Valentine's Day ~ with the children

Come on... look... 
it's not that bad!

I think I'll make a really cute bear...

Aw, Teddy...
just one look...

Pretty please...Teddy?

So it's Valentine's Day... I volunteered to go with this group, and visit hospitalized children. I just know we'll have a great time. (and cupcakes, Teddy!?!)

I haven't done this in many moons, but hey, it's okay. My bear suit still fits (smile). Yes, I have a big ribbon for a tie to go around my neck. Maybe someone will take a new photo for my album.

Put a smile on that face, Teddy. You look so cute all dressed in red. Yes, I promise... cupcakes. 

Yes... chocolate ones too. (smile)

Time for bed, Teddy. No late night movie, 
or we'll never get up on time. 
Please don't give me that look. You can watch two movies, tomorrow afternoon.

What? I don't have to look like a real bear, Teddy. It's just for fun.
Growl? Why would I growl? You don't growl. (Do you?)

Say goodnight, Teddy. Teddy? (zzzzz)

Celebrate the small things ~

I love this blog hop!

Each Friday, we post what we're celebrating - those small achievements for our week!  It can be about writing, family, school or general life.  Then we hop around other blogs, offering congratulations to other people. To be part of this blog hop, all you have to do is put your name on the linky list on Lexa's Cain's Blog.


A shout out to our fearless director!
Lexa Cain

Let's hear it for our co-hosts!!
L.G. Keltner ~ Writing Off The Edge
Katie ~ the cyborgmom

What am I celebrating? 
1 - My friend, who was not expected to live, (diagnosed 1-20-15), has made a 97% recovery! She'll be discharged from the hospital in two weeks. Her doctors told the family it must be a "God thing." They are completely stumped (smile).
2 - I was nominated for the "Very Inspiring Blogger Award."
3 - I won a free copy of Everyday writer, Tyrean Martinson 's "Jumble of 500+ Writing Prompts."  (YES!) See her blog to order a copy!
4 - I'm getting a refund check from my car insurance, who say they overcharged me... four years ago.

I hope everyone has a fun celebration day! Thank you for hopping over here.  
And now ~  the linky vehicle we travel on... hop forth and give kudos!


For those who celebrate Valentine's Day... I love candy too. (hint-hint).
Battle of the Bands plays this Sunday on my music blog!! Come over, and vote for whichever song you like the best... no requirements... no sign in... no snacks (sorry).

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

I have been nominated by two bloggers for the "Very Inspiring Blogger Award."  Sharon M. Himsl @ Shells, Tails, & Snails, and Debra@ She Who Seeks

My thanks to Sharon, who relays the true stories of "The Nursing Ship of Madagascar." She stays in email communication with a nurse who is employed on the ship. There are times I leave her blog in tears, pondering the gentle ways of the staff, and the kindness of the local peoples, with whom they come in contact. Sharon creates her own 'series of interests' reads. Lately she has us all exploring famous quotes, or first sentences of the old classic novels. It's a lot of fun. Thank you, Sharon.

My thanks to Debra She Who Seeks, who is the history buff I longed to be at one time in life. To tell the life of each notable era with tongue in cheek perfection. Don't worry, the other eras get their own special madness - she's guaranteed to make you laugh, and wonder why history has hidden so much? Of course you have to visit every holiday. There's a cartoon or explicit photo that you'll not want to miss. It's all about explaining life on the blue marble. Thank you, Debra.

Rules for the Nominees:
1. Thank the person who nominated you, and link to their blog. Covered.
2. Display the award logo. Done.
3. Nominate 15 other bloggers (more or less) and provide a link where they may be found. I chose four.
4. Leave a comment on their blog, to let them know they have been nominated. I'll do that.

5. Mention three things that inspired you the most during the past few weeks. 
5a - Great news on a friend not expected to live, has had a miraculous recovery. Even her doctors are stumped.  I wrote a blog post on 'dcrelief' about her called, "Alone with thoughts."

5b- The joy from 'followers of fun and frolic' on my 'an artful blogger' joke site. Their wit and creative thinking  reminds me, that laughing at ourselves makes for a happy heart.

5c - So many people have wished me good thoughts concerning my pulled muscle. They've taken time to stop by and check on my progress. There's a lot of loving humanity living in the blogosphere!

It was a difficult choice because I am inspired by so many. I am grateful that some have already been nominated by someone else, for the "Very Inspiring Blogger Award." If not this post might have been twice as long! 

These four are very diverse, with one common denominator. They love what they're doing! That's the best inspiration for me (smile). My thanks to Jo, Cathy, Lisa, and Linda!

Jo On Food, Life, and A Scent of Chocolate
Curious as a Cathy

Wishbone cures everything

Woke Up... Got Out Of Bed

In the pink

Grandma was a mobster
her truck was painted pink.
She'd haul a load of lobster,
and clean them in her sink.

Everyone knew Grandma
and listened for her horn.
Today she mowed down Grandpa
bent him over in the corn.

She cried all night and day,
until she bought that mink.
Insurance paid her way
for piercings and some ink.

A ring went in her nose,
a diamond in her tongue,
A tattoo of a rose,
but she'd only just begun...

In-the-pink.

Countdown to Valentine's Day ~ a song for you

No dog-gone money, but plenty of sunshine!

Yard sale? ~ what yard sale?

Oh yes, such a beautiful day in the neighborhood. The yard sale was a big snooze but I didn't care. I had a chair picked out, the sun on my shoulders, and, possibly entertained a few people who did stop by. As I was leaving four cars pulled into the god-daughter's driveway. Ha, ha, I'm still outta here! If anything of mine sells ~ we'll square later. (Later!)

Pulled muscle? ~what pulled muscle?

My pulled muscle loves me more today than yesterday. I fed me a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich for lunch. Never mind the cookies; I needed a break from all that dough rolling, anyway. Besides it was so warm, with a gentle breeze, who would want to crank up the oven? (Later!)

Van battery worked? ~You betcha!

I went to the auto shop and had them run a quick diagnostic on the electrical systems. Oh baby, we're cooking properly. No worries about the seven errands I ran ~ it cranked every time! So, the personal superhero I wrote about on Friday, really knows his stuff. He saw my van at the yard sale and stopped in to ask if things were okay. That's service ~with a (smile).

I'm very grateful to everyone holding good thoughts concerning my crazy past week. Hope your weekend, or Sunday was nice. If not, please feel free to leave me a note to put you on my good thought list. And ~ let's play a tune... an old song, you might know...

Who's Complaining?

It's been so cold here this week. No snow, for which I'm thankful because so many are suffering under a deep blanket of white. Some have been visited with ice on top of it, or beforehand. So my complaint is not really about weather. As many know, because I have complained about having a pulled muscle in my leg, this has been an immobile type week. The cold has been there but I've been missing it, staying inside, nursing said muscle.

Today I felt pretty decent and thought to make a quick trip to the store. Alas, I'm out of peanut butter! As many of you know I do like to bake peanut butter cookies. This wonderful activity heats up the home front, as well as heat up every one's tummies! But... the van sits there and refuses to start. The battery has succumbed to the cold. Oh blast! No, not completely, but enough to make you say all the four letter words you promised in that "New Year's Resolution of 2010" not to use. Well, I'll start over with that in 2016.(smile)

The son of a friend arrived to rescue me! Yes, pulled up on his little scooter, plugged in a battery charger, maneuvered all the cords so the kitchen door completely shuts, and promptly left. I felt as if I'd witnessed a super hero... "get it, got it, good... done!" He advised he'll return shortly to inspect the charge and crank my van. I believe he will. So maybe I have no complaint after all.

I hope you have no complaints, today, either. But just in case... and since I'm not mobile in any fashion... I'll gladly listen. Go ahead... your turn.

Celebrate the Small Things ~

I love this blog hop!
Each Friday, we post what we're celebrating - those small achievements for our week! Then we hop around other blogs, offering congratulations to other people.  And if everyone visits at least a few other blogs, we'll all have some congratulations.

Thank you to our sponsor and co-hosts!!

Lexa Cain @ Lexa Cain

LG Keltner@ Writing Off the Edge

Katie @ The Cyborg Mom

What am I celebrating?  

1 - I'm celebrating finding ice cream in my freezer. I pulled a leg muscle and thought I didn't have any chocolate - this works! And, no I don't actually put the ice cream on the muscle.

2 - Having the nicest God-daughter in the world. Monday is laundry day, but it was the same day I pulled the muscle. She took over, and I'm so celebrating having her help! (Thank you, Lisa!)

And, # 3 - I found my "Snowman hat." Send the snow - I'm ready!!!

I hope everyone has a fun celebration day. Thank you for hopping over here! And now ~  the linky vehicle we travel on... 

Time heals all wounds...

Hello ~ music!

"Battle of The Bands" bloghop posted on my other blog on February 1st... The door is open to everyone!

You don't have to join this bloghop to vote for the song you like the best. Or vote for the song you hate the least. (smile).

I think there are 10 blogs participating, and you're invited to vote in every battle.

DCRELIEF ~ Battle of the Bands

Groungdhog's Shadow at 39% Accuracy?

The day we wait for every year. Groundhog's Day. Big doings in a large part of the world. But has the little fellow lost his touch after 200 years? Yes, it's true. Rumors, and a state to state survey determined that the groundhog's ability to predict more winter or an early spring is no longer effective. 

For the last several years his prediction accuracy rating has dropped to 39%. Indeed, we have placed our bets on the little fella for so long I suspect he may be one of the many suffering from PTSD - Punxsutawney (is) Tired (of) Shadow Day.

Beginning this year of 2015, the gathering of the Shadow Day will take place at the home of Kermit the Frog. He was officially asked to take Phil's place. When asked if he would serve, Kermit had this to say:

So on with the celebration... and a tune from that wonderful movie soundtrack, "Groundhog's Day." 

February Love Month ~ really?

February is often called the love month. Yet It would seem, one day (the 14th) defines the entire mood of February, but does it? And don't you dare be single on that day, somehow avoiding the demand of commercialism that you must participate. You must have someone to give to, or you must have someone to give to you, lest you be thought of as "problematic." Ooh, there's a word. 

Let's talk about those who try to participate. Oh my, don't you know how to show love? Commercialism is there to assist with your every need, and don't be fooled - size counts. What says love more than a box of candy or some flowers. Commercialism reminds us: not just any candy, it must be Chocolate, and not just any flowers, but the glorious ROSE!  We're even told that if we dare miss the day - our loved one's disappointment or anger, is validated by Commercialism's warning of, "Told you so." We have no one to blame but ourselves. 

I think every day is an opportunity to give our love to our partner, our family, and our friends. And when so inclined, the real "rise to the occasion" is giving love to strangers. With that said, I hope to announce my new place of volunteer service soon. A place where I can give back to a broken world. I hope  being a volunteer is something you'll consider this year. There are so many areas of need.

I must admit that I always seem blow right past the 14th... why? (why not). Instead, at the end of the month, I descend upon the candy aisle with it's 90% discount. No one knows better than me, how to treat me. Of course I could also pick up some for you (smile).

But for those of you who like getting caught in the trap of the 14th... a video and the lyrics!

"Paying The Price Of Love"

How did you find there was somebody
More than you want me
I never understood
Maybe I have never had you
I have been lonely for you lately
I can't wait another day
And when you let me get you close to me
You run and leave me

Paying the price of love
The start of my end over you
When you're doin' it for someone
Who'll never be free
Now is all there will ever be

No more to live without you
All the nights I dream about you

Deep in the dark of the night
I'm a man on a mission
But safer with you home
Never would I make you sorry
You are the only drug I crave
And I've been saving everyday
I held it all inside, I pray
You don't forget you got me

Paying the price of love
My heart in my hands over you
But the battle is just not fair
You'll never be free
That emotion is always replaying

You know the strongest heart
Is broken when it falls
You turn and walk away
And let it die
I got this picture in my head
Of you in someone else's bed
And I am torn apart
I'm torn apart inside

I'll build my world around you
I was nothing when I found you
Paying the price of love

Paying the price of love
The start of my end over you
When you're doing it for someone
Who'll never be free
Now is all there will ever be

Paying the price of love
My heart in my hands over you
But the battle is just not fair
You'll never be free
That emotion is always replaying

the child, the Godmother, the cardinal ~

She was a very special friend of my Mom's. I decided to adopt her as my Godmother. Everyone else in my family had one. Why not me? My Mother was shocked at my boldness, but Audrey loved it. She was thrilled to be adopted. I was thrilled when she excepted.

She and my Godfather loved Cardinals. There must have been hundreds of little statues, towels, and all the usual extravagance of an avid collector. Gifts to each other were often something related to 'their' bird. In the year of his death, a tiny pair of earrings for her Valentine's, and a Red bird tie for his. He told her, "Whenever you see a Cardinal, know that I am near."

For eighteen years any time she had a worry, a Cardinal would appear and she'd say, "There's Bob; things will be okay." And indeed, they would be.

The day she passed I felt so alone... like a part of me went missing. I didn't realize the true closeness we'd come to know. Often that's the case. You don't know how much someone means until they're gone. At home from the funeral, I sat out in the gazebo, not focused on anything. Spring birds were all a-flutter... going for my feeders. But on the brick wall close by sat two lovely Cardinals - male and female. I remember thinking... it's Spring... why are they here? A warmth began traveling from my insides to my outsides. I knew why... and in that instant they flew away.

It's now been four years, and today would be her birthday... and often when I'm a bit worried, I see a female Cardinal perched nearby. It never leaves until I smile... and I can never hold back.(smile)

~ a poem for Audrey ~

I was only six years old when you were were twenty-nine.
We soon began a happy voyage with waves that marked our time.
You became the 'godmother,' and I was thrilled to be,
a part of life that gave you joy, like joy you gave to me.

Then off you went to higher plane, while I remained on ground.
When morning birds begin their day I listen to their sound.
Your voice is often calling me, reminding of our love.
That's when I see your cardinal, perched in the tree above.

(Say 'hello' to Bob.)

Will the penguins or Lisa Marie Presley save the day?

With the Friday bloghop, I was constantly on and off the laptop, checking for posts from my fellow hoppers. The sun went down, and still the posts were arriving... and my 'hop to it' took a little longer then anticipated. 

Teddy, my (mostly) adorable stuffed personality  was not amused, and fast losing patience. Arguably, I had taken 'his allotted time,' but now close to finishing I asked what it was that he'd like to watch? His usual Friday forte is to watch a movie while, simultaneously, listening to rock music. (I never really question. I am merely the keeper of the CDs and DVDs.) Being so late, you'll see them hanging until sometime Saturday, when I'll tip toe in and retrieve said laptop...(shhh.)

Teddy chose action-adventure with the Penguins of Madagascar. Great choice but the music... what is up with this Teddy dear? 

He thinks the early Lisa Marie Presley music is 'kicking'? The song is rather bouncy and gets me going, but what is she talking about? Teddy explained that in this song, Lisa is singing to herself about not liking her choices. (Oh. Okay.) She refers to herself as an "Idiot," singing, "... you're an idiot and I hate your guts; I'm never gonna wish you well...". But she makes different choices and becomes happier. (Can we listen to a happier song, Teddy? Teddy?)

Well ~ listen to one, both, or I'll see you on Saturday for my choice! (Goodnight Teddy... Teddy?)

Celebrate the Small Things

I love this blog hop!

Each Friday, we post what we're celebrating - those small achievements for our week! 

Then we hop around other blogs, offering congratulations to other people.  And if everyone visits at least a few other blogs, we'll all have some congratulations.




Thank you to our sponsor and co-hosts!!
Lexa Cain

LG Keltner @Writing off the Edge

Katie @thecyborgmom

 What am I celebrating? 

1 - A gift of a huge jar of peanut butter... now I'm really making cookies. The house is warmer and I'm well fed!

2 - Big bargain at the grocery store on Christmas candy. Hershey's usually sells for $3.89 a bag. They put the white chocolate with peppermint on sale for ...  .28 cents a bag. Ten bags cost less then one at regular price. I love peppermint!

3 - Finally finished going through all of the closets of clothes. (I inherited everything it seems). At least 10 bags go to the free clothing outlet.  They give everything away - which I love! Please donate when you can, what you can.

I hope everyone has a fun celebration day. Thank you for hopping over here! And now ~  the linky vehicle we travel on... I'll be over to see you (smile).

Winter beauty - the Magnolia Leaf

There's a pale blue sky. A bright morning sun is partially hidden by a curtain panel. 

At the edge of my yard tall grasses have finally met Winter. They stand tall and dried in the glow. 

The forest beyond, has leaf-less trees silhouetted in black. Only a few magnolias with dark green leaves reflect the sunlight in tiny sparkles of light. 

It looks like Winter when life slows down, and appears dead. It is cold, and yet it is beauty.

With a kitty-cat to guide them...

Which definition of "living in a fishbowl" applies to your life?

1 - You feel like you have no privacy, and everyone knows your business?

2 - You are living in a fishbowl, and never take the time to look outside of it? 

I present today's example of a cute kitty watching a fishbowl. (Try to imagine his face is not magnified, okay?) He is staring at the top fish in the tank, is he not? The topmost fish is paying no attention to the kitty. This fish is facing in "our" direction. Looks like this little fish is a number 2. 

However the bottom fish is swimming sideways, and possibly has an eye, (only one) on the kitty. It would seem this little fish is a number 1.

So, do you feel you're a # 1 or # 2, or maybe a combination of both...  possibly a number 3?

Your turn... 1, 2, or 3... 

What's the kitty, you wonder? He's a number 4...  another tale for another day.

A thought...

I am Professor X

It was cold... a rainy night... the wind was howling... I couldn't sleep. (Wait, the wind was not howling... you're exaggerating.) Right, but I couldn't sleep and that's the important part. Continuing, I tiptoed onto Facebook, that monstrosity of pithiness, to find this awaiting challenge. "Which Super Mutant are you?" It was something I'd never thought about... and yet. It was cold, rainy, the wind was howling, and I couldn't sleep. I felt up for the challenge and answered the however-many, all-important questions to determine my Mutant personality. (Actually, I couldn't remember who or what the mutants were. That of itself was a great rediscovery.)

YOU ARE PROFESSOR X 

"You’re a lover, not a fighter, although you could kick someone’s ass if you wanted to. You believe that true strength comes from being able to get stuff done without being a bully. Besides, you get more satisfaction from outsmarting someone than you do from inflicting pain on them, because anyone could do that. You’re better than that."

I am? (You are?) How wonderful! I was delighted! But just who was/is Professor X? When in doubt trust Wikipedia: 

"Charles Xavier (also known as Professor X) is a member of a fictional sub-species of humanity known as mutants, who are born with superhuman abilities. He is a powerful telepath who can read and control minds. He is the founder of the X-Men and runs a private school that shelters and trains mutants. He fights for peace and equality between humans and mutants in a world where anti-mutant bigotry is widespread."

Oh my goodness - that explains so much. I'm probably busy reading and controlling minds. I'm not sure I have time to run a school, and when do I do it? Seems I'm very busy without even being aware of it. No wonder I can't sleep. I'm Professor X. Oh the pain of of finding this out! Why didn't someone tell me. Better yet, if I read minds, why didn't someone think about it? I might have had a clue. I wouldn't be sitting on Facebook, cup of cocoa in hand, wanting to find the sheep department. I needed to sleep now more than ever. I was tired. No wonder - I was Professor X.

I breathed a huge sigh of relief - as only dcrelief can - closed down my Facebook page - leaned back in my office chair. Aw, how wonderful... in another time and place, I'm Professor X. The world is safe when I'm around. That must mean there are extra funds. Funds? I do get paid for this gig, right? (Only in your dreams.)

My blankie felt so good. A small glow in the fireplace. Cocoa gone? (Cocoa gone.) I settled into a rhythm of peaceful breathing... Professor X... who knew?

challenge - to do or not to do?

Are you doing the "A to Z" blog challenge? Have you ever done it before?

I feel a bit apprehensive about doing this. It's not about the theme or the daily posts. I know exactly what I'd do... in fact it's (semi-)practically all set. But there's another big question lurking behind my decision.

What is my motive?  I'm not about "followers."

I love the people who "join my journey," visiting and leaving a comment about something they like or relate to. I've been blogging since 2006... having followers has never been the reason for my blogging. And since I don't see myself as a writer, cranking out books, I haven't sought an audience for my blog works.

One big fear is not visiting enough blogs. I know me. I'll want to see them all. I read that last year there were 2009 participating blogs. At a minimum of one minute, per blog, it would take over 33 hours to visit them all. So I may as well toss that fear in the trash, right... maybe?

What exactly are the benefits to participate in the "A to Z" challenge? Can you tell me? Or maybe you can share a joke and we'll call it a day! (smile)