Try something at your best

"Zackary the odd duck", all the kids teased, and that sends him crawling in his shell.

Zackary just couldn't understand why the kids tease and make fun of him as if he was an alien from out of space.  He would hide behind an object quickly  as he could when he spotted the bigger boys from a distance. 

He patiently waited as he hid behind a stump from an old broken tree, almost taking its shape and appearing invincible to any looking on.  Over a period of time he became good at hiding and he considered himself to be a 'master hider'; in which he learnt to be very patient and quiet as the trouble makers went by without realizing he was there.

As Zackary grew up, he became tired of hiding and not having any friends in his neighbourhood.  He thought about making changes and the type of things he would have to do if he was going to change things.  The next week he stopped hiding behind objects, he didn't cross to the other side of the street when the bigger boys were coming.  He simply stuck to his lane and held his breath as they made fun of him.

He had had enough, he decide he was not going to be cowering each time they make fun at him, he was going to stand up for himself.

One Saturday afternoon, when the neighbourhood kids were all at the play ground having all sorts of fun, Zackary decided to go over for a change.  A group of boys spotted him walking by the basket ball court and one of them threw the ball, hitting him in the head which knocked him to the ground.  At that moment Zackary whispered under breath, "I've had enough."  He slowly picked up the ball and walked over to  the court, he held the ball up and challenged the boy to a one-on-one game.  They laughed at him, but the boy accepted the challenge.

Zackary, was no champion at the game, in fact he was small compared to the other boy.  I wasn't sure he would score any goal, but he knew he could run, dodge and hide faster that any of them.  So, he decided to try his developed talent as master hider and do the best he could to tire out the other boy.

All the other kids gathered around the court to see what would happen, they were all amazed to see Zackary challenging the play ground jock.  He never tried to score a goal, he kept dodging, bouncing  and running with the ball until the boy was so tired he gave up.

From that day Zackary was never afraid to visit the playground or walk around the neighbourhood.  All the other boys were impressed at his tactics, they invited him to join the baseball team as their secret weapon against other teams.

Zackary was never the best, but he just tried what he knew at his best.

Depression - a matter of choice

This topic is in response to may fan Narcoil, who wanted to know my views on "Depression", so here goes.

According to scientific research and media broadcasters, depression is a neurological disorder where chemicals are imbalanced and triggers certain depressive behaviours.  Also anxiety naturally follows depressive behaviours.

Certain traits of depressive emotions are, low self-esteem, loss of interest in certain activities, mood swings, appetite and weight shifts, physical pain (headache, bowel issues) and the killer emotion is thoughts of suicide.

Almost every unacceptable behaviour and can be linked to depression and may be pardoned by society and diagnosed with anti-depressants.

However, on the flip side of life, I strongly believe that depression is a matter of choice.  Choosing to be in a state is really mind over the matter, and no matter what type of anti-depressant you use to diagnose the situation it is simply the person choosing to be in that condition.  Since it is considered to be a chemical imbalance in the brain, the other functional side can still assist with the stabilization of emotions if the mind chooses to be free.

Simple put, unacceptable behaviours and poor choices are no excuse for depression which is a mind over the matter issue.

Choose to be the person you want to be and don't allow yourself or other to trigger and imbalance in your mind.

That it.

Thanks for the question.
Tafla says something about everything.

What are you looking for?

 

Choose a door already!

What am I to do? What is my purpose in life?  I know I am destined for greatness, but what?

These are the common questions that meets us at our cross road in life especially when we are eager to move from one developmental level to another.  At this point we start to worry that we are underachieving and thus we become unhappy and unsatisfied with our self.  When we worry we allow fear and doubt to creep into our decision making and we no longer want to aim for the stars.

It is said that one can achieve anything he puts his mind to, and that I believe to be true.  Whether that achievement is something good or bad if we concentrate our efforts toward that purpose then it can be done.  On the other hand when we are searching for our purpose in life and we end up going in circles, because we are trying our hands at everything we consider an opportunity.

Don't be a Jack of all trade and a master of none.  Choose the area that brings satisfaction and self-fulfillment in your life, because there is where you will find your purpose in life.

Don’t confuse your purpose in life for your ultimate dream career.  Both can bring satisfaction, but one is more money driven, while the other is divine, self-gratifying.

In a nutshell, whenever you’re at an all-time low and feel like having a pity party for yourself while you’re trying to find you’re self, think carefully about what you are searching for.  Ensure that your next move will bring you closer to your destiny, of fulfillment and satisfaction in life.  Remember that an opportunity is what you make of it and that any and every situation can be an opportunity of greatness.  Our response to situations says a lot and we should be careful not to pass over our good success by denying our true feeling for our dream career in life.

Remember, it’s not always the big gigs in life that do it, but small things seals the deal.

Christmas Cheer-bells - DIY

Ho, Ho, How do we do it in DIY style.

The holiday season is fast upon us and will leave us in the same style.  So, this year I decided to make some changes and while having fun at it. 

The DIY Décor.  While its frosty outside it can be warm and mellow on the inside of your dwelling filled with laughter and memory.  Only if you allow it to happen.





During the fall season, I collected pine cones, yes free pine cones falling off people's tree. Yup!  I let them sit and dry in some warm place stored away from harms way, AKA kids and pets.  Letting the collected pine cones sit and dry also allows any unwanted visitor resting in the hidden crevices to leave  by the time you are ready to create ornaments.

 

 

You will need :

1.  a box to lay the wet painted cones to dry,

2. Glue Gun and glue stick for holding hooks in place,

3.  Glitter or sprinkle dust for shimmer and colour,

4.  White glue depending on the amount of cones (12 Cones/1 large white glue)

5.  Paint brush (small), plastic fork for mixing the glue and hooks or strings for holding cones

 

Use the glue-gun to hood the hook or string in place, creating a hanging display of pine cone.  Let the freshly glued pine cone sit in the box to dry or seal properly before decorating.  Feel to ensure glue is firm and dry.

 

When all the pine cones are glued with hooks/strings on, the glue is completely dry and firm then go ahead and mix your glue in a container that you will no longer need when finish.  Use three-part glue to one-part water (use more glue than water).  You just need to make the glue flowing enough not to leave a thick sticky residue on the pine cones, but enough to roll them in and brush down.

 

Cover pine cone in glue (you may need to use a clover, it gets sticky and messy from here), then brush or sprinkle your choice of sparkles or Christmas dust as you desire.  Get creative and use more than one colour for a pop or wow effect when dry.

 

When you are finish designing your pine cones, let them sit in the box, make sure you line the box with a silk fabric to collect the excess dripping glue mixture.  Let them sit in a warm dry place away from harms way (AKA kids and pets), and turn every day.  Let it sit for about a week to ensure all area is completely dry before hanging on your Christmas tree.

 

When pine cones are completely dry you are ready to hang and decorate your tree.  Your DIY Cheer-bell Pine-cone Decorated Ornaments, make sure to put a light next to your favourite and it will sparkle as you envisioned.

 

Cut tiny pieces of ribbons from a decoration spool and tie it in a bow or with your favourite curling ribbon and hang it on your pine cones or on the Christmas tree by itself.  This helps to add volume to your decoration creating a fuller tree. 

 

Creating ornaments and designing your Christmas tree is a fun way to get into the festivities of the season without feeling overwhelmed, but creates memories as the whole family can be involved.

 

Merry Christmas....

 

 



Jumping the fence or staying posted?

Can you live with the same person for years? Can you just share your life with one person?  How can you be tied down with the same life and the same person for ever?

These are questions that are often mentioned whenever someone finds out that you are married or in a committed relationship.

One woman when filling out a questionnaire sheet laughs at the questions, what is your address? and your relationship status?  She laughs because she has been living at the same address for over forty years and living with the same man as well.  Her friends have all moved around changed partners and seem to be on a quest to find something they have lost that they actually never had in the first place.

Commitment and being posted where you can be found seem to be the thing of the past.  Living with the same person is considered a being boring  and unadventurous-not the 'cool' thing in these days.  But what's wrong with enjoying the place and person that you choose to spend the rest of your life with and in. 

The grass is never greener on the other side of the fence, it takes the same dedicated effort needed the first time to keep things going in the other relationships, its just with different persons and a different location.  But seriously, amidst the adventures that one seeks, what kind of message will be sent to those looking on especially those kids who will be grown in a couple of years and will be looking for good moral examples.

If it is adventure you seek, then be adventurous with your partner.  Encourage each other to participate in recapturing the youthful things you both wanted to do, but delayed until adulthood.  One of the best time to do his as a couple is when the kids are out of the house and you have more than enough time to enjoy and reacquaint your passion for each other.

Others will be longing for what a you the grounded and committed couple has developed and will make an effort to try a little harder to bring out the best in each other instead of jumping the fence.

A tree that is rooted will always find sweet water as nourishment.

 

I suggest you watch the movie Anna Karenina, played by Keira Knightley with Jude Law.  This movie is a perfect example of jumping the fence for greener grass, but in reality adventure and passion is right in front of you, all is needed is just a little encouragement.  Nothing good will come from loosing the best thing in your life to settle for someone else's best.

Remember it takes equal amount of effort to make the grass green and attractive.  Work on your side in your yard.

 

 

 

Day On The Ledge

DAY ON THE LEDGE

by

Tracy-Ann Francis

 

The slightest things get me on the edge these days, my kid, my plant, even my supposedly devoted husband.

I thought this would be a beautiful place flowing with sweet honey and opportunity knocking at everyone’s door.  Nope, that’s the dream world, the one we all make up to encourage our timidity.

This morning I woke up thinking, man, it’s going to be the best day ever, because I can see and smell and feel the humidity of the day. Wow, what a blessing, then out of nowhere, crushing my moment of pleasure I hear, “Mommy.” I swear I cursed in some unknown language.  There goes my peace.

Like a slave bounded to his master I crawled out of my safe haven and presented myself for duty.  After pouring my love and affection into getting things all ready for the day, rehearsing to myself, that today is way better than yesterday, and that I will make a difference and endeavor to make a change.  Shucks, that’s all hopeful thinking again.  I didn’t even make it out the door when my kid starts looking disappointed and making the droopy face, all upset about hair. No wonder I’m like a house on flame, blazing with frustration.

The commute will be much better because I will be sitting and catching up on my few minutes of lost sleep.  Think again. I chose to sit all by myself in a corner where the chatter boxes and the face decorators and music boxes will pass over, hoping to get that peace and quiet I desire, only to be reminded that it’s a Friday and all the scholars will be boarding this bus due to the last day of knowledge cramming and catching up on the days they skipped classes.  Oh boy, this is my lucky day.

Being tucked away in my little corner, trying to look sober only to be smacked in the face with a stench so horrific, I had no choice but to open the window just above my head, seeking refuge for my nostril.  Could he have not sat anywhere else? No, he had to place himself so close to my person, intentionally invading my space.  My today is going to be way better than my yesterday, I kept thinking.

Ok, forget about the commute, it’s called public transport, which should tell a person something.  Awe, some good classical music should calm the savage beast, yep, that’s me as mean as can be at this moment.  All the good manners and selflessness that my mother thought me just went through the window, when nature’s best find its way on my left cheek.  Yuck, darn bird.

I managed to laugh at someone else’s stupidity,  when I see patients from the hospital already enjoying a puff of what seem to be the cause to their ailment, as they tinkered with the oxygen tank pacing back and forth.  I muttered, useless, waste of effort, causing me to be angry all over again.

As I entered the building, I buffed my chest and swung my head from side to side like an amateur boxer preparing for his first big fight.  I knew what I was up against, it was a no brainer, I have done it a million times, but it’s just that I needed to find my happy place before starting the day.

“Oh, I know what will do the trick.”  I took out my smartphone looked at a picture of a lush tropical rainforest, somewhere in the Amazon that I had saved as my wall paper.  I quickly joined the line in the coffee shop located in the lobby area and got a large espresso coffee with hazel nut vanilla flavored cream. I smiled to myself, thinking this ought to get the job done today.   I took a sip and had my game face on and there I was standing in the elevator heading up the eighth floor ready for the day.

Queen of the telephone and master of solving problems.  I embraced my paying job, charged on coffee as I purposed to finish the day.  Hold that thought.  I see by superior walking over with a pile of you know what in hand, I just wish for once someone would say, “Hi, my hardworking assistant, you deserve the day off, go to the spa, eat lunch and watch your favourite movie all on me.”  Wishful thinking never gets anyone anywhere, back to reality.

By the time lunch hour arrived I was exhausted and just about ready to lay back and put my feet up somewhere and shut my eyes for a nap.  Just five minutes, that’s all I need to refresh myself and get back on the wagon.  In the middle of a long awaited rest, the phone rang.  “What now?” Of course it might be an emergency so I better answer it. 

Unbelievable, the day hasn’t ended and I’m bombarded with request for supper. How can a woman get some peace around here?  I’m sure he didn’t make his vow to the maid and I most certainly am sure he has both hands intact. Anyway, I have bigger fish to fry here at work; I can’t worry about what others want to eat.

The work day ended with a bang as usual, and I still haven’t changed the world, but something has changed in me each day I participate. The commute home was no better than in the morning and I had nothing to look forward to but more work and solving problems and listening to other people’s troubles.  When will it ever end?

Ok, this is my beloved family, I got to have the spirit of enthusiasm and put my other game face on, the happy can do all things face. Who am I kidding? I am like a half beaten rug that’s just ready to be hung out and dried.  But who cares, got to go, someone needs me, besides I have to keep my promise and make a difference, somehow this would complete my day.

Yap, yap, yap, it goes on for a good half hour, but I carefully prepared the meal with loving kindness and an artful skill for all to be filled. Never even gave myself at least twenty minutes to be refreshed to face the giant task awaiting me as a mother and a partner.

Love is an understatement at this moment when the weight of the day comes crumbling down and I am standing on a ledge just waiting to take a plunge.  I just hope that I will land in my tropical rainforest where there is peace and serenity and I'm not expected to do anything beyond the norm.  But what is the norm? My norm is filled with chaos and to do lists that leads me to a place of melancholy.

I can’t fix the world, but I can surly darn well take a break from this chaotic drama and finally get some rest.  Off to bed.

THE END.

 

 

 

Author - Tracy-Ann L. Francis

 

 

Flavour of the season - Christmas story

Flavour of the season

by Tracy-Ann L. Francis

 

 

Rachel swayed her hips to the melody of smooth jazz; he grabbed her from behind as she twirled and wined her backside around, they both rode the rhythm of the soul song welcoming the season of love as she held the mixing bowl firmly in her hands whipping the concocted mixture with a wooden spoon in unison with the mood.

Jason took a step back to watch her mix and dipped and wined to the rhythm of the music.

“Don’t you like Christmas? It’s so festive.”

She slurred her words as she took a deep waft of the rum blending with the mixture of prunes, cranberries and raisins soaking up the alcohol to later provide a decadent savory taste for the spiced rum cake she was attempting to make. 

He shook his head as he licked his tongue, he plunged his finger in his wide open mouth wrapping his tongue around it then slowly pulled it out, savoring the taste of the thick creamy mixture he had managed to swipe from the bowl.

“Yep, I like what I see babes and I do like how this tastes, and if you keep this up you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Maggie chewed on the pencil’s eraser while resting her hand, as she slouched in the leather chair around her desk she waited for Joan to give her honest review.  Joan cocked her head to the left leaning on her wrist as a head rest, her eyebrows lifted in surprise as she proceeded to wrap up the ending.

“So what do you think?” Joan had that look in her eyes that Maggie knew all too well which was a gift for being her friend for the past three and a half years.

“Well, with all those, clicking and licking and wining and sucking, even a corpse would stand up. It seems more of a sexual piece rather than geared toward the holiday theme.”  Joan was surprised by her comment as she had no intention of being sexual, she just thought about the beauty of the season and the traditional delicacies that are shared between loved ones as a tribute to embracing the spirit of the season.

“Honey you are hinting more like on the flavour of the season rather than its traditions. I think you are distracted and need a brain smoothie – a break.”

Maggie couldn’t help thinking about what she had wrote, was it that obvious that she was lonely, but she made a pact with herself, not another looser, she’d rather keep her sweets and wait for a date with destiny.

She toyed with several ideas but none flowed smoothly like her original piece.  Maggie in frustration threw her pencil in the air and started to bang her head on the small table at the corner of the café, allowing her banana-raspberry smoothie to jolt and jiggle in its container. She heard the liquid swishing, so she slowly lifted her head to survey the damage but her eyes caught the most magnificent piece of candy wrapped in suede and navy blue jeans. Without hesitation there was an impulsive longing to be locked in his embrace.  She watched as he released his crouch and swayed his jacket to find his wallet and ordered a strong black coffee with a touch of cream and double drops of raw sugar.

She must have been staring because he looked in her direction and cast a smile. Maggie’s heart leaped with excitement and confusion, because she didn’t know if he actually smiled at her. She slowly glanced over her shoulder to see if there was anyone behind her who could merit such a tender smile. 

He took his order, sniffed the beverage and his chest bulked in such a tempting way that just drove her mind wild with excitement and then she decided that she must continue writing her original piece.

Joan emerged from the hallway clutching her leather Gucci purse and straightening her skirt before anyone could see her rumpled apparel.

“You look flushed, what’s going on in that ticker of yours?”

“Nothing much.”  She lied, because she knew how Joan loved a pursuit.

“I’ll go grab something before the line gets any longer.”

She watched as Joan strolled over to the cashier to place her order and watched as the stranger exit and released the door.  She sighed heavily then paused to smile at the thought that he was a worthy distraction.

With such turmoil nothing was getting done.  Maggie stroked the bridge of her nose as she listened to the latest announcement blurting from the office intercom speakers and with that broadcast she knew she would be heading up another assignment geared toward the splendor of the season.

“Yes, that should be no problem; I’ll have it ready for print first week in December. She hangs up the phone and made a note on her electronic day planner to have the assignment completed by mid November and to be reviewed and ready for print first week in December.  The word December rolls off her tongue like rain drops on an unfolding spring leaf.  She stopped midair and started to think of what it would feel like with him cuddled up around the fireside sharing spiced cake and rum punch, with mistletoes hanging around them beaming in candle lights as they shared their nights in bliss.

“Maggie! Time to go, no overtime in this place.” She was startled back to reality as Joan rapped on her door and proceeded down the hall.

“Ok, see you in the morning.” She sung the words out just loud enough to sound cheerful.

Half an hour had passed and she decided to wrap thing up because she was getting nowhere with her project. Closing the door behind her she spotted the janitor doing his rounds and she shouted in a friendly voice “I’m off for the night Mr. Laufs, don’t work too hard now.”  He chuckled and waved a hand to bid her good night.

Destiny or a lucky coincidence, she didn’t care much, as she entered the parking lot to retrieve her midnight blue Mazda car, she could not believe her eyes. It was the hunk with the tender smile standing next to her vehicle, fiddling on his phone apparently waiting for someone. She had to take a chance and say something, even if it felt dumb.

Maggie searched for several things to say as she slowly walked toward her car, but nothing felt right, she started to panic still searching for the right words to say without making a fool of herself or embarrassing the female race.  She had run out of thoughts and as she neared him she was lost for words so she did the only thing humane, she smiled, it was the weirdest and most awkward smile she could summoned but at that moment their eyes met, her heart skipped a beat and she felt at ease.  He stopped fondling his phone, looked her over then smiled.

“I remember you from the café this morning.”

He remembers me, what stroke of luck.  Playing innocent she did a closed mouth smile, raising her brows and squinting her eyes as if she was trying to recall the morning’s events.

“Oh yeah, you got coffee with raw sugar. Ops that slipped, “Oh, I like raw too. Sugar, I mean.” What an idiot I am I need to stop rambling.  He realized that she was nervous and offered his hand for an introduction.

“Josh.”

She fumbled with her keys trying to switch hands and accidently dropped them near his foot, they both bent to pick them up and collided head on leaving a nasty aching in Maggie’s forehead.

“I’m sorry, how clumsy of me.”

“No I was a bit distracted, I’m the one who should apologize.” 

Indeed he was distracted by her dainty appeal then she approached him and her Monaco Moon Light scented perfume captivated his mind drawing his attention to scan her silhouette figure which left him imagining what other secrets she had hidden beneath her multicolored fall jacket.

“Let me make it up to you, would you have coffee with me?”  He crossed his fingers behind his back hoping she wouldn’t turn him down. 

She did not answer his question, but proceeded to put her stuff away in the car.

Under the covers of her vehicle she pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming then she blew a kiss to thank destiny.  When she was satisfied that he waited long enough, she stood up held out her hand and said “I’m Maggie, and very pleased to meet you.”

 

The End.