Finally

Well, it was bound to happen, I finally did something so stupid that I don’t want to write about it. Let’s just say that depilatories, even the gentle ones, don’t belong on some portions of the anatomy.

Peace, people.

Waltzing

When it comes to dancing, it’s hard to beat a good waltz. I learned how to navigate a waltz with my high school and college friend, Roy. Even though I believe he was gritting his teeth every time I pulled him onto a dance floor, times when he could have been dancing with a more capable partner, he never turned me down. Roy was a good man, and I doubt I’ll ever have the pleasure of dancing with a better dancer than he was. I hope he’s waltzing in heaven.

So, back to waltzes. I’m not talking about a Viennese waltz; although, I think I’d enjoy that, too. I‘m referring to the country version of the dance. Songs like, “Love on a Hot Afternoon,” and “Waltz Across Texas.” There’s just something about that three-quarter time that makes me need to get up and move.

There are two waltzes on my playlist now, one older, one newer, that give me great pleasure. My cat, not so much, as she acts as my reluctant, and often dangerous, dance partner. She doesn’t like it when I try to lead. She’s light on her feet, but those claws are a real menace. Trust me—you do NOT want to step on her toes.

The older waltz is “Alibis” by Tracy Lawrence. https://youtu.be/chdGKsc2UGM.

Tracy Lawrence

The newer one is “Sunrise Tells the Story,” by the band, Midland. https://youtu.be/tVxJhq6M9Jo

Midland (also the name of a Texas city.)

I don’t know what it is about a waltz that gets me every time, and maybe I’m better off not over analyzing it. I should just relax and let someone else lead me around the floor.

Peace, people and one, two, three, one, two, three.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…

I’m not ready to say the C word, (That’s Christmas, you filthy animals) but I couldn’t help but notice that the Yule time holiday is taking over before Thanksgiving 2021 is even in the books.

Esposito’s in Tallahassee goes all out on holiday displays, and I had no choice but to take a few photos.

Look what I found dozing among the tree skirts and stockings. Neither creature was stirring as shoppers invaded their space.

I’ll have to make another visit as I begin to get in the mood for that holiday.

Peace, people!

E.F. Hutton Ad

As an addendum to my earlier post, here are a couple of actual E.F. Hutton advertisements.

https://youtu.be/1tG-g-TfBww

This one is cute.

https://youtu.be/q7A-hbeIYfk

The ads must’ve had a pretty good run, spanning at least a nine year period.

FYI, this post is in no way an endorsement of E. F. Hutton, but I did like their commercials.

Peace, people!

When I Talk, People Listen (Whether They Want To Or Not)

Remember the old E.F. Hutton commercials? They usually featured a collection of well-heeled folks standing around at a cocktail party or gathered ‘round a campfire chatting away until someone in the scene said, “Well my broker is E.F. Hutton and he says…” Once those words were uttered, all conversation ceased and everyone leaned in to listen. I kind of have the same effect on people. I might just be the new E.F. Hutton.

Last evening I decided to stop by Sweet Pea Cafe for dinner. Studly Doright was out of town and I had an appointment that ran late. Sweet Pea was on my way home and I knew there’d be a friendly face or two to say “hi” to before I went home to the cat.

The place was hopping. As I entered the cafe to place my order there was a group of college-age women ahead of me. They were so lively. So spirited. So indecisive when it came to ordering. One of the young ladies noticed me and said, “Why don’t you go ahead?”

I knew exactly what I wanted and apparently I spoke loudly enough that everyone in the place, and on into the next county, knew my order, as well. Literally everyone stopped talking when I ordered. I’d have quipped something about being in an E.F. Hutton commercial, but literally no one in the crowd would have gotten the reference.

I have this uncanny ability to become a human megaphone at times. Studly Doright always knows just what to say to tone me down when my volume gets turned up: “Shh!” I sure could’ve used him last night.

PEACE, PEOPLE!!!

Careless

No one has ever accused me of being a perfectionist. My mother had perfectionist tendencies and I try so hard to be like her. But even when I believe I’ve dotted every i and crossed every t, a few will rear their undotted and uncrossed heads and I’ll realize I’ve fallen short again.

This is one reason why I’ll never be tempted into a life of crime. I know I’d never be able to pull off the perfect heist. I’d be the thief who’d leave a business card with my name, phone number, and address at the scene of the crime—probably with a map and bright red x to mark the spot. I’d use fingerless gloves and my prints would show up all over the place.

Is there a MasterClass in the art of perfection? if so, I’d likely screw up the instructions. Pour me a beer; I’m feeling inadequate tonight. #Revising

Peace, people.

Broken People reblog

This poem came up in my Facebook memories today. I’d completely forgotten about it, but I think it has merit. As I recall I’d written a part of the poem, but felt like it was half-baked. Days went by and I had an epiphany that allowed me to continue the thoughts that first compelled me to write this. Now I’m not certain if this is two poems or one poem in two parts. I just know I like it. Maybe you will, too.

https://nananoyz5forme.com/2015/11/12/broken-people

Shrugging and Sighing and Smiling, Oh My!

I’ve only been at this writing thing for a short time. The mistakes I continue to make are still quite amateurish in nature. My first draft is peppered with way too many shrugs and sighs, smiles and frowns, laughs and nods, and it’s agony reading the manuscript aloud and crafting new ways to move the story along.

Wedding at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort is in the final stretch of editing and revising, but I still have to ferret out all the overused words. It’s too bad there’s not a random word generator that would automatically substitute a more unique or seldom used word into a work in progress. (Note to self: use ferret occasionally.”)

Action beats, such as “Paula folded a dishrag and slung it over her shoulder,“ work well in place of shrugging and sighing and smiling, etc., but the caveat there is in not crossing over into stage direction and/or telling vs. showing. I have to confess, I’m a teller. Showing is so hard.

I seem to take two steps backward for every step forward. I blame my background in teaching and training. So why do I keep writing? For the joy of screwing up, I guess.

I’m on my second read aloud pass through. The number of smiles is declining; however, I’ve noticed that grins are on the uptick. Coincidence? I really doubt it.

Peace, people!

Maybe I need a dog…the cat’s useless.

Deep Thoughts About Toes and Marbles

I wrote this piece a while back. Since then, I’ve lost my marble(s) and forgot all about this exercise. Is it possible for this 65-year-old woman to regain her marbles? It’s worth a try for the sake of my toes.

https://nananoyz5forme.com/2016/10/13/thoughts-while-picking-up-a-marble-with-my-toes/

Peace, people!

A Treetop Martini

Last night Studly Doright and I had dinner at The Garlic, a popular Italian restaurant in New Smyrna Beach. The ambiance was fun, and old world funky. The food was excellent. Truth is, I was so wrapped up in the dining experience that I neglected to take any pictures. Thank goodness for Pinterest.

We had it on good advice to arrive early. Since the weather was cold, most everyone wanted indoor dining. Studly Doright and I were fortunate to get the last remaining indoor table, and we were there at 4:30.

After dinner we drove a block or so to Norwood’s, a seafood place that boasts a treehouse bar.

We climbed the stairs from The Roots Bar on the lower level into this wonderful treehouse atmosphere.

The table at the end of the walkway was reserved for a special occasion.
Had it not been so cold we might have sat around this table that circled the trunk of a gnarly tree.
My beautiful martini and the back of the man who made it for me.

We topped off our sumptuous meal from The Garlic with drinks and desserts at Norwood’s. I had some insanely delicious pumpkin spice cheesecake along with the specially crafted martini above. I asked what the martini was called and the bartender shrugged. “I made it just for you and the dessert you chose.” One word: Perfection.

Studly enjoyed a brownie and water. Good thing, too. I couldn’t have driven back to our accommodations after that drink.

I’d love to visit both restaurants again on a warmer evening. The outdoor seating at both places looked inviting, but not on such a cold day. Now we’re home and I heated up a can of Gardein Chick’n Noodle soup for dinner. I wonder what martini might’ve been perfect with it?

Peace, people.