Clubs and organizations are ways for people, who share a common goal or interest, to get together. Their topics, or main themes, can range from new ideas, or think tanks, a skill such as painting or woodworking, collections of antiques or whatnots, sports, or even playing cards. For those who like to collect things, the list is virtually endless.
The Mayor of Marshfield, the name by which just about everyone in the complex knows this person, stood peering into the vastness of the storage closet. I was only there to help and had assured him I would keep my wise counsel to myself, although we both knew that was going to be a long shot. Vastness was not the right word to describe the closet, unless it was the vastness of absolutely no vacant space left. It was packed solid, from top to bottom.
The Mayor, planning for retirement, had decided that perhaps it was a good idea to downsize. The sigh, that left their lips, was one I remembered well. Where does one start, when faced with a lifetime of stuff? Stuff that has accumulated and not been touched in years. The process can be painful, especially when digging up old memories that have lain dormant for a long, long time.
The suggestion had been made that just maybe, some of this stuff could be sold. The Mayor had given that some thought and figured it was always good to add to the retirement savings. Box after box came out of the closet. Betty Boop, who had not seen the light of day for years, ended up in the display cabinet. She was not alone as more boxes revealed things that could not be parted with. After all, there was some empty space in the cabinet that needed to be filled. There were enough Christmas decorations to light up the entire apartment complex. Since that season is nearly upon us, those did not go anywhere either. Then, the find of all finds, emerged from the sea of boxes.....the Kirby Vacuum.
Having made the suggestion that if things did not sell, rather than put them back into the closet, they could be donated or simply thrown away. The thought of the beloved Kirby in the dumpster nearly put the Mayor into cardiac arrest. What was I thinking?!? This Kirby was in the original box, with every attachment, that was ever created for this work of vacuum cleaner wizardry and they were in their original boxes too.....for the last 30 years. Who knew cardboard could be an antique?
Trying to settle the Mayor's nerves, I quickly began to Google old style Kirby vacuum cleaners. Never in my wildest dreams would I have believed what I found.....a Kirby vacuum cleaner club.....I kid you not.
It wasn't just for Kirby vacuums, but any old sweeper that was considered a modern marvel of its age, and the more I read, the better it got. The club was founded in 1983, with ten members. It has since grown to nearly 100. They have 4 day annual conventions, a Facebook page and a website that boasts the recent Vacuum News. Then, I stumbled upon the pictures from the latest convention. Sure enough, there were the members vacuuming the hotel carpets...individual pictures, of each member, doing the same thing.
It was about this time that my husband showed up on the scene and found the Mayor and myself in nearly a fit of hysterics. After we calmed down long enough to explain the reason for our laughter, he said the clubs' call to action was probably "You Suck!" This, of course, was followed by more howls and ideas of what other sayings might fit, such as, "Well, That Sucks!"
The Kirby will probably not be going anywhere soon, unless the Mayor decides to join the club. Oh well, this just proves that there is something or someone for everyone and truth can indeed be stranger than fiction.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Thankful?
Wouldn't it be nice if Thanksgiving was everyday? I reckon the only ones who would not appreciate this would be turkeys, but let's give the idea some thought.
What if everyday, everyone woke up and as soon as they opened their eyes, they thought to themselves, "Wowzers! I'm still here! Thank you!" It would also be perfectly acceptable to mutter these words out loud, unless of course, others, who may still be sleeping, would not be so very thankful for the thankfulness, but I think you get the picture.
From there, instead of thinking about all the activities that need to be accomplished during the day, let's take this idea down to the quantum physics level. (I love those two words and although I could not explain just exactly what they mean, along with being horrible at math, I'll try to describe it in layman terms.) Let's dig down deep and start being thankful for the most trivial things. Look at things at the micro level. For instance, the socks on your feet and the shoes that follow. The water that comes out of the faucet and that bar of soap. The switch, that when flipped, turns on the lights. The smell of fresh brewed coffee or a steaming hot cup of tea. A half stick of butter, even though you really needed a whole stick. The milk in the jug and the cereal in the box. One egg in a carton when you thought you were out of eggs. The chair, the table, the spoon, the fork.
All these things and we haven't even made it out of the house yet. The possibilities are endless. Since we've been being so thankful, think about what we have not thought about. Those things like a bill that needs paid, what someone said that hurt our feelings, or looking into the wallet knowing there is not enough in there for the needs, that need met. Should we be thankful for those things too?
Think about what would happen if everyone spent their entire life being thankful for every single thing that transpired in that lifetime. Sounds crazy? Maybe not. If we were all being busy being thankful, there would not be near the misery that befalls human kind. The reason for that is because where the mind, or heart or consciousness is focused, that is where the action starts. That is were the focus comes into play and materializes into just about whatever our minds can dream of.....good or bad.
The best advice I ever heard was this, "Troubles are the tools by which God fashions us for better things." So, yes. Give thanks for all the things you think are bad in your life. Whether it be losing every possession or enduring the most horrible heartbreak. Be thankful for the experience and the tears. Be thankful for the things that led up to it. Be thankful for having had the opportunity to live through it. Be thankful for what you will learn from it.
As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving season, remember to be thankful for the chance to do it. If you are spending it alone, be thankful for that too, you did not have to drive yourself crazy fixing a huge feast, nor spend the money.
Regardless of your belief system, the Apostle Paul said to "pray without ceasing". That sounds impossible, but starting out with giving thanks for all things, as minuscule and unimportant as they may seem, might be a good place to start. It can change ones entire attitude about life and the mysteries of the Master of the Universe.
What if everyday, everyone woke up and as soon as they opened their eyes, they thought to themselves, "Wowzers! I'm still here! Thank you!" It would also be perfectly acceptable to mutter these words out loud, unless of course, others, who may still be sleeping, would not be so very thankful for the thankfulness, but I think you get the picture.
From there, instead of thinking about all the activities that need to be accomplished during the day, let's take this idea down to the quantum physics level. (I love those two words and although I could not explain just exactly what they mean, along with being horrible at math, I'll try to describe it in layman terms.) Let's dig down deep and start being thankful for the most trivial things. Look at things at the micro level. For instance, the socks on your feet and the shoes that follow. The water that comes out of the faucet and that bar of soap. The switch, that when flipped, turns on the lights. The smell of fresh brewed coffee or a steaming hot cup of tea. A half stick of butter, even though you really needed a whole stick. The milk in the jug and the cereal in the box. One egg in a carton when you thought you were out of eggs. The chair, the table, the spoon, the fork.
All these things and we haven't even made it out of the house yet. The possibilities are endless. Since we've been being so thankful, think about what we have not thought about. Those things like a bill that needs paid, what someone said that hurt our feelings, or looking into the wallet knowing there is not enough in there for the needs, that need met. Should we be thankful for those things too?
Think about what would happen if everyone spent their entire life being thankful for every single thing that transpired in that lifetime. Sounds crazy? Maybe not. If we were all being busy being thankful, there would not be near the misery that befalls human kind. The reason for that is because where the mind, or heart or consciousness is focused, that is where the action starts. That is were the focus comes into play and materializes into just about whatever our minds can dream of.....good or bad.
The best advice I ever heard was this, "Troubles are the tools by which God fashions us for better things." So, yes. Give thanks for all the things you think are bad in your life. Whether it be losing every possession or enduring the most horrible heartbreak. Be thankful for the experience and the tears. Be thankful for the things that led up to it. Be thankful for having had the opportunity to live through it. Be thankful for what you will learn from it.
As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving season, remember to be thankful for the chance to do it. If you are spending it alone, be thankful for that too, you did not have to drive yourself crazy fixing a huge feast, nor spend the money.
Regardless of your belief system, the Apostle Paul said to "pray without ceasing". That sounds impossible, but starting out with giving thanks for all things, as minuscule and unimportant as they may seem, might be a good place to start. It can change ones entire attitude about life and the mysteries of the Master of the Universe.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
The Sweet Goodbye
You were considered a good friend., maybe even the best. Always there for me, when I felt like no one else was. You were dependable and never ceased to share your amazing calming qualities, without even being asked. I depended so much on you and you let me, never once complaining, even when I took advantage of you.
I had ended our friendship once before. If that upset you, I never knew it. You simply waited for me. I knew that somewhere, in the back of my mind, you really were not the right one for me. You had the qualities of a serial stalker and even though I knew it, I loved you enough not to care.
As I look back on our relationship, I wonder now, just what it was about you I found so fascinating. Was it the way you looked? No, you had no special features that I can recall. Was it the way you caressed my fingertips? Hmmmm, that may have had something to do with it. Was it your ability to stay silent and non-judgmental? Perhaps.
Do I miss you? Sometimes, it has been a year since we last saw each other, but, not so much anymore. I truly believe I am over you. I look back on our relationship as a life lesson, even though, someday it may be one of the hardest to learn. So, it is with a heart full of happiness, I'm glad I kicked your butt to the curb and bid you farewell.
For those of you who have never caved to peer pressure, never had or needed a vice, never put a cigarette to your lips, I commend you on your inner strength. For those who are still fighting the addiction, I can only offer what worked for me......twice.
I had tried the pills, I had tried the patch. Those did not work, at least, not for me. The only thing that worked was to tell myself I needed to quit. That I needed to be a non-smoker and that I could be one. I told myself this for days, weeks and months. Then, one day, a day I had placed my eyes upon on the calendar, I quit.
The mind and the subconscious is a powerful thing. It believes whatever we tell it. Sometimes it takes a while for the belief to stick, but if it hears it long enough, it will happen. There is no judgement here, it believes what we think is good stuff and it believes what we think is bad.
Tell yourself some good stuff and may you too, experience the sweet goodbye.
I had ended our friendship once before. If that upset you, I never knew it. You simply waited for me. I knew that somewhere, in the back of my mind, you really were not the right one for me. You had the qualities of a serial stalker and even though I knew it, I loved you enough not to care.
As I look back on our relationship, I wonder now, just what it was about you I found so fascinating. Was it the way you looked? No, you had no special features that I can recall. Was it the way you caressed my fingertips? Hmmmm, that may have had something to do with it. Was it your ability to stay silent and non-judgmental? Perhaps.
Do I miss you? Sometimes, it has been a year since we last saw each other, but, not so much anymore. I truly believe I am over you. I look back on our relationship as a life lesson, even though, someday it may be one of the hardest to learn. So, it is with a heart full of happiness, I'm glad I kicked your butt to the curb and bid you farewell.
For those of you who have never caved to peer pressure, never had or needed a vice, never put a cigarette to your lips, I commend you on your inner strength. For those who are still fighting the addiction, I can only offer what worked for me......twice.
I had tried the pills, I had tried the patch. Those did not work, at least, not for me. The only thing that worked was to tell myself I needed to quit. That I needed to be a non-smoker and that I could be one. I told myself this for days, weeks and months. Then, one day, a day I had placed my eyes upon on the calendar, I quit.
The mind and the subconscious is a powerful thing. It believes whatever we tell it. Sometimes it takes a while for the belief to stick, but if it hears it long enough, it will happen. There is no judgement here, it believes what we think is good stuff and it believes what we think is bad.
Tell yourself some good stuff and may you too, experience the sweet goodbye.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
The Zone
Everyone has one. That particular area or space. It can be something as simple as a favorite chair, or the very space that surrounds us at any given time. Regardless of just where it is, we all have a comfort zone.
A comfort zone also applies to many different things, besides just our physicality. It applies to the way we think. One example of this is what I refer to as the 'epiphany of adulthood' ; that moment we realize our parents really did not know everything...that is never comfortable knowledge. Our religious beliefs fall into comfort zones and to pull us out of those zones can lead to utter chaos. Forming first opinions usually are done within the confines of our comfort zone. It is always easier to peer out from our special place and cast a judgement, than to check all the facts.
If a person is not too involved in extracurricular activities and they have recently moved to a new area, it can make meeting new people a challenge. Having a staunch comfort zone can make it nearly impossible. Recently, I put my zone to the test. I did something that is the ultimate 'no-no', I stopped alongside the road and picked up a total stranger. Well, they were a total stranger to me.
My husband knew this person because they and their spouse had recently moved into the complex. His expertise, in fixing things needing fixing, was summoned to their apartment, on more than one occasion. During that time, he came to know these people well and one day the wife asked him a question. She asked if he thought I would mind taking her with me on a grocery shopping trip. Of course, Mr. Knows Everyone In A Four County Radius, regardless of where he lives, said he didn't see why not and brought me her phone number. I pondered on that number for several days.
One morning, without giving it too much thought that could lead to changing my mind, I sent a text message to the number. I stated that I would be leaving at a certain time, to go to the super big box store and would she like to go. She accepted the invitation. As I turned the corner into that area of the complex, there was a woman standing alongside of the street. I lowered the passenger window, pulled up to her and asked, with a smile, if she needed a ride and she hopped right in.
It did not take us long to discover that neither of us were ax murders. From that point, we talked like we had known each other forever and perhaps, in another lifetime, we did.
This method may not work for everyone, or work favorably all the time. The next time we peer out from the safe little window of our comfort zone, to make an unjustified analysis of someone or some thing, stepping out of that zone, to get a better look, could make a world of difference, in the whole world.
A comfort zone also applies to many different things, besides just our physicality. It applies to the way we think. One example of this is what I refer to as the 'epiphany of adulthood' ; that moment we realize our parents really did not know everything...that is never comfortable knowledge. Our religious beliefs fall into comfort zones and to pull us out of those zones can lead to utter chaos. Forming first opinions usually are done within the confines of our comfort zone. It is always easier to peer out from our special place and cast a judgement, than to check all the facts.
If a person is not too involved in extracurricular activities and they have recently moved to a new area, it can make meeting new people a challenge. Having a staunch comfort zone can make it nearly impossible. Recently, I put my zone to the test. I did something that is the ultimate 'no-no', I stopped alongside the road and picked up a total stranger. Well, they were a total stranger to me.
My husband knew this person because they and their spouse had recently moved into the complex. His expertise, in fixing things needing fixing, was summoned to their apartment, on more than one occasion. During that time, he came to know these people well and one day the wife asked him a question. She asked if he thought I would mind taking her with me on a grocery shopping trip. Of course, Mr. Knows Everyone In A Four County Radius, regardless of where he lives, said he didn't see why not and brought me her phone number. I pondered on that number for several days.
One morning, without giving it too much thought that could lead to changing my mind, I sent a text message to the number. I stated that I would be leaving at a certain time, to go to the super big box store and would she like to go. She accepted the invitation. As I turned the corner into that area of the complex, there was a woman standing alongside of the street. I lowered the passenger window, pulled up to her and asked, with a smile, if she needed a ride and she hopped right in.
It did not take us long to discover that neither of us were ax murders. From that point, we talked like we had known each other forever and perhaps, in another lifetime, we did.
This method may not work for everyone, or work favorably all the time. The next time we peer out from the safe little window of our comfort zone, to make an unjustified analysis of someone or some thing, stepping out of that zone, to get a better look, could make a world of difference, in the whole world.
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