Busted

Mom went out the door!

Curious cat as I am, I wanted to know where she went. I pushed on the kitchen door and it opened to my delight! She doesn't see that I'm out so I'll have to act quickly! I love this garage, man. There are so many things to check out. I've caught a few lizards in here. I've brought them inside and left them in the bedroom for mom to find. She must like them because she looks at me and says "thanks!" I crawl under the car. It feels warm under there so I sort of like that and lay down a minute looking out from underneath. She went next door a minute. She had a bag in her hand but now she doesn't have it any more.

I smelled something good in there earlier but she would not let me have any. Mom said it was a surprise for her neighbor. Hey, I kind of like it out here in the dark. I ran out into the yard and then faster to the next yard. I don't think she wants me out here and is calling my name. Gotta go!

I try hiding behind the rocker on the front porch. She sees me. The pumpkin is lit and gives me away. I give up and let her catch me. 

I get to sit on the soft chair next to her now. She looks at me and says I should not go out. "But, mom!"

Guess I'm grounded now. Think I'll take a cat nap.

Kiwi Windham

Like Me

Like Me

I leaned in close and whispered 

I didn't  know if you could hear

But every word I said to you sounded perfectly clear

Remember the day we walked along 

The hill was steep and wet

You held my hand tight in yours

Saying there was nothing to fret 

The stories you told 

were when you were young

Of things I needed to see

Important tips

to try and avoid

So you won't grow up

like me

I smoothed the hair on your brow

Each wrinkle I'll never forget

I held your hand tight in mine

Shh now, there is nothing to fret

Cathy

Peach Skies

Are there days of peach hued sunsets that you dream of?
Leaning on the railing of the sailboat and feeling the evening breeze on your face might remind you of those days.
It's such a short window of time when the sun starts to get tired and needs a rest for the night.
It sizzles on the fluid horizon.
Pink, orange and yellow streaks intermingle with the impatient moon hovering close by.
These are the moments of days promises. Just before you lose the light shining on water ripples like diamonds.
Make your wish.
One future tomorrow it will come true.
Cathy

The Sea Is Calling

Remember when you were first aware of the phone?

I do!  We got a new phone in our kitchen. It was mounted on the wall, dark yellow and push button. So neat not to have to dial a number by sticking your finger in a hole and pulling the dial around the circle.

Seemed so futuristic. Like we were finally entering the twentieth century. Wow.

I remember not being allowed on the phone very long. Maybe a few minutes at the most. 

Sometimes we would get a late night long distance call after 11pm because those rates were cheaper. 

Sometimes it was sad news and I would hear my mother crying. 

Other times we were called to the phone one by one to tell a relative we loved them.

Later on, we'd get s call to into invite us to a sleepover or birthday party. We'd always call before showing up. "Are you home, is it ok to come over?" We were taught phone etiquette. How to answer the phone courteously. You knew you better lest you were overheard by a parent!

A boy called!!

OMG, he actually called!

We lived for those calls.

We waited for those calls.

We can still hear their voices in our heads so many years later. 

Today we stare at a screen and type on it. 

How crazy the technology of communication has changed! 

I'm the world oldest geek grandma! I love this stuff.

But, I still wish my phone would ring. 

I hear myself yet my voice is not used. 

I think sometimes I can not hear because there is nothing said.

My eyes read what you want to say but do not want to say.  It's just not the same.

Further behind I seem to slip. Until one day someone says, I knew her. She had a nice smile and loved to talk. Anyone hear from her lately?

I used to have her phone number. Last I heard she was in Florida. 

 Excuse me, the sea is calling....

Dedicate Your Day

I stand and look down at the plaque near my toes

The name and date

of someone I know

It hits me that as time goes by

This name and date

their life signifies

Our future was in their hands for years

So make their efforts for us be clear

Do something in honor of their life

Shed no more tears

Alone

I suppose there are quite a few like me. Suddenly single and not knowing how to be alone. I could pretend I'm comfortable with it and sometimes I even fool myself.

But life is supposed to be shared with others. We need the conversation, opinions and engaging rapport. There is a need to do something for others. Sure there are many places to go and enjoy alone, but after awhile, it's nice to be home in a safe zone and feel that your presence is wanted by another human being. 

Daughters and sons with parents. Lovers on a stroll.

A hand to hold or someone to hug when you are cold. Touch.

There is the need to care for someone. They will heal quicker knowing they matter. We want to cheer them on and run beside them during a challenge. They need our cool hand on their fevered brow.

Hard work to provide food and comfort is done unselfishly. Time is your gift. The giving of your heart to please them is your goal.

Do on to others. Golden Rules. Patience and love.

If you have that you are going to be ok alone.

Cathy Windham

Kodachrome Memories

When I think of my most precious moments I have had, I just want to have them suspended in front of my mind like a virtual window of mini pix. Just like when I pull up my photo gallery on my phone, there they are. I click on one. I am there. 

It stresses me out to think any photo is wandering out there in cyber space and I can't find it yet know it is there. 

I wonder why this is with me? Am I afraid that time will steal my memory forever? All those wonderful moments I saw through a lens are my mind. I consciously thought that was a moment worth preserving.

I have thousands of digital photos and others in print.

I love all of them for one reason or another. 

Sometimes when I go through old ones that my father took or others I see a time they saw through their lens. It was expensive to get professional prints made. Casual Kodachrome slides ruled for a while and 8 mm home movies. We sat on the beach squinting into the sun. Parents sat and smoked on Christmas as we tore into gifts and threw paper.

Family reunions had us gathered in tight groups to get everyone in. Sometimes we hated our hair or that we were a little overweight and hid behind someone else! You know that's true. 

But in the end, we were enjoying our lives. Living and having fun. 

So, next time you browse through the old photo boxes at mom's house, remember they were preserving their happiness for you to enjoy today!

Cathy Windham