We had a huge thunderstorm come through early last evening. One of those where you must know lightening struck something and sure enough we lost power. I must say we hardly ever lose power so I was kind of shocked. After a couple of hours it came back on for about 15 minutes and then went out again. Luckily, the real heat of the day was over and we had flashlights (that actually worked). I sat reading for quite a while. Lady and I went out twice, but she would not go far. Ended up going to bed about 10:30. I left the flashlight on so Lady would have some guidance (as we usually have nightlights). I woke from a dream and realized the lights were on about 5:15. Not sure what time the lights came back on, but they were on and the a/c was running. I found Lady sleeping in the living room as I turned off lights. I must have disturbed her somehow as the next thing I know she's back in the bedroom wandering so we went out for a little bit. We went back to bed (the last few days after our early morning jaunts I have placed her on my bed with me). She goes right back to sleep. Some mornings when I'm ready to leave the bedroom I cradle her in my arms and put her in her bed where again she goes back to sleep. My bed is too high to leave her in there by herself.
I read FB this morning and I have to say some people really got angry about the power outage and yes there were all kinds of network outages as well. Of course, people are on different grids so if lightening hits one transformer it might not impact everyone. We are very fortunate to live in an area that does not lose power often - our old neighborhood lost power every time it got cloudy. One person went off about almost everything. I get it, freezer/fridge full of food, but don't open them. It was only a few hours not days like some people have to go through. Perhaps it was Mother Nature's way of telling us to slow down a bit. All I know is that they work as fast as they can to restore power and I'm grateful for that.
Had a chance this past week to catch up with a few more friends/former colleagues. I love a face-to-face conversation. Thank goodness the restaurants we have chosen have not been too busy as we sat for several hours. No worries we tipped well...LOL!
I did not have to work the past two weeks as my client had other things going on. But she's already booked for this week so it will be good to see her. I also have an appointment to meet with someone new for a discussion. I did have to work on some items for my other company. That company may have shrunk, but when duty calls I take care of it.
I've been thinking a lot about connections and energy. We are all energy beings and we send and receive signals all the time. I've mentioned before people come in and out of our lives for a reason and I so believe that. My circle grows and shrinks every day. You have no idea sometimes how you impact someone else. Whether it's actually saying a server's name back to him/her with a thank you; or smiling at someone you are walking; it can brighten a day. There is a man that walks constantly in our neighborhood. He walks the same pace and the same path every day. I don't know if he has PTSD or is praying, but he is constantly walking/smoking. I'm a cautious walker with Lady because I don't want to get her barking. This man looked so serious, but although I walked Lady away I smiled and acknowledged him. He nodded his head and kept walking. Now we say good morning or he gives me a big smile. If I'm in the car, he gives me a smile and a wave. Perhaps somehow I have helped him look up when he walks vice staring at the ground. When someone pops into my thoughts; especially some one I have not talked to or seen in a while; I reach out to let them know I'm thinking about them. I believe they may need to know that someone is thinking about them, perhaps it's makes their day. Perhaps it's a connection for them to know they are not alone at the moment. Perhaps it brings a smile to their heart. Perhaps my reaching out provides them the opportunity for a safe place. How do you connect?
I finished reading two books this past week - lighthearted summer fun stuff. "SUMMER OF '69" by Elin Hilderbrand. It's about a family (of course with some skeletons in the closet) and the changing times of 1969. Takes place on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Pretty quick read . "CITY OF GIRLS" by Elizabeth Gilbert. This books covers one woman's life from 1940 until the present. Set in NYC around the theater somewhat. It's a love story, but different. She is not ashamed of who she was or is.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
August 18
Bad Poetry Day
World Daffodil Day
August 19
Aviation Day
National Potato Day
August 20
National Radio Day
World Mosquito Day
August 21
National Spumoni Day
Senior Citizen's Day
August 22
Be an Angel Day
National Tooth Fairy Day - and/or February 28
August 23
Ride the Wind Day
August 24
Vesuvius Day
I am going to leave it here for today. I hope you have a good week where you are. For those sending children off to school at any level...Good Luck! Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Be happy - it drives people crazy." - – Unknown
“Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it.” - – Jacques Prevert
“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.” - – James Allen