Eccentric Tea Woman

  A new day has come. Time for me to open my journal, pull out my case of pencils, and write. No matter where I am, I have to have both my case of pencils and my sharpener with me whenever I write longhand. For many years, I devoted my writing to the pen (black and maybe blue at times), yet one day while I was in a botanic garden, I wanted to write something in my journal. The only writing instruments I had on me were pencils. I made sure that they were sharpened and I set to writing. Ever since I moved to Colorado, I've completely given in to the whims of the pencil and I refuse to use a pen unless if pressed. Call me an antiquated woman, but I just adore writing in pencil. What is it about the pencil that makes for such a fascinating writing tool? Well for starters, the modern pencil was invented by Nicholas-Jacques Conte in 1795 while serving as a scientist in Napoleon Bonaparte's army. There's more to pencils than what you received in grade school! Several years ago, I

(music of choice - Ray Bryant Trio)   Dr. Timothy Jansen ensured he had his documents before getting out of the car and heading to the post office. He checked the package for the third time in the past twenty minutes and sighed as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. As much as the documents were important for not only himself but also the recipient, he also knew that after sealing the envelope, they were secure. He exited his Volvo and made his way up the sidewalk, where a young woman with her toddler walked in front of him at a safe distance. She reached the door first and held it open for him. He cast a surprised look at her, then grinned as he thanked her for the moment of kindness. She smiled as he walked by and she followed. The cool temperature lobby awaited him and his important drop-off. He walked up to the mail clerk and handed the package to him, immediately regretting not checking it a fourth time. The clerk, a rather tall and quiet man with silver hair, quickly handled his re

  Me: (seeing Frederica off as she travels to the Imaginary Violin Festival) I hope she does well and brings a trophy home! Tea Muse: (sitting on the couch and looking at YouTube videos) She'll be in her element; all those stuffed shirts talking about VIOLINS! (laughing) Me: Oh, you're just jealous because you can't play an instrument! Tea Muse: (rolling her eyes at me) So, whatcha got planned today? Me: Oh, just going to the library. Got several books on hold I need to pick up. Tea Muse: (eyes growing wide as she tries to look innocent) Ummmm, can I come? Please?! Me: Sure, I don't see why not! LATER! Me: (in a low tone as we walk into the brightly coloured library) I still can't believe you've never been in the library! Tea Muse: (whispering harshly) I've been to TONS of libraries! Just . . . not this one.  We walk up to the counter, where a hip-looking librarian greets me with a deep purple lipstick smile.  Hip Librarian: Hello and welcome! What brings yo

  They always say "Better late than never". So so so true. As I have gotten older, the lessons continue to hit me (softly) across the face. I can't help but laugh at myself when I finally get it. So, here is a list of things that I finally got: When a person SHOWS you their character, believe them. Not everyone on the planet likes you.  You don't have to like everyone on the planet. Failure is not the end of the world. Sometimes, you do need a day or two or three off. No really, keep reading books and learning.  Not everyone wants to change, so don't make them. If what they're doing seems silly to you, focus on yourself instead.  Your path looks radically different than others, so don't compare.  Don't be envious of others' successes. Focus on your wins, no matter how big or small.  Sometimes, that thing you've always wanted and didn't get may be the biggest gift EVER. Go with the flow, no matter how badly you want to control the situation.