The Writing Class, Dixie and The Keeper

The online writing class I "attended" was yesterday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  I learned so much!  It was well worth the money and even though I wanted to attend in person (in Charlotte) the online video sessions worked well.  The moderator kept things moving and there were 6 or more literary agents giving us some really important information.  Not "fru-fru" stuff, but facts and figures, writing lessons, critiques and the ability to speak with them on a one-on-one basis.  

One of the best sessions was an agent explaining the verbiage in a reject letter.  They said that so often, an editor will use phrases like, "the voice in your piece isn't strong enough."  Or, "your point of view doesn't come through."  It sounds like both statements are saying the same thing, but they aren't.  They are specific to two different areas of writing.  So, we got information pertinent to writing, revising and getting a sense for the things that editors are seeking in a manuscript.  

Another positive is that the entire seminar was videotaped and will be mailed to those of us who attended so we can go over it on our own time and focus on the sessions that best address our individual weaknesses. 

The seminar woke up the soul in the writer that I am, or will become,  and that's an exciting feeling. 

It was also good to be focused on something other than the virus, social distancing or eating (I swear I'm eating every six minutes!)  

So now my mind is racing on how I can put the information I have into place--that is so important to me. 

Dixie is my other news.  Both Dixie and I have missed our spa appointments and look like shaggy dogs.  Well, Tony trimmed my hair two weeks ago and did a pretty good job.   I gave him a trim--it was OK, but one side burn was shorter than the other and one came to a point while the other one was squared off.  It's a good look for him though!

Tony tackled Dixie's grooming today.  Not only did she get a haircut, but a bath too.  She behaved very well and I think it's because she is used to the noise of the trimmers.  But, we had some rain and thunderstorms and that set her off.  She was shaking and hiding, but she was trimmed and clean.  

This is Dixie after a Spa Day

Here's Dixie hiding under the spa table; she knows something is up

This is Dixie and her stylist

And so,  our lives go on in this odd mess that we are in.  Somethings are close to normal and others are not.  Tony bought me a lovely gift this morning.  He's given me diamonds, pearls, Vera Wang bracelets and lots of beautiful things.  But this was from the heart...or maybe a little lower!

Yes, he gifted me with toilet paper--12 rolls.  Ultra strong, no less.  As my sister, Fritz, said, "now there's a keeper!"  

An Odd Easter

When Jenna was small, Easter was one of my favorite holidays.  I would buy her a pretty dress and hat and off we would go to church and then dinner at my parents.  One year, a teenager belonging to one of the church pious told me that dressing Jenna up was not what Easter was all about and that at his house, they didn't get new clothes or Easter baskets.  I remember thinking that I didn't realize that Easter was a day for teenagers to be disrespectful and mouthy either, but that's the way he was raised and looking at his parents, I felt sorry for him more than anything else.    I was annoyed and angry, but sorry for him nonetheless.

But this Easter is an odd Easter.  Churches are empty and we are worshiping on-line or in our cars.  Grandparents are sending Easter messages to their grandchildren via Facebook and we hope to portal with the Charlotte and Lakeland Swegle's later today.  This is a social media Easter.  

Our development had another golf cart parade yesterday and many people decorated their carts with Easter bunnies and baskets.  It was another fun day--six feet away from people. 

I am excited for this week to come.  I will be attending a writing seminar, again, on-line, and I have been contacting various colleges regarding on-line writing classes.  On Monday, I have a call with Florida State University and hope to speak to Ohio University, Tony Jr.'s school,  about their program.  I'm not looking to get a degree, just attend writing classes if the price is right. 

Who knows when the world will be back to "normal," but I hope it is soon.  Until then, I, too, will rely heavily on social media to stay connected.

Here are some highlights from the parade:

A beautiful day, Dixie and I wait for the carts!

Tony and his new goatee!

And, here they come...

Dixie had fun; people were waving at her and children 

were calling her a cute little puppy!

Here's that crazy golf cart again!!

Dixie is shaggy...can't wait for the groomers to re-open...for both of us!

Doesn't this just scream, "Born in the USA?!!"

No, this isn't a small Easter bunny...it's Charlie, Dixie's friend

Here's the "real" Easter Bunny!!

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL, STAY SAFE!

Facebook

I have only recently set up a page on Facebook.   I never thought I would put anything on Facebook.  I have this blog and people that I want to know about us, know about the blog.  When I worked at the hospital, people would ask if I was on Facebook and would give me strange looks when I said, no, I wasn't.   It was like I was saying I wasn't an American, or I only spoke Klingon.  

When we got Lynn a Grandpad for Christmas, my sister, Fritz and I  had to set up a Facebook page, so I did.  

I find it no less than amazing who I have connected and reconnect with on Facebook.  I am talking to a person I went to elementary school with (and right up through high school), my cousins in Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee, people I knew at my church, Denison UCC, before I got married to Bill in 1973, people I worked with years ago and neighbors, just across the street in Compass Pointe.   

I have been entertained, amused, moved, annoyed and upset by things I have seen posted on Facebook (usually about t-Rump.)  But, in these times, I am seeing more random acts of kindness than I have in the past in any arena and I am so glad.  My cousin in Tennessee couldn't get his lawn mower started, so his neighbor came over and cut the front and back grass while my cousin did the "weed eating" for both yards.   I saw a father and daughter singing a beautiful duet because she couldn't go to choir practice, so he put their performance on Facebook for others to enjoy.  His daughter said that singing with him was a memory she will cherish forever.   I have seen people paying for food for other people, sports giants and big companies donating their resources and a quiet  "kindness" revolution spreading across the world.   

When we get through this, and we will, I hope that church leaders recall these acts of kindness from the pulpit and encourage them to go on. 

Maybe kindness is a medicine that will get us through this more than testing and treatment.  Maybe not, but what if?  

A Bit of Happy In A Strange New World

After Hurricane Florence, I didn't think that the downtown area could look any worse.  Trees were down, houses were damaged and things in general were in disarray.  We went downtown on Friday and it was so odd.  There were no cars in so many places of business, very few people were walking on the street and traffic was light.  But, probably the strangest thing was the mall.  Belk is our favorite department store down here.  It's big and popular and has great prices on quality merchandise.  It's always a busy place, but on Friday, there were no cars in the mall parking lot.  The construction to add new stores had come to a stop and everything had kind of a deserted feeling.  It was like being in movie, "The Day The Earth Stood Still."  I felt like Tony and I were isolated.

I guess a lot of people in Compass Pointe were feeling the same way because some people in our community decided to do something fun.  They organized a golf cart parade.  The idea was to keep social distance, but just to get out and see people.  Those without carts were asked to sit in our driveways and wave and enjoy the parade.  As simple as that sounds, it was fun.  It did get people out and talking (six or more feet away) and laughing.  

Tony put white Christmas lights on our palm tree, as it was suggested that was a sign of strength and community during this virus crazy time, and he put the flag out.

Dixie had a great time at the parade, but she did not practice social distance!  She waved and barked and sat by us and just enjoyed being out. 

So, here is a summary of the parade.  I picked out pictures where you couldn't really identify people since I did not ask their permission to post.

Tony checking the time; ready for the parade!

We will get through this

White lights!! A sign of support for all 

Dixie really doesn't know how to practice social distance... 

...She's more into smelling and wagging!

This is Charlie, a friend of Dixie's

And here come the carts--I never realized how different golf carts could  be!

Some people wore masks...

...Some didn't ...

This is the strangest golf cart in the parade!!

They came in all colors

And some looked like canvas!!

And lots of people?? were driving and enjoying the evening!

And so, thanks Compass Pointe for a fun time and a few laughs!

It's All About Poop!

With all of the "noise" about the Corona virus, I realized that I didn't post pictures of the kids when we went to Charlotte.  They were busy and cute as always, especially Owen.  This trip, instead of being Mr. Hungry, he was Mr. Poopey and Tony, got the brunt of it when he changed one of Owen's diapers.

Owen thought the whole thing was funny!  So did we!

Anthony spent time with Dixie, reading to her and looking for squirrels.  He didn't "bwaid" her tail this time, but he did hit her in the head and she scratched him, which lead to a discussion about how to treat dogs.  He interrupted my lecture by asking me if I could stop talking and just kiss his "boo boo" better so he could go play.  Dixie and Anthony did makeup, however, and watched for squirrel movement...

Coleton was off doing other things, so we spent some quality time with Anthony.  He's learning to read and Tony helped him.

All in all, it was a good trip, but Dixie was pooped (much like Owen) and spent the entire ride home in the back seat, sleeping!

Speaking of "poop,"  in other news, you know you have a good relationship with your doctor when he greets you with the words, "how's your poop?"  

I've been having symptoms like I did a few years ago when I was hospitalized.  Back pain, side pain, pain in general.  I went to my primary care doctor yesterday and he thinks I might have a kidney stone.  

My first reaction was, "not again."  I'm not looking forward to a bunch of tests and a possible hospital stay again.  The doctor asked if there was anything else he could do for me at the end of my visit.  I asked him if he could make me 34 again.  I liked being 34.  No pain, no extra weight, no wrinkles.  He just laughed and told me if he could do that, he'd never have to work again!  I guess that was his way of saying, "no way."  

And so, Tony and I are here in the house with our toilet paper and sanitizer like so many others waiting to see what other comedy skits comes from the White House.  

I hope the virus is contained soon and things get back to normal.  And, I hope those diagnosed with it have a speedy and safe recovery. 

Why Doesn't He Get It?

Why doesn't he get it?   I'm talking about Harvey Weinstein.  He was sentenced to 23 years in prison today for assault and rape and all he can say is that men in general are confused about this #MeToo stuff.  He says he didn't do anything wrong and that he is concerned about this country when someone as innocent as he can be convicted of these "so called" crimes. 

What is this?  The moron defense?  I feel like I've been shouting this for months now that men like Harvey need to understand that a woman's body is not their jungle gym or entertainment center.  When will they understand that  a woman has the right to say no to sweaty, unwanted advances?

How did Harvey's mom raise him?  "It's OK to overpower and rape women as long as it's not your sister?"  

Harvey is a coward.  He hides behind his walker and his hospital bed.    I think it's because he is scared to death that what he did to these women will happen to him--and I hope it does.  

Harvey, look in the mirror.  You are a toad.  If you think any of these women had sex with you willingly, you are on drugs.  

When is enough, enough, Harvey?  You are finished, and this "confused" statement about men is just stupid.   My husband and our sons are not "confused" about how to treat women.  My son-in-law isn't, nor are my grandsons and nephews.  They treat all people including women with the respect they deserve.  So, try again, Harvey, I don't think you speak for men.  Whenever you open your mouth, I just hear the sound of a pig.

  

Precious Moments

I have always thought that Tony and I had amazing grandchildren.  From Ben to Owen, each of them has given us special memories.  Individually,  they have many achievements and milestones that have made us so proud.  

Collectively, they are smart, funny, talented and beautiful.

Having said all of that, it should be no surprise to us that they are also logical. 

This was demonstrated by one of them the other day.  At school the class was doing a rhyming exercise.  All was going well until the rhyming word was "it."

I think, very logically, that our grandchild had a great rhyming word.  "Shit."  That was the word.  Think about it, our grandbaby didn't go basic and say, "hit, or bit."  Our grandbaby went with a big four letter word--SHIT.  Personally, I'm proud!  No one else came up with that word.

And so, our children are enjoying those precious moments that all parents do with their children.  Something that they will laugh about for years to come.  Who knows, one day while standing at the alter, this could be a story told by the clergy  during the ceremony!

So who was it?  I'm not telling.  All families have secrets, this is one of ours!!

Was it you??? Ben, Sam, Zach or Ellie?

Was it Coleton??

Was it Anthony?

Was it Owen????

Or, was it Alex?