Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C3.9

When Brielle arrived at the nearby grocery store, Ruby’s Mad Dash Market, to pick up three packs of soft drinks, she noticed a woman who seemed familiar and looked exactly her age. Then suddenly, it hit her!

“Oh, my goodness! Raina?” Brielle called.

The strange lady turned around and sure enough, it was Raina, who had, luckily, been one of Brielle’s two trusted friends during high school. Like Brielle, Raina had also been bullied in school. The woman looked at Brielle.

“Well, you look familiar, but I can’t remember who you are,” Raina told her.

“I’m Brielle, from high school,” Brielle reminded her.

Raina’s eyes widened with shock at first, then she smiled.

“Brielle! Oh, my goodness! When did you get back!” she burst in excitement.

“About three weeks ago,” Brielle answered.

Raina and Brielle hugged.

“My God! It’s so good to see you again! How’ve you been?” Raina gushed.

“Great!”

“Now, you do know the class has got a 20-year reunion coming up. Right?”

“I didn’t know.”

“Yes. Actually, it’s going to be more of a multi-class reunion. The classes of 1999 to 2003. Are you coming?”

Reuniting with Her Best Friend from High School

“Nah! I don’t think so. It’ll probably be packed with people I’d rather not ever see again.”

“Oh, come on, Brielle. I’ll go if you go. I think most of them have grown up a little, I think. And if not, it’ll give you and me some time to catch up. There’s no law that says we have to hang with any of them.”

“Mmmm. Give me some time to think about it.”

After much cajoling, Raina managed to get Brielle to agree to go to the reunion with her.

When Brielle arrived back home with the drinks, Grandma Bennett had also arrived to have a look at Brielle’s new house.

“It’s absolutely adorable! You have a wonderful home, Brielle. Now, you and the kids can have a real home and live in peace for a change,” Grandma Bennett gushed.

Brielle hugged her grandma.

“I know, Grandma! And I’m so excited!”

Brielle passed out the drinks and the family visited until late. The night turned into a huge celebration as Brielle turned on her old Pioneer stereo, which was still working after thirty years.

Grandma Bennett had brought a platter of her to-die-for spicy fried chicken and homemade sour cream-flavored mashed potatoes with chives. She also had brought a pan of her scrumptious homemade buttermilk biscuits.

Upcoming Twentieth Class Reunion

Brielle’s mother and father brought a pot of greens, corn on the cob, and a cooked ham. As they all sat at the tables on the patio and ate, Brielle’s mother, Marcelle, spoke up.

“So, do you have any job prospects, Brielle?” she asked.

“I have a few,” Brielle answered, “I have an interview at the Boot Factory Tuesday morning. And they pay pretty good. They start out at eighteen dollars per hour. It’s not what I’m used to making in California, but the cost of living is a lot cheaper here, so, that’s a good thing,” Brielle said.

“Brielle, it’s about time you got a real job instead of dancing around half-naked in some club,” Grandma Bennett chimed in.

“Aaaa-MEN!” Brielle’s father agreed.

“Oh, come on, ya’ll. Not that again,” Brielle groaned.

“Sweetie, we love you and we know that you’re better than that. You’re smart, you’re creative- you got a good head on your shoulders,” Marcelle assured her daughter with a smile.

“Well, don’t worry. It’s not something I plan to do again. Believe me, dancing in gentleman’s clubs isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. And to be honest, you all, I never liked having to dance for a living. That job can be downright dangerous! I know one woman who was raped and murdered when a deranged customer followed her home one night. After that, I started planning my exit and my return home to my family.” Brielle admitted, “Before, I had been under the false belief that my looks were the only thing I had going for me, but after the murder and, as I’ve gotten older, I realize that there’s more to me than that and that I’m good for so much more,” Brielle admitted.

Turning Over a New Leaf

Although Brielle was optimistic about the future of herself and her children back home in Tennessee, she’d never worked in a factory before and the thought of it made her a little nervous. It was fear of the unknown. How would she fare working in a stifling factory as opposed to a strip club? She knew that the stage in those clubs could get pretty hot some nights due to all the lights and the exertion while dancing. However, the heat in a factory was much worse, so she’d been told.

Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words

Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words

Words have power, yes. But without the body language that goes with them, they’re only static- empty noise. The best way to ward off bullies is to influence them by transmitting the most appropriate and compelling nonverbal cues.

Around 80% of communication is nonverbal, we’ve often heard, and it’s the truth! Therefore, it’s not only necessary, but wise to pay closer attention to others in terms of body language. In other words, we must pay closer attention to pantomimes, which are their facial expressions, gestures, demeanor, and mannerisms.

Likewise, we should also pay close attention to the way we come off to people through our own nonverbals.

We Often Miss the Subtler Body Language

In other words, we not only need to learn to better read other’s body language but also to better monitor our own physical signals, so we don’t give others the wrong impressions. However, it’s not as easy as it looks. Many forms of body language are so subtle that we can miss them if we’re not careful.

Therefore, we must find ways to learn these micro-signals and what they mean. And once we do, we will gain mastery over our social situations.

If you’re stuck in an environment that’s peppered with bullies, the ability to read even the most subtle cues is a must. Bullies are masters at hiding their imperfections, their motives, and their intentions. Therefore, you must pick up on what they try to conceal, and you can only do it by correctly observing their most subtle cues and pantomimes.

Every movement, even the tiniest, from eye movements to gestures, holds a wealth of information. Moreover, every body position and stance also hold info. Everything people do or don’t do conveys a message. We are forever communicating.

Every Tiny Movement Conveys a Message

Therefore, you must be aware of it. And if you aren’t good at reading these silent subtleties, you must learn how. But here’s good news! The areas of intelligence we weren’t born with are those we can learn.

Even those who have high-functioning autism can study and learn these things to better improve their social lives. I’ve seen a few people on the spectrum do this and it helped them to change their situations and live better lives. As a result, they moved on to better relationships with family and to make good friends. They also went on to get married and have families of their own.

Therefore, we must learn the subtext of not only words, but also nonverbal signals. Subtext can be read in our choices of clothing to wear and in the way we arrange our furniture. Moreover, it can be read in the rise and fall of our voices when we speak. Each of us is a living, breathing open book to those who are expert people-readers.

The Importance of Subtext

Again, it’s imperative that you learn to read what people are thinking and feeling more accurately. This includes learning to pick on up their hidden motivations and intentions. Once you do, you will better be able to distinguish between who’s for real and who’s fake.

More importantly, this new knowledge will protect you from sneaky and nefarious people. It will also open you up to limitless opportunities! Also, in learning to transmit the right nonverbal signals, you will repel bullies, abusers, users, and other unsavory types of people. You will be able to bring down social barriers, build rapport with others, and build connections. Ultimately, it will help you become more fruitful in life and have confidence you never thought you’d have!

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Today’s Quote

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

– Arnold Schwarzenegger –

Townies, Cronies and Hayseeds C3.8

Thirty minutes later, Petunia led Brielle into her office and Brielle sat in front of her desk. Petunia typed a few keys on the computer and the copier began running. Once the copier stopped, Petunia took the newly copied papers from the copier and sat back down, shuffling the papers. Brielle leaned forward.

“Would you take three hundred thousand dollars cash? Today?” Brielle asked politely.

Petunia’s eyes widened with shock.

“Come again?”

Brielle repeated the question.

“Wow! It’s not every day that we get a customer with kind of offer…or with that kind of money lying around to pay for a house outright.” Petunia replied, astonished.

“Well? Would you take it?”

Stan chuckled and scoffed before leaning back in his chair and folding his arms.

“If you’ve got that kind of cash laying around, you bet your sweet bottom dollar we’ll take it.” He said with a hint of sarcasm and hilarity.

Disbelief

Brielle flashed Stan a dirty look, then looked at Petunia. Petunia glared at Stan and mouthed, “shut up.” Stan quickly clammed up.

“Very well.” Brielle said as she opened her billfold and pulled out a cashier’s check in the amount of three hundred thousand dollars and handed it to Petunia.

Because Brielle had close to a million dollars saved up in a private bank account with only her name on the account, she was able to buy and pay for a house and ten acres of land in the country. While in California, Brielle had learned that with cash, you could always get superb deals! She knew that realtors were notorious for jumping through hoops to get that cold hard cash.

Judging from their demeaner, Brielle knew that Stan and Petunia Early, who were former classmates, hadn’t seen her in so long, they hadn’t recognize who she was. That would prove later to be a huge plus for Brielle.

Although Brielle knew who they were, she kept quiet about it. She wasn’t in any hurry to tell anyone in Thomasville who she was. Although they would all find out sooner or later, for now, she preferred to keep the fact that she’d gone to school with the two realtors quiet, since they were also two of her former bullies.

A Shocking Proposition

The asking price of the house was three hundred, fifty thousand, but with cash, Brielle was able to talk them down fifty thousand dollars. The two realtors agreed, took the cash, and signed over the deed before handing Brielle the keys to the house.

Later that afternoon, when Brielle arrived back at her grandmother’s house and announced the good news, both Jane and Olivia squealed with joy. Baby Kennedy sat in her highchair and babbled “na-na-na-na” as Grandma Bennett held a tiny spoon of baby food for Kennedy to take a bite.

“So, when do we move in?” Jane asked.

“I start moving our things tomorrow. We won’t move in until I buy our furniture and get the place situated.” Brielle told her.

Over the next two weeks, Brielle bought a newer-used BMW, new furniture, and electronics. And with the help of Grandma Bennett and her brothers Jesse, Joey, and Paul, she moved all the new furniture and what little furniture she’d come back with into the house.

As the adults worked hard, Baby Kennedy gurgled as she lay in her playpin on the patio. Jane and Olivia played fetch with Bandit, each taking turns throwing a rubber ball for the dog to run and catch.

Moving In and Getting Settled

The large collie loyally took the ball into his mouth, then ran back to the girls and dropped the ball in front of them. He then sat down and barked playfully at them, waiting for them to grab the ball and throw it again.

Jane grabbed the ball, then threw it again. Bandit took off after it.

The brothers also built a nice doghouse in the backyard, for Bandit. And the cousins; Tim, James, and Jerome, came and built a treehouse in the huge oak tree for Jane and Olivia.

By the time the work was done, the sun was getting low in the sky. Grandma Bennett, the brothers, cousins, and kids were all resting on the patio and sipping tea as they talked. Brielle got up.

“Would anyone like some soft drinks?” She asked.

“Sure!” Jesse chirped, “I could sure use a nice, cold can of co’cola!”

“Me too!” Jane added.

“Alright. Wait here while I make a run to the store and pick up a few packs of sodas.” Brielle told them, and she went into the house, grabbed her purse and keys, then left.

Today’s Quote

“You must bear losses like a soldier, the voice told me, bravely and without complaint, and just when the day seems lost, grab your shield for another stand, another thrust forward. That is the juncture that separates heroes from the merely strong.”

– Margaret George –

How Redundancy Backfires on Bullies

Have you noticed how bullies tend to repeat the same personal attacks over and over again? It’s true that a lie repeated a thousand times become truth. However, it can also have the opposite effect- it can become boring.

Sometimes, the attacks go on for so long, they become boring to the point that they actually lose their effect on the target…and everyone else. Why?

Because, instead of tapering off a bit once the attacks do have their desired effect, the bullies only increase them, trying to make absolute sure the labels stick. They want to ensure that others don’t forget how disgusting and revolting the target is.

bored

But! What the bullies end up doing is repeating the same tired, worn-out lines and narratives that they end up losing support. In other words, it all backfires right in their faces.

Let Them Repeat, Repeat, Repeat!

This is good because the target now has leverage and can use it to their advantage.

If you are a target of bullying and your bullies are pulled this broken-record tactic, all you must do is to sit back and let your bullies do what they will do. You never know. They just might end up shooting themselves in the foot!

Then you get to smile as you watch them make complete fools of themselves. Also, you get to listen as people laugh at your bullies behind their backs. And, it you think they won’t dare laugh at the bullies, wrong. They may not do it to their faces, but trust me, they’ll go wild with the jokes and laughs behind the bullies’ backs. I guarantee it!

So, align yourself with those your bullies have bullied in the past. Enjoy listening to the ridicule as you laugh with your newfound friends and allies. Because that will be the fun part!

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Townies, Cronies and Hayseeds II C3.7

When Brielle arrived at the house the next day, Petunia Early, one of the realtors, was waiting in her car, parked in the driveway. Brielle had hired two independent inspectors to inspect the house after her first contact with the real estate company. Now that she knew that there were no cracks in the foundation and other issues with the house, Brielle was ready to tour the house.

When Brielle pulled up, Petunia got out of her car and the two women shook hands. Brielle recognized her immediately, she was formerly Petunia Iverson, one of her old classmates from high school.

Brielle had remembered her to be a passive-aggressive bully and had had many catfights with her. She wondered if Petunia had recognized her because it had been many years since she’d last seen her and Brielle’s appearance had changed over the years. Instead of the toothpick-skinny, dark haired, eyeglasses-wearing, geeky look she’d sported back in high school, Brielle was now a blonde who wore contact lenses and had an hourglass-shaped figure.

“Are you ready to go look inside?” Petunia asked excitedly.

“Absolutely.” Brielle answered.

Great Prospects

The house was a one story, light greyish-green, ranch-style home with a large front porch and huge picture window. It was a lovely-looking home that looked spacious and cozy. The house had a chimney, so Brielle knew it had a fireplace and she loved fireplaces.

The house also had a huge front and back yard with a shop in the back. It also had lots of trees and a white picket fence lined the property line of the three-acre estate. There were granny smith apple trees and plum trees in the back yard. There was a huge oak tree in the center of the backyard. There were also pecan trees. One of the pecan trees had an old tire swing tied to one of its huge branches. There was more than enough yard for the kids to play in.

Farther up the driveway stood a garage that was separate from the house and a cobblestone walkway that led from the garage to the side door of the house.

So far, Brielle loved what she saw outside. The two women walked up four cement steps to the porch. Petunia took the key, unlocked the door, and led Brielle inside the house.

A Home of Her Very Own

Brielle walked inside to see a specious living room and kitchen which were only separated by a long counter. The kitchen was big enough to be an eat-in kitchen and had a breakfast nook. She slowly made her way into the kitchen and looked at the appliances, opening the doors to each.

Petunia spoke up.

“As you can see, you have brand-new, stainless-steel appliances. A double-door refrigerator with icemaker. A dishwasher, stove, and built-in double oven. All are self-cleaning.” She informed Brielle.

Light beige carpet provided plushy softness to the living room floor and the kitchen had beautifully tiled floors. There was plenty of cabinet space, a pantry in the kitchen, and a door on the east wall of the kitchen led to a nice-sized washroom, complete with shelves and cabinets.

Once the two women were finished looking at the living room and kitchen, they went into a cozy-looking den where Brielle got to look at the fireplace and hearth. She loved what she saw.

Liking What She Sees

Once they were done viewing the den, Petunia led Brielle back through the living room, then down the hall. At the end of the hall was a door and when Petunia opened it, she led Brielle into the master suite, which included a large master bedroom, spacious master bath, and walk-in closet.

The bedroom was painted a light grey with white trim and ceiling. It had plenty of windows to let in plenty of sunlight and a set of French doors that led out onto a small deck.

When the ladies left the master suite, they went back into the hall and opened the next door. It was another bedroom not much smaller than the master bedroom but smaller, nevertheless. Brielle got to see the other two rooms which were smaller than the previous bedrooms they’d toured. They then checked out the second bathroom across the hall, which also had plenty of space but was smaller than the master bath.

Next, Petunia led Brielle back through the kitchen and back door and outside onto the back patio. They walked across the back yard to the shop and Brielle looked at the inside. The shop was big enough to park two cars inside and there were plenty of shelves and a fluorescent light overhead.

Ready to Make a Deal

Brielle turned and looked at Petunia.

“What did you say the asking price is?” She asked with a smile.

“Three fifty plus closing costs.” Petunia answered.

“I like it.”

“Great! Let’s go back to the office and we’ll hatch a deal for you.”

Today’s Quote

“Resilience is very different than being numb. Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt. You fall. But, you keep going.” 

– Yasmin Mogahed –

Why Write About Bullying and Abuse?

I’ve mentioned the importance of documenting the bullying you suffer and why you should do it. Writing about it indeed helps you to purge all those toxic emotions. However, the reasons go much deeper than what I’ve mentioned before.

Just as the pen is mightier than the sword. It is also mightier than the mouth.

Writing is so much better than talking. Speaking about bullying and abuse through the pen is so much more powerful because you can speak freely and without interruption.

No one can try and stop you from speaking your truth when you use the almighty pen. They can’t talk over you nor shout you down. No one can gaslight nor blame you. They can’t name call you nor throw guilt trips on you to distract you.

Unlike speaking to another person face to face and having to share the conversation, you can write alone, in private. When you communicate through writing, there’s no need to worry about anyone becoming combative. Whereas, during a face-to-face confrontation, an abusive bully is likely to become irate and more abusive as a reaction to being called out.

Bullies despise it when you put them on front street.

Writing about it is much safer. Because your writing is yours and yours alone. Therefore, you can pour your heart out freely on paper and no one can bother you. Bullies can’t demand that you take back your words. They can’t control what you say. There’s absolutely nothing they can do to stop you from speaking out about the pain and suffering they inflicted.

All they can do is attack you after the words are already written, published, and read by many pairs of eyes. And, by then, it’s too late. The cat’s already out of the bag.

And here’s the best part! In their explosive reactions and retaliatory attacks, they only prove that everything you wrote about them is true. They confirm themselves to be exactly as you described them.

Therefore, let them attack you. Let them retaliate and seek revenge. Permit them to call you what they like. Your bullies can scream, shout, curse, plot, and be as passive-aggressive as they want.

Smile when they shoot you a dirty looks in the supermarket. Chortle when they whisper behind your back at the doctor’s office.  Laugh to yourself and stare back when they stop and stare you down on the street.

Understand that it’s far better to draw first blood then to be on the defense.

Why? Because, in doing these childish things, they only make you more believable. They only expose themselves and the evil deeds they committed.

Moreover, some people are still mad at you because of the evil things they did to you. Think about it. They need to stay pissed at you so they can keep from feeling so dirty and sleezy. And they’re even angrier at you because you wouldn’t be destroyed. They hate you because you did the opposite of what they expected. You refused to sink. You didn’t crash and burn. Instead of drowning, you only went airborne and soared to unimaginable heights!

Know that you’re the winner here.

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Townies, Cronies and Hayseeds II C3.6

At just before seven the next morning, Brielle awoke to the stirring of baby Kennedy, who gurgled next to her, and to the mouth-watering smells of breakfast cooking and coffee brewing in the kitchen downstairs. Bandit was curled up on the bed by her feet, wide awake. He sniffed the air, then licked his chops before starting to pant.

Brielle crawled out of bed, took the baby in her arms, then tiptoed down the hall, peering into the room where Jane and Olivia were. The two girls were still sound asleep.

She carried the baby downstairs, with Bandit following close behind, and went into the kitchen to see Grandma Bennett in front of the stove cooking pancakes and sausage. Grandma Bennett, dressed in her granny gown, robe and house shoes, looked up and smiled.

“Well, good morning, sunshine.” She greeted, “How’d you sleep last night?”

First morning home

“Like a baby. Kennedy didn’t even wake up once. She was out like a light too.” Brielle answered.

“Long trips will sure take it out of you.” Grandma Bennett said.

“Tell me about it.” Brielle agreed.

Brielle grabbed her cellphone from her pocket and checked it. She gasped when she saw how many times Bill had tried to call. She noticed that his last attempt was at four a.m.

“Good grief!” Brielle sighed.

“What’s the matter?” Grandma Bennett asked.

“Bill was blowing up my phone. ‘Tried to call fifteen times last night and this morning. It’s a good thing I turned off my ringer. We never would’ve gotten to sleep.”

A desperate caller.

Grandma Bennett’s eyebrows shot up.

“Fifteen times! What in the world is wrong with that man! Lord, I declare! There’s something wrong with him!” She cried.

“Yep. There is.” Brielle said, shaking her head, “I just don’t want to talk to him right now. I know he’s not just calling for the girls. He’s calling to find out where we are.”

“Doggone right, he is!”

It was Sunday and besides attending church services with Grandma Bennett, Brielle rested, still recovering from the long time home.

The following day was Monday. After feeding the baby, the dog, and herself, Brielle rose from the table after breakfast.

“I’ve got to go set up an account at the bank and then get information on that 4-bedroom house down the road. It seems like it would be a good place for me and the kids.”

“Just make sure you don’t do a fool’s rush in. Have the place inspected before you buy it.” Grandma advised.

“Will do, Grandma.” Brielle said as she took the baby upstairs.

Starting Over

After getting dressed in a nice pair of jeans, light summer blouse with shoulder holes in it and sneakers, Brielle straightened her hair and put on her makeup. When she came downstairs, the girls had awoken and were eating in the kitchen.

“’Morning, sweeties.” Brielle greeted as she kissed each of the girls. She turned to Grandma Bennett.

“Grandma, I’ve got to run. Girls, you behave for Grandma. Okay?”

She kissed her grandmother and gave one more kiss to the girls, then left.

Hearing the motor of Brielle’s Escalade crank, Jane looked at Grandma Bennett.

“Where’s Mom headed?” She asked.

“She’s got to run to the bank and then check out a house she saw advertised in the real-estate section of the newspaper last night. I think she’s going to be gone a while. She’s got to get you all established in a new town and that takes a while.” Grandma Bennett answered.

“Wow! What kind of house?” Olivia asked.

“It’s a 4-bedroom house down the road from here. ‘Seems to be a good place for you all. If she gets the house, you’ll be within walking distance from here, so you’ll be close to family.”

“Cool!” Olivia shouted.

The next day, Brielle called and made an appointment with the real estate company that was selling the house. She also called an inspector to inspect the home for cracks in the foundation, bad wiring, and such.

A New Home

The following week, Brielle’s parents arrived at Grandma Bennett’s house after their honeymoon. Seeing that Brielle and the kids had returned home from California, the look of pleasant shock flashed across their faces.

Jane and Olivia excitedly came running out of the house when John and Marcelle Bennett pulled into the driveway in their metallic maroon Ford F150 quad-cab. They got to the truck before the grandparents had time to get out of the truck!

“Granny! Grampy!” Jane and Olivia shouted excitedly.

“Oh, my goodness! Jane! Olivia!” Brielle’s parents squealed from inside the truck.

As the grandparents saw them, they smiled as they got out of the truck. They each gave the excited girls long hugs and lots of kisses.

“Well, Jane! You’re growing into such a beautiful young lady!” Marcelle said as she hugged her, then took her by the shoulders and looked at her.

“I’m thirteen now.” Jane said in excitement.

“A teenager! It seems like only yesterday you were just a six-pound little rat I held in my arms at the hospital in California! We flew there just to be there when you were born!” Our first grandchild! We just had to be there!” John told Jane as he took his turn hugging her and kissed her on the cheek.

He then hugged and kissed Olivia.

Brielle came out of the house with Kennedy on her hip, followed by Grandma Bennett. She waited until the kids got their love from her parents before passing the baby to her mother for kisses and love.

Happy Reunion

“Oh, she’s getting so big! She was such a tiny thing when you and Bill came here back in March!” Brielle’s mother Marcelle gushed.

“I’m just sorry we didn’t stay longer. Bill only wanted to stay for three days. I barely had a chance to visit everyone.” Brielle said.

“It’s okay, honey. We understand. Bill’s always been a demanding old drip.” Marcelle replied.

“Well, Bill’s no longer an issue. I left him and I’m not going back. I’m home for good this time, Mom.”

Marcelle’s mouth dropped in shock, then a huge smile spread across her face. She put her arms around Brielle and hugged her tightly.

“Welcome home, baby! I’ve been waiting so long for this day to come because I know how badly he treated you and these children.” She said softly.

“I gotta set an example for my girls, Mama. I have to teach them that they don’t have to stay in a relationship that hurts them, and they don’t have to take abuse from a man, ever!” Brielle replied.

“I’m so proud of you, sweetie! I always knew that you would eventually get tired of his crap. I didn’t know when, but I knew that eventually, you’d get enough of it.” Marcelle told her, “I’d get damn mad at you sometimes, but I’ve always believed in you.”

Brielle’s Strength

“Thank you, Mom. I’m so glad to be home!” Brielle said with tears in her eyes.

“What are you doing tomorrow morning?” Marcelle asked.

“I have an appointment at the realtors’ in the morning.” Brielle answered, “I’m looking at buying a house for me and the kids.”

“Oohhh! I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay. I’m not rich, but I’m not broke by a long shot. I figure that I might as well go ahead and buy a home while I have the money to do so.”

Grandma Bennett came out onto the front porch.

“Well? Is anybody up for some pot roast, steamed potatoes, and carrots tonight?” She called out.

“Sounds great!” Jesse called back.

Today’s Quote

“We all have battles to fight. And it’s often in those battles that we are most alive: it’s on the frontlines of our lives that we earn wisdom, create joy, forge friendships, discover happiness, find love, and do purposeful work.”

Eric Greitens