Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Make it rain

I’m writing this in the late afternoon. George is at my side, rain is softly falling, and my husband is in the kitchen putting something in the oven. I hold no hopes for what he’s making because lately when he cooks, it’s the same meal over and over again, and it’s really not my favorite thing. But I’m keeping my mouth shut and counting my blessings. And by no means am I complaining.

It’s been raining all day but I don’t mind. We needed it, and I spent most of the day at work anyway. But summer hours have begun, so that’s always a treat.

 

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I took a few photos of a little basket that I was given as a gift by a co-worker. She brought it in last week on the last day of teacher meetings and told me it was because she thought I needed a little pick-me-up after the tough year I had.

I was touched.

 

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I guess I did have a rough school year, but only compared to some.  There is so much to be thankful for and what goes around comes around. I know it’s silly but it’s one of my favorite expressions, because it’s true.

Today I talked to an angel at the billing offices of Johns Hopkins Physicians services. There was a huge mix-up that had me wringing my hands and wracking my brain since I got a call from a collection agency last week. Try to imagine the massive piles of billing statements and Explanation of Benefits that I have for all the medical things that my husband has to deal with. Then multiply it and put it in a big filing box because that’s what I do. That angel listened to my story, then began to research all the claims, and soon realized the mistakes, fixing everything. She told me she usually doesn’t answer the phone in that in that department but was filling in for the day to help them out. She was so sorry to have put me through all that worry, she told me. I was so grateful that I didn’t think a mere thank you would suffice, so immediately after I hung up, I wrote her supervisor to commend her.

What goes around comes around.

 

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The sky one evening last week.

My husband pointed it out to me. (I was inside reading a book).

Can you see George?

 

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A little more George for those who miss him.

And speaking of angels . . .

 

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This came in the mail today from an artist who saw my cardinal print on this blog and wrote me asking if she could paint it. I had no idea she would send me one of the finished paintings when I traded my print with her for one of her watercolors.

 

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The details are exquisite. And I love the colors.

 

CheyAnne Sexton is a regular reader of this blog and her work is just beautiful. She has no idea I’m giving her a shout-out, but what goes around comes around, you know. Please do check out her offerings on her Etsy site ~

CheyAnne Sexton on Etsy

: : :

Back to the rain now . . . as I was working on the photos for this post, my husband was in the living room here with me and clicked on the weather channel where I heard this lovely song playing. I told him to stop right there so I could get my phone out and use the Shazam app I downloaded recently.

I am a shameless Shazam freak.

It was Colbie Caillat singing Make It Rain. It’s a little slow in the beginning, and this is the best video I could find which isn’t saying much. But still, good listening for a rainy day.

 

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I smell fish sticks and french fries cooking and it’s so much better than wet doggie fur, I’ll grant you that! Thanks for coming by and spending some time here ~

123 Signature[5]

36 comments:

Cloudia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cloudia said...

THIS is a perfect blog post.
You set the scene, took us into your thoughts- all of which resonate.
Friendship. A wonderful story about when things go right because of the right person. I too write the note, make the call, praise (gratefully) those who are so good, and so kind at their jobs. My cable installer is now on the TV commercial! Perhaps I helped a tiny bit. . .

George IS angelic.

I'm listening to Cobie sing 'make it rain' right now through the magic of 'right clicking' and going to the video in another tab...

Yes, Summer! Thanks for making it seem possible to be both an amazing Blogger AND a working person. I may get a very exciting job interview soon. Don't want to hyperventilate or otherwise get ahead of myself, but this could be HUGE! Wish me birthday (Sat.) luck, pal. And thanks for the therapy session. See what your post called forth? Can't wait to see your other enthralled commentors.


Aloha from Waikiki,
Comfort Spiral
> < } } ( ° >

Country Girl said...

Cloudia ~
Thank you for your kind praise. I didn't think it was all that and a bag of chips and am wishing you much luck with that upcoming interview. Please don't hyperventilate. Thanks again and glad you liked the song.

~ C.G.

Anonymous said...

How funny. My husband always makes the same thing.. well, uses the same ingredients I should say, consisting of bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes. tomato sauce, and only varies the meat... Same meal over and over, just different meat... same spices. LOL That's my wonderful chef guy. LOL

Country Gal said...

Every evening after supper here I look forward to reading your posts and seeing your wonderful photos . I am so glad the mix up was looked after and you are in the clear and free of the worry . That is a lovely gift basket . Yup fish sticks and fries smell much better then wet dog fur lol. We had sone rain last night and into the late morning then the sun came out a bit humid but ended up with cool breezes . I spent the afternoon taking photos ! Have a wonderful evening !

JacksDad said...

I see George!! It's better than finding Waldo! :)

Hilary said...

Good for you for writing that letter. Too many people think that they should only make contact for complaints. That painting is beautiful. I'm sure it will have a place of honour in your home. I had never heard of Shazam but I looked it up just now and I must have it! Thanks. :)

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Because what goes around does come around, you have so much to look forward to. It's all not just good, it's wonderful.

GailO said...

Why oh why does medical billing have to be so complicated and difficult to understand. It makes it all too easy to make a mistake and not everyone finds it. Two years after my sister passed away I was still getting an occaisional bill for something or other that I had previously been told was already paid for....argh! Anyways I am glad you found an angel and had it taken care of....she certainly does deserve some praise!

That watercolor is fantastic! What a talent! And that music! Loved it! I never heard of her before I have to admit:)

Carolynn Anctil said...

CheyAnne's artwork is really beautiful. I also love, love, love that moody shot of your manor house against the angry clouds. So dramatic! So glad things are going your way, these days.

faye said...

At least your hubby cooks for you..
Bob only cooks one day a year
(New Year's ) and it is always the same thing that I have to purchase and have ready for him.. black eyed peas, country ham and the stickiest
rice this side of China.

I enjoy your blog !!

Caroline said...

Oh this post makes me happy. I am sorry I have been so absent. I have been trying to stay off line more... But coming here always makes me smile. Glad the billing mix up got resolved...those things can keep me up at night for sure! Oh, that sky...wow wow wow!

Sorry you had a rougher than average school year...I hope you can just chill and enjoy this summer.

xoxo

Bluebird49 said...

I just have to echo Cloudia--a perfect post> What are you on, Sparkle. (giggles!) No--I really wanted to say--=t5he sky was beautiful that day....that the watercolor is so beautiful and so GOOD---I have tried to paint watercolor for years and have never come close to the success of that cardinal! And fish sticks and french fries sounds like the meal of someone who is depressed and down--because I have cooked them when I've felt depressed and down, and I have had to eat them when I was not! I don't know if your husband will take anything for depression but it sounds as though he needs to be.....and I wish you could join a therapy group that deals with living with someone who stays under such a dark cloud of health--serious health--issues. I pray for you often, Kate--I know God listens...and I just know that HE is God, and I am not. {(({{hugs}}}}

jinxxxygirl said...

The cardinal is lovely....but you paint the prettiest pictures with your words......

Dawning Inspiration said...

Beautiful painting - and of course, your images. Good for you for writing the letter. I am a true believer in thanking and sending in praise when it's called for. I don't think it's given or shared near enough and just a little truly boosts the spirit!

Em Parkinson said...

I'm new to your blog and REALLY enjoying reading it - thank you. I totally agree about what goes around comes around, even if it seems to take an inordinately long time to do so sometimes.

I feel incredibly lucky with the free healthcare we have in the UK. When I broke my neck and back last year coming off my pony, it would have bankrupt us financially. I really feel for you. So glad you let someone know that your angel was helpful. I always do that too and it can make such a difference to the way they're treated at work in the future.

Hilary said...

love the song, love George, love that you share your trek through the mine field that is life sometimes.
fish sticks and fries...........is my husband down there??????

Daryl said...

Shazam! xo

thecatalanway said...

I agree - lovely soulful post. Glad you told us about George as I had to move my screen just a little and then I saw him.
My not-husband was cooking as I read. We had caulifour cheese with potatoes and salad - one of my favourites I must admit. I am very lucky - Mediterranean man cooks and cleans and does the dishes just as much as I do - sometimes more:)

But sometimes we don't feel like cooking so often and sometimes I too want to cook the same thing again and again - I do understand your husband letting it all go a bit. The remedy for that is instant food- of course it's not so nice but it's a treat as the same.
So glad you got the basket of flowers - you absolutely deserve it!
Kate x

Low Tide High Style said...

Here is my letter to you thanking you for reminding me that even when life throws us a curve ball (like my computer acting up) that things will be ok! I just wrote a letter of praise to an employee and she was so very appreciative too! I'm sure the person who helped you was happily surprised you took the time to recognize her help.

I hope the sun is shining up your way today, even though we need the rain. Our windows are wide open and I'm loving the breeze!

Kat

Low Tide High Style said...

Crap, I totally forgot to say what an awesome painting that is...beautiful!

Kat

The JR said...

I'm so glad that you've had angels cheering you up.

My friend has one horrible boss and one not so bad boss. An ailing mother, bad grown kids and lots of stress.

I made her a tote bag. I embroidered it on both sides with designs and her name on one side, lined it and sewed the entire thing on my new machine. I showed up at her work the other morning and she was not on her floor. When she came back, she had the worse scowl on her face. I gave her the bag and she went from so unhappy to smiling like the cheshire cat.

She told me I was an angel....something people rarely call me.

I hope things pick up and that more angels find their way to you.

Reena said...

Always delightful to travel along in your blog. Makes me smile. And that watercolor is just gorgeous. But of course, she had a gorgeous photo to work from!
xo

Anonymous said...

I love your sky picture! Dark stormy skies such as the one you captured send a delicious zing up my spine...it's much like that moment in a movie right before the thing you think is going to happen, happens :) Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photography and uplifting spirit with blogland :) What goes around...love it!

Be well...
K

Anonymous said...

There are so many beautiful things in your post...I thank you for that. And don't you love when you come across someone who answers the phone and actually helps you instead of making you feel worse! Oh I wish those occurrences were not so few and far between. Your blog helps me keep the faith. PS - I could go for some fish stick right about now. :)

beth said...

wow....you did have an angel in your corner !!....don't you truly feel blessed when that happens !!

and that painting just took my breath away....what an amazing gift.
aren't' strangers {well she's kind of a stranger} amazing people !!!

Girl Tornado said...

What goes around comes around.... I always try to do unto others the way I would want someone to do to me. I think those two philosophies are good ones to have.

Those storm clouds above your house are mesmerizing - they look like a beautiful watercolor painting.... speaking of, the one that your friend sent you is GORGEOUS! What talent she has!

...and since I have downloaded Colbie in the past, I listened to her song here, and loved it. You're right, it's the perfect rainy day song. I'm heading to iTunes to download and add it to my collection. :)

Have a beautiful day Kate!

Farmchick said...

Great post and wonderful pictures too. :) Stop over and visit sometime.

Jill of All Trades said...

I agree, this post is relaxing and I have enjoyed the lazy evening of rain through your words and pictures. Thank you, Carla

Dianne said...

I love fish sticks and french fries :)
and George - what a face he has

I wanted to tell you how wonderful the photo Daryl is using as her new header is
love it

Anonymous said...

I always love your post, but wowza....thank you for having my little watercolour in here and all the wonderful notes people said about it. thank you Kate and everyone else. As it was said ealier I had an amazing photo to work from.
angels have a way of showing up when we least expect them. I hope your days get easier...
peace n abundance,
CheyAnne

abb said...

Cheyanne really captured your beautiful photo, well, beautifully!

Mental P Mama said...

Love these shots. Love Colby. Love George. Love you;)

mrs mediocrity said...

that cloud is incredible. wow.

i am so glad that the "angel" was able to help, i can only imagine ho hard it must be to have to deal with all of that on top of everything else.

and that painting is just wonderful...

xoxo

Kerri Farley said...

Beautiful artwork!!! WOW!!
And Yes, I can see George in the clouds :)

Lili said...

You just have the nicest way of helping us reflect on the important things in life and putting things in perspective. Gosh that painting of your photography is really beautiful. xo ~Lili