Opposites Attract

[I was all set to write a blog post today, but then I saw this one in a saved folder! I wrote it a couple months ago, but I couldn't publish it because of some new Blogger rules. I tried everything I knew to do (which wasn't much), but got so frustrated, I just gave up. In reading it today, I decided it was worth another try, so here it is ... if it actually posts when I hit "Publish."]

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If you've read my book, you know that adapting to life on a farm took me many years. Actually, I'm not sure I've adapted, but at least I've given up on trying to keep the house neat and tidy. Dust (and worse) has simply become part of the home decor.

As if learning about farm ways wasn't enough, I've also had to adjust to the farmer! Something that still amazes me is how different Weldon and I are ... in just about everything. I guess it goes to prove that opposites attract.

Here's just one silly example from today.

Weldon had to go to Winston-Salem for a few farm-related things. He asked if I'd like to go along. I thought, "Sure! Might as well. We haven't done anything together in a while." So, off we went.

We hadn't yet made it to his first stop when I told him I had coupons for Krispy Kreme if he was interested. No. He said there was cake at home and he'd put on a few pounds since the rains had kept him indoors a little more than usual. (Weldon could put on 10 pounds and still be thinner than anyone else I know!) He continued to drive. I saw Dunkin' Donuts just ahead. "Hey! You want to try Dunkin' Donuts for a change?" No. And he kept on driving.

On to the task at hand: getting some much-needed part at Ferguson Plumbing. Weldon was standing at the register and there on the counter were two boxes of Krispy Kreme Donuts and one box of Dunkin' Donuts! The cashier said, "Have one." He said it a couple of times, so I peeked inside and saw the box wasn't full. I asked him, "You mean we can have one? Now? Free?" He said, "Yes. Have as many as you like!" Well, I chose a Dunkin' Donuts donut with sprinkles. Weldon declined.

I nibbled on my donut while Weldon continued talking with the guy at the register. Then another employee saw me and asked if I'd like a cup of coffee with my donut. "Well, sure!" He pointed me in the right direction and I'm having ♫ the time of my life ♫. "Have some more! Do you want some popcorn?" I declined, but I surely was smiling!

I suppose the key here might be willpower. I mean, who (besides Weldon) can resist free donuts and free coffee? But from my point of view, it's Live a little! Enjoy! All work and no play makes Weldon a dull boy. But there's no sense in trying to change Weldon or myself. We'll just keep doing what we do and meet in the middle every once in a while. Ain't life grand!

Dread & Delight

It was a beautiful fall day for a trip to Weatherspoon Art Museum in Greensboro with my older daughter and my older sister-in-law. (I'm feeling quite young after writing that sentence.)

The whole title of the exhibit we went to see is "Dread & Delight: Fairy Tales in an Anxious World." Although fairy tales were originally "riddled with sexual innuendo, child abuse and all manner of violent scenarios" (Tom Patterson in The Winston-Salem Journal, November 11, 2018), I much prefer the simple fairy tales of my childhood. I confess I had a sense of anxiety and couldn't even finish reading the descriptions of some of the artistic depictions.

 Without further ado, here are some pics ... none of which are R-rated or too dreadful. Enjoy!
 

(Rapunzel) Ties of Protection and Safekeeping. MK Guth

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"What is worth protecting?" Participants wrote their responses on red flannel ribbons which tied the synthetic hair braids.

(Little Red Riding Hood) If We Believe in Theory, by Xaviera Simmons.

Individual boys and girls were given the hooded cape and wicker basket and just one prompt: to tell the photographer where the wolf was.

Hansel and Gretel, by Tom Otterness

"Otterness creates a scene that is engagingly playful but reminds us that, for many children, the joy of play is not a given."

(Cinderella) The Ice Queen, by Ana Teresa Fernandez

High heels made from ice, worn while standing over a street grate until they melted away! (This was actually a video of the shoes slowly melting.) "Her Cinderella exhibits the physical and mental strength to withstand and ultimately walk away from the pain of her own accord."

(Cinderella) Motherload, by Timothy Horn

This was created "in response to the life story of a woman named Alma Spreckles.... Alma was a lowly laundress when she met and married the heir to a sugar fortune. Her 'rags to riches' story, however, did not bring her a life filled with joy. This real-life Cinderella found that happiness is really quite fragile." (The carriage is covered in crystallized rock candy!)

That's yours truly on the left with my daughter Anna.

Now onto a few other pieces of art that caught my eye in the museum.

Kill for Peace, by Carol Summers. A protest against the war in Viet Nam.

Mirror/Vortex by Robert Smithson. I took the photo looking down into the mirrors.

Animals, by Andy Warhol. I took this for my husband the farmer. :)

Next, some "people" photos.

And then it was outside for a short stroll to some deliciousness.

A gorgeous blue sky overhead and two dear family members at my side. Life is good!