We had some people over recently that we were just getting to know and chatted quite a bit about their jobs. Then the wife turned to me and said, “What do you do?” I probably should have anticipated that question, but instead I was taken aback and the only thing I could think of to say was “Nothing.” I hastened to explain that I’d retired last year and was keeping busy doing “this and that,” which sounded lame, even to me. I’ll have to come up with a better answer for the next time that comes up.
Here’s a little bit of the “nothing” I’ve been doing lately – making some flash cards for the beloved granddaughter.
The words (and drawings) are definitely getting more complex, but I think she’s up to it. Our daughter-in-law sent me a video of the little darling saying the words from the first four (I’m sending them out in groups of four). I received it while doing my grocery shopping and watched it right in the middle of Aisle 5, completely enchanted. I was so enthused, I had to fight back the impulse to gather a group of random grocery shoppers to watch it with me. How would you respond to a request like that? 😆
I’ve got nothing to do tomorrow morning but delete this blog post.
Lynniebeemuseoday 
I wish I was there to see the video of granddaughter. Maybe you will grant me a private showing sometime. I know what you mean when people ask you what you do and don’t know how to answer it intelligently. So often I’ve been very active and busy, but my answer sounds lame. I had a most encouraging conversation with a new 90 year old friend I made today. She was very encouraging to me about that very subject, and reminded me again what is important in life.
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I appreciate your wonderfully encouraging words! ❤️
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An ear full: what do you do? Let me count the ways. You are an artist, writer, chef, gardener, seamstress, organizer, defendant (of the unborn), evangelist, musician, poet, comic (!- you have a great sense of humor), cleaner, encourager, superfriend,daughter,mother,grandmother,aunt,cousin,neighbor, my head is spinning, I can’t put it all down. I just read a post from a former (but still practicing) pastor friend of ours. Asked who he is (what he does) revealed a common question most of America asks subconsciously “where is your standing in society?” instead of who’s am I? In today’s “progressive” world, especially if you are female, you NEED to be “doing something”. Oh dear, here I go again. Lynn, your list of “things you do” are endless, and wonderful. Basically, “What Barb said” but with more words! 🙂
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What a lovely way to start my day! I’m trying to decide whether or not it would be acceptable to quote you the next time I get asked that question. 😊. I think the reality is that her question cut to the heart of what I’ve been asking myself in this chapter of my life. I am so appreciative of friends like you and Barb that will remind me of the things that are important. ❤️
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Ditto on the above comments from Barb and Julie. Did you not make an alphabet book in our high school children’s lit class (the class where you wrote on the desk daily 🙂 )? I know I did and my sister still has it since I gifted it to my nephew those MANY years ago. I thought we all made an alphabet book. But, I do like your new, fresh one and the idea of sending a few pages at a time.
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Thanks, Lori! I did make an nonsensical alphabet book for my nephew with the help of my sister, but I don’t think it was connected with any sort of school project, at least that I remember. But I could be wrong about that! My nephew still has it and prizes it so highly that after his niece was born he asked some of us in the family to collaborate on making one for her! Do you have a copy of the one you made? I’d love to see it!
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Hmmm–maybe you weren’t in that class with me, but we all made a book and hand stitched it together. My sister has the book, but packed away who knows where. I don’t have it and saw it once many years ago. I should ask her about it.
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I made a copy of the one we gave to Jason and I’m glad I did. I bet you’d really enjoy seeing the one you made all those years ago.
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