Anybody need a pen?

I have previously confessed that I am a hoarder.  I admit it.  I’m not proud of it.  I am working to recover from it!  I would not consider my hoarding habit unhealthy like those who have rooms full of garbage they refuse to throw away.  Nor am I a compulsive shopper (well, maybe) in that I don’t shop every sale and purchase every two dollar T-shirt I run across with the intent to save them for a rainy day.  I just have a difficult time discarding things that may still have some use in them.  Here is a list of examples:

·         Towels and washcloths

·         Squeeze jars of ketchup, mustard, honey, lotion, dishwashing liquid, etc.

·         Running shoes

·         Writing utensils like those in the photo below.

 

 

The disturbing thing about the pens and pencils is, I don’t know where they come from and I seldom use any of them.  I like a good Sharpie once in a while, red pens come in handy for proofreading, and I have very specific preferences for the type of pen I use for handwriting checks, notes, and blog post ideas! Don’t be mistaken and think that the collection in the photo is really not that big. Those are only the pens I have in my kitchen – the ones I have placed in containers.  I have pens in drawers, nightstands, and purses.  I have pens in my lab, office and bathroom.  Pens in the car and pens in coat pockets. Occasionally I find pens in the washer and pens in the dryer.  That’s when I get really mad!

I am not sure from whence they come.  I know that I did not purchase all of them.  Perhaps I am a pen magnet.  Some arrive by way of my husband’s shirt pocket and I am grateful for those that land on the counter rather than in the laundry! Some must hitch a ride home from hotel rooms, doctor’s offices, and seminars.  Many jump into the free tote bags I pick up at race registrations.  Far be it from me to pass up a good pen, or a poor one, or even to discard one that might still contain a good drop of ink!

I’m going to do something rash today.  I am going to throw away some pens.  I will not gather them into like bundles and secure them with rubber bands as I have done in the past.  I promise to toss some without checking to see if they still write.  I am going to free myself from the pen clutter so I don’t have to think about them and store them and clean around them.  At least, that’s what I am going to do with my kitchen pen collection. I would hate to do anything too drastic!  I may need some of those other pens someday!

 

 



What my birthday taught me

They don't call me Granny for nothing. I've decided it's good to be older and here is why.

• The older you get the more people you know.
• The more people you know the more friends you have.
• The more friends you have the more presents you get!
• The more presents you get the more you smile.
• The more you smile the friendlier you feel.
• The friendlier you feel the more friends you make.
• The more friends you make the more ... presents you get!

Yes, I'm feeling a little spoiled today and that's just fine with me!

Seriously, though, the best part is knowing people are thinking of you.  It really makes a girl stop and count her blessings!

I feel like I could wear a tutu, too!

So many options ...

Where to begin?

I’m in a bit of a pickle.  I have several writing projects in various states of completion and some days I don’t know where to begin.  Should I put finishing touches on Edition II of Gold Pans and Iron Skillets?  It isn’t available for release until December 1. Should I work on the book cover to Milk Cans and Quilt Blocks (a companion to Gold Pans and Iron Skillets) or do more editing of this work?  Should I polish my novel or visit with a man about a cover design?  Then there is the one about pain.  That one is still in the first draft process and I am still a little scattered as to the layout.  Here is a hint about the content. Oh … and I have two blogs to nurture!

I can let all of these writing projects overwhelm me or I can look at is as a smorgasbord. I have so many options in front of me that surely there is something that will satisfy.  Unfortunately, I often go for the simple carbs and head right for the blog post.  It’s quick. It’s fun.  The rewards are immediate because I can check post views in real time to see who is reading my stuff.  Those other projects?  I should spend some time on them.  They promise to offer more lasting satisfaction.  But then there are promises and there are sure things.  I’m a chicken – I usually opt for the sure thing! 

Any suggestions? 

Steady, steady ...



The Idaho Falls on the Snake River

I had the opportunity to visit the Land of My Youth recently.  It was a fast and furious trip on a school bus.  The goal was to arrive in Idaho Falls, preview the state cross country race course, carbo load a bunch of teenagers, cheer them on as they ran 3.1 miles against the best runners in the state, then return home. 



LDS Temple on the far bank

Whenever I visit Eastern Idaho, I am reminded of my roots. I often want to stop the clock, use a Pause Button, if you will and simply reminisce. Life does not often afford that luxury, so I have learned to squeeze in what I can and daydream of more. On this occasion I managed a brief visit to the Snake River where it tumbles over the falls that the city is named after.  I listened to the roar of the water and gazed across at the LDS Temple on the far bank.  It is an icon that has been there as long as I can remember.  I felt a chill in the air as the wind hinted at a brewing storm. The river, the temple, and the wind all reminded me that even as things are ever changing, many things in life are steady and sure.  When I am buffeted by the winds of change, I try to hold fast to those things that are constant and true.  It seems to work for me.

What works for you?