A Sunday Drive

 

While driving along an old country road I happened to notice a farmer flying over his crops.  He was not in an airplane but simply had his arms outstretched, as if he were a bird.  As he glided over his fields he was looking down at all of his hard work.  Each row was straight, all of his crops looked to be doing well. 

What caught my attention were his shoes.  He had on white tennis shoes and not typical farmer boots.  I found that to be very odd.  I wanted to question him about it, but I could see he was busy, so I just kept driving down the road, but I couldn’t help wondering why white?  Farmer work is dirty, surely, he was aware of that.  How long did he expect them to stay looking all white and clean? 

That was going to fester in me for some time.  What would have caused him to pick white shoes.  Maybe they were on sale.  Maybe he didn’t buy them, maybe it was the farmer’s wife who spotted them in the window of the feed store.  Hey – wait, why would a feed store have a window?  And if they did, why would they be selling tennis shoes?

This was getting me nowhere.  I put my window down to get some fresh air but was suddenly hit with the strong aroma of cows.  Quickly I ran it back up and turned on the AC.  If there was anything that could get me to stop thinking about those white tennis shoes, it would be that overpowering stench of cattle.

 

It wasn’t long until I came across a farmer sitting on a folding chair, reading to his barn.  I stopped my car and rolled down my window so I could hear what he was saying.  It sounded like a book of instructions.  He spoke of always having good posture and taking frequent breaks.  Then he told about the importance of guarding against harsh weather and storms.

I soon realized it was a young, new barn and he was teaching it how to get along in life being a barn.  The dos and don’ts of everything.  I couldn’t believe it.  I had just seen my first barn raising.  I wondered if I had crossed over into Amish territory.

 

 

It's time I head back.  Thanks for coming along.

zc 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life between the Lines

 

There are fine and intricate details in each day.

How we travel in and around them requires a delicate

touch and patience.  Knowing where to step is as

 important as knowing when to hold your breath.

 

Between 18th and Fairfax

 

One night, while riding the subway, I encountered an actual gypsy.  They had the appearance of someone whose hygiene had filed a restraining order.  Many of the words spoken by them became snagged on the few teeth that hadn’t abandoned ship, resulting in communication difficulty.  I had no clue what they were talking about, although it seemed quite important to them.

Through simple persistence, I eventually figured out they required change for a dollar, although they had no dollar.  They only wanted that much change.  Based on the difference in our appearance, it didn’t seem like they were asking for much.  I handed them all of my pocket change and two one-dollar bills.  It was just about four dollars total. 

Their facial expression changed greatly.  You would have thought I had just handed him a gold bar.  He took hold of my hand and mumbled something, smiling and bouncing a little with delight.  A passenger who had been sitting on the seat just to our left said, “He gave you a Gypsy blessing.” 

The gypsy got off the subway at the next stop.  I was not familiar at all with gypsy blessings, but I doubted four dollars’ worth was going to change my life.  I made a comment to that affect to the gentleman seated across from me, and he said, “Don’t be too sure.”

to be continued

 

 

 

 

Neither is it Witchcraft

 

It can stop a clock or a horse at full gallop

It can freeze a moment in time

 or see beyond a smile

It can bring a story to life

or show how Life once was

It doesn’t use magic or sorcery

It can help you remember

or become an incriminating factor

It can hold an entire vacation

or become a tiresome weight

It can be used to prove a point

or settle an argument

It has many more uses than originally intended

It has survived some technology

while being surpassed by others.

It can keep a memory alive

and do it from a distance

It can distort or enhance 

It can expose the smallest of details

or consume a mountain range

 

    

            zc

Pesky Advertising

 

It’s what the smart people are doing.  They are buying multiple copies of my book, The Pantry, in case they want to read it more than once.

So, I’m thinking…  If you also want to be smart, you’ll start buying up several copies of The Pantry, some for you and some to hand out as gifts, you know – to your friends and relatives, so they’ll also see that you are wise to the ways of the world.

Then, the next time your book club has an in-depth discussion about The Crow in the Dark Gray Overcoat, you will be able to join right in, sounding like you have first-hand knowledge of that adventure.  (Which you will have).

Simply go to Amazon and type in Harvey Sarkisian,

and when you see The Pantry, click on BUY NOW.

Then just sit back and watch your mailbox.  In almost no time at all a package will be delivered.  It will be addressed to you so it’s OK to open it. 

Find your favorite spot, and with a refreshing beverage, prop your feet up and enjoy.

 

That’s all there is to it.
        (Except to then read your other copies)

 

 

Zc

 

 

 

 

The Absurdity of Idioms

 

You lob a cannonball
        but hurl an insult,

 

Give credit
        but take responsibility,

 

Keep a secret
        but spread rumors,

 

Show appreciation
        but hide your feelings,

 

Jot down a note
        scribble out a memo,

 

Follow your dream
        Lead by example,

 

Go with the flow
        Stop, drop & roll,

 

Chew your food
        Swallow your pride

 

Speak your mind
        Listen & learn,

 

Starve a cold
        Stuff a fever,

Kick around ideas
        Run it up the flagpole,

 

 

Still think it would be fun to have my Brain?

 

 

 

 

 

It's that time of year...

 

The view out of the front window shows me everything is covered by a fluffy blanket of snow.  Even the branches on the trees hold up their offerings, showing winter’s arrival. 

The neighbor’s house sparkles with Christmas lights and festive lawn animals, all in frozen place.  I can see the smoke rising from their chimney.  Hopefully that will be long gone before Santa attempts his entrance.

My neighborhood is presently a Christmas card. In the distance I can hear caroling and it makes me want to make hot chocolate.  I should fix enough so I can offer it to the carolers when they reach my house.  They must be cold.