Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Ode to Gladys

Growing up we had an elderly couple as our neighbors. Their names were Gladys and George Finney. I don't remember George as well, because he passed away when I was still fairly young. What I do remember of him, he was always outside working, always in overalls, with one exception, when they would come over to our house for a birthday party for one us girls, he was always in a suit.

Gladys was like a third grandmother to me. I went over to her house a lot as a kid. My sisters and I are all fairly far apart in age, so I remembering playing on my own a lot, and when I didn't want to play alone, I went to see Gladys. She was such a kind woman. Always had a smile on her face, so happy to see anyone when they walked through the door. I didn't even knock when I went over, just opened the door and yelled, "Gladys, are you home?", and lucky for me, she was always home. I would run down the block to the store for her, or do random things she "needed help" with, which I'm sure she was still capable of doing, but took pity on the poor lonely neighbor girl. I remember going over there and just sitting and talking to Gladys, watching TV with her, but mostly I just loved being around her, there was something very comforting to me just being in the same space with her.

Some of my best memories of Gladys are:
Gladys loved word search puzzles. She had stacks of word search books, and always had a pen holding her place. I have a vivid memory of having a huge word search of animal names for school one time, and I went straight to Gladys for help. I still love to do word search puzzles.

Gladys also used to put a little bit of 7up in with her bowl of sherbet. Doesn't sound very appetizing, but I loved it as a kid, it was like a reverse float.

Gladys used to make divinity, and all kinds of candy and cookies around the holidays, but I loved divinity! I can't remember the last time I ever ate divinity, but I will always remember standing in Galdys' hot kitchen "helping" her make divinity.

Gladys always had on a dress and usually an apron. That's how I remember her always. In her kitchen baking or canning, busy in the kitchen with something.

As Gladys got older she eventually had to move into an assisted living facility. She wasn't always the most tolerant of the staff, stating they would come in her room and just, "dumb around." Which is a term my family still uses to this day. Another thing I still say, is "Orphie", that's what Gladys used to call Oprah, not sure if she really thought that was her name, or she just thought Orphie sounded better.

Gladys passed away on June 4, 2005. Today, December 21, is her birthday. She would have been 101 today, and I could think of no better day to honor her memory then today. So Gladys, you were part of our family, and we loved you dearly. You impacted my life in multiple ways, and I think of you often and always with love. I hope George met you at the gates with a gooseberry pie and a brand new word search book.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Christmas Explosion

My living room floor is covered in Christmas. The tree I dragged out of the way too small closet, is laying on the floor, still in it's box, begging to be let out, put up, lit up, and decorated. The ornaments are laying beside the tree, again, still in their boxes. Table runners, tree skirts, garland, nativity scenes all taking up space on my living room floor, while I sit on my arse staring and writing about it. I love Christmas, and I love decorating my little apartment for Christmas, but for the life of me, I cannot find my motivation. It may have something to do with the fact I slammed my head on a shelf, twice, trying to dig all my decorations out of the too small closet. I'm sure my neighbors wonder what was going on over here, because I was definitely not quiet about my feelings upon slamming my head on the shelf. It may have something to do with the simple fact, I'm tired, pooped from the week. Or it may have to do with the fact I waited until 10:00pm to begin decorating my house for Christmas. Whatever the reason, my pretty tree with it's sparkling lights, glittering butterflies and ornaments, and my garland that cozies up my fireplace with it's happy pink lights, are just going to have to wait until tomorrow night to bring Christmas to this apartment. Right now all I want to do is take four ibuprofen, put some ice on the back of head, make a cup of tea, and sink into this big comfy couch.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Back in Action

I feel like a mother who abandoned their child only to return eight months later and expect everything to be just as it was. When I started this blog I was so excited to document this new decade in my life, and actually I've had a lot of experiences since turning 30, but instead of writing about them I guess I've just been living them, which is not such a bad thing. Today I am renewing my writing life and will become more dedicated to my little blog that I love. The renewal comes from trying to get my sister to start her own blog, and while we were talking about it I was so excited and full of ideas for her I realized how much I love doing this myself! I'm back, baby!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Hearts and Flowers and Chocolates, oh my!


It has come again this year. Valentine's Day. I have not had the best luck with love in my life. I've dated, sure. I've dated plenty of guys. Good guys and bad guys, guys with brown hair guys with very little hair, tall guys, short guys, guys who teach and guys who tend bar, guys who play music and guys who play mind games. (Please excuse my Dr. Suess distraction, once I got started I couldn't stop.) But I will not let Valentine's Day make me feel bad for being single. I could have settled and sold myself short for the sake of not being single, but why would I do that? I'm fabulous! I my friends am what one calls, "A Catch". So I will continue to date as the situation presents itself, and I will not settle. I deserve love and love I will get. Happy Valentine's Day!