#JusJoJan & #SoCS ~1/14/23

Linda says Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 14th and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “once upon a time.” Start your post with “Once upon a time,” then write whatever comes to you, whether it be fact or fiction. Have fun! This doesn’t count as the start of my post. It’s preamble until now …

Once upon a time … I’m borrowing this funny. What’s the difference between a northern fairytale and a southern fairytale? A northern fairytale begins with once upon a time. A southern fairytale begins with you ain’t gonna believe this sH!t.

I’ve always got a story ready in the wings.

Once, upon a time, my great uncle Charlie Barton stowed away on a ship from Austria to America. The first time, he was found right after the ship had left the dock. They promptly threw him overboard and he had to swim back to shore. The second time, he hid in a different place. While they didn’t find him immediately, they still found him. Take two tossed overboard again. He made it back to shore no less determined.

Three is a charm. He learned from the first two attempts, hiding so well that on his final & successful stow away, he wasn’t found until the ship was too far out to sea for the crew to even consider throwing him into the ocean. I mean these were sailors not murders.

He settled in Runge Texas eventually sending for his momma & sister to join him in the land of opportunity. His sister Ida Barton Andrisek was my grandmother. If not for Uncle Charlie’s perseverance no telling how different everything would be. I heard this story so often growing up. I never met Uncle Charlie or Grandma Ida either but we’d look at their pictures as the story was told. Felt like they were in the room. I know I’ve got some Charlie Barton in my soul. Stubborn is my middle name. Lol.

The shortest distance between two people really is a story ❤

Have a wonderful weekend. As you enjoy this tune.

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As always more to come.