Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Monday, March 30, 2020

The Wooby


Levi and his wooby. Do you call it a wooby? When I was very small, I had a wooby that was a torn up blue blanket named Fred. Named after my favorite person I had never met, Fred Rogers. I still have a tiny piece of Fred. I think most of us could use a Fred right about now. 




Sunday, March 29, 2020

Smacksy Sunday Links


Productive ways to stay positive during a quarantine.

Why mundane moments truly matter.

That discomfort you're feeling is grief.

When you're smiling.

The cloud appreciation society.

What to do with the beans you panic bought and other food questions, answered.

Dream about dressing up again with a century-old fashion magazine.

And swans.

Happy Healthy Sunday.


Friday, March 27, 2020

Stuck


I wish you could have seen these guys 3 seconds before I was able to snap this photo when these two knuckleheads Tried to both get through the space between the armoire and the bed at the same time. The got stuck and I was laughing a little too hard to get the shot. I'm sure you can use your imagination.


Wednesday, March 25, 2020

May 21, 1944


May 21, 1944
England

Hello Puss,
Too bad about the cat - thought he was tops even tho' I didn't used to care for them.

I hope you got the wire I sent. You mentioned a package in your last letter and I think it is here in England but it will be a bit before I will be able to get it. Will let you know when I do. Thanks a million, Puss!I will always try to show you how very much I love and care for you, be it two years or fifty and I hope it will be fifty. If the army can't change my mind about you nothing can and I think I know whereof I speak for I have seen many things and many people since my entry in the service.

The army affects the boys in a different manner but it to me has only cut my desire to get ahead here. Over a period of four years it has made me want to get this business over with and come back to you - get a new business underway, do a bit of traveling together, have a home and bring up Sandra. But most of all it has shown me how grand you are and without your love how empty everything would be. I miss you and need you so much.
Lee


Sunday, March 22, 2020

Smacksy Sunday Links


Ways to ease your Coronavirus anxieties.

Embracing involuntary simplicity.

Free virtual tours of museums, parks, and more.

A master list of interchangeable ingredients.

The best way to cook pasta.

From Frida to Shakespeare - the amazing things done while social distancing.

Follow talented and hilarious olympic figure skater Adam Rippon on YouTube.

Another song to love.

And cats on the catwalk.

Happy We'll-Get-Through-All-This Sunday.



Friday, March 20, 2020

Thursday, March 19, 2020

May 13, 1944


May 13, 1944
Western Union Telegram

All my love and greetings on Mothers Day.
You are more than ever in my thoughts at this time.
All my love =
Robert L. Zimmerman.


Tuesday, March 17, 2020

May 9, 1944


May 9, 1944
England

Hello Sugar Puss,
I have just finished eating some chocolate ice cream and it is the second I have had since leaving the States. So far I've had no fresh milk but have been promised all that I can drink when I say so. Oddly enough, I've never aid anything. Some of our boys made the ice cream and it was certainly good - don't know just what we would do without our cooks, bless their souls.

Had tea and spent the evening with a the manager of a bank who lives near Manchester. He was a jolly sort of fellow and to top the evening off with the elegance that he strived to show, they brought out some rhubarb wine that was a present to he and his wife on their wedding date and was six years old from that time so goodness know how old it really was. It was the smoothest ever. He said it was the first time in three years that he had even tasted it and that they saved it for only the most special of occasions. This guy that loves you must be making some kind of an impression and I don't think it is an adverse one.

All of the old gang is fine and I have showed them the pictures you've sent and they pull theirs out and we do a bit of reminiscing. I'll tell you how I feel even if you know so well already that I love you very much.
Lee


Monday, March 16, 2020

May 4, 1944


May 4, 1944
England

Hello Puss and Little Puss,
I've picked up a couple of expressions here. "I" means yes, "A" means what, and another very common yes is "um." "Ta" means thank you and "ta ta" means goodbye. Right now, the pound here is worth exactly $4.03 USD.

Post cards here are nearly impossible to get and of the place I'm in would be impossible to send because it is, of course, a military secret. I did manage to find a few of Scotland that I will send separately. High Street Berewick upon Tweed is a rather familiar scene in as much as the general appearance goes. Kings of the Broad Highway looks a lot like many of the things done in this country. The picture of the ships in the Pacific was a familiar one and the only way I could get the general idea of our voyage to you.

I'm saving all my love for you for when I return and I know you are doing the same. So please, Puss, take good care of yourself for me for we will be so happy together when I do get back.  I sincerely believe that by the will of God, I will come back to you.
Lee

Friday, March 13, 2020

In These Times of Uncertainty...


... It's nice to have a 65 pound dog hop up on your lap. Anytime.



Teddy In a Cone is All of Us Right Now


Teddy has a scratch on his bum that he's been worrying so we've got the cone on him to give it a chance to heal. The metaphors for all of us and this pandemic are obvious. Keep your head down, rest, take care of your self and don't worry your bum. Thinking of you all.



Saturday, March 7, 2020

I Will Block You


Someone is blocking me from leaving the bed. Nurses are rough characters.


Drive By


Found myself stuck in traffic in front of the place Mr. Rosenberg and I had dinner on our first date. Not much has happened since then. I kid!




Friday, March 6, 2020

My So Cal People!


My lovely and talented friend Chris has a show of his found object mosaic sculptures opening next Saturday, March 14. Don't miss out.



I'm Fine


I have a small, tiny, cold. I am taking small, tiny cold medicine. I'm staying in a big, comfy bed with my pal here. I'm fine.





Monday, March 2, 2020

Smacksy Sunday Links

Where I'm From/Middle School Writers Club


Last week I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker at the middle school writing class. I took the opportunity to talk to the kids about the importance of specificity in creative writing. The kids were terrific. I gave them a writing prompt I love called, "Where I'm From." They shared what they wrote and there was some beautiful writing. I wrote from the prompt too, as an example. Every time I write this it's different. This is mine.


Where I’m From
I’m from foggy mornings and the smell of fireplaces burning.
I’m from pueblo clay and bootleg whiskey.
I’m from fried okra, crocheted afghans, and glass jars in the storm cellar.
I’m from black coffee and Marlboro Lights.
I’m from painted pottery, shelter dogs, and wild parrots.
I’m from reading by flashlight under the blankets after bedtime.
I’m from dominoes, Jello molds, and bike rides to the beach.
I’m from make-believe.
I’m from starry New Mexican skies and the dust of the Texas panhandle.
I’m from spray-painted silver tap shoes.
I’m from lights, camera, action.
I’m from redwood trees and stony creeks and warm afternoons of slanting light.
I’m from crayons melting in the backseat.
I’m from hazel eyes.