Some Independence Day Observances

It's been awhile since I wrote anything.  Been having a dry spell, a bit of a numbness and sadness about me.  Don't know why.  Some relationships are a little distant, that concerns me, but I know overall, things are good.  Just haven't known what I wanted to say.
Today was the day we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  My grandfather was caretaker of the home one of the signers who was from Georgia.  Meadow Garden, home of George Walton.  We stayed in his little house on the grounds when we visited.  The main house was creepy if you were there alone.  The downstairs kitchen was all right, but upstairs, I heard someone walking around on the floor above me when I KNEW nobody else was in the house. Could hear someone humming in the kitchen sometimes, but it was a good feeling, not creepy like the footsteps.  (I was 11 that year, I think.)  Always think of Grandpa and Meadow Garden on the 4th, the day Mr. Walton earned his place in history.  Grandpa was only at the house (belonged to a local historical society) for a few years before retiring, but it was a fascinating place. 

About a month ago, I volunteered to help out at the library's tent in the Celebration In the Heartland at Buck Thomas Park.  This is an annual event in Moore, lots of vendors, local agencies, churches, businesses, and the library, have tents or booths set up to do a little community outreach.  We usually have a couple of craft activities, a water play table for the little kids, and sign ups for Summer Reading, and temporary tattoos, and stuff like that.  This year I ran the tattoo area.  Matt helped a lot when we got busy.  There were a LOT of people there this year.  Really made us glad to see how many who came in were our regulars who recognize us from the library, and really, a lot of new faces who were very glad to hear about the library. 

After we tidied up the tent and helped load the van, Matt and I walked over to the bank of the little creek that runs through the park, and sat on the ground to wait for the fireworks.  There were frogs in the creek making noise, and fireflies darting around.  LOTS of people, but the vibe was very happy, very friendly.  I usually do NOT do well in crowds, but well, these were my neighbors, my library customers, not really strangers.  Everybody was very polite.  Amazing, really.  
The fireworks show was fabulous.  It's been YEARS since I've seen one up close.  (We used to be able to see the fireworks in the park from our driveway, but the intervening trees are too large now.)
It was a great feeling to sit there, and be as amazed as a child again by the bright lights and loud booms.  The cheers and applause of my neighbors making a heartwarming added effect, when you could hear it over the music. 

Today I felt better about a lot of things, and it was my community that helped me remember just how blessed I am.  I may not agree with the prevailing politics around here, but I will not deny that my neighbors are good people.  Their hearts are in the right places, they are trying to do what they believe is right, and even if they disagree with you, most of them will still like you.  This little city has been through an awful lot in the last 18 months. This year's celebration was much lighter of heart than last year, and there is more hope and new life and there are even new residents with us.  After all the destruction that made the news a year ago in May, it would be nice to see someone show the growth, the rebuilding, the joy that is evident in Moore today. 

It took a LONG time to get out of that parking lot and home tonight.  (Probably could have walked faster.)  Still, people were for the most part being considerate and taking turns and I didn't hear any honking.   Once we got clear of the park, things went very quickly.  We really do live about a mile or maybe a little more away.  We've been home for awhile now, and winding down. 
So grateful to all my Moore neighbors and friends, and also to my Twitter friends, for sharing this day with me, and for helping me cheer up.  You guys are the best.  Really.

Reflections on the Year, or The More I Hurry, the Further Behind I Get!

I have felt like I'm behind and trying desperately to catch up all year.  So many things I have to do, keep track of, contribute to, and I am not up to speed on any of them.  Well, my goal at work is up to date, and my church giving pledge is, my bills are all paid, but stuff I need to do for me is lagging.

Haven't done much with my various journals, haven't written as much poetry as I should have.  I have kept this blog up pretty well, but the posts are not all I hoped I could make of them.

So much of the time life seems to speed by while I am trying to get myself moving.  Is it just growing older catching up, or is it a lazy nature finally expressing itself?
The weight loss has come to a standstill, but at least there has been no substantive backsliding.  Only gained a pound or two, and lost them back pretty quickly, but can't get below 137 no matter what I do.
Supposed to be finishing a Web 2.0 training at work, and still have four topics left to cover out of 12.  There are books I want to read that are on my Nook, and on my shelf, and have not been touched.  I have been reading, just not as fast as I usually do.  Got a bad case of wandering attention most days. 

Does anybody else feel like they are getting more "fruity" than "complex"?  Don't know whether the hot flashes have cooked what little was left of my brain, or if the fact that they wake me up every night several times is the cause of my absent brain feelings.

I have often mentioned in this blog the sad things that have happened this past year.  The cat died, Matt had to go to the hospital for a week, the tornadoes came through town again, my nephew died, my friend died, just lots of sadness.

There has also been some great happiness.  Like meeting two other  Perlgirls in person finally.  Of COURSE, meeting Ron Perlman, The Man himself was fantastic!
 The fact that Matt didn't have any permanent damage from his heart rhythm problem was also a cause for great rejoicing.  The changes made in our diet because of his health issues have been very beneficial.  The fact that my weight appears stuck at the moment should not detract from the fact that I lost 30 POUNDS!! 
The continuing presence in our lives of some very dear friends has also been a source of great happiness.  Good friends are hard to come by, and having Mike and Nancy for friends has been a real blessing.
 There have been many challenges this year, and most of them were met and dealt with in a satisfactory manner.  There is always room for improvement, more growth, less navel gazing.   There are things clogging up our house that we should sort through and part with some of.
I must also once again clean the fountain pens.  They are clogged up again from lack of use.  Shameful it is, the way I neglect them.  (Well, hello Master Yoda, my word order taken over you have!)

 Here are my beautiful fountain pens.  Many of them were hand made for me by Matt.  (The ones with the wood barrels and the bright green one and first blue one on the right.)


Time also to change the calendars, clear away the Christmas decorations, and clear the decks for a whole new year.  I just hope it is a year of good things, and a time to catch up, not another year of scurrying, hurrying, and worrying.

Something that always makes me smile.  Thanks, Mr. P!

Kelly and Mary, you guys are the best!  This makes me smile, too!  (And of course, Himself  brought us all together!)