Is this the real thing or only a fling?

 

Praying Mantis

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Lo and behold, I am in love, which I never thought could happen again at this late date, and I cannot help myself. When the love bug bites, there is no swatting it. May this love affair continue until the fire dies down, until the embers are stone cold, and all that remains is a pile of ashes to be swept into a pail and scattered in the woods, strewn upon the dead leaves and twigs that no one cares about, and stepped on by heavy boots. I beg you though, that before passing judgement and forcing me to wear a scarlet letter A, like Hester Prynne, to hear me out.

Managing the Ps that Bring Writers to their Knees

 

Osprey

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In August I volunteered to lead a session of Write In Louisa, a writers' group that meets monthly in a neighboring county. Its leader called for a volunteer, and I knew exactly the topic I would speak about. It is one my husband unknowingly inspired.

    In his spare time, he builds rock walls; not the kind with mortar between each piece, but dry-stacked ones where every rock is pressed in, almost like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. If one does not fit, in contrast to cardboard puzzles, he positions a chisel and wallops it with a mallet to conform the rock to the space. Some of the rocks are small and easy to lift, but some are huge and heavy. From my observations over the years, I concluded that rock walling is not for dainty hands and weak spines. 

A Tinge of Sadness

 

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Back in May, we went to a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, a restaurant we had not been to in years. Our entrees were delicious, but the waitress was sour. In her bad mood, or what could have been her usual grumpy disposition, she put a damper on the experience. She ignored us, did not ask if we needed anything, and barely opened her mouth, let alone, smiled. We chose not to tell her about the special occasion; I doubt it would have made any difference in her demeanor. On the way out, we skipped on complaining to the management or scrimping on the tip. 

    This unsavory incident was most unusual, as generally, when we eat out, we meet a friendly, efficient staff. I have never been a waitress (although I've served plenty of people), and I am sure that waitressing is challenging work, and that some customers can be curmudgeons, but a server taking out a bad day, or a bad life, on her diners is not a good thing. I left the restaurant feeling sad for her and for us as well.