daily prompt

Successful

When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?

Homemaking is not often named among careers but it is a worthy choice. I admire a family member who chose that career. Though she worked a couple of times, she ultimately chose to be a full-time homemaker and mother. She was home for her children, did all the housework, mowing and yard work, raised a garden, canned and filled her freezer with produce. Her children are grown now, both admirable, productive citizens. She helps care for elderly relatives and steps up when neighbors need help. She’s active in her church and community. I admire her tremendously.

Good Neighbor

What makes a good neighbor?

A good neighbor is friendly but non-intrusive. My groceries were recently delivered to my neighbors l’s house and he brought them over. I tended his dogs when he was hospitalized. My other neighbor caught my dog when it slipped out. I was grateful. I share baked goods or canned goods sometimes. My neighbors say they appreciate it. We share pertinent news, burn bans, boil water advisories, and other important information. We all try to make life easier for each other.

Dancing

What could you try for the first time?

I suppose I could try dancing. I have attempted a few times and felt totally ridiculous. I’ve always been clumsy with absolutely no sense of rhythm. I’ve always admired dancers but believe I could probably fly as well as dance.

Principles

What principles define how you live?

My principles are simple. I just try to do the right thing. I am not always successful. Sometimes I get lazy, careless, or short-tempered. Since I’m retired, my life is not so demanding. I don’t have to deal with difficult people or make challenging decisions. I don’t have a schedule. I just try to do the right thing

Fall Garden Cleanup

What have you been putting off doing? Why?

My flower beds are crying out for a clean up. The heat of July, August, and early September is horrendous in Louisiana. We go for weeks with temperatures over one hundred degrees. Just this week it is cooling off enough I can take on the onerous task of weeding and cleanup. First, I will sprinkle the beds with fire ant killer. They don’t seem to mind the heat and build cozy homes in flower beds. After they are evicted, I’ll go to work.

Grown Up

When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?

I felt totally foot-loose and fancy-free until the birth of my first child. With his birth, I understood I was totally responsible for his life. I realized his needs came before everything else. I felt like I became a totally different person.

Million Dollar Gift

If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to?

If I had a million dollars to give away. I would probably give it to St. Jude. They do so much good and save so many lives. I am grateful for all they do.

Guarantee

What’s something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail.

Assuming I were given a guarantee of success, I’d be a gymnast. I was never lithe nor coordinated, even as a child. The vision of me doing a floor routine or performing on the uneven bar is ludicrous. I think I was built for utility not grace.

Losing Weight

What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself?

Losing weight is the hardest goal I’ve ever set for myself. It occupies my mind constantly. Finally, I am enjoying some success.