DIAMONDS FROM THE ASHES

My first grade art teacher, I don't remember her name, yet I recall HER quite well. Middle-aged, slender, and single, she was a plain and pleasant woman with tons of personality who was well liked. Entering second grade I learned the sad and terrible news. She had been killed in a traffic accident during summer vacation in Paris.

A photo of her was placed on the art department wall in memory. It saddened me every time I saw it. I imagine a bright Parisian morning with her seated outside a café enjoying a latte and croissant while conversing in French with the people around her sharing laughter and having no inkling it would be her last day of life.

I didn't know her long or well, but I still grieved her.

Not long ago, Shark Tank featured a couple marketing a process that turns the carbon from cremated ashes into diamonds as a way to remember an extraordinary person. Despite the large stream of people I've lost to death over the years, the first person who sprang to mind was my art teacher way back in the 1950's. She was an amazing person. And she died in Paris! How cool was that!

The second person I thought of was myself for no other reason than sheer vanity. Anything left from my estate would go to that, a huge diamond! My close friend Rock'n Rose often refers to me as her beautiful friend. This way, that would continue every time she extended her hand. Aside from putting my gigantic ego in check, it dawned on me that I'm probably going to outlive my money.

However I have stormy-weather friends who are plenty worthy of becoming diamonds! Two passed away last decade, Pat and Margaret. They still shine brightly in my memory with a radiant brilliance that will never fade long as I am alive.

Cat and dog ashes are turned into diamonds as well! Every animal companion of mine was also worthy of one.

Diamonds are pretty, but similar in appearance. It's the cut and setting that makes them stand out. I would like to see more essence of spirit shining thru from these funeral trinkets.

For example, Margaret's would have been showy to reflect her taste and Pat's would display a classic yet distinctive cut and setting that would immediately catch the eye.

The same applies to animals. My cat Tasha was a Russian Blue with the heart of a lioness. Dogs over five times her size ran when she charged them. My dog Coco was impish and mischievous. Had she been born a person, I'm sure she would have been a practical jokester.

I would need to see a dash of those characteristics in the design; otherwise it would be just another piece of jewelry.

NUMBER NINE

I receive lots of compliments on my smile. And I must agree it's quite impressive. But it didn't come cheaply or easily, much less naturally. The inside of my mouth is a varied assortment of bridges, crowns, and an implant. I probably would have saved myself tons of money had I just gotten dentures at some previous point in the past, say the 8th Grade. However at this stage of my life I'd rather not go that route.

Last week I finally had my bad tooth extracted. After a terrible summer of numerous big out-of-the blue expenses it was the soonest I could afford it. Also I required a bone graft which will take several months to heal before a permanent bridge can be done.

This is my third bridge. And my ninth tooth extracted during my lifetime.

I may be nearing 70 but I take my looks as seriously as any 16 year old out there!

At age 12 I was scheduled to get braces but my parents backed out accusing the orthodontist of gouging.This was due to the fact he had one set price for the procedure. They thought my teeth weren't all that crooked to start. As I got older I discovered they turned down a bargain! Due to the fact my bite doesn't come together in the normal way I've had all manner of problems and expense with my teeth.

The last time I experienced a tooth extraction I was so heavily medicated that I needed a neighbor to almost carry me out to the car afterward. This time I was just heavily numbed.

My friend Marie offered to go with me. But since I was capable of driving myself home I saw no reason for inconveniencing her and wasting her entire morning.

Later in the day Marie came over bringing a big chocolate brownie chock full of delicious looking pecans. Unfortunately, I couldn't eat it. Nuts are on my Verboten List, at least for the time being. I wrapped it up and put it in my garage freezer. I can enjoy it next spring after the bone graft heals. Cakes, cookies, most pastries freeze well. Ironically the only dessert that doesn't is ice cream! Once opened it forms icky ice crystals that make it taste yucky.

I was prescribed nothing for pain, just an antibiotic to prevent infection. I bought extra strength Tylenol but didn't need it. After the numbness wore off there was only mild, but tolerable discomfort. I experienced more agony last summer when I injured my foot, but just suffered thru it and I survived.

The morning after surgery I felt fine. It was surprising how little pain was involved in the entire procedure. Perhaps it gets easier each time. After all this was number nine, hardly my first rodeo.

I brought the tooth home in my purse. I told friends I'd show it to them the next time we met for lunch. And if they were really good, I'd let them hold it.

YIPPEEE, HALLELUJAH, & YAY

Eastern Standard Time is back and it's dark by 6:00 PM just as it should be! I wish it was this way year round! We get way too much nasty noxious sunshine as it is especially here in Florida. Almost everyone has been brainwashed into believing sunshine is healthy for humans when in fact it's just the opposite.

I'd move to someplace in Alaska where it's dark for days on end if it weren't for the temperatures (I like it cool not freezing!), also there's the high prices, and the politics. -- Hey Sarah Palin, I've actually been to Russia and even strolled in Red Square. And you would fit in perfectly there as a citizen!

But Eastern Standard Time is back at long last now and this works out perfectly! At 6:00 PM I settle in to watch the news. I need darkness around me to fully enjoy TV! And I have just enough time beforehand to fix myself a mug of Bustelo coffee combined with a disk of Abuelita Mexican Drinking Chocolate. The perfect cup of hot mocho! Bring on the dark!

Of course there is an adjustment period. For over a week or more I'll be getting up at 4:30 AM and going to bed at 9:30 PM with plenty of naps in-between. But that's OK.

I keep reading about all those fools who want to make Daylight Savings Time permanent. Really! What are they thinking? Eastern Standard Time is perfect! I say get rid of Daylight Savings Time forever!!!

I look forward to that magic day when I can finally open my windows and let the free air-conditioning flow inside, always a blessed occasion that I celebrate with a breakfast of hot buttermilk biscuits, orange marmalade and Scottish Tea.

Before Global Warming got a foothold October and November were not summer months as they are now. 80 plus temperatures in November were unheard of when I was growing up. Ugh! Soon I'll be running my air-conditioner year round!

I just hope any chill hangs around long enough to bring out my winter wardrobe. I have so many gorgeous coats, sweaters, boots, & scarves that I seldom get to wear anymore! Curse you Climate Change! You are not only destroying the planet but my style as well!

This past summer was overlong, miserable, and expensive. And now, thankfully Hurricane season is over too, at long last, (at least until next June) another reason to celebrate!

And the most festive and wonderful holidays will soon be upon us. Hurray!!!

The best time of the year has arrived!!!