Snow Daze

After you make the snow angle and build a snow man and shovel off the walkway and dig out the car and eat a snow cone and change your clothes six times and track water all over the house and the kids are bored with the video games and the schools are closed and you are running out of milk and you’ve eaten too much and start opening the wine at noon because it is five o’clock somewhere and the dog has to pee and….

Well that is snow daze.

Cabin fever can make people crazy. Our normal run-around lives are marooned to a single location with people we occasionally see. We have to set priorities.

The first priority is getting out of bed. When you know you don’t have to go to work or even go out of the house, waking up and turning over becomes a chore. Unfortunately the dog still has to pee and the kids are already up eating all the cereal they can grab in front of the TV.

The second priority is taking out the dog. If you have a fenced in yard, you can open the door. Maybe the dog will come back inside without you constantly calling and letting in all the cold air. This priority may require getting dressed.

The third priority is finding something to entertain the kids. You can’t just tell them to go outside and play for they will freeze their tookus off or fall in a snowdrift and not be seen again until spring. Should always have a leftover Christmas surprise video game or movie. That will work for awhile until you can make that pot of coffee for you are not quite over that wine that you opened too early and come up with a backup plan.  If the kids are old enough they are already texting their friends and as long as you can recharge the batteries, you’re set.

The fourth priority is the wife. Sorry honey you really are my number one priority, but this is snow daze. Usually a nice soft chair, a warm blanket, a roaring fire and a good book will suffice. A kiss on the head and a warm cup of java to be quickly replaced with wine and she should be good for the day.

The fifth priority? Make several cups of coffee before deciding the next priority for it may be decisive to the success of sanity for the day. Don’t make this decision in haste for you will probably be wrong. You could check your emails from your girlfriends but that would be ignoring the family. As we all know, when we are isolated with our family, it is a family day. You could get dressed and shave but what for? You ain’t going nowhere. You could be the man of the house and go check the furnace but you’ll probably break something and then you will be in a mess. So you turn to the Internet.

Now not all families will follow these examples but going to the Internet will be in the top five choices to avoid boredom on a snow day. Your kids are already on sites you’ve never heard of or could figure out so still with the basics.

Email is one to catch up with an ongoing letter with other family members who are not stuck in your immediate location and get on your favorite social media sites to see videos and photos and silly political comments. Both can start conversations with your spouse and make the effort to communicate without constant interruptions and questions.

“Oh look, here is a photo of the Cuthin’s new baby in the snow suit. Isn’t that cute?” or “Come see the snow angle little Tommy and Sally made for Uncle Benny and Aunt Jane. Ewww, is that yellow snow they are eating?” or “Look at this video of the Seamon’s kid up the block sledding down the hill and running into the side of our car.” Oh what fun and entertainment can be shared and enjoyed by the whole family. Well, not the kids, they are doing their own thing. And be careful if you open that link your friend Bennie from accounting sent you. Your wife might not appreciate your goggling over hootchie coochie scantly clad young girls?

Which brings me to another point. When we get bored like this, we tend to read anything. The Internet is full of stuff to read and on a snow daze we tend to read this stuff.

First of all the news sites, trying to keep your attention on a day where nothing is happening because everything is closed down, will present faux news and silliness just to fill the space. What Kim Kardashian is wearing to the supermarket must be big news? Show some unpleasing photos of young movie stars who let themselves go after being famous and forgotten. Describe the slander and misconceptions thrown about to and from everyone.

What caught my eye today, being one of those miserable sad individuals who has nothing better to do than surf this nonsense, was an article about the drummer of the former band “The Doors” discussing his opinion on the politics of the day. What? What does the opinion of a 60’s band member have to do with anything? Why should I care what he thinks? Why would his opinion even be worthy of reading? Do we ask Keith Richards whom he is going to vote for? Do we ask what was Leadbelly’s political affiliation? Would knowing whether Justin Bieber is a democrat or a republican sway our political persuasions? Are we so impressionistic?

Then I scrolled down to another ‘story’ with a video asking the late David Bowie if he believed in God. What? There is a video so I guess it really happened that an interviewer could keep the subject to the relevance of his music and not dig into his private life. Should we put that question on a job application? Look what happened with John Lennon’s misinterpreted comment.

Does any of this fluff make us any wiser or fill the voids at cocktail parties? Has journalism gotten so wanton for eyes that they will report any silliness or foolishness to pass on as ‘news’? Are we so gullible to waste our time on this nonsense?

Sure we are. It is a snow daze, but fear not. Your dog will eat something after tearing up the pillows on the couch and barf all over your new rugs and you will use ‘that word’ when you try to clean it up and your kids will repeat ‘that word’ over and over again while they are trying to figure out how to clog up the toilet and your wife is reminding you that her glass is empty and you find the roof is leaking.

A Walk In Wonderland

After two days of snow, what some called a blizzard, I stepped outside to enjoy the beauty. A white blanket draped all the bushes and trees in sparkling jewels. The full sun already had clumps falling from the trees and the sickles were dripping.

It wasn’t that I had to go out. There was still plenty, actually more than enough grub to keep an army fed for a month, but I was out of beer.

Alcoholic? I don’t think so but it was an excuse to walk up to the nearest convenient store and replenish.

I had made this venture many times before by myself and with another. Today I was alone.

The depth of snow, they say, has broken the record books, but I found my footing. After several layers and a wool cap with a red dress pin on it, I found my way out to Mansland.

One gets a bit of cabin fever and stir crazy in isolation. Just a step outside can free the spirit and a walk can bring it back. So today’s adventure was to go find a couple of beers to watch the afternoon football with. No shoveling required.

Upon entering my inner sanctum I wondered why it was so dark. The constant light was still on but it felt darker and colder than usual, then  realized the skylights were covered in snow. I put out some critter grub I couldn’t before and they came a running. Al was please to have Owl TV on. I selected my bag and off I went into the unknown.

There were no footprints in the alley so this was the first exploration in this area. After kicking enough of the snow aside for the gate to squeeze open, I stepped out.

Up to my knee was how far my foot went until I felt something solid under it. It is not far to the street but lifting and pressing forward through the deep whiteness is a cardio workout.

“Maybe I’m too old for this?” I panted. “Suck it up and be a man. You can do this”, my inner self told me, so foolishly I continued.

The street had been scraped and there were a few cars out. Mostly folks walking dogs or pulling sleds ventured out in the cold. There must be a reason for each of these folks to leave the warm shelter into the arctic but everyone was friendly and conversational, as if we were all survivors.

I found a rut with some powder to get traction. The first slip reminded me to take it slow. Always have one foot on powder. Always!

I start on the go with the traffic side but realized I should be facing the traffic to see what was coming. When a car came close I step into the mound next to the road to let them pass. Of about the dozen cars that passed by most were traveling slow and responsibly, but a few were up to speed and talking on their phones like there was no snow at all.

My main goal is to get there and back without falling. Falling without someone else to pick you up was not a pleasant thought so I just ploddy-ploddy forward and took my time.

The sun was warm on my face so I’ll probably have sunburn. I was already sweating but it was a good workout. My breathing had calmed down to my pace and I was moving forward. The game was on.

I noticed stopped in the street ahead. Wasn’t sure if it was stuck or out of gas? Walking passed the driver who was standing in the roadway and I asked if he needed some help. “I’ve got a flat tire and a broken axel” he replied. “Sorry, I can’t help you. Good luck dude.” He smiled and I shuffled on.

A few couples were just out for a walk in the sunshine and seemed to appreciate the greeting of “It is a beautiful day.” The girl walking her dog got a comment directed at the dog of “Be careful pup. The snow is deeper than you are.” I was having fun.

Head down and semi-sliding block after block I had found my pace. A few cars passed and I wondered why they didn’t offer me a ride? I guess people don’t do that anymore. I wondered how the melting and refreezing would make the road tomorrow but I didn’t worry about it. Today was my adventure.

Upon the arrival at my destination after a brief climb over snow piles, I entered an empty store. Not totally empty for there was an attendant and the shelves seem full. “Have you been busy?” I asked and only got a mumble back. I walked directly to the beer case. It was pretty well stocked but what I wanted they didn’t have. I checked out the options available and had to make a decision. I had walked all this far not to go home empty handed.

I made my purchase and went outside to pack my bag for the long return. As usual all things do not end well. I struggled to get my pack off then tried to adjust the straps. Both processes seem comical and unsuccessful. I finally placed my rewards in the bag, zipped it up as tight as I could and held it by the handle. The cute girl texting in the truck at the front of the store probably enjoyed my silly dance.

The way home was just a reverse of the way I came. Few more folks out shoveling their cars out and walk ways. The broken down car was still there but the driver was gone. A guy walked passes and said, “Be careful, this is really slippery.” I replied, “Yes sir, I am well aware. You be safe too.”

Two more blocks and I were almost home. No traffic allowed me to cross against the red light. What was the golden rule? Always keep one foot on the powder.  Shifting the bag from side to side would hopefully not strain one arm or another but I’ll see tomorrow how old I really am.

I pause at the alley before entering the deep snow. I’d just walked about 3 miles carrying 18 beers and wanted to catch my breath before digging through the drifts. Panting as I met the gate, it was harder getting in than it was getting out.

The sense of accomplishment overwhelmed my tiredness as I pulled up to the folks seated at the table. Al told me “Everything is cool” as I cracked back into my football watching area. I turned on the heater and spread out some more food before a sweet taste of delight and a well-deserved seat. Phew!

After a few cans and a cool down period, I went back into the house to change the wet cloths for dry warmth radiating in my accomplishment. Tonight will be football and music and maybe a recording of another of life’s memories. Tomorrow will tell just how old I am and if it was a foolish venture.

How Are You Doing?

Do we really mean this? Do we really want to know?

No, I’m not saying we don’t care about you or your health, but that question opens the door to a wide array of maladies, ailments or dispositions you may be suffering and want to tell me about. Do we really want to hear about your ear infection?

No, I’m not being callous but our conversations, especially as we grow older, centers on our health. If we are not sick, we know someone who is sick or our children are sick or our pets are sick. Someone is always sick or ailing. It is just how our bodies work.

No, I’m not saying you need to suffer alone, for your friends and family and a few professional being paid very well, will come to see you and try to cheer you up and feel better. Is it pity or concern that it may happen to them? And when people do come to see you lay up and suffering they can only offer remedies they had tried or whom else they know with the same health issue. We will even come back when you have a hangover because we have all been there.

No, there is nothing more appalling than a sick child but children get sick. We have created a society where we send our kids everyday to spread their germs to each other. Schools, like hospitals, are great places to go to get an illness. Kids are fairly resilient but they like to bring their germs home and spread it among the other family members.

No, I’m not saying to be uncaring about the family’s pet’s problems, but they shoot horses don’t they. How big does the pet have to be to not be discarded in the trash?

No, I do not wish any plague or affliction on anyone but we all get sick. We all have those bumps and bruises and we all have those creaky pains. The medical and pharmaceutical companies are working hard to give us lots of test and supplements and procedures and potions to make us well again. And we pay good money to our health insurance providers to help cover the cost. It is an interesting game we play.

No, I’m not saying use yoga or some far-fetched homeopathic psychedelic remedy for what ails you. That bum knee will be there tomorrow. That bad back can’t be replaced. Those bumps and tears can be patched but will just come back somewhere else.

So why is this the favorite topic of conversation? Why do our health matters bring us closer together? Why is our health more important than talking about our successes or our loves or our passions or that interaction with an owl you had this morning?

I sure don’t know the answer so I’m maintain my silence and feel the empathy of others who will share their afflictions.  Maybe it just makes us who we are?

So Snow?

Yes my commonwealth of Virginia has turned into a state of emergency all because water is falling from the sky.

Well it is pretty water and there is nothing anyone can do about it but hunker down and enjoy your bread and milk. Oh there is one more thing you can do. Turn off the electronics and stare out the window at what this planet has to offer.

Like an intricate painting it can’t be hurried but can be enjoyed in all of its phases.

Personally I enjoy the snow. It changes the familiar to a winter wonderland. And tomorrow or whenever it stops I can trace the patterns of my yard buddies.

I wish well all those who have to be out in the weather coping with problems. I hope the best for those who must go to work or meet an appointment that has not been cancelled or require medical attention. I feel for those whose only shelter is under a bridge or a tree. I will enjoy the laughter of children and the antics of dogs in the white fluffy playground.

The massive about of food is starting to be cooked and will fill the house with warm smells of a feast that will last forever. Without need to leave the homestead can settle down and enjoy a different sort of day.

Hope everyone remains safe and warm. Enjoy a winter’s weekend with those you can tolerate being cooped up with for days on end.

And it is five o’clock somewhere.

Writing Letters In Your Head

The past couple of nights I’ve had trouble sleeping. Don’t know why but I toss and turn and get up and then go back and toss and turn some more. Nothing was bothering me but I just could relax and go to sleep. Maybe I hadn’t had enough to drink? Maybe I didn’t stay up too late? Maybe I was too hot or too cold?

Last night I was nodding off at the computer so I figured it was time to go to sleep. Normally I can lie down and nod off, but not last night. I may have gotten an upset tummy from a late night salad? I may have eaten too late? I may have…. Well, whatever it was I was not snoozing.

After two hours of maybe a quick nap or two, I got back up and started all over again. Read some boring stuff and after a half an hour, try again.

It was dark enough and quiet enough. The NPR broadcast was soothing classical music so I should have been drooling by now. Yet I couldn’t no matter how hard I tried.

As I lay there I tried to analysis what was keeping me awake? What was I doing that was different that the usual night?

I was lying on the same sheets and the same pillows and following the same routine with the same blanket. The shoes had been put in the same place and the glasses had been put in their case. So what was different?

I was thinking. That is not a new thing but usually I think about tomorrow goals or a quick review of today’s actions and then slumber time slips in to be followed by snoring and drooling.

I wasn’t just thinking. I was writing letters. I was writing letters in my dreams that was not sleeping.

Some say that dreams are your mind reorganizing your thoughts but this was different. I was writing letters in my dreams.

Letters, as I have previously written, were the only way to communicate to someone outside of vocal sounding. Letters was the way of giving another a thought or wishes or describes an occurrence to another who was not there. Thoughts had to be carefully phrased to get the message across and not too long to become bulky and expensive. Pen was put to paper and words were crafted to relay a message. The paper was sealed inside an envelope and mailed with the proper postage. The reply had to be awaited.

I say this because there was no email or Skype or Tweeting or texting or whatever is being used now. The telephone could also be used but it was expensive for long distance and was difficult to say the words without seeing the other’s facial reactions.

So last night with my eyes closed, I was writing letters. No salutations or exit signatures for thought no one else will ever hear, but I was just scribbling away in my head.

There was no spell check but I was just tapping out words and thoughts to people who I may have wanted to say these things but never have or did. I was having a running conversation with myself through these letters and it was keeping me awake.

Tonight I will stay up a little longer and have another beer or two and hope to get some shuteye. If not, I’ll just accept I need to get this out and wait for the next moment to nod off.

If you are sleeping and hear that little bell sound don’t worry. You Got Mail.

Where Are My Glasses?

They are not where they are supposed to be. They are not where I normally take them off. They are not any alternate spot I often use. What did I do with my glasses?

I only need a few things but my glasses are one of them. So when I got up early this morning and found them missing I wondered what I would have done with them. The case that is normally my first stop after standing up was open and empty. I went into the other room and they were not located on my printer where I place them when I pull on a sweatshirt. Where could they be?

I wandered around the house looking at normal stops and venturing into unusual places but no glasses found. I shook out the sheets and even opened a drawer trying to retrace my activities of the previous night.

I wore them to the store last night and didn’t change to my sunglasses as I usually do because it was already dark. I changed my clothes and listened to the president’s speech and the rebuttal and adjusted my glasses when I put on my headphones.

I didn’t think I went to bed too late but I did have a few extra beers than usual but don’t remember stumbling back inside. I did sleep a bit later than normal but woke without feeling fuzzy from a overdone night. So where are my glasses?

I have another pair but I had to solve this mystery. I am a devotee of habit and follow the same patterns and movements and paths at about the same time everyday. All the regulars were there. The toothpaste and brush were still in the dirty glass on the sink. The sweatshirt and sweaters were thrown over the chairs in the same places. The shoes and socks were in their appropriate place. So where were my glasses?

It was time to play Sherlock Holmes. Go to the places you would never normally place your glasses. Are they outside and you took them off and forgot? Are they in your pocket and you forgot? Did you not take them off and they were sitting on your face?

What?? Did I sleep wearing my glasses?

I look on the floor and there they are. They must have fallen off as I started snoring. Oh my, I did have a few too many last night?

No breaks or scratches and now I can see my way. The stars are all aligned and everything is back to normal.

Well as normal as I can make it. Mystery solved.

Going Out At Night

Don’t know what made me do it, but tonight I decided to ride. It is cold and dark but the traffic has thinned from the daytime so I might make my target and back again in one piece. That is the plan.

I can rationalize it was to get enough refreshments for the ‘state of the onion’ speech but that is pretty lame. I just wanted to get another beer.

So out I go into the darkness and the unknown. Though it was a familiar path I could see half of what is there in the sunshine. I hope that I won’t hit a shadow that is really a hole. May the God’s preserve me?

Houses that sit empty during the day are now lit up and mostly upstairs bedrooms. It is not that late but what am I to say?

The flashing lite strobes the way but it is out of habit that I know the path. I make it to my destination without incident and find tomorrows critter grub and tonight’s beverage of choice.

The next goal is to get home safe and sound.

Cold winds are subsiding but the temperature is dropping. Maybe it is the darkness or maybe it is just my toleration to the darkness?

My pony pulls me back into the pasture and there is still a half hour before the speech. I guess I made my journey without an unfortunate incident.

All good.

No Tomorrows

Today was a usual day. Let me rephrase that, it was a beautiful day. Sun shining and sixty degree temperatures with a steady breeze greeted my morning. A couple of cups of coffee and I was ready to roll. Couples walking or jogging or fathers strolling their children filled the streets. Pot holes filled with last night rain reflected the fluffy clouds that kept crossing the sun with shadows animating my pathway with shifting silhouettes. 

So the plan today was planned yesterday. Took a little longer riding due to the nice weather but it was the usual routine of ride to the store, pickup up some critter food, ride home in reverse, feed the yard, open the window and enjoy the show. Of course it is football playoffs so that is a given.

Yet this morning I heard about a guy whose wife had died and he realized she would have no more tomorrows and that was my theme for the day.

No matter how many calendars or day planners we purchase, there will be a day when there will be no more tomorrows. We can circle dates for birthdays or anniversaries or special events, but some day there will be no more tomorrows.

This theme doesn’t have to mean death. There are people who come through your life and may spend time with you and then someday leave. They will be memories but no more tomorrows.

I personally have taken down the calendar. I don’t wear a watch. I try to live minute-by-minute in the present and not look too far ahead. I do have plenty of yesterdays that continue to grow, but time will march along whether I’m here or not.

For some who have walked through your past may have tomorrows but you will never know. The ones that have no tomorrow no how we remember birthdays or anniversaries or passing’s but they will not get a slice of cake.

‘To Morrow’

I started on a journey about a year ago

to a little town called Morrow in the State of Ohio.
I've never been much of a traveler, and I really didn't know

that Morrow was the hardest place I'd ever try to go.

So I went down to the station for my ticket and applied

for tips regarding Morrow not expecting to guyed.
Said I, "My friend, I'd like to go to Morrow and return

no later than tomorrow for I haven't time to burn."

Said he to me, "Now let me see if I have heard you right.

You'd like to go to Morrow and return tomorrow night.
You should have gone to Morrow yesterday and back today

for the train that goes to Morrow is a mile upon its way.

If you had gone to Morrow yesterday now don't you see,

you could have gone to Morrow and returned today at three
For the train today to Morrow, if the schedule is right,

today it goes to Morrow and returns tomorrow night."

Said I, "My friend, it seems to me you're talking through your hat.

There is a town named Morrow on the line now tell me that."
"There is," said he, "but take me a quiet little tip.

To go from here to Morrow is a fourteen hour trip.

The train today to Morrow leaves today at eight thirty-five.

At half-past ten tomorrow is the time it should arrive.
So if from here to Morrow is a fourteen hour jump,

can you go today to Morrow and get back today, you chump?"

Said I, "I'd like to go to Morrow so can I go today

and get to Morrow by tonight if there is no delay?"
"Well, well," said he to me, "and I've got no more to say.

CAN YOU GET anywhere tomorrow and get back again today?"

Said I, "I guess you know it all but kindly let me say,

how can I get to Morrow if I leave this town today?"
Said he, "You cannot go to Morrow any more today

'cause the train that goes to Morrow is a mile upon its way."

I was so disappointed. I was mad enough to swear.

The train had gone to Morrow and had left me standing there.
HE HAD NO RIGHT in telling me that I was a-howling jay.

I could not go to Morrow so I guess in town I'll stay.

Or…

"All Tomorrow's Parties"

And what costume shall the poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties
A hand-me-down dress from who knows where
To all tomorrow's parties
And where will she go and what shall she do
When midnight comes around
She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown
And cry behind the door
And what costume shall the poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties
Why silks and linens of yesterday's gowns
To all tomorrow's parties
And what will she do with Thursday's rags When Monday comes around
She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown
And cry behind the door
And what costume shall the poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties
For Thursday's child is Sunday's clown
For whom none will go mourning
A blackened shroud, a hand-me-down gown
Of rags and silks, a costume
Fit for one who sits and cries
For all tomorrow's parties

You Say You Want A Resolution

It’s that time of year again.

Do you remember the resolutions you made last year? You can just copy and paste them into this year because you didn’t do them then and you won’t do them now.

We all have the things we would love to change about ourselves. Eat less bad stuff, exercise more, get more sleep, be nicer to strangers, etc. are all good and noble wishes but seem far from accomplishments.

The goal to better ourselves is a healthy aspiration for a to-do list, but… We really want to try and change our attitudes and bad habits, but… No matter how many gym bags and running shoes and odd appliances or personal trainers there will be cold weather and comfort food and late night movies.

We hibernate during the cold months and in the spring a few will try but will fail. We have the best intensions but daily distractions and interruptions persuade us to wander down the chips aisle instead.

Now don’t get down. We just are ill equipped to reach our dreams. We somehow seem to be able to get a job that will pay us enough to buy that new car and a washer/dryer unit and take a foreign vacation. We can break hearts with ease and fail to provide for our children. We can lose our hair and wear stretch pants without a second thought, but these are not our resolutions.

Maybe we should just get realistic and not be so worried about changing our habits but changing our outlook on life. Instead of buying a yoga pad we will never use perhaps we can spend some time volunteering at the local soup kitchen? Instead of trolling comments on political sites become activists and get involved in your preferences? Instead of posting cute pictures of kittens on the social media volunteer at a shelter or adopt? Instead of taking a luxury cruise maybe sponsor a refugee family?

They are your resolutions. Check them twice. Wouldn’t it be nice at the end of the year to celebrate your accomplishments?

Wanna Play A Game?

“Wanna play a game?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Life”

“The game of Life?”

“The game of Life.”

“Yes, I’ve heard of that. What are the rules?”

“There are no rules.”

“How do you know when you win?”

“You don’t win.”

“Then why play the game?”

“You don’t get a choice. It just happens.”

“When is the game over?”

“It can come at anytime.”

“Do I get a choice?”

“Yes and no. It is your decision.”

“What if I don’t like the cards?”

“You have to play the cards you get.”

“When does the game start?”

“That is the question.”

A Friend Has A Friend Who Is More Than A Friend

A beautiful Sunday morning with sunshine and a warm cup of coffee after a great night’s sleep. Doesn’t get any better.

The typical morning is to catch up on social media on current events, when I see this family selfie. Along with the family are two friends.

It just struck me strange and I don’t know why.

I’ve known both of these people since high school. One friend married friends of another friend right out of high school. The other friend was my other brother in high school. Lost track of both friends for years until the Internet reconnected us. Both had families and houses and lives and both lost spouses. That is about all I know about them.

Was I jealous? No, not really. Was I envious? Maybe just a bit. Was I happy for them? Absolutely.

Now I am only assuming things because they were together at a recent party and have posted statements on social media that indicate…. But what do I know? I can only speculate.

There are all kinds of friends. There are family friends and best friends and boy/girl friends. There are sports friends and movie friends and foodie friends. There are friends who attended your wedding and there are friends who help you move the body.

Friends come and go and some last forever.

I don’t know much about either of these friends but they still seem good people to me.

So if a friend has another friend who is more than a friend, all the best.

 

Help Me!

As in a fairly recent post, the term “Help Me!” refers to calling out to someone else who will assist you.

What if there is no one else?

In your final hours with all that science and medical knowledge can provide according to your insurance policy with all your friends and family and wishes and prayers from afar, you can only get so much ‘help’.

So why do we call out for others to ‘help’ us out of our frailties? Why can’t we help ourselves?

Does it always take someone else to show us the way?

Sure our parents are supposed to get us to a point where we can poop without spoiling ourselves and possibility teach us right from wrong but little more. Friends teach us confusing variables and teachers teach infinite possibilities.

No wonder we become so needy for assistance to normally perform basic life skills.

Whatever knowledge or skills or wisdom we can assemble must be used to deal with our life crisis. There are agencies and professions and organizations and mystic Sayers who will offer a prolificacy of solutions and paths for answers, but my question is why?

We come to a path in the road that splits. Which way do we go? Can we alone make a decision and take the chance to believe in ourselves?

“Help Me”

What is the “name” of that play?

Being one who does not associate with groups of people very often, I was a bit apprehensive at the year-end soiree at a friend’s house.

What I didn’t know was it was a play. It had to be because it was just too well written to just be a spontaneous gathering.

As I arrived the usual cast of characters were already on the stage. Some I recognized from previous plays and some were new.

I couldn’t find a program so I don’t know the “name” of this play but it seems to come around about this time of year.

Act One had already started as I found a spot to comfortably observe the action. There were small groups of character all around the stage, each with a different dialogue. Some looked serious but for the most part everyone was smiling. I could not hear all the interactions but noticed the flow of actors changing roles and forming new groups. The spotlight followed the constant attention of two children who could interrupt a scene just by appearing.

Intermission. With the theater become very warm from all the bodies, a trip to the bar and a step outside for a breather.

Act Two. Little did I know the second act would take place on a deck, and it was interactive? The audience and the actors all intermingled and exchanged place. The scripts turned to serious subject of love and relationships to a silly game of ‘Questions and Answers from a Stranger’. The soundtrack was cranked up and everyone started to dance. Perhaps his was a musical instead of a drama?

To my surprise, two of the lead characters were now to appear. And they brought a dog. As one shared good cheer the other introduced herself as “Susan”. Just as quickly, the play became a comedy. Now the stage was filled tight and there were lightning rounds of quips and laughter.

Just as it was getting to a climax it was time for my chariot to take me back to the woods. I didn’t hear any fireworks or see the curtain come down but it was well worth another ticket.

The distant sound of a firecracker and the last bullet, I welcomed another year with an empty chair.