Category Archives: Memories

Challenges, Memories

Remember

43 Comments

Good afternoon! I am thrilled you dropped by for coffee. I am brewing a fresh pot of hazelnut coffee for us. Don’t you just love the aroma? I hope you find the flavor is to your liking. If not, I have other options.

It’s a lovely afternoon with summery breezes and scents of flowers and budding trees. Perfect for chatting while sitting on the back porch, don’t you agree?

I’m so glad you’re here. It has been awhile and I think of you often. Hey mom, do you remember?

When I was a child, I was pretty mild and not too wild. I was your little girl with a head full of curls. My dresses were frilly, I never felt silly.  Shoes galore, I always wanted more. We dressed to the nines, you and me. Our sense of style was for all to see. Oh yes mom, we had a passion for fashion!

When I was a teen, I was pretty mild and not too wild. I was your best friend and you were mine. We figured life out, time after time. I had to be cool and you understood. Much more than any mother could. We dressed to the nines, you and me. Our sense of style was our identity. Oh yes mom, fashion became our passion!

When I was a young woman, I was pretty mild and not too wild. If I needed comfort, you were always there. Such a loving mother, I knew you cared. When you were sad, I felt bad. If you were blue, I was there for you. Yes, we dressed as ladies because we should and because we could. Back in the day, that was the way.

When I was twenty-three, you were gone. I felt the world had done me wrong. Why an end to your melody?  It wasn’t time to end your song. Your image still lingers in my memory. Yes, our passion for fashion was meant to be. And mom I must say, you look lovely today.  I miss you so, in every way.

If we were having coffee, this is the way it would be. A memorable chat, just you and me.

Cheers! 🍵 ☕️

picmonkey-image111

image credits: http://www.lovethispic.com/image/125030/beautiful-morning-flowers

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Memories, Poetry

An Old Bridge

19 Comments

I lovely day, after a bout with inclement weather.  March went out like a lion, with huffs and puffs and lots of gusty winds. I sense some confusion, as the saying “In like a lion and out like a lamb”seems to have lost its intent this year. I don’t know if sayings about the weather have any merit to them, or it could be they are just a product of a colorful imagination. But, anyhoo, it’s a gorgeous day for sitting on the porch and appreciating nature.

The tree outside our porch, which I have mentioned in several of my posts, has taken on another change. The pink buds have been replaced by bright green leaves, giving it a limey green glow. It has become a favorite pastime of mine to observe the tree change with the seasons; and I find it a great subject for my blogs and photos, as well.

Well, my coffee break is over and I feel the need to be useful, other than spring cleaning.  I have the to urge to sit down and write about our Blue Ridge trip, while it is still fresh in my mind. Anyway, I have a lot of photos that I want to share with you.

My husband and I like to explore and find old junkyards and antique shops, which they are abundant in the Georgia countryside. So we took a little drive to an interesting little city, where we stopped for lunch. The restaurant is situated on the Toccoa River, with a breathtaking view that could be used as a movie set. We were seated outside and became infatuated with this bridge. It was obvious there had to be a lot of history behind this very old structure, which I am sharing what I found.

The Bridge Street Bridge, located in McCaysville, Ga, spans the Toccoa River. The National Bridge Inventory gives a 1928 date for the construction of the bridge. Other sources give a 1911 construction date. A rehab date of 1935 is also given by the National Bridge Inventory. The bridge construction is camelback truss, is structurally sound and open to traffic.

To add more to the story, the Toccoa River, in Georgia, becomes the Ocoee River, in Tennessee, under The Bridge Street Bridge.

The tiny city of McCaysville is located on the Georgia-Tennessee state line and is adjacent to Copperhill, Tennessee, its twin city. There is a Blue Line, which indicates where the two states meet. You can stand with one foot in Georgia and one foot in Tennessee.

The Blue Line is not only visible on the street but is visible inside affected businesses. as well.

2016-03-12 12.44.08

 Bridge Street Bridge (Old McCaysville Bridge), McCaysville, Georgia

020

This picture was taken during our first trip to McCaysville (2014). This is our car parked on the Georgia-Tennessee state line.

Blue Ridge and the surrounding towns and cities are so welcoming. These quaint little mountain towns remind me of what life should be about.  That’s only if you appreciate peace and quiet and nature.

A river flowing

An old bridge spanning

Mind the gap

Cheers! 🍵 ☕️

picmonkey-image111

wordpress.com/photo-challenges/landscape/

credits: http://www.blueridgemountains.com/mccaysville.html

http://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=georgia/mccaysville/

photos: personal property

Challenges, Memories

A Struggle

27 Comments

sad1

With darkness looming in my mind, my thoughts are spineless bits of shredded time. Such confusion and sadness don’t become me. Surely, these feelings can not overcome me. A long life behind me, but never so bleak. A long life ahead of me, happiness I shall seek.

Let the light from day spill into night; a slivered sun ray please come my way.

As the day begins to darken, is there a message I should harken? I must be cautious of my perspective; take a stand not to be reflective, and resign myself from my mind. My glass half full, my glass half empty, darkness cannot tempt me.

Let the light from night spill into day; a silvered moonbeam please come my way.

Again, sensing doom I am swallowed by gloom. I can only cry and with no reason to try. I must be bold, I am told! It is not wrong to be strong. I must bring light into my sights; making wrongs into rights.

Let the light from the day spill into the night; let the light from the night spill into the day.

You may laugh, but I will settle for half. The peacefulness of dusk or the loveliness of dawn; neither night nor day. Perhaps a little gray?  At last, we have met halfway, at least for today.

Whether a slivered sun ray or a silvered moonbeam; please come my way and make my day.  Please let it be, I need to be me.

Cheers!

C25

image credits: http://www.lovethispic.com

photo-challenges/half-light/

discover-challenges/perspective/

 

 

Challenges, Memories

Rewind or Fast Forward

17 Comments

I am enjoying the outside while sitting on the back porch. The trees are laden with buds giving off soft hues of spring colors. The landscapers are mowing the grass, which I love the smell of freshly mowed grass. Of course, my coffee cup is filled to the brim, laced with cinnamon, giving me a kick start to the day. Pondering the quote, by Mark Twain, brings back memories of twenty years ago, which I believe the quote to have a lot of truth to it. I see now there are things I could have accomplished; and yes, I am disappointed that some things didn’t materialize. As far as what I accomplished in life, I can’t say I am disappointed.

But there is still time to do some of these so-called undone things, however, my priorities have changed. Some of those things that I wanted to do twenty years ago do not matter now. And the same is applicable for some of the things that I did. So be it, and for the most part, no regrets.

Even though, I believe as we get older and our time on earth gets shorter, we feel we have to accomplish certain things in order to reflect back and say our life was fulfilling. So, my advice to myself is to do those things now because there may not be a – twenty years from now.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do.”
Mark Twain

Wow, here is an old song by Zager & Evans that just relocated itself in the attic!

Zager & Evans – In The Year 2525 Lyrics

Artist: Zager & Evans

Album: Miscellaneous

Listen while you read!

In the year 2525, if man is still alive
If woman can survive, they may find
In the year 3535

Ain’t gonna need to tell the truth, tell no lie
Everything you think, do and say
Is in the pill you took today

In the year 4545
You ain’t gonna need your teeth, won’t need your eyes
You won’t find a thing to chew
Nobody’s gonna look at you

In the year 5555
Your arms hangin’ limp at your sides
Your legs got nothin’ to do
Some machine’s doin’ that for you

In the year 6565
You won’t need no husband, won’t need no wife
You’ll pick your son, pick your daughter too
From the bottom of a long glass tube

image: http://static.urx.io/units/web/urx-unit-loader.gif
In the year 7510
If God’s a-coming, He oughta make it by then
Maybe He’ll look around Himself and say
“Guess it’s time for the Judgement Day”

In the year 8510
God is gonna shake His mighty head
He’ll either say, “I’m pleased where man has been”
Or tear it down, and start again

In the year 9595
I’m kinda wonderin’ if man is gonna be alive
He’s taken everything this old earth can give
And he ain’t put back nothing

Now it’s been ten thousand years, man has cried a billion tears
For what, he never knew, now man’s reign is through
But through eternal night, the twinkling of starlight
So very far away, maybe it’s only yesterday

in-other-words1

Pingback: patriciasplace.me/2016/03/23/twenty-years-from/

Cheers!

C25

credits: http://www.songlyrics.com/zager-evans/in-the-year-2525-lyrics/#MbQqsPdIbkSpIQDx.99

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/127658/oil-painting-of-birds-on-fence-with-flowers

Memories, Spewing

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

9 Comments

243505-Happy-St-Patricks-Day

 

Anonymous
A Toast to St. Patrick

Saint Patrick, the holy and tutelar man;
His beard down his bosom like Aaron’s ran.
Some from Scotland, some from Wales,
will declare that’s from where he came,
But I care not, now he’s risen to fame.
The pride of the world and his enemies scorning,
I will drink to St Patrick, today, in the morning!

May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

Health and a long life to you.
Land without rent to you.
A child every year to you.
And if you can’t go to heaven,
May you at least die in Ireland.

 May the leprechauns be near you,
To spread luck along your way.
And may all the Irish angels,
Smile upon you St Patrick’s Day.

2016-03-12 11.17.00

A quaint mountain town with a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Blue Ridge. Ga, located in Fannin County, population 1,290, as of the 2010 census.

The leaders of the parade were Blue Ridge’s finest, meaning those that keep law and order. The rain held off and the parade was a success. A good time was had by all!

Cheers! 

picmonkey-image111

Credits: http://www.stpatricksday.com/Wisdom/0-toasts.html; http://www.lovethispic.com; personal property

Memories, Spewing

As I Sip My Coffee

8 Comments

49752-Morning-Coffee

 

January
As I sip my coffee, there is a fire in the fireplace. The flames dance and dazzle. It is a friendly fire emitting warmth and light. It is a perfect setting for me to write. I may even make some New Year’s resolutions. Then, maybe I won’t. I never keep them anyway. My friend the tree looks cold and bare.
February
As I sip my coffee, it is still cold. There is snow blanketing the ground. It is beautiful as it glistens, catching light from the elusive sunshine. The fireplace is aglow and inviting. It is a perfect setting to write. I did make a couple of New Year’s resolutions. I thought one step at a time and to my own self, be true. My friend the tree is dressed in pure white and quite stunning.
March
As I sip my coffee, the chill is still in the air. The snow is slowly melting, as it waters the earth. From earth to sky, and from the sky to earth. I made that up but perhaps, it has been said before. The fireplace is lit and I feel the urge to write. I am keeping up with one of my New Year’s resolutions. I’m not ready to divulge what it is. You know, in case I don’t keep up with what I resoluted (I just made up this word and kind of like it). My friend the tree has sprouted a few buds.
April
As I sip my coffee, the amazing feeling of spring is in the air. It is still chilly, but the sun is shining and bringing life to the earth as plants and trees reach for the sky. There is a fire in the fireplace making the room cozy and warm. Maybe I will write – one of my resolutions, you know. My friend the tree is covered with delicate pink flowers and seems to be smiling.
May
As I sip coffee, it is beautiful outside. What an amazing time for mother earth, at least in my part of the world. Flowers and trees are in bloom as if to be donning their finest jewelry. I won’t put a log in the fireplace today. I have the windows open to bring in the freshness and scents of spring. I feel like writing. A whole new world awaits me, and I am going to take advantage of every moment. By the way, I am still keeping up with my New Year’s resolution. My friend the tree is ablaze with limey green leaves.
June
As I sip coffee, I can’t believe I’m half way through the year. My birthday is this month. My, how time flies. I don’t want to think about it– at least not today. I may write about it. My days of yore may make a good story or two – maybe more. I can fill in the cracks with some really juicy stuff. I may want to allow intrigue and mystery to filter in and add appeal for my audience. My friend the tree is full and its leaves are a very pale yellow – emitting a sunshiny glow.
July
As I sip my coffee, it’s warm and humid. The sun has taken over with its glowing rays that are warm and bright. Children are outside playing and the pool is packed with sunbathers and swimmers. It is a long weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July. I feel like I should write something patriotic. I will do some research in order to write a factual story about this special time in my country. And, in case you are interested, I am still keeping my New Year’s Resolution, in tow. My friend the tree is in dressed in bright green large leaves and exceptionally beautiful.
August
As I sip my coffee, it is quite warm outside. In fact, it is downright hot. Not much goes on in August. A lot of people take their vacation this time of the year. The pool is still busy with children frolicking and teenagers sunning themselves. I am sitting on the back porch getting ready to write. I really need some inspiration today. August is such a boring month. My friend the tree is still full of itself, with its summer attire.
September
As I sip coffee, I didn’t realize that September can be so hot and humid. The sun is shining very brightly and really bearing down on the flowers and trees. Our ground coverings are in need of water and a good rain will be truly welcomed. The children are getting ready for back to school and those familiar yellow buses are everywhere. Traffic is snarled and patience is wearing thin for the commuters. I am happy I don’t have to commute anymore. Those days are behind me, now that I am retired. I think I’ll write about my freedom from the corporate world. Oh, and I am keeping up with my New Year’s resolutions. My friend the tree is still full and lush and getting ready for the change.
October
As I sip my coffee, I think about how much I love this month. October is my favorite month. The leaves are changing and the air becomes somewhat cooler. Towards the end of the month, the air is crisp and the wind has a bite to it. Fall festivals are popping everywhere enticing people to get outside and mingle. Of course, there are pumpkins upon pumpkins, which I adore pumpkins. Every beverage and food product is now laced with pumpkin spice. I love it! I am very inspired to write during this time of the year. Our friend the tree is has changed its attire in keeping with the seasonal change. Its leaves are taking on a golden hue.
November
As I sip my coffee, I am sitting on the back porch and enjoying the crisp weather. I like cold weather as I like to bundle up. I also like winter fashions and lit fireplaces and the feeling of the season. Again, I am very inspired to write. Ok, we are in the eleventh month of the year and I am still working my New Year’s Resolution. I didn’t say working on, I said working – there is a difference. My friend the tree is OMG – is in its most glorious form. It is swathed in gold, magenta and brown with a touch of burnt orange. I find it amazing that Mother Nature can reflect such beauty but can turn ugly as well. I believe Mother Nature is fickle and likes to kick up her heels every now and then – just to show us she is the boss.
December
As I sip my coffee, I can’t believe it is already the end of the year. Where has this year gone? Time flies when you are having fun – right? The Holidays are here and everyone is busily scurrying around trying to do what they do at this time of the year. People seem a bit stressed around the Holidays, however, more caring and giving than usual. I don’t understand why people can’t be caring and giving all year – why so much during the Holidays?

By the way, I have a fire in the fireplace and I definitely have the urge to write! There is something about a fireplace that brings on a feeling of coziness and security. Well, I made through the year by keeping up with my New Year’s Resolution. I am so proud of myself that I actually reflected on the past, the present and the future by writing at least once a week, if not more. I also kept up with my exercise routine, as well. Hooray!

My friend the tree has again changed its attire and this winter has proven to be a gorgeous time for the tree. Its branches are laden with sparkling snow, which the tree has taken on a completely different personality. Beautiful, delicate, and absolutely stunning.
As I sip my coffee, I think back upon the year and I am very appreciative of what I see and hear. There are times when I have to block out the doom and gloom projected by the media. Why dwell on bad news! Too much of a waste of energy, in my opinion. A cup of coffee; a fireplace; a tree is I need to brighten my day. I think I’ll write about it.

Cheers!

 picmonkey-image111

image credits: http://www.lovethispic.com/image/49752/morning-coffee

 

Memories

As I Sit Back

7 Comments

It is a gloomy day, here in Georgia, and the possibility of an approaching storm makes the day kind of eerie.  This touch of eeriness gives me a feeling that Halloween is tonight but it is only the fourth of October.

As I sit back with a cup of coffee, pondering what to write about, memories are drifting through my attic.  I refer to the space that houses my brain, my attic.   I am retired, you know, and have gained a growing interest in quotations.  I have written a few posts about quotations, some of which are on LinkedIn.

coffee4

As I sip my coffee, my mind briefly is taking me back to when I was employed, which I quickly picked up the broom and swept those memories under the rug.  I’m just not in the mood to think about those days when I was being held captive in the corporate world.

That long chapter has finally passed and I am enjoying my so called golden years.  What!?  Whoever thought up that stupid term – golden years – had to be one card short of a full deck. There is nothing golden about them and by the way, there are no clouds with silver linings. I hope I didn’t break anyone’s bubble with this astounding news! You know the old saying or may be you don’t – the golden years have come at last, the golden years can kiss my arse.

golden years

Ah yes, the golden years. The time of life when you don’t have to endure the daily grind of work, the time to go on cruises or enjoy your cabin in the mountains, the time to take time for yourself. What a crock! I am bored and becoming high maintenance. The older you get, the more there is to maintain. There is nothing golden about them except the color I use in my hair.

Now, I am taking on another chapter in my life, trying to make the most of the golden years.  Perhaps, it’s time to make a few changes.  I have made a lot of u-turns during my years, more than I care to admit to, so why stop now – right?

Not too long ago, I wrote a post, on LinkedIn, that drew some very kind comments, which one of the commenters offered this excerpt from the poem “The Love-Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S.Elliot.

“measuring your life in coffee spoons”

spoons

I love this!  I am a coffee addict and can you imagine the number of coffee spoons in my life?  What an excellent way to measure my life, rather than in chapters.  I am truly sparked by this.  I learned a little bit more about myself today and I am not going to let those golden years pass me by.  No more whining about being bored – I promise.

I am so grateful to be able to spend time with my husband, our cat, and our friends. Maybe the golden years aren’t so bad after all.  The number of spoons measuring my life is countless.  I could fill an Excel spread sheet with them.

As I sit and sip my coffee, it is still a gloomy day.  But, that doesn’t bother me as I feel a new sense of a happier me, myself and I.

Cheers!

picmonkey-image111


 

Memories

My Pumpkin

10 Comments

It is finally that time of the year.  Actually, it is my favorite time of the year.  Autumn is arriving it all it’s glory, with the trees dressed in their finest leaves.  Clusters upon clusters of golden, amber and scarlet hues.   This seasonal beauty is breathtaking and a sight to behold.  I remember jumping and frolicking in a pile of golden brown and burnt red leaves when I was younger – much younger, I must add.

It seems just like yesterday.  Hmmm, perhaps it was – I don’t remember.  The air could be thinning in the attic – know what I mean?  I’m kidding, of course, because the attic is still full of unique and modern ideas blended with memories from the past, like vintage clothing.

While I am on the subject of the attic, meaning that space in my head underneath a fluff of blond hair, I feel the urge to take a look at what’s in there.

It’s pretty dark and kind of eerie ruffling through the relics of the past.  Quite amusing, I must say.  I just stumbled across a box filled with Halloween decorations – yes, I decorate for Halloween!  There it was!  My pumpkin!  I say it because I don’t know if it has a gender.

pumpkin1

When I was a child, I use to have imaginary friends – perhaps, because I was an only child.  The pumpkin was my best imaginary friend, and not only on Halloween.   We used to do everything together.  We would play together, ride our bikes together, climb trees together, eat at the table together – I mean everything.  God forbid that someone would sit on my pumpkin!  Don’t they know it’s right here beside me?!

pumpkin3

Such fond memories, and now that it is autumn and Halloween is approaching, I think I will renew my relationship with the pumpkin.  It is has been eons since we have chatted.  We can take a nice long walk together and enjoy the glorious colors of autumn.  Ssshh – no mentioning Pumpkin Spiced Lattes – okay?

Childish, you say?  Maybe, and who cares!   Reflecting back on my whimsical and youthful days is a joy.  There were mostly good memories, actually some very fond memories.   Wow, all of this thought processing has motivated me to clean up the attic!  The not so good memories will be boxed and shoved to the back, where no one can find them – not even me.

The good memories will be dusted off and carefully wrapped and placed where they can easily be found.   Now, when I wish to dwell on the past, my pumpkin and I can secretly sift through those cherished memories together.

By the way, my pumpkin will never be stuffed back in a box again.  My pumpkin will be carefully placed on a ledge or on the fireplace mantel.  I’ll disguise my pumpkin and it will appear to be just a part of the decor and no one will know about our secrets.

Good night, my pumpkin and sleep tight.

pumpkin2

Cheers!

C25

 

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/283146/jack-o-lantern-in-the-window

Awards, Memories

Hi All! I’ve Been Nominated…for the Liebster Award!

9 Comments

liebster-award

It has been brought to my attention that my blog and I, have been nominated for the prestigious Liebster Award!! I am honored!

Thank you to scribblesandmusings  for nominating me for the Liebster Award! And I encourage you, dear readers, to check out scribblesandmusings and enjoy her beautifully written blogs and I commend her for her caring of animals.  She is truly an inspiration.

The Liebster Award is an online award given to new or undiscovered bloggers by other bloggers. After doing a little research about the Liebster award, one little fact I learned that was interesting is that the word ‘liebster’ is of German origins and  has several definitions: dearest, sweetest, kindest, nicest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, welcome, sweetheart and boyfriend (really?)

Rules for the Liebster Award:

Once you are nominated,

  • Make a post thanking and linking the person who nominated you.
  • Include the Liebster Award sticker in the post too.
  • Nominate 5 -10 other bloggers who you feel are worthy of this award. Let them know they have been nominated by commenting on one of their posts. You can also nominate the person who nominated you.
  • Ensure all of these bloggers have less than 200 followers.
  • Answer the eleven questions asked to you by the person who nominated you, and make eleven questions of your own for your nominees or you may use the same questions.
  • Lastly, COPY these rules in the post.

 scribblesandmusings questions to me:

1.)  If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?  If I could travel anywhere tomorrow, I would take a road trip to Blue Ridge, Ga and enjoy the serenity of the mountains.  I could be easily tempted to stay a few days, no doubt.

2.)  What is the simplest thing that makes you smile?  My husband and my cat taking a nap together.  Soooo cute.

3.)  What do you like about your hometown?  I am using my current hometown, as I haven’t been to my original hometown (Orlando, Fl) for over 20 years.  I love the quaintness and charm of my current hometown, Roswell, Ga

5.)  What’s your favorite chore to do at home? My favorite chore is making my bed.  It is a morning ritual and is done as soon as I get up.  My bedroom looks so complete when the bed is made.

6.)  What’s your favorite book?  I don’t read a lot of books, as spend most of my time online.   However, my favorite book is Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

7.)  What’s the very first thing you would do if you won the lottery?  I would probably move to Blue Ridge, Ga.  I would also donate to my favorite cause, the ASPCA.

8.)  What’s your favorite fruit or vegetable?   Apples are my favorite fruit – preferably Granny Smith apples.  I love all vegetables, with pumpkins being my favorite.

9.)  How many times have you fallen in love?  Several times, through the years.  All of them were worth every minute of it.

10.)  What was your favorite game or toy as a child?  Barbie dolls.  I loved to dress them up.

11.)  What’s your favorite beverage? My favorite beverage is coffee, no surprise there!  I also love red wine an occasional Grey Goose and ice tea (Ice Pick)

I would like to nominate the following bloggers…in no particular order:

greyrose3 

mybigfatrheumatoidlife

stillthinking.me

incognitoandmiddleaged

truegeorge

freetowearsunscreen

wordscoffeeandlacedresses

  1. If you could meet one famous person, who would it be?
  2. If you could travel tomorrow, where would you go?
  3. What would your ideal day consist of?
  4. What is the simplest thing that makes you smile?
  5. How many times have you fallen in love?
  6. What would be your dream job?
  7. Who do you look up to or who inspires you?
  8. What is your favorite season and why?
  9. What is your favorite beverage?
  10. What is your favorite color?
  11. What is your all-time favorite food?

Thank you for all of your kind comments and sharing your wonderful posts.  You are my inspiration and I look forward to sharing and reading future blogs.

Cheers! 🍵 ☕️

picmonkey-image111

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/118794/steaming-cup-of-coffee