More Friends & their poems, stories, etc.
Cliff Jones
Snow Kids
When snow laid on the ground,
Joy was found.
Foolish to hide,
Sleds to ride.
Snowballs to throw,
Slipping and sliding to and fro.
Making a snowman,
Who needs a tan.
Wearing extra clothes,
And never froze.
Long underwear over our skin,
Kept the heat in.
Gloves, sweatshirts, and coats,
Made us energetic jolts.
With grandma's ski mask,
Cold became a forgotten task.
Put on our boots,
Before we are let loose.
For hours we would play,
Then cold would have its way.
Ears, noses, and toes would feel the bite,
It was time to take flight.
Through the back door,
Watch the kitchen floor.
Down to the basement,
Tread on familiar cement.
To the welcome furnace,
That did not burn us.
Hanging winter clothes on the line,
Always warm by morning time.
Maybe a hot chocolate or a brownie,
Watch a little TV.
Before hearing two words of dread,
Bath and bed!
Covered by blankets,
We slept without knowing frets.
Tomorrow was a day anew,
I could only say thank-you.
Cliff Jones May 12, 2003
When snow laid on the ground,
Joy was found.
Foolish to hide,
Sleds to ride.
Snowballs to throw,
Slipping and sliding to and fro.
Making a snowman,
Who needs a tan.
Wearing extra clothes,
And never froze.
Long underwear over our skin,
Kept the heat in.
Gloves, sweatshirts, and coats,
Made us energetic jolts.
With grandma's ski mask,
Cold became a forgotten task.
Put on our boots,
Before we are let loose.
For hours we would play,
Then cold would have its way.
Ears, noses, and toes would feel the bite,
It was time to take flight.
Through the back door,
Watch the kitchen floor.
Down to the basement,
Tread on familiar cement.
To the welcome furnace,
That did not burn us.
Hanging winter clothes on the line,
Always warm by morning time.
Maybe a hot chocolate or a brownie,
Watch a little TV.
Before hearing two words of dread,
Bath and bed!
Covered by blankets,
We slept without knowing frets.
Tomorrow was a day anew,
I could only say thank-you.
Cliff Jones May 12, 2003
George Dominguez
answering my question: Have you ever loved a store?
Yes, people fall in love with memories of where they once worked and/or shopped.
I was one of those people who loved working at a Mervyn's department store in Huntington Beach. The store gave me a chance to come back to the work force after 22 years of being on disability. It was like my first job! I loved the people who worked there as well.
After starting from the bottom, I rose to be a store manager there in about 5 yrs. Hard times closed the adjoining mall--it was torn down and rebuilt as an open mall. Our store survived through the bad times even through 9/11 … until we were sold to another company who sold us to private investors which resulted in Mervyn’s being closed due to bankruptcy.
Another company come in and started selling the tables, 4-ways, fixtures and the break room furniture. The jewelry dept., being sold piece-by-piece, was more than that supervisor could take it--she didn't come in for her last 3 days, called in sick. Our top level was gone! The ‘close-out’ company brought down the kids dept and added it to the men’s dept. We were told that the managers would be the last to go during the closing of the store; yet, some of us found ourselves with ‘pink’ slips before the regular employees.
They got rid of the workers and managers who got paid more! That's where I fit in! I was one of the first four managers to go; they let the others go the following week.
The other Mervyn's stores didn't have room for more employees. Then they found out they were going to be closing them down in another month. Now they, too, were scrambling to find jobs.
Many of the younger workers were hired by other companies.
People who fit in the range of 50 and over are still looking. But, yes, even I miss working at the store that gave me a chance to prove myself. I only wish that the other stores would. Yet, somehow, I believe in a dream I keep having--some store DID take the chance on me.
You have a good weekend. God Bless you, Sandy.
Your friend,
George Dominguez
I was one of those people who loved working at a Mervyn's department store in Huntington Beach. The store gave me a chance to come back to the work force after 22 years of being on disability. It was like my first job! I loved the people who worked there as well.
After starting from the bottom, I rose to be a store manager there in about 5 yrs. Hard times closed the adjoining mall--it was torn down and rebuilt as an open mall. Our store survived through the bad times even through 9/11 … until we were sold to another company who sold us to private investors which resulted in Mervyn’s being closed due to bankruptcy.
Another company come in and started selling the tables, 4-ways, fixtures and the break room furniture. The jewelry dept., being sold piece-by-piece, was more than that supervisor could take it--she didn't come in for her last 3 days, called in sick. Our top level was gone! The ‘close-out’ company brought down the kids dept and added it to the men’s dept. We were told that the managers would be the last to go during the closing of the store; yet, some of us found ourselves with ‘pink’ slips before the regular employees.
They got rid of the workers and managers who got paid more! That's where I fit in! I was one of the first four managers to go; they let the others go the following week.
The other Mervyn's stores didn't have room for more employees. Then they found out they were going to be closing them down in another month. Now they, too, were scrambling to find jobs.
Many of the younger workers were hired by other companies.
People who fit in the range of 50 and over are still looking. But, yes, even I miss working at the store that gave me a chance to prove myself. I only wish that the other stores would. Yet, somehow, I believe in a dream I keep having--some store DID take the chance on me.
You have a good weekend. God Bless you, Sandy.
Your friend,
George Dominguez
T.J. Fortenberry
answering my question: Have you ever loved a store?
My memories of Rikes
It is with many fond memories that I recall the best department store in Dayton, Ohio. Yes, I loved the Rikes downtown store much like you loved Sears. I am filled with memories that come to mind, particularly of going there as a child each year at Christmas time. Something I will never forget is the first time we drove up to the store and saw that huge magnificent Santa in the sleigh with the reindeer lifting up and wrapping around the corner of the exterior on the building. There have been many times I wished that I could have bought that Santa and reindeer set.
We would go after store hours, park right out front. The whole family would get out walk around looking at each window. Our great expectations were always met with the most elaborate and dreamy windows imaginable. The windows were full of action-filled winter scenes. They were absolutely the best! I don't think any store in New York City could have ever been any better!
When I was in high school, my art teacher offered to help me get a job with Rikes in the window and display department. I never took her up on that offer… probably because I never believed I was good enough to be a part of those magical displays.
When I became old enough to ride the electric trolley buses, I went to Rikes on my own. Later, after a move to the East side of Dayton, I would ride the city bus downtown to meet my boyfriend from Oakwood at the mezzanine. That was a time (about 1965) before either of us could drive and what special memories that brings. Oh, the anticipation of seeing each other. It was so exciting to see him looking for me over the rails.
For me, no store compared to Rikes. I could whip in and out of all the department stores as I knew each of them so well. But at the end of my shopping day, I always preferred Rikes for my actual purchases. When I went there to shop for my senior prom dress, I first saw it on a mannequin in the formal wear department. Wow! It was absolutely beautiful, turquoise chiffon with an empire waist. Years later my daughters spent many hours playing dress-up in that dreamy dress.
The last dress that I bought there was for the Christmas party that I had helped plan at the Sycamore Country Club in 1976 for the orthopedic resident doctors and their wives. The dress was magnificent; a boucle' knit in a taupe color. It fit like it had been made just for me. I weighed less than 100 lbs, and I have never felt more beautiful than I did that night.
Another sweet memory is of tasting the first white and dark chocolate strawberries that I purchased at Rikes. How pleasing to have such sweet and good memories to cherish always.
It is with many fond memories that I recall the best department store in Dayton, Ohio. Yes, I loved the Rikes downtown store much like you loved Sears. I am filled with memories that come to mind, particularly of going there as a child each year at Christmas time. Something I will never forget is the first time we drove up to the store and saw that huge magnificent Santa in the sleigh with the reindeer lifting up and wrapping around the corner of the exterior on the building. There have been many times I wished that I could have bought that Santa and reindeer set.
We would go after store hours, park right out front. The whole family would get out walk around looking at each window. Our great expectations were always met with the most elaborate and dreamy windows imaginable. The windows were full of action-filled winter scenes. They were absolutely the best! I don't think any store in New York City could have ever been any better!
When I was in high school, my art teacher offered to help me get a job with Rikes in the window and display department. I never took her up on that offer… probably because I never believed I was good enough to be a part of those magical displays.
When I became old enough to ride the electric trolley buses, I went to Rikes on my own. Later, after a move to the East side of Dayton, I would ride the city bus downtown to meet my boyfriend from Oakwood at the mezzanine. That was a time (about 1965) before either of us could drive and what special memories that brings. Oh, the anticipation of seeing each other. It was so exciting to see him looking for me over the rails.
For me, no store compared to Rikes. I could whip in and out of all the department stores as I knew each of them so well. But at the end of my shopping day, I always preferred Rikes for my actual purchases. When I went there to shop for my senior prom dress, I first saw it on a mannequin in the formal wear department. Wow! It was absolutely beautiful, turquoise chiffon with an empire waist. Years later my daughters spent many hours playing dress-up in that dreamy dress.
The last dress that I bought there was for the Christmas party that I had helped plan at the Sycamore Country Club in 1976 for the orthopedic resident doctors and their wives. The dress was magnificent; a boucle' knit in a taupe color. It fit like it had been made just for me. I weighed less than 100 lbs, and I have never felt more beautiful than I did that night.
Another sweet memory is of tasting the first white and dark chocolate strawberries that I purchased at Rikes. How pleasing to have such sweet and good memories to cherish always.
Mary Ann Biddinger
TINY SEED
HOW THE FLOWERS DID GROW FROM TINY SEEDS...
AS THE GARDNER'S HANDS PLANTED, WATERED
AND CARED FOR THEM THROUGHOUT THE GARDEN...
...A TINY SEED DREAMED OF WAKING UP IN THE LOVELY GARDEN AND IT'S COLOR WOULD CATCH AN EYE OF PASSER'S BY...
EVEN THE TINY SEEDS FLOWER COLORS MADE THE GARDNER GRIN...
AS HE GAVE THEM WATER TO STAY
BEAUTIFUL IN THE GARDEN TO VIEW... .
...AS PEOPLE PASS BY FLOWERS HAVE GROWN SO BEAUTIFULLY FROM A TINY SEED...
IN THE GARDEN...
YOU SEE...
...TAKE A WALK IN THE GARDEN BUT SHHHHHHH!....
A TINY SEED IS DREAMING.
**************************************************
DREAMS OF A VICTORIAN HOUSE
...a scent of a wisteria is caught up in a gentle breeze going
into the herb garden......up the back steps
opening the gate to the back porch
and getting the key to open the door
to the beautiful victorian house
colors painted at least ten different ones
original as it once was......the shop I loved to be in
the flower and gift shop
a truly unique experience and is very special to me
through the shop seeing the high end gifts still
placed each one
the flower coolers filled with vibrant colored flowers
I can't wait to get them out and create a design
there is a sweet man who's name is bob
comes in every tuesday to buy seven roses
two for his daughter
two for his sister and three for his housekeeper
looking forward to seeing bob for tomorrow is tuesday
.a hush comes over us as we design
concentrating quietly
someone would laugh or someone would shout
it's quiet again
on with the roses, stargazer lillies, gerber daisies, porteas,
or ginger to their names I mention
the beautiful victorian house is a visitors grand surprise when they come in
...very well decoratedwith antiques and curtains of lace, and those high-end gift placed
pretty flower designs of victorian lore
the drifting light is streaming through this dreamit is quiet
the beautiful painted victorian house is for sale
only the dream
that drifts by takes me
by the scented wisteria
copyright 2010 Maryannbiddinger
February 18, 2010
HOW THE FLOWERS DID GROW FROM TINY SEEDS...
AS THE GARDNER'S HANDS PLANTED, WATERED
AND CARED FOR THEM THROUGHOUT THE GARDEN...
...A TINY SEED DREAMED OF WAKING UP IN THE LOVELY GARDEN AND IT'S COLOR WOULD CATCH AN EYE OF PASSER'S BY...
EVEN THE TINY SEEDS FLOWER COLORS MADE THE GARDNER GRIN...
AS HE GAVE THEM WATER TO STAY
BEAUTIFUL IN THE GARDEN TO VIEW... .
...AS PEOPLE PASS BY FLOWERS HAVE GROWN SO BEAUTIFULLY FROM A TINY SEED...
IN THE GARDEN...
YOU SEE...
...TAKE A WALK IN THE GARDEN BUT SHHHHHHH!....
A TINY SEED IS DREAMING.
**************************************************
DREAMS OF A VICTORIAN HOUSE
...a scent of a wisteria is caught up in a gentle breeze going
into the herb garden......up the back steps
opening the gate to the back porch
and getting the key to open the door
to the beautiful victorian house
colors painted at least ten different ones
original as it once was......the shop I loved to be in
the flower and gift shop
a truly unique experience and is very special to me
through the shop seeing the high end gifts still
placed each one
the flower coolers filled with vibrant colored flowers
I can't wait to get them out and create a design
there is a sweet man who's name is bob
comes in every tuesday to buy seven roses
two for his daughter
two for his sister and three for his housekeeper
looking forward to seeing bob for tomorrow is tuesday
.a hush comes over us as we design
concentrating quietly
someone would laugh or someone would shout
it's quiet again
on with the roses, stargazer lillies, gerber daisies, porteas,
or ginger to their names I mention
the beautiful victorian house is a visitors grand surprise when they come in
...very well decoratedwith antiques and curtains of lace, and those high-end gift placed
pretty flower designs of victorian lore
the drifting light is streaming through this dreamit is quiet
the beautiful painted victorian house is for sale
only the dream
that drifts by takes me
by the scented wisteria
copyright 2010 Maryannbiddinger
February 18, 2010
Kyle Kish
he calls me by my sister's name
two strokes later,
dad gets about
with his walker.
his vitality
and zest
for life
is not lost.
but my image
of him being immortal
hangs thinly on a vine,
as he calls me
by my sister's name
and his white, white
legs hang limply
beneath his pants.
he still looks good
in jeans, has women
come to call,
but he doesn't
remember if he
bathed and
the women's
names are
forgotten, along
with his short
term memory.
i still have my dad.
he is a gift to all
of his family ...
who quietly burst
in to keep his
life happy,
in a controlled
atmosphere.
but my heart cries
out for him
to remember me,
his eldest daughter,
whom he told ran
faster than a deer
one summer, when
i had my roadside
sweet corn stand.
he smiles and looks
at pictures. he's
always got pictures
nearby to look upon.
he shows me one
of his eldest daughter
and smiles with pride.
for now, i still
have my dad
and his smiles,
stories of 'way
back when'
and the thin
parchment paper
hand of his to hold
to my face, as he
calls me by my
sister's name.
copyright 2009 Kyle Anne Kish
P.S. My dad died last year. He went quietly but I still miss him.
two strokes later,
dad gets about
with his walker.
his vitality
and zest
for life
is not lost.
but my image
of him being immortal
hangs thinly on a vine,
as he calls me
by my sister's name
and his white, white
legs hang limply
beneath his pants.
he still looks good
in jeans, has women
come to call,
but he doesn't
remember if he
bathed and
the women's
names are
forgotten, along
with his short
term memory.
i still have my dad.
he is a gift to all
of his family ...
who quietly burst
in to keep his
life happy,
in a controlled
atmosphere.
but my heart cries
out for him
to remember me,
his eldest daughter,
whom he told ran
faster than a deer
one summer, when
i had my roadside
sweet corn stand.
he smiles and looks
at pictures. he's
always got pictures
nearby to look upon.
he shows me one
of his eldest daughter
and smiles with pride.
for now, i still
have my dad
and his smiles,
stories of 'way
back when'
and the thin
parchment paper
hand of his to hold
to my face, as he
calls me by my
sister's name.
copyright 2009 Kyle Anne Kish
P.S. My dad died last year. He went quietly but I still miss him.
