Monday December 22,2014

Last I wrote, I was going to my friend, Christy's paint party.   Here is the painting we did:

I guess I learned a little from doing it,  but there is something off in it.  Perspective.  If its water, its going up hill.  The 'art teacher' that taught us said this is the hardest painting she teaches.  She taught draw line from A to B and paint it in thusly... but not sure I did it justice and I had more experience than most in that room.

Anyway, it was fun.  We had wine. Good night out.

Instead of the art I usually post, I thought I would post a short story that I recently wrote. 

UNTITLED**

The old man with the walker hobbled up to the surprise guest to the retirement home he now occupied.  Santa had just ho-ho-ho’d his grand entrance and residents were in line to sit on Santa’s lap for pictures.  

Eddie loved Christmas here, with all kinds of people around and the lights and decorations!  There were always visitors at this time of year; choirs from the school who came caroling, kids from the church and youth groups dropping by to make cookies or bring other goodies. Much different than the old days, Eddie thought.

Eddie used to own the bar in the small town.  For years, he kept his place open for those who were missing families far away and wanted somewhere to go on Christmas Eve.  There usually weren’t too many of those in this small town.   A couple of older gents who either were avoiding the hub-bub at home, and needing the ‘shoring up’ of a drink to face the in-laws again, or those who were just alone in life and were regulars in the bar to begin with.  Eddie’s place was their home and the regulars were as close to family as they got.

There use to be a kid that, from a year or two past legal drinking age, occupied one of the stools a few years in a row on Christmas and didn’t have another place to be.  Eddie knew this kid was a local and served his dad at this same bar for years.  In fact, Eddie saw this kid in here with his dad many times, playing pool and the juke box while his dad had a beer.  He was familiar with him and had watched him grow up.  And even knew his name was Randy.  His parents were divorced, his mom had left the scene and his father and his new wife were spending Christmas with her family, away.   His friends were all at family functions, so here he be.  Way too young to be here, though, Eddie thought.

Eddie served him up the beer and conversation and felt bad that Randy had no where else to be, because a good kid like him, should be somewhere better on Christmas.

Fast forward a few years,  and Randy eventually found a girl, and settled down, had a family and had other places to be for Christmas.  Eddie sold the bar and found retirement to be enjoyable and the two didn’t see each other again for years.

In the retirement home that night, Santa recognized that man on his knee, although the man had no idea who he was, as they both smiled for the camera.

After Santa’s pictures and visits were over, and he said “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!” Santa left.  The retirement home had a huge meal for all the residents.  Santa was invited back to eat, without the red suit, as a thank you for coming.  And he did.

When the costume was off, and Randy slipped back into the room, a few of the residents knew exactly who he was, and who he had been.  But from one resident, a joyous, “RANDY!”  It was Eddie, who was happy to see this kid again, all these years later, at Christmas time.  He gave Randy a quick hug and they caught up on their lives since the Christmases they knew together, so many years ago. 

The End.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, and I hope to blog again before the New Year.  If I don't have a joyous one, and stay tuned!!