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The Three Update

They are still here. Shiro, the white Persian, and her big brother Gallahad. I think they love it here. They have everything they need and throw in a maid at their beck and call, and life couldn’t be better for them. I’m learning about their personalities as well.

Shiro is the princess or so she thinks! She loves anything that smells sweet and wonderful but that doesn’t stop her from cavorting in the litter box! She uses that box about 10 times a day! A little much? Tell me about it. I’m the one with the scooper keeping things clean and some days it is exhausting. She is also the ringleader. The “macho” pants are on, she got them off Chachi and is wearing them with pride. The little Shiro is also a drama queen. If she doesn’t like something, she lets it be known. The meows kick in and she doesn’t stop until I say, “Enough!” Most days, she is my companion. What happened to Chachi? Well, he not only gave up his macho pants, he is content sleeping the day away and keeping his distance from her!

Galahad is the guy who is all about the food. His life revolves around food. The minute he sees me, his high-octane purring takes off. It is not because he is happy to see me or that he loves me, maybe a little of both, but because he sees “food” flashing past his eyes. You wouldn’t believe the number of kisses I get from Mr. Roly Poly. It stops when he has achieved his goal. Yes, he plays me like a well-worn fiddle! He has grown close to my heart and I will miss him royally.

Chachi is getting used to them. His world revolves around them now. Some days he has a hissy fit and on other days he watches them like a hawk. Galli is his best buddy. Shiro is his arch rival. He still shows his tiny teeth whenever he walks past her. Lately, he is reeling that in. Shiro is the smart one. She wants to take his place so she PRETENDS to like him. My poor little guy doesn’t stand a chance but I know that it will never happen. Replacing him is an impossible thing to do but he doesn’t know it. So he watches her and when she snuggles up to me, I hear a growl coming from the little guy.

Here’s the thing. They were supposed to go back to daddy, my son, at the end of this month. My son has moved in to his new apartment. It was a stressful time. It still is. He is doing his business trips as well. After the move, he was off to a city in Germany for a week. He is back now but off again next week for another week. I asked, “What happens when the cats get there and you have to be gone for a week or more?” He says, “I’ll ask a colleague to look after them.” Not sure about that but we’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. Now, I find out that the cats can only be there on the 15th of August because his dad has more important things to do!

I don’t mind watching over them. They are sweet and cute albeit a handful at times. Chachi loves the company and I’m getting used to their ways. However, I need a break so they need to go. I know that Chachi will miss them as well and he will be back to being the ONE and ONLY!

That’s one way of looking at it.

Have an amazing day.

Who Are We?

I would say we are shaped both by our experiences and by who we are. Experiences do much to shape our worldviews, how we see ourselves, and how we react to the world around us. Some of those experiences, especially the good ones do much in how we react to the people around us. Acceptance by our peers gives us the self-confidence to want more of the same. However, the bad experiences can take us on another route. It helps to diminish who we are and SOMETIMES accepting what is dished out shapes the person we are.

I think we are born a certain way. Those intrinsic qualities are there whether we like it or not. Good looks means you don’t have to work half as hard as someone who got the other end of the stick. People look up to you, they are willing to overlook mistakes and sometimes they bend over backwards to accommodate you and your idiosyncrasies. It is half the work. Someone who is less fortunate in that respect has an uphill battle and their worldviews and who they are is shaped by those experiences.

One source says, “Our inherent traits (“who we are”) from the lens through which we interpret the world, while our experiences provide the lessons and environments that mold those traits over time. It is a continuous loop of nature and nurture working together.”

Next question please…..

Daily writing prompt

Do you think we’re shaped more by our experiences or by who we are?

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The Loop

It’s that time of the year again. Time to take notice that you’ve been gone and another anniversary is staring me in the face. I was talking to the gardener yesterday and he mentioned that the roses are looking gorgeous this year.

I have roses of every color in the garden thanks to you. You not only sent me roses every chance you got so much so that the florist said, “You are a lucky one!” whenever they delivered those bouquets. The flowers have stopped coming. I do get some now and then but not to the degree when you were here. However, you made sure that I would never forget by planting all those rose bushes in the garden and each time I see them in bloom, I say “thank you.” Yesterday was no different. The heatwave is taking its toll on the plantlife but there is this one rosebush, it has big red gorgeous blooms, and it was gloriously in bloom. I told the gardener, “Mike planted those.” He said, “they are beautiful.” And they are.

Another year is rolling around. Yes, the memories are fading like they usually do with time. However, some stick around like it was only yesterday. The years haven’t dimmed the power they have to show me in 3D vividness like it had happened only yesterday. The shared laughter, the hugs, the kisses, and the caring. One memory comes to mind simply because I’m about to go through it again. This time around, I’ll be alone.

I needed a CT scan or was it a MRT. I had never had one before and I was claustrophobic to boot. I told you, I couldn’t do it. You said, “We’ll get through it.” When I walked into the room I was beside myself with anxiety and I kept whispering, “I don’t think I can do this.” You took one look at me and asked the radiologist, “Can I stay in the room?” He answered that the radiation wouldn’t be good for you. You grabbed my hand and without hesitation you said, “I’m staying.”

I remember you standing next to the machine, holding my hand as the machine went into action. Every time I moved, you whispered, “I’m here.” It took about 30 to 40 minutes and I made it through simply because you were there. You were that kind of man. Kind, gentle, and caring.

I’m sure you are doing just fine in heaven and probably giving the angels a run for the money! I know you are watching over me as well because you said you would. So each time I see a beautiful rose in bloom in the garden, I say “thank you.”

I also remember the songs you used to send me. Songs that told me how you felt, where you stood as far as the relationship, and what you thought of me. It was all so clear and there were no guessing games. Life was easy with you and I miss that. As another year rolls around, I want to share this song with you. It’s my turn now to bring flowers to your grave and to let you know how I feel.

I MISS YOU, ALWAYS WILL.

Thank you.

R.I.P

Need You Ask?

If I had to be an animal for a week, I would definitely choose to be Chachi! I love cats, not all cats but the ones I’ve had. They are the sweetest and gentlest of creatures and they show unconditional love.

I would like to experience life from Chachi’s perspective. What is it like for him? Is he loving his life? Is he unhappy and is there lack where he is concerned? I think he has a wonderful life. All his needs are met and he gets plenty of love. The only thing that was missing was companionship of his kind. He has that now. The two “cousins” Shiro and Gallahad came to visit, well it was more than a visit. They’ve been here for over three months! They are his best buddies now after much haggling, but they will be leaving soon and then he will be on his own again with just “mommy” for company. It will take time getting adjusted to the new reality again.

I would like to know what he thinks about or if he even thinks about anything for that matter. Do we underestimate how smart they are and do they have some kind of hidden powers that we are unaware of. I know that Chachi comes running whenever I’m sad and cuddles as if to say, “It is going to be alright.”

Most of all, I would like to know what he thinks of me. I think he LOVES me and I’m his world. I may be wrong but it would be worth finding out. Perhaps, I can also find out how to make his life better than it is now. FREEDOM?!! I know he would love to be out there running around like his girlfriend, Miss Ipanema. That girl is on the prowl every chance she gets! I say, “Dream on buddy!” It is not going to happen.

Daily writing prompt

If you had to be an animal for a week, which one would you be and why?

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Never-Ending Technology!

I really don’t know and I don’t care! Am I sounding grumpy these days? That’s because the heat is getting to me and I have another problem going but that is for another time.

I’m a tech klutz and I don’t like anything new especially when I’ve mastered what I need to know with the current technology. I hate it when they, the tech Gods, decide to add something new to the existing technology. My cry, “Why can’t you just leave it alone?!!!”

Time keeps moving and so does everything else. Technology is on the move and it is a never-ending cycle of “new stuff” to learn. I’m keeping an open mind but when something new shows up and it needs to be learned because otherwise I’m going to be left behind in the dust, so to speak, I rebel!

Let’s put it this way. I’m keeping up as best as I can so this question makes me want to scream, “Who CARES!” The tech gods do and those of you with tech savvy and know-how do as well, but as far as I am concerned, if it ain’t broke, leave it alone!

What’s a piece of technology you’re convinced will exist in 20 years? I’m sure most of them will but NOT in the way we know them now! They would have morphed and taken on a new life, much harder to grasp and more brain power needed to use them!

Daily writing prompt

What’s a piece of technology you’re convinced will exist in 20 years?

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LOL!

Donald Trump wanted to paint the White House. He called three contractors to ask for their quotes.

The Chinese man offered 3 million dollars. The European, 7 million. The Indian, 10 million.

Trump asked the Chinese man: “How did you quote 3 million dollars?” The Chinese man replied: “One million dollars for paint, one million dollars for labor, and one million dollars for profit.”

Trump asked the European. He replied: “3 million dollars in paint, 2 million in labor, and 2 million dollars in profit.”

Trump asked the Indian. He replied: “Four million for you. Three million for me. And we’ll give three million to the Chinese guy and ask him to do the painting.”

The Indian got the contract.

Smart guy and it’s all about the profit! 🤣🤣🤣

Hmm….

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I’ve read many books but I can’t pin down one book I’ve read more than any other. I go from book to book, once finished they either stay in my mind for a while or they escape to never never land!

Reading a book two or three times is not my thing. I used to have a book obsession but even then I never went back to the same book over and over again. Once read, it was imprinted on my mind if it was a good book and if not, I can’t remember what it was about!

Too hot for this bothersome question. So I’m not going to let it bother me! Next question please…..

Daily writing prompt

Which book have you read more than any other?

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Definitely!

Yes, I would say I am. I’m learning as I go along and it is a necessity to keep doing that. I don’t think that anyone can say that they’ve stopped learning because then life comes to a standstill. It is about learning, taking the lessons we learn along the way and putting it to good use.

I’ve learned how to be patient and it is a learned virtue. As a young child, it was a hard thing to do. It took time, effort, and practice to bide my time and not to let impatience rule the day! I am still learning. Letting go is another lesson that needs a lifetime to perfect. I’m better at it but nowhere close to letting it roll off my back like water off a duck’s back. I’m better at it now than I was a few years ago.

Accepting life’s nuances takes a lifelong to learn as well. Mostly, to accept what is dished out and to learn to go with the flow. I’m getting better at NOT looking at whatever comes along as the “end of the world” scenario but learning that this too shall pass and it usually does without too much stressing on my part.

My answer to the question is that I’m a lifelong learner. Just when I think I have a handle on something, along comes something else that I never expected!

So is life.

Daily writing prompt

Are you a lifelong learner?

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Writing

I’ve acquired many habits that have contributed to my well-being ever since I’ve been on this journey of self-improvement. I love walking, working out, meditating, relaxing, and taking time out for myself. However, if I have to pin down one habit that has improved my life the most, it would be writing.

Writing is something I do everyday. The WP prompts help me to vent, to bring forward what I’m thinking about, to bring forward things that bug me, and to think outside of the box. Some days I have lots to say and on other days nothing! It doesn’t matter, it is a way to bring forth all that is hidden deep within and a way to look at those issues more deeply.

Sometimes it helps to see them more clearly and at other times, I get solutions to rectify problems and to move forward with a clear path in mind. It is not always easy but it is better than doing nothing. Some days, I feel great after venting about something that has been bugging me and I hope that some of what I put out there helps someone else who is on the same path and struggling to find a path forward.

Writing has definitely worked to improve my life for the better. Life doesn’t seem as hard as it used to and I feel like I have a “friend” I can turn to when the clouds move in and dim the lights. This is one habit that I will keep on doing because it doesn’t cost anything, just time and thinking on my part. Both are doable and the rewards outweigh what I put into it.

Daily writing prompt

What’s one habit that has improved your life the most?

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The Hard Years

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It was hands down the time during the breakup of my marriage. I didn’t know “HARD” until then. I was caught between a rock and a hard place and there was no escaping the pain, the confusion, the insecurities, and the feelings of loneliness that followed.

The adulterous affair he had tore our marriage apart but I think it started way before that. Success got to his head and arrogance did the rest. The problem was I was still caught up in being his wife and mother to our little boy. I didn’t see it coming. When it did I was broken beyond belief. Should I walk away? Can we mend what was broken? What about trust? Can I ever trust him again? That last part gave me the answers to my other questions. I couldn’t and without trust we were going nowhere. Divorce was next on the line. It was a very painful time because I believed in forevers and “forever” was lying in pieces around my feet along with my broken heart.

The thing that got me through the ordeal was my little boy. I saw the pain every time he looked at us. His world was changing and he wanted it to remain the same. However, there was no going back. I became his rock in more ways than one. His father was off and running. Any woman was fair game and we were left on the backburner or rather as an afterthought.

I took on the role of mom and dad and I stood by my boy like a lioness guarding her cub. Did it lessen his pain? I don’t think so but it did help him to know that he was loved and no matter what I was there for him.

The “angel” walked in after that and slowly but surely, I learned to stand back up again. No, I wasn’t fully healed, that took a long time and I couldn’t love him like he wanted. Every time he got close, I shut the door behind me! The thing about him was that he had both feet in and wasn’t about to leave. He stayed until it was his time to go. He showed me there is better out there. The kind of love that doesn’t take you for granted, the kind of love that doesn’t buckle at the slight suggestion of a storm, and the kind of love that didn’t ask but was willing to give selflessly. The sad thing, I wasn’t ready to accept it at the time.

I call him “my angel” because I truly believe that he was sent in to help me find my way again. He got me through the “the hard years” and just when I was finding my feet again, he left. His job was done.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a chapter of your life you’d title “The Hard Years” — and what got you through it?

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