Fast-forward three months later. What would you be doing? Where would you be living? Who would you be surrounded by? Why?

Oh Yes! I won! Impossible to imagine, since I don’t really play, but we can pretend. Two scenarios play out in my mind. Scenario one involves a very large home in a swanky neighborhood (not far from where I currently live), a house staff that includes a cook, a personal trainer (if not Chris Powell, then a clone of him), a housekeeper, and a groundskeeper (you know, for the pool, lawn, and gardens). My sweetheart and I would have done a bit of traveling, and would be settling in to our new life. I would have time every day to work out, read, write, quilt, and scrapbook. Of course the house would be huge and have dedicated areas for all of those activities, so I wouldn’t need to pull things out and put them away each time.

The studio would house my quilting and scrapbooking (and other craft) supplies. It would be sunny and cheerful, and in the evening it would be well lit. Of course it would be outfitted with ample storage for my ever growing collection of fabrics, papers, and notions. I would have tall counters for cutting and comfortable spaces to spread out and design and create. I would invest in a longarm quilting machine, and hire an expert tutor to help me get the hang of it. If I don’t get the hang of it, I would just have her come over and do my quilts for me.

My study would be the reading and writing center of the home. It would be a cozy room with walls of books, comfortable seating with good light, and a lovely desk with my computer. Here I would spend hours every day composing narratives, poems, and works of fiction. I would play with various styles of writing, and take online writing workshops. I would read here too, sampling works from writers new and old.

Another room I would visit daily would be the workout room. I imagine a treadmill, weights, boxing equipment, plenty of floor space, and other pieces of equipment that I can’t even name. My trainer would be compassionate and motivating, and I would learn to love working out. Naturally there would be a pool too, for my water workouts and general recreation and relaxation.

Finally there would be a tremendous kitchen, complete with fabulous healthy chef/nutritionist/teacher. This wonderperson would teach me the ways of creating delicious meals that will satisfy me and help me on my path to wellness. He/she would also do the meal planning, sous chef work, and cleaning up. Wouldn’t that be nice?

It all sounds fabulous, but totally unrealistic. First of all, I really don’t want a bunch of strangers in my house. Ok, Chris Powell can come over once a week for my training session, but other than that, I value my privacy. If I really did win the lottery, things would look a lot like they already do. First, I would finish out the school year with my students. There would be no reason to abandon them. Next, I might move to a slightly larger, more comfortable home, but it would be far from a mansion. There are three of us in our family. That would be silly.

Things I would do:

1. Put aside college money for my son.

2. Hire him a driving instructor. He’s almost old enough for his permit (just a few weeks away).

3. Hire a trainer. Even if it’s not Chris.

4. Keep writing.

5. Plan a memorable vacation.

6. Think about life after school lets out in May. Would I go back? I might not. I might concentrate on writing.

The lottery is unlikely, but having dreams doesn’t depend on lottery winnings.

September 18, 2013
by BulgingButtons 2 Comments

You Can Help!

Read Lara’s blog and help make a difference in Cadence’s life and the lives of other children and families.

My father had a brain tumor, and it sucked, but we’re talking about a baby here. Well, don’t tell Cadence she’s a baby, she’s a big girl of three years old! Please, check this out and help if you can. If not financially, at least with compassionate and uplifting thoughts. While you’re there, take a look around Lara’s blog. She’s an exceptional story teller and she will move you with her family’s story. Oh, and she’s jumping rope like a prize fighter because of little ole me!

September 17, 2013
by BulgingButtons 6 Comments

Daily Prompt: The Cat Says Meow

Write a story about yourself from the perspective of an object, thing, animal, or another person.

There she goes again, walking right past the door as if she doesn’t even know I’m in here. Oh, she knows, she just doesn’t want to think about me. Sure, sometimes she brings in the four legged one, clips her to the leash, and lets her go through her paces, but deep down she knows that she’s the one I want.

I didn’t always live this life, relegated to a side bedroom, spending hours watching a teenager lounge around playing video games. Do you know how hard that is? Having the company but sitting idle? If only he would get off that couch and turn me on. He could do it, it wouldn’t have to be her. But deep down, she’s the one I really want.

Every now and then, almost as a tease, she does come see me. She brings her music of choice, and her refreshment. She sets up the fan so that it’s blowing just right, and she makes a note of the time. Then, with deliberation and determination, she climbs aboard. Oh, how I love this time. That rush as she begins, slowly at first, then with increased speed and intensity, is impossible to adequately describe. We begin to move together, to get into a groove. The music helps us as we find our rhythm. This is what I was made for. This is what I long for. But, as always, it ends too soon, and again I’m left waiting, alone.