Who Was/Is Your Most Eccentric Family Member Or Most Embarrassing Family Memory?
(Authors note: After reading this article don't forget to check out the comments posted after the post (that is, if you want a great laugh) they're hilarious.)
Hello and welcome to A Nice Place In The Sun's fortieth Tuesday's Question.
What began as a way to meet my fellow bloggers has exploded into a fixture on A Nice Place In The Sun. This feature has introduced me and many other bloggers to loyal and trusted friends in the blogosphere, (you know who you are) seemly by asking questions that tell us about each others life experiences. I think all of us are influenced by the combination of our experiences, whether planned or forced on us by our environment and other factors of by which we haven't much control or choice, such as our family life.
In addition, Tuesday's Question is a great way to share link love and have a blast, therefore if this is the first time you've heard of it, I'm glad you're here.
All you do is give an account of your experience or answer the question in comments, after which I will publish your comment in "real time" and provide a link for my readers to visit your blog. Sound good?
Also, every question is original, meaning a crazy woman (me) made them up, hence, you'll either relate and instantly rush to the computer to get your comment published or you'll have a few questions yourself.
In any event, if this is your first Tuesday's Question, jump in, even if you don't know what's in the water, just do it, you may find a few new readers and you'll definitely find new friends.
For an example and my answer click on Read More below:
Hopefully my answer will shed some light on what I mean by an "eccentric" family member or most embarrassing family moment. That is, the following experience answers both sides of my two-sided question and has already been written. It's a post I wrote about my eccentric grandmother and it includes one of my most embarrassing family moments- It's also one of the most popular pages on my blog- I wonder why?
Here's a brief excerpt and a link below,
My grandmother, Nana, tortured her grandchildren and neighbors by taking outside showers, until the shower broke and no one within miles who knew how to fix it. The device was really a a three foot faucet with a shower head on it and a place to attach a hose on the side, like a shower/water faucet combination. There was a concrete floor under the shower so your feet didn't sink in the grass and form a muddy mess while you bathed.
Nana's property included the best of the old and new worlds: for instance, her garden and ancient shower were next door to her neighbor’s tennis court and paved circler driveway, whereas Nana’s driveway was gravel. However, the ingredients of the old and new worlds did coexist, and sandwiched between her back porch and the neighbor’s back door stood the outside shower. When I was a child, I assumed Nana used the shower mainly to take her outside showers, but it also functioned as a water supply to the garden and the rest of the side yard, when necessary.
She couldn't understand why her grandchildren refused to take an outside shower, although I think she did notice how eager we were to take a bath inside anytime. Our embarrassment wasn't fueled by her need to suds herself in the side yard, it was the fact that her neighbors had a clear view of her at their breakfast table. In other words, she never grasped the idea that the people next door may not wish to view her soap her body, underwear or not, in the gleaming sun while they drank their morning coffee...
The rest of this story can be read here.
Alright since this is a bloggers post, I want to hear your answers, and don't forget your comments will be published along with a link to your blog on this post shortly:
Oh, and thank you for playing along;
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My first comment is from my dearest friend Sandee, at Comedy Plus, who deserves a metal for answering Tuesday's Question. She also has one of the funniest blogs on the internet-
So if you're not familiar with Comedy Plus you missing laughs, therefore, follow one of the links above and you will not be disappointed- I've never been- Thanks again, Sandee~
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Okay Ann, no one I mean no one can beat this story. They just can't. I remember reading about this in your original post and well, what a story. Make me laugh out loud. Since I'm a grandma too it made me a little sick to my stomach as well. Bwahahahahahaha.
I just can't come up with a thing honey. My whole family are nuttier than fruitcakes. I'm the only sane one. Bwahahahahahaha.
Big hug and lotsa lovies. Off to the boat for a long weekend. Have a great 4th. :)
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My next comment is from Jeni at Down River Drivel
Another great site and Jeni's comment is hilarious.
This post reminded me of a cousin of my Mom's. He had some "issues" I suppose you could say and wasn't exactly a speedy learner, to be nice about it. But he had a trait that he would always be comparing this or that family member to other people, living or dead, and announcing who he thought these relatives looked like. I think the best one was when he decided my great Aunt Esther looked like Martin Luther -yes, the Reformer one. No one thought anything of it until my uncle happened to see my confirmation text book on the table with a picture of a statue of Martin Luther on the cover and my uncle decided maybe cousin Birger wasn't that far fetched after all! (BTW -I think I have inherited cousin Birger's trait too as I often see resemblances of family members to people well outside our gene pool too!)
July 1, 2008 2:21 PM
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My next comment is from Dawn at Twisted Sister another dear friend and hilarious blogger. I suggest you hold onto your hats while you read this comment~
Ann I am so with Sandee on this one. Who could beat that story? My family is completely bonkers and I won't even try to pretend I'm sane! LOL
But if I had to pick one it would probably be my Aunt Winnie. She was widowed from a young age and never remarried. I was often sent to stay with her during the summer. Her hair was wild and frizzy and I often caught her talking to herself.
She was also very religious and loved to point her finger and quote bible verses at me and remind me that my soul was in peril if I did not change my ways. I wasn't quite sure what "ways" needed changing but I never spoke back!
But the most embarrassing thing for me was her name. She was the only "Winnie" I had ever heard of as a child and so I was totally convinced that she was named after Winnie the Pooh.
I wasn't the smartest kid on the block ;)
July 1, 2008 3:39 PM
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My next comment is from Ettarose at the Edge of Sanity, another bright and funny blogger, who I recommended you visit, that is, if you haven't already, at least once. hilarious.
I hate to tell you this but I have two things, One , I have not been by in so long and I am sorry. Two, here is my story. When I was growing up, I did not have any black friends only because where I grew up was predominately white. I remember my Father being so upset that a black family was moving in our neighborhood. Well as time went on we had more exciting neighbors. My Uncle came to visit one day and my little Sister had her girlfriend over(they were only around ten). When he saw her (yes she was black) he freaked out and left yelling. Needless to say he never as long as he lived came back. Now that is embarrassing! To this day I hate a racist.
July 1, 2008 4:46 PM
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Yes, another great comment from Ferd at The Best Parts
whose family is perfect, however, he did manage to think of someone...who actually does sound pretty close to perfect to me... Thank you Ferd~
Great comments! I don't know if I can answer this one. My family is perfect.
Perfectly crazy that is! I don't know whom to choose!
I won't tell any stories, but among the most eccentric is my youngest daughter, Kelly, and I say that in the proudest way! She is her own person. She graduated with a chemistry degree from Arizona State, and her first job? Teaching dance lessons, of course! She is a top notch salsa dancer, and everything else. She wants to go to medical school... in Argentina! She is fluent in English and Spanish, and passable in French and Portuguese. She always has done things differently. It has sometimes been a wild ride being a parent to this exceptional (and eccentric) child.
And I agree with Dawn that she's insane.
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My next comment is from Maunie, another pal who left an hilarious comment~
Thank you Maunie~
Ann...I win....I had an aunt Lil...she rode around in a convertible with her hair at least three colors and had the loudest voice ever...she thought the best complement was to tell the nieces that they were beautiful and...wait for it...looked just like her...everyone agreed that I looked the most like her...do you wonder why I'm nuts?
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My next comment is from the great "Speedy" at Speedcat Hollydale Page
When I was young and the family would visit my Great Grandparents, there was ALWAYS a routine. First they would get the 4 toys out for us, then everyone would sit down.
Grandma had a pillow collection, and they all had a story to go with ... and we heard each story every visit.
Grampa had a pipe, and coughed a lot. He had a bucket along side his chair to spit out the chunks of phlegm, and after he placed a kleenex on top. This was one ugly sight!
Grampa sang us songs and loved the hand trick - the one where the church doors open up and you can see all the people
"Here's the church, here is the steeple, open up the doors and look at all the people". ~ then he would ask me to go get him some lemon sour.
Sorry I'm late again. Today was my one day off :-)
Hugs to you
ps .... I noticed your personality test results were identical to mine. How interesting!! I took the same test and placed it in a post about a month back.
July 2, 2008 7:08 PM
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I have two more great comments and it's July the third~ I think this is one of the best responses I've had on Tuesday's Question. I'm gonna have to keep leaving the post up longer. I've had a blast~
First, Sue at Farvel Cargo stopped by, and made me laugh for the second time today~ Thanks Sue~
They are all so very weird it's hard to pick just one! LOL! My mom had an uncle that lost a couple fingers and they called him Uncle Nub!
July 3, 2008 5:18 PM
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Then, I meet a new friend with a great blog. Karen at My Funny Dad, Harry which is Karen's blog based on her book of the same title. You really should check out Karen's site. I enjoyed myself and I'm couldn't be happier she stopped and contributed to Tuesday's Question. Thanks again, Karen~
My dad wasn't big on traveling. An hour trip was about the farthest we would go. One Sunday we went to our church campgrounds at Beulah Beach for a missionary rally.
Some people lived in cottages all year round up there. It had no parking lot but a lot of open grassy areas where cars could park for special events like this.
By the time we arrived though, the place was packed and the only parking left was on the lawns of the cottages. Well, my dad said it wasn't right to park on people's grass and he refused to do it, so we just came back home. I don't think we even got out of the car!
We did stop at McDonald's though which made us kids happy. We even had one of our friends with us which really caused embarrassment to my mom.
July 3, 2008 5:57 PM
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7/1/08
Who Was/Is Your Most Eccentric Family Member Or Most Embarrassing Family Memory? / Tuesday's Question
6/24/08
Are We Born To Fulfill A Destiny? Readers Comments in Post-
Readers/Bloggers comments are posted after the main post with a link to their blogs~
This group of Tuesday's Question Participates had some interesting opinions about whether we're born to fulfill a destiny. What do you think?
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Hello, and welcome to the 38th Tuesday's Question posted on A Nice Place In The Sun. All participates answers will be posted today in this very post along with a link to their site, but you don't have to own a blog to participate. All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will do the rest~
All participates are welcome to a Tuesday's Question Brag Badge posted with a code in the sidebar. The Brag Badge gives you the opportunity to bring your visitors to archived Tuesday's Questions where you can show off your ingenuity in past comments
Whether you are participating or reading I thank you for stopping by for a visit. Answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the bloggers who commented, therefore, don't forget to visit the participating bloggers blogs. Chances are if you liked their comments you will like their blogs. Have Fun, and remember Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, well, questions off the top of my head anyway. ~
My answer: When I was in the first grade I remember staring at the word author in a book we were reading. I don't know how to explain how I knew, but I knew I would write books or be a writer some day.
I remember it like it was yesterday, because I didn't want to write books; I wanted to be a veterinarian.
I've heard others say the same thing about their professions. An old friend of mine used to say she knew she would be a doctor. We've known each other since childhood, and all she did was talk about becoming a physician, the opposite of me, who avoided a scholarship to study English Literature at L.S.U.
Anyway over the years, my friend and I took many twists and turns that were taking us down an altogether different highway. I never dreamed that she would make it through medical school, or that I would live to write about anything. But she did become a doctor and I continued to turn down the wrong roads for awhile, until something miraculous happened- I grew up- and turned down the highway that brought me back to my passion- writing.
I took many chances and made some major mistakes that kept me away from writing for a long time. Although, I always wrote something down on paper, I didn't understand that what I was doing meant something deeper. And I didn't appreciate the gift I'd been given or what it meant... I had short stories, magazine articles, poems etc, stashed away in dusty piles in my mother antic-
In closing, I believe we are born with a destiny and as time marches on we either bump into it by accident, friendship, or opportunity.
It is up to us to keep our eyes open for the signs that help us make the right choices. Because fulfilling a destiny is what many call the road less traveled- if you're following the road your authentic self should be traveling, it will be a challenging, if not rewarding experience. However, if it's easy and comfortable, something is wrong with the road you're on - and you need to turn around~
Now, it's your turn: Is it determined before we are born what we will contribute to the world, or is it left up to chance?
My first comment is from my dear friend Dawn at Twisted Sister
"I don't know how to explain how I knew, but I knew I would write books or be a writer some day."
These kind of statements have always fascinated me because I have never felt that in my life. I often wonder why some people know what their calling is while others of us have no clue.
I missed the boat on this one Ann! If I'm here to fulfill some kind of destiny then I wish someone would let me in on the secret :D
I think this is one of your best questions so far... I only wish I could have answered it!
June 24, 2008 4:49 PM
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Next, another great friend Ferd from The Best Parts
gave a very well-written and articulate response:
I don't believe there is a pre planned destiny. But I know that each of us is blessed with a set of skills and talents, and cursed with a set of character defects. None of us are perfect. And then there are the factors of the family and socioeconomic conditions into which we are born, providing us with nurturing and opportunities or lack thereof. What we do with our lives comes out of all this.
As we develop as people, and come into our own, we do stuff. This stuff we do affects other people, in good ways and in bad. We do have a lot of choice in that matter. The facts and consequences of these actions become our "destiny."
I do hope that wasn't just a bunch of BS. I read it over and it sounds a little weird. I almost deleted it, but here goes.
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Then, Dawn remembered that she did look for her destiny once:
Ann,
I often thought I must have hidden talents and I just need to find them... but I didn't have a map!
You're not the only one who wasn't born to perform brain surgery.LOL!
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Then, my other dear friend Sandee at Comedy Plus gave us her opinion and another well-written perspective:
I think I was destined to have each different position that I had through the years and would grow to the end of that and realize that there was more that I could or needed to do.
When I was a waitress I thought that was the best job ever. Then I ran cocktails and that was even better. Then I was a bartender and I thought that would be my last job. Of course it wasn't, but you get the idea.
The last 25 of my working years I was truly doing what I was meant to do. So yes, I do think destiny plays a part in what you end up doing. There are many jobs, but when you find what you love destiny has shined on you. :)
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My next comment came in on Wednesday from Maunie at Spring Wonderful Spring
Ann, honey, I still don't have a clue...In girl scouts we had to write letters to various people for different reasons..my letters were always chosen but my penmanship was so bad someone else would have to copy it over for me...my leaders said I would be a great comedy writer some day...
yeah sure..
anyway I too have tried many different things but still haven't found what I'm looking for...I think I was made to work with children in some capacity but what do I know...as usual I am rambling..I hate that about me..hope this gives you some insight...laughing...
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Well, Maunie, you haven't just given me insight, you given me laughter~ Thank you~
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Special thanks to all of you for letting me get to know you a little better each week~ In some special way, I truly care about each of you, and thank you for sharing a piece of who you are individually with me each week~
Cheers and see you next week, if not, before...wait a minute...I don't suppose I will see you...anyway you know what I mean~ Cheers, until we meet again~ Bye~ Annie
Anyone else who would like to still comment I will be happy to post your answers, and share some link love- Also if you answered a comment you are eligible for a Tuesday's Question brag badge displayed in my sidebar.
6/17/08
What Activity Was The Most Difficult For You to Learn In Childhood
I have Seven Readers comments with links to their sites: Scroll down and click on "Read more"
Hello, and welcome to my weekly feature entitled Tuesday's Question. Again, I apologize for posting the question this late in the day. I'm wrestling with some computer problems (that calf) that I hope to tie up soon. That is, when I understand what in the world in going on. I write a post and it disappears-forever- I've also had a few e-mails disappear- Although, my adviser assures me that it's probably the calf shutting something off again- therefore, we have nothing to worry about. Because once we diagnose the problem it will be up hill from there, and we can put this problem out to pasture.
Now finally, with that out of the way and most of the day behind us, let's answer Tuesday's Question. I will have my comments unmoderated and I will post your comments with a link to your blog throughout this evening and tomorrow.
Thanks to all of you for having the patience of a Saint~
What Activity Was The Most Difficult for you to Learn In Childhood?
An example, and my answer: Learning how to Jump Rope
Before entering the second grade, I remembered begging God to help me learn three things before I finished the school year. I wanted to learn to ride a bicycle, swim, and jump rope. These three tasks seemed impossible to master and I never thought I would learn them, plus other children made it worse. Particularly the kids who were proficient at playing reindeer games- My inability to master these goals made me ashamed around other kids at school and at home...
One time, I told a bully at school, Gracie Buckethead (I change names to protect the innocent) that I did know how to jump rope, and she said,
"Well Ann, if you do know how to jump rope then you shouldn't have a problem jumping rope with us at recess tomorrow, right? "
To which I replied, "That's right."
Then Buckethead added, "And if you can't jump rope, then you will agree to eat dirt?"
"Of course," I said, " Now, would I agree to do that if I couldn't actually jump rope? I don't think so..." I said, trying to steady my shaking hand on my hip.
Consequently, I had a really bad stomach ache that evening and couldn't go to school the next day- although I did eat dirt the next day. And to my surprise, this saga had a happy ending- one of the little boys who saw me eating dirt, (well, everyone did) gave me his ID Bracelet. (That meant we were going together)
Hence, that action put a dent in Miss Buckethead's plan, because everyone forgot about the dirt and ran over to see my ID bracelet. The boy who gave me the bracelet was my first Boyfriend Dexter, the boy many of you have heard me write about before- he was so cool~
However, he wanted his bracelet back the next day, because his Dad gave it to him for his birthday. He was just trying to help a friend out of a jam.
Now, it's your turn~
What Activity Was The Most Difficult for you to Learn In Childhood?
My first comment was from my dear friend and dedicated Tuesday's Question Pro, Sandee from Comedy Plus.
"I was raised on a farm and being the oldest everything was difficult to learn as a kid. Bucking hay was a challenge. Building a loafing shed was a challenge. Learning my multiplication tables was a challenge. I learned everything the hard way. Why? I just don't know. My father just expected me to be born a boy and that just didn't happen. In fact it was the third and last child that was a boy and that was some nine years after me.
So, everything was difficult. I hated growing up on a farm until I was much older and then I realized that all the really hard things I'd already done. It made my adult life so much easier. In other words...I was very fortunate to be raised on a farm. Have a great day all. Big hug and lotsa lovies Ann. :)"
June 17, 2008 4:46 PM
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And the next comment is from another dear, dear friend, and supporter of Tuesday's Question, Dawn, from Twisted Sister
"Well I guess I would have to say swimming... my fear of water has been a big problem all my life. I was still in the kiddie pool while my friends were in the big kids pool!
Good question Ann!"
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My next comment is from Arv, at ...on the Wall
Hello Ann,
nice post. For me it was swimming but then we didnt have many swimming pools around back then :)
Have a nice day... Cheers...
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Next is my good friend Maunie at Mauniejames3 and Spring Wonderful spring
Hello Ann,
Hmm the hardest thing for me was to keep quiet while the teacher was speaking...it's still hard for me today.
My Dad and I lived with a aunt for a couple of years while my father was building a new house (my Mom and sister were living in another city)
So, my Aunt helped me read when I was quite young, and no one showed me how to be patient.
I was the center of attention with two aunts and an uncle and my father doting on me all the time..
(the poor child needs her mother)
Not so much..
I still have a problem and I am trying to correct it..I always feel whatever someone eles is speaking about, my take on it is much more important..there I said it..I should wear duct tape on my mouth.
How on earth can I learn to just be quiet while others are speaking.
It's so funny...I remembwer almost day to day occurances while I lived there...yet most of the rest of my childhood is a blur...
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My next comment is from Ferdc from Crazy Medical Cases, a Crazy well written and entertaining Medblog full of interesting medical cases. Ferd is also the author of The Best Parts
Both blogs are great reads~
I think the hardest thing for me was simply learning how to fit in. We moved from Mexico to the USA, then back to Mexico, then back to the USA when I was in grade school. There was a lot of culture shock, language barriers, cliques, girls, you name it. A lot to get used to and I remember it as stressful.
Much later in life I learned through my MBTI that I am an introvert, and that explained a lot.
I eventually got along alright. And I now know that a lot of people have that same feeling of not fitting in. So I don't really feel bad about it, I just remember it was hard at the time.
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Another great comment from Confused at Black Tie and Sneakers who had to get a little help from Mom~ Thanks Mom
this was long ago so I had to ask my dear mother bless her soul..apparently it was behaving..:))
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My next comment is from Chelle at It Might Be Love who had the same fears I did:
For me it was learning to ride a bike and swim. Where I lived we had no good places for riding a bike (it was all hilly!) and I was afraid of falling & getting hurt (this was before bike helments were popular)
Swimming was hard for me too since we didn't have a pool or know anyone who did so I didn't go swimming enough to learn. Finally in high school they made us all swim and while I hated every second of it I finally got the hang of it.
Great question - hope you get your computer problems resolved soon!
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Don't forget to check out these bloggers sites, they're hilarious, and you'll find yourself going back again and again for more laughter.
Thanks for reading, and don't forget I will be posting comments, along with a link back to your blog, or simply posting your comment if you're not a blogger all day Wednesday as well- since we got such a late start yesterday~
6/11/08
What Is The Weirdest Situation You've Ever Been In / Or Strangest Place You've Ever Visited?
What is the weirdest situation you've ever been in or strangest place you've ever visited?
I have Four bloggers comments posted:
Hello, and welcome to another Tuesday's Question, although I know it's Wednesday- I apologize for yesterdays inconvenience, and I hope you're back today. I usually work on my novel in the morning, and post Tuesday's Question later, that is, after I've racked my brain a few hours. Although, since I missed yesterday, (due to the calf) I'm writing on my blog in the morning, and you know I feel a little out of sorts, but it's a nice feeling of displacement, like I've just rearranged the furniture or something.
Which brings me to the topic of this Tuesday's Question, which is, What Is The Weirdest Situation You've Ever Been In Or Strangest Place You've Ever Visited?
Because the question suggests feeling out of sorts. Although it's the kind of "out of sorts" or unfamiliarity you feel when you're in a weird situation or in a strange place. The "This is weird and I don't know what to do" kind of feeling, that suddenly makes you wish you had a compass or had paid attention in Indian Guides, but it's too late. Yep, it's just you and the weirdness, knowing you will laugh about it later, but that nothing can help you in the meantime...
Here's the weirdest situation I've ever been in, although I've also witnessed some strange places, but this is by far the weirdest predicament:
It's a situation I found myself in with my maternal grandmother years ago...
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My story begins with my grandmother sitting on her front porch and my brother and I walking toward the house. My grandmother is the first who speaks.
"Ann! Is that you I hear? Or Stuart?"
"Tell her it's you" my brother whispered, as we made our way up the steps and through the door to her porch.
"I heard you Stuart" my grandmother said from her favorite chair on the front porch.
"Oh, hey Nana, we thought-"
"I was inside" my grandmother said finishing his sentence."
"What's this "we" I interjected.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Ann"
"Yes you do, you told Nana that "we" thought she was inside, when I was smiling at her. Isn't that right Nana?" I laughed. My grandmother Nana smiled back at me.
"Yep, whatever you say Ann. I thought your back was bothering you?"
"It is. Mainly, when I pick Taylor up, but it's o.k.," I said, as my brother walked past us to bring my grandmothers groceries inside.
"Well, that baby is getting too big for you to lug around all day. But, I think I found a solution. I ordered a back massager from a magazine at the beauty parlor the other day and it just came in the mail. I think it will do wonders for your back, come and see." My grandmother said as she crossed the front porch to go inside the house.
I dutifully followed her, playfully hitting my brother as he passed my grandmother and I in the living room, before going to sit on the front porch.
"Come on honey and follow me" she said, so I followed her into her bedroom.
When I saw my grandmothers "massager" I think I swallowed my tongue and I know my face was turning different shades of purple, but she didn't notice, she was too excited about her accomplishment. And I didn't have the heart to tell her that it was a massager alright, but not for backs....
Then, she said as she was taking the wrapping off, "Let's go into the living room and I'll massage your back on the couch."
O.K. I had recovered my tongue the first time, but this time I believed I swallowed it forever, or bit it because it was too thick for me to talk. I could see my brother walking back and forth on the porch, so I tried to get his attention, but it seemed impossible. Although, because it was summertime, the windows and drapes were open, so I keep talking out loud, saying things like, "Nana, are you sure this massager is used for backs? I mean, isn't it shaped kind of funny? I've never seen a massager shaped like this, I mean it looks, well, it looks like a banana."
That's when I knew my brother was ease dropping because he started laughing after he heard my description of the novelty my grandmother picked up from a magazine. And unfortunately, she didn't see the correlation between my hesitation to have a back massage and my brothers hilarity.
"Oh for Pete's Sake, just sit down Ann, it's not going to hurt. For crying out loud, I was thinking of you, and you aren't the slightest bit grateful, just sit still"
(More laughter from my brother)
So there I sat, tied to a stake, and listening to the hum of the motor as my grandmother manipulated the massager across my back. But, at least I had the added benefit of my brother's laughter from the front porch to entertain me. He kept pretending he was on the phone, and of course my grandmother was too busy playing Chiropractor to notice.
She keep asking me, "Now, how does it feel? Does it feel better here or here?" at which point my brother would burst into hysterics, because I could see him, and she couldn't.
I can still see his head bobbing up and down behind the window from bending over in laughter. This made it more difficult for me not to laugh, although at the same time I felt bad for her, so I never told her the truth about her beloved discovery.
My family hid the massager from her because she would bring it out to show people from time to time. The last time I saw it she was showing it to a home health nurse who helped me hide it again.
My grandmother was a bright intellect woman all her life, even when she got older. She was a retired social worker, who managed three acres and reared two children on her own. She just didn't know that kind of massager existed, and if she did, she wouldn't have expected to see it advertised in a magazine. In addition, telling her was not an option. My grandmother was a proper southern lady with nothing but dignity and guts, therefore we kept her secret safe within our southern haven- until now- So shhh... In any event, it was the weirdest thing that ever happened to me.
The things we do for family.
Now it is your turn ladies and gents, What Is The Weirdest Situation You've Ever Been In Or Strangest Place You've Ever Visited?
Remember, I will post your comments throughout the day and into the evening. I have to go and wrestle the calf that keeps pestering me into a stall where he belongs and I have a doctors appt. today. But I will leave my comments unmoderated, and will read and posts your comments as soon as I return. All of you mean a lot to me, and I love reading what you write each week. (you know who you are) Please excuse my absence yesterday and being in and out so much today. I appreciate your patience.
If you participated in Tuesday's Question today, or at any other time, please feel free to grab the code for Tuesday's Question button on your way out (it's on my sidebar)~ And thanks a million to those of you who have posted the brag badge already. I know who you are and you're the greatest... :))
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My first commenter is from a dear friend and skilled professional at Tuesday's Question is Sandee from Comedy Plus.
Okay, I've had a very boring life because nothing, absolutely nothing comes to mind. Just nothing. I did love your story though. Now that is rich. Have a great day Ann. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)
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And my next comment came from another dear friend and skilled professional, Dawn at Twisted Sister.
LOL... no way can I beat that story!
Your poor grandmother!
I guess the strangest place I ever visited was my first time at my grandmother's house.
I was a city kid and had never seen anything like it... it was very old fashioned with a wood stove and even had an outhouse out back. There was a daybed in the kitchen and a rocking chair. My grandmother would sit next to the stove rocking and knitting. It wouldn't seem strange to me now, but I was 11 years old the first time I saw it... and I thought it was pretty weird!
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My next commenter is, yes, another good friend and hilarious commenter Bud from WTIT Tape Radio
I think my visit to "The Desert of Maine" was the strangest place. An old guy gave the tour of a sand drop and stated, "If you got as much rain in the Sahara as we get here there'd be no desert. So this is the world's only true desert." It was so weird...
June 11, 2008 2:49 PM
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My fourth commenter is also a good friend and fellow blogger Maunie from Mauniejames3 and The Blue Ribbon Bloggers
When I was a senior in high school I had a boyfriend named "Joe"..he was my very first real boyfriend and was in college..at Christmas time we spent some of Christmas Eve at my parents and then went to Joe's..His family invited his old girlfriend because she was "part of the family" I was horrified.. they hardly spoke to me and treated her as if she really was family..it was my first encounter with deliberate cruelty...it took me a long time to get over the fact that not everyone liked me..not surprising when I broke up with him he was not at all shocked.
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Please be sure and visit these bloggers posts, they are terrific and funny, and I promise you will not regret it~ :))
6/3/08
What Was Your Worst Or Most Unpredictable Morning?
Two excellent comments published: Just click "Read More"
Hello, And Welcome To Tuesday's Question
Hey diddle, diddle
The cat and the fiddle.
The cow jumped over the moon.
The little dog laughed to see such a sport
and the dish ran away with the spoon.
Hey Diddle, Diddle, my son's favorite nursery rhyme, was playing in my head when I woke up this morning. This rhyme reminds me of all the unpredictable and humorous moments in life- the kind of moments I usually have in the morning. Because in the morning when I'm barely conscious, I try to perform tasks my mind and body are incapable of grasping, that is, until I have a few cups of coffee.
This morning was pretty nice except, I had another attack of writer's block concerning Tuesday's Question. And then, I thought of the nursery rhyme and it hit me, why not ask you, "What Was The Worst Morning Of Your Life? Or the most unpredictable?
My answer is an excerpt of a post I wrote about one of my worst mornings in August of 2007. Hence, if you're a new reader, you can click on this link to read the whole story about that morning, or just get the idea of the ending from this excerpt.
Here it is, and then, it will be your turn...your answers will be posted today and tomorrow due to my tardiness.
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My most unpredictable Morning linked here
My cat, Simon, insists on eating the instant I open my eyes, so this morning I climbed from my uncomfortable bed and delivered Mr. narcissism his breakfast. I fumbled around in the kitchen, my eyes barely focused, and my mind in a dreamy haze, searching for the cat’s breakfast, and listening to his chorus of, MEOW, MEOW, and MEOW. Why do cats pretend you cannot hear their loud meowing instructions? They just keep meowing when you are moving as fast as you can, which I was doing while trying to remember what I keep forgetting at the grocery store.
Hence, there I was moving as fast as I could when I sliced the top of my right hand, spooning the contents from the bottom of a cat food can.
I saw the blood before my brain could register the pain, so I didn't panic, I just stared at the back of my hand thinking about the rest of my day. I ran to the bathroom and put my hand under cool running water, thinking about my immediate future as I watched the blood wash away.
Mothers cannot have cuts on the top of their hands, we simply do not have the luxury of an injury, even a small injury. Families depend on Mom in special ways, even Mom's with adult children. (empty nest syndrome sufferers.)
Consequently, I envisioned my whole house of cards tumbling down, and my family crumbling to pieces, all because of a small cut on the back of my hand.
After running cold water on the cut, to stop the bleeding, I searched the medicine cabinet with my left hand for a band-aid, but I could not find one...
While frantically searching the cabinet with my good hand, I tried to move the injured hand away from the running water, but the bleeding was profuse, so I quickly put it back under the cool water splashing out of the bathroom faucet. I couldn't believe I was stuck at the mercy of my of my bathroom faucet, just because I couldn’t find a band-aid.
And I still could not remember what I keep forgetting at the grocery store, whereas, I clearly remembered what it was the night before...what an unpredictable morning.
To my regular readers: Do you remember the name of this post?
And to all of you, What was your worst or most unpredictable morning?
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The first comment I received from this question really touched me.
It's from my dear friend Sandee at Comedy Plus
As soon as I saw this question I remember the worst morning of my entire life. It was September 11, 2001. I remember getting out of the shower and turning on the television to catch the morning news before I went to work. I couldn't believe the images that I saw. It just couldn't be. This cannot be real. Someone is playing an awful joke.
Hubby was still in the shower and I told him what was happening and he just stared at me for the longest time. He quickly got out of the shower and we both dressed as we watched the horror unfold.
I was the commander of the Honor Farm that housed around 300 male inmates. Most of these inmates were on work details all over the county. I remember calling the Operations Sergeant and having him pull all the inmates back in to the farm. We just didn't know what else may happen.
I remember going to a meeting with all the rest of the managers and the Sheriff that afternoon and I was still in a fog. I think we all were. We needed to brief the Sheriff on our resources and contingency plans in the event we suffered the same on the West coast. We knew what we needed to do, but we were in disbelief none-the-same.
Of all the many weird mornings that I've experienced, 911 is hands down the worst morning of my entire life. Those photographs and news footage will forever be part of my being. Bless all the families that suffered such loss of family, friends and co-workers.
~Stunning post Sandee, thank you~
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You know, I'm going to have to be careful about who follows me on Tuesday's Question.
Because the first two comments I've received are so articulately written, it makes me look kind of like a silly chump.
In next comment Ferdc at Crazy Medical Cases writes about an interesting and unexpected morning from his childhood, in a stylish prose that pulls you in for more. Just read this:
My response is more in the "unpredictable" category, and I have been thinking about this because my father and I just reminisced about it the other day.
Most of our extended family live in Mexico City. I remember the day my grandfather died. I was awakened with the bad news very early in the morning, having no idea I would not see a bed or sleep again for the next 48 hours. As they do not embalm in Mexico, the deceased person is buried within a day's time. Between the death and the burial is a real wake, all day and all night, as family gathers from wherever they might be. Well, we were in Toledo, Ohio. My father told us he was finding a flight and leaving right away. I told him I wanted to go with him, and so I did. A few hours later we were on a plane in Detroit. A few hours after that, I was in a funeral home in Mexico City. From then on, I was with my cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. for the rest of the day and all night. We cried, we laughed, we caught up, we told old stories. The following morning, with everyone finally gathered, we left for the burial site, in another city. It was a horrible, memorable event, especially watching my father weeping as he literally shoveled dirt into my grandfather's grave. Perhaps this was all the more emotional because we were plain exhausted by that time. We eventually made it back to Mexico City, settled into more conversation, until we all collapsed, about 2 days from the onset of this trip.
Yep, I think this qualifies as one of the most unpredictable days of my life.
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My next comment is from my dear friend Speedy at Speedcat Hollydale Page
Another excellent answer as well as example of good writing...thanks Speedy...
[8 Stories]
The worst?? I can think of the saddest ... but I would rather go with "worst".
I woke up to find myself burried under 5 feet of snow! This was an important day, and I needed to get on the road. There was no plow in the parking lot, and the only way to get to the road was shovel. I shoveled for 4 1/2 hours to get my car out. Of course, me being me, I tried to do a half hazzard job and just got stuck ... once, twice, three times. It seemed I had used my last bit of strength, and was covered in sweat as the cold winds blew on my face as the victory moment occured. The plow also came at that very moment, and did what I did in 15 minutes. I could have just waited.
This blizzard was on Halloween night in 1992 in Minnesota. Ask anyone from this area about that storm, and they will have a similar story to tell as well!
5/27/08
How Would I Know You? Describe Yourself To A Fellow blogger Sent To Pick You Up At The Airport Sight Unseen
Hello, and welcome to Tuesday's Question. I'm sorry it's so late in the day, but because I want to keep Tuesday's Question original, the train doesn't always come in on time- meaning, I had to push the big writers block out of my way- so please forgive my tardiness and enjoy this weeks inquiry into your lives. (the picture to your right is Speedy in disguise)
What physical characteristics would you use to tell a fellow blogger picking you up at the airport how to find you without the benefit of a sign?
What about you would stand out in addition to your eye and hair color? What type of clothing would you be wearing? What kind of disguise will you use? For example, how would I know it was you reading this? (And I know a lot of you) Would you be the blue- eyed brown-haired man with a yellow hat holding a monkey? No, that's Curious George's father, and I would know Curious George's father, but how would I know my blogging buddies?...Sandee? Bud? Dawn? Misty? Speedy? Maunie Ferdc?
Aussie?
In addition, what if I sent someone in my place to pick you up, how would I describe you to them?
Here’s how you would know it is me: I’m 5’7 with light brown hair and green eyes.I would be wearing big sunglasses, like Jackie-O's that I never take off when the sun is out. (My friends laugh at my glasses but I will still have them on if the sun is out)
I’m not fat or skinny and I’ll have on blue jeans and tennis shoes, (converse high top/ pink in color) Also look for a big straw hat with a big daffodil stuck in the side. (That way you’ll really know it’s me, well… that and the shoes.)
If you think you've spotted me, be sure and shout my name, because it may appear as though I have my head in the clouds, when in fact, I will be searching for directions on the airport signs.
Because, I can’t see where I’m going behind the Jackie O’s and my purse will be falling off my shoulder as I try to keep up with where I am…
Oh, and my sense of direction is not so hot, so I might not be where we said we would meet…hence the daffodil.
Now, how will I know it’s you?
The First Blogger's comment has been published:
From my wonderful friend Dawn at Twisted Sister
(who I think I would accidentally run over, otherwise I think I could find her :)
Hilarious! I could actually see you!
You would know it's me because I'd probably be the smallest person in the airport! Seriously... 5ft 2" with reddish blond hair and blue eyes... about 105lbs. I'd be dressed in jeans for comfort and if that's not enough to find me... I guess I would have to carry a sign for back up!
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And another esteemed colleague as well as great friend tells us how to find her at the airport.
Sandee from Comedy Plus
Wow, this one is more difficult. What we think we are may not be so. Requires honesty.
I'm 5'8" tall and in my mid 50s. Don't look for gray hair as I cover that up. Look for short sandy blond hair with blonder streaks. Check my nails and toes as they will both be done in French style or pink and whites.
Don't look for designer clothing because you will miss me altogether. Jeans, sandals and a polo shirt is my favorite clothing. I wear glasses all the time and if I don't I won't ever find you.
I'm neither skinny or fat either and wear a size 12. My eyes are blue and I never wear lipstick. I wear a gold wedding band and no other jewelery. I have a pretty good tan right now so look for that California girl (old lady) tan. In the summer my polo shirts usually have something to do with boating, so look for Delta Marina Yacht Club or Anewatee (name of our boat) and you've found me.
I'm not much of a smiler, but I'm friendly. I will make direct eye contact with you at some point as that is just me. I will be focused on finding you and will make every effort to do that in the least amount of time.
If all else fails I will be the one with the handsome husband with a full head of white hair. He's 6'2" and slender. He has a matching gold wedding band and also wears glasses. We usually wear matching polo shirts so that should make us easy to find. Mostly he's spotted long before I am. Well, if a woman is waiting for me to find them that is.
Great question Ann. Had to really critique myself for this one. Have a great day. Big hug. :)
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Click "read more" for more recent comments
This next comment is from FeeFiFoto at FeeFiFoto Blog
What fun! I'd describe myself this way:
Blue eyes; short, curly, sandy hair; slim; somewhat funky wire rimmed glasses. I'll be easy to recognize as the one staring down at my feet to make sure I don't trip over anything.
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The next comment is from Robert at Roberts Road
I;m easy to pick out..six one and I will have a red baseball hat on..my pic is the profile so It would be easy..just look for the fashion disaster leaning against the concrete pillar...:)))
May 27, 2008 6:42 PM
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The next comment is from Ferdc from Crazy Medical Cases
Oh boy. Too much honesty around here. You know, Annie, that's why God made avatars, so we don't have to answer these questions! ; )
I am healthy looking 53 y/o, 5'8", of medium athletic build, with thinning dark hair which I don't color, brown eyes, and if you're picking me up during the day, I'm likely to have sunglasses on top of my head. Traveling, I'll probably have my tan teardrop man-purse over my right shoulder. I'll have jeans on, and either a polo shirt or some other casual shirt. I'll probably look happy and relaxed, as I always do when I travel, which I love to do.
Like Sandee said, if I'm with my spouse, you'll notice her first. Princess Gail has blonde hair and a regal demeanor. All eyes, men's and women's, are usually on her wherever we go. Hey, maybe that's why I'll look happy!
Okay, so where are we all meeting? ; )
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Next, we heard from Speedcat Hollydale, at Speedcat Hollydale Page who didn't just send in a written description of himself, he sent in his disguise in a photo. I don't know what the rest of you bloggers and bloggettes think, but I think we could meet by a poster of this photo or just meet by Speedy dressed in his disguise as the poster.
Anyway, I posted the Speedcat's picture at the top of the post, so that in the off chance our little Fantasy Island Trip ever takes place, we'll have some ideas of what Speedy looks like...plus a possible place to meet. You know a familiar face-
(Also, shhh....but I read that Speedy is running for senator so check out his link)
Here's Speedy's first, I mean second comment he posted with his photo. It said My Look Alike (the disguise) with the photo:
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My Look Alike
he heeee
Here's Speedy's first comment:
Well, I look just like Tom Selleck, except not that good lookin, with less hair!
This strikes me as funny, because my photo gets plastered all over everywhere. I could just say, "Google Speedcat" ... and you would able to find me easily ~ that or look for a shoe made by PUMA.
6' 1", 240 pounds, brownish hair, beard, moustache, walks like a cowboy with slightly bowed legs, talking to himself or singing, wears glasses but looks over them when speaking to someone. Smiles at EVERYONE.
That's me
SpeedyCat Hollydale!
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And of course my dear friend Maunie, who thought I forgot about posting her comment, although I asked her in the post to come and tell me what she would look like...
I think Maunie and I would run into each other too...(smile)
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Anyway, Mauniejames has many blogs, so I decided to link toSpring Wonderful Spring for this comment:
Hey Anne,
You would know me anywhere..I am constantly smiling..at anyone and everyone..I'm sort of medium..five foot six with redish hair or some shade of red I have been wearing for almost 40 years...
I used to be so stylish but if I am traveling I would not feel comfortable wearing my usual jeans and shirt..I may dress up in slacks and a nice top..with loafers and my real designer bag I bought at a thrift shop..
I wear glasses too and always wear my sun glasses when traveling..I will have Penny in her carrier and she is the most beautiful calico cat ever...I am NOT bringing hubby!
So look for a women with a big smile..light brown eyes..short red hair carring the worlds most beautiful cat...and of course, a
large plant of some sort because I love plants and try to get everyone into them..no big sign for me...I would know you anywhere..
Oh Yeah I love gold and will be wearing two earrings in each ear..
two necklaces and at least three gold bracelets..hubby is always telling me not to wear so much because the prices on gold have gone up so much that they could be stolen...oh yeah? just try it!!!
I love this one Ann...
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Here's another comment from Maunie and a link to MaunieJames3 a link to another blog James
Oh Ann...I did not see my comment or your answer...did you throw me away? I am really not that bad..okay now I'm starting to look just like my Mom but my youngest granddaughter looks sort of like me and she is beautiful..honest not that bad..I modeled a hundred years ago...really I'm still not bad and have great legs..just give me a chance Ann..you would like me I promise....you truly would...I like you!!!!!
May 28, 2008 8:49 AM
This is when I think she thought I threw her away. (LOL) Thank you Maunie~
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My next commenter is another friend I've known since I first started blogging.
Aussie at Aussie Cynic, which by the way is an hilarious and fun blog to visit.
oi Anne.......
you missed me... hehehhehe..
I would describe myself like this..
5'5" blonde (my hair will be messy because it flies away with the slightest breeze). I will be wearing jeans, and a long shirt, and will be the loud Aussie normally accompanied by hubby and daughter she has amber hair... I think you find us... but you would probably hear me coming long before you see me... hehehehehe
May 28, 2008 5:24 AM
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Thanks to everyone who participated in this Tuesday's Question, I laughed until tears rolled from my eyes. I think this question is the best one we've had so far and although it was a little hard to keep up, I enjoyed posting the comments as they came in or as close as I could get to when they were posted.
I will stop posting the comments for this Tuesday's Question at 6:00 pm central time today, which is Wednesday, but I hope you will still leave a comment, which everyone reads as well and I will reply too. But it's not 6:00 pm so I don't know what I'm blabbing about~ Until the next time...
Cheers~ Have fun~
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I just realized that I left out a comment by Marie, although I'm not sure which blog to link it to because the link didn't come through...the comment just said Marie.
Thank you Marie, and at least we will know how to find you when we leave for our trip~ I don't know how this turned into a trip, (-> :)) but at least we'll know how to find you at the airport.
Here's Marie's comment:
I'd tell them I will be wearing a red/yellow hat (something bright!) and a pink ribbon tied to my left arm (or something original, that not many people would be doing!). Hopefully then I'll stand out of the crowd.
And definitely an obvious meeting point would also help :)
5/20/08
What Poem Are You? : Tuesday's Question
Five comments of fantastic poetry posted! Just click "Read More"
What Poem Are You?
We all have a poem that speaks to us personally, whether we know it or not, because poets have the ability to tap into our feelings as if they’ve stepped inside our head and read our emotions and thoughts from a personally charted chalkboard.
Great poets have influenced our society for centuries, contributing rare insight into the human spirit.
Bob Dylan once said; “There would be no music without the words” and I will add, there would be no words without the poets, writers, songwriters and playwrights among us...
We all have a poem. Hence, this Tuesday’s Question asks, What Poem Are You? Or on the other hand, you could ask the question, What Poem Is Yours?
There are poets among us everywhere, not just the ones who are famous, but many are on the internet, and in books whose names are unknown, because some prefer to remain anonymous.
Although, I’m thrilled that one such poet didn’t choose to remain anonymous when she e-mailed me yesterday.
This poet is Dawn from Twisted Sister. Yesterday she decided to send me a poem written just for me.
And at the end of the e-mail before the poem she wrote, “It just popped into my head and so here it is…”
“It just popped into her head” is typical of poets and writers although this poem is so prolific it's remarkable how quickly she wrote it. I 'm overjoyed with my new treasure, and was moved to tears when I read it…an emotion in which all good poets are the master.
I will begin this Tuesday’s Question with the poem that is mine, thanks to my dear friend, magnificent poet, and fellow storyteller, Dawn.
Alone in her world
of make believe
weaving her stories
of magic and light
She brings joy
to the eyes
of innocent minds
less jaded and free
For only they know
what's in her heart
holding the secrets
she guards so well
Life's hidden mysteries
belong to those
whose wisdom and truth
shine on in imagination
Written for Ann
~Dawn Drover~
Thanks again, Dawn, from my heart to yours~
Now, it is your turn, except before you write what I know will be marvelous comments, I have an announcement to make. From now on comments to Tuesday’s Question will copied and posted in real time within the same post instead of posting the comments the following day...
Lately, I’ve had some concern that Tuesday’s Question may appear to be duplicate content, in addition, I believe two posts drag the post out unnecessarily.
So today, when you post your comment I will copy and paste it along with a link to your blog shortly after you hit the send button. Then your comments will post among the daffodils. Which, by the way, are from an e-mail my mother sent me entitled, The Daffodil Principle
It is a wonderful e-mail, which I will try to forward upon request. Although you should know that, I’m awful at forwarding e-mails with attachments, so it could be a dangerous feat on your part.
That said, Again, What Poem Are You? Or What Poem Is Yours?
What a great question and so simple for me to answer. For the last two years on hubbies and my wedding anniversary one of my blogging buddies has written us a poem. She is one of my daily reads and she writes the most beautiful love poems. Often I feel she is writing about me and my husband. Her name is Lyn of Lynda's Loft.
So, my answer is I'm a love poem. Since I love both poems I'm going to post both of them. The first one is called A Special Gift.
Happy Anniversary to the one I adore; it is a special day,
For once upon that time, you came my way...
We have come so far, since I first saw you,
Our love has become the kind of which only great dreamers knew...
I am glad that we finally came to be,
We are so perfect as one, you and me...
After all of this time, I still like you very much,
Even your bad habits and such...
You are the one who makes me smile,
Who makes my days worth while...
I enjoy our time spent, we have a lot of fun,
We share like minds from which comfort is spun...
So, on this day, all those yet to come,
I want you know that there could be no other one...
Happy Anniversary, my life, my love,
May we remain this close until we are taken above...
I love you with a heart which is filled by you,
You are the best of everything that I ever knew...
The second is called I Cherish and Savor Every Second We Share...
Your presence in my life is worth more than anything,
It is priceless. It is the elation of my soul.
I never realized what true love could bring,
Until you came and made me whole...
It is more than what you do, the way you do, what you do,
It is more than words could ever convey,
It is like perfection from the Heavens above came shining through,
To enlighten and brighten my every day...
There is nothing else more important to me,
You are the matter of life, the emancipation of my being,
You are the substance of all good, and all beauty,
As if you are all I am hearing, sensing, feeling, or seeing...
If I could express that which you have stirred deep within,
It would surely span into volumes of exclamation,
If I could show you that which you have touched, then,
I would have truly fulfilled loves acclamation...
So full of you am I, there is no other way to describe it,
You are the essentiality of my breath, you are my air,
Our love is as close to flawless as it might get,
Thus I cherish and savor every second we together share...
I love the poem Dawn wrote for you. She is one of my regular visits too. Have a great evening pal. Big hug and tons of lovies. :)
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And my good friend Ferdc from Crazy Medical Cases who evidently shares my love for Robert Frost. (I mentioned how poets were the masters of emotion~ And Robert Frost certainly was the master~ I'm glad computer keyboards are immune to tears. )
Thank you Ferdc or maybe I should call you Traveler?
Here begins Ferdc comment:
Nice question, Annie.
I was inspired by people I have respected in my life, to take my own road. A risk taker by nature, I have done that to some extent, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. So this poem, which I first read in high school, still rings true to me.
ROAD LESS TRAVELED
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth
Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference
Robert Frost
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My next comment is from my dear poet friend herself, Dawn from Twisted Sister who sent in a real sizzler...
Am I too late to add my favorite poem?? Thanks for shout out Ann :)
I've loved this poem since I was a teen...
I Want to Die While You Love Me
Georgia Douglas Johnson
I WANT to die while you love me,
While yet you hold me fair,
While laughter lies upon my lips
And lights are in my hair.
I want to die while you love me,
And bear to that still bed,
Your kisses turbulent, unspent
To warm me when I’m dead.
I want to die while you love me
Oh, who would care to live
Till love has nothing more to ask
And nothing more to give!
I want to die while you love me
And never, never see
The glory of this perfect day
Grow dim or cease to be.
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Here's a comment from another prolific poet on the internet Robert from Roberts Road
just thought I would add one of my own..
Life is long
sometimes a mountain
so intimidating and steep
that path you are on
seems rocky and long
so hold out your hand
Let love ones help
for there is the strength
To keep climbing as needed
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Next is another personal gift poem written for Paula at Six4Paula who I was thrilled stopped by and left a comment. She always leaves a great one.
Great question Ann. This poem (below) has long been a favorite of mine and it symbolizes for me many things. A friend, who I treasured had an artist make a custom painting with this poem on it. Sadly, the friend and I have parted ways but I will keep the painting as a reminder of how much I have gone through and how much I have grown. The poem symbolizes hope, imagination, beauty, loss and love.
~~~~
Polly's Tree by Sylvia Plath
A dream tree, Polly's tree:
a thicket of sticks,
each speckled twig
ending in a thin-paned
leaf unlike any
other on it
or in a ghost flower
flat as paper and
of a color
vaporish as frost-breath,
more finical than
any silk fan
the Chinese ladies use
to stir robin's egg
air. The silver-
haired seed of the milkweed
comes to roost there, frail
as the halo
rayed round a candle flame,
a will-o'-the-wisp
nimbus, or puff
of cloud-stuff, tipping her
queer candelabrum.
Palely lit by
snuff-ruffed dandelions,
white daisy wheels and
a tiger faced
pansy, it glows. O it's
no family tree,
Polly's tree, nor
a tree of heaven, though
it marry quartz-flake,
feather and rose.
It sprang from her pillow
whole as a cobweb
ribbed like a hand,
a dream tree. Polly's tree
wears a valentine
arc of tear-pearled
bleeding hearts on its sleeve
and, crowning it, one
blue larkspur star.
May 21, 2008 10:12 AM
(See what I mean?)
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Maurica at Maurica Wishing On A Falling Star stopped to say hello~ Maurica didn't leave a poem this time, but I wanted to add her link and comment because she has a nice blog and I thought you might like to visit.
Hi Ann! Just dropping off my EC here, hope you're having a great day! :)
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Today is June 23th however, I just received a comment responding to this Tuesday's Question, therefore I'm going to post it.
It's an excellent and funny response from Gary R. Hess at Poem Of Quotes Blog
I'm not exactly sure what poem I am, but it is probably a really boring one written by a drunken teenager.
My favorite poet is definitely Poe, which is a pretty common answer I'm sure. But really, he is. I love how simplistic they are, but also have so much meaning.
June 23, 2008 8:46 PM
Thank you Gary, and I hope you come back and answer some more Tuesday's Questions although I know poetry is your specialty. Cheers~
