“Check out these markdowns!” “New Windows On Sale Now!” “Do you qualify for better car insurance rates?””A sale so good it’s worth repeating!” This is how we celebrate Memorial Day? When did this day become less about those who have given their life in service, and more about finding a more comfortable mattress at “Low,Continue reading “In Memorium”
Author Archives: Mrs Stiver
sing a song
My Rotary meeting always starts with the group singing 2 songs, “Smile” and “America the Beautiful”. We’re dorks…and proud of it. Most of you are familiar with song #2, but “Smile” goes like this: “Smile, and the world smiles with you Sing A Song! Don’t be weary just be cheery All day long! Whenever yourContinue reading “sing a song”
A whiff of normal
Smells have always been special to me. They evoke feelings, bring up memories, and call us into the kitchen with a sniff and “Hey, that smells good! What’s for dinner?” Sometimes smells bring up specific memories. Freshly mown grass—elementary school recess. Tomato soup—rainy evenings. Lemon Pledge—Friday nights at my Mother’s house. Polo cologne—my college boyfriend.Continue reading “A whiff of normal”
Tri-Anything
When I was little, I would sometimes go into my mom’s “sewing room” (a card table wedged into a corner of the utility room next to the washing machine) and whine, “I don’t have anything to do….”. Her inspired response? “Mildew!” Uh….Mom…..have you taken your meds today? So you’re bored. Figure something out! Use yourContinue reading “Tri-Anything”
The Mouse Sleeps with the Fishes
I think the stress of quarantine is getting to Tucker. Tucker likes to bring me things. A sweater…a scarf, a hat, sometimes a small blanket. Occasionally he worries that we may have the sniffles and takes all….ALL of the tissues out of the Kleenex box. He likes to do yoga (actually, he likes gettingContinue reading “The Mouse Sleeps with the Fishes”
The Traveling Armchair
“While armchair travelers dream of going places, traveling armchairs dream of staying home.” — The Accidental Tourist Dozens of times I’ve wished for more time to relax, to stay at home, to read, sew, clean a closet, lounge around in my pajamas. I’ve been something of a traveling armchair, wanting a little more “free” time,Continue reading “The Traveling Armchair”
To Live
“To Live. To live will be an awfully big adventure.” —J.M. Barrie Kelly & Steve should be in Mexico right now. I should be returning from a business trip and a visit to my hometown. My sister is rescheduling her vacation to New York, planned for later this month. Travel, is not an option…..for now.Continue reading “To Live”
Out of the Zone
“It is the sandstorms that shape the stone statues of the desert. It is the struggles of life that form a person’s character.” – Native American Proverb Today I made bagels. For the first time. I also tried a “quick” version of Coq au vin. Both were out of my comfort zone—the theme for thisContinue reading “Out of the Zone”
United We Stand. Divided, We Call.
What is your comfort zone? Is it time alone with a book? Jumping out of an airplane at 13,000 feet? The smell of green grass and lilacs? Eating pasta and salad, naked, in your backyard with a glass of wine? (Just asking.) Comfort is not a “one size fits all” commodity. We find it whereContinue reading “United We Stand. Divided, We Call.”
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner
At 15 years of age, I announced to my 4th generation fundamentalist Christian mother that I was no longer accompanying her to church. “Oh, yes you are, Young Lady!” “Oh, no I’m not!” Door slam….door slam….and I never went to church with my mother again. Sharing that is painful. Church meant so much to herContinue reading “Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner”