I'm Baa-aack!

For Christmas of 2021 I was given a new laptop and consequently I was unable to transfer my blog from the old laptop to the new one. I tried to begin a new blog under a new name but that did not work. For about five months I was frustrated and disappointed that I could not blog which is something I enjoy and love doing!

On my visit to California, my granddaughter said, "Let me see what I can do." She clicked some keys, and after a few attempts she said, "I think I've got it. And she did. Once again, I can get into my blog, Sponge Full of Thoughts, and continue writing my blog. I hope that my followers have not given up hope because now they can continue reading what I find interesting, fun, and informative in my life! 

"I changed my password to "incorrect."

That way when I forget it, 

it always reminds me, 

"Your password is incorrect!"

From The Internet

What is Guilt

 What Is Guilt

Why was I feeling guilty when I had not done anything wrong? I purchased a t-shirt that was too small, so I returned it. I told the clerk I wanted to exchange the shirt for one size larger. The clerk said, "all you have to do is go pick out the larger size, put it in the bag, and you don't have to check out. You have the receipt in the bag." She handed me the empty bag and I went to pick out the one size larger t-shirt.

Never have I returned an item where this sort of transaction is done. Usually, they give me the money and I go get the merchandise and go through the cashier again. In the past, I have suggested to do it the way this clerk had done it, but I was told the return has to be rung up with the new purchase. Something about keeping merchandise and sales straight in their books.

I found the t-shirt, got it and felt guilty as I put it in the bag. I then walked toward the exit, expecting someone to stop me so I could show them the receipt. No one did and it wasn't until I reached my car, that I relaxed. I wondered why I felt guilty when I had done nothing wrong!

The Internet explained that guilt is the emotion of a negative feeling one experiences for a wrongdoing of being untruthful or deceptive. It's a heavy burden on one's conscience and because what you do is right in your terms but not in society's view or vice-versa. 

Even with the explanation, I still am at a loss as to why I felt guilty!

The worst guilt is to accept

an unearned guilt.

Ayn Rand

Until We Meet Again

 I met Louise around 1978 and it was easy to become her friend. She was thoughtful, kind, generous, and had a great sense of humor. She always said just the right thing to make me feel good, or better, or happy. I joined her at many places where her husband, Jerome, sat in with different bands. While he played, we talked. 

We often met for lunch at Chili's, and she would order an Arnold Palmer. A few times she would say, "What is that drink I order?" I would tell her, and we would laugh about our fading memories. We blamed our age.

We looked forward on Fridays after work when we would go to La Bola and have a Margarita. I knew her family and she knew mine; the good and the bad! I recall going on camping trips with her family, traveling to New Mexico, movies, walks around a lake, attending church together and discussing religion and politics. I don't believe there wasn't a subject that we did not cover. Because her family is large there was always a shower, a baptism, picnics, or her sharing her birthday with me by adding my name to her cake! Her birthday was on the 18th of May and mine was on the 20th, so we celebrated together. We enjoyed fried chicken at the White Fence Restaurant, buying fudge and listening to country and western bands that would sometimes entertain. It was one of our favorite places until they closed.

We kidded how we were like sisters, and I felt proud to be included in her family. I remember so many crazy things we did, and I am thankful to have so many wonderful memories with her.  

Her funeral took place on September 9, 2022, at Light of the World Catholic Church and the mass was beautiful. Eight long pews were reserved for the family members and again I was amazed at her large family. I found out that she has 39 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. And 2 babies are on their way to be born soon! The dove celebration after mass was inspiring and her daughter told me that Louise had planned her funeral down to the last item.

The doves reminded me of when Jerome suggested that she and I should go into the Dove business. We went to talk with the fellow that had the doves, and we took one look at the many coops, poop, noise, fluttering and we both decided we were not interested!

When my friend was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and she slowly began losing her memory, I missed her. At the mass and reception, I missed her. Never had I been to a celebration with her family that she wasn't present. Yet, missing her was greater the day after the funeral. It finally hit me that I no longer had my friend. In the past we would have chatted all about the funeral and I guess not being able to call her made me realize that she was gone forever. 

The consolation I have is that she is no longer suffering. I know that she is now at peace. Until we meet again I will miss you, my friend. Rest in Peace.

When a close friend

unexpectedly leaves us,

a piece of our heat 

is forever broken.

From the Internet