Iowa

Iowa

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Thoughts on a Sunday

Woke up this morning and decided it was a perfect morning to take a walk. Generally, a walk of this kind demands the cemetary. I look at the headstones and wonder about people. Who were they? How did they die? Some are very young. One was a teen who died and her parents decorate the grave quite elaborately.
Came home and decided it was much too lovely to go inside, so I brought my book out and sat on the patio, watching the rabbits, the birds and reading my book. It's called "Twenty Wishes" and is about a group of women that make a list of twenty wishes that they want to accomplish...kind of a bucket list if you will. I think I am going to start another one, since I lost the first one. I'll share mine, if you share yours. It should be something that is fun, something whimsical, if you will. For me, the first wish will be a pair of red cowboy boots. When I was a kid I always wanted a pair of cowboy boots and never got them. Now I can. Don't know where I will wear them, but I want them.
Bean and I were at one of the many tournament games this weekend and I noticed Monkeyboy and his friend, Noah. They don't talk much, kind of just hang out together. I asked Bean how she chose friends. She thought about it for awhile, and said that when she was in second grade, it was a matter of asking someone if they wanted to color with you. That was the beginning, or at least could be. She said a friend is someone you can be with and don't feel like you have to make conversation. You can just sit quietly and if feels okay. I think that's a good description. I also think a friend is someone that you haven't seen in a long time, but when you do, it is as though you have never been apart.
Tournaments. *Sigh* Monkeyboy's team (it's not actually his team, but the one on which he plays) is undefeated after fourteen games. This is the third tournament, and the final game of this one is tomorrow night. There was a homerun this game, and Monkeyboy made an outstanding double play from third base.
I have not heard from Phipps Conservatory, but am hoping to this week. I will keep you posted.
The beautiful flowers were from the Iowa contingency. Some might refer to my lack of employment as retirement, but I am fortunate to have a friend who said to me "You are now faced with a new adventure. Make choices, suffer the pitfalls, and bask in the glory of the right ones. Life is not a journey to the grave to arrive in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming--- WOW WHAT A RIDE!!!!"
I don't know to whom I should credit the last part, but it was a quote that they used and I thought both parts were perfect.
It's a new adventure, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead.
Have a great week.

22 comments:

Angela said...

What a wonderful post, Mia. Your Sunday sounds wonderful, very peaceful and relaxing. And good for Monkeyboy! How astute of Bean to realize what true friendship is about. I also think a friend is someone who respects when to be quiet and listen and when to push. A pair of red cowboy boots??? Gosh, I am going to have to think about this one for awhile. Good thought to ponder.

Cathy said...

It's a beautiful weekend here. My wish is to get a tattoo...not a big one, but a small one. Maybe just the initials of my kids. My husband keeps talking me out of it. Sounds like Monkeyboy is on a winning team. They will split that team next year! Good observation for Bean. And good luck with Phipps Conservatory, Mia. We'll be waiting to hear.

Ben said...

Mia, did you go see the fireworks at the Point? They were pretty spectacular. My wish is to learn to skydive. Always wanted to learn. Maybe now is the time. Sounds like you are going to enjoy exploring this new adventure. I like your friend's philosophy. Maybe we all should go for our dreams. Monkeyboy seems to be doing it, and succeeding. Great post, Mia. Go for the tattoo, Cathy, maybe a small one?

Tim said...

My wish is to dance on stage with the Rockettes for their Chrismas show.

SassySam said...

Leave it to Tim! But then we should allow each to have their own wish, with only positive comments. I could say that mine is to own a shopping center, but then that is too obvious. How about owning a small women's clothing shop that caters to young moms who don't have a lot of money, but need to have kids friendly but attractive clothes. Good job Monkeyboy, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for your job opportunity, Mia. Retirement is an ugly word, I like the idea of the flowers for "unemployment by choice". Go for it, Mia, get the red cowboy boots.

Jen said...

Twenty Wishes...I can't even come up with one. Let's see, how about a day like the one you had, just being able to enjoy the day for what it is. My friend and I have been friends since we were five years old. She lives about 30 minutes from me and we see each other at least once a week. That's it! I think we could plan a weekend away at a lake nearby...without kids and without husbands. I am going to call her right now. Thanks for the idea, Mia.

SocialWorker2 said...

That is such a great post, Mia. Lots of food for thought. I love Bean's definition of a friend. Very true, isn't it? Your tournament season seems to go on forever, but it sounds like you are having lots of fun with it. How peaceful your Sunday sounds, I wish for you many more. I can't think of a wish right now for myself, but I'll get back to you on it. I like Tim's though!

Jessica said...

Good luck, Monkeyboy. My wish is to go on a cruise to Alaska. Maybe I, too, will be able to see Russia. Seriously, I never wanted to go on a cruise, but I think that would be pretty special. My best friend is someone I met in high school. She and I married twin brothers and we are still all best friends.

tigger said...

To be on a Broadway stage as a performer. Nice post, Mia. And have fun enjoying your unemployment. I like your friend's advice.

Bill said...

Our little league is still going on, and the kids are getting exhausted. We've had a good season, but monkeyboy's team has us by a longshot. Good job, monkeyboy.

Just Temporarily Anonymous said...

I wish I had Tim's legs to be a Rockette. A tat, Cathy? Tres risque. Try a temporary one. They are fun! Is wanting to be a bellydancer whimsical enough for my wish?

Nate said...

A pair of red cowboy boots? Wow, that sounds pretty fancy! I think I would like to fly a plane. It doesn't have to be a big one, but I would like to fly.

Anonymous said...

Wishes are for dreamers.

twigs said...

Gee, what a curmudgeon anonymous is. Why do you comment? Go somewhere else.

Wacky Mommy said...

What does that mean "wishes are for dreamers"? Plz explain. Cuz I'm wishin' and hopin' and dreamin' and prayin' all the time. Yeah, that's right.

Happy retirement, Mia, you rock.

Fanciful Kitty said...

Would wanting to run an Art Gallery be too obivious? Rather prefer an Unique Art Boutique. I can sublet at Sassy's Mall. Actully, would be thrilled with a table at the Flea Market.

Anonymous2 said...

Please remember that I am anoynmous2, and don't scream at me! I love wishes. I wish for an opportunity to see Tim dance on stage with the Radio City Rockettes. And Kitty, I think the Unique Art Boutique would be a better fit for you.

Elizabeth said...

I agree with your friend, what a wonderful opportunity to explore so many different things. And since it was planned, I am assuming that none of the financial stressors are there. So, follow thier advice and enjoy the ride.

Shelly said...

I am so envious! Makes me stop and think. I wonder if I could take a part time job and we could just cut back a lot. The kids are only young for such a short time. That will be my wish. To think about a better alternative to the rat race we are running and to spend more time with the kids when I am not so cranky and tired. I don't want them to remember that when they are grown.

ginger said...

My "Bucket List", at this age is now a "Pail". I'm sure there are a lot of things I should have done but now not sure I could do. Right now, I am happily married for 52 years and just enjoying life to its fullest. I'm always ready for a good time so my wish will be to see Tim with the Rockettes in his itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini.

What a show stopper that would be!

Allie (cat) said...

I love it Ginger, what spirit! I wish for a tall tree to climb, a saucer of milk and a few birds to chase. Seriously, I wish for a trip to Hawaii for two weeks. To sit on the beach with some good books and a frilly drink or two.

JD said...

I'm with Ben, I would love to learn to skydive. I think the feeling of floating to earth quietly and experiencing that feeling would be wonderful. Great idea for a posting, Mia.