dailyprompt

Racism

What’s a topic or issue about which you’ve changed your mind?

Born in 1950, I was raised in the rabidly racist South. I heard the N word daily, though my mother forbade it. My father had no such compunctions. I fully bought into racism, sure whites were superior. I didn’t know a single black person. Then I went to college. I made black friends. I would have liked to have invited them home a but knew that would ignite a firestorm. I am so grateful I learned the truth. If I learned, anyone can.

Out of Place

Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.

A few years ago I went to a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by an extended family member. The relative I usually visited with at that party hadn’t made it due to illness. All the men clustered in an animated conversation about trucks, hunting, farming, and fishing. The conversation was interesting but every seat in that room was taken. I opted not to sit on a random lap.

The cousin group set up in the large dining room carrying on a lively cousin discussion. Every seat in that room was taken as well. Should a person leave their seat , it was immediately filled. It wouldn’t have been right to dispossess a cousin when they were catching up from the past year.

Finally, I found my perfect place at the sink. I washed mountains of plates, dozens of glasses, and sinks full of silverware. I scraped serving dishes and scoured baking dishes to my heart’s content. No one competed for my spot.

Finally, I secured permission from my host and took a dish of turkey scraps to the dog where I got the most enthusiastic welcome of the day. I found a true friend at last.

Without a Computer

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

Without a computer there wouldn’t be WordPress, so I wouldn’t be writing. I wouldn’t look things up on Google. I’d be going to the library for books. I’d have an old-fashioned phone. Of course, I wouldn’t order my groceries on line. It would be my old life.

Knitting

What skill would you like to learn?

I bought some lovely charcoal yarn about a year ago with the intention of learning to knit. That will be my next project. Before covid, I was going to a knitting class. Th leader got us started the first day and had us cast on and do a couple of rows. It looked easy enough, then she gave us an assignment. Bring a few rows to show our progress to the next class. I set to work as soon as I got home. My brain emptied. Bud and I got on a YouTube tutorial. He whipped out a few rows. My rows were deplorable.

I took his work when I went back to class. I couldn’t do diddly. When I ‘fessed up, she asked if he could come help with class. The next class was canceled due to covid.

Details

What details of your life could you pay more attention to?

This is an unlikely prompt for me. At my stage in life, I do exactly as I please. It’s unlikely that I will pay more attention to any details of my life.

Minutiae

What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?

Tomorrow, I have to concentrate more n several small tasks that have piled up. I have to go to the post office, pay a bill, take a package to UPS, pick up a prescription, order groceries, and probably attend to a couple of other tasks I’ve forgotten. Whew! That’s starting to sound like a lot!

Work

In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?

Growing up on a farm, I was introduced early to hard work. I didn’t like it a bit. My dad had a favorite saying,”Time for the friendships to end and the work to begin.” He thought he had to antagonize us to motivate us. His methods did motivate me to educate myself so I’d never again be under anyone’s subjugation.

Fortunately, as I matured, I learned to take satisfaction in doing a good job, being pleased with my efforts. Good work is a fine companion.

This is not me

Friendly

What’s the trait you value most about yourself?

I enjoy people. I am open and friendly. I can’t help talking to anyone who catches my interest: oldies, babies, dogs. Sometimes I talk to flowers. “Oh, you pretty thing!” I make a point not to talk to traffic. Bud takes care of that!

Of course I talk to myself. “I’ve got to clean this refrigerator today!” I even talk in my sleep.

Good Jobs

List three jobs you’d consider pursuing if money didn’t matter.

If money didn’t matter, I think I might consider being a nanny, assuming I found a compatible family. I enjoyed raising my children and miss their company.

Working in a garden center seems like it would be an excellent choice. I love being with plants and people who love gardening.

Another delightful choice would be catering. I love to cook and bake.