Have you ever heard embers fall? You know the sound they make when they hit each other? Kind of like the styrofoam packing peanuts do? It’s almost the same. I think if snowflakes made a noise on impact, that’s what they would sound like 🙂
Month:November 2011
of Mice and Men (and sometimes women)
When I was 16, I swore off marriage and kids. I wanted to go to school in Switzerland. I wanted to see the world. A free spirit was what I planned to be. No working mom for me. It was all career and freedom. My wings ached to lift me off the ground and into the sky. I wasn’t really interested in boys either. I didn’t have time to fool with them, and since I wasn’t getting married, why bother?
My little sister was another story. Giver her the dolls, the dresses, the boyfriends. She wanted everything a girl wants, right down to the 2.3 kids. We were polar opposites on the plans scale.
Funny how things work out. She has never been married. I’ve been married for 22 years. She has no children. I have three sons and routinely borrow others. She goes all over the place. The last time I left the country I was in the 10th grade, and haven’t left the state in years.
As much as I love to travel and my freedom, I do not feel tied down. Nor do I envy my sisters lifestyle. I am quite happy, and wouldn’t trade places with her for the world. I hope she feels the same way. I think we both feel blessed to be where we are in life.
I Wonder…
The person that hugs you after a bad day, no questions asked. Does he know?
Does he know how everything is right with the world while he holds you?
Does he feel the relief wash over you?
Does he know about the tears of joy you hold back?
Does he know seeing him is the highlight of your day? Even after all this time?
Does he know that it is his strenght that holds you up during the worst times?
Does he know that it’s his hands that mend your broken spirit?
Does he know that he is your better half?
Does he know how much his work means to you? How much you want his dreams to come true?
Does he know that you study every inch of him? Know every muscle, and ridge? Every rough callous and scar?
Does he know you watch him give all that he is to all that loves? That you know what he has given up, and is willing to give for you?
Does he know you would rather be alone than be without him?
Tell him. Even if he already knows.
New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods –merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list — post it to discussion groups — throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city — send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. Please help spread the word! Shop locally!
Stolen from Hugs of Hope on Facebook!