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What’s on Your ‘Fridge?
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: December 2024
What’s on your fridge is far more important than what’s inside.
Artwork by Norma Jean Zahner
A TV ad asks, “What’s in your wallet?” If you’re like me, you answer, “None of your beeswax.” But, if we could push America’s bank button and reveal everyone’s assets, we’d learn a lot more about USA’s lifestyle.
For example, after holiday gift-buying, I hear Bill (that’s what I call my billfold for obvious reasons) whimper, “I got a couple o’ fives, random coinage, some questionable plastic credit, and a case of Amazonesia.” I’m not alone. A few million folks pocket a cousin of Bill’s.
This season, I suggest we consider another way of judging our worth at year’s end. Not by dollars. Not by property. But by our human worth. To measure it, as silly as it sounds, let’s take a good look at what’s on our refrigerator doors. That might gauge our humanitarian value which, as I age, is the most important thing a person can own.
Everyone has a refrigerator gallery. It might be emergency numbers scribbled on a pizza coupon. Or it could be a montage of monkage like grandkids’ drawings, destination magnets, antiquated clippings, expired reminder notes, Gary Larson cartoons, etc. Though it might not seem so, our souls have a needle-and-thread that stitches all this randomosity together.
As for my own fridge, Frida Kahlo’s magnet sticks out. When I pass by, I remind her, “Do something about your unibrow.” She never listens.
Larry, Curly, and Moe hang out, too. Their presence is a reminder of my second husband. I miss him, but the Stooges’ “Why-I-oughtas” cue a daily smile.
Taweret, Egypt’s blue hippo goddess guards my house. She brings back memories of my teaching AP Art History, a life’s highlight.
I’ve posted enough Chinese fortunes on my Whirlpool for a ticker tape parade. Intermingled are family photos of people I adore. In addition to the 2-leggers, there are 4-legger pals, past and present.
Interspersed are quotes from those whom I admire, among them:
Maya Angelou, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Nelson Mandela, “I never lose. Either I win or learn.”
Mother Teresa, “If you can’t feed a hundred, feed just one.”
Mark Twain, “Age is the issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
Norman Borlaug, “The destiny of world civilization depends upon providing a decent standard of living for all …”
I close with, “What’s on your refrigerator?” Consider adding a quote to yours – a photo, a memory that will enrich the world in 2025.
And whatever you do this season, breathe in joy. Breathe out love.
