Today there was a buzz in the air at Costco. People seemed to have an extra spring in their step and a smile on their face. After enduring two days of rain and dreariness, the sun decided to make an appearance. Costco was filled with flowering hydrangeas, orchids, tomato plants, palms and trees. Lots of inspiration for fixing my very sad looking yard. My demonstration area was surrounded by all sorts of water sports items - paddle boats, paddle boards, one and two person kayaks, inflatable boats, pools, floats and surfboards. For a moment I had a strong desire to don a bathing suit. Oooooooh...then the mental image of me in a suit hit the brain. Maybe not.
Conversation with customers today was as special as the weather was good. I spent a good long while talking with fellow Gator, Doris. She lost her husband recently to a heart attack and is having a difficult time without him. I shared my view of dealing with the death of my grandmother years ago. After a year of grieving and feeling sad every time I thought of her,I decided this is not how she would want me to go on. Mema would want me to smile when I thought of her. I included many of her things throughout my home and feel comforted when I see them. Mema triggers were adopted...the sound a train whistle and the appearance of a cardinal is Mema saying Hi! I quickly scoop the bubbles from a freshly poured cup of tea for good luck...just the way Mema did all my life. I wear her antique pendant when I need to find extra strength to conquer a challenge. It works! I replaced the feelings of loss with feelings of comfort. Doris listened intently and seemed to genuinely enjoy our conversation. You could see glimpses of the joy and affection she felt for her husband hiding beneath the sadness. I hope the talk helped. Somehow I think it did.
After staring at the Seafood Road Show for 5 hours, I decided shrimp was on the menu tonight. The pound of tiger shrimp I purchased after work was simply prepared. I shelled the shrimp, wrapped them in prosciutto, seasoned with a little pepper and sauteed in olive oil and a little butter. The result was absolutely delicious. I served it with my favorite sides - roasted asparagus with toasted pecans and yellow rice. Dessert was a slice of Red Velvet Cake from Costco and a cup a really strong coffee. It feels so good to be back in the kitchen with something other than cookie dough.
Many hugs,
Kathy
No comments:
Post a Comment