The Bright Side by Conlee Ricketts

I’ve noticed that a few of my recent articles have been fairly serious and perhaps a bit heavy and emotional for some visitors.  I wouldn’t call them “dark” exactly, but they follow the path of how I explore my reality, my self, and my purpose.  I truly do write to learn about myself.  It sneaks out through the pencil and then even more during the edits.

It may be comforting to know that I do not sit around in the dark--scotch on the rocks in one hand, cigarette dangling from between my fingertips with a twisted pained expression on my face--mainly because
A)     Quality Scotch is not in my budget
B)      I quit smoking because of my daughter
C)      My face hurts when I do that, and my daughter says, “What are you doing?”

I live a “normal” life and I thought it might be refreshing to share a few random things about me, my thoughts, and my life.

1.       Bananas: I recently read that wrapping plastic wrap around the stems helps them last longer.  It WORKS!  I am a slow banana eater--and NO, I don’t mean in the sexy, erotic, banana eating contest kind of way.  It’s just that I buy small bunches, maybe four, but after day two I’m bored and need a break from all that “healthy” and they sit for a day or two.  Then by the time I’m in the mood again for a banana they are all aged an soft--damn you metaphor--Yes, I just saw it--me and relationships.  I told you; I learn a lot about myself while writing.  These metaphors for my life just creep in.  I digress.  Wrap up the stems and they last longer.

2.       Perimenopause: I’m in it.  It’s a ride let me tell you.  For both me and my daughter.  My moods used to be fairly predictable.  Normal week—irritated week—over the top, edgy, emotional week—happy week.  So yes, I only had about 10-12 good days a month.  Now I seem to stand outside my body and watch a Joan Crawford “No more wire hangers!” moment move into Gothel singing  “Mother Knows Best” to Rapunzel, which might then switch to Julie Andrews singing “My Favorite Things” for my daughter during a tornado warning.  This can all occur within an hour; my daughter just stares at me with this expression I haven’t quite named yet.  It’s a mix between “Are you done yet?” and “Why does this keep happening to me?”

3.       I signed my daughter up for the swim team because she was so excited about trying it this year--but I haven’t joined the pool yet.  Do you think that’s a problem?  I'm too embarrassed to call Parks and Recreations to ask.

4.       I think I will grow out my bangs and just keep letting my hair grow down to my butt.  I hear that once you pass 50 you really don’t give a shit what people think of you.  Is that true? I might already be there.  Thoughts?

5.       I love moss.  I also love that single day in spring when everything is that one shade of green that you never see again until the next spring.

6.       I love love love The Carol Burnett Show!

And finally: 

I was a quiet obedient child.  I would cram into my closet and secretly wish I could visit Mr. Tumnus in Narnia, and when I was alone I would talk to the imaginary studio audience and cameras filming my life as if my every move was on T.V.  Back in the 1970’s long before “Reality T.V.” I was the star of my life.

I have found myself on a journey to rediscover that star.  There just isn't a “right” way or a “fast” way to get there.  So I sit; I write; I have a laugh usually at my own expense.  It works for me.

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