Random – Page 26 – Gwen Hernandez

Ozzy, George of the Jungle, and the dough boy

December 3, 2009Gwen HernandezRandom

I turned 25 today…well, in my head. I may be a bit older than that, but really who cares, right?

Here are a few others who share my birthday:

Daryl Hannah – We're both blonde, but she's about a foot taller and several million richer than me.
Brendan Fraser – You know, the hottie who turned dorky after cavorting with mummies.
Charles Pillsbury – Who doesn't love a good crescent roll?
Katarina Witt – We were both born in Germany, but she's fluent in the language, and, alas, I can only muddle through it.
Ozzy Osbourne – Neither of us is a vegetarian, though I'm not partial to doves or bats myself.

Memorable events on this day (besides my own birth, of course):

1818: Illinois became the 21st State in the Union – I've been there
1828: Andrew Jackson was elected President – Never met him
1965: The Beatles released the album “Rubber Soul” – The only song I recognized by title, besides “Michelle”, was “Drive My Car”, which wasn't even on the American version of the album.

Happy birthday to all the December 3rd babies.

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The Daily Squirrel: wish

Eight candles stuck out from the fluffy white frosting, already dripping wax from their flaming tops.

“Make a wish,” her mom encouraged, holding the camera up to her eye.

Daisy squeezed her eyes shut and pictured her heart's desire vividly in her mind. Opening her eyes, she blew out the twelve candles in one breath of air. Poof! Everyone in the room disappeared and she was left alone with the palm tree-shaped cake. Daisy gasped, and then her mouth spread into a slow smile.

That was fast.

Happy Thanksgiving

November 25, 2009Gwen HernandezRandom

In honor of the holiday, here's an acrostic representing some of the things I'm thankful for in my life.

T – Time to write and work on the things that are important in my life

H – Husband who is the love of my life and my best friend

A – Air Force lifestyle that lets us live all over the country and feed our need for travel

N – New writing friends who have taught me so much and been an incredible source of support

K – Kids: two boys who grow more caring, intelligent, and handsome every year

S – Stories that come to me when I least expect them

This day wouldn't be complete if I didn't thank all of my family for their love and support, and friends old and new for being so great.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Dog Days

November 12, 2009Gwen HernandezRandom

Zoe

After I quit working full-time, we bought an adorable golden retriever puppy that we named Zoe. I envisioned the sweet bond forming between boys and dog, sitting at my desk with her curled up at my feet while the boys were at school, and a furry running partner.

The reality has been a little less ideal. Even though the kids love her, walking the dog, or playing in the yard with her quickly became a chore for them. And that dream of a lazy dog curled up at my feet hasn't quite materialized (although she will occasionally submit).

When I take her running, she drags along behind me showing little inclination to keep up (and I'm by no means speedy). This earned her the nickname “furry boat anchor” from my husband who recently took her jogging while I was away for the day.

Zoe has become an adorable distraction from writing who requires a daily walk, several trips outside, a watchful eye around paper products and trash cans, and who must be monitored carefully lest she dig a hole through to the neighbor's yard.

But, when she's not around the house feels empty. She makes me smile, she soothes my stress (when she's not digging!), and she never talks back.

Oh, I guess we'll keep her for now.

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The Daily Squirrel: guitar

She rested the guitar on her thigh, running her hands over the smooth surface. Hesitantly, she plucked a few strings and listened to the rich tones as they reverberated through the instrument. She smiled as she tuned it the way her dad had shown her so many years ago. Satisfied, she closed her eyes and began to play.