Wednesday, February 19, 2014

eating alone


Yesterday I helped measure the jr. high kids for their play costumes. They will be preforming Joseph and the Technicolor Dream coat at the beginning of May.  Everyone must participate.
ALL SKATE.
(ha! who remembers that?)

 It was in the middle of the day and we finished about two hours before Katie would be out of school.  I decided to stay in town and have lunch.  (I drove past the restaurant and then turned around and came back to it...I was almost going home.  It takes 1/2 hour to drive home and then I would be turning right around and coming back.)

I chose a seat (picked my seat...hahaha) facing the street so I wouldn't have to look at people looking at me....sitting alone.  I had my phone and told myself I could read my book. (Winter Watch by Anita Klumpers)  But....I ended up eating my delicious hamburger and running thru the apps on my phone. ...
There's Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, my blog and a game.  Such a big huge distraction, that phone.  A wonderful little lunch friend for the lonely.

So I went to get Katie and had to wait a little bit outside the school.  Katie was staying late for some math help.  Katie has a hard time keeping up with all the school work.  She is up late and working sometimes three hours a night.  (This is particularly hard for me as she has been in school for SEVEN hours already.   WHY more work?)  But I will say that she tries very hard and she has not thrown in the towel and for that I am very proud of her and her good attitude.  He takes my pep talks and encouragement very well...and for that I am so thankful.


Out to lunch. Solo.

I like how this black and white turned out.  darks...and lights... pretty nice for a phone edit.



****

I don't know if you spotted it in the comments, but Jep has shingles.  Many of us responded to her but for some odd reason the replies bounced all over and didn't line up under her comment.  She is such a faithful prayer warrior for all of us, I wanted to make sure you knew she was ill.  She acts like it's not a big deal but I have heard shingles are extremely painful.

God bless you Jep. Get well soon.


*****

Is anyone watching Jimmy Fallon?  American Idol?



Lots of love,
Donna





45 comments:

  1. I DVR'd and then watched most of the first Jimmy Fallon. I had already read an article about how well it was designed to keep his fans happy and at the same time introduce those new to him. The $100 bet bit apparently was showing us that he has lots of friends in the business and will be able to score great guests. I just thought it was cute! I loved the shout out to his parents in the audience. He seems much more like Johnny Carson than Jay ever did, and so far, I prefer it. Bring on the goofy fun at bedtime.

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  2. God bless you, dear jep - May you feel our prayers lifting you up. Bless your heart.

    Donna, great pic of your water - your view of the world. I love it :-)

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  3. Anonymous10:26 AM

    Oh, you brought tears to my eyes Dear Donna. Thank you for the prayers. I am in much better shape than stories I have heard from friends. Not fun, but not too bad. I have a buddy in Nebraska who is also sick and we are emailing prayers back and forth. Prayer Works!!!

    Enjoyed your blog today so much. I have eaten alone often and always had a book…now we have our trusty phones. Beautiful black and white photo….some day I want to come there. Our youngest son studied late into the night so often. I would go in and rub his back and then go back to bed. I am not a good late night person. Thank you for your prayers.
    love and prayers, jep

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    Replies
    1. Prayers for you, jep! I hope they run their course quickly!

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    2. Amen, prayer does work! {{{LIKE}}} :-)

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    3. Praying for jep. When you are a natural giver, it's hard to receive. May God use this time in a special way.

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    4. Anonymous11:12 AM

      Prayers to jep...jep - you have been so kind in praying for me as well...so much love and health and strength to you.
      Gina

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    5. Praying for you jep. I hope you are well soon. Keep the faith!

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    6. Prayers for a quick recovery and peace while you endure, blessings and hope while you wait.

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    7. Anonymous2:53 PM

      Dear jep,
      Sorry you have been down with shingles. Not fun. Prayers for peace and grace to you.
      Regards-Jamie

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  4. I do like your photos so much and the way you share your skills with us. Wondering this time, if straightening the photo is a good idea?

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    1. Haha. I didn't notice it wasn't straight. If a photo looks crooked to you then by all means, straighten it. :-)

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  5. Pretty B&W, Donna. All skate! yes, I remember it well. At the pool they have an adult swim (not the raunchy cartoon - who in the world?), but when it's over they announce, "All Swim!". I immediately think of my middle school days at the skating rink. Seals and Crofts "I'll Play for You" and Billy Swan's "I Can Help" take me back there, too. ;) I am watching American Idol this year. Love Harry, Jennifer and Keith together. So refreshing after the painful to watch season last year. I didn't watch it last year it was so bad. I will watch Jimmy Fallon if I'm up. ;)

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    1. There was a real organ player at the rink in Elmhurst Illinois!!! I was in grade school!!

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    2. Elmhurst! I went to that rink!!

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    3. I bet you did!! Maybe we were there at the same time!!

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    4. John and I have a whole series of "Did you go to....on this day?" places, and I am certain that we were there at the same time. I love to think of little Carol and little Donna during all skate...with a live organ! It would make a great movie (-:

      Di

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    5. I call some 1950's-vintage hymns "All Skate"...cuz they have that feel. If we were talking face to face I could give a sample.

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  6. Anonymous10:50 AM

    Lovely phone pic. I like the BW. I don't mind eating alone. But sometimes when I see other people eating alone it makes me feel sad. I don't know why because I have no idea why they are alone. They are probably just fine. : )
    I totally agree with you about the homework thing. Ugh.
    I watched Jimmy Fallon on Monday night. Stayed up late and it was worth it. I really like him. His opening skit was so good. You could see how grateful he is about this. Oh, and I saw about 5 minutes of Jerry Senfield on there last night. The "bedtime routine with the kids" was hilarious because its true.

    Love, prayers and sunshine to you all,
    Sarah P. from Iowa

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  7. If you could exchange those cars for old, vintage ones, Donna, that could be a photo from long ago. It's a beautiful still life.

    Jep, you are in my prayers. I thought of you as I was falling asleep last night, hoping that you were not in much pain.

    Bless Katie and her hard working spirit! I am glad they offer help to struggling students, but I get your thoughts on homework. Bracing myself for that next year.

    Guess what day it is????

    Di

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  8. Hump day??? Your birthday??

    That's my car!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hump DAAAAAYYYYYY!

      My Brennan does the Camel PERFECTLY. He makes me laugh every Wednesday (-:

      Di

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  9. There's something sacramental about that picture. Exquisite.

    Now I'm curious about the day. Hmmmm.

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  10. Love your B&W photo, and the way you can not only write about every day things that seem unimportant but still make them interesting and enjoyable to read...same with the glass of water photo! You are gifted!
    Jimmy Fallon is also gifted. I love his show and his personality. I read and commented on NPR's facebook page yesterday. I thought that to me he is kind of the male/late night version of Ellen DeGeneres, who I also love. They are not the same per se, but both so good-natured and light hearted and fun. Not mean or vulgar. They both crack me up...I love adults who aren't afraid to be silly.

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  11. Thank you Andrea, that is very kind of you.

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  12. I love Joseph! As a child we took a trip to Chicago to watch Donny Osmond perform live...I recently bought the DVD version for my kids and I still knew all the lyrics! My children all cried when he was in jail, even thought they knew the bible story well and that he was going to be OK in the end. It brought to light yet again how sweet and innocent they are. Prayers of strength and comfort to Jep. I had shingles when I was 7 and though the scars have faded I can still remember screaming while Pa rocked me and read the book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever over and over to me.

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  13. Anonymous12:50 PM

    Donna, I LOVE your black and white photo. A pure poetry slice of life. And Jep, I am praying for you. May God relieve your pain and discomfort. Your comments here are always so inspiring and thoughtful and I can just tell what a dear person you are. Sending wishes your way for a full recovery.

    Debbie Z.

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  14. Dawn K2:10 PM

    Great photo (as always)! Yes to Fallon (for the first night--I have to watch last night's online). No to Idol. And I had shingles a few years ago, and IT IS HORRIBLE!!!!!!! My prayers and sympathy are with JEP. I don't wish that pain and discomfort on anyone.

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  15. Anonymous2:18 PM

    Jep, you always have words of comfort and encouragement for everyone here and you are someone I would love to meet in real life. Praying you don't suffer too much and that you heal quickly. xoxo

    Donna, I love your photo. When Molly was younger and I spent a lot of time as her chauffeur, I'd often end up at a Starbuck's or Dunkin Donuts with a book to pass the time. It was such a treat. :)

    Mary Z

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    1. Anonymous2:20 PM

      Oh, and Joseph is one of our faves! Greg directed it as his middle school musical last spring and it was so much fun. I was in it at our church ages ago (before I was a mom) and absolutely love the music.
      Mary Z

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  16. I am watching American Idol. I really wish I had the inside scoop. I really did not like the "Rush" to the stage. The performers seemed kind of manic in the last minute call to sing and run to the stage. Silly idea. I also disliked the top 30/15 that turned out NOT to be the top 30/15 and those poor 5 girls who never got to sing. They have to change things from season to season so the formula doesn't get old, I get that. But those changes didn't add anything, IMHO. My favorite was cut sometime (Hollywood week?). She was the military person. I always root for the military person : ), but she was really good and seemed to have mature performance skills. Maybe they are looking for someone more moldable.

    Your photo is excellent. It sets a mood. It reminds me of Vivian Maier's work. Love your photos always.

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    1. Thank you Rachel. I agree with your AI opinions. Boo for the five girls left behind. Hated that. I liked the doe eyed blonde girl.

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  17. Ouch, shingles. My husband had them, many years ago. He is not a complainer nor a whiner (well, most of the time) but he said they HURT. I'm so sorry, Jep. Praying for minimal pain! [On a related note - don't listen to the old wive's tale that if your shingles go around your body and meet, you will die. That is what my husband's grandfather told him. And though they did encircle his body, my husband is still alive and well.]

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    Replies
    1. Thinking of you as you leave on your mission trip! Traveling Mercies!!!

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    2. Thank you, Donna! Prayers much appreciated - we are experiencing several snags. Two people on our team are leaving loved ones who are near death. Our supplies have not arrived - I am sure the Guatemalans would appreciate having anesthesia! Also please pray our equipment and supplies clear customs with no difficulties. I have never experienced this much anxiety before a mission trip.

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    3. Praying for you Jody.

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  18. Anonymous3:25 PM

    Thank you each one sweet QLCS for your prayers. The medicine is working and I feel better today. Thanks be to God!
    Praying that you will get your supplies and be able to take your trip Jody! God be with you!
    I just ache thinking that a child could have shingles Prairie Wife….so glad you had a loving father here on earth as well as our Father in Heaven to get you through it. love and prayers, jep

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    1. So happy you are feeling better! Thanks for your prayers for us, also!

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  19. Anonymous6:32 PM

    OKAY, so WHERE did you eat? The picture is like stepping back into small town America. LOVE the photo, you are a braver soul than I , to eat alone. I like Jimmy Fallon, but it's the exact same show that he did on his own. Somehow I thought it would be different. I loved him sharing his proud moments with his two parents in the audience..............sweet. Karen F.

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  20. sneaking in both when we can find snippets on you tube. Olympics mania continues here.
    Team USA! I will pray for JEB!

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  21. Oh, so not good about the shingles. I've heard that they are so painful. Your poor friend ~

    Love the b&w edit, Donna.

    And Jimmy Fallon.

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  22. That was a good restaurant! I usually go to lunch with the guys from work but sometimes it is nice to chill out in solitude

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  23. Anonymous6:00 PM

    WHAT was the restaurant??????? Karen F.

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