Alike in our Randomness

Donna and I are so alike in many ways. I love words and their origins as well as she. Figurative Language: Hope You Are All Ears. In fact, I like to Google many things and people to discover interesting facts. If someone peeked into our Google searches, they would crack up! Our quests do not show much of anything along similar lines: One minute we are investigating the story behind The Beatles’ song, “Come Together”, and later trying to find out if “Hey you guys!” was really in the Electric Company’s opening.

Many Different Lines

When thinking of my bi-monthly blog subject, an idea popped into my head swiftly. However, when I began googling my line of thinking, I became distracted by the number of phrases that contain the word line. One idiom phrase with the word “line” popped up, and I was like a racehorse behind a gate ready to bolt.

Out of Line & Crossing the Line

I was forever getting a out of line. Mother LOVED to shop though she did not always buy much. Once Julie, my youngest sister, and I were with Mom at Loveman’s department store. She was searching for new housecoats in the children’s area. Finding a white, terry cloth one in my size complete with a belt, Mom made me try it on to make sure I had growing room. Thus, she began looking for one to match for Julie to wear because she loved her girls to coordinate. Boredom overcame me, and silliness set it. I vividly remember being inspired to begin kicking as if I were in a tournament with the karate kid complete with wax on, wax off. Julie followed suit, and our hands were chopping all clothes in sight. One look from Mom led us to know we had crossed the line! 

Walking a Fine Line, One the Line, & in the Firing Line

Of course, that is not the only time Julie and I walked a fine line. Our baths caused our butts to be on the line more than once. Strawberry Suave shampoo allowed us to transform our hair into Martha Washington’s wig and Santa Claus’s beard regularly. Other times, we slid from the back slant of the tub. We had lathered it until it was slippery, and with our legs crossed, we made the ride last as long as possible! Mom would stomp into the bathroom and nearly slip on the linoleum floor splashed from soapy suds. Our wet behinds stung all the more in the firing line! 

Draw a line

At night, I had to draw a line in the bed. Julie loved to tickle me! When I got tired, I got cranky and still do. She paid little attention to my line and would continue to poke and wiggle her fingers into my boney sides until she made me laugh. 

Party Lines, Hold the Line, & Hang Up the Line

In the 70’s, Nana and Granddaddy had a party line. My sisters and I stayed with them often, so when we wanted to call Mom to ask a question or just say hey, we had to follow Nana’s instructions. “Remember, Girls, your granddaddy and me share our line with the people up the road. So, quietly pick up the receiver, and see if anyone’s already on the phone. If no one is there, hold the line, and we will call your mom. But, if Mrs. Bessie is on, hang up the line ever so lightly. We don’t want to eavesdrop on her, even though she does it to me sometimes.” 

Educational Lines

As a teacher over the last 28 years, I have noticed numerous lines as well. If I had a penny for every time I have said, “Line up, get in line, or stay in line,” I would be a quadbillionaire! “Don’t give me that line” are words some kids have heard from me at times as if I am going to buy their lines “hook, line, and sinker”! In my top desk drawer, there is a small sign that reads, “Danger, you are walking a thin line,” that I quietly lay on students’ desks from time to time when they need a quiet reminder to get it together.

As a middle school teacher, I have a theme of encouragement in my classroom. I want students to choose the line of least resistance in life. 

Life Lesson Lines that I Share

• Even though there are times you will step out of line, the bottom line is to always respect yourself.
• Find your line in the sand and be true to yourself.
• When life becomes too overwhelming, don’t cast your line so far ahead that you fill yourself with anxiety. Deal with today, taking one step at a time.
• Line your pockets with good deeds, not money.
• Drop a line to say thank you to make others feel appreciated.
• Toe the line at school and in your future jobs to work your way up the line.
• Remember there is a fine line between need and want. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you can reasonably afford your purchases.

End of the Line

As for you and me, we must realize we will all come to the end of the line one day. Flatlined! Where will we find ourselves? On the front lines for eternity. I don’t know about you, but when my life is over and my destination is on the line, I will be headed up the line toward my Creator for I have chosen the One, True God to be my master.