LOL!

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I saw this online and I never expected the ending! It cracked me up. Enjoy.

Every morning, the CEO of a major bank in Manhattan went to the corner where a shoeshine man was always there.

He used to sit on the chair, read the Wall Street Journal, and the shoeshine man gave his shoes a shiny, great look.

One morning, the shoeshine man asks the CEO:
“What do you think of the stock market situation?”

The CEO arrogantly asks him:
“Why are you so interested in this subject?”

The shoeshine man replies:
“I have 20 million dollars deposited in your bank and I am thinking about investing part of the money in the stock market.”

The CEO of the bank asks:
“What is your name?”

He replies:
“John Smith H.”

The CEO arrives at the bank and asks the Manager of the Major Accounts Department:
“Do we have a customer named John Smith H.?”

He replies:
“We certainly do, sir! He is an extremely esteemed customer! He has 20 million dollars in his account.”

The CEO leaves the bank, approaches the shoeshine boy, and says:
“Mr. Smith, I would like to invite you to be our guest of honor at our board meeting next Monday and tell us your life story. I’m sure we will have a lot to learn from you.”

At the board meeting, the CEO introduces him to the board members:
“We all know Mr. Smith, who makes our shoes shine like no one else. But Mr. Smith is also our valued customer, with twenty million dollars in his account.

I invited him to tell us the story of his life. I’m sure we can learn a lot from him. Please, Mr. Smith, tell us your life story.”

Then, Mr. Smith began to narrate his story:
“I came to this country thirty years ago as a young immigrant from Eastern Europe and with an unpronounceable name. I left the ship penniless in my pocket.

The first thing I did was to change my name to Smith.

I was hungry and exhausted. I started to wander in search for a job, but without success.

Suddenly, I found a coin on the sidewalk. I bought some apples.

I had two options: eat the apples and quench my hunger or start a business. I sold the apples for 50 cents and bought more apples with the money.

When I started accumulating dollars, I managed to buy a set of used brushes and shoe polishes and started cleaning shoes.

I didn’t spend a dime on fun or clothes. I only bought bread and cheese to survive.

I saved penny by penny and after a while I bought a new set of brushes and shoe polishes in different shades and colors and increased my clientele.

I lived like a monk and saved every penny. I managed to buy a chair so that my customers could sit comfortably while I cleaned their shoes, which brought me more customers.

I didn’t spend a dime on the pleasures of life. I kept saving every penny.

A few years ago, when the corner shoeshine colleague decided to retire, I had already saved enough money to buy his point, which was a better place than mine.

Finally, 3 months ago, my drug dealer brother passed away and left me 20 million dollars.

How about that ending?!! 🤣🤣🤣

Cast Away

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I didn’t expect to like this movie starring Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt. At first glance, it was just another survival movie. A plane crashes and the survivor, Tom Hanks, has to learn to go it alone. Boring!

I watched expecting it to go the same way. He would have a hard time, and then would be rescued at some point in time. However, it took me by surprise as the movie progressed. He, Tom Hanks, goes through a physical and emotional transformation and it kept me captivated. I’ve watched this movie twice and I still LIKE it.

“I couldn’t even kill myself the way I wanted to. I had power over *nothing*. And that’s when this feeling came over me like a warm blanket. I knew, somehow, that I had to stay alive. Somehow, I had to keep breathing. Even though there was no reason to hope. And all my logic said that I would never see this place again. So that’s what I did. I stayed alive. I kept breathing. And one day my logic was proven all wrong because the tide came in, and gave me a sail. And now, here I am. I’m back in Memphis, talking to you.”

It was about survival but more so than that, it was also about not giving up. The rescue took four years and he survived 1,500 days on the deserted island before managing to escape on a man-made raft. The unopened package with angel wings saved his life. It gave him hope and it kept him going. Delivering the package gives him closure at the end and he is able to move on with his life.

I didn’t think I would like the movie but it proved me wrong. I walked away thinking that “never giving up” no matter how dire the circumstances speaks to all of us. It is a matter of survival.

The Meaning of Life?

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I’m still looking for the meaning of life. What is it? What does it mean? Is it important? These are some of the questions that I go through when contemplating the oft asked question, “What is the meaning of life?”

Once a wise man was asked what is the meaning of life? He replied, ‘Life itself has no meaning. Life is an opportunity to create a meaning.”

What do you think? Some truth to that assumption? I think life is what you make of it. You take what is handed to you, the good, the bad, the ugly, and make the best of it. It is not easy, it never is, but a certain mindset is needed to come out smelling like a rose after waddling in the mud with pigs!

The definition of life is up to you. It embraces your personal experiences and the values you hold dear to you. However, it also arises from the choices and values you choose to embrace. Perhaps, the most important concept is that your life matters and it has meaning so you move forward, learning as you go. Maybe, at some point you will learn the real meaning of life but then again maybe not!

So is life.

Daily writing prompt
What is the meaning of life?

LOL!

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A farmer stopped by a local mechanic shop…..

… to have his truck fixed.They thought it might have something to do with the transmission, so they couldn’t repair it while he waited.

He told the mechanics that he didn’t live far and would just walk home.On the way home, he stopped at a hardware store and bought a bucket and a gallon of paint. He then stopped by the feed store and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose.

However, struggling outside the store, he now had a problem.How to carry his purchases home.Whilst he was scratching his head, he was approached by a little old lady who told him she was lost.She asked, “can you tell me how to get to 1603 Mockingbird Lane?” The farmer said, ‘well, as a matter of fact, my farm is very close to this house. I would walk you there, but I can’t carry this lot.” The old lady suggested, “why don’t you do this? Put the can of paint in the bucket, carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm and carry the goose in the other hand.”

“Well, thank you very much.That works just fine,” he said, and proceeded to walk the old girl home.

On the way, he said, “let’s take my usual shortcut and go down this alley.We’ll be there in no time.” The little old lady looked him over cautiously and said, “I’m a lonely widow without a husband to defend me.How do I know that when we get in the alleyway, you won’t have your wicked way with me?”

The farmer said with some irritation, “holy smokes, lady, I’m carrying a bucket, a gallon of paint, two chickens and a goose. How in the world would I do that?”

The old lady said, “well, set the goose down, cover him with a bucket, put a can of paint on top of the bucket and I’ll hold the bloody chickens.”

🤣🤣🤣🤣

It Is What It Is

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This one gets my goat! When someone says this to you when you are trying to explain a problem to them and you hear this very dismissive phrase, it means either they are not interested or just couldn’t give a flying flip about your problem.

There are many words or phrases that irritate or annoy me but the aforementioned takes the cake as far as I’m concerned. My retort to this phrase is, “What do you mean by it is?!!” Nothing is as it seems and instead of being dismissive, it would be nice to have someone who gives you their undivided attention when faced with a problematic situation.

IT IS WHAT IT IS. The phrase is simply irritating not to mention annoying because someone, whoever it is, doesn’t want to engage, to show empathy, couldn’t care less, and they are telling you in a few words, accept it for what it is. There is nothing you can do about the situation. Throw in the towel and move on but in a more subtle way!

This is my pick for a phrase that annoys me. The other one is, “with all due respect.” You know what is coming after this one. Wait for the insult that usually follows or for some unsolicited advice! This one bothers me as well. There are lots more but I’m TRYING to be in a good mood today. Why? Don’t ask.

I’ve been spending time in the garden sniffing the roses, picking and setting them out to dry to make homemade potpourri. The garden is full of blooming roses right now and it’s a perfect time to shut out the negative thoughts and to drown in the glorious scents of vanilla and musk.

So irritating phrases BE GONE! I’ve got better things to do.

Daily writing prompt
What’s a word or phrase that annoys you?

The Perfect Road Trip?

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Hmm…I don’t do road trips anymore. Family road trips happened a long time ago when I was a young girl but later with my son, we flew to different destinations so there was not much planning for the trip except booking the flight and the hotels we stayed at.

Ok, since you asked I’ll give it a try. If I had to plan the perfect road trip, I would make sure that we would have a first-aid kit. It would be the first thing I would get ready. It would contain all the necessary items we would need in case of small accidents. Don’t ask me which kind, I’m just saying for unforeseen circumstances. I would also pack a small bag with water, a change of clothes, toilet paper and such.

Next, I would take the car to the service center and have it checked out. Tire pressure would be one thing, water the other, and whatever else the mechanic thinks is necessary for a trip. The air-conditioning needs to be working, in fact it’s a must in summer.

What else? I DON’T KNOW! It doesn’t matter, I’m not going on a road trip any time soon and my perfect “trip” would be tripping at home with all the amenities close by!

There you have it. Next question please….

Daily writing prompt
How do you plan the perfect road trip?

Falling Down!

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It wasn’t about taking a physical fall, it was more of an emotional one. I fell and I fell hard. It wasn’t just about a moment but two events in life showed me just how strong I was. One was the breakup of a marriage that had lasted many years and I had thought would last forever. I was in it for life but, unfortunately, he wasn’t.

The fall was a hard one, much harder than I expected. I was left gasping for air and thought I would never get back up again. I suffered several blows, all emotional ones. My trust in another human being was gone, one who had vowed to love and protect me. I couldn’t look at him the same way and there was no going back to what was or had been. We were on separate paths but we had a son who needed us and didn’t understand why mommy and daddy were going separate ways.

It took a long time but going within to where my strength resides helped me to forge a way forward. I had to keep going and that little boy I had brought into the world needed me more than ever before. Then I met the “angel” who came to rescue me from my misery. I viewed him with cautious eyes at first because I had placed a lock and key around my broken heart. He didn’t care, he told me he was in it for the long run. It took a long time but I started to believe in myself again and to see myself as being worthy, worthy of love and respect.

He left after a few years. His job on earth was done and I was left alone again, only this time, I knew that no matter what I was STRONG, stronger than I had been. I was no longer looking at life through rose-colored glasses but with clarity. I knew what I wanted and I started working towards that goal. It didn’t mean that I wouldn’t make the same mistakes again because I am drawn to the bad boy types. However, when it did happen again, this time around I took it as another lesson learned and looked for the patterns that had led me down the same road.

I am learning that whenever something bad happens, it is not the end of the world. It is a new beginning to learn, to pick yourself back up, to wipe the tears away, and to move forward knowing that you have what it takes to succeed the next time around. I’m not saying it is going to be easy, it never is, but it is doable because YOU are stronger than you think and much more capable of overcoming whatever life throws your way.

YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE!

Daily writing prompt
What’s a moment that made you realize you were stronger than you thought?

Amazing!

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Shiro and Gallahad are two cats who have moved into my place as temporary residents. They will be moving out in about two months but in the meantime, they are learning to cope with a new environment and it hasn’t been easy for all of us.

Shiro, the white Persian is a beauty and she knows it. She loves lovely scents, loves being a girl, but she also loves clean toilets! Some of her time is spent finding a clean litterbox and taking refuge in it! So, I have to clean her up twice a day. Gallahad, the British long-haired cat with the orange eyes is quiet and observes the world as it goes by. He looks menacing but is a sweetheart with a gentle way about him. They are brother and sister. I think he is the bigger brother and she, the younger sister. They watch out for each other.

A few weeks ago someone told me that cats are not humans. I agree they are not humans but it is incredible the human traits they possess and sometimes, they do one better than humans!

I observed this behavioral trait yesterday. Galli is always hungry. He is all about the food and he loves me because I’m his “food lady.” Whenever he gets hungry, he looks for me, rubs up against my leg, and purrs up a storm. Those love-filled orange eyes always get me and it did the same yesterday. We went downstairs and I got his favorite pack of food. Yes, they are spoiled rotten and now, they are into gourmet food! Anyway, I opened the pack and turned around to put it in his bowl when Shiro showed up. She was hungry as well. I emptied the food into Galli’s bowl. He headed towards it when Shiro cut in front and proceeded to eat from his bowl. I thought Galli would try to push her away but I watched in amazement as he stood right next to her and watched as she chomped away! He did not push, he did not shove, he just waited patiently.

After she had eaten, she placed a kiss on his cheek, he kissed her cheek back and then proceeded to eat what was left in the bowl. I was amazed at Galli’s behavior and the tenderness he showed his little sister. Just for being the little gentleman he is, he got an extra pack of food and a kiss on his forehead.

Animals have many layers to them. Some may see them as “just” animals and nothing more but if you observe them, you will see the subtle nuances that make them stand out, ones that make you look at them with different eyes as I did.

Walking

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This is a simple question to answer but lately it hasn’t been that easy. I would have said walking in nature brings me great joy but I’ve been taking a break from being out in nature because I have lots of other things going on right now.

Having a house means things can break when you least expect it and there is a saying that goes like this. When it rains, it pours! Exactly what is happening. The latest project or rather mishap is an electrical problem. I had a small fire in the kitchen and luckily I was home when it happened. I pulled the plug out of the socket and called an electrician. It takes a long time here before someone can show up. It could have been a short circuit according to Google! I would rather have a professional look at it and tell me everything is alright.

However, I did make it out to the fields today and it was gorgeous. The grass was knee-high and a bright striking emerald green. We’ve been having rain for the last few days and rain is in the forecast for today as well. Dark clouds were rolling in and the wind was picking up speed. I put in my walk, tanked up some energy, and got a smile back on my face as I walked home.

There are many simple pleasures that bring me joy. Walking is definitely one of them and Chachi, the little Macho, is the other. He is my sweetheart and just watching him as he goes about his day brings joy into my life.

Daily writing prompt
What’s a simple pleasure in life that brings you joy?

Legends of the Fall

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I’ve seen it three times and wouldn’t mind seeing it again! It is an epic historical film starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. If that’s not enough to get you curious, Julia Ormond and Brad Pitt do a marvelous job of playing out the parts of star-crossed lovers with a tragic ending.

Set in Montana, the film portrays sweeping landscapes along with themes of betrayal, history, love, nature, war, and tragedy. It also takes you on a journey of epic proportions when “forbidden love” steps in and keeps you captivated to the very end. I cried each time I saw this movie. It was powerful and it gets your emotional senses going. However, I like movies that do exactly that.

It had everything I like in a movie and Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins are fantastic in this movie as well. Add elements of racism, tragedy, family drama, forbidden love, and you’ve got one GOOD movie. In my book, at least.

If I could erase one movie from my memory and watch it again, this would be my definite pick. I watched it with a friend the last time and he found it boring. Hmm….that’s because he loves action movies and yours truly is steeped in romance and anything that gets the tear ducts working overtime!

Daily writing prompt
If you could erase one movie from your memory and watch it again for the first time, which one would it be?