Loki's giving away free stuff

http://napoleonicwargamingadventures.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/2nd-blog-birthday-giveaway.html

Happy Birthday Loki!!! Hope I win some stuff!!

modern conversation

Someone is getting really certain of what she wants (I know) and doesn't want to put up with (I know) and time is moving on (I know).

You know? (I know) You know what? (Smiles and nods, knowingly).

Is is me or is it disturbing when the only answer from a friend is... I know? (I know).

Then the fabulous option of replying...  I see. (I see) (I know)

Which leads me to the all-knowing, all-seeing response: (I understand)

But lately this has been a okay. (I know)  How do you know? (I know you). Wait, that's three words in a response... wow... that makes me happy. (I see) You see? (I see you're happy) Oh, four words and I am feeling freed by your support and feedback. (I understand) I know you understand. (How do you know?) I know. I see. I finally understand.

Let's do lunch again soon. (When?) You'll know.

Dear Diary,

At some point you will realize that you have done too much for someone, that the only next possible step to do, is to stop.

Leave them alone.

Walk away.

It’s not like you’re giving up, and should not try.

It’s just that you have to draw the line of determination from desperation.

What is truly yours would eventually be yours, and what is not, no matter how hard you try, will never be.

Today is that point in time...

~and more will be revealed.

~ and so this is Easter...

I've never been able to correlate the Easter celebration with the truth of Passover. Jesus didn't celebrate Easter with his disciples. He didn't tell them to eat chocolate bunnies "in memory of me." He ate the Passover meal with his disciples. He explained the holy day's meaning and how God was fulfilling  a gift through him. When I read about Passover and looked at the life of Jesus, it all fell into place for me. My own experience has proven things to be very real. But that's me and this is my blog... and this is what I wanted to post.

Each person's experience brings them closer or takes them further from this message. So even if you don't get it today, it doesn't mean you'll never understand what I'm saying. Likewise, it doesn't mean you'll ever believe like I do. Either way, I'm not a judge; I have no expectation.

Thanks for reading ~ dc

Really?

time is...

A break in the clouds.
A moment to rise above the feelings.
Time is, and the roots I had are dead.

No thing prevents me.
No anchor is there to hold me down.
Time just is, and the roots I had are dead.

Moonlight to carry.
My thoughts I release, as I arise.
Time is, and just like me, shall go on.

Neil Gaiman quote

an impromptu post

Initially I intended to post the "pithy tidbit poster" without any further comment. With so much that appears to be traveling my path with me, maybe I could add some more juice to the dill (deal). Woe to the cheeky pickle that steals my smiles.

In this "newness" without a second income partner, life has changed up. Years past I considered myself to be quite independent. Then along comes this year. I feel anything but independent and my ego is in the way of accepting help. A recent quote awoke me: "Through our own inability to accept personal responsibilities we were actually creating our own problems." Nothing I did was fixing "dc". Nothing I did gave lasting peace.

Is that what a normal life is? Up and down, and some repairs don't work, while others barely hold? Did I need a new glue? A glue to bridge things or simply start again? A friend suggested an inventory of what works in my life and what doesn't work. Along that path I realized some things just need to be let go of... certainly more than I have ever released from inside.

Let me wake up then. Give me coffee so I can bath in it's aroma. Give me roses so I can remember lessons when I touch a thorn. Give me friends that know what the heck I'm posting. I give to you an impromptu post.

give me a political break

Oh yes! Something a bit different for the old "dcrelief" page. Good stuff, so listen to this very short link and I'll be back.


"America is not the greatest country in the world anymore."

A dramatization here:  http://www.safeshare.tv/w/UAGOcLSuLX

Okay that was easy. Did you notice the background music when it kicked in? That's a clue to be seriously pondering stuff.  I personally found the music to be distracting and unnecessary. Then again, I'm not a film director.

How about that "sorority girl" remark? In a flash the cheerleaders were prepping protest signs stating: "We are not the dumbest college generation." It gave me a real chill up the spine hearing the speaker state the responsibility of all to be informed... including partying college "kids".

For those of you who were totally bored by my need for a political break... hopefully you had a snack close by... for the rest I leave you with a photo to digest.

So what's the beef? and where?

Oh yes?

check ~ please

jam. box ~ check
musical cd's ~ check                  

6 a.m. breakfast ~ check
early morning snack ~ check
light lunch packed  ~ check
energy drink ~ check
zip-lock bag of ice ~ check
granny-smith apple ~ check
bottled water ~ check

plastic stakes ~ check
yellow layout cording ~ check
tape measure ~ check
small hand truck ~ check
yellow wheel barrow ~ check
127 gray curved blocks ~ check

So here you are: a look at the blocks I'm working with; how they lay and how I'll play the day.
I must be crazy, but I like the look.

eat the last apple ~ check
drink last bottled water ~ check
fall out in bed ~ check

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.