I Love You Philip Gulley

Did I ever mention my obsession with Philip Gulley? I admire him. I read his books -- even the ones he receives death threats about. I identify with him. His Indiana childhood seems to be my Indiana childhood although in moments of clarity I realize both of us are doing a lot of editing. If he is speaking nearby, I go. I once introduced myself to him as, "Hello, I don't mean to keep stalking you."

That's his latest book in the photo above. Please read it, although he does not need my endorsement. It will be a best seller along with the others.

The other day a car pulled into the driveway. My father-in-law stepped out with arms stretched -- reaching for a hug at the sight of me.

(Ok, technically he has not been my father-in-law for 23 years since I was stupid enough to divorce his son and cause great pain all around. Whatever. I still think of him as Dad.)

In the midst of the bear hug and wonderful feelings and the tugging of tears, he handed me this book. Not only does he know how much I love Phillip Gulley -- he is friends with him. Not only does he forgive me for being an impetuous, self-centered human being -- he still bothers to love the woman I want to be and try to be.

So, he handed me this book and said, "Happy Birthday."

I try not to use names on this blog. I figure if you out yourself in a comment or by sending me an email, I have still kept some weirdo blogger-journalist code of ethics. But I am making an exception.

I love Philip Gulley. I also am truly blessed because I love Bob Friedly.

George

Much to my dismay, I was bombarded with country music in my youth. Of course, today I love it. Years ago, it was not cool and I aspired to be cool.

In my house, we watched "Hee Haw" on Saturday night. And if my dad was driving the car, we listened to the country station.

George Jones was, and is, one of my Dad's favorite artists. We have been to his concerts. For the record, "No Show Jones" usually showed.

When George's ex-wife and love of his life (Tammy Wynette) remarried, George referred to her mate as his husband-in-law. I have often borrowed a version of that term.

He has jillions of great songs but the one that makes me reach for the tissues is He Stopped Loving Her Today. It's morose -- a love carried until his dying day:

"...They placed a wreath upon his door
Then they carried him away
He stopped loving her today..."

Today I went to the house to deal with stuff: his stuff, my stuff, our stuff, stuff nobody wants ...

And I admitted it to myself:

She stopped loving him today.

Cha Cha Cha Changes...

Welcome to my new blog site. I hope you will pop in regularly.

Years ago I started my first blog (www.livingwiththeoldies.blogspot.com) as a creative outlet while my elderly in-laws were living with my husband and me. After close to a thousand posts and many life changes, it is time to start anew.

Some use a blog as a daily journal of sorts. Others make political or social commentary. Still others have found an outlet for stream-of-consciousness thoughts. I have done all of these things and will undoubtedly continue.

This new blog represents a change. And change is my constant companion right now. My oldies, the in-laws I referred to, both passed away last year. The husband I referred to is soon to be my ex-husband. Another change. I am looking for full time employment. When that happens, I suspect that will change my life in many ways. And eventually, I will be moving and creating a new home of my own.

You'll still hear about some of the constants in my life: my parents and the rest of my family, friends and acquaintances and of course, my beloved big black Lab, Gabby.

Recently I spoke with someone who I have not seen since I was in high school. He told me I have a wicked sense of humor. I'm not sure that's true but I'll try to let it come through the screen now and then.

I can't really tell you why other people blog. I can only tell you that on certain days, writing is as crucial to me as breathing. I enjoy the process of taking a thought and communicating it in my own twisted way. And, I really enjoy it when you comment.

Welcome.