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Janeen Pizzo 23/31 inspired me to write this slice when she wrote, “I was raised on…” and she explained how her mother’s quotes make her feel when she was growing up and now as an adult. I often think of my mom’s sage sayings. I’d say her saying so often, that my close friends would later tell me that these sayings helped get them through difficult time. My mother passed this past October and I often hear her saying these words and sharing her advice. She always knew what to say to make a situation better. “ Anyone can throw you the ball, but if you catch it, you’re the fool.” My mother always taught me that it is your choice to let others have control of your feelings and thoughts. This saying helps me stay sane and strong when others invade my space with unkind words. “The Crooked Road.” In life sometimes your journey takes you on an unexpected path. But the crooked road always works out for the best! (My mom was an optimist.) “Give them the name and they’ll play the game.” My mom always said you need to be mindful of how you talk about children. If you give them a label, they will make it their reality. “There is a cover for every pot.” Everyone will find the person meant for them. It may take time and effort, but there is a match out there for each one of us. “A mother is only as happy as her least happy child.” If you are a parent, you know this to be true. “Home should be a haven.” Even though I was an elementary school teacher, my mother constantly reminded me to make sure at home I let my children make mistakes with their homework. At home they should feel only love. My mom would remind me to let the teacher be the one who criticizes. I often found this hard to do, but knew she was right. “You don’t have to be great in every room in the house.” If you’re not a great cook, that’s okay. If you’re not great at cleaning up your house, that’s okay. It’s too much pressure for any of us to feel like we have to be great at everything in our lives! “Angels are in heaven, not on earth.” We shouldn’t expect perfection from ourselves or others. “Your luck begins with the parents you are born to - or the parents who raise you.” I think of this often when I watch my own daughter’s love for their children and know how lucky they are. My heart breaks when I read the news and learn of children who are not fortunate enough to have parents who are capable of giving them the love they deserve. This love carries a person throughout their life. “If you have one true friend in your lifetime, consider yourself lucky.” My grandmother, Eva, would say this. Sometimes I get jealous of people that have a gazillion friends. Then I stop and think about the real, true friendships I have nurtured over the years and I feel loved and supported. It’s not the quantity, it’s the quality. “You should learn one new vocabulary word every day.” Again, my grandmother, Eva, would say this. Her belief was if you learned one new word a day and used it continually in your daily life, you’d be a very wise person. My mother’s mother and brother, Jack, were avid readers and loved words and language. “When you knew better, you did better.” My sister, Janet, remembered this one. My mom was a lifelong learner and valued education. She encouraged my brother, sister and I to always learn and grow. “If you didn’t wake up with some aches and pains, you wouldn’t know you are alive.” Getting old isn’t fun. My father would say, “Eva, don’t get old. But, it beats the alternative.” This is a positive spin on getting old. Just like my mom to put a positive spin on aging! | |
Prompt inspired by Ramona (SOL 28/31) of Pleasure from the Page who was inspired by a numerical slice at Abigail's blog: Look around and choose 4 things within 4 ft. of you and 4 minutes to write about them.
My desktop computer is placed on a shelf with a pull-out draw for my keyboard. Inside this country, forest green, tall, wooden armoire are writing journals, books, bills, old family photographs, random post-its and tassels that hang from the two wide open doors, evoking memories of high school, college and postgraduate journeys.
The large picture window to the left of me is dark. The night is cold and quiet. The silence of the tweeting of birds that wake me at six in the morning makes me wonder where they are now.
My husband just walked up the flight of stairs to the right of me. He’ll quickly change, brush his teeth and jump into bed to play games on his ipad. Our Mexican Train competition is exhausting. I was 30 points ahead of him last week, only to find myself 6 points behind last night. I wonder…is he building more points as I type on my keypad right now?
Behind me is a credenza that matches the style of my armoire. The pictures framed in various species of wood are of my three daughters and their husbands at each of their weddings not long ago. The one in the middle is my growing family with grandkids all hugging. We purchased the country armoire and credenza for our first home, a sweet house with high wood plank ceilings and a stone fireplace. Now, they sit in a very modern home with glass block and marble floors. I adore the country wooden pieces of furniture with stencil designs that look worn and old. Our home is eclectic because I could never part with the pieces of furniture that we've accumulated over time, that help tell the story of my life.
Four minutes and three seconds. Three minutes and sixteen seconds to revise.
My desktop computer is placed on a shelf with a pull-out draw for my keyboard. Inside this country, forest green, tall, wooden armoire are writing journals, books, bills, old family photographs, random post-its and tassels that hang from the two wide open doors, evoking memories of high school, college and postgraduate journeys.
The large picture window to the left of me is dark. The night is cold and quiet. The silence of the tweeting of birds that wake me at six in the morning makes me wonder where they are now.
My husband just walked up the flight of stairs to the right of me. He’ll quickly change, brush his teeth and jump into bed to play games on his ipad. Our Mexican Train competition is exhausting. I was 30 points ahead of him last week, only to find myself 6 points behind last night. I wonder…is he building more points as I type on my keypad right now?
Behind me is a credenza that matches the style of my armoire. The pictures framed in various species of wood are of my three daughters and their husbands at each of their weddings not long ago. The one in the middle is my growing family with grandkids all hugging. We purchased the country armoire and credenza for our first home, a sweet house with high wood plank ceilings and a stone fireplace. Now, they sit in a very modern home with glass block and marble floors. I adore the country wooden pieces of furniture with stencil designs that look worn and old. Our home is eclectic because I could never part with the pieces of furniture that we've accumulated over time, that help tell the story of my life.
Four minutes and three seconds. Three minutes and sixteen seconds to revise.
I have been thinking about what I’ll do when I retire. I am worried that I’ll be bored and feel lost. I was inspired by slicer, Pencilonmyback's, “When I retire” SOLSC March 21, 2022 to think about when that time comes. It actually is sounding pretty fantastic!
When I retire I’ll decide if I want to get up with the sun or sleep until I wake. I will slowly open my eyes, knowing the day is all mine. Maybe I’ll stay in bed and read a bit or check out the news on my ipad. I’ll slowly walk to the bathroom and leisurely get ready for the day. I’ll put on comfortable jeans or workout Lululemon leggings. I’ll head downstairs, drink my water with lemon and possibly work out before the day begins. I'll take a long walk every day and stretch classes to keep limber.
When I retire I will be conscious of eating smart. I’ll make sure I eat three healthy meals and stay away from snacking. I’ll have tea in the afternoon! I’ll go to the store to pick up fresh fish and veggies. I’ll have time to plan and prepare delicious healthy meals for my husband and me. But of course, I'll still be enjoying a little bit of my favorite milk chocolate.
When I retire I will write every day. I will find outlets to inspire me. I will take writing classes at the local college. Hopefully, I’ll make a few new writing friends. I dream about writing a children’s book or novel. As of yet, I don’t have any ideas for a story, but I’ll have time to find one that I feel passionate about. I’ll read. I’ll read all the new novels and sometimes sit on the couch all day long and have the luxury of time to read. I’ll finally fill the pages in the grandparent book my daughter gave me for her children. I will paint with watercolors with my sister, who is a wonderful watercolorist. I will get back to drawing and take a ceramics and sculpture class. I’ll plant some flowers in a garden and bring them to my friends and children’s homes. I will go to the movies during the day or watch movies or television series for hours on end on a rainy afternoon.
When I retire I will find activities that I feel passionate about. I will find a ways to keep encouraging children to be lifelong learners. I will search out ways I can get books into the hands of children that may not have that luxury. I will find ways that I can use what I’m good at to help others.
When I retire I will be involved in my grandchildren’s lives. I will visit them, attend school events that I am invited to, find activities to do with them that they’ll love and read, read, read with them. I will be an active participant in their lives as much as they’ll let me. I will love them unconditionally and be a resource for them to grow and love learning! I will take them for walks on the beach, teach them how to collect sea glass and to love nature. We’ll study animals or dinosaurs, or trucks or whatever they are passionate about together. I’ll become an expert on unexpected things.
When I retire I will pay attention to my spouse's needs and find ways for us to spend quality time together. We’ll play pickleball, visit the grandkids, travel and spend time with the friends we both enjoy. We’ll take walks on the beach, and plan for family trips to be with the people we love to be with the most.
When I retire I will continue to be a life-long learner. I will learn conversational Russian so I can communicate with my grandchildren and my daughter's in-laws. I will travel to places I’ve never been before, like Japan, Norway and Australia. I will read and listen to the news and be knowledgeable about the world around me. I will learn to play bridge and commit myself to learning it so I can play with confidence. I will keep my mind active and my body strong.
Saturday is such a wonderful day. I decided to take a leisurely thirty minute Peloton ride with Jess King. She’s a red headed spunky instructor who smiles a lot and has a fun attitude. Her “Women's History Month” ride featured Reba McEntire’s country music. In the first few minutes Jess King quotes Reba saying, “ To succeed in life you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.” I had never heard this before and I thought it was a wonderful way to think about your life. I believe I’m successful in having a wishbone and a funny bone in my life, but the bone I need to work harder on is backbone. After hearing this quote, I decided to write to someone who sent me an uncomfortable text unfairly doubting me. I debated letting it go. You often can’t win with people like this. But, then I heard that quote and told myself to have a backbone. Quotes can be so powerful.
This slice is inspired by the poem “Something You Should Know” by Clint Smith
she never told anyone
She didn’t understand the poem by Emily Dickenson
she was a reader and had two masters
yet the words sitting quietly on the page meant nothing
she tried
she desperately tried
atlas, they were only words
written by a famous American poet
one hundred years ago.
Perhaps
that is why
she disliked poetry
in high school
and rarely chooses
to read it today.
she never told anyone
She didn’t understand the poem by Emily Dickenson
she was a reader and had two masters
yet the words sitting quietly on the page meant nothing
she tried
she desperately tried
atlas, they were only words
written by a famous American poet
one hundred years ago.
Perhaps
that is why
she disliked poetry
in high school
and rarely chooses
to read it today.
Inspired by Marylin Joseph slice on March 23rd: Some things in life are free
Some of the best things in my life are free
Walking on the beach in Montauk barefoot and feeling the sand between my toes
Watching Henry play with his trucks and trains by himself
Taking a hike with Henry on my son-in-law's shoulders
Looking up at the dark sky and seeing the moon glowing
Laughing hysterically about something silly with my sister, Janet
Looking through old photographs remembering my parent’s love
Listening to baby Anna laugh as she plays by herself in her crib
Waking up every morning next to my hardworking, sweet husband
Talking with my pregnant daughter and sensing her joy
Feeling the sunshine on my face as I look up at the sun
Some of the best things in my life are free
Walking on the beach in Montauk barefoot and feeling the sand between my toes
Watching Henry play with his trucks and trains by himself
Taking a hike with Henry on my son-in-law's shoulders
Looking up at the dark sky and seeing the moon glowing
Laughing hysterically about something silly with my sister, Janet
Looking through old photographs remembering my parent’s love
Listening to baby Anna laugh as she plays by herself in her crib
Waking up every morning next to my hardworking, sweet husband
Talking with my pregnant daughter and sensing her joy
Feeling the sunshine on my face as I look up at the sun
My slice is borrowing the format in Elisabeth Ellington’s slice yesterday. Elisabeth stated that she got her idea from Kessick at Teachers Write.
Unfortunately, my new dentist moved across town and neglected to tell me that the appointment I made to have my teeth cleaned six months prior wouldn’t be recognized in the new office.
Fortunately, I called the new dentist office the night prior to my appointment, learned the upsetting news, but was able to make a new appointment the very next day.
Unfortunately, the hygienist, who by the way gave my teeth an excellent cleaning, found two old fillings that needed replacement and the one on my left side had a cavity brewing beneath the filling.
Fortunately, I made an appointment a week later so the dentist could gently pull out my lip and insert a long, skinny needle. The novocaine shot was wonderful in eliminating the pain as he dug away like an excavator in my deep, dark, cavernous mouth.
Unfortunately, hours later when the novocaine wore off, I was in excruciating pain.
Fortunately, I had made a third appointment with the dentist in order to address the second filling, on the right side of my mouth. The dentist tried to file down the tooth on the left in the hopes of easing my pain before he began to remove the second filling and replaced it.
Unfortunately, I am still in pain after I eat or drink anything cold. The pain begins on top and radiates down to the bottom part of my jaw. It’s quite unpleasant.
Fortunately, I am in pain on only the left side of my mouth, so I can still eat on the right!
Most Memorable Days
(Inspired from Linda Rief’s ‘Most Memorable Days,” from The Quickwrite Handbook.
How many days do I have to choose from? Twenty two thousand six hundred forty two. Which of these days is the most memorable? Of course one thinks of the big occasions: the weddings, births, bar mitzvahs, family vacations, and traditions. I have so many, but these I remembered with little effort:
(Inspired from Linda Rief’s ‘Most Memorable Days,” from The Quickwrite Handbook.
How many days do I have to choose from? Twenty two thousand six hundred forty two. Which of these days is the most memorable? Of course one thinks of the big occasions: the weddings, births, bar mitzvahs, family vacations, and traditions. I have so many, but these I remembered with little effort:
- The day I got married, the photographer took a few photos of my future husband and me and had us stand in front of my parent’s house in Plainview, Long Island. It was March, the trees were bare and the sky and scenery were dull. But, I can picture the moment my father came running out the front door of my parent’s house, the screech of the screen door shutting, as he ran towards us. He had in his outstretched hands the corners of a thin, ratty looking cotton sweater. He exclaimed, “Baby, it’s cold outside. Put this on.” I remember smiling and thinking how lucky I was to have a dad who loved me so very much.
- My eldest daughter, Julie, called me on the phone near the end of her residency and casually invited her family to the, “End-of-Residency Gathering.” It was held in a beautiful restaurant by the water somewhere on the edge of the city. When we arrived, Julie came outside to greet us. Julie had straightened her normally wildly long curly hair, surprisingly was wearing makeup and wore a new beautiful blue sheer dress that blew in the wind as she walked. She took my breath away. I hadn’t had the opportunity to meet Julie’s residency friends or talk to the doctors who had mentored her over the past four years during her OBGYN residency. I dreamed of watching her doing surgery one day, but knew that was unlikely. This night was one of the most unexpectedly memorable nights in my life as I watched Julie flit about the ballroom like Cinderella. The doctors that had taught and worked with Julie looked for me and my husband to tell us stories and brag about the doctor they knew she would become. We sat in these formal cushioned chairs at this huge oval table facing the dance floor, listened to speeches and watched Julie honored for her compassion, grit and brilliance. I sat like a statue in the chair as I watched Julie in her glory: dancing with her friends, laughing, and soaking up the night amongst the people who knew in a way I never could.
- When our middle daughter got married five years ago she married her college sweetheart. They had been together for over ten years by the time they walked down the aisle. It was a glorious day but my favorite part was when I was standing under the Chuppah when Eric began his vows. I was holding my breath to prevent myself from making those horrid sounds one does when really crying. I knew Eric loved our daughter, but I did not know how deep that love went. When you know your daughter is marrying a man that loves her with all his heart, it is everything.
- After our third daughter was born my parents and Olivia’s two older sisters came to the hospital. I can see the scene in my mind: Laying in the hospital bed, exhausted from giving birth just an hour ago, looking at my mother in a hospital gown, looking down at our new baby in the bassinet, with my little girls by her side, with a gigantic smile spread across her face. My mother passed away this past October, but luckily I have these memories to cherish.
My inspiration for this slice was Elizabeth’s Ellington ’Monday Musings on a Tuesday #sol22 15/31, who was inspired by Monday Musings at Peace Be the Journey. I am loving how this year I’m inspired from writers who are inspired by other writers!
What surprised me yesterday?
Yesterday my husband and I met friends for breakfast at Poxabogue golfing range in East Hampton with the plan to eat breakfast and then, to hit some golf balls. It was unexpected as we rarely go out to breakfast on a Sunday morning and since our friends moved to East Hampton, we don’t often spend time together. If you’re like me and married, you find it a rarity that you and your husband both enjoy the company of another couple. I had met Elaine when we randomly both signed up for a weekly tennis court when our children were little over thirty years ago! She is a dynamo. She now runs her own company successfully. Back in the 80’s she was one of the few women who held positions in large companies when the internet first took off. Whenever I am with her, I feel inspired. She is always searching for her best self and inspires me to think about what I want in my life. It was her husband’s birthday, which added to the surprise of the day. We chatted, laughed, and shared stories as we ate breakfast outside in the sunshine, while a musician played on his guitar Jim Croce and James Taylor songs.
What touched my heart yesterday?
After we met our friends at the Paxabogue golfing range, we drove to see Henry and Anna at our daughter and son-in-law's new house on Long Island. Henry, my two-year-old grandson, gave me a huge hug the minute he saw me, even though he woke up from his nap and there were many people visiting his home. He always manages to make me feel special and loved no matter what he is involved in and who is around.
What inspired me today?
I am feeling a little lost lately. I am not sure where I want to focus my energy planning for my future. I have always loved learning and taking classes. I arranged to audit a district TRACK class. The class is about how to organize your internet life. I am an extremely organized person, but Google drive and files on my computers confuse me. I was inspired to go through old files and clean up untitled documents and the gazillions of slide shows and documents I have gathered over the years. After spending time trying to figure it all out, I gave up. It’s exhausting deleting and renaming and organizing!
I didn’t think he noticed when his Bubba and Papa strolled into the den as there were so many guests gathered around him. His great aunt and uncle brought their dog, Clyde, who was running around between everyone's feet. The room was loud and chaotic. Then, a few minutes after I quietly arrived, I felt two-and-one-half year old Henry give me a bear hug from behind as I knelt down to smile at his five-month-old sister. I quickly turned around and gave Henry an all embracing hug. I was caught off guard and was amazed how Henry noticed I had arrived, in a split second, he'd stopped what he was doing to let me know he was happy I was there. It doesn't take very much to make someone feel special. I am so lucky to have this little human, my grandson, in my life!
I read, and fell in-love, with a slice title Fatigue #SOL22 10/31 in the beginning of this March and foolishly didn’t write down the author's name. I would love to give this author credit! Anyway, here is my version of the author’s magnificent slice:
When she changed, I was disappointed; I was used to her running around throughout each day like an energizer bunny. It happened slowly. Was it years, months, or days? When did I notice the change? She used to wake up with a smile, jump out of bed, get dressed in a jiffy and be ready to tackle the “to do” list on the oversized calendar sitting quietly on the back of the pantry door. She’d shop for groceries for the family, cook meals, clean up the dishes, straighten up and dust as she danced to “Sunshine,” her favorite Jonathan Edward’s song. She’d win the double tennis tournaments with her partner, run to the gym to lift weights, teach aerobic and step classes. You’d see her doing lunges across the gym floor in her leotard and tights. She was a wiz at helping with homework and driving to after-school activities: swimming, Hebrew school, gymnastics, tennis, play-dates, and even, birthday parties. The college classes needed her masters was left for midnight, when the house was quiet and all asleep. No use in pretending. She’s gone.
Now, she’s like a flickering flame. She slowly lets the morning light in as she wakes. Drags herself to the bathroom noticing the toothpaste landing in dots on the mirror and sighs. She shuffles into the hot shower, every muscle aching, letting the steam rise. She debates which exercise she will attempt to complete on this day: lift weights, yoga, pickleball or a country music spin class on the Peloton alone in her basement gym. No more double dipping.
I begged and pleaded, “ I miss you. Life isn’t the same. Come back, please?” But there is no use in trying. It’s hopeless. She’s gone. She’s never coming back.
Eva Kaplan
Sea glass, found on beaches, is naturally worn and smooth by tide and time,. As a wife, mother, Bubbe, teacher, reader & life-long learner, and of course, sea glass collector, I aspire to use writing to help me understand myself and the world around me.
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