Memories

Sometimes, it’s our memories that help us move forward in life. The memories of love shared with family, the memories of fun and eventful experiences, and even the difficult events we encounter give us memories.

I want to share a memory of my family before we’re all gone. Of my original family, we are now down to 2. Below is a picture of the last time we were all together at my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. You can see the small children up front – they are now married with children. A picture of a wonderful memory.

Some memory makers are items that belong to those we love. My mother and I are big collectors of trinkets. Many of her trinkets were Hummel figurines; my trinkets are various animals, including both land and water animals. I even have a Christmas tree that features many animals from the ocean. Below are pictures of a few of my animal trinkets. Elephants have always been special to me, thanks to a memory of a favorite red stuffed elephant that my grandmother gave to me when I was very young.

My animal trinkets even get into my planters for the living room.

Last year, I lost my brother to ALS. The second sibling lost to that horrid disease. My brother’s disease was attributed to dementia, evidently a common occurrence. Today, I received a package from his partner that contained a trinket of my mother’s that my brother had taken when she died because of what it meant to her. I don’t remember much of why it was important, but it stayed prominently on her shelf in the living room. I do remember its name, “Bluto”, because one of the children could not say Pluto. I think it was my oldest sister, but I am not sure.

This is Mickey Mouse’s dog, Pluto.

You can see he is now on the shelf with the rabbits, foxes, and bears. Some of the rabbits and other dogs are in miniature form.

We all have things that remind us of wonderful memories. May they always be fun and loving memories that show the world can always be kind if it will just try.

9/11 Never Forget

Will We Ever…

Will we ever be able to stand by one another in unity and peace?

It would be like fresh cool water from a spring being poured over our heads to cool the unrelenting heat of anger that we don’t even understand.

Will we ever be able to support one another in unity and peace?

It would be like adding a soothing ointment that softens the wounds of war and heals the ugly scars we cause on one another.

Will we ever be able to love one another in unity and peace?

It would be like the valleys of heaven descended upon us to show us the beauty and kindness of life that we all were supposed to enjoy.

Will we ever be able?

This poem was first published in Reflections & Revelations, The Short of It, Volume 2, 2022.

It was based on Psalm 133 of the Bible, NIV version. So many of the Psalms are prayer songs that tried to understand the meanness of the world while hoping for better days.

We will never understand the meanness, hurt, and desolation of war. Our inner nature is to love…as he first loved, so war makes no sense.

When we visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, the immensity of that place was hallowed. No loud sounds could be heard from other onlookers. Even the sounds of the city seemed muted. Soft cries from people were heard as they placed their hands on the memorial wall that surrounded the massive holes in the ground. The walls surrounding the fountain was filled with the names of loved ones who were killed in the towers or rescue workers who were killed trying their best to save at least one person. Memories of that day still fill my mind, as I was in the Atlanta airport getting ready to board a plane when the airport was shut down. Knives and box cutters were later found in the trashcans around the airport proving another plane was scheduled to be used. How could that much hate be filtered into people against other people? In my mind and heart, I know why but I still ask the questions of why. Below are pictures I took while we were at the memorial. While we don’t want to dwell on this particular travesty, we need to pray for the hatred and unrest filling our planet in so many locations. And we lift our arms to God above to come quickly before we fully implode in anger.

The massive holes in the ground from the destruction of these two building were turned into fountains. In the background is the new 1 Tower World Trade Center building.

More than 2,000 lives were taken that day.

This is a bronze memorial for this horrific day and the many rescue workers that tried to make a difference. They did.

The Oculus Transportation Hub of the World Trade center.

Around the Oculus are wonderful statues by Gillie and Marc proving the beauty of wildlife and animals. Their whimsical art statues of animals doing things humans do gives you a light smile for a very sad place because people are not the only creatures on this planet that are purposely attacked.

Rabbit and Elephant share a book and a coffee

The entire gang is out for a ride in the big city leaving an open seat for anyone to join.

We should always remember that if we try, truly try, we can find goodness in each of us and can work together to find and maintain happiness. It starts with being kind.

And Then it Was Winter

I did not write this, don’t know who did, but its thoughts needed to be shared. I did add the photos. Some are mine and some are googles.

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, that was eons ago and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But here it is…the winter of my life catching me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years thinking those years were far ahead of me…that my winter was far off. But here it is. My friends are retiring, getting grey and moving slower that before. Some are in better health conditions than me, some are worse. I see the great change in them, their winter. Not like their earlier vibrant selves…but like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now the older folks we thought we would never be.

Each day now, I find that getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is no longer a treat but mandatory like when I was a small child. If I don’t do it of my own free will, then I will just fall asleep where I sit.

So, now I enter this season of my life unprepared for all the aches, pains and loss of strength. I no longer have the ability to go and do the things I wish I had done…but never did! But alas, though my winter has come, and I am not sure how long it will last…one thing is certain. When my life is over on this earth, it’s not over…for my Lord and Savior is waiting for me with open arms. A new adventure will begin! Yes I have regrets. I have things I wished I had done, things I wish I had done better, and happy for the things I did get to do, people I got to love, beauties I got to see. It’s all in a lifetime.

So, if you are not yet in your winter season yet, let me remind you…it will get here quicker than you think. So, whatever you would like to do in this life, do it quickly. Don’t put it off too long! We are only promised today, so do what you can today. Say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember and hope they appreciate and love you for all the thing you have done for them.

Life is a gift and the way you live your life is a gift for those after you, so make it fantastic.

And I remind you, regardless of whether your winter is close or far off, to live this gift of life with kindness. It gives you more wonderful memories to reflect back on.

Tuesday Writing Prompt

Devereaux Frazier and Beth Amanda are currently hosting the Tuesday Writing Prompt Challenge which was started by our star writer Christine Ray. We hope to offer all of you something that will spark your creativity and willingness to participate.

Todays prompt: Write a poem using the words “notes”, “memory”, and “knife”

The Bestest Knife

With a white plastic handle it doesn’t look like much

But Mom said it was the best for such and such

I never really knew what such and such meant

But hours of its use in the kitchen were spent

I watched my mom as she studied her notes

Mumbling, she change them making new notes

Once changes were done, the busyness began

With energy and banging of many a pan

The kitchen grew warm and smells filled the house

We all watched from the doorway, as quiet as a mouse

Memories of those times still linger in my mind

As smells fill my kitchen of similar kind

I don’t use the knife, could never figured how

But refuse to toss it, as sweat drips from my brow

Memories from our past can have a powerful touch on our hearts even though sometimes they may make no sense. Enjoy those tender memories and make new ones for others and in all that you do, be kind. Kindness bring about the best memories for all of us.

Tuesday Writing Prompt, Bitten

Today’s prompt: Write a poem that starts with bitten

Bitten

Bitten as I was on the celebrated day of hearts

Smitten as I was, now gone before it starts

Written on the hearts of many a love song

Mittens would be better and not felt wrong

Kittens are much warmer with love that lasts

Sittin’ and smiling’ and remembering our past

Thanks Go Dog Go Café for giving us a fun chance to play with words. And in closing I remind all the comfort, power and value of kindness. It can bring light to any dark room.

Fandango’s Story Starter #22

Fandango’s story teaser today was too delicious to not participate. It could go in so many directions. Because it is the “season” for me, I chose to go there. Hope you enjoy.

The Garden Shed

Samantha leaned against her car and stared at her Grandpa’s house. The love and life that once oozed from this building brought life to any child; especially at this time of year, Christmas. She had not been back to visit the house since he passed five years ago. What would be the point. He was gone. He had turned the house over to the city to be used as a museum and library for children. Her brother Gerald was in charge and the place looked great. The large rolling lawn was decorated for the season and a smile creased her saddened face.

“Sure do miss you, Grandpa.”

“Samantha,” called a voice from the front porch.

“Hey, Gerald. Merry Christmas.”

“Its been awhile since you came by. You ought to come see the new children’s wing. It would have made Grandpa James proud.”

“Maybe later. I just came by to walk the grounds. Is the garden shed still in the back?”

“Yes. But it’s not used. We turned the large two car garage into the new garden center. Its where we have some planting seminars and during Christmas, we have crafts. I know it was special to you but too small for what we wanted to do. But it’s still intact. We air it out each spring and place fresh cut flowers on his desk for the spring tours of the gardens. Come by inside when you are done.”

As Samantha came around the side of the house, she saw the beautiful gardens. Christmas trees had been scattered about and were fully decorated. Behind them was the small but adequate garden shed. Her memories went back to the summers of laughing and playing in the dirt with Grandpa James. Such a magical time.

The windows of the shed were dusty and hard to see through so she opened the door to see in side. The door creaked a bit and drug its bottom across the wooden planked floor. She saw no sign of life in the room except the smell of her grandfather’s tobacco filled the room. He smoked a pipe with a very distinct brand and she loved smelling it as she snuggled close when small.

“How in the world can that fragrance still be so strong,” she mumbled as she walked over to his desk. Everything was exactly as he had left it. His ratty old note pad laid open with a pencil laying across it and someone had written on it. Her initial thought was anger that someone had used it but then she read the note and recognized his hand writing.”

“I will always be close to you.”

“Hey,” said Gerald as he entered the shed realizing he startled her. “Oh, I am sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I just wanted you to know we have hot chocolate with peppermint sticks. I know its your favorite.”

“Oh, its okay. I was just down memory lane. When did you find his notepad?”

“His notepad? What are you talking about?”

“This. Do you not recognize it?”

“No, sorry. I don’t. As far as I know, there was nothing in here. Where was it?”

“Right here on his desk. Right where he always had it. Do you mind if I keep it?”

“No. Does it have anything in it?”

“Not really. How does his tobacco smell stay so strong when you air this out in the spring?”

“You smell his tobacco?”

“Don’t you?”

“No.”

“Interesting,” she said as she walked past him out of the shed.

“Hot Chocolate?” he asked closing the door behind him.

“Sure.”

First Line Friday: June 18

The café began to feel like her only real home. Carrie looked out at the lights as they blinked on the sign, Lou & Rachel’s Café. The pain and fear were still very real. She glanced down at the ugly scar that snaked across her left forearm and down her hand.

“Your awfully quiet tonight,” said Rachel. “You okay?” Rachel was well aware of what this day was. It had been six years to the day that her sister’s family had been in a horrific accident with Carrie being the only survivor of six in her family and two teenage boys whose car exploded upon impact.

“I am old enough now to have processed what happened and begin to heal from it. But I can still see in it my mind, hear the screaming of tires, the breaking of glass and that horrid smell of burning flesh. Will I ever be fully healed? I sometimes wish I had died as well so I don’t have these memories.”

“Emotional and psychological healing takes an infinitely longer time and in some cases you just learn to live with the memories by pushing them out of your mind. You will get better. What does your therapist say?”

“She is pleased with how well I have done so far but she knows there is still a lot more healing to do. Thank you for taking me in. I cant imagine doing this alone.”

“Have you thought any more about the community college?”

“Some. My therapist is good friends with the Dean of the College, so they understand my situation. Due to my injuries, I may never be able to play the violin again but I could teach. I just don’t know if that is enough or even a wise thing to do. Or do I really want that?”

“Well, as I am sure what others have told you is that at least you could be back in music. But I fully understand if that is not enough or if its is too hard to separate from what you wanted for your life. I will be here to support whatever you need.”

“It’s funny but the love and warmth of this little café has helped me heal better than I think anything else could have.”

“That is because of the love of this little town. They loved your family and only want the best for you. They too will support any decision you make. You have a lot of love here. Plus they are always here for my cherry pie. It is to good to be true,” she chuckled.

“You are right about that,” she chuckled herself. “I know the love of this town. I can feel it. I just got to get a direction.”

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It will happen when its time. Just breathe.”

Carrie smiled at her aunt as he walked back into the kitchen. She knew the love here was strong and was so thankful for the café being her new home.

Thank to Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie for a fun prompt for Fridays. Come play along and share your creativity with us.

And as always, I remind all to be kind. Its a amazing tool to help others heal.

Day is Over

Sunset Alltona

Day Is Over

The day is over and the night is near

Memories were made to hold so dear.

I think in earnest and reflect over this day

Of memories I made leaving nothing to say.

All memories made, some scary some fun

Will all be stored once this day is done.

Lift memories, thoughts and deep felt cares

To the Lord above who will always be there.

He watches with love as we close out each day

And promises to refill us with hope as we pray.

For the day is now over and night is near

So gather those thoughts and memories so dear.

Anita Neal

Photo Courtesy of Judi Beeler

There are times when God paints beauty in the sunset to remind us of His power and glory. When you day is over, take times to reflect on the gifts of that day and remember to always be kind.

kindness sunset

A Special Day for Dads

Here in the US, tomorrow is a special day honoring Fathers. We honor mothers in May and fathers in June. Some of us had wonderful fathers, some did not but regardless, the memory of them is there. I am not sure any of us had the perfect dad, they are only human but I believe the majority of men really wanted to do their best and should be honored. I am enclosing some pictures of my father and grandfathers in honor of this day and hope they all now they were loved and appreciated.

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My father as a young man. I love the clothes and shoes of that era and know I would never see any of my boys dressed this way. As a young man my father was a typical young man, youngest sibling of seven. My grandfather was a banker but he was also a farmer raising white face Herefords. So dad spent a lot of time on the farm with his horse Romeo, a paint.

I never really knew my dad’s dad as he died of pneumonia when my dad was in high school only a few months before penicillin was discovered and available for use. But I do have some fun stories like him coming home from work and all seven children hanging in the living room and his comment would be where is everybody, which translated into where is Marie(grandmother).

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With me being the youngest of 4 and my father being the youngest of seven, I did not get to know these grandparents very well and was closer in age to my cousins. But my mothers parents I got to be very close to. My mothers father, Buckshot, was a Pure Oil truck driver and a farmer. He would bring his truck over for Sunday evening meal and we would climb all over it. There are also many fond stories and event from visiting the farm. I recently wrote and published a book that highlights some of those stories.

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I know from being a parent myself, that it is no easy task and some handle it better than others. I think my father and grandfathers were awesome and I honor them this Father’s day. Happy Father’s days gentlemen. You are remembered and loved.

image000001 (1) — Happy Father’s Day dad, Miss you.

Remember always to be kind. Even when life may have dealt you a hard time, kindness can help you heal as well as heal those you show kindness to.

kind Eph

Share Your World

Interesting idea of sharing the successes and failures for the past year hosted by Sparksfromacombustiblemind. With a blog name like that how can you not come play. So with a New Year themed set of question, I am game as I had a pretty remarkable year. So here we go:

What was the single best thing that happened in your life this past year? That is easy. This past year I became a published author. After retiring in 2018 I was extremely bored and almost depressed. Its hard having a high energy job to do nothing. So I picked up a hobby I started in 2016, finished it and submitted it. If you love animals and are a believer in heaven, you might be interested in seeing what heaven is like froma dogs perspective with Our Home of Love.

The most challenging? That is also easy. During the last quarter of 2018, I had both feet operated on so 2019, I had to learn how to walk again. When one foot got done in September and I seemed to do so well, I decided to go ahead and do the other one in December. What I didn’t realize is why I did so well with the first one is I had the other not operated on foot to lean on – now I didn’t have that and it was difficult for several months.

One thing you learned in 2019? A lesson I have to relearn and relearn and relearn…Patience.

Given all your experiences, insights, and lessons learned in 2019, what’s the best advice you could give yourself for 2020? Take one day at a time and don’t sweat the small stuff that doesn’t get done – its all small stuff. Don’t borrow tomorrows troubles on today.

What’s the best meal/food you ate in 2019? Sorry, I live in the mid-west now and after living in Atlanta for 20 years, the food here is..boring to bad. Sorry, I guess I am just spoiled.

What are three activities you plan to use in the coming year to relieve stress? Since I was not able to walk much this past spring, I plan to walk on the nature trails of a historical park near me. Also walking along the parks at the river is nice as well. Not sure what others will come my way, maybe a trip to Atlanta to go eat – that would be a fabulous activity.

Gratitude Question:

What brought you the most joy and are you going to do more of that? My friends celebrating with me my new found joy of writing. The support and love they share makes it twice as fun and yes book two is almost complete and the start of ideas for book 3 and swimming in my mind.

Lastly – Any resolutions you’d care to share?I am not big on resolutions as they usually don’t last but I am going to give an idea I saw a good honest effort – Put my cell phone down more and pick up my bible instead. Also I am going to make a sincere effort to ensure I spread as much kindness as I possible can.

To join in on Share Your World 12/30/19 fun:

Suggestions for Responding by Melanie B Cee:

Create a Share Your World post. Then post the link to your blog in my comments or leave your answers in the comments on my blog.
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Ping-backs* are activated, but how efficiently varies. Right now it’s been reported that on my blog at least, they are NOT working very well. Some folks can’t comment either. I will answer all responses I can. Thanks for your patience!

And in all things that we do, we make ripples in the lives of people everywhere we touch and interact with. So make your ripples kind so that kindness flows from you in a wave outward to circle the world.