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Are You a Back Seat Rider?
“Tell me another story Gigi!” the girls asked with praying hands. One of the things they enjoyed the most was getting tucked into bed by one of their grandmothers and hearing stories about their mom and dad as children. “Your mom always wanted to ride in the front seat,” my mother said as she settled in the sofa. “This was before seat belts or car seats.” The girls covered their open mouths with their little hands. “She urged your granddad to pass all the cars because she wanted to get to our destination quickly. And she never stopped asking “Are we there yet? How much longer?” My youngest one shook…
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Restoration Project- Kintsugi Style
“Can you tell me a little more about that restoration business?” I asked my niece. “Well,” she smiled “Technically it’s the repair or renovation of works that have already sustained decay with the attempt to restore a work to its original, undamaged appearance”(britannica.com) I grabbed another cup of coffee and sank in my favorite chair to savor my improvised lecture. “But there are other techniques used to restore pieces. Have you ever heard of Kintsugi?” Knowing that her hospital administrator aunt has limited knowledge of the art world, she barely paused for my response. “It’s a Japanese technique where they take broken pottery and instead of trying to put it…
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A Smile from Heaven
“Hurry up and pray to Jesus for a wish before midnight!” I said as we followed our New Year’s tradition. Both girls closed their eyes tight whispering with praying hands. “What’d you ask for, what’d you ask for!” they inquired of each other. “I want a Barbie doll house,” said my youngest excitedly. “I want a baby brother!” declared the oldest as she jumped up and down. “What?” I bolted as if stung by a wasp. “Are you sure you don’t want something else, like a puppy, or a fish or a toy?” Putting her hand on her hip she said, “It’s my wish and my prayer to Jesus and…
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The Great Exchange
“Hurry up, we don’t have much time!” my husband rushed into the kitchen. We grabbed a cup of coffee and headed to the kitchen table. The race track was set. On the left: boxes and wrapping paper. On the right: scissors and tape. Pine scented candles and holiday music served as happy spectators. The oven timer served as the referee that would blow his whistle in the two hours, right before the kids came home from school. “On your mark, get set, go!” he laughed. “And remember to save the receipts in case we have to return anything.” As the race against time began, I admired the gifts. We carefully…
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My Disney World Expedition
“Mom…” that tone in her voice announced a petition. “What?” I responded bracing myself when I noticed her brother and sister behind her. “We think it’s time we go back to Disney.” “Are you kidding me? I still have PTSD from last time!” They laughed out loud. I didn’t think it was funny. “Mom, they have new rides that you’ll love!” her sister added. “I don’t want to hear about it,” I said as I turned my attention to the tv show I was watching. Needless to say, I gave in to their request. That was my first family trip to Disney World with our young adult children. That trip…
