True Confessions of an Overthinker

Who has had one of those moments in life that made your face turned red, your mouth drop open, and your body cringe, simultaneously? Come on now, admit it!  Many of those moments are remembered with laughter instead of embarrassment though, especially if enough time has passed. I have a short Christmas memory story to share with you. When I was about seventeen, I really wanted Steve Martin's " A Wild and Crazy Guy" album for Christmas.  I'd been hearing clips from that stand-up comedy album on the radio for quite a while. I thought it was the most hilarious stuff I'd ever heard!  His silly song "King Tut" was very popular at that time too.  I did indeed received the album on Christmas morning!  I was so excited!!  After our holiday lunch, I wanted my family to sit down with me to listen to Steve Martin's comic genius.  So we all got comfy, Dad, Mom, little brother, and little sister and me.  "You guys are gonna love this!&quo

I think you are a friendly, kind, understanding person.  You see me as cheerful, patient and personable. We have all seen the message many times on Facebook and elsewhere: "Be kind because everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about." We all agree wholeheartedly! Until... The jerk cuts me off in traffic. Or the customer service lady treats me as cold as ice. Let us be honest now, we react. Even if we try not to show it outwardly (and most of us do), we immediately react defensively in our minds. Certainly it's not only me! I really enjoy having a Starbuck's near my home. There is a strikingly lovely young woman who has worked there for a couple of years. But she was noticeably unfriendly to her customers. She was polite and efficient, but rarely looked at me in the eyes. I don't think I'd ever seen her smile. I'd observed that same attitude when she served my daughter and others. We have a good friend who had formerly worked at that

The sound of the back door opening and closing woke me up a couple of times at first. Then, the loud squeaking noise of the oven being opened and closed.  I guess those dumb hinges need to be oiled. Oh well, it is an older oven. On the other hand, the entire house smelled delish!! My story doesn't necessarily have a deep life lesson this time. I just want to share some of the joy of our non-traditional Thanksgiving week. We didn't have a family get together this year. We planned to do it after Turkey Day, but things haven't work out. I am okay with it though- let me tell you why. Many of you know that when your kids become adults, you often have to share them. You have to share them with their partners, their in-laws, their friends, their children, their jobs. etc. They have to learn to share us (their parents) too sometimes. This has been the case with us, as my mother-in-law's health has been declining at a fast pace this year. Our son and his girlfriend

The recent newspaper story about me was something I should have been proud of.  No- I was embarrassed instead. When I saw it, I immediately wanted to disappear from the earth! Oh yes, expectations versus reality! Sometimes we really struggle to keep our priorities straight, don't we? Occasionally we get a stinging but needed slap in the face to knock some sense back into us.  Or maybe it's just me.  Nah, I'll bet you wrestle with your emotions too. I recently had a big "first" in my life.  My work was chosen to be in "Chicken Soup for the Soul", a collection of true short stories by various authors. I was so excited! A publicist from the company asked me to provide my local newspaper information, so they could arrange an interview with me. You know, a "local lady gets published" story. I hesitantly agreed to do it. The interview went well and a photographer took a few pictures. The people were very nice to work with and it was a

I've seen several references to dandelions lately.  What pleasant memories I have of enjoying them when I was a little girl! I can clearly remember blowing the white puffy balls of seeds into the air. Sometimes I made a wish, and other times I just watched them float away, wondering where they might land.  I can also remember picking the flowers when they were brilliant yellow, to make little bouquets for Mom or Grandma.  They were so pretty and fun and they sparked my imagination! When did I start seeing dandelions as weeds instead of magical flowers? I can't pinpoint an exact time.  I'll admit though that sometimes I still want to blow the white puffball and watch the tiny explosion of umbrella seeds! Even as an adult, dealing with the daily stuff of life, I still want to enjoy moments of fun! I never want to stop learning or dreaming. I want to experience childlike faith and hope! I think you want those things too, don't you? How can we help each other?