Day 27 of the 30 day writing challenge

 Write about something that's kicking ass right now (what you're doing awesome at)

I was just thinking earlier today that I have started several books but just have lost interest and stopped reading. Sheesh. I think I've been keeping up with this writing challenge pretty well (except for that lapse in over a year...) I guess I'm doing ok at work. I still make mistakes, but I'm getting better and still learning new things every day. Today I learned that the area that I work in (residential glass) can enter orders with cutouts and notches (big mirrors usually) instead of giving our showers division all of those "fun" things. I have not learned how to do such funness, but someday. I'm getting better at multitasking at work- entering orders while answering the phone and getting answers to questions. So yea me!

Day 26 of the 30 day writing challenge

 Write about an area in your life that you'd like to improve.

I think everyone wants to lose weight and live more healthily. Drink more water. Exercise. In the past few years, I've gained a bunch of weight. I can blame my PCOS and endometriosis but in reality, I need to tame my sugar and potato chip/french fries cravings for more than a couple of days. I also need to make it a routine to walk at my lunch break at work. The "it's too hot" excuse if falling (pun intended) by the wayside.

So that's where I'm at- working on improving my health- lose some weight (40ish pounds is my goal), exercise/walk every day, and eat less crap.

Day 25 of the 30 day Writing Challenge

 Think of any word. Search it in google images. Write something inspired by the 11th image.

Each letter of the word respect comes from a different word- to me that represents that everyone one, no matter your background, where you come from, who you are- can show respect. Respect for others- hold the door, pick up trash, let that person out onto the busy road, call your family (even though they may drive you crazy), so many ways each person can show respect.

One way that may be a sensitive topic right now is to respect our country. Good, bad, indifferent, we may not agree with what is going on with our country or state or even community, but we must be respectful. You can respectfully disagree with someone and their ideas, but our forefathers fought for the right for us to vote so we can make changes that we see need to be made. I feel like the media and our political process has created a mess of disrespectfulness. Lots of shows reward disrespect (all "Reality" shows) which is teaching our children that being rude and disrespectful is accepted behavior.

As Aretha said, we all need to show "a little respect". 

Day 24 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge

Write a letter to someone, anyone.

Dear Pearl,

I'm going to call you Pearl because I'm not really sure what your name is because every document says something different. And you don't deserve to be called Grandma. 

I'm mad and I have a right to be. I'm upset that you never got to see me and my brother before you died, but most importantly I'm mad because you couldn't be the mom- a mom- to your son and daughter. Yes, my mom survived. My uncle- well, he didn't turn out so well, but it wasn't for a lack of love. I have heard stories about you and your sister Lila, coming from New Brunswick and moving around a lot without a father. I've heard stories that you drank because you couldn't cope- due to whatever trauma you had endured. You left my mother after giving birth to her because you couldn't deal with being a mother. I know there weren't the supports like there are today, but there were luckily so many that loved her and you to take care of her. I'm sorry their love and support wasn't enough for you, too. 

I guess I'm not mad. Just disappointed. Sad.

I have so many questions for you. My mom's one dream is to figure out who your father truly was. You once told her it was a carny named "King Reid" Lefevre. After doing some research and some math, I figured out that he probably wasn't your father since he wasn't a carny until 1934. You married my grandfather on Tuesday, November 23, 1948, so even if you were 18, Reid Lefevre couldn't have been your dad unless he was in New Brunswick in and around 1930, if in fact you were born in New Brunswick. To get your help unraveling your history- your past. I know your history is murky and dark. Come to find out most families have some kind of dark spots in them- even the "squeaky clean" ones. 

But this letter is to you, not them. 

I just wish I could have a few hours to talk with you now that I'm an adult and can wrap my head around some deeper things. Like why every time I drive through the mill town of Biddeford do I think about you? Were you there at some point? Did you work there? 

Did you ever want to come see me and my brother? Did you want to know about us?

I know you died of breast cancer that metastasized into your lungs and brain. I know that I probably have a genetic disposition to have breast cancer as well. I just wish I knew more about your health history.

I just wish I had met you. Maybe you would have fought off cancer or maybe it would have still killed you. but I would have met you.

I don't believe in palm readers or séances, but I wish I could ask you these questions. I wish I could have seen how beautiful you were. 

I wish I could have met you.

You granddaughter,

Moriah

Day 23 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge

Put your music on shuffle and post the first 10 songs:

since I don't have an iPhone that works, I will use my iPod (yes, I have one... actually 2 an iPod shuffle for Christmas music and a regular iPod)

Well, scratch that. I had to charge my iPod and plugged it into my computer and my iTunes (which I thought I deleted...) came up so we'll press play and see what we get. Nope that won't do anything... son of a biscuit. Pressing play on the iPod.

1. To Make You Feel My Love- Adele (great cover of a Bob Dylan song. Billy Joel's is awesome too)
2. Linus & Lucy from Charlie Brown's Christmas (you know you all love it and dance like those guys)
   
   
   
3. World of Machines - The Samples
4. I Fall Down- U2
5. Trust in Me- Etta James
6. "40" -U2 from Under a Blood Red Sky
7. Days Like This- Van Morrison
8. Wild Night - Van Morrison
9. Love Me Tender- Elvis
10. Even if it Breaks Your Heart- Eli Young Band           so I can't do just 10...
11. See Ya Later Alligator- Bill Haley and His Comets
12. Let's Call the Whole Thing Off- Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitgerald
13. Feeling Groovy- Simon & Garfunkel
14. Start Me Up- The Rolling Stones
15. She Loves You- The Beatles live version from the Anthology 1
16. A Hazy Shade of Winter- Simon & Garfunkel
17. I'll Go Crazy Tonight- U2
18. England- Great Big Sea
19. Getting Better- The Beatles
20. Jumper- Third Eye Blind
21. Outside Woman Blues- Back Door Slam
22. Jack Hinks- Great Big Sea
23. When I'm 64- The Beatles
24. Run to You- Bryan Adams
25. My Funny Valentine- Miles Davis

Day 22 of the 30 day writing challenge

 Write about a lesson you've learned the hard way.

Dreams don't always turn out like you thought they would. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't dream. My dream of teaching was nothing like I thought it would be and in the end, I made myself sick- physically, mentally and emotionally- trying to make everything perfect for everyone. What a life lesson that took almost 40 years for me to figure out- I'm not put on this earth to please others. I am no where perfect, but that doesn't mean I give up trying. I did give up teaching because well, for a lot of reasons but the biggest part was that I wasn't happy in my job and I wasn't being supported. I had way too many to-do's but no one helping me to prioritize. I did and still do have a supportive family and my mom (bless her heart) still asks me when I'm going back into teaching. I was so burned that I'm not sure that part of me will ever heal. It was mostly a self inflicted wound- I put too much pressure on myself to get everything done to make everyone happy but it didn't work out that way. So I left teaching for my health. I wanted to be an outdoor educator but I don't have a degree in it, so I'm not teaching. 

I have actually been thinking a lot lately about the fact that I don't have dreams or aspirations anymore. I'm too old, the world is too crazy, blah blah. I just feel numb right now. I'm too old to have dreams. Well, I would like my own house someday. And to go to every state. and every ballpark. but that's it- nothing really crazy because I'm too old for crazy. too scared for crazy. 

I just searched for a picture to post and it's pretty wonderful and matches me to a t.

Day 21 of 30 day Writing Challenge

 3 lessons do you want your children to learn from you.

Well, since I'm almost 43 and don't have children and 99% sure I won't have children, I don't need to do this one.

BUT... if anyone cares, I have several Pinterest boards that offer good advice- my great quotes board (too many to list), my to feel board and the sub folder that's me!

And here's a great song that sums it up nicely: 

You know there's a light that glows by the front door
Don't forget the key's under the mat
When childhood stars shine
Always stay humble and kind

Go to church 'cause your mamma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say "please", say "thank you"
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin'
Always stay humble and kind

Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
"I love you" ain't no pick-up line
So always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say "please", say "thank you"
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind

When it's hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind

Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're going don't forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

Day 20 of the 30 day Writing Challenge

 I missed a day so I'm doing 2 today.

Post about 3 celebrity crushes.

Only 3? hmm... 

3 crushes of actors that are no longer around- Gene Kelly (oh those dimples!), Cary Grant (tall, dark, handsome, and funny) and hmmm growing up I loved Fred Astair, but he's too skinny... Paul Newman was quite a good looking man, but I think I'd have to go with Humphrey Bogart because despite his not being a heart throb, in the end he got the girl. I also love Steve McQueen.

Growing up I loved New Kids on the Block, River Phoneix, Christian Slater, and Kirk Cameron to name a few.

3 present day actor crushes- Brad Pitt- fell in love with him from "A River Runs Through It". I had a crush on Matthew Perry- I mean, who didn't love Chandler?

I also love Colin Farrel, George Clooney, Keanu Reeves (he's so down to earth in real life), Sean Connery (who has since passed, but was my favorite James Bond), Harrison Ford because I too wanted to become an archeologist because of Indiana Jones. I like Viggo Mortensen (I'm not into the Lord of the Rings though- sorry- I'm more of a Hidalgo fan. Matthew McConaughey is "alright alright alright". You knew that was coming. I think Bradley Cooper is pretty nice looking, Idris Alba and Denzel Washington are hot stuff, but one of my all-time favorites has to be John Cusack. He's not sexy, but smart sexy. Like sitting down and talking with him about books, movies, music would be awesome.

Speaking of music- my music crushes would be Larry Mullen, Jr. from U2 (or anyone from U2), Paul or George are my 2 favorite Beatles, James Hunter (he's short, but man can he sing!), Van Morrison because he sang about me (Brown Eyed Girl).

There- 4 groups of crushes. Because who can only pick 3?

Collin Farrell Everyone

Day 19 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge

 Discuss your first love.

Well, the first crush that I can remember is that of Grady Fitzpatrick. Grady Fitzpatrick was I think 5 or 6 years older than me and as I remember, he was athletic (I thought) and was handsome. He lived on the corner of Green Street and King Street in my hometown of Vergennes. He may or may not have been on swim team with me and my brother. At some point, he and his family moved and he left my dreams. But what I remember him most was when my mom and I (sometimes with my brother) would go strawberry picking at Scotts Berry Farm in Ferrisburg, Grady would be working there. I was probably 9 or 10 at the time but thought he was pretty wonderful.

Thank's to google (aka 21-century stalking), I found him. Happily married with a little less hair, but still a great smile. Though his eyes look weird in this picture. Eh, nobody's perfect.

Day 18 writing challenge

30 facts about yourself

1. My name is Hebrew (found in Genesis) and means "God is my teacher" as well as "the hill country" It is where Abraham brought Isaac to make a sacrifice to God and where Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem. 
2. I'm named after a woman named Maria (pronounced like Mariah, not "Ma-REE-ah"). Maria Crosby was a woman who my dad spent summers on her and her husband's farm in the Cobleskill area of New York. She told my dad if he had a girl, to spell her name the Hebrew way, not like her spelling.
3. I was born in Burlington, Vermont.
4. I grew up in the smallest city (at one time the country) in Vermont, Vergennes- named after Ethan Allen's friend the Comte de Vergennes.
5. My 21st birthday was 9/9/1999. It was a Thursday and no, I didn't spend the night drinking- I had a community college class that evening. I went to the bar the next night with people from work. 
6. I never got to play varsity basketball because I dislocated my knee a few months prior.
7. I have a degree in elementary education and psychology. 
8. I've been to 25 states and 5 countries. So far.
9. In high school, I played percussion (drums, cymbals, triangle, cowbell, glockenspiel, timpani, etc.) and cello.
10. In the 8th grade, I was about the 6th person asked to memorize and recite "In Flanders Fields" for the largest Memorial Day Parade in my hometown of Vergennes. And yes, I can still recite it.
11. In 2011, after Hurricane Irene hit Vermont, I was a traffic controller (a.k.a. flagger) for 2 months.
12. I have a collection of coffee cups, stickers, pottery, and probably too many other things.
13. I have endometriosis and PCOS. In 2005 I had a cyst on my ovary removed that was bigger than my ovary. They've grown back and burst a few times since then but not that big.
14. I've been to all 14 counties in Vermont and all 16 counties in Maine. I completed my Maine adventure last year.
15. In that Maine Adventure, I completed my visit to all but 5 Maine State Parks. 3 are islands and 2 are wilderness regions that my car wouldn't be able to get to.
16. I've had braces twice.
17. I won a blue ribbon for my sewing in 4-H when I was 11 or 12.
18. I've sat in an F-4 and an F-16.
19. I know how to change my car's oil.
20. I don't have a best friend.
21. I didn't learn how to ski until I was 18. (no, Vermonters aren't born skiing, drinking maple syrup, or know how to milk cows, but I have done all 3)
22. I love old movies- like 30's & 40's and some 50's movies.
23. I've taken myself off of social media- closed my Instagram account and deleted most everything on Facebook, but still have it because of messenger for family. Pinterest isn't social media for me and I don't update my Linkedin and no, I don't Tic-Toc or Snapchat. and I'm not sure why I'm still blogging.
24. I like to garden and cook. I like to travel, learn family history, and go for walks with my dog.
25. I like to read nonfiction- mostly biographies or autobiographies. I also enjoy mysteries.
26. I like a wide variety of music. U2, Pearl Jam, Crosby, Stills Nash & Young, Yo-Yo Ma, Rage Against the Machine, Todd Rundgren, Buena Vista Social Club, Miles Davis, just to name a few.
27. I like living by myself. I like it better now that I have my dog Clyde though.
28. I love cheese. And that yellow stuff isn't real cheese.
29. I know how to drive a stick shift. I had a 6-speed manual transmission Toyota that I loved driving until it lost 6th then 5th gears and I had to get a new car.
30. finding 30 facts about myself wasn't easy. thankfully, no one will probably read these.
    
    
    

Day 17 of the 30 day writing challenge

 I'm supposed to bullet point my day and I've been pushing off doing this challenge so let's just get it over with.

• slept in until 7:15
• walked the dog
• warmed up a cup of coffee
• took my allergy meds and vitamin with water
• vacuumed
• walked dog again
• fed dog
• watched news
• watered some house plants
• made eggs and zucchini
• watched more news while eating breakfast
• went in the cellar to find my Quebecois flag (finally found it!)
• went outside and put out the Quebecois flag and did some gardening
• turned on computer to make this list
• made sure I had money in the bank to make a purchase
• bought a pair of glasses
  
  
  
• spent a lot of time trying to decide if I want to drive over an hour to a Scottish Festival or not (I really don't want to go which is kind of stupid but I don't feel up for mingling around people on a humid day.)
• procrastinated making a decision by window shopping online
• rolled windows up in my car because it looks like it's going to rain
• after pooping for the 4th time today, I decide not to go to the Scottish Festival
• took shower/washed my hair
• glad I rolled up the windows- started pouring! first part of the hurricane I'm thinking...
• got dressed and combed my hair
•  rain stopped for the moment- worked on this list a bit more
• looked at tops for my glasses (they're magnetic)
• I warmed up some leftovers and ate
• watched a bit of tv waiting to see if I would get sick again.
• decided to lay down
• took nice long nap
• brought Clyde outside to pee
• fed Clyde dinner
• flipped through the tv waiting for local news while eating lime tortilla chips
• brought Clyde out again (to poop)
• watched local news and weather about hurricane Henri
• cut up some veggies for a salad
• ate salad while watching national news
• brought Clyde out again
• put some clothes to donate in car
• Went to pick up veggies from garden in town
• went and picked up some milk, oj, blueberries, butter & sunflowers at grocery store
• sitting finishing this list eating blueberries and trying to stay cool
• (will go to bed later
• the end

Day 16 of the 30 day Writing Challenge

Post about your zodiac sign: I'm a Virgo...

What's funny is a girl who is 2 days older than me does not fit these sayings about Virgos... anyway- these are very fitting about me.

and today's horoscope from horoscope.com:

Aug 20, 2021 - Life is helping you out at the moment, Virgo. You might chalk it up to some divine power. Whatever it is, your guardian angel is always by your side. Perhaps you'd like to begin something new in your life, like moving or changing lifestyles. At the moment you can do anything you want to do. It will all work out just fine!

Day 15 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge

 Write about something you miss.

I miss talking with my grandparents. I wish I had asked them more questions about them growing up and living through the Great Depression and World War 2. 

I miss time before the internet and social media. I'm so glad I'm not a teenager right now.

I miss my family and friends all over the country. I miss being able to travel to see them.

Day 14 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge

 Your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching.

Whoah- here we go!

(and in no particular order... )

• Casablanca- greatest of all time. 
• Singin' in the Rain.  I mean, Gene Kelly. 'Nuf said.
• The Great Escape.
• White Christmas
• Charlie Brown's Christmas
• The Man Who Came to Dinner (what a cast of characters!)
• The Princess Bride.
• Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail
• Ocean's 11 (Original or new- don't care- love both)
• Most Clint Eastwood movies (my dad's a big fan...)
• Last of the Mohicans
• Dead Poets Society
• Stand By Me
• Field of Dreams
• Fever Pitch (I mean, I am a Red Sox fan..)
• Anything by Ken Burns (I know they aren't "movies" but still awesome)
• Lawrence of Arabia
• Jason Bourne movies
• most James Bond movies (my favorites are with Sean Connery)

I pretty much love old movies and movies that are based on true stories/true events. I'm bummed to learn Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Basterds" was based "loosely" (as most Hollywood movies are) on true facts. I still show 3 like the "German" way but also the American Sign Language way. 

I haven't watched all of them, but I've seen quite a few of Alfred Hitchcock's movies- Rear Window, To Catch a Theif, North by Northwest, Psycho, and parts of several others.

Day 13 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge

 What are you excited about?

oh, I'm too old for excitement. 

Seriously, I have nothing that I'm looking forward to at the moment. I'm a realist (some think pessimist but they live with unicorns so...) and living in these crazy coronavirus times, I am forced to live in the present because I don't know what the future will hold. So I leave you with this awesome quote:

Day 12 Writing Challlenge

 Write about 5 blessings in your life.

Well, there are many MANY more than 5 blessings in my life (cue the Bing Crosby/Rosemary Clooney great song...) but I will try and share only 5.

I am super blessed to be Auntie Mo to two great kids (and yes, I'm biased but they really are great). 

Easter, 2021

I'm blessed to have great parents as well who have been supportive and still are in so many ways. Love you!

I am blessed to have pursued my dream of being a teacher. I taught for 2 years in Florida but I wanted to find a teaching job back home in Vermont. I struggled for many, many years (hence the name of this blog) to be chosen to teach in Vermont and I fulfilled that dream. I left the classroom to pursue a new dream of being an outdoor educator which fizzled, but I'm blessed to have had the opportunities to teach in the classroom, to teach in several Vermont State Parks, and to teach in an outdoor ed preschool here in Maine. I'm actually proud and blessed to have had all kinds of work experiences in my life. My favorite job still is being an outdoor power equipment product tester in all kinds of weather. 

I am blessed to have a job to pay my bills. It isn't a dream job, but it's ok and I'm paying down my bills and saving up for my own place or a cool trip.

I am blessed to finally have my own dog! It was a whirlwind beginning- I picked Clyde up from the ASPCA on my way to spending Thanksgiving with my parents in Vermont and then we came home and had to figure things out, but we have adjusted pretty well. He still likes to chew and run off whenever possible, but I love him very much!

Day 11 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge (872 days late)

 Oops. Life apparently distracted me away from writing this blog. But I digress.

Day 11- Write about something you always think "What if..." about. Wow. so many thoughts. 

I have had these "what if" thoughts for so long that I try so hard NOT to think about what if and just accept where I am now. Dwelling on the "what if's" in life does not help you move forward and live your life. That being said, a coworker just lost her father, so I have been thinking about what will happen when my parents pass. Will I move back to Vermont and help sort through things and get all the stuff that comes with death (closing accounts, life insurance, pay bills, go through their stuff, move the other parent, etc, etc, etc....) So yeah, I have been thinking about that- that's not a "what if" but "when".

As I was mowing the lawn tonight, looking at my Acadian flag, it made me think about something I had just recently heard about my Great-Grandfather Fournier- that he had committed suicide because the Klu-Klux Klan was harassing him. My great grandfather was born in the US to French Canadian, Catholic parents. He was married to a French Canadian woman and had 4 kids at the time of his death- my grandfather was the oldest and had to quit school in the 8th grade to work and take over the family grocery store. I want to know why this happened- I can't dwell on the "what if my great grandfather hadn't killed himself," but I can do is to find out why and teach others that the KKK isn't just a southern thing. I believe we need to learn about our past so that we can change the future, not make the same mistakes.  I may write a book or another blog about my research into the KKK here in Maine, but we'll see.