Autumn

Autumn

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Distracted

So when you're distracted what do you write. My mind is, again, blank. Picture me in deep thought. Wait for it...


The holiday season is underway and I can't seem to find my spirit for eggnog and mistletoe and holly berry flecked door wreaths. The jingles and jangles of Christmas music leave me empty. Still, I have children in my life.

The local school pack that each day walk along the sidewalk in front of my shop on their way home from the elementary school stopped this afternoon, as is their way. They always ask to visit inside my business, which gives me pause. One must be careful with children so I always leave open the door...and again, today they asked permission to visit. Seems to thrill the little boogers. Imagine a pack of second graders, each in full scream, bouncing off the walls as I stand and hold my door. Fifteen seconds, in and out.


Anyway, I'm normally all smiles when they leave. One or two will ask for jobs and when I hire them how much 'monies' will I pay. The standard answer is one hundred dollars an hour which elicits screams of pure joy. The first time I told the children their hourly rate one little boy ran, in full scream, down the street, "One hundred dollars an hour. Wait until I tell mommy." Oops....

This afternoon they each left with a piece of bubblegum. They seemed satisfied. At least until tomorrow.

The one little boy that ran home and informed his mother of his new job and hourly pay hasn't forgotten and reminds me each day he's ready for work. He told me his mother said she'd pack him a lunch and wants to know when she should expect him home after we close shop.

I'm willing to bet this young man isn't a future democrat.

Ah, there it is...my holiday spirit.

Stephen

 




17 comments:

  1. Stephen your writing muse must be union. The memo said they get the whole week off after Thanksgiving.

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  2. Ah, Stephen - children, any size, any color, male or female always make my day! I just love when my neighbor's granddaughters come over for cookies and milk. The oldest one (she's 4) rings my back door bell, opens the door and yells "Miss Phillis, I'm here! Set the table!" Of course she has a special plate and glass that is just hers!
    God bless them all - I adore 'em!

    Phylis (N/W Jersey)

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    1. They are my weakness...thanks, my lovely Phyllis.

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  3. Hey sign me up, I'm still a kid at heart :-)
    Pleaseeeeeeeee Mr. Stephen!!!!

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  4. For those monies, I'd consider relocation. :^) Naw, I like it up here.

    Kids are a gift of God, and never fail to lift my spirits.

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  5. Children are the best! Especially since they haven't yet learned to be politically correct or fake. Love the story!

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    1. Thank you, dear Izzy...they're just pure of heart.

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  6. My favorite call at work is when there's wildlife involved and a little kid. I love it when I get to answer their questions and sometimes (depending upon what it is) let them touch the critter. When a little tike laughs I challenge anyone not to at least smile...

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    1. They do have a way of making the daily grind of life a wee bit easier...thanks, my good friend.

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  7. One must be careful with children so I always leave open the door

    Indeed. Whenever I go into a public bathroom these days and see a young boy alone inside, I immediately turn around and go outside.

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    1. I always cover my bases when dealing with children, especially here at my shop. Wise on your part. Thanks, Brock, my friend.

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  8. 100/hour... Nice.

    I guess I'm more of a realist...

    I'd love to know if your Young Urban Achiever would be as excited to work an 8 hour day for $8 or $10 per hour when he'll be able to sit at home and have all his wants and needs provided by the Gummint, as long as he votes the appropriate way.

    Sorry to be morose- I'm just a bit overwhelmed by the distressing current events and the recent news of having to be working (away from home) through the holidays and into the new year.
    Maybe a long ride on my FJR will bring me out of it.
    Speaking of that- How are you doing on your progressing on becoming a two-wheeler?
    Haven't seen much mention of it on your blog lately.

    TBG

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    1. Bubba, I can understand morose...been there, well, still there.
      The bike situation is the same...no headway. Wife hates the idea.

      Take care and thanks.

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