Our morning is dark with hard rain and the lights of the shop glow intensely and the traffic gives that wet tire zing as it flows on the street. My office window has a tin overhang and the rain pounds it like lead shot which is very soothing, and I'm darn near ready for a nap before the clock strikes nine.
I guess I haven't a need to state the obvious, but I will - I've been in a grave deep funk, depression if you will, these last few weeks. The reason, or reasons, are not important, they're mine alone and I shall deal with them.
I've lost myself in books. Long hours here at the shop. On a bright note, Sweet Wife has joined her church choir. She sings like a Nightingale. I've attended the last two Sunday services as support. I like to see her, standing among the group, her cute little shy smile like a ray of sun on a cloudy day. She's happy. And now, she wants to return to school for a nursing degree. She's had it with the financial world. I told her she has my full support. I'll live on beans and rice to make her goals come true.
I truly appreciate your support as I've taken this wee bit of time away from the internet and my blog. I will make every effort to continue to write, weak as my limited talent allows.
Change of pace....a fella, kinda of a city slicker, walks into the shop and removes an object from his man-purse. Hands it to me. Said, "Wanna buy this?"
I take it, give it a glance and return it to him, "No."
"Why not?"
So I explained that first of all it was a ticket to ten years in federal prison. It was once a twenty-two rifle, old and I thought perhaps once upon a time a military training rifle. The barrel had be shortened to just shy of ten inches by hacksaw. It's stock removed by same to form a hand grip. Black tape applied - ugly. The bolt and magazine were both missing. Useless.
Him, "Oh. Well, okay, here you can have it." He walks out.
I gave it to a friend. My friend likes ugly stuff.
Until then,
Stephen
We'll wait for whatever it is to be resolved, my friend, and be here whenever you're ready. You & SW are in my prayers, sir.
ReplyDeleteTaking care of yourself and your family will always be a higher priority than writing a blog. I think most of us out here understand that. Do what needs to be done, we'll still be here silently sending our prayers and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteSteve
It's good to step back and take a breather now and again. I am sure you will work things out for the best.
ReplyDeleteI bet you get to see all kinds of handiwork to firearms don't ya?
What Steve said.
ReplyDeleteWe are involved in the same weather system here as you, but the heavier rain is moving into the valley here as I write. Luckily, the temperature has risen above freezing. They sprayed the roads yesterday for the freezing rain we got last night, but today's rain will wash that brine spray off, so if it gets bad again tonight it may very well stick to the roads.
ReplyDeleteTake it easy, Stephen.
Take your time dear friend, we will be here when you return :-)
ReplyDeleteThe last five years has thrown too much unexpected crap my way, including the loss of two brothers and my mother. Included in this mess is my new task of settling my mother's estate, which is more daunting than I thought.
ReplyDeleteA few weeks ago, while rumination on life in general, I had this epiphany about life, what it involves, and the fact you really are alone during most of it. All outside encouragement, friends, family and innocent bystanders can only reach so far, which led me to find that spark I thought I lost.
It was there; faint and with little warmth. My task is to keep it burning, nurture the flame and try to return the glowing fire of optimism I had in my youth.
So, if I could send you a few cords of encouragement, I'd have it on a truck this evening. All I have is words and want you to know you're one of the good guys and the world is a better place with you in it.
Keep the faith.
Hope your mind set 'sets' itself when it's ready. You are a comfort to many, including myself. I need to stop by again but I've gotten myself busy as well. Hope to see you before the New Year rears it's head, as ugly as it may be.
ReplyDeleteStephen,
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself my friend, attending church also helps the heart.
I'm happy for Sweet Wife, pursuing a career in nursing is a really good thing. Please give her a hug from an Oklahoma friend.
Every one needs some downtime to reorganize and heal. Take care and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteStephen. A man is known by the friends he keeps. From the lovely comments above . . it seems you are a man of great heart. So many people can't be wrong. Be gentle with yourself. Better times ahead.
ReplyDeleteIt warms my heart to hear your wholehearted support of your wife's goals. I hope your mental state is resolved soon. Get plenty of sunlight.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an ugly gun indeed. Bet it had some history behind it.
ReplyDeleteWe've all been there, Stephen at one time or another. Sending a big hug of understanding and wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving for you and Sweet Wife. There are so, so many things to be thankful for in our lives, you know. Sometimes we just take the good for granted.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeletedear sweet one - thank you for sharing. you know that all of your friends are here for you, and that we understand! i love the idea that you will support your Sweet Wife through the next phase of her career...and i love to hear that she is singing in the choir! anyway, i just wanted to stop in and wish you, and all of yours, a very Happy Thanksgiving! please get some downtime and do enjoyable things, reflect, eat a bunch of stuff and nap. and know that there are canadians out there in the world that want nothing but the best for you and yours!
ReplyDeleteyour friends,
kymber and jambaloney
Do what you gotta Stephen. We'll be around...
ReplyDeleteI like that pic up there....We all have times where life takes an upper hand and we need to deal with it even when we don't want to....much support comes from those of us who use this forum as an outlet lest you not forget we are all here to support ya even on the "Ugly" days we all have them some more than others.......
ReplyDeleteTo each and everyone...thank you for your kind support. I'm so very sorry it's taken me so very long to answer all your kind comments and I do appreciate your warm support. God bless.
ReplyDelete