I have written over 300 stories in my journal, but I cannot remember the title of the one where I first mentioned a Nosey Rosey memory. Although I can name many busy-bodies, who want to know everyone’s personal business – social media is full of nosey roseies, including my 51-year-old daughter, Robin, who has only seen me three times since she was 16. It was by her own choice – not mine.
I have lived with an empty part of my heart since I last saw her.
When I was married to Robin’s mother, we visited my in-law’s place often, and Jenny, my mother-in-law, would often complain about her sister, Rose.
And that is where and when I first heard the expression, ‘Nosey Rosey.’
One day, we were all invited to Jenny’s sister’s home for a family get-together dinner. Everybody was there, including Robin, who was just learning to talk.
During the conversation, someone mentioned Rose’s name, and immediately, Robin began repeating, “Nosy Rosie, Nosy Rosie.”
Every face at the table seemed to stare at me – instead of Jenny – because I probably looked guilty, trying to get Robin to be quiet!
But the more I asked Robin to stop, the giggles began around the table, making my face red in embarrassment!
It is difficult to remove the shudders I get even now – some fifty years later.
********
Since moving to my new apartment in White Rock, I now have a view of the eastern skies, allowing me to witness daybreak every morning because I usually am up by 4:00 AM.
But my dog Holly Golightly remains asleep in her bed while I quietly go to the kitchen and begin making a coffee. Holly is almost deaf and has difficulty with her vision, too.
I am usually on my second cup of coffee before I hear Holly’s feet scampering up the hallway, searching for me – usually around 6:30 AM.
When I take her outside to go potty on the artificial grass I have on my balcony, I sit on a chair and wait until she finishes doing her business.
And every morning, at around the same time, I notice a vehicle parked just below my balcony, and a couple around my age see me, and we exchange hellos.
I cannot help but feel like I am becoming a Nosey Rose, too – because I am puzzled by their daily routine.
I begin wondering if they both work steady nights – but their routine is every day – seven days a week!
So, I tell myself they must own a donut shop somewhere – but dismiss that thought because they never seem to take a day off from their routine.
The other possibility is that they babysit their grandchildren for their kids who work steady nights.
But indeed, not every night?
Usually, when I meet someone, I let them tell me about themselves rather than asking questions, which might be construed as an interrogation (a fancier term than nosy).
This morning, I came a little closer to learning more about my neighbor’s routine because Holly got up at 5:30 AM, and when I let her outside to go potty – I noticed the couple getting into their car and driving away.
They returned an hour or so later – just like clockwork!
So, now I wonder if they go to church for morning prayers.
Maybe, I will ask them if and when I ever meet them and we are introduced to each other.
But won’t that make me seem like a Nosy Rosie?
Curiosity killed the cat, Danny – why not let sleeping dogs lie?
For once, I agree with you, Spanky!
Guess I will never know their secret or Robin’s.
Dedicated to Robin Jennifer St. Andrews
I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.
Hugs,
Danny
Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):
I’m standin’ on the inside lookin’ out
Through these lonely eyes of mine.
I keep on going back to when we used to be together all the time,
You were all the good things in my life,
Like the wind that finds the trees.
You were daddy’s little girl,
And there were never moments such as these.
Baby, when I close my eyes at night,
I see you laugh, I see you cry,
I memorize these little things,
The broken arms, the empty swings go flyin’ by.
Maybe if I held you in my arms,
I’d get the chance to say the words I know that I should say:
“You’ll be daddy’s little girl,
No matter how the years may slip away.”
And you must stand up,
And fight forever,
When it feels like you just can’t go on.
You should reach out,
But you don’t ever,
And I should be the one you lean upon.
I remember when you fell in love
I hoped that day would never come.
But he just kept his motor running;
I took a break, and you were gone.
And I almost stopped believing in your face and in your voice,
And you’re my only vision when I pray
And you’ll be daddy’s little girl,
No matter how the years may slip away.
Yes, you’ll be daddy’s little girl,
No matter how the years may slip away.
Songwriters: Barry Gibb / Ashley Gibb / Stephen Gibb
Daddy’s Little Girl lyrics © Crompton Songs, Gee Son Songs, Tune O Matic Songs
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