Losing the Love of Your Life

by Ritzy Ritzhaupt


When you have had a profound love you are able to pick up the pieces and move forward once again. It may take a great deal of time with lots of revisiting of  what once was, but movement forward will happen. It feels as though the glow of what was is only an afterthought of what should have been.

The shock of loss leaves one spinning in a desperate attempt to find what was safe. No more are there the supporting hands of comfort. There is only the brutal reality that no one has the time or really cares what happens now that you are all alone. You must have gained enough reassurance from your union to trudge forward to make a new existence that will allow you to smile from time to time or even laugh out loud. The pain of loss will bear its marks with running tears.

Knowing you were once cherished, should bring you to a new destiny that allows you to tower over all others that walk the earth. They can only hope for a touch to soften their day or a word that will encourage them to brilliance. Where as you that have suffered the loss of a beloved, have already deliciously, devoured the knowledge that you have achieved the goal to be cherished. 

copyrighted 2016 all rights reserved

Music

by Ritzy Ritzhaupt

Music

Reaches the brain

Sad or happy

Blues, Country, Rock

Chamber or Opera

Feeds the feelings

Creates a refuge

For the soul to heal

The heart to become whole

The body to mend

The stride to lighten

A safe haven

Where emotions evolve

Lips smile

Happiness grows

Caring becomes sharing

 Copyright 2016 

All rights reserved

  

LOVE - What is it? by Ritzy Ritzhaupt

LOVE - What is it?   by Ritzy Ritzhaupt

Love

What is it?

Does it glow in the dark?

Does it speak to you?

Does it sparkle?

Does it embrace you?

Love

Captures all

Holding you

Sharing random freedom

Engulfing the total you

Camping out in your heart

Bleeding all stress

Freeing the total being

Love

Captures your flavor

Holds your heart

Mind, body and soul

Savoring each fiber of self

Love

Holds all dear

Dissolves treacherous storms

Rebels all discomfort

Streamlines the beauty of you

Making self, acceptable to self

Granting friendship at all levels

Love

Develops self

Like a newly charged battery

Engulfing each strife with ease

Growing to a new height

Love

Becomes a solid entity

All beauty glows radiantly

Solid within self

Offering others a new chance

New steps to redemption

Love

Blooms within all

Captures all in its grasp

Changing lives in one fell swoop

Blessed are all

By the beauty of the simple form of

LOVE

All right reserved 2016

The Newness Sparkles with Delight

by Ritzy Ritzhaupt

The newness sparkles with delight

How can I tell you, you are everything?

In a way you will believe. 

What must I do to earn your respect?

My feelings glow with the wonder

Of the riches of grandeur you share 

The sparkle of caring

Beyond words or charm

The wonderment saturates my being

Touching my inner most thoughts 

A look from you sends my 

Soul soaring to the stars

You give me love beyond the moon 

Stardust floats between us

Connecting us in every way

Making life a blessing

A heartfelt romp of feelings

A joy to behold for evermore

These words came to me in a moment, in a rush that demanded to be shared. I met another Thomas tonight. Share with your wife Thomas. Blessings to all!

Yes, this is a great part of Ed and I. 

by Ritzy Ritzhaupt 
Copyright 2016 all rights reserved 

Colorful Chilly Morning

Colorful Chilly Morning

24 March 2013 at 12:13

Colorful Chilly Morning
by Ritzy Ritzhaupt
Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved

A silver stillness greets the chilly morning.
Yellow, gold and brown leaves collect beneath the tress.
Protected from the cold night air
Together they hang in a colorful array of spent foliage
Proudly clinging to the trees mothering limbs
New fallen foliage decorates the ground below
Giving lively color enhances to nature’s discards 

The icy dew slips from its resting spots  
Glistening and sparkling in the morning sun
Dancing with radiant brilliance as day begins
The beauty begs the mind of the viewer
To remember and savor the treasure
For the delight of the beholder
Now and in all the years to come


It's that time of year and I needed to share as the colors danced with beautiful brilliance.  Haven't been out since the downpour... almost afraid to see how flooded I am.

DINNER AT THE BAR

From my briefcase... thought I'd post to my blog. Hope you enjoy...

Dinner At The Bar  by Ritzy Ritzhaupt

 A not so lovely Thursday had just happened to Miss Beth. She was exhausted, hungry and in desperate need of some relaxation. 

Where else, but to the local bar where she could enjoy some people watching, she thought as she parked her car over one street.

Upon entering the bar she was greeted with glad tidings from the duty bartender, she knows them all. They had started their shift at six pm and were in rare form, already a line was forming to order drinks. Miss Beth was given the last open stool at the bar by the duty bartender Paul, as she called him by his first name and rarely used his bar nickname of “Frog”. He was given that nickname because he makes you think of a little boy at play, treasuring a frog in his pocket. I know its lame, but most the staff has nicknames. Miss Beth only resorts to calling him “Frog” when he is busy and the only way he pays attention when super busy, is when he’s called by the childish name, Frog. 

“Hey, what’s good on the menu?” The oversized gent, in the slouched cowboy hat asked the cook, as he came out from behind the bar.

“Oh, Fritos, potato chips,” he blandly replied to his most obnoxious customer.

“Cookie, you have a better idea than that.” The frustrated, would be dinner shrugged with disgust. “I’m just trying to buy a meal here,” he let fly to the other patrons of the bar.

Cookie had been walking behind the bar and took the last few steps to the front door for a quick smoke break, as it closed on his reply, “Don’t need your crap today.” His eyes rolled in disgust at having to p l e a s e this customer.  He inhaled deeply, the pungent smoke from his fancy and pricey, blue cigarettes. He quickly darted around the corner of the barber shop and out of sight, as he hid in the peaceful ally.

“Don’t tell me, you had another run in with Harvey?” Luke shook his head to acknowledge the futility of Cookie trying to appease Harvey over food. “Geez, I think you two would learn by now. Can’t you just let him order?”

“It’d be fine if he’d just order. No, he’s got to demand extras. You know, like the Linda salad. I could kill that girl for coming up with that god damn salad. It’s got ta have avocado slices and extra onions on the damn thing. We’re just a bar not a four star restaurant!” Cookie puffed on his cigarette, showing his misshapen front teeth, as he growled in disgust. Watching Cookie pace as he puffed, made it truly hard to belief that he had been one heck of a woman in his six inch heels on Halloween. The spaghetti straps and ponytail almost fooled patrons, until he turned around revealing his beard. 

Harvey adjusted his cowboy hat as he taped his earpiece to answer an incoming call. “No, man that’s fixed, your computer is ready to use. Yup, did that too. Okay. Yes, call me if you have trouble.” He owned his own business repairing and making work, outdated computers for small businesses, individuals and a couple of private schools. He sold new package deals too. They included fully loaded computers with whatever a company or person required. A majority of his costumers were befuddled by today's technologically and constantly needed to be walked through the logging on process by Harvey.

He sat back in his stool, grateful for the back and arms that made it so comfortable. He allowed his shoes to slip to the floor and rested his stocking feet on the metal rail. In full comfort, he intently studied the blue paper menu, as if seeing it for the first time.

He set his empty Bud Light down sideways on the bar and gave it a little spin. This was his special signal, he was ready for another. The bartender’s kept track on his coaster with pen marks, so they could easily see how many he had, it was vital to keep track. He’d order the maximum number of drinks he’d consume for the night. He always paid with cash, making a person wonder, if he was hiding out from someone. A wad of bills would appear just before Happy Hour ended, to get cheaper prices. The bartenders delivered one beer at a time, keeping the rest cold until he was ready for another brew.  

Starlite, the bouncy bartender, asked him for his dinner order, as she tossed his dead bottle in the recycle bin and popped the lid off a fresh brew.  She was the thinnest woman he had ever seen, maybe a size one or two, but she had a set of sisters that made every man stare. Harvey took in the full view with pleasure. He continued to gaze as she marked his coaster with another hash mark. 

Oh, here it comes… wait… Oh, he could have shot Bobby for walking in just then, Harvey held his breath. Bobby got a welcoming “Hello,” from Starlite, before she continued to bend lower, unloading the dishwasher. 

He was sure his heart would stop beating or beat so fast he’d need the aid car. The view was easily worth the wait, big lushes melons… He had to do something before he burst. “Girl, I’m gonna have the double stack burger. Leave off the pickle, lightly salted fries and some ranch. I’d really like a little horseradish on the side.

Miss Beth slid up behind him as he continued to give his order and her breast touched his back. 

Harvey gave a throaty, “Mmmmm,” as he leaned back, pressing into her, to see who was being so generous with their welcoming gesture. “Hey girl, how’s it going?” He quipped with the sheer pleasure of feeling up a woman without having to do a thing.

“Sweet,” she grinned devilishly, she knew he had enjoyed the contact, as she adjusted the stool next to him, persuading her girth into the space. Dissatisfied by how she was placed, she dismounted, moved the stool and climbed up again. 

The second bartender, Chase, deepened his smile as he watched her commandeer the bar. Miss Beth didn’t do a thing but act natural. She had no clue of the power she held over the men. It made him chuckle as he placed her shot of Rockin’ Rye in a big glass. She had explained to him, “It allows walking around room and I never lose a drop.” He placed a large glass of ice water with a slice of lemon next to her liquor. He knew he’d be filling up that glass of ice water a few more times, before she came close to drinking the rye. Boy, can she nurse a drink… Chase thought, as she took a tiny sip of the rye and a large swallow of water.

When he’d first started working at the bar, she drew him close and said, “We can be friends as long as you understand you never, ever remove my liquor glass until I say I’m done with it, even if it looks empty. And keep my water filled. You take care me, I take care you, got it?” She asked with a stern stare giving him her directions for proper service, with the tenor of an old schoolmarm instructing her distracted students.

“Yes, mama,” Chase answered looking solemn, as thought he’d been given an order by the President himself.   

“Thank you,” She sweetly said with all the warmth his mom would give. It made him feel as though he should dive in for a good sized hug, but he restrained himself. He wasn’t sure he’d get punched by the capable older woman. She cocked her head as she told him, “Chase you have the most divine dimples I’ve ever seen… mm, mm, mm,” she sighed. 

He was dazzled by her words and declared right then and there, to be a fan of the blunt, Miss Beth.

“Hey, Dragman,” she said sending a wave and a wink to the big biker at the end of the bar, once she had comfortably reseated herself.

He was standing, meticulously peeling the label off his soon to be empty beer bottle, being careful to keep it in tack. He stacked it with three other labels. Each was neatly rolled into a skinny tube from beers he’d previously downed. “Where you been hiding? Haven’t seen you around for some time?” An overly abundant amount of facial hair danced as he talked with his glasses perched on the end of his nose. He resembled Santa in stature and beard, making it hard to watch him indulge in straight shots between beers. You just knew Santa wouldn’t do such a thing. 

“Busy,” Miss Beth replied with a teasing grin and a flutter of her unpainted eyelids. She gave him her most mischievous shrug, leading his mind down a dangerous path.

Cookie stood in front of Miss Beth and asked, “You eating dinner?” 

“Yes,” She nodded seductively. This was Miss Beth, clueless to the way she appeared… very sexual. He leaned in closer draping his right arm all the way across the bar, separating her and Harvey, putting his back to him, he asked in a lowered voice, “Do you think you’d enjoy some ribs I made, tender and sweet?” Only a few knew, he’d picked up something special to prepare food for the crew and a few invited patrons.

“I love pork ribs… yummy.” She said, in a whisper with exaggerated gestures.  “Yes, p-l-e-a-s-e.” as she stretched her chin in the air making it seem very luscious, like part of a sex act.

Harvey leaned over whispering, “He’s in love with you, you know?” He really wanted to know how she got such service. “Geez,” he muttered as he stood to go outside. He could hear her explosive gaffs of contagious laughter, even standing out on the sidewalk.

Minutes later Cookie set a hot plate of tender ribs in front of the heartily laughing Miss Beth. One bite told her they were superb! Whatever he made she’d eat. She motioned for Chase to come over. “Put whatever Cookie wants to drink on my tab.”

The men watched her devour the ribs, licking sauce from the side of her mouth with pleasurable, mmms added. She slowly licked each finger with heavenly gusto. The men were intent on watching her as they created their own sexual fantasies. They never noticed Chase watching the whole scene play out. He only hoped the owner had the surveillance cameras rolling as he normally did, since the eating process made for a killer scene. 

Straight shots of liquor were ordered by all the men at the bar as they continued to gap. Their mouths hung open as she clean each bone of its meat. She sucked each rib of the thick, red, rich sauce with an added, 'Mmmm". Some even licked their lips as they took in her display.

Miss Beth certainly knows how to enjoy her food, thought Chase, as he chuckled to himself.

Copyright 2015 all rights reserved
 

Tears of Disbelief (c) January 5, 2015

Tears of Disbelief

by Ritzy Rithaupt

Tears, tears, so many tears

How can this be?

When only happiness is wanted

The blissful stuff that makes

The light shine from your eyes

As you laugh and giggle, filled with joy

The pain comes strong stomping on your heart

Bouncing up and down within your chest

Screaming for release, for something to alter

To bring back the happy times

The change greets you daily

The loss beats you more than any other experience

By any living thing

The empty chair you tried to cover

Using heaps of clothing, books, papers and boxes

Alas, it is still a huge empty chair

Glaring back strangely at the loss of being happy

The gentle one that filled that chair with human emotions:

Love, caring, desire, friendship, sharing and

Always being there for you is now

Gone, gone, gone, gone

The finality overwhelms ones soul, as though

Being smacked by a friends hand across the face

The sting of their fingers makes bright red marks

Setting the stage for the emptiness

Abandoned once again, the path has narrowed

Allowing only one to create happiness out of darkness

The task is harrowing beyond one’s belief

The desire to be strong is weakening

The desire to falter is overwhelming

Strength comes from within the marrow

Pushing one down the path of life

Resisting and kicking

The passing of time at

The loss of a dearly beloved

copyrighted January 5, 2015 All Rights Reserved

RAIN

RAIN
by Ritzy Ritzhaupt
 
Smile, it's raining in Seattle.
Tiny little drops wash the makeup away.

Breath taking moisture caresses you with soft gentle drops, that should annoy, but their tender sweetness makes you feel alive.  It had been a lovely day to be outdoors.

In Seattle it's said, "If you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes and it will change".  Many times that's exactly what happens. Then, there are those days that melt your heart, certainly not from the heat, but from a glorious beauty. 

Mountain ranges and blue water touch your inner most thoughts.  It's in one of those moments, when a rhythm burst forth deep from within the raw you.

The excitement and beauty claim your soul; your entire being, holding you in a wondrous embrace that comforts the being, to the core of its existence.

Feeling as though, one being wrapped in swaddling clothes. The embrace captures the essence of whom and what you are.

Your embedded with bands of steel giving knowledge and caring love, to the flesh that is known to be the person I think is special, a true Washingtonian.

Copyright 2014 All rights reserved

The Blue Things*

by Ritzy Ritzhaupt

*A bit spicy for young ones.

The old man stood as erect as his body would allow, which made him rock back on his heels, to see the pharmacists from under the brim of his hat. He moved closer to him.

“Hey Doc,” he said, in what he assumed to be a whisper, but in reality, could be heard by the folks parking their cars in the lot next to the drugstore.

“Where are those pecker erector pills? You know those little blue things?” Doc was dumfounded by Frank’s question.

“How old are you?” Doc asked, as he looked him in the eye, beneath the brim of Frank’s stained cowboy hat.

Why the heck you need to know my age… I’m legal, he thought.  His gray hair showed as he moved his hat to scratch his head.

“I’m only 91 and going strong. See!” Frank said as he stuck his pumped up arm muscle in front of the Doc, just to show him how fit he truly was. Well feel it fool. You can see I’m fit and I’m able, why you questioning my age? He wanted to yell at Doc.

“And if I have anything to do with it, we’re going to keep you going strong.” The Doc replied, gently placing his hand on Franks shoulder giving him a quick, pal pat.

“But, but.” Frank sputtered as his cheeks turned bright red.

“No little blue pills for you, sir.” Doc said in his most authoritative voice. Old man, give it up already. Your 91 for god sake, enough is enough. It’ll make your heart beat too fast and you’ll die. Just who is leading this man on? He thought to himself.

            Frank started to move towards Doc.

“No!” Doc said, more firmly this time, I’m not going to put up with this. There’s no way I’m going to play a part in your demise, he thought. Doc slowly put his arm around Frank and ushered him to the front door.

Frank pulled the brim of his hat down to cover the heat that flamed his cheeks, as he exited the drugstore. Frank continued to drive as he turned the anger over in his gut. Now what? He puzzled as he drove down the old two-lane highway. The last he looked, it was older than he was and it was still able to carry those new fangled cars and trucks.

“I’m still a man,” He yelled to the emptiness rolling his window down to shout to the trees as he passed. Frank knew only one thing that would set him straight and make him feel better. Yup, I’ll go to my favorite watering hole. He just knew his pals would know how to help. Yup, sure enough, they’d know what to do. He immediately felt better knowing they’d gather around. Maybe one of his pals already used those blue pills and he’d be able to get his hands on some.

Frank slid the gearshift into park. One look at the familiar old building gave him a quicker step. Surely he’d find an answer here, he reassured himself.

Upon entering, Cindy, the well stacked and bouncy, bartender gave him her attention. He nodded, which gave her the order to fill a frosty glass with his favorite brew. All smiles, the curly headed, blonde swished her hair from side to side as she greeted Frank. You would have thought he’d been gone for weeks. In reality, it was only yesterday that he’d stopped by. He felt truly welcomed as he pulled up his usual stool and adjusted himself with one foot on the bar rail and the other on the stool.

“Sit yourself down and tell us what you’ve been up to today,” Cindy said.

Frank gazed around the bar to see who was ready to assist him with his plight.

The regular, early afternoon, customers, were in attendance and waiting for something they could latch onto. They were ready to share their knowledge with everybody on any and everything.  Frank knew he wouldn’t have a better chance than now. He looked, there were no children in the dining area so he could let it rip, but still he lowered his voice.

“You know those pecker erector pills they’ve got?” He went on to tell the story, word for word, as he himself had witnessed the whole thing. Nope, no embarrassment just honest to god words.

Oh, I was thinking I’d share my stash but geez, I’d better not. Thought Murphy, the first pal to Frank’s right.

Oh, my, what I could do with a number of those… woooeee, thought a well-bearded gent with the strong aroma of kerosene permeating his clothes. The bunched up men increased as they pulled closer discussing the secret of the blue pills.

Cindy was a smart bartender. She knew when to fade into the background. She excused herself to catch a quick puff. She exited to the outside by the side door and entered the beer garden taking deep drags in hopes they would change the topic before she re-entered the bar.

The discussion inside by the men ended in a useless heap. No one knew what else could possibly provide the needed stimulant for their purpose. They turned to their brews and slowly back to the game on the TV’s. Still the question remained. What was a guy with the will and the stamina to do? Geez, there has to be something? They were all thinking in unison, maybe the gods were listening but it was just then Tillson entered the bar.

He has the shiniest black hair and killer dimples that send the girls all a giggle. He is called Till by most. Cindy often wondered if, it’s because he had tilled so many strange ladies fields. Oh, yes, he’s known for being that bad… without a woman he is nothing. Cindy had no trouble putting a man in the proper category. Tillson was marked, warn all women unless, they only wanted a simple energy boost for the day.

The men all exited as one to the beer garden, taking it over. It was a cool day but the men were without jackets. They were all chattering like a bunch of old women. Cindy couldn’t exit fast enough.

Tillson was at his normal spot waiting for her to serve him his favorite brew. Cindy knew everyone’s prefered drink. She had learned over time, to wait for the order, especially if they seemed a little off kilter. It only took the rise of one eyebrow to make the order. She placed the lime in the bottle of Tillson’s beer, giving it a shove guiding it into his waiting hands. She quickly picked up the empties and wiped down the well worn bar.

“What’s the latest?” Tillson asked her.

“Ask the fellows, I was outside,” she replied as she shrugged.  Where can I hide? I’ve got to hear this. Cindy gathered her jelly supplies and sat down at each table as she appeared busy refilling the condiment holders.  She meticulously straightened and sorted each stack of jellies and wiped each holder. From her position she was ready to listen intently as she slowly moved around the dining area. 

The group of men sauntered casually back into the bar bringing the smells of tobacco with them as they bunched up once again to figure out the problem. It only took Tillson a moment to get the jest of what the conversation involved.

“Boy’s you’ve got it all wrong,” Tillson said in his most authoritative voice. I’m not at all sure I want to share my secret with this motley crew, he thought. Once he started he had to continue.  These guys remind me of the last time I dangled a diamond in a woman’s face. Geez, they’re needy. I’m not giving them my whole formula. They’ll have to figure that out for themselves.

“First off, don’t ever use those damn blue pills. They’ll kill you,” Tillson said.

“What a’ you mean? I use them all the time?” Murphy sputtered, he smiled, as he remembered last night.

“Man they cause heart attacks! Stay away from that crap,” Tillson announced, which wiped the grin right off Murphy’s face.

They were all listening, hanging on every word he spoke.

Till lowered his voice bringing them all a little closer. He looked at the group and said, “Listen, it’s so simple. You only need some St John’s Wort, one or two maybe at the most, three capsules a day. Plus, some cayenne pepper pills.”

Everyone looked at him in stunned silence, they tried to comprehend what his words meant.

Murphy said, “You mean it’s that easy?”

The radiant Lola had entered the bar, while Tillson instructed the men in his long held secret.

Till lifted his head to see his gal, as a whiff of her scent reached his nostrils. His dimples deepened, giving him a killer smile.

The men all thought the same thing at exactly the same moment, Damn she’s hot! The heat she radiated seemed to singe, each male as she passed them, on her quest for her man.

“Hey hon, do you think St John’s Wort and Cayenne Pepper work for erectile dysfunction? Till asked in a flat tone without expression.

            Lola saddled up to Till’s back and slid her hand down to his buns where she gave him a firm pat and a squeeze. “Oh, baby,” she smilingly said in her most seductive voice, as her grin spread and she glowed in response to his question.

Frank had the important information he needed as he headed out the door with a wave and a chuckle, as he started on his way to locate St. John’s Wort and Cheyenne Pepper pills.

Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved