Archive for the ‘Rambling…’ Category

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy,
even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.

~ E.B. White

.

I suppose I agree with that statement for the most part. I think we’re created to use our gifts, and when we are using them, that’s when the joy comes. For some that may mean using special unique talents, like playing the violin or sculpting a treasured statue. For others it may be using physical strength to help others with yard work, move furniture into a new home, or yes, maybe even picking grapes.

That doesn’t always mean, that for me to have joy, I should be spending every bit of my time making pictures, singing, cooking my favorite dishes, or doing whatever tickles my fancy. Some days my purpose is laundry. And that’s okay.

As much as I complain about the laundry, I need to understand that, even in the middle of a mountain of dirty duds, I can still have joy. It’s about my choice of attitude.

The gift of laundress? Why not. It’s necessary, just as necessary as any of the gifts doctors, teachers, lawyers, policemen, or pilots use. Besides, who’d want to hang around a doctor with stinky clothes anyway? And who says I can’t sing and do the laundry at the same time?

Or dance?

The dancing, singing, laundress.

I may be on to something.

Wishing you joyful grape picking y’all!

We just returned from our first trip to NYC.

“NYC

The shadows at sundown

The roofs, that scrape, the sky

NYC

The rich and the rundown

The parade goes by…”

Ahem…sorry. Can’t help it. I’m an Annie fan.

Trite, I know.

Anyway, where was I… Oh, yes, our first trip to The Big Apple…the city that never sleeps…the greatest city on earth. Uh, huh. I’m 42 and this was our first trip there.

And we drove.

From South Carolina.

With our children.

A tween and a teen.

A boy and a girl.

I love them and they love me.

And that’s all I’ll say about that.

So we drove. But not only did we drive from home north of the Mason Dixon line, but we drove in NYC.

In it.

With our SC state license plate glowing like a neon sign.

Through tunnels.

Skirting oblivious pedestrians.

Avoiding imminent danger and sure death from reckless cab drivers.

As Sean John gave us the fist of strength, powering us on.

Sure we drove straight to our hotel, and parked, but still…it’s NYC y’all…The Big Apple…the city that never sleeps…

Oh, never mind.

But n’er another SC license plate in site toodling around the city y’all. And, get this, not only did Randy drive (that’s how I took the pictures) in the city once, but I drove.

Yes I did.

Three times.

Early Saturday morning four friends, Alice, Kristen, Robyn and Shari accompanied (and navigated) me out of the city for a day trip to PA for the Big Summer Potluck. (A fabulous time – thanks Three Many Cooks and Ivory Hut!) And sure, Saturday morning traffic is dead, but still, it’s NYC y’all.

Then we had to come back. In the city. NYC. Again y ‘all. And we’re all alive and well, and I didn’t hit anything (I think) or anyone. And I don’t recall any gestures thrown my way. Except for that fist from Sean. But that’s cool. By the way, I want one of those hip sweatshirts dude.

So there. If I can drive there, I can drive anywhere.

Except maybe Shanghai.

But I’m not planning on going there anytime soon.

:•)

Summer break is almost over and this week we’re taking one last family trip up north. In a car. For twelve hours. It should prove to be a bonding experience. I’ll let you know how it goes.

As we were loading the car for the trip, I turned around to find my son making good use of his time. What is it they say about idle hands?

I thought I’d share it with you. You can thank me later.

Maybe.

Hope you have a wonderful day filled with much laughter!