Wednesday, March 30, 2005
A RANT turns into a lesson......
I don't usually rant in my blog, but this is an exception.Yesterday morning, a service tech from our area cable company came to install Road Runner, so that we could finally enter the 21st century with fast cable access. Trouble was, no one thought to ask us if we had cable in the room where the computer is, and we didn't. So after weeks of anticipation, we had to wait yet another day. The guy came back this morning and put the cable in place, added the new modem and started the activation process........or so he thought. Something was keeping that from happening; he opined that "probably" their servers were down and all I had to do was follow the instructions in the booklet to get it activated sometime later in the day. Before he left, I tried to access my old server and I could not get connected or signed in to that either. So now, I had fast access to the web, but no email with either his company or my old one. This was extremely frustrating to me since I run a business and receive email everyday which should be responded to as quickly as possible.
Off and on all day I tried to activate RR, to no avail. Finally tonight I managed to get back onto MSN (remembering the tech telling me that he had unplugged the phone line from the back of the computer - and felt like an idiot for not remembering it sooner). I had to do a "system restore" and then I was able to access email. Luckily it was a slow email day; I only had 13.
I have decided that it is a lesson in patience for me; something of which I always need more, and to which I will forever aspire. Now I have to find the patience to call RR and find out what I can do to activate the service now that we are paying for it. Pray that I am able to be gracious to the person on the other line.
Off and on all day I tried to activate RR, to no avail. Finally tonight I managed to get back onto MSN (remembering the tech telling me that he had unplugged the phone line from the back of the computer - and felt like an idiot for not remembering it sooner). I had to do a "system restore" and then I was able to access email. Luckily it was a slow email day; I only had 13.
I have decided that it is a lesson in patience for me; something of which I always need more, and to which I will forever aspire. Now I have to find the patience to call RR and find out what I can do to activate the service now that we are paying for it. Pray that I am able to be gracious to the person on the other line.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Be careful what you brag about
Early last week I was bragging about how I had gone all Fall and Winter without getting sick, not even a cold. Now I wish I had kept my mouth shut, as it fell on me like a ton of bricks last Thursday. Sinus problems, severe headache (the raccoon-face type), runny nose, cough, swollen glands, etc. You get the picture.
There is never a good time to be sick, but of course, Easter was not one of the best, since we had big family doings. Four of my grandchildren were being Baptized and taking their First Communions, so the whole family converged on my daughter's home for the weekend. I ended up staying in the hotel, shivering under the covers and using a whole box of tissues in a few hours. Never have I been more miserable (except when I had pneumonia) and it is not much better yet. Surely I will enter the land of the living soon, at least I am telling myself that I will. Catch you later......
Friday, March 25, 2005
So long, Cayce......say hello to Dude, Muffin and Maggie
I have to say goodbye tonight to a wonderful dog named Cayce. My son had Cayce for 13 years and she was one of the nicest and most gentle dogs I have ever known. When E & G were small, they crawled all over Cayce and she would look on lovingly and indulgently, as through they were her puppies and not children. Cayce was part yellow lab and part white shepherd and she was an imposing 90 or so lbs. Sometimes they would bring her when they came home to visit, and if my son went out and left her here, she sat beside the door, whining and howling until he returned. I have seldom seen a more devoted dog and it made me even more fond of her. As she got older, she developed the most horrible halitosis and body odor, and no remedy seemed to relieve it for long. We sort of shunned her sometimes, and I know it hurt her feelings. I have decided to ask her forgiveness and to remember that as I age, I will most probably be in the same boat, and I sure hope no one shuns me because of it!
I have known lots of wonderful dogs during my life; in addition to Cayce, there was Dude (Cayce's crazy housemate), Muffin the cairn and Maggie the border collie, Pete the bulldog and Kippy the black cocker spaniel. They all brought me untold joy (and some sorrow too) and I would not trade my memories of them for the world. I now own two black cats and they are good for another whole post by themselves. Cherish your pets, I charge you, for you never know how long they will be with you.
American Idol.......or idyll........and Idle American
American Idol is getting better every season. Seems they are attracting (among all the seriously deluded quacks) some singers of a higher quality than ever before. I do wonder if all the publicity they are getting this time is random or planned. When Mario quit, it created a lot of buzz as to why. I think it was a very smart career move on Mario's part, and as he alluded, you have not seen the last of him. This week, when the producers unbelieveably flashed incorrect phone numbers for three of the contestants - I wondered if it was done simply to get some more hype in the news or if it was a simple error. Methinks I am finally losing my naivete (long past the age when I should have), and I do hate being turned into a cynic.
American idyll: Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii. As I have posted before, I would move there in a heartbeat if I had no living relatives here on the mainland. It is truly paradise, and while I am not by nature a jealous person, I might be tempted to envy those who live in paradise.
Idle American: there are too many of these; I am well acquainted with a few who have too much time on their hands. Enough said. I could get in trouble for saying more, but believe me, I could preach a very long sermon about it.
American idyll: Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii. As I have posted before, I would move there in a heartbeat if I had no living relatives here on the mainland. It is truly paradise, and while I am not by nature a jealous person, I might be tempted to envy those who live in paradise.
Idle American: there are too many of these; I am well acquainted with a few who have too much time on their hands. Enough said. I could get in trouble for saying more, but believe me, I could preach a very long sermon about it.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it........
I'm about to lose control and I KNOW I like it! Being Blog of the Day has brought more of you to justaskjudy than I ever dreamed. And best of all, Michele (micheleagnew.com) has added me to her blogroll! Now I feel compelled to learn HTML, add a site meter, learn to post photos and all that technical stuff which has escaped me to this point. Well, maybe some day........or maybe I'll get my kids to do it for me. To all of you who read my blog today I say thanks very much and I do hope you'll return occasionally.
If you've read back in the archives, you know I am a wedding florist. I started this blog in the hopes of corresponding with and ultimately helping brides and their Moms with wedding questions. It has not worked out that way, and that is not a bad thing. But if you know someone who is planning a wedding and has a need for advice (or even just a shoulder to cry on) I'm available - so send them my way.
Initially, justaskjudy was meant to be a full-blown web-site (since the name of my business "Tickle Your Fancy.com" was already taken), and I paid to reserve that domain for about six years. I finally realized that it would probably never become a reality, so I stopped paying for the domain, and very shortly thereafter, I discovered blogs. It was meant to happen this way, no doubt. I try to go with the flow of life and this seemed very much a part of it.
Every English major in the universe fantasizes they will one day write the "Great American Novel", and I am no exception. The problem is I could never come up with a plot, a great story or believable characters. Maybe I was cut out to write a blog. Maybe I have found a way to be of help, of cheer, of reporting reality in such a way as to be meaningful to others. I surely hope so.
Since I know that at least one of you is going to wonder how I came up with the name for my business, I'll tell that before I stop for the night. Years ago my husband frequently suggested that I start a business; he thought a craft store might be good. I didn't agree, as they were starting to mushroom at that time, but I had no other ideas. One night I had a dream so vivid that I sat straight up in bed and said, "If I ever do start a business, I know what I will call it - "Tickle Your Fancy". My husband remarked that name sounded like a massage parlour, but I laughed it off because it is a name that can cover many types of endeavor. In the dream, I was the owner of a business with that name - but on awakening - I had no memory of what type business it was. About 3 years later, a restaurant opened here in Raleigh with that name and I was rather insulted, believing they had stolen my name (even though they didn't know it). Luckily for me, that restaurant closed down about a year later, and when I started my business, I had to have an attorney research the state records to see if they had incorporated. They had not - so I immediately got my business license in that name. Now, twenty-two years later, it is still viable, and I give thanks for that daily.
Since I first found out
Since I first found out that justaskjudy would be 'Blog of the Day' on March 23rd, I have been trying hard to think of something wonderful and witty to say, but alas, nothing has come to mind (at least nothing you'd be interested in - or I'd be unembarrassed to write about) so suffice it to say WELCOME to my blog. I hope you'll spend some time in the archives and find something which interests you enough to come back now and then.
I would be remiss if I didn't thank the "Blog of the Day" for choosing 'justaskjudy', so please know I am very grateful for your kindness.
My writing here has been random at best; whatever happens or is brought to memory. When reading other blogs I am usually led to remember something similar, and I feel like a copycat for writing on the same or a similar subject. But perhaps that is not a bad thing; if I spark a memory for you, one which makes you happy or wistful , you might be thankful that you've been made to remember it at this moment, and if so, I would consider it a compliment if you 'ran with that ball' on your blog.
Speaking of blogs, I have waaaay too many of them bookmarked and I am definitely addicted to a few. I would like to have a permanent list for you, but I am new to the computer - and so illiterate of its workings - that I don't know how to make a list. I do plan to post a list of favorites soon, so hang around and you may find a few you're glad to know about. Some of you are so poetic in your 'turns of phrase' and I am a little envious of you as well as those who are so funny I laugh out loud. You've brought me many hours of chuckles, laughs, good memories and even furthered my education, and for that I thank you. Thanks for stopping by.......and ya'll come back now, ya' heah?
I would be remiss if I didn't thank the "Blog of the Day" for choosing 'justaskjudy', so please know I am very grateful for your kindness.
My writing here has been random at best; whatever happens or is brought to memory. When reading other blogs I am usually led to remember something similar, and I feel like a copycat for writing on the same or a similar subject. But perhaps that is not a bad thing; if I spark a memory for you, one which makes you happy or wistful , you might be thankful that you've been made to remember it at this moment, and if so, I would consider it a compliment if you 'ran with that ball' on your blog.
Speaking of blogs, I have waaaay too many of them bookmarked and I am definitely addicted to a few. I would like to have a permanent list for you, but I am new to the computer - and so illiterate of its workings - that I don't know how to make a list. I do plan to post a list of favorites soon, so hang around and you may find a few you're glad to know about. Some of you are so poetic in your 'turns of phrase' and I am a little envious of you as well as those who are so funny I laugh out loud. You've brought me many hours of chuckles, laughs, good memories and even furthered my education, and for that I thank you. Thanks for stopping by.......and ya'll come back now, ya' heah?
Monday, March 21, 2005
Ahhhhh, the sounds of Spring...........
Spring is determined to make its presence known around here and the last two days have been glorious. Early this morning one of the harbingers of spring began trumpeting its chorus; no, not the fat red robins or glossy black crows frequently seen in our cul-de-sac - but the humongous tree service truck at the house across the street. Thank God I went to the dentist at 9:00, because I am here to tell you that the sound of the dentist's drill is to me more preferable to the constant, loud drone of chain saws and wood chippers. The tree truck didn't leave until almost dark, which probably means that they will have to come back tomorrow to finish the job.
My neighbor, according to his wife, is not happy unless he has a project. He is always planning or executing some addition or rearrangment of their property (or extraction, as was the case today). Actually, he doesn't "do" any work - he just hires it done and writes the checks. Their gardener/yard man works six days a week and sometimes seven. They could easily win a contest (if we ever had one) for best yard in the neighborhood, while mine would win the booby prize as the worst. That may be a slight exaggeration; at least my yard does not have waist-high weeds, as one does. Seems we go from the sublime to the ridiculous and our yard fits into the category of "Why don't they do something about their landscaping!" In my next life, I have promised myself to marry a man whose priorities match mine, at least where appearances are concerned.
My neighbor, according to his wife, is not happy unless he has a project. He is always planning or executing some addition or rearrangment of their property (or extraction, as was the case today). Actually, he doesn't "do" any work - he just hires it done and writes the checks. Their gardener/yard man works six days a week and sometimes seven. They could easily win a contest (if we ever had one) for best yard in the neighborhood, while mine would win the booby prize as the worst. That may be a slight exaggeration; at least my yard does not have waist-high weeds, as one does. Seems we go from the sublime to the ridiculous and our yard fits into the category of "Why don't they do something about their landscaping!" In my next life, I have promised myself to marry a man whose priorities match mine, at least where appearances are concerned.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
I need more music in my life
I've decided that I need more music in my life.....not the kind I listen to on CD or radio, but the kind I make myself. As a child, I played piano, taking lessons for about 5 years. I told myself I hated lessons at the time, and I finally convinced my Mom to let me quit. Funny thing was that after she let me quit, I played more piano every day than I had in a month before I quit. That became my norm, and I would play piano everyday after school and weekends. After I started college (still living at home) I played less, but still loved doing it. My Mom had the audacity to sell our Baldwin baby grand and buy a Hammond organ. She thought she would learn to play, but it never happened, and I was so mad at her for selling my piano that I refused to learn the organ. After a while, I began to fiddle around with it, and I got so I could play fairly well or at least enough to satisfy my urges, but I still missed my piano.
After I married and had kids, I used to play for them everyday when they came home from school. We had many songs we sang together, such as "You are my sunshine" and it was a very sweet thing to do together. Little by little, life intruded, they scattered to their friend's homes after school, and I spent less and less time making my own music.
Reading tonight some blogs produced by music makers, chiefly http://pratie.blogspot.com, and the harpist she recommended, I have realized that what is missing in my life is self-produced music. I still wish I had a piano instead of this old organ, but since that is likely never to happen, perhaps I should make use of what I have instead of mourning for what I lost. I'm going to play the organ tomorrow and maybe my soul will sing again, as well as my body.
After I married and had kids, I used to play for them everyday when they came home from school. We had many songs we sang together, such as "You are my sunshine" and it was a very sweet thing to do together. Little by little, life intruded, they scattered to their friend's homes after school, and I spent less and less time making my own music.
Reading tonight some blogs produced by music makers, chiefly http://pratie.blogspot.com, and the harpist she recommended, I have realized that what is missing in my life is self-produced music. I still wish I had a piano instead of this old organ, but since that is likely never to happen, perhaps I should make use of what I have instead of mourning for what I lost. I'm going to play the organ tomorrow and maybe my soul will sing again, as well as my body.
Thanks, Michele!
Thanks to Michele, some new people are leaving comments for me, and I love it. My posts of the last several days have been rather glum, but they are not always so, and I hope you will come back often and share your thoughts. I do promise to visit each and every one of you too......
Are we not entitled?
Are we not entitled to our own opinions? I've been surfing blogs tonight and there have been some good ones, some that created a sense of fun such as http://www.micheleagnew.com/main/2005/03/the_weekend_mee_2.html. I love her questions, and I especially liked her 'stream of consciousness' post. However, I have recently been reading a blog - which shall be nameless - and I just get the feeling they don't really like it if you post a comment which differs from their own opinions. If all we did was agree with every blogger we read, what would be the fun in doing it? The world would be an incredibly boring place if we all agreed with each other about every subject, wouldn't it?
Thursday, March 17, 2005
It seems I was a little premature.....
Apparently I was premature in saying the Arctic oil bill had passed; it has only passed one hurdle and not the full Congress. I apologize for giving the wrong impression. However, this affords us a little time to write our reps in DC and let them know of our opposition to this bill.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
A Travesty in the Making
I am usually apolitical, however there is truly a travesty in the making tonight, and I am compelled to speak of it. Dubya was successful in furthering his quest for Artic oil and I am appalled that this bill was passed. I predict that in the future, our children will be wringing their hands and gnashing their teeth and asking "What have we done?" or more properly, "Why did our parents allow this to happen?" I am so cynical where he is concerned, that it would not surprise me in the least to learn that he caused gas prices to rise precipitously so that he would be able to ram this bill through for passage. (Don't tell me about the war - I know - and he caused that too). I also understand, though I don't know all the details, that it was tacked onto another bill, which probably helped it to pass as quickly as it did. Shame, shame, shame on us. We WILL live to regret this day.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
BEWARE the ides of March.
One of Shakespeare's characters once warned us to beware the ides of March and I can't remember why. Today is actually pretty nice. Spring is teasing us in the last month or so, with little glimpses of the paradise it can be........but then we are thrown back into a hell of cold temps and soggy weather. We have that forecasted for tomorrow, which makes today's warmth and sunshine all the more poignant. It's tough to be on a yo-yo.
One of my favorite bloggers ( http://threeyearsentence.blogspot.com ) has been writing about memories of structures from his childhood; previous homes, etc. It reminded me of a shack we once discovered out in the middle of nowhere while on a long hike during summer camp. We hung back, very curious, but not sure we should defile this long-abandoned house. The camp counselor decided it would be okay as long as we trod carefully; watchful for rotted floor boards and resident snakes. We tip-toed in single file, eyes wide, to find small rooms completely papered from floor to ceiling in old newspapers from the 1920's and early 1930's. We were enthralled with the old advertisements for products and movies and stood reading so long that the counselor had to pull us out of there so we could go back to the camp. My favorite was an ad for a movie starring Ramon Navarro, whom I had never seen but had heard my grandmother raving about. He was apparently the Brad Pitt (or Johnny Depp to you, Brenda) of his day.
When my children were small and our family was on a car trip, my husband talked so much about old homes and abandoned barns that my kids were bored silly. They began to refer to his "orations" as Tape # 751. He always wondered out loud how old they were, and how long it might have been since they were inhabited and how it came to be that they were derelict. The kids always groaned when he started, but I think it placed in them the interest in (if not love for) the same things. Most likely, they will bore their kids silly too. And so it goes..................
One of my favorite bloggers ( http://threeyearsentence.blogspot.com ) has been writing about memories of structures from his childhood; previous homes, etc. It reminded me of a shack we once discovered out in the middle of nowhere while on a long hike during summer camp. We hung back, very curious, but not sure we should defile this long-abandoned house. The camp counselor decided it would be okay as long as we trod carefully; watchful for rotted floor boards and resident snakes. We tip-toed in single file, eyes wide, to find small rooms completely papered from floor to ceiling in old newspapers from the 1920's and early 1930's. We were enthralled with the old advertisements for products and movies and stood reading so long that the counselor had to pull us out of there so we could go back to the camp. My favorite was an ad for a movie starring Ramon Navarro, whom I had never seen but had heard my grandmother raving about. He was apparently the Brad Pitt (or Johnny Depp to you, Brenda) of his day.
When my children were small and our family was on a car trip, my husband talked so much about old homes and abandoned barns that my kids were bored silly. They began to refer to his "orations" as Tape # 751. He always wondered out loud how old they were, and how long it might have been since they were inhabited and how it came to be that they were derelict. The kids always groaned when he started, but I think it placed in them the interest in (if not love for) the same things. Most likely, they will bore their kids silly too. And so it goes..................
Blog time
I have just spent the last hour and a half reading the most recent posts in the blogs I have bookmarked in my favorites list (about 20 of them), which gives me no time to write in my own. You guys shouldn't be so compelling! Next time, I'll write here first.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Continuing the animal news.......
I stole this info from http://zeneece.blogspot.com/ Thanks, ZeNeece! Hope you don't mind.
Cat Shoots Owner: "BATES TOWNSHIP, Mich. - A man cooking in his kitchen was shot after one of his cats knocked his 9mm handgun onto the floor, discharging the weapon, Michigan State Police said. Joseph Stanton, 29, of Bates Township in Iron County, was shot in his lower torso around 6 p.m. Tuesday, the state police post in Iron River reported. He was transported to Iron County Community Hospital."
Remind me never to leave a gun on the kitchen table, since my cats are famous for knocking things over. The most damage they have done so far is to attack a large vase of lilies, spilling the water and staining the small rug my Mom had hand-hooked back in the day. It's either the cats - or my husband. He will turn over almost every vase of flowers I put on the kitchen counter and blame it on the telephone cord or the TV antenna. Why can't he just admit he was careless?
Cat Shoots Owner: "BATES TOWNSHIP, Mich. - A man cooking in his kitchen was shot after one of his cats knocked his 9mm handgun onto the floor, discharging the weapon, Michigan State Police said. Joseph Stanton, 29, of Bates Township in Iron County, was shot in his lower torso around 6 p.m. Tuesday, the state police post in Iron River reported. He was transported to Iron County Community Hospital."
Remind me never to leave a gun on the kitchen table, since my cats are famous for knocking things over. The most damage they have done so far is to attack a large vase of lilies, spilling the water and staining the small rug my Mom had hand-hooked back in the day. It's either the cats - or my husband. He will turn over almost every vase of flowers I put on the kitchen counter and blame it on the telephone cord or the TV antenna. Why can't he just admit he was careless?
Friday, March 11, 2005
Monkey porn?
I read in the paper today about some chimps who were being used for research, and I am not sure what the scientists were trying to prove, but their findings are fairly interesting. They showed photos of female chimp's private parts to male chimps, who actually were so interested in the photos that they would forego food in order to see them.
Would you have ever believed such a thing could be true? What does this say about chimps? What does it say about males in general and what does it say about the researcher who came up with the notion to do it? What was he trying to prove?
Maybe he was trying to get the chimps to donate sperm!
I hope the researchers don't ever try withholding food from my husband.....he wouldn't cooperate at all, as nothing keeps him away from food except sleep.
Would you have ever believed such a thing could be true? What does this say about chimps? What does it say about males in general and what does it say about the researcher who came up with the notion to do it? What was he trying to prove?
Maybe he was trying to get the chimps to donate sperm!
I hope the researchers don't ever try withholding food from my husband.....he wouldn't cooperate at all, as nothing keeps him away from food except sleep.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Bare bellies, knobby knees and boobs.......
My shopping trip today was almost a total bust. Everywhere I look there are clothes meant for young, trim, nubile bodies and mine does not fit that description any more. I used to be built like Kate Moss (before Kate Moss was the paragon) and now I am built a little more like Kate Smith (you oldies will know who she was). All the clothes at Stein Mart, where I went to spend the last of my Christmas gift card, are either pink, aqua or acid green, and full of polka-dots, horizontal stripes, sequins or ruffles, which I didn't like even when I was built to wear them. Everything I tried on was too tight, too short, too revealing of my bulges and bumps.
My lunch companion (age 78) yesterday was singing a similar tale of woe. She needs a dress for a wedding in April; is dreading shopping and fears she will never be able to find anything suitable that is also stylish. We were window shopping after lunch and saw items with bare midriffs and necklines to match. My advice was for her to check out the local department stores, which tend to be somewhat more conservative, or at least they still cater to women 'of a certain age'.
Part of my problem is that I always think of myself as I was at age 25-30; too thin, able to wear absolutely anything and get away with it. When I try on clothes and look in the mirror, it is a quick trip into the harsh reality of today - and a sad reminder that I don't look like that anymore. It is depressing and either I come home emptyhanded - or I buy earrings and purses to fill up the vacant spots inside. Pitiful is the word that comes to mind.
However, being older and chubby is better than some alternatives; I am healthy and able to be (mostly) cheerful. I am active and productive and I try to be helpful and encouraging to others. So I must content myself with those adjectives and forget about the young woman I used to be. But I would ask you to remember that inside my chubby body, that young, thin, exciting woman still resides. She's just obscured a little nowadays.
My lunch companion (age 78) yesterday was singing a similar tale of woe. She needs a dress for a wedding in April; is dreading shopping and fears she will never be able to find anything suitable that is also stylish. We were window shopping after lunch and saw items with bare midriffs and necklines to match. My advice was for her to check out the local department stores, which tend to be somewhat more conservative, or at least they still cater to women 'of a certain age'.
Part of my problem is that I always think of myself as I was at age 25-30; too thin, able to wear absolutely anything and get away with it. When I try on clothes and look in the mirror, it is a quick trip into the harsh reality of today - and a sad reminder that I don't look like that anymore. It is depressing and either I come home emptyhanded - or I buy earrings and purses to fill up the vacant spots inside. Pitiful is the word that comes to mind.
However, being older and chubby is better than some alternatives; I am healthy and able to be (mostly) cheerful. I am active and productive and I try to be helpful and encouraging to others. So I must content myself with those adjectives and forget about the young woman I used to be. But I would ask you to remember that inside my chubby body, that young, thin, exciting woman still resides. She's just obscured a little nowadays.
So little time
I've been so busy reading other people's blogs that I haven't had time to write in my own.
The women in my neighborhood formed a group 3-4 years ago; the purpose of which was social, educational and just plain fun. We call ourselves "Women of W_______" (our subdivision name begins with "W") or WOW for short. Not everyone participates every time, but most will make time for a few of our meetings every year. Some of the things we have done are: toured museums (and had lunch), gone to an educational documentary at our IMAX theater (and had lunch), attended an open rehearsal of our symphony (and had lunch) painted pottery at Bisque Art (and had lunch). Sometimes we just go out for lunch! Some of our get-togethers are at night, and they usually revolve around food (do you see a trend?). Once in a while we have a dinner, and a local chef and cooking teacher will come into one of our homes and cook a theme dinner, bring wines apropos to the meal, and we all watch him cook and then eat (even though we are really supposed to participate in the cooking process, most do not). We have to have a minimum number of people for this type event, and sometimes we have to throw it open for friends to come, in order to make our required quota. My friend Pam has attended these occasions, and she eventually was made an "honorary WOW". Last night, she had a seated, pot-luck dinner in her home, in order to thank those of us who have hosted her in the past. Twenty two women came and I can truly say "A good time was had by all".
I made pork tenderloin with cherry/cranberry sauce, Nancy made extraordinary beef tenderloin, and everyone else brought either a side-dish, a salad, a dessert or wine. There was an amazing amount of excellent food, plus an early birthday cake for Nancy, who organizes the group's meetings. Pam is a spectacular hostess and her home sparkled with warmth, as does her personality. I tend to serve on paper plates, if there are more than 6 people present, but Pam served us with fine china, real silver and linen napkins!!Our friend Jackie (her neighbor) helped her prepare and made luscious bacon-wrapped scallops. Jackie, you are on notice - I WANT MORE! Pam pressed her husband, David, into service as bartender for the evening. I must say he handled himself with a great deal of grace in the presence of so much estrogen!
Previously, Nancy, who organizes our events has provided favors for us to take home, items such as canape spreaders or pastry brushes. We decided to carry out a "Spring" theme and have fresh flowers in small pots as favors, as well as a main centerpiece on each of three tables. Pam and her parents painted the small pots, Jackie decorated them with polka-dots and squiggles, and I was tapped to do the flowers. Pam and I collected flowers from various sources, and on Tuesday, I set out to do the 31 arrangements. Four hours later, I had finished. I am a professional florist, but I am not as fast as most. I like to take my time and enjoy the process, which I cannot do if I am rushed. I added small bits of whimsy, such as miniature fruits and vegetables, small bird's nests with eggs, raffia bows, snails and frogs. They were appreciated by all, I think.
The women in my neighborhood formed a group 3-4 years ago; the purpose of which was social, educational and just plain fun. We call ourselves "Women of W_______" (our subdivision name begins with "W") or WOW for short. Not everyone participates every time, but most will make time for a few of our meetings every year. Some of the things we have done are: toured museums (and had lunch), gone to an educational documentary at our IMAX theater (and had lunch), attended an open rehearsal of our symphony (and had lunch) painted pottery at Bisque Art (and had lunch). Sometimes we just go out for lunch! Some of our get-togethers are at night, and they usually revolve around food (do you see a trend?). Once in a while we have a dinner, and a local chef and cooking teacher will come into one of our homes and cook a theme dinner, bring wines apropos to the meal, and we all watch him cook and then eat (even though we are really supposed to participate in the cooking process, most do not). We have to have a minimum number of people for this type event, and sometimes we have to throw it open for friends to come, in order to make our required quota. My friend Pam has attended these occasions, and she eventually was made an "honorary WOW". Last night, she had a seated, pot-luck dinner in her home, in order to thank those of us who have hosted her in the past. Twenty two women came and I can truly say "A good time was had by all".
I made pork tenderloin with cherry/cranberry sauce, Nancy made extraordinary beef tenderloin, and everyone else brought either a side-dish, a salad, a dessert or wine. There was an amazing amount of excellent food, plus an early birthday cake for Nancy, who organizes the group's meetings. Pam is a spectacular hostess and her home sparkled with warmth, as does her personality. I tend to serve on paper plates, if there are more than 6 people present, but Pam served us with fine china, real silver and linen napkins!!Our friend Jackie (her neighbor) helped her prepare and made luscious bacon-wrapped scallops. Jackie, you are on notice - I WANT MORE! Pam pressed her husband, David, into service as bartender for the evening. I must say he handled himself with a great deal of grace in the presence of so much estrogen!
Previously, Nancy, who organizes our events has provided favors for us to take home, items such as canape spreaders or pastry brushes. We decided to carry out a "Spring" theme and have fresh flowers in small pots as favors, as well as a main centerpiece on each of three tables. Pam and her parents painted the small pots, Jackie decorated them with polka-dots and squiggles, and I was tapped to do the flowers. Pam and I collected flowers from various sources, and on Tuesday, I set out to do the 31 arrangements. Four hours later, I had finished. I am a professional florist, but I am not as fast as most. I like to take my time and enjoy the process, which I cannot do if I am rushed. I added small bits of whimsy, such as miniature fruits and vegetables, small bird's nests with eggs, raffia bows, snails and frogs. They were appreciated by all, I think.
We WOW's are truly blessed, I think. We all benefit from the camadarie of our get-togethers and the creativity of our neighbors. If you have no such association in your area, I suggest you look into starting one. I am available for advice on the subject........ you can "just ask Judy".
Monday, March 07, 2005
I read in "Venture Inward".......
In the Jan/Feb issue of "Venture Inward" magazine (published by the Association for Research and Enlightenment), I read an interesting article about new research into "False Memories". According to research conducted by Elizabeth Loftus at the University of California at Irvine and published in the journal Social Cognition, false memories are easily implanted, especially those having to do with food. They collected actual memories from students, recorded them in a list and inserted a false memory. They waited a week and had the person read their list of memories. When asked about the false memory, most tended to recall it, as if it were true. The fake memories (in this case) all had to do with food likes and dislikes.
I was reminded of this article when reading Pratie Place (http://pratie.blogspot.com) this afternoon, in regards to teachers getting poor reviews from their students. It seems that some teachers are so afraid of getting a bad review that they go to extreme lengths to be liked - or at least not to be disliked. Perhaps they could practice implanting false memories into their students, making them believe that their teacher is the best they've ever had. As Judy Tenuta would say, "It could happen".
Also in the same magazine, there is mention of a new book titled "The Essential Edgar Cayce", by Mark Thurston, Ph.D. It lists the twelve key themes in Cayce's philosophy. They are:
1. Everything is connected; all is one.
2. Life is purposeful.
3. Approach life as an adventure.
4. Be noncompetitive; show compassion.
5. Take responsibility for yourself.
6. Look ahead rather than back.
7. Changing anything starts with an ideal.
8. All time is one time.
9. Success cannot be measured by material standards.
10. Courage is essential to any spiritual growth.
11. Evil is real and comes in many forms.
12. Learn to stand up for yourself; learn to say no when it's needed.
In an article by Raye Mathis, I found this: "To paraphrase the Cayce reading's philosophy on good and evil - man was put into the flesh in order to learn how to decide between good and evil. Evil is a necessity to understand good. The comparison of the two leads to the right choice. And making the choice is the exercise of Will. Without the awareness of all we are capable of, we miss the opportunity to strengthen the Will. As individuals, we sometimes say, 'I just don't know what came over me', when we have acted out of character. If we slough it off as an aberation, not really a part of who we are, then you can be sure it will take control again at some unsuspecting moment. To exercise our Will we must have before us clear choices: right and wrong. "
Okay class.........discuss and report back tomorrow (and you will remember me as a great teacher, won't you?)
I was reminded of this article when reading Pratie Place (http://pratie.blogspot.com) this afternoon, in regards to teachers getting poor reviews from their students. It seems that some teachers are so afraid of getting a bad review that they go to extreme lengths to be liked - or at least not to be disliked. Perhaps they could practice implanting false memories into their students, making them believe that their teacher is the best they've ever had. As Judy Tenuta would say, "It could happen".
Also in the same magazine, there is mention of a new book titled "The Essential Edgar Cayce", by Mark Thurston, Ph.D. It lists the twelve key themes in Cayce's philosophy. They are:
1. Everything is connected; all is one.
2. Life is purposeful.
3. Approach life as an adventure.
4. Be noncompetitive; show compassion.
5. Take responsibility for yourself.
6. Look ahead rather than back.
7. Changing anything starts with an ideal.
8. All time is one time.
9. Success cannot be measured by material standards.
10. Courage is essential to any spiritual growth.
11. Evil is real and comes in many forms.
12. Learn to stand up for yourself; learn to say no when it's needed.
In an article by Raye Mathis, I found this: "To paraphrase the Cayce reading's philosophy on good and evil - man was put into the flesh in order to learn how to decide between good and evil. Evil is a necessity to understand good. The comparison of the two leads to the right choice. And making the choice is the exercise of Will. Without the awareness of all we are capable of, we miss the opportunity to strengthen the Will. As individuals, we sometimes say, 'I just don't know what came over me', when we have acted out of character. If we slough it off as an aberation, not really a part of who we are, then you can be sure it will take control again at some unsuspecting moment. To exercise our Will we must have before us clear choices: right and wrong. "
Okay class.........discuss and report back tomorrow (and you will remember me as a great teacher, won't you?)
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Accomplishments? I think not......
It has occurred to me, as I reread my ten things list, and peruse other's lists, that the things I mention in mine are not MY accomplishments, but rather things that have 'happened' to me. Except for the zip lines in Costa Rica, nothing I mentioned was a personal action which I instigated. Mine are mostly accidents of time, place and circumstance, and I am rather dismayed by that.
Never have I (nor will I) climb mountains or run marathons or wrestle alligators (although some of the guys I dated and wrestled in high school/college could have passed for alligators). I am not known for writing books, endowing a college scholarship, curing cancer, running for office or making a difference in the lives of any people outside my family.
Supposedly, it is never too late to remedy our regrets at paths not taken in life, difficult as those remedies may be. Is there time left for me? Will I ever be able to prove my life meant something; that I truly had an important function in the world - not merely taking up space in it? When I think about the things I have done which I could be, if not proud of, at least content with, my children come to mind. I have three, all of whom are good, ethical people, leading productive lives and allowing their father and me to revel in those lives vicariously (while trying not to be excessive about it). They are truly my greatest accomplishments - and yet children are the greatest accomplishments of countless millions of people - so that does not set me apart.
Owning my successful small business doesn't count, since many others have done that, although I do have gratitude for being instrumental in making upwards of 700 brides and their parents happy, but that is so fleeting as to be of little importance after the fact.
I think we all wonder what we have been put on Earth to accomplish and I am certainly no exception. But it has become clear to me that I still don't have a handle on that purpose as of yet. I do hope it will be made clear to me soon, before it is too late to achieve it.
Never have I (nor will I) climb mountains or run marathons or wrestle alligators (although some of the guys I dated and wrestled in high school/college could have passed for alligators). I am not known for writing books, endowing a college scholarship, curing cancer, running for office or making a difference in the lives of any people outside my family.
Supposedly, it is never too late to remedy our regrets at paths not taken in life, difficult as those remedies may be. Is there time left for me? Will I ever be able to prove my life meant something; that I truly had an important function in the world - not merely taking up space in it? When I think about the things I have done which I could be, if not proud of, at least content with, my children come to mind. I have three, all of whom are good, ethical people, leading productive lives and allowing their father and me to revel in those lives vicariously (while trying not to be excessive about it). They are truly my greatest accomplishments - and yet children are the greatest accomplishments of countless millions of people - so that does not set me apart.
Owning my successful small business doesn't count, since many others have done that, although I do have gratitude for being instrumental in making upwards of 700 brides and their parents happy, but that is so fleeting as to be of little importance after the fact.
I think we all wonder what we have been put on Earth to accomplish and I am certainly no exception. But it has become clear to me that I still don't have a handle on that purpose as of yet. I do hope it will be made clear to me soon, before it is too late to achieve it.
My Baby has moved to the big city
My baby moved to Manhattan yesterday, and I am proud of her, excited for her and not sure of how I really feel about it all. Someone asked me today if I worried about her being so close to the site of the World Trade Center (she wil live 2 blocks from it), but as I replied, she lived about 2 miles from the Pentagon and worked on Pennsylvania Avenue until yesterday - so I guess NYC is no worse for security purposes.
She has always wanted to live where her father grew up, and so when the opportunity arose, she took that bull by the horns. When cruising the web looking for apartments to rent, she found a promising one and called the currrent resident. That woman was moving to the DC area, but wanted to live in Arlington. Guess what - that is where my daughter lived. So on the weekend when my daughter went to NYC to see apts., that woman was in DC looking at hers.
My daughter did rent that apartment, taking over the 6 months left in the lease. That way, if she is unhappy in that location, she can always move six months from now. I am told that the apartment is half the size of the one in Arlington - at twice the price. I really hope she decides it is worth it to live in such a small space. Luckily, her office is only 2 blocks from her new apartment. She also found out that both the office and the apartment are on the same subway line, so if the weather is bad, she will not need to go outdoors. That is one big plus in comparison to DC, where she spent half her life on the Metro. Tune in often, and I will recount her trials, tribulations and explorations. That girl truly never has a dull moment in her life, so it will prove interesting (at least to me).
She has always wanted to live where her father grew up, and so when the opportunity arose, she took that bull by the horns. When cruising the web looking for apartments to rent, she found a promising one and called the currrent resident. That woman was moving to the DC area, but wanted to live in Arlington. Guess what - that is where my daughter lived. So on the weekend when my daughter went to NYC to see apts., that woman was in DC looking at hers.
My daughter did rent that apartment, taking over the 6 months left in the lease. That way, if she is unhappy in that location, she can always move six months from now. I am told that the apartment is half the size of the one in Arlington - at twice the price. I really hope she decides it is worth it to live in such a small space. Luckily, her office is only 2 blocks from her new apartment. She also found out that both the office and the apartment are on the same subway line, so if the weather is bad, she will not need to go outdoors. That is one big plus in comparison to DC, where she spent half her life on the Metro. Tune in often, and I will recount her trials, tribulations and explorations. That girl truly never has a dull moment in her life, so it will prove interesting (at least to me).
When I ask for orange - I really want orange.....
I am designing flowers for a big party this weekend, and I ordered hot-orange gerbera daisies. The guy at my wholesale florist co. called today and said that what he got from the grower was red. Why, in heaven's name would a grower send red if orange was what I ordered?? Well, I know why - they are hoping you'll decide you can use red after all. But this time I can't, so they had to order for overnight delivery from another grower, which puts me at least 1/2 day behind schedule. Plus, the hot pink lilies I ordered turned out to be a pale pink and the tulips, which were supposed to be medium pink were orangey pink. Sometimes it wouldn't matter to have this color difference, but this party is such that I need to stay within the proscribed color choices, in order to coordinate with the color of the linen.
"Roll with the punches" seems to be good advice for this situation, but I have a hard time dealing with incompetence or worse yet, people who obviously don't understand OR care why I have to have certain things.
"Roll with the punches" seems to be good advice for this situation, but I have a hard time dealing with incompetence or worse yet, people who obviously don't understand OR care why I have to have certain things.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
It's a good thing
It's a good thing that I didn't make New Year's Resolutions, since I never keep them anyway. I did have a general idea, which pops up every January, that I need to start exercising again and lose the weight I piled on from Halloween through Christmas. I went for a while, but now I have a good excuse - my health club, which has been bought by another firm - is making a lot of improvements (they say) and the upshot of it is that the women's showers are closed for the next two weeks. Since I never go to the club without using the steam, hot tub and pool (they are my reward for working out!) I have to take a shower before I leave - and that means I cannot go there for at least 2 weeks. Bummer. Now my jeans will be tight for another month, or more. I guess I could try walking, but the idea never thrills me unless the weather is wonderful, or I am at the beach.
My Ten Things
The "ten things you've done" lists are popping up all over the www, and I will have to put my two cents in as well. I learned about this from Melinama at http://pratie.blogspot.com/2005/03/10-things-ive-done.html#comments. I do reserve the right to edit this list if my memory serves me better later on. In no particular order:
1. I met John Kennedy when he was running for President in 1960. I realize this dates me, but in the interest of being honest, I'll mention it. After it became known that he had female playmates known as "Fiddle" and Faddle", a friend of mine said "If you had played your cards right, you could have been "Fuddle". HA! No thanks.
2. I did "zip lines" in the Costa Rican rainforest in 2002, the most exhilirating thing I have ever done, and one thing of which I am most proud. Speeding across the tree tops, approximately 90' above ground is one good way to get your heart pumping. I also rapelled down a 100' tree.
3. Chris Sarandon (ex-husband of the actress Susan) once took me on a date, after we met at a fraternity party. He later played Al Pacino's transexual boyfriend in "Dog Day Afternoon" and he was "Jesus" in a TV movie. When I knew him, it was pre-movies and pre-wife. He had a "business" card printed that he gave to everyone he met, which said "In case of a party, call Chris Sarandon". I thought he was the coolest guy I had ever known.
4. A drink was once mixed just for me by Dave Garroway, the original host of the morning show on ABC (I think). His side-kick was a chimp named J. Fred Muggs. I was participating in a telethon to raise money for a centennial celebration in my state, and he was the host of the telethon. I threw the drink into the nearest potted plant, as it was so strong I could hardly breathe after taking a taste.
The same day, I also met the original 4 members of "The Four Freshmen", a singing group popular in the 50's.
5. When I was 18, I ran away from home. I took my first plane flight to Newark, stayed in a hotel in NJ and took a cab into NYC. The first place I went was the top of the Empire State Building and what an awesome sight it was. I was approached by a man who claimed to be a model's agent, who gave me his card, and asked me to call the agency for an appointment. Alas, I was too chicken to do it, fearing that he was not who he said he was. My Mom and Dad tracked me down and I returned home. They were so happy to see me that they didn't punish me for running away and using all my savings to buy the plane ticket.
6. I studied Cytotechnology and learned how to screen Pap Smears for cancer. I only did this because I majored in English and I did not want to teach or get into Journalism, but it was a nice way to make a living until I got married and had kids. God save me from having to sit and look into a microscope all day long, though. It gave me "double-vision".
7. I toured Kileauea Volcano on the Big Island in Hawaii the day before it erupted in 1983 (I think). I will always regret not being there to see it erupt or being able to take the helicopter tour over the volcano. If I could go back and do my life all over gain, I think I would study to be a volcanologist (or is it vulcanologist?) or an archeologist, just so I could go to Egypt and get paid for it. I did do the helicopter tour over Kauai in 2001, and it was the most spectacular thing I've ever done. The scenery is so unbeliveably gorgeous that I found myself smiling the whole hour, and thanking God for allowing me to be there.
8. For the last two years at Christmas, I have decorated trees for Elizabeth and John Edwards, the NC Senator and recent John Kerry running mate. Too bad he didn't make VP, as I may have been invited to help in decorating the White House for Christmas. That is a massive undertaking, and involves hundreds of florist volunteers from all over the country. Maybe some day!
9. In 2002, on the day before I flew to Costa Rica, my husband and I were invited to a reception at the Marine Barracks in Washington, DC, where we met Donald Rumsfeld. This was pre-war in Iraq. When my husband asked him if there was anything that common people could do to help, he said "Pray". Little did we know then! During that same weekend, we were privileged to watch the Marine Drill Team and Marching Band in their regular Friday evening performances. It was a wonderful program, not to be missed if you have the opportunity.
10. Hmmmmmm, there are several things I could put here, such as touring caverns in Barbados, or meeting Paul Anka, but I think I'll mention that I met Tipper Gore when Al was running for President (met him too) and I have her autographed book (whoopee). I guess that and a dime would get me a piece of gum, although in this economy, maybe not.
I'd love to hear from others and see their ten things, so let me know if you make a list.
1. I met John Kennedy when he was running for President in 1960. I realize this dates me, but in the interest of being honest, I'll mention it. After it became known that he had female playmates known as "Fiddle" and Faddle", a friend of mine said "If you had played your cards right, you could have been "Fuddle". HA! No thanks.
2. I did "zip lines" in the Costa Rican rainforest in 2002, the most exhilirating thing I have ever done, and one thing of which I am most proud. Speeding across the tree tops, approximately 90' above ground is one good way to get your heart pumping. I also rapelled down a 100' tree.
3. Chris Sarandon (ex-husband of the actress Susan) once took me on a date, after we met at a fraternity party. He later played Al Pacino's transexual boyfriend in "Dog Day Afternoon" and he was "Jesus" in a TV movie. When I knew him, it was pre-movies and pre-wife. He had a "business" card printed that he gave to everyone he met, which said "In case of a party, call Chris Sarandon". I thought he was the coolest guy I had ever known.
4. A drink was once mixed just for me by Dave Garroway, the original host of the morning show on ABC (I think). His side-kick was a chimp named J. Fred Muggs. I was participating in a telethon to raise money for a centennial celebration in my state, and he was the host of the telethon. I threw the drink into the nearest potted plant, as it was so strong I could hardly breathe after taking a taste.
The same day, I also met the original 4 members of "The Four Freshmen", a singing group popular in the 50's.
5. When I was 18, I ran away from home. I took my first plane flight to Newark, stayed in a hotel in NJ and took a cab into NYC. The first place I went was the top of the Empire State Building and what an awesome sight it was. I was approached by a man who claimed to be a model's agent, who gave me his card, and asked me to call the agency for an appointment. Alas, I was too chicken to do it, fearing that he was not who he said he was. My Mom and Dad tracked me down and I returned home. They were so happy to see me that they didn't punish me for running away and using all my savings to buy the plane ticket.
6. I studied Cytotechnology and learned how to screen Pap Smears for cancer. I only did this because I majored in English and I did not want to teach or get into Journalism, but it was a nice way to make a living until I got married and had kids. God save me from having to sit and look into a microscope all day long, though. It gave me "double-vision".
7. I toured Kileauea Volcano on the Big Island in Hawaii the day before it erupted in 1983 (I think). I will always regret not being there to see it erupt or being able to take the helicopter tour over the volcano. If I could go back and do my life all over gain, I think I would study to be a volcanologist (or is it vulcanologist?) or an archeologist, just so I could go to Egypt and get paid for it. I did do the helicopter tour over Kauai in 2001, and it was the most spectacular thing I've ever done. The scenery is so unbeliveably gorgeous that I found myself smiling the whole hour, and thanking God for allowing me to be there.
8. For the last two years at Christmas, I have decorated trees for Elizabeth and John Edwards, the NC Senator and recent John Kerry running mate. Too bad he didn't make VP, as I may have been invited to help in decorating the White House for Christmas. That is a massive undertaking, and involves hundreds of florist volunteers from all over the country. Maybe some day!
9. In 2002, on the day before I flew to Costa Rica, my husband and I were invited to a reception at the Marine Barracks in Washington, DC, where we met Donald Rumsfeld. This was pre-war in Iraq. When my husband asked him if there was anything that common people could do to help, he said "Pray". Little did we know then! During that same weekend, we were privileged to watch the Marine Drill Team and Marching Band in their regular Friday evening performances. It was a wonderful program, not to be missed if you have the opportunity.
10. Hmmmmmm, there are several things I could put here, such as touring caverns in Barbados, or meeting Paul Anka, but I think I'll mention that I met Tipper Gore when Al was running for President (met him too) and I have her autographed book (whoopee). I guess that and a dime would get me a piece of gum, although in this economy, maybe not.
I'd love to hear from others and see their ten things, so let me know if you make a list.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Smells and other memories.....
Tonight I was reading a blog in which the writer talks about the sense of smell and how evocative it is. He brought to mind an aroma which even after many years, is still so strong in my memory that I can conjure it at will. As a college student, I was a participant in a multi-college art department trip to New York, to visit museums. While on the train going to NY, I met a guy from another college, and during the course of that trip, we spent a lot of time together. I began to notice a distinctive smell emanating from his clothing. I asked him what deodorant he used, certain that was the cause, but he said he wore none and had never had to use either deodorant or antiperspirant. I didn't really believe him; the smell was wonderful, and elegant, and heady and I loved it, was drawn to it (and him) like a fly to honey.
I suppose that was my first intro to pheromones - before anyone knew that they existed or what they were. I can tell you that I would have gladly rested my nose in his armpit for years, and in fact, did almost that on the return train trip home. I don't think I ever saw him after that, but I certainly have a very strong memory of his amazing smell.
Other smells easily conjure up memories of our childhoods as well; frying chicken or newly blossomed spring flowers or a special perfume. When I was six, my Mom agreed to let me walk to the closest shopping area so that I could purchase her birthday present by myself. It was only 3-4 blocks away, and in those days, children could roam freely in my town, as long as they were careful in traffic. I felt so grown-up to have that freedom, and I started out full of confidence and spunk. I walked to the local drug store with a few coins in hand, and after many tryouts, I decided on a small bottle of "Evening in Paris" perfume. I paid for it and proudly walked out of the store carrying the small paper bag. I only had to cross 3 streets on my route, and at the first street I looked both ways and then again before I started across. But as I darted out, a car turned a corner and knocked me down and then as I fell, the back wheels ran over my hands. The small bag landed under my stomach and the bottle broke under me, the perfume saturating my dress at once.
As luck would have it, I was hit directly in front of a small hospital. A nearby policeman was summoned, and he took me to the hospital to be checked for injuries. I gave him my contact information and he called my Mom to the hospital. I was very, very brave as the nurses and doctor examined me. I babbled on about how I had walked to the store to buy a present and now it was broken and how was I ever going to get the money to buy another present for my Mom? I didn't even notice that my hands were skinned up and bleeding - all I cared about was that broken bottle of scent. I was stoic until my Mom walked into the exam room, and then I broke into racking sobs - as did she. Turns out I was fine; there were no broken bones and my hands were bandaged and healed quickly.
The smell of that perfume on my dress, so concentrated as to be overwhelming, made all of us (nurses, doctor, Mom and me) sick to our stomachs. To this day, I can remember it and I hope I never have to smell it again!
I suppose that was my first intro to pheromones - before anyone knew that they existed or what they were. I can tell you that I would have gladly rested my nose in his armpit for years, and in fact, did almost that on the return train trip home. I don't think I ever saw him after that, but I certainly have a very strong memory of his amazing smell.
Other smells easily conjure up memories of our childhoods as well; frying chicken or newly blossomed spring flowers or a special perfume. When I was six, my Mom agreed to let me walk to the closest shopping area so that I could purchase her birthday present by myself. It was only 3-4 blocks away, and in those days, children could roam freely in my town, as long as they were careful in traffic. I felt so grown-up to have that freedom, and I started out full of confidence and spunk. I walked to the local drug store with a few coins in hand, and after many tryouts, I decided on a small bottle of "Evening in Paris" perfume. I paid for it and proudly walked out of the store carrying the small paper bag. I only had to cross 3 streets on my route, and at the first street I looked both ways and then again before I started across. But as I darted out, a car turned a corner and knocked me down and then as I fell, the back wheels ran over my hands. The small bag landed under my stomach and the bottle broke under me, the perfume saturating my dress at once.
As luck would have it, I was hit directly in front of a small hospital. A nearby policeman was summoned, and he took me to the hospital to be checked for injuries. I gave him my contact information and he called my Mom to the hospital. I was very, very brave as the nurses and doctor examined me. I babbled on about how I had walked to the store to buy a present and now it was broken and how was I ever going to get the money to buy another present for my Mom? I didn't even notice that my hands were skinned up and bleeding - all I cared about was that broken bottle of scent. I was stoic until my Mom walked into the exam room, and then I broke into racking sobs - as did she. Turns out I was fine; there were no broken bones and my hands were bandaged and healed quickly.
The smell of that perfume on my dress, so concentrated as to be overwhelming, made all of us (nurses, doctor, Mom and me) sick to our stomachs. To this day, I can remember it and I hope I never have to smell it again!
