Snow berries mixed with brown kraft, floral and chippy wood at the brick and mortar. Summer merchandising along with new fresh olive soap. The new coffee soap will fit right in.
It was a bittersweet weekend. I drove over the hill and through the winding country roads to my little hometown of Plattsburg. My mind traveled too and far along the journey. Then like a shot gun blasting, I hear the sound of these. The really big sound of these! My oh my, double my or my! Those little creatures have some powerful vocal chords! Or is it their legs or wings? No matter, but I do know if I lived in the woods, I'd need to wear ear plugs!
The trip to Plattsburg created a melancholy mood. When I arrived in town I took a left to drive my my old house. The neighborhood looked different, but yet looked the same. Do you know what I mean? The small town has deteriorated some after the economic fall a few years back. A common aftermath when the economy grows weak, I believe. The rise in gas prices and home repair costs factor in too. At any rate, as I drove through I put my rose colored glasses on. It continued to be the sweet perfect little Norman Rockwell hometown it was when I was a kid. The tree I used to climb in the city park, gone, but a new planted in the exact same spot! That made me happy. I carved my name at the very top branch when I was kid. Somehow thinking, it would be there forever.
My trip...
A caring and sharing friend from school has hosted a high-school get together for the past few years. She rents a b&b and gathers my classmates, plans activities and dinner. A feat, the planning, and an amazing labor of love! Thank you Cindy! This year, and only a couple of days before the event, a classmate passed. She had been living in Plattsburg and died suddenly without warning. The family decided not to have any service. Cindy thought it would be nice to have a memorial. We all agreed.
Blue sky's and puffy cotton clouds prevailed as the yellow balloons flew towards heaven. A place I'm sure my friend Valerie now resides. A few tears fell, myself included, but I also felt a sense of security and comfort from my sweet childhood friends standing beside me. A lovely tribute it was. It will forever stay in my mind and touch my soul each time I'm reminded. God bless.
Enjoy caring and sharing days, because my friend, I have learned that's really all that matters.
With all good wishes,
Jill 00
