the door is shut

Why couldn't you have treated me decently... like the human being I am? What gave you the right to overstep boundaries of politeness? "Do unto others," leaves the door wide open to give you some problems of your own. Yet, your problems are so big already you don't see the results of your behavior. As long as you're always the one in control, life is good.
And now I'm looking at losing three friends. You've maneuvered such ugliness and untruth... they are hesitant to come near because you are a stalker of innocent, kind people. You prey on the weak moments and feelings of your victim's circumstances. You call evil good, and good evil?
I'm not used to this. It's not been my place to ask people to leave me alone. How many times have I said it already? Why won't you hear me? As if you're a alien creature who does not speak the language of love. Only recently did I discover you did not know the language because you do not feel love for anyone. You call it a hindrance.
It might have been nice if I'd known your true colors before speaking kind words to you. I might have bitten my tongue. Surely I'd had the intelligence to walk away at that point. For the life of me I'll never know why I stayed so long... too long.
These eyes will not regret and shed tears. This heart will keep a steady beat that sounds in my ears... like a warning in the fog. The door is shut.

During my absence... death stopped by... hello

It matters not ~ the attribute you leave behind. Is it something I need; something I can use; something that glorifies Creation? It matters not ~ it is enough that it remains, and makes me smile.


YOU! a role model of a tree standing tall imparting life to a young generation.
YOU! a fragile flower representing a calm nature I long to imitate.
YOU, two, made me smile ~

that tall tree


Like a tall tree standing ~ in the sun
Limbs lifted for nourishment
Tears from on high flow
New seeds sprout from down below
We give our love in fulfillment
To see our offspring standing tall ~ in the sun

buried at sea

This morning I closed my eyes imagining a scene at the beach. Flowers were floating along the foam; some caught by the undertow; some  in spaces of gentle waves; some moving outward into the large body of ocean. 

Such peacefulness... would I finally reach it? 

One by one as the flowers sank I felt sad at having to let them go. Would I swim out to re-gather them if I could? Silly me, a re-gather would bring back the sorrows with the joys. 

In my mind the flowers float on. So many flowers. So many years. So much pain. So much love. I can be as fragile as the ocean's foam, or as strong as its mightiest wave. 

Gone one week? Feels like a month!

Like watching a backhoe digging a hole, I prepared myself to be bored by my simple no cable, no internet, no phone, life. Nothing could be further from the truth... as my days became filled with renewed interests in projects. No, I wasn't going to sit back in my yard's wheel barrow and watch nature... become one with the dirt. No sir or madam; "dcrelief" was on an adventure that proved to bring rewards of wisdom... and a new, improved brick/block wall design for my back patio area.

I stood on the patio having placed the last block... for the day. My hands with tiny cuts and scrapes begged for a new job; a vacation of sorts which did not include rough surface contact. Hmmm? Go forth and write to your blog!

"Dear Blog,
What treasures will you lead me to as I return? Even if my blog pals are gone and not to be found, I will read every post because they are loved. ~And because I've come to love them too, my desire to understand their writings is the catalyst that feeds my adventures... here and elsewhere."


PS. Do any of my pals know how to lay curved cement blocks so that they blend harmoniously?

Be back when I can

Hello and what a time I've had! If not for all of those who read, comment, or just float by... 'dcrelief' would be empty of laughter and love.

Rather than run up a big financial bill with my internet services, I have chosen to disconnect. As other things might complicate and accumulate to this make decision... it is the right decision. I don't think I ever viewed having internet as a 'luxury'. Too bad.... however, it is possible that life continues without it. :)

The length of time that I'll be away is unknown. Unfortunately my service also includes television and telephone... all will be disconnected on March 12, 2013. Short notice I agree, but my choice is made in wisdom. Owing anyone or company is not my favorite thing.

To date I must consider, first, the hospitals and doctors I owe for last year's seven hospital visits, and of course that big surgery. Seems one can ever have enough health insurance. Recent changes here have lessened the help I was receiving; deductibles and copays have increased for me.

Don't cry for me Argentina!!  It might be a couple to three months... hopefully back on here before anyone really notices. Let's pretend I'm on a "dcrelief world tour".

Simply said: Be back when I can.

some answers are not answers at all

Some answers are not answers at all...

Pretend you did what I did. First find a roommate to supplement the household income,  thereby, supposedly, enhancing the quality of life. (Yours not theirs, per Se.) About halfway through the first month's experience things get rocky. You then choose a second roommate, hoping the budget would recoup the first roommate's financial shortfall...  and now(!) the budget and I (or you) would be smiling... again. {not}

A friend once told me... "people see my kindness as a weakness, and then take advantage of me." Yes, I do believe I have that self-same stupidity gene. Some might refer to it as being "co-dependent"... in short... if I can take care of you, then I'm a good person. Then I have extra confidence. Then I can slap myself on the back and give me  a few "attaboys". Dixie rules!

It's too long of a story to share, and much too embarrassing to think I have no "street smarts". To become long-winded, telling all, sends me into a state of tears. It's difficult for me to fathom people being so manipulative.  Having no "street smarts," or worldly savvy has become the best joke on me. (Um, people are disrespectful because they have the right to be?) Miss Manners has just killed over from shock.  (No conversation? No debate?)

A changing world... a changing country... a change in attitude that produces animal-like minds...
hearts...
songs...
words...
Can we hate something or someone enough? There plenty of room to bash people around. Plenty of room to hate. Keep going... will they change me?

When I heard myself yelling to no one there: "get out of my house!" I got worried. It takes courage to admit the weakness I feel. It takes confidence to tell another, "in spite of my kindness, which you see as weakness, get out of my house." Just you watch closely as the tears are drying up, and a monster wants to get loose.  I don't do monsters; could be a first. Then again I can retreat to my little blog where polite people visit, and feed me with the best things of life: faith, hope, and love.

"You have not because you ask not...."
Would someone send me a digital attitude reflector suit?
Some answers are not answers at all... they're just thoughts.

a day with snow

It's been a while since I've walked through 'blog-land'. My life has been full of good things, and a couple of misadventures. All is mostly well, and I hope everyone else is having a break from issues or troubles. And don't we all need a break?!

For about a month I thought I might be in love. Yes your's truly, 'dcrelief,' looking through those pesky rose colored glasses. I had my mind's eye fixed on a large box of chocolates. Might I also receive a romantic valentine card??? Alas, the cheap trick fooled me. Anyone wanting to write me a 'poor baby' comment is most appreciated. Boo-hoo, if that makes it easier.

I'm sitting here typing whatever comes to mind. Hold on... (fight the blank)... I'm back.

Friday evening it began to snow, oh my, what a beautiful snow. Sorry houseless people but it was so lovely watching those huge flakes kick in. The photo is of the park near me, but I took it some time ago. My camera is still on the fritz. It's kinda tough because this snow was even prettier than then. According to the news we got three inches. Not bad, but the streets were clear and the meltdown began the next morning.

Is it me or does this sound a bit lacking in energy??! I loved it. Tossed out lots of seeds for the birds and they were everywhere. All colors... something I don't normally see in winter.

I'll get back to that 'cheap trick' another day... it's a story. xx

The Luv Moth, er, month?

                                       Image by Dr. Arthur Anker


Time for the serious love month. Visions of Reese's pieces dance through my head. What the heck, leftover chocolate covered cherries from Christmas will suffice. Something that says ~ LOVE. Then again, who decided that giving chocolate means giving love?

The "Poodle Moth" inhabits Venezuela. I find it to be grotesquely beautiful. Hey, how about creating a stuffed one for the LOVE month? Really those little golden antennae are so alarmingly charming; eyelashes even Lady Gaga would be envious of. Such a face that only a mother would love... the moth, not Gaga! Yet ~ am I too old for stuffed animals and creatures? It has that "Pokemon" look.

I thought about having an affair, a wild fling, but the only place open without reservation is the Monkey cage at the zoo. There might definitely be some flinging going on... yea, sure, but is it done in LOVE? Must google wikipedia to verify.

Where are the good old days when you went to a mountain top chalet, complete with Jacuzzi, melting pot of chocolate and ripe, red strawberries?? You wined and dined and had a very good time. Lots of smooches here ~ lots of smooches there ~ before you know it ~ you drown from exhaustion?? (Remember you're spending the time in a Jacuzzi)(smile).

Alas... maybe I'll mail myself an invitation to a mountain top chalet. While I'm waiting for delivery, I'll make myself a poodle moth doll. Once I get the chalet address I'll wire flowers, chocolate, and a gift card from Victoria's secret. That's it... a healthy dose of LOVE for me.

Okay. So if you want to come along, make your own poodle moth doll; the chocolate is on me! LOL.

Wisdom

(Image appears to be manipulated - artist unknown.)


Once upon a time I was crossing this huge meadow and came across a cow, who spoke to me:  "Mmmooommm, what are you doing in my pasture?"

"I'm going to see the tree of wisdom."(smile)

"MmmMMmm, very well, you may cross the pasture."

La-la-la, fiddle-dee, I danced around and around and around... a strange looking tree. Looking at me, it spoke: "You are approaching the great forest. I am the tree of wisdom and yet,  I cannot ascertain 'why' you approach?"

"Oh tree of wisdom, I long to touch the sky; feel the sunlight upon my face; feel peaceful in a world of counting woes." I spread my arms wide in mimic of angelic wings.

The tree smiled: "How will you do these things? Or have you come to the tree of wisdom to assist your quest?"

"Yes, I know what to do, and yes I need your assistance." Seeing a smirk on its face I hesitated,  but then from within, arose a rush of courage.

"I would climb to the top and sit among your tallest branches. Peace would enter my heart as I bathe in the sunshine. Sunlight drawing me to a standing position where I might begin to touch the sky."

A most solemn expression it displayed and asked, "The tree of wisdom is forbidden to touch; you know this. You will surely die. How would I assist you?"

"As the sunlight draws, my arms will stretch upward, and I will to leap from your safety. Please allow your branches to embrace me. Gently, slowly, guiding me to the ground that I may die upon it; nourishing the roots of your being."

"Very well; see you on the return flight."

"What?" .....................

Rabble-Babble-Ramble

rabble           - tumultuous crowd
babble           -indistinct, meaningless words
ramble           -to walk aimlessly, digress

A life with problems and issues; who hasn't lived that yet? Who, I ask, has missed a morning waking to the sound of your brain, laughing? Knowing full well that the very moment your eyelids curl back toward you forehead... 'it's on.'  Rabble, babble, ramble, and what?

Meanwhile your innard parts are hoping something has miraculously changed while you slept. That crazy elbow you love so much is achy. Your trick knee has turned on the stage light... the show will go on.  And how in the world could you have dreamed you were sitting on a commode?

You might be in this awkward shape for a bit; good thing you set the coffee pot alarm.  You did add water, right?  Yes, of course you did... twice. This funk must stop. There will be solutions.

Casually you walk over to the double paned, double-doored, windows; a beautiful sun is rising. You can't help but throw them wide open to the world; accidentally throwing yourself through the windows. Now passing floor number 3, you realize your mistake but take a moment to wave to Mrs. Archer. She makes the best........... and you've landed.

Then again, maybe you're still dreaming. Oh look, the commode is right where you left it; ahhhh.

Bill discusses taxes

Hello, my name is Bill and I'm new at this posting stuff, however there's a message for most. Get comfy and I'll wait for your return, in say, one minute.

It's often uncomfortable discussing tax bills. I'm sent to distract most from outrageous hysterics. After all there are people waiting for your cheque/check.

Just for shoots & giggles... I'm a cockatiel, a crested Australian parrot. Someone kidnapped me and brought me here, to the land of freedom(?), but I don't pay taxes. Nope, no "Tax Bill" for me.

One of the most popular things to do is attached your bill to my cage. Every time you hear me pecking, 'tap, tap, tap,' you're reminded that the Tax bill is due.

Aw, the Mrs. is up so I'm going to fix her breakfast now. I suppose after last night she's feeling a bit taxed herself. Any way, pay those taxes so I can stop pecking on the paper bill.

dc's fireside chat

Oh, what profound thoughts can be thunk of in the presence of a glowing fireplace. I doth leap, and lop, and lope around within my brain. Each tiny blue flame exists as a reminder that life is anything but cold. Yes, the blueness of it seems cold, but just you put your hand within; $#^@!#!!q34urhhkk....(hot right?)

Glorious thoughts of a thousand sand flies storm into the face of dreaming. Like moths to a flame, they cling momentarily, go zit, zit, zit, and then no more. Good heavens I've forgotten the chocolate fondue. ~And~ I failed to close the fire screen; no sand flies tonight.  Their crunchy goodness brings childhood memories of chocolate covered ants. I simply didn't thunk this through. Ah, popcorn! Now we'll continue 'dc's fireside chat'.

Is it the comfort of the fire that provokes having a little snack. One of my favorite comfort foods is ice cream. Ice cream and a roaring fire equal, milkshake. A couple of more logs and we'll serve hot cocoa.

I must confess I never use pine logs; their sap kind of scares me. All that resin might set my fireplace on fire. It would certainly dampen the business of fireside chats; making this chat... one of one. So there's a profound thought.

There's a nice shiny glow on the walls' wood paneling. Easy to make shadow images... la, la, la,la, see the little finger point at you. It's a bird... no, it's a plane... no, it's a finger!! Wow, do profound thoughts encourage profound behavior? Thunk on that, and I'll return for another one of: 'dc's fireside chat'. (Oh, chocolate covered popcorn is outrageous. I may be sick.)

This is mostly a true story.

My New Year's Revolution

Did I mean resolution? Revelation?  Restitution? Rasputin? Rumpelstiltskin?

No, the good ole eleventh-hour Congress has saved the Hill... Capitol Hill, that is. "Fiscal Cliff" be hanged. Let's call it a day and go out for a snowball fight. (Hey, watch that guy on the far right; I think he's packing a rock in the center.)

Then again this might be one of those "G-30" summit meetings. Give a shout out if there's someone you recognise from your hometown! (Takes an 'act' of congress to find out what those meetings are truly about.)

Thanks for reading. I had a polly-waddy political moment. It's over now. There you go!

Happy New Year ~ 2013

Thank you for joining me during 2012. Your comments and visits are always welcome!

Berries ~ red

On the limb with berries ~ red
Nibble fast you sleepyhead.
Winter waits for no one here.
Have a munch, then give a cheer!

I don't have to hibernate.
It's always nice to stay awake.
With berries ~ red I dearly love
to sit among these limbs above.

Good sleep, I wish to Sam and Clay.
My appetite bids me to stay.
When I am done I'll rest my head
and dream about the berries ~ red.

Ask

A glowing fire - encouraging thought.

"...you have not because you ask not."

This partial sentence comes from a biblical source. You may recognize it from The Book/The Bible; it is placed within Chapter 4, verse 2. It has been a challenge for me to find understanding of this. Ironically the more humble I become, the clearer the statement becomes. I'm not asking that any should look at this book and read this for themselves. My goal is simply to write what has risen within my heart. That is the reason for my blog after-all. I write about what has come to me, and invite others to share their own life experiences.

Ah, another year approaches and do I have a resolution or two? I am still walking the path that presented itself years ago. The difference being, I am willing to take it slower, enjoying the beauty either side of this path offers. Some may say, "stop and smell the roses," a common phrase, but I want my eyes to embrace the full view. Starting at the ground and whatever season arrives; to glory in tiny spring shoots, summer lushness, autumn's fallen leaves, or winter snow drifts. Then gazing upward toward skies of blue, grey, or midnight blue... I want to see and love every moment I can. So I ask that I might embrace all of life, without worldly cares to weight my soul.

Should you also be celebrating a new year at this time, please know I bid you well. The spirit within me would have you know it, but that's another thing for another time, perhaps. With a true and loving motive, ask so that you might have.

Thank you for reading. Happy New 2013!

Evergreen

Along the trail of snow ~ the sun begins to fade.
The golden rays' last glow ~ are covered by the shade.

Another day is gone ~ and put to rest for now.
Yon Christmas lights and song ~  align on every bough.

As darkness paints the night ~ the evergreen stands tall.
I pray with all my might ~ that beauty touches all. 

A way in(side) a manger

Ten gazillion pictures showing the baby Jesus in a straw-filled wooden box. Christmas cards, wrapping paper, and little nativities... straw/wood... what?

This photo on the Internet shocked me. I had no idea what a manger really looked like, much less what it was used for... back in the day(?) I don't know; maybe today they are still used to feed and/or water the animals. That is their purpose... and ideal for a sleeping child that needs a crib. And then there's the song:

"Away in a manger no room for a bed
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay."

Aha! A hay-filled rock-hewn manger for the small person who'd provide the world a way. A way to love. A way to hope. A way to live within the coming Kingdom of God. So the babe grew up and went about, describing the Kingdom of God. That's the gospel and most seem to have forgotten or simply don't know it.

My stuff gets real tired listening to Sunday school teachings of the same old, same old thing. I feel like jumping up from my chair and shouting out: "Why are we constantly relearning the same thing from year to year?" I'm beginning to understand why Jesus went on 'tour' so to speak. Because there's 'a way' that came out of that manger and moved onward toward life, I am enabled to move on too.

Thanks for reading.

I smell commercialism

["In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday. "]  { http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm }

 ~and now onward to America. Let's pause for the cause of Santa Claus! C'mon, put your HANDS together for the guy in the RED suit...........! An exclusive 'dcrelief' removal of the rose colored glasses:

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm

And just for fun:

http://youtu.be/bgFSSPlzBl4

Cold milk and strawberry cream cheese scones will be waiting ~

Living through Christmas ~ time

A friend shared a video titled, "Where's the line to see Jesus?" It's about a child at a shopping mall who sees all the children in line to see Santa Claus. The youngster has brought a gift, but there's no one there to accept it. He goes from adult to adult with the same question: "Where's the line to see Jesus?"

Experts claim the real birthday is September 11, 3BC; also known at that year as "The Feast of Trumpets." Ever since that time only tragic events have taken place on that date. Hmm?

http://www.askelm.com/news/n060911.htm


http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm

Musical interlude: Sounds of the season

Sounds of the season... coming at me and I listen with joy to many artists. This is a new group and I hope you enjoy them as much as I. 

What are you favorite sounds of the winter season?