Category Archives: Art

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short Story #18

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Julie

Tonight is going to be the night. He’s been single a bit of time. I’m going to confess to Jake Hagen again. I confessed to him about five years ago; without knowing him at all. And he was actually in a relationship at the time. A secret one.

He told me, “you can’t just confess to someone because you like them. You have to get to know that person first. You have to observe and figure out if they are a match for you. You can’t just dive into a relationship to see if you are compatible.”

So I knew we were opposites from the get go. I fell in love with him at first sight. I knew in that moment that I could like him, no matter the difficulties, differences, or challenges we would face. I just knew in an instance that I liked him. It was one of those storybook moments. He saved a kitten from a tree, he kicked a soccer ball back to a group of kids, and he helped an older woman cross a street. I knew in that instant we had similar ideals.

And I haven’t been stalking him this entire time, or anything. Yes, I’ve been instigating random appearances into his life. And again we have so many things in common. He loves sports. I love sports. He loves chicken. I love chicken.

But now it was finally my chance to confess again. It has been five years. Five years since that first attempt. But hopefully this was going to be my final confession.

Jake excused himself from the table to use the bathroom. We were out to dinner in a group of about twenty. This was my moment. I wanted my confession to be private. Intimate. Just us. I excused myself too from the table to follow after Jake. ‘This is my chance.’

I jutted behind a pillar. Peering around the edge, I see Jake and Patricia facing each other in the courtyard. My heart dropped. Patricia, Jake’s ex girlfriend six years ago. All our friends say that Jake became closed off more after his breakup with Patricia. I’ll help Jake out and end this unwanted meeting.

“Can we get back together? I miss us?” Jake grasped on Patricia’s hand.

My dropped heart now shattered as it hit the floor. ‘What!?’ I stepped back behind the pillar. Hugging myself. Controlling my tears. ‘Keep them at bay.’

“Oh Jake. No,” Patricia brushed Jake’s hand off of hers. “We were not good together. Anyways you should find someone more in your own social circle. Our compatibility is miles apart.” Patricia dug her phone out of her purse, “Hey I’ve got to go. My boyfriend is looking for me. Goodbye.” She walked out, back towards the restaurant.

Jake just stood there defeated. Whereas I still hugged myself behind the pillar. I was less upset about Jake’s outburst and more about how cruel Patricia acted towards him. She just let go of a great amazing guy. ‘Let’s still try this. Maybe I can mend his heart with a heartfelt confession.’

I stepped right out into Jake. We collided. Falling backwards I reached out for Jake. He caught me thankfully, “thanks Jake.”

“No problem. What are you doing here?”

“Umm. I came to talk to you. Do you have a second?”

“I guess I have all the time in the world. What’s up?”

I glanced at Jake. He was looking at me, but he was looking past me. Zoning completely somewhere else. ‘Just go for it. The worst he can say is no.’

“I like you Jake! Will you be my boyfriend?!” I shut my eyes. I could feel my face burning.

Silence. Nothing. I gradually opened up my eyes. Jake was still standing there zoning out. “Jake?” I waved my hand in front of his face?

Jake’s head jolted up, “huh? What? What did you say?”

I sighed. He didn’t hear me. “I still like you Jake. Will you be my boyfriend?” This time I kept my eyes on him.

He looked at me. But Jake shook his head and sat down on a chair. “Come on Julie. Stop joking around.”

That stung, “I’m not. I’m serious. You told me five years ago to get to know you first. I have, and we are so similar. So I’m confessing again.” Having to explain myself is not what I thought I would have to do. “Will you be my boyfriend?”

“Seriously Julie. Why didn’t you take the hint. I was telling you I’m not interested. Not that you need to spend more time on me. We won’t be good together. You should find someone more your age from your social circle. Our compatibility is miles apart.”

‘He didn’t. He actually used Patricia’s words against me.’

“Wow. So all these years you’ve been doing what exactly? Just toying with me. You personally invite me to come to different outings. You lend me your jacket when it’s cold. You drive me home. You met my family. You’ve held my waist. Protected me from random drunk strangers. All in the name of friendship.” I was fuming. “And now you throw Patricia’s words at me. I…I” I’ve been so clueless this whole time. I was so mad at him, but my body was still frozen in that spot. ‘Why am I still standing here?!? Move!’

I stepped back from Jake. Jake. The guy I thought was on the same page as me. The guy that I thought had been seeing me in a new light. Confessing to him was right; because now I can stop this stupid fantasy. My heart closed off from Jake in this moment. I no longer have those feelings for him. Now I’m just going to see him as an example of what not to look at in a man. There’s got to be someone out there for me. I turned and left the restaurant. But I didn’t stop there. My life was not tied down here. I could pack up everything and move. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m leaving. Leaving this place. Leaving these friends. Leaving Jake. I’m gone.

Jake

My head was killing me. It was thudding and throbbing. ‘What did I drink last night? Right. Everything.’ I pulled my body up out, of what I hoped was my bed, and dropped my head into my hands. Sitting up was way worse. I opened one eye and shut it instantly again. It was too bright. I must have forgotten to close the blinds. I toughed it out and opened my eyes up and my eyes burned from the sunshine. But I took in my surroundings. I was in a courtyard…I was on a…bench…

So I wasn’t in my room at all. I was still in that awful courtyard. The place where I was humiliated by Patricia; I had been a few drinks in by then. Then I discovered that Julie had heard the entire conversation. And she said something to me…I can’t remember what. My headache was blocking out that conversation. I just remember her face being sullen and sad. That whatever she said she must have left unhappy. “I’ll apologize to her later.” Just amazed that I’m still in the courtyard. I’ve been on many ragers, but I’ve always made it home. I must have been hammered last night.

…

I miraculously made it home. But I just woke up from my couch. Must have been asleep for several hours since it was dark again.

I guess I should get a recap of what happened yesterday. Surprised that Julie hasn’t been over to check on me. In the beginning, I was annoyed by her reappearing appearance in my life, but now that’s what I’ve become accustomed to. And she makes the best hangover soup. Probably saved my life over these years, because of that soup.

And would know what all transpired last night. Pulled out my phone, “Dude. What happened last night? I’ve got a wicked headache.”

Laughter filled the phone. “You were really far gone last night. You wanted to drink everything behind the bar. I don’t really know what happened last night except your wasted talk. Something about Patricia. And Julie. Whatever you did to Julie, dude she is pissed. She took off moments before you came back from the bathroom. Jenna had gone looking for Julie when she didn’t come back. Maybe talk to her for my info. After that apologize to Julie. She really was upset when she left. She didn’t say anything to anyone. I only know she left because Jenna told me.”

I hung up. After listening to Andy I was getting a gut feeling like something terrible was said to Julie. For me to remember her sad expression and knowing that she just left. That was unlike her. Few years ago I told her to think about things more. Not to put all her eggs onto my basket. I was a mess after breaking up with Patricia. I was pissed off at everyone. Now I’m used to her being around. I could see myself dating her. She’s actually pretty cool. We have similar likes. We have the same friend circle. We have the same morals. I just haven’t pushed for it since I left the ball in her court five years ago. If she had said something about wanting to date. I probably would date her. At least try and see if it’s what should be done.

“Jenna. Do you know what happened last night? I completely blackout after I ran into my ex. I just remember Julie being there and leaving with a sad expression. I just have no clue what really was said.”

“You are a real jerk, Jake. First you break Julie’s heart, and now you say you can’t remember why. Really a huge jerk.”

‘Nothing is making sense.’ “Just tell me what you know.”

“Pretty much. Julie followed you to the courtyard to confess her feeling for you. Ask you if you wanted to start dating. But witnessed your plea to Patricia to take you back. Julie stupidly thought she could make you happy after that by confessing. But instead of you telling her that you need some space, you decided to ridicule her and say that she was stupid for not understanding that you never have and never would like her. I’m hoping you said that out of embarrassment and not really meaning that.”

‘Man. I’m an idiot.’

“Then your excuse was what exactly what Patricia said to you. You threw it back in her face. Big jerk. You threw away probably the only girl who has ever treated you good. She’s been taking care of you through the years. I guessing you didn’t make it home last night, right? Yeah. Julie has been the one making sure you get home after your ragers. No matter the time she would be there to make sure you got home. And now she’s gone. She left. She didn’t tell me where, so don’t ask me. But she packed up that night and left. You wanted her gone in your drunk speech, so she did just that. I hope you are happy now.” And Jenna hung up the phone.

I still gripped my phone. How could I have said that to Julie. How could she just leave. How was I supposed to continue…

…Three Years Later…

Jake

I’ve cleaned myself up. No more ragers. No more drinking. I’ve been dry now two years. And I’ve been searching for Julie.

Jenna wasn’t kidding when she said that she was gone. She really left the night. I didn’t realize that she was living so casually. That she could up and move in a day. Found out that, that was because of me. If I got a job elsewhere she would be able to follow me.

After my hangover ended I started to remember what I said to Julie. All the harsh things. Then her pointing out all the things I had been doing; giving her mixed signals. I was a jerk. A colossal jerk. I can’t believe I said that to her. I blew it. I can’t believe I said I never had feelings. Which is true. I didn’t in the beginning and then in that moment I hated her for seeing my pathetic side. But I didn’t mean bay of it. And now I have no way of apologizing for being a complete idiot.

I’m actually a couple counselor. I had the toxic relationship and the right kind that slipped away. So I’m actually pretty good at noticing the tell tale signs. When relationships should work I help them back together with my experience with Julie. And when a relationship should end, I talk about Patricia.

Like the couple I’m listening to now. They need to stay together. The things they are fighting about are small and easily feasible to resolve.

“Okay. Enough. You both are grabbing at straws. You don’t really need to be in my office. Karla you love him. You know you do. Don’t listen to your friends about their opinions on how a marriage should be. All marriages are different. Justin. You know you are just hurt that Karla is changing. She’s not really, because after our sessions you are both on track. Unless it is me, don’t listen to outside advice. The best things you can do in a relationship is be open and honest about your feelings. Believe me I know that terrible communication can lead to losing the best person in your life.” I told them about Julie. Not every detail but enough to show them that it can all slip away in one moment.

“Dr. Hagen. Is your first name Jake?” Karla asked.

That was unusual. I’ve never given out my full name, “yes, that’s me. Why do you ask?”

“Your experience sounds a lot like a friend of mine. She crushed on a guy for several years and me then once she confessed all went to crap. To sum it up. I wonder. Can you tell me her name?”

“I don’t really want to pull her into this. But it will stay between us in this session,” I looked to each of them and they nodded. “Her name was Julie Carr.”

…

Well Karla’s friend indeed turn out to be Julie. But I now have more to what happened. Julie left and moved to Arkansas; a random place but she found a good job there. No wonder I couldn’t find her. She was over two thousand miles away. But she now is married with a son. They are happily married. Which stung a smidge, but I’m happy she didn’t stay single always alone. But Karla did tell me that what happened with me did shape her. She didn’t approach her now husband; she waited for him. She did invest a lot of time into her dating life, but kept it hidden. Her husband had a crazy ex girlfriend experience so he made sure to find someone better for starting a future. And he did. He found the jackpot.

I’m happy for Julie, but I’m also confused about how I am feeling. I happy for her, but I think deep down I was hoping she was still single and that I could make up for my mistakes and win her back. Now knowing that, that is not an option I am left feeling incomplete.

Instead I’m going to use this knowledge for my future counseling sessions. I now can give the points of I was an idiot and lost her, was a idiot spending years trying to find her and fox things, only to miss out on a woman who probably would have me very happy. That it can all slip away from you. I tell couples to cherish each other. To hold on dearly, because if you are not careful they could be gone the next day.

…The End…

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

All Baby Clothes Are Keepers…

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What’s a topic or issue about which you’ve changed your mind?

This is not true. Not all baby clothes are keepers.

Buttons… I despise buttons on the back of clothes for infants and toddlers. Snaps, good. Pull overs, good. Zippers….not infants but yes for toddlers. Buttons…nope.

Boys button up shirts are fine. But who decided that buttons as the clasps on infant clothes was a good idea. Did that person ever try to button clothes on an infant? Probably not.

I don’t mind buttons as decorative on the back, but it better be snaps underneath.

I used to like all clothes. When I just had my first daughter it was fine. I had time for the buttons. Now being on third child, there’s no time for buttons. Haha!

It’s a simple thing, to most. But to me it’s definitely a big thing. Haha!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Changing It Up

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What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?

I need to make a change. I hurt. I hurt everywhere. I’m only in my thirties, and I feel like I’m well into my forties. I need to do more.

The point of having our kids young, was so that we could enjoy them more. But I have no extra energy in a day; not even to go on a one hour walk at night. Key word: Walk! Not even strenuous. But I have no energy to accomplish that. I need to say it’s an hour walk, but about 30min in my son is tired and “needs” to be carried back. He’s about thirty pounds…so I’m usually dead when we get back to the house.

My night doesn’t end there; I have showers, bedtime, story time, baby feeding time, then I get to go to sleep. But do I? No. By then I’ve missed my window of being tired and I have to wait until the next window opens.

So back to changing. My husband feels the same. He wants to start exercising. He’s in his thirties too. He shouldn’t be hurting so much either.

So we are starting things. I’m going to try and cook differently. Not severely. But less carbs and more vegetables. Not the kids, they need carbs.

The husband wants to start a military month workout. I’m all for this plan. Haha!

But I want to swim occasionally. Try for three times a week. Swimming is the best exercise for me. It works my whole body. It will also help loosen my back muscles.

But something needs to change. This is usually when we make these decisions. At the end of the year. But we are hoping to try for our last kid this time next year; so I want to loose sixteen pounds before trying again. That’s not a crazy amount.

My doctor told me I was a little overweight at my last appointment; that if I lost sixteen to twenty pounds my BMI would be back to perfect. But when my doc told me that I was ten pounds heavier and I already lost that.

So my #1 priority is to change things. Like even this blog. I wrote a post instead of mindlessly playing my game, I decided to write instead. Make a change!

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

Very Difficult

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What would your life be like without music?

For a few reasons.

First. I am a visual and somewhat audible learner. Meaning. If I hear something two to three times I can remember the words. Like songs. I can listen to a song a few times and then I know the song by heart. Even the songs I want to forget, but those are still in there.

But it has to be to music. My husband can tell me something everyday and I can’t remember. But only with music can I memorize.

My daughter is the same way.

Second. Even without the learning aspect, I’ve always loved music. At one point I wanted to learn singing. I love singing, but a lack of confidence has always stopped me. But singing to songs has always been something I love.

Third. Music calms my children. Strangely enough. It can be complete chaos; and I turn on some tunes and they settle. My daughter still dances in her seat, but all three kiddos are happy at once.

I also enjoy watching them dance to songs. Or make up the lyrics to songs. Some songs have been changed for life.

Like we played “Another On Bites The Dust” and my daughter said “biting dust is gross, and they are going to be sick if they do that. They should maybe clean their house to stop eating dust.” Haha!

But for me the music keeps the chaos in check. And if there is always noise my youngest can sleep through anything. When it is too quiet is when she will wake up unhappy.

Fourth. Also I like finding new songs. My husband just found some new music. It was recommended by his friend. I really like it. Especially since it’s Bible verses. Since it’s to music I will be able to memorize them.

Heal Me Oh Lord (Psalm 6) by Highway to Zion

Starts off slow but then it builds. This is the kind of music my kiddos are liking at the moment. Also my youngest will instantly fall asleep.

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Various Things.

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What motivates you?

Cooking food for my family. Hearing my husband praise my food. Or even better, my kiddos yelling, “this is the best food ever, mama!”

Trying to be patient. I struggle with this one. But when I do succeed I usually get huge smiles from my kids.

The end of the day hugs. Usually at the end of a day I feel defeated. Like there were times I could have had mor patience. Or could have made better food. Or given my husband more attention. But usually at the end of those days I get my kids coming up to me saying, “you are the best mama ever! I love you,” and finishing with hugs and kisses.

Fitting into my skinny pants. When I’m good and stay within my healthy food intake I can fit into those clothes that should be packed away, but I keep them out to motivate myself. And as soon S I get to that point I….will be pregnant again. Haha!

Sometimes I just need a hug. When I’m feeling discouraged or useless, I need a hug from my hubby. His hugs gives me so much more energy, that I feel motivated to finish out the awful day.

Writing a post. Posting something on my blog makes me think that I’m having a more accomplished day than I might actually be having. But publishing something can motivate me to be extra productive. Which I have made breakfast, started bread, cooked food for my husband’s upcoming trip, started a load of wash, and have my kids ready for the day. Now I’m posting something. Pretty full first half of the day.

Swimming. Anytime I swim I feel rejuvenated and ready for life. I miss swimming. I really want to be in a pool.

Motivation can come from anything. Things said, things you do, things are done, memories, etc. It’s not going to be a generic motivation moment, you might have to look through your life and find unconventional types of motivation. They are out there!

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short story #17

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I’m so excited to be here! I won a random concert ticket. It was going to have bands of all genres. Rap, pop, techno, country, etc.

But I felt strange without my gang. Micah, my oldest son at eight years old. Stephen at six years. And Sarah at four years. Also my husband, he’s my rock. But surprisingly this outing was encouraged by my husband the most. He said that I deserved a breather. But here I am; getting a breather and feeling alone.

The music playing has a nice rhythm; I just have no idea what they are saying; I just sway along with the large crowd surrounding the stage.

But now the ear plugs are needed. The music started blasting. The subs were making my ears throb. Then I heard it. The unnecessary language; that most artists fill their songs with. Definitely not my scene. I weaved through the crowd to find some silence. My ears are throbbing more from the music, than from my kids.

I just wanted to get away from the language. I wanted a breather from that whole scene. I followed the path before me. It was beautiful; cobblestone path lined with all the flowers. My daughter Sarah would have loved this. Oh how I miss her.

The path arched up as a bridge over a pool. But the bridge was wide enough, and there were benches on one side. It was quiet here. Peaceful. The breeze was warm too; I think this is where I should be. I took up residence on a bench overlooking the pool. I could see for miles. Green grass, purple hills, vibrant skies. There was a guitar playing in the distance. That was what was missing, music. This breather was more my speed.

The ambiance was perfect. I brought out my notepad. I’ve always carried it with me, hoping for a chance to jot down some song lyrics, but life happened and my kids now keep me busy. It’s been almost twenty years since the last time I tried this.

“They say we have patience. They say we are always calm.”

“They say I’m perfect. They say I’m kind. They say I’m a great mom.”

“But I don’t feel like it. I have barely any, and if I do, it fizzles gone.”

“Perfection should never be my description.”

“I am kind, but maybe too kind. They seem to walk all over me. I don’t feel like a good mom.”

Of course my lyrics sounds like a poem instead. It’s been too long. This song is probably too negative. It’s honest though. The last chorus would probably shift.

“I don’t feel it but it’s okay. I must be doing something right, because my days always end in hugs and loves.”

“I’m their mama. Not perfect, but the right one. Instead of perfect mama, call me wild mama, loud mama, crazy mama, loving mama. I’m everything rolled into one.”

“Look at that! A more realistic mama song. Truthful,” I murmur to myself.

A shadow came up behind me. I panicked, wondering if I’m somewhere I’m not supposed to be. Turning to see a cowboy dressed man. I gather up my notepad and purse, apologizing, and I begin to head back down the bridge.

“Hold on a second, miss.”

I paused and looked back at the cowboy before me. He was maybe in his late fifties. I could see the gray hair under the brim of his hat. He looked harmless, I still was wary just in case.

“Why are you all the way over here. The concert is still going on. Did you get lost or something?”

I relaxed a little. I hadn’t gone somewhere off limits. I was worried I would get in trouble, here without my husband to back me up. “No. I’m good. I just needed a break from the last artist. Rap is really not in my wheelhouse. I’m probably going to just head out. I don’t know if my ears can take anymore thumping.”

“I agree with you. I’m not a huge fan of the rap music either. I like the more classic rock or country. If you can’t tell from my wardrobe,” he gestured to his clothes, “But I think you should stay for the last artist. It’s going to be country music. I think you will like it better.”

Country. I do like country. And I should take advantage of this concert. I didn’t know if I would ever be doing this again “okay. I’ll go to the last artist’s show. I should enjoy my last bit of freedom before heading back to the loving chaos. Thank you,” I stretched my hand out to the cowboy.

He accepted. As I turned to leave, “Excuse me miss, but can I have what you were writing before all this.”

I didn’t hesitate and I handed it to him. Instead of having my song/poem be buried back into my notebook in my purse, I passed it on. Maybe it could be inspiration for someone. I turned away again and waved over my head. I felt rejuvenated and ready for one more band.

The music began, and it did have a great rhythm. Some songs I recognized and sang along too. The best part was the new songs , that I had never heard. They were clean, good message, and no language. I jotted down some of the song titles, so that I could add them to my playlist, appropriate for little ears. But suddenly the cowboy man stepped out onto the stage. He was an artist!! How did I not realize.

“Could the woman who met me just moments ago, please make her way to the front of the stage.”

‘That was me!?!’ I began to weave through the bodies surrounding me. I could feel the stares but I kept walking forward.

“This woman gave me inspiration. She and I wrote a song together. She has potential, but I changed it up some. Because of one of her comments on the song sheet read: ‘Needs to be peppy to be country song hit.’ So true. The hits are always more upbeat. Hope you enjoy it, “Honest Mom.”

He did change it. But he left the first chorus almost the same. Just made words rhyme and flow better. But he added in lines like “her eyes sparkle when she talks about her babies.” And “Her husband is a lucky man.” Also, “Admist the quiet peace, she wrote this song to fill the void.”

He was good. I felt so proud. That a song I had scribbled down was actually used. The song ended and the audience erupted with clapping and hollering of approval. Someone from his crew came up to me and got my info. I gave it, but I was still so memorized that people enjoyed it.

…

Weeks later I got a check in the mail for $250K for co-writing a song with Henry Brown. Obviously now one of my favorite artists.

I couldn’t believe what had happened that day. Henry Brown changed my life that day. I completed something. One dream; even if I wasn’t the one singing on stage; I was up there too.

The End

Photograph By: emily2jane
05-25-22

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

Hawaii

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What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?

I can’t really think of a meal that was so expensive, that I paid. I know my mom had bought expensive meals. I know my swim coach has. But until my husband and I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon; we eat mostly fast foods. Cheap. Affordable.

But Hawaii, we discovered a restaurant that served fish tacos, with a pineapple salsa…so delicious!!

We ate there so many times. But we discovered that dinner prices are way more than lunch. Because yes, we went to the same restaurant for both lunch and dinner. And while lunch was $25 for the fish taco meal; dinner was $50 for the same meal.

So that night the dinner was close to $150!! Which is way too much money. When the same meal was $60 at lunchtime.

So I don’t know if I would say it was worth it, but we did eat their fish tacos multiple time on our trip. But only for lunch. We lived more practical on our honeymoon. We cooked breakfast and dinner in our rented condo. We also bought coffee and beer from Costco. (Kona coffee…best coffee ever!!)

So eating the tacos was worth it. But what made the trip extra awesome, was stuffing my suitcase with Hawaiian Costco coffee. We gave some as gifts when we returned, but we kept most of it for ourselves. 😎

Taken in Hawaii on a cruise. Where I got sea sick! Haha 😂
Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

At Least It’s Not One.

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List 30 things that make you happy.

  1. God! Knowing He is always with me, gives me peace of mind!
  2. My family. This includes everyone. My husband, my kids, my mom, husband’s family, my siblings, grandparents, etc.
  3. My job. Even though I complain about being a mom sometimes, it is still the best job in the world. Just a lot of work.
  4. Chocolate. Yes. Straight to chocolate! But that’s what I’m wanting right now.
  5. Socks. Especially my Winnie the Pooh socks. My kids got them for me two Christmas’ ago.
  6. Organization! Not my own stuff. Other people’s stuff only. Like when my husband makes a mess in his shop, and I get to clean it up and put things away, that makes me happy.
  7. Art!! I forgot art. Art should have been before chocolate, but it can be here. All kinds of art. Painting, drawing, markers, pastels, paper machete, sculpting, etc.
  8. Playing with my babies. I asked my kids what makes me happy, and they insisted I needed this on the list. And it’s true. But it was funny that they insisted this made me happy. Not them happy. Haha!
  9. My car. My husband replaced my car that we had to sell. He got me a seven seat car!! It’s so awesome. I can separate my older kids. I can fit all my stuff.
  10. Cooking. Cooking does make me happy. I love cooking. The cleaning up after cooking…not so much. Haha
  11. Dried mango. Mango is so delicious. And for a while it was awesome because my husband doesn’t like mango. However, my son loves mango, and now my daughter likes mango. But my kiddos only like the sweet pieces. So I’m stuck with the sour ones.
  12. Being married to my husband. This one should have been first. But… my hubby!! He is the best person that ever came into my life.
  13. Chocolate Pudding. I know that should count towards chocolate. But my homemade pudding is in a category all by itself.
  14. Watching movies. I know this is kind of generic. But I do enjoy watching movies. But the same movies over and over again. Like I just watched the new Godzilla movie. I like that movie.
  15. Yard work. I love being in dirt. Mud. Mud is fun!! But planting a garden. Keeping up on flowers. I’m excited to being in my mom’s yard.
  16. Skorts. I like shorts. And I like skirts. But something about wearing a skirt, and knowing your underwear’s won’t show is a nice feeling.
  17. My new black shoes. My husband bought me a nice pair of shoes and I wear them everyday. I used to be someone that like to wear a different pair of shoes, but now I wear my black shoes with shorts, pants, skirts, and even dresses.
  18. Swimming. This should be an earlier number too. But swimming is what makes my body relax and feel energized. Or at least that’s what I remember.
  19. Dancing. I like to dance. But I also like to watch dancing. Any style that is done tasteful. Which doesn’t surprise me that my daughter also loves dancing.
  20. Seeing my husband with his son. To me seeing a man with his son is one of the cutest things. My husband with his daughters is super cute too. I guess seeing Father’s with their kids.
  21. Cardboard boxes. I guess I’m still a kid at heart. But when we get a large cardboard box, I instantly want to make a little house. With a door and windows.
  22. Reading my short stories. I actually read through my short stories often. When I want to read something. That I know has nothing inappropriate. Just feel good stories, that what I reread.
  23. Finishing. Seems like an easy thing to do but for me it is sometimes impossible. Like even writing this post. I’ve had to stop four times. Finishing a painting. Finishing a short story. I never seem to finish my long stories…but I will someday.
  24. Creative writing. I’m assuming you know this. But I really do love writing. And I do really get my ideas from dreams. Or when I daydream.
  25. Ross: Dress for less. I really do like that store. I haven’t been for a long time, but I remember liking finding gems in the chaos. But I also like thrift stores. The thrift store in our town is every item is $1. I’ve gotten great things over the years that I would have never been able to buy originally.
  26. Wandering. I like wandering in stores. We don’t have to buy anything; but I like looking at things with no crunch for time. This was my husband’s and I’s normal date, while first dating. We would walk around Home Depot and Lowe’s. Costco, Bass Pro, etc.
  27. BBQ ribs. Another food that should have been listed farther up. But yes, I love bbq ribs. My husband’s recipe. If my hubby didn’t stop me I could eat all of them! And I don’t use a napping until I’m done, my bbq stained face is my medal.
  28. Baby animals. Almost all baby animals make me smile. Tiger cubs, kittens, and baby hippos. Those are just my kids favorite animals, so I see those pictures often. But puppies too.
  29. Doing my daughter’s hair. When she allows me to braid, put up, style, her hair; it makes me happy. When she became the age to want to do her hair I was huge pregnant with my newest daughter; so I was exhausted. So sadly she taught herself. And now she wants to do it by herself, even when I have time. But I’m happy when I get to.
  30. Rain. I’ve come to realize that I’m not a huge fan of snow. Living in the North has shown me I don’t like being wet and cold. But rain is the exception. I like to run around and play in the rain with my kids. Or find worms the next day. Rain is fun.

This was actually really hard to fill in. But I like these types of prompts. It makes you think about what truly matters.

On the funny side…

My son said, going potty. Haha! It was a good laugh!!

Leaving in two days. So I had a chance to write this post, but I won’t for a while. Unless is one of my many drafted short stories. Those are easy for me to write.

“Sailing In The Clouds”
Photography By: emily2jane 08-04-25

It really looks like a sailboat is sailing on the cloud waves. Also looks like a moon…

Art, Creativity, Short Stories

Short Story #16

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“Hey! Do you want to come over to the house? Our kiddos could play. We could hang out. What do you say?” Karlee was almost giddy as she talked.

“Sure. But are you or your kiddos sick?”

“Why do you always ask that? Do you realize how inconsiderate you are?”

“Well you all did just move here from overseas, and you are still acclimating. Also, you all have been sick with various viruses for the last six months. This is nothing new for me to ask. Whenever I am invited somewhere I ask the host if anyone is sick. I have an infant. I would rather to not have a sick infant. And especially, we are going to be traveling down to see my pregnant sister here soon. They tried so hard for this baby; that I will not be bringing down a germ to them. So are you or your kids ill?”

“No we are not. But I think we are no longer available today. Goodbye.” Karlee ended the call.

I sat there puzzled and confused. Why did Karlee respond so abruptly. I’ve always asked if her family was sick before coming over. I always ask anyone. Not only did I not want to have sick children, but I didn’t want to get sick. Or have my husband get sick and still have to work. Inconsiderate? To me it would be more inconsiderate to invite people over to your house, knowing that you are sick. And in a way, Karlee had done that once before. They came to church one Sunday knowing their kid had the stomach flu. Naturally didn’t tell us until we were about to leave church; where our kids had been in close quarters with their son. To me that’s being inconsiderate.

“Hey Hon,” Jarred popped his head into the doorway.

“Yeah,” I placed my phone down on the coffee table.

“Did you just talk to Karlee?”

“Yeah. How did you know that?”

“Well Carl just texted me a long old text. About, how could I let my wife talk to his wife that way. That you are such an inconsiderate friend. That you must be stupid for constantly asking if his family is sick all the time. That you are a terrible mother for acting this way. That our kids are not growing up with proper parenting. That I need to manage my wife better. Any of this making sense to you? Did Carl loose his mind?”

‘Wow. Just wow.’ I recapped what had been said between Karlee and myself. I didn’t think it was enough to warrant Karlee tattling to her husband.

“I had hoped that it was a wrong person type of text. What’s Carl’s problem? Who is he to call my wife stupid? Question us on our parenting? Inconsiderate? Does he not see his text as rude to your feelings or mine? At the end of the text he added, ‘don’t tell your wife’. Like does he not know me by now? You and I don’t have secrets. I’m going to give him a piece of my mind!”

‘I forgot. It’s not just me loosing a friend. But my husband now is loosing one too. Making friends when you are older is impossible.’ “Not quite yet. Let me reach out to Karlee, and question her first.”

Text: “I thought we were adults. I would prefer if you have something to say about me, you just say it to me. There’s no reason to get the husbands involved. I don’t appreciate your husband ridiculing my husband and my family. Please next time just say it my face or text it to me.”

Karlee’s reply: “I told him not to say anything. I vented to him; like all couples do. I’ll have him apologize to your husband.”

Text: “My husband doesn’t need a forced apology. If your husband wants to send one he can but a forced apology means nothing. That this will only happen again. That hurtful words would be said again. You do know, that this isn’t the first time; you both have made slide remarks about my family before. We let things go, because we really wanted to be friends.”

No more replies came. The conversation was over. And to me this friendship was too.

“If you want to text back you can; I’m not going to control you. But I think it’s over and done with,” I glanced and smiled weakly at Jarred; I placed my phone on the coffee table.

Jarred sighed as he walked over to me, “I think for our mental health we should give up on this friendship. This isn’t the first time Carl has made a comment about you or our parenting style. Which I can now understand in a sense, because I don’t approve of his parenting style. It’s become unbearable to watch him belittle his older son; to the extent now that I watch as the kid shuts down. Also, no one is allowed to call you stupid. Or insult you in any way! And the added part of don’t tell you…! What was he thinking ? He knows I tell you everything!” Jarred collapsed into the chair beside me.

It was time. Time to cut this family out of our lives. Things had been beginning to snowball. The eldest daughter had been rude and incredibly mean to my daughter. So much so, that Emma came up to me with almost tears; asking why her friend didn’t want her to play with her. Jarred was right about their parenting style with their oldest son. That everything the son did was wrong. Every little thing needed to be ridiculed or belittled. He was only six. I was already thinking that I could no longer watch it; which is sadly just leaving that kid there. But we couldn’t change it.

Jarred kissed me on the forehead, “what do you want to do?”

“We should just let it go. And let them go. I don’t think this is a good friendship to have. There’s already enough hard things in life. Let’s not have people in our lives that only bring negativity. I’m sorry though,” I leaned against his chest, “you only have a few friends…”

“Say no more. I was already thinking that I didn’t want this friendship anymore. I wasn’t doing anything because I knew you two were friends. I didn’t want my choices to affect your friendship. Carl only ever texts me when he wants something. Like my trailer or tractor. But there is no way I’m letting him borrow my stuff. Especially since he has no heavy equipment experience. But every time I said no, he calls me inconsiderate or unchristian like, for not willing to help out a fellow brother. But he never accepts my offer of me and the tractor. With him it’s always my fault. I’m tired of constantly having to say no, and be labeled as the bad guy.”

“So we agree?” I looked up into Jarred’s face, “it’s a good plan to remove this family from our lives? Not just ours, but our kids lives?”

“Yes definitely from our kids lives. Emma didn’t understand why she was kicked out of their daughter’s room. Emma is friends with everyone. But yes. We should. We both don’t do well with being called stupid. Especially when someone calls my wife stupid. That’s a huge mistake.” Jarred pulled me closer into a hug.

I hugged him back. “Though, I can be pretty dumb sometimes, right?”

“Yes you can. Especially when you are pregnant.” Jarred sighed and relaxed into me more. I pretended to bite his shoulder, “Haha! But I love you still! You are my little dummy, and only I am allowed to say it.”

“Jarred, I love you, you know?” I pulled away to look him in the face. My wonderful husband.

Jarred smiled. “Yes, I know. I love you too,” he kissed my nose.

I smiled and returned to the hug. I squeezed him a little more than before. But he accepted it.

We just stood there. In our kitchen. Content with life. Even if we had no friends, we still had each other. Closer than ever.

…The End…

Dedicated to my Husband.

I love you Mister!

“Summer Nap”
08-02-25
Photograpy
By: emily2jane

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Me!

1 Comment

How would you describe yourself to someone who can’t see you?

I am tall. Shorter than a stop sign, but taller than a little old lady.

I have dark brown, soft, full, wavy, curly, and straight hair. When I let it grow out, it’s almost to my butt, but currently it’s to my shoulder blades. However, I always have it in a bun or braid, because my children like to play with it; if it’s free. and it’s almost like a dark chocolate color.

My clothes are comfortable. With being a mom, I want comfort and coverage. Because my it seems like my only time to sit, is when we are going grocery shopping. When I was a teenager, I would wear all colors! Any patterns! My clothes were fun and different. Now I stick to gemstone colors. Dark blues, dark pinks, purples. It’s kind of boring really, but I won’t be able to wear my fun clothes until my kids are all above two.

I’m naturally quiet. You may not even realize I’m with you. I like to just sit and listen, and doodle. But that was before being a mom. Instead I’m running around chasing my kids. Constantly telling them to leave their siblings alone. I feel like everyone is watching me. But thankfully, I have kids who are polite and somewhat well behaved in public. Once home, all bets are off; but I get told several times, that my kids are so well behaved. I smile, but inside I say, ‘if you only knew.’

I’m an artist. Or at least I really want to be one again. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t drawn or painted anything. I miss smelling like paint. Or having market stains on my fingers. But my kids come first.

I’m a swimmer. So I have a swimmer build. Even though I’m about twenty pounds overweight, I still seem fit. It’s just the mama pouch that is hard to get rid off, after kids. All moms know what I’m talking about. But I miss smelling like chlorine. I miss my body hurting because swimming is the best exercise for me. But we don’t live next to a pool, also I have a seven month old that needs mama almost every thirty minutes.

So I’m me, but I’m not me. But not forever. Someday I will wear loud clothes, smell like paint, and have chlorinated smelling hair. Someday…

Taken on the 4th

Most of my art is mostly just photography. All on my phone. Nothing special. But mostly of my kiddos.