A Win

It should be a banana flavored – mmm – something. She could almost taste it. A walnut flavor in the concoction and maybe cinnamon? She stared into space, cupboard door open and spoon in hand. She took a sip of coffee, then another, then a long gulp. It had gone cold while she had been lost in thought and imagination. Pulling a mixing bowl to the counter, she dropped the spoon in it with a clang, emptied the cold coffee from her mug into the sink, and refilled it from the still-hot carafe.

What was she even thinking? It’s just that the year had been – well she didn’t want to think about what it had been. Hard; not a terribly descriptive word, but true. Long; another, because the year had behind it other not so great years. And now what would it accomplish for her to do this – little something – that had never held import to her? She sighed. She needed a win.

Did she even stand a chance in the bake-off?  Long-time residents and new townsfolk freely joined in competition of original recipes in the small town annual tradition. She never had. But this year she did because this year, for the first time, she cared. Maybe she cared because her sister had taken second place last year, her mother had been first for more years than she could count, and her grandma’s and great grandma’s names were still known for their grand prize concoctions. Or maybe somehow, somewhere in the ether of thought, the importance of carrying on tradition, of knowing – not just from stories, but from experience – the gratification of pride in one’s own effort caught her attention. Maybe she finally was willing to put some skin in the game, so to speak.

She bit her thumbnail as she paged through an old recipe book. She grabbed a few more, in addition to her Grandma’s recipe box, and moved to a comfy chair. An hour later she was deep in concentration and contentment as she blended her original combination. If a sample of the batter meant anything, her Boston Banana Cream Cake with coffee-flavored ganache could be a contender. A generous piece with a glass of milk assured her she was right. Now to make a duplicate for the weekend’s contest.

“I loooved your bake-off entry!” Ginny exclaimed on their way out of church the following Sunday.

“Thank you. Your chocolate coconut cookies were great.”

Stella came up behind them. “I don’t know how you all come up with your ideas. Congratulations on taking first place. And your first time, too!”

“You know she comes from a long line of winners, Stel.”

“Oh. That’s right! Must be in the genes.”

She smiled. “I don’t know about that.”

Later, she thought over the weekend’s success. Winning wasn’t in anyone’s genes, was it? Was it more determination or creativity or was it something else? Fate? God? She thought of her great grandmother’s life – a person she’d never met. Though she’d had a hard year, her great grandma had more than one hard year. Maybe many. If stories meant anything, the woman worked her fingers to the bone. But she somehow had found the will and time to enter a happy little bake-off and not only won, but taken home more than one grand prize over the years. Why did she enter? What would she have become in different times? And did the hard times create something in her that led to creativity and determination?

She got up and took a bite of her entry straight from the platter. Whatever it was, wherever it came from, she was grateful she’d made the effort. Proud, even. She’d take the win.

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Your Small Stone

There are times in life when attention on the wrong thing makes us unaware of the good things: sunshine we ignore because the meteorologist said we needed rain, the laughter of children because we needed to concentrate on a project, the fresh smell of dirt because we wanted clean fingernails instead, or the sound of a church singing Amazing Grace because someone was off pitch. So many treasures line our path, but we miss them because our earbuds are in and our eyes, well, they might as well be closed.

And yet it is those very things – the precious things we miss because we are so used to them or because they have become so much a part of our lives that we take them for granted – that we should, we must, hasten to value before they are gone. For they will go as surely as the mist over a lake rises and disappears in the next minute.

You don’t need to tell someone what you think, but it’s nice to have the choice, isn’t it? You don’t need to carry a gun or even want one, but it might be a valuable option when you come face to face with someone who’d as soon kill you as look at you. You don’t need to go to church, but . . . I’ll stop there. I think everyone benefits from being part of a church who reveres God and loves Jesus. But God is better than I. He doesn’t force anyone to do anything. Free will is one of His best things. And freedom is a treasure.

All I know is some people think its unfashionable to love their one nation under God. Every once in awhile someone argues themselves into not voting or maybe not caring. Maybe they think their action and effort doesn’t matter. Or perhaps they feel too important to do such a common man thing as voting. Maybe a passionate professor or friend convinced them the old fashioned ways of our country need an upgrade. I can’t say because I don’t know. But whatever prevents someone from doing even a small thing to fight for his country – well I’m glad it didn’t prevent David from picking up some small stones when he saw Goliath. Dear friend, there could come a day – maybe very very soon – when those treasures you didn’t know you had will disappear because of your apathy or arrogance. And then. Then. You will long for something you had, but failed to treasure.

https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2024/07/03/it-was-the-best-of-times-it-was-the/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2024/05/21/the-why/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2024/03/27/the-company-of-the-impossible/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2024/03/11/our-lives-our-fortunes-our-sacred-honor/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2023/08/14/the-power-of-old-words/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2023/08/01/the-heirloom/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2023/07/03/relearning-something-old/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2023/05/18/to-tell-the-truth/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2023/03/08/seeing-things/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2022/11/22/november-4-2020/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2022/11/07/the-precipice/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2022/05/22/the-importance-of-a-good-boat/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2022/03/14/weve-met-the-enemy-and-he-is-us/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2021/07/01/brave-words-by-brave-men/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2021/05/26/oh-i-remember-now/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2021/01/22/in-the-middle-of-the-muddle/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2020/12/30/the-strip-search-of-2020/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2020/11/06/stand/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2020/10/30/appeal-to-heaven/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2020/10/07/if-you-can-keep-it/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2020/08/18/great-must-be-good/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2020/05/06/guilty/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2020/04/29/were-not-gonna-take-it/ https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2020/03/14/time-for-a-speech/

Image: declaration_of_independence_2___getty.jpg

Everything I Ever Needed I Found At Fleet Farm

There’s a certain scent in hardware stores – not the perfumy enticement of a department store cosmetic counter, but rather a scent of sort of solid security suggesting all will be well. Likewise, Fleet Farm Supply. Fleet Farm offers more, though.

When I was a young boy, I’d head straight for the toy aisles at Christmas where I found the toy tractors and farm implements emblazoned in their catalogues. In springtime, I’d make a beeline for the cheeping sounds of chicks kept in a large trough under warming lights at the back of the store. As a young man, I found satisfactory clothes there and, when I was on my own, I bought the kind of food and drink a person can actually enjoy. Tools? For home and auto, just like an insurance commercial. Hunting and fishing supplies capped my needs. In fact, I’ve often thought everything I’ve ever needed can be found at the Fleet Farm.

Then one day tested that claim.

I’d been moseying through the aisles, stopping too long at fishing lures and probably not long enough at propane. It was because I was gazing at the new fishing lure in my hand, that I ran smack into a customer at the endcap. She nearly fell, but I caught her; and we stood there for a split second locking eyes and sizing each other up. It was uncomfortable and a little exciting at the same time. I’m not sure she felt the same way.

Ten minutes later, I checked out: fishing lure, trail mix, and Dr. Pepper. I’d just tossed my treasure into the backseat, when a voice addressed me. I bumped my head on the ceiling of my car, and, rubbing my head, straightened before I shut the door.

Why were you following me?

It was the customer I’d bumped into earlier.

Following you? I wasn’t following you.

She motioned in the air. And yet, here you are.

Maybe you were following me!

And maybe you are interested in birdfeeders, but I don’t think so.

It’s true. I’m not interested in bird feeders. Never have been.

I glanced at my watch.

It’s lunchtime. Join me?

It’s been twelve years. We have three kids, four dogs, go to church on Sundays, and keep each other content. And I just picked up another bird feeder at Fleet Farm.

**************

I started this story two months ago. And then my mom’s death stopped many of life’s activities, as it should. Maybe I’ll address it sometime. But I wanted to finish what I started. It’s not as long as it might have been. But I am becoming accustomed to accepting that things aren’t always, or even usually, as we might wish them.

*********************

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That Secret Space

That secret space;

The place I go alone to seek His face;

A quiet, questioning encounter in His safe embrace;

Silent, still, and list’ning there I go.

 

Music there;

Notes unknown and known play sweet and pure;

They float and fly above imagination without care;

Then rest and speak a language no one knows.

 

 

I linger long;

To understand wisdom that I thought gone;

His tender voice carries a message needed, soft and strong;

A molecule and mountain always there.

 

 

Original poetry by Connie Pease; Images: pexels-valiphotos-589816.jpg; lake-at-sunset-pexels-photo-248800.jpeg; bird-s-eye-photography-of-mountain-1624496.jpg

I Was Sure of It (conclusion)

I traveled ahead and then left as I was sure I should. At what I guessed was hour two, I stopped for a bottle of apple Snapple (it really is the best flavor) and sipped it in my truck as I considered my options. I didn’t care to return home since I’d invested time and gas at this point. Was I headed the right direction? I was so sure. Maybe I should say I had been so sure. The problem with being sure – very sure – is that unless the Good Lord, Himself, has told you, there’s a remote possibility you could be wrong, emphasis on remote. I hate to even admit it. I’m sure you can understand.

The sun was definitely high in the sky and trekking downward. Pulling into a gas station, I swallowed my pride, and inquired, then walked out the door to the sound of laughter a little too loud for my taste.

Anyway, that’s how I ended up spending the night in my truck under the stars, having turned myself completely around and reaching my destination after it closed. Fortunately, there was another auction nearby the following day, and I didn’t care to return home and risk a late arrival not to mention wear and tear on my truck. It was the first time I’d ever parked in the first space in a parking lot.

By the time I woke up and found a row of porta-potties, a few food trucks had begun to arrive. I have to say, my favorite thing about auctions, or anything else for that matter, is the food. I nourished myself with a bag of mini donuts and cup of coffee.

I was kind of glad I missed my intended auction and ended up at this one instead. It was a rowdy bunch and I met some interesting people, one who expressed interest in my truck. I know. Right?

As the day wore on, I was routinely outbid and came up empty. I figured I’d try one more time before I left, though by now the bids were for boxes of things unknown – kind of like a grab bag at a candy store. I got one! Actually two, since the woman taking my money shoved a second one at me for free. I think she was worn out. I paid the princely sum of $15.00 and took them to my truck to see if there was anything of value. They held some pictures taken around the 1920’s I guessed, an old set of encyclopedias, an interesting variety of electronics, and a few things I thought maybe I could sell on FBMP.

My friend arrived Monday to return my laptop. I invited her in and, after hearing about her research paper, I dug around in one of the auction boxes.

“Ah! Here it is,” I said, handing her a laptop. It was a Dell.

“I checked it out. It seems to be in good condition. Anyway, since I have one, I thought maybe you could use it.”

She nearly squeezed the breath out of me, and her expressions of thanks were nearly as rowdy as the auction had been. I started craving mini donuts.

I’m sitting here now, tapping the end table with the card the guy who was interested in my truck gave me. He wrote his phone number on it. Should I call him? I’m leaning toward what I’m sure should be yes. Maybe.

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I Was Sure of It

“No, no. It’s fine,” I said shoving my laptop into her hands.

“Are you sure? I can go to the library,” answered my friend.

“And we know how dependable those computers can be,” I replied, recalling the last time she’d done so and lost half of the research paper she had been working on leading to her being docked a grade for lateness.

“Go.” I insisted.

She went. That was two days ago. Her paper was due on Monday and I assumed she would get it back to me by then. Yes, I know what they say about assuming things, but she’s my friend.

Why doesn’t she have her own laptop? I don’t know. I figure being poor can do that to you. Because she is; not the kind of poor that qualifies for free stuff, but the kind of poor that is enough to make life inconvenient and slightly uncomfortable.

I was up early Saturday morning, plan in my head and truck keys in my hand. It was north – actually northeast – and I knew that if I traveled ahead and then left, I would reach the place within an hour. Maybe two. Maybe three. (Okay, so estimations have never been my forte, and let’s admit some vehicles are more dependable than others which, of course, makes a difference in times of arrival.) But of the direction and distance? I was sure of it.

So certain was I that I left without my watch, the band being uncomfortable, and a compass, because who uses a compass besides the military and orienteering buffs? (Oh yes. I had one. I displayed it on a small round end table along with an Adelaide Hurricane lamp and an old copy of A Message to Garcia. It was a gift I valued because of the giver, but never used.)

You’re thinking I should just GPS it on my phone. Of course you are. I agree, but I had dropped my phone in the community pool the day before while I was trying to find the link for my suit that a new acquaintance admired and asked for, and it was currently spending the day in a package of uncooked rice. (I have to admit my swimming suit is amazing.) No, I couldn’t map quest it on my laptop, which, as you’ll recall was in the possession of my friend.

Some people collect old pickups. Let’s just say they wouldn’t want mine. I started it and set out.

By hour two I was beginning to feel slightly unsettled. Feeling undone would come later.

to be continued . . .

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Let’s Talk

I had a 7th grade English teacher who was a favorite of everyone – well, most everyone. In addition to delivering some pretty solid teaching, she liked to have fun with the kids. One day she brought caramels (those individually wrapped Kraft caramel squares) to class so we could all enjoy one or two. One of the boys in the class had gotten braces the day before and it was her joke on him. In those days, most people enjoyed jokes, even if they were on them. He thought it was funny, she thought it was funny, we all laughed.

Sometimes people talk to the elderly like they’re small children. I suppose they get used to it, considering it’s probably a well-meaning effort to be kind. I hope no one ever talks to me that way.

People who are abusive can be downright mean in their comments. But they can also be silky smooth and convincing. It depends on what type of abuser they are.

In a war, opposing sides are not likely to be polite to each other. Each side is defending something or someone. Are demoralizing comments appropriate? What about name-calling? What about harsh answers that don’t turn away wrath? Is war a time to point out bad things about the opponent?

Most of us favor easy-listening speech. We cringe a bit at words that we don’t typically use, ourselves, although I’ve noticed that human nature sometimes prefers to ignore or even agree with ad hominem attacks rather than discussing the matter of argument. We’d rather repeat that attack than actually argue a valid point. Some people are suggesting yesterday’s assassination attempt could be the fault of the one who offends some folks with some pretty tough words. I thought of some crusty prophets who offended kings and I thought of Jesus who garnered the hate of plenty of people. Still does.

But it’s our responsibility to examine what situation someone’s words are used in. I don’t suppose a dentist has a bowl of caramels in the waiting room. And if you don’t understand that our nation (and world) is and has been in a war for a long time, a war to save a whole lot of people who are sold and sacrificed, a war to defend our nation’s freedoms, and a war of influence in which some folks are doing whatever they can to keep things from going kinetic, you might criticize words and phrases used more in war than, for instance, typical political speech. You would be wrong.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the . . .

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

When I first read the book, A Tale of Two Cities and later,The Scarlet Pimpernel, I hadn’t made the connection between the American Revolution and the French Revolution. In fact, although a school teacher may have thrown it out for consideration, I apparently didn’t catch it. Fortunately, those two classics made that connection for me.

Here we are this July 4th celebrating, as we do every year, the independence of our nation. Those American Patriots, French soldiers, and Native and African Americans making up the Continental Army fought some of their own countrymen: American Loyalists and Native and African Americans joining British soldiers. Imagine, if you will, disagreeing with your own countrymen over politics. And it didn’t happen over a year or two, or even four, but it was nearly nine years before the official end of the war.

It was an important disagreement.

That July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence from Great Britain wasn’t a sudden decision. Years of tension between our 13 colonies and King George reached an irrevocable conflict. Think of it: Being taxed for all printed material, i.e. newspapers, legal documents, and pamphlets; not to mention playing cards and dice! Methinks a boundary was overstepped with the Stamp Act. Then, something most of us recall – the tea tax (3 cents per pound) – led to the “enough’s enough” action of the Boston Tea Party. It wasn’t really a party. We should commend those early Americans for fighting for our independence. Republicanism was a new thought, and the effort succeeded. It occurs to me that we should borrow some of that “enough’s enough” attitude from our forefathers. Tea isn’t the only thing we’re taxed for now.

The interesting thing is that, with our revolution, revolutions all over the globe erupted. The French Revolution, of course, which we remember, in part, due to its morbid guillotine; but also the Haitian revolution. Brazil, Greece, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico all hopped on board the revolution train, seeking to replace monarchies with republics. Not democracies. Republics.

Are you seeing any similarities yet? It does seem, doesn’t it, that we are witnessing something akin to the upheaval from history over 200 years ago. The question for the United States for America, of course, is found in Benjamin Franklin’s famous answer to Elizabeth Willing Powel’s question on the final day of the Constitutional Convention: “Well, Doctor, what have we got? A republic or a monarchy?” to which he answered, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

A republic if your can keep it. God help us keep it.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. 1859. Published by Chapman and Hall; https://www.history.com/news/american-revolution-independence-movements; https://www.thecleverteacher.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-teaching-the-revolutionary-war/; https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-fmcc-boundless-worldhistory/chapter/the-south-american-revolutions/; https://www.prageru.com/video/the-difference-between-a-democracy-and-a-republic

Underneath

Underneath the rubble of a tempest through the night;

Downed, a giant tree that stood through many a windy day;

Tangled branches on one side, roots loosed its former height;

Tell passersby a story of a heavy price to pay.

It stood, the tree, for centuries a sentry and a friend;

And greeted friend and foe alike with equal, measured pace;

And those who passed received the shade its branches would extend;

And felt, somehow, of something more of beauty, love, and grace.

But storms must take what they demand: a messy sort of wage;

Yet what is seen is only half the picture – more a sheath;

For that unseen is buried deep beneath the stormy stage;

Life undeterred, a treasure, is the glory underneath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original poem: myfiresidechat.com; *https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pace: “The Latin word pace is a form of pax, meaning “peace” or “permission,” and when used sincerely the word does indeed suggest a desire for both.”; Images: pexels-jplenio-1118869.jpg; pexels-lindsey-k-846449-1731457.jpg; Acer_tataricum_twig-wikimedia-commons.jpg

Treasure in Jars of Clay