This is the last entry for the year and also the last entry for this blog. So I thought I would end it with an early 20th century poem.
The Year
What can be said in New Year rhymes,
that's not been said a thousand times?
The new years come, the old years go,
We know we dream, we dream we know.
We rise up laughing with the light,
we lie down weeping with the night.
We hug the world until it stings,
We curse it then and cry for wings.
We live, we love, we woo, we wed,
We wreathe our brides, we sheet our dead.
We laugh, we weep, we hope, we fear,
And that's the burden of the year.
Ella Wheeler Willcox
I look forward to spending the next year with you and look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Until 2012
Be kind to one another
My new blog, which will start tomorrow is called Celebrating the Simple Life.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Day After
Well, it is the day after Christmas. I hope you all had a blessed day no matter what you did. My son and his wife had me over for dinner and my daughter-in-law knocked herself out cooking, making pajamas for everyone in the family and it was truly a great day. Her nephew and family were there and their two children won my heart over. What special kids they are. Lots of gifts, food and good company made my day.
I think I am going to quit writing in this blog. After all, I am not fifty five any longer. I am just going to go back to my original blog Celebrating Life at Pinebrook. I am going to try to find something to celebrate each day, even if it only consists of getting out of bed. Don't laugh, when you are as old as I am, that is a great blessing.
Oh, I forgot, Christmas Eve was so special. My son took me to the Candle-light service at my church. When the lights were out and the many candles cast a heavenly glow, Christmas hymns were sung and the people just felt a little closer. It made the birth of Christ a time to be really thankful for.
Getting ready to welcome a New Year. Hope the world settles down to a lot more loving and a lot less hating. I am thankful we have a God who watches over us and loves us. I love all of you and hope you have Happy Holly Berries.
I think I am going to quit writing in this blog. After all, I am not fifty five any longer. I am just going to go back to my original blog Celebrating Life at Pinebrook. I am going to try to find something to celebrate each day, even if it only consists of getting out of bed. Don't laugh, when you are as old as I am, that is a great blessing.
Oh, I forgot, Christmas Eve was so special. My son took me to the Candle-light service at my church. When the lights were out and the many candles cast a heavenly glow, Christmas hymns were sung and the people just felt a little closer. It made the birth of Christ a time to be really thankful for.
Getting ready to welcome a New Year. Hope the world settles down to a lot more loving and a lot less hating. I am thankful we have a God who watches over us and loves us. I love all of you and hope you have Happy Holly Berries.
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Christmas I Remember Most
We can all remember many Christmas times in our lives. I have had many, but the one that I think of every time I hear Silent Night being sung, is a story about my grandfather. Let me tell you about him and the reason I remember this particular Christmas.
He sat straight as a ramrod in his Captain's chair. His toothless mouth clinched a half smoked cigar, and his pixie face reflected an air of boredom as he listened to the young pastor seated across from him.
The Pastor, as tall as grandpa, sat on one of the caned kitchen chair. His dark wavy hair, pink cheeks and his deep set dimples made him look like a tall choir boy. He held a cigar in his hand, unsure rather to choke smoking it or to chance grandpa's sarcasm by merely holding it.
"Well Pete," said the Pastor, I would really like you to attend Christmas Eve service this year. I know you'd enjoy it. "
Although grandpa refrained from his usual colorful cursing, he let the pastor know in no uncertain terms that he had no intention of attending any service in any church.
It would take a miracle to get grandpa into church, we knew. Grandma had tried for years. First she tried with coy attempts, then with arguing, then with sweetness , and finally she had given up the idea.
For as long as I can remember I had tried to get grandpa to take the plunge. I begged him to come and hear the good choir, or to see the Christmas Pageant, our to see our new church, but my success had been no better than grandma's.
Christmas Eve was near again and I really did wish he could hear the choir sing Silent Night . It was important, because I sang in the choir and I was proud of the gift of singing God had given me. I shyly entered the room where the two men were talking and grandpa's eyes lit up, as they always did when I was around. He puffed a couple of times on his cigar, cleared his throat and sat forward just a little.
"I'll tell you what young feller, I'll come to your church if you will do something for me."
Pastor grinned and grasped grandpa's hand. "Of course Mr. Petersen, what would that be?"
Grandpa sat back with his big toothless grin and said, " Let my granddaughter sing Silent Night in Danish at your service."
Grandpa had come to this country when he was only seven years old and he could speak only Danish. As years went by English became the only language spoken in the Petersen household. When I, his first grandchild came along, he felt he must keep some small remnant of his native tongue alive. So, he taught me a few words and also taught me to sing Silent Night. Now he wanted to hear this song sung once more as he remembered it.
I wanted to sink through the floor. "Oh, no grandpa. My voice isn't good enough to sing alone and besides, everyone would think I was crazy if I sang something they couldn't understand."
The pastor's face was one of amused perplexity. God had finally showed him a way to get this stubborn sinner into church and he certainly couldn't refuse. "All right Pete, we'll let her do it and we'll expect to see you at seven Christmas Eve."
"Oh, dear God, why did you do it this way? " I thought. Of course, I wasn't sure grandpa would come. Nevertheless, I was still making a fool of myself. I dreaded Christmas Eve. Would they think I was showing off? Would my voice quiver so much I couldn't get a sound out? How would the director feel about this change of program?
The night came cold and clear, and even though huge snowflakes were falling d, I assured my dad I didn't want a ride to church. Actually, I was stalling for more time. I marveled at the brightness of the moon sifting through the lacy flakes and I felt very small and alone on this very silent night.
In this stillness I felt as if God were telling me to sing to His glory and forget myself. My short legs sped up and my heart was as happy as a child with a new discovery. I was going to forget what others thought and just do my best.
As the time drew near, I wasn't sure grandpa was going to keep his promise. I arrived early and sat down in a pew to have a word with God before the night began. The organ was softly playing, the scent of pine filled the warm, candle lit room and I felt completely at peace.
Finally the organ played the introduction and the choir hummed the harmony. My voice was soft and shaky at first, but as I sang a feeling of freedom came over me, and I forgot myself. It was then that I began to search the congregation for grandpa. Two rows back I saw him straight and tall, holding grandma's hand.
In that moment all my embarrassment was forgotten and I silently thanked God for this miracle, because grandpa actually glowed and tears ran down his wrinkled old cheek. As the last notes of the song were sung, the candles flickered, and God's presence embraced everyone.*
*From my book Get Out of Heaven's Waiting Room.
This will always be a very special memory for me. It still, after almost seventy years still brings a tear to my eye. I hope you all have had a very special memory of this blessed occasion and tell it to your children.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
He sat straight as a ramrod in his Captain's chair. His toothless mouth clinched a half smoked cigar, and his pixie face reflected an air of boredom as he listened to the young pastor seated across from him.
The Pastor, as tall as grandpa, sat on one of the caned kitchen chair. His dark wavy hair, pink cheeks and his deep set dimples made him look like a tall choir boy. He held a cigar in his hand, unsure rather to choke smoking it or to chance grandpa's sarcasm by merely holding it.
"Well Pete," said the Pastor, I would really like you to attend Christmas Eve service this year. I know you'd enjoy it. "
Although grandpa refrained from his usual colorful cursing, he let the pastor know in no uncertain terms that he had no intention of attending any service in any church.
It would take a miracle to get grandpa into church, we knew. Grandma had tried for years. First she tried with coy attempts, then with arguing, then with sweetness , and finally she had given up the idea.
For as long as I can remember I had tried to get grandpa to take the plunge. I begged him to come and hear the good choir, or to see the Christmas Pageant, our to see our new church, but my success had been no better than grandma's.
Christmas Eve was near again and I really did wish he could hear the choir sing Silent Night . It was important, because I sang in the choir and I was proud of the gift of singing God had given me. I shyly entered the room where the two men were talking and grandpa's eyes lit up, as they always did when I was around. He puffed a couple of times on his cigar, cleared his throat and sat forward just a little.
"I'll tell you what young feller, I'll come to your church if you will do something for me."
Pastor grinned and grasped grandpa's hand. "Of course Mr. Petersen, what would that be?"
Grandpa sat back with his big toothless grin and said, " Let my granddaughter sing Silent Night in Danish at your service."
Grandpa had come to this country when he was only seven years old and he could speak only Danish. As years went by English became the only language spoken in the Petersen household. When I, his first grandchild came along, he felt he must keep some small remnant of his native tongue alive. So, he taught me a few words and also taught me to sing Silent Night. Now he wanted to hear this song sung once more as he remembered it.
I wanted to sink through the floor. "Oh, no grandpa. My voice isn't good enough to sing alone and besides, everyone would think I was crazy if I sang something they couldn't understand."
The pastor's face was one of amused perplexity. God had finally showed him a way to get this stubborn sinner into church and he certainly couldn't refuse. "All right Pete, we'll let her do it and we'll expect to see you at seven Christmas Eve."
"Oh, dear God, why did you do it this way? " I thought. Of course, I wasn't sure grandpa would come. Nevertheless, I was still making a fool of myself. I dreaded Christmas Eve. Would they think I was showing off? Would my voice quiver so much I couldn't get a sound out? How would the director feel about this change of program?
The night came cold and clear, and even though huge snowflakes were falling d, I assured my dad I didn't want a ride to church. Actually, I was stalling for more time. I marveled at the brightness of the moon sifting through the lacy flakes and I felt very small and alone on this very silent night.
In this stillness I felt as if God were telling me to sing to His glory and forget myself. My short legs sped up and my heart was as happy as a child with a new discovery. I was going to forget what others thought and just do my best.
As the time drew near, I wasn't sure grandpa was going to keep his promise. I arrived early and sat down in a pew to have a word with God before the night began. The organ was softly playing, the scent of pine filled the warm, candle lit room and I felt completely at peace.
Finally the organ played the introduction and the choir hummed the harmony. My voice was soft and shaky at first, but as I sang a feeling of freedom came over me, and I forgot myself. It was then that I began to search the congregation for grandpa. Two rows back I saw him straight and tall, holding grandma's hand.
In that moment all my embarrassment was forgotten and I silently thanked God for this miracle, because grandpa actually glowed and tears ran down his wrinkled old cheek. As the last notes of the song were sung, the candles flickered, and God's presence embraced everyone.*
*From my book Get Out of Heaven's Waiting Room.
This will always be a very special memory for me. It still, after almost seventy years still brings a tear to my eye. I hope you all have had a very special memory of this blessed occasion and tell it to your children.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Buy this Gift
God said to the Israelites "Choose life, that you and your Descendants may live." Basically, the book I wrote three years ago is all about choosing life. I found that too many people sat around saying there was nothing to do. I originally wrote it for seniors, however, I seem to get a number of responses from younger folks who say I inspired them, or I gave them ideas they would never have thought of. The book is called Get Out of Heaven's Waiting Room. The books are $15 plus shipping. From now until the end of the year I am selling them and I will pay the shipping charges. If you know someone who needs a positive outlook on life, or needs some hints on things they might do, the would make a great Christmas Gift. The book is a series of short essays and at the end of each on is a list of Things to Do. I am enclosing a page from the book to give you an idea of what it is like.
Random acts of Prayer
"The deepest wishes of the heart find expression in secret prayer." Geo. E. Rees
We've all been shocked by random acts of violence and wondered if there was any way we could help those violent people so disturbed that they must resort to this method of gaining attention. Random acts of kindness have been offered as an alternative solution and have restored our faith in human behavior.
The Ukrainian people have an old custom of painting eggs for a specific person. As they paint, they pray for that person. I took a class in creating these eggs one year during the Lenten season and I found it very soul[-soothing to pray for each special person as I worked on their egg. This led me to the idea that if I could pray for people purposely , why couldn't I pray for people randomly?
What a concept! as Mikey says in the cereal ad , "Try it, you'll like it." My first random act was when I saw a Greyhound Bus zooming along the freeway. I asked God to get the bus to it's destination safely. I also asked that each person on the bus find a purpose and joy in his life. What a freeing moment. Those people will never know I prayed for them, but God was surely acting in their lives as well as mine.
Since that time, I find I most often pray for people when I'm driving. Perhaps I do this for my own lack of patience. There is nothing that irritates me more than to have a car dart in and out of traffic, cutting people off and causing near accidents with every move.
Instead of some of my negative thoughts , I try to consider why this person is driving that way. Does he have an emergency? Is he late for a very important meeting? Does he have such sorrow in his life that he doesn't care what happens to him or to others? Or is he just thoughtless? I ask God to be with him. To protect him and those he so carelessly endangers.
The choices of people to pray for is endless: children playing in their yards or riding school buses, customers standing in the line at the market, women in beauty parlors. Add to the list those you see each day.
I find that most often I ask for peace and joy for people. As you read this I also pray that you may find comfort in this idea. It is really exciting so I hope you try it. Go ahe3ad. Try a few random acts of prayer today.
***********************************************************
Ideas
, l. As you stand in the line at the grocery store, say a silent prayer for the person standing in front of you. If the person looks like he is in pain, be sure to include that. If it's a harried mother , give her peace and patience.
2. When you stop for a red light , pray for the person you can see in a car near you.
3. Pray for the first person you see at a mall who looks angry or sad.
4. Find special ways to say a random prayer for someone each day.
If you think you know someone who needs a few positive thoughts, you can
order my book by sending a check for $15.00 to:\
Joyce Ackley
805 N.E. 130th Ct.
Vancouver, WA 98684
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
Random acts of Prayer
"The deepest wishes of the heart find expression in secret prayer." Geo. E. Rees
We've all been shocked by random acts of violence and wondered if there was any way we could help those violent people so disturbed that they must resort to this method of gaining attention. Random acts of kindness have been offered as an alternative solution and have restored our faith in human behavior.
The Ukrainian people have an old custom of painting eggs for a specific person. As they paint, they pray for that person. I took a class in creating these eggs one year during the Lenten season and I found it very soul[-soothing to pray for each special person as I worked on their egg. This led me to the idea that if I could pray for people purposely , why couldn't I pray for people randomly?
What a concept! as Mikey says in the cereal ad , "Try it, you'll like it." My first random act was when I saw a Greyhound Bus zooming along the freeway. I asked God to get the bus to it's destination safely. I also asked that each person on the bus find a purpose and joy in his life. What a freeing moment. Those people will never know I prayed for them, but God was surely acting in their lives as well as mine.
Since that time, I find I most often pray for people when I'm driving. Perhaps I do this for my own lack of patience. There is nothing that irritates me more than to have a car dart in and out of traffic, cutting people off and causing near accidents with every move.
Instead of some of my negative thoughts , I try to consider why this person is driving that way. Does he have an emergency? Is he late for a very important meeting? Does he have such sorrow in his life that he doesn't care what happens to him or to others? Or is he just thoughtless? I ask God to be with him. To protect him and those he so carelessly endangers.
The choices of people to pray for is endless: children playing in their yards or riding school buses, customers standing in the line at the market, women in beauty parlors. Add to the list those you see each day.
I find that most often I ask for peace and joy for people. As you read this I also pray that you may find comfort in this idea. It is really exciting so I hope you try it. Go ahe3ad. Try a few random acts of prayer today.
***********************************************************
Ideas
, l. As you stand in the line at the grocery store, say a silent prayer for the person standing in front of you. If the person looks like he is in pain, be sure to include that. If it's a harried mother , give her peace and patience.
2. When you stop for a red light , pray for the person you can see in a car near you.
3. Pray for the first person you see at a mall who looks angry or sad.
4. Find special ways to say a random prayer for someone each day.
If you think you know someone who needs a few positive thoughts, you can
order my book by sending a check for $15.00 to:\
Joyce Ackley
805 N.E. 130th Ct.
Vancouver, WA 98684
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
Monday, November 21, 2011
THANKSGIVING A,B,C'S
A few years ago at a thanksgiving service, the Pastor told us that he knew we were all thankful for things. He said, "why don't you list the alphabet and find a word for each letter you are thankful for?" I had fun with this and wrote a "Little" rhyme for each letter. It is long, but from the heart. Perhaps you might just try one word for each letter. We could take E and just say we are thankful for everything, but it is interesting when you stop to think of individual things.
My Thanksgiving Alphabet
Joyce Ackley
Dear God, I want to thank you for:
Almighty God, The Air I breathe,
The Apple on the tree,
The Angel that protects me,
The Ability to see.
Blue skies, Balloons and Boys,
Beauties day by day,
Butterflies and Baby Birds,
Blessings when I pray.
Christ the King, Christmas trees,
Children, Church and Chimes,
Candle light and Colors,
Celebration times.
Dogs and Doves, Devotions,
Delight in all I see,
Daises, Dappled sunsets,
each Day awaiting me.
Evergreens, Eyes and Ears,
Everyone I meet,
Eternity, Essentials,
the Earth beneath my feet.
Fathers, Fans and Fishes,
Families for all,
Food and Fields, Fingers too,
the beauty of the Fall.
God and Gloves and Grandmas,
Grandpas, Gum and Gold,
Giggles, Girls and Green, Green Grass
Grapes and Grace untold.
Hearts and Homes and Husbands,
Holly, Holy days,
Honey, Horses, Heaven and Hands,
Hymns of love and praise.
Imagination, Ice cream,
Individuals I have known,
Intellect and Infants,
Invitations to one's home.
Joy and Justice,
Juice and Jam,
Jesus, Jaws and Jade,
Jack-O-Lanterns, Jazz and Jokes,
Just everything you've made.
Kids and Kites and Kettles,
Kittens, Kisses, Kin,
Keys and Knitting,
Knees and Kindness,
Kitchens, spotless as a pin.
Lavender, Leaves and law,
the Lord, our God above,
Lanterns, Lace and Language,
Laughter, Life and Love.
Mothers, Music, Manger,
the Mailman on his way,
Maps and Marriage----Memories,
The luminous Milky Way.
Nature and Narcissus,
Needles pulling thread,
Nails and Nickles,
Noise and Notes,
Nurses when I'm sick abed.
Opportunities and Overcoats,
Oranges and Outdoors,
Opals, Olives, Oxygen,
the sound of Ocean roars.
Paper, Peanuts, Puns and Pals,
Praise and Prayers and Powers,
Pastors and People,
Pearls and Purple flowers.
Quality, Queens and Quarters,
the soft Quilt on my bed,
Quiet times and Quatrains,
the Questions in my head.
Rest and Recreation,
Redeemer, Reason, Rhyme,
Red and Russet autumn leaves,
Romance in it's time.
Savior and Salvation,
Sight and Sound so sweet,
Singing, Sewing, Skipping,
School and Shapes so neat.
Time, Talent, Treasures,
Trees and Tulips too,
Tender thoughts,
Tomatoes,
these are but a few.
Universe and Uncle Sam,
the Unity we know,
Understanding,
Umbrellas,
Ultra suede to sew.
Victory over Satan,
Violin and Voice,
Vacations,
Vicks and Violets,
Variety----take your choice.
Weather, Wisdom, Wonder,
Water, Wood and Wren,
Writing letters, Wrapping gifts,
Worship once again.
Xylophone, and X-rays,
the great Xerox machine,
"X" is hard for rhyming,
do you know what I mean?
Yellow butter, Yuletide greetings,
Years and Yards and Yarn,
Youth and yummy goodies,
Yahweh, born in a barn.
Zeal, Zithers, Zoos,
we're Zooming to an end,
but God's Zillion other blessings,
will be Zapped to you my friends.
Happy Thanksgiving 2011
Until next time
Be Kind to One Another
My Thanksgiving Alphabet
Joyce Ackley
Dear God, I want to thank you for:
Almighty God, The Air I breathe,
The Apple on the tree,
The Angel that protects me,
The Ability to see.
Blue skies, Balloons and Boys,
Beauties day by day,
Butterflies and Baby Birds,
Blessings when I pray.
Christ the King, Christmas trees,
Children, Church and Chimes,
Candle light and Colors,
Celebration times.
Dogs and Doves, Devotions,
Delight in all I see,
Daises, Dappled sunsets,
each Day awaiting me.
Evergreens, Eyes and Ears,
Everyone I meet,
Eternity, Essentials,
the Earth beneath my feet.
Fathers, Fans and Fishes,
Families for all,
Food and Fields, Fingers too,
the beauty of the Fall.
God and Gloves and Grandmas,
Grandpas, Gum and Gold,
Giggles, Girls and Green, Green Grass
Grapes and Grace untold.
Hearts and Homes and Husbands,
Holly, Holy days,
Honey, Horses, Heaven and Hands,
Hymns of love and praise.
Imagination, Ice cream,
Individuals I have known,
Intellect and Infants,
Invitations to one's home.
Joy and Justice,
Juice and Jam,
Jesus, Jaws and Jade,
Jack-O-Lanterns, Jazz and Jokes,
Just everything you've made.
Kids and Kites and Kettles,
Kittens, Kisses, Kin,
Keys and Knitting,
Knees and Kindness,
Kitchens, spotless as a pin.
Lavender, Leaves and law,
the Lord, our God above,
Lanterns, Lace and Language,
Laughter, Life and Love.
Mothers, Music, Manger,
the Mailman on his way,
Maps and Marriage----Memories,
The luminous Milky Way.
Nature and Narcissus,
Needles pulling thread,
Nails and Nickles,
Noise and Notes,
Nurses when I'm sick abed.
Opportunities and Overcoats,
Oranges and Outdoors,
Opals, Olives, Oxygen,
the sound of Ocean roars.
Paper, Peanuts, Puns and Pals,
Praise and Prayers and Powers,
Pastors and People,
Pearls and Purple flowers.
Quality, Queens and Quarters,
the soft Quilt on my bed,
Quiet times and Quatrains,
the Questions in my head.
Rest and Recreation,
Redeemer, Reason, Rhyme,
Red and Russet autumn leaves,
Romance in it's time.
Savior and Salvation,
Sight and Sound so sweet,
Singing, Sewing, Skipping,
School and Shapes so neat.
Time, Talent, Treasures,
Trees and Tulips too,
Tender thoughts,
Tomatoes,
these are but a few.
Universe and Uncle Sam,
the Unity we know,
Understanding,
Umbrellas,
Ultra suede to sew.
Victory over Satan,
Violin and Voice,
Vacations,
Vicks and Violets,
Variety----take your choice.
Weather, Wisdom, Wonder,
Water, Wood and Wren,
Writing letters, Wrapping gifts,
Worship once again.
Xylophone, and X-rays,
the great Xerox machine,
"X" is hard for rhyming,
do you know what I mean?
Yellow butter, Yuletide greetings,
Years and Yards and Yarn,
Youth and yummy goodies,
Yahweh, born in a barn.
Zeal, Zithers, Zoos,
we're Zooming to an end,
but God's Zillion other blessings,
will be Zapped to you my friends.
Happy Thanksgiving 2011
Until next time
Be Kind to One Another
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Halloween
Now the second largest commercial holiday in the U.S., Americans spent over $6 Billion last year on Halloween.
This is a holiday that started with the Celtics, continued on through Popes and country's, each bringing different superstitions, beliefs and celebrations. I highly recommend that you go on line and check out Halloween History if this interests you. I think it is fascinating. It explains why masks, costumes, bobbing for apples etc.
In my Halloween history I think the first time I went trick or treating was in 1936 and it was quite different than it is today. If we wore a costume, our mother made it. Our masks were made out of some kind of heavy material that was probably starched onto a form.(If anyone knows what they were made of I would like to know.)
Trick or treat had two meanings in those days. When someone came to our door, Mama, with her darling homemade cupcakes decorated to the hilt, would say "We need a trick before you get a treat." The child would then sing a song, say a poem or do something ion order to get a treat. It also hand another connotation. Tricks in those days meant soaping windows. Everyone in our neighborhood had the cleanest windows in town the next day all we had to was all the soap off our windows. Even though we had given treats, the kids would wait until the lights went out and then go soap the window. Our country kids tipped over outhouses,.Whew.........what a stinky job.
Parents didn't go with us.....it was safe to go out alone. Today, parents stand out on the sidewalk or street and watch their kids the whole time. Also, today really young kids , who look adorable, and older kids knock on doors. In my childhood, older kids wouldn't dream of trick or treating, it was only a little kids thing.
I can't believe I am telling this, but the Halloween I will remember the rest of my life is when my son was seven years old. My husband was in the Navy and we lived in a Quonset hut. There were rows and rows of huts with their corrugated metal roofs. My friend Ursie and I sent my 7 year old out with her 4 year old daughter with their little masks and paper bags. In just a short time, both kids came home crying. A man had come to his door and was very rude and told them to get out and he scared them to death. Here is where the story gets...........you decide what.
Ursie and I were furious that an adult would be so mean to two darling little kids. Ursie and I were both short and she was skinny as any twelve year old kid. We decided we would go trick or treating for them and if any one was rude to us we would throw a rock or two up on their corrugated roof. We would show them. Ursie only had to put on a mask and she looked like a kid. I was a little more mature so I cut holes in a sheet and covered my whole body. We had a blast. We sang and we tap danced and really had fun and were collecting a lot of great candy. But then...................................
About 4 blocks from home we knocked on a door and a man came out, cursed at us and told us to get out and not come back. Well......after he was back in his house we threw a rock or two on his roof,. What we didn't expect was that he came running out of his house and started chasing us. Usrsie was smart enough to dart off into the dark. Did I? Oh no, I ran right down the row of bright lights and all of a sudden I felt a big hand grab my shoulder and say, "OK Sonny, take me home to your dad." In a wee voice I said I didn't know where my house was. He said," fine, we will keep walking until you find it." He was hurting my shoulder and I was scared to death. If I had been a child I don't know what it would do to me.(of course, kids know better than to throw rocks on peoples roofs.)
Because he wouldn't let go of me I finally went home, opened the door and looked at my husband. "Daddy, a man wants to see you." He could tell I really meant it and so he went outside. The guy said your kid threw rocks on my roof and my baby was asleep." My husband asked him if he told the kids that,. "No," he said, but they still shouldn't have done it. My husband said, "Weren't you ever a kid? You know they were just playing around. I don't know what else he said, but the big bully left.
I didn't dare tell him I was an adult as I figured as grumpy as he was he just might call the police and I would get in trouble.
There, I have confessed my greatest sin......glad it ended well, but I will never forget it, or never forget what a great husband I had.
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
This is a holiday that started with the Celtics, continued on through Popes and country's, each bringing different superstitions, beliefs and celebrations. I highly recommend that you go on line and check out Halloween History if this interests you. I think it is fascinating. It explains why masks, costumes, bobbing for apples etc.
In my Halloween history I think the first time I went trick or treating was in 1936 and it was quite different than it is today. If we wore a costume, our mother made it. Our masks were made out of some kind of heavy material that was probably starched onto a form.(If anyone knows what they were made of I would like to know.)
Trick or treat had two meanings in those days. When someone came to our door, Mama, with her darling homemade cupcakes decorated to the hilt, would say "We need a trick before you get a treat." The child would then sing a song, say a poem or do something ion order to get a treat. It also hand another connotation. Tricks in those days meant soaping windows. Everyone in our neighborhood had the cleanest windows in town the next day all we had to was all the soap off our windows. Even though we had given treats, the kids would wait until the lights went out and then go soap the window. Our country kids tipped over outhouses,.Whew.........what a stinky job.
Parents didn't go with us.....it was safe to go out alone. Today, parents stand out on the sidewalk or street and watch their kids the whole time. Also, today really young kids , who look adorable, and older kids knock on doors. In my childhood, older kids wouldn't dream of trick or treating, it was only a little kids thing.
I can't believe I am telling this, but the Halloween I will remember the rest of my life is when my son was seven years old. My husband was in the Navy and we lived in a Quonset hut. There were rows and rows of huts with their corrugated metal roofs. My friend Ursie and I sent my 7 year old out with her 4 year old daughter with their little masks and paper bags. In just a short time, both kids came home crying. A man had come to his door and was very rude and told them to get out and he scared them to death. Here is where the story gets...........you decide what.
Ursie and I were furious that an adult would be so mean to two darling little kids. Ursie and I were both short and she was skinny as any twelve year old kid. We decided we would go trick or treating for them and if any one was rude to us we would throw a rock or two up on their corrugated roof. We would show them. Ursie only had to put on a mask and she looked like a kid. I was a little more mature so I cut holes in a sheet and covered my whole body. We had a blast. We sang and we tap danced and really had fun and were collecting a lot of great candy. But then...................................
About 4 blocks from home we knocked on a door and a man came out, cursed at us and told us to get out and not come back. Well......after he was back in his house we threw a rock or two on his roof,. What we didn't expect was that he came running out of his house and started chasing us. Usrsie was smart enough to dart off into the dark. Did I? Oh no, I ran right down the row of bright lights and all of a sudden I felt a big hand grab my shoulder and say, "OK Sonny, take me home to your dad." In a wee voice I said I didn't know where my house was. He said," fine, we will keep walking until you find it." He was hurting my shoulder and I was scared to death. If I had been a child I don't know what it would do to me.(of course, kids know better than to throw rocks on peoples roofs.)
Because he wouldn't let go of me I finally went home, opened the door and looked at my husband. "Daddy, a man wants to see you." He could tell I really meant it and so he went outside. The guy said your kid threw rocks on my roof and my baby was asleep." My husband asked him if he told the kids that,. "No," he said, but they still shouldn't have done it. My husband said, "Weren't you ever a kid? You know they were just playing around. I don't know what else he said, but the big bully left.
I didn't dare tell him I was an adult as I figured as grumpy as he was he just might call the police and I would get in trouble.
There, I have confessed my greatest sin......glad it ended well, but I will never forget it, or never forget what a great husband I had.
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Day We All Dread
As I began getting older I often thought of people who had their children take away their car keys, or when applying for a new driver's license being told they could not pass and would not be able to drive.
Yesterday I told my son I was going to stop driving. He was amazed and said he was so glad I decided to do this on my own ans he dreaded the day when he might have to tell me he wanted my car keys.
I am rather surprised that I actually did it. I hate giving up my freedom. I didn't realize how often I hopped in my car and went to the grocery store, the many different Doctors I see, the book stores, the hair dresser, church, book club, dates for lunch etc. All this will now depend on someone taking me. I do not like to depend on other people, even my son. I hate to take up their time.
Perhaps you wonder why I would give up such freedom. I am still a good driver and I have pretty good reflexes. But I have two health problems that scare me.
I am diabetic and I have numb feet. When I am driving I can't tell if I am hitting the gas or the break. This is scarry. Two, I have macular problems in both eyes and when I drive I am not sure where the sides of the lane are. This too is very scarry. This Is why I won't endanger myself or anyone else on the road. Hard to accept, but easy to do.
I guess the reason I am telling you this is that I hope you are aware of your ablilty to drive and that you won't insist on driving when you know you should quit.
I have immediately planned things that will keep me home and still do most of the things I have always done. Yesterday I had my son take me on a few stops. First, I bought a Nook. I really didn't want one as I prefer to use books. However, my house is overrun with books and I really don't need anymore. In addition, I can now order my books on the nook, they cost a lot less and I won't have to leave the house.
Then we went grocery shopping. I bought more than I usually do so I could have a small stock[pile. He will still take me to the store, but if he couldn't I caould still have the store deliver them for a small fee.
As for church, I am sure there are any number of people that would be glad to take me. I just hate to ask.
And for the first time, I asked someone to pick me up. My friend Darcie and I were planning on going to lunch tomorrow and I told her she would need to pick me up. You have no idea how difficult thet was for me. I don't mind doing things for people, but I hate to ask people to do things for me. Guess when you get old you just have to accept the fact and continue loving the life God has given you.
Just think, if I get rid of my car, I will have a whole guarge to store stuff in. See, there is a silver lining to every cloud.
Yesterday I told my son I was going to stop driving. He was amazed and said he was so glad I decided to do this on my own ans he dreaded the day when he might have to tell me he wanted my car keys.
I am rather surprised that I actually did it. I hate giving up my freedom. I didn't realize how often I hopped in my car and went to the grocery store, the many different Doctors I see, the book stores, the hair dresser, church, book club, dates for lunch etc. All this will now depend on someone taking me. I do not like to depend on other people, even my son. I hate to take up their time.
Perhaps you wonder why I would give up such freedom. I am still a good driver and I have pretty good reflexes. But I have two health problems that scare me.
I am diabetic and I have numb feet. When I am driving I can't tell if I am hitting the gas or the break. This is scarry. Two, I have macular problems in both eyes and when I drive I am not sure where the sides of the lane are. This too is very scarry. This Is why I won't endanger myself or anyone else on the road. Hard to accept, but easy to do.
I guess the reason I am telling you this is that I hope you are aware of your ablilty to drive and that you won't insist on driving when you know you should quit.
I have immediately planned things that will keep me home and still do most of the things I have always done. Yesterday I had my son take me on a few stops. First, I bought a Nook. I really didn't want one as I prefer to use books. However, my house is overrun with books and I really don't need anymore. In addition, I can now order my books on the nook, they cost a lot less and I won't have to leave the house.
Then we went grocery shopping. I bought more than I usually do so I could have a small stock[pile. He will still take me to the store, but if he couldn't I caould still have the store deliver them for a small fee.
As for church, I am sure there are any number of people that would be glad to take me. I just hate to ask.
And for the first time, I asked someone to pick me up. My friend Darcie and I were planning on going to lunch tomorrow and I told her she would need to pick me up. You have no idea how difficult thet was for me. I don't mind doing things for people, but I hate to ask people to do things for me. Guess when you get old you just have to accept the fact and continue loving the life God has given you.
Just think, if I get rid of my car, I will have a whole guarge to store stuff in. See, there is a silver lining to every cloud.
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