Hello Bob?

For the 2010 Winter Olympics, I was glad to see Bob Costas back; love those late night fire-side chats! Oh yes, I’d love to share the Olympic size flame I’ve been harvesting. Just a few minutes, alone, with those oh-so-pinch-able cheeks of his!! (Quiet on the set, please.)

Speaking of cheeks: how about those Bob Sled dudes? The atmosphere was so electrified for that event. You could feel the tightening of the reins, ha. Some 62 years since the Americans have earned gold in this event. Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and America, were readying for the top three medals. I couldn’t help myself, though I cheered them all on, I wanted my home team to win. Thank you Bob Sled Boys! (Cue/queue Mary.)

Two words: Mary Carillo… the sweetheart of the Olympics special features. She’s a retired tennis pro from the 1980’s. Professionally and cheerfully, she ‘bobbed’ all over British Columbia showcasing the people and their lives. I was glued to my TV set for every feature she profiled. Last nights’ feature was ‘Canadian comedy’…I laughed until I cried. (Mary Carillo said the same thing.)

So now we’re on to the big hockey game! There’s also some ice skating left… stay tuned. You know that Bob, Mary, and I will have something later to say regarding the outcome. It might even be something nice! (Throw on log, dim lights, slice chocolate cake, say ‘bye for now’… fade to black.)

Bye for now :)

Is there more?

Oh, why do we give a puck, a puck;
Oh why do we give a puck?

Across the ice and into net
The puck will make its lucky trek ~

In hopes the goalie has gone cold
So we can make that final goal ~

Oh, why do we give a puck, a puck;
Oh why do we give a puck?

Let’s cheer them on, the teams we meet
With toothless smiles and monster feet ~

Olympic Moms are oh-so-proud
And cheer among the frozen crowd ~

My favorite sport

I’ve never thought to be in the Olympics. There was no sport that captured my focus. I did, however, feel an urge to tell them their uniforms looked awful. Must we really stay with that ‘red, white, and blue’ scheme?(theme)

Such a struggle to find my way through all the sports; was there anything I could do? I heard the announcer say: “Hey, now we’re cooking!” So I got a box of cake mix and knew that was close enough for me; mixed it up, carefully reading the results to look for.

“You will know your cake is ready when it springs back to the touch. To check for doneness, stick a toothpick halfway into the center of each layer. When it comes out clean, your cake layer is done.” So there it was… my challenge and how to obtain the gold. I burnt my hand, accidentally pricked my hand, and gave myself a hand, for the layer not going flat.

Next came the icing. It was great; I simply opened this little can and spread it over each layer. I’m not sure what they meant about ‘tempering’ the chocolate at the top, but my own temper was getting hotter by the minute, so I skipped that step. It tasted good to me. So I moved on to my next event… curling.

I took out a nice clean plate, accompanied it with a lovely fork. Making my way to my family room, I ‘curled’ up onto the sofa to watch the Olympics! Isn’t life grand?

I really love snow

I hope that some are taking time to enjoy the 2010 Olympics. Once again the snow captures my heart for the winter competitions. I can't view enough of the treasures of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Just a few more days and they're gone again. I'll be back. :)

Vancouver, can you hear me?

I’m happy in the snow
It tickles as I go
My long hair in the breeze
It reaches to my knees

I’m training for my team
Vancouver is the dream
‘They’ say I’m not too old
So I’m going for the gold!

Chorus:
Vancouver, can you hear me?
Vancouver, I’m on my way.
Save a place on yonder mountain
I’ll be there by light of day.

My snowboard is shining
No time to be whining
As I slip and I slide
Taking gold home with pride!

Chorus:
Vancouver, can you hear me?
Vancouver, I’m on the way.
Save a place on yonder mountain
I’ll be there by light of day!

Amazing Valentine

In 2002 the "Weather Photo of the Day" ran this photo. Unfortunately there is no credit to name for it's amazing observation. Contrary to popular belief, lightening travels from earth's ground to the sky. So I've chosen this photo as an amazing valentine to send out today. For those willing to stand under a tree, you might just feel the love.

In less than a heartbeat

In less than a heartbeat I took this photo not knowing how it would turn out. A split-second in time as the wind blew the snow sideways. It traveled down my coat collar threatening to end my trek out. It was so cold but too beautiful to ignore.

The subject was supposed to be a simple grey squirrel. He was smarter than I and scurried up the tree away from the strongest wind. That placed him on the other side of the tree. Do you see a squirrel? Neither do I; he was smarter and faster than my digital camera!

When I viewed the photo later I was greatly surprised. It has a look of having been ‘brushed’ by something. An almost ‘gauzy’ veil overlay the scene. It is the snow; tiny flakes so fast and carried in multi-directions, simultaneously that produces the effect.

In that moment I was transported back in time. Again I felt the snow, the wind, and awe of seeing simple beauty. Again I felt the rush of childhood and the excitement that a perfect snow brings; perfect because it felt magical. It felt perfect because the child within me rejoiced.

Snowfall

“If you have forgotten how to love yourself, you will probably ask (or demand) too much of other people. Remember: love is our original nature.”
Author unknown

There I was flying over the land. I dipped and slipped between the clouds of heaven. The wind unfurled its mighty force and I began to swirl. Excitement filled my senses as others joined in joy. We were all together and happy to be traveling along.

The land below us changed. Streets appeared with tiny houses. Tall trees with old majestic manner reached out to us: ‘fall here!’ Enchantment from below was really the ocean’s roar. I laughed as seagulls cut through and dived to avoid our path. Then along came the snow birds flipping us about as we began a downward sway. I lay in the darkness and drifted off, listening to the remainder of the snowfall.

Early morning found me in a strange new state. I had form yet still felt free. I could stay or I could go. The choice was mine. I had no eyes, but I could see the water glistening. The ocean foam still contained the outlines of many travelers. Would they remain in the water or evaporate back into the sky?

The sun climbed higher and so did my self… back to being the self I loved. My only treasure was the thought to share again… another snowfall.

All you need is love

As a child I found a face on the moon. I wondered if the moon was like a giant mirror reflecting the goodness of a distant entity. ~And so began my list of notes.

I was watching the televised special program for Haiti. Story after story of death and survival was brought to light. I cried with some and cheered with others. I felt the brokenness, but only as a spectator to their pain. Yes, I could relate to loss, but this was so enormous. All I could do was hope that many would contribute to the needs, hopes, and dreams of this neighboring nation.

On my list of a childhood’s wonderings, was the question: “Why did my dog have to die?” Was it punishment for some nasty little deed I’d forgotten? I did, after all, sneak a piece of chewing gum, from my Mom’s handbag, one summer day. I pleaded earnestly: but why my dog and why now? Answer: he was old and he was ready.

As an adult I realized the ‘why’ can keep you looping, without end, without answers, and never satisfied. Eventually my studies taught me to include: who, what, where, when, why, and how, of all life’s events. This tragedy with Haiti has helped me to unlock some of those previous notes.

The answer to notes: 17, 58, 109, 1002, 2102, is: “Share what you can.”
Notes: 20, 320, 1005, and 2087: “Joy finds a way.”
Notes: 39, 855, 1010, and 2114: "Patience is a virtue."
Notes: 66, 148, 1254, and 2144: “All you need is love."

who wants some peace?

So much is going on in our world.
The children reach for peace from the heavens.
Once again it comes down, but who’s watching?
I know I need as much as I can possibly get.

Winter's Farm

Winters’ farm felt so warm
Blanketed in snow
How I longed to see its charm
Return to long ago

As in dreams children live
My own life was found
Carried by a wish to give
Yet lost when I fell down


Travel made my heart light
Place to place I went
Looking for my winter’s farm
With lovely seasons spent

Through older, wiser eyes
I let the farm take flight
In visions of my night time
My blanket stayed in sight

It kept me safe and warm
It promised me a dream
In beauty’s snowbound storm
The farm I loved just beamed

Don't know where...

I don’t know where this blog is headed. I just need to feel; but while I’m feeling I’m going to type out something so you won’t think I’ve forgotten how to blog.

I’m feeling things in hard measure right now. This doesn’t happen often but when it does I find that if I go with the flow, it ends sooner.

Hiding; yes I’m hiding in games I play on a site that leaves me alone… when I need to be alone. At the same time I want some friends to have a laugh, so I put up a stupid statement to get comments. I told them that I’d lost my brain. In reality my brain is shut down for repairs and sorting. Minimum energy is being used to pen this monstrosity. I’m okay with that and sincerely hope you are, though it’s not required of either of us.

We’re almost to the end of this blog. How do I know? I’m tired.

I want to return when I ‘feel’ better. I want to return to write something to make you smile.

Into the new year...

Passing on the "Lovely Blog Award"

Today I would like to pass on the "Lovely Blog Award" to the "A Day in the Life" blog.

http://mb1023.blogspot.com/

David has a series of "Dave's Progress" postings, as well as many other articles on mental/emotional issues of interest. He's a very 'upbeat' person, with a very positive outlook on life. "A lovely blog" may have nothing to do with how the blog looks, but from what we may glean from it's pages. I have gleaned hope, compassion, and encouragement; A Lovely Blog indeed!


1. Accept the award and post a link back to the awarding person.
2. Pass the award on.
3. Notify the new award winner

A Revealing

It has such a strange sound off my tongue: Happy 2010.

I’m older, wiser, and yet feel I know nothing more than I knew on the day I was born. Yes, I think I knew it all on that first day, but it stayed hidden; hidden until people entered my world and challenged my little being. One by one, as each person crosses my path, I remember why I love them so much. I love them because they are part of me. Even the bad, especially the bad, for it teaches what I don’t want to do or become. It creates humility for my own standing among the stars. I am the sum of all of us.

What will 2010 bring that I shall remember at the end of its days? I’ll just have to wait to find out. For now I am content to stand at the beginning and meditate another year’s approach. I am content for others to keep crossing and finding what I know; that they already know within themselves, yet need a revealing. That is what we share.

Happy Boxing Day!

To my many friends, around the world, who celebrate Boxing Day. Cheers!

oops, maybe next year

“Twas the day before, the day before, the day before, the day
I was hoping to get shopping done and have a bit of play.
But the sales rep wanted cash and my card was all I had.
So I lost the precious treasures and found myself quite sad.

The hours spent to find my gifts meant nothing in the end.
If only they had held my gifts ‘til cash I brought to them.
But no; they sought to sell the very items that I loved.
Pray tell, was that the manager that gave me a hearty shove?

Out through the door, onto to the street I stood and waved my arms,
In desperate wail and raising hell, I promised them alarm.
I struck a match and pitched it toward the carts that stood nearby
~And laughed when they first cuffed me, then off to my jail ride.

Tonight would be a good night, and hopefully all week
I’ll stay in jail for burning carts and searing shoppers’ feet.
On Christmas Day when ham is served, I’ll smile and cheer them on
~And celebrate my gifting freedom, with every Christmas song.

Hi Mom

Today’s your birthday. I dedicate this blog to you.

In our home, birthdays were always simple; none of that egotistical celebration. You were a good Mom to teach me that the creature is not the same as the creator. At your knee I learned that I needed humility and kindness as traits to do service in the universe. I needed gratitude to keep my countenance in check. I needed love, and sense of fair play, lest I judge unwisely.

I remember that you questioned the untruths of December 25th, and wondered why the world was almost ‘mad’ with fervor; ignoring reason. When and where had the creator instituted such a holiday for celebration? Within, what you told me was His written word, there was no explanation. The only new holy day was “The Last Supper”; we were to do “that” in remembrance of the creator’s first and only begotten child. So what was Christmas?

Time has passed; indeed twelve years since you’ve been gone. Christmas has become quite the vexation; people irrationally judging each other by its ‘existence’. “It may not be his birthday, “as some say, “but it’s the day I choose to celebrate it.” I’m prompted to respond: get on with it then. Its not that I mind celebrating the light that entered the world because of the divine child; I mind when others, without authority, add on more ‘good news’ than is true. So I’m missing Christmas, but not as much as I miss you.

In the aftermath of loss, it becomes imperative to move on. Each person experiencing loss must choose the path that brings them relief. I’ll be mailing out your card today. I’ve never had one returned. Then again, if it had a ‘return address’ on it, I might. (LOL) Somewhere, someone will open that card and read about the light I miss, and the light that keeps me going. I trust the universe that it arrives in the right person’s hands. Silly, yes, but it’s my celebration of you.

Is this Surreal?

I don't really understand 'surreal' ideology. Often the blogs I read that 'have gone surreal' are out of my league. However, I'm thinking that maybe this photo is surreal. If not, let me know, and I'll change the title.

The photo credit is not mine; a neighbor shared it with me and she requested anonymity.

That's all. :)

My season

They’ve almost all fallen to the ground.
My golden leaves.
Autumn takes flight.

I was a child when I realized that autumn was my favorite time of year. Indeed I’ve written about that fact a couple of times on this blog before. Something new has come from heart to mind and that is what I wish to share.

Recently a small package arrived; a birthday present from a well-meaning friend. Knowing the tragedies I had faced, all during the fall of separate years, meant facing their anniversaries every year. The gift made me realize I needed to step back and look at the bigger picture.

Though there are many anniversaries that cause me pain, my fondness of the season always gets me through. I call that “God-stuff”. Stuff that I, as a human, could not have prearranged; however that is not the issue here. Still I am amazed that the two entwine so, like a woven basket.

The issue is how the negatives play out in my heart. The positive attitude that autumn gives me, lifts me out of the doldrums, and into the golden rays of autumn itself. Pretty soon those anniversaries are merely single days that happened. They are not negative, they are necessary. So I look on them as precious events as they dance with me, every year, through my season. I bid them farewell as the sun tilts and brings ‘old man winter’ for me to cherish.