Getting Used To The Water

Now that I've let my feet dangle in the waters of blogging and even made some little ripples, I've decided that the water is fine, and I'm ready to venture in a little more. I'm getting a little more accustomed to things-----but am definitely still in need of floaties and no where near ready for the deep end!

I've ventured out and read some other blogs. Besides the great writing out there, I've been amazed at the creativity put into the designing of many of the blogs. And there are just so many things I don't yet understand . And I haven't figured out just how people know about all this stuff. There's things like "grabbing buttons" and "Mr Linky" and the most amazing customized blog banners.

I've never worked with any kind of computer graphics or photo editing websites or programs. The most I've ever done is re-sized and cropped! I see that It will take some time to figure all of this out. Especially since I am the kind of person that prefers to have someone right with me showing me how to do something step by step.

I think that I will love my blog home much more, when I have it decorated in a way that I feel expresses my personality. So--today I have been practicing how to do different things. My blog has had several different themes and colors today as I work on the very basic of techniques.

I think having a page set up the way I want it to be will help to inspire me to write and post more too. So far there are only a couple of my posts that I have been happy with. I usually don't have much time to think about things, and when I get some time, I just come in here and start typing. Most of what I have posted is more like a rough draft of something that could be much better.

I will be glad when I feel this is truly my home and and my writing flows more smoothly--and maybe I can say what I want to say using a lot less words. Hmm- not sure about that one------but maybe the more I write, some of the things I learned about writing when younger will come to mind, or other blog writers will inspire me. Regardless, I am glad I decided to take off my shoes and test the waters.

Just Wednesday - Not Wordless

You know how I've tried to do a Wordless Wednesday, but just couldn't help throwing in a word or three or four? I felt like I just couldn't follow the Wordless Wednesday rules. But, now I don't feel so bad. I know that I am not alone. I found a couple more bloggers who have the same issues. One is http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/ (this blogger hosts a Wordful Wednesday , "for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them)." Now does that describe me , or what? The other one is http://www.ordinaryandawesome.com/search/label/WW. She hosts a Mostly Wordless Wednesday. I think I can "mostly" follow those rules!


That said, I am moving on to my Wednesday pictures. And so glad to find out that it doesn't matter if I decide to be wordless, mostly wordless or just full of words. I am not alone!

This is a picture of some our "second generation" cousins at a family event.

This is my brother,introduced in previous posts as my "Brat" whom I accompanied on a mission trip to Azerbaijan. He likes to be involved in all that is going on around him so........................

......................he decided he needed to get in on a picture of the girls. He liked the way he looked in this picture so much that he...........................................

..............................decided his face belonged on everyone in the picture. Of course, this was during his earlier days learning to photoshop, so one lucky person got to keep her own face, since it was facing in a different direction, and my brother couldn't fit his face on there as well. Kinda scary looking, huh?

That's not a little rubber ball being bounced off the walls, that's the sound of thoughts in my head bouncing around.

This is what a woman's brain looks like: A Woman's Brain - Goofball.com Busy Busy Busy. Stuff going on all the time. All day--sometimes all night. And it is amazing how many thoughts can be processed in such a short period of time. I was just thinking about that this morning as I was taking Cameron to daycare.

We are riding down the road and he's in the back seat pointing at things. Of course--I cant see what he's pointing at. I am in the front seat, looking forward and driving. So, to get my attention, he is back there going, "MAW! MAW! MAW!" (his version of grandmama) This will go on till I say, "Yes, Cameron?" Then he starts babbling about something that I totally do not understand. So, I'm not quite sure what he is pointing at.

Well, I've got to say something to keep him from doing the whole "Maw!" thing again, so as we are driving by the AUM (Auburn University Montgomery) Dorms, I just happen to say, "Yes. That is a college."

Ok--so here is where the many thoughts processed in a short period of time comes in. In just a manner of seconds here's how it goes:

Out loud: "Yes. That is a college" Then in my mind: I wonder where Cam will go to college? I wonder if he will be an Auburn fan or an Alabama fan? I wonder if he will be a Bama fan like the family or be an Auburn fan for whatever reason? Then out loud again: "Yes Cameron, that is a back hoe" Then in my mind: Matt (my nephew) could say back hoe before he was even two. He knew the difference between and could point out back hoes and bulldozers and tractors. Amy decided she was gonna be an Auburn fan when she was like in 3rd grade. For some reason. So, I just said ok. It was when she got her tonsils taken out. Yes--because Mary Jane gave her an Auburn sweat shirt and the others in the office gave her a Teddy Bear. But now Amy is an Alabama fan again. That was just a phase. Boy, I sure do miss Mary Jane. I cant believe shes been gone for 9 years now. Wow, it just seems like yesterday that we were sitting in the office together talking and laughing. She was such a hoot! But also a good friend. Its funny that when I think of her, like when I think of my dad, Out loud: "Yes, that is a flag. That is the American flag" To myself: I think that bear Amy got from everyone in the office was wearing a sweater with the American Flag on it. The sky is so pretty today. I am so glad I can feel at peace when I think of my dad and Mary Jane. That even though I miss them, they are still kind of close by. Because we are only separated for a short time, and then I will see them in heaven. How awesome to know that I will be with them again. How sad for people that don't have this assurance. I am going to be late. Irg! I am so mad at myself. OH--there's that cop who gave me a ticket yesterday. What's he doing--hanging out over here now, trying to catch me speeding on this side of the interstate? Hmmpf!

And this all happened in a matter of seconds. Honest! And this is just what I remember. I could have had a few other thoughts thrown in there too.

Do you ever find yourself thinking about one thing, then all of a sudden be in a totally different place, thought-wise, and then trace your thoughts back to see how you got there? Or am I the only person that does that, and I probably shouldn't have confessed to it? In the amount of time it takes me to brush my teeth, I can start out thinking I need to buy more toothpaste, on to how we had to take fluoride treatments in school and then chew those pink tablets to check for plaque, venture over to my short-lived softball career in 3rd grade and end up thinking about the girl I used to run with in Bad Toelz and how we were gonna get shirts that said, " I work out so I can pig out". And then wonder what I'm going to take for lunch.

And those are my random thoughts for the day!

Well- I promised myself I'd write here every day. So--here I am! Just logged on without even thinking. Not even an idea of what to write about, so certainly no organized thinking going on! No goal to accomplish!

It's me and the Camster today. His mom left early this morning to get a haircut and highlights. I think she planned to get some sun today by a friend's pool, but the weather had different plans. But, I'm sure she is still having fun. No mommy responsibilities, but mostly--no mother getting on her butt for stuff (to which I've gone above and beyond the call of duty lately).

First, Cam and I went to a nice little park with a stream running through it. We threw rocks in the stream and listened to them go "plunk" in the water. We threw leaves and sticks in the water and watched them float carelessly down the stream out of sight. "Bye Bye!", Cam told each leaf and stick. We climbed around on the playground equipment. Went through tunnels and down a slide. Just once on the slide. It had a little bit of muddy water pooled up at the bottom. Well, it did have more water pooled up, but the backside of my pants helped out with that situation a bit.

I didn't care that my backside was wet. Nope--and in fact, I was already planning our next trip to this particular park. On a day with a bit more sun and us wearing something that was OK to get a little bit wet. Because Cam and I are gonna actually wade in that stream! Yep! But not too far down stream. Don't want to run into any snakes or anything! And-well--its still a park--in a kind of public area. Don't want to do too much serious stream exploration and be seen by too many people thinking I escaped from my padded cell. But, I do think I will get brave and take Cam on a trip to a state park not too far away, and do some real hiking and "exploring" with him.

He's taking a nap right now. He seems to do well with a good nap in the afternoon. He takes one at daycare, so we try to keep him on schedule at home too. I think he actually doesn't get to sleep as long as he'd like at daycare. Cause he comes home kinda tired and ILL, some days. And, we do let him sleep longer on the weekends than he gets to sleep at school, if he wants to.

But, I'm already plotting and scheming how we can take him to Six Flags and White Water and work around nap time. And take him to the lake to hang out and enjoy the water. I'm not quite ready for an "all the way to the beach" trip. Or a Disney World trip. But, I do want to get out more with the little guy. He's pretty fun to hang out with!

I WONDER WHERE YOU ARE. I WONDER WHAT YOU DO.

Yesterday afternoon, while in traffic , I glanced over at the person in the truck next to me. I knew that I didn't know him, but he reminded me of someone. Out of the blue, just by looking at this guy I don't know, I am transported back to oh, maybe 1985. This guy in the truck next to me looks like someone who went on a trip to Israel with me.

I didn't know him before the trip. He was a young soldier on the military base in Germany , which was my home, while my dad was stationed there. Dang--I cant think of his name. His mother was visiting him from the States and she went on the trip with us. What did we call her? Mama Cortez? No--No--it was Cordona or maybe Cardona? Cordova? His name was Eddie, I think.

So, now, just because I glanced over at the guy in the truck, I am thinking the people who are part of my past, that I dont even remember well. Its not like we were best friends or anything, but you'd think I'd remember his name. I think about many other people I have known through the years. I have been steady moving around since I was born. There is a girl that I went to kindergarten with , who I think may have also lived right down the street from me. I moved away,though and finished kindergarten in another state. For a couple of months, in third grade, I went back to that school where I started kindergarten. We were awaiting housing to be able to move with my dad who had gone ahead to his next military assignment. As I walked down the hall of the school my first day, that girl from kindergarten recognized me! When she recognized me, I remembered her. I remember this story, but I don't remember the girl, again!

I now live back in that same town. She may still live here. I could be next to her in the grocery store, I could sit near her in church, I could be next to her in traffic, but I don't think I'd remember her. How many other people have I forgotten? There are faces I remember, but I don't know a name to put with them. There are names that come to mind, but I don't remember where I knew those people. Which school? Which town? Which state? Or country, even. Why do I remember their names? Were we good friends or just classmates?

I remember some events, and can picture the people, but don't remember names. And, with some people, I remember names and faces and have memories to attach to them. There are many people I think about and would love to get in touch with. And, with the help of the Internet, I have searched for them. I have been able to reconnect with some friends through wonderful Internet tools such as Classmates.com or Facebook.

Years ago I didn't realize the importance of documenting things through photographs. I wish I thought to take a lot more pictures of people and events through the years. A couple of friends from back in my school days, whom I have recently reconnected with, have actually e-mailed me pictures of myself, that I didn't even know existed! Isn't that funny to think about? Are there other pictures out there of me that I don't know about? Who has them? Do they remember me or are they trying to figure out who in the world is in those pictures!

Do you search Facebook, Myspace, Classmates or do a google search to find friends from years gone by? Do you live in the same town you have always lived in and see people you have known your whole life?

I have been in many airports through the years, and I often wonder if I am walking by someone that I used to know. Someone I played on the playground with, or shared secrets with. Someone I had a crush on. The boy I pushed into the row of stacked chairs in 3rd grade while at the pencil sharpener? Why? I don't know. Or, if I am in a tourist spot filled with people, I wonder the same thing. Is there someone I know, but don't recognize anymore? An I walking right by an old friend?

I'm not the kind of person to just speak to a stranger. I don't make a habit out of speaking to people next to me in line somewhere, or sitting next to me in a waiting room, or on an airplane, or any other situation. Some of my family members can tell fun stories of connecting with someone they know by just starting a conversation with a stranger. Or realize that they are talking to someone who has family or friends in common. And I wonder how many times I may have reconnected with someone, if I had taken the opportunity to talk to someone.

Some people I want to reconnect with,because we were friends who shared some fun times. Some were close friends, but others, maybe we just shared a small moment in time together. Like Eddie and his mother and our trip to the Holy Land. Or like Philipe Koskas, the young Jewish man serving in the Israeli army that Eddie and I met one evening on Ben Yehuda street. Or Ehab Sabbara who was a Palestinian Catholic working at Casa Nova where we stayed while in Israel. Funny that I would remember their names and not so many others. Even more intriguing a thought is, do they even have the slightest memory of me. I doubt it. But, I wonder, as many people as I wonder about and try from time to time to contact, is there anyone who remembers me? Remembers my face, but not my name. Remembers my name, but cant put a face with the name. Wonders who that girl was and what she's doing now.

I don't know-----but, I think, just for fun, I'm gonna go google Eddie. Or look for him on Facebook.

Way Too Many Words To Be A Wordless Wednesday!

I received an e-mail the other day from my nephew, who is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NTCE). Sounds pretty impressive, huh? He's smart. I wish I had a list handy of the various and numerous achievements he's earned over the years, including several degrees. I have yet to make it to one of his graduations, but I think he is in the process of pursuing another degree right now, just so I can finally attend one.

This particular e-mail from him the other day was also sent to other family members and came with an intriguing proposition. A proposition to come together and do some writings to be submitted to the National Gallery of Writing as part of the NTCE's National Day of Writing event. http://www.ncte.org:80/action/dayonwriting Seems they want "every day folk" to submit writings to show the many ways we use writing in our daily life and the many different types and styles of writing being used in the 21st century. This is a fun and exciting idea to me, as I am just starting to really think more about writing these days.

When I was younger (much younger--lets go back to elementary school through high school), I did a lot of letter writing. My family moved a lot and letter writing was a fun and important way for me to stay in touch with the friends I had to leave behind. I used to save all my letters. Through the years I did get rid of a lot of letters, while trying to keep a few important ones to represent each friend. As an adult, I actually received a fun little letter from my above mentioned nephew, which he wrote when he was younger. It told all about his adventures moving with his family to a new state.

As a young teenager, I was very excited when I got my own desk for my room. A place to keep my collection of nicely decorated , crisp stationary sheets and envelopes. I didn't always sit at the desk to actually write the letters. Sometimes I wrote while sitting on my bed, with my knees propped up, and using a school book as my desk. I did however, use my desk for writing school papers. I loved writing papers for school. Sometimes I did wait till the last minute to actually write, but that is a character flaw. But I did always follow all the techniques I learned in class on how to write a success full essay or report.

Its been many years since I had to think about using those techniques. And I don't even think I could write anything worthy of turning in for a grade. It's been many years since my college literature classes where I studied many different writing styles and techniques. I wish I could recall all the things I learned and put them to use now!

I don't send out as many handwritten letters these days. Well, they would be non-existant if it weren't for the letters I write to the child that I sponsor through Compassion International. But, I do find myself using e-mail to keep in touch with family and friends both near and far. Some people have occasionally commented on the interesting or funny stories I send in my e-mails. I realized that I was using e-mails as an outlet for my need to write. The need that I had been neglecting for a long time.

That is when I started entertaining the idea of creating my own blog. I thoroughly enjoy reading others blogs. In fact, my first experience with reading a blog was the one that my nephew started to let us know of his adventures while studying in Europe. Lately I have been able to catch up with a friend(http://beverlyhappymoments.blogspot.com/) from my younger days and be a part of her life through her most interesting blog. And to learn more about some people that I don't get to visit with very often. After I actually took the step to start my own blog, I decided it might be nice to have some feedback. I shared my blog with some friends and family and to my surprise, I actually got some very positive comments. Besides being told I was funny and had a good way with words, my favorite compliment was when someone told other people that they really needed to check out my blog.

Ah--but then--there I was. In this new and unusual situation. All of a sudden I felt pressure to produce great works for people to read. I felt pressured to be entertaining and keep people coming back for more. I panicked. And then, I stopped writing.

But, now I am making a new commitment to my blog. I cannot get better at writing if I don't write at all! So-- I will write. Good or bad. Followers or no followers. Even when I don't know what to write about. When I went to the website for the National Day on Writing Event, I found some links to useful information about writing.

I liked this particular tip: we all have trouble getting started once in awhile. Sometimes just spending 15 minutes writing anything and everything (including "I don't know what to write"), loosens up the very ideas needed for the piece.

LET THE RANDOMNESS BEGIN!!!!!!!!!

I SURE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE TIME TO CONTRIBUTE TO MY OWN BLOG!

When I started this blog, it was because I had so many thoughts and stories swirling around in my head all the time, that I wanted to put down in writing. I have already mentioned that I do most of my thinking when it is really not a good time to take a moment and jot ideas down. You, know, like when I'm driving, standing in line at a check out. Places like that.

It seems that ever since I started this blog I have been too busy to use it as I would like. As much as I enjoy a good ole "Wordless Wednesday" on other blogs, I had actually started to use it as a crutch to get a blog in quickly, when there was no time to write what I wanted to really write.

When last Wednesday rolled around, and it had been a week since my last post, I almost decided to do a Wordless Wednesday. But--I felt like I shouldn't do that, since I knew the rest of the week would pretty much be wordless and picture-less! I had been very busy for well over a week and knew there was going to be even less writing time in the near future.

My activities began when I helped sort through more clothes than are in the entire mall, for a yard sale held at my church the Saturday before Memorial Day. It was to raise money for mission trips. I worked about 3 hours after work on a couple of nights sorting through the good, the bad, and the downright ugly! I mean it--some of that stuff needed to be put out of circulation! I would have LOVED for Stacey & Clinton (What not to Wear) to be there and give their thoughts on some of the items I sorted through. Some items were really nice though---- with price tags still on them. Nice name brand items----but never anything in my size. Sigh.

Then, family started rolling in that weekend to prepare for my niece's wedding the following weekend. It was an outdoor wedding, and the family of both the bride and groom pitched in their time and efforts to make the chosen outdoor location "wedding ready" within a week's time.

The Friday evening wedding turned out wonderfully, and then Saturday I had to tend to my own neglected yard and take care of some errands. Yesterday, after the privilege of having my brother visit my Sunday school class to share about his missions work, the family got together at my mom's house for a big shrimp boil to celebrate my aunt's birthday. Later in the evening, to round out the eventful, family filled week, some of my family headed out with me to watch our minor league baseball team, The Montgomery Biscuits, play some ball.

I stayed up late visiting with my brother last night, then had to get up at 4:00am to have him at the airport by 5:30am. Whew, I am exhausted! Like a friend of mine told me this morning, It will probably take me till Wednesday to rest up and realize how much fun I've been having!

Hey.......Wednesday....... Hmm-----Maybe by then I will have some pictures ready to post of all my recent activities. Sounds like a good idea for Wordless Wednesday!

I Want A Telepathic Typewriter

Did you ever watch the movie "The Tommyknockers" based on the Stephen King novel? I remember devoting an afternoon to watching this mini-series. Probably curled up on my couch in some comfy clothes I wouldn't wear out of the house (well--except to quickly go check the mail or take the garbage out). And of course I was covered up in an afghan. Even if it was summer--I had an afghan. Its my security blanket. So--I turn the fan on , if necessary, and cover up with my afghan.

So--there I was all settled in for an afternoon of mindless entertainment. Only, at the end of the movie I felt very jipped----I wasted my time on THAT mess???? I was not happy with the ending. I was not happy about how the first part of the movie slowly introduced the characters and the plot, only to seemingly run out of time and have to hurriedly explain everything, and be over in the allotted time. I did not like the explanation. I just did not like that movie.

But, this isn't about that movie. This is about something I thought I remembered about the movie. A part where the female main character is a writer who develops a supernatural power. She is able to lie in bed and think about what she wants to write, and her typewriter types it all out for her at that same time she is thinking it.

Would that not be cool? Cause, for some reason I do my best "writing" at night. During the day my thoughts are random and scattered. Anyone can tell you that if you ask me what time it is, I'm gonna tell you how to build that clock! And so.....to make a short story long........ That's me! (I think you are seeing that already!)

Anyway--at night, lying in bed, I seem to have my thoughts all collected and I compose eloquent letters and other writings. I can prove my point very clearly. Or--maybe, since it's at night, and I'm in bed, I'm just DREAMING that I am doing so well!

So--I'm trying to decide what to write about for my second day as a blogger. My mind is everywhere and I think of that part of The Tommyknockers movie. I decide to do a google search and see if my memory is correct on that part of the movie.

Instead I got sidetracked ---No big surprise. And I just wanted to share with you what I found out about Tommy Knockers. Never heard of this before in my life!

First off --the definition of a Tommy Knocker: Tommy Knockers are the spirits of departed miners that help miners find ore. It also states that the Tommy Knockers can be very spiteful creatures if they don't like you, so some miners would leave a bit of their lunch for the spirits.

But- here is what I really thought was interesting--the origins of the Tommy Knockers Folklore--- the Tommy Knockers were first heard of when the Cornish people (from Cornwall, England --Celtic people) came to America to work in the mines. Seems the Tommyknockers are the equivalents of Irish Leprechauns. But--here is the really interesting part----
The Cornish believed these wee little men were the souls of the Jews who crucified Christ and were sent by the Romans to work as slaves in the tin mines. This belief was so strong that the Tommyknockers were allegedly never heard on Saturdays, nor at times of Jewish festivals.

You just never know what you will find when you start googling! I had contemplated writing about Easter and memories of my dad. Who would have thought that the Tommy Knockers would take me around to mentioning the Crucifixion of Christ!

I still never found out if that telepathic typewriter deal was a part of the movie!

What's A Blog To Do?

I find the idea of blogging quite fascinating. People sharing fun and amusing stories about their lives, their struggles, their dreams, their achievements. Or maybe a new recipe, or how to cope being a mom. Or dad. A blog about great travel adventures. A blog about a great business opportunity.

The idea of blogging has my attention. Kind of like a swimming pool in early summer. The air is warm. The sun is shining. The pool looks so clear and inviting. But, do I really want to get wet? Even though it is warm outside, will the water be cold? I think I will feel just fine after I decide to just go for it and jump in.

I ask myself—what do I have to add to this great world of blogging? What has been some of my greatest obstacles for starting a blog? Deciding on what the title should be!! And then what to write about! And do I want everyone to see what I’m writing about??

Well- everything I have written so far, has been written with me still not knowing what I will name my blog, or if it will even have a theme! But, during this time, I have decided that I WILL go and put myself out there. I will make a commitment to just jump in and see if I will decide to swim around for a while.

I’ve had several friends encourage me to start a blog. Don’t they know I love to write & talk! If they send me e-mail with one small question or comment, it takes a novel for me to reply! Maybe they have been encouraging me to blog to save space in their e-mail inbox! And, if they don’t decide to join me for my swim---that’s ok. I would certainly enjoy the company. But, if not, I’ll just take this time for myself.

Well- this is my first blog entry, in a blog that is STILL unnamed. And still doesn’t define a theme. Maybe that is the theme. Maybe it will just be random thoughts that pop into my mind. Maybe others will be interested. Maybe not. But that’s ok.

Ok..... I've decided on a title. And I'm jumping in! If I splash you when I jump in, you will get a taste of my corny ?humor? Hope you dont mind!