Make someone feel better with a kind word. It’s inexpensive. It’s self-renewing. Imagine you making the world kinder, gentler, and more compassionate because spread kind words wherever you travel. A high school student in this YouTube video demonstrates the power of a kind word.
Have A Cup Of Happiness
Remember the Happy Dance? I do. Every time I watched it, I smiled. I felt good. Worries temporarily retreated into some far off space. I think it’s possible to grow happiness in our own private happiness garden. The following 5 minute YouTube video gives 7 tips to be happy. I learned much by watching and I’m happy. Here’s hoping you are as well.
My Parachute Refuses To Open
Tell me this is a nightmare, the coffee is on, breakfast is waiting for me. Not happening in this alt ego world of twists and turns where Stephen King resides. I’m in the driver’s seat in front of the mansion belonging to the famous writer, Francine Peony. In the back seat are La Flor and LC making out for five minutes. Anyway, she told me to set my timer for five minutes, that’s all the time she had for love when she’s on a job. She’s taking this Big Carmen thing too serious. We’re going to break into Francine’s house, La Flor and LC are going to grab everything that’s worth anything. I’m supposed to help carry the loot to the car. Let’s see how it goes down.
The timer goes off. “My heart’s a thumpin an bumpin. It’s a dipping and dazzling. It’s making me stutter an shudder,” said LC.
“It’s what I do to the male species. Now pull yourself together or I’ll turn off the love potion. After you open the door, LC, you have to disable the alarm. Ray, here’s your ski mask and latex gloves,” said La Flor handing me a MacDonald’s to go bag.
“I don’t want to do time. I don’t want a happy meal,” I said.
“You won’t. Save the happy meal for O’Leary. Remember, I’m the best lawyer money can buy,” said La Flor.
“What if O’Leary comes back?” I asked.
“Give him your happy meal. Are you listening?” said La Flor
Suddenly, an old man’s golfing cap that looks like a Goodwill reject pops up from behind the passenger side seat. All I can see is the hat. The voice says, “Don’t worries, I’ll takes him out.”
I said, “Lil Carlo?”
“Don’t speaks my name. Calls me the insurance man,” said Lil Carlo.
Can it get worse? Yes. This story is out of control and I’m sky diving and my parachute refuses to open.
Two minutes later, we’re at Francine’s front door.
“Use got a key, Ray-mo?” asked LC.
“For what?” I answered.
“Duh. For dis door.”
“Do I look like Francine Peony would give me a key to her home?” I snapped.
“Chill bro. I was asking a question. I didn’t know how close use and Francine are, know what I mean?”
“You were pretty chummy with her at her party. Maybe one thing led to another thing and dis and dat, and befores use knows it, use get to go past Go,” said LC.
“We didn’t play Monopoly,” I said.
LC ignored me, and went to work on the front door. “Ten seconds and I’ll has it opened. Stand back. I put a tiny explosive on the door lock. This technique I learned from the guy that’s plays the guy in the Burn movies.”
“Do you mean Matt Damon in the Bourne movies?”
“What I say? Use got a bad habit of not listening, correcto? I hopes use speaks Spanish. On the count of three use gonna hear a boom, diddy boom, diddy, diddy, boom, boom.”
“You selling beats on the side,” I said.
What happened next was more than a boom, diddy boom, diddy, diddy, boom, boom. I don’t create beats, but I’ll say it might make you forget Roll Em Pete by Big Joe Turner and Pete Johnson.
“LC, you are the master,” said La Flor holding a small umbrella over head to shield her from the dust, smoke and following debris. ”
I stared at Francine’s front door, it wasn’t there. All the windows in the front of the house were blown out. The house was shuddering as if a 7.2 earthquake hit. The five chimneys were gone. So was the portico.
Lil Carlo stood next to me and tapped me on the arm with his gun, “Da kids got a knack for getting the door open. He gets too excited, maybe next time, he’ll cut back on the boom, diddy boom, diddy, diddy, boom, boom.”
“You do beats?” I asked.
“Only to supplement my income as a hit man.”
In the distance sirens.
La Flor walked over to me, “Suggestion.”
“What?”
“Let’s get out of here.”
Where is this story going? I’m going email Matt Damon, maybe he’ll know. Come by tomorrow to see if we make out without being arrested.
The Simple Things of Life
Want to feel a bit better? Connecting with the simple things in life works wonders. Life’s pleasures surround us. It’s always a good time to slow down, smile more, enjoy a good conversation and cup of coffee with a best friend. Simple things make big differences in the quality of our lives. The following video shares the simple things of life that bring joy.
Fight On! You’ll Make It
Struggling to catch your dream? Fighting your way through writer’s block? Wondering if anyone but the person who loves you most will appreciate your talent? Join the club. It’s part of the initiation process to see if you and I are worthy to reach the dream. Fight on. Don’t quit. Okay, discouragement happens. It’s one of the club’s perquisites. Fight on. This short video will inspire you to fight on and help you to understand why you MUST persevere.
THE GAP by Ira Glass from Daniel Sax on Vimeo.
Renewing Imagination
Remember when you were a child and you entered a world you created? You and I still have our childlike imagination. Perhaps we’ve stored it in a closet or the attic. It’s time to find it, dust it off, and put to use to renew our life, renew our relationships, renew our community. Enjoy a 1 minute Vimeo video and let your imagination soar.
The Journey of Imagination from Wildek Entertainment on Vimeo.
She’s A Snob’s Snob
I feel like I’m walking in quicksand. I’m sinking deeper and deeper into La Flor’s world. Yesterday, La Flor told me her resume matched up perfectly with a job opening working for Big Carmen in his “other” business. You know about his “other” business. She invited me to work for Big Carmen. I passed, again. I hired a plumber to unclog my toilet after O’Leary stopped by to use it. I didn’t realize donuts had that much fiber. My front door is back on its hinges. I hope LC remembers to use the nob instead of his shoulder the next time he opens it. I’m going to talk La Flor out of working for Big Carmen. Let’s see how it goes.
La Flor and LC were out late last night, they’re sleeping in this morning. The house is quiet, until I hear, “LC, please get me a cup of coffee. I can smell it. Ray must have made it for me.”
Huh?
LC walked out of the bedroom in his pajama bottoms, hairy chest, disheveled hear, rubbing his eyes. It’s not his best look. He sees me, “Ray-mo is dis what they calls da break of day?”
I ignored his question. I already have La Flor’s coffee in her favorite mug, the one with her image on the side, “It’s over there, LC. Do you have a hangover?”
LC pretended as he didn’t hear me. He walked over to the coffee maker and grabbed hold of La Flor’s coffee cup, “Do use tinks, my beautiful, tough, and edgy woman will notice if I takes a sippy?”
“What do you think, LC? I’m not helping you if you do,” I said.
“Geez, can I has a sippy of yours?” said LC.
LC took my cup and walked back to the bedroom. A moment later LC reappeared, “Ray-mo, use got any bagels left? I got to toast one, spread cream cheese on it, cut it into fourths, and brings it with a nappy to my beautiful, tough, and edgy woman.”
“Yes, there are two bagels left, I was saving one for …”
“Me? Tanks. I won’t forgets dis,” said LC.
Dear reader, do you think this is a one time occurrence? I think not. It happens at least five times a week. LC is getting in shape running back and forth from the bedroom waiting on La Flor. He doesn’t seem to mind. A hour later, La Flor makes her entrance. I’ll rephrase that, the queen makes her entrance. Not a hair out of place, makeup perfectly applied, clothes and attitude – casual chic.
“La Flor, we need to talk. You can’t work for Big Carmen,” I said.
“Ray, Ray, Ray. You are the epitome of jealousy. You cringe when others are successful. You envy brilliant minds like Big Carmen’s and mine. You become so insecure when our shadows fall upon you.”
So much for a dialogue this morning.
“You’ve accepted the job? Do you know what this means? Are you ready to face the consequences?”
“Those are the wrong questions, Ray. You should ask, “Can I throw a party for you for being so successful? That would be good for starters.”
“Let’s have a civil discussion, La Flor. What will you be doing?” I asked.
“It’s under negotiations. One possibility is to be wheelman?”
“Wheelman? Do you know what a wheelman is?”
“Ray, I was born on the weekend, I’m not sure which one. Can you help me here. Another possibility is connoisseur of acquired property, especially jewelry. And, there’s a third option, it’s my fav,” said La Flor.
“Which is?” I asked.
“Teaming with LC so the Feds and local police don’t get too interested.”
“Did use call me, beautiful, tough, and edgy one? What does use need? I am at use beck and call. I am use dog and pony show. I am use gopher. What use wants, considers it done.”
“I see your teamwork is already paying off,” I said.
“Listen, Ray. I’m only going to say this to you. I want you to go with LC and me tonight. We’re going to case Francine Peony’s mansion.”
“Francine Peony, the famous writer? She’s always on the talk shows. Your going rob her place?”
“No. Big Carmen acquired an invitation to her party so the three of us can go. You can help us take notes of her jewelry, paintings, and other expensive items and report to Big Carmen.”
“You can’t do that,” I said.
“Francine is the snob’s snob. A little humility will be good for her. Now don’t say a word.”
Before I can speak, “Open up, it’s the police.”
“LC, let O’Leary in,” I said.
O’Leary comes in carrying a cup of to go coffee and a bag from MacDonald’s. “I’m on break. I don’t like to eat alone, so’s I taught I’d stop by.”
“Is that a happy meal?” I said.
O’Leary nods. “I skip the donuts today to keep my weight down. I like to keep my snacks light so’s I can keep trim and fit.”
I can’t see his belt. His belly is smothering it.
“Before I sits down. I’m going to turn around. Tell me if use can see my wire.”
“You’re wired,” I said.
“You betcha.”
“Who you after?” I asked, worried it was someone in the house.
“I’m not quite sure, but when I find them, I’ll know.” O’Leary turned around.
I said, “This is not police department issue. You going rogue?”
“How did you know?” asked O’Leary.
“You’re wearing the wire on the outside of your coat.”
Oh my. What’s going to happen at Francine Peon’s party? Come by tomorrow to find out.
Love Creates Miracles
Love always wins. Love conquers hate. Love creates miracles. Two men, from a culture far different from mine, teach me about love. They teach me about friendship. They teach me about the value of working together. They teach me about caring for the environment. If I could, I would personally thank them for being an example for me and all who watch this short Vimeo video.
“I Am His Hands. He Is My Eyes.” The Friendship That Built a Forest from Great Big Story on Vimeo.
You Can’t Keep Straddling The Fence
Why did I create La Flor? I’d like to uncreate her, but I can’t. She won’t let me. Okay, I get it. She’s beautiful, tough, and edgy. But she’s walking a fine line. On one hand, she’s La Flor. On the other, she likes bad boys. She head over heels over LC and waiting in the wings is Big Carmen, LC’s father, and head of the mob. She’s been a PI, lawyer, doctor, model, matchmaker, what’s next? Her matchmaker episode almost got me arrested for withholding evidence from O’Leary, the Irish cop. What was the evidence? A cream filled donut O’Leary wanted. I hear La Flor coming out her bedroom, let’s see what she’s up to today.
“Hi Ray, writing another boring blog?” said La Flor staring at her iPhone X as she walked by.
“No, my blogs are insightful, inspirational, and lots of fun,” I said.
“Why are you defensive, Ray? Don’t answer it, because you don’t know the answer, but La Flor does,” said La Flor switching into third person as easily as switching into the passing lane on a divided highway.
“Okay, why am I defensive?” I asked.
“Oh my, Ray’s asking for advice? Here’s the deal, you can’t keep straddling the fence. You’ve got to stop walking on the balance beam. You’re so close to edge you’re about to fall in oblivion. One step the wrong way and the alligators will have you for a snack.”
“Enough with the metaphors, La Flor. What tightrope am I walking? How far out on the edge am I? Am I walking on thin ice?”
Sorry, readers. It’s the only way one can communicate around here and have any chance of being understood. The odds are still 100 to 1 against me.
“LC and I think you’d be a perfect fit in the organization,” said La Flor.
“The organization? What are you talking about?”
“Big Carmen’s charitable organization where he gets donations from the rich and gives part of them to the poor. He’s thinking of expanding, ” said La Flor.
“No thanks.”
“Big Carmen told me he needs someone who is beautiful, tough, and edgy to work full time in his unadvertised business. My resume is perfect.”
“You haven’t agreed, have you?” I asked.
Before La Flor can answer, an explosion from the front part of the house. “Geez, Ray-mo, use needs better hinges. I busted use door trying to open it,” Hollered LC from the entry way.
I hollered back, “Did you try the nob or use your shoulder again?”
From the front foyer, “I taught da nob was for decoration.”
“Easy mistake,” said La Flor.
LC slid into the living room on his knees holding a brief case and offering it to La Flor as some sort of gift or sacrifice. I’m not sure which.
La Flor placed the briefcase down. She patted LC on his head, then said, “Before I open it, I don’t want to be disappointed. I going to do the checklist. Did you get their cell phones?”
“Checks.”
“Did you get all the swag bags?”
“Check a doddle.”
“Did you take all their diet pills, caffeine laced tablets, and baggies of cocaine.”
“Eyes over it like pepperoni on pizza, which by the way is the special tonight at Carmen’s Pizzeria for only six ninety-two for pickup. Delivery, you got to add two dollars.”
“Perfect. Let’s sit down and open it. I want you toss the diet pills, caffeine tablets, and cocaine. I’ll keep the swag bags and cell phones.”
“Hold on,” I said.
“Ignore him, LC. He’s going to go into one of his preachy moods again.”
“I’ll tunes my brain to FM 101.3. They play my favs,” said LC.
“FYI, Ray. LC and I don’t believe in putting drugs in your body. Most of models are anorexic, so we’re doing a big fav for them,” said La Flor.
On the street. A siren. The screeching of brakes. A car door slamming. A knock on the front door, “Open up it’s the police.”
LC hollered, “That use, O’Leary?”
“Yah. I gotta go. Can I use the toilet?”
La Flor hollered, “Yes, but use the one in Ray’s room.”
Ten minutes later, O’Leary saunters into the living room, “Use gonna need a plunger a little later, Ray. I advise staying away for an hour or so.”
La Flor went to the kitchen. She came back a minute later, “I stopped Ray from eating all the donuts this morning. I hoped you’d come by. Here’s a bag of six of your favs.”
“Tanks. I need some help. Somebody stole all the swag bags and purses from the Elite Model’s show. We found the purses next to the dumpster, but they didn’t have nothing in them. Any word on the street?”
La Flor doesn’t miss a beat, “I don’t want to send you in the wrong direction, but I saw something on, was it Facebook? Twitter? Snapchat? Instagram? Oh, one them.”
“Gives it to me, I bust this case, I might a promo,” said O’Leary. His voice muffled by a donut that filled up eighty percent of his oral cavity.
“I hear it was Tonya La Twerp. I mean Tonya Come Lately. I mean Tonya Too Little. I mean Tonya Trouble with two capital Ts.”
“Use telling me this was a gang effort? I’m counting four perps.”
“Das is correcto,” said LC.
“I don’t know Spanish. Can use say it in English?” said O’Leary.
This is how it went as O’Leary ate one donut after another. He left when I crossed my heart promising there were no more donuts in the house. O’Leary said he was out to take the gang of four Tonya’s off the street for good.
Come back tomorrow to see how it plays out.
Everyone Needs A Friend
Everyone needs a friend. We need someone who’ll set everything down when we need a hand.We need someone who’ll listen and listen until we feel better.We need someone who will accept us for who we are, warts and all, and still love us. Ye, we all need a friend. That’s the kind of friend I want to be. A young girl teaches us about friendship in short Vimeo video. Enjoy!
The Deer Whisperer from Brad Herring on Vimeo.
