Life in the city is quite different from life in a small rural area. Of course, most of these differences are easily seen and logical. The company that owns this apartment complex has several staff members on site, but their job descriptions only cover certain areas. When it comes to landscaping, mowing, gutters and roof repair and pond maintenance, those jobs are farmed out to companies who specialize in that particular field.
This place has three bodies of water. One lake and two ponds, according to the city. According to the country bumpkin, one large pond, one small pond and a puddle. Anyway, a year ago, the pond maintenance man, aka pond guy, brought six domestic ducks to the property. Two white ducks, three dark colored, nearly black ducks and one grey duck. One of the black ducks took up residence at the lake and immediately hit it off with one of the wild geese. These two have been inseparable ever since. The other five formed a gang, or gaggle if you will, and spent the majority of their time wandering around one of the ponds or in the back yards between the apartment buildings.
This past year has not been kind to the ducks. One of the white ducks was the leader of the pack until mutiny struck the group. For some reason, the other four took matters into their own wings and literally beat the feathers off the leading white duck. It later succumbed to its wounds. Throughout a period of about six months, four of the ducks became victims of careless drivers either not paying attention, or simply not caring.
Only one duck remains, the grey one, aka, Mr. Quackers. Mr. Quackers obviously learned something while his comrades where being mowed down because he spends all his time in or near the small pond. His days are spent in search of food floating just below the waters' surface or sleeping peacefully near the pond's edge, with his beak tucked under one wing. Sometimes when he is skimming across the water, he quacks. Whether he is just quacking to hear himself quack, or sending out a plea for some companionship is a mystery. It could be that being king of the pond has grown old with no friends to share it with.
The answers received as to why domestic ducks do not fly ranged from them just being happy were they are and choosing not to, being too tired because of all the disco dancing, or being too fat. Although they can fly for very short distances, the latter of the answers proved to be correct. They are bred to be heavier and their wings can't support them in flight for very long. This fact proves to keep Mr. Quackers lonely in the small pond. If he would just rise to the occasion, no pun intended, he would see that the lake is within walking distance and there are always water fowl of some kind at its shore.
Hopefully, the new year will bring about new changes for Mr. Quackers. He was seen the other day with a small flock of geese, walking right in the middle of them. When they entered the water of the small pond, Mr. Quackers held his rank and continued to join in on the swim. But, the very next day, Quackers was all by himself again.
Change is hard, even scary. Shake out the wings and tail feathers and put one foot in front of the other. Don't be a lonesome duck.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Monday, December 17, 2018
Down The Rabbit Hole #12 The Weirdest Thing
During the last twelve months, Down the Rabbit Hole has looked into several different topics. In January it delved into the sun cycle. A 26,000 year period that covers a vast amount of changes that the earth goes through.
In February, UFO sightings were the subject matter. History is full of stories about UFO's that people have seen with their own eyes. There are many government documents that prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they exist, yet disclosure has not yet happened.
With March came the call to action about the listening devices people willingly put in their homes, not including their cell phones. The public is quickly losing their privacy and still, some do not believe this to be a truth.
April brought about the weather and whether or not it has been manipulated. There are many countries that have admitted to doing exactly that. The storms that have plagued the nation this year seem to bear the hallmark of being the biggest or worst on record. Was there more to them than just a natural occurrence?
May was full of the wonderful, artificial scents that have taken over just about every personal and home care product on the market. Many have severe side effects that can cause or further irritate allergies and disease.
June covered the strange anomaly about bodies of water suddenly disappearing. This has happened on a global scale and to date, no real satisfactory reason has been given as to why this happens.
In July, the Rabbit Hole looked into the lie that has been fed to the masses about fat free being healthy. Even though most products labeled fat free contain more sugar than they would in their original form, they are still considered to be a healthier choice. The powers that be know that advertising pays and pays big.
August took us to Mars, the Red Planet and our closest neighbor. Although we have been told there is nothing there of any value, there have been 16 successful attempts, out of 39, and countless dollars spent to get there.
September brought the story of Emory Smith. They jury is still out on him.
October touched on the subject of the mysteries that surrounded the death of JFK Jr., his wife and her sister. There are many who believe he is still alive. Will we ever know?
November showed us the true nature of the main stream media. They are bought and paid for by a few mega corporations who decide what the news for the people should be. Many still watch them.
So, now the year of 2018 is winding down and the last edition of Down the Rabbit Hole is ready to uncover yet another monumental truth. It is an absolute, proven fact and the weirdest thing, that people have enjoyed the writings of a 15 pound white dog named Runtly more so than the truths of what our planet and we as the human race may face in the near future. As we spin through the cosmos into a new year, be sure to watch for more editorials From The Desk of the Dog.
September brought the story of Emory Smith. They jury is still out on him.
October touched on the subject of the mysteries that surrounded the death of JFK Jr., his wife and her sister. There are many who believe he is still alive. Will we ever know?
November showed us the true nature of the main stream media. They are bought and paid for by a few mega corporations who decide what the news for the people should be. Many still watch them.
So, now the year of 2018 is winding down and the last edition of Down the Rabbit Hole is ready to uncover yet another monumental truth. It is an absolute, proven fact and the weirdest thing, that people have enjoyed the writings of a 15 pound white dog named Runtly more so than the truths of what our planet and we as the human race may face in the near future. As we spin through the cosmos into a new year, be sure to watch for more editorials From The Desk of the Dog.
Just Because
The human species, master of all planetary critters roaming the earth, has the ability to think and to reason, problem solve and invent, conquer and divide and many other wonderful traits that were not handed down to the lower species. Perhaps the main trait of the human that distinguishes it as being superior, is the innate ability to be snarky and judgmental.
There are times the human gets an idea that they believe is the best idea that has ever entered a brain. When this happens, they share it with other humans. Some of the humans will get on board and think it is a great idea too, but some will not. This is when the original thought maker decides that the ones who do not think the idea was the best thing since sliced bread, must not be very smart. They don't think the same way, so something must be wrong with them.
There are those humans who, cannot for the life of them, understand why some humans do what they do. Why do they drive a certain vehicle, or live in a certain house? Why do they sit in front of the TV all day and do nothing? Why do they wear clothes that cost lots of money? Why do they make such mistakes? Why don't they think the same way, the right way? The list can go on and on on how the humans judge and condemn.
Just because a person wants to spend their income on a fancy vehicle does not make them wrong. Think about all the people who helped put that vehicle together. Think about what it means to them when someone buys that vehicle. It could be the difference between having a Merry Christmas and not having one. The same goes for a dwelling. Someone worked long hard hours to build that home and were most likely grateful for the compensation.
Just because people do things differently than what other people think they should be doing, does not make what that person does wrong. Maybe they were put here to do the things they do because they have some kind of cosmic contract to fulfill. Maybe they were put here to see how we react to them and we have to explain our reaction at the end of the game of life. That thought alone should make us think twice before being so righteous, snarky and judgmental. Why? Just because.
There are times the human gets an idea that they believe is the best idea that has ever entered a brain. When this happens, they share it with other humans. Some of the humans will get on board and think it is a great idea too, but some will not. This is when the original thought maker decides that the ones who do not think the idea was the best thing since sliced bread, must not be very smart. They don't think the same way, so something must be wrong with them.
There are those humans who, cannot for the life of them, understand why some humans do what they do. Why do they drive a certain vehicle, or live in a certain house? Why do they sit in front of the TV all day and do nothing? Why do they wear clothes that cost lots of money? Why do they make such mistakes? Why don't they think the same way, the right way? The list can go on and on on how the humans judge and condemn.
Just because a person wants to spend their income on a fancy vehicle does not make them wrong. Think about all the people who helped put that vehicle together. Think about what it means to them when someone buys that vehicle. It could be the difference between having a Merry Christmas and not having one. The same goes for a dwelling. Someone worked long hard hours to build that home and were most likely grateful for the compensation.
Just because people do things differently than what other people think they should be doing, does not make what that person does wrong. Maybe they were put here to do the things they do because they have some kind of cosmic contract to fulfill. Maybe they were put here to see how we react to them and we have to explain our reaction at the end of the game of life. That thought alone should make us think twice before being so righteous, snarky and judgmental. Why? Just because.
Monday, December 10, 2018
The First Door
It was a Saturday morning and the plan had already been set in place. My husband needed new shoes for winter. The last pair had been purchased online, but sometimes things just have to be done in person and hands on.
Having rarely been a coupon shopper, this adventure was going to be different. Not only were there coupons involved, but a rebate card had showed up in the mail a few days before. It was only for $5, but hey, five dollars is five dollars. Those rebates have always been a pain, why not just take the money off the original purchase? It would save time, postage and the waiting, but my opinion has never been garnered for that particular topic.
The plan was to go to the store and pick out the shoes, but not purchase them. See, there was another coupon involved. One that guaranteed, while supplies lasted, the lucky shopper a brand new overnight bag. Not sure where I might actually go and spend the night, I still needed that bag. This store had done this promotion before, but alas, I had waited too long to participate in the free bag frenzy because they were all gone the day I presented my coupon.
Plus, another coupon had arrived from this store that gave an extra 20% off the purchase. The only drawback was the date on the coupons, they were not valid until Monday.
We chose to drive the beltway to the store, just to see if it was quicker. It always amazes me the people who would rather do that than drive through the city. The usual comment is that it takes too much time to do the latter. The drive took about 25 minutes and we went in to look for the shoes. After narrowing it down to two pairs, with one being a favorite, I strategically placed the shoe boxes back into the stack. Then we left. Seriously, I didn't even look at a pair for myself.
Monday morning came and the plan was to be there when the store opened. I drove through the city and arrived in 15 minutes, totally blowing the drive around on the beltway theory out the window. Being early, I watched people putting up decorations and sales banners for the upcoming holidays. When the stroke of the second hand marked the magic opening hour, I hopped out of the car and stood in line with two other people. This shopping experience was going to be epic. I imagined myself making that cool 'I'm the boss' sign with my arms, although my grandchildren get hysterical when I do, because I always do it wrong.
The door opened and I made my way to the men's isle, hoping the shoes were still there and someone did not need that size 10. There they were, exactly where I had placed them. Victory was mine.
At the checkout, I presented my 20% off coupon, and my rebate card. Then, I whipped out the free overnight bag coupon and asked if they were still available. The young shoe associate giggled and told me yes, and I was the very first person to get one. Bargain shopper extraordinaire would be carved upon my headstone. When I got back in the car, five minutes had passed, I was on fire.
As I drove back through the city, my mind wandered to a place that had lain dormant in my memory files for a really long time. It was a trip that Mother, Dad and I had taken on a Saturday. There was a huge warehouse, across the river from where we lived, that was full of shoes. When we arrived, Dad stayed in the car to people-watch and Mother and I went in. It was my first indoctrination to a shoe warehouse, it seemed there were shoes as far as the eye could see. Mother could out-shop the best of shoppers and it wasn't too long before I joined Dad in the car. As we people-watched together, he told me something I have never forgotten. He said that the expressions on the women's faces, when they opened the door, must be what it's like for them to go to Heaven....and the first door they come to is a shoe store. He just might have been right.
Having rarely been a coupon shopper, this adventure was going to be different. Not only were there coupons involved, but a rebate card had showed up in the mail a few days before. It was only for $5, but hey, five dollars is five dollars. Those rebates have always been a pain, why not just take the money off the original purchase? It would save time, postage and the waiting, but my opinion has never been garnered for that particular topic.
The plan was to go to the store and pick out the shoes, but not purchase them. See, there was another coupon involved. One that guaranteed, while supplies lasted, the lucky shopper a brand new overnight bag. Not sure where I might actually go and spend the night, I still needed that bag. This store had done this promotion before, but alas, I had waited too long to participate in the free bag frenzy because they were all gone the day I presented my coupon.
Plus, another coupon had arrived from this store that gave an extra 20% off the purchase. The only drawback was the date on the coupons, they were not valid until Monday.
We chose to drive the beltway to the store, just to see if it was quicker. It always amazes me the people who would rather do that than drive through the city. The usual comment is that it takes too much time to do the latter. The drive took about 25 minutes and we went in to look for the shoes. After narrowing it down to two pairs, with one being a favorite, I strategically placed the shoe boxes back into the stack. Then we left. Seriously, I didn't even look at a pair for myself.
Monday morning came and the plan was to be there when the store opened. I drove through the city and arrived in 15 minutes, totally blowing the drive around on the beltway theory out the window. Being early, I watched people putting up decorations and sales banners for the upcoming holidays. When the stroke of the second hand marked the magic opening hour, I hopped out of the car and stood in line with two other people. This shopping experience was going to be epic. I imagined myself making that cool 'I'm the boss' sign with my arms, although my grandchildren get hysterical when I do, because I always do it wrong.
The door opened and I made my way to the men's isle, hoping the shoes were still there and someone did not need that size 10. There they were, exactly where I had placed them. Victory was mine.
At the checkout, I presented my 20% off coupon, and my rebate card. Then, I whipped out the free overnight bag coupon and asked if they were still available. The young shoe associate giggled and told me yes, and I was the very first person to get one. Bargain shopper extraordinaire would be carved upon my headstone. When I got back in the car, five minutes had passed, I was on fire.
As I drove back through the city, my mind wandered to a place that had lain dormant in my memory files for a really long time. It was a trip that Mother, Dad and I had taken on a Saturday. There was a huge warehouse, across the river from where we lived, that was full of shoes. When we arrived, Dad stayed in the car to people-watch and Mother and I went in. It was my first indoctrination to a shoe warehouse, it seemed there were shoes as far as the eye could see. Mother could out-shop the best of shoppers and it wasn't too long before I joined Dad in the car. As we people-watched together, he told me something I have never forgotten. He said that the expressions on the women's faces, when they opened the door, must be what it's like for them to go to Heaven....and the first door they come to is a shoe store. He just might have been right.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Genuinely Happy
Meditation. That was supposed to help. It was different than praying, it was listening. She wondered how in the world she was supposed to listen when the inside of her head was a constant conglomeration of conversations, thoughts, just random stuff.
She sat quietly and took a few minutes to try and slow down the chatter. Then, she closed her eyes and tried to focus on just one thing. The thing had no meaning or value, it was simply something to focus on. The discussion she had with a friend the day before popped into her mind, followed by what was she going to fix for supper. She thought, this was not much different from praying.
Trying to remind herself that this was 15 minutes she got to spend with the Master of the Universe, the Almighty Creator, she began again, to focus on that one thing. The dog barked. She tried again.
She walked down the sidewalk towards a park bench. She could see him sitting there, like he was waiting for her. She set down and he took her hand in his and asked her how she was. It felt like someone had opened the end of a feather pillow and swung it around in a circle, feathers falling and floating by the thousands. The words poured from her lips. She told him about how she worried about her kids. How she wished she could make things better for them. Her finances were in a complete shambles and she had no idea how she was going to make it until the next paycheck. She worried that everyone thought she was a failure and spoke about her behind her back, making herself feel even more miserable. She told him about the people she knew who were suffering. They were sick, dying, grieving and there was nothing she could do to make it better.
She went on and on and he never spoke. He simply listened and smiled and held her hand. Suddenly, she stopped talking and grew very quiet. "Jesus.", she whispered.
"Yes?"
She looked at him, her eyes wide with, she wasn't sure what kind of emotion. "What about you?"
"Me?", he asked.
"Yes."
He smiled, "I'm just fine."
"How can that be?", she asked. "You listen to people all day long! We gripe and complain and yes, sometimes we give thanks. Most of the time we remember to do that after we've dodged some kind of bullet. We dump all of our worries on you and then expect to go about the day forgetting about it. But we don't, we bring it back to you again and again and still you listen?!? Don't you ever just get tired of the whole mess? Don't you just wish we would stop and appreciate what we have? Don't you want to just ignore us sometimes?!?
He threw his head back and laughed. "You would be surprised at how many times I have been asked that very question and my answer is always the same. No. I love everyone."
"But how?", she asked. "Some people are just mean and cruel."
"Yes, some are. But most have a reason for being that way that no one understands. I understand and that is just one of the reasons I love them. I am genuinely happy to see everyone I meet."
"Everyone?", she asked.
"Everyone. I was elated to see you today. How did that make you feel?"
She shuffled her feet among the patch of leaves that were on the walk and watched them gently turn and lift off on the gentle breeze. "It felt wonderful."
She turned again to look at him. This time his eyes had taken on a look of seriousness. "That my dear, is the universal song of all people. They too, want to feel wonderful and that feeling, that emotion, that longing of the heart comes from one simple thing. Knowing they are loved. Knowing that someone is genuinely happy to see them."
The words slipped deep into her thoughts. "So, just being happy to see everyone I meet would make a difference in their life?"
"Yes, genuinely happy."
She opened her eyes. Twenty minutes had passed and it felt as if she had been gone somewhere all day. The best part was she felt genuinely happy, for the first time, in a long time.
She sat quietly and took a few minutes to try and slow down the chatter. Then, she closed her eyes and tried to focus on just one thing. The thing had no meaning or value, it was simply something to focus on. The discussion she had with a friend the day before popped into her mind, followed by what was she going to fix for supper. She thought, this was not much different from praying.
Trying to remind herself that this was 15 minutes she got to spend with the Master of the Universe, the Almighty Creator, she began again, to focus on that one thing. The dog barked. She tried again.
She walked down the sidewalk towards a park bench. She could see him sitting there, like he was waiting for her. She set down and he took her hand in his and asked her how she was. It felt like someone had opened the end of a feather pillow and swung it around in a circle, feathers falling and floating by the thousands. The words poured from her lips. She told him about how she worried about her kids. How she wished she could make things better for them. Her finances were in a complete shambles and she had no idea how she was going to make it until the next paycheck. She worried that everyone thought she was a failure and spoke about her behind her back, making herself feel even more miserable. She told him about the people she knew who were suffering. They were sick, dying, grieving and there was nothing she could do to make it better.
She went on and on and he never spoke. He simply listened and smiled and held her hand. Suddenly, she stopped talking and grew very quiet. "Jesus.", she whispered.
"Yes?"
She looked at him, her eyes wide with, she wasn't sure what kind of emotion. "What about you?"
"Me?", he asked.
"Yes."
He smiled, "I'm just fine."
"How can that be?", she asked. "You listen to people all day long! We gripe and complain and yes, sometimes we give thanks. Most of the time we remember to do that after we've dodged some kind of bullet. We dump all of our worries on you and then expect to go about the day forgetting about it. But we don't, we bring it back to you again and again and still you listen?!? Don't you ever just get tired of the whole mess? Don't you just wish we would stop and appreciate what we have? Don't you want to just ignore us sometimes?!?
He threw his head back and laughed. "You would be surprised at how many times I have been asked that very question and my answer is always the same. No. I love everyone."
"But how?", she asked. "Some people are just mean and cruel."
"Yes, some are. But most have a reason for being that way that no one understands. I understand and that is just one of the reasons I love them. I am genuinely happy to see everyone I meet."
"Everyone?", she asked.
"Everyone. I was elated to see you today. How did that make you feel?"
She shuffled her feet among the patch of leaves that were on the walk and watched them gently turn and lift off on the gentle breeze. "It felt wonderful."
She turned again to look at him. This time his eyes had taken on a look of seriousness. "That my dear, is the universal song of all people. They too, want to feel wonderful and that feeling, that emotion, that longing of the heart comes from one simple thing. Knowing they are loved. Knowing that someone is genuinely happy to see them."
The words slipped deep into her thoughts. "So, just being happy to see everyone I meet would make a difference in their life?"
"Yes, genuinely happy."
She opened her eyes. Twenty minutes had passed and it felt as if she had been gone somewhere all day. The best part was she felt genuinely happy, for the first time, in a long time.
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