Day 205 ~ Take-Off-Time

July 24, 2014

My Instead: My daughter Robin and I flew to Florida for the It Works Green Carpet Experience and also for a tiny vacation. 

Months earlier, our flight arrangements were made and our rental car was reserved. And now it was time! My daughter Robin and I were traveling to Bradenton, Florida for the It Works Green Carpet Experience. Two other women, Jen and Cassidy, met us at the airport to catch the Orlando flight. Unfortunately, there was over an hour delay due to some mechanical problem which they fixed, but then had to arrange for a certified mechanic to come to the MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah to sign off on the “Band-Aid”.

Once we were up in the air, “all systems were go”. After we landed, the four of us made a bee line to the Alamo Car Rental, boarded our Chevy Impala, and then were on the road for 2+ hours driving from Orlando to Ellenton. Ugh. 

We stayed in a house that we rented from a married couple who does this “Airbnb” thing when they are out of town, which is regularly….kind of like the movie “Holiday”. The accommodations were somewhat satisfactory, except for the ant colonies that resided with us and the temperamental plumbing. We forged our way through the “staycation” there with as little complaining as possible when there are eight women in one place!  

We all enjoyed beach and ocean time and some of us went all-out and parasailed (see details of this in Day 206 blog). We enjoyed some of the night life at a place called Woody’s River Roo. They have outside seating with mist sprays for those enchantingly HUMID evenings. The food left something to be desired; but with the “meals” I inhale back home, I really can’t complain.   

The It Works Green Carpet Experience was quite the “revival”! There were over 4,000 people attending. The stories that the “successful” independent distributors shared were inspiring. The questions asked and concerns expressed by the “aspiring to be successful” distributors were easy to relate to because anyone in the business has experienced something similar. And the It Works Apparel Store was booming with business! It was like Macy’s at Christmas time! 

It was fun spending some “time-off” with my daughter Robin. We even got to sleep together…haven’t done that since she was a tween! During our stay, we were surrounded by the other women, but it was still cool hanging out with each other without the usual distractions.   

Anyway, here’s the deal. Traveling really isn’t my thing. It’s okay, but “nothing to write home about”…and I usually DON’T write home about it. One of my very own quotes is “I want to go where NO train, plane, bus, car, boat or whatever will take me”. In other words, my mind is my universe and that is where my travel plans are stored. I would love to take you there anytime…maybe I’m doing that right now. And may I go visit yours?

 

 

Day 204 ~ Dance Like Nobody’s Watching

July 23, 2014

My Instead: I danced liked I never have before to music I never used to like. 

It was Wednesday night and it’s “girls’ night out” in The Grove in St. Louis. I was “leaving on a jet plane” for Florida the next day, so I had a long day of work before I hightailed on out of the Midwest. The music on the patio started at 7:00 on that beautiful July evening, but I didn’t get there until almost 8:30.  

I made my entrance out on patio, bought my obligatory Diet Coke and found my way to my table of friends…this group of gals is so wonderful and fun! It was break-time for the band so no one was dancing, yet. I chatted with most of the women there until the music started up again. The group was Dawn Weber’s Soul Faction. They play kind of a funky jazz that usually doesn’t move me to go dance, just listen. I am more of a Lady Gaga and Katy Perry groupie…that is, if it’s possible to be a groupie at 62! 

Several of the girls got out there to shake it. As the night went on, more of us joined in. Yes, I was one of them! I just said “I can do this”. Oftentimes, I would just close my eyes and envision no one watching, not even me! I felt so free. Who cares! We were all being free and silly. It was such a joy to be in the moment. Our comfort zones were on hiatus and there was no turning back. We didn’t sit down again until the “music died” and the band went home.  

The high octane energy embraced us all and we felt it! We were watching one another, but we felt as if “nobody was watching”. I never did this kind of thing when I was a young teenage girl…but I’m doing it now!

Day 203 ~ Feed Them and They Will Come

July 22, 2014

My Instead: I went to a retirement planning dinner with my brother and his wife.  

I am NOT a “money person”. I don’t even like to play Monopoly. But sometimes one has to bite the bullet and actually plan a financial future. My older (retired) brother Bruce, told me about a recurring Financial Path to Prosperity Workshop (along with a free dinner) that Slagle Financial presents to inform retired and close-to-retirement individuals about developing a game plan for the “good life”. Bruce has some of his money with this organization. He and I happened to be talking annuities one day, so he suggested this workshop to me. No pressure. I said yes.  

I’m HOW old!? How did I get to be 62? At the end of August, I will receive my first Social Security check. It’s nice to have a monthly deposit that will take residence in my bank account without my having to work for it. But! Yes, there’s a “but”. This “free money” will not be enough for me to live on until my last breath is taken. Hence, I must investigate ways to get the biggest bang for my buck from my savings; otherwise, I will be moving in with my kids sooner than expected. Just kidding, kids! I have NO intention of hanging my hat where you hang yours.  

Bruce and his wife Pam joined me at this event to be my moral support, my financial mentor and to get a free meal. They ARE on a fixed income after all! The presentation came BEFORE the meal...don’t want anyone leaving until they hear the spiel. The dissertation was interesting because there were some points covered that I never thought of before. I decided that I should delve into this further because the exposure I got there was just an introduction and will not get me to the “mountain”. I made an appointment to meet and discuss specific options with a retirement coach. I’d better start warming up!  

When I think about the years ahead of me, “God willing and the creek don’t rise”, I’m thankful that I am a simple woman with simple needs and desires. I don’t spend what I don’t have. I spend wisely to be comfortable, not nestled in a lap of luxury. I am more blessed than probably most with my financial situation, but the baby boomer burden is to plan so that you don’t outlive your money! Darn, my health is pretty good, so money troubles could arise in time…go figure.  So I can either start living an unhealthy lifestyle with smoking, drinking, carousing, and taking unnecessary chances to end “me” as soon as the money runs out OR I can start strategically planning to grow my nest egg into an egg-bearing fowl.  

I think I will choose the latter!

 

 

Day 202 ~ Square Dancing

July 21, 2014

My Instead: I went to listen to music on the square in downtown Belleville and danced with my mom.

 

My mom and I spoke earlier in the day and she mentioned that she would be with her friends that night to listen to music on Belleville’s square. This happens on Monday nights during the summer. “Well, thanks for inviting me!” I was teasing. She said that Stan (he and his wife are longtime friends) was playing so she was sure to be there. I would come too! 

The evening was a weatherman’s delight, as many of them have been this summer. Last summer about killed us all with its horrible heat and drought. I sat with Mom and her “entourage” and engaged in polite conversations with these ladies that I have known for years.  

The music played on as our ears listened and our hearts reminisced. I leaned over and asked Mom to dance to “Please Release Me”. Her eyes were welled with tears as she looked in the distance. I watched my mom in my dad’s arms dancing to this song. My silent reverie. After the song, I leaned over again and said that I would really like to dance with her tonight. My mom, the shy one, said she would when there were more people out there dancing. She knew that this was my “instead” for the day. Is that so bad? When my quest for this year gets me to do things like this, it is all good! 

“Waltz Across Texas” finally brought her to her feet. We decided that she would lead, as always, and then we waltzed. It was a little rough at first, but we eventually got in sync. My mother held me in her arms like she held my dad so many times…for so many years. Her eyes smiled and the memories weren't so painful with her substitute partner. After all, Dad is a part of me.

Day 201 ~ Chop Buster

July 20, 2014

My Instead: I confronted a client of mine about "busting my chops" over a misunderstanding about a pre-scheduled appointment time. 

Sunday is typically our day of rest, right? Well, maybe not so much when you have people to please. One of my favorite individuals for whom I have worked for over 3 years needed me to reattach a cabinet door coming off the hinges. I had painted her kitchen cabinets a couple of months prior, so I felt I had to take care of this right away because “I back up my work”. Sunday was my first available time slot. I remember saying that I would try to be there on Sunday and, if that doesn’t work out, I’d be there Monday. I may have hinted at being there at 9:00 in the morning.  

Sunday morning greeted me with several tumultuous phone conversations about some disturbing and disrespectable activity that had occurred at a pool party I attended Saturday afternoon. I was also making potato salad for my grandson’s birthday party. When I finally looked at the clock, it was after 11:00!. I’d better call my client and tell her I’ll be there within the hour. In a calm but cold manner, she reminded me that I had told her I would be there at 9 and also that she had put her morning on hold waiting for me. Have chops, will bust. Ouch! I admit that I may have said that, but the phone works both ways. Just call me and ask “where are you?” in a nice and respectful way. After my pandemonic morning, I was in no mood to be disrespected again for just being human.  

I drove over to her house thinking about better ways she could have handled me. There had been a few other times that she had made her “digs” at me. I always had let it slide. She had also told me stories where she had done this to others. She can be a bit on the defensive about how people treat her or, in her mind, mistreat her. She and I do, however, have a great rapport and, yes, even a friendship. So why bust my chops over a simple miscommunication? Please just give me the benefit of the doubt! I decided to confront her. This is my year! 

I walked in with a baggie filled with some of the potato salad I had just made…my peace offering. I proceeded to perform my handiwork…it was a quick-fix. Then I put it out there. I spoke my piece about wanting to be respected, about how I am not on this earth to piss her off, about the fact that I have stuff going on in my life too, about what I thought was a good rapport between us, about why was she busting my chops over a simple misunderstanding, and lastly about our friendship. I said it all with a matter-of-fact, but respectful tone. She listened to me. We chatted somewhat about the crux of the matter and then left it alone to fade away.  

This is something that I would never have done before, I promise you. But the disrespect that I have encountered in my life has to be addressed and stopped. Never do I want to have or create a reputation of being a “bitch” (pardon me), but I HAVE to do something NOW. This is an “instead” that will stick. And I will do it respectfully, I guarantee.

Day 200 ~ Making Lemonade from Lemons

July 19, 2014

My Instead: I visited my neighbor's "lemonade stand" and discovered a whole new perspective about food allergies! 

When leaving my sub-division, I’m usually in a hurry to somewhere of supposed importance. This particular Saturday I had plans to attend a pool party with some friends, but had some things to do beforehand. As I rounded the curve out of my neighborhood, I saw this large open tent in my neighbor’s front yard. It looked like they were selling lemonade…quite a production for a lemonade stand! No matter the time, I knew that I would have to check that out on my return trip home.  

After completing my errands, I entered my subdivision and made a bee line to this lemonade stand. Not wanting to do a “drive-thru”, I pulled my car over and got out. These particular neighbors and I go way back. While in high school, I used to babysit their infant son. Then when I had babies of my own, their daughter babysat my kids!  

I walked up to this “enterprise” and commenced with a get-reacquainted conversation. Then I noticed their sign: “Donations go to Food Allergy Research and Education”. My interrogation began. My neighbor’s 6-year-old granddaughter has food allergies. The little girl’s mother (the teenager that used to babysit my kids) detailed her daughter’s story that began over two years ago when she almost died from exposure to peanuts. From that day’s horror was born untold emotions and many hours of research about this dreadful disorder. Both were present and accounted for in her words. I listened.  

Blessings. I’ve used this word a lot because my loved ones and I have been blessed with good health for the most part. When I hear of someone else’s malady, it hits an emotional chord with me. Why this family, so loving and wonderful? I felt their love and its growing energy right there in my neighbor’s front yard. It filled my heart. When I see such good things arise from such a pitiful plight, it always amazes me. There it is once again, folks…the yin and the yang in our lives. 

During our discussion, the mother informed me that 6 years of age is around the time that some children can miraculously grow out of this. As I walked to my car, my last words were “I’ll pray that this goes away”. And I did.

 

Day 199 ~ We’re Not In Kansas Anymore

July 18, 2014

My Instead: I met some friends at an outdoor movie on Art Hill in St. Louis to watch "Funny Face" starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.  

My friends, Annie and Jan, planned to go to the outdoor showing of a movie on Art Hill in St. Louis on Friday evening. They invited me to join them via a text earlier in the day. I was excited about joining them since I had never done anything like this before. Going to a movie at Belleville’s Sky View Drive-In was the closest I had ever come to an outdoor movie. The venue for this particular viewing was just too fabulous to pass up. 

Jan and Annie got there around 6:30. I finally arrived around 8:15 due to my long day’s work schedule, not to mention my longer drive too. The challenge of finding a parking spot took almost as long as the trip over. Eventually I relented and paid $15 to park in the art museum’s garage. I quickly retrieved my chair-in-a-bag from the back of my car and followed the nearest individuals that looked like they knew where they were going.  

As I emerged from the underground, I discovered a sea of people spread across Art Hill. The movie screen was set up at the bottom of the hill, the placid lake and fountains as its backdrop. What a sight! I perused the populated slope filled with people enjoying the good life until I realized that I had to find my friends amidst it all. Annie had clued me in earlier on their approximate location. I found her right away standing and texting me. I slowly walked up and surprised her with my presence. We hugged. Then we engaged in conversation, as is usual with Annie and me. Jan found her way back to us from her break and the three of us rekindled our camaraderie that spawned earlier during the previous weekend at our friend Annette’s pool party.

We sat back, relaxed, and visited while waiting for the skies to darken, enjoying this simple pleasure. Everyone surrounding us was doing the same. Now THIS was America and it was our finest hour.

 

When the movie “Funny Face” with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire appeared on the screen, I thought, “They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!” The simplicity of this Hollywood production was a perfect match to the evening’s genre. As I watched the movie, my wandering eyes kept returning to all the ambiance that lay before me. I was like Dorothy when she realized this wasn’t Kansas anymore. But I was in no hurry to go back. 

And then it happened as with all things...the end. I wasn't ready.

 

 

 

Day 198 ~ Art of the Archer

July 17, 2014

My Instead: I went to an archery range with my grandson Tyler and his friend Danny. 

My grandson Tyler and I have come a long way since I was present at his birth almost 11 ½ years ago. We’ve spent many, many hours together and have done a myriad of activities and adventures. Archery was not one of them until tonight! 

About a week prior, I had Tyler and his friend Danny in my car and we were discussing new things that I/we could do in this year of “insteads”. That is when the idea of archery was born. They had both done it before…go figure, after all, they ARE in their second decade of life. I, on the other hand, had not! Or at least I have no recollection of ever attempting this “art of an archer”. Go figure again. 

Anyway, we found our way off Route 15 in Belleville to the somewhat hidden back road to Town Hall Archery. We informed one of the employees of our intention to shoot some arrows.  

 

He quickly provided us with the necessary equipment, the targets and the cost per hour in which to hone our archery “skills”. We each loaded up our respective bows with an arrow, “aimed” and shot. Where was that target again? This is not as easy as it looks. We loaded again, aimed a little more carefully this time and released. The only possible answer to the inaccuracy of our shots is that those targets had to be moving. After all (yes, I’m going there), you can’t hit a moving target. 

We continued for the rest of our “$8 per hour” hour, shooting and fetching those meandering arrows. We did improve intermittently with our shots, but it wasn’t very sustainable. Bull’s eyes were few and far between. Okay, I got one! The boys had a few too, but that yellow part of the target was blemished ever so slightly.

We were busy, we were unaware of technology (except for my picture taking), we were united and persistent in our mission, and we had fun! It was especially fun for them when they can demonstrate to the “older person” how to do something. It was fun for me too because I saw how they enjoyed being the experienced ones this time.  

This was TIME SPENT that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Would you?

 

 

Day 197 ~ Just Me and Mini-Me

July 16, 2014

My Instead: My granddaughter Abbey and I played miniature golf, just the two of us. 

The night before, I had been working on getting (ok, bribing) my granddaughter Abbey to spend the night with me. (She gets so homesick at night so she rarely is my overnight houseguest.) Among the pieces of bait I offered her were a miniature golf outing, a campout in my bedroom, a movie, her own personally-requested snacks and I’m sure some more things that have escaped my memory banks at the moment. Alas, none of these worked. I felt bad. She wanted so bad to play miniature golf, but I said “no” if she does not spend the night. I could not see me driving her all the way back home after our golf outing. There are logistics involved, after all. 

The next day I suggested to Abbey’s mom, my daughter-in-law Shaundra, that Abbey and I play miniature golf that night with no pressure to spend the night. I had plenty of work that day and had to stain my mom’s deck floor as the last thing on my list. I worked until 7:30. Shaundra helped me out and dropped Abbey off at my mom’s to save time. After I finished the deck, Abbey and I went to my house so I could clean up and change clothes (in record time). Then we headed to Centerfield in Fairview Heights to achieve our golf mission at last. 

It was a perfect night…low humidity, low heat, no forecasted showers, no crowd and virtually no bugs. We started our game and figured out quickly just how “accurately” we were going to keep score. Abbey just may be more suited as a hockey player the way she scoots that ball around. But I have to say she did keep track of her “strokes” and was oftentimes the one to write down the scores.

Abbey was energetically and amazingly “into” this miniature golf thing. I was getting such a kick out of her. And as usual these days, I work very hard at staying present with the moment, no matter what I’m doing.  It’s especially a driving force when I’m doing my “instead” and “especially” especially when the “instead” involves one of my grandkids. After all, a childhood only comes around once and it comes at warped speed.  

By the way, Abbey spent the night afterwards!

 

Day 196 ~ Privileged Moments

July 15, 2014

My Instead: I visited a new park (Bicentennial Park) in Belleville with my grandkids and took a nature hike. 

It was Tuesday, my turn to have two of my grandkids for the day! I drove to their house with my peanut butter cake dessert I made the night before. All three kids were asleep. My doorbell ringing finally woke up big brother Isaac. Abbey and Andy’s slumber was not so easily disturbed. 

About a half hour after my arrival, everyone in the house finally woke up and energy was out in full force. We filled some bellies, including the birds’ outside on the deck railing. They love to watch the birds having their breakfast! Jammies were exchanged for play clothes and we were off to the “tree park” (that’s what Abbey named it after we left the park). 

The day’s weather was like a best friend…warm and inviting, but not too warm. The small plaza greeted us with some climbing adventures, swings, and a tunnel. We tried them all out. As soon as we had all these man-made features conquered, we took to the nature trail. Most parks are just playgrounds, but this one offered a sprinkle of nature in which we spiritedly doused ourselves. We found water puddles to stir, paths to navigate, and flowers to pick and examine. But, most of all, we found us! Sharing with these two little people is such a blessing. I know how fast a childhood can vanish into thin air, so being a part of these precious and inquisitive moments is a privilege that exceeds all other moments.

 

Day 195 ~ Fill it Forward

July 14, 2014

My Instead: I took a borrowed container back to my mom's and actually filled it with something (hobo stew) instead of bringing it back empty. 

I had the cash and the time and I was strategically located near the grocery store. My mood shouted for hobo stew so I got some ground beef and canned mixed vegetables. Also, I wanted to make that peanut butter cake that I devoured during my weekend at Annette’s. My cart accommodated the ingredients for that, as well. After I chose a few other items to populate my empty cupboards, I headed home and then off to finish the rest of my day’s chores.  

That night, I was a cooking fool. The hobo stew was easy enough, but there is still that mess afterwards and, as usual, I am the only one on KP (Kitchen Patrol) duty. After the stew was made and enjoyed, it was time for dessert. But I still had to make it. Unfortunately, I found I had all the necessary ingredients except for the baking soda. Ahhh! My mom will have some. I called and, of course, she had four boxes on hand. As I was getting ready to head over to her house, I saw her empty container. It had held the cucumber salad she made for my pool party. In return, I picked up a 9-volt battery and a gallon of milk for her.  

I proceeded to wash the container to give back to Mom and then it dawned on me. So many times I have heard (mostly from Mom) that when someone gives you leftovers, you should return their container filled with some goodies to give to THEM to show appreciation. For once I had something to give back…the hobo stew! I proudly filled the container with my leftovers and made the familiar trek to Mom’s.  

Very pleased with my “neighborly” gesture, I displayed the filled container to her. She was not prepared for my generosity, especially with food. Food is not a focus in my life and definitely not in surplus. She showed her mild surprise and pleasure with my unexpected gift. I’ll take it!

Maybe there is hope for me yet to carry on some of the traditions from simpler times…ones that many of us don’t know about or have forgotten. It felt good…doing the right thing usually does, right?

 

Day 194 ~ Spoiled Rotten

July 13, 2014

My Instead: After a pool party the day before, I stayed most of the next day at a friend's place in Farmington instead of rushing home to get my work done. 

It was Sunday and I had things to do back home. And there I was in Farmington, Missouri…the “day after” the pool party. I had planned to spend the night because I knew I would have been too tired to drive for that long that late.

 

Anyway, that Sunday morning, I finally rose at 9 A.M. I never sleep that late, well hardly ever. But I didn’t hear any rumbling from the other three women in the house, so I stayed put on my inflatable mattress. When I finally did get up, I went to the sunroom and found Annette sprawled out on this great big lounging-type stuffed chair. She looked so comfy! “I will own that chair for the rest of the weekend”, I thought. And the second she got up to get me some coffee, I parked my carcass into her impression. Yes, I am that bold! And Annette was so generous and gracious.  

One of the other gals made a great breakfast. Boy, was I getting spoiled…rotten! I could get used to this. It was no wonder or surprise that I overstayed my welcome. We all got in the pool again, another gal joined us later in the day, and that Sunday indeed manifested as a “day of rest”.  

Eventually, everyone left and went back to their reality. I stayed and avoided mine a little while longer. Annette and I solved the world’s problems and Mary, her neighbor, arrived a little later to join in the brain storming. But all good things must come to an end. And so it was for this day, as well.  

I am so glad I took a break from my work and returned a sense of balance to my life. I just hope my memory holds out a few more years so that I can feast upon the weekend’s reverie.  

 

 

 

Day 193 ~ Mohammad Goes to Mountain

July 12, 2014

My Instead: I made the trip to a friend's place in Farmington, Missouri for a pool party instead of her always coming to St. Louis.

 

I had made plans to have a couple, Barb and Tom, over to my house for dinner on the 12^th. Then my friend Annette contacted me a week or so later inviting me to her pool party. I extended my apologies saying I had already made dinner plans with other friends. Then time kept nibbling at my conscience: Annette always comes to the St. Louis area which is well over an hour’s drive to be with friends, me included. Now she’s having a party for all of us to go to her and I can’t go? 

I’m usually not a plan breaker, but I called Barb and explained the tumult I was feeling about being pulled in two different directions. I wanted to entertain them, especially after our friendship’s long hiatus, but I also wanted to make the long trek to Farmington and be there for Annette. Barb understood immediately and said that a postponement was no problem. Whooh!  

I got to Annette’s around 3 o’clock in the afternoon because I had some things to get accomplished before I could even enjoy some fun. That be me! And fun we had! There were four of us and a fifth came later, Annette’s neighbor. The dynamics were sublime. I searched for the perfect word and “sublime” was it!

We ate, we played in the water, we talked and laughed, we did angel card readings, and we watched as the “super moon” rose over the tree line. We bathed in its glow. It was “Eat, Pray, Love” all over again! It was a day filled with sharing of ourselves, our pasts, our thoughts, our feelings, our humors, our fears. Face-to-face! There was no technology interrupting what we had going. And there was no drunkenness, just our laid-back banter. And we savored. 

I am so thankful that I made that change of plans.

 

 

Day 192 ~ I Love a Parade

July 11, 2014

My Instead: I rode my bike in the Tour de Belleville, a 15 mile night time bike ride. 

The signage posted throughout Belleville pointed me in one direction…a bike ride in Tour de Belleville. I had to do this one! I’ve known about it for years that this was an annual event, but I never entertained the thought about doing it…not really. Why not? I know how to ride a bike! And I am still ABLE to ride a bike…for distance even! Geez, what a slacker I’ve been for the past 50 years. There is more to do than just alcoholize (socialize with alcohol). Society had fooled me into thinking that that was all there was to do!

I arrived at the bicycle event a half hour before start time. We stood there, me and my bike, and just took it all in. All the riders! The band was playing a bunch of oldies. People were visiting and getting ready for the long haul. There was an energy streaming through the air.  

Familiar faces were few and far between. But there were so many people (probably around 2,500) that my whole relation could have been there and I wouldn’t have known it. I did come upon a couple that I knew, Tom and Donna. I used to work with Tom years ago at the bank. Also their son Brett and my son Todd were best friends in high school. So we’ve known each other almost 40 years. They were there with another couple and asked me to join their foursome. They are such good people so I was delighted with the invite! 

It was time to begin. They had all the bikers leave in smaller groups so we wouldn’t kill one another. The evening delivered weather that was as close to perfect as we could wish for…full moon and all. We rode on our mapped-out trail and were cheered on by neighbors enjoying the “parade”. And I, of course, waved as if I were in a parade! I couldn’t tell you where we all went because I was too busy taking in the people and keeping up with my partners. When I took the time to take in MY moments, it was bliss. It’s difficult sometimes to enjoy people and also your own solitude during this type of event. I gave it my best shot.

As we came to the end of the 15 mile trek, there was only one part of me that was hurting…and I’m sure the wise reader can guess what that was. But I made it! No collisions, no falls, and not breakdowns. It was all good. Doing this was a reminder to me there ARE people out there that want what I want…to get out off the couch and enjoy something “instead”…it’s so simple! 

As soon as I heal, I’m going to do a lot more of this!

 

Day 191 ~ My Field of Dreams

July 10, 2014

My Instead: I stood and was present in the soybean field that my grandpa used to farm. 

Just outside of Belleville on the way towards Smithton, I turned onto Park Road on my way back from installing a garbage disposal in one of my son’s apartments. I found myself driving past the field that my grandpa Oscar Merod had farmed for over 50 years. I had taken this route hundreds of times to my house. Today I stopped.

My car and I pulled over and I ran out into the field, almost waist-high in soybeans. I stood. I felt. And then it happened. A plethora of questions populated my head: How many times had Grandpa driven up and down this field on his tractor? What did he think about? Was he so very sad when he had been widowed in his mid-thirties? Was he scared to be left alone to raise two small children? Did he ever have fun? Was he on this very spot when my dad came out to the field on a blazing hot June day to tell him that he was now the grandfather of twins, my brother Mark and me? Did he ever feel forgotten? 

After I pondered Grandpa for a while, my monkey mind jumped to other things. I lay down in the field and felt like a giant in a jungle with all the small creatures buzzing around me. I felt God’s amazing providence over the least of living things…all the hidden wonders that the unbelieving refuse to acknowledge as miracles.  

 

I stood up again in my field of dreams and saw the farmhouse where I was raised for the first two years of my life…my roots. I remembered all the fun my brothers and I had on butchering day with Grandpa and all his buddies. I think this is where I learned to curse! Where I watched as my grandma Merod chopped the heads off chickens. The chicken dance is not just a wedding reception spectacle, let me tell ya! And still when I smell the aroma of a dill plant, I think of Grandma’s garden. Where we covered the kitchen table in newspaper and feasted on watermelon until we were ready to pop. Where we swung on the porch swing to the point that I thought it would detach. These were just some of the memories. They overflowed. 

The breeze blew and unlike the round of applause I received from the golden cornstalks on my country outings in autumn, there was only this eerie silence from the soybean leaves. I listened anyway.