Tag Archives: regrets

Life Needs An Undo Function

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In the world of computers, there’s a function called “Undo.” It’s literally what it sounds like- you can undo your last change or even the last few changes of a document or file you’re working on.

It’s a fabulous way to fix a mistake or to return to a previous state simply because you changed your mind.

Do you ever wish that life had an undo function? Wouldn’t it be handy to just take back that stupid thing you said or to clean up the egg you dropped on the floor?

I make plenty of mistakes and often say dumb things so it would get a workout in this house.

Yesterday I was staring at my newly-decorated-for-Christmas fireplace mantle and I was sure it could be better. I had combined two simple pine garlands, adding some ornaments, ribbon and pine cones before weaving in some twinkle lights as an afterthought.

Wrong order but it still looked nice enough. Yet I couldn’t leave well enough alone.

That’s mainly because I had hit a great sale at Joann Fabrics the night before and came home with ribbon that would look better than what I had used. Plus, I have this neat garland of pretty silver bells on a rustic jute rope that needed a home and would look great woven into the pine!

Hot diggity! I had a plan!

So I dropped what I was doing, dismantled the perfectly good thing that was done and set about making it “better.”

Hindsight is 20/20 and it is now clear that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, pretty ribbons and bells on jute.

I placed the pine garland, woven with perfectly spaced twinkle lights before setting my sights on those pretty little bells. I figured out how to attach the rope to one end of the pine, immediately sending that half and it’s share of thoughtfully placed lights to the floor.

Huh. This would be harder than I thought.

So I fixed the lights and pine and took another run at it, this time being careful to place the weight of the bells toward the top and back. This sent the entire thing to the floor, leaving the mantle bare.

I will spare you the full story of how many times this didn’t work. Suffice it to say my mind got stuck on an annoying loop of wishing I could just undo the last ten moves. The bells are currently in a pile on the floor as I’m far too disgusted to look at them.

Meanwhile, I put the pine, lights and adornments back to the best of my ability, looping in the new ribbon to add some nice muted color and texture.

And now, as I step back and admire my handiwork, it is clear that I liked it better the other way.

Seriously, friends. Where is that Undo button when you really need it?

Sunset At Concord Church

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As usual, I proved again last night that driving in a straight line really isn’t my thing. Concord Church is located just outside Chillicothe, Ohio and is one of my favorite local churches. It’s lovely the way it’s set back from the road with a pretty gate, wrought iron fence and grove of trees. But it was all the more beautiful as the setting sun created a cotton candy sky. Unfortunately, there were cars in my rearview so I went up the road and turned around to head back for a better look.

There’s just something special about a house of worship beneath a beautiful sky. Isn’t it pretty?

The doors are still dressed up for the holiday making the scene even more charming.

Regulars here are likely tired of hearing this but I’ll say it again for everyone in the cheap seats. Always, always, always stop for the picture. Even if you have to turn around and go back. I have never regretted making the stop but have plenty of regrets about the times I kept going.

Life is too short for regrets. Just turn around and go back. It really is that easy.

Regrets and the Pictures You Don’t Make

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If there is one thing I have learned, it’s that I never regret making a picture. What I always regret is NOT making the picture.

A good friend took me on an adventure this winter – down some roads I’d never been on to places I’d never seen. Honestly, I was completely turned around and have no idea where we were most of them as he weaved his truck in and out of two counties and across narrow, muddy backroads that my little nerd mobile could never navigate.

Toward the end of the adventure, the already gloomy day was turning more so by the minute. That’s when we passed an amazing old church.

Wood clapboard siding with faded, pealing paint. Clearly abandoned but still maintained by someone. We commented on it but didn’t stop. I almost made him go back. Had I been driving, I would’ve turned around. But we were tired and hungry and daylight was fading.

I have regretted that decision ever since.

So my friend gave me directions and I went back Saturday, hitting the road before sunrise so I could make the ninety minute trek back to the middle of nowhere for a picture. It’s a great church but I’m fairly certain it’s the wrong church. In my memory, it sits high on a ridge with no trees or buildings around. The road was wide but there was a big curve and it felt like you could see for miles.

I remember thinking I would frame the church to the left and show that openness in the other two-thirds of the photo.

But maybe my memory is playing tricks on me. Who knows?

Either way, I got to see this great old church.

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There’s a fence with a padlocked gate. Another gate facing the yard of the house next door was open, making me think the neighbors probably tend to it. I thought about knocking on their door but saw no cars in the driveway. Besides, it was before 9 on a Saturday morning. Who wants a stranger on their porch at that hour?

I can’t tell you a single thing about this church but think it’s worth sharing anyway – along with a warning – always stop for the picture!

That day also took me to the Silver Moon Dinner, through some beautiful farm country and to a Dress Barn location for some desperation shopping because I have no clue where I’ll buy professional work clothes in southern Ohio after they close. I’ll share some pretty farm pictures off and on this summer. 

Have you ever regretted not making a picture? I also regret not photographing more of the people in my life but that’s a whole other ball of wax. Tell me your story in the comments.