Pocket Full of ....

This true life adventure is dedicated to my son - Shawn Patrick Ragaglia. Shawn always has an adventure just waiting to happen. I love you Shawn - thanks for providing me with ample writing material.

Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.
-- John Heywood

My children are not usually demanding but they do have the gift of persistence. I admire persistence. In the middle of the grocery store I could have done without their persistence as they tagged teamed me with their pleas to have some of their favorite "junk" food. I would attempt to alter the course of the shopping cart over to the fresh fruit but eventually I ended up on aisle 6 -the snack aisle.

Houston is where we lived in 1988. Houston had some pretty rainy months and provided for puddle splashing fun. It seemed that there was endless laundry and that was especially true when the rain lingered and the puddles turned into streams. Rain usually did not hold my children captive in the house. The rain turned our yard into a shipyard, an ocean vacation for Barbie and Ken or a moat around the castle.

On rainy day we did enjoy shopping, story time at the library, or lunch out at McDonalds. It was on one of these rainy days that our adventure led Beth, Kelly, Shawn, Krystal and I to a pet store. Our family loved animals and it was fun to go to pet stores to intereact with the animals. I told the kids that the animals must get lonely in the store especially when they did not get adopted right away by a loving family.

Shawn liked the snakes and lizards and fish. Krystal was more of a kitten kind of girl. I was especially interested in the fish and the tank set ups. I was 8 months pregnant. Having a fish tank with its lights on at night and fish swimming around was very relaxing for me. Beth was tugging my arm to go and see the cutest little puppies. Kelly liked to try and reach in the rabbit cage and see if she could pet its soft fur. Each child attempted to persist that we needed another animal of some sort to take home with us.

We had our fill of the pet store and it was time to go home so I could get supper started. I loved this time of day. I knew that Steve would soon be home and we would be able to share our stories of the day and just relax with one another. Now I was rather anxious to get the kids loaded up and head home.

As we left the store, I noticed that Shawn and Beth lagged behind. Beth was really wanting a puppy and even was telling me what she would name her. Shawn was taking his time but he was rather quiet which was not typical. Each of the kids had asked to get some sort of animal and my answer was, "not now". I thought he was possibly disappointed. He took a seat in the very back of the van and remained quiet the whole ride home.

We got home and piled out of the van. I went into the kitchen and started supper. The girls stayed inside while Shawn went outside to play until supper was ready. I got Krystal in her high chair and started getting her fed. Beth set the table for me. Kelly was in front of the TV. Now it was countdown until Steve walked in the door.

Shawn walked in the door all excited. He was happy looking and the words were spilling out of his mouth like a burst damn. I got the words, "puddle of water", "fish", and "come see now, Mom". So, I asked Beth to keep an eye on Krystal while I went outside to see what Shawn was talking about. In my head I was trying to unscramble the words that had spewed from Shawn's mouth while I jogged to keep up with him. I was getting a funny feeling about this.

He ran over to a small little puddle near the edge of our driveway. He squatted down near the edge of the puddle. I saw what was there before he even had a chance to pick it up and show me. I wanted to see how this story was going to unfold and I let him have at it.

Shawn gingerly lifted a fish out of the water and exclaimed, "Mom, can you believe it???!!! I found a fish in this puddle. This is what I have been wanting." I asked him how he thought it could have gotten to this very puddle in front of this very house where a little boy wanted a fish just like that one? He very seriously told me that he thought God had answered his prayers!! He threw God into this whole sordid story. I didn't think he was old enough to know to use the "God card".

He then proceeded to tell me that with all the rain, the pond about a mile away from our house flooded. The tiny little fish must have come from that pond. I told him that the fish was dead. He told me it was probably from the trip from the pond to this very location. I did not want to burst his bubble quite yet because I wanted Steve to hear this "fish story".

The same story was repeated to Dad. I had to give him an "A" for effort. The fish was flushed and now came time to flush out the truth. It came out tearfully. He had wanted a fish so bad and thought this little fish was so cute that he had to have it. He had fished it out of the tank at the pet store. He then placed the ill-gotten fish in the pocket of his jeans. Poor little fish.

We went back to the pet store the next day and told the clerk what had happened. The story brought her to tears from laughing but she did manage to stress the importance of honesty. Shawn now knew that it was wrong to steal and that fish could not survive long outside of their watery environment. Just another one of those adventures with me that was made possible through my children.

Now that was a true fish story!

Always Smilin',
Dianne
Matthew 14:13 - 21
(Another story about fish you might enjoy)

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

 ¹³When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.  ¹⁵As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."
 ¹⁶Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
 ¹⁷"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
 ¹⁸"Bring them here to me," he said. ¹⁹And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

WET JEANS AND THE CLOTHES DRYER - NOT WHAT YOU THINK!

In 1988, I was a very busy Mother of 4 young children and one soon to arrive. I was a stay at home Mom and enjoyed what I did. There were not many dull moments in the house and very few restful periods. Steve worked at a fire protection company as their bill collector, although I am sure it was a loftier title than what I just gave it.

The weather was nice in Houston for the most part. We enjoyed many warm, sunny days that we spent at the beach. We had our share of cold weather but nothing that lasted much beyond 48 hours. I can remember it snowing one morning and we all ran outside to write messages to family in New York on the window of the car. We then took pictures of it to send to our families in New York. Does anyone remember the days of developing film?

We also enjoyed several hurricanes that brought about its share of flooding. I think flooding was the most fun for the whole family. If it flooded bad enough that meant that Steve had a day off work and the kids had a day or so off of school. Steve and some neighboring guys would end up in a field playing football in the rain, mud and flooded fields. The kids would dance in the rain, splash in the puddles and tube down the ditches. We even had hurricane parties that were always memorable.

My children also loved to have pets. We had turtles in the bathtub. Steve rescued a cat named Sam, short for Samantha. She was in love with me. I think everytime I was pregnant, so was she. We had puppies and dogs. I tried my hand at breeding Cocker Spaniels. So with the brood of kids, I always had a brood of animals to contend with also.

Sam had a litter of 9 kittens in the Spring of 1988. Sam decided the safest place to give birth was in Steve's closet. Poor Steve - he had allergies to cats but he was a trouper and put up with them since they made his kids and wife happy.

It was a weekday, most likely a Wednesday because I remember that to be one of the busiest days of the week. Wednesday night, we had a quick supper and then we went to church for AWANA. The kids came home from school and I dealt with their little dilemmas that they had encountered. I had supper on. Shawn came running in from outside where he was telling me how the girls were chasing him. While being chased he had a tumble in a puddle. It had been a rainy week.

I knew that I was pressed for time, so I told Shawn to take his jeans off and I would dry them so he could wear them to AWANA that night. I threw his jeans in the dryer along with a damp pillow. I gathered the kids for supper and we ate. Steve came home and he grabbed a bite also. Beth and Kelly excused themselves from the table to get ready for AWANA. Krystal, my ever present "helper" was assisting in smearing what she refused to eat onto her tray and bib and face. Such a precious cherub.

Shawn appeared in his He-Man underware and asked about his jeans. I said that they should be dry and went to retrieve them. I opened up the dryer and reached around and felt this large fluffy item. I pushed it aside and finally latched on to his dry jeans. He hurried and dressed and we were on our way to church.

We came home from church and got the kids settled for bed. I finished up dishes while Steve picked out a movie for us to enjoy. I then remembered I had things in the dryer and also needed to do some laundry. I went out and reached my hand in the dryer and came upon that fluffy item again. I pulled it out and there was a set of eyes starring back at me. I had dried a kitten. I felt like a murderer! I WAS A MURDERER! I cried and Steve laughed. That poor kitten and what he went through. Bumping around in the dryer on the "HOT" setting. I had nightmares about what that poor thing went through.

The very next morning I told the kids why there was one less kitten and that he had been buried already. I took the kids to school because Shawn could not ride the bus due to some unruly behavior. The kids were sad about the kitten but I was sure by the end of the day they would have put the memory aside. NOT SO QUICK!! Life is always an adventure with me and my kids. I pulled back in the driveway with Krystal with me. I noticed something weird in the driveway.

I got Krystal out of the carseat and went around the van to inspect the cement. I had done it again. I WAS A MURDERER OF GIGANTIC PROPORTIONS, well at least of small fluffy proportions!! I had backed up over a kitten and smooshed it. More trauma! I rushed in to call Steve again with the news of yet another death. More laughing. So there you have it. Another tale in the life of this busy Mom/Murderess.

Always Smilin',
Dianne
Phil 4:13

Walking

 I have learned and discovered many things walking around today and the many other days I walk around this town. Tonight I learned that the streets in Florence are not well lit and therefore it is hard to see holes in your path. I have learned that grace and I are not well acquanted. I am glad the streets are dark and traffic is almost non-existent.

 I have also learned that people think that old toilets can be used as planters and are doing just that!! Really? Cacti blooming out of porcelin ponds.

I have learned that the Rexall Drugs is not really a drug store at all but the sign is kept for nostalgic purposes. Again, I say...what??? Who does this? I guess it reminds Pete and Joe about the good ole days when they used to pick up their prescriptions at the Rexall. Now the descendants of Pete and Joe just buy their drugs illegally from the many drug dealers in town. I mean we are a prison town, so when the convicts get out, they stay and set up shop.

I have learned that if I need an ego boost at any point in my life, all I have to do is walk to the dumpster behind the Sonic Drive-In. For those of you not familiar with our town, behind the Sonic is the Prison. You can hear the guys banging on the windows and yelling at you. You can get a burger and a date right there at Sonic.

 I have learned that on a Sunday night in the town of Florence the most hopping places are the Kokopelli bar and the Circle Ks.... of course, I think that is probably true of most nights here. If there is a High School Football game - then there is a large crowd at the High School from 6pm till 9:30pm..... then it is back to the Circle Ks and the bar being the most populated places.

If you have never had the priveledge of coming to Florence, AZ, then you are probably wondering why I keep saying Circle Ks....well, that is because there are 2 of them. They are practically across the street from one another. They are a block apart from one another - both located on Main Street. I have NOT learned why and I really have no interest in finding out.

I also learned that ALL people in Florence have one particular person who is well known even in the surrounding towns around here. In Waterloo, NY our well known person was Wink. In Flo Town, it is Crazy Anne. She beats up The Red Box dispenser and loudly shouting vulgarities about why should she have to have a credit card to get a movie. She also pretends she is talking on the phone and is in the midst of divorce proceedings. She threatens to kick the butt of her soon to be ex and his new lover, neither of which really exist. Some people have claimed that Anne has been beligerant with them but I do not have that experience. Anne has said hi to me and I say hi right back. I feel sorry for Anne and the demons she appears to have running around in her head.

I have learned that I can walk a lot further each day. I have learned that I am not as out of breath as I used to be when walking around.

 I have learned to not be wasteful and make the laundry soap, shampoo and clorox last because if I don't it means another trip up to the store and there is only so much I can carry in the stroller or wagon. I have cut back on how much I use and now I am also saving money!

I have learned that the cops in town know me through the actions of my kids. No, my kids are not trouble makers. My son likes to play Manhunt with his friends a bit past curfew. My daughter likes to make sure that her man stays in line and every girl ought to beware if they try and snatch him from her! Some rocks may or may not have left my sons fist and came into contact with a school bus window. Then my neighbor decided to end his life one night and I had more chance to interact with the cops. The neighbor survived. I don't mind at all meeting up with any good looking single cops!

I have learned to be content with the life I am living right now. I stop and smell the flowers. I strike up conversations with complete strangers. I have tried new foods at restaurants I never knew were there. Hopefully, I am shedding a few extra pounds and making my heart beat a little more efficiently. I am more knowledgeable about Florence, Arizona. Life is good. I am content.

Always Smilin',
Dianne
Phil 4:13

Flowers In Her Hand

Smell the sweet perfume in the air.
Fragrance of roses lingers;
Other flowers intermingled
Voices adrift, I am melting everywhere.

I stand beside him firm and strong,
telling the story over and over.
It doesn't change, the ending is the same
Is this a dream could I be wrong?

Faint echoes of giggles resound in my head
Three little girls and life is sweet
In their closet frills and lace can be found
Pinks, yellows, lilacs with a sprinkling of red.

This day seems surreal
I can't believe this day is here.
I dreamed of white and tables set for many.
The day has arrived and is shockingly real.

My daughter is all dressed and ready for the day.
Flowers in her hand,
Sisters are nearby.
I have a prayer and a few words I'd say.

Her dad and I with tears in our eyes
said our goodbyes and kissed her once more.
The preacher spoke, songs were sang
The coffin closed, it had been her time to fly.

Stephanie Anne Ragaglia - 2/13/81 - 5/31/83
beloved daughter of Dianne E. Buck Turner and Steven Michael Ragaglia

Bull’s-Eye!

Bull’s-Eye!

THE ILLUSIONIST

The Illusionist - might that be you? Have you ever stopped to think about it? Probably not. I didn't until I was walking down the street the other day pulling my son in his little red wagon. How precious that time was with him. The dishes didn't matter and only his bright shining smile and commands to go faster were what were important to me.

We all live under some kind of illusion.

Maybe you are putting things off till a little later.  Then you must be living under the illusion that you will actually be around a little later to take care of that business you decided to put off.

You may not relish the idea of teaching your teen to drive but if not you, then who? There will be memories galore when going through this daunting task. Put the mop down, grab your teen and just go out to your car and toss your teen the keys - you will be amazed by the affection you are showered with.

 The affection comes after you have clawed the dashboard and rammed your foot almost clean through the floorboard as you attempt pumping your invisible brakes! Your teen will think you are the coolest. You will also be expected to tell them what fantastic drivers they were!

How often do we utter the words, "I love you", to someone special in your life? How often do we think about writing a thank you note to someone for the kind deeds that they have done for us and then procrastinate? Eventually that kind deed goes without even a thank-you because we are human and our day-to-day activities have a way of occupying our present actions.

Don't miss any opportunities to hug your children, your spouse, your parents, your friends. I think back on my many missed opportunities.

I had a friend named Jeff Hutson, he was my pal and my confidant. I really loved the times we would share together. When we were seperated by distance, we would call one another and encourage each other. Then life started happening right there in the midst of mine and Jeff's relationship. I had gone in a direction with which I thought he would be disappointed in, so the calls became less frequent and eventually ceased for a couple years. I still was aware of his activities and he with mine just not that sweet time of communication between us.

A phone ringing interuppted my life early on the morning of August 17th, 2009. The call was from my bestest girlie friend, Alli, and I anxiously grabbed the phone eager to hear any news from her. Then she told me that my friend, who was like a brother to me, had shot himself and had died. Stunned silence.

I had just accidentally dialed his number on Sunday afternoon August 16th!! I was trying to call my other friend Jeff and had dialed him. He did not answer. Tragically my friend who held so many of my secrets and wishes was dead. I lived under the illusion that my friends would just always be there.

I also lived under the illusion that he would judge and condemn me for my wayward ways. That wasn't Jeff, what the heck was I thinking? He would of prayed with me and for me. He would have loved me just the same. I would have also given him the opportunity to share his burdens with me. I missed that because of my illusionist mentality.

Don't procrastinate. Don't be an illusionist. I suggest you hug your children so very often that they bear the mark of your arms around them. Give them "hug" tan lines! Call your Mom & Dad right now and tell them how you appreciate all that they have done for you. If you still live at home - give your Mom & Dad those same tan lines they are giving you.

Get a little lipstick on your 15 yr old sons cheek. Embarass your daughter and hand deliver her a single rose in the middle of one of her classes!! Mow the lawn for your elderly neighbor. Bake an extra batch of cookies for the woman who just found out she has breast cancer. How about getting down on the floor and really playing with your toddler - see things from their perspective. Kids have some fantastic toys these days, not like the cardboard boxes of my day, so check them out and spend time with your kids.

Read a book to your child. Tuck your kids in with prayers at night no matter what the age. Pray in the morning with your kids and send them off for a great day. You never know how long you will have with this person that you share your love with - do not be an illusionist!

How about God? Have you been putting HIM off, too? Don't procrastinate anymore. Quit living for the moment and start living for eternity.

I can only wish now that I had called Jeff more often! I can only dream of kissing my daughter Stephanie one more time. I have lived the life of an illusionist before and its not a life for me. Housework can wait, the clothes can be a bit wrinkled, the weeds can wait another day to be pulled but my Mom may die today, my neighbor may be in a fatal accident, someone may pull the trigger on one of my kids .... I AM TAKING THE TIME EVERY MOMENT TO EMBRACE THOSE AROUND ME. I can't pull a rabbit out of the hat so I will hang up trying to be an illusionist. I will leave that up to Criss Angel.

Always Smilin',
Dianne
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away (James 4:14).

A little lie, big lie, white lie ...

A lie is an intentional falsehood, meant to deceive or trick. The attachment of an adjective to the beginning of the word lie does nothing to change the meaning of the word.

People wrongly believe that if you tell a little, white lie, then that is acceptable. In what circle of friends is this acceptable? I want friends with backbone and the ability to correct me in any wayward course that I am on.

Lies, no matter how big or small or how they are colored, hurt people deeply. The effects that your tongue can wield are at times more devastating than putting a bullet in your body. Bullets can be removed; bullet wounds can heal. Wounds of a lie may be left to fester in your body. Lying is viscous and its effects can be permanent.

Lies can be detrimental to future relationships. Lies can prevent you from obtaining that job that you are qualified for. Lies can break up marriages. Lies can cause wrong choices to be made if the lies are believed.

Politics brings about lies and slamming the other opponent. Recently, TV commercials have made the most out of trash talking about their opponents. I am left confused and bewildered. Frankly, I am over it. Quit telling everyone what the opponent has done wrong and start building a campaign on what is going to be done that is beneficial.

Children can get in a bad habit of lying to get their way or to influence people. Then as teens, they question their parents as to why they can't be trusted? When you lie to parents, there is a great deal at stake. When kids are old enough to drive they want to get a license and take the car out from time to time. If a teen has a habit of lying, your parents are aware of this behavior whether you think so or not, and then they want to be trusted to drive or go out with a friend? NO!!!

A teen tells her Mom that she is going to spend the night out with a friend. The Mom hesistantly agrees. Then the Mom finds out that the daughter has not been with who she said she was going to be with. Not only is the Mom devastated and disappointed by this action but when do you think this daughter will be believed again? Be sure your sins will find you out.

I find it strange that the person who tells the lie is not grilled and put in the spotlight. The person about whom the lie was told has to be ready with his/her defense. This person may have to defend themselves for a lifetime due to one lie. People easily forget who told the lie. Drive-by lies.

Think before you exercise that muscle in your body called the tongue. The tongue may be a small part of the body, but it can cause irrevocable damage.

Always Smilin',
Dianne
James 3: 7-10

 If I have ever lied to you, told a lie about you please bring it to my attention so that I may ask you for your forgiveness. It may be hard for you to imagine but, yes, I have lied before and I am very sorry for any damage that may have resulted from any of my lies.