01/30/2022

I find myself enamored with the

concept of forgiveness, no matter

the sin or crime perpetuated against 

oneself.

I have read of this belief rather often

in the writings of Eastern faiths such

as Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism.

I suppose holding grudges, planning

revenge, celebrating animosity over

love, are contretemps of forgiveness

and letting go.

I imagine we all forgive those small 

offenses on a daily basis. But, it's the 

bigger ones we find hard to forgive.

An affair with a beloved spouse, the

theft of a hard earned savings, the

kidnapping of a precious child . . .

Who is truly big enough to let go of

the horrendous feelings brought on

by these grandiose betrayals? I can't

say whether it's an Eastern/Western

thing . . . or if it's a question of one's

beliefs. Perhaps, most of us do not

possess a heart big enough to look

beyond the horror of that perpetuated

sin!

All I know is, I want to grow, to have

a heart so magnanimous that I can

then learn true forgiveness.

Pray, this be granted me . . .

01/29/2022

"Kindness is that illness best 

spread widely." ~ldj

I know, I know . . . it's been 

a couple of very dreary years, 

thanks to the plague and its 

cohorts in crime. But, some

how kindness may abound 

as a counter attack!

Everywhere you look, there are

stories of people of all ages 

indulging their sweeter, more

decent sides!

I love these stories of young men

stopping traffic to help oldsters

cross busy streets! Then, there's

these tales told out of school of

policemen taking groceries to

impoverished families.

One of my faves . . . a motorcycle

gang taking a little kid to school,

showing their support because he

was being bullied!!!

I can't help but hope that this

kindness disease be contagious 

at the supreme level!!! And . . .

this includes you and me . . . us!

I'm making a pact with myself.

I'm going to find ways to include

several kindnesses a day in my

rather quiet life. As I'm about a

hundred years old, mine will be

along the lines of sending notes,

cards and letters in the mail.

Methinks kindness may win 

the battle yet . . .

01/28/2022

"I just called to say I love you.

I just called to say how much I care.

I mean it from the bottom of my heart."

~Stevie Wonder

I love you . . . a priceless phrase that's 

either overly used or not enough. We

all recognize that there are those who

are not comfortable even saying the

words. It's taken me a long time to

understand this on some level . . .

Methinks a good look-see is in order. 

My guy, who's only said the magic 

words maybe three times in 22 years, 

goes out at o' dark thirty and shovels 

the snow and cleans the car; both 

massive tasks. He brings me water in 

bed when I don't feel like getting up. 

He builds a fire when I'm at the end 

of my SAD rope. He brings everything 

I need when I'm having Diverticulosis

attacks. I sooooo need to remember

these things when he pisses me off!

I watch people in the grocery store,

consulting each other, handling the

kids, and the occasional fond slap

on the butt. Neighbor of mine often

offers to shovel my walk and/or 

bring me much needed groceries.

Bottom line, if we watch closely,

we'll see I love yous everywhere

we look. It's all in the translation!

here let me get that

may i help you cross the street

sending you a note

01/27/2022

I have to chuckle . . . We were on our

way out this early morn to get some

much needed things as it wasn't 

supposed to start snowing until noon.

We had put our whatsits by the door

so as not to forget. In the little time 

it took to move them aside, it was

already snowing hard; huge flakes!

Luckily, we were smart enough to

change our minds and get our asses

back inside. Can't help but wonder

just how much we're going to get!

We already have 18" on our picnic

tables . . . go figure!

Sooooo, I'm going to delve into my

positive thinking emergency stash

and just deal with it. At least it's at

11 degrees today whereas it got to

two below yesterday.

Methinks we're not bloody likely

to have water issues anytime soon!

Pray forgive me, I'm going back

to bed and hide under the covers . . .

01/26/2022

Walking down memory lane of late . . .

One of the things I've been thinking

about is my television journey. Being

somewhere around 100 years old, I

still remember as a child growing up

in a small town, a one TV channel 

place.

My parents chose not to indulge in 

this fad, new to our town. I thought it 

might have something to do with their 

beliefs as they were quite religious. 

Although, maybe it had to do with our 

somewhat impoverished station in life.

Bottom line, I didn't get my first TV

until I'd been married ten years.

I have shared this before. However, 

I find it interesting that as an adult, 

I still have no interest in television.

Oh, but the machine serves me well,

nonetheless . . .

We have one that shows all the angles

of the surrounding property as part of

a fine security system. We have another

on which we view fun DVD movies, 

even without annoying commercials!

Obviously, the television as an instrument 

of entertainment, has great value. But,

give me the whole VCR thing, rather than 

a TV, and I'm a happy camper!

I'm beginning to see that I am indeed

somewhere around a 100 years old . . .

01/25/2022

'Tis o' dark thirty and snowing!

Setting aside my SAD issues; 

simply going to try to let it be . . .

Sooooo, feeling somewhat down

and overwhelmed, I open my FB

crutch. What should meet my eye

but the four cousins in picture!

Mira, Ryan, Rustie and mi hija

Linda. My down turned up in 

the blinking of an eye! 

Methinks there is precious little

in this world of ours like the joy

of family . . . and they all turned

out fab!!! All fine, fabulous,

phenomenal young people!!!

My heart gladdens in gratitude.

Funny how different things can

brighten or darken our day!

Feeling down; an unexpected 

kiss, call, card, letter e-mail.

Alas, excitement can also be 

dampened with a bill from the

IRS, (as in my mail this a.m.).

Then, there's losing internet

last night so I couldn't read

notes from fam and friends.

I should simply be glad that

none of the above are any big

deal. Why is it then, that we

focus on the disappointments

rather than the sweet nothings

the universe whispers in our 

ears?

Time to revisit my New Year's

Resolutions! Get a grip, woman!

glad better than sad

joy over disappointment

happiness reigning 

01/24/2022

Yesterday, I was told that I had

offended a dear friend by sending 

a short, somewhat flippant reply 

in a group e-mail. An action that

is beyond heartbreak . . . and I

simply cannot forgive myself!

Surely, I'm not seeking perfection

in my old age, although I've been

told that I do indeed have this bent.

But, it hurts down deep in my soul 

that at 72 I'm still not getting it right.

You'd think at my age, adding in my

intentions, I'd be doing a better job

of it by now. God in heaven, I am

wracked with grief by the entire

incident.

I hark back to those old adages,

"Think before you speak!" . . . 

and a newer one, "Words have

power to heal. Words have power

to kill." ~Anna Maledon 

Here's hoping I've learned a very

important lesson here . . .

my thoughts words and tears

so many lessons to learn

pray pay attention

01/23/2021

Been thinking about this retirement 

business of late; it's been ten years 

now. The first four years don't count 

as I was preparing to receive mom

and she stayed with me for the next 

three and a half.

Just to make sure life didn't become

too boring, I fainted and cracked my

skull open. Given only two months

to live, we moved to my little, 130

year old cabin, ready to face the end.

Now, four years later and winning 

my own bet against the docs, I'm

finally seeing my retirement as a 

true reality. Can't help but wonder?!

'Tis a new year, ergo, a new life.

What interesting secrets await me 

ready to be delved into?!

'Twould love to win the lotto, but

I've heard a nasty rumor that you

have to buy a ticket. Good thing

I so enjoy life in my sweet little

ole cabin! So, what's up so far?

Truly love my life! Who knew?!

It's a little of everything salad

kind of life. The odd trip to town,

eating out once in a while, fab

movies, great books, ice cream

for breakfast and no cooking if

I don't feel like it! Wow!

Best of all . . . my guy enjoys

our life together just as it is. 

Now, all I need  is for Summer 

to come so my family and friends 

can come to visit . . .

me thinks life tis grand

a little of this and that 

lets go out and play

01/22/2022

"People usually consider walking on water

or in thin air a miracle. But, I think the real

miracle is not to walk either on water or in

thin air, but to walk on earth. Everyday, we

are engaged in a miracle which we don't

even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds,

green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a

child, our own two eyes. All is a miracle."

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Me thinks Thich Nhat Hanh was one of 

the wisest men to ever walk the earth. 

How fortunate we are that he chose to 

serve, that we might be allotted his 

wisdom.

I understand, there are many with the gift

of wisdom. We are fortunate to find bits

and pieces everywhere we look. Still, his

words resonate with me. They comforted

me when I lost my father, my marriage, as

well as unimagined heartache that I won't

share here.

Perhaps we'd all do well to seek wisdom 

daily, albeit in our individual holy books,

those precious words of our ancestors, any

place to be found. Doesn't the good book

say, "Out of the mouth of babes . . . "

One of the most important fountains of 

wisdom comes from those who have 

experienced life and all that it gifts us, that 

we might learn. All we have to do is listen; 

as long as we're willing to find it.

listen in silence

the universe speaks wisdom

can you hear can you

01/21/2022

I'm one of those weird animals that

likes to do everything on time . . .

I can actually recall pulling up to 

the mailbox on the way home from 

school, writing the checks and sticking 

the bills bright back in the mailbox.

My teens had a special word that that

kind of behavior . . . ANAL!

I'm better now, I sometimes even wait

20 minutes before going back to the

box with the bills . . . but, Mr. Snow

has added to my patience incredibly.

Sometimes, I can wait out the snow

with the best of 'em!!! I even got a

late charge once.

Promise not to go on and on about the

snow just now; done enough of that.

But, there is an analogy here. We all

have our principles, whatever they may

be or however they may differ. Still,

it's interesting to note that extraneous

events can alter those personal principles

in a heartbeat. 

I never use obscenities! Right?! Just

watch me. I simply do NOT raise my

voice, ever! Sure you don't! I just had

a memory! Never, ever do I drink too

much . . . yahhhhhhh and I'm going to

win the lotto any time now.

Point is . . . sooooo need to put that

finger down. Better to remind ourselves

of our own foibles and stop pointing

the finger. And true, I'm not all bad;

still, methinks I'd sure be in trouble if I

accused anybody. Been there; done that!

not me never me

im so perfect by the way

get a bloody clue

01/20/2022

Snowed all night, no accumulation

apparently, and 7 degrees even as

we speak . . .

Just saw a fab deck breakfast; looked

like fun. Methinks an electric blanket

might be in order. Isn't it interesting

to see how different people cope 

with Winter in different ways!

Of course, so many have to go to 

work, no matter what. My heart

goes out to them. Others, perhaps

those of us who are retired, choose

a lie in, breakfast in bed and a

couple of movies. 

Then, there's always sitting by the 

fire with a lovely cuppa Joe. Ahhhhh

Baileys . . . to add or not to add, that

is the question?! Guess I'll just have

to pass as I don't indulge in January.

Think I'll choose my own menu . . .

Perhaps stay-a-bed, read my novel

and pray that someone who claims

to love me might bring me that

cuppa Joe I've been hankering after!

I really should go check the mail;

alas, no can do . . .

its so cold up here

a hot toddy would be nice

please bring me blankets

01/19/2022

It's o' dark thirty and  22 degrees;

methinks I'm in serious need of

some magic or is it magick or

maybe even magik?!

No matter . . . I love it all! I find

it interesting that spelling is used

to differentiate between different

types of all that is wondrous!

magic - the power of apparently

influencing the course of events 

by using mysterious forces.

magick - in Paganism, action or

effort undertaken to effect personal

transformation or external change.

magik - an alternative spelling used

by author D J Hinton and others. 

My guess would be that we all grew

up with the first. I can remember

small town magic shows at birthday

parties. In today's world magicians

have become incredibly sophisticated

with their sleight of hand. 

Magick or magik are simply different

spellings used to differentiate between

stage magic and actual phenomena,

albeit celestial or supernatural. There

is much to be learned about this. It

may be real or it may be a belief.

I'm going to be on the lookout today

'cuz I be needin' some of that stardust!

bring on the magic

let us magick up our lives

just share the magik

01/18/2022

Morning of the day after . . .

It suddenly comes to me that we

would do well to make our New

Year's resolutions the day after

we have honored MLK and 

pondered the lives of our heroes.

This yearly pondering impels us 

to revisit just who we want to be 

when we grow up. I know this 

matters as it comes up in my life 

over and over again.

From Obama, we are reminded

that we are light years beyond

the Civil Rights Act of 1957. 

We must continue to grow, 

defend and accept.

Bader Ginsburg and Lady Eleanor 

exemplified the strength, courage, 

values of womankind far and wide.

Nhat Hanh and Mother Teresa

have shown us the way to true

spirituality, its meaning and

the courage to live it. Carter

puts us all in our places with 

his daily giving even in his 90s. 

Methinks King and Kennedy

rightly invented the necessary 

courage needed for speaking out 

and they paid the ultimate price.

Behold, learn and live accordingly . . .

01/17/2022

Santa's got naught on me . . .

I have my own list and I've

checked it thrice!

I started collecting heroes when

I was just a kid. Seems I simply

loved looking up to people. They

weren't necessarily known, but

I honored them in my own way.

Today, in honor of one of mine,

I share a few . . .

Barack Hussein Obama II is an

American politician, lawyer, and

author who served as the 44th 

president of the United States from

2009 to 2017. A member of the

Democratic Party, Obama was the

first African-American president

of the United States. 1961-

Wikipedia

Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an

American lawyer and jurist who

served as an associate justice of the

Supreme Court of the United States

from 1993 until her death in 2020.

1933-2020 Wikipedia

MAN OF THE HOUR . . .

Martin Luther King Jr. was an 

American Baptist minister and 

activist who became the most

visible spokesman and leader in the

American civil rights movement

from 1955 until his assassination

in 1968. 1929-1968 Wikipedia

Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese

Thien Buddist monk, peace activist,

and founder of the Plum Village 

tradition, historically recognized as

the main inspiration for engaged

Buddhism. 1926- Wikipedia

James Earl Carter Jr. is an American

former politician who served as the

39th president of the United States

form 1977 to 1981. A member of the

Democratic Party, he previously served

as the 76th governor of Georgia from

1971 to 1975 and as a Georgia state

senator from 1963 to 1967. 1924-

Wikipedia

Chester Otis Jennings, maker of fine

wines from his own vineyard and

stunning pieces from his alabaster mine

in Gateway, CO. Chester was born  in

Fort Morgan, CO on 21 July 1920 to

Samuel Chester Jennings and Elsie

Catherine Castner. Chester married

Esther May Veatch. They had two 

children; Linda Dale Jennings and

Samuel Dale Jennings. 1920-1992

Ancestry

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, often referred

to by his initials JFK, was an American

politician who served as the 35th president

of the United States from 1961 until his

assassination near the end of his third

year in office. 1917-1963 Wikipedia

Mother Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, honoured

in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of

Calcutta, was an Albanian-Indian Roman 

Catholic nun and missionary. She was 

born in Skopje, then part of the Kosovo

Vilayet of the Ottoman Empire. 1910-1997

Wikipedia

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was an American

political figure, diplomat, and activist. She

served as the first lady of the United States

from 1933 to 1945, during her husband

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's four

terms in office, making her the longest-

serving first lady of the United States.

1884-1962 Wikipedia

May our heroes and sheroes long live

in our hearts . . .

01/16/2022

"Sunday mornings are made 

for coffee and relaxing!" 

grab your coffee

Amen sister! I LOVE my coffee. 

I make an effort to buy my beans 

from different parts of the world . . . 

'tis the only way I travel these days!

I can remember my teaching years . . .

always kept a fresh pot brewing in 

my classroom. I drank it all day long 

and there were teachers who would 

slip into my room for a cuppa as well. 

I fear I drank two pots a day, all by

meself . . . 16 cups, right?! And no

trouble sleeping either!

So what happens?! Loving me my

coffee and if I have a cup or two in

the morning, 'tis guaranteed I won't

sleep a wink. What the hell, anyway!

I have all these wondrous coffees

and I pay a high price if I indulge!

Every now and then, simply can't

resist. I peruse my library, get me 

a fab book and drink away. Praise

the universe my lover can sleep

with my light on.

Just finishing a delightful series 

by Paula Brackston so I'm going 

to go make a fresh pot and to hell

with an upcoming sleepless night.

'Twill be the full moon after all!

Feel free to send book recs!!!

feel spicy this morn

just gimme a cuppa joe

gonna read me book

01/15/2022

"Candles have been used as a source of

light and to illuminate celebrations for

more than five thousand years, yet little 

is known about their origin. The earliest

use of candles is often attributed to the

ancient Egyptians who made rushlights

or torches by soaking the pithy core of

reeds in melted animal fat." NCA

I'm not even sure if anyone knows just

how much I love candles! 'Tis no wonder

I ended up in a 130 year old cabin with

candles ad nauseam (I keep hundreds in

stock) a perfect haven to end my days!

So, what is it about candles anyway?!

Methinks 'twas the first magic I ever

witnessed. I can remember, as a child,

being a bit down. My father would

light a little candle on my dresser and

tell me to watch it burn. Usually, I'd

fall asleep while watching its beauty.

Candles 'round the bath . . . pure magic!

In the kitchen whilst preparing that

special meal, add to the enchantment! 

"Candles on the table can make the 

most mundane meal a banquet." ~ldj 

A truth I believe and practice often. 

I understand that candles serve from

emergency light to warming the soul.

And, 'tis the last part that interests me

the most. I like to have candles around

me the entire year, but in the Winter,

it is essential.

I want candles in every room of the

house. "To see a candle's light, one

must take it into a dark place." 

~Ursula K. Le Guin I want to fall 

asleep to the light of a candle just 

as I did when I was a little girl. 

"This little light of mine . . . "

pray light a candle

so comforting in the dark

tis a saving grace

01/14/2022

Methinks it all starts with this age 

old truth . . .

 . . . Each day is a new beginning! I

have to believe this. It's rather what

gives me that much needed courage

to face the day, to go on.

Three is my magic number; I wish to

employ it in this way. No more, no less.

I'm no longer certain if I will use the

same three for a day, a week or a year.

Still, I will begin with these . . .

1) Face the day. It matters not, albeit

with courage or fear and trembling.

2) Serve someone else. Write a note,

make a dish, call a friend.

3) Do one thing for yourself. Change

your clothes, take a shower, dab a tad

of scent on your skin. And remember,

"You are the most powerful tool in your

life. Use your energy, your intentions,

your actions, and your magic wisely."

Ancient Pagan Roots

'Tis my plan of action to cope with 

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Pray, this will work . . . I will take 

it on faith!

get up sleepy head

sit by the fire for a bit

write a few postcards

01/13/2022

"Make your alone time sacred. We need

our solitude. Embrace the stillness to 

connect with your inner world. Truly 

take time to feel and tune into your body.

Reflect on your choices and if they are

aligned with your purpose. Let your 

peace be your compass."

~Tara Isis Gerris

Indeed, I recognize words of wisdom

when I see them. I take them to heart.

Pray, I have the wherewithal to follow

suit! We all need times of solitude. I

would add that in today's world, it's

truly a luxury rather than a commodity.

Not really certain just when the world

became so wrapped up in the speed race

that many important things have been 

left out. Perhaps if we pondered why

solitude is so important, we'd make an

effort to create time for it.

I find solitude helps me suss out things

that I have been dithering on about. It

gives me an opportunity to reaffirm the

direction in which I wish to go as well

as grow. It redefines all that is important

to me. It is the kind of rest that allows 

me to return to my own real world with 

greater energy.

As we are only a couple of weeks into

the new year, methinks I'll revisit my

resolutions and put this one in first 

place.

be still awhile rest 

pray listen to the silence

seek a renewal

01/12/2022

I've always wanted to know . . .

 . . . Who will I be when I grow up? 

What am I going to do when I'm an 

adult? I finally have my answer . . . 

 . . . I am becoming!

When we were little kids, we simply

thought adulthood had it all; 'twas

the be all, end all of existence. As

adults, we are initiated into that time

old truth, it is what it is and it's never

ending.

Of course there are choices to be made,

some good and some bad. But, there

are also circumstances that threaten

those choices. How do I go live in 

Africa for a year when my mother is

dying? Oops, just got pregnant 6 years

before I had intended to. type of thing.

We are constantly touted the adages, I

have free will. I make my own choices.

I am responsible only to myself. Sooooo

NOT true! Life butts in; circumstances

change, money or lack there of, has 

quite a bit to say about it.

Yes! We are gifted this life. And, we'll

be able to claim some of it. But, whether

you are an others first kind of person,

or reality simply creeps in, there will 

be precious few things and times over 

which you have any say.

Think hard; choose wisely! And always

remember, you are becoming . . .

my little me said

i want to be a grown up

so not what i thought

01/11/2022 - Element of Spirit

I love, honor and enjoy our most

wondrous elements; Mother Earth

with her gifts of Air, Fire and Water.

But, my favorite will always have

to be the Element of Spirit . . .

I see the Spirit in our souls, the joy

it brings, the thought of our longings

without it. Must revisit, somehow,

just what Spirt brings to the table.

As Spirit resides within, I can't help

but believe this is a visit directly on

the Soul. Our inner child may long

for play, but the adult Soul directs

us towards work. So, what kind of

work might that be?!

Methinks Soul encourages us to

stay on the path of right. He wishes

to see us doing the best we can for

ourselves as well as serving others.

Think of the sense of contentment

to be found in being friendly with 

the neighbors, going the extra mile,

sharing that bit of food.

But, Soul speaks to us . . . What 

do you believe? Do you walk that

path to which you are called? Are 

you honest in what you give and

accept? Soul doesn't ask us to bow

down to abuse . . . He moves us 

to live according to the code each

of us has created in our own lives.

Let us each embrace the courage

needed to live our lives as our 

souls have ordained . . .

hear that still small voice

ponder what is right for me

answering the call

01/10/2022 - Element of Air

I always think about how we can't

live without air . . . and then of 

course, it occurs that we really can't

live without any of the elements!

Air truly moves, pun intended, and

I've always enjoyed a bit of a breeze,

even a little wind. And, just like any

thing else, great amounts of wind 

kill, wreck, and maim.

There are many health benefits to

having fresh air about us. The docs

tell us that it improves blood pressure,

the digestive system, heart rate, lungs

and the immune system. That's all

well and good, but I'm not very 

savvy about any of those.

On my end of the stick though, I've 

been reading, as well as experiencing, 

that fresh air gives you energy, makes 

you feel happier and sharpens your

mind. And this is what the element

of air is all about for me.

Air is a gift that we have had nothing

to do with. But, we've all fallen into

the trap of not caring for it the way

we should. It's easy to blame the big

factories, the airplanes, trucks and

cars for the air pollution we have. 

Still, are we careful about the kind

of car we buy, how we use them? 

What about how we heat our homes?

I'll be the first to admit that I'm all

about the questions and don't hold

the answers. But, I do know that the

answers always involve each of us

doing our bit right where we are.

open the windows

so needing me some fresh air 

love me that sweet scent

01/09/2022 - Element of Earth

Perhaps one shouldn't play favorites 

with the elements . . . and truly, they

are all my faves. Having said that,

I bow to Mother Earth!

She gives us our home in which to

live. I am enamored of the mountains

and their beautiful lakes and streams.

Not to forget those wondrous trees

that turn all colors throughout the 

year. Sooooo love me the Evergreens 

nonetheless!

The night sky calls to me . . . New

Moon, Full Moon, cloudy or clear,

starlit or dark . . . it's beyond glory

of any kind, redefines beauty in any

way, shape or form.

And to think, we can now travel the

world, wide and far, seeing Mother

Earth in all of those incredible spaces 

available to us. 

There are actually places that appeal

to each of us. Some are called to the

sea, others to the alps . . . There are

those who live near the ocean, those

who love the mountains . . . even 

those who quite like the plains!

So today, I honor our mother. Pray,

we learn to preserve her! We must

pick up after ourselves, use products

that compost in her earth, learn to

use and reuse, rather than throwing

hundreds of plastics away!

Let us join hands in preserving her!

loving you mother

so making an effort here

pray teach me your ways

01/08/2022 - Element of Water

As I honor the five elements of

Mother Earth, many have asked

me about the Element of Water.

Let's ponder a moment the most 

wondrous things this element 

brings to the table.

Speaking of table, we always 

have that sweet glass of water 

to drink with our meals. Through

out the day, we reach for those

plastic water bottles (I have issue

with those.). At night, it resides 

on the lamp table beside us . . .

saying nought about the lovely

shower that awaits upon waking.

Think sweet streams, lakes . . .

both natural and man-made. Seas

and oceans the world over. Rain,

sleet and snow. Water, water

everywhere . . .

Brings back a memory of girl

scout days. When camping,

we'd fill our canteens in the

nearby stream and add a tiny

white pill to our canteens for

safe drinking. Yikes!

We all know we couldn't live,

survive, without this glorious

element of water. Methinks 'tis

time to stop taking it for granted

and give proper thanks for this

amazing element.

Ever so happy it's going to snow

this afternoon!

pray give me a drink

ever loving my water

a most wondrous gift

01/07/2022

Today marks one of the single most

important days of my life, the day

I became a mother for the first time . . . 

Having married so young, we chose

to wait to have children. There was

college to finish, teaching positions

to acquire, a home to sort out . . .

then and only then, our first child.

We did all the things young parents

do . . . painting the room, decorating

the walls, putting the crib together

and filling the playpen with an over

load of toys.

Me thinks my sweet child was so

comfortable and cosseted, he was

never going to face the light of day!

But finally, two weeks beyond that

calendar due date, he decided to

join our little family.

I can still recall those young adult

emotions; joy, fear, elation, fear,

excitement, fear . . . obviously, 

fear raised its head fairly regularly.

It makes sense though, this is real

and there is no prior knowledge

or experience to help.

We did it . . .  all of us together! 

Today I salute this phenomenal

man, and honor the amazing artist 

that he is. I am ever grateful for 

his life and the joy he has brought

to mine.

my life so enriched

bowing to the universe

so grateful for joy

01/06/2022 - Epiphany

El Día de los Santos Reyes siempre 

ha sido muy especial para mí. 

Marca el fin de la época navideña 

del Cristianismo. Una curiosidad del 

seis de enero es que la mayoría de la 

gente utilizan este día para despedirse 

del árbol de navidad y las decoraciones 

festivas.

Y, me encanta todo esto, muy sin

embargo, lo que me puede mucho, 

es que me hace extrañar aún más  

a mi querido México. Ojalá nunca 

me hubiera salido de mi bella casita. 

La familia, las amistades, la uni  

y los compañeros del trabajo . . .  

a todos los extraño tanto.

Pero ya, ni modelos Sánchez, como

decíamos en el ayer. La vida dio

otro turno y aquí nos encontramos.

Así que, hemos de bajar nuestros

árboles y guardar los adornos. 

Contemos historias a los nenes de

los santos reyes para que sueñan

con los angelitos . . . y despidamos

a los días festivos hasta el diciembre

entrante.

Feliz Día de los Reyes Magos!

oro y plata

magos tan excéntricos 

dones para dios

01/05/2022 - Element of Fire

Me thinks all of us have the element

of fire on our minds of late . . .

We sat near our Christmas trees, much

enjoying the fire in the background. 

So lends itself for the homey feel of 

the holiday. Candles burning brightly 

on the festive table full of luxurious, 

celebratory foods and delicacies. 

So many today practice meditation 

of different varieties. One thing these

practices have in common . . . candles.

There is something about staring into

the flickering flame of a candle that

somehow contains the answers to all

questions.

And oh, the memories invoked as we

sit around those summer campfires

telling tales out of school. Add in hot

dogs and marshmallows, maybe a

beer or two, and you have the stuff

dreams are made of.

Then comes the devastation of fire

in its destructive mode. The complete 

eradication of a town, severe damage 

to others, the loss of homes, and people's 

entire lives and memories as they knew 

them.

Thousands of acres of forests lost to

the ever hungry forest fire devouring 

everything in sight. Such sorrow!

Such absolute desolation . . .

Pray, we all do everything in our 

power to keep our homes, our towns, 

our forests safe! 'Tis a matter of

vast consequence . . .

light a few candles

come sit by the fire with me 

joy or havoc reigns

01/04/2022

Find myself taking a walk down

memory lane . . .

I see that cute little miss, all of two,

playing with her goats, knocked 

down and getting back up. Such

exuberance!!!

School girl, all dressed up and ready

to learn . . . loving every minute of it.

To this day, I have nothing but the

fondest memories of school . . . 

Methinks 'tis why I became a teacher,

a bit of pay back! Sooooo loved my

40 plus years of teaching. There is,

and was, nothing like it in the whole

world.

Living in Mexico those 20 years . . .

Bearing my children, most wondrous

miracle  e v e r !!! I have been so

blest.

Under a bit of pressure, I'd have to

admit that aging, becoming a crone,

finally acquiring a tad of insight,

has been a very interesting journey.

Here's hoping for a bit more time

and praying for wisdom before the

end . . .

Lady in Waiting

Lady in waiting

Just turned three

Playing "let's pretend"

With that invisible friend.

Lady in waiting

All of seven

Flying feet of gypsy queen

Dancing with the wind.

Lady in waiting

Sweet sixteen

Princess in a castle tower

Carriage standing by.

Lady in waiting

Just nineteen

Here comes your dashing prince

To crown you his queen.

Lady in waiting

Games all done

Ruined castle ravaged

Your men gone to war.

Lady in waiting

Are you still there?

Are you still waiting?

Still waiting? Still waiting!

~linda-dale jennings

01/03/2022

These snowy days find me hunkered down

with a Paula Brackston series. So loving

it . . . might add that the joy of reading is

one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.

Of course, I learned to read properly in

1st grade, but I had already taught myself

the basics. I'm ever so grateful that my

family read every evening . . . what a 

way to be enticed into a world of magic!

I'm fairly certain that this led to becoming

a Lang Arts teacher . . . 40 plus years. I

rather love the way I taught reading. In

today's world, there are so many ways to

do so.

Think; newspapers and funny pages, 

children's shows with the lines written 

at the bottom of the screen, sophisticated

comics, e-books, Kindles, Nooks, audio 

books . . . no end to the manner in which 

reading is delivered to the doorstep of 

our hearts!

The one thing I truly prize about winter

is that precious seduction into quiet time

by the fire with book in hand. What a gift!

"Shall I cook, clean, or do the grocery

shopping? Okay, reading it is."

Crazy Book Lady

lend me some magic

mongst the pages of unknown

never never land

01/02/2022

"Just a reminder that you don't have to 

make resolutions. Or huge decisions. Or 

big proclamations. You can just set some 

sweet intentions and take each day as it 

comes." ~Victoria Erickson

Day two of our brand new year. Imagine

most of us are probably recouping from 

New Year's Eve. Next job, taking a look-

see into our well thought out resolutions.

I'll be the first to admit that my list rather

looks like the Ten Commandments. Comes

to me that if I'm to succeed at all, ten needs

to be reduced to about three! After some

thought, these might work:

    1) Be true to myself ~Shakespeare

    2) Honor others ~4th Commandment

    3) Seek good health ~my dad

     

Methinks I loved school - number 1. Had

a good upbringing - number 2. And dad -

love of my life. Strikes me that I'm one

lucky gal!

Guess the most important resolution might

be to lay hands on some stick-to-itiveness.

I'm generally pretty good with resolutions

for about three or four days. But, this year

I want to make it. Know I'll be a better

person for it. Wish me some luck . . . 

or maybe what I need is a good kick in the

seat of my pants!

given a new start

making promises to me

so wishing me well

01/01/2022 - New Years Day

We begin the new year assailed by despair.

Boulder and Lewisville, severely affected, 

and Superior entirely eradicated . . .

'Tis beyond belief; beyond sorrow!

How do we welcome in the new year, 

counting on it being better than the last 

two, and all around, towns are burning 

down? I look at my own emotions; fear, 

dismay, abhorrence . . . I ask myself, 

how do the people feel watching their 

homes burn down, their animals die, 

as they are evacuating from a life they 

never thought to leave?! 

I beg of my inner soul, "Don't buy into

that negativity! Look for the positive!

You can do this!" And, that little girl

inside me is so afraid of never being

able to smile again.  And this is me!

What about the people who actually

lost everything?

Grow up woman! Figurer out a way

to help . . . any kind of help!  Maybe

prayers would make a difference.

Not sure though, seems to me like 

Mother Earth is on a rampage! 

Been there; done that!

filled with much sorrow

methinks theres no recourse none

think think im thinking