Monday Memory

Yesterday was Father's Day here in the United States
And now, it is back to Monday and back to routine--
However, I want to remember a time from a
Galaxy long, long ago when all I was
Concerned about when I would be tall enough
To reach the water fountain all by myself!
In this case, I was three years old and got
By with a litte help from a friend....!
Miss you, Daddy!  

February 7, 1981 was Saturday

Wayne was his name.
*sigh*
Pretty much all you need to know.
In 2012, the memory makes the still
Trying to figure out this
Nokia Lumia 710 mobile phone not so
Much a headache.

Valentine's Day...really?

Shouldn't we still be oogling at ornaments and/or wondering bout packing them away for the year? When I was kid our tree went up right before Christmas and took it down after New Year's. I still hold on to such a sweet memory.

The memory served me well tonight when I sauntered into Target.

Rows and rows of Valentine's Day cards greeted me. Really? When did the calendar switch to 2012? Sure, I've had my mind on other things, yet come ON!

Valentine's Day, really?

So let me ask: when Valentine's Day's does roll round, will pumpkins and Tricks or Treats candy fill the shelves instead?

And Wrap

Drank my water.

Talked myself into NOT adopting a puppy dog. Yet got info to volunteer for the puppy dog rescue during adoption days.

Ate pumpkin pie. Now tired of pumpkin.

Pondered the thought of writing a brand new story, instead of re-visiting an already written short story. What I oughta do is sit down and just write another book.

In the meantime, I wrap up this Saturday with a big bow and send it off to memory land, for it is about done.

A good day had by all.

May 4, 1990 was Friday

I got laid off.

Nope--not on this day in 2009, but back then. The company that brought myself and a few other co-workers to Dallas from Iowa, announced at 9am we were history at 4pm. We saw it coming, yet in denial. Greyhound Bus Lines' drivers were on strike. Without any drivers, or even replacement drivers, there wasn't enough work for us. I was a Charter Bus Travel Rep. I enjoyed that job--when it was in Iowa. When we moved to Dallas, I dunno--something just was different. Worked with a fine group of folks, yet something was missing. Bigger City, Brighter Lights. Not sure.

With the layoff, came a decision: leave or stay? The co-workers I cared the most about didn't hesitate. Back to Iowa before the U-Haul was even packed. Me, I wasn't so sure. I'd lived in Kansas City twice, plus lived in Des Moines (which was 35 miles away from my hometown). I couldn't stand the fact of moving back home---again. Honestly, I think I worried too much what folks would thing, when actually I shoulda cared less.

I was so in love with a man then (when wasn't I?) Problem was, he wasn't in love with me as much--like not at all, but that came into play later on...which of course is another post. Yet, I didn't care. Maybe for him, I decided to move here, even tho he didn't realize that. Greyhound wanted to send me to Atlanta to work in a 2 person office. I would have been the other person in that 2 person office. I thought about it --hard. Even met the other person, who's job was to wine and dine me so I'd consider the Atlanta move.

Part of me wanted Atlanta. For once I'd be part of the majority, instead of always being the minority, as was in my hometown-where I was one of the two black students in my entire high school. But, I didn't like the thought of moving somewhere -again-where I didn't know anybody ala Kansas City. That's another reason, outside of the man I loved, but who didn't love me, I chose Dallas. I would be moving with folks I knew.

So while others caravaned back to Iowa, I pitched my tent and stayed in Dallas.

19 years ago. Any regrets? More like what if's. If I'd moved back to Iowa, just one more time? If I'd gone to Atlanta, in 1988, instead of Dallas? How would my life be different? Because I was so nuts about this guy back then, I didn't give any other guy a chance. If I had, maybe I'd be married, kids, more cats, a dog, a Cadillac Escalade...OK, getting a little materialistic, yet you get my point.

Hmm.

Just hafta remember, He didn't bring me this far to leave me.

Another Holiday Classic

This foggy day and kind of a look that snow might fall reminded me of my Iowa hometown. The Christmas memories spent with my Dad--especially in the twilight of his life. I'd drive all day on Interstate 35, headed North to get to our house. I'd check in during the gas stops, to reassure I (and any cats I brought with me) were just find. Sometimes the weather was just cold-other times it was brutle. Yet, I'd get there--11 hours later.

Dad sat in a chair and looked out the picture window-with his cigar. Held his breath until prettiest girl pull in the drive way. Hed laugh when I brought in my two cats at the time, Sammy and Brenner. His little Chichuahua, Peaches, would bark and my cats would high tail to somewhere in the house.

As I'd settle in after my 750 mile drive. I lie on the couch, while he made us fire. Then he settled in his chair as cigar smoke clipped his nose. We'd fuss over what TV shows to watch--Dad's blasted westerns or him saying, "What in the hell is this?" when I had on something he'd never watch and would never again, after I'd leave.

However, after all that, I'd wake up in the middle of the night. Still on the couch, but now with a blanket Dad threw over me. I'd look over to him and see he would be watching me. With that cigar in his mouth. Dad would say, "You musta slept good. You snored so damn loud." I'd laugh and snuggle more under the blanket.

I do miss that. I still have one of Dad's blankets. So it's nice to know he still throws it over me. Cue Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra--two of Dad's favorites, to bring it all the way home with a song that keeps my memories as if they were yesterday.

I am blessed.

To the 70's

Wore this dress to work the other day. While Movie Man and I stood in a hallway, this Young Lady, with a need-sunglasses-for-her smile-approached. Our chat went a little like this:

Young Lady: I just love your dress!

Me: Thank you.

Movie Man: Stood in silence

Young Lady: Yea, you look so 70’s! So vibrant! I love it! (Her smiled widened. Sunblock anyone?)

Me: Well, my goodness, I never thought that. So thank you again!

Movie Man:

Stood in silence.

Young Lady: I bet the 70’s were fun! I wish I’d been there.

Me: Well, I kind of was.

Movie Man: Oh yea, she WAS there.

Young Lady: I guess I was there, too. Just don’t remember them.

Me: I do remember the 70’s, it’s the 80’s that are a little fuzzy….

Movie Man: Stood in silence, yet smirked

Young Lady: You were there? WOW!

Me: Stood in silence and nodded

Movie Man: Yea, she knows the 70’s quite well. (His smirk covers his face)

Young Lady: Tell me, did you have fun then? I just bet it was the best! Was it?

Me: (my own smile grew) I had a ball!

Movie Man: Yes, yes, I bet you did. (a touch of sarcasm)

Young Lady: I thought so. (Her eyes have a far off 8-track and 10 cent stamps yester-decade look)

Me: OK, so what year, in the 70’s, were you born?

Young Lady: 1975

Me:

Just stood in silence, gulped, smiled and nodded

Movie Man: (laughs) Hmm, she’s older than me.

Young Lady: Well, I need to go. Y’all have a great day. (Her smile blinds the room)

As she saunters away, I look at Movie Man. His smile almost rivals hers.

Movie Man: So, what were you doing when she was born? (He waits. His eyes sparkle with mischief. He knows me too well).

Me: (Paused to ponder). In 1975, I went to a party. Got drunk for the first time. Passed out in bed of a pick-up truck. Been at the party for a half hour.

The 70’s—a memory that can’t be duplicated--not sure I want them too. :)