In my neighborhood, there is a house with an immaculate yard, and nearly perfect front lawn. Lush and green, it looks like carpet. Within this house, lives an older couple, I’m guessing mid to late 70’s. They keep things neat and clean around there. Sometimes, on nice days, they open the garage door and move some lawn chairs right up to the edge. Not actually out on the driveway, but still inside the garage, they sit and watch the traffic go by. Recently, they’ve added a new feature to their shag carpet lawn, which I call Placemat Platitudes.
It started out with what looked like a golf club stuck in the ground, with a piece of cardboard attached. On the cardboard was pasted an 11×17 piece of paper, with a platitude printed on it in red and green. It looked like a placemat from an Italian restaurant. As I was driving by, it looked to me that the whole thing, the cardboard and the placemat, had been wrapped in plastic to protect it from the elements. A couple of weeks went by, the platitudes would change every couple of days. Soon the stick in the ground was upgraded for a small easel. I meant to blog about it at the time, but something more interesting always came up.
But then, the Placemat Platitudes went away, and I was sad. I’d lost my chance to share them with you. I remember some of the quotes and sentiments that were displayed. My faovrite was a quote from Abraham Lincoln.
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”
I found it ironic. You know… considering his death. There were others, something about Fate choosing your Family, but YOU chose your Friends. I wish I had written them down. Well good news!! They are back! Maybe by popular request, I do not know. And this one is a doozy of brilliance!
“I learn from my misteaks.”
Get it? mis-steaks! Cuz, you see, it’s spelled wrong and… oh, nevermind.
There is nothing better than misspelled wisdom! If you need proof just see my blog, e-mails or any comments I’ve made.
I love old people, especially those off their rocker and in garage chairs 🙂 Everyone knows that the garage is a cooler place to be.
I so want to drop by and give them some cookies! What cool neighbors.
I can see you in front of the big picture windows, your arms crossed and eyes glistening with hurt. I stand behind you and place my string hands on your shoulders. Your lips starts to quiver a little as a single huge tear rolls down your cheek.
My heart aches and a purse my lips tightly to avoid trying to make it seem like it’s all about me again. Instead I know it’s because of me.
I wrap my arms around your shoulders and hug you lightly, kissing the top of your head. Pulling away, I whisper, “If you look at my blog anymore, you’ll find my apology there, Birthday Girl. If you don’t want to even look at me or my blog, I understand. Knowing I hurt you after you’ve been there for me in so many ways, I’m not sure I want to look at my own blog either. All I know is that I thank God that so many years ago you decided to join us. I hope you had a very happy birthday, Jodi. And I wish you nothing but bliss for all the many more you’ll have.”