Just shooting the poop with Lori |
He travels the world on the backs of others Insignificant in his stature and size His journey carries no mission Randomly roaming at the will of his host Sated enough to never question his trek Life is an open adventure without worry If the excitement of his dusty trail dulls Another bus awaits to grant passage With a furry friend to carry him home Ah the wonderful life of a flea |
I was reminded, once again, that perspective provides focus for the little moments in life. As my husband and I were traveling home from a family reunion we were stopped by an unusually long train. Both of us being hot and tired, wanted nothing more than to get home. We sat in silence watching the train for a few moments, before I remembered an earlier time in our lives where being stopped by a train was a momentous occasion. I turned to him and said, "Do you remember how much fun we used to think trains were?" I could see by his smile that he knew exactly what I was talking about and we laughed at our memories. My oldest son was a nut about anything having to do with trains when he was little, probably from age 18 months to 9 years old. Thomas the Tank engine was played on the TV constantly and he owned every metal engine they came out with, always being the only thing he asked for on birthdays. Anytime we went for a drive the boy would pray that we would get stopped by a train. We had to allow extra time just in case we did get stuck. He would pop his head against the window and describe each car that passed by, giving us the specs and informing us of what they were carrying. Sometimes he would make up stories about the people on the train.Even the littler kids enjoyed listening to him describe the trains. So this week, perspective allowed us to sit calmly and patiently, enjoying the time spent in a car while watching a train go by. So much stress in our lives would melt away if we allowed ourselves to gather the perspective of a child. |
Thank to the Men and Women who gave their all.. You have done your country proud! In Honor and Memory of Memorial Day Serving with honor I need take no notice For he stands sentry in the night As I sleep in peace My stalwart guard protects his post I lie in comfort and safety My shield stands vigilant I wake to start my day He stands still defending I am free to follow my desires My Sheppard of service stands staunch My liberty does not confine my being He boldly preserves my freedom I am granted a birthright of convenience He gives his life in my name Each day I wake in a country of privilege His defense of our sovereignty grants autonomy Whether I salute, raise hand to chest, or set banner ablaze My soldier of duty has provided my choice I live in a country that offers opportunity It is the serviceman that affords this prospect It is the serviceman that secures the America that I love He has given his life, so that I might live Borne of honor, my soldier’s noble gift A legacy to treasure, in silent remembrance By Lori Grawitch |
I am beginning to think it is me! The warm sun has moved in and beautiful weather is scheduled for the next 2 days, I however work and must sleep for my scheduled shifts tonight and tomorrow. Clouds are predicted to return for my days off. Yard work will be put on hold once more. I did promise myself that I would soak up the sun for 30 minutes at least each day. Craving that vitamin "D"! |
There are things that my children will never understand about the life I have lived, but I often attempt to introduce my children to parts of my childhood through story telling. These revelations, at times, don’t always work out well. And such was the case, as I tried to describe the pure momentary joy I experienced as a kid when “Mr. Softee” served up his uncomplicated pleasures to the youth of our neighborhood. It is hard to describe the giddiness I felt when the tinkling notes of “Mr. Softee’s” bewitching truck called to me. The questioning looks, from my offspring, cast in my direction sting. It is obvious they are trying to comprehend our parents letting kids jog blissfully to the painted caravan. Their bewildered stares stem from the guarded era that they have endured. I worry that the memories of a life of simplicity I was allowed to enjoy will be forgotten. It is hard to describe to them the adventurous fun of couch diving for wayward coins to afford the sweet treats offered by “Mr. Softee”. Luxury is a state of mind. Memories of soft served cones dipped in chocolate or sprinkles, served to you by a man in a cardboard hat bending out of two foot window, are priceless. No photo description available. |
Gumballs are the bane of my existence. The jerk that built this subdivision many years ago planted free trees for the new homeowners, and you guessed it he planted gumball trees. Man probably has a hardy laugh from the grave each year watching people falling on the spiny pin-balls. Its like leaving an eternal banana peel behind. Not to mention, gumballs make yard clean up a gargantuan task. I am trying to convince my spouse that paying someone this year to do the dirty work is an option. We shall see! |
Do you ever stop worrying about your kids? My oldest has large swollen lymph nodes, headaches and chills without fever. I been kicking his butt for a day and a half to see the doctor. Soon he will go and part of me is worried about what it is and the other is worried that he won't go. Motherhood is never finished. |
Been awhile since i got to enter the "Screams" contest and it was quite fun to dip my toes in again. Love the stories and the great people that are a part of this team. Eerie Tales work a different part of our brain, I think and often the imagination is allowed to stretch a bit farther. Give it a try for a change of pace with your writing. You will feel instantly welcome by these fine folks. Here is my latest effort take a read. Love the prompts!
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We have a visiting cat and his name is Aethelstan,Stan for short. He belongs to my oldest son and visits for weeks at a time. I did not go seeking a feline companion for the large beasts that already reside here. At first it was absolute chaos watching the dogs chase him through the house. They were as afraid of him as he was of them. Stan was eager to defend himself if needed and very willing to plan surprise attacks from the hidden furniture caverns of my home. You haven't experienced true comedy if you haven't witnessed a 100 pound dog jump straight up in the air as the cat flies by and whacks him in the head as a good morning kiss. The cat is gone before the dog even knows what hit him. However, the cat's attacks are not limited to the canine population.As I pour my morning cup of coffee, the little minx likes to jump between my cup, my hand, and the pot ensuring that I am fully alert for the morning. Stan has a fishing-pole like device with a furry mouse on the end as one of his many toys. The cat carries the whole thing through the house looking for an eager participant for his playtime game. The dogs only have an interest in ripping apart the mouse on the end leaving us people to defend the feathery creature. This ends with us playing with the darn cat in corner and it is a 30 minute exercise of high jumps and leaps. The dogs often become jealous of the attention afforded the cat and toss their own toys into the mix. So life around here is never boring and it seems very quiet when the cat returns home. I have to plan my laundry excursions around when the cat is away otherwise it takes twice as long because he helps. Like i said, I didn't go looking for a cat but Stan makes things interesting. |
Went and played Archery Dodge ball for the first time this week, Definitely an interesting adventure. It is played with arrows that have rubber stoppers on the point. You spend the hour shooting at the other members of your group. It can be painful when you get hit but for the most part it is not. Most of my effort was spent just getting the bow ready to shoot and hoping it went farther than 2 feet. It was very fun but I discovered that I am not an archery star. My boys were very good. But the biggest discovery is the pain at using muscles that have laid dormant through the years. My arms ached for days from stretching that darn bow. Would i do it again? Yes, it was filled with family fun and laughter. And for one short hour it felt like the days before we heard of life being quarantined. |
Aah, the sensations cast in the breeze of the falsified Spring. It crinkles your nose, wiggles your toes, and warms your soul. It is short-lived, yet invigorating. It purges the dreary hibernation of winter, causing a flutter of awakedness in our being. Our muscle memory succumbs to spasms of energy dulled by the winter doldrums. There is a tingle in the nerve-endings of the fingertips resembling the birth of a newly spawned flower.The warmth, from the long-absent sun, infuses the fibers of your soul. A full body yawn escapes with the creaking of your bones. We stretch our arms toward the sky in a dance of renewal. It may be but one day only, yet it sustains us in the spirit of life. |