Influencer Status

Well, this happened today! It’s taken seven decades, but I was told that I am an influencer. No, I am not on TikTok. I don’t have thousands of social media followers, nor am I making money from my fashion statements. However, even in the check-out line at the grocery store, people notice talent.

It’s a funny story. 

My groceries were awaiting their turn on the conveyor belt. Three people were ahead of me, and four behind. Some tall, burly guy asked me, “What is that yellow vegetable you have there?” 

“A spaghetti squash,” I replied.

All the folks in the line, the cashier and the bagger were intrigued and wanted to know, what the heck do you do what that thing!

I proceeded to explain how easy it is to prepare the squash and that it is a great, healthy substitute for pasta. 

The young woman behind me asked, “Are you an influencer? Can I follow you?”

I blushed. I smiled. I said, “Feel free to follow me to my car. But that’s all I’ve got!”

Too bad the sixty seconds of fame and influence were not caught on a reel! (Or whatever young people call that)! Who knew it’s that easy to be influential in a line in the grocery store.

Covidity Series #1

According to Sylvia Plath, “The worst enemy of creativity is self-doubt”. She outta know. In her deepest days of depression, she did her best writing.

However, Sylvia did not have to live in a world of covid. She may have chosen her isolation, but ours was forced upon us. All we had was time; time to waste and write; time to create.

Reminiscing on the COVID days, I uncovered some of my most playful spurts of creativity. Was the art important? Was the prose relevant? No, not really. But those days of covidity sparked a new level of inspiration I had lost for many years.

Women of the Night

Fires at home, wars and earthquakes in faraway places and treacherous weather conditions across our nation. 

And still, the Women of FCC gathered in gratefulness, sitting in a circle of eight. According to numerology, eight is a symbol of infinity, balance, and natural leaders. A space was created to welcome the best of the human spirit. 

We were renewed and refreshed with conversation. Guided by the Light of the Spirit within and around us.

The pastor opened with two timely and stimulating questions on art and belongings. What artwork or experience has touched you or lifted you up as a result of the presence of creativity? 

In an emergency, what will you take with you?

 At first, the questions didn’t seem to connect, but they quickly served to strengthen each of us. We left feeling fuller, richer and stronger for this short time together.

A prayer of the evening to take with you into the day:  Lord of life, you give us time. Now give us the courage to make time for our companions, sisters, brothers, new relationships.

AMEN

Child’s Play

For Christmas and Channukah, Jack received a mop, broom, dustpan, and brush to add to his vacuum cleaner and garbage truck collection. These child-size tools serve many purposes for the little one, from modeling his parents’ activities to hand-eye coordination and developing imaginative play. He has become fascinated with handling the adult rake, broom, leafblower as well as the dust buster replicating the work of landscapers and Granpa D!

At first Jack would push the handheld tools around the house or at the entry to our home. Soon he began to focus on the “work” he was doing. He’d look at dust or a scrap of paper on the floor and exclaim, “Dirty. Jack cleaning.”

He quickly advanced to focus on dirt and repeat the tasks. Outdoors, he swept the rocks from the entry. Once an area was clean, Jack scooped up more pebbles, scattered them, and swept again.

On a mission to master the large rake, he reached under the bushes, gathered up the leaves, and pushed the debris off the curb. When I asked why he was doing this, he replied, “The street sweeper cleans this.”

I realize I have a lot to learn from my 2-year-old grandson.

Jack wasn’t just focusing on the small stuff; he was making a connection from his universe to the outside world. His determination and focus make him unique. He is smart and wise!

This child’s play is important work.