The Candy Dish

When I was in High School, my best friend lived around the corner. I loved going to her house.  She was an only child, and that itself was fascinating to me. She didn't have to share a room, clothes, stuff... She had privacy, but yet she also always had her parents watching over her. Her parents were wonderful.

Our neighborhood, kind of had this unwritten rule, where all of the parents helped raising us... and discipline us. We were just as scared of them catching us be naughty as our own parents. I feel that I was very blessed in that we did have that kind of a neighborhood. I always felt that every one of the adults looked out for us, contributed to our growth and gave us an extra bit of love. I felt that if I needed something, rather it be a glass of water, or a bit of advice I got it from a number of these dear neighbors.

I guess, in a lot of ways, my parents were the cool parents. They were always the delightful parents.  From being headquarters of the neighborhood water fight, to just a fun place to hang out.  They also allowed kids to smoke at there house (my sister smoked & my parents rather her do it at home than in the streets sneaking..)so that also contributed to some hanging out there. My parents always had food to share with the neighborhood kids.  And always welcomed everyone.  My parents were there to listen and lend a helping hand.

Some of the neighbor kids, had the parents that were never home, and that was often a "fun" place to hand out. Some always had something to teach us.  And some were there to give us their valued opinions and advice.  Some were just there for us, and we felt safe.

When I think back, my best friend, she had the strict parents. Few were allowed to be there when a parent wasn't home (I did earn that trust with them).  Her parents, always had to know who, when, where, and why. It always annoyed my friend.  Especially, because I was chatty and often told too much to the parents. Her Dad was about the kindest and most handsome of the parents. While her Mom, I always thought she was Liz Taylor beauty mixed with just the smartest of all our parents... but also not here to be our friend rather than a parent. In which I later found myself following suit as I raised my daughters. Her Mom... definitely gets the blue ribbon in being a great Mom!

One of my favorite memories about going over to my best friends house, is that they had a candy dish.  Her Mom ALWAYS had a little something in it. ALWAYS. Not once do I remember it being empty. Also... I was always welcomed to have a piece or two.  There was something about that Candy Dish and it always having a little something for sharing that stuck to me.  I carried the memories into my own home and have always had a Candy Dish available for anyone to have a piece of heaven to devour. My girls grew up not necessarily craving candy as it was something always available.

Candy Dishes.  They say WELCOME! ENJOY! & FEEL COMFORT.  I rarely see them anymore.  Except at my house... and my dear best friends Mom's house♥

I hope to carry this tradition as long as I have a home and a Candy Dish to fill.

Slow & Steady...

Do you remember Aesop's fable of the Tortoise and the Hare? The little Tortoise ended up beating the Hare by going "slow and steady", while the Hare, was so full of himself, after all he was the fast Hare, while the Tortoise was, well, the slow Tortoise. The Hare goofed off, ran about, and sure enough, lose the race to the Tortoise that kept on task, slowly but surely winning.
Life can imitate this. How many times do we see it happen?

I chuckle every time I see this sign. Yep, it's a real speed sign. There are several around the Senior Community that my Aunt Nancy is living in.

It reminds me also of my Bestie Sheri's Mom. When we were young she told us, "Don't cross the street unless you are sure you have enough time to fall down & pick yourself back up!" I am 47 yrs old & I still think of this...every time I cross a street. And I work Downtown & cross streets (Busy ones) every day. I drive my co-workers crazy with it.

I know the speed sign is to remind us that we are in a neighborhood full of Oldies, and we really need to slow down and pay attention. The Oldies are everywhere here. But it also reminds me to do this with life in general. Slow down. Life is more enjoyable when we approach it slowly and steady, then trying to race through with too much on our plates to really appreciate what we have.

The Pasadena Gang

Sergio and I had a wonderful time with my old neighborhood picnic this weekend. I got to see many folks that I haven't seen in years.

The many parents that helped raise me. I am forever grateful for them, especially Sandy. They weren't afraid to keep me in line (Thank God). Back then, everyone looked out for each others children and were not afraid to correct you when needed.

My gang along with spouses and several of their children. Although some friends were missing, they were with us in thought & laughs, (especially with the remember when's..). We did have fun looking through old pictures and reminiscing about some crazy times.

I reconnected and had a run down memory lane. Funny how easy it is to pick up where we left off. We haven't changed that much. Well, we told each other that we hadn't.

Seeing the old neighborhood is always bittersweet. I wish my folks had stayed here. They would have been happier. Many new families come and go, but that core of Golden Oldies will always hold that neighborhood together. I have some of the best memories at these homes and the famous back strip, where the party was held.

I took pictures. Promise to post a couple as soon as I get them developed (remember: I prefer film over digital so it takes me a while).

The afternoon was truly wonderful. I do wish my folks could have joined us. They really would have had fun. Maybe next year I can figure out a way to get them out here for it.

It is rare to maintain such a close bond between neighbors. I would love to have a piece of that today. We have met some fine folks in this new neighborhood we live in, perhaps we will establish that kind of friendships.