A Deep Love

She was tough. She was the glue on the frame, held together by years of pain, experience and love. He was the gentle bear. He was hard working. He had a caring heart. Together, they made a promise to love, honor and cherish.

Four children were born from nights split with crying hearts, of moving one step forward and two back, and nights filled with love and promise of good things to come. Comfort in each others arms brought together the family who resided on 20 acres of a well-trod  wilderness, surrounded by magnificent greens and when the earth stood silent, the sounds of the stream could rock you into a gentle peace.

Early morning smells of biscuits and steaming coffee, were received  as words of thanks were given to the one above for the sun shining down upon them. Requests made for their bodies to be used for the purpose of good works.

On Sundays a basket with stained, thread-bare cloth covered the food that was made the day before. With excitement the children did their chores eagerly, knowing that after Sunday church had ended; a walk to the creek was in store.

Taking their worn shoes and holy socks off, wading in ankle-deep, cool water was just as good as father bringing home a penny candy for each of them after a long trip to town selling the crop for the highest dollar.

It was this particular Sunday that God had a plan. He needed father. The children were skipping stones. Giggles could be heard bouncing from branch to branch. Mother sat next to father, who was resting on the checkered blanket.

One eye on the children, the other shared with the view of  the white, puffy clouds; she thought about how life couldn’t be better than this. Thoughts were interrupted as father quickly scooted off the blanket.

He grabbed at his leg and when she looked where he was holding it, the trickle of blood seeped through the trousers and colored his hands. The sounds that escaped her mouth brought running children and they stood around amazed and quiet at what they were seeing.

Weakness took over and the gentle heart beat softly and then silence fell upon all. The eldest child ran for help and soon strong hands helped carry him to his bed. The doctor came and with unspoken words told each the thoughts already known.

Neighbors near and far gathered for comfort. Songs of hope were sung. Food was brought over daily. Hugs, handshakes and words were spoken of anything that needed to be done,  please call on them.

She sat in the candle light watching the sun set. The children were snuggled in bed. Their sleep came with difficulty. Everyone in the house missed the figure at the head of the table.

She thought about the day that lay ahead and the decisions that would be made by her alone. She lowered her head and asked God for strength. She cried tears of missing her man, and she knew in that moment she was not alone.

On one shoulder she felt the warmth of God letting her know he would not leave her side. The other side brought a familiar touch that was firm, yet with love. It flowed deep through the veins and deep within her heart. He was with  her. She could almost smell the scent of his clothes. She could faintly see the mist of his smile.

She lifted her head and looked out the window. The sun had set, darkness came upon her, but far above through her paned window, she saw the star. The twinkling star of hope and realization that tomorrow would be alright.

 

 

 

 

 

Photos From the Weekend

Of course I used my camera over the weekend. Can you see me not using it? lol

First Day of Work

Hello friends, I am just checking in.

I had a wonderful weekend. It didn’t start out on a good foot. In fact, I was a little leery my Parkinson’s would ruin my good times to come the next couple of days; but thankfully, that bad day only lasted that day. The rest of the weekend was sunny skies, beautiful temperatures and hours that went by way too fast.

We went shopping and my girlfriend and I found some awesome deals. We had lunch at Applebee’s. We went to an antique store among other cool places. I couldn’t believe it when Saturday night rolled around and I realized my trip would be over the next day.

I slept like a baby at nights there. It must be the great mattress I slept on. I just knew my mattress is losing its shape and maybe too, I stayed up later and was dead tired, but that’s alright, I wanted to squeeze every moment I could chatting.

I arrived home  yesterday and didn’t do a whole lot. I got things around for this morning, my first day at work. I was a little nervous when I turned that door knob to walk into my first day at work.

I need not have been though. Everyone smiled and said hello. I learned or am learning I should say the computer system they use. I was able to enter people into the system by the time I left at the end of my shift.

As soon as I got home, off those shoes came. The good clothes stripped off and comfy clothes for the rest of the evening. I am tired. I am used to napping and I didn’t do that. I could tell that I haven’t worked in some time as I am wore out. I refuse to say my PD is a part of this or maybe the fact I am getting older. My work schedule is enough for me.

When I walked in my front door the aroma of BB chicken was luring me to the kitchen. I put this all in the crock pot before I left this morning, so supper will be a cinch. I just have to add my side and veggie and clean-up will be a piece of cake.

Oh the word cake, yummy. I am a sucker for cake with buttercream icing. It’s a good thing I don’t have any here to tempt me.

Well, off I go. I need to do things I would normally do throughout the day. It is nice to be back, but I am anxious to see my friend once again and hope I don’t have to wait to long to give her a hug.

Taking a Break Before I Begin Working

I have been so busy this past week, I don’t know if I am coming or going. I have had meetings with Work One daily. I went in today and did final paper work. Tomorrow I meet the company who is going to be paying me.

Monday I begin. I will be the receptionist assistant and also learn Microsoft top to bottom. I have had unexpected company late yesterday. It threw off my sleep schedule, making me feel worse in tremors today and a bit more tipsy on my gait.

I am going to bed as soon as I finish this post. For anyone who is 55 or older and disabled and would like training and get paid for it, please call your nearest Work One company. They are truly a blessing.

I will be leaving tomorrow at 1pm and returning Sunday afternoon. I will be able to see your comments and respond, but I won’t be able to blog very easily because I will be on my tablet and cell. With my tremors in my fingers I don’t type very well on a small keyboard.

So in final, I want to wish each of you a great weekend. Keep the smiles and hold tight to your faith. I will try to write again Sunday evening.

Poetry Contest

• June 23 – June 30 Jun 23 at 9:30pm to Jun 30 at 9:30pm

• Poetry in My Mind Group

• Created for Poetry In My Mind

The cover photo on this page represents Shakespeare’s epitaph on his tombstone. (Photo prompt by Marcella Leff, administrator)You may write your own epitaph* (see below). Explanation about your poem is permissible. Photos with your post will be deleted. You may post as many poems as you want but comments are counted per poem only.

Winner will be judged by the most original comments. One person can make many comments but only counts as one comment for winning at the end of the time limit. Your own comments do not count because you cannot judge your own poem. Comments being counted begins on June 23rd, 9:30pm if this event was posted earlier than stated date/time.

Contest will be from June 23 until June 30, 9:30 pm. All members are invited to enter this contest. You can add your friends to join. Challenge them.

Administrators may post examples of poems but are not eligible to win. Administrators can like your poems but their comments do not count.

A new prompt will be posted every week. Winner will be posted on the main group page.

* An epitaph is a short text honoring a deceased person originating from the Greeks. It can be one line or a poetic verse. Strictly speaking, it refers to text that is inscribed on a tombstone or plaque, but it may also be used in a figurative sense. Some epitaphs are specified by the person themselves before their death, while others are chosen by those responsible for the burial.

Even in death, Shakespeare left a verse as an epitaph ( from photo prompt).

Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blessed be the man that spares these stones,
And cursed be he that moves my bones.

It can be humorous. “ It’s over” or “I told you I was sick”.

 

 

 

 

THE TOMBSTONE READ LIKE THIS

 

YOU SAID I WASN’T ILL

I’M HERE TO SAY YOU’RE WRONG

NOW LET ME REST IN PEACE

ADIOS, GOODBYE, SO LONG.

Written by,

Terry Shepherd

6.24.2015

 

What would you think if you saw these words I wrote on a tombstone?

I Feel Like I am Going to Hollywood

Well, I have a need to celebrate, but no one to celebrate with. Will you join me in celebration of being a part of the working force again? I went to the meeting this morning.

I took the time to curl my hair and apply make-up. Gee, I hope they don’t expect that of me every day. lol. Anyways, the meeting only lasted about 20 minutes. I met with the head manager of five districts along with two of her partners.

I got asked various questions such as, what am I good at? What kind of furthering education would I like? Could I use any updating of computer skills? The questions went on and on and then it was over. I could breathe.

We all shook hands and I told them thank-you for taking the time to see me. They said they would let me know their decision. Well all I could do was wait. I was not going to get on my knees and beg. I knew God was in control of my future.

I hate waiting, it is one of my weak spots in my life, although I am better than I  used to be. I was up at the front door with my hand on the door knob and I heard my name called. I turned around and the lady I had been working with came to me and grabbed my hand and started shaking it. ” You did a fantastic job! They really liked you. You are in and if everything goes on schedule, you will start Monday”.

Wow, I was blessed beyond. Not only am I going to get a technical school education. I will be the one getting paid for going. When I am complete with the training I will become certified.

Oh, what am I training in, you ask? I will be the receptionist assistant, along with training on Microsoft from the bottom up. When I am finished, I will be knowledgeable enough to be certified and make much more money.

So come on over. Help me celebrate. Pull up a chair and grab a glass of wine. Cheers my friends!

 

 

 

 

 

One Bunny, Two and More?

Well today I went to the Senior Center, but I left early. Seems to be what I do lately, leave functions. There was an episode that happened that bothered me too much. I won’t go into details, let’s just say that rules need to be bended sometimes for those who make infrequent visits to a new place.

After leaving there I had an appointment at 2; but called and asked if there was an earlier time open as I had a different schedule. The answer was yes so I hopped over to where I will be working and finished the paper work.

Tomorrow I meet the manager over several offices. If she agrees with this local office, then I believe I start Monday, so keep your fingers crossed that she thinks I am someone worthy of having in the Warsaw office. Other wise, I guess it is back to the drawing board for me.

When I came home I stripped down to the basic outfit. It is hot and muggy. I flipped on the air and it is now cooling down. I went outdoors to smoke a cigarette and saw the rabbit eating some wild grass. Of course I had to get her picture.

I played with the pictures and hopefully made it look like I saw a whole family of rabbits. What do you think? For any of you camera buffs out there, if it isn’t a good photo, any suggestions?

Gifted With a Brand New Award

Maria from Stockholm, Sweden gifted me with an award this morning. It is called the Real Neat Blog Award.

https://mariadesuede.wordpress.com/

Maria held the Blog of the Year in 2012. She is also a photographer. She is also a painter. Thank-you very much Maria for the award.

I looked at some of the things that are required for accepting this award. I don’t understand Swedish; but did manage to make out some of her questions.

1. Do I get many visitors?

In nature, I get many. I don’t get many  people visitors, but when I do, I welcome them with open arms.

2. What is my favorite sport?

Bowling, is something I love to do. Photography is a sport in itself. Writing books and blogging are something else I enjoy.

3.What has been a special moment thus far in 2015?

I loved, loved going to the Cheesecake Factory in Nashville, Tn. I loved being able to see my daughter and her family so much. I loved seeing my grandchildren when I returned.

4. What is my favorite quote?

Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

5. What was my favorite class when I was still in school?

Biology and choir

6. Anything I wished to have learned earlier in life?

Yes, that each person deserves respect. Each  person has their own unique personality. Life does not run on clicks. You aren’t loved by what clubs you belong to or how much money you have or don’t have.

7. What musical instrument have I tried?

I  play the piano

Now it is with great pleasure that I nominate

 

https://utesmile.wordpress.com/

 

http://photopaulm.com/about-me/

 

https://deenakdrowaln.wordpress.com/home/

 

http://jmgoyder.com/about/

 

https://babyjill7.wordpress.com

Happy Father’s Day Daddy in Heaven

Today is the longest day of the year, plus the first day of summer. I went through the rainy season, or part of it, when I was in Kentucky. I came full force into it when I moved back to Indiana.

I have to wonder what kind of summer we are headed into with so much rain and humidity. The mugginess is what forces me to turn the air-conditioner on. I can take the heat much better.

I don’t know the reasons, but for me, muggy and Diabetes do not mix well. I went to do my laundry this morning. While I was waiting for the washers to finish, I thought I would glance at the local newspaper.

On the second page in big, bold letters was the title, Sawed-Off shotguns will now be allowed in Indiana as of July 1. Why did that topic deserve bold letters? I am not proud that this law is going into effect.

I have nothing against owning guns. I have everything against the wrong hands pulling the trigger. Hunting for game, absolutely, defending yourself and family against intruders, may save lives.

What I am concerned about is what seems to happen in my neck of the woods. Brawls, yes, fights at the local bars. People making decisions under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The words stating, I’m sorry, I wish I would never have done it, don’t hold crap with me as the little child lays in the casket from being in the wrong place at the wrong time and not dodging a bullet.

When people are under the influence; decisions are not based on the smarts we have. They are quick decisions, based on anger, lust, money, or whatever else happens to be happening at that moment.

Now we all are smart enough to know there are laws. Rules that have to be followed in order to own guns. There are always loop holes, in just about everything. Don’t believe me? Ask your government about loopholes.

The loopholes will be the ones who don’t have the right to own guns, but will obtain them, and who will shoot an innocent person. This is my big concern with guns. I am sure you will want to voice your opinion to me on either yeah or nay on gun owning. It’s alright with me. This is American and as far as I know, at this point in our lives, we still have the right to our opinions.

I finished my laundry and came home. I put everything away and clean sheets on the bed. I watched some butterflies flitting around out back and tried my best to get a good photo. I wished for better, but ended with this.

Grandkids and Pizza Hut

Well I am back from the Pizza Hut. I ate with my son, his woman and the three kids. It did me a world of good. I tend to forget my aches when I see how my grandkids love me. I still felt dizzy at times. I don’t know why this happens. My blood pressure is alright, so I blame it on the gait problems of Parkinson’s Disease until I am told different.

There is nothing better than seeing those big smiles when they see me coming and the two older ones yelling, hi grandma! The baby just grins and starts clapping his hands. I had the buffet which is much nicer than I remember. It not only had all the good salad fixins but had pizza varieties and wings.

I did pretty good too. I had thin crust and ate only the crust of one of the slices. Two wings and a big salad and lemon water. Not bad at all and I pat myself on the back for restraining my fingers on the extra carbs.

After we left they wanted to go to Meijer. I drove out there too and got some DiaDerm cream for my feet. With my neuropathy, this cream works so good at keeping my feet from drying out too bad. I have to use it daily, but oh well, I do what I can to save my feet.

I also bought some Yankee Candle Clean Air. It comes in a spray, bead and candle form. Meijer is the only place I seem to be able to find it in the beads. It is a great accent to the kitchen and bathroom, always smelling fresh and not covered-up.

They bought different things including bundles of wood. Although it is warm, they invited me over at dark to have a fire in the pit outdoors. I am going, so I can visit with them more. I better change from shorts to pants because of the  nasty mosquitos.

Here are photos of the 3 grandkids I was with tonight.