A TRIBUTE

How can I start this? I suppose, by saying goodbye to our loving Aunt, our mother's only sibling. It's hard saying goodbye to those we love. No more picking up the phone to check in or going to visit.

We, humans, are a funny bunch, we take things for granted. We never think about tomorrow but the right here and now; until tomorrow comes and when it does all we wish is for one more day. We take the simple things in life and make them complicated but why?

I sit here at the Funeral Home looking in on her, lying in her casket. Doesn't she look nice, today? I think of all the times with Aunt Jane, the laughter, the tears and yes, some anger but always with a great deal of love. She had that laughter that when you heard it you knew, Aunt Jane was having a good time. Soo, many memories of a lifetime to sift through. One particular memory of a holiday at our grandmother's house, mother's and Aunt Jane's mother, I believe it was a Thanksgiving Day. Mother and Aunt Jane would start picking on each other and then you would hear granny(she would kill me if she heard me say granny) would intervene with, "now girls". It would go on and on about who was the favorite or who had to do more chores or which one got away with more shenanigans.

The one thing that you didn't do is ask them about their names; it would be on, their voices at a high octave that sounded almost like a laughing squeal at who had the worst name. So funny listening to both of them going at their mother on how they got the names they did.Eddie Sue or Roger Jane? Aunt Jane would politely tap mother on the arm while granny was in the kitchen seeing to the cooking and would say in a laughing loud voice, " I think momma just wanted a boy and got stuck with two measly girls and decided to give us dang boy names." Mother would chime in and then the school girl giggling would start. Granny would hold up her spoon from stirring the potatoes and would tell them how mother came by her name, "that damn nurse", she would say, now, "Roger Jane, I swear I have no clue", " I was out of it and all I remember was a song on the radio and I remember saying Roger and the next thing I know you are Roger Jane".  She tried saving herself but with mom and Aunt Jane laughing and goading she had no chance that day.  It would end with granny stating she needed some help in the kitchen mother would say "go help Roger", then Aunt Jane would chime in with "what about you Eddie?"

Those were great times seeing them having fun and laughing. I wonder if they did that growing up? Interesting that I do not know that answer. All we have are the memories of each of our families getting together with their mother and celebrating family.

As I sit and say goodbye to Roger Jane Ellis Brooks Floyd with tears filling my eyes, I also found a smile to now know that she is embracing her sister and her mother right at this moment. Mother loved her little sister as her little sister loved her. I can see mother running up to the little sister she had to leave so long ago and with the biggest hug and smiles. They had very pretty smiles. Now, all three are together again along with the grandmother that looked after them when granny had to work to provide for her girls. As much as the tears flow here on Earth, Heaven is whole with those four amazing women.

I lift my head to the skies and I can almost see the four of them looking down at us right now. NO MORE TEARS IN HEAVEN.

OLD MOVIES

Watching a very old movie from 1944, The Uninvited, A ghost story of sorts with a beautiful story to tell. Even though I have seen this movie before, I had forgotten the story. 

One has to look closely into the character(s) with each a role in that story and as the plot comes together, we can see how important each role was in getting to the end. 

This particular ghost story told being set up by each role was beautifully written and I sat at every word- at times- I laughed, and other times, I sat on the edge of my seat wondering what is coming next and toward the ending my anticipation of a fright turned into a smile. All emotions in one old movie.

They say they don't make movies like they used to and of course, we know times and people are ever-changing. Movies of old did not have much in the way of animations or CGIs, only those playing a part with words and actions. Most movies, today, I feel and I could be the minority of ONE, don't get to act as they did long ago. Too many actions or things added that take away from the character. Today, we have movies that show more things that have to be made on a computer rather than in the words of a character. Don't get me wrong, I love movies, NOT into Zombies. I grew up watching them and make believing as most young ones do of being that "moment". Maybe, I am just a bit sentimental and to be honest, I do not "cotton" to change very much. It's needed for us humans but I go reluctantly and being dragged until toleration sets in. And before anyone lights up of age, I am NOT old, only old fashioned values. Things change for the better and we are always seeking the next best. But, this day and time, we seem to always be in a hurry. Never able to sit and just enjoy the moment. 

In watching this wonderful golden oldie, the announcer reminded me of why I love these type of movies. He stated that the studios wanted to person(s) to imagine or use the imagination rather than see the events play out on screen. The imagination can bring more intensity, excitement, passion, fright, sadness, and tears than actually seeing it on the screen. We have, today, in your face moments where everything is shown-decent or indecent. 

I say this maybe because I am on the downslope and trying my best to put on the brakes; I find my values different as they were when I was very young. I am no prude nor never profess to be innocent. Each time I watch an old movie such as this one, my imagination gives me an appreciation of the arts and of a story being told. 





Thanks-

Bush(The Greatest Generation) and God's plan.

Sitting here, watching the funeral of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush, the tears streaming down my face as if someone opened the floodgates and i could not turn it off. The sadness I feel for his family of losing the one man responsible for them all being here. 

A celebration of his life many have stated. A tribute to the life of a man who served his country with honor and who loved his family and God above all. An amazing life for which we are proud to have had him as our Leader. He did lead by his faith and his convictions on many issues and yes, there was a war on his watch, but in order for peace, at times, war is a necessary evil. He even had angst about it but knew for the good of the world to overthrow an evildoer, it had to be done. 

He served in a great war in which he was the lone survivor. Why? Only God knows why he was spared while others perished. Maybe, just maybe to become what God had intended. I think about that time in his life most of all and how the people speaking tell the story.... chilling.  I wasn't born then but i have heard my grandfather and family members tell that same story but out of a different book, their own perspective. I can't imagine those days and times of how so many served during that war and so many more never made it home. It saddens me but listening to how this generation of the past with all they had to endure, they still showed dignity, grace and respect for their fellow citizens. 

Let's talk about that generation for a moment---- men signed up went off to the unknown and the women went to work in support of that unknown. These days were of holding hands and a flirting glance with a twinkling eye. A time when a man was a man and a woman was a woman. That's how it is supposed to be. A door opening with a slight hand on the back to guide one in, allowing her to sit down first. Those are the times that are missing from today. Bush and his generation got it right, maybe not 100%, all the time but got it right on how to bring up your families with love and respect and when needed a firm hand. The time, most, spent with their families was quality because let's face it, even those were tough times and not many had a good quality of anything, but they managed and without help from their government. 

Respecting the one you are with or respecting those around you no matter what goes a long way. Not talking back to your elders and being addressed for your turn is a respectful way to have your say. Being disruptive never accomplishes anything in the end but more disruption. Helping those around you in any cause shows character and strength. Walking hand in hand with a glance here and there and a peck on the cheek is respecting that one person you chose or want to choose to be by your side; men and women have done this from the beginning of time and believe me there IS a difference. 

The selflessness of this generation is beyond measure, they were called to do what was necessary and they did it. It was for a greater cause than themselves. These men and women made the impossible possible, they worked together for the greater good and the accomplishments they made, we should be forever grateful. Their selfless acts of bravery during the call of duty should never be forgotten nor should ever be mocked. Giving of one's life for another is the greatest form of love a human being can have. You dang sure don't see this today and it's sad and scary; most are all about me era. 

As the service ends and I see all of them, one by one, showing the love and respect for a man of great character, wisdom and the sacrifices he made for all of us during his time in that the greatest generation and to now, I close my eyes to keep the tears at bay and picture he and his love those many years ago holding hands and dancing cheek to cheek to become a great love that endured a lifetime of no regrets and service to one's country. Our President is now gone to where God's plan had intended-- to now see why he was spared those many years ago during that time of our greatest generation. 

God's Speed 41..

Thanks, 

FRIENDS LIKE THIS?

FRIENDS LIKE THIS, WE ALL HAVE HAD ONE OR TWO


I know most of you have or have had a friend that thought you should follow them anywhere. Just because we are friends you should.....  take your pick of you should.  They open their mouths  and your name comes out for whatever the reason that friend wants or has to say, right?  And you are standing there with that dumb look on your face and wondering how you were going to get out of this one or how did I get into this or why. Yes, one of those friends, I have had my share, especially after I graduated from high school. Let me tell you, high school was a dream compared to the outside world. All sorts of folks out there. 

I had this particular friend back home in Mississippi. We had met at work and hit it off. We started hanging out together and she, especially when drinking, had a big mouth. One of those open mouth and insert foot. This  night, she had a row with a guy and off we flew with her screaming and screeching and me telling her keep your eyes on the road or pull over.  Well, we had come up on a car with other girls that looked like they were, not the type of girls we hung out with, nicely. They had their music up as loudly as we did and my friend had to either do a finger gesture of she opened that big mouth and pursuit began.  They chased us up and down Green Street off Green Street and into town and back and all the while she is hollering and honking. Now, by this time, why? She's yelling and I am yelling, getting no where fast when all of a sudden my friend takes a sharp turn into a parking space of one of our friends apartment building. I guess her thinking was if she turned quick enough they would not see us. Well, how that work out for us?  They were right on our tail, screeched into the space next to us and my friend couldn't or didn't get her door shut fast enough, the driver of the car ran over pulled her out and a few blows were thrown. Me and the others were still inside the cars telling them to stop and let it be. My friend and this girl were just yelling at what? Nothing, because my friend didn't know what she had done to cause this and the other girl was mistaking her for someone else. Me and another girl from the other car, finally,  got them to stop yelling and go to their perspective cars and go our own ways. 

Well to make a long story short. My friend gets mad at me for not going out and helping her. What on earth for when you had it covered and she wasn't mad at me, I didn't do anything. Your mouth again and your welcome.  See, one of the other girls and myself, remedied the situation to which those two were yelling and screaming and running around trying to keep the other from doing too much damage, it was funny, actually.  She goes into this rant of what friends are suppose to do for the other and if she asked me to jump off the bridge I should.  Nope. See to be friend's with Kimberly was a chore within itself, she was rich, entitled and her parents couldn't keep much track of her and she did as she pleased until the fun wore off. 

What to do with one of these type friends if you survived? Well, as I saw it there was more good in there than mischief and when she wasn't partying hard, she was actually a decent sort. So, we worked it out and stayed friends for a while until she moved.  We have to wonder with friends like this if it's worth it or not. It's up to the individual to weigh and do a check list, but for me, she was worth it for time, long ago.  


Just a thought.

Thanks, 

WHERE ARE REAL BLUE JEANS?

I have searched and searched but cannot find any real jeans... Where are they?  

Gone way of the dodo bird, I am guessing. 

Everything these days are made with that stretchy material that call themselves jeans, to me, NOPE. They call them many things as Skinny Jeans which by the way, where did they get skinny-- these aren't making skinny anything but a wallet. Have you seen the price tags to some of these so-called jeans these days and with holes already in them? Outrageous.   Then you have the booty jeans-- what in the heck do they put in them? Seems like some of them make that booty go up and say hello to the back. I don't know about you, but I don't  think the booty should be talking to the small of the back.  And then we have keep your tummy flattened jeans.  mm huh, glorified built in girdle if you ask me and by the time you get them zipped/buttoned you fill as if you are wearing one  (girdle) in those stretchy pants. And what about those skinny things cropping off at the ankles?  You might as well wrap yourself up in a full length girdle and take scissors to the ankles, you probably would get a better fit.  Don't get me started on the different sizes, nightmare.  

I don't like these pants/jeans whatever you call them. You best have the strength of Sampson to pull these dang things up most days and by the end of the day, you've got droopy drawers if you are one not to wear a belt.. That's another thing, why call them skinny fitting jeans when they are anything but.. By the end of the day, they are riding up where they ought not  to and pulling down where they shouldn't. I don't know about you but I have worked long and hard keeping my butt from meeting the back of my knees and I plan on keeping it that way without the help of these "skinny stretch things". 

Whoever came up with these, I have to wonder. Where are my "REAL" no stretch, no booty, no belly flattened jeans.  I want my old good fitting Levi, Lee jeans back. I can't find these old jeans anywhere. I love putting on these old jeans and feeling like a real lady/woman not a pushed up pulled in facsimile of what I am or should be. 

Are you with me ladies? Rise and make a stand for the good old fashioned blue jeans. 

No thank you to these "skinny" jeans, give me my old Levi's any day. 

Just a thought, 

Thanks, 

KNEEL OR STAND?

TAKING A KNEE

To those that kneel, I would like to pose a question to you. Why are you kneeling for some social injustice you feel has been put upon the masses? When you can take a stand for those that sacrificed for you to be where you are today.

Why not with all your millions help those people in your areas you feel are being ill served? Why are you not working with those that you say are doing the said "injustice" to those masses? 

Those that yell the loudest generally do not want to fix anything, just make noise. Hardly, ever about wanting to make a real difference but to get the masses whether for or against in an uproar. Just bring attention. 

Why don't you instead of taking a knee, take a stand for those that sacrificed for you? Take a stand for that single mother or father that may have worked more than one job and not eaten or bought new clothes in order to help you be that one. Or that grandparent that sacrificed their time and love for you to be that one. That police officer that showed you kindness and helped you along the way or that teacher that stayed late to give you the guidance you needed. What about the preacher that pounded love and tolerance and forgiveness to you.  All these and more have sacrificed time and energy into giving unto you a path that made you who you are today.  

It will be best served to stand for those that gave you soo much instead of kneeling for some cause that you could change or help change with some tolerance and time. I know many will say, we have to make a statement for social justice, right? The Flag and our Country has nothing to do with "social justice" it's a made up term for those trying to change our lives. Yes, there is injustice but it's not social, it's on both sides black and white, but this is not what I am talking about...  it's taking a knee to disrespect (whatever/whoever), I am trying to ask why not take a proud stand for those that are looking down or in that stand or at home watching you in whatever you do and show them the respect on the sacrifice they made for you.  

Just a thought...

Thanks

My take on Boy Scouts and it's okay to be a MAN/BOY

I keep hearing on the news about soo many things that just burn me up. On how men can't be men anymore and women well we are just screwed up from the word go, these days.  I mean what is wrong with BOY SCOUTS?  it has been in business for 108 years and now to see it go down because of the Political Correctness freaks out there that really don't believe in the cause. Boy Scouts put young boys into being young men,  What do girls know about being a MAN? not one dang thing. We are built differently, not only physically but emotionally. Throughout history, man has been the one who saves the day, bread winner, someone strong and most young girls dreams, A PRINCE.  

Boy Scouts is a club that boys can get to be boys and learn about loyalty, friendship, bravery and kindness. It has been a darn good club to mentor young boys and guide them to be responsible men. They have turned out some great men. Some have started businesses, served our Country, some have gone into law enforcement and some have turned out to be great fathers and husbands. Now what is wrong with that?  

The PC Culture tells us we have to be inclusive and girls should be on the boys team but by damn the boys can't join the girls club.  Well for one, I am here to ask if the girls are going to be joining BOY SCOUTS will they endure the same treatment as the guys? Will they have to go forage in the wilderness, build tents, go use the bathroom on the open ground or will they get to bring makeup, hair supplies, telephones, book/magazines and do nothing but call themselves BOY SCOUTS? 

Let's face it we are dumbing down our future generations. It's sad because growing up being a boy meant something to many. Playing football, baseball any type of sport they could show their god given abilities and sportsmanship of the team (not I). Opening doors for their lady friends was a sign of respect. It showed the female this guy was boyfriend/husband quality. It was okay for a guy to take up for his lady friend, it showed he cared. It was okay for a guy to hold a girls hand, to ask her if he could kiss her at the end of a date, heck it was okay for a guy to pick up a girl from HER house not anybody's house.  Maybe it's just me and how I see our young people act today, there are no morals, no respect for themselves or others, no real friendships, no conversations and no real comradery of any type. No one is real anymore. We need to take our young boys back and show them it's okay to be masculine, it's okay to have/show a softer side, it's okay to raise your kids, it's okay to hold hands, it's okay to say words of encouragement, it's okay flex those muscles, it's okay to wear those jeans or that suit, it's okay to open doors, it's okay to show respect. IT's okay to be a MAN. Take it back.   

But not with the PC culture that we have sat by and idly let ruin our young people and take over our schools, our work our government/non facilities, our entertainment; basically our lives. These people really, do not believe their hype. This is way too long of a rant for me to go into today, but tune in for the future.

I am here to tell you Boy Scouts has just made a big mistake cowing down to the PC police. This old tradition of bring boys to men will be gone in just a few short years.  It is very sad that they could not hold their ground.  So what if girls want to join, rules are there for a reason. But, if they are to join and want to act like a boy-- by all means show them like a boy. 

Boy Scouts is an old tradition and there is something for tradition, it should not be tampered with leave it alone. 


Thanks,