Many years ago, the community of Bethpage, New York began a new tradition. A local businessman, Gary Bretton, had experienced a house fire. People in the community came together and donated necessary articles to his family at his store, like blankets, sheets, etc and cash donations. It was around Christmas and he came up with an idea. He started a fundraising event to help others at this time of year. Every December, a football game was scheduled and all of the proceeds went to needy families. His venture requires many people who work together for the goal of helping others. It is a huge success, raising thousands of dollars for local families.
While I was talking to Gary one day, he mentioned that if every family bought one less gift for themselves and donated it to a needy family, it would be a big help.
My family started that tradition and now I have learned that my children and their families have been doing the same. Exponentially this gift giving can make a big difference in needy people's lives.
Not to be so serious this time of year as it is a time of joy. My brother and his family began a different type of gift giving. We adults stopped buying for each other long ago but we do meet on Christmas Eve and keep the Seven Fishes tradition. My brother mentioned that he wanted us to bring a beautifully wrapped ugly and/or totally useless gift. He reads the poem,"The Night Before Christmas" and each participant has a line of that poem. As your line comes up, you can choose one of the gifts. Before you open it you can trade it for one of the open gifts. This activity has become a highlight of the evening because we are all laughing at some of the gifts. Many are reused every year in disguised boxes. The most coveted gift was a small woman's leg lamp inspired by "A Christmas Story". Everyone coveted that gift!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
December 7, 1941
A Day of Infamy
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Why isn't this anniversary splashed all across the news? This was a major event as it brought us smack into WWII, a war we had been reluctant to get involved in. It should be remembered and described in our national media for posterity.
Our WWII veterans are dying off. My Dad who had the bad luck to win the draft lottery in early 1941, told me all about his experience on that day. He was on a train traveling, care of U Sam, across the country that Sunday morning. He could not believe his eyes. People were up early and moving about. He did not know why and when he found out, he was just as surprised as all other Americans.
Of course his army life changes dramatically after that day. He was no longer serving in peacetime but in war. His life was scripted by the US Army for the next 4 and 1/2 years. Little did he know that he would serve in the Pacific theater for most of those years.
A Day of Infamy
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Why isn't this anniversary splashed all across the news? This was a major event as it brought us smack into WWII, a war we had been reluctant to get involved in. It should be remembered and described in our national media for posterity.
Our WWII veterans are dying off. My Dad who had the bad luck to win the draft lottery in early 1941, told me all about his experience on that day. He was on a train traveling, care of U Sam, across the country that Sunday morning. He could not believe his eyes. People were up early and moving about. He did not know why and when he found out, he was just as surprised as all other Americans.
Of course his army life changes dramatically after that day. He was no longer serving in peacetime but in war. His life was scripted by the US Army for the next 4 and 1/2 years. Little did he know that he would serve in the Pacific theater for most of those years.
Christmas was a magical time back in the 1950's and 60's
Today, there are few fairy tales and happy childlike times for kids. So much reality stares us in the face through the media and that includes our children, as well. I, for one, think that the myth of Santa Claus was not a bad thing. We children had a lot to look forward to and it wasn't only in the form of material things. It was family and being together.
During the season, we usually asked for one gift. One year it was bicycles. We were so thrilled to receive brand new bikes that year. My mother perpetuated another myth. We all thought that we had so many gifts under the tree. She bought our school clothes, including socks and underwear and saved these for Christmas. She carefully wrapped every gift and hid them well.
Then there was the inevitable truth. Kids in school told me over and over that there was no Santa, I fought with them, instead of laughing about it. I suppose I liked the idea of earning presents and trying to be a good person. When I finally allowed myself to face the truth, I delighted in conspiring with my parents to keep the idea going for my younger siblings.
One Christmas Eve when I was about 6 years old, I woke up and saw a gift dragged into the living room. I was half asleep and I believed my mother when she said, " Santa won't come if you are awake, now go to sleep so he can bring gifts to our house." I was gullible but I wanted to accept the whole story. It helped that my grandparents lived close by and perpetuated the tale.
Years later, when I was in high school, I spent Christmas Eve picking up gifts from stores like a good elf for my mother since there were many other younger siblings waiting patiently for the red-suited guest. That night I had to bring a wagon back from a neighbor's home where it was hidden. It had snowed that year and the bell on the wagon clanged loudly until I could silence it. The next morning my youngest brother said he heard Santa because he heard bells during the night. It was fun to be part of the conspiracy.
I suppose that holidays are more important for older people, as well. Presents are certainly less desirable than seeing loved ones. Two years ago, I witnessed the best gift of all. My blind 92 year-old Dad was sitting at my daughter's home in a chair right near the tree. My two year-old grandson walked over to him and pointed to the trains moving around tree. He kept saying"trains" and then proceeded to explain, in baby talk, all about them. My father smiled and listened intently to the explanation. Then, my two-year-old granddaughter walked up to him and told him all about her day in baby talk, Again, he smiled and listened intently. I do believe that that was the best gift he received that year. He did not want any thing when we asked what he wanted.
As it turns out, that was his last Christmas with us and I know that the little ones brightened the holiday for him.
Today, there are few fairy tales and happy childlike times for kids. So much reality stares us in the face through the media and that includes our children, as well. I, for one, think that the myth of Santa Claus was not a bad thing. We children had a lot to look forward to and it wasn't only in the form of material things. It was family and being together.
During the season, we usually asked for one gift. One year it was bicycles. We were so thrilled to receive brand new bikes that year. My mother perpetuated another myth. We all thought that we had so many gifts under the tree. She bought our school clothes, including socks and underwear and saved these for Christmas. She carefully wrapped every gift and hid them well.
Then there was the inevitable truth. Kids in school told me over and over that there was no Santa, I fought with them, instead of laughing about it. I suppose I liked the idea of earning presents and trying to be a good person. When I finally allowed myself to face the truth, I delighted in conspiring with my parents to keep the idea going for my younger siblings.
One Christmas Eve when I was about 6 years old, I woke up and saw a gift dragged into the living room. I was half asleep and I believed my mother when she said, " Santa won't come if you are awake, now go to sleep so he can bring gifts to our house." I was gullible but I wanted to accept the whole story. It helped that my grandparents lived close by and perpetuated the tale.
Years later, when I was in high school, I spent Christmas Eve picking up gifts from stores like a good elf for my mother since there were many other younger siblings waiting patiently for the red-suited guest. That night I had to bring a wagon back from a neighbor's home where it was hidden. It had snowed that year and the bell on the wagon clanged loudly until I could silence it. The next morning my youngest brother said he heard Santa because he heard bells during the night. It was fun to be part of the conspiracy.
I suppose that holidays are more important for older people, as well. Presents are certainly less desirable than seeing loved ones. Two years ago, I witnessed the best gift of all. My blind 92 year-old Dad was sitting at my daughter's home in a chair right near the tree. My two year-old grandson walked over to him and pointed to the trains moving around tree. He kept saying"trains" and then proceeded to explain, in baby talk, all about them. My father smiled and listened intently to the explanation. Then, my two-year-old granddaughter walked up to him and told him all about her day in baby talk, Again, he smiled and listened intently. I do believe that that was the best gift he received that year. He did not want any thing when we asked what he wanted.
As it turns out, that was his last Christmas with us and I know that the little ones brightened the holiday for him.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
A Lot to be Thankful for
I, for one, feel blessed on this upcoming Thanksgiving. I know that we all face problems but I try to look for all of the good things that are happening. Three of my last birthday cards said that I was blessed and I did not think about it until it was pointed out. Yes, I am.
Being retired, healthy and able to be with our four grandchildren has been wonderful. I am thankful for that and hope it continues.
Happy Thanksgiving to all and try to remember to count your blessings instead of the problems you face.
Being retired, healthy and able to be with our four grandchildren has been wonderful. I am thankful for that and hope it continues.
Happy Thanksgiving to all and try to remember to count your blessings instead of the problems you face.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
My book, The Wampum Exchange, is now available on smashwords in other ebook formats. There is also an in depth interview at the site about writing.
Here is the link:
Smashwords Interview: https://www.smashwords.com/interview/teacher30
Hope you enjoy it.
Here is the link:
Smashwords Interview: https://www.smashwords.com/interview/teacher30
Hope you enjoy it.
Monday, June 17, 2013
On Being a Grandparent
On being a grandparent today.
Am I the only one? It took me 10 months to get up the nerve to take my granddaughter in the car for a short spin. I had so much trouble securing the harness with my arthritic fingers. The normally calm and content baby was screaming by the time I locked her in because it took me so long to complete the task. Then to add insult to injury, I couldn't open the stroller bottom. It was locked into place and it wouldn't budge open. I asked a few people if they knew how to do this and they laughed. They had the same problem. It took me fifteen minutes to open the contraption. I touched every clip, thinking something would spring it open. I was going to just take the baby seat out and lock it in the car and throw the rest of it in the trunk but the stroller bottom was too big for my trunk.
Oh, for the good old days when we held our babies in our arms in our cars and they fell asleep there. Of course, I do think that the idea of the harness is safer if your hands work well enough to lock them in.
I was much better off carrying the infant seat to the stroller and taking the baby for a walk, as long as someone else set it up for me. When I did that, My body is tilted sideways with the weight of the seat and baby but it did protect her.
The new bottles do seem to give the babies less gas and the "sleep sheep" put me to sleep very quickly, when the baby takes a nap. All of these conveniences are good. Now if my fingers were more nimble, I would be fine.
Am I the only one? It took me 10 months to get up the nerve to take my granddaughter in the car for a short spin. I had so much trouble securing the harness with my arthritic fingers. The normally calm and content baby was screaming by the time I locked her in because it took me so long to complete the task. Then to add insult to injury, I couldn't open the stroller bottom. It was locked into place and it wouldn't budge open. I asked a few people if they knew how to do this and they laughed. They had the same problem. It took me fifteen minutes to open the contraption. I touched every clip, thinking something would spring it open. I was going to just take the baby seat out and lock it in the car and throw the rest of it in the trunk but the stroller bottom was too big for my trunk.
Oh, for the good old days when we held our babies in our arms in our cars and they fell asleep there. Of course, I do think that the idea of the harness is safer if your hands work well enough to lock them in.
I was much better off carrying the infant seat to the stroller and taking the baby for a walk, as long as someone else set it up for me. When I did that, My body is tilted sideways with the weight of the seat and baby but it did protect her.
The new bottles do seem to give the babies less gas and the "sleep sheep" put me to sleep very quickly, when the baby takes a nap. All of these conveniences are good. Now if my fingers were more nimble, I would be fine.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Writers' Groups April14, 2013
Writing has taught me so much more than learning to become an author. I have met the most remarkable people who are generous with their advice as well as their praise. And, much of what these strangers have given me is confidence to continue. You see, it seems that most of us are in the same boat. We write because we want to and because we enjoy it but selling and promoting our books is the difficult part.It is ongoing and time consuming.
Today I went to a book fair at Martha Clara Vineyards hosted by the Long Island Authors Group. It was wonderful to see so many authors and talk about their motivations and books. I think that it would be a good organization to join.
My own experience with writers groups has been favorable. It is just that the East End of Long Island is far from most of the meetings. I have joined several small groups over the years. One I left when I moved here. Another that was begun out here years ago disbanded because many of the writers became ill or uninterested. Then, a writing friend that I met at one of the meetings, started one with me. We meet infrequently because of commitments but we are still going to keep going..
Sharing our work in a trusted atmosphere is a good way to get feedback necessary to continue with our writing.
Speaking of people who are generous with their help, I want to point out this site -- http://askdavid.com.
David will be promoting my book, The Wampum Exchange, soon.
http://askdavid.com
Writing has taught me so much more than learning to become an author. I have met the most remarkable people who are generous with their advice as well as their praise. And, much of what these strangers have given me is confidence to continue. You see, it seems that most of us are in the same boat. We write because we want to and because we enjoy it but selling and promoting our books is the difficult part.It is ongoing and time consuming.
Today I went to a book fair at Martha Clara Vineyards hosted by the Long Island Authors Group. It was wonderful to see so many authors and talk about their motivations and books. I think that it would be a good organization to join.
My own experience with writers groups has been favorable. It is just that the East End of Long Island is far from most of the meetings. I have joined several small groups over the years. One I left when I moved here. Another that was begun out here years ago disbanded because many of the writers became ill or uninterested. Then, a writing friend that I met at one of the meetings, started one with me. We meet infrequently because of commitments but we are still going to keep going..
Sharing our work in a trusted atmosphere is a good way to get feedback necessary to continue with our writing.
Speaking of people who are generous with their help, I want to point out this site -- http://askdavid.com.
David will be promoting my book, The Wampum Exchange, soon.
Rosemary McKinley began
writing to both entertain and inspire others. Her book, 101 Glimpses of the North Fork
and Islands was released in 2009 by History Press. Her short stories,
essays and poems have been published online by the Visiting Nurse Association
of Long Island and in Lucidity, LI
Sounds, Clarity, canvasli.com, Peconic Bay Shopper, Fate Magazine, Examination
Anthology, Wormwood Press, Newsday, and The Poet’s Arts.
Her Y/A historical novella, The
Wampum Exchange, can be found on Amazon.com and B&N.
http://askdavid.com
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Youngest Member of the Family
This is the second time I became a nanny for a grandchild. I offered to do this and I am realizing that many of my friends are doing the same for their grandchildren. Grandpa is supporting the decision and is helping out as much as he can, as well. This task requires an hour and a half drive and a 2 day stay for about eight months. Is it all worth it? Yes, it is.
As far as my writing goes, it will still be there. I do have a project in the works but I have put it on the back burner for now. Many have told me that I am making a sacrifice. Yet every time I hold this infant, I am thrilled that I have the time, health and will to do this. We are bonding as we walk to and from my friend's home. We also have fun reading books and playing together. Of course at this age I am reading and the baby is looking at the pictures and smiling at the attention. I can say with conviction that it is all worth it. I will look back at the time I spent with her as a cherished part of my life as a grandmother.
This is the second time I became a nanny for a grandchild. I offered to do this and I am realizing that many of my friends are doing the same for their grandchildren. Grandpa is supporting the decision and is helping out as much as he can, as well. This task requires an hour and a half drive and a 2 day stay for about eight months. Is it all worth it? Yes, it is.
As far as my writing goes, it will still be there. I do have a project in the works but I have put it on the back burner for now. Many have told me that I am making a sacrifice. Yet every time I hold this infant, I am thrilled that I have the time, health and will to do this. We are bonding as we walk to and from my friend's home. We also have fun reading books and playing together. Of course at this age I am reading and the baby is looking at the pictures and smiling at the attention. I can say with conviction that it is all worth it. I will look back at the time I spent with her as a cherished part of my life as a grandmother.
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