12/31/2021 - 12th day of Yule, Wassail

"Here we come a-wassailing

Among the leaves so green.

Here we come a-wand'ring

So fair to be seen.

Love and joy come to you,

And to you your wassail too;

May the gods bless you and

Send you a happy New Year!"

traditional English New Year song

There will ever be a part of me that 

yearns to have been there, done that 

in those olde days of yesteryear.

Still, somewhere 'mongst the trickle 

down effect, we have similar customs 

in today's world.

Even now we go to holiday parties 

where there is plenty of wassail, 

spiced ale and/or mulled wine. And,

perhaps those souls willing to brave

the elements will go a-wassailing,

singing fave holiday tunes, from

door to door.

Tonight's Wassail ends those infamous

12 days of Yule. I have much enjoyed

delving into the English history and

learning all about them. Pray have 

your own wondrous Wassail this New

Year's Eve and if you're up to braving 

the cold, a-wassailing you shall go!

let us celebrate

hard times demand hard measures

not to be beaten

12/30/2021 - 11th day of Yule, Perseverance

"Perseverance is persistence in

doing something despite difficulty

or delay in achieving success."

Webster's Dictionary

Can't help but wonder if the word

perseverance means the same to

everyone?! A sweet little word that

works for me is, sticktoitiveness,

albeit a real word or not.

Methinks that all good teachers try

to instill this trait in their students.

Now by teacher, I mean all those

who actually exemplify the word . . . 

parents, sibs, friends, neighbors.

Bottom line . . . sticking to those 

things you've committed to doing, 

honoring perseverance . . . is

incredibly important to me, as well

as anyone of honor.

Good idea to choose wisely that with

which you'll honor your perseverance.

For me, it's good relationships with 

my children, maintaining good quality

friendships, living in a way never to

make me ashamed.

It matters, it truly matters . . . to honor 

that which is important, sticking to the

commitments we've made, holding up

our end of the stick!

personal honor

isnt that what its about 

living with myself

12/29/2021 - 10th day of Yule, Self-reliance

"Dare to live the life you have 

dreamed for yourself. Go forward 

and make your dreams come true."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I grew up in the tail end of the era

in which women were subservient 

to men. I was incredibly fortunate

as my mother was college educated

and worked for the Atomic Energy

Commission for thirty odd years.

She didn't have a single subservient

bone in her body! My shero!

And thusly, self-reliance was born.

My mom would have crowned my

ass had she ever caught me doing 

the whole bow down and worship

thing!

So, how does one instill said virtue

in our children and young people? 

Comes to me that it must be through 

positive role modeling. Example;

priceless!

I pray I can ever live in a self reliant

manner without being inappropriate

in any way. We owe it to our youth

to demonstrate standing on our own

two feet in the most positive of ways.

stand up with courage

must face life with backbone staunch

i can and i will

12/28/2021 - 9th day of Yule, Industry

"To industry, nothing is impossible."

Latin Proverb

I find myself tempted to scream, "Oh

my God, my mother has risen from 

the grave!"

Growing up, the word, industry, may

have been one of her faves if not the

absolute fave! And, in all fairness,

she was one of the most industrious

people I would ever encounter in my

entire lifetime; a mentor to emulate!

I've come to recognize that for her,

any moment wasted on the idle, 

was slothfulness to her. I bet you

never guessed that slothfulness is

a four-letter word!

Here I am, nigh onto a 100 years

old, and I can still see her looking 

over my shoulder admonishing me, 

get busy or laziness will conquer.

Near the end of my own days, I

suppose I've formed some of my 

own ideas. I do believe that industry 

is of supreme importance. I also get

that times of relaxation, moments

of pondering, are also of great

value! 

Interestingly enough, I don't think 

for a moment that mom was trying 

to rob me of such. It's just that she 

valued achievement and believed

this would not only serve me well,

but also keep me out of trouble.

Sooooo, industry it is, my lads and

lasses . . . get on with whatever is

important to you and all will be well.

am busy busy

heaven by another name

it has to matter

12/27/2021 - 8th day of Yule, Discipline

"Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; 

the sense of dignity grows with the ability 

to say no to oneself." ~A.J. Heschel

Discipline is a hard one at best . . . 

Methinks none of us have relished it

any time 'twixt and 'tween childhood 

and adulthood. Yet, seems to me that

once we became adults, we felt the

rules no longer applied!

Everywhere I look, discipline comes

to visit! It's required in running a good

home, maintaining a successful business, 

keeping a loving relationship, rearing

wonderful children! And I would deem,

with positive outcomes, we don't tend

to resent said discipline too much.

But, how about that wretched word when

it comes to sticking to a diet?! Saving our

shekels, washing the car and cleaning the

damn house?! I see myself frowning even

as I write the words!

It comes to me that one is never too old

to face discipline head on, do the duties,

if only to feel good afterwards! Ouch!

That doesn't sound very mature, does it?

Bottom line . . . we ARE never too old to

discipline ourselves; guess we just need

to bite the bullet! 

making the effort

dont really want to grow up

will if i have to

12/26/2021 - 7th day of Yule, Hospitality

"Nothing is more noble, nothing

more venerable than fidelity.

Faithfulness and truth are the most

sacred excellences and endowments

of the human mind."

~Marcus Tullius Cicero

We have only just been introduced

to a supreme example of hospitality.

Coming to enjoy the grandchildren

for x-mas . . . and finding the kids

are moving! I am sooooo not joking;

moving! We knew it was coming up, 

just didn't realize it was x-mas day 

weekend!

Imagine what it must be like to prep

a move for a family of six in just a 

few days and have to accommodate

grandparents whilst so busy?! I add,

the kids were nothing but loving in 

every way!

Frankly, rather reminds me of a Maya

Angelou quote, "People will forget 

what you said. They will forget what 

you did. But, they will never forget 

how you made them feel."

Hospitality matters! In my twenty

years in Mexico, I witnessed what

the true face of hospitality looks

like! Found myself ever amazed 

at every turn!

Bottom line though, the gift of

hospitality needs to be freely

given to those approaching one's

door! In this day and age and all

the existing horrors, it's a scary

thing to do! Still, if one cares,

all must be tried!

call it what it is

lets be nice to each other

hospitality

Merry everything and a happy always!

WritersAfterDark

12/25/2021 - 6th Day of Yule, Fidelity

I grew up with the word fidelity as

part of a sound system for record

players. The advert, High Fidelity,

comes to mind. 

'Twas living in Mexico for 20 years 

where I came to understand its true 

meaning . . . faithful. Not a word

one particularly hears bandied about

today.

So I'm thinking, what would make

fidelity or faithful, more meaningful?

Many a couple hold the concept of 

faithfulness dear to their hearts. Just 

take a look at divorce rates if you're 

in doubt. 

On the other end of the stick, pun

intended, there are many faithful

pets in our homes. The fidelity of

dogs has been touted for centuries.

Sooooo love the stories about them.

Perhaps, there's a kind of fidelity

we've lost sight of . . . 'twould be

the faithfulness we owe ourselves.

We could ask . . . 

What do I believe in, am I faithful 

to that belief? What characteristics 

matter so much to me that I would 

fight for them? Am I faithful in love, 

in friendship, to the people I feel for, 

in the causes that matter to me?

Hard call . . . we believe, we care! 

But, we're tired, we have too many 

responsibilities.  What to do? A good

look at our priorities . . . sort them

out. Which ones are worth being

faithful to? Methinks it matters!

faithfulness matters

says much about who we are

tis a kind of trust

12/24/2021 - 5th Day of Yule, Honor

There are quotes that come to mind

when the word honor is brought up.

"Honor thy father and thy mother

that thy days may be long upon the

earth." Ex. 20:12 . . . And of course,

"Honor among thieves," along with 

its own lurid history.

I have always understood that honor

is important; hugely important! I

often heard my father referred to as,

"a man of honor." I know this meant

a great deal to him. We all know that

person about whom this can be said.

We get it!

I believe the way one treats others

directly reflects the honor one 

possesses.  This is truly important

to me; I certainly hope this will 

always be so!

A new year is soon approaching,

so obviously, we're all thinking

about those things in which we 

wish to do better. I am certainly

going to pay attention to honor.

This matters . . .

"Honor is a gift man gives himself."

~Ricky Gervais

as my father lived

longing to live with honor

so matters to me

12/23/2021 - 4th Day of Yule, Truth

"Say not, I have found the truth,

but rather, I have found a truth.

~Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Truth! The word makes me

tremble! 

Obviously, there has to be some

kind of universal truth that we all

try to understand and adhere to.

Doubt very much if we have any,

The earth is flat peeps left!

I think where it breaks down, may

be in our individual belief systems.

Each person believes the way they

see fit, that which makes sense to

them, and nothing can sway them

from it. Surely then, this means that 

said beliefs are each person's truth! 

Then, there are those who would

argue that partial truths are not 

truths at all. Most likely there's a

reason why one must swear in

court to, "tell the truth, the whole

truth and nothing but the truth."

What about people's feelings?

When asked, "Do you like my

new hat?" Would you say, "No,

I don't really care for it." Or,

would it be better to say, "It's

really quite interesting. Where

did you ever find it?" 

Methinks, we are all enamored

with the idea of truth. However,

I imagine we all harbor different

feelings regarding exact meanings!

pray dont lie to me

only the truth serves me well

god that was painful

12/22/2021 - 3rd Day of Yule, Courage

On the third day of Yule, we honor

and celebrate Courage. Methinks we

all know there is more to courage

than meets the naked eye, to coin a

phrase! I like Pauline Clynch's view 

on the subject!

Six Types of Courage

Physical - Keep going with resiliency,

balance and awareness.

Social - Be yourself unapologetically.

Moral - Do the right thing even when

it's uncomfortable or unpopular.

Emotional - Feel all your emotions,

both positive and negative, without

guilt or attachment. 

Intellectual - Learn, unlearn and 

relearn with an open and flexible 

mind. 

Spiritual - Live with purpose and 

meaning through a heart centered 

approach towards all life and oneself.

I find there are days I can do some 

of these and others, alas I flounder. 

We would all wish to be courageous. 

'Tis in our nature to strive for it. I can 

not help but wonder what it is that

inspires us to be courageous.

Obviously, our children come first

to mind. We long, nay need . . . 

to exemplify it for them. No one likes 

to appear weak in front of our spouses, 

family and friends. The time honored 

question, how to achieve this?!

I find meditation to be an answer to 

most of my own issues. If I can just

slow down, both physically and 

mentally, give some proper thought

to things, I can usually come up 

with an answer. And then, ask the

higher power for the needed strength 

to be courageous.

I pray we all find it as we need it . . .

pray give me courage

life hands out difficulties

need to pass the tests

12/21/2021 - 2nd Day of Yule

Yule has finally arrived . . . just like

a little kid, I thought it never would

come! I love all the names; Yuletide,

Yule, Winter Solstice, and of course, 

'tis first day of Winter.

Today, we will be celebrating Mother

Earth and the changes she brings to

the table with our Winter season. I

also enjoy that we celebrate it for

twelve days rather than just the one.

My guy will help me make a Yule

log today. We will enjoy it each of

the 12 days and then burn it on the

12th day of Yule. I have had some

so gorgeous that it nigh onto breaks

my heart to burn them.  Don't tell

anyone, but I've cheated a couple

of times and stowed them away!

And, not to forget our song; we're

the only ones who celebrate the

12 days of Yuletide.

On the first day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

A partridge in a pear tree

On the second day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the third day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the fourth day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the fifth day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the sixth day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

Six geese a laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the seventh day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

Seven swans a swimming

Six geese a laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the eighth day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

Eight maids a milking

Seven swans a swimming

Six geese a laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the ninth day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

Nine ladies dancing

Eight maids a milking

Seven swans a swimming

Six geese a laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the tenth day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

Ten lords a leaping

Nine ladies dancing

Eight maids a milking

Seven swans a swimming

Six geese a laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the eleventh day of Yuletide

My true love sent to me

eleven pipers piping

Ten lords a leaping

Nine ladies dancing

Eight maids a milking

Seven swans a swimming

Six geese a laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

On the twelfth day of Yuletide

My truelove sent to me

Twelve drummers drumming

eleven pipers piping

Ten lords a leaping

Nine ladies dancing

Eight maids a milking

Seven swans a swimming

Six geese a laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle-doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

~Sammy Cahn and James Van Heusen

12/20/2021 - 1st Day of Yule

I find myself having to admit that I

might actually enjoy all these holiday

celebrations! Sooooo didn't see that

one coming!

I fear, I sin on the side of being a

homebody, as it were. Actually have

friends who make that extra effort

to drag me out of my comfort zone!

Once I get out and about, I begin 

to enjoy the upcoming adventure,

whatever it may be. Methinks 'tis

called, going with the flow! All this

adds up to a bit of fresh air, new

sites, fun happenings and delightful

encounters. I sense a lesson coming

on here!

I'm feeling a new year's resolution 

presenting itself. Perhaps, I need to 

think in the realm of getting my ass 

out and about from time to time. Just 

think of all the mischief I could get 

myself into!

Feel free to make suggestions to this

almost new and improved me . . .

Well, surely I don't have to give in

right away!!! Home is such a lovely

place to be . . .

homes where the heart is

feel free to come and join me

lucky to feel thus

12/19/2021

December is nigh onto two thirds gone;

I would have to ask, "Where the hell did

it go?!"

Perhaps it has something to do with the

flurry of cleaning, decorating, shopping, 

gift wrapping or standing in line at the

post office for two hours . . . preparing 

in general!

Then it seems, as gifts are delivered,

visits made and foods eaten, we can

hardly wait to get everything put away

and let the preps for the new year begin!

Alas, I feel a loony-tuney coming on.

This year, I am determined to enjoy

each and every day, all presents, our

little tree and drop in visits. I am NOT

going to allow myself any kind of rush!

I'm not even going to put away my

paltry decor until the first week in Jan!

 . . . and not to forget, this week is

supposed to be warmer than the five 

degrees we woke up to yesterday!

Here's to a Happy Decembrering!

loving me this month

so enjoy every day

no hurry to end

12/18/2021

We awoke to five degrees today. The

first day of Winter is four days away;

rather scary to think it can get this

cold in Autumn.

We still have a couple of inches of

snow on the ground. Our walk is icy.

Sirens going by on a regular basis.

Just have to admit it, Winter is truly 

on its way.

Methinks we're simply going to have

to accept that Lord of Winter is here 

to stay for a long, long time. Where 

we live, Winter actually begins well 

prior to its supposed date of arrival,

December 21st.

Equally annoying, it tends to leave

well into Spring. I can't help but

wonder just what the Universe is

trying to tell me . . . My beloved

Summer is the shortest and my

abhorred Winter is the longest. I

actually thought each season was

to have its six weeks, but not so.

At least the holidays are fun.

Going to ponder, for a little

while, the lessons I could learn 

from this upcoming season. 

Grrrrrrrrrrrr ~!@#$%^&*()_+

its so cold outside

winter winter everywhere

help me understand

12/17/2021

Today begins Saturnalia, ancient

Roman holiday with festivals to 

honor Saturn. Perhaps not mine

to celebrate, but this day rather 

opens the floodgates of seasonal 

celebrations.

So, wishing a Joyous Kwanzaa to 

our African American friends. Merry 

Christmas to all fellow Christians. 

Happy Hanukkah to our dear Jewish 

families. Feliz Navidad, my beloved 

Mexican family, friends, colleagues!

And always, a Blessed Yule to all 

my dear Pagan sisters and brothers.

One can't help but love this time 

of year. Everyone is so cheerful.

The buying of delightful gifts,

the planning of meals, well to be

remembered . . . and embracing

all that surrounds us with genuine

affection!

Methinks my one wish would be

that we could maintain all this

wellbeing throughout our entire

upcoming year. Perhaps at least,

we could make a stab at it! 'Tis

my one New Year's resolution!

happy holidays

a time to be remembered

love surrounds us all

12/16/2021

Methinks halfway through December

begins the holiday countdown. Five

day until the Solstice. Eight or nine 

days to Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Looking forward to last minute post

office lines, shopping, decorating, 

meal planning, as well as making 

space for stay-over family.

I love that part of sitting on the floor

wrapping presents, attaching names

and getting them under whatever tree

has been put up. Large or small, real 

or fake, green or tinsel . . . all fun!

I find myself checking the mail most

religiously. Cards arriving, along with

the odd package, as well as presents 

ordered from catalogues and on line.

Some cards have page long catch up

letters whilst others are only signed.

Once in a while, there is one hand

made and I am WOWED! Back in

the day, we used to string 'em along

the fireplace mantle. Today, I put

them in a basket on the table and

look through them fairly often.

I hate to think about it, but I have

one more Post Office trip . . . think

I'll wait until sometime between

x-mas and New Year's.  Nothing

wrong with receiving a package

after all the holiday brouhaha!

Rather adds to the fun!

boxes wrap ribbons

last minute buys and sendings

too tired to plan

12/15/2021

Having me some fun today!

I'm making my infamous . . .

Secret Spice from ld's Cauldron

I've been experimenting and

making these spice blends for

50 years, 20 I lived in Mexico 

and of course, the 30 I've lived 

in the US of late.

'Tis my child within at play;

make no mistake. I use taste

tests with combinations most

unusual. And of course, I get

a kick out of using my fave

magick numbers!

Over the years, I've used the

odd numbers 3, 7, 9, and now 

13 different types and kinds of 

chiles. And in direct contrast, 

I like to use even numbers of

spices and herbs.  

Experiments are indeed a fave

part of the process. Added to

salsas created for dipping, a

tad sprinkled over homemade

refried beans, a shake or two

on cottage cheese, and any

recipe that requires chile for

heat and flavor.

Me thinks we need to do some

serious dipping somewhere

'twixt and 'tween all these

December holidays. Come on

over and have a taste!

the value of heat

never to be discounted

lets experiment

Note: The words chile and

chiles are spelled in Spanish.

12/14/2021

I've stood in the post office line,

for half an hour or so, three times

now. What I didn't know was that

it could be quite enjoyable . . .

When you're there for 30 or 45

minutes, you tend to fall into

conversation with those closest

to you. Seems we humans just

can't help ourselves; we'll 

probably all die open-mouthed 

and spitting words 'til the end!

Yesterday, I carried an old gal's

packages for half an hour. She

was mortified and I made light

of it (pun intended) to put her

at ease. Last year, I actually

fainted when finally reaching

the beginning of the line. So,

didn't want that to happen to

her.

Having made three trips,

I actually get it . . .

'Tis all about getting those

holiday gifts in the mail, on

time. I don't care so much about

that, just want the packages to

get there!!!

I have just one more trip; have

to see if I'm up to it. Now, if 

only this could could count as

exercise and I'd lose a pound 

or two!!!

get me to the box

mail most fun in december

heres hoping for some

12/13/2021

"I wish I could show you when

you are lonely or in darkness

the astonishing light of your

own being." ~Hafiz

I imagine by now you've come

to realize just how much I love

our archaic authors; Rumi and

Hafiz being two of my faves!

Wisdom of the ages . . .

You'll smile, one of my greatest

longings is to grow properly old

and wise. There is so much to

learn and so little time. I've ever

and always been on the quest.

But, part of me feels as if I didn't

question hard enough, seek more

thoroughly, gain in wisdom . . .

and grow!

In seeking this elusive wisdom,

where do I go? Who do I ask?

How may I acquire it? What is

the magic? Will I be a better

person for acquiring wisdom?

I ask these questions each and

every day. Pray I have time to

listen and to hear the answers!

tell me teach me show

so long to be an elder

illuminate me

12/12/2021

"It's your road and yours alone.

Others may walk it with you,

but no one can walk it for you."

~Rumi

I have ever and always loved 

Rumi. But I swear, sometimes

he speaks truths so harsh that

he'd have to deal with me if he

weren't already on another plane.

I would have to admit that there

are times when I am desperately

lonely on my path. But . . .  this 

changes. A friend will walk with

me for a while. My guy makes

the effort when he can. Still, we

must each walk our own path.

I confess, there are moments 

when I dearly wish the Universe

would give me a time out. Alas,

I've even assigned myself a few, 

much to my own detriment!

I must remember, I am called to

walk my path. So far, I've walked

it for 72 years. And, I don't think 

NO would ever be an acceptable 

answer!

So pray I have to strength and 

courage . . .

walk a while with me

the path long and arduous

i fear i falter

12/11/2021

Methinks the gods are playing

with me since I've bitched so

much about Winter . . .

'Twas snowing this morn upon

waking and now 'tis snowing 

yet again when I'm sleeping!

Got about 4" this a.m. Should

be interesting to see now much

we get this p.m.

Somewhere 'twixt looking on

the bright side and 'tween the

power of positive thinking, 

I'm going to be working on my 

happy side!

On the agenda for today, baking

some cookies, making a couple

of snowmen, and taking a long 

winter's nap!

Nothing wrong with the snow, 

just wish people would stop 

mucking it up . . . messes with 

its natural beauty!

Now, when I'm queen of the

universe, I'm going to have 

summer's lovely sun and 

winter's stunning snow, all 

at the same time! Feel free 

to vote for me . . .

 

confusing weather 

what kind of day will it be

just smile mister sun

12/10/2021

A third of December gone; 

go figure . . . Me thinks 2021 

is well on its way out!

I look over this year . . . I have 

it in my head that at least it was 

better than 2020. We've all bern 

dealing with the harsh realities 

of COVID-19; family, friends 

who've gone through the ordeal 

and survived, a few who haven't. 

Times of sorrow, fear, death.

Not sure where we go from here.

Seems the plague has resurged

just as we're hoping for a break.

Can't help but wonder if 2022

will bring a diminishing or an

increasing in all things both 

good and bad.

I'm in that time of life, seeing

where I've been and where I'm

going, evaluating, reevaluating. 

I do get that focusing on the

positive is healthier than fearing

the negative.

I keep longing for just a little

more time before its my turn

to go. I do recognize that I'm

in that final round and wish to

do myself proud.

Maybe just time to stop musing,

thinking, and get to celebrating

whatever time I have left. Come

on, let's party . . . join me?!

might be the last dance

love me the lights and music

midnight approaches

12/09/2021

Got me a check from the IRS 

in the mail yesterday. Let me out 

a hoot and holler that the whole

neighborhood could hear! Said 

to myself, "Well, it's about time!"

Then, made the mistake of opening

the envelope . . . and there before 

me, a check . . . wait for it . . . for

$2.76!!! Good thing there wasn't a

mattress in the middle of the road,

I'd have fainted and most likely

gotten run over!

Been thinking non-stop what I'm

going to do with my new fortune!

Hawaii comes to mind; always

wanted to visit. New car? I mean

pickup . . . black, of course. Or,

maybe throw a party. That would

be kind of fun!

But, in looking at the entire picture,

holding said check in my hand,

think I could sponsor, let's see . . .

Naught! NADA!! N O T H I N G!!!

Hey, feel free to ask me for a loan!!!

Need a quarter? A dime? A nickel?

I'm your guy!!!

Guess, I'll just put it up on the fridge

and sneer at it from time to time.

my tale of the day

laughs at a dime a dozen

color me tickled

12/08/2021

"I still don't quite yet know who

I really am, and that excites me."

~j.r. rogue

I find quotes inspiring. Sometimes,

I just go looking for the odd quote 

and wait to see what happens . . . 

and the above just did!

Rather made me wonder . . . I've

always thought I knew myself, but

do I really?! Now, at nigh onto a

hundred years old or so, I can still

surprise myself from time to time.

Does that mean a character trait I

may have overlooked lo these many

years? Perhaps, I'm adding bits and

pieces to my personality . . . maybe

even trying them on for size!

I've always thought that I'd like 

to be the author of me rather than 

allow someone else to write my

script! So, what gives?

I'm going to give this some think

time and see what I can come up

with! It's kind of along the lines

of, "Who do I want to be when I 

grow up." Ahhhhh, maybe it's the 

ghosts of New Year's Resolutions 

past coming to town . . . hadn't 

thought  of that!

Think maybe I'll do some add ons

while I'm about it . . . not going 

to mess with the take aways . . .

they're just no fun at all!!!

make lists and check twice

santa aint the only one

having me some fun

12/07/2021

"I don't always learn my 

lesson, but when I do you 

can bet I learned it the hard 

way." ~Unknown

If ever there were words straight

out of the mouth of gods . . .

In my lifetime, there has always 

been family, as well as friends, 

who have felt free to dole out good,

sound advice. Now, just ask me if 

I ever listened or even attempted 

to follow it?!

"Maybe you should get a second 

opinion! Why don't you consult a

doctor? You could try this another

way, you know! Stop doing that!

Give it a rest! Let it go!"

Doesn't matter . . . complex or

simple, advice given meant, do

the exact opposite, every single 

time! Sounds to me like someone

needs to get a clue already! 

Bottom line, I'm very familiar

with . . . the hard way. We've 

been close friends for a long,

long time! Been thinking though, 

now that I'm about 100 years old, 

maybe it's time to try a different 

way of doing things.

I do know that it's damn hard to

teach an old dog new tricks. Still,

methinks 'tis time to try it. So, feel

free . . . I'm giving my permission.

Fork over all the advice you'd like.

One can only hope I'll listen . . .

not sure what to do

most likely i need advice

have any for me

12/06/2021

"I need a time out until I can play

nicely with others . . . this may take

a while." 2drunkladies

I got to thinking last night, while 

it was snowing, that I'm not being 

a very good sport about winter . . .

So, I had this little talk with myself!

Winter doesn't even start until

December 21st and here I am

moaning and groaning as if I 

were being tortured to death. 

Good thing my d) all of the above

reminded me just how much we

need the moisture!

Sooooo, looking on the bright

side here, (Is there any bright in

winter? God, there I go again!)

I'm going to give some serious

thought to alternatives to said

moanings and groanings!

Think I would enjoy sending a

few cards in the mail on a daily

basis. That short walk to the

mailbox might even do me good!

I could also get my ass into the

kitchen to cook something rather

than standing in front of the fridge

to see what falls out!! And, once

in a while, a nice reward like ice

cream would be nice!!!

See how clever I am . . . now if 

only I can remember to behave

myself . . . they do say that the

road to hell is paved with good

intentions . . .

brighten up my day

try positive attitudes

create a new me

12/05/2021

"I came, I saw, I forgot what I was

doing, retraced my steps, and got 

distracted on my way back. I have 

no idea what's going on and now 

I have to pee." 

Sassy Sarcastic Journal Publishing

I can actually remember back when

I thought this was funny . . . and now

it's a reality come back to haunt me.

Go figure!

The bad side of this joke on me, is

that I have to do the stairs both ways,

and then forgetting what I was going 

to do is sooooo NOT funny! The good 

side of this little game I seem to be

playing, is that I'm actually getting 

some exercise . . . ha!

I'm trying to figure out this annoying

conundrum . . . Have I always been

this forgetful and simply don't recall?

Or, is this really part of the surprise

hand I'm dealt as I get older? Or, is

it that I've housed so much clutter 

in my brain that no new data fits?

Or  is it . . .  d) all of the above?! 

Wondering here if maybe I could

make some extra shekels inventing

an attached at the waist notebook

for oldsters?! We could wander

the world with said notebook in

one hand and a pencil in the other.

"Making a list and checking it

twice . . . " But, knowing me, I'd

probably lose the pencil or break

the lead!

I was going to take a class on

improving memory, but I can't

remember where I put damn

paper work! ~@#$%^&*()_+

say what is your name

i barely remember mine

no laughing matter

12/04/2021

"I'm a feminist. I've been a

female for a long time now.

It'd be stupid not to be on my

own side." ~Maya Angelou

Been pondering this of late.

I grew up in an era where we

were yet to be considered

equals. I am so lucky that my

mom was educated, worked 

30 years for the AEC, Atomic 

Energy Commission, and was

highly respected.

She exemplified a woman 

well deserving of equality 

and insisted, nay demanded,

to be treated as such. So not

bloody likely that she'd ever

place herself in a subservient 

position. Amazing role model!

In my 40 adult working years 

as a teacher and prof, I never

made equal pay with the men

I was lucky enough to teach

with. I liked them, enjoyed 

them, admired them and even

loved a few. Alas, although 

I often had more degrees, I

couldn't match their salary.

I so admire the young women

of today. They are receiving

a treatment of equals that my

generation of women fought

for. In fact, they wouldn't even

think, on any level, that they

were less than their male peers.

It merits reminding ourselves

that some progress has been

made over the years. And, 

in today's world, others fight

for their equality as well. 

Pray they win their battles 

in less time that it took us!

fighting for my creed

equality stands alone

praise for battles won

12/03/2021

"Sometimes when you're in a

dark place, you think you've

been buried, but you've actually

been planted." ~Christine Caine

It's no secret that I suffer from

SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder.

I'll admit, I do tend to go on and

on about it! Still, sometimes I'll

read a quote like this one from

Christine Caine, and it gives me

courage to live through the dark

of the winter months.

Indeed, there are things that help.

A short walk, being out for a bit

in the winter sun, sitting by the

fire and looking out the window,

watching silly movies, reading

uplifting material . . .

Sadly, (pun intended) when SAD 

hits the fan, it's nigh impossible

to remember these things. I make

a list, post it and read it everyday.

I assign myself things to do on 

the list. And, with the help of my

guy, I make it through.

I need to stay one step ahead . . .

so, I'm delighted winter hasn't

hit us hard yet, but I'm making

ready . . . and you can take that

to the bank!

stay with me a while

im scared of the dark daddy

make it go away

12/02/2021

One of the things that December 

puts under the tree is errands and

lots of them . . .

My list for today is so long, me

thinks 'twill never be finished.

Pay some bills, get drinking water,

pick up some last minute gifts, get

'em wrapped.

Ought to put on some seasonal

music whilst wrapping presents,

might help with the mood. Some

snow would give a hand with that

and I know we need the moisture.

Still, it's pleasant outside.

Maybe one of my self-assigned

errands should be to start thinking

about my New Year's resolutions.

I want to have them ready to go in

about four weeks time. These things

bear thinking about, don't they?!

Looking at my words here, seems

to me that I may have issues with

living in the present . . . I've waited

so long for this month of joy, family

and sharing to arrive . . . and what

do I do? I start talking about the

New Year. Sooooo going to give

this some thought!

recall yesterday

learning to enjoy the now

leave tomorrow mode