The Mystery of the Broken Bathroom Window

            The other day I arrived home and noticed that the hatch on my bathroom window was broken. Ok things get old and things break, so I thought.  I tried and tried very hard to put it back in place but to no avail. I, then, decided to call for professional help.

            I was going to have glass install on my balcony due to the fact that some not so well behaved neighbors were throwing their cigarette butts out their windows and using my balcony as ashtrays, I asked the installed if they would take care of my bathroom window as well. Lucky for me they happily said they would and on the house.

            So a few months went by and they finally sent over two workers to get the job done. Everything looked dandy and was working ok. However, on that same day when I got home I went into the bathroom and noticed that there was a huge crack in the window.

            I called the company and asked if they could replace it and that I would pay for the service because I had checked with my maid and everything was ok when she left. At first the company thought that I was complaining that the workers had done something wrong. But the attendant only calmed down when I said I was going to pay.

            A few days went by and they came over at the end of the afternoon to put in a new glass.  Once again everything was working beautifully. They were happy and so was I.

            All of a sudden at 10:30 pm I heard a loud crack. It scared the cats. I got up frightened and went to the bathroom and to my surprise the new glass had cracked in the same place.

            I called the company and we will try to replace the hatch again before we put in a new glass. However, I am starting to worry about the glass falling and hurting someone.

Written October 9, 2018 Todos os direitos à Meire Marion

 

Photo by Meire Marion

Waking up with the Chickens?

The neighbor´s rooster crows at the break of dawn but the moon is still out.  “Cock-a-doodle-doo” it cries.

You think why is the rooster crowing that way it´s only 4:30 am

Shouldn´t the rooster only make those noises when the sun starts rising?

This day and age so any things are inverted, perhaps in the animal world things have changed also. After all, the rooster is in the center of a huge metropolis and not on a free range farm. You start to wonder why your neighbor has a rooster in his back yard which is situated right under your bedroom window.

Does the rooster have chickens or hens with it?

You cannot see for it is still too dark out. Well, there is neither clucking nor cheeping, so you figure that the hens and the chicks are still asleep. However, the rooster has filled it lungs and lets out a sequence of real strong cock-a-doodle-doos.

 They are so loud that the humans who were asleep in their concrete cages start opening the windows to see the beauty of the sunrise. Nonetheless, there is still an hour to go before that spectacle happens.

One more day rising and shining to seize this gift that is given.

One more day to make a difference in the world.

Written: October 4, 2018 Todos os direitos à Meire Marion.

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Life

“Life is like a box of chocolate. You never know what kind you are going to get” – Forrest Gump

When I first came across this quote above , it made a lot of sense to me. Nowadays I still think it does, but life is a bit more than just surprises;

Life is a cake, so eat it.

Life is a journey, so explore it.

Life is a game, so play it.

Life is a paper, so read or write on it.

Life is a starry night, so contemplate it.

Life is a mystery, so try to solve the puzzle.

Life is a warm cup of tea, so drink it.

Life is an airplane, so fly it.

Life is a swimming pool, so float in it.

Life is a roller coaster, so hold on tight.

Life is a hangover, so take the medication.

Life is a drug, so become addicted to it.

Life is a school, so study and learn.

Life is a test, so do your best.

Life is a song, so sing.

Life is a dance, so twirl.

Life is a movie, so eat popcorn and enjoy.

Life is a party, so have fun.

Life is a book, so turn the pages.

Life is a pen, so write your story.

Life is a dream, so wake up.

Life is a sickness, so find a cure.

Life is a gift, so unwrap it.

Life is God given, so don´t throw it away.

Life is life, so live it to the fullest.

Written: September 11, 2018 Todos os direitos reservados à Meire Marion.

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A Good Day

The Sun rises as the moon sets.

The birds chirp as the cars honk.

The cats meow as I stretch my body.

My body cracks and aches with every movement.

Does the pain subside?

Not really.

But it really doesn´t matter;

Because it is a good day to be alive.   

Written July 23, 2018             Todos os direitos reservados a Meire Marion

Photo by Meire Marion Sao Paulo, Brasil

Meet the Author

         During the month of May I had the pleasure of meeting 26 five-year-old pre-school children ( here in Brazil we say Jardim 2 for pre-school).

         A week before the meeting, their teachers had read Charlie the Fish to them. Actually, they translated and told them the story in Portuguese. They are too young to read in their native language, to some Portuguese and German to others, let alone in a foreign language.

         Our meeting lasted 45 minutes, but they were magical. First each student said their name and then they raised their hands and asked questions. “Why is Charlie so lonely?” “Why is Stewart so mean?” “Is Charlie you?” Children are wonderful.

         After the question and answer part of our meeting, they wanted to tell me their “fish” stories. Children are wonderful story tellers.

         To end our meeting, they sang two songs about fish; one in Portuguese and one in German. They sang and acted out the lyrics. I held back my tears. It was just so beautiful to watch.

         About a week after this meeting, they invited me to an art exhibit in which the main theme was Charlie the Fish. They made paintings of their favorite parts of the story.

 I am almost changing the title of this post to meeting the five-year-old readers. It was such an honor. I am grateful.

Written July 16, 2018 Todos os direitos reservados a Meire Marion

Photo by Meire Marion

Photo by Meire Marion

Photo by Meire Marion

Photo by Meire Marion

        

Photo by Meire Marion

Photo by Meire Marion

Taking an Eight-Year Old to a 3D/ 4D Movie for the First Time

            Adventure guaranteed. The movie chosen is Jurassic World just because we like dinosaurs. “Are you scared? “ I ask. “I am more excited than scared.” he answers as he jumps up and down.

The first time we went to see a 3D movie (a motion picture that enhances the illusion of depth perception, hence adding a third dimension.) I believe he was around five. Since we are movie buffs and began going to the cinema together when he was very little, it is hard to pin point when he couldn´t keep the 3D glasses on his face. He has the habit of turning to me to see whether I am laughing, crying or asleep. So every time he did that, his glasses fell off his nose and he would say “Ma!” (That´s what he calls me “Ma”. Besides being his aunt I am his Godmother, “Madrinha” in Portuguese, therefore he calls me “Ma” for short.) And I would have to put his glasses back on. He always said thanks. But during a full 90 minutes I´d hear Ma at least 20 times.

90 minutes because that is how long an animated children´s movie usually lasts. I clearly remember the first time he put on those funny glasses and there were stones flying at us and he tried to catch them. It was fun to see his reactions to everything that was going on. For my Godchild I bend my rules about watching a dubbed film. I personally do not enjoy them, but they tend to grow on you.

As he is growing up, his taste for films is also changing and improving. The first time we watched an adult movie rated G of course, he was so proud of himself. The movie was called “Wonder” and after we saw it we talked a lot about it over lunch. There were so many questions and sometimes no answers.

This weekend we were going to watch an animated feature but then we noticed that “Jurassic World” was showing at the 4D Theater. WOW! Our eyes just lit up and we talked about it and decided to go. For those who do not know what it entails: 4D film or 4-D film is a marketing term for an entertainment presentation system combining a 3D film with physical effects that occur in the theatre in synchronization with the film. Effects simulated in a 4D film may include rain, wind, temperature changes, strobe lights, and vibration. Seats in 4D venues may vibrate or move a few centimeters during the presentations. Other common chair effects include air jets, water sprays, and leg and back ticklers. Auditorium effects may include smoke, rain, lightning, bubbles, and smell.

As he read all these features he started asking questions about the smells whether they were bad or good. We speculated whether a dinosaur’s breath would be a good smell or a bad smell. We laughed and came up with ways of covering our noses. “Ma, what if there is a part that I get scared about?” he timidly asked. “You can close your eyes. I close my eyes some times. ” I answered and saw the relief on his face.

Walking into the theater was a great emotion because you have to walk through a dark hall covers in red lights that make you a bit dizzy. B5 and B4, those were our assigned seats. Nice and comfy. There was a water turn on and turn off button on the seat. It was written in English. “Ma, What is this for?”  he curiously asked while pressing it several times.  “Oh ok, so let´s leave it on and if there is too much water we can turn it off, ok Ma?” “OK” I agreed. I didn´t want to get wet anyhow because it was very cold out.

As the lights dimmed the excitement rose. With the first movement of the seats, he grabbed my arm. “Ma, I think I am a little scared” he turned to me and whispered.

Then there was a spray of water because it was raining in the movie. “Ma, let´s turn this thing off. It´s too much water. Besides it got my glasses wet.” He said as he quickly pressed his button and mine too.  The rest of the adventure went well. For almost two hours the chairs shook, there were good smells and bad smells, there was puffing in the hairs and ticklers hitting us on our backs and butts;  and dinosaurs ripping people’s heads and limbs off. My eight-year old closed his eyes and turned tried to hide in my arm while he screamed.

As we were walking out he said that he loved it but he still thinks the movie was a bit too much for his age. The next movie he wants to watch is “The Incredibles 2” and, of course, at the 4D theater.

Written June 18, 2018 Todos os direitos reservados à Meire Marion

Photo by: Meire Marion

Photo by: Meire Marion

Photo by: Meire Marion

Beautiful but Dirty

            Observing people has become a hobby and something really natural. Noticing how the person is dressed, how the person walks, talks, and moves proves to be interesting. Trying to guess their profession, names, place of birth, likes and dislikes has become a pastime especially when having nothing else to do and needing to waiting for the time to pass or for someone to arrive.

            This leads us to today´s story or observation if you wish. Rest rooms, mainly for women, are pretty crowded no matter where you go. Sometimes there is a line you need to stand in waiting for a stall to become vacant.

            Waiting in one of these lines, I came across the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She had perfect curly blond hair. (Perfect meaning: well hydrated and shiny. Like those shampoo commercials we see on TV where the hair bounces and looks flawless). Her face was made up as if she had just come off of a make-up artist´s chair. Her clothes were a tight fitted red blazer and skirt. She resembled a secretary. Her black stiletto shoes shined in the light.

            Comparing to the other women waiting in line, she really stood out. I watched as she glided into her stall. A couple of people went in their stalls and came out.

            When it was finally my turn to go in, she came out of her stall. To my surprise, instead of heading to the sinks to wash her hands, she just fixed her skirt to the level it was supposed to be and simply walked out of the ladies’ room. 
             She left without washing her hands!!

 Written June 12, 2018 Todos os direitos reservados à Meire Marion.

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Time Stood Still

Sun and moon rarely meet.

They know that their love for each other is sweet.

Rare are the moments when they spend time inseparably.

The palm tree setting made the romance incomparable.

Oh how it would be grand to see each other always.

Oh how it would be divine.

Nothing in this life is the way we want it.

Therefore, take what comes in stride.

Make the most of it.

June 20, 2018  

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The Royal Wedding

So much talk around the Royal Wedding in London.  The Prince has met his princess and takes her to the altar for the everlasting happily ever after “I do”. Or “I will” in some cases. Perhaps this is something that a language teacher would notice. When you ask a question with do the answer will also have do. Do you so and so take so and so to be your lawful wedded spouse? I do.

 Now if we analyze the other response “I will” to the same question, perhaps they are using this to make a promise to each other. For example: “Take care.” “I will.” That´s what vows are, right? Making a promise to each other.

 Maybe it has to do with the differences between American and British customs where in most American movies you here “I do” whereas in British movies you hear “I will”.

Perhaps it comes from the formal use of the English language: Wilt thou have this woman for thou wedded…( not going to finish the question for I am not too sure how to do so and do not feel like checking on Google) then I will seems super appropriate in this case.

Guess I have to go back to the videos of the exchanging vows at the Royal Wedding to see what was asked. I know that I did hear both of them say I WILL. Not too sure whether the priest ( or was it Cardinal?) start his question with DO or Wilt, though.

Whatever the reason may be, weddings, royal or not, well up the eyes of those who still believe in romance. I know that mine do.

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Written June 18, 2018

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My First Published Book

For a while now I have been planning to have one of my books published. I decided that I didn’t want to do it myself as an independent publisher; therefore I called up a friend who is a published writer, and asked him how to go about it.

The meeting was pretty professional. He had read my story and gave me many tips on how to improve it and if I changed it he would suggest it to his publishing company.  He also mentioned a few things that I have never forgotten.

 1. Nobody in Brazil gets published on one’s own. There has to be someone already in the business that can present your work to a publisher.

2.  If you decide to pay for it, anyone can have a book published in Brazil.

3.  Brazilians do not read. So, no one can make a living from writing alone.

4.  To become a writer you must write every day.  Set up a moment of your day and sit and write even if the result is not worthy of a prize.

I am very grateful for these tips that he gave me and have put them into practice. The meeting took place around 2011 and only a couple of weeks ago was my first book published.

The decision to go through with the project happened after my father passed away. The day after dad was buried my mother decided to get rid of everything that belonged to him, books included.  I realize that everyone has their own way of dealing with the loss of a loved one. I also realize that dad will remain alive in our hearts and stories that we tell about him. But the fact that getting rid of his belongs was so easy and fast lit a fire in my heart.  I do not have children and when I pass on the family will dispose of my belongings just as well.  In a nutshell, I decided that the best thing to do was to have my stories published and leave something for future generations to read. I love reading and believe that it is the best way to learn a language and also open your mind to new ideas and new worlds.

When I had made the decision, I got an email from a publishing company, where I had studied at ( I took a course on writing for children) and decided to hand in one of my stories.

The experience has been amazing and scary. There is so much involved in getting a book out on the market. I have learned so much and am so grateful that there is a group of people out there that help you and understand your fear and worries.

So on April 7, 2018, Charlie the Fish was launched. It was a very exciting moment for me and I am very happy with the results. Nonetheless I am aware that it can be improved, but we’ll just have to leave that for further editions.

I just hope that it brings a smile to those who read it.

Written : April 18, 2018 Todos os direitos reservados a Meire Marion. 

April 7, 2018

THEOPHANY

People wonder why I have never been attacked in that dark area of town that I have to walk by every single night between 10 pm and midnight. The dark area is a couple of blocks from the university I go to to the bus stop where I have to wait a few minutes before my bus arrives.

As soon as I leave the university building, I say a little prayer which includes the sentence “God accompany me home”.

Saying this has been part of my daily routine because nowadays violence is on a rise and a life to some people is worth very little.

The walk to the bus stop is not pleasant at all. No one from the university goes that way so the street is deserted; the perfect place for a crime. Now, you might be thinking why I don’t take another path. The truth is that there is no other one. I can’t afford to drive everyday and the bus that takes me to my home just stops there.

One night I started walking to the bus stop and fear was creeping up my spine. One of the street lights was not working so the area looked darker than usual. I said my prayer and kept on walking. I could feel that something was wrong.

Suddenly a man on a motorcycle stopped beside me and offered me a ride.

“Hope on I’ll give you a lift”, he said.

But how could I hop on if I didn’t even know him.  I tried to be polite.

“No, thank you. My bus is on its way”.

“Come on hop on”, he insisted.

His tone was getting more aggressive. Inside I was trembling and prayed for God to protect me. I prayed so hard that I thought the man on the motorcycle could notice. I tried very hard not to cry. I know this man had bad intentions.

Suddenly I felt soft, warm hands hold on to mine. I looked to my left and there was a man who had curly hair. I saw love in his eyes. It is very hard to describe. How does one describe love in someone’s eyes?

“Let’s go. I will walk you to the bus stop.” He said softly.

The man on the motorcycle didn’t understand where that man had come from. He looked at me and said: “Is he with you?”

I had started off all alone and now there was a man holding my hands.

“Yes, he is”. As the words came out of my mouth, the man on the motorcycle took off as fast as he could.

The curly-haired man said once again in a very soft voice: Let’s go. I will accompany you.”

As we walked he told me he studied at the same university as I did. He also told me his name, but it was a different name which I cannot recall.

He stayed with me at the bus stop until my bus arrived and helped me on. We said goodbye and I thanked him.

The next day at the university, I went to the office to find out what course the curly-haired man was taking. I described him and said that he had a strange name. The secretary apologized but said that there was no one that studied there that matched the description.

Until today I can see love in those eyes.

Written March 30, 2018 Todos os direitos a Meire Marion

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Hello, I'm back!

2018 has started out in a pretty fast-track busy way. Today I finally came up with another story to share with you. Thank you so much for reading my thoughts. :)

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