Batteries, Writing 101, day 10, Let the Scene Write Itself
I got this assignment far too late today and the day was too cold really to be out. I did need to go out for batteries for my thermostat, so I’m just going to write about that. The idea is to write, huh?
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Batteries
I had to go out in the cold and the rain today. My living room thermostat has been flashing at me saying it needs batteries. I investigated battery sales on my Flipp app. There were good deals but the deals cost more than I wanted to spend to get three batteries for the wall unit.
So, I bundled up warmly and left the cozy sanctuary of my apartment in my senior’s building to go to the Dollarama store, where I had seen my sister in law purchase batteries for a very reasonable price a few days ago. It’s a short walk, but in the cold and rain it was not really that pleasant. Wet! Brisk!
The store is just a walk down the street and across the road in a strip mall. I managed to dodge the few cars that were out. I should probably have taken the time to go to the other side where there was a crosswalk but I wanted the shortest route possible. Brrrr!
As I went, I juggled in my mind the few things I needed besides batteries, but did not really have enough money to purchase, since I needed to keep a few dollars for groceries I would likely need. I would have liked to get a new water filter for my tap, but they are expensive and it would mean going to another store further away. Settle for batteries from the dollar store.
Once in the store however…..oh my, what a lot to look at! Shiny! Colourful! Tempting! Tantalizing! And all for a dollar or two! I had time. I could window shop 😉
I went through the craft aisle and revisited the canvas predrawn art kits I had spotted while in there with my sister in law. I looked at them, noticing the different faint depictions on the canvas, one a Thomas Kincaid like cottage scene and one a scene with canal and boats. Hmmmm. $3 for one. Complete with paints.
I have paints at home, I thought. I have canvas. I have the inspiration and the ability (somewhere). I just don’t have the courage to begin.
I handled the kits. Picked them up. Put them back. Picked them up again. $3 each. $6 for two. Put one down. I wanted one. No, I wanted two of them. I had to start somewhere. Using these might get me going.
A mother and son were close by. The mom pointed out a different kit to her son, saying, “Look, you could make up one of these for Grandma!”. Sweet, I thought. Why I am I not thinking of what I could do to MAKE presents? I could paint my presents . Ugh! Who would I give them to? Who would want them? “Canned” paintings. Put the “cheat” canvases down….
I was here for batteries, right? Right….
Ooooh, trouser socks. I need a pair. Good price too, $1.25. Nice.
There’s an accordion file for my square dance secretarial stuff! Yes, I’m a secretary now. I don’t know what possessed me to volunteer, but no one else wanted to, so I did. Now I have a nice burgandy folder for my papers etc., $2. Cool.
Batteries! Sure is a good thing this is just the dollar store and batteries are only $1.50.
Line up to pay, all under $6, then out into the wet. A young fellow is coming towards me. He looks stressed. Feel the nudge to pray for him, his circumstances, his relationships, for peace. I don’t know him, but God does, and I’m sure that God wants me to lift him up in prayer, so I do. God intends to work in his situation and I have the privilege of being part of it in some small way. That’s life with God in it.
Made it across the wet street again with not a car in sight, down the walk and into my building. Once in the foyer, I see one of the tenants struggling with his scooter. I presume he is going out so I ask if I can hold the door open for him. He has great difficultly speaking (has a speech impediment of some kind) but he gets across that he is trying to park it in a tight spot.
Tenants with scooters have had to store their vehicles inside the foyer since the building renovations began. I move a couple of chairs for him to make space and he is thrilled and happy.
We go up in the elevator together. He has to get off at the second floor, but he is trying to talk to me about something and the door almost closes on him. I stick my hand out to keep it open and off he goes, smiling. I smile and say goodbye.
Home again. Feels good. Sit down. Relax. Have a cup of tea.
Uh-oh. Flashing. The thermostat! I almost forgot why I went out…..
Batteries! 😉
AJ ❤
6 comments on “Batteries, Writing 101, day 10, Let the Scene Write Itself”
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Ann's Corner 
Great piece! I feel as if I were with you on this chilly trek to the store. 🙂
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Keep up the good work, I continue to read all you are posting.
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Thanks! I shall go browse through yours some more…..
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Hi Ann,
This is such a good post. Why? It is you sharing with us just a typical average day with a twist. I loved the dialogue: Brrr. Wet! Etc… Also your interactions with others. The gift ideas. The other best part is how I’m sure many of us cam relate to being caught up by other things in the store and forgetting why we went to the store in the first place. Finally, your courage to think of others and speak about God.
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Glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for the encouraging comments! It was a fun write too….. 😉
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