It’s a cold, rainy night; the clock says eleven PM. I’ll make several corrections to this message published mid-day.

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Another dark, cold, rainy day in East Texas. I’m “penned in” again–in my less than (<) three-hundred square foot trailer. All morning, I have been reading the sixty-four page book titled One Foot Makes a Difference, by Orville L. Schinke.

Orville lies in bed–in a convalescent home in Livingston. I speculate that he is “pinned out.” Few, if any, manuscripts will be written. (Correction: penned.)

“Orv” and his wife, Marge, moved to our CARE Center barely four months ago. Half that time, he has been in the hospital or convalescent home.

I am more than (>) eager to “pin” a new message while the weather keeps me in my comfortable “pen.” The title of Orville’s book, One Foot Makes a Difference, refers to the distance between our head and our heart. I’m not certain exactly what words to type but my heart dictates that I prepare this blog message. (At 11:00 PM, my head dictates that spelling errors must be corrected.)

My “heart” is bursting with gratitude for four recent phone calls. People care for me and took time to call!! Fifty years ago–in a square dance club–a friendship developed between myself and Christine. A young man named David K entered my life approximately thirty-six years ago–during a very dark period in my life-history. It has been years… but he hasn’t forgotten. ~~ Seven years ago, I purchased my 2006 KIA Sportage–and the former owner, Charles, called (again) to inquire about my health and well-being. ~~ Four years ago–while traveling through the New England states (with my 2006 KIA and 2004 T@B teardrop trailer) –a thoughtful, considerate young woman, Debbie, extended her hand in friendship.

Today I “got acquainted” with a man through his writings. Maybe (as I wrote in an earlier blog) a grandchild, or great-grandchild, will research my name and “get acquainted” with a woman they seldom, if ever, saw. “One foot makes a difference”: Head, heart!!

Greater than, less than…. Maybe this message doesn’t convey what’s in my heart?? People leave an imprint on our lives–both good and bad. It is my prayer that–in this New Year–I share kindness, consideration and love. Furthermore, I want people to know that my (good) actions come from a love of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “What Would Jesus Do?”  My sincere apology if I said–or pinned–hurtful words. (Correction: penned.)

Suggestion: Read Orville’s book.

Captured by Grace, details about the life of Louis Zamperini.

Quite honestly, I would probably have to drive over sixty miles to a movie theater showing the movie Unbroken. But–courtesy of my television set–and Daystar—I watched Louis Zamperini tell his story in a Billy Graham film.

Check it out?!

Today, the Rose Parade honored Mr. Zamperini.

Footnote: It’s possible Louis Zamerini and I worshiped in the same congregation: First Presbyterian Church Of Hollywood. My husband and I worshiped (1978-1983) under the ministry of Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie.

Been there; done that!! If at all possible, I never miss watching the Rose Parade from Pasadena, California*. Today, early morning, it was warmer in Livingston, Texas!! I’ve searched on-line for images of some of my favorite floats. Maybe later??

Watching the parade was a bright spot in an otherwise dark, cold, rainy, depressing day!! I’m so eager for sunshine. ~~ Plants are still protected from the cold (tomato plant is still in my living room).

Lunch was a disappointment: I expected ham (or pork loin) to compliment a traditional New Year’s Day “Southern” meal to usher in a year of “good luck and prosperity.” Many years ago–for the fun of it–it was a ritual to prepare black-eye peas, cabbage (or sauerkraut), cornbread and ham (or pork loin). I’m not superstitious; it was “for the fun of it.” Here’s an interesting article about the New Year’s Day menu.

* While living in Southern California, I always watched the KTLA-channel 5 broadcast of the Rose Parade. Like the author of this article, I, too, loved announcers Stephanie Edwards and Bob Eubanks. Like the author… I, too, watched the rebroadcast over and over because the parade moves so fast we can’t see everything the first time. (Sadly, in Texas, I haven’t found any stations rebroadcasting!!)

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 15,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 6 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

The Houston TV news announced–shortly after 5:00 PM–freezing temperature tonight for Livingston. We’ve had no previous forecast of that dip in temperatures. I felt compelled to go out in forty-one degree cold and move perennial plants under the shelter. It didn’t take long… but I got thoroughly chilled. The tomato plant came into the trailer.

I’ve experienced a relapse, health wise, and spent the day wrapped in a blanket, in my easy chair. I need to do laundry!! It is near the door, ready for a trip to the laundry room in the nearby RV Park.

A friend provided a “trailer size” washing machine (Christmas present). It is a quality item that will be used at a later date.

“Better to write for yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no self.” ~ Cyril Connolly

From the Internet, here are two responses to that quote:

Sometimes … writing is a journey…and an author composes ‘works’ with the same motives a carpenter builds his constructions with.

Art plays it’s part in all things … and written words are no different, other than they sometimes have a ‘ life’ all their own.

Time and truth and intimacy have made artists of authors who wrote for the simple pleasure of composition and declaration of concepts or ideology’s…

A ‘writing’ that out-lives its composer becomes a heritage, maybe even a society, or a culture, an environment, or an age….
I hope an aspiring writer would write because he loves to do so.

Asker’s rating & comment

This answer really spoke to me. I believe writing is an art and its great to be able to reach the public with your craft but I think if one does something solely for public adulation then something is lost along the journey. I write because I love it and not for money or fame or any other reason.

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I heard the quote on a TV program, quickly jotted it down, then searched the Internet for details.  ~~ I write blog messages for my pleasure. Truthfully, I only have one faithful follower. ~~ It is my hope and prayer that–eventually–grandchildren and great-grandchildren will wish to “get acquainted”… and read the messages prepared by Grandma.

Expressing one’s self ?!

Old Man Winter is probably getting a big laugh. “Gotcha!!” The last couple of days have been cold–with lots of rain. My propane is depleted; my trailer has been COLD!! Fortunately, I have lots of bedding so my bed is the warmest place in my home. ~~ A holiday weekend is NOT an ideal time to run out of propane!!

Gratefully, I have a portable electric heater (near my computer, ha) but inadequate for my trailer home. Fifty-eight degrees indoors; forty degrees outside–7:30 AM.

Postscript, 1:00 PM: “Maintenance” came and switched propane tanks. Two of my three tanks were empty!! Fearing there might be a leak, “maintenance” called for a service worker from a propane company to run a test. “No leaks.” That’s good news but that information cost $40.00. ~~ FYI: Because the third tank is almost empty, I’m still running the electric heater. It is sixty-six degrees inside my trailer and forty-eight degrees outdoors. I’m wearing a sweatshirt–and a hat!!

This morning the NBC Today Show presented a story about Scott Rigsby. I was mesmerized as I watched the film; I had goosebumps–and tears in my eyes. Click the red link; check the Internet for numerous links detailing his experience. 

Merry Christmas Lorraine!! Life is good!!

Recent purchases I call my Christmas gifts. The Philip Stein technology really works and I’m enjoying good nights sleep!! When I’m sick, or it is raining hard (like today), I have television reception (without contract and monthly payments).

FYI: Feeling “good” for the first time in two weeks!!

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