Now what?

As I stand there in doorway the expectant silence forces me to turn and face the shattered remains of my wedding cake top. The people in line, formerly eager to make their purchases and leave, are now patiently awaiting my reaction. Some appear sympathetic, some look ready to dive under the counter in the event I start throwing things, and others shift awkwardly from left foot to right with their eyes downcast. Doug, the young clerk who dropped my cake top, is staring at the shards of porcelain, his face red from embarassment. "I'm so sorry! The box just opened up and it fell out. I'm so sorry! I'll see if we can order you another one. I know it won't be the same, but...I'm so sorry!" His speech is rushed and he seems to be in genuine pain as he awaits my response.

Memories of my wedding day briefly fill my thoughts before I respond. It was a perfect summer day and the historic church was surrounded by hydrangea bushes in full bloom. The sky was clear and bluer than I had ever seen it. This was the day I had waited so long for and it couldn't have been more perfect. Standing in the back of the church waiting for the music that would signal me to start down the aisle, I knew I would treasure these memories in my heart forever. Dad was able to walk me down the aisle. Though his cancer was eating away at him, on this particular day he seemed full of life and energy. "It's every father's dream for his daughter to marry a man like Roger," mom said when I commented on how good dad looked that day.

At the end of the aisle, dad handed me over to my three grown sons who would give me away to the only man they had approved of their mom dating. "You look beautiful, Mom," my youngest whispered in my ear as he hugged me. "I love you, Mom." "Love you, Mom. I hope he makes you very happy."

After leaving the church we went to the reception and I felt like I was in a dream. I found myself dancing to the chicken dance even though I specifically remember telling the DJ not to play it. I don't think I stopped dancing once except when we cut the cake...

"You know what, Doug? It's okay. It's only a thing, and things can be replaced. I'm not angry. Call me if you can't find another one, and I'll do some searching on the Internet." "I know it won't be the same. I'm really sorry." "It's okay. Really."

And as I left the bakery, I knew that it really was okay.

What will she do?

The aroma of fresh baked goods assaults my senses as I enter. Eyes closed, I pause and inhale deeply. As I cradle the porcelain figure in my hands, I remember why I am there and proceed to the counter. I'm greeted by a friendly young man in an apron. "Hi there. How can I help you today?" "Hi, Doug. I'd like to order an anniversary cake...just like the top layer of my wedding cake...same as last year." "Chocolate or vanilla?" "Chocolate." "How big?" "Just enough for two...no more kids at home these days." "Okay. I think we're set. You'd like the cake top on this year, too?" "Yes, please." "Great. We'll see you on the 4th." "Thanks, Doug. Have a nice day." "You, too." I take one more calorie-free whiff of bread, cakes, cookies and pies as I turn to leave and I notice that a line has formed behind me. Half-way to the door the sound of a crash and the collective gasps of the folks in line brings me to a halt. I pause and note the familiar feeling of many pairs of eyes on me. Lovely. I'm guessing I know what just hit the floor...

I was just working out in my garden and I was thinking about how much the pumpkins are like first graders. The plants grow like crazy and each new day brings changes to the pumpkin patch. The vines grow all over everything in sight. The pumpkin plants seem to announce to the world, “It’s all about me, world!” They are fast-growing, fun to watch and full of life. They completely take over the whole patch and surrounding areas with all the energy of the typical first grader. They can’t seem to stand up straight and tall in neat rows like the carrots. Their very nature demands that they invade their space in all directions at once with their boundless energy.

Pumpkins and First Graders

I’m busy growing, changing,
Always rearranging
No apparent plan
Just exploring every-which-way I can
Full of life and fun
Happy with either rain or sun
Surprises are my middle name,
But everyone loves me just the same.


My season does not last for long,
Very soon this time will be gone
So linger now with a smile on your face
As you watch me invade my space
Soak up all my joy for free
Because it’s all about me!

Out of the mouths of babes...

After playing 2 games of Chutes and Ladders with my granddaughter (she won both) she said, "Grammy, maybe we should find something easier for you." Yikes! I'm not sure there is anything easier than Chutes and Ladders.

The Pinches

Went strawberry picking today...sunshine on my back...sweet, ripe berries in my hand...
thought about my wonderful husband waiting for me at home...3 terrific sons...2 adorable grandchildren...everyone healthy and happy...
someone pinch me, I must be dreaming...

Read the paper...problems with North Korea...national debt growing by leaps and bounds...cancer, H1N1...jobless rate growing...more foreclosures...
never mind...life will provide the pinches...

woke up this morning before the rest of the world...heard the birds chirping...felt the cool morning air...and thought how beautiful life is...very precious...but very fleeting

Or maybe not...

Okay, so the hub's home and he's not really impressed. I think it was hard for him not to laugh. Should I remind him to be grateful that I didn't need help this time? I have to go cook dinner (spaghetti?) so I'll be back later. Just in case anyone's ever interested in reading this.

Just created a blog!

I'm totally new to the blog concept, and a non-techie so I hope this turns out okay. It didn't seem very hard (which probably means I did something wrong!) Gotta go; my husband's home. He'll be so impressed.