Archive for September, 2008
September 11, 2008
“What are you reading?” he asked. It was late Saturday evening and I was immersed in my reading. My response, “It is a book entitled “Puffy the Watermelon.” Although I heard his next question, I realized how silly my response sounded as I stated it aloud.
“You’re the only person I know who can go to the Farmers Market and find everything but fresh vegetables,” he remarked. He is right and wrong, of course, because I purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a unique item or perhaps two.
“It is a childrens’ book about watermelons,” I smiled as I returned to finish reading the book. “Where did you get that?” he asked. I believe this is when we both knew the real story was larger than both of us.
I had met the Watermelon Guy at the Farmers Market that Saturday morning. We had spoken about the magic of a highly effective technique my dad had used to check watermelons for the best eating quality. My dad died over fifteen years ago but I will always remember his story about the magic combination of a broom straw and a watermelon.
As a matter of fact, I usually carry a broom straw in my pocket just in case I find watermelons to purchase and need to check for eating quality… only by touching the outside of the watermelon.
Some people laugh at me when they hear my story about watermelons and broom straws. Others watch my technique and listen to my story. Before I realize what is happening, observers often ask me to select an equally good watermelon for them, too. Sometimes, vendors encourage me to allow their waiting customers to select watermelons on their own. I oblige, of course.
Dad planted all types of fruits and vegetables in our back yard garden when I was much younger. He loved fresh fruits and vegetables; he loved apple trees, fig bushes, plum trees, grape vines, peaches, and especially peanuts. If the tree or plant produced a fruit or vegetable, chances were quite accurate that Dad planted and harvested the fruit or vegetable either from plant vines or tree limbs in our back yard garden.
As a child I helped my parents in the garden, although I confess it was not as much fun then as it is now to reflect on what I really learned. There is verse I remember hearing as a child which supports this memory, “Who plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see, believes in God.”
Bob Hope’s famous song, “Thanks for the memories,” is my adult acknowledgment of appreciation to my dad.
Angela Scott
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.
September 5, 2008
Shining brightly, the evening sunset in the sky clearly revealed telephone-shaped shadows on the brick wall. My husband announced, “Look at that! The sun is shining through the dotted outline of holes in each side section of that telephone booth. It is unusual these days to see a telephone booth mounted on a brick wall outside a business.”
I saw the open telephone booth as we entered the store and even noticed someone talking on the telephone as we walked into the store. I also remembered about how unusual it was to see a telephone booth mounted outside a business, especially since the prolific use of cell phones.
But my husband saw the reflection first. I looked again after hearing his observation. Amazed at what I saw, I knew I had a unique photo opportunity. However, this time I did not have a camera with me. My dilemma presented me with an opportunity either to minimize, maximize or cancel, similar to those three symbols on the top right hand corner of a computer screen. While my husband waited in the car, I dashed into the store once again.
Quickly checking disposable camera prices, I found two disposable cameras on sale for the price of one. Only two of those cameras sat on the shelf in the store. Believing those cameras were meant for this moment, I purchased them and immediately returned to the fleeting photo opportunity.
I saw three telephones on that brick wall but only one was real; the others were merely illuminated illusions.
Although easily distinguishable to the eye, I knew this message was for me. I understood the message although it was not in words. I knew who wanted me to talk with Him.
Telephone calls to Him are free and readily available to all, unlike telephone calls placed at pay telephones.
Angela Scott
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.
September 1, 2008
Mom recently gave some extra pictures to me from my wedding, which was over 28 years ago. The only remark which came to my mind was, “Oh, my.” Suddenly, I realized how much time had elapsed. I remembered things I had not thought of in years. I hugged mom.
Walking in her back yard beside the bed of flowers, I drew in deep breaths of the beautiful blooming pink and white peonies. As a child, I had not appreciated the magnificence of those flowers. As an adult, I hungered for their beauty.
“Mom, these peonies are gorgeous,” I quickly shared my thoughts. She said, “I don’t know if they smell good or not.” Although the roaring in my ear reminded me of the Meniere’s disease, my nose still worked. “They smell heavenly!” I exclaimed.
Mom saw those peonies every summer day for over 55 years. I did not. I moved away. Obviously, we are older and wiser now. Mom has mobility challenges and my hearing is impaired but our love is deep.
We celebrate our birthday on the same day, a rich blessing from a Godly mom. I was due on the 27th of September but mom had asked the doctor if it would be safe for me to be born on her birthday. He said yes. Mom told me she knew it would be difficult then but she knew the pain would be replaced with a brand new life.
She loved me before my birth and I am thankful she still loves me today. Next Monday, mom will celebrate her 90th birthday and I have the privilege of sharing my birthday with her. Thanks mom. Unconditional love is truly amazing.
Angela Scott
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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.