Stream of thought:
For some strange reason, my childhood mailman came to mind this morning. (that’s sort of an oxymoron, “mailman- maleman”) His name was Joe and despite living in Pittsburgh, PA the man was always deeply suntanned, before tanning beds became a thing. Joe wore his hair in a pompadour like James Dean and he walked up to each of our homes, as our mailboxes were hung right next to our front doors. He smoked long brown cigarettes as he delivered the mail, and Joe was always friendly to us kids, keeping rubber bands around his wrist and giving them to us when we pestered him for them. Do you remember your childhood mailperson? What about your bus drivers? Your school janitors? Particular teachers? Some people just have a way of “sticking out” in our memories, you know? I’m sure that Joe would have no idea the impression that he made on us little kids. I find this sort of comforting and hopeful. Perhaps in our lifetimes, doing nothing except going about, doing our daily business, we make an impression on more people than we realize. It’s such a good reminder to remember the kind of impression which we would like to make, especially for the little ones coming up in this world. The impressions we leave are our little chinks and marks and nicks on the world. Joe didn’t do anything particularly special, other than to smile and to take the time to pass out a few rubber bands, as he reliably delivered the mail each day in his cornflower blue uniform. And yet still, I remember Joe to this day. He’s probably passed on as I am 53, and I bet that Joe was my age when he was delivering our mail. But he left a mark, and it was a good one. . . .
Do you have something that you do everyday that you so look forward to doing? Do you have morning rituals or evening rituals that are your comfort signatures of the day? I have many, but perhaps my favorite habit is writing this blog almost every single day. It fills me with such joy and a sense of purpose. Thank you for being such a vital part of it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That being said, I am headed out on an adventure tomorrow and I won’t be back to writing the blog for over a week. I love writing this blog so much, that I used to take my computer along with me, wherever I went. I’ve written this blog from different states and even different countries. But I have learned from this experience, that it is best for me to fully immerse myself in my adventures, by leaving my daily rituals behind me. I’ve often thought that one of the best parts of travel is when you start to miss and yearn for all of the comforts and joys of home. Leaving home (fully) makes you appreciate it more.
Since I won’t be writing for the next couple of Fridays, I did want to leave you a bonus gift – a favorite of mine! The Insight Timer phone app has some of the best sleep meditations I have ever tried on it. There are so many different courses and guided meditations on this app, and so far, it has all been free. The Insight Timer is one of the most quality apps I have ever downloaded on my phone. Check it out!
If you miss me while I’m gone, please go through my archives. I’ve been writing this blog for several years now. It always tickles me when I see in the stats, years-old blog posts that are being viewed. I think there might be some treasures in there . . . .
Are you passing on love or are you passing on pain? Heal your pain and pass on love.
Here is the question of the day from 3000 Questions About Me:
1921. Do you prefer cats or dogs? (I love most animals and my childhood cat is a legend in my mind, but I’m a dog girl at heart.)
I have a few thoughts to share:
First, I was thinking about my childhood mailman recently as well! (Great minds think alike!) I’ve been working on a biography for my mom, which was supposed to be ready for her birthday (November 1) but has taken on a life of its own and still isn’t complete. It’s given me the opportunity to revisit many people and events from the past. Here’s what I recall about our mailman: he was a big, jolly fellow who could whistle any tune with perfect pitch. Our mailbox was positioned next to the front door, just as yours was, and we always knew when the mail had been delivered because we would hear the “song of the day” or our dog would bark, and he would greet her by name, “Hi, Daisy!” But the best thing about him is that if we kids were out playing in the neighborhood, he would SING to us. My maiden name is George, and he had a special song, the theme from the movie “Georgy Girl.” As soon as he saw my sister or me, he would belt out, “Hey there, Georgy Girl, swinging down the street so fancy-free!” I didn’t realize how much that special designation affected me until I was writing about it, and I began tearing up! You’re right – you never know how small, seemingly inconsequential actions will affect other people.
I also recalled another “service” man who affected me but in the opposite way. He was the driver of the Helms Bakery truck that visited our neighborhood every weekday. The Helms Bakery had a fleet of trucks that would bring fresh baked goods to neighborhoods all over Southern California (like an early forerunner of Door Dash!) Anyway, this driver was a bit cranky and did not like children very much, yet the entire (deep) dashboard of his truck was stocked with a huge variety of penny candies that attracted kids like moths to a flame! My sister reminded me of a particular incident where he conned her out of her entire weekly allowance (50 cents!) by “upselling” her a carton of orange juice, which she doesn’t even like! We both remembered our mom marching out to the truck, all 5’2″ of her, and giving that man the scolding of a lifetime (which resulted in the refund of the entire allowance and a couple of free jelly donuts!) It was a lesson that both my sister and I carry to this day, and that is to never allow anyone to take advantage, and if they do, call them out for it immediately to prevent it from happening again. I’m sure that our own children have been shocked and embarrassed by us doing that on their behalf, but hopefully, they’ve benefitted from that example!
Enjoy your time away. I can’t wait to hear about your adventure when you return from the mystery location!!
Kelly, so good to hear from you!! I love your descriptions! Your mother sounds like a pip!
Kelly,
Have a fabulous time wherever you may roam!
I will miss your insights, wisdom and you!
Safe travels!
Definitely prefer dogs…Boston terrier’s and Frenchie’s!
Thank you, Joan! I had a fabulous time and I’m BAAACK!