Like many people during these difficult times, I too, am looking for happiness. I’m searching for peace and resolve. Could it be found in a dinner date with friends? Could it be in the act of helping others? Could it simply be found on the back of a truck? Is this truck smiling?
During the weeks when I teach creative writing courses, I am surrounded by 30+ students who write creative pieces for their assignments. Like a box of chocolates, “You never know what you’re gonna get.” — Forrest Gump.
It was the summer of 1973 when I attached a small radio to the handlebars of my green banana seat bike. Not only did I have freedom of mobility, I also had easy access to, GREAT music.
Not much mattered to me at that time. I was free and able to ride my bike and listen to new, fabulous music. I wasn’t far from my home when I heard Steely Dan’s Reelin’ in the Years. For me, that was the song of the summer. I heard it and I had to stop riding to listen.
Realness happens every day as you live. Unreal happens when it’s created using lighting, filters, paints, sound, video, cameras, technology, etc. Social Media is the film industry in a mobile device!
Create realness in your own life and push for that honesty.
5 bucks gets you a small meal. 5 bucks will get you some place, not too far. 5 bucks will get you a beer. 5 minutes will let you snooze. 5 minutes late gives you a grace period. 5 minutes early gives you a moment to relax. Dinner for 5 might get you a round table. I’ll call you back in 5 minutes is polite. A 5 minute hug is priceless!
I looked at the glass and said, “This glass is totally full!” All my students were shocked by my answer. Instead of explaining my response, I went around the classroom again and asked each student if they considered my glass to be half empty, half full or totally full. None of the students could figure out why the glass was completely full to me, when it was clearly half filled with water. Then we had a full discussion about perspective.
Some people might be offended by my casual usage of colourful words. I find most words, even curse words, have a particular value in language. However, there are a few personal exceptions.
The apples in this store actually taste like apples from the orchard. They are fruity in a perfume kind of way. I go out of my way to buy my fruit and vegetables there. However, I seriously need to mention this now, the store smells of spices that sometimes makes me gag!
Next to me at the base of the hill was a much younger girl. She had music blaring in her ears as she ran on the tips of her toes. We both needed to stop at the base as there was a red stop light. Once the light turned green, it was as though we were racing to get to the top. She bolted out of the gate determined to beat me. I had the one thing she didn’t have, experience. Although, she had the one thing I didn’t have, youth.
You would think my existence could get boring. Not for me. I like the expected repetition. I like schedules, familiarity, and consistency. I like to know what I can expect.
When presented with a glass which is half filled with water, I’m asked, “Is this glass half full or half empty?” For me, it’s neither. I see the glass entirely full to the top! The glass is filled with water and air, both which are required for life. If the water is clean to drink, and the air is clean to breathe, and the glass is clean to drink from, the glass is wonderfully full of hope!
She was spewing meaningless questions. So many that he got uncomfortable. Since when do people have the right to so much personal information? Is this the new normal with all the sharing that’s currently happening in our digital social media world? I wonder?
There were only a few differences between my jumpsuit and Elvis’. The buttons on my suit were plastic and his were metal. The weight of my suit was somewhat lighter than his. Elvis’ suit was much tighter to his body than mine. I also added the cape and some red satin lining for image effect. However, at the end of the night, my body was exhausted from wearing such a heavy suit. I didn’t dance and sing under hot lights in it. I didn’t sweat like crazy in it. I didn’t perform in front of 30,000 + screaming fans in it. I just wore it and walked around smiling. The next day I needed Advil every four hours to deal with my shoulder and back pains. My knees were also aching from the platform boots. I couldn’t imagine wearing this jumpsuit night after night…
He continued to walk with his head slightly down. I watched him walk away. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He walked up the hill onto the football field. At the top of the hill, he stopped, waved then walked behind some trees. At that moment, I lost sight of him. I covered my mouth and started to cry tears of joy, of gratitude, happiness and a drop of grief.
I wasn’t a lost person, always looking for themselves. I knew who I was early on. I felt connected to my world and work quite quickly. However, now I would love to talk to my 20-year-old self and say, “Hey, it’s ok to say NO – often. It’s ok not to agree. It’s ok that people won’t like you for being you. It’s ok to be independent. It’s ok to live along your own path even if it’s unpopular. It’s ok to simply be you!”
How in the world am I supposed to remember my pin number? It’s not like I have only one. I have many and on a given day I need to access quite a few numbers. My memory isn’t as great as it used to be. Actually, it sucks! Can I blame this and everything else on menopause?
That’s when he simply said, “It’s your rodeo…own it! Make it yours. You decide how you want it done. You’re the expert. You make the calls. This isn’t your first rodeo. Put on your big boy boots, cowboy hat and get into the ring!” I thought, yaaaa, he’s right! …It is my rodeo. That’s right, Sue…IT’S MY RODEO! IT’S MY FRICKEN RODEO!!!!!
Get all the articles.
Author / Writer / Columnist / Educator
