Leap Blog Day - Welcome Jewels

Happy Leap Blog Day!

     You may for may not know that today is not only Leap Day but also Leap Blog Day.   This is a challenge set forth by a wonderful group of bloggers who are encouraging us to step outside of our comfort zones and guest post for another blogger.  This is a great way to introduce bloggers to a whole new audience that might enjoy their work.  Recently, I came across a blog that I quickly fell in love with.  The writer is so talented and writes about topics that we can all relate to.  I am so excited to introduce you to her here on my blog.   Please welcome my guest writer for today.

Her name is Jewels and her blog is frazzled & frumpy

     I know after reading her post today you will want to visit her often.  Please be generous with your warm-fuzzy comments  and show her the same love you always show me.    

     Thank you,  Jewels, for agreeing to post for me today.  I am thrilled to introduce you to my wonderful readers.  ♥

     So now, for your reading pleasure, here's Jewels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Take a Flying Leap of Faith

Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack.

I’m not a big fan of the sound.  The roller coaster making its way up the steep incline, metal teeth pulling the car along. Slowly. Ever so slowly.

Clack.  Clack. Clack.

It’s a modern day torture device.  Giving you just enough time to regret the decision to get strapped in.  Every time I board the ride, I go through the same inner conversation.

“It’s okay.  This ride operates hundreds of times a day.  No one ever dies.  It’ll be all right.”

Clack. Clack.

Once we reach the summit, I breathe one more prayer.  We plunge over, and…  I’m fine.  My fears are swallowed up in the thrill of moving faster than the beat of my heart.

Last summer, my husband convinced me to ride the new roller coaster at our local amusement park.  I’d watched the cars as they flashed up one side of the track and back down again.  Oh, no way!  My heart skipped at the thought.  But, with some gentle prodding and a little reverse psychology (how’d he get away with that?), I found myself in line.  We snaked our way to the front and finally sat in the seats.  With a thick, padded arm holding me tight, I took one last breath.  The timer counted us down.  3..2..1  Whoosh! One moment we were on the ground, the next we were 100 feet in the air.  With nary a second to catch any air in my lungs, we were back down again, my insides suddenly displaced somewhere in my ribs.  Over and around, then upside down, I hoped my glasses, which I’d stowed in my bra, wouldn’t fly out.  When we swooshed back into the station, I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. That. Was. Fun.

I’m not an adrenaline junkie.  I do not aspire to jump from airplanes, climb an icefall or drive more than ten miles over the speed limit.  I like calm.  I get enough chaos from my children.

I’ve realized lately, though, that perhaps I need to stop holding myself back.  While I have faith in many things, my belief in myself and my own abilities is lacking.  When I’m challenged and must make that leap that takes me past the dark, into the light, I face it with lukewarm trepidation.  I find myself sticking out a toe, cautiously testing the waters.  When what I need to do is take a few steps and jump, cannonball style, into the pool of opportunity, splashing exuberance on everyone around me.

I’m not alone in this.  As I’ve aged I’ve realized that we all suffer from insecurities.  How could we not?  With our media the size of  a gray whale, we cannot avoid it.  We’re served up a menu of airbrushed, cap-toothed  and plastic surgery-ed, glittery people.  They are what we’re supposed to want to be.  So, we compare what we struggle with  to what others are succeeding in.  No wonder we hesitate.

Deep inside us, we all have the potential for greatness.  We are all shiny and bright.  We are talented and brilliant.  No, we don’t have personal trainers or stylists.  What we have is possibility. And ability.   Write a book, paint a masterpiece, create something. One person can change the world.

  

So, the next time I have a chance, I won’t face it with timidness.  I will embrace the light,  get a running start,  and leap. 

Through the Eyes of a Child

Written for GBE2 week #41 prompt - Simplicity

   
      What if we all could see the world through the 
       eyes of a child?  

      What would this world be like?

      Would it be a better place to live?

      Would we be happier?

      Take a moment and think about the above questions.   Then think about your children, or any children you know.

      Children are such open and honest creatures.  The world is not a complicated place to them.  They are brought into this world without any preconceived notions or beliefs and capable of the most loyal and unconditional love imaginable.  Take them home and care for them, feed them, clothe them, hold them and the love they will return will be like no other; no strings attached.  They don't look to see if your skin is the same color as theirs, nor do they stop and ask, "What's in it for me?"   

      As children grow older and start to school, they still believe that everyone can be their friend and all people are worthy of their time.  To them the whole class is one big happy group, regardless of race, religion or politics.  It's a simple equation as far as they are concerned - more friends = more fun.   And as for the rest of the world, it's all black and white to them...good or bad.  What a beautiful concept.  

      Unfortunately, children get a lot of their education from older siblings, neighbors and adults.  We know the world isn't as simple as it seems to our children.   We see the lines that divide us.  Everything can't be as black and white as kids think because we have to look at all those gray areas; all those layers that define good or bad.  Race, religion, politics, social status, job, etc., etc....all the things that we use to put up walls between us.   It doesn't take children long to pick up on this.  It doesn't take them long to lose that child-like innocence.   Children learn quickest when they learn by example.

      Okay, so maybe I'm being naive.  I know the world isn't going to suddenly start acting like children (although many already do, but not in a good way).  But I do think we could all learn a lesson from our children in getting along with others.  We are the ones who built the walls that divide us so we are the only ones who can tear them down.   How beautiful would this world be if we could love and accept others with the unconditional simplicity of a child?     

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat

Liebster Award

      There is nothing more heartwarming to a writer than to know their work is appreciated by other writers.  Once again I have been presented with an award that shows tangible proof that someone not only reads, but enjoys my blog.   I am so touched by this and would like to thank my new friend, Dawn, at Alphabet Salad.    If you haven't read her blog, you really should.  She is a very interesting writer and I love reading her posts.  

      According to Dawn:

                               The origins of the Liebster Blog award are somewhat unclear but the general consensus is that it originated in Germany, Liebster meaning favorite or dearest, to showcase bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. Upon accepting the award the recipient must then pass it on to five more blogs of note.

     As writers, we love to get feedback on what we produce.  It really makes my day when anyone leaves a comment on my blog, facebook or sends me an email.  I love to hear from you.  But when it is in the form of an award it is such a blessing because it shows that something I wrote actually touched someone.  That's what writing is all about.

     And now it's time to share the love by passing this award on to 5 more bloggers whose posts have touched me in some way.  Following are my recipients.  If you are one of the bloggers mentioned you can pass it along if you wish but since I love awards without obligations I give you my permission to just accept the award and enjoy without any pressure to do anything further.  It's totally up to you.  (I hope the originators of this award will forgive me for taking liberties.)  So without further ado.

Fact vs Truth

We Band of Mothers  

Total Image Photography   

"Stoopin It" In the Suburbs 

Linda says... 

     I've done my job so now it's your turn.  Be sure to spread the love by checking out the aforementioned blogs and see what they have to offer.

     Thanks again to Dawn and to all my faithful readers.  I love you all.

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat 

 

    

Special Love

    

     Last night my 14 year old grandson texted me this picture saying it reminded him of his great-grandparents, my husband's parents.  Now how many 14 year olds would even take the time to look at a picture like this, let alone text it to his grandparents because it made him think of his great-grandparents.  What kind of love is so strong that it has made such an impression on a 14 year old? 

     I have to admit, this picture and title does fit my in-laws to a T.  My father-in-law will be 90 in March and my mother-in-law will be 85 the same month.  In my entire life, I have never seen a couple more devoted to each other.  They are the epitome of unconditional love and an example of God's love to everyone who knows them.  They are so cute together; you can still see their eyes sparkle when they look at each other.   You can't  help but feel the love when you are around them. 

     It's no wonder my husband is such a loving and caring husband.  He had the best possible role models he could have had growing up.  His mom and dad were always together and always taught their boys that faith and family were the most important things on earth.  They were active in both church and community as well as hard workers on their dairy farm.   They built a reputation in the community as good, honest people and are still highly respected.

     It's is no wonder my grandson has been influenced by his great-grandparents.  They have always played a special role in their grandchildren's lives and made sure they all knew they were loved.   They have showed them how special they are not just by words, but by actions.   And that's how they have lived their whole lives...putting their words into action.

     This is my in-laws back in better days at mother-in-law's 80th birthday when they were still able to live at home and be independent.  They now live in an apartment in an assisted living home.  He has a hard time getting around and she has severe respiratory disease and COPD.  She is currently in the hospital and has recently been in and out of there frequently.   It is really hard for them to be separated.    

     All the rest of us who have been lucky enough to find our true love can only aspire to the kind of deep, bonding love that my in-laws have shared for 65 years.  If it is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder  their love is a beautiful thing to behold.  Just ask anyone who knows them.  Even a 14 year old can see it.

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat

GBE Wordless Wednesday - My Baby!

Jane's Hidden Identity

     Jane carefully and quietly slips through the open window as she's done many times before.  But this time is not like all the others.   This time Jane is injured.  

     As blood trickles down her neck she knew the cut on her cheek would need medical attention.  How would she explain this gash when she had supposedly been shut up in her office for her quiet writing time.   She would have to think of something...and quick!  She had convinced everyone close to her that whenever inspiration hit, no matter whether day or night, she would need complete solitude as she shut herself in her office to work on her writing.  They knew how important her writing was to her so they all respected her wishes and anytime she put the "Writer at Work, Do Not Disturb" sign on her door they left her alone.  Little did they know that it was during this so called "quiet time"  that Jane was anything but quiet.

     Truth is, the quiet, mild-mannered persona that Jane portrayed to those who knew her was all an act.  In reality, she was an undercover agent for the CIA; a special tactics agent, called out in only the most top-secret assignments.  When the call came in she would retreat to her office where hidden in a secret closet, undetectable to the untrained eye, was every kind of modern, technological gadget known to man, as well as knives, guns and clothing needed for her job.  With the stealth of a cat she would slip out the window and be back before anyone realized she was gone.  But this time something went wrong.  Before she could subdue the intended prisoner, he had pulled a knife and managed to graze her cheek before she kicked it out of his hand.  The agency knew if they let their doctors sew her up she wouldn't be able to explain the stitches so the only option was to send her home and let her go to the ER.  But how was she going to explain the cut!

     Slipping back into her regular clothes and closing the secret closet Jane spotted the glass of wine sitting by her computer.  Suddenly,  she knew what she must do.  Breaking the glass and knocking a couple of papers on the floor, she ran out of the office and started screaming for Lex.  When he arrived, sounding weak and drowsy, Jane explained that she had passed out sitting at the computer and cut her cheek on the wine glass.  Believe it or not, he actually bought it!  And so did the staff at the ER, even after it took 27 stitches to close the wound.  Once again, she had managed to keep her secret identity just that...secret.

  

 

    

The end.

     This fictional story (Or is it, Jane?) was written in response to GBE2 Week #40 writing prompt.  Unfortunately, one of our writing friends, Jane, really did pass out in front of her computer and end up in the ER with 27 stitches in her cheek from a broken wine glass.  We are giving her a choice of some very creative stories she might want to use to explain her scar; much more interesting than her unbelievable version.  :D)

    

If Only I Had the Nerve to Have a Body Like That

     Remember the old saying, There's one in every crowd?    Well, in my group of friends, we definitely have that one.   The one that is the center of attention, the life of the party, a bundle of energy and loved by everyone who knows her.  She never meets a stranger and has a heart of pure gold.  No matter what we are doing she can always make us laugh and always make us feel loved.  She is the heart and soul of our circle.  Her name is Brenda.

     Brenda is experiencing a rough time right now, dealing with excruciating pain.  She is facing knee surgery but won't know for a few more days just when and how extensive.   Now it is my turn to hopefully make her laugh.  This story is not only about her, it is dedicated to her.

     As I mentioned earlier, Brenda never meets a stranger and loves to get a laugh.  And, as she herself will tell you, she has more nerve than a bad tooth.  If you don't believe me now, you will by the time you finish reading this post.  Let me show you what I mean:

                                                                                     

 

                                                                                

"Brenda the Bod"                                   

 

     "Eat your heart out girls"

     This is the bathing suit cover-up we bought for Brenda in St. Maarten.    Now, me personally, I wouldn't have the nerve to wear it in public, but for Brenda it was perfect.  She loved it, and not only did she love it, but it soon became the "must see" talk of the whole cruise ship.   She wore it everywhere and everywhere got the same reaction.  She was the hit of the week.  People loved the cover-up and loved her.   

     Brenda has one of those charismatic type personalities that draws people to her wherever she goes, without any props.  But give her something that draws this much attention and she is really the belle of the ball.

      Women, as well as men, all over the ship stopped her to tell her how cute her cover-up was.  They would engage her in conversation and soon she had new friends from every region of the world.   Strange men would come up to her and want their picture taken with her.  In some instances the photographer was the man's wife, who loved it!

     One morning we decided to go to the main dining room for breakfast, knowing there was a dress code.  Usually we only went there at night for dinner.  Libby and I had already gone in so we missed what happened at the door.  Brenda had on her cover-up with white capris under it.  Kelly had on a cover up too with her bathing suit underneath.  Unfortunately, Kelly's cover-up was crocheted so you could see her suit through the holes.  They wouldn't let her in but would let Brenda in with her "shapely body".  Kelly couldn't believe it.  They went elsewhere for breakfast.

     Brenda and Kelly went up to the Windjammer buffet.  Now, this isn't just a small buffet, but instead has various buffets in a circle about the size of a football field.  Somehow, they went different directions and after getting her food, Brenda couldn't find Kelly.   If you remember, I said Brenda never sees a stranger, so, not wanting to eat alone she picked out a nice looking couple and proceeded to sit down with them.  She introduced herself and struck up a conversation.  Inevitably the discussion came around to her cover-up and she told them all the stories of fun and laughter she had had because of it.  She made some new friends from Russia.

     Brenda is a special lady and we all love her very much.  We pray that she will soon be out of pain and feeling like being our life of the party once again.  Until then, maybe we can make her laugh just a little.

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat