The Magnificent Modern Mature Woman

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

My random encounter with a stranger took place over the phone today on a Saturday morning.

Recently, I applied and interviewed at a Kate Spade Outlet store about 45 minutes away from my home. It went well because I got along with the individual who I spent time with and my passion for the brand.

Earlier this morning, I see Kate Spade on my caller ID of my phone so I answered it. The manager called to let me know that I didn’t get the job because it went to a person who had experience in high end brands. Thought that it was kind of her to call me because the interview went well. Told my friend that they chose experience in the industry over passion for the brand. It might be a blessing in hiding.

Below are pictures of my small Kate Spade products that were discussed during my interview. My impression was some were hard to find now.

My random encounter is that I learned that I was a very close second for the job!

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.

When I moved to north Texas from west Michigan, I mainly separated from my family both physically and emotionally for my own sanity. Plus, it was to find viable long term full time employment is what I told them and did.

As the idea fades of moving back to Michigan to be closer to family after 24 hours of my siblings acting like our parents, I am reconsidering the move to Connecticut again where my distant relatives are who I met once but never contacted on previous trips. Don’t foresee any contact or relationship with them.

As separation thoughts linger, I have learned and grew from wisdom of less talking and more active listening. Plus, trusting the energy or vibes of people like intuition or instinct.

Time will tell as my feeling of numb continues. Family isn’t always “family” as one learns that trusted friends take their place. Separation has made me grow and learn.

Leslie Elizabeth David.

What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why?

Although, my former employer of being one of the largest names in the retail/supermarket in the US, I’d never want to go back and visit in the local area being 30 minutes away. Technically, the south east side of Fort Worth.

After chatting with my neighbor last night, I learned that someone who lives on my street called the police about a disturbance. That night, I heard a female voice whisper my sister’s name which was odd. So, I feel that my old supervisor might still be locked up in my Texas town’s local jail so her friends wanted to cause more problems in my neighborhood. After learning this, I felt uneasy so I went home although my neighbor likely just wanted company for awhile.

In less than two hours, I will be speaking to an attorney about my experience of the breaking & entering then to her return and her friends the other night. Plus, the lack of the GM and HR’s responses to the situation.

Then, I communicated briefly with my brother that moving back home is off for now because why give up my house for something that isn’t what I feel comfortable in. He’s stopped talking to me.

This major outlet of the retail giant is in one of the most dangerous areas of Fort Worth which is southeast. Beautiful store with some high end fast food chains that are never open like Chipotle. My friends call it a “front” for something else.

If you are ever planning to visit the area of north Texas for the first time, I encourage to stay in Grapevine north of the DFW airport then visit places like Southlake, downtown Dallas and/or Fort Worth or the Texas Speedway.

Prayers Appreciated,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.

Much like the television series featuring Steve Urkel on,”Family Matters,” in the end, family does matter despite the challenges of getting along.

My oldest brother and my younger sister both have been encouraging and helpful as I was to prepare to move back home to northern Michigan where, currently, the region is facing flooding from snow melt and rain. Plus, my finances aren’t opening doors to many choices to live up there with my cats. So, my move is off for now.

Most of my life, my friends have become family who have been around when my actual family go silent. Plus, I consider my felines as family who are my heart. They’ve been with me for the adventure of life. They are the reason why I keep going.

In closing, family does matter even if you consider it close friends or souls with fur.

Leslie Elizabeth David.

What is your favorite restaurant?

Having moved from a strong agriculture State like Michigan to Texas, I was concerned for locally sourced reasonably priced foods. The Texas summer heat plus the soil makes things hard to grow.

Whiskey Cake and its sister restaurants of Ida Claire and Mexican Sugar pride themselves of scouring Texas to find local growers to supply their restaurants. My favorites are their Deviled Eggs, Chicken Melt and Whiskey Cake. They made me a drink similar to a Pink Lady called Bubbles n Berries. The restaurant, unfortunately, is now priced above what I can afford.

Let’s get on a plane from DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) or DAL (Dallas Love Field)with a layover at ORD (Chicago O’Hare) before flying into Traverse City MI (TVC) which is a resort town/regional center for northern Michigan where we’d drive an hour north on US-31 to Charlevoix along the shores of Lake Michigan. There we would stop by the now Dairy Grille (former Dairy Queen) that lost its franchise to the latter name because the owner chose to support local farmers instead of buying franchise food. The decision was received favorably by townspeople, tourists (fudgies) and local businesses. The best burger and fries that I ever had in my life plus didn’t put a huge dent in my wallet. During the summer, there’s lines out to the road and the parking lot is full. Cars are parked on side streets as well. Only open April through October because it is a stand with picnic tables in front. This business surpasses all the restaurants downtown. The close second is The Townhouse Bar that serves the locals with cheap beer and snacks. The Weathervane nearby along the Pine River channel has been a longtime fine dining establishment known for their smoked whitefish caught locally which they try to keep prices reasonable for the locals and tourists.

Thank you for letting me share my food story about Texas and, hopefully, back to northern Michigan. Bon Appetite!

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Ten years from now, I see myself back in up north Michigan living a full life with my beautiful fur babies.

My full life will include but not limited to riding my bike near Lake Michigan, swimming in Lake Michigan when it’s warm up, walking into town from my residence and seeing my immediate family on occasion. Plus, I will open my windows of my residence to feel the breeze from the lakes. And, experience lake effect weather. Plus, I will go downtown to a longtime local bar to visit with friends. Finally, I will find a place of worship too.

As of now, I’m relying on my Faith to make it happen. Not ready to pack up and leave Texas yet because I’ll likely go from my subdivision home to a single wide mobile with maybe a car port from a garage.

In truth, the water is therapeutic for me listening to the waves of northern Lake Michigan which I need a lot of now.

Leslie Elizabeth David.

What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?

My “High Five” are the simple things that bring me happiness and joy daily.

My normal happiness is Bella and Luna who are my feline divas and my heart. They love treats and naps like me. The third is my home painted in Michigan State University colors in north Texas. My fourth item is my Toyota Corolla LE in red that is reliable and good on gas. Finally, technology that allows me to stay in touch with friends and family.

In closing, I believe that it’s the simple things that bring the most joy as mentioned by thousands of others through time. Finding five were easy especially my felines that are my reason to never give up.

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Describe something you learned in high school.

Having been born & raised in the metro Detroit area then moving to the rural area of northern Michigan, I got a hard lesson of acceptance.

For the most part, I was coming in as a new freshman to a class who many didn’t have drive or ambition to make a difference in the world outside of town. Most of my class has always lived post graduation within an hour of the town of we went to high school at.

As I anticipate moving back, I know that old feelings will surface despite the fact that we have matured in age and in experience. Working together of acceptance will make life better for everyone. Accepting our differences and celebrate our commonalities will be best although not expected.

Acceptance in high school and now afterwards is my only hope.

Leslie Elizabeth David.