Time Out

Another cute Emma story...She became rather spoiled over vacation with mom/dad going to bed with her in the tent when we were camping. So we are back to sitting in the chair until she falls asleep. Saturday night, I was sitting there reading a book. Meanwhile Emma put Elmo in time out in the crib. She sat him on the pillow, and said, "No, NO, NO, NO,", turned him over and waited a few seconds then turned him back and continued the scolding. I tried so hard not to laugh myself silly. Poor thing, she has had it hard the last few weeks. It seems like everything she wants to do is sometimes questionable behaviour.

Contributed by Denise.

Bell-Jar

My friend, Jenna, and I went to a coffee shop Monday night. She sat by herself while I wrote. An hour into reading Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar, Jenna started laughing out loud for a solid minute. It made me smile.

Bad Habit

I have a bad habit of stashing away beautiful stories. I think that's why I started this site.

I know why I keep them locked away. It's like Moonlight Sonata. I need to have one last small, stupid, and beautiful anecdote in reserve when all the chips are down.

July 1, 1967

Forty years ago we almost didn't have a wedding. Two weeks before our selected date, the minister had resigned unexpectedly and left town. Panic ruled! Invitations had been sent out, out of town guests expected, and no one to marry us. This was small town USA. The Methodist Church did find someone to officiate for the afternoon.

Thankfully the replacement minister ran us through rehearsal the night before. After that we gathered at Denny's folks for lunch and gift opening.

I had made my gown of white Peau de Soie which had a rounded neckline, fitted bodice, and detachable train. The gown had full length sleeves with pearl buttons. Course then I weighed 95 pounds! My bridal bouquet was white stephenotis and pink roses along with ivy. My sister kept a cutting which grew and grew. (My green thumb wasn't as good as hers.) My daughter used cuttings from that plant as her reception arrangements for her wedding 10 years ago.

Nancy, maid of honor, wore a floor length gown of hot pink, a color she hated. Doris & Pat wore light pink.

The day was hot and humid which did nothing for our coiffed hairdos. At the farm, indoor plumbing had just been installed so preparations were easier. Silly me, I even let my sister help with my packing. She'd done a number on my suitcase--ten years later rice was still falling out!

As the processional began, bridesmaids sedately walked down the aisle. I almost fainted due to low blood sugar, and a bun was foisted upon me. Nancy, my maid of honor, stopped at the hallway and refused to enter. My dad gave her that steely look and pushed her out of the doorway and down the aisle. As we knelt at the alter, Denny's knees were knocking so bad due to nerves that the tacks holding the runner popped out.

Our honeymoon was along the North Shore but we were unprepared for the frost and cold weather. We had to use our Triple A card to scrape off the windshields.

We've been blessed with a terrific family, friends, tons of memories, and happiness.

Contributed by Ann

Boat Driving

Another funny random camp moment came after one of my first speed boat rides. We unloaded the boat at the dock and as we walked to shore, one of the women who has schizophrenia turned to me and said, "You're a really good boat driver we were going 35 miles per hour that's about half as fast as a cheetah goes I have to go to my cabin bye!" It was all uttered in one deep breath.

Contributed by Aryn.

Real Writing

"...and the beautiful thing about real writing is that I can tell you everything today and chalk it all up as fiction tomorrow."

Socialist

I listened to a college couple arguing politics late one night in Perkins.

"You won't believe all these things once you start making lots of money," he said.

"Well, I guess it's obvious I'd better never make any. For the good of my soul," she replied. I'm sure it was the first time I heard someone bring their soul into an argument in some time.