Thursday, November 19, 2009

It's Not Too Late


Sometimes people make incredible gestures that showcase goodness, humanity and creativity. I just love being a part of serendipitous surprises, as either a giver or receiver. This time, it was my pleasure to receive.

I spied the small, brown mailer packet lying yonder on the coffee table the minute I walked in the back door. With a sense as keen as any critter noting a new object in her territory, I stalked the target. Getting closer, in bold black letters, I read my name. Yippee! It's for me!

The Wonder Husband has an EBay biz, so it seems the booty is always for him. "Take that Wonder Husband!," thinks I. I can see by the way Wonder Husband set it clearly in full view of our thrones that he's curious...and a little yellow too. His is careful about not bringing my attention to the package. He cagily pretends to watch TV while glancing, with his primal, side-eyes, for my reaction. I give him nothin'. He must wait...even if it means I have to squelch my excitement for a bit.

"That's it girl, just keep the conversation casual, keep talking about stuff that makes men's eyes dull and their ears shrivel," whispers my inner siren. I relate my day, my feelings, up coming holiday plans, his honey-do list. Just to add to my amusement, I toss in an imaginary hot flash. With deadly precision, the instant I catch him doing the nod-off-head-bob and picking up the invisible Wife Remote Control, his finger poised on the volume-mute button, I have my way with him.

Swiftly and deftly, I slit the flap of the envelope and tip out its contents. Eureka! There's gold in that there brown mailer. Pirate's gold. A couple of CDs in crystal, plastic cases. Their white play lists are stamped with the logo of that infamous, black pirate, Hammer. From between the CDs, slips this folded letter:



Hello!

First off, please read the final
Throwing Hammers blog post if you haven't already. What this is and why you're receiving it will make a hell of a lot more sense that way.



Dang! Final post? I loved that blog. Totally original and thought provoking on every level. Although his blog has run for five years, I only found him 6 months ago. In his last post, among other things, he poses the question, "What does your blog sound like?"



These CDs are filled with songs that "were quoted, referenced, or embedded in this blog at some point." Feel free to pass the music forward if you like - as I said, there are no strings or expectations here. And if you do, and if someone asks you about where it came from, just tell them, "There was this guy who used to write this blog. It didn't always make sense but he seemed to have fun with it. One day he left, but on his way out the door, he made us a mixtape."

Thank you for not just accompanying me on the journey, but helping to shape it and give it direction. I won't say goodbye though. If you're reading this, then I'm pretty sure our paths will cross in the future.


And as I type this, I'm listening to his mix CDs and thinking, "Yep, that sounds like Hammer alright." And across time and space these words float in from the Hammerverse, "If you ask me, there aren't enough pleasant surprises in this world..."

It's not too late! It's not too late to dream up a way to brighten someones day. All it takes is a thought...a smile...an unexpected little somethin'...a song. No, it's not too late at all.

45 comments:

Tom said...

seems there are a lot of Hammer fans out there...never got around to perusing his words, but I guess it's not too late. Happy TT!

Candie said...

Wonderful post Ronda!And no,it's never too late for that!Love to you!:)

tony said...

I will wander over to his blog & take Me A Look.Sounds like a fine Geezer! Enjoy the Sounds .
Have A Fine Day Ronda.

Mrsupole said...

I read that last post and so as soon as you said you got the brown packet I knew what it contained too. I thought that was very cool of Hammer to offer those to anyone who wants one. I did not say anything because I had only found him for those last few days and wasn't sure about requesting one.

Funny how when someone is going to quit then everyone finds him. Maybe it is not too late for him to come back with another blog. If he ever lets you know about doing this, please let me know about it.

Enjoy the CD and the music. I am sure it is great. Thanks for the video.

God bless.

Reya Mellicker said...

I love this! It's such a perfect tribute and so YOU, too.

Like you, I am LOVING the Hammer collection. Outstanding music and yes it reflects his incredibly eclectic taste. I imagined him staring at his Wall of Sound, selecting the tunes. Hammer is so cool.

So are you!

Tess Kincaid said...

I just found Hammer last month and barely got to know him. Guess I was too late!

Brian Miller said...

how cool is that. it is never too late to brighten someone's day...off to find mine now...

happy tt!

CiCi said...

There are all kinds of ways to brighten someone's day. Music being one of the top ways. I am sorry I did not know of the blog you mention in this post, but the video is great. Thanks for sharing it with us. You just brightened my day!~!!~!!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post, Ronda! Yeah, it's never too late to brighten someone's day! And you brightened mine when you said the word "massage" regarding my previous post. I am badly in need of one as I often experience upper back pains nowadays due to stress of lab work.

Enlightening somebody's day is also fulfilling, as we become part of one of the happy moments of his or her life.

Nice post.... ~hugs~

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Oh Ronda...what I love is these words: serendipitous surprises -- it can only mean something GOOD! GOOD! GOOD!

What can I do today to brighten someone's day???

Mike said...

Another good blog is going away? *sniffle* And I never even saw this one!

Alan Burnett said...

A fine TT post. I will greet the postman each day with a little more expectation from now on.

Kat Mortensen said...

So much fun to get a surprise in the mail. I'll have a listen now.

The Author said...

I can't make it through the day without my tunes. Even on the worst day the right song seems to make things better.

Stephanie said...

You've got your husband down pat!

Ze O said...

How much fun was THAT?! I looved how you tricked the husband - I am taking notes, here. ;) It's written super entertaining.

Wow, and what a lovely surprise!
Such a pity that I've heard about him for the first time just now... :(

Betsy Brock said...

"the invisible Wife Remote Control, his finger poised on the volume-mute button"...so that's what you call it! The Mister has one of those, although he swears he does not! LOL!

Wings1295 said...

Cool. :)

Never too late.

Ronda Laveen said...

Tom: I think you would really like his stuff. It is ecclectice and poses many of lifes deepest questions, just like your blog. And, no, it's not too late. The site is still up.

Candie: With a girl like who is perpetually late, it is definitely not too late for something like this. XXOO

Tony: He is a wonderful "Geezer." Tee hee, but a young one with an old soul. I AM enjoying the tunes...right now.

Sherry: I think he would send you a set of CDs though you were new to his blog. If you want to try, just ask and see. Maybe he'll do another blog. I don't know. I think he has something he working on but I don't know what it is. If he starts one up, I'll let you know.

Ronda Laveen said...

Reya: I can just imagine him standing at his Wall o' Music too. I saw a picture of it in the post he did that was a meme from you. Amazing. Looked more like a Room o' Music than a wall. I'm trying to figure out how he, after 5 years, knew what music he had "...quoted, referenced, or embedded..." Someone who can do that is a true audiophile. XXOO

Willow: Even though I was out of town during your ball, I caught up on the event upon my return. I saw that Hammer attended in his gold lame suit. It is never to late for Hammer. He defies linear time.

Brian: How cool is that? WAY COOL. I could see you doing something like that.

TechnoBabe: You are definitely right. Music is a wonderful way to lift spirits. I am glad you enjoyed the video. It was a song on one of the CDs. I had never heard of the band, The Sound Track of Our Lives, but I love them!

Skip Simpson said...

I started blogging too late to get to know Hammer, but I'm happy you're enjoying the music. Oh, and I guess I'll see you at the Mr. Tea Party... if I survive my wrestling match on Sunday.

Ronda Laveen said...

Sashindoubutsu: It sure sounded like you could use a good massage...emotionally and physically. I know how the lab work must get to your neck and back. I like what you write about how when we brighten someones day, we become a part of their life for a few minutes. (hugging back).

Jill: I do so love serendipitous surprises. They are good. I'm sure you'll have no trouble brightening someones day. You exude goodness.

Otin: Yes, his blog is gone but, the way I read it, he took it to its logical end and when the time was right, finished it. It was a happy thing (for him). He was complete with it. And ready for his next creative venture. In my book, it can't get any better than that.

Alan: You are so cute! Why if you weren't already married the GLW...

Ronda Laveen said...

Kat: Yes, I felt just like I used to when I was a kid and something I'd mailed away for from ceral box arrived. Oh, yeah!

RJ Edwards: Music does help us get through life, doesn't it? It brings back so many memories.

Stephanie: Ya know, I didn't used to think so, but the last couple of months, I'm starting to see him in a new light. Instead of being annoyed, I've moved into seeing how funny relationships are.

Christina: Ahh, I am glad you are taking "men" notes. I'll share with you information that is so secret that it is only passed orally from older smart women to younger smart women. We need every edge we can get. Twas a lovely surprise. Somehow, I don't think we've heard the last of Hammer.

Ronda Laveen said...

Betsy: Oh, you are so right. Your husband does have a Wife Remote Control. They try to convince us they don't but it is just a trick. I believe the Wonder Husband has one in every room of the house, the garage, and each of his numerous cars. I think they are issued one just prior to the wedding ceremony. Of course, they'll never let us in on their little conspiracy, but I can tell when he's using it on me. I can tell.

Wings: WAY, WAY Kool. No, never to late, except maybe in your instance. I read your wonderful post.

Skip: Yes, I will be see you at the Mr. Tea Party. I am SURE not only will you survive the wrestling match but, will be victorious. May you get a beautiful ring girl for your event!

Kristina P. said...

What an interesting concept! I wonder what Snuggies sound like? Awesomeness, I'm sure.

Ronda Laveen said...

Kristina P: Snuggies sound like: "MMMMMMMMMMMM!"

Hammer said...

Well, color me all kinds of aw shucks... (Except the geezer kind, hell, I ain't even crossed 40 yet.)

Didn't know TSOOL (a Swedish band) had an official video for that track. Very cool!

Although I'm long gone, it's been fun to watch this thing clang around out there now that I've set it loose for good. No new blogs or other public projects anytime soon though - just lots of rest, relaxation and renewal (including long immersions in "the wall of sound.") That and a bit of long overdue travel. Still, it's nice to know that I have an expanding list of well-wishers. A humble tip of the cowboy hat to all y'all!

Ciao!

Kate Hanley said...

What a great take - never too late to brighten someone's day. My mom always said that when I said I was embarassed for not sending a gift or a thank you note; she'd say, just send it,it'll brigten their day.

Ronda Laveen said...

Hammer: I'm thinkin' you must have been a mere child when you started blogging. Not yet 40 and 5 years of blogging already under your belt.

I had never heard The Sound Track of our Lives before. In fact, there are many great bands I'm unfamiliar with on the Hammer Collection. Sure do like that Swedish band. I was kinda surprised the clip was there too.

I am happy that you are enjoying watching your project ricochet through the Bloggoverse. You've earned it. It was, bling, brilliant. I can't wait to see what other ideas this spawns.

Enjoy your well deserved retirement and travel. Feel free to drop down the Rabbit Hole and visit the Wonderland any time. Happy trails, Cowboy.

Ronda Laveen said...

Kate: Your mom gives great advice. I wish I'd had someone tell me that when I was younger. Took me a while to figure it out.

Colette Amelia said...

isn't that so true? And usually it is these unexpected treats that make our heart sing? Thanks for sharing and making my heart sing!

Jai Joshi said...

Fabulous post, Ronda. I love the little interplay with your husband, it's just the sort of thing I would do!

I'll have to check out Hammer's blog.

Jai

Ronda Laveen said...

Colette: Yes, these types of act do make one's heart sing. He is very inspiring. You're welcome, I'm happy to help make your day.

Jai: Glad you enjoyed the post. Coming from a writer such as yourself, I consider it high praise.

Dorraine said...

Surprises in the mail are the best kind. It beats getting bills and junk mail. Slick the way you handled it with hubby. I chuckled about that. Thanks for sharing the story and video!

Ronda Laveen said...

Dorraine: Oh! Don't even get me started on junk mail. I recycle about 90% of the mail I open. And bills? Well, nothing surprising or plesant there. Read you soon.

JGH said...

What a nice way for a blog to say goodbye. I love the way you handle the Wonder Husband. Keep him on his toes!

TheWordWire said...

What a great sentiment that it's never too late to brighten someone's day. I'm sorry I'm too late in discovering Throwing Hammers, but I'll check out past posts. Thanks for the tip.

Dreamhaven said...

I,too,love happy surprises. Happy TT.

Ronda Laveen said...

JGH: Yes, Hammer was very thoughtful in his ending. And fun! Yeah, gotta keep the Wonder Husband guessing.

TheWordWire: Welcome. You made my day just by stopping by. Hope you enjoy Hammer's old posts.

Dreamhaven: I knew that you would. You are delightful.

Evening Light Writer said...

Oh the pure pleasure of receiving something in the mail! The titilating pleasure of dragging a finger between the seal and the paper! We've lost that rhythm of mail, the sending and getting of it..the patience and joy of opening the mailbox. The intimacy of paper.

Makes me long for an old fashioned letter.

Baino said...

It's such a shame when blogs you love close down but I guess there's a life after blogging. Haven't quite got there myself and as for receiving something other than a window-faced envelope with a bill inside - a total delight!

Ronda Laveen said...

Oh, Mindy! You are so right. Just an old fashioned letter sounds so nostalgic. Most of the things that come in the letter box nowdays are junk mail and bills. Thank goodness wedding invitations still come by post. I got one the other day.

Baino: I shout yes to each one of your statments. Yes, Yes, and YES!

Michael said...

Never to late indeed!

I loved getting letters and such in the mail but me sending them? not really. I have the most atrocious handwriting. completely illegible and thus I blog!!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Getting surprises in the mail is a great treat! I'm glad you enjoyed this one so much!

Wishing you a great holiday.

Ronda Laveen said...

...mmm...I do much better typing nowdays too. I used to love to hand write and do calligraphy but now that the ol' eyes don't work as well, not so much. Thank goodness the young ones have the eyes and energy for it.

Joanna: I absolutely enjoyed it, and, heck, lets face it, since Hammer sent CDs, I'll enjoy it for years to come.

A wonderful holiday to you and your family.