Write On

Where is the location of the best vacation you have ever taken? Maybe it was when you were a child and your parents took you to visit relatives in another state. Maybe it was a mission trip (vacation, ha!) when you were in college. It could be one you have taken as an adult, alone or with family. What made this time so special? New foods, location, comforts, new experiences? Write about it as though you are encouraging someone else to take the same vacation.

Do you have a favorite song? I was thinking about all of those fabulous songwriters last night. It takes a special way of thinking to come up with lyrics that move us, often more than the actual melody. I like reading lyrics, and often find them different from what my ears heard! Have you ever read the lines to the "Star-Spangled Banner"? We only sing the first verse at ball games, but the entire song tells a very emotional story by Francis Scott Key. As a writing prompt, think about songs that move you, then choose one to describe. Was it one you first heard during your first date? In a movie you love? A church hymn? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

I've been having a thought (actually, more than one!) about holiday traditions. Do you send out Christmas cards, or prefer to post a greeting on social media? Do you ignore all of the posts, skipping joyfully past them to get to the "meat" of "real" information? I spend a lot of time in the fall making my own Christmas cards to send to family and friends through "snail" mail. I like the idea of someone opening their physical mail box and receiving something besides a bill or junk mail. (Well, maybe they think my card is junk mail!) I usually include a "form" letter which shares family events and changes throughout the present year. Some of our family already know these things, but others live far away and aren't on social media.
I myself enjoy going to the mail box each and every day to check for cards. I love the variety, the sentiments, and catching up on others' lives. Please share your feelings/habits/expectations regarding this time-honored, but slowly fading tradition.

A writing prompt (or just a thinking prompt) for you: who do you contact when an unexpected blessing occurs in your life? I used to pick up the phone and call my mom immediately! She's moved on to Heaven, and I still talk to her, but it is different. It is difficult to speak with my dad, because he doesn't hear well. I do write him letters about it. I share everything with my husband, so he doesn't count in this instance. I call my sisters and other family members, then I post it to my friends and loved ones on FB. I like to share my joys more than my sorrows, because it just lifts me up so much more to think positively! I'd like to know who you share your joys with, if you care to share.

Here's another prompt for you: What were some of the types of discipline/punishment that your parents dealt to you for serious (or silly) things you did that broke their rules? I'm not trying to get into whether it was right or wrong, because all parents have different ways of dealing with things. Here are a few of my own experiences - please remember that I am 65 years old, so some of these were typical punishments of the time.
1. Grades below parent expectations: grounded from everything except church and school for the next nine weeks.
2. Late from a date - take off that amount of time on the next one. Say you're fifteen minutes late, you have to be 15 minutes early next time.
3. Sassing mom - a slap in the face from her
4. Swimming in the pond without permission and supervision - belt whacks on your behind!
5. Lying - belt whacks on your behind
6. Trouble at school - belt whacks on your behind
I don't really remember any more of these, because we toed the line most of the time. My brothers received more butt whacks than we girls. One of my sisters got more slaps from Mom. We also had to go get a switch sometimes, and that was awful. Mom used a flyswatter on by older brother once until the end came off. I do not remember what he did, but it was a scary situation to see her that angry with him. There were six of us, and I don't see how she was able to deal with us day in and day out! I'm anxious to read your responses. Please share and remember that we are not judging or commenting negatively on this post!

A new writing prompt for you (maybe morbid, maybe not): Have you ever been with someone who lay dying? Speak about your emotions, your physical senses, etc. I have only once been in the same room with a dying woman, my mother-in-love. She was surrounded by the family, as many as could crowd into her room. Others stood in the hallway or sat in the waiting room. All were with her in these last moments. There was a hush around us that was totally foreign to this family! We took turns holding her hand, and though she made no response, we all felt certain that she knew we were there. We said our goodbyes gently, and one of the grandsons used his stethoscope to ascertain her last heartbeats. Tears ran down faces, and many exhaled quietly, as we had been holding our breaths. Mom's body seemed to shrink as her soul left to be with Jesus. We all the relief that she was no longer held back by her 100 year old body, but could join her husband in Heaven. This woman is still with us in every one of her children, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She sparkles in their laughter and their pranks, revels in their achievements, and delights in their marriages and new births. We love and miss her every day, but are oh, so thankful that we had her for so long in our lives.

My son and his wife just returned from their honeymoon in Hawaii. They brought back some lovely souvenirs for myself and the rest of the family. This brought to mind souvenirs I have collected from various locations throughout my lifetime thus far. Some of my favorites cost nothing: rocks, shells, bottle caps, coasters, candy bar wrappers, etc. I've also purchased items (I'm not a total cheapskate!), such as my key chain made of green marble from Connemara, Ireland. I also have jewelry from a variety of places. What is your favorite souvenir, and where is it from? Why did you select that particular item, and do you still possess it? I'd like to hear from you.

I enjoy a bit of cooler weather, but this cold snap has got me bundled up inside! My favorite cold weather drink is, without a doubt, hot chocolate. I like mine rich and creamy, with a blob (not a dab) of whipped cream on top. If there is no whipped cream in the house, some marshmallows will do nicely! What is your favorite cold weather beverage? Spiced tea, coffee, or something else? Do you add anything else to "warm" up the drink? Describe your favorite to me - maybe I'll try it!