Daily Prompt: Dim

via Daily Prompt: Dim

I never know what may provide inspiration for a post. Something I observe, a memory that pops into my head, a simple little remark made by a friend and so much more. This was inspired by a little remark. Thank you my friend.

Katie was sitting by the window, staring out into the dark clouds and gray skies. It was so dreary outside. She looked around her house and due to a light bulb burning out her living room was even dim.

She looked closer at her walls realizing how long it had been since she had painted them. The paint was peeling and even though the walls weren’t gray, they resembled how it looked outside. Dreary. Her walls were a simple white and when freshly painted they had shined, but all these years later they looked very dull.

Something sparked in Katie’s heart. al She jumped up from the couch, grabbed her car keys and backed the car out of the driveway narrowly missing the mailbox. She was on the way to the Hardware Store. She smiled, the world was already beginning to look a little brighter.

She was excited as she pulled into the driveway a hour later. Apparently the mailbox sensed her excitement and jumped to get out of her way but it missed. Katie at first was speechless realizing she had hit it. Then she thought about the 20 different paint cans that she had bought and figured she would have enough to repaint the mailbox.

Katie sat on the floor with the paint cans surrounding her wondering how in the world she would pick out the right colors to use. There were different shades of blues and greens and yellows. How would she choose! She thought and she thought and she finally came up with a plan.

All through the night she painted and painted some more. Exhausted she fell asleep on the couch after she had painted the final stroke.

She awakened to the sun streaming through her window. She rubbed her eyes and was caught by surprise at the magical shine that appeared on her walls. She beamed!

Her phone was ringing and Katie picked it up. ” Good Morning Katie! Did you start painting yet? What color did you decide on?”

Katie laughed as she looked at her walls. Hmm … what color would she call it? Was there actually a name for it?

“Stacey, why don’t you come over and see for yourself!” Stacey said she would be over later that day and after talking a little longer they said goodbye.

Katie looked at the remaining colors left and knew she had one more job to do. She went outside and painted her mailbox. She almost felt like the mailbox was smiling at her after she finished. It was as bright as the sun.

The mailbox was breathing a sigh of relief now. Surely she won’t hit me now were the thoughts going through its mind. How can she not see me now? Ahh! No more headaches for me!

Later that night Katie was looking out the window again. The sky was dark but Katie felt bright inside.

Stacey had been over earlier and she loved it. She stared for a moment not knowing what to say for the walls really didn’t match any color that Stacey had imagined. It was like Katie had made up a her very own unique color. A color that brightened up the house and gave out a feeling of warmth to all those who entered.

Stacey suggested something that excited Katie. She would love for Katie to paint the walls inside the High School, the one on Emerald Street. It was the one where Stacey was Principal at. Anything that could help brighten the children’s spirits when in school was so needed right now.

Stacey and her talked about how they could even get the kids who were interested involved with the painting. Let them paint some designs if they wanted too. Paint some murals. Let their spirits soar for a little as they spread some cheer in their school.

Yes, Katie’s heart felt good as she looked into the night. She couldn’t wait to get started and help the kids to smile again.

What was that shining through the dark thought Katie. She looked again and then she laughed as she realized what it was. The mailbox was glowing! Apparently Katie has bought Glow in the Dark paint.

Tuesday’s Thoughts!

Happy Tuesday! Last Tuesday of February. How did you wake up this morning? Does it take you awhile to wake up or do you “pop up” like bread from a toaster? Ready to meet the new day. I hope you were able to wake up with a smile, for it is a new day and you never know what could happen!

I hope you have a wonderful day blessed by smiles, laughter, love and friendship! As always thanks for reading and helping to brighten my day with your comments!

 

 

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The Exciting News

For my new readers who may not have read any of my Jinx and Jangle stories, here is a link to my previous story which leads into this one. The Tricky Reindeer

Jangle and Jinx had just finished feeding their reindeer team and they were walking back to their cottage.  As they walked along Jangle had an idea come to him and he smacked his forehead.

“Lets make snow angels! Its been a long time since I did that.”  He laid down on the snow and started moving his arms and legs urging Jinx to do the same. At that moment Snowflake came running their way and knocked into Jinx, causing Jinx to fall on his stomach,  landing face first into the snow.

Jangle tried to hold back his laughter as he turned to Jinx and said, ” You are supposed to lie on your back to make a snow angel, but I guess you wanted to be different.”

Jinx grunted in reply and Snowflake helped him up apologizing though she had a smile on her face as well.  ” I am sorry Jinx, I didn’t see you. Hey, maybe you could get a light to wear on your head. something that shines as bright as Rudolph’s nose. That way everybody could see you.

Jangle was laughing along with Snowflake. Jinx rolled his eyes at both of them.

“Speaking of reindeer, how is your reindeer team doing?”

Jangle laughed, “They are doing fine, but Jinx still has a problem at times with the one tricky reindeer.”

“Hmm… a tricky reindeer, which one would that be?”

Jangle laughed for he knew that Snowflake knew who he was talking about. Everyone knew the tricky reindeer and the battle that went back and forth between him and Jinx.

Jinx still didn’t know the tricky reindeer’s name for no one would tell him. They all enjoyed keeping it a secret,  claiming  amnesia whenever Jinx would ask one of them. They knew how curious Jinx could be about things, which made it even more fun to keep him in the dark.

“Well are you guys coming? Santa is getting ready to make the big announcement, I don’t want to miss it.”

Jangle smacked his forehead again. “Oh yes, I had forgotten all about that. Let’s go!”

They made it just in time to hear Santa tell the big news.  There was going to be a big race which included an obstacle course. It would be called The North Pole Olympics. Details would be coming, but portions of the Obstacle Course would be a surprise. Everyone was excited about it and left right away to tell their team of reindeer.

Jangle and Jinx had finished telling their reindeer  about the North Pole Olympics and asked if there were any questions. All the reindeer shook their heads “No”, but the one tricky reindeer just smiled as  thoughts swirled around in his head.

Jangle and Jinx were walking towards their cottage once again and chatting about the big news. “I think it will be a lot of fun!”, said Jangle.

“I am excited to be driving the sleigh again”, said Jinx, “and I am curious as to what all the obstacles will be. There is only one thing that I am concerned about.”

“What is that?” asked Jangle.

“I am sure I saw a mischievous glint in that one tricky reindeer’s eyes when we were explaining to all of them about Santa’s news.  He was looking right at me.”

“Well Jinx, you do know that he still probably remembers how he didn’t get any yummy treats that one day due to you. A reindeer never forgets!”

Jangle smiled to himself, he didn’t think he would tell Jinx what he saw when they left the reindeer. Jangle had taken a quick look back and had to laugh at the tricky reindeer. He knew he was sticking his tongue out at Jinx.

Jangle had winked at the reindeer when he saw him and the reindeer winked back. Oh yes, this may be the most interesting Olympics yet. Let the Games Begin!

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RELAXING!

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Our Yorkie Lilly is seizing the moment to relax! She seizes the moment pretty often!

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I like to call Maggie our “60’s dog. She was the most laid backed, peace loving dog we have had. We got her when she was 2 years old from a lady who could not handle taking care of her anymore. This was the first picture we took of her when we brought her home. She hopped up on our couch and just made herself at home right away! Sadly she passed away 4 years ago, but she blessed us in so many ways!

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SURPRISE! This isn’t just a post of our wonderful relaxing pets.  I came across this picture and hey, can’t get much more relaxing than this. This is from years ago when Brad and I were celebrating our 10th anniversary. Went to the Grand Canyon and this was us having a little picnic, taking a break from a boat ride. Relaxing just to look at the picture and remember. 🙂

Snoopy says it the BEST!

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The Illuminated Half — Hablando Sola / Talking to Myself

You start getting used to being just you again. Even if you don’t want to—you do. It’s not like everything is always a surprise every day like it was at first. It starts out like “50 First Dates,” with you having to tell yourself the whole story from beginning to end every single morning, but […]

via The Illuminated Half — Hablando Sola / Talking to Myself

The above was written by my friend Diana, who recently lost her husband. I feel she has captured her emotions so well in this piece that I just had to share it. I hope it touches your soul and perhaps you know someone that could really identify with this right now. Share it with them, help them know that they are not alone with the feelings that they are having. Most importantly continue to be there for them in their silence, and when they want to talk. BE that friend that helps to light up their dark!

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The Warmth of Kindness

I heard on the radio today a story that touched me.  It showed how there are still so many people in this world that know how to show kindness!

A lady was at the the Los Angeles airport. One of the largest and busiest airports in the US.  She was trying to calm her little one before they got on the plane. Unfortunately her calming techniques weren’t helping and soon this little one was crying loudly,  The toddler had thrown themselves on the floor and was refusing to get on the plane. The Mom put her head in her hands and started to cry herself.

No one knew this lady’s situation. Didn’t know where she was going or what was going on in her life presently, besides the fact that she had a screaming toddler on the floor. Without any words passing between any of them, 5 different Moms walked over to this worn out Mom and tended to her and to the child. One got a cup of water for the Mom to drink, one started singing to the child, each one was finding a way to help.

Is that not a beautiful example of human kindness? No judging was going on. They weren’t yelling at her to control her child, they saw a need and they did what they could to help!

Yes, kindness still exists, it really does! What can you do to show it today?

Sometimes there is no need to ask questions,  there is only a need for action!

 

The Broken Heart

I really debated about posting this today, but it moved me so much that I had to. There is a voice that still needs heard from the aftermath of Florida’s Mass shooting tragedy.  That is the teacher’s voice.  I have several friends that are teachers and if its ever been a scary time to be a teacher, its now!

In Florida 2 teachers also died that horrible day, while trying to protect their students. You have heard that at other school shootings as well. These teachers dedicated their lives to teaching kids, to helping them to reach their full potential. I doubt that they ever dreamed that someday they would be giving their lives for their students!

The following is written from the heart of a teacher. She was just venting her feelings in a post and since then it has gone viral. You may have already seen it, but for those who didn’t and in honor of all the teachers out there I give you this. Words from a broken heart.

In 7th period, out of nowhere today, the fire alarms at my school went off. My students stood up as they always do when the alarm goes off for drills.

My brain immediately went into robot mode. I recalled the incident from yesterday like a mathematician calculating a problem on a whiteboard. Zero emotions. Zero fear.

“Wait,” I said, holding up my hand. The kids froze. “Let’s sit for now,” I said calmly. They sat, looking at me in terror.

“What if it’s like—!!!” One child cried out, but I turned, shook my head, and kept my hand held out.

“It’s not. Probably someone pulled the alarm. It’s okay. Let’s just wait.”

We waited. I kept eye contact with the teacher in the classroom across the hall from me. We both shook our heads.

Then I waited to hear gunshots.

Do you hear me?

I stood in front of your children and I waited to hear gunshots.
DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT????

I didn’t want to put them in lockdown just yet. Calmness and control is the only defense I have against a room of panicked teenagers. I turned and I looked every single one of them in the eyes and I nodded my head reassuringly. You are my babies. I have you. I have you.

I kept glancing across at the teacher across from me. He shook his head. We stayed still.

Suddenly, I saw our guidance counselor in the hallway. She beckoned for us to come out. I stuck my head out and said “it’s safe?” She said “Yes, let’s go out.”

“Come on, guys,” I said. “It’s all right. We can go outside.”

They behaved wonderfully. They followed me out calmly, we evacuated, and then we stood outside for 30 minutes while fire trucks and police cars checked out our building. It was a faulty alarm. Everyone was safe.

I took my children back inside. We had a successful drill. Everyone was safe. I even made a point to update parents and community that we were all safe.

School dismissed.

The kids left, chatting excitedly how they missed half a class period.

I sat at my desk.

My little sister came in to say goodbye for the day and I lost it. Sobbing, snot coming out, face burning, nauseated.

I was waiting to hear gunshots. I was waiting to hide my kids. I was waiting for the shots.

I’m home and I’m angry.

I stood in front of your kids and waited to die for them.

I STOOD IN FRONT OF YOUR KIDS AND WAITED TO DIE FOR THEM!

(Shared with permission from Stephanie Kuzy Jenkins , image via JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty)

Tuesday’s Thoughts!

It is supposed to climb into the 70’s today! Should be a beautiful day. I am listening to beautiful music, “The Greatest Showman” CD is playing.  The sun is shining through the window lighting up the room.  I hope that your heart is filled with sunshine today and that these quotes help to add to the sunshine. Have a delightful day!

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The Little Things

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“Excuse me Miss.”

Shauna looked around trying to see who was talking to her but didn’t see anyone. Not many people were out on this rainy day. She was heading back to her car anxious to get home.

“Down here Miss.”

Shauna looked down and saw a little mouse. Was she really holding a polka dot umbrella?? She rubbed her eyes and wondered if it was too early in the morning to drink a glass of wine.  How could a little mouse be talking to her!

“HI! Can I ask you for a ride?  I really would like to get to a place that is warm and dry. ”

Now Shauna was thinking even more strongly that she needed a drink as she looked down at this little mouse who had just asked her for a ride.

She couldn’t believe that the words were coming out of her mouth, but she heard herself saying, ” Sure!”  and she bent down and scooped her up placing her and her tiny umbrella in her pocket.

The mouse thanked her and was so happy to be warm and dry as they got into the car. The mouse was smiling about how lucky she was and then Shauna started driving.  They were swerving  and making jerky stops.  The poor little mouse wondered if perhaps it would have been better for her to have stayed out in the rain!

Finally as she was giving up all hope of arriving safely they came to another stop and Shauna said, “We are here. ”

She walked into the house and pulled the little mouse out of her pocket placing her on the floor.  She wondered what she should say to her, its not like she was accustomed to talking to mice.

“So what’s for supper? ” the mouse piped up and asked. Shauna looked at her thinking she was quite bold, after all she had already given her a ride out of the rain.

“Macaroni and cheese” Shauna said, “Is that okay with you?”

“Sounds perfect.”

Shauna went about making supper wondering if this mouse planned on staying with her. She wasn’t exactly keen on having a mouse as a pet. She had come a long way in being more brave around mice though, she remembered when she used to scream and climb up on the table if she had seen a mouse. She had to admit that this mouse was kind of cute with her little red umbrella.

They ate supper and Shauna found that she actually enjoyed her company. At least it was better than just talking to herself in the evenings.

Over the next few days they got to know each other better and Shauna couldn’t believe that she was secretly hoping that the mouse would stay with her. She had grown use to her company.  Sometimes they went out and about together. The mouse would  just stay hidden in Shauna’s coat pocket. She usually went with Shauna though only if she was walking,  riding in the car with her at times could make the mouse feel queasy.

Shauna had gone through her daughter’s things and found that she still had her little Barbie house. She fixed it up some since it had been in storage for so long and let the mouse stay in it. She called it the best castle ever! Shauna thought its eyes would pop out of its head, they got so big when she saw the Barbie house.

It warmed Shauna’s heart to know that she could make the little mouse  so happy by something so little. The mouse was  also  thrilled with the little sweater that she gave her. Made her feel warm and cozy.

Shauna went through all the Barbie clothes and the mouse was smiling and overwhelmed at all Shauna had. Shauna couldn’t help but smile at the excitement in her new friend’s eyes.

Shauna thought back to that rainy day when she first met the mouse.  Thought of how she was longing to get home and out of the rain, but yet she took the time to stop and talk to the mouse and give her a ride. The few minutes that it took for Shauna to talk to her ended up creating a happiness in Shauna’s life that she had never expected.

Shauna looked at her new friend all curled up in the little Barbie bed and smiled. Life sure could be funny at times.

As she crawled into her bed she wondered what tomorrow would bring. She would make sure to keep her eyes open, who knew what surprises may be waiting for her.