Category: Modern Life

Street Feet

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Street Feet

Street Feet

 

By John Curran

I’m told we’re gonna have another Saturday street fest. A ‘pop up’ they’re callin’ it. The next big ones not gonna be ’til March 28th, 2026 but I guess since this party thing has gotten to be so much fun; well Grants Pass just can’t wait til then. So much fun and actually, the shit has gone nationwide. Killer you could say, don’t we know.

And since I help out my presence is definitely encouraged, I push wheelchairs see, among other things, chores, alla’ that. ‘N hey, I get into it too. It’s a hoot. Maybe I’ll bring my little bongo drum, its a good excuse to do something with it besides having it just sitting there in the corner of my room. Yeah there might be a drum circle, for sure there’s good DJ action, There’s a guy workin’ it out of the back of van. People are decked out in all kinda’ crazy ways, bunny outfits,  dogs dressed as dinosaurs, clown acts, everything.

Speaking of clown acts, we got two sides o’ the street setup to really liven it up-kind of an us ‘n them sort of standoff. Its great. We yell at them and they yell back at us, man you hear all kinds of funny and amusing ranting and raving and I must say, the excitement is in the air. Usually there’s a whole lot more of us than the themmers on the other side, some people just more inclined to party I guess, but the thems are catching on, I think,  they know we be serious about some lively action and this, without  fail, will be that.

‘Course we don’t have the real edge that some city’s been having, the kind of thing that really sends the shit into overdrive, not yet, anyway. And actually, if you think about it, nothing spoils a good party more than a public execution of an innocent person right there in front of everybody, definitely a party pooper that.

So we be good, so far; so I will say, Minneapolis ain’t so far away so, serious partiers we are and will be.  I push wheelchairs see,  and whatever. Just glad to be there and glad to help, however I can. Do I love it? Damn right I do, and all the dogs and cats do too.  ‘Course the one cat will make ya wonder, sometimes. One in every crowd, I guess.

At the Point S

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At the Point S

At the Point S

Editor: I needed a break from Donald 2026.  So as a temporary escape from the minute by minute Trump coverage I went to the tire shop.

 

By D.S. Mitchell

It was time for an oil change and a tire rotation so I called and made an appointment for Friday at the Point S in Grants Pass. These folks are awesome on the kindness scale, and reasonable on the prices. I added on a bad tail light and a broken grab bar and a safety check when I got there. Anyway, I settled in for an hour plus wait. As I’m flippin’ through the old magazines in the lobby I spot a great article in the May 2024 Real Simple magazine. In the Get It Done section Erica Finamore & Hannah Baker offered 14 easy and inexpensive DIY home projects that have big impact for a very small investment in time and money.  I’m only going to pass on the 7 I liked the best. I just wish I had pictures. So here we go:

1.) Add attractive storage for those oversized cookbooks at the end of your kitchen island simply by adding a couple of shelves, then paint the new shelving a bright surprise color.

2.) Stencil the walls of a nook or entry area. It is important to choose a stencil with a registration mark, “these are the small design elements cut into the edge of the stencil that help you repeat the pattern evenly.” A big impact for a small space.

3.) Fake the art. If you’re hanging art over a sofa or buffet, the frame should be two thirds the width of the furniture.  Soooo, if you have an 8 foot couch the wall hanging should be about 5 feet, four inches wide. The height of the art is up to you. Once you decide how big your piece of art needs to be based on the above measurements its easy to create a giant piece of art. Maybe a colorful shower curtain stretched over a frame. In my case, I just went to the fabric store and found a bright ‘modern art’  piece of material and cut it and stapled the material on to a canvas stretcher. Voila! A real scene stealer.

4.) Replace the pantry door in your kitchen with an antique door, something to give the space a unique look.

5.) I love this one! Even if you aren’t an artist you can still project a design you like onto an exterior wall or even a shed wall, or maybe the pool house wall. Project the image you like onto that wall and with chalk out line the design in colors similar to the paint colors you will ultimately use. This will help you remember what color goes where. They suggest two coats of outdoor paint for the project, and a one inch brush for crisp sharp edges. A three or four inch brush is good for filling in the larger areas they suggest.

6.) Crown molding takes a plain jane room to a Parisian retreat. On this one I’d call my son. If you don’t have a carpenter in the family on speed dial you might want to find a licensed and bonded contractor.

7.) Let’s add beams to the ceiling. Hell, yeah, I say. Again, here’s where I’d call my son, or that licensed and bonded contractor. They don’t have to be big massive beams, smaller beams are lighter and easier to install. In fact, the writers suggest 2 x 6 cedar boards in long lengths to fully cross the ceiling width.

What fun. If you want pictures of the above projects go on line and check out the May 2024 edition of Real Simple magazine.

 

The Rigged Game

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The Rigged Game

The Rigged Game

Editor: The Jan-Feb 2026 edition of Mother Jones published a scathing indictment of the sitting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, and the actions that have directly led to the “corrupt and abusive Trump reign”. What follows are direct quotes (with large parts of the article left out because of copyright issues) from that brilliant article by Pema Levy and Ari Berman. All items within parentheses are added by this writer for clarification. Please subscribe to Mother Jones and support its 50 years of fearless journalism; it’s definitely worth the money. Call 1-800-438-6656 for subscription information. Sign up for newsletters at motherjones.com/daily-news-D.S. Mitchell, aka “Calamity”.

Excerpts from “Blame John Roberts for Everything”

By Pema Levy and Ari Berman

 

“Today, as the Robert’s court rewrites the Constitution in the image of Trumpian autocracy, it’s become clear that Robert’s promise (when he was testifying to the Senate at his confirmation hearing) to be a neutral umpire was a lie. We are watching a rigged game, and Roberts set it up.”

“Twenty years ago, John Roberts promised (the Senate, the country and the media) that as chief justice of the Supreme Court, he would be like an umpire, calling balls and strikes. The delusion was so powerful that for two decades the media defaulted to portraying him as a moderate institutionalist.”

“The Robert’s court has spent Trump’s second term not applying the law so much as clearing it out of his (Trump’s) way. In a matter of months, the court’s 6-3 GOP aligned majority has permitted a long list of lawless actions, including firing independent agency commissioners, using racial profiling in immigration sweeps, disappearing immigrants to authoritarian and war-torn nations, and defying Congress’ power of the purse.”

(This didn’t start yesterday,) “Robert’s has been embedding white-dominant authoritarianism into the country’s source code for two decades. It is impossible to imagine today’s crisis without the Robert’s court having first undermined the foundations of our democracy.”

“(Representative) Democracies are built on the right to vote and choose representatives. The United States finally recognized this right for all people with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (and 1982).”

“As chief justice (Robert’s) has helped craft a string of rulings knee-capping (the Voting Rights Act of 1965 & 1982) laws, starting with his 2013 Shelby County v Holder. The decision overruled Congress and freed states with histories of discrimination to change their voting rules, spurring the creation of 115 voter suppression laws in more than 30 states. Many were inspired by Trump’s election lies.”

“After oral arguments in a Louisiana redistricting case, observers expect Roberts and the GOP justices to declare that the districts drawn to preserve representation for voters of color are either unconstitutional or subject to insurmountable barriers. It’s a decision that would turn the 14th and 15th Amendments-passed during Reconstruction to give formerly enslaved people citizenship and equal rights-on their heads, and turbocharge Trump’s gerrymandering push.”

“Such redrawn (gerrymandered) maps could shift up to 19 eats to the GOP in 2026 and runs the threat of creating a permanent GOP control of Congress.”

Continue reading

26 Methods to Disempower the MAGA Cult

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26 Methods to Disempower the MAGA Cult

(20)26 Methods to Disempower the MAGA Cult

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. I will not lose hope. I will be always faithful, no matter what is happening in our nation. * “The sun will come out tomorrow, come what may. Tomorrow is only a day away.”
  2.  I will stand up for what is right, I will not flinch. I will not engage in arguments with the MAGA crowd; understanding the MAGA mentality is hard as a rock.
  3. I will not be a victim of MAGA shock and awe tactics. My work is more important than being  deterred by the “emergency” of the moment.
  4. I will not take God’s word out of context despite what the red caps say or do.
  5. I will stand up for human rights, women’s rights, children’s rights, animal rights and LBGTQ rights, not allowing prejudice or bigotry to color my opinions.
  6. I will run away from racism while standing firmly against it.
  7. I will prioritize self care. I must be strong and healthy for those who need my care and support.
  8. I will remember it’s okay to not be ok.
  9. I will not waste time on stupidity.
  10. I will love my neighbor as myself.
  11. I will not cave to bullying.
  12. I will stand firm in my beliefs system.
  13. I will not compromise what I know is right.
  14. I will remain empowered in the face of adversity.
  15. I will embrace my relationships and gain strength from them.
  16. I will step back from social media when I need to.
  17. I will laugh because it is the best medicine for mental well being; and its free.
  18. I will take mental health days to rejuvenate and soothe my weary soul.
  19. I will intentionally avoid stress whenever I can.
  20. I will eat healthy and exercise.
  21. I will spend quality time with family, pets and friends.
  22. I will give myself permission to chill out and relax.
  23. I will drink hot chocolate, mocha latte, Kahlua, wine spritzers, mimosas, milkshakes, tea slushies, or even a soft drink on ice when needed to lift my spirits.
  24. I will practice my faith and trust in God in my own way and take my time without apologies.
  25. I will allow myself an occasional guilty pleasure. Brandy truffles anyone?
  26. I will take a walk on the beach and breathe deeply.

*Quote from the play, “Annie.”

Women of a Certain Age-Old School Edition

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Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. If you ever pinched your cheeks or bit your lips in an effort to add a rosy glow to your face, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  2. If you have ordered from Ronco…
  3. If you ever owned or used a bedazzler…
  4. If you ever blotted your lipstick on a tissue…
  5. If Jean Nate is your go to fragrance…
  6. If you ever used Youth Dew and call it simply Estee Lauder…
  7. If you know that Youth Dew started as a bath oil…
  8. If you think a Zoom do is not an online meeting. And who remembers the PBS show?
  9. If you wear Odyssey by Avon…
  10. If you wear Imari by Avon…
  11. If you think 74 year old Pierce Brosnan is young and sexy…
  12. If you are as old as the Pillsbury Doughboy…
  13. If you used anything made by Bonne Bell cosmetics…
  14. If you had a puka shell necklace…
  15. If you ever wore double belts and stirrup pants…
  16. If you ever wore a body suit with snaps…
  17. If you wore Charlie perfume and know the color variations the fragrance came in…
  18. If you ever pressed your long locks with a clothing Iron…
  19. If you ever wore shoulder pads but were not a powder puff football player…
  20. If you still wear Sweet Honesty fragrance by Avon…
  21. If you ever made and used an egg white mask…
  22. If you wash your face with Dove beauty bar for “soft dewy skin”…
  23. If if you use honey as a face mask…
  24. If you ever used Queen Helene Mint Julep mask…
  25. If you were ever long and silky or short and sassy – my husband claims that I am still short and sassy…

Happy New Year, everyone – ladies, we definitely still have style…

 

I Resolve to Resist in 2026

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I Resolve to Resist in 2026…

I Resolve to Resist in 2026…

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. I resolve to resist everyday until the horrible orange haired old man is out of office and out of our hair.
  2. I resolve to stand against racism in all forms – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  3. I resolve to stand up against sexism and stand up for feminism – I resolve to resist everyday.
  4. I resolve to never forget January 6th – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  5. I resolve to never forget the Epstein files and who they name – I resolve to resist everyday.
  6. I resolve to stand firm against fascism – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  7. I resolve to never wear a MAGA cap or anything else associated with the Trump menace – I resolve to resist everyday.
  8. I resolve to protect the rights of my LBGTQ brothers and sisters – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  9. I resolve to wear something pearl for Kamala everyday until she is in the Oval Office – I resolve to resist everyday.
  10. I resolve to never call Donald Trump “president” – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  11. I resolve to never call The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or anything else “The Donald” renames to inflate his already supersize ego, Trump anything – I resolve to resist everyday.
  12. I resolve to maintain that it’s the Gulf of Mexico – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  13. I resolve to call out Trump lemmings for voting a narcissistic, child molesting, rapist, convicted felon into the highest office in our country – I resolve to resist everyday.
  14. I resolve to be an actual follower of the teachings of Christ, not a blatant hypocrite – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  15. I resolve to give a center finger salute to the Trump Towers and Hotels – I resolve to resist everyday.
  16. I resolve to ignore the hype and not hyperventilate at the mention of MAGA madness – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  17. I resolve to use actual common sense, not right wing foolishness – I resolve to resist everyday.
  18. I resolve to campaign against all Republicans in every election – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  19. I resolve to object to tariffs that don’t help build our economy – I resolve to resist everyday.
  20. I resolve to support former Presidents Obama and Biden in all they do – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  21. I resolve to never call Melania “first lady” – she is the complete opposite of a lady; I resolve to resist everyday.
  22. I resolve to write to my political representatives and other government officials to resist the Trump-Vance administration – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  23. I resolve to advocate for and donate to liberal causes – I resolve to resist everyday.
  24. I resolve to protect children, animals, and the environment – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.
  25. I resolve to fight for impeachment and a 25th Amendment unfit declaration – I resolve to resist everyday.
  26. I resolve to vote blue – my 2026 resolutions will make a positive difference in our nation.

26 Affirmations For 2026

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26 Affirmations For 2026

26 Affirmations For 2026

Editor: Positive affirmations are important to us as human beings. Repeating positive statements allows the brain to reprogram our subconsciousness. Additionally, repeating positive statements aloud allows us to create a clearer and more powerful image of who we are. Positive self-talk challenges the doubt and negative thoughts that bombard us daily with empowering messages that lower stress levels, decrease worry, fear, and anxiety. Affirming our self worth builds and reinforces feelings of happiness, optimism and harmony with our world. When coupled with meditation affirmations create a powerful tool that can  aid us in dealing with the challenges that face us everyday of our lives. In some cases, the individual will invoke a greater power, as does Cate in her piece, or some will use a mirror and trust the power of their own inner self.

By Cate Rees-Hessel

      

  1. I affirm to be kind and treat others with respect, even when we agree to disagree – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  2. I affirm to practice self care and self love – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  3. I affirm to stand firm in my beliefs, even if they appear to not be popular – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  4. I affirm to respect animals and the environment – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  5. I affirm to laugh more – laughter can be the best medicine; I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  6. I affirm to get fresh air and exercise – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  7. I affirm to set boundaries and not be afraid to say no when I need to – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  8. I affirm to not give my permission to be made to feel inferior (thank you, Eleanor Roosevelt) – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  9. I affirm to stay well informed regarding the world around us – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  10. I affirm to choose my faith over my fear – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  11. I affirm to eat my fruit and veggies; nutrition is important – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  12. I affirm to occasionally indulge – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  13. I affirm to a have spa day often – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  14. I affirm to have a mental health day often – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  15. I affirm to rid myself of toxic relationships – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  16. I affirm to stand up for myself and not be bullied – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  17. I affirm to take care of my health and well being – mentally, emotionally, and physically; I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  18. I affirm to be impeccably groomed and well dressed – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  19. I affirm to put others above myself when they have needs I can meet – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  20. I affirm to have fun – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  21. I affirm to try something new with an open mind – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  22. I affirm to dance with abandon even if somebody is watching – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  23. I affirm to be me in every way – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  24. I affirm to purr like a cat when I feel happy – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  25. I affirm to be the person my pets, my BFF’s, my siblings, and my spouse think that I am – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  26. I affirm to be the person God knows I am – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.

Lots of Reasons to Smile

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A Whole List of Reasons to Smile

A Whole Lot of Reasons to Smile

By D.S. Mitchell

 

It’s Raining 

It’s Sunday afternoon in fabulous Grants Pass, Oregon.  The rain has been relentless for the last 48 hours. Lilly the dog, is sprawled out on the back deck. Its covered. While she’s entertaining herself chewing on her favorite tennis ball a few rain resistant ducks are playing in the lake. Frustrated with the endless deluge I flip through the cable news shows. I’m a regular Sunday viewer of Meet The Press and Fareed Zakaria’s GPS. I wanted a nice peaceful weekend, my morning coffee along with the political news shows, a game of cribbage in the afternoon, an 8 pm movie with a friend to finish the day. Well, that whole plan is shot. Mostly due to the inclement weather. But, even if the weather didn’t suck Trump is doing more saber rattling in the direction of Venezuela, keeping everyone on edge.

Spoiled Child Drama

Trump is like a spoiled child demanding every moment of his mother’s attention. I do not intend to go off on a rant. I promise, but, it does make you think, his mom took him off the nipple to soon. Despite, Trumps narcissism and his constant attention seeking I think we need to get your mind, and my mine, off the American Tragedy playing out in front of our eyes.  So, my favorite distraction of the week, my Sunday version of a day-off, is imagining the simple things in life…those things that bring a quiet smile to the corners of your mouth.

Lots of Reasons to Smile:

1.) A Hummingbird at the garden feeder 2.) A day with no chores to do 3.) Left over spaghetti or cold pizza for breakfast. Yum Yum  4.) A chocolate “fix”  5.) The Nite Owl bar, Helena, MT  6.) A new mattress 7.)  A bedroom with a window seat  7.) A scarecrow dressed in Daddy’s old coveralls and straw hat  8.) Short grocery lines,  9.) A fresh bouquet of flowers  10.) Homemade Lemonade  11.) 1940’s Film Noir  12.) Watching young swallows learn the art of flight  13.) Painting the front door a bright vivid color  14.) Working a potter’s wheel  15.) Spontaneous hugs  16.) Forgetting the punch line of a joke  17.)  Libraries and librarians 18.) Using the dog to do left over clean up  19.) Fireworks  20.) Running boards on tall trucks  21.) The soft sound of a paddle cutting the water  22.) The patter of children’s feet  on hardwood floors  23.) Crater Lake, Oregon  24.) Clean as you go  25.) Gingerbread loaded with melted butter  26.) Forming a Foundation to help fund a cause  27.) Talking with intelligence instead of just blowing smoke  28.) River barges  29.) Crisp and juicy apples  30.) Doing a good job  31.) Rich, delicate French pastry  32.) Floating homes  33.) Listening to the sounds of the night  34.) A secret crush  35.) Spontaneous kisses  36.) Writing  37.) Fresh homemade bread  39.) The aroma of Honeysuckle and Daphne  40.) Cloth napkins with napkin rings  41.) The American flag  42.) Lettuce fresh from the garden  43.) My car after  the car wash  44.) Fessing up to an eff ‘up  45.) Honey Baked Ham  46.) A great painting found at a Thrift Store.  47.) Refreshing an old dresser with a coat of paint  48.) First ski run of the day  49.) Old English Sheepdogs  50.) Koala bears  51.) Rearranging the furniture for a party  52.) A banana split for two  53.) Travel magazines  54.) Swim meets  55.) Swans on Black Lake, Ilwaco, WA  56.) Wind across a field of wheat  57.) Twinkies  58.) New shoes  59.) Echoes  60.) The Olympics  61.) Mt. Vernon, VA  62.) Cheetahs in the wild 63.) Warm dry socks  64.) Mutts  65.) Sundance catalogues  66.) Buy one and get one free  67.) Making lists  68.)  Pinto ponies   69.) Sneakers without socks  70.) Unicorns and rainbows  71.) Picnic tables  72.) Owning an island  73.) Walking the railroad tracks  74.) Habitat For Humanity  75.) A team of horses  76.) Weeping Willow trees  77.) 3-D movies  78.) Political comics  79.) Lawn parties  80.) Laughing babies  81.) Getting a makeover  82.) Up with the dawn  83.) Weathered shutters on shingled beach cottages  84.) Hopscotch  85.) Night snowmobiling  86.) Hit that high note  87.) Playing Frisbee with the dog  88.) Blanket tents in the backyard  89.) Club sandwiches  90.) Being on time  91.) Woodstock  92.) Snoopy  93.) Earth Day  94.) Catching a man’s eye  95.) Dream catchers  96.) Dogs  97.) Revolving doors  98.) Retirement  99.) Winning a race  100.) Puget Island, WA.

Keep smiling. Don’t let the chaos of the Trump administration steal your joy.

Join the New Resistance

 

Women of a Certain Age-“Old School” Edition

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Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. If your call math “arithmetic”, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  2. If you call mathematics new math…
  3. If you ever carried books in a strap…
  4. If your back to school wardrobe included Peter Pan collars and plaid…
  5. If sleepovers during the school year meant popcorn and a Frankie Avalon movie on network TV…
  6. If you had a Friday night party with a record player and bottles of Coke…
  7. If your birthday during the school year meant homemade cupcakes for the class…
  8. If you ever took a peanut butter fluff sandwich in your Scooby Doo lunch box…
  9. If you owned a Howdy Doody lunch pail…
  10. If you watched a happy tooth film strip…
  11. If you know what a film strip is…
  12. If you had a gym uniform that was a short jumpsuit in a shade of blue…
  13. If you wore white Keds with pom-pom socks (mine were pink)…
  14. If your cheerleading uniform didn’t expose your belly button…
  15. If Friday night football games were followed up at the malt shop…
  16. If you went on high school dates at the drive-in…
  17. If you know what activity was done in a rumble seat…
  18. If you participated in said activity in a rumble seat…
  19. If you participated in the same activity at the drive in…
  20. If you know what a rumble seat is…
  21. If you had a back-to-school Lilt perm, courtesy of your older sister or cousin…
  22. If you drove to school in a 1967 Mustang…
  23. If you know what a bobby soxer is…
  24. If you ever owned bobby socks…
  25. If you read Tiger Beat in the girls room at school…
  26. If students today read about your era in history books…
  27. If you carried mad money on dates during your high school or college years…
  28. If your sorority sisters wore pink foam rollers and half slips…
  29. If you ever wore pink foam rollers or half slips…
  30. If you know what a half slip is…

Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2026!

The Results Are In

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Results Report

Results Report 

 

By D.S. Mitchell

I’m not sure when I decided to do it; I think it was about 6 weeks ago; maybe more like a month ago. Anyway, none of that is really important, what is important was the response I got.

I sat down and made a list of 25 old friends that I never wanted to lose contact with; some I hadn’t reached out to in several years. Shame on me, but like with most things I can give you a page long list of reasons why I let that happen. So, rather than bore you with all that nonsense, I’ll tell you what I did.

First of all, I have an entire filing cabinet drawer filled with beautiful greeting cards; Sympathy, Get Well Soon, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Merry Christmas, Thinking of You, and Blank, of course. When you donate, frequently you will be given socks, scarfs, back packs, flashlights, address labels and every form of greeting card ever needed or designed. All-in-all, pretty awesome.

So, I think you can put two and two together and see what’s coming. I took that list of ’25 friends I never wanted to lose contact with’ and grabbed a handful of Thinking of You cards and wrote all of these amazing people a short note telling them each how much I appreciated knowing them and expressed my intent to do a better job of keeping in contact, updating my contact information and asking the same of them. Next, I went to the post office and for less than $20.00 I sent all those precious people a loving and caring handwritten note.

I’m not sure what response I expected; or if I even thought about potential responses, I just did it, comfortable with what ever happened. The phone didn’t ring and there was no written response to my cards…for at least two weeks, then as if the celestial dam broke my mail box was filled with a deluge of responses, each with its unique and beautiful sentiment followed with directions to websites, new phone numbers, updated emails and physical addresses as well.

I counted 18 hand written responses,  and 1 returned ‘d/t no forwarding address on file,’ and five phone calls! Amazing, 100% if you discount the 1 returned d/t no forwarding address. Four of the calls were happy with multiple promises to keep in contact. The 5th caller, the older sister of one of ‘my never want to lose contact with friends,’ a person well-known and loved by me, called to tell me that she was taking care of her sister’s mail and social contacts since her younger sister was no longer able to self care due to advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Heart breaking news, made doubly painful because her husband is also a victim of the disease. Connie, said she would keep me in the loop as to Alice’s health, which gave me some comfort.

From what started as one of those things I just had to do; became a thing I was so thankful I did.  Hearing those warm, familiar voices on the phone, touching the paper their fingers had touched, in those handwritten notes and cards, OMG… thank you dear friends for sharing your love, kindness and mercy. I can’t ever imagine what I did to deserve such kindness and love.

Thank you all, and keep in touch with your friends. You’ll be glad you did.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR