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FAREWELL TO PEN AND PATIENCE IN 2024

 

DEAR READERS:

I MUSE…

Thank you for stopping by to read Pen and Patience for the past twelve years.

I have enjoyed the many “Likes” and “Comments” Pen and Patience received over these many years. (2012-2023)

However, It’s decision time. Time to focus more on  the many work-in-progress writer projects collecting mildew on my computer😊.

About the Pen and Patience site:

The Musings will remain on the Pen and Patience site for a few months in 2024 and can be accessed for re-reads through the original www.penandpatience.wordpress.com I formerly utilized beginning in earlier years.  Yes, soon, the site will be deleted.

My goal is to pick up that “PEN” and have the “PATIENCE” to continue the development and publication of fiction, non-fiction writings.

Cheers!  For a Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year 2024!

Best wishes,

Gaye Buzzo Dunn, Author/Writer

P.A. The December 2023 Musing is still available for reading.

 

 

 

 

 

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WRITERS WORDS: “I grew up with six brothers. That’s how I learned to dance, waiting for the bathroom.” – Bob Hope

IS LAUGHTER THE BEST MEDICINE???

 

DECEMBER MONTHLY MUSING 2023

 

It’s that time again in Northeast USA.  Snow falls. Noses run. The annual Daylight Savings Time returned with early evening darkness like a black Ace of Spades creating difficult and unsettling homebound commute. Baby, it’s cold outside. Bah Humbug!

Laughter. What is there to laugh about?   Some world countries are in turmoil, higher costs for consumer goods during the holiday season and cold, inclement weather forecasts may all be considered bummers. Consider. Laughter may be the best medicine!  Laughing is a pleasant physical reaction and emotion consisting of usually rhythmical often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system. External and internal stimuli such as jokes, humorous mistakes, watching comedy performances, perusing cartoons, etc. can be beneficial.

Some benefits of laughter, Source: Happy Little Bluebirds

Laughter boosts the immune system, relieves pain, increases oxygen into the body, it’s a natural anti-depressant, great social connector, stress reducer, protects the heart, releases endorphins, boosts anti-aging hormones (YAY), improves creativity and eases anxiety and fear.

I muse. Humor can lighten moods and make us feel better. A joke or humorous situation will provide a temporary respite from everyday concerns. If we replace the word apple with laugh then this old saying changes to “a laugh a day keeps the doctor away😊

Listed below are few fun quotes from  well-known folks:

“The older you get, the better you get, unless you’re a banana.” – Betty White

“Mr. Right is coming but he’s in Africa and he’s walking.” – Opray Winfrey

“Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone.” – Anthony Burgess

“Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” – Albert Einstein

“The only reason I would take up jogging is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.” – Erma Bombeck

“A sense of humor is good for you. Have you ever heard of a laughing hyena with heartburn?” – Bob Hope

“You know you’ve reached middle age when you’re cautioned to slow down by your doctor, instead of the police.” -Joan Rivers

“Life isn’t a fairy tale. If you lose a shoe at midnight, you’re drunk.” – Darynda Jones

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” – Winnie the Pooh

And…finally: “If life is a bowl of cherries, why did I get all the pits.”- Erma Bombeck

Dear Readers: Thank you to the folks in the U.S.A. and visitors from 22 countries who stopped by to read Pen and Patience this past year, 2023.  I always look forward to receiving your confidential feedback and comments on the site.

I wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.  May your lives be filled with more “cherries” then “pits” in 2024.”  HAPPY NEW YEAR.

.

 

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WRITERS WORDS: “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” -Dale Carnegie from How to Win Friends and Influence People

NOVEMBER 2023 MONTHLY MUSING

 

REMINISCING… DALE CARNEGIE’S GOLDEN BOOK…

Meandering through former business archives seeking an interesting topic to, perhaps, intrigue and inspire readers, I rediscovered a small 3” by 5” booklet titled, “Dale Carnegie’s Golden Book.” Ah, yes, an opportunity to share the creation of positive change and successful growth!

I begin with an excerpt of a Biography inside Dale Carnegie’s Golden Book (1888 – 1955): Dale Carnegie was born in 1888 in Missouri, USA and was educated at Warrensburg State Teachers College. As a salesman and aspiring actor, he traveled New York and began teaching communications classes to adults at the YMCA. In 1912, the world-famous Dale Carnegie Course was born. …Over 50 million copies of Mr. Carnegie’s books have been printed and published in 38 languages…Dale Carnegie founded what is today a world-wide network of over 3,000 instructors, 35 languages and offices in more than 80 countries.”

Browsing through the tiny booklet, I reviewed some headings: Principles from How to Win Friends and Influence People; The Perfect Way to Conquer Worry; Cultivate a Mental Attitude that will bring you Peace and Happiness; Break the Worry Habit Before It Breaks You; Don’t Worry About Criticism, etc.

After reviewing the “Golden” suggestions within the booklet, I randomly chose some statements that I liked:

To become a Friendlier Person: Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain. Smile. Become genuinely interested in other people.

Cultivate a Mental Attitude that will bring you peace and happiness: Fill your mind with thoughts of peace, courage, health, and hope. Expect ingratitude. Count your blessings—not your troubles.  Do not imitate others.

Basic Techniques in Analyzing Worry: Get all the facts. Weigh all the facts—then come to a decision. Once a decision is reached, act!

The Perfect Way to Conquer Worry:  Pray.

Be a Leader: Begin with praise and honest appreciation. Call attention to people’s mistakes indirectly. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders. Let the other person save face. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct. Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.

Win people to your way of thinking:  The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it. Show respect for the other person’s opinion. Never say, “You’re wrong.” Begin in a friendly way. If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.  Dramatize your ideas.

Over 100 years of proven success has made Dale Carnegie the industry leader in professional training and development. (www.dalecarnegie.com)

I muse: After reading through the booklet’s pages, I recalled a saying I recalled from childhood: “Hey, play nice in the sand box. Don’t throw dirt! 😊

November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving. Despite the many chaotic challenges this year 2023 has wrought, we remain thankful for the good blessings we share.

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING

 

 

 

 

 

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WRITERS WORDS: “Old times never come back and I suppose it’s just as well. What comes back is a new morning every day in the year, and that’s better.” – George Edward Woodberry

OCTOBER 2023 MONTHLY MUSING

OH, THOSE OLDIES—-BUT GOODIES!

AAH… remember the old days, when life was simpler but perhaps more laborious. Reminiscing at past labors, occurrences, may sometimes become a memorable pursuit. Each century’s living conditions, products and services were unique within its century. Our present century’s living conditions have advanced to high-technology products and services making it a much easier lifestyle than previous generations. Progress is good. However, there are older lifestyles perhaps unknown by folks today.

I recall: The backyard clothesline, hanging bedding and towels on a line with wooden clothespins. Nothing beats bedsheets and towels flapping on a line on a windy day.  The fresh smell of nature to this day cannot be duplicated. Sadly, most clotheslines have disappeared, replaced with clothes dryers. Dryers are a wonderful labor-saving convenience and there are products galore to soften and scent freshly washed loads. But, hey some clotheslines still exist and yes, you can still purchase clothespins!

I recall: Manual and electric typewriters. Former stenographers and office workers utilized manual typewriters that typed with an inked ribbon that had to be changed when the ribbon ran out. Electric typewriters were a plugged-in improvement over the manual ones. Both were utilized by office personnel until the birth of computerization. An aside: I studied typing in high school on an IBM Electric typewriter with blank keys. We learned the keys by beginning with the home keys “ASDFJKL;” (When I now work on my laptop computer, I do not have to look at the keys when I type) 😊 Today, computers are wonderful, progressive tools taking business and personal pursuits beyond earlier experiences.

And there’s more to reminisce: The milkman delivered fresh milk twice a week into an insulated box at your home. The sound of clinking bottles around 5:30 a.m. was a reliable wake-up call.  Bakery trucks delivered fresh bread daily or at request.  Many families had backyard chickens that produced family eggs. An early morning rooster crow was too early for some folks but was another wakeup call. Again, alarms clocks were not necessary.  Backyard vegetable gardens were common. The end of October is Halloween time and small mischief was acceptable with the custom of favorite trick or treating. Kids going door to door in familiar neighborhoods was both a common and safe pastime.  Children within a few blocks from school walked to school and only kids living farther away took a bus. Both were mostly safe travel modes during these earlier eras. If you enjoy looking back at the good old days, check out the Good Old Days Magazine (http://www.goodolddaysmagazine.com)

Yes, we’ve come a long way with the great, good, bad, and ugly. For many eras there were no cell phones in schools and only a few bullies here and there and schools were safe learning environments. (I like to think they will remain so).   Technology (i.e. computerization) has enhanced learning systems in today’s education systems. Today, children are fortunate to have early Pre-K (learning before kindergarten) and dedicated teachers and programs exist for various and special needs youths.

I muse… We all live very busy lives and I can’t help wishing the milk man might return😊. Even with helpful technology many families are living busy lives in a fast lane with no stop signs in sight. That said, I remain a champion of the old and the new.

HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN

 

 

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WRITERS WORDS: “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half shut afterwards.” -Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

SEPTEMBER 2023 MONTHLY MUSING

WEDDINGS: Old (folklore) and New (current)

     Historically, from past eras and generations, wedding traditions and beliefs were very different than today. Traditions were affected by much lore, age-old wisdom, and the Moon. Folklore has it that both childbirth and marriage are influenced by the Moon. The Old Farmer’s Almanac states the moon regulated the rise and fall of our emotional tides. Some Old Farmer’s Almanac lore: “the full Moon is an ideal time to accept a proposal of marriage as love is amplified. The full Moon is the best time to consummate marriage, according to the ancient Greeks, while the new Moon is the best time to drain our stale energy and belief systems. A waning Moon boded ill for wedded bliss.”

The white wedding dress, now a common tradition in the western world, originated with Anne of Brittany when she married Louis XII of France in 1499. It was 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, the white dress became popular. Previously, other colors were utilized, and folklore has it that green was thought to be unlucky, yellow you were ashamed of your fellow with both colors always avoided. While white symbolized purity and virginity and thought to ward off evil spirits. White wedding dresses continue to be popular today although earlier “symbolizations” are no longer true😊

Earlier traditions were more stringent. A maid of honor must be an unmarried woman and only a brother, best friend, or groom’s father could be the best man. Folklore indicates the purpose of a bridesmaid and best man was to aid in the capture of the bride, get her to the church on time and keep any hostile family members away. Today bridesmaids usher invited guests to their seats and the best man carries the ring and gives the ceremonial toast. Formerly, a flower girl spread flower petals down the aisle but also protected the bride from the Devil with her shield of virginity.  Not so today. Small children may be ring bearers or even a favorite well-trained dog.

A few old Superstitions:

Snow on your wedding day was a sign of fertility and prosperity; wearing gold earrings on your wedding day ensured wedded bliss: and engagement ring purchased on a Tuesday will guarantee a marriage filled with peace and contentment.

I muse…So much has changed from marriages and weddings of yore. I recall an old saying, “first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes (name) pushing a baby a carriage.” Times have changed. A deceased friend often made me laugh with this comment, “the first baby comes any time, after that they take nine months😉” Families and marriages are very different today with wider views embracing both new and old customs. Brides throwing bouquets to bridesmaids and female friends remains a favorite pastime at weddings. Supposedly, the female who catches the bouquet may become a future bride. Today, pregnant females birthing children outside of wedlock are no longer ostracized as they were in earlier centuries. Families are diverse and embrace many different lifestyles.

Love and marriage are worldwide and have survived through early folklore and present diverse civilizations.

A famous poem, “TO MY WIFE, By Robert Louis Stevenson

Trusty, dusky, vivid, true,

With eyes of gold and bramble-dew,

Steel true and blade straight

The Great Artificer made my mate.

Honor, anger, valor, fire,

A love that life could never tire,

Death quench nor evil stir,

The Might Master gave to her.

Teacher, tender comrade, wife,

A fellow-farer true through life,

Heart-whole and soul-free

The August Father gave to me.

The above Photo: A family 20th Century bride and groom.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY LABOR DAY HOLIDAY!

 

 

 

 

 

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WRITERS WORDS: “Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

 

SUMMERTIME, SUMMERTIME…AND THE LIVIN’ AIN’T EASY

 

AUGUST MONTHLY MUSING

     It’s August – the second month of summer, an unanticipated volatile season so far. After an icy, cold winter and a spring with wet and dubious weather, we, in the Northeast climes, looked forward to packing away the cold weather garb trading them for shorts and bathing suits. Unfortunately, this summer came in with a big hot, hot bang bringing sweltering heat, humidity and unexpected inclement weather throughout our country and others. This year we have already suffered through many weathers’ turmoil: fires, floods, extreme heat, hail, tornados, heavy rains with many southern and western states bogged down with lingering 100+ temperatures. We often hear from national weather communications that our billion-year-old world’s unprecedented changes are by caused by climate change.

A brief description of climate change from National Geographic Magazine is the planet’s temperature rise is called global warming and impacts local and regional climates. Throughout Earth’s history, climate has continually changed. When occurring naturally, this is a slow process that has taken place over hundreds and thousands of years.  The human influenced climate change that is happening now is occurring at a much faster rate.

     I muse…Hmm…most likely caused by human activity. Yes, we’ve come a long way, baby. Thinking back from an earlier century’s horse and buggy days to current gasoline automobiles; fireplaces to heating/cooling systems; rural roads to country-wide highways and many trains giving way to worldwide air travel. The world has made great technological strides to deliver future comfort, materials, and scientific discoveries unheard of in past centuries. I recall early 19^th century farms utilizing wells and windmills while today we look to solar systems utilizing sun for energy. Progress is essential for existing and future generations. Will this present century utilize systems to preserve and protect our planet?  Will the 21^st century be the next generations remembered past? Will science eventually determine the life span of planet earth – OUCH!

I grew up loving most outdoor pursuits and have enjoyed visiting many beautiful places in our world.  I share a few of my favorite nature quotations:

• “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin” – William Shakespeare
• “Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” -Rachel Carson
• “Keep close to natures heart…and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” -John Muir
• “Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise.” – George Washington Carver.

May we all have an enjoyable and safe summer!

 

 

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WRITERS WORDS: “I bet on a horse at ten-to-one. It didn’t come in until half-past five.” – Author Unknown

 

ARE YOU A GAMBLER?

 

JULY 2023 MONTHLY MUSING

 

     How do we define a gambler? A gambler is a person who takes high-risk chances. An individual who risks something of value, perhaps betting on sports, various card games (i.e., poker) or a someone who risks loss or injury for gain, excitement, or perhaps just an ordinary risk-taker!

There are three main types of gamblers: professional, social, and problem (perhaps addictive) gamblers. Professional gamblers, an actual rarity, choose to make their living by gambling. Social, casual gamblers are gamblers who set aside an amount of funds, play slots or blackjack, have fun, and then head for home. Problem gamblers may also be compulsive gamblers where gambling disrupts everyday life and often become addictive. Note: although gambling addicts are problem gamblers, not all problem gamblers are addictive.

When I think of a professional gambler, an individual that comes to mind is the “Jeopardy” game show winner, James Holzhauer. James is a professional sports gambler and is the third highest-earning American game show contestant of all time winning $2,404,216 in 33 appearances, the second highest winner behind only Ken Jennings. It’s interesting to note, although a young school-age James was a brilliant student, he spent much time playing online poker and memorizing baseball and other sports statistics. A brilliant youngster, he skipped second grade, got A’s on math tests and was upgraded to the fifth grade class. Later, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics.  And yet, he followed his love of sports in the challenging arena of a gambler.  I note, his breadth of knowledge is phenomenal.

Socially, I know many folks who enjoy an afternoon or evening playing slots, blackjack, and other casino games.  Folks migrate to the Saratoga Racetrack, Saratoga, New York during the summer months to gamble on trained, well-groomed racehorses. Many gamblers return home retaining the shirt on their backs while others leave with a much slimmer or empty wallet😊

And then there was Country Singer, Kenny Rogers, who sang and made famous that great gambling tune: “The Gambler”

“You got to know when to hold’ em, when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run.

You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table. There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealin’s done.”

 

Sadly, there are compulsive and problem gamblers that may need therapeutic assistance when heavy gambling losses affect daily living. Many organizations exist to assist problematic or addicted gamblers. It’s a wise gambler who acknowledges this dependance and decides to enjoy the races versus betting on great horses that may be having a bad day😊.

     I muse…Yes, we are gamblers! We take chances when, perhaps, we shouldn’t.  The weatherman forecasts a heavy storm and we leave home without an umbrella and get soaking wet. It’s not going to rain that hard…

A difficult day on the job, stop at the pub thinking only one toddy before heading home. Three “toddies” later, you get pulled over by law enforcement and fined. SAFETY FIRST. Never, ever drink and drive. A bad gamble you never want to take!

I must confess. Every now and then, I purchase scratch-off cards at various markets hoping my dollar will become a winner. Sometimes I win a few bucks, but many times I don’t. I call it my “social” gambling experience. I don’t buy Lotto tickets. The odds of winning Lotto against zillions of ticket buyers are extremely low.

Everyday living has many gambles we might perform now and again without the realization we do so. My mother enjoyed playing penny-ante poker once a month for many years with three long-term lady friends.  A lot of pennies changed hands during the games along with laughter, local gossip, and home-baked goodies. Social gambling can be an enjoyable pastime IF you realize you will win some and lose some like Kenny Roger famously sang: “You got to know when to hold ‘em, when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away” ….

 

 

 

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WRITERS WORDS: “My best painting is the next one. I haven’t painted it yet. I am in competition only with myself, and that’s tough, because I believe that each thing I do must be better in some way than the last.” – Ted DeGrazia

JUNE 2023 MONTHLY MUSING

TED DEGRAZIA & A GALLERY IN THE SUN

Many famous artists have existed for centuries, and most people are aware of Michelangelo’s famous painting of the Sistine Chapel and Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.  Artist, Georgia O’keeffe, is well known for her floral work and Norman Rockwell is famous as a 20^th century illustrator of American life. Most folks have heard of late bloomer, Anna Mary Robertson Moses (Grandma Moses) who, late in life became famous as an American folk artist.  Are you aware of another unique and talented artist – Ettore (nicknamed Ted) DeGrazia?

I noticed the work of this artist while traveling back and forth to Arizona when visiting family. It was while I was waiting at the Phoenix, Arizona airport for a return flight home that I wandered into a display of his distinctive, Southwest art. I loved the display and carried home my first DeGrazia art piece on the plane.

Ted DeGrazia had a unique and long-term relationship with the western magazine, “Arizona Highways” and it is said, “Make no mistake about this truth: Arizona Highways discovered Ted DeGrazia and put him onstage.” (Arizona Highways-June 2019) Some additional history from this magazine issue about Ted: “Born in the Southern Arizona town of Morenci in 1909…Ted was the child of Italian immigrants. His father was a miner. And so, DeGrazia was exposed at a young age to the sensory extravagances associated with life in a mining town—the languages of the working men, the colors of the desert, the influences of Mexican and Native cultures in music, art, and everyday life.”  It was said he was charming with a magnetic appeal. Of special note, Ted built a relationship with Raymond Carlson, Editor of Arizona Highways, lasting over forty years.  Both Carlson and DeGrazia had a deeply rooted love of Arizona and the Southwest.

Despite his humble beginnings, Ted earned two undergraduate degrees in music and fine art and a Master degree in fine art. Although initially rejected by university leaders and art intelligentsia, Ted sought and gained approval of the newly emerging middle-class market of post-World War II America. Noteworthy: Ted’s best-known work, 1957’s “Los Ninos,” was selected for U NICEF’s 1960 holiday card, allowing DeGrazia fame to spread far beyond the Southwest. (The June 2019 issue of Arizona Highways has extensive coverage of Ted DeGrazia, his life and illustrations of his extensive art.  www.arizonahighways.com

I muse…I was returning by car to Arizona with my sister from a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  We stopped at the DeGrazia Gallery of the Sun in Tucson, Arizona. The Gallery is the permanent museum displaying Ted’s life and art and is comprised of six galleries of paintings on display. Each gallery displays a collection revealing subjects of deep interest to this artist. My favorite painting titled, “Free as the Wind, 1961” conveys the motion and speed of four running horses. I returned home with a beautiful copy, had it framed and hung it on my dining area wall. I enjoy and relate to the freedom of these depicted horses every time I pass by.  (Gallery: www.degrazia.org)

Postscript: Ted DeGrazia’s words in the above “Writers Words” quotation could apply to writers.  We are also in competition within ourselves and attempt to improve in some way from the last written attempt.  This month of June is Father’s Day. Ted DeGrazia was the father of three children.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL DADS!

 

 

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WRITERS WORDS: “Youth fades; love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; a mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

 

MAY 2023 MONTHLY MUSING

 

MOTHERHOOD – KUDOS TO  MOMS!

May is the month we celebrate motherhood, applauding all females who have given birth from the beginning of time. Women worldwide are the exclusive givers of life. Marriage determined a birth Mom and spousal Mom – a Mom often referred to as mother-in law. Thinking of mothers and in-law moms, I recalled my first experience meeting my new husband’s mother. She advised me, “My name is Edythe spelled with a “Y” not an “I.”

Over time, I got to know Edythe very well and wrote and published a non-fiction short story in May 2012 titled “Edythe with a Y” in the former “The Storyteller Magazine.” This Mother’s Day, I pay tribute to Edythe by sharing excerpts from this story (The entire story is too lengthy for this post)

STORY EXCERPTS:

“I was a new bride the first time Edythe informed me, “my dear you must learn to take the bitter with the sweet.” At the time she threw those words at me, I had just returned home from work tired from a hectic day, still learning how to cook, and eager to see my four-month-old son.

Edythe and I had a new and tenuous relationship-we were still walking the tightrope of getting to know each other. Despite advising me the spelling of her name, Edythe was an ecstatic grandma often walking five blocks from her city flat to babysit while I worked part-time assignments for local companies.  I didn’t know it then, but there would be more witticisms and sayings that followed.

Edythe was a paradox; she was superstitious but also demonstrated great faith in God and her church.  Edythe threw salt over her shoulder to ward off evil spirits and claimed good luck when she found a penny on the sidewalk. She constantly reminded me that bad events happened in threes and proved it when a close friend died, her brother-in-law lost his job, and a neighbor was injured in an auto accident—she drove me crazy.

Despite a sometime uneasy relationship, we found common ground in sharing our love of children and family. However, I now recognized the furrowed brow and stiffened lips that indicated Edythe was biting her tongue at something I’d said. It appeared we both utilized the tongue-biting approach to maintain our amiable peace.

When Edythe died the toddlers were too young to comprehend her loss and saddened relatives confirmed she was a kind, caring person. She did not know I was expecting again. While the family made funeral arrangements and joined in the rituals of her passing, I found myself thinking Edythe would have been right there claiming there’s always a birth for a death. Over the years when some of life changing events happened in “threes,” I caught myself thinking that a delighted Edythe would be lighting candles in heaven.

This past year while searching through family albums for a specific photograph, I found Edythe’s picture then a young mother relaxing in a chair with her two sons. I copied and framed the photo in memory of her deep and devoted love for her three grandchildren. It was just a few weeks after that day I was sitting at the clubhouse table waiting to play a round of golf at one of my favorite courses. The usual female chatter bounced around the room while we awaited our tee times. This day I happened to sit next to a golfer that had a habitual penchant for spouting daily complaints, griping about petty stuff we all had heard many times before. I didn’t bite my tongue.

I heard Edythe’s call loud and clear. I leaned across the clubhouse table my eyes staring unwavering into hers and laid my fingertips on the back of her hand. Leaning in closer so she alone could hear, I said, “girlfriend, you must learn to take the bitter with the sweet.”  Edythe would have been proud.”

EXCERPT END

This Mother’s Day, I lovingly salute two great, deceased Moms. My mother, Margaret and Mother-in Law, Edythe—spelled with a “Y”

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

 

 

 

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WRITERS WORDS: “If you’re caught on a golf course during a storm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1-iron.” _ Lee Trevino

APRIL 2023 MONTHLY MUSING

 

SPRING! –  BIRDIES AND EAGLES ARE BACK!

It’s April. Spring has sprung. Winter doldrums, harsh, inclement weather, hopefully, have departed. Although winter snow sports are fun and enjoyable, it’s time for April showers to bring forth flowers that bloom in May. Spring is a time of rebirth with flowering shrubs, green grass, and perennial plants pushing up through warming soil. And… It’s time to remove the golf bag and clubs from the dark closet into spring sunshine.  What! You’re not a golfer?

Some interesting golf facts: the origins of golf are unclear and much debated. However, it is generally accepted that modern golf developed in Scotland in the Middle Ages. “The game did not find international popularity until the 19th century when it spread into the rest of the United Kingdom and the United States.” (Wikipedia) The Old Course at St. Andrews is widely considered the oldest course in the world. The term “birdie” began accidentally when AB Smith hit a “bird of a shot” in 1889. Golf was the first sport played on the moon. Astronaut, Alan Shepard, Jr., used a 6-iron to play golf. Tiger Woods made his first hole in one when he was 8 years old. The record for the longest hole-in-one belongs to Lou Kretlow who achieved a hole-in-one at a 427-yard course in 1961. And…there are over 34,000 golf courses in the world with the United States having the most courses. The state of Florida alone has over 1,000. And… Augusta National Golf Club remains the most famous golf club in the world.

Today, golf remains a popular sport worldwide. Golfers range from PGA-Male (Professional Golf Association) and LPGA-Female along with all skill levels of enthusiastic players. However, all golfers have much in common. No golfer wants the ball to land in a sand trap, long grass, the water or bounce off a clubhouse wall😊

I muse…I was not interested in the fickle golf sport until, by chance, I found myself riding in a golf cart round at a beautiful resort in the Catskills while a friend was playing a round. The spring air was crisp and sunny, and before long I was jumping out the cart to hold the flags.  An avid outdoor person, I decided right then to learn how to play golf.  How hard could it be?   Very hard for this “lefty,” discouraged when a professional coach suggested I golf with my right hand. I declined and located a great coach who not only instructed me how to play, but taught me how to maintain a positive attitude (not always easy) and avoid “negativity” in play. During these many years, I’ve played golf on many courses and enjoyed many winters golfing in a women’s league in Southeast Florida. Like any player, I’ve had Pars, Bogeys and Birdies. I have yet to achieve an eagle or hole-in-one. Perhaps… with positive thinking…I will!

I always look forward to Spring.  The “birdies” and songbirds have returned and, if you’re lucky, you might sight an “eagle” soaring high in the sky and watch it divebomb into the 18th hole.

Happy Easter holiday to all!