HRH ~ Queen Elizabeth ll

It's difficult to say 'why' this woman fascinates me. Sure, I could go and on about the accomplishments of the United Kingdom, with HRH as the Royal Monarch. But it's not just about her. It's about the combination of many lands, the people thereof, and their combined efforts to maintain a better life. Have they had success?  From where I sit, across the pond, it looks awesome.


Two different governing bodies have been established and though no one has 'voted out' the Queen from her position, the people have an avenue to choose who represents them from the other body of government. I don't pretend to know their feelings on this subject. There are lots of rumors of 'this and that,' but I chalk it up as something I've read. It doesn't make it so.


My experience, meeting people from the UK via blog sites, has been heart-warming; a treasure trove of information and great 'humour'. (Spell check is prompting me to make a change to the word, humor.)


When I saw this photo of HRH, I saw the face of my Dad's Mom. Her bright blue eyes, soft porcelain skin, and 'contemplative' facial expression... well... memories run deep. I wonder what she was thinking as this photo was taken? (Look at that crazy fellow passing on the starboard... he can't do that... I'm the Queen!) (smile)


I hope that the UK is happy with HRH. Sixty years and and a lifetime ago, she could have said no. There might be some who wished she had. If the crowds at the various Jubilee events is an indicator of sincere support, then the UK is a place I'd love to visit. If the crowds were merely for show, for the historical significance, I would not fault them. This Jubilee is one of the most rare events of it's kind.


~And my fascination for the Queen?  I'm not sure, but should she invite me for tea and a chat ~ I'll have more to write about.

Is someone in trouble? Did anyone get the background on this photo? Just curious. :)

Letter from cousin K (#131)

Dear Cuz,

Just couldn't wait to return home – had to forward pics of China's Yellow Mountains. It's height and and beauty are astounding. Let's begin with the taxing, yet spectacular climb up Heaven's Gate.

I know!! Such an exhilarating climb. J was hanging onto the rail the last half mile. Look closely on the left and there's our boy, head down, struggling, water bottle in hand, favorite vest, followed closely by our personal guide, Chewbokah. Climb J climb!

At the top we rested; a gorgeous temple with restaurant inside. J complained of starving until he saw the huge platter of Hoong-wey-shooe, I ordered. Delicious, crispy earthworms are served on a bed of saffron rice, with a delicate side order of monkey brains. I was almost done with lunch when he finally returned from the bathroom. 

We continued on, our personal guide leaving us in the competent hands of a local resident, Hooasshue. A lovely creature who spoke 37,000 languages... with incredible agility to climb!

 

Hooasshue brought us to a natural bridge, made of round stones. Like giant doughnuts, they had formed a natural tunnel as well. He explained that over 6,000 years ago, “The Immortals” of the Yellow Mountains had tunneled through all of the mountains; a continuous maze of excitement. The was the only natural one in existence. Smilingly, I glanced over at J, who was now hanging his head over the wall. Poor sick baby; I saw him later when the med-helicopter deposited him at the base of the mountain.

We approached an area known as, “The Fairy Bridge”; Hooassshue told a marvelous tale of fairies chasing men to their deaths. Unfortunately they lived to come back up the mountain and kick the fairies off. I had tears in my eyes when the tale was finished.

Finally, from a distance, I glimpsed the treasure of the tour: “The Bridge of the Immortals.” My heart began to pound as I anticipated crossing that rare and spectacular creation. No mere human could have built it (you think?), but tales of the Immortals describe their every gift to the Yellow Mountains. I was not going to pass this up; I had to cross.

Cuz, it was a delight, and I hope one day you'll visit. You're welcome to join me when I return in three years for the ancient “Festival of the Earthworm.” Did you know there are 37,000 ways to serve earthworms? I'll call when I get stateside; J is still in Howcomesic Hospital.

Ta-ta, with love, Cousin K

The Councillor is in... shut-in

Ah, the happy days of being a shut-in; a person convalescing from an injury, surgery, or illness... home bound to my heart's content. (Oh, Dixie, please go on; we await your elaboration on this most interesting subject.) Yes, stay at home and every survey, presidential candidate, local politician, friends and even family call. They present questions, questions, and might even ask my advice... or what vice I prefer. I especially enjoy being the 'sounding board'... listening to their every problem. Hearing a voice drone on and on about something I can do nothing about... only listen.

I've made the selfish decision to not answer the phone unless I have the energy to listen. It appears to be working well for me, though I am assured by those, of the telephone world, that they simply must have my attention. Take, for instance, political calls; those lively, 'surely you have time and nothing to do,' advertisements requesting my support. "Vote for me and I'll set you free!" At the end of the call, you press #1 if you would vote for this person; press #2 if you would not. I can also press #3 to add a comment. That was fun for awhile, but it also put me on a continuous loop of getting return calls on other issues.

Here's the hardest part... those who call and want me to take responsibility for their feelings. As if somehow I were even able to do that, why would I? Encouraging/expecting me to 'choose a side' in a family disagreement. The shut-in councillor advises them to talk to each other and leave me out of it. It's been my policy to let family members take care of their own personal business, and I'd handle mine. But get 'laid up' for eight weeks and suddenly they think my policy has somehow changed?!  What to do, what to do?

After getting physically and emotionally sick when hearing one particular issue, I took a step back to re-evaluate my needs. The Creator who supplies my needs is foremost in my life. It's taken a journey to get to this point but I finally 'get it'. (Dixie has had to find her voice and express her boundaries with many; this is no time to stop and leave the path I journey on.)

I could feel flattered and have an ego the size of a house, but that's simply not me. For me, true happiness and peace have nothing to do with ego. (E.G.O. meaning, 'easing God out.') My lifestyle has afforded a great many blessings. Remaining positive and maintaining real faith gives me joy. But I'm not a councillor.  I'm not a teacher. I'm a person who loves freedom to believe the way I choose. I have no judgments for those who choose differently; each has their own calling.

Making myself a 'sounding board' for others is not too hard, yet at the moment I have issues I must focus on.  And isn't that life; sometimes we have time and sometimes we don't? And isn't it okay to say, 'not now - I'm working on healing'? And yes, I'm a convalescing shut-in, not a councillor.

Thank you for reading.