Today was Election Day.  As I stood in line this evening to vote, a thought came to mind that always hits me at election time . . . regardless of our rank and stature in life, our education and job description, our sex, age, race, religion, or other affiliation . . . we are all the same in this one instance.  We all have one vote.  We are all equal. 

I remember growing up and Mama and Daddy always taking us with them to the polls.  They wanted Richard and me to understand the importance.  They wanted us to see the value in voting.  Of course, there were times when Mama and Daddy would cancel each other out – you know, vote opposite – oh, dear!  But, that was OK.  They did their part and they participated in a tremendous feat.  THEY VOTED!

I have always always always voted first thing in the morning, but this election was different.  We decided to let everyone leave the office early to vote rather than having folks straggle in all morning.  It actually ended up being a good decision, as we had very little time loss from work (a good thing from an HR standpoint).  Friends I talked to waited for hours and hours.  

I, as it turned out, had a great little hour and a half visit this evening with a few kind and talkative strangers in the twilight and drizzle.  We didn’t talk about politics.  We laughed at everyone’s stories of their friends and families voting woes throughout the day, and we shared where we lived and worked.  We were corralled this way and that like cattle, and we giggled and cooed at babies in line with their parents.  The young man right in front of me said it was his first time to vote, and he was very excited.  I was happy to hear that.

In that spirit, I found the article below to really reflect what I and many others saw out there this evening while waiting to vote.   I hope you also VOTED and had a pleasant experience . . . regardless of the long wait or the yet to be determined results.

Just remember  . . . we are so incredibly blessed to be members of a society that allows ALL of it’s citizens to vote.  And, we are blessed with the many freedoms that allow us all to stand as one . . . even with different views. 

As for those that did not vote . . . you missed out on an historic day . . . and an opportunity to state your opinion and support your views.  I hope to not hear you complain one bit . . . if you do, I will simply ignore you!

Hope you all had a fantastic election day!  Now . . . we wait . . . C  

Voting-line camaraderie reflects ‘we’ spirit, expert says

(CNN) — In an election where accusations and acrimony were flung back and forth for months, a wave of calm and civility washed over millions of Americans who lined up to vote Tuesday.

“People were really overwhelmed in an amazed sort of way,” said Justin Sheets, a CNN iReport contributor who arrived at 5:45 a.m. to find 200 people in line at his polling station in Richmond, Virginia.

“There was a light-hearted crowd despite weather conditions, and no one was complaining. Everyone was excited to see the turnout. There’s a lot of collective energy that goes on.”

In a culture that emphasizes “me,” voting creates the sense of “we,” said Robert Cialdini, a psychology professor at Arizona State University who studies group behavior.

A long line to vote creates the sense that everyone is “all one here, united under the common identity. I think it created the sense of ‘we,’ not ‘me,’ ” Cialdini said. “Inside the boundaries of ‘we,’ people treat each other well.”

                          Usually when people are waiting at the checkout stand or in traffic even for a few minutes, tempers can flare or tense words and gestures can be exchanged. But while waiting in queues that extended several blocks in New York or wrapped around buildings in other cities, there was not much grumbling or complaining, according to other iReporters.

That’s due to a sense of specific purpose, said one expert.

“Voting is an expression to self,” said Kevin Lanning, psychology professor at Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University. “We’re Americans. We take pride in that. This is how we manifest our Americaness. This is an action in which people take pride. That pride and being crabby aren’t really compatible with each other.”

During Election Day, the short fuse is supplanted by congeniality.

“Voting is a realization of their social position of a citizen, as a person in a larger community,” said Shawn Rosenberg, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Irvine. “They’re performing a citizen role and a line isn’t an obstruction. It symbolizes their commitment to a larger role. It orients people in another way. They’re less selfish about it, and they’re taking more pleasure in being part of a larger group.”

And maybe that’s why people are engaging in random acts of kindness on Election Day, psychologists said.

People trolling for parking spaces at Atlanta, Georgia, polling stations were directed by other voters to available spots. At Sheets’ polling place in Richmond, morning voters waited in the rain, sharing umbrellas with strangers.

Before Election Day, the wait time for early voting was as long as eight hours in some areas. In North Carolina, strangers standing next to each other played games to pass the time, quizzing each other on their knowledge of the amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

“Everyone knew the Second Amendment, said Daniel Staten, a 20-year-old iReporter from North Carolina who voted early after a five-hour wait on Saturday. “It was kind of funny.”

Staten recalled that one woman got food orders and went to a nearby takeout restaurant to bring back food and soft drinks for those standing in line.

A long wait isn’t necessarily a deterrent, said Cialdini, who also wrote the book “Influence.” The longer the line, the more it validates people’s decision to vote.

“They indeed see a four- to five-hour wait; it’s validating of their intent to vote to recognize that so many people are willing to wait that long,” he said. “It gives them evidence that it’s the right thing to do. …The size of the wait may increase the willingness of people to stay on.”

The conversations and the camaraderie while waiting in line transcend partisanship, experts say.

“This whole concern about the divide, the red or blue, left or right, it is a real problem, but it’s not a necessary one,” Rosenberg said. “People operate under mutual respect and realize we’re all in the same boat.”

GOD’S MESSAGE TO WOMEN:  

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you.  

I chose the bone that protects man’s life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you. I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body.  

You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.  

You are my perfect angel. You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.  

Your eyes – don’t change them. Your lips – how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle to touch. I’ve caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I’ve held your heart close to mine.  

Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you: my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support.  

You are special because you are the extension of me. Man represents my image – woman, my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God.  

So man, treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.  

Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self. 

***

 I stole this, by this way . . . it just spoke to me.  C

Thanksgiving is certainly a time to be thankful.  And, I am truly thankful.  I am so blessed that it is ridiculous at times.  But, at times – and, too often times – I forget that.  But, at times like this (as in these last few days at home with my family) . . . I am thankful beyond imagination.  Short blog  . . . and, to the point, I suppose?  I am tired, so that is all I have for now.  I really need to write more, as this was the intent of creating this blog in the first place?  But, I guess I will get there eventually.  Bear with? 

. . . I sat and watched the Boston Red Sox WIN their Second World Series in Four Frickin’ Years!!!  Boooyah!!!!

Yeah, it was fun . . . even as I stayed up late knowing I had an early meeting . . . I couldn’t help myself, K???  So, what – you may ask – would a Southern gal be doing watching this game???  OK, so I am not so into sports, but I do know when to watch a clincher.  I have actually made that a sport in itself, and I am quite good at it.  Besides, I had nothing better to do, right?  OK, well I didn’t.   But, I must say my time was well spent. 

Seeing as how I never watch live TV (I LOVE TIVO!!!), I figured I would kill the quiet idle time and humor myself.  I am not much into sports on TV.  I prefer live games or events, but I never get to any of those.  I figured I would head down to the hotel restaurant and order dinner and then head back to the room.  I knew the game was on, and I thought I would catch it while there.  They did have really nice large plasma screens, I had noticed, when checking in    .  I enjoyed a nice meal and paid.  Then, after dinner, I headed back to the room to watch the rest of the game. 

As I sat there, wondering why on earth am I watching this game??? . . . I got it all over again.  It is what I do.  I wait til the end of the series, and I dive in with enthusiasm to see who will win!!!  Yeahhhh!!!  I saw that game . . . when who-and-such-whatsthatteamsname??? won!!!  Yeah, that was awesome!!!

Maybe I should go back in time a bit.  I remember being at Erskine when the Atlanta Braves were in the World Series that whateveryearitwas.  GREAT!!!  I watched each and every game that year with about 20 other friends.  Good times.  Baseball.  Yada yada yada . . . then, they lost.  Had it not been for the Naked Braves Fans that year, I would have likely gone to Atlanta myself and commenced upon a second burning all by my little ‘ol self.  Honestly, it really stunk to go that far watching all of that and seeing them lose.

But, after I graduated, they went to the series again.  I boycotted . . . not publically, of course, but in my very own little way . . . I said “I am having none of that nonsense!!!”.  Then, I went to a Halloween party, and I saw this big crowd yelling.  I said to myself, “Self, what ARE those people so excited about”???  So, I made my way over to the Big Screen to sneak a look.  Right then and there . . . the Braves were in the World Series, and they were winning!!!  Oh, Dear!!!  I could not bear to part now . . . This is exciting!!!  So, as I joined in on the screaming and jumping . . . for about 14 minutes . . . I, myself, amongst witches and werewolves and movie stars, watched the Atlanta Braves WIN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!  FINALLY!!!!  It was awesome!!!  OK, guilty as charged . . . I was pleased!

I will in no way shape form or fashion ever pretend to be an oh-i-am-soooooo-into-sports-kinda-gal!  As if!!!  But, I do love a good nail-biter!  And, the boy next door has been gushing for days, so I just had to see what all the fuss was about.  It doesn’t take long to catch on!!!

I sat there in my little triangular space, being as it was my first stay in a round hotel (well, a round anything, for that matter), and I was finding it interesting that the bed was angled as such and the light switch was over there . . . and, then I saw the light!!!  Clarification, I saw not just the light switch in a very odd place, mind you, but the light that was all around.

Those Boston Red Sox fans are out of their frickin’ minds!!!  And, they are FUN!!!  I was so into it . . . and, it was a great game.  Then, the time came . . . and, BOSTON WON!!!  OH, MY!!!  I was actually clapping my hands and had to stifle a yell (so as not to startle any guests)!!!

So, I can say I saw Boston win the 2007 World Series.  I saw the last one, too, actually . . . as I said . . . I usually tune in to the great games.  I watched them break that curse for all of the old fans – granpas and daddys and uncles -  and, I watched them win again for the fans now and those to grow up saying “I witnessed the greatest comeback of all time!!!”   I have been following a lot of the news, because it is so exciting, and I stumbled across a video I thought I would share . . . I hope you enjoy. 

No, the video is not about baseball, really.  But, it does star Jonathan Papelbon in the Rolling Rally on a flat-bed truck (see, this country girl knows what is high-class!!!) with the Dropkick Murphy’s!  These are great little flicks from CNN . . .

http://www.boston.com/partners/worldnow/nesn.html?catID=80767&clipid=1882357&autoStart=true&mute=false&c..true

 . . . even if you are not in to baseball, like me, you can still enjoy the afterparty with the Papelbon flics!!!  That boy is nuts!!!  WOOT WOOT!!!  I had the pleasure of going to Boston with Mama a few years ago, and we loved the town.  I really want to go back . . . not just for the SOX, but to go.  Now, I think I am officially a fan from here on out, too!!! 

GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Period.

C 

On Saturday, I had the joy of going to yet another Amazing Highland Gathering, but this was my first one in Charleston.  I love to go to at least one every year, and this one was a blast!  

When I had the pleasure of going to Scotland and Ireland a couple of years ago, with Mama in tow, we both loved it so.  I love the culture.  I love the land.  I love the people.  The Gaelic people, if you will.  And, I have such a heart for that culture, land, and people.    

Yes, I am, as so many of us are, of Scottish and Irish descent.  And, proudly so . . . indeed.  To go to gatherings is like going home to me.  I felt the same way when in Scotland and Ireland.  Honestly.  I just feel at home there.    

First of all, I love driving up and hearing the pipes piping and drums drumming . . . tuning their instruments and practicing their stance.  Of course, at that moment in time so early in the day, it is more of a mess as they are all playing and tuning and marching on top of one another, but I love it!  I can hardly stand it to even park the car . . . I just want to jump out there and dance a jig!  This year’s event was no different.    

I always love to arrive early in the morning, so I was there from opening to closing ceremonies.  There were lots of pipe and drum bands . . . parading and competing.  There was a Highland Dancing Competition (it rocked!!!).  There was “Shep” the dog herding his sheep and ducks.  There were lots and lots and lots of KILTS . . . nice!!!  There were Highland Games.  There were Kids Games.  I took a number of dance lessons were we danced some of the Highland dances . . . much like our Square Dancing.  There was lots of food . . . and, HAGGIS!!!  YUMMY – MY FAVORITE!!!   There was music and merriment everywhere!  

The gathering was held at Boone Hall Plantation, which was another treat.  I had not been there in some time, and I am really wanting to go back again soon.  I think I will take Mama when she is here.  It was such a fun day.      

This morning, I left for work and bent to pick up my morning paper.  When I stooped down to pick it up, I saw something moving about.  After a closer look, I realized it was a ladybug.  How sweet . . . as if to bid me a happy farewell to work.  I slowly tilted the paper against the back of my hand, and I guided the little fella until it rested gently on my wrist.  I shifted my wrist a bit from side to side, and it skittered this way then that.  I was amused.  But, I was in a rush to get about the business of my day, so I puffed at it, and it flew away . . . I made a wish.   

At lunchtime, I went to grab a nibble for lunch.  Suddenly, out of nowhere and all about my car, there was a-buzzin’ red flicker . . . frantic . . . frazzled.  I looked here where it went and there where it went, and it was all over the place.  Something buzzing about bright red and in all it’s glory!!!  What on earth???  I grabbed it . . . avoiding rear-ending the car in front of me, thank goodness.  I opened my hand . . . oh, my!  Another ladybug was in my palm.  I shifted my palm a bit from side to side, and it, too, skittered this way then that.  I had to let it go, so I quickly opened the window.  I puffed at it, and it flew away . . . I made a wish.   

Later this evening, in the pool, I saw something floating in the water.  I had to look closer.  I had to investigate.  It was a katydid . . . poor thing.  It was kinda cocked over to one side . . . helplessly floating.  I looked at it closely at first.  I did want to see that it was indeed a katydid and not a monster after me, of course!  Things seemed safe enough . . . I scooped it up in my hand, and I set it on the side of the pool.  It just laid there restless at first.  Then, it shook a leg and a wing.  I watched intently.  It kinda swayed and stumbled for a moment, and then it shook itself off.  It was rather humorous, if I must say.  Then, it took off.  I was satisfied.    

As I took my evening soak . . . wondering how many warm enough nights for the pool are actually left . . . I thought about the two ladybugs and the katydid.  And, I thought about my day.  Long . . . but, those little joys had brought smiles to my face.  That was nice.  Then, I saw something floating . . . again . . . in the water right next to me.  OK, so I hate stuff floating that I can not identify, so I must inspect each object carefully.     

I looked closely, because it was very very dark.  I took my hand and carefully swished it at first . . . hmmmm . . . what can this be?  Then, I slowly lifted my palm up to catch the being.  It was a ladybug, of all things!  This one was not crawling about as on the morning paper and not flitting about in my car . . . this one was very still.  I, too, was still.  I just gazed at it . . . what to do?  It must be a bit bewildered?  Soaked?  Stunned?  I just sat there.  It just sat there.  We waited.   

I was beginning to be concerned, when suddenly the little twit began to walk slowly at first then really really fast.  I laughed, but only a little so as not to startle it.  It stopped abruptly . . .  in its tracks . . . still as could be.  We were both very still. . . for a long while . . . a very very long long while . . . It started to walk along again, and I determined it was alright . . .    

Then, I puffed at it, and it flew away . . . I made a wish.   

In life, we are constantly faced with choices . . . some easy and some light . . . some difficult and some dark. 

 

 

But, who are we to know if the choice we make is the right one?  We don’t.  But, we must rely on pure and simple faith that we are correct in our choosing . . . or, that at least we have grown in the process.

 

 

There’s the dilemma . . . if we make the wrong choice . . . are we forever doomed?  Or, are we humbled?  Do we learn from our experience . . . or, do we continue to fall? 

 

 

I have no idea . . . I am just reaching here.  And, I this reaching made me think of a favorite childhood poem . . .

 

 

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN

 

Robert Frost

 

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

 

 

 

 . . .

 

 

 

 

 I have no idea if there is a difference . . . but, I am hopeful that there is such. 

 

 

 

“Yet knowing how way leads on to way,” . . .  We will see. 

 

 “HAL: I know I’ve made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal.  I’ve still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you.” 

Testing . . . 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . Just seeing if anyone is paying attention . . .  

OK, not really.  But, I was just thinking about some things.  That quote by HAL is the tagline I have used for my other blog for sometime now.   For some reason . . . it kinda hits the nail on the preverbal head to me over and over again.   I was just reading it again, and I was thinking how much it applies to so many things in life these days.  Yes, we all make very poor decisions at times, but we are trying to just be normal, with the greatest enthusiasm and confidence, of course? !?!  

In case you are unaware . . . that quote from HAL is from 2001: A Space Odyssey, by Stanley Kubrick.

 I think I just really like what it says and it’s significance in our lives.  Yes, it is a line from a really whacked out movie (if you ask me, anyway), but for some reason I like it . . . as well as others . . .  

“HAL: I’m afraid. I’m afraid, Dave. Dave, my mind is going. I can feel it. I can feel it. My mind is going. There is no question about it. I can feel it. I can feel it. I can feel it. I’m a…fraid.  Good afternoon, gentlemen. I am a HAL 9000 computer. I became operational at the H.A.L. plant in Urbana, Illinois on the 12th of January 1992. My instructor was Mr. Langley, and he taught me to sing a song. If you’d like to hear it I can sing it for you.
Keir Dullea (Dave): Yes, I’d like to hear it, HAL. Sing it for me.
HAL: It’s called “Daisy.”
(sings while slowing down)
HAL: Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do. I’m half crazy all for the love of you. It won’t be a stylish marriage, I can’t afford a carriage. But you’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two.”  

Of course, the song “Daisy” is really “A Bicycle Built For Two.”  But, don’t you think it is great that a computer can sing a little diddy???  How many of us have HALs in our life that speak and sing and make us crazy?  Anythehoooo . . . I HEART HAL!!! 

I mentioned that my blogs might be a little out there . . . just sayin’! 

I really need to watch that movie again . . .

Today was, well, one of those days.  We all have them, sure.  But, for me it was just a day that I wanted to get home.  And, be home.  When I  finally got home . . . after a seemingly endless day, I decided to go for a swim.  There are very few weeks left before the water is too cold, and I felt I needed to get out there and relax for a bit . . . and, think.    

I got out there, and there was no one else there.  Perfect.  That is the best thing . . . when no one else is there.  I am often hesitant about swimming alone, and I know I shouldn’t.  But, I don’t technically “swim” much . . . I just kind of hang about the edges and soak.  And, soak, I did.  It was actually very nice.   

Then, it started to rain . . . just a little drizzle.  One reason no one was there, was because there was a huge summerstorm earlier in the afternoon.  Everyone had darted into dry safety, and I darted into the peaceful bliss of the seclusion offered by the abandoned pool . . . hey, no one wants to get wet when they are swimming, right?  

I saw people darting past here and over there from one apartment to the next and over to the clubhouse trying to stay dry.  I just stayed on the end of the pool that allowed me to be up to my shoulders . . . the rain didn’t bother me one bit that way.  One guy even darted by and told me I was crazy!  Ha ha ha . . . I said, “jump in, and you won’t even notice it is raining”.  He didn’t get it.  And, I was glad he kept going, actually.  

Then, the rain was happening a little more . . . a little bigger drops.  And, it was starting to get cooler.  But, I was not yet ready to leave, and I still had a good 45 minutes before anyone would kick me out.   The pavement was starting to gather puddles and the umbrellas were starting to drip.  So, I dropped my chin right to the level of the water, so I was totally immersed (almost, anyway).  That is when I saw something magical.    

When I got closer to the water . . . there was this delightful little dance going on.  And, as the rain got a little heavier, there was a show right before my very eyes.  The lights in and around the pool added to the splendor.  Drops would drop.  Little ones would ripple.  Big ones would spatter.  Really huge ones would splash, and then a bubble would appear . . . and, then it would POP!  It was like an orchestra.  Frogs were protesting muchly, and a few times jets went over . . .  kinda like a crescendo.  Then, there was just the little ripples, big spatters, and really huge splashes chased by bubbles all about me again.  It was amazing.  It was a symphony and a serenade, and it was just for me . . . and, I so needed it.   

Today, I lost a dear friend.  An associate passed alone in his home last night.  He was discovered by a loved one this morning when they were let in by the landlord.  He did not answer the phone or the door.  His truck was there.  He was not at work.  He did not make it to his Doctor’s appointment this morning.  He was there . . . and, he was gone.  Just like that, Graham was gone.  

Honestly, in all my years, there have been very few associates who worked for me that were just genuinely good folk – over and around and up and down.  And, he was one of them.  I had kind of adopted him and another coworker there as my surrogate dad and mom . . . should anything happen . . . one or both of there were to come be with me until Mama and Daddy could get here.  We were all in agreement . . . that is just what would happen.    

Graham was also my map man . . . whenever I was lost around Charleston or not sure which way to go to get to wherever I was scurrying to, I would call Graham, and he would talk me to the place until I got there.  He was my very own navigation system, and he would always laugh when I would call and say “Do you know how to get to . . . “.  He was such a huge help, and he was a trip!   Lately, he has been so excited that he and his daughter were planning her wedding . . . they had just found the perfect location.  

But, unfortunately, he was alone last night.  I just pray that he went peacefully in his sleep.  Still, it was such a shock and such a sad day.  I found out around lunch time, and after notifying the rest of the management team, my regional and district managers, and corporate, I began to follow protocol and go to each and every associate I could grab and fill them in.  I told them, and they just shook their heads in disbelief.    

You see, I would for a HUGE company, but we are in a relatively small town . . . our “big box” is like a little family, and we are very close knit.  Believe me . . . that can be good and bad . . . we often bicker like family.  But, we are very close, and this was a difficult day.  I had some just stand and say “What?”.  His supervisor just cried and cried.  Many did that . . . I had to tell them to just go away and come back when they were ready.  And, they did.  It was incredibly sad.   

That is why I needed the pool and why I was so glad it had rained and why I was so glad that no one was there and why I found the rain dance to be so blessed.  When my Granddaddy Marshall died, I remember . . . It rained and rained and rained for days, even . . . like when Forrest Gump talked about the rain . . .   

“We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin’ rain… and big ol’ fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath.”    

That was my day today . . . both literally and figuratively.  That summerstorm earlier was a doozey . . . but, the rain at the pool was a delight.    

I also thought of the quote “Blessed are the dead that the rain falls on.” from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.  The quote was taken almost verbatim from Edward Thomas’ WWI poem “Rain” where he wrote:  

“Blessed are the dead that the rain rains upon:
But, here I pray that none whom once I loved
Is dying tonight or lying still awake
Solitary, listening to the rain . . . ”   

I always loved The Great Gatsby, a lot in part because of that line.  It reminded me of my Grandaddy . . . and, it came to life again today when we lost Graham.    It really came to life in that rain dance symphony this evening. 

I miss Graham so already, but I will never forget how special he was to all of us.  I am always impressed when it is raining after the loss of someone . . . as though there are not enough tears that we might be able to shed . . . we still have the rain to help us cry and to wash the tears away and to help us to look forward to the memories that will certainly live on.       

Well, I decided to start a blog page.   Sounds like a good enough idea, for now! 

Let’s just see where this will lead . . .