My Words in a Book

A couple of weeks ago I received my long-awaited boxes of books.

I reached in and carefully brought one out. It was pristine. The cover was shiny with no finger marks. Gently I opened the book.

The very first page began three pages of testimonials – remarks from folk who read the Advanced Reading Copy (ARC). They used words and phrases like “wonderful writing, honest, personal, compelling, comforted, encouraged, soul-stirring, modern classic, inspiring reality, live out their faith, humour, struggle, romance, courage, heartache, ultimately hope, from real life to flights of fancy, hug from heaven for a friend, vulnerable, finely-honed stories, fresh evidences of God’s grace” – and those words are only a few from the first page.

Humbled I turned to the next page. It read:

              This book is dedicated to

             Raymond and Lois Nelles

     in tribute to their exceptional support

    of Canadian writers who are Christian

Then the title page:

          A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider

          Words to Stimulate the Mind and Delight the Spirit

                                      Edited by

                                            N. J. Lindquist

                                      Wendy Elaine Nelles

                               That’s Life! Communications

Another page-turn. I perused the copyright page.

The Table of Contents was opposite. I read from the top down. Second line from the bottom I saw, Surviving with a Woman of a Certain Age by Denise Budd Rumble. Here I paused.

I wrote my first book at the age of seven. It was a mystery. I was the main character who solved the mystery. My dolls and teddies loved it.

I’ve been writing ever since. And, I’ve kept just about everything I’ve ever written – short stories; articles; columns; news; book reviews; a recipe book; children’s book manuscripts – along with every rejection slip, most of them with encouraging words hand written on the form letter; and on and on.

No, I didn’t only receive rejection slips. I have a lot of publishing credits to my name – more than enough to achieve professional membership in The Word Guild, a Canadian organization for writers and editors who are Christian.

To this point in time, my published work has appeared in a variety of newspapers and magazines, but this was the first time my words nestled between the covers of a book. And, yes, the book is an anthology. And, yes, only one chapter contains my words. And, yes, being published in newspapers and magazines is important and fulfilling.

But, there’s a little more to this story – the story of these words in a book…

Let’s journey together.

© 2011 Denise Budd Rumble

Road Trip Tales – Part Two

“I don’t remember being on this road before.”

Another half-hour drive and we decided to stay away from the major highways and enjoy some of the scenery. As kids the purpose of the trip was usually just to get there so we did very little sight-seeing along the way.

“You’re right, Mum. But, we decided we’d travel some new roads, see some new scenery. We thought you might like that.”

“But will there be time to visit Aunty K.?”

“Remember we told you that we were just going to travel to Belleville today and stay in a hotel tonight. We’ll have a leisurely breakfast and then make our way to Napanee in the morning to visit. We’ll be able to stay all day, until her supper time.”

“Oh, alright then.

A minute later her nose was buried in her book once again.

The car took us over rolling hills and through peaceful valleys. Patchwork fields, wildflowers waving in the breeze and trickling brooks danced across our field of sight. We enjoyed seeing the varied architecture of old houses and new, quaint villages and larger towns. We drove by the Bowmanville Zoo. Earlier we thought we might stop and visit there but the break at the mall convinced us that it would be too difficult for Mum.

“I don’t remember the trip taking this long.” Mum lifted her eyes from her book to the window. “I don’t remember being on this road before.”

A few hours later, with the help of “geeps”, my GPS, we found a nice “British pub” and restaurant.

“Where are we?”

“We’ve found an interesting place for supper, Mum, a British pub. They probably have some nice fish and chips.”

“I’ll just wait in the car. You can bring me a pack of chips.”

“Mum, you need to have some supper. We’ve found this nice place for you. I bet they make a really good cup of tea.”

“I’ve got part of that sandwich left, just bring me some chips.”

After some cajoling, arguing and putting our foot down, we helped Mum out of the car and up the stairs to the pub. Karen and I did enjoy a delicious meal of fish and chips. Mum had trifle. Following an arduous climb up, then down, a flight of stairs to use the “facilities” the three of us settled into the car again.

Continuing on minor highways and through a couple more towns we finally reached our destination for the evening.

“Are you sure the home will still let us in? It’s getting a bit late isn’t it?”

“We’re going to a hotel now, Mum.”

“But, I thought we were going to visit Aunty K.”

“Tomorrow, Mum. We’re going to have a leisurely breakfast and then spend the day with Aunty K. tomorrow.”

“Oh. Alright then. How much farther to the hotel? I’m nearly finished my book.”

“Nearly there. We’re in Belleville now.”

Overwhelmed by hot flashes I turned on the air conditioner – full blast.

“Mum, there’s a blanket there if you need it – and a pillow.”

Let’s journey together.

© Denise Budd Rumble 2009

But, would it work?

Folks less hardy than we might have fainted at the foolhardiness of it. But not us! We were up for the challenge. With just a few days to spare we made sure we had all we needed. It was going to be close. It was going to be difficult. It was going to need cooperation from all involved. We knew we could pull it off.

But, would it work?

After lots of fun and conversation at the restaurant the tension began to build. Amidst hugs and laughter and “I’ll see you there!” we wondered if we would. Would we see everyone there?

Cars parked. Food and such retrieved. Stairs climbed. In pairs and groups they rode the elevator.

As I left the elevator and entered the hall I could hear voices. Happy voices. Lots of happy voices. And yet, I could see no one, nothing. Nothing except one lone shoe. An important job for a lone shoe – keeping the door ajar so that no welcome soul would be locked out. Furtively I pushed open the door and ventured the three feet into the living room/dining room/kitchen area of my mum’s retirement residence suite. I smiled widely.

What I saw was cause for relief and celebration. We had done it. We pulled it off. And, more than that we had accomplished a daring feat quietly, on the sly. She didn’t have a clue.

Mum was chatting and laughing – happy that, once again, she could have the entire family in her “home”.

And, my sister and I were happy, too. We had been able to gather everyone together for fun, food and games at Grandma’s – just like we used to when Mum had a large family home to house us all.

And, miracles of miracles – we all fit!! Well, as long as we didn’t all breathe out at the same time and kept our elbows in.

Let’s journey together.

©2009 Denise Budd Rumble

But it's supposed to be spring!

I can’t believe it! My weatherman and my calendar agree, here in Southwestern Ontario, Canada – heavy on the Southwestern – it is supposed to be Spring. But this morning I was greeted by snow!

Yes, I know it’s only April and it’s not unusual for us to get snow at this time of year, but today the reappearance of snow hit me – like a slap in the face, a kick in the butt, like being shoved down when you’re trying to get up out of the doldrums of winter hanging on and wanting spring to take over.

After having several days of double-digit weather recently this new snow is a drag. Maybe it’s menopause, but I’m sick of the cold and the snow. I’m cranky and tired and headachy. And, I just want to crawl back into bed, snuggle down and wait until spring really is here.

Except for those darn hot flashes!

Hmm, I guess that’s one good thing about the cold weather dragging on. When a hot flash takes over all I have to do is step out on my porch to get some relief.

Let’s journey together.

© 2009 Denise Budd Rumble

On a roller coaster at Christmas time

Christmas is a time for a multitude of things, but something folks don’t talk about much is the overwhelming emotion that accompanies this celebration. For me it’s quite like a roller coaster.

As I’m cleaning today I listen to my radio. The station is playing only Christmas music. I love that. You see, I love Christmas time. I’m one of those people who wish it were Christmas all year.

My mood has been up and down like a yo-yo today. Okay, maybe being menopausal and moody isn’t a surprise to anyone, but it seems like every few minutes, or every half hour, I’m up and then down and then dancing and then eyes filling with tears. It just occurred to me that I’m being messed with…by my radio station!

“Jingle bells, jingle bells…” happy, happy.

“I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me…” memories, nostalgia.

“I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus…” mental pictures, story ideas.

“Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock…” snapping fingers, dancing around the living room – see, I am getting exercise today.

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…” no problem there. We had a snowstorm yesterday. School buses cancelled, roads closed, snow, snow and more snow! “…just like the ones I used to know…” Hmm, not quite. No amount of snow will bring my dad back to celebrate Christmas with us, just one more time.

Why is it that Christmas evokes such emotion? From strangers wishing you “Merry Christmas” – okay, maybe “Happy Holidays” – to some gnarly brute stealing the parking spot that you’d been waiting patiently for! From teary-eyed parents watching their kids on Santa’s knee to parents screaming at whiny kids to quit asking for every toy they see. Emotions are flying all over the place.

No wonder I’m so exhausted after shopping. My emotions undergo a strenuous exercise there! Happy, sad, impatient, surprised, frustrated, angry. And when hubby happily greets me at the door, obviously having missed me, all I can say is,  “I need a cuppa and some time alone! Did you even think about starting supper?” Hmm, he probably thinks I was alone all day…

Let’s journey together.

© 2008 Denise Budd Rumble

Another Change

I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since I posted my last blog!

Since Labour Day weekend I have been madly running off in all directions as I transition to a new position.

About twelve years ago I launched my own bookkeeping business. It was just in my own name but I always thought of it as “Best Bookkeeping”, after all I was the owner and bookkeeper! I was thrilled when I got my first client and happily posted debits and credits, invoices and payments. New clients came along. My little business boomed and thrived.

But the day comes when it is time to make a change. I need variety in my life. And, although change is usually difficult, even when it’s good change, it was time for me to make a change. And so, I have been closing up my bookkeeping shop – trying to help my clients accept the change and encourage them to look happily for the next person who will take good care of their business’ financial information.

Change – it’s what I live in the midst of. Everyday. The Change – capital “C”. Not to mention all the changes bouncing off my life in every direction. From this major career change to changes in family to changes of season and changes in relationships and … I could go on, but you get the idea. I expect many of you are also drifting on the sea of change.

So, I do apologize for taking so long between posts. One great thing about my new position is that I’ll be working from home! That means I should be able to post more often, as long as you don’t tell my boss…

Let’s journey together.

© 2008 Denise Budd Rumble

Hurrah, It's a Long Weekend!

It’s Labour Day weekend in Ontario this weekend. Oh, no! Not that kind of labour. At least, I don’t think there will be a baby boom this Monday.

Basically nowadays, it’s a long weekend, Monday off work-the last “hurrah”, so to speak, before back to the regular routine of work and school. I hope I can enjoy it.

Last night I slept terribly, kept awake by almost continuous waves of hot flashes and itchy back, and arms, and legs, and feet. And, yes, I do shower regularly. So, today I’m tired and headachy and just don’t feel like getting ready and going to work and doing my errands and…. Well, you know how it is, bed just sounds like the place to be this morning.

So, I guess I’ll just drag myself through this day and dream of the long weekend-the last of the summer…

Blue summer skies
Floating wispy clouds
Gentle sweet smelling breezes
My own familiar porch
No work, no stress
No discomfort
Soft pillows
A good book to read
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Sweet ice tea
Warm and comfy
Meals prepared and served
All housework done to perfection
All laundry done-even the ironing
All bills paid
Bank account overflowing
Uninterrupted dreamless sleep

Oh, I’m sorry, I must have drifted off. What was I saying…?
I remember, it’s a long weekend this weekend. An extra day to relax
or play
or visit
or get ready for school
or work at home
or just plain sit and be.
Don’t you just love it?

Let’s journey together.

© 2008 Denise Budd Rumble

A Peaceful Respite

I’m at peace today.

It’s a welcome respite from hot flash attacks and parental concerns. A cease-fire in the midst of midlife battle—the battle for my sanity, my minutes, my equilibrium.

I celebrate this peace today—a mind clear from fog, anxiety and memory relapse. No call from sad parent or troubled child disturbs this tranquility.

I take in the beauty of an endless canvas; myriad shades of white and gray and blue swirled into sky by the Master Artist. I breathe in the warm August air and smell the lateness of the summer. Song of bumblebee and twittering goldfinch add to my peace of mind. Grass, rich in colour and nourished to the full tickles my toes. Refreshing cool water quenches my summer thirst.

As if in a dream I float through this day—peaceful, light, grateful, blessed.

Let’s journey together.

© 2008 Denise Budd Rumble

Makeup Quandary

“I’m coming!”

Gee, you’d think my hubby was deaf or something. That’ll be the third time I’ve told him that I’m coming.

Yes, I know we’re running a tad behind but I’m doing the best I can. You just can’t hurry some things. It’s my makeup you see—I’m trying to put it on, but…well…I was running behind, so I was hurrying to get ready. Now I’m finally down to the makeup. Then it happened—hot flash attack! The heat radiated from the middle of me to the outer edges of me and the steam came out the pores on my face resulting in facial dampness. Okay, maybe “drips” is a better term.

I tried drying my face with a towel. But by the time I put the towel back on the rack and picked up my eye shadow brush my face was wet again. Have you ever attempted to apply eye shadow and blush to a wet surface?

If I could just wait it out…

“Yes, I know what time it is. I’ll be there in a minute!”

Well, I guess I’ll start with lipstick. At least that surface is supposed to be wet.

© 2008 Denise Budd Rumble

Sister's Day

It is fitting that my foray into blogging begins today.

Today, the first Sunday in August, is Sister’s Day.

Dictionary.com defines sister as “a female having the same parents as another”. This is certainly true of me as I do have siblings. But one of the other definitions defines all women in midlife, “a female fellow member of any group”.

Women in midlife are undoubtedly in a group of their own. Filled with many changes and challenges it is doubtful many of us choose to go through midlife, but journey through it we must. We are not a small group. Over 45 million women in North America are between the ages of 45 and 54.

We can take comfort in the fact that we are not going through this time in our lives alone, however, we are often reluctant to talk about the things that are bothering us. From hot flashes and fuzzy brain to children leaving for higher education and parents aging and declining before our eyes, changes in body, mind and soul keep us spinning.

We don’t have to do this alone, so let’s not. Come back often and visit me. I’ll put the kettle on and we’ll chat.

Let’s journey together.

© 2008 Denise Budd Rumble