Wednesday, July 04, 2012

A Lovely Day - Haiku My Heart

I have some upcoming alone time on my calendar and I thought I would practice being along today.  As plans go, it was a complete failure.  Reality was much, much nicer.

Alone time beckons
Prep time an  epic failure
Reality smiles

My friend, Elaine, has been slowly relocating herself back to the Bay Area.  First she moved 35 minutes up the road.  No big deal but then she lost her job.  Two months later she was blessed with a much better job and travels now to San Francisco.  In another week she moves to Walnut Creek and she'll be about 80 minutes away.  Again, no big deal except that it's out of the valley, into the traffic, and over a set of low coastal mountains.  But, the good news is that I can take a short train ride from Modesto to Martinez.  No traffic stress, cheap ($30.00 roundtrip) and FUN.


So we met for lunch, caught up on the past three weeks and then went our separate ways again.  I picked up Delaware and headed over to Pet Extreme for a pet carrier.  He is so small that at his biggest, he will still be easy to take out and about.  A proper pet tote will make it easy and for the most part more acceptable when I go into business establishments.  And then, of course, I had to stop by Elaine's house she owns here so she could meet the little guy.


But soon enough I was home again and thinking about heading over to the fairgrounds to meet up with Don and friends at our Tea Party booth.  It was so hot and I don't do well in heat but off I went, leaving Tanner and Delaware at home.  Tanner has turned into a good big brother for the little guy so I knew things would be fine.  But three hours later, I was distracted and worried about the dogs.  Fireworks, though far off, can be startling to our furry friends and sure enough they've started and Tanner isn't happy.  It is a good thing I came home.


One of the things I like about fairs and festivals is the wild colors and designs of the food vendor booths.  The colors and designs, combined with the taste and smell of the foods they offer, make them  a true feast for the senses.  So I started walking down the food aisle and started my series of food vendor instagrams.  Doing this is such a great way to meet people.  Asian, Hispanic, black, old, young, families, friends - everyone has an instant mini-story and loves to share their lives with you at least if just in that moment.  I took it one step further and got Facebook address and emails so I could share the pictures with them.  With the Facebook pages, at least, I'll be able to follow them and what events they will be at.  I already know I'll be seeing the Pablo's Salsa familia en el mercado del viernes por la noche los agricultores Turlock.


One place I'm looking forward to visiting in Modesto is J's Coffee House and Grill.  They serve a seafood gumbo that I hear is killer.  I'll be making arrangements to meet up with my friend, Bev, soon so we can enjoy this unusual (for Modesto) treat.


I'll leave you now to enjoy your fireworks.  If you are 2 or 3 time zones away, you have no doubt enjoyed them by now.  I love watching the Macy's Fireworks over New York City Harbor and they've just started for me on the West Coast.


Wishing you all the blessings of freedom that is our God-given right. Use the grace that resides within your hearts.  Reach out to others.  Build bridges with the values that you hold most dear and most of all . . . LOVE.



11 comments:

somepinkflowers said...

hi
annie
just popped in
to swooooon over
your banner!

:-)

Spadoman said...

Loving the colorful food booths! A lot of my favorite colors of red and yellow.
Your Haiku made me think of this quote of John Lennon's from a song:
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans"
So, no failure, just a change in "plans".
What was the event for all the vendors, anyway?
Good descriptive haiku about your plans that didn't quit become what you wanted.

Peace

Annie Jeffries said...

Hi Steve,

This was our towns July 4th parade and fair. Fun times. I love Instagram and the food vendors were so fun and colorful. Perfect photo op.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Wisdom is accepting reality as it happens. You are a wise woman.


Friday Haiku 1 and Friday Haiku 2

Noelle Clearwater said...

Beautiful instagram pictures, Annie. Very colorful display that would rival any fireworks. Lovely. I know what it is like to have a friend move. It's difficult but manageable and you appreciate the person more when you see her.
Take Care,
Noelle

rebecca said...

dear annie,

love your fanciful day and the unexpected twist of your haiku.
thanks for sharing all your spontaneous joy!

foxysue said...

I don't know about 'slow moving train' you seem to live high speed to me ;~), still you will be getting good fare soon! Enjoy!! x

sandy said...

Nice newsy post which I enjoyed and your new doggie is adorable!

Lea said...

Isn't it amazing when we make plans and reality steps in? In your case, it was a very rich and beautiful time in company well spent! I remember those lemonade stands from my bazzillion road trips to Bakersfield in summers and holidays to visit relatives! So glad to see they are still there! You are a bright star in my life Annie... have a beautiful weekend! XO

Marit said...

Due to computer problems, I'm late visiting the haiku circle, but here I am - loving your story, smiling over the little fur guy in the photo and wishing you a nice week!

Jeanie said...

Oh, Annie! I know how close you and Elaine are from your other posts and to have her farther away will be so very hard. I know it won't affect your friendship, but still, it will be a loss in its way.

Speaking of friendship, any news?