Calling

Love sirens calling~
come and enjoy the day.

The sea is waiting~
come and enjoy the day.

As the sand warms your heart~
I'll be waiting.

still tripping on carpets made by others

There was a man who made carpets. Somewhere along the weaving he'd sneek in a broken thread or two. That way no one would be able to walk across his carpets without tripping. So the unsuspecting customer would get their expensive carpet home and have terrible experiences. Walk, trip, fall; get up... over and over, so they had to call him to come immediately. Once he got there he would secretly mend the broken threads. No more tripping! But what was the point in him doing this? He simply enjoyed tripping people up. He enjoyed knowing his attention was in demand. He loved the urgent phone calls to beg his presence to investigate the problem. It was all fun and games, and he really enjoyed the results.


I like to understand people and why they exhibit the behavior that they do... but this is not worth it. It's like a kid I knew in elementary school. He enjoyed pulling the wings off of insects and watching them suffer. He'd hold his finger over a tiny ant and say: "I am god; you are dead!" Then he'd smash the ant. It made no sense. And I guess my final answer is just that... if it makes no sense... move away from it or them... very far away.


Jotting it all down, giving it some air... releases the stress, and that's nice. So now I think I'll have some chocolate ice cream and put the "I-don't-understand-abuse" thing to rest.

A reach ~

Oh would you carry me
when I am old and gray?


Then will you bury me
should I no longer play?


Let out a laugh of cheer
to keep me in your heart
before you dump me in the ground
and sing the song of blessed lark ~


Maybe not?

Stop that racket!

It was bound to happen sooner or later. I was sitting at my special office window in my humble home minding my own business. Cling clang, bing, bang; I hit the outside lights and... THERE HE WAS...

I live in a peaceful community not far from a park and lots of geese and a pond, and, and... squirrels that ignore my every word.

Flash went the camera and he was forever captured in a kodiak moment I'll treasure a long time. He he he.  I turned the lights back out thinking how proud of my quick action I was, yessir... but then it hit me... hey, he was going after all the food!!

Once again the lights came and he was gone... and so was that feeder.

Purple is for passion?

It appears he's new to the Island of Palawan, Philippines. Of course it could be a she too. In fact the news says they change colors (colours for the Brit gallery) to social network. It's quite possible that the color/colour purple is to invite another crab for sex.


At this point during my blog I really wish a couple of brave souls might finish this up with a bit of humor (humour, I know.) Only don't get into size, as they're only between a half inch and one inch. One large step on the beach and you'd probably wipe out sixteen orgies!! Just saying...


There I'm done, well, almost; is purple for passion? What say ye? Come on, don't make me pinch ya for an answer! Really, orange you glad I'd never do that?

It's not about you ~

It's about the times we miss out and never fully recover the loss. We want to get past our pain and often do rise above the ashes of a burnt out compartment. However long ago and way back in time a memory need only surface for a moment... and we remember something good. Something so good we'd rather not forget. Revisiting old times can be hurtful yet offer experience to aid another point in our path. Limiting what I remember is no longer an option. I want the full picture so I can get the full reward of what I've learned 'this' time. A friend, lover, spouse, best buddy, doesn't matter; when you're far away... you're so far away ~

[[A song from Carol King: So far Away 


Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore? It would be so fine to see your face at my door Doesn't help to know that you're just time away Long ago I reached for you, and there you stood Holding you again could only do me good How I wish I could, but you're so far away.]]

To follow

The wind blows and I try to follow
a path that disappears.
I stand and wait
It will return soon.
I'll watch again,
and try to follow once more.

See the trees bend and sway
such a grey day
but I must declare
I like the feeling in the air.

No turmoil, no blustery challenge
just a simple wind that beckons me to follow.
A carefree movement
let me move carefree.
Let me enjoy the simple wind
and ask for no more than to follow.

Behind the scenes

The things we experience shape our reality. The people that we allow to join with us, in sharing, make a meaningful day. It has been fulfilling and helpful to have so many friends stop by for a visit. I am blessed by the community of friends who choose to stop by. Whether you're part of my computer community or other, I am grateful.


Over the last two weekends I've had to visit the emergency room. My god-daughter generously took me and stayed with me through the entire agonizing wait.  Should there be a third time, and Lord forbid, I think I'll have her drop me off and show up 8-10 hours later. It's almost guaranteed the ER staff will move slowly along. A big thank you to L.R. Your love and generosity touch my soul.


Today my head fills empty. I suppose too many side effects from medications has me teetering on the edge of blah-ville. My only goal is to keep the nausea I've experienced at bay. As long as I can keep fluids down I'll be better off and can avoid the ER. Yet during all of this I find answers to things I've pursued for months. Empty head or not, I feel peaceful and calm.


The on-call doctor didn't call in nausea meds before the pharmacy closed. That means I do without. I've resorted to old school to sip water or ginger ale, and eat dry toasts; so far, so good. The pain meds are strong so driving my van is out. So I'll be staying home from church today. A difficult decision because I really like attending this church.


I spoke to my mentor about all of the above. This woman is a powerhouse of strength. She prayed over the phone for me and it's quite humbling for someone to do that. Church, this church, has brought something new into my life. I feel surrounded by people that love me. And I feel the same way when it comes to my blogging friends. I don't want to miss church and I don't want to miss my blog! I want to read what others are writing and glean from their experiences. To me there's no better way to live than to enjoy each soul knowing God loves each one; no matter what we individually may choose.


So here it is... my thoughts as they come forward. Illness doesn't have to bring me down. It happens to many and I hope I return the blessing to any one of you when you need support. It's those 'behind the scenes' issues we may not see. Scant details that we'd rather not bother any one with.  Just this spontaneous post; I'm not bragging or complaining; wanted to thank everyone for being who you are and sharing your own, 'behind the scenes' with me.

Today's catch

The beach has always been a powerful influence. Just thinking about being there inspires me to create. I found these ceramic fish on the web site given within their photos. Instead of doing ceramic artwork, which is not one of my skills, I'll execute them in paper mache. 

Add caption

I'll be breathing in that salt air with every strip of paper I glue on. Layering paper strips like the ever moving sand seeking to fill the voids/ nooks and crannies! Dress the fish with rhinestones, bits of shell, and other stuff.

May the sun shine on my adventuresome little project! May the waves roar above the boom box with beach boogie music playing.

Against the wall

My life is a bit tangled.The old plate is full but you know that means nothing. Just like watching a baseball game; batter up, strikes out; another batter, another strike out, and on it goes. Some times you win and some times you get a lesson.


I chose the photo of the bright starfish against a rock wall. You might know the phrase I'm referring to: "I'm between a rock and a hard place" ? And like a criminal caught in a spot light, he/she throws the body up against the wall in surrender. Yep, surrender.


Have you ever felt you were up against a wall, and your only choice was to surrender? A minister friend of mine once told me: "If it's a decision you need to make, flip a coin; if it comes a up 'heads' but you'd rather it come up 'tails', then there's your answer. Go with 'tails'. Could it really be that simple?


I guess most of you know by now that I pray concerning decisions I have no answers to. Therein lies the continuance of my faith: knowing my God is always there with the answer, before I even finish asking. I stand by in faith knowing he will lift me up and above the issues I have on my plate. Still I just needed to post this, and am really uncertain why.  Maybe someone out there has experience and advice that would assist me. If not, it's okay; enjoy the photo from Cousin Kathy.

Every other week: Spring

We've had a beautiful spring. So many varieties of flowering trees, shrubs, and individual plants. I've never seen this yard so lovely. Too bad my camera eats every battery it meets! The weather has been titter-tottering for over a month now. It's warm one week, and something blooms. It's cold the next and something dies.


Actually, it's a perfect spring for where I live. This is the spring I remember as a child. Maybe that's why it's so enjoyable, but look quickly or you'll miss the next flowering something.(sigh)

Soup of the day

First, I'd like to thank you all for your performance on the Easter buffet.

Destined to reign

I found this final photo to be a bit haunting; Her majesty seems so alone. The photographer, Annie Leibowitz, wanted to shoot the photo without her majesty wearing her crown... but it didn't happen. Oh, maybe Annie wanted to portray "the woman behind the crown." Might make a nice interest story but I suppose the Queen would want her privacy regarding personal life events. After all her days for sixty years have been filled with the kingdom's business. Regardless of what anyone thinks, she's always had my respect. Happy Sixtieth Jubilee!

Nice day

 

Part of my family was here for Easter or Resurrection day. It was very peaceful and satisfying.  Life in my new home is finally settling down, with rooms nearing completion. We enjoyed hanging out and sharing this time together. So much so, that we want to do it allover again in two weeks. Ahem! Who's bringing the cupcakes this time??


Having fellowship with family is new (for me), and exciting.
~Thank you Lord.

Mighty fine collection

We all know the expression: "He or she just knows how to 'push my buttons'." It took a long time for me to figure out that I was allowing people to get the 'best' of me. I even began to think I deserved being treated like a one button wonder. One button pushes all and straight to postal. Anger became a four letter word... don't ask.


How to defuse my rampant reaction to button pushing? Thought you'd never ask. Oops, sorry; you didn't actually ask. I'm so attuned to the vibrational universe, it just crosses my mind. 


Chipping away at the ol' personality did me no good. Besides I like the fact that I am scattered, covered, and smothered by my own wayward ego. Bah! Oh dear but something had to give. There would always be someone who'd 'poke, poke, poke' one of my favorite buttons. A proper nasty attitude... that I got away with until somebody pushed a bit too hard. 


AH! Just remove the button. What a concept. Change the attitude and remove the button! Yes, there's more work to do... but isn't this a mighty fine collection???!!

A rabbit tale

I'm just a little rabbit
who doesn't like the habit
of sending Easter baskets
I want one of my own!


The eggs do not appeal
chocolate makes me ill
I'd rather get my fill
of carrots that are grown!

"Thanks, Mom."

Fresh from the garden

Sing along: 


“Carrots, peas, lettuce, beets,
no substitute for all those chocolate treats.”


“Give me jelly beans and yellow peeps,
fling the cucumbers together in a heap.”


“No to corn, no to cabbage,
bring some pop tarts in a package.”


“La la la la la la.”

Getting older with Easter

Once upon a time I celebrated with the eggs, the chocolates, the dress, the basket, and little yellow spring peeps (baby chicks). One year I even got a turtle; what was my Mom thinking? Of course the turtles were easier to catch than the peeps! Since there were three siblings, she painted our first name initial on the turtles' backs. I'll never forget the pink nail polish lettering of my initial "D" on mine.


Growing older I began to drop off one thing after another; eventually dropping out of church as well. Life was a whirlwind of craziness for me; I never seemed to catch my breath, before another awkward adventure appeared. At this particular time I was making crazy money. So me and my ego thought to impress the 'high powers'. I purchased a very expensive spring dress and thought to make my way to my parents' church: "See how important I am now?!" I awoke Easter morning to find ten inches of snow on the ground!!! I admit I felt disappointed to wear a long red wool coat over it. So much for impressing God, the universe, and everything. I've never bought another new dress, specifically for Easter, since then. 


I was humbled and decided it didn't matter what I wore; just get there if I was sincere enough to want to be there. Isn't that the question, though? How sincere was I? What were my thoughts concerning Easter? I had to look to the history of "The Passover" to offer me some insight. I was no longer covering the door posts in blood. With the advent of Messiah, the blood would now cover me. 


The greatest thing was discovering that God loves me. He knows everything about me, past, present, and future... and still loves me. I'm coming to understand that His will is best, and I am often delighted and surprised by the outcome. Then again, when someone loves you, they always want what's best for you.

Today I celebrate the gift of God... the adoption/reconciliation made possible by the loving sacrifice of His only begotten Son. "Faith comes by hearing the word." Read this verse out loud to yourself: "In this world you will have trials and tribulations, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." (Matthew)


I have been given the gift to pray for others. Feel free to write in the comment box: "Add me to the list."


Love to you all. Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Gift!

Nature calling

I was outside trimming bushes; worked for about two hours; of course I'm going to be sore for days! Nothing new here. Oh wait!


My computer spoke as I walked through the door, "Good evening madam. Did you have a nice visit with nature?" Then it began to speak in French, and I remembered why I was supposed to return the program.


"Yeh, yeh, poofoo, parlay, blah, blah, blah." (Let him translate that.)


Down the hall I hurried to the little girl's loo. No time to put on the lights, besides, the sun was coming through the window. (Off with her pants.) "Oh my, what in the world is traveling down my leg?!!!" (I screamed)


A very hairy, handsome bumble bee had latched on, er, in, somehow (?). I had on sweat pants but I'll avoid making sweat bee jokes.


Well, that's the tale. I wonder what the bee camp will be discussing tonight?


(Yes I'm still in the Fibro fog.)

Love is in the air; cough, cough, hack, haaa

At some point you will realize that you have done too much for someone, that the only next possible step to do is to stop. Leave them alone. Walk away. It’s not like you’re giving up, and shouldn’t try. It’s just that you have to draw the line of determination from desperation. What is truly yours would eventually be yours, and what is not, no matter how hard you try, will never be.

"Frankly, my dear, the allergies are killing me."

Fun by the yard!

Yes, there are many hours to be spent dealing with my flower beds. Not as much as last year but there's enough fun for all. So you, all are welcome to stop in, bring a rake with your smile, and let's have fun by the yard. C'mon over.

No school, no shoes, no problem ~

~ and off to visit the neighbor's flower gardens.

Awww, cooookiieeee.

Another wonderful day to celebrate the existence for cookies!


Welcome, I'm Alistair Cookie; Esquire and Extraordinaire of glorious subtleties of sweetness upon the tongue. I'm already drooling... care to join me?

I got pinched

"Ha, ha, ha, I'm keeping all the gold! You guys can have me wife."

"Oh 'Leppy-dear', I wait for the taste of the rainbow."

"Good thing she's color blind; I'm out of here!"

"No taste of the rainbow? Hey Mom, that Leprechaun pinched me!!!"

techno-babe

Auntie D is visiting and talking with my Mum.

While I am on her laptop and having lots of fun.

The stories that I love to hear are waiting right online.

Just press the button, 'download', and they will all be mine!

Shhh.

Gazebo Squirrel

Do not take this squirrel lightly; he means business! His joy and true passion for my gazebo is overwhelming. A schedule has been tacked to the front post, for human visiting hours. 


He is the second generation of "Simon", although he is not as pleasant as the first. There's certainly no entertaining for peanuts, as with the "Simon" before. This little guy prefers large preshelled sunflower seeds.


There are four trees in which there are four girlfriends. Gazebo Squirrel makes the rounds twice a day. I don't know how he does it; all that chasing round and round the tree trunks. Still he seems to care about all the little girls, each have their private time with him.


If he sees walk towards MY gazebo, he climbs to the top and shakes his bushy tail. Then realizes I'm doing the daily homage of delivering the seeds and he backs off. Just one of the pitfalls of being a new home owner; one becomes acquainted with her neighbors?


I asked about the costume he wears. Get this... it's a tattoo! Unfortunately the artist didn't know how to spell "Gazebo Squirrel", so they settled on an "S". His chest was too tiny for the "G", but don't say anything; he's rather sensitive about his size!


So he's the closest I have to having a pet and he's making little pet-lets everywhere. Spring is coming so they'll be on top of the gazebo, chock, chock, chocking away. There goes the seed budget. ~And, another animal controlling their human provider. 

I wonder if he writes?

Boo-boos' blessings

Not every fall has helped me glean such blessings as I have this time. The last I wrote I had fallen down my basement stairs. My back ended up in great shape; perfect for the first in 20 years; hallelujah! I'm no longer in danger of becoming paralyzed. Good thing too, as I'm dangerous with those electric chairs in the grocery store, ha ha ha.

Yet the old bod took some good hits and swelling has been a biggie for yours truly. You can see the three places where my left leg hit three steps. My shoulder was knocked out of place, but I didn't realize I had chipped my jawbone. As the song goes: "Ice ice baby!" As for my head, as long as I'm, "still crazy after all these years," I guess I'm normal.

It was the first time I wished I had a video cam; might have made $10,000 on one of those video shows!! Imagine the look on my face upon realizing I was standing in air, 30 inches from the concrete floor.(Wow) With all that cracking going on you'd have thought I was shelling pecans, lol. Every little vertebrae had it's own party! "Snap, crackle, pop....rice crispy body!" I'm so happy I've retained some humor.

A good friend of mine has taken me to therapy, every other day, for four weeks. Bless her life as she's blessed mine. It's easier to be cheerful and positive when someone stands, with you, for recovery from any thing.

Today I'm headed back to church and my adult class; missed two weeks. The neat part is that I've become close to many ladies in my class. They call me, "the kid" as I'm the youngest! So much I can't believe I'm even attending, but I'm being blessed with their presence in my life.

And~ I've missed my blog friends. Haven't thought of anything to write about except pain; boring. Forgive me for not getting to your blogs. I have lots to catch up on... here and at home. I'll be back soon. Thank you.

Recoup

I had a fall down my basement steps over a week ago.
I'll return soon. Might be hard to leave my latest retreat... but I'll recoup.

I would appreciate your patience, as I seem to have none!
Thank you.

Bearing it

A little bear has awaken his siblings to come out and enjoy the freshly fallen snow! Their responses are within parentheses. Ah, family dynamics... alive and... oh well!

~ OH, what a sweet little snow. Charlotte's first!
(What is snow?)
(Who is Charlotte?)

~ Such a lovely dusting; note the fluffy clouds rolling in.
(This is why we left the cave?)

~ Ahh, smell the sweetness of the pine!
(Of the limb up my behind?)

~ Brothers and sisters, this is our ancient way to live.
(Uh, maybe you, but I've got cable.)

~ Don't you feel the connection to the forest?
(We're all in one tree; you're kidding?)
(What's a forest?)

~ It's time to climb back down and forage for nuts.
(Charley's has a hotcake breakfast special.)
(I got a spanked once for foraging Mom's name.)

~ Oh, c'mon guys, this is an adventure!
(Menu choices at Charley's; that's an adventure.)
(Maple syrup.)
(Strawberries and cream.)
(Sausage patties.)
(Gravy biscuits.)
(Blueberries.)

~ Blueberries? Okay, I'll go. Forget the snow!

My flighty valentine

If love is not enough... here's a flower!

I will always love you~always

                            

Remembering

My gathering of thoughts
akin to picking flowers,
released into the wind
and scattered within hours.

Thoughts  are nurtured, given space,
 I'm free to change my mind.
Akin to living  flowers, in a vase
of grace, divine.                                           

I am heeled!!

The 'Fibro-fog' was with me as I headed for the store.
I was gazing at the shoes before I opened up the door.
Gorgeous colors everywhere with heights that seemed surreal.
Then slipping on the suede red boots I felt that I'd been heeled!

I am heeled!
I am heeled!
Heel, toe, heel, toe~
My back no longer hurts.

Takes some time to get used to the walk that says it all.
A lady standing next to me said to make my high steps small.
I danced around the store like a kid with happy shrills.
Good wishes to the maker as I know that I am heeled.

I am heeled!
I am heeled!
Heel, toe, heel, toe~
My back no longer hurts.

Scattered

I am lost in the woods of my mind. Behind every tree is a word but it comes not to my lips when I need it. Testing, testing; please remain seated and calm. Think about one topic so we can measure the speed at which you think. Hold for the big snap and 'kerplunk', the machine has a perfect image of your interior brain mass.

Miss, we have a issue or two we need to discuss with you. Yes, today would be a nice day to sit outside, but we need to make you aware.... oh okay, then we'll go outside and discuss things.

Now about those issues... what, oh, you're hungry? Yes I suppose a snack is in order after six hours. Let's see: a small soda, captain wafers, and a granny smith apple... thank you nurse.

It appears you are scattered. Your brain overloads from the Fibromyalgia symptoms. That begins a period of insomnia which excelerates the lost of cognitive abilities... ha ha ha, yes, down the rabbit hole is pretty accurate!

Okay Miss, do you have any questions for the medical team? Uh, I believe the Superbowl is Sunday. Yes, I saw the movie, "Moneyball," excellent humor. Another grannie smith? Sure.

Oh nurse, we'd like two more apples please... yes, my patient says there are more in the woods. [???]

Wings of heart

I stand and look out upon the green and snow and trees...

so close I can touch them, with my mind.

My arms at my side slowly rise and shiver and quiver...

awaiting the flight I will take, with my mind.

How much has my inner person grown!?

How much joy can I contain!?

You who took my anger and confusion and illusion...

wrapped in a stripe from me to you, in my mind.

Like an eagle I climb high with soaring and sailing...

while sheltered in your warmth, in my mind.

You gave me growth.

You gave me joy.

You gave me wings of heart and wisdom and faith.

If

If I were different and held you closely
would you remember that I am frail?
If I were different and shared that mostly
I had escaped a living Hell?
If I were calm but smiled quite ghostly
with blush of pink against the pale.
Would you offer me a warmth that's toasty,
protecting me from winter's gale?

Warmth

Camellias at my window have made it through the freezing.
Not all of them survived but enough that make it pleasing.
Among the winter drabness their color fills my soul.
I trek into the garden and never feel the cold.

Helping friends to help friends to help...

The Beatles said it best:


"Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends
Yes I get by with a little help from my friends
With a little help from my friends...."


Read more: http://artists.letssingit.com/the-beatles-lyrics-with-a-little-help-from-my-friends-sq8flgh#ixzz1j5MHs6G5
LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community