Tag Archives: Shopping

Daily Prompt; Too Big To Fail

Posted on by
16

English: Tupperware brand plastic containers 2...

http://dailypost.wordpress.com, DP, Daily Prompt

I always wanted to start something, but I am too shy to let others know. Even writing this makes me humble myself, as insecurities tend to run through me, but way down deep inside, I know I can do it.

I was the regular housewife with kids that sold Tupperware, and Amway. It was fun, but the ones who made the big money were the people who worked well above normal hours. I felt like I was putting too much effort for too little return.

I had an antique store for a few years. I loved it. Antiques were in my blood and still are. If I could do anything I wanted and was guaranteed not to fail; it would be a wonderful day here on earth.

Being able to take care of my brother, deal with life’s ups and downs and still succeed is the closest thing to heaven.

I would love to open up another antique store with an adjoining building for an auction house. I could buy and sell through the auction or have the choice of placing pieces in the store.

The other idea that I have had for years was to open up an agency. A health-care agency. I would utilize all ages. The younger generation would be closely looked at in their backgrounds. The resume would never be required. Instead I would have a timely interview with coffee and donuts and find out what your goals are and what your heart is really like.

You would be going to people’s homes and doing light cleaning, grocery shopping, running errands, and fixing meals. You would be required to assist in bathing. There would be one half hour before you did any physical work where you would have to sit down with the patient and chat. Let them know you care. Brighten up their day by reading to them, or let them talk about their past.

For the older generation, have you ever sat and listened to their stories? They have a wonderful past to talk about. These great people have something lonely hearts need and desire, company. This would be on a volunteer basis, with perks included.

I would be handing you coupons for restaurants, or a ticket to a play or musical. Maybe a dinner out with a companion.

There is a  need for this in all areas. As the government programs are being sliced, more and more families are caring for members in their own homes. The added personal touches can make living those last days or weeks more comfortable.

We all need to be able to share a part of ourselves with other humans. With the technology of today, human contact is slipping. Cell phones, texting, computers, emails, even being able to buy stamps online, all make small differences in each others lives.

So this is what I would do if I had a guarantee in life for success. How can I choose over both desires? Maybe I could be successful enough and hire others and have my cake and eat it too and have both businesses at once.

Related articles

Daily Prompt; The Glass

Posted on by
7

http://dailypost.wordpress.com ; Daily Prompt; DP

Is the glass half-full, or half-empty?

This is something I struggle with more than I care to admit. I want to look at the glass as half full. I try really hard to see it with an abundance of goodness throughout each day.

I let my mind grow weak and weary at times. When this happens the glass looks more on the empty side.

It is the outlook on life that keeps us healthy and wise. To wake up each morning saying, thank-you God for a new day of sharing your goodness.

Having a good glass of pure positive is a wonderful way to stay strong living daily challenges. You see sunshine when it is raining and dreary outside. You understand riches although you are standing in your kitchen holding the last slice of bread.

You can have squabbles with your mate and yet still say, I’m sorry.

I know all this and yet the first time Al is having a bad day or we are on our way to the ER once again, I let that glass drop below the half mark. I begin to fret and worry that he will not recover.

You see, if I looked at it as half full I would know and understand that my powers are limited. I would realize that Al is in God’s hands and not mine. All my worrying and making myself want to run and hide would not happen.

I am a mere human walking this rugged road here on earth. I am a born sinner. I react before praying. I thank God that he forgives my sins. Many a time has he lifted me up into his arms and brought comfort when I can find no inner peace on these bumpy paths.

God wants me to look at the glass as full. He wants me to understand that no matter what is going on around me, I am safe with him. He wants me to see that he will walk me through life and I should lay my worries a side.

I won’t sit and beat myself up for being weak. Why should I? It would only wear me down quicker and  maybe help toss me in the hands of ones who hate us.

I sometimes ponder on what makes me wake up some mornings with a bright sunshine in my inner soul. Maybe it is because I didn’t receive any late phone calls from the facility. Or maybe it is because I didn’t cheat and eat sugars that day. Or maybe it is because before I closed my eyes the night before, I talked to God. He loves us, he hears us, and he is always by our side. He knows I want that glass half full.

Related articles

Picture it & Write; May 5/2013

Posted on by
20

http://ermiliablog.wordpress.combaby-and-fruit-loops

When Kaylee was born she came with a roar. She was screaming as though she had been frightened for her life.

As days went by she would cry at the very moment we all thought was calm. She was like a roaring wave coming closer and closer. If you got too close the wave would suck you under.

Doctors and specialist began the hunt to learn what made this beautiful baby act like she was mad at the world. Tests came back negative. Doctors were scratching their heads. It was as if they were all sitting on a ten-year old tree stump.

At the end of a long journey of failed attempts, it was agreed that this precious child just had one of those personalities. Weeks turned into months and soon Kaylee was old enough to start eating finger foods.

There were many days where the parents along with baby Kaylee enjoyed many meals together. Then there were others, where Kaylee was fed first, leaving cold food for the adults to eat.

Many nights were spent with hearing cries coming from a room at the top of the stairs. It wasn’t the baby. It was the mother. Exhaustion and stress from trying to understand what had gone wrong finally tore at her soul. In order to strip herself and start with a new heart she would cry herself to sleep.

On one trip to the grocery store Mom bought a box of Fruit Loops. The next morning instead of giving the usual jar of baby food she placed the colorful rings in a bowl and sat it on Kaylee’s high chair tray.

Kaylee studied the pieces and touched them. She started to giggle then she would pick up each piece and lay it outside of the bowl. She was happy. Her Mom could do nothing other than sit at the table and be amazed by what she saw.

It was as if Kaylee was fascinated by the different colors. After playing with the pieces she then put one in her mouth and soon was reaching for three or four at a time. Mom smiled as this was a rare treat. She wanted to savor every moment.

From that day forth Fruit Loops were the breakfast choice for happiness. Mom studied books and researched the internet for ways to add color to a boring meal. In no time at all, peace was floating throughout the house. Screaming had faded in  memories.

As Kaylee grew older she was surrounded by colorful toys and teddy bears. Her room was done in bright pink colors. Even her clothes were bright and cheery. The parents never knew what color and happiness had to do with each other, but they were happy to do what ever it took.

Today many years later these parents are standing in a large auditorium, taking pictures and clapping hands as their only daughter crosses the stage to receive her diploma. She had soared through college and had been financially taken care of by two scholarships.

In two weeks she was going to be starting her new life in a career of being a teacher, an art teacher.

Related articles

Something Happened

Posted on by
44

It was 4:45 am and I was sleeping sound. I awoke with my eyes wide open. It was still dark Blue_candleand I was getting ready to turn the light on to see what time it was. When I moved my hand off the extra pillow I felt something.

It didn’t startle me like a crawling bug. It felt like jewelry.

A little over five years ago I wore this gold cross  necklace  during the year that I took care of my Dad. A few months after his burial I retired the necklace and have not looked at it since.

I felt whatever it was and put it in my fingers. Turning the light on I looked at what had been placed on my pillow and there was the cross.

I was not dreaming any of this. I was truly awake as I knew what time it was. I had changed the sheets yesterday. I had also used this extra pillow to  prop my head up to watch TV last night.

I always lay the extra pillow right beside my pillow I actually use for sleeping. So there was no way in this world that the cross necklace could have been there. But yet, there it was. I kept it in my hand and took it with me to use the lady’s room.

I was just trying to figure out what was going on during my sleep when I felt a tug at my heart. It was saying, put it on, just put it on.

So I put it on and then without thinking I looked up at the ceiling and said out loud, I am ready Lord. I am ready for whatever it is that you want me to be ready for.

I went back to bed and sat up for a few minutes. Then I shut the lights off and went back to sleep.I felt really calm and was not even anxious. Sleep came easily.  When I woke up this morning and looked in the mirror, the necklace was still around my neck.

I thought of my Dad and went back in time. I won’t take this off for a while.

Lord almighty

You have mysterious

Ways that you

Work and I will

Not even pretend

To understand

Your ways.

For whatever

Reason you or

A guardian angel

Placed this object

For me to see

And wear

I know without

A doubt you are

Here with me

Always and

By my side

Through my

Walk on this

Journey called

My life.

Terry Shepherd

05/03/2013

 

Today is Al, my brother’s birthday. Happy Birthday little Brother. I love you so much!

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/too-much-pain-and-too-little-money/55964

Related articles

Daily Prompt; Art Appreciation

Posted on by
2

Painted Doll

Antiques Sign

http://dailypost.wordpress.com, Daily Post,   Daily Prompt, DP

Do you need to agree with an artist’s lifestyle or politics to appreciate their art? To spend money on it?

I believe beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I love antique paintings and wall hangings. I would never find myself in a modern art museum. I can’t understand the crazy swirls and blotches.

I have seen them before on TV and imagine myself just taking a paint brush and throwing paint on a canvas. Or maybe dipping my hands in a rag or even my bare hands making something according to my mood.

I like the Victorian era as I have stated before. Give me some children, or kittens or maybe dogs and I will be happy. Victorian houses with wide molding speak to me as I venture through each room.

Give me some history about the photo. Who painted it? Was the beautiful house ever lived in by some famous poet at one time? Is the house said to be haunted? The history is something that to me is the icing on the cake of the picture.

If I happened to be somewhere and saw a man sitting on a stool putting his talent to work I would stop and watch in awe. If he had a sign that said he was trying to feed his family, I would be more eager to buy it. Not for the picture but to help not let his kids to starve.

So to me, it is the history, or the situation of the art piece. There are various reasons I would buy it. Even if my friends didn’t like it or some mocked it, I would remember in my heart the story behind the work.

So no, it has nothing to do with agreeing or politics for this gal.

 

Remigiusstrasse Viersen - Victorian house (1)

Related articles

Daily Prompt; Wall to Wall

Posted on by
27

English: Victorian-era row houses

http://dailypost.wordpress.com, DP, Daily Prompt, Daily Post

What do you display on the walls of your home — photos, posters,
artwork, nothing? How do you choose what to display? What mood are you
trying to create?

I have no special talent in home interior but yet I have heard several comments through the years telling me, You have a knack, you have a talent in making a home homey.

That always makes me feel good to know that once people are inside my home, they feel relaxed. My home is crowded on the walls. You will see 95% antique frames with Victorian Era ladies and children. I have a picture hanging that I inherited from my Dad. It is a farm scene.  Old wooden slat house and matching barn and outhouse. It is not a brilliant photo full of wonderful colors. It is priceless to me because Dad loved it.

In my kitchen hangs more children and country stars. Not singer country stars, the real stars like stars in the sky shape.  Above my kitchen cupboards sit several old crocks and antique vases. Also black memorabilia.

In Al‘s bedroom and his bathroom it is completely filled with coca cola items. He collects clocks so when you walk into his bathroom you can hear train whistles going off and conductors talking. Kind of scary to visitors who are going tinkle and then a man says, All aboard, time to go. Now I always get a kick out of this when visitors exit the bathroom telling me of their adventure with the man in the clock.

His bedroom has so many clocks hanging I don’t even know the count. You hear chimes, and ticking and chatting when you enter the room with no live humans in it.

In my bedroom it is filled with vinery and flowers and more Victorian children framed photos. I have one of my favorites over my bed. You may recognize, The Lady in the Swing. My bathroom holds a library table and wooden crates and an antique barber cabinet.

So I guess my house is simply old. Filled with old things that others may never want in their homes.  When you walk into my front door you are welcomed by two small Christmas Trees decorated in white lights and gold ornaments and laces. You will see various sizes of crocks that old-timers kept their brew in and old cookie jars where they stashed their money.

Don’t worry, there is no money in my jars, just plenty of old stuff lying around and maybe a spider here or there. Don’t forget the magic password when coming up to ring the doorbell. Or the ghosts will be there to scare you off.

Related articles

Half of Me Stood Still While The Other Half Went Off

Posted on by
42

English: Certified HIPAA Privacy Expert

English: By Richard Wheeler (Zephyris) 2007.

I just got off the phone with Al‘s facility. I talked to the nurse. Al has been on my mind more than usual and I just felt something was wrong. Of course they never made the attempt to call me and tell me he wasn’t acting himself. He refused to go out of his room. He refused all activities. The only thing he did was going to meals.

She just happened to be the nurse that called Social Services when she had already went through Al’s room. So she and The S.S. went through Al’s room again. She told me he was embarrassed by talking so rudely to staff yesterday.

I stopped her in mid-air and said,”No the reason he is quiet is because he feels threatened once again. You were in his room searching and then you brought someone else in to search again.”

She said,”We needed to find the money.”

“No, you needed to call me first. If you would have made me the priority you would not have had to search because I did it for Al. The money is gone. I knew it, Al knew it.”

“He had several codes he was breaking.”

“Such as?”

“He had weapons. He had a pair of nail clippers. He had small screwdrivers in a coke can.  He had candy on the floor.”

“The screwdrivers were to  use to take backs off and I will take these home tomorrow when I come. The candy is not on the floor, the basket is. If he has to keep the candy on the bed, then he has to get up from the recliner each time he wants a  piece. The nail clippers..”

“We already took those a way from him. If he wants to use them he will need to ask us.”

“Oh, so he can use them with supervision, is that what you are saying?”

“No, he is a diabetic. He needs his nails trimmed professionally.”

“I see, so you are going to keep them and he can use them if he asks for them but then you won’t let him have them because they need to be done professionally. Why wasn’t I called first?”

“We wanted to see if we could find the money first.”

“Bad reason. From now on there will be no searching unless I am present. Period. You say he is quiet. Yes I imagine he is. The only things in life that matter to him are his cars and coca cola. Every time I turn around you are sending something home with me that is his. Of course he is wondering what you are going to take a  way from him next. He isn’t like you and me. He doesn’t have a spouse or kids. He has no job. He can barely walk. He is here instead of having freedom like you and me. All he has is his collections. Your facility has made it very clear that if anything comes up missing you will not replace it, so why do you give a hoot if a car or money or anything comes up gone? Let him have his loved items. If it comes up gone then it is his loss but he enjoyed it up until the missing time.”

“Oh, I see you don’t care if his stuff is stolen.”

“Yes I care but I care more about Al’s feelings and attitude. He is very sick. I am tending to think more about keeping him calm and as content as possible. Those cars and coke things can be replaced. He can not.”

“Oh”

That was our conversation. She ended it with, “I will call the S.S. lady and tell her what you said.”

I wished her a good day and said good-bye.

Related articles

Happy Easter

Posted on by
15

Easter Surprise 2007

Are you putting the ham in the oven

Are you peeling the potatoes too

Have you had your first cup of coffee

Did you fix breakfast for you?

Easter morning for mothers

Is a busy time indeed

If you are hosting the dinner

There is no time to sit and read.

You colored the eggs yesterday

With the help of the little ones

Today you must go and hide them

In the warmth of the Spring sun.

Baskets lined up in a row

Candies puffed up to see

Pretty bows adorning the tops

Can’t wait to pass them to my three.

Everything prepped and ready to go

A shower is what I need

Picking out my pretty pink dress

Now I will take the time to breathe.

I hear the doorbell sound its alarm

Familiar voices have entered now

I welcome my family with lots of love

The girls curtsy and the boys do the bow.

Eyes light up as they hold out arms

I give them their baskets and smile

I tell the parents to come and sit

Let’s just chat for a little while.

Finishing the meal is now the plan

Everyone lends a hand

Talk of smells and wanting to taste

My family together is oh so grand.

We sit at the table with candles lit

We hold each others hands

Grandfather says please bow your heads

We shall give thanks for all we have.

Dinner is over and dishes to do

The kids run off to play

My daughter stays near me to help me

To dry and put everything a way.

The men are snoring for afternoon naps

Their belts are loosened and neckties too

The rest of us talk about nothing major

But inside I am thanking God for all of you.

Terry Shepherd

03/31/2013

Related articles

What’s a Gal Supposed to do Next?

Posted on by
44

Rules of Dating

I slept in this morning and I think that helped me. I tried to stay busy and not think of Al as much. I spent the first three hours a wake trying to get rid of those squirrels. They are wanting the bird seed. I yelled at them through the kitchen window. I squirted them with my water bottle. This only worked twice and then they got smart.

I hit two of my pots and pans lid together. That worked great the first time but not after that. I finally broke down and took the contraption back to the store I bought it from yesterday and said, “Just give me my money back. I give up.”

They chuckled and said,” Now you are ready for the boss.” They showed me this bird feeder that when a squirrel tries to sit on it a spring drops down and the openings for the bird seed are shut. They can’t eat. Yeah, this has got to work!

Then I went to the eye doctor and had my eyes checked. My one eye had changed just enough to change the prescription. I picked out some new frames and I should be set to go one day next week.

Then I decided to think “me” for the next hour. I had to get groceries. I kept my head and eyes up and focused on the foods I was needing to get but also the people I passed. It was very interesting what I saw.

The first gentleman that I saw that was waving at me was the old guy from the tire store. Remember me telling you about him the other day? He asked me if I still remembered his name and I shook my head yes. He said, ” Call me Terry. Let’s get together.” I smiled at him and nodded. I looked his outfit over since my head and eyes were now at people level. He had dirty old holy tennis shoes on. Holes in his baggy jeans and a camouflage jacket on with a matching hat. I still can’t make myself get interested. His hair was all greasy. I am sorry. Maybe first looks are that important.

I told him to have a nice day and Easter and went about getting groceries. The store was pretty packed, but I kept moving through the aisles. Of all the people I noticed and passed three guys smiled at me.

I do have to be honest here and admit I was tuning in on the hotties in the store, no women or kids need to apply. One guy particular held my eyes and smile. This stayed this way until we passed each other. He was younger than me, I could tell, but boy oh boy was he a cutie. Two other guys smiled and one of them said hi to me. The last one that smiled was when I was walking to my car to unload the cart. He was right across from me doing the same thing in his car.

I spotted him first and he looked at me and smiled. I smiled back and then we did our own things. When I took the empty cart back to the rack, I could feel him watching me. When I turned around facing him again, he smiled again.

Now I am not gorgeous dame but these three guys smiled and I knew they were being friendly. But I am so out of date on the dating scene, I didn’t know what to do next. So I lost out on three hotties at the grocery store because I am too dumb to know the next move.

Related articles

Daily Prompt; Idyllic

Posted on by
17

The Brooklyn Eagle's Washington bureau office,...

What does your ideal community look like? How is it organized, and how is community life structured? What values does the community share?

http://dailypost.wordpress.com

DP,  Daily Prompt, Daily Post

The community that I would choose is small. In the middle of the town is a Vintage courthouse. If you stand close to the bricks holding all of the secrets you can hear the history softly speaking in your ear.

The giant monument would be surrounded by fluffy, soft blades of green grass. Hugging the bottom row of the foundations would be blankets of colorful wildflowers. Standing back and looking up you would see our proud American Flag waving gently down upon us.

Brick sidewalks would be on all four sides touching the entry of the door and walking you back out to the exit at the street. Antique street lamps smile upon us. Not blinding us but holding soft glows as we walk at dusk. White circular shades with dark green poles, four standing proud on each side of the building.

There would be no cars entering or exiting. Every small business would connect with bricks forming a sidewalk, stretching from store to store. Ample parking would be awaiting each visitor on the outer block. You could park and walk into a slice of untouched history.

The stores would hold a variety of businesses meant for your every need. There would be insurance companies with a home-town name. Old fashioned candy stores for the kiddies. A meat market and next to it an old-time grocer. If you wanted to stock-pile your groceries coming into the square would not be your first choice. A variety of clothing and music stores would a wait your presence. On another part of the square would be lined with antique and gift stores.

The fire station and police station would be in one building; saving on utilities and other expenses by sharing one roof.  Beside them would sit the mayor’s office. A big welcome sign would greet you as you entered. The door to the Mayor’s office was always open to anyone with concerns or wanting to stop by and invite him for Sunday dinner.

People walking the sidewalks wave and acknowledge a familiar face by stopping by to chat. Park benches would line the sidewalks every few yards in case you wanted to stop and sit a spell.

Bird feeders hanging here and there; birds stopping to nibble. Bunnies hiding in the flowers thinking about eating the new buds. Kids riding their bikes carefully. Making sure they respected their elders.

It would be a relaxing time to do business in my town. Not only could you walk to your store. You visited with your neighbors. You stopped at the food markets and purchased your supper menu. You got back in your car and as you start it to return home, you would see your reflection smiling back at you in the rear view mirror.

Related articles