“Another – Aunt Irene – Memory…”
When – one takes the time to think back over all the years that they have known Aunt Irene – well… there are all kinds of things – that just start popping into one’s mind!
Just from the thoughts about the memory of what was written for and about “yesterday” – saving a dime or two – when you would be going by “BUS” somewhere – and then if you were to be sure to remember… to get a “Transfer Ticket” – well – then …you could figure out – “how can I go in to that direction – and still use the same “Transfer Ticket” to continue on to the final destination???”
Way back and when I was going to “HIGH SCHOOL” – my Aunt Irene would call me the night before – that – she would want – for me to stop by her apartment – as she would have something for either me or for my MOTHER? When you are a teenager and have lots of “get up and go” – as I did… I sure did not mind going here and there – even though – sometimes – that “which” I was doing and going after – to me ended up as totally not worth any of my time??
On this one occasion… someone in the apartment building – a young lady who modeled shoes – was allowed to keep some of the “sample” shoes that she modeled – and “her” size was the same as mine… so – – – My good Aunt Irene collected a few boxes of these “sample type” shoes – since …and I’m guessing… she thought that I would like and wear these shoes??? Well… that was not to be the case!
When …I made my way home via the public “Bus” transportation way – with a couple of transferring connections – that is on and off one “BUS” and on and off another “BUS” – and having to carry a few shoe boxes – in addition to my armful of school books… I sort of had enough of a “good” thing! Naturally, the first thing when – I got home – was to see what was so “special” about these shoes??
In most homes… no problem with their young daughters wearing “High Heel” shoes??? And …don’t forget “FREE” shoes – to boot! Well, I sure did not know before this… but – and …when my MOTHER was much younger – and early in the marriage – she miss-carried – falling down the stairs, as her high heel shoes caught on something? I did not believe her… so she showed me the shoes – – as these were so nice – but a constant reminder – that the shoes that you think are nice – could kill you!
Well, the shoes were nice and I did manage to keep “one” pair – but the rest… I took and sold to a “Second-Hand Dealer” on Florissant Road and the side street near the “Public School” – just a couple of blocks west of North Grand Avenue. Every so often, Aunt Irene would give to me something that someone in the apartment building was getting rid of – an item that was probably still good and or useful – for something or someone – so…as long as I knew where I could take the items and collect some amount of cash – well… that’s the name of the game! “Right??”… “Right!”…
Back then… there were quite a few “second-hand” stores around and I’m guessing – those were the days when people were getting new stuff – but after purchasing – did not have the nerve to return to the place where purchased – and so a few bucks back at the ‘second-hand store was better than nothing at all??
Now… and just thinking – Aunt Irene and I probably kept a lot of “second-hand” stores in business!
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“Unforgettable memory – Aunt Irene…”
If you want small children to learn something “NEW” and “never – ever” forget it – be sure that they are under the age of seven (7) years of age – and make sure…you are having “FUN” – – – since small children remember those times when they are having more FUN …and the adults are having just as much FUN… with them!
During the early 1940s – – and WWII was also in full swing – that is when everybody was doing their part in trying to help … with the WAR effort – that is even our Aunt Irene – – she was saving – since she would go to the downtown – Saint Louis – department stores – do her ordering and making arrangement for the merchandise to be sent out to her home.
Tuesday – that was the day – as Famous Barr stores gave double “Eagle Stamps” – and by saving on your purchases – well… everyone knows – you then have something for that “raining day” spending.
So… on Tuesdays – when getting on the BUS to come back home – Aunt Irene would be sure to get a “Transfer Ticket” so that she could catch the next BUS – that is after having made a stop … at our house. Aunt Irene would be at our house before noon – and sometimes even had lunch with us. Then, she would always sit at my Mother’s sewing machine and either be making something for me or do some mending.
My two brothers and I would be standing around her as she would always have so much to say… but on this one occasion she taught us a “NEW SONG” that was very popular at the time on the radio. This “song” had words that – when you sang them a little fast and to the music as she did – you really didn’t know what you were singing – because it sure did sound “funny to your ears” and that was the whole idea of this song – – a play on the words – and as a little kid – I did not realize that then, and not until I was working for the “Telephone Company” and I was working on the night shift.
We – that is – just a few workers – on the “night shift” and sometimes – so few calls coming through for assistance – that we “girls” had some spare time to talk about all kinds of silly stuff – which lead me to asking “Big MARY” – as she was a singer for some organizations on the side – I had ask her if she knew this old song and if she knew all the words???
““Mares eat oats, and “Does” eat oats, and Little Lambs eat ivy – a Kid will eat ivy too, Wouldn’t you? — If the words sound queer and funny to your ears — a little bit Jumbly and Jivey, sing – etc., — you could go on with this forever.”“
The words above are the correct words – but the way that I was singing them to “Big Mary” – well – she sure let me in on the whole song – the way – I should say – the correct way to sing this song – and that with the correct words – and sung fast … well that is where …the Jumbly and Jivey …do their thing.
I am guessing that this learning lesson came about when I was re-hired by the “Telephone Company” for the third or fourth time – as I had worked for them five (5) different times – Oh – almost forgot – I may have been in my 30’s … – took all that time to learn the correct and coolest words to an old song – that our “Aunt Irene”… taught us three little kids… in maybe 1944???
Try singing those words and see if you don’t remember that old song – and then try to forget it – – That is one “old” song that just hangs on in the “memory bank” – forever!!!
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“You are always “YOUNG” – with Thoughtfulness!”
Think back – as far back as you can – to – when you received – your very first Letter, addressed with only your “NAME” on the envelope? Maybe, instead of a LETTER – you received a “BIRTHDAY CARD” for one of your earlier birthdays – and this may have been before you had started going to school? You were so young – and NOW – you are given an envelope with just YOUR name…YOU LOVE seeing only your name on the envelope – and everyone that comes to your house – you have to show them – what you have received – and it was only addressed to YOU!
“WOW!” – There is someone… somewhere in this world – who is thinking of just “little ole you” and they hardly even know you?? This does make a big impression on you – this is something that you really do like! Somewhere in the back of your brain – something is beginning to work. This is something you let your brain think about – and you continue to give more and more thought – until you finally start to ask questions of your parents and maybe even some of your friends?
Thoughtfulness…how does one teach this superb characteristic to one’s children – so that – they will soon learn… that in just being thoughtful in all manner of our daily living – we all seem to be happier and live with a more joyfulness in our own hearts – it is like passing on LOVE – to another – in very good ways – that the youngsters will copy and soon – without even a second thought – be sharing LOVE through their own very simple thoughtfulness – in a giving forward spirit of LOVE – that as one grows older – can see that they have attained the one GIFT of LIFE – that we all want …and that is the feeling of YOUR – being always… “YOUNG of HEART!
It does not take much to start a “YOUNG of HEART” program in your household – when your young children have birthdays or any of the other celebrations you enjoy – see to it – that an envelope is mailed with a card to the youngster …with just their very own NAME – and let them receive it and open it and get that feeling that they are LOVED so much… that they are ready to always – be receiving special mail – just for them to enjoy – and forever.
It also helps – at this same time to get the real idea of THOUGHTFULNESS in motion…Now have a notebook for the child to record the name and address and phone number of that sender – so that at some time in the future – your child would be ready to also send to them a card of THANKS or maybe for a birthday or some similar occasion – letting the child know – that for them to also send out mail – that their friend or relative will also be receiving that same LOVE – that LOVE that the child felt – and that is what makes for all of our friendships to last – forever!
As a PARENT and even for a GRAND-PARENT – – there will be a TIME in LIFE – when you may not feel as young as you once did – but – if you find that there are children and or grand-children nearby or even miles away …this is where you will soon be as “young as you want to be” – just start a “Thoughtfulness” program with those youngsters – and start sharing so much of your – LOVE – that you will soon be getting that good old feeling …back – You are as young as when you were also in full bloom – in your twenties – or whenever you felt so young – that everything – you were doing – was just the best of all the JOYS of your LIFE!
“Having young children around – makes you feel just as young as the children – that’s the secret of LIFE – YOU are as YOUNG as you want to feel!”
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“What would “YOU”say is – YOUR GREATEST…?”
At some point in TIME… everyone does something – that they would or could brag on – as having been their “GREATEST”… so – what is your – “GREATEST?” (The door is wide open…??)
After all is said and done in LIFE – when we think back on the multitude of accomplishments – you are able to think of this – once in a “LIFE – TIME” – – as the “something” that you would have to say… was your “15 minute of FAME!”
The idea of this checking – out of yourself – is for “YOU” – to try to remember – what and where you were on your journey through LIFE… and if anything at all jumps out at you – in this thinking process – “What in the world did I do … that – anybody would even think – that- “this” was outstanding – just because – there I was – and I did it!”
Sometimes when you are deep in thought – about your past LIFE – and it is fuzzy as to what you might even stop – to consider as a spectacular event or happening – – You find that you are drawing a great – big – blank – there’s nothing – at all – worthwhile??? So, NOW – the next step – would be to let your “subconscious” go to work? Try to let the inner being – the “one” who is really in charge of a lot of the things – that are taking place – and there are “some” of which you have no idea – of ?? Or even a “WHY” or “WHAT- FOR” – would – have – I moved in these directions???
From day “ONE” in our LIVES – we are told – what and where to be – and we were told – how and why and always – by you know “WHO” – so that – NOW – you have been completely programmed – just as your MOTHER and FATHER – and they also received the same program – and – NOW – today – you are following in the very same “two-step dance” – from the beginning of all TIME – – NOTHING NEW – – can you even try to be different???
Perhaps… If “YOU” want to be spectacular in some way – it is NOW – HIGH – TIME …for some changes to be made by “YOU” and “YOUR” subconscious – and in a hurry! NOW – is the time to start with your “HABITS” – a thorough cleaning of your house – in that department – the more you work with your subconscious – the better for you – and also – you will soon find – that you will have made spectacular changes becoming “YOUR” future “earning” situation – that – with just a few subtle changes in that “HABIT” department – You will NOW have events going on that even the best of your FRIENDS – will NOW – also – be wanting to know – “Just exactly what are you doing?” “We can hardly believe the NEW YOU!” “Tell us – what did YOU do…?”
New and better “HABITS” are worth “MILLIONS” – in the financial department!
DV
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“What is your …Question…?”
Every day we receive more and more “Questions” about – tomorrow. So – I was wondering … – why worry about something – that – when you stop to think about “it” – that would be “tomorrow” – what in the world can anyone do about “tomorrow” – when “it” is always – just – “TODAY!”
I believe that – there is something in the BIBLE, also – about worrying about tomorrow – and that there is no need … to worry , for to worry in that case is just a waste of your time.
Rather, I feel that it is better – and what is especially needed for everyone in our daily – “TODAY” – is to set up a schedule of being “self” prepared! What are your skills… what kinds of work can you do… and what kind of activities… do you like to participate in? An, Another thing…can you “Lead” – or would you say that you can only “follow”… orders and instructions as given out.
That reminds me…when I first started into HIGHER EDUCATION – and was not too well versed in some of the “questions” – you are asked – they are wanting to determine – what kind of a student and person – what would – I be able to do – to further their agenda, they – asked me – “Are you an Indian Chief – or are you a squaw?” At first – I thought that maybe – I did not hear some important part of this question – so, I did ask – “Could you repeat, your question – and also give me an idea of what that question will be having to do with – this school and my education???”
The answer that I received short and to the point, “Do you – LEAD or FOLLOW?” Some times… I, even now – surprise myself, with some of the stuff that comes out of my mouth, but I said, “Depending on the situation, I can do either- or, and – I have experience in doing both!” So, for you – that are in College – like my MOTHER told me – “YOU are learning to THINK and if you can THINK – you can figure out how to do anything – that’s anything else – that may be required of you!” And the tid-bit answer that I usually give – since – this is also from my MOTHER, “Put that in your bonnet – and smoke it!” (You can laugh – if you like???)
What all of that means – is… that in “YOUR” – LIFE – TODAY – one must start to “THINK” on your – own two-feet and do so quickly? The world is turning and it is not going to slow down – just and – so that you can figure out what you must do in this situation – that you have us in??? Time is a wasting – get with the flow – do it NOW or never – but you have to do something – since everyone is depending on “you” – to do your fair share, NOW.
Everyone – and this is “me” thinking – out loud – so take it for what it’s worth – “If something NOW needs to be done – do it” – “You are here and no one else is available – so don’t wait – take FULL charge of the situation – if you don’t – there will not be anything to be taken care of – if you wait – just five minutes, more!” If you have ever signed a contract …what were the words either spelled out – or you were told, loud and clear…”TIME is of the essence!” So “it” is NOW …TODAY – – – “Tomorrow” never gets here – but for everything to happen correctly in the future – TIME of LIFE – YOU and I must be prepared with good plans of action – and – those PLANS have to be the – BEST of PLANS – we must keep them on the front burner of our LIVES- keep reviewing and planning – as others could have plans that do not correctly coincide with ours – and if we feel that we have the orientation – we cannot let the plans just sit on a dusty and unused old shelf!??
“TOP DRAWER ACTION taken TODAY – makes for a very BRIGHT FUTURE!”
DV
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“Happy People Share…their Treasure…”
It is through the happy sharing of your treasures that
you show other people that they are treasured.
Always, always remember that.
What is “TREASURE” to you?
That which – you store in your “HEART” – would you call that your “TREASURE?”
Do you enjoy sharing… sharing anything and everything – all of – which you own?
Is it necessary… for someone to ask you… to share?
Do and can… you see a need… and then go about – taking care to fix those needs?
Would you be able … to say that – you are “HAPPY” to give… and even “HAPPIER” after having done a superb job … of freely helping … where there was a true need?
Today… there are all kinds of people – trying to sell everyone the idea – that if you will give to them… then…you will receive ten times and or more than you donated to them. It is like the Almighty in Heaven is holding His cash register drawer, open – and whatever you just gave someone – this someone… who is pouring it on – “HOT and HEAVY” – that – NOW you will soon receive – so much more – just because – that is the way of “true” giving???
Sometimes… you have to stop and really think – are there really that many “FOOLS” here on earth… that feel – that if you talk them them into giving to your organization- – and – you do give – and so generously – – that you have some kind of inside track leading to Heaven – and on your words’ of a promise – this is a better deal – than you would receive – that is… better – than – If, you would have invested in the “Stock Market” or even deposited your money – in some high paying – “get-rich-quick” scheme?? Could that have been – “Barnum and Bailey” that said… “There’s a fool born every minute?” “Is there something to that thought???”
In “TODAY’s” world – there must be more “FOOLS” than ever??? The “GET-Rich” quick ideas are now… everywhere – everybody has some way to take advantage of his neighbor – and with such convincing talk – sometimes – you wonder – “Where is this entire crazy scamming trickery… coming from?? How does one – talk to their self – and convince their self – that they are doing good for someone else by taking all of their treasures – by some “out foxing” scheme – and – then – still … be able to get a good night’s sleep?? They seem to have no fear that – this “scheme operation” will catch up with them – and they will soon be sitting behind bars???
“Happy is …as HAPPY does…” Just always being a “Cheerful and HAPPY Person” – is the way to go through this – LIFE. Being able to give and share freely… and often – makes for better health – as you will have no time for the aches and pains that will try to come and attack you. – “You are in top health – since you are so cheerful” – this “HAPPY and CHEERFUL” type person is so busy sowing “GOOD SEED” to the world – only kindness and goodness will dare to follow!
My feeling on this “GIVING” and on the amount of your “Generosity” is something that should be done – without having it announced from the highest “ROOF TOP” – since, you have then… received anything and everything you wanted – but – by giving in secret, and from your generous heart of your special treasures – your real reward will be the “TREASURES” that will come …. When we enter into eternity! – That’s where, I want my “TREASURE CHEST” to be full and waiting for me!
DV
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