I Did Not Laugh Today

Neither did I cry, still it has been a TGIF kind of day.

Met a lady who hadn’t had a mammography in more than six years.  I didn’t like hearing that. Her last one was so painful she ignored her Doctor’s orders. 

          But today she was going to keep the appointment.  I told her the procedure is not as painful as it was back then.  I think she will go.  I hope so.

 A friend has spent her first day in a rehabilitation center.  It’s a good thing because thankfully she is recovering from emergency surgery earlier this week for brain bleed. 

       Her friends had noticed minor but significant changes in her usual movements.  Due to their pro-active concern she received medical help in time.  We are grateful.

This afternoon I read a newspaper columnist's lengthy essay intertwining the Dharun Ravi/ Rutgers Webcam Case with the circumstances in the killing of Trayvon Martin and continuing absence of JUSTICE for his murder. 

         It was a horribly painful read.  My first thought was to quickly answer the writer.  Then it was clear I must not do one single thing to give his observation any more attention.  Maybe no one else read it. 

Finally, yet another day/week has gone by and I've heard no indication of JUSTICE being rendered for the February 26 murder of the seventeen-year-old young man, unarmed, walking 'home' in Sanford, Florida.

     Today I talked with the Florida state’s attorney’s office and was told they couldn't tell me anything more than “it is being investigated”.  I wanted to know the specifics of what had been done; was being done.  She agreed with my follow-up question, “you cannot define ‘investigate’ for me?.  She was quite pleasant and patient.  I was also, keeping my disappointment in check.  I hope others will call every day next week.

Thank goodness it’s Friday    I look forward to returning on Monday.

"Again, What's Going On?"

Today there is no fresh news to report Re: Justice for Trayvon Martin.  Is that sad, or what?

There is commentary on yesterday’s news.

You’ve, no doubt, seen today’s headlines regarding ABC’s video of George Zimmerman’s arrival at the Sanford Police Station, sans bruises and blood.  There is much coverage on the subject, including the Martin family's reaction to the video.

The news also reports Nancy Pelosi found favor with the Congressman who wore a hoodie while speaking in the halls of Congress.

However, does anyone know what the Florida state’s attorney’s office accomplished today on resolving the outstanding issues due to the crime against Trayvon Martin?

I Have An IDEA!

We all know people who work for pay are accountable to someone for their performance, for the quality and the quantity of their work.  The learned folk in the state’s attorney’s office are on payroll, getting a salary funded by the taxpayers.  Don't you taxpayers, you ‘employers’ of these attorneys and their assistants have a legitimate right to Find Out What They Are Doing?  

You could even send an email to each professional in the state’s attorney’s office and ask him/her “What did you do today toward determining the appropriate JUSTICE in this case of an unarmed teenager being shot dead in the night.

YES!  Someone (or many folk) down that way, in the community, in the state of Florida could inquire daily as to what exactly took place ‘yesterday’ in the effort to bring Justice for Trayvon Martin, the unarmed teenager shot dead.

I think it is a grand idea!  

"What's Going On?"

Trayvon Martin was shot dead on February 26, 2012.

        So Far Today . . .

        No sign of Justice in the killing of Trayvon Martin – Not Yet.

Today’s New Reports Are . . .

    (A.) The family will trademark several phrases

that include the name Trayvon Martin.

    (B.) In the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Rush (D-Ill) was ordered to leave the House Chamber because he was wearing a hooded sweatshirt in honor of Trayvon Martin.  (It is also reported to be against House rules to wear headgear within the Chamber.)

    (C.) Sanford, Florida Police Chief Darren Scott said his department is not handling the case ______ we are going to allow the outcome of this investigation by the state’s attorney’s office.

    (D.) New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn wore a hoodie speaking during a press conference on the steps of City Hall in a call for Justice in the February 26 killing of Trayvon Martin.

    (E.) Spike Lee apologized for retweeting a tweet thought to contain the address of George Zimmerman.  It was not the shooter’s address. It was someone else’ address.

    (F.) A major TV News outlet reported a police surveillance video taken the night that Trayvon Martin was shot dead shows no blood or bruises on George Zimmerman.

So far today there has been no sign of Justice being rendered in the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was unarmed when he was shot and killed.

I think, the lack of any sign of JUSTICE after more than a month is not a good thing – at all.  Who is to blame for the INJUSTICE? 

Please Tell Me Who Is To Blame? ? ?

Women's History Month

Since 1978  Women's History has been celebrated in our country.  Initially it was Women's History Week.  Then, in 1987 by order of Congress the celebration was extended to a month.  Since then March has been designated Women's History Month. 

         

In May 1869, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton formed the National Woman Suffrage Association.  The organization’s primary goal was to gain voting rights for women by means of a Congressional amendment to the Constitution.

In recognition of Women's History Month 2012, presented below is the Amendment that gave women in America the right to vote:

Amendment XIX*

Of the

Constitution of the United States

          "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

          Congress shall have power to enforce the article by appropriate legislation."

*This Nineteenth Amendment was ratified

August 18, 1920.

Voting is important.  May we all, men and women, exercise our right and responsibility to vote for those who lead at every level of government in our democracy.

Sanford, Florida

Many, many years ago in a different time in our nation, it is reported during Spring Training, Jackie Robinson was ‘run out of town’ - that town being Sanford, Florida.

             More recently, a young man was killed in Sanford, Florida, actually about one month ago, reports say.

             The young man was shot in the chest, reports say.

              He was someone's loving son, a 17-year-old black child named Trayvon Martin who was walking ‘home’ unarmed.

              The young man died because the shooter was defending his own life - reports say the shooter said.

              No one has been picked up and held for committing this murder.

               I believe we have ‘stepped back’ long enough . . . have let injustice reign for no good reason.   

                We have stretched the moral fiber of this nation for no good reason – At All!!!

             I believe the one still alive - the one who had the gun in his hand and pulled the trigger, i.e., the shooter, should be picked up based upon the facts well known by the authorities in charge of the safety and security of all in Sanford, Florida.

             I believe the shooter should be documented as the perpetrator and held in custody as a menace to the society he lives in, and not released without all the required legal entanglements due one who must be proven innocent -- or guilty in a court of law.

            I believe the above will be the beginning of the search for justice by the officials in charge in Sanford, Florida.

            I believe such a beginning is long overdue.  I think there is evidence injustice thrives in Sanford, Florida.  

                                 Are we appalled? 

  I do know my heart is breaking.  I am in tears.

Trayvon Martin

 No other subject is more important to give to this space this day.  

                         

 Justice                       JUSTICE        Justice       Justice

         please

     Justice                 Justice                        justice             Justice

 Justice           Justice             Justice     Justice

                           please

      Justice           Justice           Justice            Justice

                                                              please

Justice               Justice                  Justice               Justice

                                            

         Justice                 Justice                  Justice              Justice

         
          Justice           Justice       Justice                 Justice

                          please

     Justice                  Justice               Justice            Justice

                                                                 please

Justice               Justice                   Justice             Justice

                         please

     Justice                  Justice              Justice      Justice

 Justice             Justice         Justice             Justice

                                           please

Justice                Justice               Justice             Justice           

                 please                                                   please

  

As I post this, the Internet reports there are 3,924 stories about the death of Trayvon Martin. The Internet also reports there are 93,199 Twitter Tweets regarding the Trayvon Martin tragedy.  I think we should keep up to date with this information.

                                     There must be JUSTICE

     for Trayvon Martin, his loved ones, and for all.  That’s it!

  ______________________________________________

 The weekend is here.   I look forward to returning on Monday

"Black Star Girl" - The Book

Between the front and back covers of Black Star Girl is rich modern black history conveyed in an entertaining and comprehensive format. It is a vivid telling of the daily experiences of a black family, parents and children born and raised in mid-America.  The book shares challenge, fun and accomplishment with it's readers.

          This is a first person look into the lives of a family that didn’t have benefit of professional credentials.  Neither was the family hampered with unfortunate personal liabilities such as delinquency, drug and/or alcohol dependency, criminal involvement or sexual improprieties.  Yet, there were other roadblocks that detoured - but did not defeat their advancement toward achieving a good life.

            From the first page, it is a story of wide ranging aspects of both the father and mother’s lives, long before World War II.  Then deftly knitted together are chapters of fact and dialog taking readers through subsequent decades into the years after federal civil rights legislation improved the lives of so many in our nation.

            The story concludes with a colorfully detailed look into the author’s career in Corporate America, a career she says came about as a direct result of the Civil Rights Movement. The author’s experiences bring first person insight to those aspiring for a business career.  It is a uniquely helpful story.

             Black Star Girl is a loving and inspiring book wherein the reader learns how an individual’s optimism, planning and preparation are excellent foundations for personal success.

              Because of its fact filled social and historical relevance and because of its inspiring story, Black Star Girl is a good choice for younger and older readers.  In fact, I think it should be a recommended read for all young people.

Remembered - Vignette #1

This is a true story from a collection of stories I've written and categorized as 

“My Six Degrees of Separation Experiences.”

More years ago than I will reveal, the Major League baseball player, Orlando Cepeda winked at me after he caught a foul ball in a game played in St. Louis’ Busch Stadium. My husband and I had fabulous front row seats along the first base line. 

          The batter connected with the ball.  It went high into the night sky directly above the foul territory nearest our seats.   As I followed the balls’ descent toward the grassy area in front of us, actually in front of me, Mr. Cepeda, the St. Louis Cardinal’s star first baseman was there, making the catch and it seemed, simultaneously looking into my eyes.  I saw him glance at my husband and so briefly give a sly half grin while he turned from him to grace me with his flirtatious wink.  I blushed.  I still do each time I recall that tiny moment in the time of my life – so many years ago.

    (Orlando Cepeda was named to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.)

Baseball was a favored activity in my life as depicted in  “Black Star Girl”, my book, the award-winning memoir I often write about.

Spring Is Here

Spring officially came today and it has been wonderful.
          The weather was lovely -  bright sunshine, beautiful blue skies, the only clouds I saw were fluffy and white (most of the time), and the temperature was more warm than anything.
           The forsythia bush at the corner of my house had, overnight, become more abundantly sprinkled with its yellow blooms.   And, my daffodils remain robust and thriving, no matter they are a small presentation.
           My daughter drove 100 miles up the highway to join me for what was a magnificent lunch with friends visiting from out of town.  The restaurant was a small, elegant, comfortable, classy establishment right here in town.  The food was delicious; the service could not have been more gracious.
           The four of us had lively, thoughtful, fun, and enlightening   conversation.  We laughed a lot.
           Today I have not had time to read the newspaper;  I have not taken time to look at the news on the Internet;  I have not turned to the television news.   No news is good news.
           Plus, today the mail lady did not bring me one single bill to factor into a payment schedule.
           It's been a fabulous first day of Spring.   I am grateful.
           Happy Spring to All.


    

Surveillance/Common Sense/Webcams

In May I enjoyed a one-day road trip to and from Washington, DC.  I was the driver.  Several weeks later the mail brought me a traffic violation notice from the State of Maryland.

- Surveillance -  It was a speeding ticket.  The clear photo of my SUV moving along the highway was provided as evidence. Surely I tried to be careful but I exceeded the speed limit.  I was caught.  I paid the fine. I had seen the posted signage informing drivers of camera surveillance to identify speeders.  My privacy was not invaded.  I was forewarned.  

          In an entirely non-related instance, I heard a mother issue a warning to her eleven-year-old daughter who was making a cell phone videotape of the mother.  “Stop it.  I have not given you permission to do that.  You are invading my privacy and you can’t do that to anyone.  You have to ask them first.”   It wasn't surveillance but it was invasion of privacy and that child has been forewarned.   Not enough young people get the training. 

- Common Sense -  I marvel at the evidence that common sense has become equivalent to that of an endangered specie – almost non-existence.

Examples:  
(a.) People write and receive text messages while they are driving.  It’s an absolutely stupid behavior.  Talking on the cell when you are behind the wheel is just about as bad.  Where is the common sense?  Rules have been issued and more are debated.

(b.) Folks don’t have smoke alarms in their homes, or they let the batteries go bad. I'm an example of that.  Horrible!   Some rules exist especially for new construction and modification of property.

(c.) People drink and drive.  Terrible!  Certainly a matter of common sense, still it is also a matter of law not to drink and drive.

- Webcams and Common Sense - How many colleges and universities have regulations to address surveillance activity, webcam activity?  Do they inform students against using cameras or other communication technology that infringe upon the privacy of another individual?  Are they told misuse of webcams would be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion?  I would like to know.   There has been overwhelming evidence in my part of the world that college students need that firm guidance. 
           It was a court case sometimes referred to as the Rutger's University Webcam Spying Case and other times as the Dharun Ravi Case.  Throughout the court room proceedings, I've laid awake thinking college students with all the new personal technology, perhaps living away from home for the first time, do need updated rules in order to better assure they continue on to the grand futures they and their families have planned and worked for them to have.  I know, an abundance of rules should not be necessary.    But where it is apparent common sense is lacking,  a thorough policy statement is critical for the good of the young people and their families (for whom I sorely grieve).  What do you think?

Guest Post by Jai Dungey

Hi everyone, this is Marva’s granddaughter, Jai!  (I call her “Gem.”) I wanted to guest blog today in honor of my spring break visit.  This posting is a blog that I myself wrote my freshman year of college, I’m a junior now!! Oh how time flies by… well here it goes!

A Mentor: My Grandmother

When I was younger, I lived with my Grandmother. To be honest, it seems I talked more to my Grandmother then any other family member. She taught me to always be optimistic. She always stressed three things: goals, standards, and consequences.

When I left for college, she told me "always keep your goals in mind and be open for new experiences.”  I’ve learned new experiences always come with consequences. When people talk about consequences, they are usually talking about the negative ones. My grandmother always stressed that consequences are both good and bad, they are two-way streets.

My Grandmother believes that in life you can't truly be happy unless you are helping others.  One of my favorite quotes from her is "keeping goals and standards that help yourself and others is the most important thing a person can do."

When I was younger, I had this calendar in my room and it had a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. that said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?" When I first saw this I thought "Hey! My Grandmother used to always tell me to help others.”

Another thing that my Grandmother told me was to be flexible because when people try to accomplish goals they often try to be perfect. But, no matter how perfect a person can be, something can always go wrong. Another quote from my Grandmother is "don't be floored by trouble,” which means no matter how bad something is, you need to keep it moving.

Growing up, I've come across A LOT of different situations that stressed me out and made things more difficult than they had to be. When I find myself in these situations I always think about something my Grandmother said, and this is why I consider her my mentor. She is always there when I need to talk and she seems to always have the answer to any problem.

I love you Gemmie! Keep being my inspiration you beautiful lady you!

*   *   *    *   *

“Thanks for being a Guest Blogger for me, my Jai!  I love you – and your lovely words!!    God Bless you darling!"

★     ★      ★       ★      ★       ★

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.   I look forward to returning on Monday.

Exercise Any Way

I’ve stumbled upon an entertaining way of adding a little more exercise to my days.

Ten years ago a birthday present from my daughter and her children was a lovely tabletop record/tape/cd player.  It was a great gift because I had quite a collection of long playing albums I couldn’t listen to anymore.  After the novelty of the record player became ‘old’ I  ignored my records.  The gift was relegated to being only a ‘table top’.

My record player has been reactivated.  I’m remembering it became useful once again when Nick Simpson of Ashford and Simpson passed away last summer.  The sad news propelled me to pull out my LP collection and look for the album I was certain we had.   I found it and played it over and over.

Ashford and Simpson’s popularity began when I was a happily married young woman.  We connected to those two lovebirds. Most likely, though, the album I found, Ashford & Simpson-Stay Free, belonged to my children since it was made in 1979.  Could their talent have been popular with my daughter and son’s generation, too? 

Revisiting Ashford and Simpson’s music, my body was up and down out of the comfortable chair, changing that record from one side to the other.  Or running from one room to the other to keep the music playing.

Whitney Houston passed and I am back to listening to old albums.  The music of Whitney’s first album, Whitney Houston, is today’s favored audio backdrop while reading and, well doing everything.  I take care of all kinds of tasks before changing the record and getting comfortable again. 

I was thinking I should download the CD for more convenient listening.  Then, hurrying upstairs with clothes from the laundry room, it was clear I’m better off getting this added exercise.  I do enjoy the long-playing records previously safely stored like the cherished relics they had become.   Now the music moves me as I never imagined.  It's  a good thing for this too-sedentary person. 

(And last week I began walking in the park.)  

Not Quite 100

Oh, I’m far from being 100 years old.  Maybe not that far.  But my age is not part of this discussion.

- Face Book - I have not quite 100 Face Book friends.  It’s my choice.  I feel as if I know practically all of those I’m connected to and I like that.  There are many additional men and women on Face Book whom I also know personally whose names I’ve seen in FB’s ‘friend suggested’ section of my page.  Almost always I never take the bait and send them a friend request.  That is because early on I did extend the friend request and to this day, I haven't heard from a couple of them.  So I’ve become careful not to ‘reach out’ and thus invite the thought of silent rejection.

- New Author - I have a strong sense that my first book, Black Star Girl,  has been purchased by not quite 100 strangers through retail venues.  Of course I am grateful, even as I know one day the numbers sold will be in the tens of thousands.  You see, from first holding that book in my hand, I truly believed selling the first 5,000 would be a no brainer.  If you were facing me now you would see the sardonic smirk on my face as I think about the surprise it’s been, not to have that happen - yet.  One thing I learned,  in order for a first time author to sell, really sell, the author has to have a platform.  I'm working on that.  For me,  it is an exciting time of learning and doing.  I am blessed.   

  

 

- Inspiration -  In 1950 my father bought a non-working farm in northeastern Ohio.  “Not quite 100 acres", is what I’ve always said.  As a teenager, I wanted it to be 100 acres.  Saying 100 seemed grand to me.  Whereas the honest reporting of a mere 89 acres – not impressive!  

For sure, as I’ve matured, I’m prouder everyday of my dad’s accomplishment, a 48 year old black man in America, at that time, through his hard and persistent work - through his ‘out of the box’ thinking and his courage was able to purchase the 89 acre property for our family home and for future generations to enjoy.   I write about my special dad in Black Star Girl, that award-winning memoir of mine recalling life in America for our family and for me, the daughter he inspired. 

-       More Inspiration – Yesterday, I went to the monthly meeting of a local branch of a national organization.  I've participated in the group's activities for just the past year or so.  I look forward to each meeting.  There is a business portion of the meeting but I find it primarily a time for relaxed socializing.  Yesterday, the President was absent; has been absent for several meetings since last Fall.  The month prior to her first absence she was a vibrant leader, presiding with her usual grace and diligence to the business at hand.  The next month, I learned she was in the hospital, “but coming along”.  Then she went to rehabilitation, “doing well”.  Yesterday we learned she is home, but elects to step down from the office of President. She will “slow down a bit”. 

Her next birthday is a significant one.  As I write this Madam President is not quite 100 years old.  She will be 100 years old two weeks or so after year end.  We look forward to that celebration.  She inspires us.

                                             *      *     *      *      *

Preparing for Spring

Monday morning, the small cluster of daffodil greenery at my front steps looked as if the blooms would break through any moment.  All day the weather was beautiful and sunny but dusk then dark came and those flowers remained only on the verge of bursting forth.

Woke up this morning to bright sunshine coming through the window inspiring my thought, “I bet those daffodils are blooming this morning.“  No sooner than I turned from the window I heard another indication of spring.  It was the landscapers returned to begin getting my grounds in order.

Friday I had seen landscapers servicing property on the other side of town.  Yesterday one of my company’s crew was taking care of a commercial property in town.  So coming today for their annual and thorough spring cleanup of my property was not a surprise in spite of it being so early in the month.

After all from January we’ve been threatened with an early spring.   Since the Halloween snowstorm, there was one meaningful snowfall, a covering of three to four inches.  It melted quickly.  Actually the daffodil shoots were peeking from the soil before the snow fell.   I worried about them surviving to grow and bloom.

The landscaper’s and their hurry-scurry noisy work moved on to another home and I rushed out to check my daffodils.  Their vibrant yellow blooms had arrived..  But what a shock!  The yardman’s uncaring, powerful leaf blower had flattened my plant and broken the biggest flower.

My daffodil, shown above and anticipated since early January, is undergoing therapy.  Hopefully it has been saved to beautify spring when it actually comes.

I'm Staying Positive

A tweeter I follow, Writer’s Digest, led me to click on another blog writer’s essay discussing the 12 Dos and Don’ts to have a successful blog.  Brian Klems expounded briefly on all twelve - 6 Dos and 6 Don’ts.   The Don’t that resonated with me was I shouldn’t be negative; shouldn’t air personal grievances.

So that means I must not bare my soul, put words and a few tears to this page and tell you how badly I feel that Tiger wasn’t able to complete his golf tournament this weekend.   I’m certain I feel worse for him than I do for me (and that is miserable). 

I will tell you my good day plunged into a dark blue funk when I logged onto Yahoo Sports and read the headline that he had to withdraw.   I was hoping against all hope I would come home on Sunday afternoon and learn he was at the top of the leaderboard or steadily climbing.  What a blow!

Now that I’ve learned expressing my personal grievances in my blog is ‘wrong’, I also can’t give any space to word-created mud slinging against the nasty internet commentary claiming he was starting to tank, i.e., fall out of competition and that’s why his leg pain was so great.   A golf cart transported him off the greens.   I guess they’re all remembering when he played on a broken ‘something’ several years ago.  Oh me.  Oops!  I better get positive.  Sorry.

Well, he can count on this grandmother being in his corner.   For sure, though, I’ll worry that he may rush himself to be in the Master’s.  Then I’ll relax, remembering he still has his mother in his corner.  She loves him too.   She will be available when he looks to her for encouragement.

People have skeptically questioned my concern for the celebrity he is - almost questioning my sanity.  “Marva he’s got all that money and you’re worried about him?”  

Friends, and even family, don’t realize how firmly my thinking is guided by standards instilled in me as a youngster.  My dad told me having money did not guarantee happiness and does not necessarily bring contentment to one’s life.  (See my memoir Black Star Girl). 

Winning is the rhythm Tiger is once again working to accomplish in his golf career.  That's the standard he was raised to pursue.   I am a positive force in his corner, praying it will happen.  I think it will!  

Most Tantrums are Not Cute

Today I saw the headline. The family’s vacation was abruptly disrupted due to an emotional breakdown - a temper tantrum of a two-year old. 

It happened on an airplane.   The report said they were a family of four, i.e., the parents, another young child and the two-year old.

In a sense, tantrums are a contest. In this case because of the venue, the child won the battle against the grown-ups, wouldn’t/couldn’t calm down.  As a result, there was a lot of discomforting inconvenience to go around as the family was put off the plane.

I feel sorry for the big glitch in the vacation.  But, I understand the airline’s decision.  From the wealth of experience I’ve had dealing with toddler tantrums and having flown many times, I would say it was fortunate for all that the airline could resolve the issue as they did.  The family was able to leave the airplane and be in a safer more comfortable environment.

Perhaps there should be travel insurance for such occurrences.  Maybe it is covered under the provisions for travel having to be aborted through no fault of the purchaser of the airline tickets.   I think I would check on the possibility.

Now, the tantrum shown here is cute . . . at least the picture is cute.  We were in the kitchen.  I remember when the baby boy's crying, screaming and physical histrionics were in progress; it was not at all attractive. He concluded his performance with an exasperated bend from his waist to firmly rest his forehead on the floor. It wasn't unusual for him to end his tantrums like that.  All we could do was agonize for the distressed little guy and enjoy hugging him when he was ready.

He is celebrating his birthday today.   My grandson is now a 19-year-old Eagle Scout in the second semester of his freshman year of college.  I'm remembering that was the last time he put this show on.  The temper tantrum season is not a long one.  I was sorry he didn't do it again because I always hoped to get a better picture. "Happy Birthday.  I Love You".
                                     ________________________________


May everyone have a pleasant weekend.  I look forward to returning on Monday.

                                

Bread Please

The grocery store checkout cashier said it.   “We all know not to eat bread or anything made with enriched flour”.  “That is”, she said, “If you want to work on controlling weight gain.”

I knew nutritionists recommend we eat whole wheat instead of white bread.  I didn’t know enriched flour was a problem to manage if you were an overweight person wanting to be a normal weight person.

The messenger was someone I didn’t recognize.  She recognized me.  I was embarrassed not remembering the lovely woman until she said it was understandable.  She had lost 110 lbs.  The enriched flour information spilled out as she talked about her weight loss achievement.

Since her revelation I've faithfully reviewed bread and baked goods labels hoping the item didn’t contain enriched flour.  They did – even the whole-wheat products. 

I resigned myself to be motivated by a truth I sort of believe.  If my objective is to lose weight, I should simply do without bread.  My breadbox could be empty for the first several weeks, at least, as I change my eating habits.  But to have just one slice of bread at breakfast and or lunch makes a big difference in my enjoyment of the meal.

So I’m happy to report good news.   I’ve discovered a delicious, full-bodied loaf of sliced bread.  It is made by the Vermont Bread Company – Matthew’s All Natural.  The first listed ingredient is Wheat Flour (not ‘enriched’ wheat flour).  Hurray! 

HELP Wanted

Housekeeper,     Maid,    Chef,     Laundress,    Fashion Stylist,    

         Beautician,      Manicurist,       Shopper,       Gardner,

IT Expert,     Make-up Artist,       Personal Trainer,    Mechanic,     

       Driver,       Accountant,       Nurse,       Secretary,      Editor.

The harried woman said she was prepared, emotionally, to pay good wages to each of the above to come work for her. If only she had the money!

If she had that good HELP to take care of her house and herself,  the lady said she would, guilt free, be busy reading, researching, thinking, and writing. 

She said she would also enjoy organizing her library of books, photo albums, and project files.

She would enjoy relaxed telephone conversations; have friends and family in for wonderful meals; and looked forward to getting away and traveling with friends and family. 

It would be so rewarding, she said, to follow-up on commitments with her church and even make new ones.  She spoke of the fun of going to movies and stage plays - on and off Broadway. 

Then she brightened up, her eyes widened - like in amazement. “I would go to the animal shelter and get a new puppy,” she exclaimed.

That lady has opened my eyes.   I, too, could easily appreciate  a STAFF!

What about you?

I'll Think About It

At this point in my life, it’s highly unlikely for those words to be directed at me, “I’ll think about it”.   These days, I’m not seeking anything anyone will have reason for deliberating about before giving me an answer.  The response will be a “sure” or an “I’m sorry, I can’t”  – on the spot!

It is, however, something I do all the time, “think about it”, that is.  In fact, I’m used to friends or family telling me, “No one else is giving it all that attention.  You think too much."  

I’m like that about today’s hot potato issues too – only to a degree. I gather and consider information, but I won’t let myself obsess on the pros and cons nor introduce a discussion on the issue.  How about you?   I think a lot of people are like that. After all, the concerns are emotional to all parties; a heated discussion will break the peace and the sound and fury will not achieve a resolution. Thinking about it, there are perhaps four such hot potato issues out there for me.  For sure though, even if I may hold to a non-committal stance as long as I can, I’ll not be apathetic when it counts.   I hope you too will keep thinking, but not let apathy rule.

The other day a piece of mail was delivered to my house that has me “thinking about it”.

 (By the way, I almost pray we will keep mail delivery service in this wonderful country of ours.  It needs to be better structured but I think losing mail delivery service could prove to be a devastating problem for too many.) 

Sorry, I’ve digressed.   Anyway . . . my mail included the invoice for me to continue my subscription to the daily paper.  Will I or won’t I?  I have to decide.

Too frequently I’m not pleased with what I read in my newspaper. The glossy advertisements are excessive.   If I discontinue the subscription, I’ll reduce the pile of newsprint I must get to the recycling center.  What to do?

For sure, I’ll think about it.

My Paris Evening

Traveling with best friend Stella, we were up early for the complimentary breakfast buffet. My notes:  “I selected orange juice (was watery), coffee (was strong) and cream  (served hot in cream pitcher) fresh banana and chocolate drop pastry (I thought it was raisin pastry)."  Still, as I noted, all was delicious.  Our first full day in Paris, France was off to a good start at the Hotel Lotti, our home for the next several days.

The tour bus took us on a morning of sight seeing in Paris; including Notre Dame and at noontime out to the City of Versailles and the Palace of Versailles.  What a fabulous experience; yet, we were back by 4:30 that afternoon.

Jean and Fran, whom we met on the tour, came up to our room to relax.  They were staying at the Nord and wanted to see our “superior first-class ” accommodations.   Soon they were talking about going shopping.  I begged off, said I was tired; actually wanted to try to reach my daughter’s office in New Jersey before lunchtime over there.   The three of them went shopping. 

I changed into a caftan.  Not able to connect with family, I relaxed.  Time passed, my friends didn’t return and I was hungry.  It was nearly 7 pm and I was going to have to eat by myself.  I began to feel painfully lonely in Paris.  Studying the room-service menu, it hit me, no-way!  I had to get out of that hotel and make a real Paris memory. 

I dressed, stood tall, and left the room, adding a pleasant face to my over all look as I rode the elevator to the lobby and stepped out into the Paris evening.   I strolled up rue de Castiglione, made a right turn and explored the two blocks behind the hotel. Window shopping the high fashion boutiques, I considered the little dresses, the sleek tight shiny pants; glittery shoes with wide and narrow straps – big clunky heels.  Would my daughter, daughter-in-law appreciate what I might select for them.  What about fit? The grey satin-like slip-on pants for one and the bronze slide-in shoe for the other seemed to say, “buy me”.   But I was chicken – kept walking.

Just ahead was a deli-restaurant with folks at tables outside and inside.   Wondering if Stella, Jean and Fran could have gone to such a place, I strolled by pensively. “For sure, they were eating someplace - without me.” 

Sauntering on,  I was interested in a window display of souvenirs.  As I seriously considered going inside, I heard “Marva”, “Marva”.  Here I was on a moderately crowded avenue in Paris and a stranger's voice called my name.  Absolutely Amazing!

Turning, I saw Jean running toward me.  Laughing, she pointed at the deli-restaurant down the block.  Seated inside, they had seen me pass by as they ate.  Walking back I learned Stella was enjoying the French onion soup she craved since arriving in Paris on Thursday.  


I Was So Happy To Be Together Again With My Friends!  YES!!!

I ordered Duck Pate and Mineral Water and enjoyed the conversation and the ambiance including the rather large, long haired, elderly dog resting under a neighboring table.  The pet would give a few mature barks which no one seemed to notice.  Earlier one of our guides had told us Parisians love their dogs – take them everywhere.  And here one was, sharing dinnertime with its master.

What a lovely Friday evening in Paris.

Senior Prom Today

And, I'll miss it!  I don’t have a thing to wear!  There’s a good reason I don't.  Only last night did I learn our Senior Prom is today at three o’clock.   Many outfits in my closet are just fine.  But for such a special occasion, I want the time to choose and be absolutely pleased with everything I wear, including shoes, jewelry, and all accessories.   On this short notice, I'd be a nervous wreck making that decision.  I can't go.

They’re going to have a fun time.  I’m certain of that because each time I’ve attended it has been a great time.  The location is the large social hall of a magnificent church building.  The hosts are handsome young men and lovely young women from certain high schools in the area.  Everyone gives gracious attention to the guests. 

The food will be delicious and plentiful.  Tables will be supplied with salty and sweet snacks and thirst defying drinks.  Salad will precede the succulent entre’ which will be followed with a yummy desert. 

Entertainment?  There will be a ‘floor show', usually singing and dancing by talented individuals and small ensembles, all high school students.  I won't be there.

There is no need for the organizers to widely advertise the event.  It’s a popular no-cost-to-the-guests annual affair.  It’s my fault I didn’t know 2012's date.  I’ve been isolated since I started blogging – didn’t even make it to church on Sunday or Bible Study on Wednesday.  Last night I picked up my telephone and a friend asked if I was going.  No.  Guests will come from the community; definitely a multi-cultural group.  It’s an energetic group, too.  The disc jockey will be thrilled entertaining a crowded dance floor. The music is great for dancing, singing, and to just listen and . . . remember.  Guests are all Senior Citizens.  Last year I knew of one mother and daughter enjoying the party with us.

Our Senior Prom, a service activity organized and carried out by High School Service Organizations, is a wonderful thing.    

♩ ♪ ♫   ♪   ♬ ♩

Surely I'm missing the highlight of my late-winter social calendar.   Drat!

 

________________________________________

This is my last post for the week.  Have a great weekend.  I look forward to returning Monday.  

How Green Are You?

By that I mean, how environmentally conscious do you live your life? 


I’m responsive to the importance of conserving nature, doing all I can to monitor my misuse and /or consumption of what I, nor any other human put on this earth.

Attempting to wisely use water and paper is always on my mind.


I do fairly well regarding water, taking great effort to severely limit any purchase of bottled water.  It’s a challenge though.  I'm prompted to question just “how green am I?”  You see, today I want to buy a case of bottled water – for emergencies and also for convenience, especially if I have guests.  There’s one bottle left in the case I bought in November,  I want to replenish my supply.


Actually, I easily use tap water for me and mine.  If the tap water is not used for cooking it is poured through a Brita filter.   Information on the filter package assures me using the Brita filter reduces any chlorine, mercury and copper in the water.   They say their filter will give me healthier great-tasting water.  No claims are made that the filter removes impurities.  My thinking is, the water streaming from the tap is perfectly clear to my sight.  It is certainly odor free.  It has a delicious taste. The filtered water I pour from the Lucite pitcher looks and tastes no different than the water that came from the spigot.  Perhaps spending my precious dollars for the filter is mostly helping to keep a business profitable.  I shake off the uncertainty crowding sanity out of my brain. 

Concerning paper, unfortunately, my actions may indicate I am more ‘unconscious’ than conscious.   I use a lot of paper.

Don’t let me run out of paper towels!  Napkins, plain and decorated; tissues – many boxes of tissues; and of course toilet paper, all of the above I keep amply supplied in my home.  How many trees do I doom to death?

Wait, I’m not through.  Writing paper, copy paper, note paper, various sized tablets are all readily available in this house.  I’m thinking, for sure I help diminish the forests and woodlands.

A saving grace is, I seriously recycle. 


What about yourself?