Category: A Quick Thought

A Quick Thought

Malaise

deborahanndykeman

As I get older, I don’t seem to get sick as much as I once did. When I do get something, it doesn’t last very long or hit too hard. Just enough to put me off my routine for a couple of days. And that’s aggravating. So here I sit at two in the morning, because lying down hurts, sitting hurts, walking hurts, but I can still type. And I am thankful I can sit at the computer for a couple hours at a time. Doing that yesterday helped me to pretty much finish my current manuscript. Yes, I’ll go back today after I’ve slept a little more and see what damage I did. You want to be careful of what you write in a haze of fever. It may come back to haunt you!

During my malaise, (and I’m calling it that because I don’t know what I have, but everyone in our town has it), I’ve watched way more Netflix and Amazon Prime than I usually do. And for some reason, each movie I’ve seen has been about someone battling a disease. ALS, which my maternal grandfather died of, breast cancer and a coma are just a few of the areas I’ve explored the past couple of days.

These movies have made me extremely thankful for the health I do enjoy, most of the time. I take for granted that I can get out of bed each day, that I have a job that is pretty physical, and that our family hasn’t really had to deal with too much in the health area over the past several years.

Why does God allow some to be stricken with cancer, etc. at such young ages, while others live to be 90+ years old? We don’t know, or understand, but it happens. Why are some given a full life and many years, while others leave this earth as children? It makes me sad, and especially sad when I see others suffering.

So for all of you that aren’t feeling so great, eat some of these:

Have a cup of something warm:

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And feel better soon! get-well-1485632_1280

Before we know it, spring will be here and the flu bug will be gone! Until next time…

A Quick Thought

Many Thanks!

deborahanndykeman

Have you heard of ‘while I was sleeping’? Well, ‘while I was working’, this blog crossed over more than 6,000 hits! I now have 80 followers. That’s a big thing to me!

I travel to other blogs, looking at their amazing numbers. Literally thousands and thousands of hits, and thousands of followers. And I think, what am I doing wrong? I’ve been at this for a year and a half now. But it’s alright…really.

I’m so very thankful for each and every person that chooses to read a post by me. I love when people comment and share their lives for a moment. It still amazes me that people have actually read my books! And a few have written lovely reviews. Reaching out to others, sharing my life and who I am is where it’s at. And I’m continually amazed that anyone cares.

So thank you to all my precious followers! Many thanks for those of you that comment. Even a few words connects me to who you are. And that’s fascinating! Have a lovely weekend!

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A Quick Thought

Expression of Who You Are

deborahanndykeman

Do writers feel more than other people?

Do they have more pain, more emotional trauma, more joy or excitement in life?

Do they have more difficult lives, or easier ones?

No, to all of the above! Writers just have to express it more than other people.  It is a need within them, almost as much as eating or sleeping. Although when I have a story in my head, sleep takes a back seat as well.

Some writers may also be great talkers, sharing everything. Other writes may be quiet, having the need to express only on paper/computer.

I definitely communicate better on paper/computer, and always have. When I was a child, I always had a pen pal, or someone I was writing letters to. I could be who I wanted to be, who I felt I was in those letters. Meet me in person, the two might not mesh so well!

Don’t be afraid to express yourself or let others see who you really are. Writers, photographers, artists, musicians…anything you can think of with creativity is a way of expressing yourself. We all need that outlet. I personally believe it makes you a more well-rounded person. God gave us the ability to communicate, and it isn’t only through our lips.

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A Quick Thought

Part One Rabbit Trail

deborahanndykeman

It’s hard to let go. This applies to so many areas in our lives. New jobs, moving, adding children to your family, losing someone close to you, and even the change of season. Change takes a certain amount of flexibility, and some are better at it than others. One person may be a real fighter and survivor. Rushing in, doing whatever it takes to live life. Another may just want to sleep it off, or bury their head in the deepest sand hill. And whatever route we choose to take, we never really understand the other side of the coin.

I’m usually a survivor. I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. I’m afraid I don’t have a lot of patience for other people that just want to curl up and sleep it off. My thinking is that if you are going to be here, you might as well live it to the fullest, doing the best job possible with what you have. I don’t understand the other way of thinking, the ‘branch bouncing down a rushing stream’ way of dealing with things. I’m going to swim to shore, fighting the current, and then I’m going to shake off the water and decide best how to handle the situation.

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Is one way better than the other? Well of course I believe my way is the best way! It’s the one I’m comfortable with.

But my way also pushes people aside, just worrying about getting the job done, and not about how people are feeling or adjusting. Yes, I get the job accomplished, but I may not have many supporters when I’m through!

Am I envious of the slow-thinking, lovable, patient person that cares more about having a great time than if the chore is finished? Yes!!! And they drive me crazy! But there are many of their attributes that I wish I had.

My prayer is that I will keep changing as I grow older. I have already, just a little bit. I live with things around my house that I would never have looked at everyday a few years ago. Some of it just doesn’t seem to be as important as it used to be.

So thanks for reading my rambling thoughts for today. This is part one of this post because as you see from the first sentence, I didn’t really follow up on it. Sometimes, other stuff just needs to be said. Today is one of those days. So tune in tomorrow to find out the real reason I started this post with the first sentence!

A Quick Thought

Shop Local…Because you WANT to

deborahanndykeman

I’ve been reading more and more lately about being an author, and handling it like a small business, especially in your town.

I don’t know if I like that or not. So I will think on it for while.

Yes, I do see the point. If you are an indie author especially, you have to market, promote and sell your books. That is the business part of writing. And that’s the part I’m not too fond of.

But in reality, I do have a small business. I want others to purchase a product from me. And when you live in a small town, there is not a lot of room to bungle your small business  and you will, if you’re not careful.

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In any business you want to offer a product that others want, and desire enough to pay for. In a large city, the products are wanted and needed by many people. There is competition for that product, whatever it may be. In a small town, there aren’t so many choices.

In a big city, a smart business person will offer a product at a competitive price. They will offer that product in a clean, attractive way. They will be friendly and want repeat customers. They know if they do not do those things, the customer will go elsewhere and give someone else the money for the services needed. They want to keep that customer and their money.

The small town business should up their game even more. Because people can and will travel for better service and products. The attitude shouldn’t be to support the small town business just because it is in your town. That’s a nice thought. But you also still need to give that customer something, some reason to stay local. The small town business still needs to offer great prices and sales. They have to run their business well. Treat their customers like they are royalty, offer services that are not offered other places. One place that comes to mind is our local grocery store. They carry your bags to your car! I was flabbergasted the first time I saw this twenty years ago. What big grocery store chain can you think of that does that for their customers? This same store offered tremendous sales on baking items, etc. during the holidays. They wanted you to shop there and not drive out of town to get those same items. Another great aspect of this store was seeing the owner sweeping the parking lot, carrying out groceries, and talking with the customers. The store was always clean and friendly. I wanted to shop there! It was a pleasant place to be. Our local gift shop has lovely items and they gift-wrap for free. Where do you think I go when I need something pretty and special? Not Walmart! One local restaurant offered a terrific meal for a great price, drink included. We ate there many, many times over the year or so that took place. Again, making customers feel special and giving them a fantastic deal.

I want to shop local, but not just because I should.  I want to be treated better because I’m part of a community, offered better prices, shop in a cleaner, more friendly environment because that’s what a small business should do! You want your community to put their money back into it. So make it easy for them to do, and pleasant at the same time. As a small business you have the time and ability to treat your customers like royalty. And if you do consistently, they won’t want to be anywhere else.

This applies to the small business owner across the board, whether you own a restaurant, car dealership, grocery store, auto parts store, hair salon, heating and cooling, clothing, or write books. Offer your services in a friendly manner, make your business stand out and someplace people want to support and be a part of. Don’t put a guilt trip on your community about shopping local if you aren’t offering services above and beyond what they can find elsewhere.

Christmas shopping is just around the corner. Do you want to be a part of a huge chain store, an overworked clerk checking you out? Or would you rather stroll along a pretty street, popping in and out of bustling shops, music playing, being greeted by others you know and want you there? Do you want the store owner happy to see you, offering you a great deal and knowing your family, or a store clerk that could care less if you’re there or not? If you own a small business in a small town, think on that one. If you’re a savvy business owner, it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out! Happy shopping!

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A Quick Thought

Autumn Hue

deborahanndykeman

To walk a wooded path on an autumn day is glorious! The crispness is the air with each intake of breath. The smell of decaying leaves, crunching under your feet. If you pause, you may feel the stillness all around, the drift of a leaf to the ground.

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The beauty in the various colors of red, yellow and orange, sun caressing the array, is sometimes difficult to believe. You stand in awe.

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Enjoy the colors all around you. Creations flaming show. Sit on your deck, take a walk through the woods and absorb the hues, sounds and smells of this new season. Welcome autumn!

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A Quick Thought

Oldies but Goodies

deborahanndykeman

I love music, and I can generally find appreciation for all genres to some extent. As I grow older, the louder and more repetitive beats associated with heavy rock and roll, and sometimes rap, are a bit much for me. Jazz has always been one of my least favorite, but I can even listen to that in a background kind of way.

Music from the ’50’s era and into the early ’60’s has always been very special to me. As a teenager I would listen to that whenever I had a chance. There is something that is happy and full of hope in much of that music, even though many of the songs could be a bit depressing. Teen Angel by Mark Dinning is one that comes to mind. But overall, I think the music was upbeat and positive. It made you feel good.

I was just visiting over at https://thepbsblog.wordpress.com/2016/09/08/throwback-thursday-jam-a-change-is-gonna-come-sam-cooke/. I check this blog often and enjoy what she posts. I was attracted to this particular post because of the Sam Cooke song. This song does have more of a message to it, and I don’t want to take anything away from that post with my words.

But hearing Sam Cooke’s voice, brought back a flood of memories. Happy ones I might add. He did address some pretty important issues with many of his songs, but three come to mind that are a little lighter. And that’s what I want to share with you all today.

This first one always makes me smile and I think of young love. School is not a huge priority as you can hear, but he is trying. And he is trying because he’s in love and wants that love returned. Literally, when you think of young love, the world would be a wonderful place if someone returns your love…and I don’t think that’s too far off base. Because being in love and having that returned makes this life a much easier road to travel.

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Now this one…he has that girl. And they are just enjoying life. Just a great beat.

I’ve always loved this one. If our children are all here and we are doing dishes, we usually end up singing this one. Again, just happy, an era of innocence and more gentle times.

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I could listen to and share music on here all day and then some. But that doesn’t get the laundry done or the dishes washed. I won’t accomplish my writing goals for today. But I sure do appreciate YouTube and the ability to listen to some great oldies. Thank you to those that put the music there for all of us to enjoy. Have a fantastic Thursday afternoon!

A Quick Thought

Solitude

deborahanndykeman

I worked the night shift for a year, two years ago. I didn’t work full-time, and I am thankful for that. I don’t think I could have stood it as long as I did if I had worked a forty hour week.

I’ve never been much of a sleeper. Everything has to be about perfect for me to get a good night’s rest. The correct pillow, mattress, and room temperature. For me, around fifty degrees, snuggled under a bunch of covers works out very well. Then I sleep.

So, to have me up to work from 10 pm to 6 am a couple nights a week, usually meant no sleep for that day. By the time I arrived home, it was wake-up call for everyone else in the house at the time. Dark curtains at the window, and the temperature as cool as I could reasonably have it, didn’t seem to help when the sun was shining outside. After a year of that, I was pretty much exhausted.

What I loved about that shift was the solitude. In nursing, generally the patients and the residents are sleeping…until you go in to wake them up. Yes, I had tasks to accomplish before the next shift came in, but it wasn’t crazy with the hustle and bustle of day-time hours. The lights were low, it was quiet, and it was peaceful. Solitude.

For me, being alone isn’t a bad thing. I do appreciate my family and friends. I love a day away, or a few days when we can manage it, with my husband. An afternoon with a dear friend is very special. I look forward to our family times when we are all together, eating around the table or playing games. But I do enjoy the times like now, when I’m alone for a bit.

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Yes, I should be sleeping, and I will probably regret this decision to write at two in the morning. I’ll regret it when I’m at work later today, dragging through the last couple of hours until I can go home. But for now…it’s really nice. Just the hum of the ceiling fan, the air-conditioner coming on every now and then, and solitude. My mind works much better during these times. How about yours?

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A Quick Thought

GRRR!!!

deborahanndykeman

Okay, it is late, and I am about to chew nails. See this picture below?

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This is me, trying to figure out how to update this blog. I would rather be out there, in a machine, moving gears in the setting sun, as I try to set this, little boxy thing, on a little ‘X’ marked on the spot it is suppose to go.

So, no, I’m not important and giving you a heads-up that my site is under construction and big things are happening. Then, when I’m finished, you’re going to be ‘wowed’ by all the improvements.

No, I’m just stopping for the night, so my eyes will stop bouncing in my head and then I will try again tomorrow to ‘upgrade’ this blog. Using this WordPress just boggles my mind! I should word that differently. I am able to use it pretty well now. But if I go to make any changes…forget it! So, just click anything you want to read, it’s there in triplicate…I think. If you want to purchase a book, go to Amazon or Barnes and Noble and type in my name or title of the book, because the links aren’t working on here. Sigh!

And yes, I know you are to keep your site easy to navigate, clutter free and visually appealing. But right now, I’m just happy I haven’t lost it all yet. (I’m speaking of my blog, not my mind.) So, please don’t leave me, and I promise to return with hopefully…something! Good night!

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A Quick Thought

Peace of Life

deborahanndykeman

Hello…is anybody out there? Some days, you just feel…alone. It seems as though no matter what you say, it’s taken wrong. That you only have friends and family if you agree and support them. If the tables were turned…you’d be flopping on a beach, struggling for air.

Some days…we have those kind of days. Sometimes I wonder, if I just said what I wanted to, like others do to me, would I still have a friend or family member? If I expressed myself, did what I wanted, when I wanted…would people still speak to me…as I’m expected to when dealing with them?

There are days when I want to go far, far away, and forget all the troubles. I don’t want to worry about money, if the house is clean, the yard is mowed, the weeds are pulled. I don’t want to navigate the finances for a new furnace and overhaul on the house. I would like to only take care of my job at work, and have people help me as I always try to do. I don’t want to answer the phone for one more telemarketer or political call. Are the dishes done, the laundry clean, the oil changed in the car? Is the cat in or out…and is she up-to-date on her rabies shot if she’s out. Will the dog be sad and lonely if left too long? After all, he needs to be happy too.

Philippians 4:6 (NASB)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

At times, this verse is hard to grasp. It floats beyond my reach, my thoughts of all the above crowding and littering my mind…until all I see is the miserable, selfish part of my life.

Be anxious for nothing. Instead of wanting to escape to a beach in Maine, far north where it’s too cold for others…I need to stop the quicksand of life in this world today. I need to stop and pray, thank God for everything that He has allowed in my life…good and bad. For He has allowed it for a purpose. Then I need to ask Him to help me with my day, my thoughts…and give me peace.

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In my mind, I can be on that beach. Listening to the waves roll in, the salty wind upon my face. I can watch the sunset and know there will be another day…and it may go better than the one I’m dealing with right now. And it may not, but I can have peace and contentment.

There are not too many of us that can change what is going on in our world today. We can’t put better, different people in office, we can’t make our neighbor live how we want them to. Unless you’re the boss, your co-workers don’t answer to you. We can’t use our rights to trample over everyone else’s. And no, we can’t even really control our own little world of family and friends. But we can choose to be at peace and live with contentment. Make a decision today to change your little world…and the rest of the world might not be so difficult to deal with. Have a great Monday!