"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Hump day Wednesdays


 
One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a petite, elderly "blue haired" sweet lady about 80 years old, came along with them --- all in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate."

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Mae added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine. I couldn't take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down.

The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned. The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae. I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait.

I smiled. She asked if she amused me.

I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. H ow come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?

She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, "I'm tasting all that is Possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old before." "So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet.


There are too many books I haven't read.
There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.
There are many malls I haven't shopped. I've not laughed at all the jokes.
I've missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes.

I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face.
I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast.
 
 

I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain.
I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again.

So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."

With that, I called the waitress over ... "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!"



Okay  is there something you want to do that you haven't done yet?  I want to go to Greece for a month and stay in a place like on Mama Mia!  All alone.  And just let go and have fun.  That is a dream of mine.  Now I probably won't be able to do that - but I sure can do some little things.  So I ask is there something you want to do but you have put off and if there is - are you going to do it?  



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

And that includes to our selves - don't cut yourself down and call yourself a failure - encouragement does a body good!

58 comments:

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I really appreciate the saying at the top of your blog today. A Grandmother's Heart knows no distance...For the most part my grandchildren all live a good distance away. Except for the two and soon to be 3 that live close by, I usually only get to see the rest a few times a year, if that. Hope your Wednesday is a wonderful one!

Unknown said...

Lovely story...live here and now I'd say (hehe) and to live on a nice warm place for a month sounds great.
Have a lovely day

Chris Graham said...

I absolutely LOVE this story.
It is so true. I have not reached Mae's age but I embrace her outlook.
It is called choosing JOY in the moments we are given.
Have a great day dear lady.

MadSnapper said...

my wants are simple, like going to the zoo in Tampa, a 50 mile drive, will i do it? don't know. i would love to take a tour of the old west, the western states. probably not. but i do do what i want every day, not what i should so i think that counts.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I want to go to Peru one day. I hope I get there.

andy said...

I love this story! !!! Hope your day is good as that chocolate cake looks! !

Beth said...

A beautiful story that I can relate to.

Lois Christensen said...

The one thing that I have always wanted to do but keep putting off is finding a nice cabin by a lake to vacation. When we were little my parents always took us every other year to a lake community that rented cabins. I have such wonderful memories of waking up in a cabin and the floor being so cold and my mom having hot chocolate for us for breakfast. We would sit on the screened in porch and eat breakfast and my dad would read us from a "children's" devotion a Bible story and then he would ask us questions and we had to be paying attention! Thanks Sandie! I haven't thought about that in awhile.

BelovedBomber said...

I love this story! I have been asking God to help me enjoy every moment, even savoring the not so good. None of us are guaranteed another breath...I want to make the most of them...There are things I want to do like go to Hawaii and Ireland, go skydiving, and things I crossed off like Israel...but most of my list (except my cabin getaway)has a lot to do with whom I spend my time. Thankful for you sharing today. Many blessings!

Susan said...

Love the new header, Sandie. Terrific!

The lady dining was an inspiration, wasn't she? And that cake at the top looks mighty yummy. hee hee

Let's see? What would I like to do? Well, I'd like to travel a little more and electrify and set up all my dollhouses! Yeah. That would be fun.

Take care and have a wonderful day, dear Sandie. Susan

Remington said...

Awesome post, my friend!

Knitty said...

I'm in a rush to leave but just needed to shout AMEN! and let you know that I am passing this on to someone who very much needs to read this right now. Thank you!

Jeanie said...

Don't give up on your dream of a trip to Greece.....I would love to see it happen for you.

LoLy said...

I wish I could travel alone. I guess you shoulddo like I did few weeks ago,, it is on my Blog.. i was sick and tired. I took 2 days off from everyone and went to a fancy hotel alone and got spoiled in a good way :D
xoxo

Shelly said...

A far out dream I have is to run the Boston Marathon. Maybe, when I retire...

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I'm going to do one of my dreams...go to Paris next year! I am beyond excited..want to come along with me?? hugs, Linda

Pondside said...

We should all heed Mae's advice. Life's short - too short to spend it like misers.

Anonymous said...

I may be like May in age well almost. Not from it but peite not that. More to the pleasantly plump.

How true and Chocolate cake yummier.

Love your quote in beginning.

Have a Chocoloate Day!

jack69 said...

If I had a good Bogey voice I would say:
"You hit a homerun with this one sweetheart!"

Love the Emerson quote and the encouragement statement.

I cannot believe I read that about Greece. I have said I would love to go to Europe and rent a house for a month in a small village and soak up the culture and history.Yeah, we probably won't do that either, but I am such a dreamer. hahahaha

Oh, of course I loved the story!!!!

Louvregirl said...

Love the gist of this writing, CC!

Here's my list:
1. Appreciate my family (more; properly; along these lines.)
2. Get my own finances in order (Oh evay!!) :-)
3. Design clothes and more clothes
4. Appreciate good fabric and sew as much as is possible given my duties and chores!!!!
5. Photograph more!
6. Ride a horse
7. Eat (some) Blue Bunny red velvet and cream cheese frosting ice cream soon!!!! (That's easy.)
8. Find a church that I love soon
9. Every day appreciate the mountains and find a nice stream to gaze upon
10. Attend my poetry group with fervor!!!
11. Be gentle with myself

Thank you for forcing me to make a list, CC!

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I love that saying at the very top of your blog ... but of course, as a grandma, I *have* to, right? ha!

Excellent reminder to not postpone or put off the little things that can bring so much joy and satisfaction.

Wanda's Wings said...

Great story. We should all learn to live each day like there is no tomorrow.

Sweet Tea said...

You've given me something to think about today. Great post!

Susannah said...

Great post! Really made me stop and think. Maybe I should sit and read my wonderful book instead of washing my cupboards...yes, I think I will!!

The quote at the top is so perfect. I love being a Grandmother...such a joy!

valerietilsten59.blogspot.com said...

I love Mae already, thats my kind of "Gal".. enjoy life to the fullest. A little bit of what you fancy does you good.
I could just eat a nice big parfet now..
thank you for sharing Sandie,
happy Wednesday.
val

Southhamsdarling said...

Love your new header, Sandie, and it is SO true. All us grandmas will relate to that. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post, and what a wise lady. Oh, did I say that I loved this post today?! Well, I did. In fact, I am going to print it off. Hugs.

Mary said...

Oh, I do have some wants, large and small. A small one is that chocolate frosted goodie in your post. But mostly Whirled Peas.

TexWisGirl said...

really like that thought of the day.

BECKY said...

You posted this at such an appropriate time, dear Sandie. As you know, one of my lovely writer friends passed away on Sunday morning. I just met Bea a few short years ago, but I knew her well enough to be able to say that I'm sure she did all those things many only "want" or "wish" to do. As I read the comments here, I saw lots of "wish, want, should, could, maybe"...and those are exactly the words that keep so many of us from doing things to make us happier, to fulfill our dreams. It almost makes me angry to know that MONEY is the main reason so many of us cannot travel the way we would love to do. But all those other "little things" ....do them now!

barbara l. hale said...

Wonderful way to look at life. I've been so fortunate that there isn't a lot that is on my bucket list. If all goes well, my husband and I are going to Sweden and Norway next summer. That's one I am looking forward to.

renae said...

awesome post my friend!!!!!

I have been toying with several of these similar things.

like last night, I had Jr. Mints and didn't care..........

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Great, I'm reading about cake, brownies, whipped cream and what I saw in the dressing room wasn't "bathing suit ready" for Aruba in the Spring!...:)JP

LL Cool Joe said...

This message is so true. I've been changing my life recently and trying to fill it full of things I love doing rather than chores. Life really is too short.

Great message!

Paula said...

Good advice here. I'm one who would dare to eat dessert first and then have the main course if I could hold it. Maybe take it home for a midnight snack.

JeanMac said...

ah yes, I understand:) good post

Blondee said...

Fun and inspiring post!

We have our own little tradition here....on the first 'real' summer day we have backwards day where we go to the local ice cream parlor and order sundaes for dinner! I usually make a crock pot meal for dessert....but strangely enough no one ever has room for dessert. :)

Lynn said...

A very uplifting post! Sitting here smiling and maybe thinking a little too:@)

Kim said...

I have wanted to go to Greece since I saw that movie too. And tonight I passed by all the healthy cereals and bought Captain Crunch - just because I wanted it! Great post.

Miss Debbie said...

Oh yes, there are lots of places I want to go before I die. But the Hubby isn't much on traveling, so I may have to find myself a traveling buddy...are you interested?? Ha!ha!

Jill said...

Love this so much! Yes, there are many things I'd like to do but won't be able to so I try to find my joy in the little things.

renae said...

oh and just wanted to say thank you for complimenting my husband. yes, very nice man!

Grammy Goodwill said...

Oh, I so agree with this idea. But actually living this way is a little harder. It's like using the good china, instead of saving it - but all our lives, we've been taught to save the good things. My little indulgence is holiday napkins that I use every day. (They're just paper ones from Dollar Tree.)

Ann said...

Well I'm pretty sure that the BIG things I've always wanted to do are simply a dream but the little things I pretty much started doing once I became an empty nester

KaLynn ("MiMi") said...

I've wanted for years to get together with a group of gals I grew up with but never got around to it. Then last year when Micael improved and told me to get a life. I did. And I am enjoying it too!!I got together with some gals and not all that I grew up with and we had a blast. We are getting together more often now. It is so much fun. I want my dessert before I'm too old to taste it anymore! I love this story. Thanks for sharing!

Dee said...

I may just start ordering dessert first after reading your post. :)

Melanie said...

Oh those desserts look way too good, Sandie!! It's hard to find a happy balance sometimes between eating right and not having an occasional treat.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Happy Hump Day to you too!
love
tweedles

Debbie Jones said...

Great little story/poem and so true. We need to "smell the roses" and enjoy life more. God wants us to be happy! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Sandie, Awesome story --and I wish I could be more like Mae.... There are so many things I want to see and do and EAT... The eating part is the hardest though since I've struggled with my weight all of my adult life. I have given up all kinds of good foods all of my life --and STILL have had a weight problem. Grrrrrrr....

Great thought for the day.
Hugs,
Betsy

Marsha Young said...

There are a great many things in life that can be improved upon with a LOT of whipped cream. :)

Anonymous said...

awesome story friend...thank you so much for sharing...have a nice day or evening ?

TARYTERRE said...

I don't get to see my grandchildren as often as I'd like, but I LOVE that saying at the top of your page about distance. Also enjoyed the story about the lady at lunch. Take care.

Cranberry Morning said...

'Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.' Personally, we've learned in the past two weeks that we never know when we will be called out of this world. I think we need to embrace life and live it fully.

Jim said...

Nice post, Sandie!!!
That is what I tell people, I've never been this old before. But I have had a lot of plugged arteries along the way and really don't want any more. They aren't fun.

I try to eat low fat and salads, etc. I do have several crackers, low or no fat, with peanut butter.

What do I want to do? I have done everything that I need to do and most of the things I would want to do.
..

Hootin Anni said...

I'll chip in and help you save up for that Greek cruise!!! Me? I'd rather see more of America. I've been to foreign lands, and always get excited with high anticipation...once there, I realize that America is still my home.

Oh, and I love that quote by Emerson.

Now....an extra large brownie heavy with pecans and a scoop [no...make it TWO scoops] of French Vanilla Ice Cream please.

Tanna said...

LOL! Well, there is one problem with this... in April after I got the melanoma diagnosis, I ate like I was dying tomorrow... I'm not. Now, I have six pounds to WORK off; you know they are much more fun to get than to lose! LOL! So, you need to be more sure about your expiration date before enjoying ALL the goodies. LOL! blessings ~ tanna

Granny Annie said...

Our youngest granddaughter rarely eats the food ordered in a restaurant so the last time we went out I said "What will you actually eat if we order it?" She said "Lemon pie." The waitress looked at us scornfully when we ordered our granddaughter lemon pie and that was all. She ate every bite with a big smile on her face.

Annesphamily said...

I L O V E this story! It is so true! Life is in such a blink of the eye- gone! Enjoy while we can!
May I borrow your quote with the baseball?
Hugs to you!