Reminder

Dusk Through Curtains  by rcw

Sometimes the past isn't so past....like when memories come on so real; it's almost like I could reach my hand out and touch the long-ago moment.

I've been having a lot of dreams like that lately...yes, even though I don't sleep much I do dream, and quite vividly. Been thinking a lot about my mother, living alone now since Dad died back in '04.  She claims she's okay, but has had a lot of health challenges lately.  At 82 plus years of age, she's bound to have a few.

Her birthday is this coming November 11th and it sure would be nice to see her.  Money being what it is, I highly doubt that's possible. But I swear, somehow in the year 2011 I'll get back there and spend some quality time with her.

We didn't always get along while I was growing up...hey! I was a handful! But last time we were together we got a lot of things sorted out. It was during dad's last month, and we had nothing but the hospital and each other to occupy the time. We talked about her days as a real live "Coal Miner's Daughter" in Scranton PA,
about her courtship with Dad.  Dad, by the way, was quite romantic and determined to have my mother as his wife.  And what better way to do so than to win over her mother's heart by playing "Clair de Lune" on the piano!  Now THAT's how it's done!

So for today, Fifty Five is the New Reminder...of loved ones, of days past and of making new memories too.

Seasons

Autumn growing up was all about piles of leaves....their smell, the way they sounded as they crunched beneath our feet.....
The most fun was raking them into enormous piles then jumping into the middle of them!  I loved watching them flutter about us as we made fun out of our yard chores.

Back east fall was a lot different than here in California!  I had to get used to the seasonal differences.
While I love the four seasons, Philadelphia's winter is brutally hard on people with bone conditions and stiff joints!

In that regard, the move to California was an excellent choice!

I'm keeping this entry short for today...so for today Fifty Five Is The New Seasons, each to be savored to its fullest!  Manga!

Determination

The more I try to devote time to artistic endeavors, the more life tries to drag me away from them.
I mean, I understand the need to take care of one's business, to help those in need and so on...but when, just when does a person get the chance to sit down and clear the noise away for a few moments of creativity?

It's just ridiculous! Oh well...I could bitch and moan all day long about it.  People have told me that it's all in the choices I make, but I don't agree.

When somebody needs help and there's nobody else around, ya gotta do something.  Ya just can't ignore them and be on your merry way!  Well at least I can't.   Must be something in my wiring.

Sometimes I think it might be an interesting experience to shut the world out, tell everybody to just go to deal with things themselves so I can deal with a few of my own issues.  Almost did it successfully once...almost.  Didn't take long before I caved.

In truth, behind all the grumbling I am grateful for the opportunity to be there, to help if needed. So please forgive me, Maker, for being terribly, terribly human...thank you for the tasks at hand and the trust you place in me.

Okay...now. Gotta go get ready for a good day ahead. There are people to see and things to do...so for today Fifty-Five is the New Determination-one foot in front of the other, full steam ahead....with a little prayer for a few moments with my muse.

TV

Remember the old t.v. sets?   Huge consoles...wooden cabinetry; that's the best kind for speakers-wood. This composite stuff is okay, but it doesn't respond to sound the same way.
Off subject, sorry.

Back in the day....Gleason, Skelton, all the greats.  They'd come into our living rooms once a week like honored family guests.  The family would gather 'round, enthralled by folks like Imogene Coco; cheer for the performers on the Ted Mac show and howl at Groucho Marx's double edged comments on "You Bet Your Life."  T.V. was innocent, bloodless and black and white.  No CSI, no Sex and the City; back then nobody slept with anybody and the only carving being done was on a turkey by Ward Cleaver.

I'm not saying t.v.'s not great these days....it's fantastic-almost too much so.  Now, even the commercials themselves are part of the entertainment.

But here's to t.v.! Baby Sitter, Teacher, Information Booth and Vast Wasteland...here's to T.V.!
For Today, Fifty Five Is The New T.V. then, with some fond memories of the old.