Rude! You, Madam Are Rude!

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I was subjected to two events this month which left me annoyed. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them. The first of the annoying crimes was at a book signing, yes I blame myself, it was my choice to attend. The second, was at a day conference on National Educator’s Day at the Houston Zoo, yes again I agreed to go, but it was work related, so I didn’t really have a choice.

Both events had one person in attendance that caused a ruckus. Done so rudely that it made this red head want to turn around and smack’em. Yes, that’s what I said. Can I explain why? Strangely enough the same sort of offense was acted upon at each event, and it happens to be one of my biggest pet peeves. Shall we go back to the crimes, so you can live their offense through my eyes?

During the question and answer portion of the recent book signing I attended, a woman clear in the back, where it was all shadowy and dark, had her daughter ask a question. For the record, I do not blame the child for the offense you are about read. And as a side note, she should come live with me because the mother will ruin her daughter if this type of travesty continues. (Okay, well I may be overreacting a bit.)

The daughter was dressed super cute. Her hair was combed well. She wore clean and pressed clothing, which were used to help disguise the little darling. Worst of all the young woman had a sweet smile, so it was easy to call on her and ask her to share her adorable question.

The poor author, she just wanted to talk about her book. No one wants to handle an under age heckler.

This is the question I heard from fifteen rows behind me: “My mom says that on page 187 (or whatever page it was) you used “to” instead of “too”. It is obviously incorrect. Why did you do that?”

Oh mercy, the nerve of some people. To use a child to further your personal ridiculousness is so offensive to me. Come now!

The author then had to spend time, what precious time she had to talk about her book, to explain copy editors. For crying out loud, do you know how many questions we missed because of this mother’s question? (One, possibly two, but that’s not the point.) The need this parent had to look smarter than the author, or possibly slap it to her, makes me wonder. I just shake my head.

Do you think I’m right? Should she have asked that question, what was her motive, or just politely over look the mistake?

Moving on!

National Educator’s Day was the perfect date to sign up for continued hours of education. It just so happens that the Houston Zoo had a well thought out conference for teachers to attend. It offered a chance to learn new science facts, a bit of freshening up on the subject, a wide look into the relationship between trainer and animal, and how it translates into the classroom. I was happy to learn at the Houston Zoo with fellow teachers. We looked forward to quick crafty ideas for our younger children, science ideas and an overall experience that would create teachable moments back in the classroom. It’s what we all signed up for, all but one of us, that is.

Our day began at 9:30am with an early morning show by the sea lions. It was an opportunity to witness the relationship between trainer and animal. An easy translation to the student teacher relationship and the care needed for the child to benefit, yet remain who they truly are inside. Teachers invest time learning how each child operates. We want to know what it is that gets them excited, so we can best teach and serve them. Educated, even dedicated, zoo trainers also have an obligation to love and learn from the animals they’ve spent their entire lives studying.

Teachers and trainers want to enhance the God given talents of those we are trusted with on a daily basis. It was interesting to see that some animals have a trust level, as well. Yeah, I got it. A sea lion is a child and our children are sea lions. Pretty simple concept, I could relate and it was going to be a great day.

English: A sea lion at the Houston Zoo

A sea lion at the Houston Zoo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It was a day full of science. We all took information away that was useful in the classroom. Pure, simple and a fun way to further reach the children we educate daily. The Houston Zoo did a fantastic job. My last session of the day was a full on question and answer series with the Director of Trainers and Education and his top Sea Lion Trainer, yep we were about to wrap it all up into a pretty little bow.

A quick look inside the life of a trainer, a glimpse into why they chose to hold numerous degrees in this field of work, and why they love what they do for these animals.  That’s all it was, just a chance to learn a bit and have a laugh about how easily I could take my teaching experiences and become a sea lion trainer.

Ha. Children and sea lions, they really are very similar beings.

The questions were flowing and the trainer held our attention well. He was dressed as if he’d just come off safari. Yes, let us take a moment to relish how that looked…okay, done? A minute more then? Sure. Yeah, he was easy on the eyes and a bit of a flirt with the crowd. The sea lions were not fools, they’d do anything for their favorite fish. It appears teachers will do just about anything for a bright smile and a bit of enthusiasm, but I digress.

Let me speed this up a bit for you. He explained to us how he gained the trust of the sea lion to better care for them and learn more about what they need, but also to showcase what they’re capable of doing effortlessly, once trust has been established.

Then the crazy lady raised her hand. Again I had sat myself front and center, because if I don’t I become a teachers worst nightmare. I become the class clown and find myself jockeying for the attention of the guy on the stage. I can’t help who I am.

Anyway, if I had been behind this lady I could have warned the trainer that her mannerisms were tainted at best. Her question had something to do with whether or not zoos should exist, mostly if the animals deserved to live in the zoo’s unnatural environment. After she asked her question, I turned around and looked at her. Her face wore shades of red and the scowl she had permanently tattooed to her face wasn’t friendly at all. She had an agenda. She wanted to debate, she wanted to call him out and possibly throw red paint all over him, but this was just my take on it. She had a series of questions planned to just slowly bait him. I saw it coming. I couldn’t stop it, I was only one person.

The red head in me started making a move with my right hand, I was about to get up and defend. I had to hold my breath and force myself to turn back around. This was not the time nor the place. I wanted to tell her that the platform for this type of questioning was one for another day or possibly out those doors over there and down the street.

The poor trainer probably gets accosted multiple times a day with questions about whether or not zoos are the best environment for wild animals. He was adorable, just trying to make a living by doing what his boss asks of him (this question and answer pony show), and in the process figure out how to work in his agenda to save these animals. He handled it well and he encouraged her to come to him at the end for a discussion. It was his body language during this volley back and forth that I watched, it obviously made him uncomfortable, I sensed that it made him uncomfortable because he also viewed it as out of order.

He offered her the chance to come down afterwards so they could have a discussion on whether or not zoos were evil. I think, it was a fair offer. Her attacking him during class, not fair. I have no doubt that the conversation would have been interesting. Smart points given for either side. This event was not created for that discussion and she knew it.

It annoyed me.

She was rude.

I don’t like rude.

Do you want to know if she came down at the end of class? What do you think?

Of course she didn’t!

No, the spotlight was off of her and she slithered out of class. The woman wasn’t truly interested in the debate, she just wanted to stir it up.

To both of them I say, “Rude! You, Madam are rude!”

Quote for the Day

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What a day I’m having. Trying to focus on getting my Tuesday Teachings post out, but until then enjoy this quote. I’m leaning into this one today. Truly I am.

Amreen Godhrawala's avatarAKA The Versatile

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”

― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

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Audrey Dawn, Stop Seeing The Good In Everyone!

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Okay, so am I the only one who’s forgotten that people watch and listen to what we say? I totally forgot. And they do! They really, really, really do! The people we live life with pay close attention. They’re even mindful of who we are and how we conduct ourselves. It’s a scary thought. It’s always good to find out that I’m being listened to and that friends are paying attention to what I have to say. I appreciate their thoughtfulness. Recently my simple words of encouragement got me singled out. I got a verbal hand slap. I was shocked! I was just conversing with the people around me when I was called out for routinely standing up for others.

It wasn’t gossip.

I refuse to call it that because I was being positive.

Apparently, I see the good in everyone. It’s a news flash people, sit up and take notice.

It was brought to my attention the other day. I’m still trying to make sense of it all. It seems that I come off as being a bit too positive and rational. This tragedy has allowed others to see the goodness inside the human beings we share life with daily.

Tisk tisk tisk!

Then to further perpetuate the situation,  I also have the audacity to then share everyone’s best qualities, unknowingly, to others when names come up. I guess the instigator sees me as entirely too positive.

Who do I think I am? Gesh, the nerve of myself.

I know, I’m sorry.

No, I’m not.

I just don’t see any other way. I’ve known a few Debbie Downers in my lifetime and I love’em. I tend to take them on as projects to some degree. I try to help them see the goodness that life has to offer and not the yuck of it all. I’ve listened to their ho hums and it makes me sad to hear that they aren’t enjoying much. It affects me and I want them to change. Life’s too short.

I wanna shout, “Grab the horns people, let’s go! We’ve got stuff to do and simply no time to do it in.”

I’m a positive person. I like to see the goodness in everyone else, shoot me right where I stand.

The woman who called me out on it is also an extremely positive person. Quiet frankly, I see her as the Positive Polly way more often than I see myself. I mean honestly, we both tend to wear those pretty Positive Polly pants as often as possible. So when she called me out I was shocked, yet then kinda proud of myself, cause I know what scurries around my brian most days.

I also see the annoying things that people do, the nutty way they live their lives and the choices that they make, but I can’t dwell on it. I have plenty of my own bad choices, so I refuse to start picking up sticks and poking eyes.

Does being so positive leave me vulnerable towards falling for anything? I suppose it does, but I’d like to think I see through muck. I was born with a keen ability for being able to shuffle through the B.S. My parents did not raise a fool. I’m happy to see the good in everyone and to pass your goodness on to others, but don’t be fooled. I am well aware of the shenanigans of others. I do my best not to judge.

It’s a daily reminder for me not to judge anyone. I’ve been on the other side of judgement and it hurts. I’ve taken what I’ve learned over the years and tried to make an effort to see commendable aspects of the people around me. I try to amplify their positive traits in hopes that they will hear of it. My hope is that they’ll then try harder to be the person I know they truly are. I suppose in the end I do wear pretty Positive Polly pants a lot, it could be worse.

Yesterday’s Regrets

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Today, while focusing on my class during recess, I noticed a woman walking towards the church. I immediately observed that as she walked, she also alternately carried or rolled a suitcase behind her. It was folded up flat and it blew around with the wind as she fought with it. The suitcase held a flowery print and it was black in color, it seemed that the two wheels attached to the bag were in good working order. The bag was empty. She had a bit of a messy walk about her. I have no idea whether it was due to her age or if a substance was controlling how she managed herself, but either way her walk caught my eye.

English: Schopfheim: Catholic Church Deutsch: ...

I can’t recall the colors that would reveal how she was dressed or if her shoes seemed decent for the cool 40 degree weather we were experiencing. The aging woman didn’t have a coat on her thin body. She wore long pants and sleeves, this I cataloged in my mind.

It takes a while to walk to the back doors of the church from the rear parking lot. It was a long distance for someone who appeared to have walked her way into the area. There was no need for me or the children to feel threatened. I gave a quick thankful prayer that the food bank was inside and available to fill so many needs. I watched her clear the weed infested crumbling curb without much trouble. She walked the cold sidewalk and entered the double doors like she’d visited the church previously. She walked inside.

I can only assume she was probably feeling relief as the warm air healed her cold hands. I didn’t think of her again. She was out of my sight. I turned my attention back to the children. I found comfort knowing she would be taken care of shortly after finding the correct office.

A few minutes went by, probably fifteen, it would have been less if she would’ve had the ability to walk in a quicker fashion. When she reappeared, faster than I had expected, I was instantly reminded of the hour. I watched her walk away from the heavy church doors. Her head hung down and her bag was no longer being carried by her arms. It was rolling behind her now, bouncing back and forth, from one wheel to the other like an empty trailer being pulled by a truck going way too quickly down a highway. She wasn’t going swiftly, but it was obvious that her temperament had changed. It occurred to me quite readily that she hadn’t gotten what she had walked so far to receive.

The reason her bag was still empty was obvious, and it hit me hard. My heart hurt instantly and still does. She had missed the opportunity to fill her bag due to the time of day. The hours had expired, as well as any chance of finding someone who had the authority to get to where the food was kept. I wanted to run out to her, and ask her if my assumptions were true.

Excuse me, Ma’am? By chance, were you in search of food to fill your bag?

Yes. I will have to try again another day.

No, we’ll go. We’ll fill it together. Just let me get my class. Run quickly little darlings, we’ll just be gone a minute. Let’s go down to the corner, no one will miss us if we just hurry.

No Ma’am, they aren’t all mine. I just tend to them a few hours a day.

Now, do you need three cans of this, how about four of that? We’ll get them all and you can decide how to prepare them. Yes, all of them and I’m very sure.

No, let me handle that.

I enjoyed our ride, too. I must hurry back…

Then, as the children played happily, I realized I was still on the playground, nothing had changed and she was gone. I have no idea if she turned left or right. I’d lost her.

From that moment on, I feared that I should have made the effort to run after her.

I unknowingly had played the moment out in my mind. I watched myself grab her hands as I walked her to my vehicle. I saw myself driving her to the store on the corner. I visioned us walking the isles. I grabbed everything in my immediate space, while dropping items into our cart I encouraged her to get everything she needed. I saw myself checking her out and putting the food inside her bag. I saw myself then driving back to the church and dropping her off right where she had first caught my eye.

I saw her walking away with both wheels on the ground. I saw that the bag weighing her down and settling her path. I watched her walk steadily away. I can’t tell you what her face looks like. I may never forget her walk.

My mind is on rewind. I picture her bag constantly. The knots in my stomach send me to my knees. Who was she, did she have children to feed? A husband too old to walk with her, was he home hungry? What was running through her mind as she walked back the way she came? 

I keep replaying this moment today.

Had I grabbed the children and ran after this woman would I be in jail tonight? I assume it was the only fear that I had. It kept me from jumping the fence and pushing a stranger and gaggle of children into my car, as I cried out that we were headed on some sort of field trip.

I find myself no longer being able to sit with myself. I fight the urge to walk the dark streets of a neighborhood, one I know nothing about, in an effort to find her. It seems the only way to forgive myself for not acting out today. In essence, to right my wrong.

That blasted empty bag and crooked walk needed me. I came home and cooked. I stuffed my family full. Portions out of control, it occurred to me that I was trying to find a way to fix how I still felt. What am I to do?

Thankful

 I’d rather remain in bed, 

I’m thankful You raise me.

I’m shouting frustrations,

I’m thankful You calm me.

I’m lost and wandering about,

I’m thankful You’re with me.

I’m weak as tears roll down my face,

I’m thankful You see through me.

I’m not who You created me to be,

 I’m thankful You stand beside me.

I’m feeling emptiness in my heart,

I’m thankful You work to find me.

I’m content with evilness inside me,

I’m thankful Your grace reminds me.

I have doubts I am who You say I am,

I’m thankful You made me.

I don’t know,

I’m thankful You do.

 

Tomorrow

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Tomorrow

In an effort to trust you, I’ll believe in you.

Without hesitation I make plans with you in mind.

My heart follows even though I’ve been hurt by you.

I desire the wisdom you hold even when it lacks my truest needs.

I’m stronger as today ends, I know you’re waiting for me.

I take time to thank God for designing you to teach me.

I lay in quiet sheets, my mind composing your sunrise, as I drift off to sleep.

I’m unsure of what you’ll look like, but I’ll dream of you.

Tomorrow, your truths already run deep within me.

A Sunshine Award: You Did What, Audrey Dawn?!

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There is nothing like logging in and seeing notifications from fellow bloggers and friends. Recently, I had two friends stop by to let me know that they had chosen me for the Sunshine Award. I think this award is fantastic and let me tell you why. It’s fantastic because I8425_1237661427550_7802202_n feel like I was born radiating sunshine, so me getting this seems predestined, right? I mean just look at this baby picture…

Crazy, right? I’m glowing, here. This red hair of mine has forever been a beacon of light, but I’ve gotten used to it. 😉

No, in all seriousness, I couldn’t be more appreciative of this award. The award comes from two ladies who have been such helpful consultants and frequent commentors on my blog. They help me feel like I belong on WordPress. I’d love it if you stopped by and give them some love.

The Library Lady and Rosie Bear : Geanie, a.k.a Library Lady, is a fellow bookaholic and still enjoys the company of Rosie Bear, her childhood pal. The two of them can make you laugh through stories and book reviews. Geanie has a way of making you feel like you’re in the room with her. I like that, a lot. She has a heart of gold, so stop by when you get a chance.

Princess of the Light: Shining the Light For All: MRS. N, the Author is very busy with NaBloPoMo, but her main focus is getting her book, Princess of the Light, published. MRS. N spreads sunshine consistently on her blog. She’s worth checking out, send her well wishes as she carries out her dream.

Now, to keep with the rules of this award I have to share ten random facts about myself. I’ve gotten this award before, so now I’m technically offering out twenty random facts about myself. I feel like that’s quite a lot, if I get this award again there may not be many secrets left for me. Well, there would be a few. 😉  Y’all better not laugh at me. Or do, I can laugh at myself, quite easily, I assure you. Honesty, is one of my best/worst traits, if you ask I will share. Just like eye contact, if someone gives it to me, then I return the favor. This act leaves me no choice, since Geanie and MRS. N shared, I will also share.

sunshine-award-1I wish I had some intro music…or David Letterman.

1. I love plain cheesecake. Don’t ever ask me if I want nuts, chocolate, fruit, cookies or a drizzling of any sort on my cheesecake. I can’t get excited about that with you. You’re on your own there, friend. Why mess up a good thing, that’s my question to you.

2. I had two 4-H steers growing up. The first one was a Hereford-Angus cross named Panda. I loved him so much. Next was Dude, he was a pain in the butt and he lived up to his name. He loved having his hair blown-out and waved or curled for show. Obviously, he was a diva.

3. I love cowboys. My dad’s nickname is Cowboy. I come from a long line of cowboys/cowgirls.

4. When You Say Nothing At All, by Keith Whitley is a favorite song of mine. I love everything about his voice and the music put to the words, fantastic. Begin Again, by Taylor Swift is another one I’ll share. The writing, is beautiful and I find myself listening to the words frequently. I love the story she tells.

5. I miss riding around in the pick-up with my brother. He’s one of my favorite cowboys and living sixteen hours from him makes me sad. He’s my favorite cook, he fixes everything, he can two-step better than my father, he lets me ride in the Case IH or semi with him, he taught me how to drive a three-on-the tree in Old Blue…oh yeah, this was supposed to be about me. Oops. ((lost in thought))

6. My favorite vacation spot is in the Colorado Rockies. Summer after summer we’d drive up and stay in Eldora, CO at my great uncle’s cabin. It was their summer home and break from California. The cabin was my happy place. I fear that the cousins who have it now, don’t appreciate it quite the same way my father’s family does.

7. My nickname is Aud, and oddly enough I prefer odd numbers. I have a sister who prefers even numbers. Imagine the fight over how the egg carton should look. 🙂 She thinks they all need a buddy. I believe having one stand alone in the column shows independence and bravery. Self confidence, if you will. (I know, it’s just an egg. Who cares…)

8. My dream is to have a porch big enough for all of my friends. We’d sit together, talk about everything, sing familiar songs, I’d feed them, oh how we’d laugh, I’d love on them, offer them ice tea, even sweetened if they preferred, and then make them pinky promise to come back again tomorrow.

9. I’m interested in the Salem witch trials. I cannot imagine living during that time period.  The Shape of Mercy, if you’re interested in a fiction story on the events of that time, is a good look inside. I don’t believe in witchcraft. What actually happened during the course of one year (1692-1693) makes my stomach turned over and over again.

10. If I can’t build you up, then who will? I love what God has put me here to do, I honestly do. XOXO

Happy Halloween

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Happy Halloween

A Happy Halloween! I hear that the rain will be keeping all the children inside today. Halloween cancelled? Maybe, how strange. I have a little green Witch that will be so sad…

Oh, and this pumpkin masterpiece, created two years ago, by the little boy who grew up this year and doesn’t feel a need to consider Halloween. New role for him?

Candy Benefactor, I suppose.

Rain rain go away…

I’ve Got To Empty My Brain

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Well I’ve gone and done it again, folks. I’ve put myself right smack dab in the middle of poetry writing pandemonium. I went forward with a decision I now see was made in haste, yet I feel compelled to let it ride at this point.

In a weak moment the other night I decided to go for it. I became part of a critique group. I’ll be sharing my poetry, some so raw you won’t see it here, but I feel a need for feedback. (Let me know if you’re interested.)

Well well well, feeling brave are we? You could say that or you could chalk it up to seriously bad judgement. I fear it’s a bit premature.

Can I be perfectly honest? This stuff is fighting to come out.

If you’re feeling the urge to make a run for it, I would. I’d do it now. Things could get a little scary around here for a while. There will still be a lot of other writing going on, but I’ve given you fair warning that there may be more poetry. Mostly, because I can’t make it stop.

I’ve packed a bag. It consists of:

* Tissues

*CDs of 80’s Big Hair Bands (Mostly because I can’t get past the guitars, I play a mean air guitar. Guilty.)

*ZZ Top’s Rough Boy on CD ~ constant replay (guitars…)

*My Bible (any guitars in there?)

*Books (to share which ones may reveal more than you care to know)

*LOTS of Emotion (I’ve got voices who’ve been cooped up inside of me for a long time. I think they’ve taken over and agreed to this nonsense, now that I have time to reflect.)

*A Lack of Better Judgement

*Honesty

*Truth

~ Of You

Forces of the unknown, I keep you close;

Feel the push and pull, it’s all self-inflicted.

I read then reread words, admiring your clarity.

Speaking clever exchanges, my mind blissfully addicted,

This fresh interest continues, yet anonymity.

I pursue musing thoughts, here, here and here;

An affinity of the best kind, creatively defined.

*Let me try and explain what I tried to do. If you read from the left and to the comma, then from the left again to the comma and on down, it’s an anticipated daily process. Then if you read from the comma and over, then the comma and over again, and on down its…well, it is what it is. Finally, together, for me, it makes it whole.

You Wanna Piece Of Me? Huh? Do ya?

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“I could care less how much you get paid to do your job. The facts remain the same. One, your writing comes off as know-it-all. Two, you write yourself in an extremely ugly image (How many sticks are up there anyway?). Three, it doesn’t matter how accomplished you are, I wouldn’t sit for a moment with you and listen to your advice. You don’t get to tell anyone who they can be or when they can choose to be it. At the end of the day, Lady, you are self-important and very boring.” ~Oldest Daughter & Redheaded Sister

Tough day? Yeah, then sometimes I read blogs to relax and just have to shake my head.

Hey Blogger, I need to wipe my eyes clean after that comment. My advice? Screen your comment section or find time to filter through your followers. Write for followers that genuinely encourage, fairly review and enhance your goal towards being who you want to be, not someone willing to knock you down a few notches, while they tell you why they’re so freaking awesome.

Do you know what comes to mind….that elementary taunt that goes something like this….

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah…I’m better than you are…

Remember I’m the Oldest Sister, and I stand up for those who haven’t figured life out for themselves yet.

I won’t be following that blog, either.

Gag me with a spoon!

YES, I’M SHOWING MY AGE WITH THAT PHRASE.

Okay, as you were. My coffee’s done. It’s going to be a long night. I’ve found just the right state of mind to continue writing this chapter …

“Off, with her head!” (My character won’t even see it coming…)

An Epic Journey ~ The Frio River

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IMG_0438

The Frio River spoke to me every morning as I stepped outside. It encouraged me to sit and reflect on its beauty as it lent an old tree root for a stool.

I waited for a lesson.

Later, the river taunted me for a walk. While it seemed I was learning how to choose each step slowly, reality told me, Frio was teaching me how to get back up, as I fell time and time again.

I screamed at Frio. I grabbed a tube to float on, giving Frio the control, why did Frio have to be so difficult?

Once again, Frio spoke to me letting me know I hadn’t mastered walking yet, so again I found myself learning how to get back up after walking it’s stoney and abusive path.

Frio witnessed my laughter as it flowed faster and then quieted through my tears, as I fought with its existence. We left not friends exactly, but we’ll try again.

Oldest Daughter-
Redheaded Sister

~Thank You, for indulging me this week. I enjoyed our walk down memory lane. I hope you laughed, possibly learned a little something about me too.~

An Epic Journey ~ Part 4

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(Parts 1-3 can be found here, if you’re willing catching up with us.)

I hadn’t used so many muscles in one day in an effort to stay alive in my whole life. Every single one of us had started this float trip with high hopes of laughter, fun and memories.

We were leaving with memories by this point, we could kiss the other two good-bye.

I have to tell you that our visit to the Frio River had been such a blessing, and truly every step had been fantastic. This destination was a life changing kind of opportunity. The kind of place to retreat to when you need time to think, but also time to just relax. Today the Frio was getting the best of me. Let’s be honest, it had the good, the bad and the ugly by this point. I may have hidden my emotions pretty well, but the silence I was putting out spoke a thousand words. I was nearly shaking with disgust over my weak behavior.

I was tired.  Continue reading →

An Epic Journey ~ Part 3

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(Hey! Welcome! First, march over and read Parts 1 & 2. You have no idea what we’ve been through…)

Them’s fighting words, so I spat back with, “Yeah, well….so what.” She was right. She was still hopeful. She was still crackin’ jokes. 😉

I got nothin’.

This was hard work and we hadn’t floated all but about a half a mile total and we’d been out here three hours, at least. We had walked and walked and walked some more. Did I mention we also carried our tubes? The children were still floating on and off, for the most part, and giggling along. The adults were pulling and carrying tubes. Mostly we were walking over river rocks in shin deep water regretting our idea.

Now and again, a group of people would come by, most of them walking and pulling each other, but at a much faster pace than our crew. They obviously had better shoes or some sort of slime retardent on the bottom of last years Nikes, which kept them from braking their knees.  Continue reading →

An Epic Journey ~ Part 2

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Part 2 – If you didn’t get to read Part 1 (due to WordPress shenanigans yesterday, I’d start back there first…)

We were all in the river and our gear was in tow. We had our river shoes on and favorite cups in hand. The tube with the cooler was attached to my husband’s inner tube, because he’d offered to take on that responsibility, thinking that’s all he’d have to keep up with today.

I mean, how hard was it going to be? The most trouble he was going to have, was making consistent throws as he tossed up a fresh beverage and located the empties into the yellow mesh bag, which dangled from the side of his tube. Yes that’s right we were recycling, too.

It just so happens that the birds were singing. The sun was out and the river water was moving. It was going to be a beautiful day for tubing. We were doing our duty. We were prepared. We were off for some Texas Frio fun. IMG_0437

We all joked with the friends we were leaving behind, as they set up the chairs in our normal spot. It provided a beautiful view of the river and a scenic view of the cabin. It also offered the perfect position to watch the children go to and fro. We decided those staying behind were going to miss out on a lot of laughter. They had determined that we were going to end up wishing we had stayed put. Staying meant getting to be just a few yards from the AC and access to a deep swimming hole, which the others thought seemed logical. A no brainer.

What did they know?

So, I’d been given a final offer to listen to the smart people. The Holy Spirit had whispered in my ear…”Stay, Aud. You’ll wish you had.”

I’d decided to ignore Him, sealed my fate right there didn’t I? 😉 Continue reading →