Folkloric Stories

Hi All! Today I was speaking with my youngest son and we found ourselves talking about weather. As I get older I find myself trying to inform , instruct or educate almost every time I speak. I 'm not sure if this is a good thing but I guess when you are past the half century mark as I am you feel you have something to contribute from your years of existence if not experience. Anyway, I heard the same words coming from my mouth that my Mother told me many years before. This is probably how folklore, old wives tales, and superstitions survive. By being passed down from one person to another over the years.

I told my son that when flies hang on your doors and windows , birds squawk loudly from the trees, and trees turn their leaves to show you their silvery green underside it all foretells rain and or a storm. This was told to me by my Mother many years ago and most times is right on the money.

Curious by nature I was wondering how many other people have a similar tale to tell. As children told a story or something by their parents or families that may sound a little strange but still proves true today. I would love to hear them! Let's pass them on!

Time

I was discussing the subject of time the other day with someone. We both agreed there never seems to be enough of it! Later as I pondered the subject further I came to a few conclusions on my own that put the subject in better perspective for me.

The older we get the more and more responsibilities we seem to have. Work, family, chores, bills, shopping and the list goes on and on. Remember as a child how things seemed so much simpler? Eat breakfast go to school ,lunch, dinner, do homework and PLAY! We attended our basic needs.
Also remember our parents always reminding us of everything? Brush your teeth. Don't forget your books, time for bed. Now as adults there are some changes. We now have to remember those things for ourselves. We have in fact become our own parent so to speak. Plus many of us are parents that have to remind their children now as well. Mentally taxing if you ask me and tiring!Add to this the afore mentioned chores and responsibilities you have one tired adult!
As time marches on you need to add to the list an assortment of aches and pains that comes with the program. Not that the aches and pains take up your time but as luck would have it they do seem to make you move a bit slower , thus accounting for the allowance of more time to accomplish the many tasks of your day.

Oh to be a child again with little worry and boundless energy, no responsibility and a outlook to the day as that of going on an adventure!

Here is where I am going to ask you how you handle your time management issues. How do you bring that childhood zest back ? I for one am not one who likes being told what to do yet find that as an adult life dictates what I have to do and have little choice in the matter. The problem I seem to have is that as I age by the time I do all I have to I have little time or energy for the things I want to do! Any suggestions?

How Was Your Valentine's Day?

“How was your Valentine's Day”, will be a phrase on many people's lips today I'm sure. Many will tell of the flowers, gifts and chocolates they received. Others will recount moments of their day. Here I will recount my day. Let's see what you think of it.

Yesterday while running some errands I could not help but notice all the gentlemen out in places I would not usually see them. They were purchasing last minute Valentine gifts for their special someone. My first thought was that it was so sweet, but then a question popped into my head. Why are they doing this? These are full grown men. Rugged in appearance from all walks of life.

As I was in no rush I decided to slow my pace and watch them in their decision making process and purchases. They would pick up one bunch of flowers and then another then check the price, carefully checking the petals. They were polite to each other, all the while remaining focused on their task at hand.

The store was small and seemed to be filling up at an alarming rate. I decided to make my way through the gentlemen and make my exit, which by this time almost felt like an escape. I couldn't shake the feeling as I passed of how they were almost zombie like. Their eyes glazed and focused with expressionless faces of stone, following an unspoken order by an unseen force. Once outside I breathed a sigh of relief, and started my trek home. As I walked I noticed the congestion of cars on the streets. The drivers were mostly men who appeared to be driving aggressively. As I waited for stop lights I could peer into some of the cars, seeing flowers and balloon bouquets in most.

Again I wondered why. My mind became full of questions. Did these men feel forced on this day to go places and make a purchases which was against their nature? Would they suffer a fate worse than death if they returned home without these things? Are the women they are with so insecure and shallow that they need these material gestures as a sign of love and commitment? Is it not enough that these men work hard on a daily basis to supply the basic needs of their family and spouses? Do we need a special day put aside to acknowledge love?

I have noticed for at least one month prior to Valentine's Day how the jewelry and flower people really pump up their ads, pushing them out every way they can by television, radio, newspapers even the net. Yes that is what they are in business for. What better way to make sales then to promote a holiday! Does it mean that your love goes invalidated if you do not make these purchases? Of course not!

As I returned home my mind processed the events of the day. After much thought I arrived at the conclusion that most everyone wants to love and be loved. Though many have fallen victim to what society and commercialism deem the appropriate way to express it.
So, when asked how was your Valentine's Day I will respond, thoughtful and enlightening, how was yours?

This is my first attempt at a blog so please hang in there with me! I'm sure with your help, suggestions and patience we will be able to make this a comfortable place where we can all come to discuss issues and voice our opinions on many topics and issues. One thing I must request though is that no pornographic materials or issues be discussed . We will not discuss religion or politics, as they tend to be highly controversial and we are just here trying to keep it friendly!One last thing please, no profanity. With that being said I welcome your input and look forward to your comments. Welcome to R Place!