"I Choose Not to Run"

One of the most comical "Seinfeld" episodes was just on, with so many layers of what's funny taking place, I can barely separate them! Jerry re-running a foot race with an old school mate; Kramer working as a department store Marxist Santa; Jerry's girlfriend named "Lois" (he's a HUGE Superman fan, so absolutely loves the name Lois); Elaine 'blacklisted' at the Chinese take-out place (not to mention being banned from having soup for one year!). She has the worst restaurant luck, poor girl!

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We had only three in the memoir writing workshop today, but expect a couple more next week. Those who were here really enjoyed it, we shared our "samples" and I encouraged them to fill in any blanks they wish to make their story more complete. My scrapbook/painting ladies weren't able to come this noon, as it's Martie's birthday and her family snatched her away from me!

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Chris and I would have feted her appropriately but to keep family peace, we let her go. Chris and her hubby were planning a day at the beach but I think the sky had other ideas, opening just as the writing crew was leaving my house. Being suddenly available for lunch, we decided to go to Longhorn on the Island which suits me perfectly, as I was longing for my Monday chicken fingers. Creature of habit, I am! And also know what I like!

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My memoir writers enjoyed the view and atmosphere while here, even had the doors open until it began to rain. One mentioned that she would never have to go anywhere because it feels so good here. I asked her, "But what would you do about eating??"....for a moment she was stunned and then remembered who she's talking to. Some can't imagine not having to prepare meals daily for people who don't really appreciate their efforts or for those who recognize the non-effort put into meal-making. My former spouse was an amazing cook and I am not, but those in the area bistros do a fine job making me and who's ever with me, happy!

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As often happens when we are together, my friends have a problem they wish to discuss, personal relationships usually at home or work. One of these friends has a reoccurring situation with a husband who is no longer 'among the living', rather, he sits at home watching sports or news on TV and reading the paper. This rattles her no end and after a certain point there's little anyone can add to comfort her wounded feelings. Today I was compelled to invoke the name of a great, wise man...and NOT Dr. Phil.

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I shared with the group how Pete, as our pastor, gave me the 'special hug' and 'calming reminder' so desperately needed as my marriage was raveling. That hug? The Words of our Lord. The reminder? There is one thing and one thing only we can depend upon for eternity--Jesus' love for us never fails! His love never waivers, is unconditional, does not judge, and so on.

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After a certain point, one has to just let God do His thing for and in us, and we should not dwell on what's NOT happening. Instead, focus on what is!!! Pete's reminder, God's actually, is that love is what we can do for others, give others, and IS NOT about getting or deserving. Give not get! Okay, see? Now, let's talk about something else--global warming anyone? Animal cruelty perhaps? How about the floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters for table talk?

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I took advantage of the electrical storm later this afternoon, keeping my computer shut off and safe, by watching a documentary movie about singer and songwriter, Leonard Cohen. I've been a fan of some of his music for many years, mostly because Judy Collins and Baez sang some of his poems on their albums. We listened to some of Cohen's music when playing Name That Tune at Lori and David's in April. I am humbled by his writing. I looked on the computer for recording of his and discovered that he'd been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year! Rock 'n roll? Okay, I guess. Leonard Cohen was, although seemingly unlikely, a love interest of Janis Joplin, sharing shelter at the Chelsea Hotel in NYC. This I knew, but it still amazes me how these poet/musicians move about in each other's lives.

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So, as time goes by here, my next meeting is about to begin so I have to run---unless, of course, I choose NOT to run!!!!!

Some fun and interesting things yesterday.....

I have only a few moments before needing to dress and such for the day. Some pending writers will be arriving shortly to begin their trip through time, memoir writing. I snitched this concept from Judy R., who wrote the most beautiful memoir of her grandfather and dad and other relatives, using the same format we are using today. I so 'cited!!! It is such a blessing to have friends who are "kindred spirits" AND are teachers!!! An endless resource of ideas!!

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Reading my previous paragraph---I'd be in big trouble at Elaine Benes' publishing company, overuse of !!!!!!. Robbie told me once that I write like I talk, hence, the !!!!!.

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Tuesday morning I went over to Mandarin to pick up my books for today, plus found something for Justin's birthday. Remembering that The Bucket List came out on DVD, I went to see if they had it. A nice lady tried to help me, but she was only filling in while another girl took a break. We searched around, found it, discussed it at length, with me stopping short of giving the entire story away and breaking into tears. Whew! That was close! It cost a whole lot more buying it at B & N than at Wal-Mart but made for one-stop shopping. I also got myself an inexpensive journal to use for my workshop today. For not being a voracious reader, I can sure get into a lot of trouble at Barnes and Noble!!!!

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On the way over and then back from Mandarin (where the land is sold in "segments" instead of lots-----oranges, get it??) I had nice chats with Joanne---finally! She is working on her parents' home in MI, trying to get it cleaned out inside and straightened away outside so they can list it for sale. She has her hands quite full up there and I rejoiced at getting to actually speaking with her versus leaving messages for each other all the time. And twice we spoke, in one day....great! Also, I had a call from Jen wanting to meet for lunch, which was doable if timed just right. Multi-tasking, driving, talking, planning, and doing it all safely.

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I got across the bridge and worked my way to Blanding Blvd. so I could pick up my new glasses. Oh, they do look cute, even though I hate the idea of wearing glasses again. Everything is so crisp when I have them on, but my stubborn side wants me to continue being less sharp. Is that like cutting off ones' nose to spite their face? The technician had to shorten the length of the bows because they stuck out past my ears in the back--I have a small head, contrary to popular opinion. And out the door I go! With the glasses tucked away in my purse, of course. I did take them out to show Jen and she loved them, said they look just like me! Thank God for red frames!

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We had a lovely lunch at Pengree's, where I also met some of the ladies from Art Guild. I think they'd done a change-out at The Cancer Center earlier, if my notes were accurate. Another of our members hangs her art in Pengrees and comes in from Penney Farms to do so. Penney Farms, named after JC himself, was established to serve as a retirement community for pastors way back when. Now, Christian lay workers, pastors, missionaries, and other church-related retirees live and work together on this compound. Sounds perfect for retired church secretaries, too! Endless union meetings.....The man who played the Coroner in the "Wizard of Oz" also lives there. Just a little trivia...

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After lunch I went out to Great Hang Ups to see my lady friends. I hadn't seen them since last week, didn't even go to my painting time with Dee because of my goofy teeth business. We got caught up some and found out we are supposed to meet again on Thursday, which won't work for me because of a Building Committee Meeting. Rats! I'd rather go paint, since we have nothing really to discuss. It's a slow, plodding process to build these classrooms....the Blue Mosque in Istanbul was built in 3 years, and we're going on six years with the planning here!!! Of course, as Pastor Humann reminded me, we aren't using slave labor and the Turks were NOT Lutherans! Keeping in mind that all the workers on this team and involved in this effort are volunteers and have other things going on in their lives than building this building......

Here is a picture of the Blue Mosque, NOT built by a committee of Lutherans!

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I got home just before the heavens opened and got my stuff hauled upstairs without getting it all wet. Good! Brought some more paper into the house to mess up my office and desk. Oh, I really need to address some of this paperwork one of these days. Jen remarked that she likes to do filing, but Rick doesn't. Rebecca, my friend who moved to Onalaska, used to work for us and simply loved doing the filing. I just don't get it. I've mentioned before how I like everything else in my life nice 'n neat but my office mess, forget it! And my car mess, complete with poisonous spiders...............forget that too!

Kim and Olivia at her Debutante' Event Sunday