Sunday, October 31, 2010

Thinkin' about you

Hello!

My throat has been on fire for two days now. Not fun. That doesn't mean that I haven't been thinking about you, my loyal readers, though. ;-) It may be a grand delusion, but, it is nice to know that there are people "out there" that enjoy reading what I have to say. The stories in my head have been developing nicely, which means that they will be put on a Word document which means that they will find their way to you. That just sounded too cute in my head not to "pen" on this blog. In case any of you are wondering, no, I am not taking anything for the throat pain nor am I hopped up on anything. This is just a goofy side of me.

Also, I am feeling a bit like Sally at the end of "The Great Pumpkin". Trick or treating did not happen tonight because of this tonsilitis or strep throat or whatever it is. Instead, I promised David three bags of the candy of his choice when I am feeling up to driving him to the store. So, no mummy and no Cleopatra. :-( I did practice the make up though and it looked awesome (although a friend of mine said I looked like I had been in a fight).

On to more pleasant thoughts...
1) I have been filling up my mac-daddy ipod (no pun intended) with even more awesome music and I have been doing it for F-R-E-E. Free does not mean illegal either. If you want to know my trick, email me and I will tell you. It has already saved me (and my honey) a little over a thousand dollars. Seriously, it is legal so don't worry.
2) I have also been reading some "fanfiction" lately. My husband and I like the show Criminal Minds and over the summer I dreamed some pretty awesome episodes. One of my best friends used to write fanfiction in jr. high/high school and the dreams made me think of her. So, I looked up some various fanfictions and found that many of the writers are more talented than those that actually do the professional writing for various television shows. Have any of you read fanfiction or do any of you enjoy dabbling in it? I've given it a little thought and it may be something that I delve into.
3) It's always fun to get inspiration from favorite songs. I'm just sayin'. So, if you notice that I sample from song lyrics, it's only because I love them so much.

Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers, <--------- case in point!
- the ever thinking busy bee

Friday, October 29, 2010

To make you feel my love

One of my favorite songs of all time is "To Make You Feel My Love". It's lovely, thoughtful, slow, plaintive, introspective, and heartfelt. Totally random thought, but, it was just on my itunes so I thought that I'd give it a "shout out".

I've also been working on my story. Many of you are wanting to know "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, WOMAN?" It is coming, trust me. ;-) Seriously, could any of my stories be published? I'm asking with an honest and sincere heart. Feedback is greatly appreciated.

Have a great evening, ya'll.

- the busy bee

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Retro hair accomplished

This isn't earth shattering news or anything, but, I have accomplished retro hair. Yes, I did it without having to get the haircut. Through some research on the internet, I found that the layers I already have would work just fine. The only thing that I needed to do was roll my hair on some curlers. Well being the el cheapo that I am, I found a set of hot rollers at a thrift store for four dollars and snatched them up. Don't judge me! I thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the rollers and proceeded to use them. All I can say is WOWEE WOW WOW! I love it!

Now in search of some swing dance classes,

-your busy bee

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

What next?

Here is what happens next. It's part four if you are counting. ;-)



With Robby walking off in the direction of the train depot, I slowly opened the card in my hands. Folded neatly inside of the card were two pages of the same ecru colored linen paper that made up the envelope. The moonlight was not sufficient enough to read the letter. I ventured inside and prepared myself for whatever Robby Brown felt that he needed to say.

My Dearest Alissa,

I would like to thank you for one of the best weeks of my life. When my business brought me to this particular town, I would impatiently count the days until I returned home. In the past, your little town held no charms for me and I found it quite boring. Now, smooth your ruffled feathers and allow me to continue before you decide to toss this into a fire.

However, in my past visits, I had not met you. Our first meeting at the Magnolia was quite by chance. Your laughter caught my ear and I couldn’t help but to seek out the source of the infectious melody. What luck when I found it was you!

You were sitting at a table with Clyde Cobb, Garnett Samples, and one of her little sisters. Obviously something was causing you to giggle louder than anyone else in the group so I decided to introduce myself. Well, the rest as they say, is history.

Your company truly made this trip one of the most pleasant and unfortunately fast business ventures that I have ever experienced. I found myself actually dreading this day. How could I tell you goodbye? Please forgive me in not actually telling you in person.

This is where I can be reached should you decide to correspond with me. My mail is forwarded from this address, so, rest assured it will find me.
Robby Brown
c/o Carolyn Brown
16 Ponce deLeon Ave.
Saint Augustine, Florida 32084
I hope that you think of our week together with fondness or perhaps something a little more.

Sincerely yours. Forever always and never sometimes,
Robby

With that, I folded the note and placed it back into the envelope. This friendship was going to be very interesting to say the least. Who was Carolyn Brown? Did Robby have a wife? He didn’t wear a wedding band and there had been no tan line where one had previously been.

Sleep now beckoned and I answered the call. Knowing that sleeping in would be an option, I didn’t even bother to look at the clock beside my bed. The time didn’t matter.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Explanation

What the what? You may be asking yourself what the heck I am writing about. Well, as most of you know, my husband is a shrink. No comments from the peanut gallery please! hehehehehe I will admit that being married to a shrink comes in handy sometimes and at other times it is rather unnerving. One of the relaxation techniques that he uses is creating a world all of your own. For example, our son's world consists of bright colors, lots of clouds, candy and food everywhere, animals, and a giant rain forest. Pretty awesome for a seven year old, don't you agree? My world takes place in the 1940's. WWII hasn't happened yet (and it may not in my world). My world is in the South, most likely near Newnan/Grifffin, Georgia. The homes are beautiful, the manners are beautiful, and life is simple. Well, the other night while relaxing in an attempt to sleep, I went to "Alissa's World" and envisioned the scene that I am writing about. It does wonders for the creativity. ;-) Anyway, here is part two and three. Enjoy and comment, please.





It was time to get out of the tub and finish my glass of ice water. I quickly dressed in a cream-colored slip and red silk robe. Securing the robe around my waist, I decided to sit on the front porch for a little while.

The neighborhood was exceptionally quiet. Apparently I was the only one struggling with sleep. Normally when I sat on my porch I could hear the faint sounds emitting from a neighbor’s radio, or the irregular laughter of children playing in a nearby backyard. This time, the only noise was the rhythmic creak of the rocking chair as I rocked slowly enjoying the fragrance that was uniquely autumn.

I always enjoy the smell of autumn. While summer is my favorite season, it is intoxicating to wake early and feel the excitement in nature as it awaits the upcoming cool down. The men and boys make their preparations to hunt and the women begin to gather heavier quilts and clothing from the attic. Yes, this season has charms of it’s own I admit to myself.

Lost in thought, I failed to notice the footsteps quickly approaching. It was too late to retreat indoors. Maybe if I sat perfectly still in the shadow that my camellia bush cast, I would not be seen. Who could be out at this time? Certainly they were not up to anything good or decent. A mixture of fear and curiosity coursed through my body as I strained to see just who this was walking along the sidewalk.

My heart was beating loudly in my own ears and I recognized the shadowy figure as Robby Brown. What was he doing? Was he carrying something in his hand? Why was his pace slowing as he approached my home? Had he noticed me sitting there? If I retreated now, he would surely know that I had been spying.

I sighed and sat as still as possible as he deftly opened the gate leading to my walkway. He was carrying flowers and what appeared to be a card of some sort. I couldn’t help but to grin. They were my very favorite flower. How did Robby know? I couldn’t recall ever mentioning my favorite flower in any of our conversations over the last week. He was very observant, so, maybe it was all just a marvelous coincidence.

Robby did not even notice me sitting in the silence as he climbed the five stairs leading to my porch. Who was I kidding? Of course he noticed. The man was aware of everything. This was both infuriating and fascinating - I hadn’t made my mind up as to which emotion was stronger. Infuriating because no matter what I wore, he had to make a comment. “Well, aren’t we looking lovely today”, or “My, my, you are breathtaking in that shade of yellow”. How could a man, with no presumed female attachment, take notice of every single detail about me? This was the fascinating part. Where had Robby learned such things? Did he have a sister back home in Florida? A sweetheart? At the thought of Robby having a sweetheart, my heart sank just a little and I noticed my hands become clammy and moist. Slowly, I rubbed my palms over the skirt of my robe.

“Hello there, my precious. What luck to find you up at this late hour”, he smiled with an easy grin. “I was just stopping by on my way to the train station to leave you with a parting gift as a token of my appreciation for the company that you provided over the last week. Although I thought that a surprise on your doorstep would be exciting, I trust that you will accept my gift now. It would be nice to travel to Florida with your reaction etched firmly in my memory”.

“Well, the flowers are gorgeous. How did you know? I mean, I don’t think that I ever told you that sunflowers were my favorite. They aren’t even growing in my yard”.

Robby chuckled as he seated himself in the rocking chair beside mine. “I think I know you better than you know yourself”. This revelation made his hazel eyes sparkle with something that I had never seen before and the hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention.

“Know me better than I know myself? Please! I have lived in this body for the last ummm, well, forever, so I know myself better than you ever could”. That was close. A lady never tells her age and I had come ever so close to crossing that fine line between lady and something a little less than.

“Here is something else for you. I hope that you will take time to read it before tossing it carelessly in the trash heap”. Robby tentatively handed me the thick envelope with my name written on it in his bold, slashing hand.

“Of course! May I open it now”? I had never been good at waiting for presents at Christmas, birthdays, or at any time really. My hands were itching to rip into the linen envelope and read exactly what Robby Brown had to say before he left. After all, who knew when we would see one another again? Our first meeting had been by seemingly a random chance.

As I held the envelope in my hands, I found my excitement waning. Why couldn’t I rip into this piece of paper as I had done to countless, more elaborately wrapped gifts over the years?

Now, after a full week of daily interaction and interesting conversation he would be gone. As this realization sank in, I concluded that the real cause of my insomnia had absolutely nothing to do with the outside temperature or the condition of my pillow. It had everything to do with Robby’s departure and the uncertainty that we would ever see one another again.

“Penny for your thoughts”. Robby gently broke the awkward silence beginning to fill the void of our once easy conversation.

“Oh, nothing much. I guess I am just getting tired. It was a long day and an even longer night. Wouldn’t you agree? Thank you for the dancing and drinks this evening. Your stories, as always, took my mind on an adventure unlike any I could dare dream of going”, I smiled my very best smile at him.

“Liar. I told you that I could read faces and yours is telling me something totally different than that convoluted story you just made up. Now, how about the truth? Remember one of our very first conversations? You were attempting to be the sweet Southern lady and I saw right through that charade. Everything in your being wanted to question me about my family, my business, and exactly what it was that I was doing in your precious little town.” I felt more uneasy than I ever had around him but I didn’t want to let it show. Of course I remembered the things that Robby had mentioned. I was not a simpleton.

“Think about the truth. When you are ready to tell me, I have given you an address at which I can be reached. Write to me and show me that you are ready to be truthful with me at all times.”, His voiced trailed off as he reached across the small space separating us on the porch and held my hand firmly in his.

I wanted my hand to be free. I wanted to run inside, lock the door, and forget that Robby Brown ever existed. Fortunately, that didn’t happen and fortunately we can’t always get what we want. He kissed the back of my hand, checked his watch in the moonlight, and told me that he had to be on his way if he was going to make the train in time.

With that, Robby left as swiftly and as quietly as he had come.

Have a Coke and a smile!

Greetings!

I just wanted to announce a happy surprise. The Home Depot near my house sells Coca-Cola in the bottle. Yep, a real honest to goodness glass bottle...and it was in the cooler so it was frosty cold. Home Depot trips are normally hopelessly boring, but, finding Coke in a bottle made it happy. Ah yes, the simple things that amuse me.

Last night I had a wonderful time with my good friend, Cheryl. The original plan was to go to Party City and look at Cleopatra wigs, but, we altered course and had a blast just being spontaneous. Why a Cleopatra wig? Well, I am so glad that you asked! My son wants to be a mummy this year and I will be Cleopatra dutifully escorting him from home to home as we trick-or-treat. If I can't find the correct wig, I can just straighten my hair and pin my bangs under to give it that "walk like an Egyptian" look. ;-) The make up should be simple enough as well and fun to do.

I will go for now and post the other two sections of my story after a brief explanation of exactly what it is that I am doing. When I posted yesterday, it was an experiment. Oh well. Hope that the reading was enjoyable and I do like your feedback/comments. Thank you!

Much love!

-the busy bee

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Work in progress

The evening was unseasonably warm. By this point in October one usually needed a light quilt to sleep under while the windows remained opened. However on this evening, with the full moon brightly shining, no coverlet much less a quilt of any kind was needed.

It was well past midnight and I searched for that particular spot on my pillow. That one particular spot that is cool and comforting, ushering in peaceful slumber. My search was in vain; perhaps another bath would aid in my body reaching the point of not caring about the temperature of the pillow.

With purpose in my steps, I walked to the bathroom and turned the shiny knobs. A cool bath would be best, so, I did not bother to move the one marked “H” much at all. While the cast iron tub was filling, I decided to pour myself a glass of ice water. “Refreshment second only to Coca-Cola”, I thought to myself.

The tub was now ready and so was I. Lowering myself into the cool water, I took a deep breath as small goose bumps suddenly appeared on my arms. Maybe I hadn’t noticed the change in temperature but my body sure had taken notice. “It’s just like swimming in the creek. It’s just like swimming in the creek”, I repeated to myself getting used to the bath.

What a night it had been! The dancing was particularly lively down at the Magnolia and the entertainment even more so. Clyde Cobb and his group sang and everyone demanded an encore. The boys were gracious and obliged the club with three more songs. I had spent the evening with Robby Brown.

Robby was visiting from Florida. The stories he told were breathtaking. Alligators! Why would anyone decide to jump on the back of an alligator and hang on for dear life just to wrestle the animal into submission? When I asked him that very same question he smiled and whispered in my ear, “It’s practice for wrestling a woman into submission.” I knew that I had blushed. Hopefully Robby thought that it was because of the wine that I was drinking and not from what he had just whispered. At any rate, Robby Brown was a handsome man. To be honest, he was everything that I had hoped to find but none of the men around me ever quite fit the bill. All of my life my friends and family commented on how “picky” I am about the men that I date. Why should I lower my standards? Why should I accept just anyone’s offer of dinner, dancing, or a movie?

With those thoughts spiraling round and round in my head, I slid under the water.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Autobiography or work of fiction?

My, my it's been a while! Right at eight months since I have posted anything. So much has happened and changed in that small span of time. If you know the details, then you understand. About a month or two ago I saw a most interesting quote. It was, "A man's face is his autobiography. A woman's is her work of fiction." - Oscar Wilde. How to interpret this? Literally? Metaphorically?

As I pondered the statement I thought about how women use cosmetics to conceal any flaw, perceived or real. Men tend to be more "wash and wear" although I have met some men that use cosmetics. That being said, it would appear that a literal interpretation would be a little more difficult although somewhat obvious.

Often times women portray a "skin deep" beauty that quickly fades as the water disappears down the sink. I think that most of us have seen the magazine covers that "reveal" celebrities without make up. In many cases, most of us would not recognize the famous person. Is their beauty all just a grand work of fiction? Digital enhancements abound, and most everyday women feel less than pretty when looking in the mirror. Simply put, it's sad. I haven't even started on the cosmetic surgery aspect of it all and, honestly, I don't want to.

Now, what about the fact that for many years women were taught to hide their emotions and thoughts behind a demure smile and a mask of pure serenity? Would that not constitute a work of fiction as well? "Smile and look pretty" no matter what was going on in the heart or head, right? I am thankful to be a woman and I am thankful that I am able to let my emotions show on my face. Honestly I believe that even if my face were to be the picture of a peaceful lady, my eyes would betray any thoughts or feelings to the contrary. It was generally more accepted for a man to reveal the inner workings of his mind through facial expressions. I've always wondered exactly why that was. Who exactly made up that rule of society?

Although it is 2010, do any of us still live according to Mr. Wilde's theory? Certainly I am not discouraging cosmetics in any way, shape, or fashion. I LOVE make up. It's fun! I love to enhance what is already there, on myself and others. I do not believe that anyone should hide behind a mask of make up OR behind a mask that disallows the mind and heart to shine through.

So, those are some of my thoughts regarding a most interesting and observant statement. What do you think?

Fluttering around the house during this beautiful Autumn evening,

The busy bee