Is It Your Way, or the Highway?

I like to listen.  I have learned a great deal from listening carefully.  Most people never listen.  ~
Ernest Hemingway


I like to hear people tell their stories.  Especially elderly people .  The elderly have the best stories these days.  About the good old days you know.  Even though I know in my mind , that 75 years ago life wasn't necessarily any better, but it is the colored glasses through which they see it.  It is so much fun to see the world through those glasses for a time.  When I was younger, I had a real problem seeing something through someone else's eyes.  I usually had an opinion  of my own, and it was my way, or the highway.  If I was right, I was right, dadgum it, and there was no getting around it.  But , I have learned in the last 15 years or so, that I am not always right, (shocker!!)  , and that other people do have something interesting to say.  Now, I suppose listening is my favorite hobby.  Even if you don't agree with someone, or you can prove they are wrong, doesn't mean you should just talk over them.  God has funny ways of showing us new things sometimes.  It might be in a conversation with someone else.  If you are right, right, right, all the time, it is very difficult to learn anything new.  Sometimes it pays to just close our mouths, and listen.  I am still working on this every day!


God , give us wisdom and patience with others~  Ruby Jeanette

Have You Ever Seen a Murder of Crows?

I like weird facts.  I think the English language has some of the most interesting words and phrases, and it's fun to find out new things about it.  Here are some actual names of animals in groups.  (Yes, a group of crows is really called a murder!)

An OBSTINACY of BUFFALO

A SLOTH of BEARS

A GANG of ELK

A BUSINESS of FERRETS

A SKULK of FOXES

A TOWER of GIRAFFES

A BLOAT of HIPPOS

A PRICKLE of PORCUPINES

A COVER of COOTS

A STAND of FLAMINGOS

A PARLIAMENT of OWLS

AN UNKINDNESS of RAVENS

A KNOT of TOADS


Wonder who came up with some of these names?
Just for fun !

Ruby Jeanette

Sticks and Stones?

I just want to start by saying , I am sure I have said my share of hurtful things to others.  I am not perfect.  There was only ONE who was.  But , I want to say something about all the negativity I've seen posted on places like FaceBook, and things like that.  I am not sure when it became o.k. to assassinate someone else's character on a public platform.  The things that I have seen posted lately are atrocious.  I am really not that old, but I can remember when this would not have been acceptable.  I remember being taught if you have a beef with a person , you go to that person, and tell them so.  I have a big mouth, I'll be the first to admit it.  But if you have got something hurtful to say, you should have the guts to say it in person.  If you want to lie about someone, do it with them right there, so they can call you on it, or at least tell their side.  Why is this behaviour tolerated?  When did it become politically correct to be so snarky, and  basically hateful?  When I was little that was considered Kindergarten behaviour, and when you grew up, you were expected to act like an adult.  Words are extremely hurtful, and can cause pain beyond your wildest imaginings.  I have been in pain physically many times, and that always goes away.  But the words we use to stab other people, those wounds do not heal .  You will always remember the things that someone said to cut you.  The internet is a wild and mostly fun place.  It can be used to uplift or destroy.  To kill or heal.  What will you use this power for?  


Here's to kindness for our fellow human beings~  Ruby Jeanette

My Nan's Favorite Sayings~

I have a real good friend who always has some interesting sayings, here are just a few.  She is in her 80's so she has the experience to back these sayings up!  I love you Nan!


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kiss me quick, and let me go.  Yonder come Paw with the grubbin' hoe.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here we sit all fat and chunky.  Ate two cats and swallered a monkey.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From the day you are born til you ride in a hearse, things are never so bad that they couldn't be worse.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love you , I love you, I love you, I do,
Do not get excited , I love monkeys too.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Apples in the kitchen, peaches on the shelf,
I'm gettin' good and tired, of sleepin' by myself.

---------------------------------------------------------------

He that thinketh by the inch, and speaketh by the yard, oughter be kicked by the foot.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A bell's not a bell til you ring it, a song's not a song til you sing it,
Love was not put in our heart to stay,
Love isn't love til you give it away.



Here's to my Nan~  Ruby Jeanette

For the Farmer~

This is a poem I wrote when my Grandpa was in the hospital in 2000.  He was my friend, my gardening teacher, my boss in the summer growing season, my driving tutor , my guidance counselor, and so many other things I couldn't list them all.  When I wrote this poem, I was praying for him to get better, but he died the next day.  I was 8 months pregnant with his great -grandson.  Grandpa, we can't wait to see you again,   We love you!   P.



For the Farmer~

Lord, I've got a favor,
to ask of You today.
It's not for me, but I guess
it kind of is, in a way.
My Grandpa's sick , I guess You know,
in quite a bit of pain.
And so I ask, for You to help,
him feel better for today.
But, if to make him well again,
is not what 's in Your plan,
Please Lord, take him on with You,
and hold him by the hand.
His life's been hard, that I know,
he's struggled many years.
His body's tired, his hands have wiped,
his eyes of many tears.
So , I guess I've one more favor,
to ask of You today.
It might not seem like much , Lord,
for you to make a way.
But, when he gets up there with You,
and finally holds Your hand,
I wonder if you might give him,
a piece of farmin' land.
He grows the best tomatoes , Lord,
okra, corn, and peas.
But, down here Lord, it seems to me,
it never grows with ease.
So, up there on his new place,
let it all grow big and strong.
Let his heart be filled with joy,
and days never be too long.
Let him know we love him,
and we're waiting for the day,
we all can be together,
and always stay that way.


Ruby Jeanette

Did You Lose Your Funny Bone?~

When humor goes...there goes civilization.  ~ Erma Bombeck


I have noticed that there is a significant lack of good humor lately.  I love to laugh, I love to hear a good joke, and tell a good joke.  I have never taken myself , or life all that seriously.   It has kept me alive.  When you are in the hospital, and they tell you a disease might be killing you, it doesn't seem like you should be cracking jokes.  But , I guess that hilarity is as appropriate an emotion as any, at a time like that. Some people don't see it that way.  I was at a garage sale a couple of summers ago, when a woman commented on how well-behaved my children were.  I jokingly replied, "Well, I beat them all the time." The woman thought I was serious!  She gave me "the look".  You know which one I'm talking about.  The "You are gum on my shoe."  look.   I didn't really think about it at the time, but I get that people really do beat their kids. But, I was so obviously kidding I 'm not sure why she took me so seriously.  My dad and I also got "the look" when we were in the hospital waiting room.  I was waiting to go back and get prepped for surgery.  Now, my dad is a very funny guy.  We were telling each other our newest stories, and we were laughing, and having a great time.   We weren't being loud or disorderly, just having fun.  Now , this one couple in there was giving us "the look".  It said "How dare you be having a good time in here?!"  And I understand , hospitals can be tragic places, I have been in enough of them , and in them for long enough, to understand that.  I had a miscarriage at 3 and a half months along ,an emergency c-section, an appendectomy, another c-section, a hysterectomy, and many, many lengthy stays in the hospital.  So I get that hospitals can be scary , emotional environments.  But, what better way to deal with your emotions?  Humor is a wonderful thing.... and can carry you through some rough spots.  I know it probably seems morbid, or strange, but it helps me cope with the everyday stress of having a serious illness.  It has helped me to see that there is so much more to life than being sick. And I am so glad that I can view it with a lighter heart!


Here' s to those people with "the look ".  May God grant them a sense of humor in their darkest hour.
Ruby Jeanette

Random thoughts given at random~

Eat right.  Stay fit.   Die anyway.

The things that come to those who wait, are the things that were left by those who got there first.

Flashlight- A case for holding dead batteries.

Shin- A device for finding furniture in the dark.

It was recently discovered that research causes cancer in rats.


Food for thought! ~  Ruby Jeanette

Danged if you do, and Danged if you don't~

Do what you feel in your heart to be right,  for you will be criticized anyway.  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt


You can't make all of the people happy all of the time, and last night all those people were at my show.  ~ Mitch Hedberg


People love to criticize.  Have you ever noticed that ?  They will find something to say about everything no matter how trivial.  Example....when I worked as a waitress, we had a very picky customer.  She was never happy with her food , no matter what.  She would bring it back to the counter at least once every time with a complaint.  We finally realized all she wanted was the attention, because one night, she brought back her cheeseburger and said it wasn't right, for the cook to fix it.  We gave it to the cook , who took it apart , and put it back together, the EXACT same way, and gave it back to her.  She was happy!  You have to be able to look back on your life and see that you did things because of how you felt in your heart, and not because of someone else's opinion.  Other people are never going to be happy with all of your choices.  It's just not going to happen.  If you get flustered about how people react to your decisions in life, you will have a hard row to hoe.  I guess that is why I never wanted to be in public office.  If you are the president , people are going to be unhappy no matter where you go.  I guess you have to respect a person in that office, because they do have to follow how they feel in their own heart, and then just suck it up, because they know somewhere, someone is going to be critical about what they have chosen to do.  So , next time you have a decision to make, and someone has something to say,  just let it roll right off of you.  You are the one who has to live with the consequences, and at the end you can say,  I followed my heart.


Here's to standing on our own ~  Ruby Jeanette

Naptime~

When you are little , you are forced to take naps.  When you are bigger  you don't have to take naps,  When you are grown  you live for naps.

If  this seems short today, it is!  I have been a complete bum today.  I have the "dropsy" as my Pappaw used to say.  Hope this finds you having a blessed day, and all your dreams coming true.


Here's to the power of a nap~  Ruby Jeanette

from Adventures of Isabel by Ogden Nash

Isabel met an enormous bear,
Isabel , Isabel, didn't care;
The bear was hungry, the bear was ravenous,
The bear's big mouth was cruel and cavernous.
The bear said ,Isabel, glad to meet you,
How do , Isabel, now I'll eat you!
Isabel, Isabel didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She washed her hands and she straightened her hair up,
Then Isabel quietly ate the bear up.

Once in a night as black as pitch,
Isabel met a wicked old witch.
The witch's face was cross and wrinkled,
The witch's gums with teeth were sprinkled.
Ho, ho, Isabel ! The old witch crowed,
I'll turn you into an ugly old toad!
Isabel, Isabel , didn't worry.
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She showed no rage and she showed no rancor,
But she turned the witch into milk and drank her.

Isabel met a hideous giant,
Isabel continued self -reliant.
The giant was hairy, the giant was horrid,
He had one eye in the middle of his forehead.
Good morning , Isabel , the giant said,
I'll grind your bones to make my bread.
Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry,
Isabel didn't scream or scurry.
She nibbled the zwieback that she always fed off,
And when it was gone, she cut the giant's head off.



Just for fun~ Ruby Jeanette

Puppies, Kittens , and all God's Critters~

Let me just start off by saying, I love animals.  All animals.  We've had birds, fish, chameleons, hamsters, cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, ponies, and even a tarantula.  God created them all.  They are animals, yes.  But they have feelings, hurts, and needs , just like people do.  So let me now say whoever is dumping animals off at my parents house needs to stop.  Yes, I love animals.  I will feed and care for any lost thing I find.  If you see something starving, or hurt and do not help, you are a harder soul than I.  But just because I can, and do take care of lost things, does not make our farm , "UNWANTED ANIMAL CENTRAL." I am not sure what it says about a person who would leave a barely weaned puppy to just starve or be hit by a car.  There is a verse actually in the Bible that applies here.  It says "The righteous man regardeth the life of his beast."   Now , if only the righteous can enter Heaven, and you don't care for your animals,  where are you going to go?  Just something for us to think about.  Pets are a huge responsibility, and if you can't take care of something, take it to the pound or GIVE it to someone who will.   Not DUMP....GIVE it away.  And so let me finish by saying, Yes, the puppy is being taken care of .  I don't want to have to stand before God and have him say, "Well , you did everything right ,  but you didn't take care of your animals.  Sorry, no Heaven for you."  That would be a terrible thing, now, wouldn't it?

Here's to little more compassion~  Ruby Jeanette

Controversial!~

Oh, I had NO idea!  There are some things you just can't post.  Believe or not I "spammed" everyone yesterday because of some words I used.  So let me get this straight.....you can print the F-word, or take photos of certain "things"  and that is ok to put out there for all the world to see, but I got a spam message because of my blog?  Well, anyhow.  Guess that shows where some people's priorities are.  No biggee.  Free speech is a wonderful thing.  And I mean that sincerely.  People do take advantage of it, here in America, we are so used to hearing people voice their opinions ,that we think nothing of it anymore.  But there are so many places in the world where free thinking, and individual opinions are not only not valued, they are illegal. No going against the government, or people in power.  No expressing an idea different from the mainstream.  Having a different religion, or view is considered a jailable offense.  We are so lucky to live where we do!  I am grateful for the spam message I got. I will never again take for granted my right to speak freely!

Here's to freedom!~ Ruby Jeanette

Mistakes~

Parents make mistakes- and I don't try to hide mine.  Instead, I share them with my kids so they can learn too.  ~ L.L. Cool J


Did you ever flub up?  I have certainly made my share of goofs.  Mistakes are part of life.  Part of everyone's lives. Not just children, but the grown-ups in the world are living proof of this.  My husband and I decided at the beginning of our parenthood journey to be completely honest with our children.  That sugar coating or  lessening the truth of something would not be part of our philosophy.  This was never more apparent then in 2007 when our oldest son had to have his pacemaker replaced.  He wanted to know what was going to happen, so we were totally up front about it.  Some people said we shouldn't have told him what was going on, just to take him up there and have it done.   Can you imagine, the fear, or the mistrust he would have had of us ,and of trips then?  We've made financial mistakes in our family as well.  We  had some major difficulties and times were very tight.  We shared this with our children , too.  We are Christians and try to look at things from a spiritual point of view.  But , we also tell our boys that mistakes have earthly consequences too.  If you get stoned and wreck your truck, that 's pretty bad spiritually.  But , you will also have no ride, be injured, or injure someone else.  What you do , and the mistakes you make not only affect you, but also the people you care about.  Some people might think our honesty policy is overkill, and that children shouldn't know these things.  But this IS real life.  They will grow up and have their own problems, and make their own mistakes.  I hope that ours show them not only how NOT to live,   but how TO live. 


For us, honesty is the best policy~ Ruby Jeanette

Adopt -a - Granny~

I got a nice suprise after lunch today.  I got a call from my Granny.  It was really nice to hear from her.  She just wanted to say thanks for the card I had sent.  But here's the really nice thing.  She's not really my Granny.  When I was growing up I had two girlfriends who lived down the road from me. ( I know in today's society that word has sexual connotations, but they were just friends who happened to be girls!) We spent every day of every summer together from the time we were really small.  And they had a Granny.  She was just like the grandmas you see in movies.  She wore aprons, and made the best cookies, and let us make the worst muddy messes in her yard, and house!  She had a pond to fish and swim in, and she had acres and acres for us to ride our horses on.  Sometimes we picked and hulled her beans, in her garden, or sometimes we climbed the big tree in her front yard and sat in the forks, and tried to decide what our lives would be like when we were "grown-ups".  I spent so much time there , and stayed around so much , that I just started to call their granny,  my Granny.  That's been 20-odd years ago, or so.   And she is still my Granny.  Even though she started as my friend's special grandmother, she became part of my family. See, family is not just the people you were born to, or born with.  Family is the people who care about you, and for you.  Family is the people you see every day, who play some important part in your life.  Family is where you make it.  So, if you are lacking father, mother, grandmother, grandfather,  think about your friends, those people you interact with at church, or school.  Chances are there is someone who would be happy to be your surrogate parent or grandparent.  Take it from me,  it's definitely worth adopting a Granny!

Here's to family where you find it~  Ruby Jeanette

Rainy Day ~

Oh the joys of weather here in Arkansas!  One week ago, we had six inches of snow.  Now it is wet, wet , wet.  I suppose we should be grateful for how fast the weather changes, because doesn't that mean tomorrow might be sunny and warm?  I sure hope so.  Rainy , humid weather is killer on the joints when you have an arthritic disease.  Old people used to tell me they knew when it was going to rain, snow , etc. when their bones hurt.  I always thought it must be in their heads.  I sincerely apologize for that thought!  It really is true.  My husband says I 'm a better weatherman than the actual one.  I guess that could be considered a positive , and not a negative.  Ask me when the tomatoes need planting, and I could say , "Oh, it will rain tomorrow.  Do it today!" Ha! I never thought of that until just now.   Every thing really does have an upside if we look for it.  For instance, even though rain and humidity are rough on the joints, we wouldn't last very long without water , now would we?  Snow is chilly on the bones, but gives the ground the deep moisture that it needs.  Sunshine every single day would get monotonous and eventually kill us.   So I suppose if I have a thought for today, it's being grateful .  Grateful for neither too much, nor too little.  Grateful, that we serve the God of just right. 


Here's to a little rain~  Ruby Jeanette

In the Darkwood~

Here is a poem I wrote ...I 've had the first lines written for about four years now, but couldn't figure out what I needed to go with the rest of it until a couple of months ago.  Our neighbor used to own peacocks, and at night they roosted in an old dead tree.  I saw them all there one night, and this inspired the following poem.




In the Darkwood~

Peacocks in the dead oak
make a macabre sight.
Roosted in the purple gloom,
strange clowns in the night.
To what wild circus do they belong?
And where hold they there show?
Amidst the giant crystalled wood,
where winged fairies grow.
The fairies dance the high wire,
and the peacocks pipe the tune.
The sprites and elves laugh from the leaves,
beneath the blue - ringed moon.


Ruby Jeanette

Inventors~

To be an inventor, you need a good imagination, and a pile of junk. 


Read to the end to find out who the quote belongs to.

If this is true, we must be some of the best inventors ever!  I have accumulated way too much junk , in the last year.  Although most of it is technically not junk, but usable stuff with no home.  I am not really a hoarder , but I am chronically disorganized.  Now , my husband on the other hand , would never throw anything away if he had anything to say about it.  It can be frustrating.  But I realized something the other day.  He sees the possibilities in objects, and things, that maybe I didn't see.  I think if he had been born a hundred years ago, he would definitely been an inventor.  He is great with making something out of nothing.  If you have a problem with something , he can fix it, and probably with little or no cost.  So I suppose his ingenuity is not always a bad thing.  But, don't tell him I said so. There are still a few things I need to throw out!

Here's to creativity~ Ruby Jeanette
PS The quote is Thomas Edison's

For My Daddy~

Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me , and be my friend.    ~ Albert Camus


My dad has always been a huge influence in my life.  And not because he was a dominant personality who strode in front.  Not because he was too quiet, and let me lead.  But because he treated me with respect, as  a fellow person.  He just made you WANT to do what he asked, so it was easy to comply.  Now that I am grown  with children of my own, I have even more respect for his style of parenting.  Now he is Paw to my boys.  And they look to him, not to lead, or follow, but to be their friend.


Walk beside me Paw,
and hold your hand in mine.
This world sometimes is scary,
please help me through hard times.
You helped my mommy
grow smart and strong
please be my example too,
help me know right from wrong.
Walk beside me Paw and
I know that I will grow
Walk beside me Paw
for I've a long way yet to go.

Jeanette Woods


Thank you Daddy
~  Ruby Jeanette

Fair Warning~

For those of you who are new to my blog, fair warning !  I like kooky poetry(see sidebar).  If this doesn't fit the bill....  hehehe.  Enjoy!


Chickens    by Jack Prelutsky

Last night I dreamed of chickens.
There were chickens everywhere.
They were standing on my stomach,
they were nesting in my hair
they were pecking at my pillows
they were hopping on my head
they were ruffling up their feathers
as they raced about my bed.

They were on the chairs and tables,
they were on the chandeliers
they were roosting in the corners
they were clucking in my ears
there were chickens, chickens, chickens,
for as far as I could see,
when I woke today, I noticed
there were eggs on top of me.


Here's to a fun-filled day for everyone!  ~ Ruby Jeanette

Who Cares?

Can't act.  Slightly bald.  Can dance a little.  ~  Screen tester on Fred Astaire


Did you ever have a dream?  You know the kind I mean.  The kind where you've never really told anyone what it was, but you' ve kept it safe in your heart for a long time.  It hasn't been fulfilled yet.  Maybe you think,  in your mind,  it never will be.  There are probably lots of reasons , you think.  Too expensive, too time consuming, I'm too old.  Or the dreaded,  " What will other people say?".  That is the main reason people don't go for their dream.  The embarrassment, or fear of failure in front of an audience.  "If I try that , what will my friends think?"  . " I can't dance, sing , play piano___________."(fill in the blank )  .  The above statement is quite ridiculous now.  We all know how that particular story turned out.  Perhaps he had even been rejected many times before.  But , he just kept dancing.  If you have a vision of where you want to be,  or a dream you want to chase,  don't let fear of failure , fear of what other people will say, or what your friends will think , stop you from reaching it.  Because honestly, if they are your friends, they'll say reach for the stars,  if you fail , they'll say " Who cares?",  and if you succeed they'll be in the stands cheering you !  Don't be afraid to try, to reach , to dream .   Will you be more sorry for the things you have done, or the things you WISH you had done?


Here's to dreaming on~ Ruby Jeanette

What's Your Bait?

A man wrote in to Reader's Digest:


To help untangle my fishing line, I asked my wife and her sister to walk with the line across the front yard, and hold it taut while I reeled it back in.  A man strolling by on the sidewalk looked in awe at the two beautiful women "attached " to my hook, and said, "Buddy, I don't know what you're usin' for bait, but, I'll take two!" 

What are you using for "bait" in your life?  And is it bringing in the results that you want?  If it's not , maybe it's time to think about a bait change!

Here's to the catch of the day~  Ruby Jeanette

No Parachute?

If at first you don't succeed.....skydiving's not for you.


Aren't we glad most things in life aren't one shot only?  If most things in life only gave us one try, most of us would give up altogether.  I know I would.  Sometimes life does seem like skydiving.  And sometimes it seems like skydiving with no parachute!  Luckily, there is a bigger PERSON in charge of the safety net of life,   and I am so glad! 


Here's to second jumps~  Ruby Jeanette

Impressions~

One minister was teaching his class, and the subject was turned to funerals and dying.  Everyone had an opinion, and lots of subjects were talked about.  Finally the subject got around to," what would people say over your casket?". One man said, "I'd like for them to say "he was a fine family man."  Another said,  I'd like for them to say , "he was a good Christian."  The last man said,   I'd like for them to say,  "Look!  He's moving!".



What kind of impression will you leave?~  Ruby Jeanette

Perks~

Perks of Being Over the Hill~

There is nothing left to learn "the hard way".

Things you buy now won't have the chance to wear out.

You no longer think of the speed limit as a challenge.

You can quit trying to suck in your stomach no matter who walks into the room.

Kidnappers are not interested in you.

You can eat dinner at 4 in the afternoon.

No one expects you to run  -  anywhere.

You are no longer viewed as a hypochondriac.

Here's to those on the other side of the hill~  Ruby Jeanette

Did You Take Your Medicine?

Pollyanna-(pol-ly-an-na) Noun: A person regarded as being foolishly or blindly optimistic.


Did you ever have one of those days?  You know the ones I mean.  When the minute you roll out of bed , you wish you could roll back in?  If it can go wrong, it does?  I've had a few days like that.  Well, honestly, more than a few.  I've been accused by a few people of being a "Pollyanna" .  That's ok.  I'm sure they were worried about my mental health.  That's ok , too.  I give God all the glory.  (Not for making me mental!) Sometimes it's hard to maintain a positive attitude, I admit.  Chronic disease sucks.  Someone once asked me , "What is lupus like?"  The best way I could describe it was to say, "Imagine the worst case of flu, you ever had, the body ache, the fever, the bone-killing fatigue.  Now imagine that it NEVER goes away. That's lupus."  But, this disease does not define my life. It is a part of me , not ALL of me.  I decided a long time ago that a negative attitude would not help my situation.  In fact the days that I feel the most depressed are the days I feel the worst physically.  This is not a psychogenic effect.  The Bible is way ahead of science in this field.  (Go figure!) Proverbs 17: 22 states , " A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones. "  Medical science has discoverd that laughter is good for a whole host of reasons.  It stretches your muscles, sends more oxygen to our tissues, and burns calories.  It also lowers blood sugar, improves blood flow and sleep and increases pain tolerance.  Lastly, it reduces stress hormones.  So , if you see me, or read my blog, and think "this chick's mental!  ". Don't worry about my positivity in the face of trial.  I'm just taking my daily medicine! 


Here's to a merry heart~ Ruby Jeanette

Waiting~

This is a poem I wrote.  Before someone says, this is not a positive poem, please read to the bottom first, and then decide!  :) 

WAITING

I've gotten pretty good at pretending,
That the pain only goes so far.
I wish that I could tell you,
It only affects my heart.

How simple that would make it ,
But that 's just where it starts.
Down to every cell it seems,
This disease has lit its fire.
Nothing ever quenches it ,
Not even my mind's desire.

I often have no words to pray,
I've given in to shame.
My body's turned against itself,
And God is not to blame.

Is this some mistake in nature?
Or a fluke that soon will pass?
I can only wait and hope ,
As sand slips through the glass.
All the potions the alchemists try ,
Serve only to reveal,
That man offers no relief to me,
For only God can heal.

So held here in this crucible,
I will have to wait.

For my appointment with God's throne,
Healing HERE?  or healing THERE?
Only HE can know.



Here's to the promise of Heaven~ Ruby Jeanette

Say What?

The world can be a weird and wacky  place sometimes!

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, but dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons?

Why is it considered necessary to nail down the lid of a coffin?

If nothing sticks to TEFLON, how do they make TEFLON stick to the pan?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a "broker"?

Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?

Do you need a silencer if you are going to shoot a mime?

If all is not lost,  then where is it?

If a cow laughed, would milk come out her nose?

You know how most packages say, "Open here.", what is the protocol if the package says,"Open somewhere else."?


Makes you wonder!

Just for fun~ Ruby Jeanette

Dawning~

Here is a small poem I wrote some time back~




Dawning~

I kept a small piece of my heart,
And waited for the day to start;
In anticipation I sat,
And wondered what it would hold.
My heart,
And the day.
Happiness, I hope , and
Thoughts of you,
Only the evening knows.





Here's to a new day~ Ruby Jeanette

The Other Person's Side~

We just got back from an entire day in Little Rock at Children's Hospital.  Let me tell you , I remember the days of monthly visits, and I am so glad we don't have to do that now!  When we arrived, the first thing that happened, was that the woman in front of us, was chewing out the registration tech.  He kept trying to explain that he could not deal with her problem as he was registration and not appointment scheduling.  Then we were told we had to have a chest x-ray, and to go back downstairs.  There , we waited for over an hour, before they told us, they did not realize that we were there, and so we were over an hour late for our doctor's appointment. All in all, a routine visit turned into an all day ordeal.  But , you know what my thought was?  I was so grateful, we were only there for a checkup!  No surgery, no bloodwork, no hospital stays, we got to come back home.  And those employees have to deal with hundreds of patients a day, every day, every month, hour after hour.  We had the whole day off, to be together.  We enjoyed just sitting in the waiting room and visiting with one another.  Being angry or upset would not have made the nurses any more inclined to help us.  It certainly doesn't make the  wait go any faster. So if you are ever in that place of frustration and aggravation; Smile!  Tell them I'm sorry you are having a hard time today.  It will get better.  Or, better yet, say ,I'm not really in all that big of a hurry today.  Thanks for doing the best you can to help me.  You'll feel so much better, and so will they!

Here's to the power of understanding~ Ruby Jeanette

What IS It?

I've never made it into" Who's Who".  But I have been featured in "What's That?"

Are you a little bit odd?  Do you have a hard time fitting in with the "norm"? Do you sometimes wish that you were just like everyone else?  Why?  What is it about being "normal" that is so appealing?  I'm not sure why this is such a common occurrence in our times.  Children, teens and even adults strive so hard every day to fit in with society's ideas of who they should be.  We as a country certainly push the idea of vanilla.  Don't be too fat, too skinny, too smart, too dumb, too loud, too quiet, too kind, too mean.... and the list goes on and  on.  Just don't be "too" anything, and the world will never bother you.  When I was growing up, I was odd.  Now that I am grown up, I am still odd.   I don't mind.  You can even say it to my face, because it's true!  But, did you know? Because I was a weird kid, I developed appreciation for the unique characteristics in other people.  My husband says I am a "kooky people" magnet.  If there is a "different " person within 10 miles, somehow we become friends.  I am happy to be this way! I have met so many interesting folks like that.  I hope everyone can try to be just a little more weird in the upcoming year.  Try  it, and I promise the world will notice.  Try it and I promise you will make friends you never thought of.  The more you try being yourself, being the unique person that you are, the more you will notice that you care less about what other people think of you, and care only that you are being the  person God intended you to be.  God loves variety, Seriously! Have you ever noticed two leaves, exactly the same? I don't care if I ever get featured in "WHO's WHO"  , and so what if I 'm featured in "WHAT"S THAT?"  If I march to the beat of a different drummer, at least the line ain't crowded.

Here's to being unique~ Ruby Jeanette

Over and Over~

A successful marriage involves falling in love over and over.  Always with the same person.

Today is the first day of a brand new year.  My neice, Colby, is starting off her new year by getting married.  This is my brother in law's oldest child.   In December, my husband and I were married 14 years.  I suppose in the grand scheme of things 14 years is really not all that long.  Not compared to some things. One of my favorite things to do on Sunday is to look through the paper at the anniversary section.  I love to look at the elderly people's pictures!  So far the longest one I have seen is 74 years!  Can you imagine?  Being to live and love the same person, for that long?  Our years together are certainly a drop in the bucket compared to that!  I suppose I like the quote above for that reason.  It gives such good advice on how to make your marriage last.  I have fallen in love with Mark over and over.  Every day I find some reason to love him a little bit more.  But here is my advice for my neice.  You sometimes have to look for those reasons.  It is easy to find reasons to be annoyed , if you want to be .  Sometimes, the hard work is remembering why you love this person.  But , it IS worth it!  I would not change our relationship, or where we are now, for all the money in the world.  14 years may only be a drop in a bucket,  but I am glad for that drop!  And if God grants us one more day, or 50 more years, it will be awesome falling in love with my husband , over and over again!


Here's to love, weddings, and anniversaries~ Ruby Jeanette