Rant - number 364

Outsource politicians? Oh why not? What a great idea! The thought of sending some of Washington's finest to Siberia... gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. Ah, let's not be greedy and send a few to Darfur... gives new meaning to, 'made in China'.

And maybe, just maybe, we'll insource some politcians from other countries for ourselves... but who? Whom? (Never could get those two right.) I for one would accept Prince Harry in a heartbeat! No he's not a politician, but he makes me smile. That's more than Washington's affect on me.


Speaking of outsourcing... USA Olympic uniforms were made in China? Outragious! To those 406 atheletes, I say, put on something from your own closet that says, 'made in USA' and wear it!!!! We are a diverse nation, so our clothing does not have to match. Better yet, send Ralph Lauren's outfits to Washington's politicians. At least they'll look nice when they arrive overseas.

Ralph Lauren promises 2014 Olympic Opening Ceremony outfits will be American-made.

wrong bridge ~ wrong garden

A problem had perplexed me ~
and wouldn't let me go.


The reason it upset me ~
was a reason I didn't know.


It came upon a showy day ~
with a bridge I sought to cross.


But when my feet touched earth again ~
I felt tremendous loss.


I turned and crossed the bridge again ~
not knowing why, yet feeling lead.


Whatever reason perplexed my soul ~
had left my weary head.

Isn't she lovely? A real wonder, but not Stevie!

Yes, everyone knows how much I've wanted to get back to the garden. The smell of wisteria and redbud carry me away. And this little beauty, in the photo above, needed more sun. Poor little plant with lovely tiny blossoms, begging for the sun. I was all too happy to make a wish come true!

By the way did any of you know that certain varieties of  Poison Ivy have flowers? I didn't know, but I do now. Yes, and an ever so light scent; ask my nose, cheeks and chin. Such lovely silky leaves; ask my hands, wrists, and fingers. 

With all the spots of liquid medication, I look like a polka-dotted human. So, maybe I should wait for winter before I go out again?!  :) Hmm?

Getting ready for the show!

It's almost time and I want to introduce our blog Olympic Avatar. She will do summaries and special interests stories, while her partner, Alistair Cookie mans the actual sporting events.

Good heavens... it's me! Twenty days and counting!!!

"Hello!! I'm Alistair Cookie. Normally I narrate great things about the great outdoors. I am so excited to be on board the 'dcrelief' Olympic team. I expect lots of choco-chip cookies as payment. In short I expect to be rolling in the dough(sorry Adele, no pun intended).

More will be revealed! Get ready for the show!

A mind is a terrible thing... to have

Yes, the appropriate quote states: "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." But I think there might be something even worse than wasting it. Do you have any idea how many thoughts go through the human mind every second of every day? Neither do I but I'm guessing it's more than I want to know.(smile)

Oh there was a time when my mind was strong and fearless... or so I thought. Looking over the past has made me realize that maybe my life and all those thoughts were fractured. All the ups and down, like a carnival ride, oops, wrong story. Let me tell you about the "Witch and the Frog."

As a child I loved Saturday morning cartoons, specifically, "Fractured Fairy Tales". Those marvelous stories that always ended quite opposite of the 'expected' ending. So in this make-believe village there are too many witches and not enough people to cast spells on. So one witch sees a frog and turns him into a handsome prince. The frog-prince is miserable but cannot find the witch to turn him back into a frog. Meanwhile a lovely princess comes along, falls in love and they marry. Along comes another witch, thinking he's a handsome prince and changes him into, (wait for it), a frog! Of course there is no special kiss to change him, so his wife becomes a frog too. Blah-blah-blah and the rest is on YouTube.

Anyway I said all of that to say something I no longer remember... which proves my post... a mind is a terrible thing... to have.

Oh ~ The End ~

Speak

Fair one, your tears are all bottled and saved ~
the highest in heaven has opened your grave.
You shine as the brightness of daytime full sun ~
but tarry no longer, the leaving's begun.

Small butterfly so sweet and so blue ~
just one more chance to take in the view.
A look all around at the place where I leave
my tears are all bottled and no more to grieve.

Fair one, the stairway is closing so fast ~
too much time talking about this world's past.
We must make the light and climb to the top ~
then lightly touch down where earth is no thought.

Small butterfly so sweet and so blue ~
I hear what you're saying but can this be true?
That light from the top is actually a flame ~
and here, on this list, I don't see MY name.

Oops, I forgot to mention the 'speak' ~
how those would inherit the earth if they're meek.
The tares would be gathered and thrown in the fire ~
good thing we stopped and made it no higher.

Small butterfly so sweet and so blue ~
will this 'speak' to me as it speaks to you?
Alas I am feeling drawn to know more ~
and see that the 'speak' has opened a door.

Fair one, mistakes are easily wrought  ~
I almost condemned us to life without thought.
Small butterfly the 'speak' gave us grace ~
and now we will dwell with 'speak' in this place.

a positive thought ~

I'll be off of here for a day or two. Exterior doors need my attention... sanding, prime, and paint!

Britain's Got Trains

The most fascinating thing to me is the new transportation.

"Introduction of a new "Javelin" high-speed rail service, using  the Hitachi Corporation's "bullet" trains.  The platforms at Stratford International station (which are at a height designed for Eurostar trains) will be temporarily raised to accommodate the Javelin trains.  According to network rail an additional 4,000 train services will run during the Games, with train operators putting on longer trains during the day."  (UK Olympic web site)

Quite impressive, and if one of you gets the chance to ride one, let me know how it goes; other than very fast!!(smile)


Olympic Games 27 July - 12 August  ~  LONDON

Getting what I want by getting what I need

With illness or injury I always find myself wanting things to change faster than they do. Please help me feel better and right away. Can you relate? Patience in the face of adversity is often a tough accomplishment. ~And the rest is history for those of you reading my blog lately, concerning the injury to my shoulder and arm. I wanted healing. I needed healing. What to do?

On the verge of giving in to a lackluster continuation of the same daily thing, it was appointment time with my surgeon. He has let me remove the sling three weeks early, saying he's amazed because I'm two months ahead of his other patients. (I can also drive now, though I don't often anyway.) He stated that he didn't understand yet the bone was completely healed.

Most of you know me by now, I suppose. When you tell a doctor that prayers were effectual, sometimes that don't respond. That's okay by me. Only the Creator knows other people's hearts and what they believe... and if they even believe in a creator. My goal throughout all of this has been to get the use of my arm back. So my focus was on what the Creator thought I needed. So even though the surgeon is sending me to therapy involving the use of machinery, the Creator provided a cookout and pool party this past Sunday. It was great.

"Britain's Got Talent"

According to my photographer who hasn't been seen for days ~ Britain's got talent. Hm, and where could he be? Occasionally I'll get a text message: "Traveling incognito; will send more photos as soon as I find my camera; ta-ta's."

This photo has a time date stamp of May 24, 2012. I suppose you can imagine my frantic search? After all we're now about 35 days away from opening ceremonies. It might help if I knew where this photo was taken. I'd call and say: I'm looking for a man lying on the ground, possibly drooling himself silly. Would you please see if there's anyone who fits that description and call me back?

Please, and thank you!

God looks different to me ~

I've gazed into the skies and tried thinking like an atheist.
Swirling masses of dust are formed into things of beauty;
Leaving me wondering why science touts with clenched fist ~
That God must bow down to rules of their duty.

Yet~ God looks different to me.
I see the stars He formed and recognize a childhood treasure.

Yes~ God looks different to me.
I see in Him the things that always give me pleasure.

I've gazed into the eyes of a precious newborn child.
Toes and fingers are counted, and yes, there are two ears!
The petrie dish is given credit, notes are made, reports are filed.
Yet I still see His spirit as the child grows through the years.

*For those who have children ~ Happy Fathers Day!

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.

Friday funny

Hahahaha!!

humerus, not humorus

A humerus fracture is an injury to the bone of the upper arm. The upper arm bone, the humerus, connects the shoulder to the elbow. Humerus fractures are generally divided into three types of injuries... but this is the one I have... lucky me!

Proximal Humerus Fractures

Proximal humerus fractures occur near the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, with the ball being the top of the humerus bone. Fractures of this ball are considered proximal humerus fractures. These fractures may involve the insertion of the important rotator cuff tendons. Because these tendons are important to shoulder motion, treatment may depend on the position of these tendon insertions. In a word: ouch!

For the sake of maintaing a positive attitude towards healing, I present to you a poem.

A fractured humerus is not humorus ~
thus between the two of us ~
I'm really fighting pain.


The right shoulder feels abandoned ~
with the left as new companion ~
It's great to feel insane.

Must go now; time for therapy.
Relax. Breathe deep. Be the jelly fish. Beeee the jelly fish. Beeee...

oops...

Robin Gibb

I may not see Europe

My painting has landed in Germany! It will be there for at least two years, and then who knows where it will land next.

I have a nephew in the US Air Force. This painting was a gift to him and his wife.  They soon gave birth to a son. I was thrilled when they choose a 'nautical' theme for his bedroom. All sorts of ships sail along the walls, including mine!

The 'Tall' ships have always been my favorites. However the multi-sails and rigging require study to accurately portray in a painting. It's hard to 'fudge' (cheat). Still, watching current versions glide along the water gives me goose bumps. Maybe one day I'll take the plunge! Or the plank?

Well, I may never see Europe, but part of me is being seen over there. It's quite exciting. Now, where's my pirate hat?

Thanks for reading ~

"Abandoned Boat" by Dixie

Baobob tree sculpture

Mike De Butts adds the finishing touches to a giant Baobab Tree sculpture entitled 'Under the Baobab', outside the Southbank Centre on May 24, 2012 in London, England.

The Pirate Technics' installation is made from a selection of brightly colored fabrics from  around the world.

It is part of the Southbank Centre's 'Festival of the World' exhibition, which includes a series of large scale pieces of art that will be in place around the Southbank centre over the Summer.

(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

swimming-just-swimming-in the rain

It's competition time! World championships taking place all over, um, the world.  Yes, the Olympics are upon us, yet the world championships must go on. (I have no clue, why.)

Journalists, reporters, and genuine sport fans bombarded the recent swim meet. (Hype time.) Before them lay a most beautiful, Olympic size pool. Filming, photo-ops, and interviews were quickly arranged, but then the strangest discovery was noted by the pool-pa-razzi: the pool was empty!! Swim participants were busy running around the perimeter. Egad! There wasn't any water in the pool!

Suddenly from overhead a large thunderclap was heard. Rain began falling and participants quickly adopted an attitude of fun. The newly arrived Jamaican team seemed especially inspired. Ironically the major film they'd watched on the airplane trip featured, dancer/actor Gene Kelly, in movie classic "Singing in the Rain."

Or was I dreaming?

painting my chest

please excuse my lack of capitalization; i'm doing an a la e.e. cummings' writing style.  my right shoulder is healing nicely, but the left hand typing is a work in progress!  i spend a lot of time going back to rehit the space bar... oh well... here we go.

when it's free time off of the ice pack, and i can actually come to my desk, i'm always thinking of fun stuff.  this little chest is painted with black board paint.  it's not a new thing, but i see potential for it's use in my home.

i wanted to do a post, but the thought of moaning and groaning about my living limitations didn't excite me.   unless you're into pain, believe me, it would not satisfy.

i'm one of those people who like organization.  no, not obessive but looking for ideas to enhance production of all my hobbies.  this type of paint could really solve some problems.

now here's the question and feel free to share your thoughts... please... i'm bored!  do i go ahead and paint the chest i have, left handed, or wait 5 more weeks and paint it right handed?   okay, i'm done.

Olympic goal runs flat

Japaneese Olympic hopeful, Awgi, has failed to meet the required qualifications.

Distressed and dejected, Awgi went for a walk in the rain. Seems he was unaware that he was constructed from cardboard. When his legs began to melt, he stepped into the road to return to the stadium, whereupon he was smashed flat by a passing truck.

The driver was questioned and released, it determined that after all, he only hit a box.

Awgi was mailed to his hometown with a large red stamp across his head stating: "2016 - better cardboard, better ingredients, Papa Yan's."

The last azalea

I lay on the ground wondering how long I would lay on the ground? But let's start at the beginning...

Monday 7 a.m., I looked out of my office window and noticed a beautiful pink bloom. Just beyond the tree line, but within my small forest, color so rich it beckoned me to come visit. Out the door, bedroom shoes and all, my adventure began.

The last azalea was blooming. Honeysuckle vines threatened to cover the beauty. So off towards the house I went to retrieve my clippers. An uphill climb on grass still wet with dew proved to be my down fall. I tripped over a small stump, losing my right shoe, throwing me off-balance; the ground came up hard and fast. The crunching.cracking sound in my right ear 'told' me I was hurt. My right arm and shoulder took the full brunt the fall. Life had just changed.

From down below, in my garden, a voice asked, "Are you alright?"

I answered, "No, I can't get up." I was laying on an incline, my head lower than my legs. My right arm stretched straight out from my side. I had broken the arm ball that fits into the shoulder joint. I had broken a smaller piece of bone that held the shoulder tendon in place. Yep, life changed.

Ironically, the neighbor who came to my aid had changed up his morning routine. He decided to have his morning coffee on  his front porch, which looked onto my backyard. I had lying there 5-10 minutes. It took longer than that for the ambulance to arrive.

Surgery is schedule for this Wednesday, with an overnight hospital stay of 1-2 days. I'm writing this post left-handed; quite the accomplishment for me. If you don't "see" me for a few days don't worry. I'll be back as soon as I can... with even greater adventures. I'm talking serious pain medications... the sky's the limit.
And now for a first time, left-handed post to 'blog-land'. Keep the faith. This too shall pass. Thanks for reading.

Magic kisses

Children laugh and children play,
yet I was all alone one day.
You were cute and kinda scary
in that coat that was so hairy.
I kissed your nose so you might change.
You stayed the same, I thought that strange.
I am the princess that rules the bog,
but it turns out you're not a frog!
You're not a frog?

post number 500

I wondered what post number 500 would be about. Let's talk about the coming Olympics!

London is hosting the Olympics July 27- August 12, 2012. I'm so excited! Not only that but it's in the year of Queen Elizabeth's 60th jubilee. How much more excitement do I need?

Aw, yes, I love the synchronized swim teams.... every country's participants!

It's still early, for the Oylmpics, but I still needed a number 500 post, so why not?
Thanks for reading ~

Mind space

What occupies your mind occupies your time. Everything else is half-done. In a stupor or in a fog, makes no difference, when a problem enslaves your waking moments. How often I must trade the warring mind for a life of great blessings. Yes, as long as I hold on to the war inside my head, the longer I wait for peace. As this happens every year I must note that every year I have a choice to make. What, if not whom, am I living for?
It's not a unique question. Certainly it's not unique to me. People everywhere make the same inquiries that I do. Can they help me? Can I help them?
I was watching a program recently. The topic was: strongholds in the mind. A stronghold, whether it be depression, an eating disorder, cognitive issues, and many others. We don't have to let them win. The point was, when a negative thought enters your mind, it had to come from somewhere. So where did it come from? And if you don't have an answer to that you might allow yourself to become stuck. But the program lecturer was saying you need to acknowledge the thought and immediately tell it you believe differently. So it sounds like what you believe helps or directs your response to negative input.
That said, what occupies my mind today is the beauty of outdoors. It's everything I need to feel loved. The trees, the grass, the flowers, animals, and peaceful neighbors, add to my being a warmth that touches me deep within. None of this can money buy. None of this can man rule.
I continue loving what I believe. I continue loving a Creator that brings me joy. And when I tell a negative thought my Creator says differently, I am healed of the situation the thought might have led to. Just for today... I refuse to rent space in my mind for negatives.
Thanks for reading ~

What?

Father's ship

My father's ship set out to sea ~ 
It was the year that I turned three.
The winds arose, and rains did pour ~
While on the land, I turned to four.
The sails aright, their strength alive ~
When candles on the cake, said I was five.
The boom did crash, there was no fix ~
The year that I would turn to six.
A drowning mass and sinking leaven ~
The tale would end and I was seven.
So as my Mum put out the light ~
I asked if father was alright?
She answered, "Yes, but he'll be in late."
I closed my eyes and dreamed of eight.


painting: Fred Beckett

Bring us your tires

I'm from southern USA... yep the deep south where a favorite lawn decoration, for years, was the white tire! Homes, businesses, parks and jiffy johns, all displayed their tires with pride. 

Why even the 'Statue of Liberty' proclaimed the song of the south: Bring us your tires, your poor, your hungry... course now that you-all have arrived, we don't know what to do with ya!

Just in time... yes sir, we made a change! No longer is the white tire the coveted item to own. The south has one of the finest mixes of peoples you'd ever want to meet. And you know... they all brought their own yard art. Yep, yard art!! Tires.

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.