The Answer is Blowing in the Wind

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We had quite a surprise this weekend. Athens received 6 inches of snow. I realize this isn’t much for those that live in snow country, but understand that this is the first time I’ve seen snow since moving here in 2005. It just doesn’t snow in Georgia. Especially not half a foot!

The snow was beautiful. It was refreshing.

It blanketed everything with a perfectly white cover. It was wonderful. It did make driving a bit difficult. ...and it was also heavy. The snow weighed down branches causing full grown limbs to snap like toothpicks. Entire trees blocked roads or fell on roofs. Most of the city lost power for a day.
This confused me. I lived in Utah for 8 years. It always snowed yet this level of damage never occurred. What was the difference? I decided since the trees in Utah face snow each year, their branches grow stronger to withstand the weight and harsh weather conditions. I realize different types of trees grow out west and it's obvious why. I thought of life. How is it that situations can affect people so differently? How is it that one person can handle pressure from life where another person buckles and breaks? The answer is with the trees. The trees that grow where the weather is harsh are stronger. The trees that grow where the weather is usually nice and fair grow but never have to prove their strength. People face storms that will test their very character whether they are ready or not. It's these life storms that show how strong a person really is.

There are days when I feel weighted down and broken like the tree,
and there are other days I choose to see the beauty in the storm. Thank you, Mother Nature, for the snow. And thank you, God, for the storms.

(I don't know who these people are. And don't make fun of Southerners. When it snows, we have to use whatever we have as sleds.)

* My camera is MIA right now. I did NOT take any of these pictures. All are courtesy of Mama Mia, a neighbor, and a coworker.

Excuse Me

Today is Friday?!

That's impossible. I haven't written a blog post for Wednesday yet.

And what about Thursday? When was Thursday? ...no... I was here all day yesterday and it wasn't Thursday.

Does anyone have a few days I can borrow? I have way too much to accomplish before next week. My bestest friend is getting married next Saturday and I still need to figure out what I'm wearing. My family returns from California on Wednesday and the bathroom isn't quite finished.

Life! Slow down, you move too fast. You've got to let the morning last...

I'm Serious

Disclaimer: I've got a lotta thoughts. Most are silly but occasionaly one causes me to stop and really ponder...

I received a forward last week about outrageous shoe fashions. The pictures showed heels so high that the individual wearing the shoe was practically on tippy toe. The email compared the trend to the Geisha custom of wrapping a girl's feet. The pictures disturbed me greatly yet intrigued me to research the topic.

Innocence is bliss.

I read many reasons for the custom but overall, it came down to what the culture defined as beauty. A woman with bound feet was much more desirable than a woman with 'clown feet'. The fact that a woman with bound feet was not able to walk far or very long unassisted ensured that she would be faithful to her family and displayed her tolerance of pain.

This knowledge upset me so much that I wrote my thoughts in my journal. I could not understand how a culture could dictate a custom that was so warped and perverted. Could these women not see that 'beauty' was crippling?

The scary realization came when I recognized some customs I have endured in the name of beauty. I have:

* waxed or plucked my eyebrows for years

* had electrolysis treatments monthly for one year

* had my ears pierced

* own spandex underclothes to help me suck in so I fit in tight outfits

* worn heel shoes so high my arches hurt at each step

* burned my forehead, neck, and fingers various times while curling/straightening my hair

* laid in a tanning booth and burned

I know others who:

* have had botox

* are anorexic or bulimic

* have had chest implants

* have had tummy tucks or liposuction

Why? I don't like wearing heels that make my feet hurt. I don't like wearing clothes so tight I can hardly breath. During one electrolysis appointment, the needle hit a small blood vessel near my eye and it ruptured. I had a bruise near my eyebrow for a week. A friend once told me in confidence that she was anorexic. I asked her what she had eaten that day. She suggested I rephrase the question to what she had eaten that week. It was a Thursday and she had eaten one spoonful of applesauce and three baby carrots since Monday.

This is beauty? No thanks.

I plan on being me. I will wear shoes and styles that are comfortable to me. This does not mean I will only wear sack cloth robes and sandals...I still plan to be feminine but in a way that is comfortable and acceptable to me.

Whew. Now I can step down from the soap box.

step, step, step.

This blog written wearing shorts, a tee shirt, and my new sketchers.

I Beg to Differ

Mama Mia and P2 ~ you tried. You taught me to be safe, look both ways, never talk to strangers, and to call home if I ever needed to. A few times, my date with a Ted Bundy for instance, have indicated I need to listen to you more. In addition, seeing how my name rhymes with a particular biblical term meaning hoochie mama, you’d think I know the disadvantages associated with standing alone on a street corner in a city in which I’m a visitor. Incidentally, that is precisely where this story occurred.

After spending the majority of my first afternoon in Nashville shopping, I backtracked to a few photo spots. I was waiting at a corner for the light to change when a bum approached me and asked how I was. Wanting to be polite, I responded I was well and asked, what turned out to be, a twenty minute question.

“How are you doing?”
I’m sure am hungry.
Don’t take the bait. “I know! I haven’t eaten for hours and until I meet my sister later, I’m just going to have to deal with my stomach growling.”
I am thirsty too.
Don’t fall for this. “Me too! I’ve run out of water and can’t find a drinking fountain anywhere! It’s just so hot out.”
Um, I know. And when it’s hot, people get mean. I just got cussed out by some guy right in front of his young daughter.
He isn’t asking for money…this is different. “Sorry to hear that.”
Yea, all I did was ask for something to eat and he started yelling at me, like I’m a bum or something. When I ask people for money it’s because I’m hungry and I want some soup. I don’t do drugs anymore and drinking only makes you want more alcohol…
Hmm…you are wearing a hat indicating the time is 4:20. Back to the 'I don't do drugs'…what were you saying?
…I don’t even live here. I’m from Oregon.
Oregon?! “What brings you across the country? You a musician?”
No. I’m just a fool in love. I followed a woman out here and she broke my heart. Now I’m trying to get back home.
He actually sounds credible. Love makes people do stupid things. So I’m told anyway. “Home to Oregon?”
Uh huh. Except I’m stuck here. I got on the bus the other day but couldn’t afford a ticket. I got kicked off and thrown in jail. Then when I got released, I was told to quit begging for money. But I’ve got no money to get home so I’m stuck here.
We have walked two blocks now. Can I blog this without a picture? No one will believe this. I need his picture. Make up something. Think! “Sounds like a catch 22.”
I know! And then all I want is a meal and some water and I get cussed out. It’s just because I’ve got this backpack on and haven’t been able to shower every day.
Hence me not standing too close. “Sir, I have a favor to ask you. I’ve been inspired by your story and want a way to remember you. Would you mind taking a picture with me?”
Uh…sure.
Alright! I’m getting a picture! “Have you ever had someone want to take their picture with you?”
No. You are definitely a first.
“Well thank you for being willing. …now if we can just find someone... ‘Ma’am? Will you please take our picture?’”

*Click

Yes! Proof for the blog! “Thanks sir.”
You’re welcome. What’s your name?
“Charlotte.” …and here’s my blog address. “What’s your name?”
Charlie Brown.
*Smile
What? You don’t believe me?
No. “I’m just smiling because that’s a nickname I went by when I was little. See how much we have in common. Both hungry, thirsty, and similar names.”
Un huh. You sure you don’t have a couple bucks?
Nope. “Here, you can have the rest of my water though.” …well, now I have to find some more water!
God Bless.
"Same to you."

Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

I suffered with blogger's block this weekend. Although I had several ideas running through my head, none seemed to come together on paper. In an effort to clear my mind and relax, I walked to a park nearby and sat on a bench.

I looked down and saw hundreds of ants scurrying about. I followed their trail for over 20 feet. At first I thought the ants might be gathering food but only about five were carrying anything. The rest were just moving, going from one end to the other, passing other ants and totally oblivious to candy wrappers strewn nearby. I thought these ants were rather silly stuck in their fast paced little world - not even aware of sweet treasures inches away. If only the ants would just slow down from their frantic journey to wherever.

Silly ants.

Silly ants indeed.