Being in the country means my internet connection is DSL. That is why it takes me so long to upload or download files, especially videos. Even this thirty second video took all afternoon to find its place in my computer.
It is frustrating, but I’m still happy I have something that connects me to people outside this house. It would be like going back to the stoneage if I couldn’t meet up with friends and family daily. Mail would be my only option and I don’t want to go back to that.
Anyway, here is the very short video I shot at Sissy’s yesterday. If you need a gift and don’t want to face a huge monster store, stop in and look around, but don’t forget your mask.
And please remember to check out my books and paintings, too.
watercolor pinspainted tilesMe at Sissy’s before the pandemic.
Now back to work on my next column collection: A New Addition 1982-1983. I’m only half-way through that book. Hopefully, it won’t take years to get it in print.
My 1980-1981 column collection is finished and is up on Kindle for purchase. The paperback will be in production as soon as I get my proof and check it over. I’m supposed to get my proof copy by next Tuesday.
Stories from these two years include three children: Robby, Becky, and Russell–Rachel came into the picture in 1982.
Here’s a romantic story form this book in honor of Valentine’s Day:
“Oh, Rats!” to those bats
August
5, 1981
He came out of the house. We sat by the
picnic table, a full moon above our heads. It was so romantic, a fragile
evening.
The work noises of the day had faded. I
was no longer overpowered by the roar of the tractor being tuned up near the
shop. It sat quietly nearby—in pieces—not to roar again until a needed part was
shipped in.
Birds swooped about the yard in silent
precision, eating hundreds of juicy insects. The sound of a muffled train
whistle sounded in the distance.
It was an evening all the money in the
world couldn’t buy. It was an evening worth waiting for, for weeks… for
months.
He whispered into my ear, “You’re
alone?”
I sighed, “Yes.” And thought,
“Oh Boy! Here it comes. Here comes one of his priceless romantic
statements.” (They are so priceless because they’re so rare. Anyway, it
had to be one the evening called for one; it yelled for one. And so did I, silently,
of course.)
So I waited and waited for the words that
were sure to come from his lips—words I would cherish for another five years,
until the next time, when he’d again stumble over another few.
“I’m surprised you’re sitting out
here like this,” he said.
“The night was made for it… for
us.” I thought a few words from me would help him spit out a good line.
“I’m just surprised. I know how much
you hate them,” he said with a yawn.
Somehow it wasn’t quite what I expected
him to say. I wanted romance. Instead I got a puzzle.
“What are you talking about? What do
I hate?” I had to ask, knowing his answer was sure to blow the evening for
good.
“Bats… you hate bats.”
“So?”
“Those happen to be bats flying
around the yard,” he said, calmly.
“Bats? No…. BATS? Are you
sure?” (Why I asked him if he was sure I don’t know. He’s always sure. And
with one more look up so was I.).
“BATS!!! I thought they were
birds.” I jumped up and ran to the house, my head tucked under my arms.
“Where are you going?” He
remained sitting on the bench, in the moonlight.
“IN!”
“But it’s such a nice night…. I
thought you knew they were bats. They weren’t hurting you.”
“They didn’t hurt me when I thought
they were birds. They might now that I know they’re bats.”
For a man who claims to love me so much,
he can be cruel. He stole away the night and the promise of romance, with one
word – “BATS!”
“Oh,
RATS!”
I hope you enjoyed the story I shared.
I also hope that you would consider buying this kindle book or the paperback when it comes out.
