October 11, 2012 - Use It, Wear It

 

How many of us – especially us gals – have an item of clothing or a piece of jewelry, dishes or some item that we save for “special occasions?” 

In my life as a corporate professional 20+ years ago, my closet contained the appropriate clothing – suits, dresses, dress shoes, and so forth.  In addition, I had a few “party” ensembles, typically pants outfits. 

Fast forward a few lifestyles later to the one I am currently living.  Stereotypical “dressy” clothes just are not part of the scene, and I’m not particularly distraught by that fact.  Okay, I’m so totally okay with that fact!  Still, there are some nicer shirts and jackets and some jewelry that is nicer and/or has a sentimental attachment.

Well, folks, I’m here to tell you . . . if you like some piece of clothing, a set of dishes – whatever – use it, wear it, for Life is short.

What are you saving it for?  “That” special occasion?

Heeding my own words, I’m now wearing the bracelet Dave sent from Scotland for my birthday when we were still living across The Pond from one another.  It had been tucked away in my “good” jewelry box, but I took it out and started wearing it after I was told about my tumor this Summer.

What was I saving it for?  What if I was looking at my last days here on Earth?  I wanted to wear it, to have the energy, that piece of Dave and Scotland, with me at all times.  Besides, it just made me feel nice to have it on.  A little bit of pizzazz on my wrist.  After all, I am a girl . . .

It’s been on my wrist ever since, excepting when I had to remove all jewelry for surgery.

Sure, it could be damaged or come unhooked and slip off my wrist unnoticed; however, the joy of seeing and wearing it every day exceeds the risk. 

We left behind our “everyday” Corelle dishes when we hit the road as full-timers.  Instead, the ones we use are china and would be expensive to replace.  They have a Southwest pattern and colors that fit perfectly in my Texas home; previously we had used them on holidays, etc. 

When loading our rig 2+ years ago, we decided to take them along and use them.  If they get chipped or broken, so be it.  We like them and derive pleasure from using them.

Exactly why were we “saving” them?

So put on that fave shirt, jacket or earrings!

Isn’t every day a special occasion?

Thanks for stopping by!

I am a Warrior.

 

October 10, 2012 - Write 4 Ten - A Field of Flowers

 

 

This entry is a “Write 4 Ten” story, in which one writes for ten minutes on a given prompt.  Want to try it for yourself?  Click on the little lady up there to visit Donna B. McNicol’s site.

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There were few flowers the day we gathered, coming together for a bittersweet occasion.  Among friends old and new, our purpose was to honor a loved one no longer with us on this Earth.  There was gentle laughter and quiet talk, old memories shared and new ones in the making.

I began reading the tribute to our loved one I had prepared in the prior days.  Smiling and fighting back the tears as I recited the words, I knew our beloved was present in Spirit and smiling her winning grin as she heard the words sharing her life and personality with the small gathering in the bright sunshine.

Our dog Maggie was with us, having come into our lives only a short two months prior.  She was her usual friendly self, only toned down a bit in what all remarked was a showing of respect to the one we were honoring. 

As my words finished, I noted I was not the only one with eyes misted over, yet there was an atmosphere of joy and love in the air.  What more could one ask at a life celebration for a dear one?

A few months later, I received photo from my friend, on whose property our celebration had taken place.

“Baby’s spot” was now covered in Texas Bluebonnets after nourishing rains, a lush field of flowers. 

I do believe my beloved canine companion  of so many years would be pleased that her ashes are part of not only Texas and such a lovely setting, but that she is resting with friends.