Flash 55 Friday

Jackpot

I catch your eye across the room
You arch your left brow - I smile
and nod-like two thieves in the
night we wordlessly creep into
the kitchen. Fingers travel
lightly as we sort through the loot.
Candy bars, Tootsie rolls, Sweet Tarts,
and gumballs galore! Then...simultaneously
we reach for it: the Almond Joy......


Every year my husband and I scour the kids Halloween candy for Almond Joys. Sometimes we share, others it's every man for himself. What's funny is we never eat that candy bar at any other time of year, only Halloween. If you and yours will be "trick or treating" please be safe. Have a wonderful weekend........

And that is life.....

I received a phone call from my oldest at 11:00 that the leadership retreat had been cancelled because the camp was without power and water. The northwoods of Wisconsin was hit pretty hard and thousands are without power. So it's been rescheduled for next Thurs. through Sat. and due to obligations half the students can't go. He was bummed. When I picked him up from school I could tell by his attitude that he was disappointed and irritated at the weather. I've been there. Not too long ago everything conspired against me to make my life miserable. The weather was no exception. But I have learned that when you share your wisdom with teenagers they do not want to hear it. You can come off sounding condescending. So I just smiled and said, "Well, now you can help us with "Meals and More". So off we went to church. The free dinner was great, lots of people needing a hot meal still showed up despite the horrible winds and rain/snow showers. What was even more gratifying was seeing my three children helping out. Grace was helping with desserts and beverages, Sam with desserts, and Alex was dishing out applesauce. It's important in my mind that they know not everyone comes home to a hot meal, or has a warm bed, or really warm clothes. Even though we live in a small community the need is everywhere. A few years ago Alex and I served a meal at the Harmony House. He was helping me dish out potatoes when three young boys, thin, dirty faces, torn clothes, appeared for dinner. They were right around his age and later he told me that he never thought kids his age needed to go for a free hot meal. I also noticed he heaped their plates that night too. Be aware of your surroundings. Give what you have. In this dog eat dog world a kind gesture, or a kind word, can go a long way for someone. Before long Alex was laughing and having a good time at Meals and More. By the time he got home he had resolved the issue, it is what it is. We all realxed and I went to bed early for some much needed sleep. Lesson learned for all of us last night. When we get to feeling self-pity, or irritated with the world, it's important to step out of ourselves and think of others. What better way to sooth one's soul than to extend your hand to your fellow man.......

Ready, set, let go........

And he's off to camp. That sweet little boy who now has to lean down to hug his mother was up early and in the shower. He was excited and nervous, and probably getting annoyed with his mother who kept saying..."did you pack this? did you remember this?" Finally after one too many eye rolls I gave him a hug good-bye, shut my mouth, and turned him over to God. Letting go is not my strong-suit. I would prefer to hang on tightly. My own insecurities and fears were rising up all yesterday and so on my way to work I said a prayer and turned him over to God. I hope these next few days are just an awesome experience for him. The weather is not cooperating as wind gusts are up to 65 mph, cold, rainy and snow showers. Not that insane weather is uncommon in Wisconsin, I just have the typical mom syndrome of worrying that the bus will flip over on the way up to camp. I know, let go,let God, let go, let God......Grace and Sam had a great time at the pumpkin patch party. They looked so cute with their fake mustaches! This was the first time my husband had to take them, plus they took the three neighborhood kids too! This is open to the public as a community outreach, and free so it is heavily attended. My husband said it was crazy, and asked for an Excedrin when he came home :) Bible study was great, and tonight our group is sponsoring a free meal at our church. This is for anyone who wants/needs a hot meal with fellowship. We generally serve around 100 people. Despite the work it's a lot of fun. Then the week should slow down a bit. I would be lost without my higher power and AA. The tools for living have made it possible for me to live. I'm no longer a spectator but a major player. So let go, let God, and live life.......:)

Not fit for man nor beast......

That title fits the weather today. We are under a wind advisory this afternoon (55 MPH) or more and it's raining. Well I should say pelting due to the high winds. Not to mention snow showers for tomorrow night. This whole system is expected to run it's course over the next three days. Tomorrow Alex leaves for his leadership retreat at camp. They told us the weather doesn't matter. He's excited and nervous. I can always tell when he's not to sure about something. He tends to talk too fast and can't sit still. One of his classes is Narrative Description and as you can imagine it involves a lot of paper writing. I have offered on more than one occasion to give insight to his rough drafts but he usually says "no". Last night he approached me shyly and asked if I would give him some direction. We sat side by side and read, and reconstructed sentences, added and subtracted words etc. (in other words my BA in English came in handy). It was great to work together, and he accepted my suggestions and had many of his own ideas as well. Team work. In AA we always talk about how things go smoother when someone works with you. It's important to not feel that you are alone. I'm reading a book by Luci Swindoll entitled "I Married Adventure". She shares her journey of travel and adventure. At a very young age Luci discovered she never had to be alone. Even though she chose to not marry and follow her dreams of travel, singing, work etc. she knew the Lord was there to walk every step with her. She would never be alone. As I read further in the book I realized how she echoed the words of the AA program. Be true to yourself, live life as God would have you live it. For me that is sober. Right in the thick of things. Which I will be today as the house needs to be picked up, Grace and Sam have a Pumpkin Patch party to go to at their school tonight. They are dressing as Mario and Luigi. Thanks to Goodwill their costumes are adorable! I'm hosting bible study at my house, I have a spaghetti bake to make for "Meals and More" at our church tomorrow night, and Alex needs to pack and get ready for camp. I am amazed at how these full days no longer overwhelm me. How a drink isn't an option. Oh did I mention we are dog sitting for my girlfriend? Why not! The more the merrier :) I guess I would rather have a full house of chaos and laughter, than a neat, quiet, empty one. Live life to the fullest, that has become a reality thanks to my HP and the program of AA. Tuesday blessings.....