Category: Commentary

Deep Thoughts on a Sunday Morning

Does anyone else think that the so-called “panhandle” of Texas, land of my birth, might be better thought of as a cutting board?

Hardly handle-sized.

At one time I believe there was a campaign to change the nomenclature. A panhandle resident argued that the term “panhandle” was derogatory because it was also a term used to describe begging.

As I recall, his campaign for change didn’t get much traction. Maybe if he’d lobbied for “cutting board” or “postage stamp” he’d have gotten some support. Maybe not

At any rate, the panhandle in Texas is one of several in the United States.

Currently I live in the Florida panhandle. I’d argue that its shape comes closer to fitting the description of an actual pan’s handle.

Although, to me it’s reminiscent of the barrel of a gun with the peninsula as the gun’s handle.

I found something kind of cool while searching Pinterest for pictures of panhandles. Earlier this year, “Rolling Stone” did a feature on a West Texas band called The Panhandlers, including a link to one of their songs. I got a kick out of the song, and thought it worth sharing here.

Here’s a link to the “Rolling Stone” article:https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/panhandlers-josh-abbott-texas-music-no-handle-933993/amp/

Peace, people!

The Worrying Gene

If there’s one thing I’m really good at, it’s worrying. I come by the skill honestly, having inherited it from my mother who was a world class worrier.

She was full of “what ifs” and “might could happens” and she handed them down to me in a messy little package made up of sleepless nights and tied up with great big bows constructed from fatalistic flights of fancy.

Studly Doright, on the other hand, never worries, or if he does he never mentions it. Oh, he ponders deep stuff, like how to rig his bicycle with a battery and a throttle and a golf bag holder so he can use it on the golf course instead of a golf cart.

He might obsess a bit, but he never worries that he won’t get the bike to work or that he’ll crash and break a leg on the hole farthest from the clubhouse and have to crawl to safety. No, he leaves those worries to me.

His mom, Saint Helen, is not a worrier either. Even when she was on her own, raising five kids, she didn’t expend any energy worrying. She knew worrying wouldn’t solve a thing.

So, is this a nature versus nurture issue? Did my mom pass the worrying gene down to me, or did I learn from observing her that one should fret over situations one cannot control? Did Studly choose to emulate his mother, or is there a single speck on a gene that prevents him from worrying?

It’s probably a bit of both. We may never know. What I do know is that the old saying that opposites attract rings true in this case. Thank goodness.

Peace, people!

Long Cool Woman

The Hollies’ 1972 hit Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress, has always fascinated me. Until very recently (today, August 5, 2020, at 6:45 a.m.), I only kind of understood the lyrics.

Some dude working undercover for the FBI was in a club when all hell broke loose, and there was a pretty, tall woman wearing a black dress involved somehow.

Turns out, I was mostly right, but I always thought there was a bouncer involved and that the woman was also working undercover for a rival organization, maybe the KGB or the CIA, and was leading our hero on so that her side could triumph. In the end, I thought the two of them agreed to work together and lived happily ever after. My imagination filled in the blanks.

This morning I found a YouTube version of the song with lyrics. Now, 48 years after the fact, I know the whole truth and nothing but the truth. What a great song.

Peace, people!

Too Hot to Handle?

A couple of days ago I used a photo of the cover of a vintage western romance as an illustration in a blog post. (Link below)

A friend asked if this was the cover of an actual book. I wasn’t sure, so I googled it. And it is, indeed an actual book. Guess who ordered herself a copy?

I’ll keep you posted.

Peace, people

https://nananoyz5forme.com/2020/08/02/girl-crush/

Punctual

Late Friday afternoon I received a text from my dentist’s office reminding patients of all the safety precautions patients needed to abide by during an appointment. Instantly I thought my appointment must be imminent. I looked through my calendar, though, and couldn’t find an entry.

I left a message with the dental office saying I’d apparently neglected to enter the date and time for my appointment, and asking them to contact me with that information when they opened on Monday.

Over the weekend, though, I began thinking that my appointment was for early morning on August 3, so I set an alarm and was at the dentist’s office a few minutes before eight this morning, prepared to wait awhile in case my appointment was at nine. As soon as I parked my car I called the office number.

“We just listened to your message,” the voice on the other end said. “Your appointment is for November 4, at 8 a.m.”

I don’t think I’ll wait around that long.

At least I wouldn’t have suffered the fate of these dinosaurs.

Peace, people.

Girl Crush

In my never ending quest for sexy musical inspiration for my romantic novel I discovered the absolutely delightful song, Girl Crush by the group, Little Big Town.

Even if you’re not a fan of country music, I think you’ll get a kick out of this song. Not only is it sexy, it’s also adorable and a little heart-breaking. I want to scream at the singer, “just be yourself!”

Loved this book cover!

Peace, people!

Lay, Lady, Lay

My cousin, Effron White, is an accomplished singer/songwriter in Nashville. He’s also a big Bob Dylan fan, and recently posed the question on Facebook, “What’s your favorite Bob Dylan song?”

I’m not that knowledgeable about Dylan’s body of work, but me being me, I had to weigh in. My choice? Lay, Lady, Lay.

Why? Because it’s one of the sexiest songs ever, and as I attempt to write a light romance novel, I’m in need of some sexy inspiration. The song paints quite a picture. Just close your eyes and listen.

Oh, and check out Effron White at Effronmusic.com.

Peace, people

A Trail of Toys

Our cat’s main purpose in life seems to be finding her toys and depositing them on our bed. Usually, they can be found all lined up as if waiting at the post office for stamps. I do believe they’re practicing a scaled down version of social distancing.

Peace, people.

Paper or Plastic?

Today is the 44th anniversary of the day Studly Doright and I said our vows in front of friends and family members at a small Baptist church in Dumas, Texas.

I’ve had his gift for several weeks and will give it to him tonight. This morning, though, I was curious as to what the prescribed gift for the 44th anniversary might be. Maybe, I thought, I’d pick up something that fit the bill in addition to what I’d already bought.

Imagine my surprise when I realized I’ve been celebrating our 44th anniversary nearly every day since we said “I do!”

I should start saving up for next year right now, though. Probably can’t get a sapphire at the Publix store on N. Monroe, either.

Peace, people!

Illegally Blonde

Several years ago while on a motorcycling adventure I, along with some of my dearest friends, went on a shopping expedition in Charleston, West Virginia. At one point we found ourselves in a wig shop, and we all took turns trying on different styles and colors.

While I hadn’t forgotten about the day—it was so much fun—I had forgotten there was photographic proof of our wig adventure. Thank goodness one of my friends saved photos of the day for posterity. I have to admit that at first I didn’t recognize myself as a blonde. What do you think? Should I invest in a blonde wig?

Don’t hate me because I’m goofy looking.

Peace, people!