Sometimes I Wish….
- I didn’t have to recite the alphabet song in my head to remember where the letter Q belongs
- One-size-fits-all, truly fit all sizes
- I didn’t have to un-ask the questions for which there is no answer (for instance, why not me or why me?)
- Lanky, with come-hither grey eyes was real and not a character(s) in the novels I write
- I knew how to spell
- I could drink vodka with Marlene Dietrich in the Late Night Grande Hotel
- I could say what I feel in the moment I am in and not find the words after the fact when it’s too late
- I knew the answers and not have to bother with the questions
- I had said good-bye to my father
- My grandmother shared her stories instead of hiding them away
- I had found my voice earlier
- I said I love you later
- I knew what to do about dangling participles
- We could coexist
- The politicians could coexist
- Love was not always fleeting
- But if love must sometimes be fleeting, then the residual ache after it flies was not so brutal
- I could have met my great-grandmother, Hinueva, and asked her if all those stories I heard from my mom and her sisters were true
- The answers to questions I hear are the answers I want to hear
- That today’s poetry was accessible and not stark and starved for words, had padding, and some sexy Latina curves
- Passionate pursuits were heartbreak free
- Auto-correct on my IPhone could read my mind and correct correctly
- There were no reality television shows
- People would re-discover reading with a vengeance and buy more novels
- I could be one of the Avengers or better still, a dame in a Raymond Chandler novel. Hell, I wish I could write as well as he did.
- The new black was always black and fashion designers would stop insisting on redefining classics. What would Coco think?
- I didn’t have to write a blog post when I am knee deep in a story or when I am riding a creative wave
- I could automagically wish my way to the end of the redraft of my new WIP
- There was at least one Some Enchanted Evening for the skeptics and non-believers of love at first site
- Double-cream brie cheese was considered diet food
- Wax poetically was not a cliché
- I could spare my children heartaches and lessons learned the hard way
- Margaret Mitchell and Harper Lee wrote more than one book (always on my list of wishes)
- Living with reckless abandonment was a required at least once after 18, three times after 21, and a way of life after 40.
- I had seen Elvis on stage
- There was more good and less bad, more positive and less negative, more love and less hate, more peace and no war
- Self-acceptance and loving the skin you are in, was first nature and not something a person had to learn or buy a self-help book to discover
- I could bake a soufflé
- I could see Aurora Borealis one more time
- Dwight Yoakam would sing one of the songs written by a character in my first book
- I was sitting at Swithins, a bar in London,drinking French Chablis with my bestest pal, Stoooooh, or at that Café in Barcelona – remember?
- I sometimes wish I hadn’t lost so many friends over the years– and that all the people I met were for all seasons sort of friends, and not just spring flings
- For each of us to realize our dreams
- To live passionately, always
I am participating in a game of global Blog tag. I know those of us who connect via social media take it for granted, myself included. When I think about all those writers before us who relied on postage stamps, Par Avion blue paper, telegrams, and wrote in their journals for connection, I cannot help but wonder how lucky we are to have found friends we might never have met if not for blogging and yes, Facebook, the evil darkness mistress of distraction and time loss.
And now, without further ado, please hop over and read the words from InJensMind. She has a warm heart and a story to delight.
Be brave it’s only a wish you are sharing.
The warmest of thanks to Vinita for such a thoughtful introduction. Take it away, Jen.
What do you sometimes wish?
{ 71 comments… read them below or add one }
I can’t say because then it won’t come true but I like your list!
Haralee recently posted….Welcome
Good point, Haralee, but I am thinking it’s OK to wish and share, at least here in my imaginary world. Thanks much for visiting.
Great list! Dangling Participles-I know, right, what the hell do you do with those? You can add past perfect progressive and continuous too.
I wish…my father hadn’t said “What are you stupid?” after every mistake I made, no matter how minor and that it hadn’t taken me so long to figure out that I wasn’t.
I learned to speak Spanish when I was younger.
More people read, bought books, and visited the library.
People would stop saying they hate poetry.
That what we know to be true or right was what we acted on, rather than being afraid to change or take a stand.
Educating children was about meeting each child’s need.
Wow, Brenda we could keep going with this one.
Lynne Favreau recently posted….Recommended: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Lynne – I know, it’s that sort of introspective, have fun with sort of thing. I didn’t want to write it because I am working on a story, but once I got going I had fun.
You got me with not wanting to say goodbye to your father. That would be my #1 wish.
Sharon Greenthal recently posted….What Keeps Me Up at Night
Sharon – It’s always hard for me when I think of my dad, too.
These are my favorites Brenda:
The politicians could coexist (and pass a damn budget already).
There were no reality television shows (thank you).
I didn’t have to write a blog post when I am knee deep in a story or when I am riding a creative wave. (Can I add you to a FB group, Writers Unite, all of whom are focusing on WIP over blogging, for now, and checking in to hold each other accountable – in a gentle way?)
I could spare my children heartaches and lessons learned the hard way – (ditto).
To live passionately, always (amen).
Debra recently posted….Ostracized
Debra – Yes, please do. I love meeting other writers. I’ve limited my posting to once a week because of the WIP and other goals. I am, deep sigh, trying once again to be part of a writing group. My first meeting is next week. Not sure yet if I will connect, oh well. We’ll see.
Ha Ha . . . Just couldn’t help smiling at the elaborate list. What a compilation! Tell me how much time did you spend thinking of this one?
This list is a lovely blend of smiles, joy, sorrow, desire and wants. The cup of life in short. The list oozes passion!
Love.
Joy always,
Susan
Susan Deborah recently posted….33
Susan – I’m so glad we connected. You always bring a smile to my face. Yes, it’s a list written to cover a wide range.
I wish….
Hot 30-something men found overweight older women irresistible.
Ideas came more frequently when I was seated in front of a monitor and not when I was about to head into a staff meeting at my day job.
Said day job could meet my financial needs if I was only working 5-6 hours a day, so I had more time to write.
All politicians had a big bucket of Nickelodeon-like green slime suspended over their heads, and whenever they lied, bent the truth, or omitted facts, they’d get slimed.
My cat did not puke just to get my attention.
My mother did not die from breast cancer years ago but was living in her won apartment right down the street from me. With a hot young(er) boyfriend.
Committing physical or emotional violence against other human beings would immediately cause the perps to break out in a red, scaly, horrifically itchy rash, so eventually everyone would learn it ain’t worth it.
Beverly Diehl recently posted….Who Would Jesus Abuse? #domesticviolence
Bev – I like you additions, like mine, the touch on all sides of the heart. Damn those 30 something, and your cat, what can I say. If it makes you feel any better, mine chews electric cords (like my phone chargers) when I don’t pay attention to him. Costly. I’ve considered putting him in the mircowave, but he’s too fat.
Know what, my friend? I love you…and I’m glad you said ‘I love you’ sooner. You had hope, faith, belief in the beauty and magic of life. And that, my friend, is a truly wonderful thing.
Brynne – I’ve missed you terribly. Did you ever make it out to the West Coast? How’s the WIP coming along. We should have a phone chat one day. Hugs, my sweet.
I wish good guys wouldn’t finish last.
Loved everything on this list, felt them all in my heart of hearts.
Jodi – excellent addition. Hugs to you.
Wow. My list is your list (except my grandmother was Eastern European not native American!).
A wish I would add?
Learn to appreciate the journey while staying mindful of the destination!
Astra recently posted….A hockey mom’s proudest moment…
Astra – that is often the hardest lesson for people to learn. I can’t remember when I did, but I am damn glad I did.
Great post! The wish about your dadreally got to me too, made even more poignant when placed in the midst of frivolity….aaahhh life….. xxx
Edith recently posted….Generating Ideas with Morning Pages, or an Antidote to Writer’s Block
Edith – When I started the list I didn’t want it too heavy, but I didn’t want it to be all nonsense either, so I mixed it up. Sometimes life is like that, the good and the not so good. Thanks kindly for visiting. Hope you are doing well.
I am forever wishing for more time. I never have enough. More time with my daughter, more time with my husband, more time to vacation, more time to write… It goes on and on.
Kelly Hashway recently posted….Transcend by Christine Fonseca (Review)
Kelly – it’s always the same, we want for a little more, just a smidgen more. I’ve learned to rearrange my time to fit in the things I want. It’s tough. You’re blessed and about to step into your dream. You’ll find a way to rearrange.
Oh, What a wonderful list! So much meat – and whimsy.
I’ve been wishing for a 30-hour day for years. Perhaps I have it backwards. I should wish for no need to fill every waking hour with productivity.
I wish we could do better at listening to each other. Really listening. Maybe then “community” wouldn’t be so difficult – in the Real World.
I wish I had some green olives. Good ones. Right now. Stuffed with garlic or almonds.
In lieu of that, I’d take Reeses Cups. Go figure. Two packages would be just right.
In lieu of that – a night’s sleep. Four or five nights in a row. Then I suspect my wishes would be more worthy, and my desire for olives & chocolate, less powerful.
BigLittleWolf recently posted….Expect Delays
BLW – you and Mistress Kelly, wish for the same thing. I wish money grew on a tree in my backyard so I could work on my writing and not at the day job, then there would be no need for a 30 hour day. Hmmmm. Other than that, I’d say your wishes are terrific. I was striving for whimsy with a little heft on the side.
I wish:
Money grew on a tree in my backyard
I loved to exercise.
I wasn’t lactose intolerant ’cause I love ice cream.
I could write and paint for a living and not bother with the other stuff.
I had more time to read.
My grass would cut itself.
My kids to exceed in life and be happy in pursuing their passions.
For my business to transition into a creative one.
totsymae1011 recently posted….May I Run A Few Questions by You?
Tosh – I too wish I could earn a living as a creative, and work and dream that dream a little everyday. I force myself to exercise and have hypnotized myself into believing I love it (even though today I am sore from too many dead leg lifts yesterday) ARGH! It’s a necessary evil. Thanks much for visiting.
Many, many wishes I have, too. Like, I wish I trust myself more. I wish I write like Joyce Carol Oates. And even not so faraway ones, like I wish to live by the sea one day; I wish to read under a cherry-blossom tree in NY one day.
Love your list, B. Unfortunately, we probably need to let the kids take in their heartaches to let the light shine in their cracks. (*Hugs* I can imagine how tough it is for you as a parent.)
Oh, C, I know my monkeys have to learn life through their own experiences, still that doesn’t stop me from wishing. Joyce, is amazing writer. I think I mentioned to you once I saw her speak. She’s funny, brilliant, and the most encouraging woman I ever had the pleasure of hearing. If you make it to NY, I want to be there too.
What a luscious list. Heartfelt and fun. I think one of my favorites was living with abandon after 40.
barbara recently posted….Alaska Marine Highway
Barbara, it’s about the time in one’s life when they are done with rules, yes?
Brenda.. I love ■For each of us to realize our dreams.. I remember Casey Kasem said “I won’t have it all until we all have it all”…So true!
Bona-rina – I had forgotten that.. your memory amazes me. I know there are tales you could tale me I should write. Love you, woman.
Brenda,
Your list reads like poetry, and I can totally relate to many of your wishes. But right now, my wish, is that I’d be able to get at least 8 hours sleep every night and still be able to get to all the items on my to-do list. Sigh.
Monica recently posted….Lennon’s Wall
Monica-I always have that on my list, only seven hours is my number. I know what you mean about time and getting to everything. I feel like I am always working to a deadline. Dang! Sweet dreams.
I could drink vodka with Marlene Dietrich in the Late Night Grande Hotel — Well, YEAH!
In that spirit, maybe I’ll get glammed up for my Ménage à Trois with YOU!
(www.menageatroiswines.com/)
Counting the days…XOXOX
Dangerous Linda recently posted….friday moment
Linda- I’ve always liked Marlene. I don’t know much about her other than watching her movies. She has the air of mystery, which I fuel. Me, too, looking forward.
What a lovely compilation!
I could see myself nodding at so many of them. They are so beautifully innocent and straight from the heart. And this is exactly what makes them special too!
Here wishing all of them come true or atleast the ones you want the most surely do <3
Privy Trifles recently posted….The Break Up – A long story; cut short
Privvy – oooo, another wish granter.. I will take you words to heart and hold on to them.
Some amazing and honest wishes here, Brenda! I love how you are so up front with your thoughts and emotions. So refreshing!
Blessings to you!
Martha Orlando recently posted…." . . .My Run, Run, Run, Run, Runaway . . ."
I am always surprised when people tell me I am honest with my words. I read others who are much more straight forward and I think to myself, WOW. Thanks, as always for the blessings and good wishes, they make me smile on the inside.
love the wishes but then again I am bias since I love anything and everything you write.
adrianairis recently posted….Ni Hao…
You are most generous Adrian, thanks much. You pictures evoke the same in me.
Wow! A lot of wishes. I wish I knew the answers and not have to bother with the questions – why me or why not me?
Oh, and I once wished I said ‘I love you’ earlier…I’m so glad I didn’t!
My wish for you is that your wishes come true, at least those ones you so dearly wish for.
Luchi – I’ll take your wish to me. After all, a girl can only wish so many for herself. Thanks kindly for stopping by.
Wow you have some AWESOME wishes…. this ” I cannot help but wonder how lucky we are to have found friends we might never have met if not for blogging and yes, Facebook, the evil darkness mistress of distraction and time loss.” I truly believe this and have said it often.. I have friends ..real friends I never would have met if it weren’t for blogging.. if we didn’t connect through words.. I am happy to connect with YOU through words..As always..XOXOXOXOXO
Bongo recently posted….STARTING OVER……..
Bongo! I know that’s not your name – but it’s such a statement. Tis true about connections, many are made virtually. It’s not a bad thing and in some cases, it’s darn right magical. Wishing you the best on your new blog journey.
A wonderful wish list…dang, I did not think so hard.
Janu – thinking is got us here in the first place. Not such a bad thing.
Oh lol, some of those were fun. A great list.
Suzy recently posted….Blog Tag .. You’re It – Sometimes I Wish
Thanks, Suzy. It was a fun list to write.
***That today’s poetry was accessible and not stark and starved for words, had padding, and some sexy Latina curves***
I Loooooove ! Xxxx Kisses blown from MN.
It’s just a thought, Kim. And I will take all the kisses I can get.
I share many of those wishes Brenda, but my favorite is “I could spare my children heartaches and lessons learned the hard way”
Nikky44 recently posted…."Playing The Game"
Nikky – me and you both.
I love your list. It made me all warm and fuzzy inside. (Tell anyone I said that, I’ll deny it.)
Three things I wish: That I could always get an excellent parking spot, that Zoloft had no sexual side effects, and that gargoyles were more affordable.
I’d give anything to write full-time, too.
June O’Hara recently posted….The Message
June, I promise never to tell anyone you have a soft heart. You might find gargoyles in Tibet. Worth a try.
What if all our combined wishes came true, Brenda? I know that I’d finally learn the alphabet – I thought I was the only adult who need to recite most of it to ‘find’ a letter!
But living passionately? You’re doing that already – and how! Thanks for being such an inspiration.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted….If I Ruled The World
Why thank you, Corinne. I try. I don’t know about being inspiring, but it’s a beautiful thing to hear. Hugs, Mrs. C. and thanks for organizing the sox hop.
Such a great list. I wish I had seen Elvis on stage as well. You totally had me with that one.
Katie Checkley recently posted….Pow! Writing about War and Violence
Kaiie! He isn’t an obsession, but there are some artists who have stage persona, he is one, and I’d liked to have seen him live. I missed Tina and Cher. DAMN!
Wow! What a list! And I giggled at many of them, being able to relate
Thanks for participating in our hop. It’s great to meet many of the other bloggers in the group!
Mary Hudak-Collins recently posted….Sometimes I Wish…
Thanks, Mary, it was a fun write. Some serious, others not so much.
I wish there were no reality shows…yes yes yes. thank you. reat list of wishes but that has to be one of the best. Thank you for sharing…<3
Daisy Inthewind recently posted….A Wish Come True
Me, too, what’s with those reality shows anyway? Love your photos.
Hello, Brenda …
What, you ask, do I wish?
Well, right now, I wish I hadn’t got quite so involved in reading all these blogs … it is now nearly noon and my tummy is reminding me that I have been here for well over five hours and I clean forgot breakfast and meds, LOL.
I enjoyed reading this list very much … it encouraged me to do a little woolgathering of my own.
With respect, Pat.
Patricia, the downside of blogging is reading and commenting, it sometimes takes way the fun of writing. Thanks kindly for stopping by and taking the time to share a bit of you.
Hello, Brenda …
I beg leave to differ … the downside is my lamentable lack of self-control, LOL. I became so involved that I failed to notice the time! Had a wonderful day in here, reading every blog.
Having arrived here again, I felt dissatisfaction at the paucity of my comment, so off I went to read your post again … and discovered why my original response was scanty. …
You see, most of your list triggered responses in my mind and the rest involved stuff I don’t understand (what is a WIP, when it’s at home?) Don’t answer … I probably wouldn’t understand, jargon has e’er been a foreign language to me.
I find myself at a loss as to which topic to respond upon … then I think to myself, ‘poor woman’s got enough on her plate, by the look of it, so I won’t tie her down with useless chatter’.
So, once again, I go off on my way, having failed to comment on your post, Brenda … but only because I want to answer each individual point with at least one paragraph … and the ones about loss of loved ones? I won’t allow myself to start, because I believe we can all access the inner voice should we so wish.
Thank you for an excellent post.
With respect, Pat.
Patricia Eastwood recently posted….Sometimes I Wish …. …. ….
Patricia – you are a wonderful person, thanks much for coming back. WIP – you should know, is a ‘work in process’ I personally don’t’ understand why writer’s just don’t say ‘novel or manuscript’ but they don’t. I’ve noticed we say our WIP, meaning the body of work is in progress, but not finished. I responded the topic, both seriously and in jest. We all have wishes, some we can make a reality, others, sadly not. Even though I listed my wishes here, I kept the real ones a secret, you know, just in case they might come true.
You are one of my favorite writers and I loved the manner by which you wrote your wishes… I couldn’t have possibly made such a list ~ you have expressed yourself very well but what struck me the most was that wish on loving’ later’ (in italics)…That’s really something new to me.
Thanks so much for your patience.
Lots of love to you Brenda!
Melissa Tandoc recently posted….Closer
Melissa, what a generous and kind comment to make. I am grounded and appreciate the time you took to read my post and for leaving such a wonderful comment. I like love is a big deal. I fell too soon, didn’t have a clue. I wouldn’t change it because it altered me and pushed me onward. Still, I wonder from time to time, how I would have turned out if I had waited to say those words. Something I will never know.
Love to you to, Melissa. I think I missed this comment. I’m sorry. I’ve been buried in other writing and so behind on blogging and commenting. Not enough hours in the day.
{ 1 trackback }