have a celebration of that organization in March. They too will be celebrating their 95^th birthday.
Ah March has arrived and the doldrums of winter are slowly becoming a memory for some. Don’t let ’Old Man Winter’ get you down. Find something to do to get rid of those winter blues.
Until next time….I looked online to find that one of the wacky/weird holidays today is ‘Toy Solider Day’. As I have a bag of them I planned to send to my grandson, I just may keep them, open them up and play. Next weekend I guess I’ll celebrate the Legion’s birthday by visiting the Legion and seeing if there will be cake. As for celebrating the 40&8 birthday, I know there will be cake (I hope). Happy March to one and all.
　

Valentine's Day (Part three)

Two more days till Valentine’s Day. I know some people will wait until the last minute to either shop for their ‘special one’ or make dinner reservations someplace. Hopefully many read my last blog and took advantage of a few of my suggestions.
I still am being wowed with little suprises each day from my husband. Yesterday, being the last of the big spenders, he gave me a dozen red roses he got at one of the local stores for under $15.00. They look as good any flowers a florist would deliver. The vase they were put in had been purchased off the “Cancer Research Table” (white elephant table) at the local American Legion. It is not how much you pay to make Valentine’s Day special, it is the thought and creativity behind the thought.
Does it bother me I received the flowers a few days early? No! I can sit at my computer and glance now and then at the lovely arrangement.
Most of the weekly ads for this week all center on Valentine’s Day; the television is saturated with commercials for flowers, jewelry, buying fresh fruit arrangements, chocolate covered strawberries etc…
It would make my head spin on all the options available.
As one who enjoys holidays, I have give-aways for Valetine’s Day also. I made up a little plastic sandwich bag containing a box of conversational hearts, a small heart shaped box with a few chocolate kisses and a card I created on the computer. I have given a few away so far; why you may ask. Well like my give-aways at Christmas, perhaps this may be the only Valentine someone may receive. I may be the only person who was thinking about them and letting them know someone does care about them. The cards have a simple cute verse, not mushy or sentimental. So far everyone had enjoyed getting something they did not expect.
If you have not gotten that ‘special someone’ something as of yet….you have time.
Until next time….enjoy the days of hearts, flowers and chocolates. I know I will.
　
All I Need
By: Scottie-ann Murphy
　
I don’t need satin sheets to place upon my bed
I don’t need chandeliers of crystal
Nor does a fancy luxury car or sports car make me happy
Gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, emerals or rubies
Well I don’t need them either
Material things don’t matter to me
All I need is a strong shoulder to lean upon
A hug when I am feeling down
Words of encouragement, love and caring
A person to share sunny days and starry moonlit nights
In other words….all I need is you

Valentine's Day (Part Two)

So it is now February 9^th; five more days till Valentine’s Day.
One does not have to go all out and spend a fortune on that special person. There are many ways to show someone you care each and everyday. In my opinion you should tell that special one how you feel everyday and not just one day a year.
It is nice to be spontaneous at different times in the year; but if you are the type who wants to bestow affections on February 14^th you can do it without taking out a loan or going into debt.
Best to do your research before you purchase. Check out flower prices at places besides a florist; try to make your own Valentine card; if you belong to a fraternal or veteran’s organization, see if they are sponsoring a dinner or event on Valentine’s Day.
I belong to a few of these organizations and found two having a dinner and dance. I pieked the best price one and purchased tickets to take my husband out for a dinner on Valentine’s Day. The cost of the tickets under $20.00. I figure the evening out with beverages included (a glass or two of wine) will come to less then $50.00. A good price as there will also be music for dancing. YES…I AM LAST OF THE BIG SPENDERS.
I mentioned in my last blog about what my husband did last year to surprise me for Valentine’s Day. Each day beginning on February 7^th, he gave me a little surprise gift each day. The little tokens ranged from boxes of conversational hearts, a water globe with a heart inside, tee shirt with hearts, small teddy bear, book of love poems etc…The book of love poems was downloaded to my Kindle device (think it was one of the free downloads). This year he wanted to outdo last year, so each day since February 1^st he has given me something each day. Again the items ranged from heart shaped earrings, heart shaped box, teddy bear etc….He may not be spending a lot of money but it is a romantic thoughtful gesture. I have enjoyed each day’s surprise.
There is a funny story about Valentine’s Day this year. I had given out a copy of my love book of poems I have had published. The copies were sort of a door prize at a fundraiser I had worked at this past weekend. The one recipient of one book is the spouse of another person who worked the fundraiser dinner. He handed her the book, then said no give it back so I can wrap it up for you. I decided to let him know where a thrift store was located to get an inexpensive card. I helped another individual by providing where a good deal could be found on chocolates and yet another man I gave him a place to find inexpensive flowers.
All one needs is to be creative for Valentine’s Day. Remember though with the holiday falling on a Saturday, restaurants may be busy with dinners. So why not do a Valentine’s Day breakfast or lunch. Even do an early celebration and go out to dinner during this week; pick up flowers before the price goes up or look for that special on boxes of chocolates.
Whatever you decide to do to show that special person you care….remember it is the thought that counts and not the cost.

SIMPLE THINGS

By: Scottie-ann Murphy

It is the simple things that matter most in our relationship…….
A walk on the beach…..
A drive in the country…..
Watching the sunset on a summer’s day
Sharing popcorn as we sit side by side
On the sofa watching a movie
Going out for a pizza mid-week
Giving one another a gift for no special reason
It is the smile you give when happy
Hearty laugh at a joke I make
A warm hug when I feel blue
And a sweet kiss in the morning
The joy we share each together
These are the things that matter most
Simple,
Uncomplicated
On this day of hearts and flowers
The most simplest thing I can do is say
“Thank-you for being you
and bringing happiness to my life”

Valentine's Day 2015 (Part I)

February arrives suddenly, the second month of the year. I wonder how did January sped by so quickly. It just seems as if the New Year just begun and now a new month is here.
As I look at my February calendar I find it to be filled with quite a few holidays and events. First the Super Bowl being played on the first of February. Parties and celebrations being held at home and sports bars everywhere. February second little Punxsutawney Phil comes of his hiding spot to determine if there will be en early spring or six more weeks of winter weather.
Of course I have a birthday in February which is cause to celebrate. This year my birthday falls on a holday, Presidents Day. Mardi Gras comes on the seventeenth and Lent begins the next day.
Valentine’s Day, the day of hearts, flowers and chocolates, will be celebrated on the fourteenth. This year the day falls on a Saturday.
The stores have been displaying Valentine’s Day merchandise since after the first of the year. Every store from dollar stores, department stores, grocery stores and discount stores have aisles filled wirh balloons, teddy bears, chocolates in heart shaped boxes, jewelry just to name a few items. The thrift/secondhand stores have even gotten into the merchandising of Valentine’s Day. While pursuing the lookout for apothecary jars for my daughter, I have seen how these stores set up appealing displays to catch the eye of the shopper. One store even had a basket filled with Valentine cards with the words “To my Wife”. I could not help looking at them. Lovely sentimental words inside; a heart or rose on the front of the card. Each priced for a quarter. I noticed the original price ranged from two dollars to three. What a bargain. No doubt some thrifty husband will see them and perhaps pick up on for his wife. I plan stop by that store again closer to the holiday to see if any cards remain.
Valentine’s Day is the day we are to remember the one with hold dear in our heart and love by the giving of some romantic gesture. Each year, as one who composes poetry, I try hard to write a poem for my husband. This year I have decided not to sit and agonize over what to say in a poem that already has not been said prior. As of yet, I have no other ideas but hope to come up something, after all I have thirteen days to do so.
The next few blogs will be all about the day of love, hearts and flowers. Perhaps the blogs will give someone an idea to come up something different and unique to surprise the one they love on the second Saturday of this month.
Keep reading the next few postings and see if something comes to mind.
Last year my husband did the sweetest thing the seven days leading up to February 14^th. What you ask….stayed tuned to this blog for the next installment of Valentine’s Day 2015 to find out.
Until next time….for all you thrifty individuals, hit the dollar store or local thrift store to find a gift for that person you love.