When I retired from what Mom called my “big job,” I found I had very few talents, and believe me I dug deep. I joined women’s groups whose projects I could only admire. They got nothing from me, but I was the beneficiary of some wonderful new friends. They liked me or maybe felt sorry for me. It doesn’t matter, because even though I wasn’t at all “crafty,” they never once asked me to leave. I was beginning to think Mrs. Theissen was right. I was the offspring of a Sanderson woman who never learned how to do anything useful. She of course meant sewing, knitting, crocheting, and these days that would include wood burning, card making, quilting, and all sorts of other crafts.
I was feeling kind of down about it all. Then one Sunday after Church, we went out to breakfast with our usual group of friends. While Kip was paying, my eyes fell on a flyer that was taped to the front of the counter. It said, “Need a compassionate but firm, part-time caregiver for an elderly lady.” For some reason I wrote down the number. In the next few days, I only toyed with the idea of calling. After I thought about it for a while, I decided to call and see what it was all about.
I filled out the application, and passed the drug test and background check. I drove an hour to the agency’s office and watched videos all day about the HIPPA laws and all kinds of things. I was supposed to start the next day. When I left, the Human Resource lady said, “If you are not going to show up, please call us.” I asked her if people actually did that. She said after watching the videos which include how to help a person with some very personal tasks, some decide it isn’t for them and they just don’t show up.
Well, I did show up, and thus was the beginning of a 4 year relationship with a woman who taught me more about life than anyone I have ever known.
I don’t want to write a lot about Mrs. E. just now, but I want to tell you about why I called this story, “What Now.” One cool morning I was rushing around Mrs. E’s house. She operated from her wheelchair, and like I remember my Mom doing, she sometimes turned on the oven and left the oven door down to warm up the kitchen. Well, I usually move first and look where I’m going later. I was standing by the oven, then turned and tripped over the oven door. I didn’t even have time to put my hands out to catch myself. I fell flat on my face. Mrs. E watched the whole thing come down. After she realized we weren’t going to need an ambulance, she just shook her head at me. (Kip asked me if I had damaged her oven door.) I did hurt for a few days, and my nose was skinned up, but I never said a word about it to either of them.
After that incident, whenever she would hear a noise coming from another part of the house that I happened to be in, she would yell, “NOW WHAT!”
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So now I’m sitting here with my second cup of coffee, and I’m trying to decide what I should write about today. It’s really more difficult than you might think. Some Murdo Girlers like to read about my childhood days in Murdo. Some like the current stories with Lav, Yram, and Barney. I don’t get a lot of feedback on my poetry, although I myself get a big kick out if it.
I read that if what you write doesn’t make you laugh, cry, or at least smile, others won’t react that way either.
All of the stories I have written about growing up in Murdo have been easy to write, because they were all true, or at least exactly like I remembered them. No one has ever challenged my recollections to the point of accusing me of telling a bold-faced lie. I’ve never really worried that would happen.
It’s pretty easy to write about Lav, Sherri, Carol the singer, Jerry, Barney, Treason, Thelma Lou and Louise, TC, DM, Pico, A I, and Murdo Girl. I also love writing about Yram’s piti-full-of-herself interviews with the teachers and other Murdo residents.
I can’t get a good feel about the current Murdo Matters storyline. I’ve tried to mix it up a little with true stories about my current life, ie. Keyless or Clueless. I get feedback from the blog site that tells me how many readers I have each day. Only about 5% make comments on the Website, Facebook, or Google. It is the ones I hear from that I listen too, and I appreciate your comments very much.
When you come right down to it, I do this because I love it, and I want to have a positive effect on your day. Writing always has a positive effect on me. So I guess it’s worth every bean I earn. If time were money, I would have a hole dug from here to China, but like any kid, I only have to do a few chores to earn my allowance. I get to work at TC’s a couple of days a week too. She hardly ever makes me cry.
The bottom line is, please comment. If you don’t feel comfortable telling me what you don’t like, just emphasize what you want to see more of. If you comment at the bottom of the blog, or hit like if you like, you can do it anonymously.
One more thing before I move on. If I write much more about my childhood, I’ll have to make it up, and I promised you I wouldn’t do that. (I have saved one or two.)
Here is some feedback I have received from some of my friends.
“I would like to see more Lav stories. I paid $62 for my crown..(Although I really haven’t had buyer’s remorse.) I would like to sing songs in my stories, and be besties with Pico. I would like to ride horses more in my childhood stories, but MOST of all..I want that red convertible. And…A cute driver.”
Murdo Girl: Okay Lav..You are a good example of nepotism gone wrong. Get away from the bottles and eat some frosted flakes like a good Next VP cousin. BTW..does that rag you’re reading have anything in it about me?
The Children
“Come back when you grow up girl. You’re still living in a paper doll world.”
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The people wearing sunglasses
I’m loving you girl, but your wide-eyed innocence is really messing up my mind
I’d rather you get your very first heartbreak somewhere else along the line.
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This experiment isn’t working out the way I had hoped it would. Oh well, live and learn.. I try to remember to look people in their eyes. I might be the only one who really sees them today.
Those 70ish Girls 
I would love to hear the “E” stories. The ones I have heard were great. Also, I like your poetry! Maybe it’s just because we are related!
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Love it! I have a fingernails bit My Dad used to tell on someone in Murdo. Will email you later.
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Like tomorrow?
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If you’ve run out of Murdo girl’s youthful stories, remember that you are still Murdo girl! Write about what is happening in your life now. Or about Mrs. E. She sounds intriguing. What works for me is to have someone else give me a prompt, so I’m giving you one. It is ‘Fingernails.” Go to it. Dare you. xoox J
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I did it! Will post tonight.
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Good girl. I’ll look for it..
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The title is.. before and after
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What do you mean no talent? You can write Lady! I have enjoyed reading your reunion experience and days growing up in Murdo as it reminds me of my own, not to mention that crazy election. Yes, you have the talent! You make us laugh, reminisce, and wonder how you come up with some of those stories. I look forward to reading more of your adventures and Mrs. E. sounds very interesting. You have so much to share. Tell it all, honey, tell it all!
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I love you Jean!! Did you get my emails?
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Love this one, especially Mrs E. ðð»ðð»ðð»ðð»ðð»â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Sent from my iPhone
>
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I’m going to write more about her. You might have to remind me of some of the stories I have told you. I’m going to see her on Friday.
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I love your stories of growing up in Murdo. It reminds me of my own childhood there. I do realize, though, that you’ll eventually run out of memories. Write what makes you happy.
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Thank you Patti. I take Murdo Girl very seriously and I want to keep it about Murdo as much as I can. I think about you everytime I see the BCHOT pin. It makes me smile and it was a wonderful gesture on your part. Did you read the reunion spoof I wrote about it? I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Judy too. She has talent that I’m not smart enough to appreciate sometimes, but I love reading it and her beautiful photos. So glad you commented.
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On a light note: who doesn’t love more cowbell? Giggle! 🙂
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Nobody I can think of…right now
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DM and Pico cannot remember when we didn’t discuss and love what you’ve written. I think of your stories as I do the television shows we grew up with. They are heartwarming, full of character and characters, teaching us and now slightly jarring those memory banks filled with a few cobwebs. Your blog gives us time and good reason to remember the halcyon days! Thank you for bringing us back to our childhood one more time!
Love, Pico
P.S. Lav dear, we ARE besties!
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Can you wait a sec while I look up halcyon? Love ya too Pico. Even w/o Diguyo
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If I may be so bold. How about more cow bells.
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You make me think too hard Scoper, but I will get it!
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Sorry. Will Ferrell skit. Bit hit on UTube. Thought you might have seen it.
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I think Will Ferrell is hilarious. I’ve seen Elf at least 13 times.
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It was a Saturday Night Live skit where Will was with a band in a recording studio. Will’s instrument was the cow bells. Christopher Walken is their producer. They try to record and Christopher keeps stopping and coming out requesting Will provide more cow bells. Pretty funny bit.
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How do I find it on Utube Scoper?
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Select the magnifying glass (search) and type in cowbells snl
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okay thanks Scoper
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The world is your oyster Murdo Girl. I have read enough of your blogs to know you can cleverly write about anything you desire. The blog certainly makes my day. Are you sure that is Lav in the picture reading the local rag. With all that wine missing it might be her housekeeper trying to get some of the limelight. You might want to send A I to investigate. I’m just sayin…….
Just keep doing what you’re doing Murdo Girl. I don’t see any reason to change. Sounds like Lav might disagree with me though.
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I happen to know Lav went dumpster dipping for those empty bottles. She doesn’t even drink strong tea. Thanks for your input Scoper. It means a lot.
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You’re doing fine. Keep at it.
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Thanks Syd..glad I got to say hello to you at the reunion. Wish we could have talked more.
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You summed it up perfectly, Sherri.
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I often have wondered and been amazed at how you come up with your daily stories. It was surprising to hear today that topics can sometimes be a struggle for you. You would never guess that from the timeliness and quality of each of your stories. I have to disagree with you on something you said earlier — you are a person of few talents. Anyone that has read your works knows that this could not be further from the truth. Everything you have ever written has either made me laugh, cry or smile (you exceed your goals!), and that is why I so look forward to seeing your posts everyday. As for Mrs. E., I can’t wait to hear more about this lady. Sounds like she was very special to you. I am certain, she found a true friend in you too and that you enriched her life greatly, as you have done for many of us. Whatever you decide to do next, Murdo girl, I know it will be fun, entertaining, thought provoking, amazing…Just keep them coming, ok!
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Your comments brought tears Sherri…guess I’m preaching to the choir. I will tell you more about Mrs. E. and I very much want to see you one day. We will have to make that happen! You are an inspiration to me. I’m sure you are that and more for others whose lives you touch. Thank you for being part of mine.
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Now I have tears! Am so glad that I have come to know you, AND, am really looking forward to a hug some day!
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We will make that happen Sherri, just keep those pencils sharpened.
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You hit the nail on the nail— your writing has a positive effect on you and it does on others.What you know and love, you should write about. Love the pictures!
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