TWENTY DOLLARS - RIGHT IN THE NICK OF TIME

By Vernalee

Above you see a twenty dollar bill. Over the years, I as you have held many in our hands  and have seen them come and go. I have a twenty dollar bill story for which some of you can relate.

In the early 1970’s, I was attending summer school at Jackson State University to take elective courses. My friends and I had our first apartment. We were as they say, "Living the life!"

All was going well until we ran out of money. In fact, we didn’t even have a dime which was the cost of a collect call at the telephone booth (remember those). Being desperate, we had to make that embarrassing long distance call to our parents to let them know that all four of us were broke and had no food!

Miraculously, I received a letter that Monday morning from my Mother.  The words were “Baby, I thought you might need this!”  Inside the envelope was this glowing shiny brand new green bright $20.00 Bill. Nothing never looked so good! I had hit the jack pot! I could never figure it out but there was always something clairvoyant about my Momma. How did she know over one hundred and fifty miles away that I didn’t have a penny to my name? Did she telepathically read my mind? Later as I matured, I learned that it’s called a Mother’s sixth sense.

Since Momma had taught me early on to share, off to the grocery store, my friends and I went. “All for one and one for all.”

I vividly remember ... We bought a 20 pound bag of potatoes and oil to make French fries. Yum!

My Mother saved the day!

It’s a special memory that I will always cherish. From near or far, Mothers always know! Don’t they? That is why they wear the crown of wisdom! Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

MAKING YOUR BED

By Vernalee

Growing up, my Mother insisted that we make up our beds immediately after we got up. It was one of her pet peeves that as a teenager, I was not fond of. Truly! Once up, going back to bed was not encouraged. Sitting on the side of the bed was unthinkable. After all, it was a bed, not a chair. 50 plus years later, I find myself making my bed the moment I get up. Old habits die hard! In fact, I cannot retire to a bed that has not been made. I must make it up first. Some of my girlfriends who were similarly taught can happily roll around in the covers of an unmade bed! As for me, as this routine was beaten into my head, it formed a lasing impact. I have however gotten smarter over the years. With age comes wisdom! Does it not? Nothing beats innovations and creative thinking, even if it is regarded as lightweight cheating. These days, I never pull back the covers because I now sleep on top of them. I cover by body with a blanket. So when I wake up bright and early, I merely fold the blanket, adjust the covers/pillows … And Bingo …my bed is made and like new; immaculately contoured! Just like I was taught! I just improvised with an adjustment that fits my lifestyle. Goal accomplished! It works for me! Photo reprint: www.my home idea.com

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU ARE CALLED. IT'S WHAT YOU ANSWER TO

By Vernalee

My late Momma taught me so many valuable things. Oh how I miss her! A wise woman, she was a stickler about image. In that mindset, she told me that people will say many unkind things to you and about you. Her response, "Pay them no never mind. You know who you are. Don't let untrue words sink in your soul. What matters is not what you are called, but what you answer to." Ain't that's the truth y'all!