Above and beyond

I have been trying to find someone to come into my parents' house to give my mother a manicure and pedicure. Sadly, a friend said she was too busy (not interested). Realized the only option was to take my mother to a salon. Very difficult for someone with little mobility, dementia and other issues. I had heard of a new salon, so this morning I called. Where was the shop located? Is it handicap accessible? Is it possible to work out a toenail cutting for someone in a wheelchair who can't raise their feet. Didn't look too promising--hard to find a specialist who would sit on the floor. I picked up my mother after work and we headed on a nail cutting and polishing adventure. Mother was so happy to peruse the hundreds of nail polish, choosing a very beautiful coral color. How she loved chatting and getting her manicure. And then, bless her, the specialist sat on the floor and carefully clipped the thick rough nails on my mother's feet. So wonderful to know that there are people who go above and beyond

Thumbs Up

I am reading "The Tempest" by Julie Cross. It is original and interesting. One of the characters can travel in time. At the present time in the novel, he is stuck 2 years behind his actual age, hoping to change an event that happened in real time. If I could change personal life events, would I? I surprised myself when I realized that I probably would not change major events in my life. Marry and have children? Thumbs up. Education as a career? Thumbs down. Another bad career choice, selling cosmetics at in-home parties. Taking more responsibilty for a healthier life style, diet and exercise? Thumbs up. Refraining from criticism and gossip. Thumbs up. Becoming more involved with friends and family? Thumbs up. And certainly it is not too late to install major change in my life.

Cancer

I haven't seen this friend in 10 years. He and his family moved to another state. Periodically, we would get a newsletter around the holidays. My son told me today that he heard that my friend had liver cancer. He went to the ER and things looked okay for a minute, but then... the diagnosis. The doctors estimate that he has two months to live.

The New Girl

In a matter of seconds, she rubs me the wrong way.
The name creating images of a self-centered, egotistical personna.
Full of her own self importance.
Weighing on the sympathies of anyone in sight.
Ingratiating herself with the group
Saoking up all the attention.
Relating her sad tales of woe.
Wondering why she is spending so many hours online
When she could be working to better her situation.
She feels in control here
In this make-believe, artificial cyber world.

Saving Money

Property taxes are due in July,
Not enough money, this is why.
Car and health insurance, utilities and hapkido
Groceries, gasoline and cable for every new show.
Thousands of dollars will be due,
No alternative but to cut back, this is true.
Groceries and hapkido will be cut back
To save money in our account to pick up the slack
No reason to worry, swear or frown.
Property taxes are astronomical in this town.

Nurturing an old relationship

Listening to a dream
Using a gift that was forgotten
Baking a special dinner
Speaking words of appreciation
Sitting quietly together
A gentle kiss
Drawing closer

Haiku

Linear viewing
Black or white with no grayness
Misunderstanding.

Living and breathing
Coping with complications
Searching for answers.

Always wondering
Welfare of far away friend
Hearing not a word.

With soft and light tread
Reusing and recycling
Challenges on earth.

The Flower Shop

Quietly they crept into the flower shop,
Eyes bright, feet hesitant.
All of four or five years old.
Glanced with interest at tigers, bears,
Dinosaurs and the big grey elephant.
Small fingers plucking greeting cards
Captured by colorful lions, dogs and cats.
Filed through the office and workroom
Peeking into and climbing onto the delivery van.
Entranced by the ancient old fountain
Noticing the pipes and bubbles in the algae water.
Experimenting with arranging carnations, alstromeria
And statice into colorful vases.
Munching on long pretzels and cheesy crackers before
Departing.

Loudly they came into the flower shop
Eyes bright, feet shuffling, confident.
The couple, 91 years young.
Husband and wife for 69 years in June.
Sending birthday flowers to the coast.
A special gift to make a friend smile.
A friend's birthday and the husband's birthday.
91 years young on this day in January.
Red, yellow, orange or variegated red and white carnation.
Wrapping the chosen red and white flower with festive satin ribbon.
Birthday hugs, smiles and thank yous
Before leaving on another errand.

Have the house to myself

Such a pleasure to be home alone with the dogs, cats, bunny and fish. After lazing around, I walked a couple miles around the field. Would have enjoyed walking a few more miles. On another day, perhaps. Am hoping to soak up some sun by walking 5 miles every day. Think I will download a Nook book today. A very fine day off.

And miles to go before I sleep

Many relatives and friends have gone to sleep...my friend's husband, my husband's aunt, the son and granddaughter of an acquaintance. Made me think of those things I would like to accomplish before I go to sleep. Not a long list really. I'd like to broaden my friend base, make new friends. I hope to earn my black belt. I'd like to be a better listener, to understand the meaning behind the words.

A good class

My martial arts master told us that only 1 in 1000 martial artists persevere in getting his or her black belt. He also directed that in order to earn it, coming to class is not enough, that a martial artist needs to practice outside of class. It is difficult to learn a form or floor routine without practicing the technique with a partner. During the last two classes I worked on 16 low blocks (defense against kicks), beggie how shin sool and the 13 self defense form. I am beginning to understand some of the nuances of these forms.

Lazy Days

I had a chance to watch movies on my vacation. Yesterday we watched "Three to Tango" an interesting movie set in Chicago. Amused to see footage of the bridge over the Chicago River. My husband called it an early night on New Year's Eve, so the dogs and I sat with a glass of wine and chose "The Magic Of Ordinary Days," a lovely film based on the book by Ann Howard Creels. My daughter and I watched "When in Rome" a fun film about a young woman who removes 4 tokens from a fountain. I never miss a showing of Sandra Bullock's "Miss Congeniality." I watched "The Help" for the first time, and "How Do You Know?" The girls and I chose to go to the theatre and see "How do you know" last December.

Happy New Year 2012!