Hey friends, it’s been a super busy week around here. How’s it been for you? I’m so glad the weekend is finally here. Exhale.
Today I’m re-sharing the first post I ever published on this blog because A – most of you haven’t seen it before. And B – because you’ll laugh. I hope.
I actually planned to write a new piece for today, but there’s still a ton of baking to do for homecoming this weekend.
Bake or write. Bake or write. Baking won out. Cupcakes. And if they come out great, trust me, you’ll see them here!
So read on and enjoy this little blast from the past!
.
Everytime A Bell Rings
He had an odd, curious look on his face that hot, muggy day. The fan oscillated on high, the windows were open wide. We should’ve shut them hours earlier and turned on the air. Trying to stay cool during the “dog days” of August.
Everyone had shorts on at the dinner table, and I wore a sleeveless linen blouse, trying to beat the heat.
Salad, grilled steak tips and watermelon. That was the menu. And a mountain of icy cold watermelon triangles. We loaded our plates, and I shook the salad dressing.
His eyes weren’t necessarily on me, but intently focused on something nearby. And I recognized that same curious look, the smirk in his eye. And I returned to a day months earlier.
I’d picked him up after school as usual.
“How was second grade?”
“Fine.”
“So what’d you do at school today?”
“Nothing.”
“Surely you did something.”
“What we do at school every day. Learn,” he said, disinterestedly.
“So what did you play at recess?”
“Tag.”
“Was it fun?”
“Not really.”
(Sigh.) “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
Well, I was under no grand illusion here. I’d run out of questions, and he was obviously out of answers. I settled in for the quiet car ride home.
Halfway home, I checked the rearview mirror and noticed an unusual exercise in progress. His right sleeve was rolled up high, his little arm flexed like a muscle man. His fist pumped furiously back and forth. Simultaneously, his left hand batted at his tricep. He watched intently, quiet glee apparent. It was odd.
“What are you doing honey?”
“Just playing a game.”
“What kind of game,” I persisted. “Does it have a name?”
He stayed focused, flexing and batting. “It’s called Bingo Wings, Mommy.”
Bingo Wings. I’d never heard of a game called Bingo Wings, but I’m not exactly the person to ask. I’m not really a game person. Plus I always lose. I doubted I’d be good at this one either. But I tried connecting anyway.
“So what are the rules? How do you play?”
“Well it’s easier to play if you’re really old. Like forty or a hundred.
First, you put your arm up like this…… and SQUEEEEZE. Make a big fist and turn your wrist back and forth…… just like this.” He demonstrated.
“And THEN…. you watch the hanging skin and fat wiggle and jiggle like jello. See?” He vainly attempted jiggling his taut skin.
“Where’d you learn that?” I asked flatly.
“From Tommy at recess.” (When I was in school we played hopscotch and jumped rope.)
“I don’t think that’s a very nice game,” I said. “And I won’t play.”
Fast forward to the dinner table. He bit a watermelon triangle and stared hard. He didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to. It was written all over his face. Because as I shook the dressing at the table that night, I detected the same curious, gleeful Bingo Wings look. And I just knew.
Well I’m not a hundred years old. (Not yet.) And I’m usually rotten at games. But apparently I’m first rate at Bingo Wings. It’s an effortless game you can play with your eyes closed. There are no game pieces to lose. The rules are “loose”. Play on your own or with a crowd.
It’s gratifying to finally be a winner at the ripe old age of forty-one.
“Look Daddy! Teacher says, Everytime A Bell Rings, an angel gets its wings.”.
It’s a Wonderful Life (Wings aside, it truly is.)
You may also enjoy: Nuts About Her
Susan says
What a great day for lovers of all Allie stories! Congrats on this super launch!
Allie Taylor says
SUSAN!!!! Thank you friend, exciting day in NH. 🙂
Amy says
I’d like to challenge you to a wing-off. 😉
Congratulations, my friend! I love your story telling and now to be able to hear your voice any time I want … fabulous!
Allie Taylor says
I’m in! Let’s meet for that wing-off over a long weekend at the Mason-Dixon Line…Cheers! Thanks for all your help friend. XO
Mary says
Now I know the name of the game for next time I’m blow drying my hair. 😉 Love your style and looking forward to reading more!
Allie Taylor says
Oh no, I hadn’t thought of blow drying…(!) Thanks for dropping by, I’ll be peeking in your kitchen!
Julie Hipke says
This is SO fun!! What a gift to have your words published.
xoxo j
Leigh Anne Wilkes @YourHomebasedMom says
You are a wonderful storyteller! Welcome to the world of blogging.
Allie Taylor says
Thanks for your warm welcome words Leigh Anne! So appreciate it.
DeEtte Porter says
So excited to read your words and hear your voice. Absolutely hilarious! I would totally win the wingoff. Just sayin.
Kristen Jones says
Bingo Wings!!! I could not stop laughing!
Allie Taylor says
Yup, gotta laugh so I don’t cry Kristen! 🙂
Allie Taylor says
And many thanks for visiting the site.
Christy says
As a mother of three and wife of one, my favorite relatable line is: “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion it has taken place.” 🙂 I love your stories Allie. They make me smile for so many reasons. Wild, warm wishes for a love-erly launch!
Allie Taylor says
Thank you sweet cousin! Thanks for dropping in to visit. Hugs to all…..XO
Tina says
Delightful!
Allie Taylor says
Thanks Tina! XO
Pinkie says
Congratulations on your launch! Will love reading your other stories not to mention your recipes!
🙂
Allie Taylor says
Many thanks Aunt Pinkie, love you!
Diane says
Your blog page was fun to read and it was WONDERFUL to hear your voice!! God has given you a gift! 🙂 Love ya ! 🙂
Allie Taylor says
Thanks so much Diane! 🙂 XO
Carrie says
Can’t wait to read more !!! Love you, Allie.
Allie Taylor says
Carrie….so fun to see you here! 🙂 Miss and love you.
nancy mcmahan says
Great read. I will be back for more.
Allie Taylor says
Thank you Nancy. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Barbara Child says
Congratulations! Great story to start off! Looking forward to frequent visits.
Allie Taylor says
Thanks so much Barbara. Glad to finally be “here”. 🙂 XO
Betty says
Cute story told very well. I’ve been calling my Bingo Wings “Hi,Helens”. Got that from a water aerobics instructor years ago when she showed us an exercise for our “Hi, Helens”. that undoubtedly didn’t work ’cause I still have ’em.
Allie Taylor says
Ha ha Betty. You are in good company with me. 🙂 (Better than being alone!) Thanks for making me smile.
Amy says
Congrats on your big launch! Love this story… Hilarious!!! I couldn’t stop laughing. 🙂 I have always called them my “bye-bye arms”, because they keep waving good-bye even after my hand stops waving. Looking forward to all you have to share!
Blessings!
Allie Taylor says
Thanks Amy. Glad you got a good laugh, the very best medicine. Thanks so much for visiting the blog today! 🙂
Susie says
Spectacular, Allie! I just knew your writing talents needed to go “viral.” Love you!
Allie Taylor says
Sweet Susie! Love you back. Thanks for checking out the blog on “opening day”… Miss you guys.
Susan Giordano says
You’re off to a great start…love your pics too…looking forward to seasonal door changes! I will plan to wear long sleeves for vigorous shaking needs from now on–you never know who could be watching! Bon voyage! Love, sq
Allie Taylor says
Thanks SQ. (Guess we’ll wear long sleeves together….) Glad you liked the door. love,a
denise horrocks says
What fun this will be! Yea for your blog! …oh, and yeah! I have reached level 4 in Bingo Wings!
Allie Taylor says
Ooooo! There are levels, Denise??? I didn’t know. That could open up possibilities for a sequel.(!) Oh no.:) Thanks for visiting!
Jon says
I think a certain young man might need new glasses. 🙂
Proud of you, baby!
Allie Taylor says
Thanks love. XO
Jane Madden says
Bingo Wings…who knew!? Congratulations, Allie. Great story! Looking forward to more.
Allie Taylor says
Thanks so much Jane! Fun to have you “visit”. 🙂
Tracy Costa says
Congratulations Allie! You are a fantastic writer! You had my whole family in tears laughing at this story. You painted quite the picture in our heads with your descriptive words! I absolutely love being able to read your stories!!!
Allie Taylor says
Thanks Trac, glad you’re laughing – this has been a fun journey hasn’t it? XO
Kathy says
Love it!
Allie Taylor says
Thanks Kathy! 🙂
Linda Jenkins says
Allie,
What a wonderful way to start my day! I smiled and laughed. I love the fact that you read to us as you share those precious memories. I could listen to your voice all day; your melodious voice, whether in song or in speech, always touches my heart. I know that smirk so well! I think I would be a good competitor in the “Bat Wings” game.
Seriously, you are such a talented woman. I am so blessed to know you and to learn from you. Keep the stories coming. I will definitely forward the site to my friends and family.
Congratulations and Blessings,
Linda
Allie Taylor says
Linda — this means so much, especially coming from you. Thank you. XO
Frank Hull says
Allie,
Thanks for including me. It means a lot. I unfortunately can genuinely play that game. Great story.
Frank
Allie Taylor says
It also means a lot to me that you visited the site, Frank. Thanks for taking the time. Miss you!
Leslie from LittleGemsUSA.com says
Oh dear! I’m going to have to carefully avoid your son next time I’m around New England. I don’t want to be the next winner though I know I could blow away the competition. 🙂 Speaking of your sons….your kids are so beautiful. It’s not fair to the rest of the world. 🙂
Allie Taylor says
Thank you Leslie! And many thanks for representing Little Gems USA on Through Her Looking Glass. Love and support what you are doing! XO
Laila D says
Congratulations Allie. I love your blog. Looking forward to reading more of your stories.
Allie Taylor says
LAILA!!! How fun to see you here! Thnx. for checking it out. It’s been a lot of fun. Miss you. K3P1 🙂
Sheryl says
Allie, Love the site!!! I read the story to the girls before school yesterday, laughing throughout, then realized I could have YOU read it to them…how cool is that!? Looking forward to many more stories, recipes and tips. It was fun to see the link for LittleGemsUSA.com on there too. So many exciting things happening these days! 🙂
Allie Taylor says
Thnx. Sheryl! 🙂 Fun to be “here”. Many thnx. for tuning in! Glad K and M are in on it too. XO
Shelby Purtell says
I love it!! I can totally see the facial expressions and I do remember “bingo wings”! I am looking forward to more of your stories.
Allie Taylor says
You didn’t know whether to laugh or cry did you? 🙂 Perhaps we should call you St. Shelby…
Jen says
You have SUCH a wonderful and insightful flair! Can hear you read even when the audio is off! So glad you are “up and running”! Love you lots!
Daniella says
Hey dear friend,
another long day at work but got some time off to read some stories I haven’t had a chance to read so far. This one made me laugh so hard…way to go girl. You are a real sunshine in my long days 🙂
Carina says
Haha – what a cute story! It was fun to read your first blog post! Enjoy the weekend. ?
Allie says
Thank you Carina – it was interesting revisiting that first post. I’ve grown so much more in my blogging know-how since then, but the truth is, I really enjoy writing the true life stories most of all. Hope you’re having a good week my friend. The calendar says fall tomorrow but it’s still warm and humid here. xo
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Allie, I so love this post – your storytelling is en point! Such a fantastic post -some of the best stories I’ve liked are those that say so much without necessarily saying so – you know what I mean? Those stories are the ones that you feel, know the mood, feel for and with the people involved – and, I sure felt the mood in this. I’d never heard of Bingo Wings either – and seeing I fit in the “really old. Like forty” category, guess I might be playing without realizing it myself! Ha! I am so glad you posted this today as I so unfortunately didn’t know you when this debuted. I love this quote too “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place” I hope your weekend is wonderful dear friend and I’m willing to be that those cupcakes turn out to be decadently delicious! XOXO
Allie says
Thanks my friend, I do enjoy this part of blogging so much – writing stories. I could do that all day. I’m so glad we touch base weekly here and at runninsrilankan.com. Fun to stay connected. Have a wonderful week my friend! XO
Aunt Pinkie says
Hard to believe you’ve been up and running for almost two years! Way to go, Allie- love your posts-recipes and muses! A perfect way to start the day!
Allie says
Thank you Aunt Pinkie, you are one of my most loyal readers and I am very thankful for you. Love you.
Susie Mandel says
Just as funny–if not funnIER–the second time around!! and I love the “judge” of the Bingo Wings contest. He is absolutely hilarious. So glad you started this blog. xoxo
Allie says
Ha ha, glad this tickle your funny bone. AGAIN! I’ve got another funny story re: the “judge” I need to tell you. XO
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Baking always wins, hands down! I’m sure your cupcakes turned out fabulously, so I can’t wait to see them! I’m so glad you re-shared this post, Allie, because I did in fact miss this! Bingo wings huh? I just call that skin my waddle… along with the fat under my chin! <3 I'm sure your son would love to watch me play bingo wings. hahahahaha. Oh children… they are too much, right?! Thanks for the laughs this morning, dear friend! Cheers! xoxo
Allie says
You’re so funny Cheyanne. The waddle, huh? Gotta love it. Have a super week – you with the waddle and me with the bingo wings. XO
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat says
Love this! I’m still cracking up! Sounds like my kids 🙂 I also need to get baking today and it’s the perfect kind of day to do it – rainy! Can’t wait to see your cupcakes!
Allie says
Hey girl – thanks for laughing. You gotta laugh or cry on this one. Have a super week my friend!