Intensely Mushroom (Part I……)

It all started with a mushroom Shelby noticed lying on the floor in front of the refrigerator. Must have fallen out as she was putting the groceries away she thought to herself but it puzzled her because the mushrooms she just brought home from the store were inside a blue Styrofoam tray and shrink wrapped. Picking it up she looked enquiringly at the mushroom then opened the fridge to put it back with the other mushrooms. Sure enough there was a vacant space in the container for the mushroom to fit but the packaging had not been disturbed. Now she was even more bewildered because she knew for certain she had not opened the mushrooms and taken one out then re-wrapped the package. This was quite disconcerting. Was Brodie messing with her she wondered, but at the same time she was sure she hadn’t left the kitchen after putting the groceries away, so he couldn’t have slipped in unnoticed to do this little deed.
Feeling sort of confused she decided on a cup of tea before determining what to have for lunch. A nice cup of green tea and a relax she felt sure would ease her mind. The TV was showing some sort of cooking show which didn’t grab her attention at the moment so she switched it to Matlock. Sometimes the old shows were a nice distraction. At some point in the next half hour she had decided to heat up a bowl of granny’s homemade broccoli soup. It was so good and with a slice of nice fresh bread and butter, it just hit the spot.
Still feeling a bit apprehensive about the situation she nevertheless decided to plan dinner. They were having guests for the evening meal and she planned to eat around seven. It was now twelve thirty so she had plenty of time. As she entered the kitchen what greeted her gave her a real start……….there on the floor in front of the refrigerator was one mushroom. She couldn’t believe her eyes, knowing full well she had put that mushroom away in the package inside the fridge. Feeling certain now Brodie was trying to have a bit of fun at her expense (even though she hadn’t heard even a hint of sound from the kitchen), Shelby began to plot how to get back at him. That mushroom was going to find its way into Brodie’s own private place.
She smiled, quite proud of her idea; for the time being she would return said mushroom to its rightful place to await opportunity for planting. It was time to start making dinner preparations.
Chopping, grating and mixing were the order of this afternoon as Shelby prepared ingredients for her dinner menu of stuffed peppers, breaded shrimp, bite-sized meatballs, nice fresh salad, baked potatoes along with brussel sprouts steamed then breaded with that special mixture to be finished up in the oven. A nice sauce for the meatballs would touch it all up. Dessert would be chocolate pudding, fresh fruit and whipped cream sprinkled with slivered almonds. Mmmmmm it was going to be so good; she could hardly wait to enjoy this meal with Brodie and their friends. They might watch a movie after dinner or play a game. She was looking forward to the evening.
Preparations had called for chopped mushrooms so Shelby had used all but one of the entire package, leaving the one behind for her own little caper. She smiled again as she thought about how she planned to get Brodie back for playing tricks on her and quickly headed for the bathroom to take care of some other required business.
She could hardly believe what she saw when she returned to the kitchen……..there right where she had found the mushroom before, lay one lone mushroom. She was beginning to get just a little annoyed with Brodie; as is sometimes said ‘a little bit goes a long way’ and she had almost enough of this little game. She picked up the mushroom knowing already that when she opened the fridge she would find the package empty. To the contrary, when she opened up the fridge she was speechless to find the package still containing the one mushroom she had left there for her own game. How had he managed to snaffle another mushroom from the bunch while she was making preparations? She couldn’t figure it out but would play along anyway.
Both mushrooms in hand, empty container in the garbage, Shelby was ready. Brodie must be around somewhere but she was sure she would be able to do this unbeknownst to him. When she found the room empty she quickly went to the drawer and placed the two mushrooms inside the garment lying on top. She arranged things so there were two neat little bumps showing, then quietly closed Brodie’s underwear drawer. With a smile and a ‘there-I-fixed-you smirk’ she returned to the living room to relax for a while before she had to make final dinner preparations.
Curiosity still gripped her as she wondered how he had managed to fool her like that and as a matter of fact she puzzled about just exactly where he was and how he had been avoiding her.
The telephone interrupted her thoughts. She went to answer and found Brodie on the other end of the line. Bewildered she asked “Where the heck are you and what’s going on?” He replied “I got up really early, didn’t want to wake you, went out for a drive and ended up with a flat tire; I had no spare and my phone was dead so I couldn’t call anyone. I have been out here in the country all day because at first I thought I would wait for someone to come by to ask for help. No one came so I had to walk. I walked forever it seemed but finally came to this farm. That’s where I am; just waiting for a tow truck.”
Mouth agape, Shelby dropped the phone………......

To be continued...............

(Writing Prompt - Write Well University April 16, 2011)

The Grand Phoenix (My Very Own Legend)

The dazzling mass streaked across the sky in a blaze of flaming color, to land atop the highest tree in our dimension. This beauty had come from a thousand years of placing care and love and courage with all who needed it. Anyone in the presence of this beautiful supernatural found themselves surrounded, protected and encouraged, as though someone held their hand and walked their every step with them, but most of all this experience was like a dream they would never truly be able to feel, touch or know for certain had really happened. Now this beauty, tired, weak from its years of tending and old from the years passing, was ready to renew itself with youth and opportunity to learn and serve again; ready to die to have that. Landing on the height of the palm tree, the amazing Phoenix waited as the sun warmed its place to flames, the winds fanned the fire and soon all that remained was ashes. From the ashes there appeared another dazzling mass of flaming color, a younger version of itself. Flapping its wings, renewing the fire it rose up from the flames, soaring into the sky on its way to serve the world once more. Done with their purpose the flames died, leaving not a trace of their existence in the tree. There was nothing to show what had happened except the beautiful supernatureal immortal being that had just flown away, its fiery color now among the clouds.

proud bird

stands amidst the flames
lived one thousand years
begs for peace and rest
willing to burn
to be young again, not tired
sun and wind are nature's way
giving and fanning the flames
when ash remains birth will dawn
legend to live on
The Phoenix

(Saturday Writing Prompt (WFSC) Jan 29, 2011)

Flowers and Crisp

Feel-good flowers and rhubard crisp for dessert.
(Complete with my sleeping Mocha)
I hope everyone had a nice Easter with lots of family and friends to be with and plenty of sunshine in your day! We didn't have a big Easter dinner and a houseful of people. We had a nice salad, rhubard crisp for dessert and the company of each other (and don't forget Mocha). It was great.
I do miss my family and especially when holidays come around.
The flowers were feel-good flowers from George because I was feeling down in the dumps when Aaron left for home. What a wonderful guy! I'm not quite sure what I did to deserve him but I am thankful for him every single day.

WOW

(The Hilton from our suite and Mount Shasta en route)
WOW it seems I haven't written in ages..........I always have good intentions but the good intentions don't always make it to this blank page.
Since I last wrote we have been on a road trip down to California, across to Las Vegas, up to Reno, then back home again. The weather in California was gloomy with pouring rain so outside activities were not in the cards. It was nice in Las Vegas though.............sunny and warm. Vegas has changed since I was there (probably 15 years ago) but still a 'happening place' if you call gambling and scurrying about on the street 'happening'. Don't know where everyone was going but crowds of people were certainly hurrying along the strip. The sidewalks at times were quite crowded. Reno on the other hand was very quiet; as quiet as it was two years ago when we were there; not a lot going on at all.
We were weary when we got home and both agreed there had been too much driving in too short a time but it was a nice time away together. Maybe our next road trip will involve more time and less driving.

Die in Each Other's Arms

The day has dawned bright, sun shining through sheers on the east bedroom window. At first flutter of your eyelid when sleep is being stepped on by morning, needing no coaxing, I am ready. I was ready as you slept and little known to you I was in charge then also. I watch as your eyes slowly try to focus on the sunlight. At first recognition I place a curtain between you and the sunshine; a curtain so dark and thick that only sheer delight can penetrate it. You have no delight; only despair. What has begun as a bright and sunny day for you, I have quickly transformed into a dreary hopeless time that you are forced to endure.

Knowing you must tend to your job and your day, you begrudgingly drag yourself over the bed's edge to place your unwilling feet on the carpet covering the room you don't want to leave. Five minutes pass as your thoughts meander about trying to figure out why you feel this way. Eventually you stand. It takes another five minutes for you to decide on your next move. You can't make a decision about whether to shower, get dressed without showering, or crawl back into bed, your first order of choice being the latter. All the while I hold your hand; urge you to do what it is you want most to do. I hold tight so there is no possibility you can ignore me.

You have somehow managed the decision to get dressed without taking a shower, pick up the clothes you wore yesterday and shuffle into them. They smell but I remind you that it doesn't matter; they will do just fine.

In the kitchen the choice between tea and coffee is so overwhelming you think perhaps you won't bother with either.........but you want a hot drink. You make coffee. You make tea. You pour coffee. You pour tea. You drink neither because you can't decide which it is you want. I ensure your indecision, making sure I remain in control.

You are expected at work today; you have many people counting on you. To get your lunch ready seems like a daunting task so you don't bother with any. You may have to go out for some fast comfort food for lunch. Knowing what is best for you I insist you do exactly that. Making lunch is too much bother and takes too much energy. You will do nicely at Wendy's or McDonalds.

It comes to mind during your lunch thoughts, not only have you not showered, you haven't even washed your face or brushed your teeth. I am quick to remind you it is immaterial and won't matter a hair if you don't bother with that today. There is always tomorrow for such tasks (never do today what you can put off until tomorrow, right?).......Good; glad we got that figured out.

Glen is coming downstairs. He reaches out to give you a hug but I urge you to back away. Why is he trying to interfere with our relationship anyway? You back away and look up into eyes that reflect the pain of estrangement. Glen doesn't understand what is happening and I don't encourage you to try explaining it to him in fact I like it better that he feels completely left out. Taking your hand we turn and walk away from him.

It will soon be time to be on your way to work. Work........it takes your attention away from me. I try to keep you engaged but when you get busy there are periods of time during which I lose control. It would be better if you stayed home today. I tell you that. Your only argument; "I have to go to work. I have already missed too much." Encouraged you have given me the opportunity to interject I gently remind you how tired you are and need to rest. It doesn't take much persuading. You slowly turn and head back toward your bedreoom. I notice the sunshine coming in through the kitchen window and quickly block it with one of those thick dark curtains as you pass by.

Still dressed you close the bedroom door and flop down on your bed. Soon there is a little knock on the door which I encourage you to ignore. The door opens; a young voice calls out "Mommy are you OK?" You reply that you don't feel well and won't be going to work today. There is no hug, no smile for the young voice who is concerned about you. I insist that you ignore that voice and close your eyes. Before long, dejected, she turns away, closing the door behind her. You grab a cover and pull it up over your head to cover the tears that are falling. Silly tears; I hate it when you cry.

You are in the deepest, darkest part of your world right now. I want to keep you there, away from your family, your friends, your life, convincing you I am the only friend you need and the only one who is able to help you figure out your life.

I am depression. Keep me to yourself and we will die in each other's arms.

I wrote this blog entry because I know first hand from years past what it's like to suffer alone with depression, afraid or unwilling to let anyone in and I know and have known many others in the same space. Wishing I knew how to help them, I try by being there and encourage them to seek outside guidance.

Thoughts For Japan

Disaster yet again; a most devastating earthquake and tsunami hits Japan.

I have no understanding of what it must be like to go through such a time; I can only try to imagine. What I know is that my heart goes out to the people of Japan who have had to bear this nightmare; the survivors; those who perished; those who are left behind to pick up the peices. The world for these people will never be the same; they will never forget this event in their life.

My prayers and thoughts are with Japan.

Gump

Forrest Gump has to be one of my all-time-favorite films. We just watched it once more a few days ago and I was engrossed all over again. The character of Forrest Gump reminds us all (and teaches some) about the realities of life. This character portrays (in an innocent way only the mentally challenged can) every single emotion given a label.
"My Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get." It was spoken with unparalleled innocence in a fashion only found in the character of Forrest Gump and portrayed by Tom Hanks, the two having become in my mind, synonymous; when I think of either the other comes to mind.

"Mama always said dying was a part of life. I sure wish it wasn't." This makes me want to reach out and hug him....and oh how I sure also wish dying wasn't a part of life. Even if the dying have moved on to a better place (I believe that's so) it's still so hard to say goodbye.

"Stupid is as stupid does."...........and so by their actions are they stupid who call others so.

"That's all I have to say about that."..........how to say it more simple, caring, honest and innocent I don't know.

"We was always taking long walks and we was always looking for a guy named Charlie." A young man like the character of Forrest Gump should not have been taken to war but many were and I'm sure many lost their lives.

"My mama always said you've got to put the past behind you before you can move on." He took everything his mama said literally, applied her advice to living his life and didn't grow bitter or seek revenge.

"Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them." His mama was his rock. I could weep at the loss an individual such as Gump would feel to lose her from his life.

"She got the cancer and died on Tuesday. I bought her a new hat with flowers on it. And that's all I have to say about that." Explanation enough. He didn't offer needless words to evoke sympathy from anyone even though his heart was broken with the loss of his mama.

There are so many quotes from this film; it's hard to choose just a few to comment on.

Forrest Gump came into my life because he was on my television screen in my own living room. He touched me in countless ways and wiggled his way right into my heart (along with his mama).