From the March 4th edition of the Westfield Republican newspaper, a tribute I wrote in memory of a friend of mine.
Tribute to Joel Ferree
I read the following on a friend’s Facebook page: If you knew you would never see me again, I wonder what one thing you would want to tell me.
We always wait too long, don’t we? A friend to many of us, Joel Ferree, passed away recently. Many nice things will be said of him, but how many of us said those things to him personally during his brief stay with us here on earth? I hope many of you did.
Joel was a man of many talents and interests. I hadn’t gotten to know him well enough to know he played several instruments, including the kazoo. We played kazoos at his funeral. I wish someone had given a brief lesson on how to play a kazoo, however. It was a new experience for me. What a loving tribute to a man who lived his life looking for the unusual and bizarre. I’ll bet he was looking down and laughing.
I knew Joel as a writer, although I had no idea to what extent he wrote. His tongue-in-cheek column in the Dunkirk Observer was only one facet of his wit and humor. I remember talking with him about an idea for his next column, about a snowflake who wanted to be different. I wonder if he had a chance to work on it. His powers of observation of the humor condition (no, that’s not a typo) were wonderful to behold.
I once wrote a column called Ripples, and how we all make some sort of impact on others during our lifetime. People like Joel don’t make ripples, they make huge splashes. From the stories and anecdotes I’ve heard, his life was an amazing one, particularly in his ability to connect with those of us less gifted, less insightful. As Rev. Dale Francis said, Joel was out of step with the rest of us mortals. Rev. Francis suspects Joel was a half-step ahead and I don’t doubt it.
A lovely comment was made at his funeral that I’d like to share. Joel, and his lovely wife, Mo, are two people who make it easy to love them, out of proportion to our knowing them. That’s not exactly how it was said, but basically it means that even if you didn’t know them well, you just really, really like them anyway. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be that kind of person? Someone you really want to know better, and be around because they make you feel good about yourself.
To paraphrase Ecclesiastes 3:4, there is a time to mourn the loss of Joel in our lives, and there is a time to rejoice in knowing he spent some time with us here and that we will enjoy his company again someday.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Scraps & Strings & Paper Things, a scrapbooking store owned and operated by Kris Thompson of Ripley, is now open in the lower level of Pillowcasegram in North East. This isn’t your grandmother’s scrapbook. Scrapbooking has become a full blown passion among those who do it. Gone are the old photo albums, crammed with every picture available into plastic covered pages and gone are the books filled with magazine pictures. “Scrapbooks,” says Kris, “are memory keepers. There are so many more options now, with all the embellishments, colors and designs.” Scrapbooking is a way to not only show off those photos but to help create the memories that go along with the pictures.
The store walls are covered with buttons, bows and bling. Supplies come from Cosmo Cricket and Maya Road among others. “I’ve been scrapping for years,” or leading an “alternative lifestyle” according to her sons Dennis and Mike. “I have a lot of the newest things,” Kris says, ignoring her offspring’s comments, “and trends change. What’s current now is webbing, a special painting technique on paper that makes it look like it’s got a web on it. Hybrid albums are big now too, part photo album, part scrap book. And I try to carry papers that aren’t found in chain stores.” A line of hand-made greeting cards, made by daughter Debi Lintz, are available as well.
The idea for a scrapbooking store started over two years ago when Lesley Rackowski of Pillowcasegram saw Thompson’s displays at CrossRoads, the “mall-ternative” shops located between Westfield and Sherman, New York. “Lesley asked if I’d like to rent space in her store. I have a degree in business management from Edinboro (college), but I’m self taught when it comes to scrapping,” states Kris. “I started moving stuff in January and I’m still rearranging, marking and receiving new merchandise,” she says.
Classes, workshops and “crops” (all day scrapbooking sessions) will start in March. Use of a Criscut, Bind-It-All and Cuttlebug, worth checking out just for the names, will be available for a small fee. Ms. Thompson also offers a scrapbooking service for those who don’t have the time to pursue it on their own. She explains, “I have them fill out a form to determine their tastes, what colors they like, and go through the pictures to identify who or what is in them, and then I put it all together.” Her best advice? “Mark your pictures before you forget!” Rates vary, depending on how simple or complex the pages.
The Grand Opening of Scraps & Strings & Paper Things is set for Saturday, February 27 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The first 25 customers will receive a free goodie bag and there will be a “pick-your-own-discount” from a fishbowl while they last. Demonstrations will continue throughout the day. Current hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. ‘til 6 p.m., Tuesday 10a.m ‘til 4p.m. and Thursday and Saturday from 10a.m. ‘til 5 p.m. “Hours are currently based on Pillowcasegram and are subject to change,” Thompson explains. Extra hours are by chance or appointment. To get more information or to sign up for the Scraps & Strings & Paper Things newsletter check out www.scrapstringspaperthings.com or call 814-725-1681.
The store walls are covered with buttons, bows and bling. Supplies come from Cosmo Cricket and Maya Road among others. “I’ve been scrapping for years,” or leading an “alternative lifestyle” according to her sons Dennis and Mike. “I have a lot of the newest things,” Kris says, ignoring her offspring’s comments, “and trends change. What’s current now is webbing, a special painting technique on paper that makes it look like it’s got a web on it. Hybrid albums are big now too, part photo album, part scrap book. And I try to carry papers that aren’t found in chain stores.” A line of hand-made greeting cards, made by daughter Debi Lintz, are available as well.
The idea for a scrapbooking store started over two years ago when Lesley Rackowski of Pillowcasegram saw Thompson’s displays at CrossRoads, the “mall-ternative” shops located between Westfield and Sherman, New York. “Lesley asked if I’d like to rent space in her store. I have a degree in business management from Edinboro (college), but I’m self taught when it comes to scrapping,” states Kris. “I started moving stuff in January and I’m still rearranging, marking and receiving new merchandise,” she says.
Classes, workshops and “crops” (all day scrapbooking sessions) will start in March. Use of a Criscut, Bind-It-All and Cuttlebug, worth checking out just for the names, will be available for a small fee. Ms. Thompson also offers a scrapbooking service for those who don’t have the time to pursue it on their own. She explains, “I have them fill out a form to determine their tastes, what colors they like, and go through the pictures to identify who or what is in them, and then I put it all together.” Her best advice? “Mark your pictures before you forget!” Rates vary, depending on how simple or complex the pages.
The Grand Opening of Scraps & Strings & Paper Things is set for Saturday, February 27 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The first 25 customers will receive a free goodie bag and there will be a “pick-your-own-discount” from a fishbowl while they last. Demonstrations will continue throughout the day. Current hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. ‘til 6 p.m., Tuesday 10a.m ‘til 4p.m. and Thursday and Saturday from 10a.m. ‘til 5 p.m. “Hours are currently based on Pillowcasegram and are subject to change,” Thompson explains. Extra hours are by chance or appointment. To get more information or to sign up for the Scraps & Strings & Paper Things newsletter check out www.scrapstringspaperthings.com or call 814-725-1681.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
There’s Nothing To Do…
Who said there’s nothing to do in this town? The Ripley Library alone has at least one program a month it seems, and February and March are bustin’ at the seams with things to do.
The Big Read starts today (February 18) at the library at 6:30 p.m. The book this year is My Antonia by Willa Cather (pronounced AN-toe-nia I’m told. La-te-da) The book is written in five sections, each highlighting a different part of life on the Nebraska prairie, particularly highlighting the roles of women pioneers. It should be a good read, and if last year’s gathering for the Big Read is any indication, there should be some great discussions about the book. Come join me. I love to play devil’s advocate.
Dr. Spanos from the Office for the Aging will be presenting an information meeting at the library on February 23 at 1 p.m. She will be discussing local classes available for senior citizens, choosing health insurance and senior discounts at restaurants, including Meeder’s. This informational meeting is geared toward seniors 55 and older. Now being called a senior citizen at 55 seems a bit young to me, but then, perks of getting older are gratefully accepted, whenever they appear. Those who are helping care for parents or grandparents are invited also.
Calling all poets! I have been known to dabble in poetry from time to time and I’m hoping to hear some samples from other budding poets in town. The Ripley Library is hosting their annual Poetry Night on March 9th, 7 p.m. You have to register and submit your poem in advance in order to participate. Send your entry to riplylib@cecomet.net to be included in this event. It is open to the public so make sure you don’t write something that will mortify your mother…
The Ripley United Methodist Church tells me they’re hosting an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, February 27th from 4:30 until 7 p.m. They did this last year and for some reason I had it in my head it was on a Sunday. So there I was, plowing through the snow, trying to find a door to enter and wondering why there were no cars parked nearby. Live and learn. It’s on SATURDAY. The price of admission will get you salad, spaghetti, bread, dessert and beverage. Give the church a call for more information, 736-3090.
There’s so much more coming up in the next few months and I’m not sure I’ll be able to attend everything! But I’m sure going to try. This is a hoppin’ little town!
Who said there’s nothing to do in this town? The Ripley Library alone has at least one program a month it seems, and February and March are bustin’ at the seams with things to do.
The Big Read starts today (February 18) at the library at 6:30 p.m. The book this year is My Antonia by Willa Cather (pronounced AN-toe-nia I’m told. La-te-da) The book is written in five sections, each highlighting a different part of life on the Nebraska prairie, particularly highlighting the roles of women pioneers. It should be a good read, and if last year’s gathering for the Big Read is any indication, there should be some great discussions about the book. Come join me. I love to play devil’s advocate.
Dr. Spanos from the Office for the Aging will be presenting an information meeting at the library on February 23 at 1 p.m. She will be discussing local classes available for senior citizens, choosing health insurance and senior discounts at restaurants, including Meeder’s. This informational meeting is geared toward seniors 55 and older. Now being called a senior citizen at 55 seems a bit young to me, but then, perks of getting older are gratefully accepted, whenever they appear. Those who are helping care for parents or grandparents are invited also.
Calling all poets! I have been known to dabble in poetry from time to time and I’m hoping to hear some samples from other budding poets in town. The Ripley Library is hosting their annual Poetry Night on March 9th, 7 p.m. You have to register and submit your poem in advance in order to participate. Send your entry to riplylib@cecomet.net to be included in this event. It is open to the public so make sure you don’t write something that will mortify your mother…
The Ripley United Methodist Church tells me they’re hosting an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, February 27th from 4:30 until 7 p.m. They did this last year and for some reason I had it in my head it was on a Sunday. So there I was, plowing through the snow, trying to find a door to enter and wondering why there were no cars parked nearby. Live and learn. It’s on SATURDAY. The price of admission will get you salad, spaghetti, bread, dessert and beverage. Give the church a call for more information, 736-3090.
There’s so much more coming up in the next few months and I’m not sure I’ll be able to attend everything! But I’m sure going to try. This is a hoppin’ little town!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Love is in the Air
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and presumably Cupid is out there slinging his arrows. Love is a funny thing. It starts out so passionate and often ends up so quiet and unspoken. I once wrote a poem with this in it: “Love is a cliché; when I say I love you, I mean I want you to be close; appreciate the things you do for me; desire you as a woman for a man; trust you as my confidante; need you as my friend.” The English language has a hard time expressing love when it means so many different things.
The Greeks had four words for love: agape, eros, philia and storge and I’ll bet they were a lot more adept at expressing how they felt for one another than we are. To feel content, not to be confused with complacent, in a relationship is to feel agape. You feel content and highly regard your spouse or children. Eros is the word that speaks volumes in poetry, movies and in our hearts. Eros is passion, although it can be passion without physical intimacy. It is that longing for someone, the romantic hearts and flowers of Valentine’s Day. Eros is what makes the world go ‘round, so they say. Philia is what we feel for close friends as well as family, and with it brings loyalty and familiarity. It’s the comfortableness of a relationship. And finally there is storge, affection that comes naturally as with parent and child.
There, now that the definitions are done let me move on to the love that’s in the air… Most relationships start with eros, don’t they? We meet someone, we’re attracted, we gaze into each other’s eyes – women because we’re trying to read his mind, glean what deep thoughts and passion lie within; men because they’re fascinated with sparkly things and pattern differentiation of the iris – and we fall into eros. Eros is a dangerous thing. Eros is blind, and sometimes deaf and dumb. We don’t always listen to what the other person is saying, where we could pick up on little red flags that indicate trouble ahead. And dumb, well dumb is either speechless or stupid. Women are never speechless and men are just…men.
Based on my own marriage(s) and those of people around me, we’re lucky if we last long enough to get to agape, philia and storge. Once we’ve worked through the problems of money, children and whose job it is to take out the garbage we can move on to contentment, regard, familiarity and affection. Divorce is an epidemic these days. We don’t feel the stigma of it anymore. But look at the parents and grandparents you know. They are quietly going about the business of love. Their affection for one another may not be shouted from the rooftops anymore, and they may fight like cats and dogs, but just try to criticize one spouse and see how the other one tears into you like a pit bull on steroids! Well, maybe not that bad, but there is loyalty and friendship there that only years of familiarity can build.
All joking aside, to my own Valentine – philia eros, agape, and storge to you my love. Or in its acronym form, P E A S.
P E A S on earth takes on a whole new meaning now, doesn’t it?
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and presumably Cupid is out there slinging his arrows. Love is a funny thing. It starts out so passionate and often ends up so quiet and unspoken. I once wrote a poem with this in it: “Love is a cliché; when I say I love you, I mean I want you to be close; appreciate the things you do for me; desire you as a woman for a man; trust you as my confidante; need you as my friend.” The English language has a hard time expressing love when it means so many different things.
The Greeks had four words for love: agape, eros, philia and storge and I’ll bet they were a lot more adept at expressing how they felt for one another than we are. To feel content, not to be confused with complacent, in a relationship is to feel agape. You feel content and highly regard your spouse or children. Eros is the word that speaks volumes in poetry, movies and in our hearts. Eros is passion, although it can be passion without physical intimacy. It is that longing for someone, the romantic hearts and flowers of Valentine’s Day. Eros is what makes the world go ‘round, so they say. Philia is what we feel for close friends as well as family, and with it brings loyalty and familiarity. It’s the comfortableness of a relationship. And finally there is storge, affection that comes naturally as with parent and child.
There, now that the definitions are done let me move on to the love that’s in the air… Most relationships start with eros, don’t they? We meet someone, we’re attracted, we gaze into each other’s eyes – women because we’re trying to read his mind, glean what deep thoughts and passion lie within; men because they’re fascinated with sparkly things and pattern differentiation of the iris – and we fall into eros. Eros is a dangerous thing. Eros is blind, and sometimes deaf and dumb. We don’t always listen to what the other person is saying, where we could pick up on little red flags that indicate trouble ahead. And dumb, well dumb is either speechless or stupid. Women are never speechless and men are just…men.
Based on my own marriage(s) and those of people around me, we’re lucky if we last long enough to get to agape, philia and storge. Once we’ve worked through the problems of money, children and whose job it is to take out the garbage we can move on to contentment, regard, familiarity and affection. Divorce is an epidemic these days. We don’t feel the stigma of it anymore. But look at the parents and grandparents you know. They are quietly going about the business of love. Their affection for one another may not be shouted from the rooftops anymore, and they may fight like cats and dogs, but just try to criticize one spouse and see how the other one tears into you like a pit bull on steroids! Well, maybe not that bad, but there is loyalty and friendship there that only years of familiarity can build.
All joking aside, to my own Valentine – philia eros, agape, and storge to you my love. Or in its acronym form, P E A S.
P E A S on earth takes on a whole new meaning now, doesn’t it?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Feeling Sorry for Myself
I am decidedly unhappy today. I spent the morning taking Dad to the hospital for tests, then rearranging furniture at the folks (which Dad doesn't like so we'll probably end up putting it back the way it was) and setting up the oxygen apparatus in a different spot so the noise doesn't bother Mom. And now I'm sitting home and realizing how very much I miss Matt and Jessica. I haven't been back to Minnesota in over a year, and although I just saw Matt at Thanksgiving, I haven't seen Jessica at all. I'm so "homesick" for them I could cry. Part of the reason I keep so busy is so I don't feel the pain of missing them. But today, it isn't working.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A Day in the Life of Me
My sister, Paris, challenged her blog readers to post a day in our lives. I'm tempted to meld days together, since one day does not give a full picture of what my days are like, but I'll try to stay true to the actual events of yesterday.
8:00 a.m. Awake from yet another restless night of sleep. I do a lot of tossing and turning because I'm in desparate need of a good chiropractor. But I haven't found one yet. Get up, do something with my face and hair, get dressed and eat a hasty breakfast of cold cereal in anticipation of picking up my father to take him to his doctor's appointment in Jamestown (30 miles away.) It's snowing and blowing and I can't see across the road that runs in front of our house. At 8:45 my mother calls to say he doesn't want to go because of the weather and I don't argue. I call the doctor's office to cancel and reschedule his appointment, then call my mother back to tell her the date and time of the new appointment. We talk for about 20 minutes.
9:30 a.m. My husband and I sit down to a cup of coffee or two, then decide to go to Westfield (next town over) to turn in an application at the bank that I'd forgotten. We get back and I look over my notes for an article I'm writing for next week's newspaper, decide I'm not motivated enough to write anything at the moment. I check my email, blog, Facebook and chat briefly with a friend who is online.
11:00 a.m. Mom calls, Dad would like to go to Westfield sometime today. He doesn't drive anymore so I usually do their errands, shopping and take them where they need to go. I tell her I'll be over as soon as I make lunch. I make ruben sandwiches, then arrive at the folks about 11:30. Mom informs me that the guy who is delivering the oxygen for her called and she told him not to be there before noon. I figure the guy won't be there for at least another hour, so Dad and I have enough time to get to Westfield to the bank and store, and we leave.
12:15 p.m. Mom calls, the guy is there. Dad has done his banking (and chatting with the women) and I've gotten the stuff he needs at the pharmacy. We're not done with everything, but we rush back and figure we'll go back to Westfield later. The guy from the oxygen place is patiently waiting. We all get there and he explains how to use the big oxygen converter box (or whatever it's called), how to attach the tubing, where to set the valves, etc. It takes about an hour and a half to explain everything and sign all the paperwork. He leaves and Dad and I move the machine into the bedroom and lay out the tubing. I check the pellet stove in the kitchen, bring in a 40 pound bag of pellets and pour them into the hopper. Dad decides he's in too much pain from his hip and leg to go back to Westfield but there are still things he wants, particularly his liniment for his hip.
2:30 p.m. I leave the folks, go home and pick up Bob, drive back to Westfield (my third trip of the day). We go to Family Dollar, get what we can from the folk's list, go to Dollar General to get the rest of the list, go to the hardware store to get the caulking that was requested, go back to the pharmacy to return the liniment I bought that morning that wasn't what he wanted, exchange it for other stuff, and finally stop at McDonald's to get Mom a milkshake. Drive home where Bob drops me off so I can get some work done (writing), and he continues to my folks to deliver the stuff and collect the money.
3:30 p.m. Bob is delivering and I'm sitting at the computer trying to be creative. It's not working, so I go back downstairs, pick up my book (The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan, book 12 in a 14 book series, fantasy sci-fi) and read for half an hour. Bob gets back home. I have a hair appointment at 5:30 and I'm exhausted from all the running around, so I take a nap, asking Bob to wake me no later than 4:30. I'm just falling asleep and one of the cats jumps onto my lap. Go back to dozing and another cat jumps on the kitchen counter, pushing silverware to the floor with a clatter. No rest for the weary. Talk to Bob for a bit, then get ready to go get my hair colored.
5:30 p.m. Arrive at the salon, discuss what we're going to do with my hair (color, or rather strip the color and make it white in front). For the next hour and a half I get to relax, no answering phones, running errands or making beds or meals. (btw, I LOVE my hair!)
7:15 p.m. Arrive back home, try to decide what to do about supper. I'm so excited about my new "do" that I want to go out and celebrate with friends. But nobody is available such short notice, so we go out to dinner by ourselves. Have a nice steak dinner, relax and talk.
9:30 p.m. Go back to the folks to help set Mom up for her first night of oxygen. Sit and talk for awhile, then at 10:15 she decides it's time for bed. Go in and straighten all the tubing, help get it hooked up to her, make sure there aren't any tangles, say good night and turn off the light. Spend a couple minutes chatting with Dad, then leave to go back home.
10:45 p.m. Too wound up to go to sleep, so we read for awhile. At 11:45 I'm exhausted so we go to bed.
8:00 a.m. Awake from yet another restless night of sleep. I do a lot of tossing and turning because I'm in desparate need of a good chiropractor. But I haven't found one yet. Get up, do something with my face and hair, get dressed and eat a hasty breakfast of cold cereal in anticipation of picking up my father to take him to his doctor's appointment in Jamestown (30 miles away.) It's snowing and blowing and I can't see across the road that runs in front of our house. At 8:45 my mother calls to say he doesn't want to go because of the weather and I don't argue. I call the doctor's office to cancel and reschedule his appointment, then call my mother back to tell her the date and time of the new appointment. We talk for about 20 minutes.
9:30 a.m. My husband and I sit down to a cup of coffee or two, then decide to go to Westfield (next town over) to turn in an application at the bank that I'd forgotten. We get back and I look over my notes for an article I'm writing for next week's newspaper, decide I'm not motivated enough to write anything at the moment. I check my email, blog, Facebook and chat briefly with a friend who is online.
11:00 a.m. Mom calls, Dad would like to go to Westfield sometime today. He doesn't drive anymore so I usually do their errands, shopping and take them where they need to go. I tell her I'll be over as soon as I make lunch. I make ruben sandwiches, then arrive at the folks about 11:30. Mom informs me that the guy who is delivering the oxygen for her called and she told him not to be there before noon. I figure the guy won't be there for at least another hour, so Dad and I have enough time to get to Westfield to the bank and store, and we leave.
12:15 p.m. Mom calls, the guy is there. Dad has done his banking (and chatting with the women) and I've gotten the stuff he needs at the pharmacy. We're not done with everything, but we rush back and figure we'll go back to Westfield later. The guy from the oxygen place is patiently waiting. We all get there and he explains how to use the big oxygen converter box (or whatever it's called), how to attach the tubing, where to set the valves, etc. It takes about an hour and a half to explain everything and sign all the paperwork. He leaves and Dad and I move the machine into the bedroom and lay out the tubing. I check the pellet stove in the kitchen, bring in a 40 pound bag of pellets and pour them into the hopper. Dad decides he's in too much pain from his hip and leg to go back to Westfield but there are still things he wants, particularly his liniment for his hip.
2:30 p.m. I leave the folks, go home and pick up Bob, drive back to Westfield (my third trip of the day). We go to Family Dollar, get what we can from the folk's list, go to Dollar General to get the rest of the list, go to the hardware store to get the caulking that was requested, go back to the pharmacy to return the liniment I bought that morning that wasn't what he wanted, exchange it for other stuff, and finally stop at McDonald's to get Mom a milkshake. Drive home where Bob drops me off so I can get some work done (writing), and he continues to my folks to deliver the stuff and collect the money.
3:30 p.m. Bob is delivering and I'm sitting at the computer trying to be creative. It's not working, so I go back downstairs, pick up my book (The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan, book 12 in a 14 book series, fantasy sci-fi) and read for half an hour. Bob gets back home. I have a hair appointment at 5:30 and I'm exhausted from all the running around, so I take a nap, asking Bob to wake me no later than 4:30. I'm just falling asleep and one of the cats jumps onto my lap. Go back to dozing and another cat jumps on the kitchen counter, pushing silverware to the floor with a clatter. No rest for the weary. Talk to Bob for a bit, then get ready to go get my hair colored.
5:30 p.m. Arrive at the salon, discuss what we're going to do with my hair (color, or rather strip the color and make it white in front). For the next hour and a half I get to relax, no answering phones, running errands or making beds or meals. (btw, I LOVE my hair!)
7:15 p.m. Arrive back home, try to decide what to do about supper. I'm so excited about my new "do" that I want to go out and celebrate with friends. But nobody is available such short notice, so we go out to dinner by ourselves. Have a nice steak dinner, relax and talk.
9:30 p.m. Go back to the folks to help set Mom up for her first night of oxygen. Sit and talk for awhile, then at 10:15 she decides it's time for bed. Go in and straighten all the tubing, help get it hooked up to her, make sure there aren't any tangles, say good night and turn off the light. Spend a couple minutes chatting with Dad, then leave to go back home.
10:45 p.m. Too wound up to go to sleep, so we read for awhile. At 11:45 I'm exhausted so we go to bed.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
ALERT: This is a real post, not a copy of something I've written for the paper.... LOL
It's been an interesting week or so. I was asked three weeks ago to do an article on a little clothing store here in town where the clothes are free, and I finally got it done. In the process, however, I was told about a fire fighting class that was being held that moment at the firemen's field, so I went down there and ended up with pages of information that I'll put into another story and post when I get it done. I'm also scheduled to meet with the school superintendent, school board president and school principal to do an article on the money being spent, where it's going and why. Add to that my weekly column, and I'm a busy girl. Too bad I don't make more money at it. I only get paid 50 cents and inch (yeah, that's right, 50 lousy cents and inch and it isn't even a real inch!) for the stories I do for the paper.
I have a couple other things going on right now. I'm supposed to be putting together over a hundred photos and setting them to music for a woman who wants a video to give her children. I've had this stuff since November and haven't done much with it. I really need to get going on it, since she's paying me for it!
I volunteer at the library every Tuesday for an hour or two, usually resorting books that have been put back incorrectly. I enjoy it. It's quiet, I can concentrate on the file number of the books and still have time to contemplate.
I've volunteered to enter a chili cook-off! I was calling for information (for an article of course) and was told they had one more spot in the contest. What the heck, it's one pot of chili and I don't have to make it until March. The prize is a trophy (blah). I don't expect to win, but it'll be fun. I'm also going to be in a murder mystery this spring! It was supposed to be an old west setting, kind of like Marshall Dillon and Miss Kitty (for my British friends, that was an old western series back in the 50s and maybe 60s [can't remember] on t.v.) and I was going to be a bar room hussy. But turns out, it's more like Gilly's (BIG, modern country bar) and I'll be the local, hmm, trollop (?). I've been told by a couple people it was type casting, but I've changed! Really I have! LOL
I received a package from my dear friend Sue, from England. She had told me she was sending me a Bill Bryson book, but surprised me with two pair of over-the-knee socks, one with neon pink and black stripes, and one black with florescent green hearts. Awesome! I just love them. When I showed the striped ones to my dad, his comment was, "what the h--- are those hideous things?" LOL He adores Sue and when I told him they were from her he wondered what was wrong with her...
It's a whiteout outside. We're expecting 2 to 8 inches of snow, depending on which station you listen to, and the wind is whipping it around so you can't see the road. Lovely. Only one more month of winter, then comes March where anything goes! Have a great day everybody.
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