Random Thoughts and Photos V

I know that you can buy pistachio nuts that are already shelled, but I really like that feeling I get when I find a random one mixed in with my in-shell nuts.  Not willing to give that up. 1

I think that if you reach my age and don't already have a 'nickname', chances are pretty good that you probably won't be getting one. 

Costco shopping is just not that much fun any more. 2

I had peanut butter on my left big toe the other day.  It was chunky so I am pretty sure it was mine. 

Revolving doors terrify me.  I honestly turn into a clod when I enter and exit.  I just can't seem to do it gracefully. 

I wish that when you order something online you can specify that you want the "Big" bubble wrap.  Small bubble wrap is lame. 

Yup!  That's a real cat in her backpack!

When you carry a bunch of balloons, everyone will smile at you.  

I have lived a long time but I still have to stop and think about how to spell "quiet" and "quite".  3

I have never tried cottage cheese. I don't want to try cottage cheese. 

Missy is the funniest dog I know.  Seriously, this dog is a hoot!

You know that moment when you are on a roller coaster and the car is slowly climbing up the hill and you reach the top and just before you decline?  That moment?  That is exactly why I don't ride roller coasters.  4

When you are at a flea market backing out of a spot, and an older gentleman stops to guide you, you let him. 

When I reach into my pocketbook and get a lip balm on my very first try! 5

And this....she is adorable!

  

1. I call it my "Pistachio Jackpot"

2. No samples

3. Every. Time. 

4. I do not like being scared for that same reason - that terrifying anticipation

5. I call it my "Lip balm Jackpot" 5a

5a. Of course, when you have 174 Lip balms in your pocket book, the odds are pretty good.... 

 

Angie

Did you smile? I bet you smiled! This is Angie and she was the very first friend I made when we moved to South Carolina in December of 2011. I had only been here for a few days when I asked a woman who cut her hair. She told me about Angie and I went to see her a few weeks later. Almost ten years later, and I have never been to anyone else since.    

Angie reads my blog and she told me that she likes my writing, my style and my observations. When I told her that I wanted to write a blog about her, she gave me a funny look and said something like, "Why on Earth would you want to do that?". I told her that it was because I appreciated her and wanted to share her.  

Angie is awesome in so many ways! She is kind, loyal and respectful. She is gentle with her older customers and patient with the squirmy ones. She's honest but never unkind. She is pistol smart and quick-witted. She remembers how each and every client likes the chair, their shampoo and whether to use hair spray or not. She remembers every little detail. I asked her once to not put the cape too tight around my neck or I'll gag, and she hasn't forgotten. Not once in ten years. 

She is a skilled hairdresser and knows how to cut my hair exactly the way I like it.  And she does this while we get caught up on all the activities of the past month. I am in awe of people who are able to talk and do complicated tasks at the same time. I am good at doing one thing at a time. And definitely not two if one of them requires me to hold and use sharp scissors.  

I know all about Angie's family; her husband, her two boys, her parents, her in-laws and her dogs. I've been through Angie's oldest son playing baseball in high school, going off to college, getting married, and most recently, welcoming a daughter. Angie is a Southern gal through and through and it sure tickles this Yankee just to hear her talk. Especially about her granddaughter!

Angie has met my mom and my sister Leah, and she knew all about Miss Ruth and Emil. She's seen my work published and she reads all my blogs. No matter what it is that I make or do, everything seems to delight her!  Angie has been the grateful recipient of all my creations through the years and she cheers and supports me in every endeavor. How awesome it that? To have such cheerleader on your side!

I did the math and I figured out that I have seen Angie approximately 100 times over the years. That's a lot of time to spend with someone. I've seen Angie handle her elderly clients with the utmost care and give sass to the ones who needed to be sassed. And she does it all with a pure heart and a big smile. 

I sure do appreciate you and your kindness Angie. Thank you for being my friend.    

My Friend

This is one of my favorite pictures of Emil and Missy. I believe that this picture shows exactly what Emil felt for me.  I can see it in his face - the love and the care that he gave me.  April 11th is the first birthday without Emil and I wanted to take a minute to write and share him, again, with you.  

Last year at this time, we were one month in the COVID lock down and I couldn't visit with him. He was in the category for high risk and I wouldn't take the chance of passing along the virus to him. For his birthday, I ordered sidewalk chalk and I asked my friend Mike, who is a manager at a grocery store, if he could get me a cake for Emil's birthday. It had to be chocolate with lots of frosting because Emil had a tremendous sweet tooth! 

That morning, before the sun came up, I got to work writing Emil's birthday "card" on the street in front of his house.  Even though we couldn't safely visit with him, he still went out most mornings and had coffee on the front porch.  I wanted him to see it as soon as he went outside. 

When he saw this, he couldn't get over it!  He called me and kept saying "Well, I'll be."  "You did that for me?".  Yup.  Emil, I did this for you. 

Emil was such a good friend and I miss him dearly. We used to talk every day - just to check in with each other. He was a fine man and he exemplified every good trait that you would expect and want in a friend.  Emil was kind, thoughtful and extremely loyal. He treated everyone, every single person he met, with respect. He appreciated and recognized the little things that people did for him and he told them and showed them. It didn't matter who they were, or what they did, he appreciated and acknowledged kindness. Even after his death, I learned of the incredible selfishness of my friend. I know how much his friendship meant to me and the fact that he felt the same for me, is something that I will always treasure. 

While Emil was teaching Missy new tricks, whether he knew it or not, he was also teaching me as well. I will forever be grateful for his kindness and love and for all that he taught me. I still reinforce the tricks that Emil worked so hard and diligently teaching Missy. Whenever she has a good lesson, she gets an extra treat and loving. I tell her that Emil would be so proud of her. 

Happy Birthday dear Emil. 💓💓💓

 

Random Thoughts IV

Even if they stopped publishing books right now, I will never get to read all the books on my list of books "to read". 

What exactly is the "end game" involved with traveling to Mars?  Are we going to start sending construction equipment so we can try again?

I have a sweatshirt that I can wear inside out or backwards and it basically looks the same.  I have had this sweatshirt for about 25 years and I believe I shall cry when it is no longer wearable. 

I know how to cook.  I just don't want to. 

"Some friends are for a season, for a reason and for a lifetime" 1 

Why does medication tell us to avoid "heavy equipment operating"?  I'm pretty sure that 89% of the population no longer uses "heavy equipment". 2

Besides having the funkiest piano playing (listen for it around 2:20 minute mark) "Call me the Breeze" has the best quote:  "I ain't hiding from nobody.  Nobody's hiding from me.  That's the way it's supposed to be".  Yup. 

Judge Judy is a smart gal, but sometimes she can be really mean. 

Missy is not a cuddly dog, but there are the rare occasions when she will lay with me when I take a nap that just melts my heart. 3

"Dear God, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else." 💓

I hate worms. But if I see a worm struggling across my dry driveway, I will pick him up 4 and transplant him to the grass. 5

Why do they say that something was "caught on video" when they purposely taped it?  What they should say is this was "captured on video". 6

And why does the news report that companies/people are "cooperating with the Federal investigation".  I'm pretty sure that if Federal authorities are investing you, you gonna cooperate. It's just a 'filler' statement. It would only be news if they weren't cooperating with the Federal investigation. 7

What do robots do when they get to the security box that asks you to verify that you are indeed, not a robot? 

How does my underwear 8 turn itself inside out in the washer?  And how come when I turn it inside out first before I put it in the wash, it doesn't right itself?  I have spent a lot of time correcting my underwear situation. 8a

My lip balm says that it "refreshes".  Okay. I have never put on lip balm because my lips were feeling fatigued.

Why is 'Grilled Cheese' usually only available on the "Children's Menu"?  We need to bring 'Grilled Cheese' to the adult menu. 

Telling someone you appreciate them is like giving them gold.  Try it and see if they don't light up.

Missy will come off her bed, out of her room and down the hall just to bark at the vacuum. 9    

When we were growing up, whenever my parents wanted us to clean out the car, they would tell us we were going to the drive-in that night. 

Missy doesn't like Provolone cheese. 10

How is it that in 2021, there are still bathroom stalls without hooks to hang your purse? 

I don't have to get up to change the channel on the TV, but it takes me 3 different remotes to operate the TV. This is progress. 

1) Read this somewhere. 

2) Vacuuming is the extent of my heavy machinerary usage. 

3) And then she immediately goes and does a bratty thing. 

4) By scooping him up on a piece of paper because I still hate worms. 

5) Crawling across dry pavement seems to me to be extreme torture for a worm.

6) Just one of those little things....

7) See #6

8) I have to say it's mine because Bill doesn't like it when I talk about his underwear in public. 

8a) Same

9) She is either very brave or very dense.

10) True. She will literally spit it out on the floor. 

  

Happiness

In a 1973 interview, Merv Griffin asked Ingrid Bergman about her homes and she answered "I have one home in Paris, one home in London and another one in Italy." Merv then asked her, "Where are you happiest?" and Ingrid replied, "Well, I'm happy everywhere".  What a simple, yet philosophic response this is. 

How easy it is to think that happiness can be found in a place or in a thing. I know that I often need to be reminded that happiness is inside you. It is in your heart and in your soul. 

No matter where you are, I hope your heart and soul is happy.  

 

Not really a Blog

Back when I used to be on Facebook and Instagram, I would share my finished projects. I am no longer on any social media sites, so, I am sharing these with you all! 😊

My great-niece Nora LOVES dinosaurs!  She is 2 1/2 and just welcomed a baby sister to the household. I saw these in a book and figured that I would make them for Nora. I adjusted their pattern a little bit and decided to use felted wool instead of fabric. I thought that wool would hold up better than fabric for a toddler.  

Felted (shrunken) wool is a great material to work with and I've used it a lot in the past. When I am in the thrift stores, I always look for wool sweaters. Since most clothing is now made primarily of acrylic and other man-made materials, wool is getting increasingly harder to find. When I find it, I buy it!

I've been in 'card mode' for a while now and it felt (ha!) good to use another part of my brain to make sure it still works! 

Thanks for looking! 

"Hurry Disease"

 

Years ago, while staying at my friend Karen’s house in Connecticut, I was heading out early to visit my mom. In a bit of a rush, I happened to glance up and saw the sun just beginning to rise behind me, casting light over a small sliver of the backyard. I didn’t have my camera, but I did have my phone. I quickly snapped a picture before the sunlight disappeared behind her house, and to this day, it remains one of my favorite photos.

"Eilkrankheit" is a German term that loosely translates to "hurry disease." Ever feel that rush, that constant need to hurry? I know I do sometimes.

Think about all the gadgets and tools we use every day to give us “more time.” We hardly ever have to wait for anything anymore—everything is instant and requires little effort from us.

Do you actually end up with more time? Like, do you have a chunk left over at the end of the day from all the time you saved? Where does that “saved time” even go? 

We’re conditioned to multitask and get things done as efficiently as possible. I’m not denying that this mindset has its merits and applications at times. But overall, what happened to focusing on just one thing? To doing it right? To taking the time to make sure it’s done properly?

Is there a moment in your day when you can slow down? Can you pause to focus on what’s right in front of you? Chances are, there is—and you’ll be rewarded for it. When you spend your day seeking out blessings, you’re sure to find them.

Outside my Window

Bill leaves for work and it's just me and Missy in the house. Missy heads off to "her" room to nap - she's been up for all of 45 minutes and she's exhausted. I finish up my second cup of coffee and head into my studio.  

I take a moment to gather what I will work on today and get fresh water for my watercolors. I pull up the audio book I've been listening to and I begin to paint.  

Outside my window I see Jill, one of our neighborhood runners, go by. Jill is in phenomenal shape and she runs every day. I always stop to watch her go by because she truly is graceful. Graceful with the ease that comes from dedication and hard work. Sometimes when Missy and I are out, we will see Jill and she always has a ready smile and a kind word for us both.

A little while later I see Carmen. Carmen does not live in our neighborhood but she walks in our community multiple times a day. I stopped her one day to introduce myself. She is a delightful woman and I'm glad that she feels welcome and safe in our community. 

I see the FedEx truck drive by. He doesn't stop at our house today, but he does make a few stops on our street. I don't know the driver, we have a few, but he always waves when I see him. 

Next I see Zee come by. She has a new rescue and she's doing a great job training her to walk on the leash. I've gone out to talk to Zee and give Rocca a few ear scratches and they are both appreciative and friendly. Rocca is a sweetheart and she looks like she has settled into her new home just fine.

I see the neighbor up the street come by with his two dogs.  One of the dogs is a new addition, and I can see that he is trying really hard to get them to both walk on the leashes. This is one of those things that you don't appreciate how hard it is, until you do it yourself. Walking two dogs, on two separate leashes, without them getting tangled up, is not an easy task. It takes dedication and practice. I enjoy seeing Mike as he trains his two dogs and I like being able to see their progress. He gives them firm yet gentle reminders as they walk and they listen to him. 

Across the street I see the dogs in the yard. I love seeing them run around the yard and play with each other.  One of them is a Doberman Pinscher, and I can't get over how much he has grown. He races through their back yard like a thoroughbred. 

In the yard across the way, when their daughter visits, I can see their dogs in the backyard sunning themselves. I imagine how that feels, to be there, with the full sun on their fur, faces turned to the heat. Delightful!

Last fall, the house across from us was sold. The new owner did a lot of work and for a few months I watched the workers from my window. One day, I introduced myself to one of them, and over the few months, I would stop by and visit with him. I compliment him on his workmanship and his dedication. He has been here almost everyday, even on the days when it was very cold. He waves off the compliments and thanks me for noticing.  

I see that Leigh is coming by with the mail. Leigh is our Mail Carrier and she is always so cheerful and pleasant. She always has treats for the dogs and Missy loves when she gets to visit with her.  

Later in the day, I see that Jeff is out with his son. He is a toddler and he has just started walking. Shannon keeps him busy during the day, and when Jeff gets home, he takes him out either for a walk or a bike ride. They are a lovely family and I love seeing them all out together.

Missy comes into the room looking for a belly rub and a walk outside. I look down at my work and find that I have done a lot today. My days may be solitary, but I never feel that I am truly alone. I turn off the tablet, put down my brush and grab the leash. Missy and I are heading outside. Bill will be home soon. 

"A Slip, not a Fall"

I was in Goodwill this past Monday.  I was dropping off some donations and thought that while I was there I would take a look inside. 

As soon as I walked in I saw a man with a cart full of treasures!  I mean TREASURES!  He had a vintage wooden sled, a vintage Hawkeye picnic basket, a stunning reverse painted lamp and a box of vintage glass Christmas ornaments.  I walked up to him and said "Awesome finds!"  He said "Thanks!" and I walked away, hoping to find my own awesome treasures. 

It would be a lie if I told you that as I walked away I didn't feel jealous. I mean, that cart had everything that I love!  And then before I knew it, my thinking took me to places that I have worked so hard to overcome1. My thoughts were of envy and greed: "If only I had come here first instead of stopping to get gas" and "How come he is so lucky?".  And then I stopped. I literally stopped in the aisle and said "Lord, I laid this at your feet so long ago and yet here I am, picking it back up again". I prayed silently as I again laid it back down at His feet, and I continued shopping. 

I didn't find any treasures that day, but on the way out I looked for the man with the fabulous cart. When I found him, I pointed to the price stickers on his treasures ($5.99, $5.99, $8.99 and $1.99) and said "Duuude! Look at this!  You did GREAT!"  He rewarded me with the biggest smile2 and he gave me a 'high five'.  He gave me a high five. He gave a high five to the "Queen Giver of High Fives"!  I know how awesome I feel when I give high five's, but I have to tell you, it is just as awesome to be on the receiving end of one too! 

What did I learn?  I learned that sometimes you revisit a bad memory, a bad habit or a negative trait that you thought you were rid of. You can revisit it, but that doesn't mean that you have to give it a home in your life or your heart.  You can recognize it, but then you have to put it back. Put it back on the shelf, put it back behind closed doors, or put it back at the Lord's feet.  No matter what you do, the important thing is, you have to take it and put it back. And realize that you are just that much stronger. One slip does not have to turn into a fall. 🙏

1.    See my blog "Interview with Janet Alden" - Feb. 16 2021 for more on this.
2.    He wasn't wearing a mask. 

2a.  And it was a full smile with the eyes!

"Finding Dimes"

Stepping out of my car at the library, I look down, and I find a dime. As I'm walking in the parking lot from my car to the grocery store, I see another dime.  It's happened so many times to me, finding dimes, that I knew it had to have some kind of meaning. I did a search online and found these significant meanings about why you are finding dimes: 

* Someone or something is trying to get your attention. 

* Guidance or validation that you're on the right path. 

* A reminder that you are loved and valued.

* A reminder to pay attention, keep watching and keep your eyes open. 

* A sign that positive changes are afoot; a reward or token of approval from beyond. 

* Ancestors, spirits, guides or deceased loved ones want you to know they're looking out for you. 

* The number 10 symbolizes a circle, so a dime might indicate coming full circle, fulfillment, unity or the completion of a task. 

So, those dimes that I keep finding?  I recognize and appreciate them for their significance, and then I leave them for the next person to find.  I figure that these days we could all use a little validation, a positive token or perhaps an "I'm okay" sign from a loved one who's passed. ❤️

An Interview with Janet Alden

Hello everyone!  Today I'm here in Inman talking with Janet Alden.  Janet is going to answer some questions and share with you some wisdom, some whimsy and her Missy. 

So let's get to it...

Janet Alden: Wait. You are interviewing me? But you, you are me. How is that going to work?

Interviewer: It will be fine. Geessh. Stop worrying. So, can I start the interview now?

JA:  Yes. But this is weird.

Interviewer:  So anyway. Thank you Janet for having me in your home. It's a lovely home. Is it true that this is the longest you and Bill have ever lived in a home?

JA:  Yes. That is true. It will be 6 years in April. This is our 7th home, and I hope it is our last. 

Interviewer: So, did you know that Bill was part gypsy when you married him? 

JA: (Laughs) No, I had no idea! But I told him that this is it - I'm not moving anymore. I mean, seriously? Have you seen my studio? I can't pack up that room (laughs).

Interviewer (laughing): You said it sister! You do have a lot of stuff!  So, speaking of your studio. That's really a great place you have there. You have so many interests, tell us, what is your favorite thing to do?

JA: Well, that's a good question, um, Janet. I don't really have a favorite, favorite thing. I like to do a lot of different things like sewing, jewelry making, photography, writing and of course card making. It's really hard to pick just one. They all are important parts of me and they all provide me with great joy. 

Interviewer: The cards are something that you have been really focusing on this past year isn't it?

JA: It is. I have been making cards for the past 10 years, but it is only recently that I have begun donating them. In the past few years I have donated over 10,000 cards to various non-profit organizations. I've always enjoyed making and giving cards, but this, this has become my mission, and it is what I spend the most time on. 

Interviewer: You told me that you probably have every card that was ever given to you. Is that true? 

JA: It is (starts to get up) I can show you.

Interviewer: No, it's okay. I believe you. Maybe later. So cards are very important to you is that correct?

JA:  It is! I love sending them and I love getting them too!

Interviewer: So, next question. How are you coping with COVID?  

JA: This has been very trying time. So many people struggle every day with the social isolation. Solitude can be so hard on some people, and I recognize that. But for me personally, it hasn't been too different. I actually spend most of my days alone in the studio as it is, so really, it wasn't that much of a change for me. When I do go out, I wear a mask and try to be cognizant of other people and their space. I also try to be more engaging with people when I see them. I think that it's so easy to retreat further into ourselves with the masks and restrictions. So I make a conscious effort to not allow that to happen to me. 

Interviewer: You actually told me that you prefer to not have to go out at all.  Is that true?

JA: (laughs) It is. Like, I said, I know that this is not the same for all people, but I find great solace in my solitude. I still seek out the new, and nurture the old connections but I am not one to be social anyway. So it's all good. Hey, did you know that I didn't go to a single prom during high school?

Interviewer: Yes, I read that somewhere. It has been hard for so many people, but it's great that you are creating and donating your cards to help bridge that distance and loneliness for people.  

JA:  Thank you. 

Bill Alden walks into the room

JA:  Hi sweetie!

Interviewer: Hi Bill! Can we ask you a few questions?

BA:  We? Janet, who are you talking to? 

JA and Interviewer respond:  Janet

BA: This is weird. I'm going to take a shower.

Interviewer: He's a great guy that Mr. Alden. 

JA (smiling): That he is.

Interviewer: If I may, I have to ask you, this past year, 2020, besides the obvious COVID, it was a tough year for you wasn't it? 

JA: (Nodding) It was.

Interviewer: You had a lot of personal issues in the second half of the year. How are you doing now? 

JA:  I'm doing good, thank you for asking. It was a tough year for many reasons. I had the return of a bacterial infection in my lungs that was very tiring. There were also some external things that were going on that were also very draining. Unfortunately, I learned that some people are mean, just to be mean. From that, I also learned that I had to be more careful and think before I respond to hurtful comments. 

But I also experienced great support by people as well. There are some really awesome and caring people out there and we can't forget that. It's hard to see them sometimes because they are not always the loudest, but they are there. It was definitely a learning year and I am grateful for the experience. 

Interviewer: (nodding) True. You do have a strong support system and it's great to see people taking care of each other, not only physically, but emotionally too. 

JA: It is. I am very blessed with great people in my life and I focus on them. One of the main things I realized during this time was how strong I am. I stood up for myself instead of backing down. And while that was very hard for me, it was also very necessary. I am proud of myself and this alone gave me great strength in so many ways. 

Interviewer: Good for you!  Sadly, you lost your good friend Emil in November.

JA:  I did. Emil passed away on November 29th. These past two and a half years with Emil as my friend has been rewarding in so many ways. Emil was truly one of my best friends and I miss him terribly. I have this deep desire and need to nurture and care for people, and I lost some of that when I lost Emil.  

Interviewer:  And he trained Missy some tricks!

JA:  He did! He was so good with Missy, so patient. He adored her and she adored him.  

The last morning before Emil left for the VA Hospital, we went to his house to say "good-bye". He gave Missy a final lesson and she NAILED it! I was so proud of Missy. And of Emil. He was such a good friend to me. Such a good friend to many people. I truly was blessed to have him in my life. 

Interviewer: You also lost your brother-in-law Gary in the beginning of January. I'm sorry, I know that was very tough for you and your family.  

JA: Thank you. It was. It was a terrible loss. Gary meant so much to us and to everyone who knew him. Gary and Carol moved to SC (not far from us) about 7 months after we did and we had gotten very close to them both in the past 10 years. We spent a lot of time together, and his sudden passing, it affected us all deeply.  

Interviewer: He was a good man and I know he will be missed. Shifting gears a little bit here. What are you working on now?

JA: Thank you. And another great question Janet! This past week, I've started working on cards for the ALS Association North Carolina Chapter. I am writing a blog about this which will come out soon, but the ALS organization is very important to me and to my mom, so I'm really excited to be involved with this organization. 

Interviewer: That's great! You also have something else you are working on...can you share that with us?

JA:  Thanks! I can tell you a little bit about it. Basically, I've had this idea for about 3 years and never did anything with it. In the beginning of the year I started working with an artist here in Inman and she provided me with some sketches based on my ideas. In addition, I connected with an art student at Converse and she has been drawing additional sketches for me. There are three concepts I came up with and I am waiting for the last sketch. After that, I will write up my proposal, send it to my attorney and then submit it to the company. I'm extremely excited about this, but I have to be patient and take it slow and do it right. I'll share more when I can.  

Missy walks into the room and rolls over on her back. Both Interviewer and Janet laugh.

Interviewer (still laughing):  So it's true!  She really is addicted to belly rubs!

JA: She is! She is a piece of work this one (bending over to rub her belly). She is always so happy and so eager to meet new people. It really is a joyful event every time we go out in the neighborhood for a walk!

Interviewer: It can imagine! Janet, you started this blog up after a five year break. Why did you stop, and why did you start it up again?

JA:  Another great question! (high fives interviewer) When we first moved here I was involved with buying and selling treasures. I had a few rental spots and spent a lot of time, and unfortunately money, keeping them stocked.  

I loved hunting for treasures, and the interaction with people while doing it, but ultimately I found it was not the business for me. It is way more competitive than you can imagine and I didn't like some aspects of the business that I saw. But more importantly, I didn't like how it was affecting my behavior and thinking. It was a great experience, and I am glad I did it, but it's not something I want to do again.  

So, that was a long answer to your question. Basically, I stopped writing because I was involved in other things. 

Interviewer: So you started up again in August of 2020. How did that come about?

JA: I thank Bill for that. He told me one day that I should start writing again. He said "You are good at it and you enjoy it so you should do it". I was involved with a lot of negative experiences and it was important to him that I again focus on positive and fulfilling activities. So, on August 17th, I reposted a story about something that happened to me years earlier. It's one of my favorite connections with a family and I thought it would be good to relaunch with that.  

Interviewer: It's great to see you writing again!

JA:  Thank you! It has been extremely rewarding for me. The act of writing is in itself a solitary experience, but the sharing it, that is where the connections and the joy comes. I always appreciate and am extremely grateful that with all the things that pull at people on a daily basis, they take the time to connect with me. That is a HUGE honor and that is why I do what I do. 

Interviewer: So, we have a request from Billy R.

JA: (laughing....) Billy! I love Billy! I've known him for 25 years!  We worked together at ESPN Radio. We lost contact for a few years, but we recently reconnected and had a 2 hour phone call.  We had a lot to catch up on!  Billy has always been such a huge supporter, not only for me, but for so many. He truly has the ability to see the best in people and he helps them see it too. He is just so quick minded and smart and loyal.  I adore him.  So what's his request?

Interviewer: He wondered if you can tell people how they can leave their name when they comment on your blog.  

JA: Billy, that's a great question! But this is a hard question to answer because people read the blog on different platforms. I think the best way to get around this is to ask people to include their name in their comment. I get so many encouraging and positive comments on my blog, and without the name, it's hard to know who to thank! 

Missy comes back into the room and rolls on her back for a belly rub

Interviewer and Janet laugh as Missy gets her belly rubbed. Again. 

Interviewer: So, Janet we are coming to the end of the interview. Is there anything you would like to leave us with?

JA: First of all, Janet you did a fabulous job and asked some really great questions! I guess I would just like to thank everyone for their support. I truly am blessed and grateful for all I have been given. I am trying to pay my blessings forward and give in ways I can. Thank you all for reading my blog and for the encouragement - it really does mean the world to me. And Janet, thank you for doing this interview. 

Interviewer:  You bettcha! 

Random Thoughts III and Photos

Try not to sneeze with cashews in your mouth.1

Even if you don't take someone's advice, most people still like to be asked for it. 

One loss does not make you a failure.

Scrunchy socks in the toe of my shoes... Grrrrrr 

What a great feeling it is when you are able to make someone really, really REALLY laugh.2

My Mom is fabulous at solving Crossword puzzles. I inherited a lot of great qualities from my mom, alas, this is not one of them.3

One of my greatest pleasures is having a good book to read at night before I go to bed. 

Sometimes how you give something is more important than what you give.4

When someone asks me for directions, and I know exactly how to get them there.... Fist pumping! 5

There is no shortage of people who don't want to do something, but that doesn't seem to stop them from telling you how to do something. Repeatedly and usually loudly. 

and "Any jackass can kick the barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build it."

Any conversation with my Mom that starts with "I've been reading 'Fifty Shades of Gray'..." is not a conversation I want to be a part of. 

At the end of my day I ask myself "Did I live, give and love fully today?".  The best days are when I can say "Yes" to all three. 

It seems to me that some people are using "COVID" as an excuse for not doing a lot of things. And for also not doing things the right way.

I think the best part of being a turtle is being able to quickly and fully retreat into your shell.6 

People that put .5 cent price tags on something...I mean, really? Why bother? 7

You are absolutely NOT what someone else thinks of you.8

Hearing someone say "You betcha!" always makes me smile.9

I bet there is a great story behind the car seat I saw on the side of the road.10 

I love 'Spoonerisms'.  You know:  Smart Feller = Fart Smeller, Foggy Day = Doggy Fay, Pack of Lies = Lack of Pies.  😃 

When Bill says to me "Don't let me forget....." and I remember...Yup!  More fist pumping!

Stores that open up early, even if it is 5 minutes, when they see people standing outside will always get my return business. 

Even though we are all wearing masks, we can still smile at one another.  Try it.  It's all in the eyes.11

1.  You can fill in any nut here - they will all shoot out your mouth like little missiles. 

2.  Sometimes I can make Bill laugh like that:  Full-on head back, eyes watering laugh.

3.  But I KILL IT at those Word Searchy things.

4.  This is not my original thought, I read it someplace.  But it's absolutely true!

5.  Especially if I can name street names too!

6.  I used to wear turtlenecks for this purpose.  But it's not really the same thing. 

7.  And it's not just because I feel silly paying .5 cents for something. 

7a.  Okay, it's partly because I feel silly paying .5 cents for something. 

8.  This is VERY VERY VERY important.  Don't forget it. 

9.  Just another one of those words we don't say often enough. 

10.   I just hope it's not a sad one. 

11.  COVID is not an excuse to not smile at each other.  We should all smile at each other more.

Snow Day!

Last week I was all about "Rain Day"!  Today it's a snow day!  It's about 10am and the snow is just about melted and gone from overnight... but still!  Snow. Day. 

I was out early with my camera and got some pictures from my yard and from around the neighborhood. Now, granted, a lot of these pictures look like rainy day pictures, but they are not.  They are Snow Day pictures!  Happy Snow Day! 

Re-launch of Missy Makes Me Laugh

I wrote a "Welcome" post when I launched my blog in September of 2013.  Since I re-launched my blog in August of 2020, I've added 36 more posts. I went back and changed or removed some of the earlier content - mostly because I wasn't proud of the writing. Since August, I have so many returning readers (HUGE THANK YOU!) and so many new readers (HUGE THANK YOU!) that I thought it might be a good idea to share this 'introduction' again. The intent and vision for my blog has not changed - it remains the same now as it did in 20131

Content from my first blog written on September 25, 2013. First, where the name came from:  "As I was thinking about a name for the blog, I thought that I needed to come up with something clever or witty. But then "Missy makes me laugh" just came to me. I really liked it and thought that it would work.  So many of you enjoyed reading about Missy and her antics when I shared them on Facebook so it seemed like a great name for my blog. This little dog just radiates pure happiness and joy, and she truly does make me laugh - every day.  So that is where the name came from.  

What can you expect from "Missy Makes Me Laugh"?  Well, let me tell you what you will not get, that may be easier.  M3L2 will never be negative or angry.  I will never post or push my political or social views on you through this blog.  I can choose, we all can choose, what we allow into our life. I felt that social media had become too soul and joy sucking for me and I want to be sure that I never bring negativity into your life. Eliminating social media, for me, was an easy decision. Facebook and Instagram in particular, were the first to go and I have never, not once, regretted making this decision. I'm not looking to change your life or your views. I just want to make you smile and feel like you are getting a hug3. It's really that simple. That is the goal in writing my blog. 

M3L will be about my life observations and varied adventures with what I hope is a fun, whimsical and grateful view.  I don't know if things happens to me because I am always so open to experiences, or if I really am just one of those magnets for people and events. But whatever it is, I love it and don't ever want to lose it!  I will add entries as they happen and will try to make them short little reads. I'm thinking a few times a week, although sometimes it could be more or it could be less. I guess it just depends on my life. I will also share with you photos I have taken4. I love taking pictures and enjoy sharing them as well. They may or may not tie into the blog subject - they may just be a stand alone entry. Taking photos is a large part of my life and I enjoy sharing them.  

My goal is not to be 'discovered' and whisked away by some company who wants to pay me oodles and oodles of money5.  For one thing, I know that my writing skills are not the best - and you will probably notice grammatical and structural errors as you read, but I try.  My goal is to create a blog that is readable and entertaining and I hope that you can overlook the mistakes.  I try to write light and easy and I hope you enjoy my style and observations. 

So as I wrap up my first blog, I say "Thank you".  I am so tremendously grateful and appreciative of your encouragement and support already.  There is a lot of information out there that requires your attention on any given day.  The fact that you seek me out and allow me to share my life with you really means a lot to me. I will never take advantage of you, or your time, and I will always give you my best effort.  I will try to leave your day if not better, certainly not worse, and that is my promise to you.  

Thank you for joining me and I hope you stay with me and share your life with me as well.  Love Janet" 6

1 That's either really awesome or really sad!  😊

2  I KNOW!! 
3  I am such a dork!

4  Probably something involving keys, buttons, chocolate or Missy  

5  Wait? That is not my goal?
6  And I looooooove footnotes - so they make appearances from time to time