Tag Archives: memories
Book 1 Chapter 1
Obeyville Snoop by Jwls Mac Ray (me) 🙂
If I had known this week would end up the way it did, I would have hand cuffed myself to my chair at home. Then none of the circumstances could have happened that cost me my best friend. Curiosity got the best of me. I must get her back.
I like to walk along the Sappa Creek, a beautiful creek that meanders through the south side of Obeyville, Kansas. Though these days not a whole lot of water fills the creek banks. It gets less and less every year. We need a few good steady rain seasons. Our farm fields need moisture. In this farm community, if they don’t have a good crop season than they don’t buy art, knick knacks, and books in my family store.
The winter brought little snow fall as well. It was like having Spring and now Spring is Summer. I believe Mother Nature is confused.
The kids don’t know what it is like to have a foot of snow. They think an inch is exiting. I haven’t had to buy snow boots in the last two years. I can’t say I miss the blistering cold temperatures but a good snowfall would be great. I miss sledding.
My friends and I would slide down the steep creek bank which zoomed us across the frozen water to the other side. We would giggle all the way and hope the ice wouldn’t break. It wasn’t but a foot deep but it would freeze one’s buns.
I like to explore; it makes me feel like I am ten again with no concerns. I suppose you would think a twenty-five-year-old woman would rather be chasing men and hanging out in bars, not me. I would rather be outdoors and learning. I’m like a sponge, soak in every bit of information I can. I have an entire room in my house devoted to books. I call it the Library Cave, some people have Man Caves, and I have a Library Cave.
Yes, I am a nerd. A reborn nerd. I did my share of partying and being on the wild side in my High School days. I want to be a nerd now, much more relaxing and better for your health.
My work day is spent inside catering to customers at least five days a week, sometimes more. My parents own the store but I manage it so they can live their golden years fishing or whatever they want. I’m a good child like that. Nah, I just didn’t want to go to college, yet. I know someday I will just have no desire right now.
I love my customers, but occasionally I get that one bad apple to ruin my day. I then head to the creek, stand in the middle of the thick lush trees, and yell at the top of my lungs to get my frustration out. The fresh air and exercise are an added blessing. A wonderful stress reliever. I sometimes bring a book with me and sit in one of the many trees along the creek and get lost in the story. I imagine I am the main character and it becomes one adventure after another. If only life was that way.
Today I walked to the edge of the bridge and made a sharp right turn where a well-traveled grassy path led into the dense trees. It’s a wonder that I like to come down here because I am extremely afraid of snakes. Luckily, I have not come across one, alive or dead. As I walked along the path I had to keep shoving the branches out of the way. They are getting overgrown, mental note to trim them back next time. Don’t want my path blocked.
A shiver ran down my spine from the chill of the shade trees. I wish I had brought a jacket. When I stepped out my front door after work, the sun was warm on my face. It didn’t occur to me that the thick of the trees would be a different story.
(credit to Bing.com images)
The branches snapped loudly under my tennis shoes. The previous adventure the sticks kept poking in through the sandal holes. Glad I didn’t wear those again.
On the right side of the path is the old crooked tree that we would play truth, dare, or double dare when we were in grade school, it was coined the Love Tree, hence all the initials carved in it. I touched the initials that I carved into the tree of my first crush. Ah, the memories.
At the base of the tree a bunch of sting weed surrounds it. A person gets their skin next to that and it is like itchy non-stop for a few days. I laid in some without thinking once, never again. Itched in places no person should have to scratch.
A twig snapped behind me. I twirled around.
“Who’s there?” I asked.
No answer, and I couldn’t see a thing. Instant panic. I could run down the path I was going down, but then I will go deeper into the woods and may not find a way out. Whoever it is, came down the path I had. I looked around for a big tree branch to defend myself. Crap, all baby twigs.
Another twig snapped.
I could see a shadow of one person. He was tall, masculine built, wearing a hat and far enough away I couldn’t make out the face. He slowed his pace down. I moved behind the tree. I hope he didn’t see me or is far enough behind me that he may not even know that I am here.
(credit to Bing.com images)
Duh, I spoke, so he must know the general direction. Idiot I am, number one rule don’t ask the hunter if they are there. Looking behind me I saw a fallen tree along the ground. I will crawl across. It leads to the other side of the creek. Then work my way around him and get back to the path and run like crazy back to my house. My house is only a block away, an easy run. I can get help then.
I ran for the log. Oh, please let me get out of here. I didn’t hear him moving anymore. The log was big enough for both feet side by side. Thank goodness it is only a foot above the water or I would say heck with it and take my chances with the mystery man. Objects in the air with narrow walking space is so not my thing.
I wobbled a bit making my heart race. I kept thinking about him being right behind me and grabbing me. I got to the end, stepped off the log and turned around to see if I could see him. If I can’t see him then maybe he can’t see me. The early spring leaves on the trees created a maze of hiding places. I couldn’t see anything and could only hear the breeze on the tree tops. I ran along the creek a good few minutes and then jumped across a narrow passage of water to get back to my side of the creek. I didn’t bother to look back. I had one goal in mind and that was to get back to the path. I ran through the tall weeds praying for no snakes. I heard feet hitting the ground behind me. My heart pounding and my mind telling me to run faster. I felt a hand grab my arm, I swung around, losing my footing and falling to the ground. My head smacked the ground with a thump, and then the world went dark.
©JwlsMacRay2016
Welcome New Year 2016
Howdy everyone!
I hope the holidays were good and filled with lots of memories. It was wonderful here. I did get a cold but I nursed it with lots of orange juice and chicken noodle soup. 🙂 My grandma always treated a cold that way. Thank goodness it lasted only a week.
We had a house full. The daughter was able to spend a little over a week with us. She also brought her two cats along. It was fun watching our three cats mingle with them. Of course, the cats favorite person was my hubby. He has that way with animals. He gives them lots of attention.
The oldest son made it for a week on leave from his Navy training. His oldest friend from high school joined in the fun and stayed as well. It seemed like old times. 🙂
I did not get any baking done for the holidays though. Bummer. I think I missed that last year too. Hopefully, this year will be different. Though the boys did say they would give up gifts if we could go somewhere for Christmas. Cool. Though that will be more expensive than the gifts. We don’t give expensive gifts normally.
Normally we give a few things that they want, money, and some fun childhood gifts like foam dart guns. LOL. We like to bond and laugh more than give expensive stuff. Plus, it takes the pressure off of spending more than the budget can handle. 🙂
We leave those expensive gifts for during the year so the kids can learn to help save up and pay for them. I know all their friends got these cool gifts but I’d rather them work towards them than be handed them. Plus, we have had Christmas’ where we could barely afford a fifty dollar gift let alone the high dollar ones. I don’t want them to be disappointed from Christmas to Christmas. I’d rather set the tone for a low key Christmas than bounce from high dollar to low dollar. I’ve tried shopping early, it don’t work. I’ve tried saving up, it don’t work. LOL This way works for us. I’m glad other families can do what they want to do, so I don’t look down on those that spend a lot. This is just what works for us. 🙂
Most Christmas’ hubby and I do not exchange gifts especially when the budget is tight. We usually get something we want a few months later. 🙂 Hubby spoiled me. I must say it is also a gift for him. He bought me a new used car with low miles. Our other one was starting to have issues beyond what he wanted to repair. He was worried about me breaking down with him on the road a lot. And with all the dings and dents in the old car the value was declining for a trade in. I will just need to do some creative cutting back on the food. No problem! Two growing teenage boys. LOL
He also got me a lounge chair for my Creative Cave! Best gift ever! He now has a place to sit when he bothers me. LOL It worked nicely for a bed for the daughter while she was here too. 🙂
I really love how it turns to a lounge chair. Reading chair! 🙂
He also got me a pretty glass item for my curio cabinet. I didn’t take a picture. Too many stairs to run up. 🙂
I promised him his big TV as soon as we can. 🙂
I hated seeing everyone leave but we must all get back to normal routines. 🙂
I will say I’m ready for Spring now. 🙂 I got my first bulb and flower magazine in the mail the other day. Ready! Where is Spring?
Pondering or Procrastination…who cares!
I am back to editing and writing!
I think I pondered enough, seven months worth! 🙂 Or was it procrastination? Either way it felt good to write again today. I like my first chapter for the first time in the three years I began this quest. 🙂 I think that is a good sign and I will run with it. Good vibes! 🙂
I need to adjust my type on the cover but currently I do not have the software to do so. I do like the cover for the most part but I think I need to ponder it some more. 🙂 LOL
I do believe unless I get very windy at the end of the book it will become a novella. I think that is more my calling than a lengthy novel. Time will tell. 🙂
Just had to insert this funny cat laughing. It shows the mood I am in and when I am in a good mood the words flow! 🙂 Plus, who can resist a cute cat. Ok, don’t answer that.
Now for some fun passages from the first chapter to get you thinking about the book. Hopefully. 🙂
“The memories I have with my friends sliding down the steep creek bank zooming across the frozen water to the other side were the best times.”
“I enjoy finding new things to sell especially at garage sales. I blame my mom for that one, she started me young going to those. One person’s tosses is another person’s treasures, she loves to say.”
“On the left side of the path I could see the old crooked tree that we loved to play truth, dare, or double dare around. We nicknamed it the Love Tree.”
“I could drop to the ground and hide among the tall grasses. Sting weed and snakes. I do not like that combination.”
“My head thumped the hard ground and the world went dark.”
Stay tuned! 🙂
The adventure begins! 🙂
© 2015 by Jwls Mac Ray, DBA 2BCreative
Its My Birfday.
My birthday selfie!
I’m enjoying a quiet day at home. I read a bit this morning. I enjoyed a glass of Pepsi, but thinking about getting a fountain pop. And maybe a cookie, yea.
The oldest son and I were going to go to a movie but saw they don’t offer early times in winter. Darn it. So thinking cheap night movie with all three boys but can we decide on a movie. I’ll get back to you on that one.
Unfortunately, hubby and daughter can not be here but maybe see them this weekend. Yay! Hubby for sure as long as the winter storms do not prevent that. Life of a trucker.
Enjoying all the happy birthdays on social medias. It makes it not so lonely. I sure miss my grandparents and my dad today. Grandma always made birthdays special. One of these days I hope to spend it with my mom. I didn’t grow up with her but we are OK. I’m not sad about it anymore. I understand better as an adult. And also miss my Aunt Mary’s homemade cakes. Yum.
I do so enjoy spending it with my kids and hubby when we can.
Happy birthday to anyone who has the same birthday!
Time Flies!
A photo I took in the Fall of 2003. My kiddos.
I have been editing this photo today to upload it to a site that will put it on a canvas. My daughter gave me the gift a year ago for Mother’s Day. Yes, the procrastination in me showing through. 🙂 I wasn’t sure at first what picture I was going to do. I took the year to think, yes, that is the reason for the procrastination. 🙂 (It sounds good.)
I went to upload and they suggest a bigger size. I will have to play some more in Photoshop. I do like how it turned out. I tried and tried that day to get them to all look at me and they never did. 🙂 I ended up with a couple photos with different expressions. I took this with an old 35mm film camera because I didn’t own a digital at that time. It was a cheap and simple camera. This is scanned in from a photograph. 🙂
I am glad digital camera’s were invented. I still have about six rolls of film to develop from back then. I have already developed over fifteen rolls. They have turned out well, other than my terrible photo taking skills. I kept them in a box in a drawer so they were not exposed to heat or light over the years.
I love when I get them back in the mail. It’s a good thing I know the year of the surroundings otherwise I would have no idea what year they were. 🙂
Funny when you can label your years by what home remodeling project was going on. 🙂
I have a whole tub of photos that need slapped in a photo album. I haven’t even begun to print off all the digital photos. It will keep me busy. I will always have something to do on those boring days. 🙂
I really should get them done before the two older kids start having their own families. 🙂
How do you keep your photos? Are they in a scrapbook or in a tub like mine? 🙂
Puzzle Madness
This is how I spent my Sunday afternoon. I began about 2pm. It is a 3D puzzle and boy did it play with the eyeballs. One had to sometimes pick up the piece to see all the colors in it. It was a challenge. I bought the puzzle to make myself enjoy something that wasn’t electronic and to encourage my family to help as well. I can remember when I was young in grade school putting puzzles together with my Grandma Marie. It is some of the best memories I have of her. She taught me to start with the outline and to turn all the pieces over so you can see them. If you get stuck on one part look for another color to begin working on. I even had a sixth grade teacher that would allow us to put together a puzzle once our homework was done. You bet I worked madly so I could go put that puzzle together. He usually had those enormous puzzles with a million things going on it. Loved them. Grandma and I mostly put together landscapes and those were challenging because of all the close colors and many pieces of the same color. I believe both taught me a much needed skill of patience and determination to succeed. I can even look at a piece and picture it in the slot and know it will or won’t fit. I’ve played some of the electronic puzzle games and yes they are fun but there is something special about putting one together by hand. It could be just the wonderful memories I have of who I put them together with. I truely miss her.
I sat and put that puzzle together with hardly a break. I even forgot to eat. 🙂 I was bound determined that I was going to finish it that day. My boys even sat down and began to help. I loved it. They even forgot about their computers for the evening and stayed helping me. They got a bit frustrated because of the 3D part, but they soon figured it out. I told them the next one I will get a regular puzzle to give our eyes a break. I like 3D stuff but staring at them for a period of time is not fun.
We finished the puzzle about 10:30 that evening, thank goodness there was no school for the boys the next day. 🙂 We are going to glue it together and hubby is going to make a frame for it. I so enjoyed putting the puzzle together and shouldn’t have taken so long to make myself do it. I love the fact the boys enjoyed it. Now the hunt will begin for our next puzzle.
