Spring Fever

I can feel it. All it took was one warm day and I caught it. The sun was out and shining brightly. The temperature heated up and snow began melting. Even the carwash opened its door for the first time this year. Punxsutawney Phil, King of the Groundhogs, Father of all Marmota, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators was wrong. Spring was trying to spring up in Minnesota in February. I could actually feel it. The sun on my face felt warm. Even the squirrels seemed to agree as they raced around the ground stretching their legs from their nap. Outbreaks of Spring Fever were emerging everywhere. I couldn't believe Spring was arriving so soon.

Yeah, right!!!!

The very next day, Mother Nature decided to uphold Phil's prediction and reverse our one day trend. Freezing weather hit us with a punch so hard that the memory of the previous day began to fade. But it was too late, I already had caught the bug. I wanted the warmth of the sun on my face again. I wanted all of the snow to melt and find its way back to the water cycle. I wanted to begin my spring routine. I guess Mother Nature has her own agenda and my wishes are not on it.

Well, eventually, as Spring Fever spreads across the land, Mother Nature will catch it too. Slowly, the birds will come back to sing their chirpy songs and the brown grass will find a way to transform into richly luxurious green. The lake will thaw from its wintry form and waves will ripple across it once again. The fish houses will vanish as the boats appear with the fishing style change. The carwash will actually stay open this time with a line forming around the building. People will emerge from their houses spending more and more time outside. By now, everyone will have caught it.

But for now, I wait for the sunshine and warmer weather. Since there is no vaccination for this disease, there is nothing to do, but wait. There is one other thing I can do to pass the time. I can yell loudly into the wind asking for Spring. Hopefully, she is listening this time.

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Crayons

I remember back a long time ago when I got a new box of crayons. They were really big jumbo crayons for kids just learning to hold a pencil. They came in eight basic colors...red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown and black. I was so happy when I got that box of crayons. I couldn't wait until I could draw beautiful lines everywhere I went. Drawing circles was my favorite. I put them everywhere. Much to the dismay of my mother, I added circles around the house, on the walls and on the furniture. I had those wonderful crayons removed from me on a few occasions when she felt my artwork must be stopped. Yes, I faced censorship at such a young age, but somehow always managed to get the crayons back in my possession.

I use to get upset because my black crayon was always missing. I thought it was strange that my grandmother would keep it in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. I found out later that she felt her thinning eyebrows needed that crayon more than me. At least I knew where to go if I needed it.

As I got older, I would go with my mother to shop for school supplies in the fall. I remember that first time I found out that crayons came in bigger boxes with more colors. There were boxes of 8, 16, 24, 48 and 64 crayons and they were not the chubby ones I had at home. I was so amazed! I desperately wanted the box of 64, especially because it had a built-in sharpener. I remember shedding tears that day in the store. My school only wanted us to have the basic box of eight. I couldn't believe how cruel the world was to limit me from lavender, salmon, maize, and silver. I know it took some time, but I eventually managed to talk someone in my family into buying me the big box before the school said I could have it. I remember taking it into class and showing my friends. They all wanted to hold and color with my crayons. They begged me to sharpen any crayon even their own. I enjoyed sharing that moment of fascination as we tried sounding out the name on each crayon. The commotion this caused did not make the teacher smile. Instead, the crayons were placed in my bookbag to be sent home with a note reminding my mother to send a box of eight with me and keep the other at home. I guess the positive view was knowing that my friends were now informed about this supersized box. That night, everyone planned to ask for the big box. Some of them were lucky and got the big box too. Others could only dream about when that day would come for them. As for me, I continued to enjoy all of my options.

It is amazing that 26 years later, I still enjoy coloring. Now, I limit it to coloring on paper only. The color choices have expanded too. Crayola makes 120 colors now including inch worm, jazzberry jam, mango tango and wild blue yonder. They have even started retiring colors. Not surprisingly, they still sell those chubby 8 packs for the little ones. I still prefer the biggest box because I like having lots of choices. And nowadays, I don't worry about going to the bathroom to find the missing black crayon. It is always in the box now. But everytime I use it, I think about my grandmother and how important crayons were to her too.

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Him and He

I knew of him before I actually met him. I was told stories of him that made me giggle. I knew when I met him, I would always like him. The spirit within him was so positive and wonderful. I wondered if the warm smile that was worn by him everyday was carried through dreams and dark days, still shining brightly. Lucky for me, I was able to spend time with him. I happily listened to the words and knowledge of the teachings that came from him. I learned so much from him.

Last night I dreamed of him. The presence was clear, but the meaning was not. I wondered why I would be thinking of him now. Although I appreciate that time we shared, I wanted to know why I saw the face of him again.

He entered my life today with a smile. He had piercing eyes and threw off my every perspective. He came as such a surprise that was so refreshing. As he and I talked, I started to realize that very teachings of him were shared by he and I. I wanted to talk forever, but both he and I had places to be. He left with a goodbye, but in my within I know there is more to continue. On a cold day in February, he became my new friend, green smile and all.

Again, I wondered if it was the dream that led me here. So many things that rolled into place is still amazing to me. Either way, in the end, it was a very good day.


Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Added 3/29/05.....When we talked today, I told you about this. You are the "He" in this story.

Frustration

If you listen so quietly to my spirit, you will hear it softly ululating. The reason for this sad expression is attributed to the decisions of our commander in chief. Although my natural proclivity is to serve people and is something I share with the president, the very pathways we have chosen to achieve this are completely heading in opposite directions.

His trenchant decisions are supported by his belief that his focus will obviate circumstances at a more global level placing us in a stronger position within this world. I, on the other hand, feel like somewhere on this road to a better place, most of the people in this country were neglected.

As I look at his proposed budget, I just shake my head and wonder. Is he that out of touch? Can it be all about greed? As a parent, I would seriously wonder if there was a chemical dependency issue to even allow his brain to think these choices were ok. As social workers, can we charge him with neglect?

I wonder if the American people will be offered a candidate who will put our needs first next time. Is there someone out there who can understand the needs of everyday people? Can this someone be aggressive enough to speak out against those of greed and speak up for those in need?

My grandma once told me a story about long ago. She said in our culture, the chief was always the poorest person of the tribe. Any member that had a need would go to him and he would give what he had. The needs of his people were more important than his own. In return, the people took care of him and he was rich in respect and honor.

Today, it is not like this in society. Leaders want top dollar and perks. A CEO can make millions while one of the laborers in that company is earning minimum wage. There is no balance anymore and no honor or respect.

I understand that he needs to balance the budget. It is just not a need, but a responsibility to himself and the American people. My frustration stems from his priorities and who they truly serve. Does he even sincerely understand what some of these programs do? Or does he play some game of chance with each decision to cut or fund not realizing ramifications. Is he so tendentious, that he refuses to open his eyes to the reality that American people face everyday? Maybe someday, our chief will find his groundings and no longer importune us with selfish priorities and decisions. Maybe America will reach that place we all dream for.

I don't know the answers. I just know that sad feeling in my heart and the frustration in my head from being taught to know better. In the end, I think Grandma was right. You can see a chief from the outside in and in this case, it ain't pretty.

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

A Funny Joke

I found this joke online. It is called....

A Woman writes President Bush

Dear President Bush,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from you and understand why you would propose and support a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage. As you said, "in the eyes of God marriage is based between aman and a woman." I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination... End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but women always seem to take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there
'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev.21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or can it just be correctable to 20/20?

8 . Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though Lev. 19:27 expressly forbids this: How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Mrs. Smith



Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Living in 2005

You know you're living in 2005 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You go home after a long day at work you still answer the phone in a business manner.
7. You make phone calls from home, you accidentally dial "9" to get an outside line.
8. You've sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three different companies.
10. You learn about your redundancy on the 11 o'clock news.
11. Your boss doesn't have the ability to do your job.
12. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home.
13. Every commercial on television has a website at the bottom of the screen.
14. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
15. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
16. You start tilting your head sideways to smile.
17. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
18. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
19. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
20. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

I found this online and wanted to share. It just gave me the gigles at how much truth was in it for me. Life sure is changing.

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.