Hi there, come on in.  Is it?  I hadn't noticed.  Then get in here, will you?  It's great to see you too, I always look forward to this time of the evening.  How wonderful, thank you!  New music is greatly appreciated - especially since I'm afraid my "collection" is getting a bit old.  Go ahead and throw it on, nothing playing at the moment.  Then grab a seat on the sofa and pull up a pillow.  I'll go get us something to take away the stress of the day and will be right back ... okay?

I could have sworn I had another bottle of Zin.  Oh, good, there it is.  If it'd been a snake it would have bitten me.  Whoa!  Now there's a phrase, an expression if you will, that describes exactly what it means.  You get too close and still don't see it, right?  Something like that.  Lots of those make sense; those word combinations that have come to be a staple of our language.  Some are known all over the country and we grow up reciting them, some are more regional and make other folks laugh while we just look puzzled as to why.  While some make sense: dumb as dirt, high as a kite, over the hill ... you've heard the like.  But it's the others that fascinate me.  

Hair of the dog that bit you.  Dog tired.  Cat got your tongue?  Let the cat out of the bag.  We seem to be somewhat obsessed with animals in general.  Happy as a clam.  Loose as a goose.  Madder than six wet hens.  Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle.  Huh???  Why would a cat have your tongue - unless you had it in a bag?  How happy is a clam?  What's so loose about a goose?  Does being wet piss off a hen with five friends?  Why are dogs the epitome of tired and what does their hair have to do with another drink?  And I have no idea if being a monkey's uncle is a good or bad thing, quite frankly. 

I told Michael the other day that something was dead as a doornail.  I've used that phrase / expression most of my life and never realized that I had no idea what a doornail was.  Was it doornail or door nail?  I've since looked it up out of curiosity because no one I asked knew, either.  Here's a teaser ... do you know?  Very funny.  I didn't ask if you cared.  Just enjoy your wine and be glad it wasn't a snake.

 

 

Hi there, come on in.  Can you believe it?  Raining again.  Yes, I do - but even I can feel like I'm drowning now and then.  Give me your jacket, sure, I'll take that, too. 

So good to see you ... long day?  You know I understand.  Find a seat and make yourself comfy, I'll get your usual.  Oh, hush.  I can say comfy if I want to.  While I overlook your rudeness, pick out some music.  Upbeat, okay?  I've got some dishes to wash and feel like grooving while I play with the suds.  What?  No, I absolutely did not say grooving.  You're getting old and your hearing is going ... so crank up the stereo and finish the job.  Watch it, if you keep picking on me your umbrella may be mysteriously inside-out when you're ready to leave.  Of course I'm laughing at you!  Your arms aren't long enough to read the CD title!  Man, you really are getting old.  No, sorry, I can't help.  Wait!  Yes, I can.  There's a pair of those cheap grocery store glasses on my desk - they're only good for the close-up stuff and they're really ugly but we'll only laugh a little.  Shut up.  I only keep them around for folks like you ... I'm far too perfect for that kind of thing.

Ouch!  Who threw that?  I'm full of what?  No, I didn't hear you, the music is too loud.  Oh.  You turned it down.  Well, stop whispering when you talk to me.  Fine, then.  I'm off to fetch your drink and then tackle the dishes.  Sure!  You can dry ...

   

I'm looking at a picture of the little girl I used to be.  She's smiling for the school photographer.  She has no idea what's to come - thank goodness.  So many people in this country have lost their minds and I'm sorry for the child in that photograph.  She thought people were good, honest and true.  She's not so innocent anymore.

Hi there, come on in. What? Oh! Sorry, I'll turn it down ... better? It's good to see you - and hear you, now - I hope you've had a great day. Find yourself a seat on the sofa and save me one beside you. My favorite place to be, you know that. Just the usual stuff, you've heard my entire batch of CD's by now. Very funny. Care to make an investment in the community music base? All are welcome as always! Now that you're in the door and part of the scene ... crank it, will 'ya?

I mentioned letters last night, and what they hold as importance. I've been thinking about cards and postcards tonight. Cards. How absolutely lovely to receive the perfectly worded card. Oh sure. Hallmark holidays and all of that. I'm not concerned so much with those cards, for they are the ones hastily grabbed off of the shelf as you elbow your way in among others there for the same tired necessity. It's a holiday - it's an occasion - must buy a card. Does it say "Happy Birthday", "Happy Mother's Day", "Happy Father's Day", Happy Easter", "Merry Christmas" (or "Happy Holidays" if you are feeling unsure of your recipient), "Get Well Soon", "Thinking Of You", etc.? Then congratulations, you've done your job. OH! Almost forgot "Congratulations". Buy yourself a card.

No, those are not the ones on my mind. Rather, picture someone you love painstakingly reading over every card that just might fit ... no, not that one ... close, but not quite ... that's it. That's the one. No, wait ... I like this one ... minutes, many minutes, spent concentrating wholly on you. Searching for just the right words to express how they feel. About you. For no reason at all except that they love you, and wish to share that love in a way that you will understand. Their need to find the perfect card and the time it takes to do so is almost as wonderful as receiving their final choice. If you think about it, perhaps the effort does exceed the result. It simply personifies the love that they feel - for you.

Postcards are more fleeting, but nonetheless express an "I love you" on the go. Maybe a slower choice if made for the appreciation of the photograph on the front. A snapshot of where they are - or wish to be. Either way, the desire to share it with you is clear. In many ways, a postcard is the finest expression of a true need to be with you. At any given moment, at any place in time. Always. Postcards don't offer beautifully written words through which to express themselves. A blank, small piece of psuedo-cardboard faces the sender. As compelling as the front may be, the back of the postcard is the hardest part. Wish you were here? Maybe it really is that simple.

What? I can't hear you, turn it down. That's better. Sure, I'd love to listen to that tonight! I'll be right there, I'm just reading over the card I got today. Of course I have, I just want to read it again ... and again. Then there's the postcard - okay! Yes, I have your glass of wine; I just forgot to bring it to you. Distractions. ;)

Hi there, come on in.  Last few days have been crazy, thanks so much for stopping by tonight.  Yes, it is chilly!  Give me your jacket, you won't need it in here.  I can assure you of warmth and friendship, perhaps a song or two on the stereo you'll like.  Those big speakers are making themselves useful tonight, so grab a seat and enjoy the ride.  May I get you something?  Yep - getting a glass for myself so no problem grabbing another.  Be right back. 

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