Thursday, November 16, 2006

Of Mice and Men

Mice:
Could you consider one for a pet? The reason I'm asking: in my suspense novel, Tara--the detective--has one for a pet. Her twin brother gave it to her for a joke and she ended up loving the little fellow. He's also sensitive to what is right and/or wrong in the cases she's trying to solve and he's able to give her animal hints (if she's smart enough to figure them out!)

So, would you have a mouse for a pet? Is it too icky? (By the way, I'm not changing Tara's pet--unless an editor demands it!) Are you afraid of mice? And are they more trouble than men?

That's what I'm getting at. Mice mess (uh hem) where you don't want them to (excuse me, but have you ever cleaned a toilet bowl?) They get into the food you don't want them in. But what else do they do? They run around, but them who wouldn't when a monsterish human form towers over you? I'd run for my life, too!

Men:
Not to be too indelicate (see above vague hint), but yeah, same difference. Then, ever try to hide the cookies? (homemade bread, pie, cake, etc. etc.) You'd think they were going through a worse persecution than some foreign third world country. They're much worse than children when they get sick. (I carry the phone around afraid any minute I'll have to call emergency.) And just let them prepare some document, manuscript, article, etc. You must, must, must listen to this.

So why is it when I have a tiny bit of my novel I need proofed, "I'm too busy right now" is what I hear? Fair turnabout is what I thought it was all about. Men!

They insist on heading to the most boring sections in Wal-Mart. They chat endlessly about sports and cars and jobs, but let us mention a baby! Oh, my, their eyes turn glassy and droop with a sudden syndrome called sleepiness.

Tell me this: is that fair?

But, hey, I gotta remember, I get warm cuddlings from one certain handsome man (hubby!), and I can't complain about him not taking me places. Conference in Texas was one total thrill. Plus all the other places we go together.

He helps me in the house, strives to give me what I need--and want (most of the time--don't want to get too generous here! Grin) He's good at keeping the fireplace stoked because he knows I love it. He puts up with my pets, when he'd just as soon not have any. He listens-- sometimes--to my eternal chatting about my writing. He buys me flowers. And I think he loves me.

Hmmm . . . I think I'll keep him around for awhile yet.



Here are a few suggestions to keep you mentally healthy during the upcoming holidays:

*
Be adventuresome and creative. Thre is more than one way to do things. Different is sometimes delightful, and holding on to your rigid ideas can be painful. Try something new!

* Flexibility is key to happiness. Resolve that no matter what happens yo are going to have a great time and help others to do so, too.

* Self Pity is a sure route to sadness. Don't do it. Spend time with someone who genuinely needs your assistance. Take care of yourself.

* Sometimes strangers offer safety. Errr . . . I mean, sometimes new is good. Stretch your wings, invite someone new to your celebrations. It increases awareness of what you do have that is good.

* And relax. Don't think you have to do it all. Have fun. That high shelf will probably never even be noticed if its not dusted.


A quote to get your goat!
The man (or woman, I suppose) who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.

Blessings on a rainy-but-great-to-be-alive day!

3 comments:

Yumanbing said...

Don't know about mice. What you say about men is all true. But don't forget about Prov 21:9 :)

Anonymous said...

SOMETIMES WE ARE GIVEN BLESSINGS THAT WE ARENT AWARE OF OR A PRAY ANSWERED IN A WAY WE DIDNT EXPECT. WE JUST NEED TO BE WISE ENOUGH TO EMBRACE THESE THINGS WHEN THEY HAPPEN...MAN...OR...MICE.LOL
LOVE IT
ANGELKAY

Anonymous said...

I had mice as pets as a child and they are very interesting pets, men on the other hand (though I have five brothers) will continue to be mysterious and uniqe creatures to me, but a little mystery never hurt anybody!