Stories untold…

“Stories”, a Facebook feature, creates an avenue for sharing. For a limited period of time, people can post whatever they feel important, funny, even ridiculous. It’s kind of a fun app with the ability to get creative with music and graphics in order to make your story stand out a bit more. I like to focus on things a tad thought-provoking, sometimes supportive with a hint of needed valuation for those who take the time to read my offering.


Humor and things more political, well, I save that for Instagram, always with one eye over my shoulder for the IG Police. Call it my dark side, trust me, we all have one and the person in the back of the room exclaiming “not me” can be in the darkest corner of all. It’s human nature, you know? Those things we say behind closed doors that we would never spurt out in public? Certain areas of social media provide that platform for people with the hiding behind a name and professing everything from insults to idiocy. Free speech or just the breakdown of a public facade that would find someone’s mainstream friends and followers…shocked?


Whatever. How many times do we witness a situation, an event, and have to stifle an emotional response out of fear of being castigated by others? Quite possibly, our reaction might be shared by different people, they as well, also hesitant to speak out and vent.


At present, we’re theater-goers, sitting in a vast audience of the constant world drama on the stage that surrounds us, clowns to the left, jokers on the right and feeling absolutely stuck in the middle of almost undefinable chaos. (Had to work in the lyrics of that song, don’t judge me.)


Good, bad or indifferent, this is life at present. We all know where we’ve been and are hard-pressed to figure out what lies ahead, it’s a crapshoot at best. As I frequently say, and much too often, I so weep for the future while desperately grasping a few threads of positivity.


Meanwhile, I’ll venture back into finding some words of deep meaning to share, in an effort to ignore all things negative while convincing myself that there is hope out there. Somewhere.

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Off to see the wizard…

It’s been a while since there has been something to really, I mean really, look forward to; am I the only one in this universe feeling this way?


Looking back on the past few years of turmoil, on so many levels, possibly I can see a few arms raised in the distance. So much of life has been continually placed on the back burner, saving all involved wishes and hopes for another day, when things get better.


I say…enough!


Most of us are like passengers on some train, hoping that the next stop will be the right one, the place to bring us some normalcy, some peace, hell…a needed change!


With great pleasure, I’ve circled dates on my office calendar, noted same on my phone and on my work schedule. In a few weeks, I’m outta here, off to see the proverbial wizard; off to sunny skies, warm breezes and, the best of all, a long overdue visit with family. Of course, this trip will mark a very important occasion, the college graduation of our oldest grandson and all due celebration involved. As with all of my grandchildren, he is remarkable. Accomplished and focused on what I know will be the brightest of futures ahead for him.


There’s a great deal of feeling very fortunate with this upcoming trip. Mostly that my husband and I can be there to share in the celebration and help to fill the empty spaces left by the paternal grandparents who were a tremendous part of our family circle. We know their love and admiration for our shared grandson will be shining down from a heavenly distance.


So, that’s it! Call me a tad overanxious, I’ve already started my pre-packing. It’s just that feeling of excitement that begins stirring when you finally have something to look forward to!

One shoutout…JetBlue? Don’t screw this trip up!!

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop….Write a blog post inspired by the word: trip. Write about something you are looking forward to.


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A Quiet Christmas

Looking back to last year at this time, I wrote about A Different Christmas and all that was involved. This year will also be different…and quiet.


One year later, things haven’t changed that much with life still chugging along in an almost aimless path of direction. I think most of us are still attempting to get through and muster up some element of holiday spirit but…the magic seems to be slipping away.


Families spread miles apart, either directionally or emotionally, casts a cloud over the memories of hectic but still happy seasonal celebrations. Hey, I’m a realist and well understand the dynamics of the holidays and that the festivities involved don’t always bring out the best in people. Especially families. But, there are wonderful memories to cherish, to look back upon, and I’m so grateful for all of them.


So, much like last year, this year will be another different Christmas, one without a towering Concolor Fir taking up a regal presence in our home. The usual holiday decorations will wait for another year to be unwrapped and lend their festive air everywhere. No Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve and… December 25th will make its way into a quiet house with no family gathered to open presents or to share Christmas brunch and dinner. Sad, in so many ways, not just where I’m concerned but for anyone else dealing with similar circumstances. As we all grow older, that window of time starts to close with each breath we take and we wonder if the opportunities for gathering new memories are fading away. Hopefully, not.


For everyone weathering the storms of life, my wishes for a Joyeux Noël.

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop…Describe how you will spend Christmas Day this year.
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