It tasted sweeter somehow....

I don't yet know many folks in these parts.  My take on what those around me perceive- I'm a very open friendly sort, so on first impression- I think people wonder what my agenda is...

I have never been the sort of personality that hides behind a fake smile- I never was much of a poker player either- the glee or gall of my hand would be written all over my face.  My brothers and Dad took full advantage of my meager coinage.

  Is it so hard to believe in a fellow traveler...that we don't all have some kind of hidden agenda, just at the ready to pounce on a kind soul?  I think people do mistake kindness at times for weakness...although it's not the worst thing in the world to be underestimated.

 Sometimes, when I get my back up- I speak quick and hard to certain reptilian personalities.  Not to reprimand them, but to make them think, OK...maybe sometimes I do correct, but with good intentions.  Like yesterday for instance, after trying to make my exit from a local gas station.  I held the door for a kindly old man;  My- the smile he gave me...it was like an embrace from a ray of sunshine!  Standing there in that glow, another able bodied couple walked in- no problem, I was still basking.  Then a younger fellow grabbed the door, bustled in through the couple, knocking into the old man.  And then spoke none too kindly to the group at hand. I am a  mother.  Children grown, but that kind of behavior might make me grab an ear or two and haul their little rumps front and center and call them on it.

Anyway- I put a headlock of words on the young asshole, 'scuse my French.  Not many syllables were needed, just this-

"Shame on you."

I won't credit him one bit with what his lack of brain power mumbled.

I stood hard and fast, echoing my original statement.

"Shame on you."

By Jesus I must have put the fear of God in him...or maybe it was the trucker dude behind me, backing me up. (Ain't it great when people do get involved, not by force but merely stance?!)

I do believe the misguided kid was actually shamed, maybe sorry even...not by what I said but by the fact that all eyes were upon him, no cursing was directed at him...just folks holding him accountable for HIS actions.

Anyway, small victories on the part of good manners is worth a chunk of chocolate.  Which I bought.  And ate.  It tasted sweeter somehow...


Take care-

drop cloths

Good morning. I have been away with the family- to Maine for Thanksgiving. Beautiful as always, not as cold as it is here and the lobster's were mighty fine. Every time I go, I am on a see food diet- which consists of seafood and chocolate. There are too many wonderful shops with far too many chocolate makers, like pushers- the smells coming from those shops seem to say, "Here kid, try this...go ahead it won't hurt you, there's more where this came from." I am hooked, a chocolate junkie- jonesin' for the Peruvian lady's urchins made with homemade caramel, dark chocolate and walnuts.
We arrived home to a mess, still- in the remodeling project going on here. Drop cloths cover all the furniture and plaster dust covers all the drop cloths...and the computer, and the cups and saucers, silverware...everything!!! And there's this little annoying varmint named Etta who seemingly loves chaos, her puppy printed plaster dusted paw marks are everywhere.
To top it all off, I hurt my shoulder. I have been winged by bustling through airports with luggage swung over my shoulder, to many close calls of getting to the proper gate on time, and someone pulling on one of my bags attached to my shoulder, and bam...out of the socket the shoulder is meant to be snugly fixed into. Nothing major, but just enough to be a lefty for a few days. And this typing isn't working out for me either, so...I'll end and perhaps in a few days I'll be back with some adventurous tale. Like the lady I met on the plane from Maine...kindred spirits I think. Anyway- have a good one, be well.
Take care-

weather wise

The wind sure is whipping outside. The moon is full too. A few stars are hanging out just in case someone needs to plant a wish on them, other than that- the brightest ones are hiding beyond the darkness somewhere. The tallest of trees in my yard have hunkered down hard this winter, many of their branches have been ripped away. My exercise regimen this winter consisted mainly of picking up branches and repairing accidents I made with the tractor. The bog out the back door is waiting for it's next victim...even the dogs avoid this mud as best they can. Ahhhh...February- it can make or break a winter, it seems as though March is always hyped about so much of being a lion or a lamb. February is it's insane sister that no one talks about, the only thing ever mentioned is Valentine's day and the fact that the month is shortened by a few days. Having a month dedicated to love, fewer days and groundhogs too, ok- throw the president's birthdays in there...alright, but still weather wise- February is so misunderstood that we do not speak of it as much as we do the phenomenol March. We don't know what to make of her whirling winds, her outbursts of rain and her sometimes sunny days...February is like a hormonal woman, give her chocolate mid month...try to appease her. Oh well, I tried my best to shine a bit here today...
just in case the sun doesn't, remember- we're all in this together. And with that knowledge, be kind to everyone you meet today- February is such a struggle, for some, it's a wrestling match. We all need chocolate. March madness? Please. February is the queen of unpredictability. Shine on, shine on. Take care out there-