It’s a Phase

May 24, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 15 Comments

Courtesy of Wikipedia.org

DAILY PROMPT: Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt –Phase

“Relax honey; it’s just a phase. All the kids go through stuff like this.”

Joan set her coffee cup down to avoid throwing it at her husband, hiding behind the morning newspaper.

“Phase? Are you kidding me? He’s 22 years old. The Mohawk in middle school was a phase. Bouncing around to different sports, was a phase, and I pray to God the tattoos are a phase but,” she glanced at the clock, “sleeping until noon every day is not a phase – it’s laziness.”

John lowered the paper. “You’re too hard on the boy, Joan. You know as well as I do, jobs are scarce right now with the economy the way it is, especially for new graduates.”

“The economy sucks, I agree, but there are jobs available. I see hiring signs on every corner.”

“You want him to work at McDonalds?” He rolled his eyes and resumed reading.

“I want him to get a job. Six months is long enough. When he isn’t sleeping till noon, he’s playing damn video games. Who does that at 22? What happened to all that drive and ambition we saw at the end of the year?”

“He’s depressed. Not getting a job offer during recruitment week, like his buddies, threw him; give him a little time.”

“I’m sorry he didn’t get an offer too, but he can’t mope around the house doing nothing. It’s time he started paying his way.”

“Come on honey; we’ve got the money, give him a break. He just needs a safe place to deal with the disappointment. He’ll come around.”

“Safe place? Have you lost your damn mind?”

“No need to shout. I’m two feet away. I can hear you.”

“Then you’re not listening. I have a newsflash for both of you – the world is not always a nice place, nor is it fair. I promised him an education but I sure as hell never promised him a safe place to hide from the big, bad world.”

Joan dumped the rest of her coffee in the sink, picked up the dishcloth and started rubbing the counters with more effort than required. “Safe place, my ass.”

“Excuse me? You’re mumbling.”

Joan threw the cloth into the sink. “John Andrews, I’m surprised at you. We didn’t raise our son to roll up in a damn ball when the going gets tough. You sound like some bleeding heart liberal. Safe place? Are you kidding me?”

John laid the paper aside, walked over and wrapped his arms around her.”No need to be insulting, honey,” he said kissing her hair. “Take a breath and calm down; it’s not good for you to get so upset. You’re right. I’ll talk to him.”

She turned to face him. “He’s a smart young man with a college education. I don’t want him slipping down the rabbit hole thinking the world owes him a living or that any job is beneath him. That’s not how we raised him.”

“Honey, he doesn’t believe that…”

She interrupted, “Then why isn’t he out beating the bushes? We won’t always be around.” Tears started down her cheeks.“I need to know he’s gonna be okay before…”

He pulled her close. “Ssh, don’t think about all that right now, I’ll talk to him.”

At the sound of footsteps, Joan pushed out of her husband’s arms swiping the tears from her face.

“Morning guys.” Their son entered the kitchen smiling.

Joan noticed the lilt in his step and the portfolio tucked under his arm. “Want some breakfast?”

He pulled a travel mug from the cabinet and filled it with coffee.“No thanks, mom; I’m good. I’ll grab something after my job interview, and if it goes the way I think it will,” he winked at his dad, “I might buy you guys dinner.” He reached for the door.“On second thought,” he grabbed a muffin off the sideboard and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Love you mom, and don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

Flash Talk Pictorial: I’m a Southern Belle

May 18, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 10 Comments

Daily Post Prompt:

Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt. South

This prompt had my head spinning with things I might want to cover – Southern myths for example. Instead, decided just to give you a glimpse into me via some of my favorite memes.

First, let me say I am a Southern woman, born and bred. I grew up in a small town at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains where you’ll find some of the most beautiful mountains on earth, a church on nearly every corner and everyone greets you with a smile, if not by name.

As a girl, I couldn’t wait to leave and explore the world – move to the big city. I’ve been out of the country – once, visited a few other states but I never ventured far from my roots. I still reside in South Carolina and proud to do so.

I’ll save the myths for another time. In the meantime, check out what it’s like to be a Southern Belle by clicking on the link below.

Source: Flash Talk Pictorial: I’m a Southern Belle

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

Survival

May 13, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 26 Comments

The Daily Post: Survival

I survived a parent’s worst nightmare. The middle of the night phone call. I missed the first ring but the second that came almost immediately had me out of the bed and on high alert.

Our brains with more than 100 billion nerve cells, is the most sophisticated communication network we own, and when it speaks, we better listen. My daughter who lives nearly 500 miles away was on the other end of that line, and she was terrified – someone was in the hall of her apartment trying to get in somewhere. Even I, through the phone lines, could hear the God- awful ruckus the intruder was making. He sounded like he was on the other side of her door.

“Call 911.”

“Oh my God! He’s right outside.” Her crying intensified. “What do I do? What do I do?” Fear had paralyzed her.

“Stay on the line with me honey. I’m calling 911 from my end. “Don’t hang up.”

A mother’s instinct to protect her children, no matter their age and it’s as strong as any of our survival instincts. My job as a mother was to stay calm and help her as best I could.I can tell you if I could have flown through those phone lines – I would have.

“Is the chain on your door?”

“I don’t have a chain.”

“Move the foyer dresser in front of the door.”

“He’ll hear me!”

“Get a knife, right now. If he comes through that door, use it.”

“Okay, okay.”

“Get your pepper spray.”

While I tried to keep her calm here’s where my mind was taking me. I didn’t want her to hang up to call herself, although she did and those few minutes we were not connected were the longest of my life. I was terrified if she hung up even for a moment, the worst might happen. In my mind as long as I could hear talk to her, she was safe.

And here:

Her crying intensified. “He’s trying to break down a door.”

I heard the destruction 500 miles away, and I prayed. “The police are on their way sweetheart, stay with me. You’re okay.”

“The police are here. They just pulled up out front.”

“Honey, before you open the door, make sure it’s the police and don’t open the door with the knife in your hand, please.”

As it turns out, a drunken boyfriend kicked in the door to his girlfriend’s apartment. The police found him passed out inside and the girlfriend three sheets to the winds, as well. My daughter and other young ladies on the hall, although terrorized, were safe.

Yep, this mom survived a late-night phone call. Thank God so did my daughter. But, let me assure anyone who messes with my daughters will face this mother’s wrath.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

Relaxing on the Beach

May 6, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 6 Comments

DAILY PROMPT: Beach

Myrtle Beach

Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt.

There’s nothing quite like getting up early in the morning and enjoying a cup of coffee overlooking the massive expanse of the ocean.Listening to the waves rush toward shore is one of God’s most beautiful lullabies.

The beach – one of the most beautiful places on earth to chill out, reconnect, shut out the world and all its craziness, and just be present.

I don’t go as often as I like but the beach holds precious memories for me. The times I took my girls, trips with my husband, my best friend, and watching the joy of my Bichon Frise discover the ocean for the first time. Those are the memories that will last a lifetime.

Take a trip to the beach this year, breathe in the salt air, and listen to God’s lullaby. Just one word of caution, unless you’re a lot younger than I – make sure you don’t find yourself on the third floor of a cottage without an elevator.

It’s gonna take us at least another week to recuperate from all those steps and my poor pup – her tongue is still hanging out.

Piper

God’s Lullaby @ Myrtle Beach

Do you have a vacation to the beach planned this year? Share your trip with us.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, and Contently.