Saying Goodbye to My Dolls
I enjoyed dolls when I was growing up in the sixties and seventies. Now it is time to simplify life—so I am saying goodbye to my dolls.
Orderly and Peaceful
I have kept a journal sporadically through the years. Consistency is not my strong point in this area—and, if I am honest, probably in most endeavors of my life. Life has interruptions. My mood changes. Sometimes I don’t have much to write about—it gets boring rehashing the same old things day after day. My attempts to slow down and keep a journal flow from the desire to live orderly and peaceful.
Walk in the Gardens
Last weekend my husband and I returned to Aldridge Gardens—a thirty-acre woodland garden featuring a lake, wide trails, whimsical sculptures, native plants, azaleas, and hydrangeas. I needed a diversion, some sunshine, a wee bit of exercise, and a reminder of the beauty all around in nature. A walk in the gardens seemed like the perfect morning.
Anniversary
My husband and I recently celebrated our forty-second wedding anniversary. Milestones tend to make me contemplate time gone by—as well as look toward the future.
Piano Preludes
When I was about fourteen years old, the piano preludes of Claude Debussy (1862-1918) changed my life. Before then, the piano music my teacher gave me was mostly from the Classical Period with some from the Romantic Period. Czerny and Hanon were the backbone of the technique she taught.
Enthusiasm Is Contagious
When I was in the eighth grade, I wrote a paper with the title, “Enthusiasm is Contagious.” I can’t remember what class it was for—but I do remember we had to stand in front of the room and read our paper to the class. I can’t say that anyone was bowled over with my writing or oratory skills. It was memorable because my teacher made a remark that it was an odd choice—I was not the outgoing, spirited type of person. At that moment, I realized people are judged by what is seen on the outside. I am not saying that is bad—it is a natural tendency. We can’t know what goes on inside a person.
Books
In November 2022, I wrote a blog, “Too Many Books?” The essay ponders the question of whether or not one can own too many books.
What’s the “Beer Barrel Polka” Got to Do With It?
The lady across the street would play “Beer Barrel Polka” on the hammond organ. The organ was in her living room and when my family walked over to visit, she always played the organ for us. I remember watching her...
Character and Compassion
Character matters. My parents taught me this—not through words, but by their actions. Our family did not talk a lot. Mealtimes were for eating and other times were reserved for work or relaxation. It seemed to never occur to my family to have discussions. However, by watching how my parents interacted with people, it was evident that character and compassion were important.
Pismo Beach, California
For our vacation, my husband and I traveled across country to Pismo Beach, California. I had only seen pictures and read about the various activities available there. It seemed like the perfect place for us. We realized that if we did not go now, we may never go.
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