Television ,Laughter and Bedtime

Someone once told  me to watch something funny before going to bed. No offense Hollywood, but the t.v. shows of today don't come close to when I was growing up.  I don't know why I pay extra for cable.  I either watch Netflix or dvds.  If you want to relax, laugh and have your heart warmed, might I suggest one of the following as a nightcap?  Oh my, nightcap? That really dates me.

• Feeling nostalgic? The Andy Griffith Show. 

• Feeling idealistic?  The Mary Tyler Moore Show. 

• Want some silliness?  The Brady Bunch.  I mean silly in the most respectful way. 

• Ridiculous yet endearing, Hogan's Heroes. (I love Schultz.)

• And just plain funny, I Love Lucy. 

 

Noon Whistle

I just cracked open the window in my house.  Here it comes, one long siren.  It's not a fire, it's lunchtime in Small Town U.S.A.  I think the noon whistle is one of my favorite small town sounds.  When I moved away to the big city for a decade, oh how I longed for my noon whistle.  I think most people in town enjoy it.  Although a few years ago there was a movement by a few non-whistle blowers to silence the noon time tradition.  A few letters from both sides of the whistle to the editor in our local paper seemed to keep the whistle blowing.  So tomorrow, I will listen for the whistle, and if you're ever traveling through Small Town America, roll down your window at noon and appreciate the whistle.

Smiles

I saw a man in a motorized wheelchair.   He looked scruffy.  He'd had a hard life.  Smoking a cigarette.  Head down.  An old man.  I was walking with my daughter at the cemetery.  Sometimes it's the most relaxing place in town.  It's also a great place to watch the sunset across the big valley.

 Anyway, I know a lot of people would just walk by him.  Pretend not to notice, and not catch his eye.  I said hello and smiled, he smiled and said hello back.  I could see he was pleased.  I was pleased too.  Maybe he thought the same thing I did.  Maybe he was thinking I probably wouldn't say hi, and he wanted to see if he could make me smile.  He did.  We both did.

Earplugs

No, I'm not a sports journalist.  But lately I find myself reaching for the sports section.  I like the new coach and quarterback at our local university.  I'm reminded of how the lessons learned on the field, and in any sport, apply to everyday living.  This past week my new favorite football coach told his players to "put in their earplugs."  Forget about what others say, stay focused on what's in front of you today.   For him and his team it's next week's game.  For me it's publishing my first book.  I have written and completed seven children's books.  Don't look too far ahead.  One step, or game at time as the coach would say.   I have practiced long enough.  I'm ready to play.