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PORCH PONDERINGS

by QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Rated: 13+ · Book · Biographical · #2198921

Norma's Wanderings around a small section of Montana

Well, hey there!
Welcome to Roundup, Montana! If it's a nice day, we'll sit a spell on my porch and talk awhile.

A poem captured my attention the other day.

Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget 
Falls drop by drop upon the heart, 
Until, in our own despair,
 Against our will,
 Comes wisdom 
Through the awful grace of God.

Aeschylus

What's on your mind today?

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Show Recent Comments

10 Most Recent Blog Comments:

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

about 23 hours ago
In response to "OSU Marching Band"

As a transplanted Buckeye, I just love that school and team.

We have buckeye trees growing along Main Street in Roundup. I love collecting them in the fall.

1 Like

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

about 23 hours ago
In response to "OSU Marching Band"

Dotting the 'I' is a big honor. I always enjoy watching that band. Such precision. And rare to see that these days.

Kåre เลียม Enga

a day ago
In response to "OSU Marching Band"

Love dotting the i.

2 Like

Wordsmitty ✍️

a day ago
In response to "OSU Marching Band"

As a kid, our family went to a few OSU games. We drove over from Springfield where we lived when I grew up half a century ago. The band is so amazing. Football team was pretty good, too.

Go Buckeyes!

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Aug 27, 2025 at 3:14pm
In response to "Letter Battle"

Soldier_Mike

I hear you! The misspelling, grammar errors, punctuation errors. And to think you can use a computer application that will prompt you to correct them. Hmm. Just pure ignorance and laziness.

I think it is also the dumbing down of the world. Especially here in America. Most people don't read, don't write, don't do anything that makes them think.

1 Like

Soldier_Mike

Aug 25, 2025 at 11:53pm
In response to "Letter Battle"

One of my "favorite" things is spotting misspellings and grammar errors on HQ-issued posters at the Exchange (department store) on base, knowing that dozens - if not hundreds - of identical posters are misrepresenting the English language all around the world.

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Aug 25, 2025 at 12:38pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Thanks for all the comments, friends.

The ice cream event was fun. We made our expenses, so that is good. Got a lifetime membership. That is better. Some little ones ate ice cream. That is the best.

I just spoke with the newsletter lady and again pleaded my case for a paper newsletter, at least 2 copies for each Adventist church in Montana. Perhaps that will happen. Per the lady, evidently it cost $6K each time this thing went to print and the powers that be thought it was too expensive to continue. And they perceived that no one read it. But conversely, information to people that have no other way to receive it other than by mail and paper, is never a waste. Especially the faithful churchgoers.

But then I 'preach to the choir' about such things. QR codes I cannot use. No phones or clocks in motels. Ugh. Modern inconveniences.

Kåre เลียม Enga

I too use cash quite a bit now. And there will come a time, I think soon, when cash will be outlawed. All transactions will be digital. All the easier to cut off your money if you disobey.

But that is just me. being cynical.

50° here this AM. Leaves on the trees starting to turn. A kiss of fall.

1 Like

Kåre เลียม Enga

Aug 24, 2025 at 9:22pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Huckleberry isn't my favorite but I had a rootbeer float with it yesterday (local Big Dipper ice cream).

Daylight slides away August 21st - October 21st. Looking forward to a break in the heat come Thursday.

Paper, receipts, passport stamps... Very hard for those who want a paper trail... like mail-in paper ballots. Not everyone has a phone that can pay digitally or has access to the internet, especially the poor in rural areas. I use cash. Personally, I think cash should be accepted everywhere... by law. Personally, I prefer my privacy and digital cannot promise that.

Is it possible to ask people whether they would like a paper reminder of news and events? Perhaps have paper copies available at church?

There are many religions that count the day sunset-sunset. Not as common among Christians though.

1 Like

WW is Monk WDC's 25! CopShop

Aug 24, 2025 at 7:12pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Ice cream social is a lovely way to end the summer.

I'm sorry about the whole digital v print form of the newsletter. More and more print is falling aside in this world of quick delivery on electronic devices.

I do notice the days getting a little darker earlier here in New England.

But I remember living in Wyoming when the shorter days of sunlight started early. Of course having mountains around gives the sun an opportunity to hide faster!

My only saving grace is that I winter in Florida. Being closer to the equator, daylight is a little bit longer there.

1 Like

SandraLynn

Aug 24, 2025 at 12:44pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Yes, the change to earlier sunsets heralds shorter days and winter weather. Sigh. It happens every year, but it doesn't mean we have to like it.

1 Like

January 16, 2021 at 11:03pm

#1002260

Are You Listening?

PROMPT January 16th

In your entry today, write about something you overheard while eavesdropping on a conversation you were not a part of. As part of “Creation Saturday,” you choose whether the conversation you write about is real or fake! Encourage discussion in your comments section - do your readers think your story is real or not?

Well, to me eavesdropping is nothing more than being sneaky. Butting in where you shouldn’t be. Sticking your nose in where it doesn’t belong. What other cliches can I think of?

You know, coming around the corner and hearing, “That Norma, boy oh boy, is she bossy.” I heard that one time. Now that set me back on my haunches, so to say.

I didn’t know I was coming across to that person as ‘bossy’. That was not my intent. It made me reevaluate how I tell people what to do. If I want something done, I will think before I speak. Engage brain before mouth.

And that is something that is so hard to do.

Did something you hear cause you to reconsider your actions in the future? It did me. It caused me to think before I speak. Folks don’t like to be ordered around. I know I don’t, so why should I expect that others would want to be treated that way? It says that in the Bible. Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. The Golden Rule.

Do you think I actually heard that? Fact or fiction? Let me know.

Comment • View 1 comment

January 15, 2021 at 9:02pm

#1002187

Daniel's Dream

PROMPT January 15th

Write about dreaming. Do they ever mean anything, or are they all meaningless? Why are they sometimes scary, emotional, silly, or prophetic? Have you had a memorable dream recently?

I’ve heard that if you are falling during a dream and hit the ground, you’re dead. Hmm. I usually wake up when I am falling and feel in a panic. Maybe there is some truth in that.

There are a lot of stories of dreams being given to God’s prophets in the Bible. The one I like the best is the dream Nebuchadnezzar had. It troubled him greatly. So greatly he couldn’t remember it, just that the dream had great importance for him. He called his wizards and wise men and asked that they tell him what the dream was and what it meant.

Well, the learned men of Babylon stated, “Tell us the dream and we’ll tell you what it meant.” Too easy. Anyone can make up an interpretation. The king decided all of them were evil, just pandering to him, so he sent out a decree that they should all die. But Daniel, one of the Hebrew slaves exiled to Babylon and one of the wise men, asked for time to interpret the King’s dream.

Daniel prayed to his God. He asked for wisdom to interpret the dream. That night, God gave him a vision with the information he desired.

He gave the interpretation to Nebuchadnezzar. He not only told the King the dream, he also told him what the dream meant. The King fell down before Daniel, worshiped him, and gave Daniel a high position in the court of Babylon. He also said ‘Truly your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.’

You can read all about this in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible, Chapter 2.

I believe there are many secrets we know nothing about. God speaks to us sometimes in dreams. You just need to ask Him what they mean.

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Comment

January 14, 2021 at 11:10pm

#1002135

The Ultimate Trip

PROMPT January 14th

If you could have an all-expenses paid trip to see any famous sight-seeing destination (monument, building, national park, etc), where would you choose to go?

My favorite place is Yellowstone National Park. I love that park. I would love to go there. I have hiked over 100 miles backcountry in that park. Hubby and I have camped backcountry many times there. We hiked with friends when we worked in reservations. When working in reservations we were treated to free tours and activities so we could better sell those to the people calling to make plans in the park. Such fun. I still communicate with some of those we used to sit beside for hours all those years ago. In fact, Scott Cooper is one of those. He is a member on this site.

And if I still could call in a few favors, perhaps I could go across the globe and walk on the Great Wall of China. Then pop on over to Egypt and check on the pyramids. From there it’s not so far to Berlin to see the Ishtar Gate from Babylon.

I've traveled a lot in this country. But now I'm at a point where I sure would like to see some of the rest of the world. It's now or never. But if I can't go to those places before I die, then I pray I go to heaven; the ultimate trip to the most beautiful destination in the universe.

Comment • View 1 comment

January 13, 2021 at 9:19pm

#1002063

Hymns

PROMPT January 13th

What songs hit you with a wave of nostalgia every time you hear them?

I always tear up when I hear hymns - ‘Amazing Grace’ is so wonderful.

But when I hear the song ‘It is Well’ , I really start to cry. Here is the story copied from the internet:

"Horatio Spafford knew something about life’s unexpected challenges. He was a successful attorney and real estate investor who lost a fortune in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Around the same time, his beloved four-year-old son died of scarlet fever.

Thinking a vacation would do his family some good, he sent his wife and four daughters on a ship to England, planning to join them after he finished some pressing business at home. However, while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship was involved in a terrible collision and sunk. More than 200 people lost their lives, including all four of Horatio Spafford’s precious daughters. His wife, Anna, survived the tragedy. Upon arriving in England, she sent a telegram to her husband that began: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”

Horatio immediately set sail for England. At one point during his voyage, the captain of the ship, aware of the tragedy that had struck the Spafford family, summoned Horatio to tell him that they were now passing over the spot where the shipwreck had occurred.

As Horatio thought about his daughters, words of comfort and hope filled his heart and mind. He wrote them down, and they have since become a well-beloved hymn:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll—
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Perhaps we cannot always say that everything is well in all aspects of our lives. There will always be storms to face, and sometimes there will be tragedies. But with faith in a loving God and with trust in His divine help, we can confidently say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”

And that is why I love this song. And always will.

Queen Norma Jean

Comment • View 1 comment

January 12, 2021 at 9:09pm

#1001995

The Runway vs The Bedroom

PROMPT January 12th

What fashion trend makes you cringe or laugh every time you see it? Have you ever wanted to design your own clothing or accessory? What would you design and what features would it have?

Dressing and going everywhere in pajamas or ‘athleisure’ clothing. Looking sloppy everywhere you go.

What happened to the idea that you look the best you can when you go outside your home? I sometimes volunteer at the elementary school. It is dreadful what children wear to school. Now granted I don’t live in the wealthiest area of the world. But come on - dirty ragged clothes? It really doesn’t cost too much to wash your clothes and have a decent shirt and pair of pants or a skirt. I used to be a single parent. My children never looked like some of these kids. I shopped at thrift stores and yard sales. I still do.

We went shopping in Billings today. Again, people dressed like they just got out of bed. Now, there were some nicely dressed. But by and large, I think there are those that need to take a shower and wear their clothes while they’re in there.

Now - one of my favorite shows I am waiting to see again is Project Runway. I love to see what those designers can make in a day or so. I know how to sew, but to design like that. Amazing. I can’t find out if it is canceled forever or just postponed. I do know that Karli Kloss, the host, is now pregnant. Perhaps that virus has pushed it back. Another casualty of this stupid life we're living.

Some of the designs I have to admit are pretty ‘wild’ and a little goofy, but sometimes they are just so incredibly tailored and well-made I just watch in amazement.

So can’t we get everyone somewhere in-between the Runway and the bedroom?

Comment • View 1 comment

January 11, 2021 at 7:54pm

#1001904

Roger Ebert I'm Not

PROMPT January 11th

Write about a recent movie, documentary, or TV show you watched that you did not expect to enjoy, but actually did. Give your readers some recommendations!

We were recently given a three month trial of HBO from Direct TV. We won’t extend this trial when it’s over. I refuse to pay more than we already pay for this package, as hubby grouses already about having to pay for TV. We go round and round about this routinely. I like TV and watch it for things I like, he watches occasionally but usually only movies since he doesn’t do sports. We never watch the news or weather anymore.

<<<<<<<<<<<< ANYWAY >>>>>>>>>>>>

A few nights ago we were channel surfing and came across a fun movie. I hadn’t expected to like this. But Simon Pegg was in this movie with Nick Frost. “Hot Fuzz”. Maybe you saw another of his adventures with Nick Frost, “Paul”.

“Hot Fuzz” has to do with a police officer from London sent to a smaller town. He is frustrated by the lazy officers there. Then people start dying and the fun begins. We really found this film to be amusing, even with the bad language, a given anymore it seems. You find yourself laughing at the dying and gore because it is just that stupidly funny.

The other film,”Paul”, is where two science fiction geeks from England are in America cruising in an RV when they come across an alien. Well, let me tell you, that is one crazy adventure. A lot of stupid fun in that film as well.

I love it when an unexpected gem is found.

} Like mining for gold. Or sapphires, which I have done in Montana.

Comment

January 10, 2021 at 10:27pm

#1001852

I Knead This

PROMPT January 10th

If you could have free, unlimited service for 5 years from an extremely good cook, chauffeur, housekeeper, masseuse, or personal secretary, which would you choose, and why?

Given the choice, I would choose a really good masseuse. I had one in Gardiner. When I left after an hour with this person, I was as limp as a wet noodle. Total relaxation.

Of course, it helped that she did massage in her home next to the motel where we worked. So I literally walked about twenty steps to total nirvana.

I’ve been in two serious car accidents. Those accidents left me with ongoing pain that cannot be cured. Soft tissue injuries are the hardest injuries to heal. Broken bones are easier to heal they tell me.

So here’s the deal:
I can cook and I think I’m pretty good. I can practice and get better. I love trying out new recipes and getting new cookbooks.
I can still drive myself and like to drive to new places.
I can clean my house myself. There is a certain pleasure in cleaning your own home. And I have a small house, so it’s easy.
I don’t trust anyone else with my personal business. Not even my own husband. I’ll be my own secretary.

I cannot be my own masseuse. Hubby does an OK job, but to have a personal masseuse on call for five years?
Sign me up.

Comment • View 1 comment

January 9, 2021 at 7:59pm

#1001770

Lessons

PROMPT January 9th

Write about some important life skills that are rarely taught but extremely useful?

So, for my 2 cents, I throw into the ring these ideas: how to do laundry, how to cook a simple meal, how to manage your money and pay your bills on time, how to be polite and why you should be kind, how to clean your house, how to check the oil in your car, how to change a tire, how to make your bed, how to sew on a button.

These are things most everyone should know before they leave home. I would like for everyone to be a functioning member of society. Now I know some people, for whatever reason, cannot carry their load. That is why you need to be kind and help those that can't help themselves. You never know when you might be stuck on a back road and need to change a flat tire. And you should always know how to check the vehicle's fluids. No matter where you live, you shouldn't live in a dirty place and that bed should be made neat every day. Even if you only have two pairs of pants and two shirts, you keep one clean and wash one. I have been in that situation before. Take care of your clothes. Sew on that missing button. And even if you only have a few dollars, make sure you take care of those dollars the best way you can. Don't overspend. A good way to overspend is to do take-out food all the time. Learn to cook a few things. Get a cookbook and some pots at the thrift store, or use the internet for recipes. Cooking is not that hard.

And a most important lesson - why you should call your mother!

Lecture over. Class dismissed. Seriously, call your mother. She's been wondering about how you are.

Comment

January 8, 2021 at 10:42pm

#1001711

Slacker

PROMPT January 8th

Are you a procrastinator? What do you do when you are procrastinating doing something else? If you’re not prone to procrastination, how do you stay motivated?

Procrastinator: A procrastinator is a person who delays or puts things off — like work, chores, or other actions — that should be done in a timely manner. ... Procrastinator comes from the Latin verb procrastinare, which means deferred until tomorrow. The prefix pro means forward, and crastinus means of or belonging to tomorrow.

That is the legal definition per the internet. I like my term: slacker. Why put off today something you can put off til tomorrow?

This Covid problem we have is great for procrastinators. No one now is looking over your shoulders at the work you used to go to for eight hours. You are on your own.

I am great at putting off things. They can always be in the back of my mind, niggly little things always talking to me. Do this, do that.

So I make a list. Check things off. Makes me feel good when things actually get done.

What doesn’t make me feel good is to see others in my household sit around all day and do nothing. I call that procrastinating. It happened back when I was in my 20’s. And it made me crazy then too.

Comment • View 1 comment

January 7, 2021 at 8:25pm

#1001641

A Wonderful Life

PROMPT January 7th

What movie universe would be the best to live out the rest of your life in?

I love the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”. The tale of George Bailey and Mr. Potter. The angel and learning how one life touches so many others. I never tire of seeing this story. I would love to live in this town forever. It reminds me of the small town where I grew up. And just a bit of where I live now.

I grew up in a small town in Ohio where everyone knew their neighbors and you could run wild without worry. It was an innocent time, the 1950s and 1960s were, I think, a wonderful time to be a kid.

So if I lived in Bedford Falls I could skate on that pond with George Bailey and his brother. I would grow up and have a family. I would bank at the good old Bailey Savings and Loan. I would shop at the stores downtown. Then hike up to that hill with

But of course, there would have to be Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in the town. They would have to play their parts to make this the best place to live. I would invite them over to have dinner sometimes with my grandparents, who lived next door. We would enjoy the homemade ice cream in summer. Maybe they could come at Thanksgiving and Christmas to enjoy our big family celebrations. And then in summer, perhaps I could get them to come to the family reunions we had at Walnut Beach on the shore of Lake Erie in Ashtabula.

The town I live in now is small. It is safe, to a degree. But I don't see children out playing like I used to see in years past. That makes me sad. But still small-town life is still better than living in a big city. Neighbors look out for each other. Families still gather for meals. We look foward to summer after a long winter so we can celebrate the 4th of July with a two-day celebration with big parades and concerts, rodeos and fireworks. Then we enjoy camping, hiking, picnics, hunting, lots of outdoor fun here in Montana.

Comment • View 1 comment

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