Thursday wrap up ~ a red letter date!

Don't you love red roses?









Another week, and no visit to the "airport overlook" to watch the airplanes. We so miss those adventures, and the lady who sells roasted marshmallows. But it's too cold!! We'll have to be content to watch them fly over the house. When Teddy and I woke up at 6 a.m., it was 13 degrees F/ -11 C outside. That nice warm fire had left some cozy embers, which spoke to me: "Stir me, stir me, add some wood, I'll live again!" I promptly obeyed. And before some of you say to me, "Oh, that's not cold... we were down to -114 last night...  let me say, "lucky you!"

Okay ~ this is indeed a red letter date! For once dcrelief has a New Year's resolution. You heard me; one I think I can finally keep. Here it is -  wotcha think?

Rambling on ~ I love red coats. I began to think my current coat might be a bit out of date. So Teddy and I took a trip online, and what we saw changed our minds. My goodness, I bought this same coat five years ago for $2.79. It was an 'end of winter' coat sale at Goodwill. Here it was posted as a 1960's Vintage corduroy - in red! (40 bucks!) What? I've been popping that thing in the washer/dryer every year! It's in great shape. So I'll continue wrapping up in this... I figure I'm so far out of date, I'm almost current again!

Lastly ~ This has been one of those weeks of frustration over itty-bitty stuff. The big stuff somehow gets resolved, but the small stuff...sigh.  So I'm sharing a cute little 'pithy saying' with photo. Right now I'm using it as a screensaver. Every time I look at the child's face, I wonder, "who decided to use a child for this saying, and why?" Think about it... all of their stuff seems itty-bitty to the adults... but not to them. ~And, if they're watching to see how adults handle issues? Go ahead, and insert your own child's photo. Make it your screensaver. It might make you think twice about how to wrap up the little stuff! Or help them to wrap up theirs.(smile).

Come on Theodore ~ back to the lovely fireplace. The peanut butter cookies are up! Everybody sing, "Off we go into the wild blue yonder... flying high, into the sky...". Milk, Teddy?

it's a teddy night

Teddy and I love the warm glow of the fire.
We stare into the flames and imaginations soar.
Our dreams take us higher, and still higher.
While we remain ever grounded on the floor.

We wish you warmth in your heart.
A good friend who likes to share.
Laughter that plays a special part.
And sweet dreams without a care.

Bruce Hornsby - The Way It Is

Learn to live... so you can live to learn... so you can learn to live...

Another place...

There was a big shake up for me this week. It caught me totally off guard and unprepared. It shocked me, it saddened me, and for a moment it even angered me. Since attitude is everything, I figured I might as well get over it. In fact, I think it upset more of 'them' than it did me.

What happened? The homeless shelter where I volunteer is operated by three different churches. Their policy requires you to be a member of one of them in order to participate as a volunteer. So when I withdrew my membership at one of the churches,  it disqualified me. I simply did not realize that would happen. It's not something I even thought about.

The more I think about it, though the better I feel about it. I'll simply state that my life has been leading me to this point for the last three years. I cannot be someone else definition of church or religion. Though I am Christian, I have a different understanding, and would never wish anyone ill. I will always love them but I cannot remain with them. And I don't want to turn this into some topic of Church vs anything else. There are other places where I might find the kingdom of my Creator. He's the only one that knows people's hearts... knows what they do and don't want. He knows me... and still loves me. There will be another shelter or volunteer place, or something.

Now I'm going to let it go... "This too, shall pass"...  be that cannonball I wrote about yesterday. I'm also going to play one of my favorite songs. I don't remember much about the movie it came from, but the song was a parental favorite. I seemed to have inherited their love for it... and it's not about cold weather - yay!

Thanks for reading, as this is not something I normally touch on.

Or if you want to see something amazing... watch this!

To fly like a cannonball - there's a concept

All of us go through things we'd rather not go through. We want to run and hide but that's a temporary fix. The answer comes in the form of release from the pain. A solution to the problem standing before us, but we don't see it... yet.  We travel on and keep our chin up, best we can. Some of us have friends or family that help. Some of us have the interactions we experience on a blog or web site. Some of us spend great moments soul-searching. Some of say prayers - the kind that are willing to help us... let go... let the pain, let the problem... fly.

Lea Michele, of the TV show, "Glee" has a song that speaks straight to me. Many times I want a painful moment or problem to get off of me. I let it go... because I want to fly like cannonball... a fast and definitive healing! I know I'm ready and nothing can stop me. Enjoy the song! 

Ode to cornbread ~

Oh cornbread ~ oh cornbread ~
I love you like crazy...
You make me feel happy, my fat butt gets lazy.
A bowl of fine beans or roast pork on top...
I promise, dear cornbread my love will not stop.

Your size doesn't matter, each crumb is so sweet...
I gave up my dog who sat at my feet.
He ate all the droppings and made me so mad...
No sprinkles for chili, 'weren't none' to be had.

I listen to music and what people mutter...
it rolls off their tongues like you, with some butter.
Forgive me for loving the vision I see...
I think there's still time for pan # 3.

Do I want you with steak, or with fish broiled just right?
Will the pork loin be tender with gravy'd delight?
Will the chili bring sighs on a cold winter's night?
Just go make the cornbread before morning's light ~

Now!

a dream for the new year's meal... past

The peas were busy soaking,
The collard greens were too.
The pork was in the oven,
and waiting just for you.

You brought banana pudding.
Your deviled eggs were so sublime.
The napkins were so lovely.
You showed up just in time.

The lemon pie was tasty.
I didn't waste a crumb.
The peas that you consumed,
would make a body numb.

We laughed and laughed 'til dawn.
Then early morning light,
revealed that you weren't here,
and never in my sight.

But I had heard your voice,
and your laughter, a soothing balm.
A lonely thought emerged,
then disappeared into the calm.


(My cell phone is ringing - it might be you!
No, wait. It's the alarm I set in case I fell asleep.
Was that a dream?
What a strange dream.)

2015 - rambling thoughts - ideas - wishes

Did you know that elephants eat Christmas trees? What if we sent all of our trees overseas to the countries with elephants? That's what I call going green.

A friend and I used to collect trees off the road after Christmas and make candle holders. Don't laugh. We'd glue on flowers and ornaments - sold for $25.00 a piece!

There's a nice skating rink at the NASCAR hall of fame, in my home town. It used to be fun but I don't do it anymore.

I've never understood why people wear funny hats at New Years parties. Reminds me of a few birthdays I had as a child.

Fireworks allover the city. I love to watch them, but my favorite thing to do is driving around to look at Christmas lights.

It's 2015 here. What a strange sounding number! I really hope you find peace about your life, or any situation that's still hanging over from 2014. It was bitter cold today, but I understand the shelter had 65 out of 75 beds filled. I suspect some of the men don't wish to be separated from their wives and children... it is after all, a holiday.

Thank you for visiting me during 2014! I've laughed, I've cried, and some of you really know how to throw a comma around!! Too many names to mention, and I'd probably forget someone.
Blessings to you all, with love,
 
Dixie @dcrelief, @an artful blogger, and @battle of the bands.

Wrapping the week - the year - the body - it's cold!

Of course, once again, visiting the airport is out. I did get a bit scared today when a plane flew over the house kind of sideways(?) Maybe it was going back around to land - not sure - but I felt the need to talk to the Creator about it.  The plane disappeared into the clouds and I went on about the day's business.

I've had so much fun playing you songs (those favorite tunes of mine). I hope you had a chance to listen to some of them. Which reminds me - to tell you - I've joined a group that plays, "Battle of the Bands." We post twice a month and you're welcome to come over and listen to the new blog I've opened up to post on. Hey, you're welcome to join us! You pick one song, done in two different versions. Everybody votes for their favorite of the two (tell me why you liked the one you voted for). Then I come back a week later, add my vote, and give the results. Come on now!! 

The men's shelter has been full for the last few days due to the cold temps here. That means the shelter I volunteer with is going to be full capacity tonight! I understand a three piece trio will play tunes. Though I'm excused for the month of December, I'll still send goodies. They need an extra breakfast casserole - no problem - I'm on it! All of that lovely ham I got on sale before Christmas, has purpose after all(smile).

A niece gave me some lovely, pink flannel scarves for Christmas. They are so warm and appreciated. Also got a penguin hat - complete with ear covers(and little balls!).

How about  a year end song for us - dcrelief  is nothing without the Creator above, and lovely people here below! I know you know that(smile).

In memory of my Mom and Dad, and for my little Love Bird friend, Brisbane... all Sinatra fans. (And you too Billy Pilgrim!)

Goodbye 2014 ~ Hello 2015

As the last couple of days of 2014 leave us, I hope you can claim that your goals were met. I hope every challenge has been satisfied - and whatever that 2014 resolution was - can finally be written off at last. Meanwhile, here's a poem:

2010 - 2014
I made a resolution, while having no solution ~
Instead I said a prayer.
Time was moving slowly, my heart was sinking lowly ~
I refused to feel despair.
Then the realization, of my true consolation ~
Provided strength and light to share.
The problem disappeared, and no more have I feared ~
Instead I've learned to care.


Happy 2015 to the ones who've "joined my journey," and to the readers that just happened by. Know that your comments are always welcome, always appreciated, and more than often - teach me something about myself or the place we all call home.

Taking a walk down memory lane with this song. Love the saxophone!
Maybe you remember Dan Folgelberg: August 13, 1951 - December 16, 2007

Brisbane home ~ power off ~ Spinach Quiche

Which end is up today?













Sunday evening I delivered Brisbane to his home. His owner, my neighbor, had stopped for take out - he bought spaghetti dinners for both of us. (Talk about a nice surprise.) I think it turned out to be a good transition for the bird. Either that or he was completely confused?! He kept flying from one to the other.  But it didn't take him long to remember where he belonged. Yay Brisbane!

Today I was trying to get caught up on things pushed aside from the holidays, and the bird babysitting extravaganza. You know how you get on a roll... great momentum... "nothing's gonna stop me now?" I was up and down the basement stairs to do laundry - it is THAT day! While waiting, for the machines to finish, I'm checking out possible menus for the week. The computer is humming along while I also catch up on reading blogs! Suddenly - no power!  Everything in the house is off. But I'm thinking like Martha Stewart: this could be a good thing. (Not) Well I know the bill is paid up, so help! I stepped outside and there sits the power truck, replacing a thingy. (I don't know what they're called - transformer?) They're going to have me back in business in 15 minutes. If it'd been an hour I'd have taken a nap. Oh well.

Thinking of what to make that's hot, cheesy and easy? Something I might even eat cold, besides peanut butter cookies, which I made the night before. Freezer diving came up with a bag of frozen spinach. Ah-ha! No milk - no problem - I'll substitute some cottage cheese. Ooh, and I also have a third cup of cream of mushroom soup left from Saturday's meatloaf. (For some reason, if I can taste it in my mind, I know it'll taste good when made - don't ask.) About the time I got accustomed to the ambiance of all quiet  - the power cames back on.

Time to move on again. Come on momentum! I know - how about a tune?

All Creatures Matter

A little bell jingles in the background - Brisbane is slowly waking up. I'm an early riser, but he will need another hour before he is ready to meet the day. If the sun is not up - he's not up. Don't dare uncover his little house before then. So I'm very quiet proceeding with my usual routine. The lights on the fireplace mantel remain off as well. It's taken me a whole week to figure how to maneuver him - or has he been maneuvering me?(smile)

Today Brisbane's owner comes home from Christmas vacation - it's a long drive. The lateness of his arrival will determine if Brisbane stays another night here. Sure, I could take the bird home now, turn up the heat in the house, and leave him... but I can't do that. My neighbor suggested it... but I just can't do it. I don't take lightly the life of a tiny soul... I'm responsible for Brisbane while he's in my care. So we'll wait.

It's awfully quiet under that little blankie of his. I know I'm going to miss Brisbane, but not enough to go out and purchase a bird of my own. I can't stand to see birds caged. I want to open the doors and let them all out - free to fly. My ownership and loss of two previous birds profoundly affected me. I've even accidentally called Brisbane by their names. Or was it accidental? Each time there was a crushing moment and the heart strings pulled me back to a time of bliss. We do love our pets(smile).

Still I've had a good time with Brisbane. If nothing else I've been happy to post about this little fellow. I only hope I haven't traumatized him. It's been a very different set-up here than that at his regular home. Sort of makes me wonder how children of divorced couples deal with the split custody of their parents. Two Christmases might not be bad - but two homes with two sets of rules might be.  People say, "oh the children will adapt." Just like Brisbane's owner is not worried about Brisbane's reaction to all of this. Maybe I'm just being silly. But if it were my bird I'd want the person keeping him to have the same sense of responsibility... and love. Some might see him as, "just a little bird," but to me... all creatures matter.

Day after Christmas

Babysitting here - enjoying tunes, and movies with the little Love Bird, "Brisbane".
He loves to watch "Little Bear." He loves Frank Sinatra. And there's something about the "Celtic Woman" that makes him want to sit on my laptop keyboard - up close and personal!? Here's a little song Brisbane and I would like to share...

Enjoy the day - cooking is on - making memories!

Busy in the dcrelief  kitchen this morning. Apple pie - macaroni & cheese casserole - pineapple pie.  Let's make some memories out there - ones you'll want to keep!

Three Magi following a star...

...arrive at the palace, where a king ought to be. They ask the current reigning King Herod about the new King. They have been following his star - Herod consults the scribes and scholars...

...the song - "I Saw Three Ships" - has long been associated with the Magi's camels... indeed, in that time, camels were the great carriers of goods - ships across the desert...

...when the Magi found him, they worshipped him...

...worship means, "to bow down" - which they did...

...and now a version of the song I hope you enjoy...

Company for Christmas

I decided to babysit the neighbor's Love Bird, named Brisbane, for the week of Christmas. That way the neighbor could go see his only grandchild -  two year old Mason. I helped him wrap this huge train set with track. (Two years old - good grief  - that train rivaled Southern Railways!) So off the neighbor went with the train, and I got the bird(smile).

It has taken two days to get Brisbane to have anything to do with me. The best I would get is a nasty bite. But pretty soon he was itching to come out of his little house. I had rules and in order to be out he would have to play nice. It only took three, maybe four times of putting him back in his house before he caught on. Quite exceptional really. I was proud of him, and my fingers were no longer getting chomped on.

I sat reading "Favorite Christmas Memories," on a recent blog-hop. Some were so sweet - some were quite funny - and then there was a category I call, "what?" It was so very quiet in my studio. Oh the occasional airplane would fly over, but other than that...quiet. That's when I remembered... bird. Bird is very quiet. Is bird asleep? I tipped toed over to his little house and NO BIRD!! Not inside of it. Not on top of it. (Oh why did I let him out?) He could be any where and with that coloring... oh my goodness, check the fireplace garland! Check the wreath with the country birds! Top of the windows? Egad, what if he got out of the studio? I opened the door and started to walk through the door when I felt a little nudge at my neck. He had been asleep on my shoulder the whole time. He was snuggled up in my shirt collar. Between my hair and the collar, he was completely covered up.

A moment later he flew to his house, tapped on his food dish and I figured he must be hungry. I got a teaspoon of seeds, then covered his cage halfway with his "blankie." He ate a sunflower seed, then proceeded with this little sad whistle. I explained in the best non-bird lingo I knew - "Daddy is with the grandchild. He will be back soon. You'll see him soon. Brisbane is a good bird." (Of course I asked the Creator to translate. I hate seeing the little bird sad.) A moment later, he ate another sunflower seed, hopped onto his favorite swing, and that was that.

Song of the Caged Bird... quiet and sweet. Enjoy!

"My Favorite Christmas Memory" Bloghop!!

Benjamin Bunny

It was a cold December that I remember. I was very young and stood on the stairs, watching my Mom. She was coming home after being in the hospital for four days! Behind her, through the door, snow was falling. It was so pretty. It was  Christmas! I really wasn't sure what Christmas was, but it didn't matter, my Mom was back. Then I noticed she was carrying something in a little pink satin bundle. Hmm? Once in a while a little hand would poke out, and she'd put it back. What did she have? Grandmother held the little bundle. Then Aunt Grace held the little bundle. Everyone was oohing and ahhing over this bundle. I had to see. (Hello, I'm only four years old - will somebody please pick me up or lower the bundle?) I wanted to have a look. Finally my Mom bent down and said, "Dixie, you have a new baby................

DOLL!! Oh my goodness... she got me a real doll for Christmas! I was so elated. I screamed and danced, ran up and down the stairs, jumped up and down, clapped my hands. I guess you could call it the, "Thank-you-Lord-happy-doll-dance!" But then Mom let me know he wasn't just for me. What?! I've got to share him? Why? He was so cute. Such a sweet smile. (And I had plans for him!)

I went and got my old doll stroller and really worked hard to convince them (Grandmother, Aunt Grace and my Mom), that I wouldn't hurt him. How could I hurt him? Look that at face!! And he had big blue eyes - just like me. Oh, what's his name? Mom said, his name is Benjamin, but we'll call him.............

BENJAMIN BUNNY!! Perfect, just like a favorite story Aunt Annette told me. What? We're calling him Benjie? Why? He doesn't look like a Benjie! Hey! Benjamin Bunny is perfect... I'm telling you. (No one listens to a four year old.)

Well the stroller ride went well, I thought. Yes, I almost dumped him twice but he giggled... so I didn't hurt him. I know I probably shouldn't have given him the candy cane. He really began to screech when Mom had to pry his tight-fisted little hand from around it... oops... yes ma'am... no more handing him anything. I promise. (Oh yes, he had a nice set of lungs. That's something that has never changed, even to this day.)

I showed him the pink flocked tree that Aunt Grace decorated. She was from New York. I figured they didn't have green trees up there. In fact she decorated Grandmother's entire beauty shop in pink, pastels, and snowy stuff. I guess they didn't have red and green Christmas stuff there either. The beauty shop looked like something from the nutcracker suite. It was lovely and the main focus of my attention, until Benjamin Bunny arrived.

They took turns taking me out in the snow. There must have been a total of three tea parties. I got to hang the star on the tree again. I don't know why they were all so concerned about me. What? I'm tired. I'm four years old. I like the baby - I'm not jealous... (and I really need a nap.)

Finally I climbed those stairs, two flights, separated by the landing. Of course I usually stopped at the stained-glass window with the window seat but...(I was dragging). Granddaddy scooped me up and placed me in the bed. That's all I remember. Christmas Eve was a blur.

Christmas morning, I got a doll but she was cold to the touch. It felt awful. Where was Benjamin Bunny? Mom laid out a blanket on the floor for me to sit on. Then she laid the pink bundle on my lap. My older brother was outside in the snow, but I didn't want to go. (Imagine that - the snow queen staying inside.) Slowly his little eyes opened and he looked right at me, and barfed. I laughed so hard, I wet myself. (I knew right then we'd be friends forever.) And that's my favorite Christmas memory!

 Thanks to Cherdo and Janie Junebug for this happy, happy blog hop!!

Three weeks before Christmas

Three weeks before Christmas, I stood at the road,
Surveying the house lights and checking the load.
Most strands lit up brightly, one hung down too far.
I stepped in the road, was struck down by a car.

The driver was nice and he wore a red suit.
I glanced in his car and saw tons of loot.
He had everything, from mixers to trolleys
And bags full of toys, including small dollies.

The stars that I saw, when he hit me, were fading.
Though I dreaded the task of my home's light upgrading.
But he had me sit down while he went to work.
The strand hung too far, he fixed with a jerk.

From a bag he retrieved, in the back of his car,
He presented the most brilliantly lit golden star.
On the top of the house he moved like an adder.
I looked all around, but where was his ladder?

He danced and he pranced as he sang out with laud.
Dumbfounded I sat there, and could only applaud.
In the blink of an eye he stood on the ground.
The leaves were all dry, but he made not a sound.

It was then that I noticed the white beard and hair.
My eyes must have widened, he laughed at my stare.
This couldn't be 'him', he didn't exist,
But I just had to ask; I couldn't resist.

I turned to say something and found he was gone.
Had I merely passed out right here on the lawn?
Later that evening my family came out.
I flipped on the switch and heard a great shout!

The tiny lights twinkled with nothing to mar.
The biggest surprise was the golden lit star.
The years pass by quickly, and the star's always bright.
There's no cord connected, no batteries for light!

Yet every December the cheers always jar,
And I think of the “'dream” when hit by that car.
The words he exclaimed when he left with his load
"Merry Christmas to you, and stay out of the road!"

seasonal bargains

Finding seasonal bargains is wonderful. Still the price was definitely too much for "grapeless grapes." In fact, I'm not really sure what that means. Shouldn't that bag be empty if it's truly representative of "grapeless"?


Or maybe something like this...? Who couldn't use an extra pack of hot dog buns?

Airplanes- moving stars-The gift

Normally in warmer weather, Friday evening would find me at the overlook point at the airport. I have fond memories of going out there when I was younger - it was a family thing. Kind of a mini Christmas without the hoopla.

Thursday night I stood in my driveway and watched airplanes fly overhead. My home seems to be on an outer edge of two flight paths. One travels a southern to northern direction. The other criss-crosses in an eastern to western direction. At times it looked as if two planes would meet in the middle, directly over the street. I know there's supposed to be at least a thousand feet in height between the two planes, but it didn't look like that to me.

This criss-crossing seemed to be ongoing, and after a while I had to abandon the watching. It really spooked me. It's quite dark and the sky puts on it's own show. It wasn't long before I was studying constellations instead. That's when I noticed the cold night air, the breeze moving leftover leaves in the drive, and why did I think I could do anything about those planes? I might as well try to move a star! And that's when I saw the shooting star. Did I do that?(smile)No.

Once inside the house, the aroma of an almost-done roast, greeted me. Now there's a focal point - roast beef sandwiches for the weekend! Forget the stars. Forget the planes. As soon as the cook timer went off I removed the roast.

I don't mind being a small part of the picture. More and more I'm thankful when I experience peace no matter what else is going on. I'm thankful for the Creator, who has provided me with the one gift to bring into fruition, in my life - Faith, Hope and Love.  May you find this gift and it bless your life as well.

I'm always grateful to those who visit, and the light you share!

There's a monkey wrench in the works!

Oh, I'm sick - really. (Cough, cough, ache, blah, blah, etc.) The main concern is the shelter - I can't cook for people while I'm contagious. My back up person will take over for this week. I hate that, but I would want someone to be responsible in the same way. Actually the back up person is all excited!

My neighbor will be going to Pennsylvania for Christmas. He asked me to babysit his Tropical Love Bird. I used to have three birds and they were so sweet and trained! This little bird, named "Brisbane" has no idea who the boss is - and I'm not sure I'm up for it. I'd hate for him to spend a whole week in his little house, but the last time we were around each other, he landed on my shoulder and bit me on the cheek! In fact - the scab just dropped off last week(sigh). Not to worry, I haven't given a answer yet. Maybe I should ask for votes on this? But the neighbor has a little two year old grandson that he rarely sees, (thank you heart strings - beat me up!!)

Meanwhile here's some stuff I'm making. I can't post everything or "the sweet God-daughter" will know what she's getting for Christmas!(smile)(I know you're here.)

Chocolate dipped candy canes...

Leg warmers made from sweater sleeves...

Gingerbread cake with stenciled design in powdered sugar...

Christmas gifts for the neighbors...

Copied this for my front railings - it's gorgeous!
It's also, probably the reason I am sick - outside too long...

Normally, you know this as "Thursday Wrapping it up," but I've got a moment and I feel okay - so why not make it happen?
Meanwhile... Happy Birthday, Mom - I miss you!

A wish

It's a town most anywhere,
where the snow has fallen deep,
and the people never sleep.

It's a town that has no name,
where people watch the stars a-glow,
that shed their light upon the snow.

It's a town not far away,
where people celebrate and cheer,
the love that's true and clear.

Help! What color ribbon?

Help! It's crazy - I do this for people all the time, but right now I'm blank when it comes to my own tree. I like to wrap the tree with lights around the inside trunk. It looks like it's illuminated from the inside. Then a second wrap of lights on the outer edges of the limbs. A few silver icicles... maybe... always adds a shimmer to the lights. Or maybe not(smile). Help.

A neighbor had a huge hydrangea with dried blossoms - did I want them? I'm not sure I even hung up the phone, before running out the door to get them! I really didn't want to deal with ornaments this year. Maybe one or two placed in baskets or as stand alone focal point/arrangements... but not on the tree. But I'd like your help with one final element and then the tree will (finally) be done. What color ribbon should I use? I love making bows or using it for garland. Solid, plaid, stripe, I'm game!

Dried Hydrangea blossoms

Red geraniums                                                          

Pine scented pine cones

My camera is not working so this is the closet visual I can get you...