Yesterday I mentioned the value of keeping a journal. I usually prefer to call mine a Gratitude Journal only because I prefer to look for the good life has to offer rather than getting caught in the black hole of negatives. Well, sometimes what a person writes —in this case, me — comes back to bite them. I will say that it was what I will consider a love bite. But, the bite still stings a little.
I had just published the article — not more than an hour earlier — when Mrs. Hildebrand and Miss Bessie appeared at my front door. They had not called to say they were coming over so it did come as a bit of a surprise. Of course, those two are always a sight for sore eyes. (I don’t really know what that means, but if you are in the south you have heard it all your life and you say it a lot.)
The two older women were bundled up like snowmen — ah, snow women. I could only think of Laury’s comment on an earlier post about needing larger overalls even though she had not gained weight. Mrs. Hildebrand was wrapped up in enough layers to be laid to rest in King Tut’s tomb. And, Miss Bessie’s frail frame had plumped out sufficiently for her to say that she looked as if she had “booty.” Well. What can I say? Miss Bessie worried about “booty” at her age?
Anyway, both the ladies were working very hard to look serious — in fact, stern. I opened the door and as I was inviting them in for a cup of hot tea they walked right past me. That’s always a bad sign. Neither said a thing as they entered. Both headed straight through the house to the kitchen table. Okay. So, it was obvious that something was on their minds.
Mrs. Hildebrand started, “Now, Maya, we are a bit put off by your Christmas gifts to us.”
Miss Bessie had a “hmph” look on her face.
And, I felt myself shrink a size. I had really taken great pride in the gifts I made both women. Neither of them are women who would fail to appreciate the effort of a good hand made quilt, whether they liked it or not.
Mrs. Hildebrand continued, “Is there a reason you overlooked us this year?”
I was confused. But, I caught a bit of a twinkle in her eyes. I was beginning to think she was playing with me although her demeanor was still quite serious.
Miss Bessie broke in, “You know both of us can still read and write.”
I had no doubts about either of those considerations. Both ladies make two trips to the library each and every week.
Finally, Mrs. Hildebrand got to the point. “You did not give either of us a journal this year. And, I noticed that you are still going on about the necessity of keeping a journal on that thing you write on the computer.” (That “thing” would be this journal — the one you are reading right now.)
I knew where she was heading. I usually give everyone gratitude journals for Christmas. This year I had failed to add a journal to the gifts for Mrs. Hildebrand and Miss Bessie. However, I always keep a few really pretty ones on hand — just in case. Well, this was the case —in fact, two cases. I excused myself and went into the library. I opened the cabinet door below the books and sorted through a shelf of still packaged journals. Miss Bessie had followed me apparently.
“I would like that one.” She pointed to a lovely journal that was colorfully designed with turquoise and pale yellows.
“I’ll take the brown leather.” Mrs. Hildebrand spoke.
I handed the ladies their choices and invited them back to the kitchen table.
“Don’t have time for chatting. We are four days behind.” Mrs. Hildebrand was heading for the front door.
“You don’t have pens to go with the journals, do you?” Miss Bessie smiled.
I walked back to the library and selected two rather nice pens from the box I had just purchased.
“Blue ink?” Mrs. Hildebrand inquired.
“Yes, ma’am.” I remembered that Mrs. Hildebrand always used blue ink. I smiled. The ladies, bundled up once again, opened the door and headed out into the cold.
“Honey, don’t forget us next year. Ya hear?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll make a note now.”
Okay, so I’m thankful that both the old biddies read this online gratitude journal. 
Ya hear that? I’m thankful you old biddies are reading this!
