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?

Call me “Scaredy Cat!”

I have this little problem with technology.  I am a bit afraid of it!  I don’t have a fear that I might push the wrong button and crash my computer.  I am afraid of undoing something I have already done. (I hate wasted effort and wasted money, although I am very good at wasting time.) I am deathly afraid of updates! My wireless printer is so very convenient, but it keeps giving me an “Updates Available” message and I keep ignoring it!  You see, I am also a creature of habit and I am reluctant to create change in my workspace.  Comfort – it might be my undoing.  Imagine my dismay when my oldest son who was visiting for the weekend walked by my printer, noticed the message, and touched the “OK” button!  I gave him a threatening look.  He just shook his head and walked off.  I have yet to discover if he broke anything.

When I had my first cell phone I was notorious for letting the battery get too low.  My husband would chastise me for not carrying my phone.  “Oh, I had it, but the battery was dead,” was my typical response. I enjoyed my first camera phone and clung to it for years. My last camera phone recently gave up the ghost.  When the screen died and I could no longer tell if it was OFF or ON or whether I was sending or receiving a text, I knew it was time for a new phone.  Did I mention I’m not good with change? The same oldest son convinced me to get an iPhone. I didn’t want to pay for the data package (wasted money?) nor was I crazy about learning to use something different.  I was also feeling a little guilty about the indulgence.

For the first few days I took some really great pictures, sent text messages easily, and added my contacts. (By the way – you may want to message me your phone number as I lost them all when the flip phone died.) I continued to feel guilty about the data package. I then determined to use the phone as it was made to be used.  It changed my life! It is a much better communicator than my old phone friend.  For instance, I had a meeting the other for which I was going to be a few minutes late.  Unfortunately, I did not have the individual’s phone number in my contacts, but she is a friend on Facebook.  I couldn’t send a text message, but I was able to send a Facebook message!  Problem solved.  Everything from Map my Run to the organization tools it offers is making things better for me.  I have scripture references at my fingertips and a stop watch I can actually see. My grocery list is now on my phone. Not to mention being able to Face Time with my grandkids!

Silly me.  What took me so long? I’m loving my new phone!

What good things have you embraced that you were previously afraid to face?

Friday Night Lights!

Ahh, football season!  I am not ignoring the fact that it is also cross country season (you can read about that on my other blog) but there is something special about being a fan and believing that you can actually influence the outcome of a game by the intensity with which you yell at the television!  We have a standing date with some football buddies.  If Boise State is playing, we will show up with snacks in hand. We will all yell for the Broncos, believing that we can help them to a win.  It must be true, because usually they do win.
Tonight is different.  The Broncos are off this week, but BYU and Utah State are going to battle it out.  Tonight could strain our friendship!  We are going to show up in our Aggie gear and yell for USU, while our friends will be cheering on BYU.  Okay, it won't really strain the relationship because we are all primarily Bronco fans and BSU will play both Utah State and BYU later in the season.  We will be united in our efforts to help the Broncos defeat both of those teams.
Tonight should be fun.  I am anxious to see how it plays out.

Idaho Sunsets

 

I know a blog is for writing, but I wanted to share my beautiful Idaho skies and too many words will only serve as a detraction. Enjoy!

 

 

These are only a few of the colorful sunsets we are blessed with in Southwest Idaho.  I hope you enjoyed the view!

Early morning emergency!

It is not unusual around my house to receive phone calls and front door visits at odd hours.  My husband serves as local clergy and sometimes he is needed when most folks are sleeping.  When these occasions arise, some very specific questions pop into my head.  “Who died? Where is the fire? Do I need to tag along?  Does he need a white shirt?”

This morning, long before sunup, our doorbell rang.  That is unusual because it’s a temperamental bell and only works if it is pushed just right.  My husband, an early riser, was already in the shower and I was enjoying the last minutes of my morning – sound asleep!  When the bell rang, the questions began.  Thankfully, the list was interrupted with the thought, “You are in your underwear.  Find something else to throw on before you answer the door!”  With that, I scrambled through the dark house to don a robe and get to the front door before the individual in dire need gave up and departed.  As I readied myself for any number of emergencies that were about to present themselves, I opened the door to see a young man of about 22 years of age standing on my front step.  In his hand he held a newspaper.

“I deliver your paper,” he began.   “And … I don’t know if you know it or not, but … your house was toilet papered!”

It begins.

What?  Nobody died? I thought for a moment I was experiencing one of my early morning dreams that were often disjointed and completely senseless. I think I may have shaken my head to clear the cobwebs. He waited, dutifully, for my response.

“Um … yes, thank you.  It’s Homecoming week.  It will probably be like this all week. We’ll just leave it, but … THANKS!”  In earlier years I would have responded with much more sarcasm!  Lucky for him I have mellowed some.

I returned to my bedchamber, heart racing, still confused as to why my sleep was interrupted.  In nearly twenty years of receiving the traditional Homecoming Week honor of toilet paper on my lawn and in my trees, there has never been a Good Samaritan that felt the need to wake me from my slumber and inform me of the damages to my property.  I am hoping it will take at least twenty more before another comes my way!

My newspaper is still waiting on the step along with some of the evidence!