The Delightful Near Death of My Cell Phone

My cell phone's screen has made a decision to remain frozen in eternity.  It's been that way for a few days, but I thought I'd kind of wait out Mercury Retrograde and see if it didn't spark back to life. Nope.

Looking back over the past few years, I have needed to replace my phone for one reason or another, just about exactly every 6 months.  Mind you, it's not one of those fancy-schmancy gizmos, it's a little LG with a keypad, small enough to fit in my pocket, so it's not modern technology making this happen.  Unless there are some implanted gremlins I'm unaware of.  It's also not that every time I've dropped it in the drink - or a drink or the toilet, to be most specific, that was only once.  

$3,654, 777.32  later spent purchasing the newest model of the unsmart phone from V-------, it dawned on me, I might just ask my V------- pals to help a girl out and send me one of their retired phones lying around in their old phone cemetery drawers.  So, I posted this morning on Facebook and lo and behold, 10 minutes later, the gently used, ever loved phone will be in the mail, hurling through space to little ole' me.  In fact, there are two on the way and may I just say being prepared feels awfully wise at this stage?

While that might be happy ending enough for some, I, of course, have a couple of side stories to tell that make this an extra delightful situation. 

It got several of us to talking about our magnetic personalities.  Many of us can't keep a watch alive to save our own lives.  Some blow out street lights, others computers and various other electronic devices.  We came to the conclusion, that it's a good thing a) because it gives us a break and b) because our energetic vibrations have been raised to a really, super cool level.  I was also able to admit publicly that I would be a 12 step program nightmare if I had to try to keep a houseplant alive for a year.  So, I'm feeling all strong about that.

Then, someone pointed out how rapidly I manifested a solution.  I, personally, believe that the word 'manifest' is simply a swanky word for 'ask'.  Then, I got all misty-eyed, realizing I'd turned a corner on something I've struggled with my entire life.  I asked for help for ME.  Not for the animals, or for a pal, or a friend's second cousin once removed - but for me.  And I was immediately validated by a beautiful, amusing, witty, extremely generous and love-filled conversation.  AND two phones. 

All I had to do was ask.  

Thanks y'all. 

Homage to Love

I’ve a friend who is my adopted brother and cookie provider and boyfriend of my found sister.  He’s one of the most gentle, loving spirits I’ve ever known

The night before Thanksgiving, his 33 year old daughter transitioned after an extensive battle with Type One Diabetes.  It was sudden, but then Diabetes is not the most polite disease.

It’s been a most bittersweet time – and I want to stop for a moment to pay some respect to the energy it takes to mourn and to support those that are the supporters of the loved ones of the passed beings.  I want to pay homage to love.  

It rolls deeply and though it is unlikely I will ever comprehend the loss of a child of my own, I can respect how it feels and send love in waves to those who are experiencing this type of loss.  It’s one of the truest definitions of empathy I’ve ever experienced.  

So, love your people – reach out – forgive – enjoy – laugh – respect.  Try to, like I am, to always remember that love is where it all is and where it all goes. 

Diving In

They say that to be a writer, one must actually write.  I've got that part down - the part they don't talk too terribly much about, at least in my experience, is that one must then share the words with other humans.  While dogs are lovely listeners and some I know even give input, it's the two-legged creatures with brain matter that comprehend and upon occasion enjoy the English Language that are likely your audience. 

In fact last night I was giggling as I read a book – I thought how hard could it possibly be to write a book, for the love of Scooby? We’ve all had amusing, painful, poignant, insightful, spiritual, awful, hysterically funny things happen that we could jot down and call 'writing'.  Surely I can't be the only one having experiences in this life.....

So, what it is?  What is the big writing mystery?

Well, have you ever tried to name a blog?  This is where some of the enigma truly begins – naming or titling things.  Then, have you ever tried to write the description?  Even though you KNOW you can change any and all things and are fully aware of the almighty, powerful concept of delete you remember – it will never go away.  Every word you publish online is out there in the horrid font choice in the putrid color you first thought would be quirky, funky and fun to read.  

Then something even stranger happens.  You suddenly see your fifth grade teacher Mr. A (because you STILL can’t spell his name) finding your blog, and reading your words and shaking his head with wonder at how 30 AHEM odd years later you still have not figured out the proper use of a comma. 

You also have the sneaking suspicion your mother will read the blog, not tell you and worse yet, not tell her friends.  

This is when the stories really start flying.  Oh yes, gentle reader, and not necessarily the kind you had in mind. 

I figure I'll just keep a list of those things and use them for my fiction writing......

 “Nobody cares much whether you write or not. You just have to do it”

― Natalie Goldberg 

Come on in, the water is fine.