07/31/2022

Methinks anyone who

believes all seasons are

of equal length are

seriously confused! Or

am I mistaken that we're

just saying goodbye to

two thirds of summer?!

I intend to give some 

proper thought to how 

I want to spend August.

Obviously, visits to all

the kids are in order. Not

to forget I'm getting a tat

a week from today. That

will make 15! Yay!

I really have this urge to

go on a picnic. I've been

talking about it for a couple

of months and still haven't

done it. 'Tis high time!

I want to take a ride . . .

something we haven't done

since gas turned into a high

jacker! I love rides . . . a gift

from the fifties. Watching

the leaves begin to change

is also a fave of mine.

birthdays in july

fondly remembering you

visits from the past

Not to forget visits from

friends. Do come on by.

Sooooo, goodbye July and

hello August . . .

07/30/2022 - OMG

In our current day of the

quick and dirty . . . cell

phones, texting, e-mails,

. . . I get quite a kick out 

of those popular acronyms. 

"OMG, I simply can't get

over the deal I got on line

today! Now that my son,

would be NOYB! WTH,

I know it's a secret, but I

was going to tell you any

way. There's a good sale

going on a Safeway, LMK

what you think. SMH, the

teens of today just blow my

mind! Back in my day, we

would have been ROFL!"

One of the things I find

interesting is the inclusion

of using acronyms verbally

in conversation. I actually

find myself say 'what' a lot.

As a Lang Arts teacher of

40 years and living half of

those in Olde Mexico, I've

found the evolution of lingo

quite fascinating. Can't help

but wonder if it doesn't add

to the breakdown in . . .

communication.

I can remember my gran

saying, "Ta ta for now" but,

as the kids just say . . .

TTYL . . .

*See translations . . .

OMG - Oh My God

NOYB - None of Your Business

WTH - What The Hell

LMK - Let Me Know

SMH - Shaking My Head

ROFL - Rolling On the Floor

TTYL - Talk To You Later

07/29/2022

Oh my God! Oh my God!!

OH MY GOD!!! 

We were just sitting there,

minding our own business,

as it were . . . when Mister

Ginormous came prancing

through! And, I'm not sure

the description depicts big 

enough!

He walked right by us, paid

us no bother mind, was so

close we could have almost

touched him! Big, black bear!

He's been coming regularly

this summer, But, 'tis one

to see him on the monitor or

in the back yard, and yet

another to have him walk by

right where you're sitting!

The thing is, you talk about

how you're going to hold up

your arms Crocodile Dundee

style and slowly walk away.

And 'tis yet another to actually

get off your paralyzed duff and

do so!

We've watched the show on the

monitor several times. Rather

shakes me down to the morrow

of my bones when we do so.

But, I did choose to live here,

didn't I?!

Here's begging the uni to let 

us continue living here, seeing 

these incredible creatures and 

still make it to old age!

feeling so lucky

so pray to keep on living

want lotto tickets

07/28/2022 - Happy b-day dear heart . . .

I'd be the first to admit, I do

have a thing for birthdays! 

A bit of an objection to the 

day part of it though; I rather

like the idea of a birth month!

Can't seem to get all of my 

celebrating done in twenty

four hours, anyway!

Today is my lover's b-day.

Under my subtle persuasion,

we've been celebrating for

days. Such fun!

Fam over for one afternoon, 

a glorious day on the town, a 

trip to a couple of local bergs, 

all my idea of how life needs

to be honored.

Can't help but wonder, if I'm

not talking a bit about how

life needs to be lived . . . life,

not just birthdays! I'm going to

have to give this some thought.

loving me some life

living over existing

must give this some thought

"What's wrong with being 

72 or 82 or 92? If God is good 

enough to give you those years, 

flaunt them." ~Iris Apfel, 96

07/27/2022

"Flawed and fabulous . . . 

because perfect doesn't

exist and normal is boring."

TheMind'sJournal

Funny how the need for

New Year's Resolutions

can creep up at any time . . .

At 101 years of age, I still

seem to be struggling with

self acceptance. Of course,

I accept myself per se. But,

I'd be the first to admit, have

all kinds of issues with my

foibles.

Seems to me, there should

come a time when we all 

grow up, accept each other

and ourselves . . . as we are!

Sooooo, here's to the times

I have one glass (or two) too

many. Getting angry and so

wishing I were the bigger

person. Patience with any 

and all around me, maybe

especially myself. Learning

to love the unlovely.

Methinks 'tis a good idea to

keep the list short! Here, let

me raise that one too many

glasses to a good start!

growing up and old

better and better each year

elderly so rocks

07/26/2022

I have endured hunger and

the gift of anxiety it brings . . .

Imagine in all societies we know,

we experience different sorts of

hunger. For me, it's a hunger for

safety in all things. I like knowing

the next meal for my family is

secure. It matters to me that my

doors are locked at night and my

children are safe. Good job the

police caught that child molester.

I have suffered loss and

the gift of pain it brings . . .

My father built my dream home

in Mexico. I have never loved an 

edifice more, right down to the 

last bit of decor. Alas, I lost it in 

my divorce as is wont to happen.

Still, 'twas only a building and

not a life and for this I am much

grateful!

I have known love and

the gift of joy it brings . . .

Spiritual love means the world 

to my peace of mind. I am ever  

so grateful to have found my path.

Security love of hearth and home 

is important to the entire family. 

Alas, many do not have it. Sexual

love in a committed relationship 

is both delightful and precious.

Somehow, I do feel overcome 

with gratitude . . .

known but recovered

feeling ever so grateful

ever fortunate

07/25/2022

I dreamt of gypsies last night . . .

Can't help but wonder if it didn't

have something to do with my

friend Esther?!

Good witch, of much wit and

wisdom, she's been on my mind

of late . . . and thus entered my

dreams.

Even in our modern day culture,

Gypsies are an enigma! Stories of 

yesteryear may keep the mystique 

alive, but in today's world, their 

place is still pure fascination . . .

I like to think we all possess that

salt and pepper amount of gypsy. 

Methinks the child within rejoices 

in the gypsy and the adult slowly 

eradicates . . . our loss!!!

For me, embracing my inner gypsy 

means honoring the child within. 

It means keeping the magick in  

life alive. Honoring wonder, not 

needing all the answers, playing 

with fanciful ideas . . . and for god's 

sake, dropping that old cookie cutter 

self!

We are, and should be, each our own

sacred individual. As a teacher, I can't 

help but wonder if it isn't school that 

contributes and encourages all this

copy and be copied business?!

Oh, do let's bring back our inner 

gypsy!

07/24/2022

 Mama, Whats a Witch? by Nico B. Paradis

     "Mama, what's a witch? 

A witch is a person, big or small, who loves

and honors all

A witch sees the magick that is everywhere

She uses Earth's energy for good, not fear

A witch sees the beauty that's all around

She blesses the sky, sea, trees and ground

A witch knows the language of the of the

Stars, Planets, and Sun

She asks them her questions and they

answer one by one

A witch can soothe heartache, pain, and hurt

She uses the gifts that come straight from 

the Earth

Witches find beauty in forgotten places

They see people for who they are, 

not just by their faces

Some witches love song, some witches

love dance

All witches are brave, not afraid t take 

a stance

A witch believes and knows anything 

is possible

The magick is love and that's the most 

powerful

    Mama, can I be a Witch? 

If you are a person, big or small,

who loves the earth and honors all

If you see the magick that is everywhere

If you use the Earth's energy for good,

not for fear

If you see the beauty that is all around

If you too, bless the sky, sea, trees and

ground

If you learn the language of the Stars,

Planets and Sun

By asking them your questions and

accepting their answers one by one

If you love song or if you love to dance

If you are brave and not afraid to take

a stance

If you believe and know anything is possible

If you recognize that Magick is love

And know that it is the most powerful

Then you, my darling, are a witch indeed

My wish for you is in your self

Most of all you always believe"

07/23/2022

It's a b-day; let's PARTY!!!

Methinks we adults simply

turn into kids again when

our birthdays roll 'round! 

The whole thing's a hoot . . . 

the anticipation, planning,

execution! Such fun!

Probably the best part for 

me would be the gathering 

of fam and friends that we 

haven't seen in forever. 'Tis

all about catching up!

Now, I'd be lying through 

my teeth if I didn't admit to 

enjoying the food. What is

it about birthdays that seem

to inspire calories?! Yum!

And July does tend to bring

the gifts of both 100 degree

weather and plenty of rain.

I'd have to be a scientist if I

were to ever understand the

combination.

Sooooo, we'll just have to

wait and see what the day

brings. Pray I can enjoy

each and every moment!

Happiest of all happies to

my guy!

anticipation

happiest of all bdays

calling it a day

07/22/2022

I find myself caught up in the 

midst of b-days . . . Yesterday, 

was dad's birthday. Tomorrow 

my bro's, and then my guy's.

And, I so celebrate him; what 

a life he has had. Frankly, he

deserves all the celebrating he

can get! 

I would be the first to admit, 

I am well pleased the universe 

saw fit give my brother rest as 

he was much weary from his

ills.

But, being a daddy's girl, and

still missing him, seems I am

unable to bid him adieu. I talk

to him most days; he's a good

listener.  I may begin in prayer 

or meditation, but the next thing 

I know, I'm talking to my dad. 

I've apologized to God many a

time. Yet, I've had to tell him, 

"Dad was ever and always will 

be God to me; I guess I'll just 

be addressing him. Sorry!" Yet,

not sorry, really.

So, here's to my three . . . Daddy,

Sammy and my own dear heart . . .

"May you live longer in memory

than you have in life. Know you

are much loved, ever and always!"

07/21/2022

Perhaps, the face of friendship

is changing somewhat . . . or 

maybe, only as we knew it.

I've often commented, just how 

much I miss daily mail . . . cards,

letters, those communications of 

yesteryear.

I even remember phones . . . 

those rotaries hanging on the wall.

But today, we slide them into our

pockets and use them nigh onto

exclusively for texting.

And now, we Facebook and/or

Twitter. I've never been on the

latter, but find myself quite

enjoying the former, even on a 

daily basis. It's an interesting,

albeit different, way to stay in 

touch. 

We get a peek into friends' lives

and even communicate briefly 

below pictures or in Messenger.

What I'm actually seeing is that

I need to adapt to these new ways

of doing things.

Sooooo, e-mail me once in a while.

I find myself missing you . . .

a message of sorts

be it one way or other

lets communicate

07/20/2022

"Craful! Craful!" as my little

bro used to say. And Sammy,

Yes, I'm trying to be careful!

I'd be the first to admit . . .

there are days when this damn

aging process gets to me a bit.

And "craful" doesn't even begin

to cover it.

First of all, I get that we're lucky

to even be alive. We've lost so 

many much younger than we. I

also get that there are plenty of

issues that come with aging that

have to be faced and dealt with.

The slower walk, the shorter

stride, the lesser memory . . . 

Frankly, I find that last one to 

be the scariest. And, it's more

than just, "Where the hell did

I put my keys?!"

Methinks me lucky in that my

guy and I each forget and recall

different things. Fab way to help

each other. Pray we keep it up!

say don't i know you

tell me your name when we meet

almost certain i recall

07/19/2022

I so loved to travel in days of

yesteryear. Something I used

to look forward to all year long.

I don't spend my time on tele

travel specials at this point. Still, 

I have phenomenal memories of 

trips from my younger years. 

Funny though, I find myself

sticking closer to home these

days . . . and enjoying it as

well. The small towns near 

here are truly sweet.

Country fairs to explore, little

antique stores, fun cafes with

interesting foods to try . . . 

to say nothing of the scenery.

Harking back, methinks I got 

caught up in the romance of 

foreign climes rather than

trying some local scenarios 

on for size. 

One of the fab things about 

perusing our surrounding areas

would be the joy found without

having to sell our souls to afford

it. Day trips are a real treat . . .

who knew?!

Care to join us at the pub in our

neighboring village? Such fun

to be had!

07/18/2022

"What a difference a day makes."

~Stanley Adams

What is it about a day anyway?

The old song insists it lasts 

twenty four hours. . .  although 

I wouldn't swear to it!

I imagine the first thing, the most

important one, is waking up at all! 

Not everyone does, alas . . .

Sustenance . . . what's for breakfast?

Do you splash out? Make do? Plan

a fave? Rumor has it that it's the 

most important meal of the day. I

tend to sin on the side of anything

goes, unless I have visitors. Hell,

I've been known to have ice cream;

go figure!

What's next? How to spend the day?

At home? Doing chores? Taking a

run into town? Making something?

Yard work? Again, I've come to the

idea that what one does during the

day makes a serious difference in

the whole matter of things.

I do know that once I crawl into bed,

the ifs, ands and buts of the day seem

to attack full throttle. The mind tends

to review those purported twenty four

hours whether you like it or not.

Did I do anything important? Worthy?

Did I befriend? Help? Encourage? Was

the day enjoyed? Wasted? Endured?

One of the things I want to do when I

grow up is actually create those kind

of days that make a difference. Make

Dinah Washing proud . . .

whats doing today

methinks making beautys good

theres an idea

07/17/2022

We drove out, caravan style, 

to a place out and about. We

needed to get to our vardo,

gypsy wagon, well before

dark.

Cold ones in the little fridge,

a meat dish in the oven, and

food everywhere you could

see. I had expected just a few

gals, yet there seemed to be

guys as well.

Dragging out folding chairs

from the vardo, we finally

ate. Foods hot or cold, didn't

matter. Cold beers, however

did!

We chatted, told the odd joke,

chuckled and tucked into our

little banquet. Quite the b-day

celebration and I'm not even

sure whose?!

For whatever reason, suddenly

I was startled awake. I think

an ancient toolbox fell. At least

there's a mess surrounding my

great grandad's old wooden one.

So it was all a dream, eh? I did

have a lot of fun although it was

a great deal of work. Glad all I

have to do is clean up the tool

box mess.

Still, not sure if I'm missing the

do or my great granddad. I loved 

him ever so much . . . 

life dishes daydreams

sleep the illusions thereof

all i have to do is . . .

07/16/2022

I awoke this morn feeling

quite giddy and unsure why . . .

and then I remembered!

We were sitting in the living

room last eve; I got up to have

a look-see at the new fire ring

I had just created . . . WOW!

A giant black bear was ambling

across the yard, just between the

window where I was standing

and the fireplace. Living where

we do, we get bear often enough,

but I had never seen one so close

to me, so black, so beautiful.

I whisper shouted, "Get over here,

you have to see . . . " Must have

been the urgency, but we got to

stand in the window and simply

bathe in the beauty of the moment.

There are times when I can't

even remember why we moved

here, much as I love it. And then,

something like this happens. 

Indeed, I pray I won't run into 

this black beauty when I'm out 

in the yard. And yet, we have 

been able to see so much wild 

life from relative safety. 

For now, I feel as if Mother

Nature just kissed me on the

cheek and wished me well . . .

feeling the beauty

mother bless you for this gift

won natures lotto

07/15/2022

I know! Time passes at the

exact same rate every single

moment of each and every

day. Having said that . . .

Seems to me that summer

simply races by! I had so

many plans . . .

Do the yard, invite friends

and fam over, drinks under

an auspicious full moon. 

To modernize Shakespeare's

and Alex Pope's old quotes . . . 

"Time flies when you're 

having fun!"

Maybe the answer lies in 

speed . . . Hurry up and get

outside. Hurry up and picnic.

Hurry and up end those ice

cold drinks. Hurry up and

have that flying fun!

Or, how about the old maxim,

Slow down and enjoy . . . 

Methinks 'tis the best idea! I

have to remind myself every

day . . . Live in the moment!

So indeed . . .  I'm living in 

the moment, dancing as fast 

as I can, and loving every

single second of summer!!!

lets hoist our glasses

so loving me these hot days

pray bring on the heat

07/14/2022

"Every man is born as many

men and dies as a single one."

~Martin Heidegger

In pondering Heidegger's 

musings, I find I disagree

somewhat . . .

I understand that when we

come into this world, our

choices of who we choose

to become, are many. As we

grow and experience life, we

each choose our path and

become . . .

On the other side of the coin,

we are born as this tiny, single

minded baby, only interested

in survival. Eat. Sleep. Live.

As we grow, we try life on for

size, as it were. Experience one

thing, discard another. Visit one

path, choose another. And, in

becoming our ONE, we also

wear many a hat.

That incoming babe, becomes

an outgoing entity . . . a student

of life, friend, spouse, parent.

Perhaps, even trying out different

careers.

I can appreciate that as we 'elder'

we pare ourselves down to size.

Discarding the many for the single,

we leave this world as we came in,

only interested in survival . . .

Eat. Sleep. Live. Ouch! 

Maybe, just maybe, Heidegger's 

right after all! Bears thinking

about.

07/13/2022

Guilt, it's been said, is the gift

that keeps on giving . . .

Can't decide if it's humorous

or annoying, all those FB

quotes telling one and all to

suffer no guilt!

I rather think my mom used

guilt quite creatively in her

parenting. I've used it myself

to keep me on the straight and

narrow . . . okay, not too straight

and not too narrow, but still . . .

Obviously, vast amounts of

suffering at the hand of guilt

serves no one. Still, modicum

amounts of guilt, keeping one

honest, is surely a good thing.

Say I forget to put out the trash

for example, and have to house 

it for another week, guilt would 

be this side of ridiculous. 

But if I hurt a friend, using guilt 

as a way to try and understand 

the pain I have caused, is a good

thing. I imagine it would also

encourage me to do the right 

thing and mend fences.

Guess my vote would be . . . ever

and always in moderation! Use it

for good and let it be!

Are you listening, mother?

07/12/2022

Methinks 'tis the morn of

the day after . . .

Oh my God! All that yard

work! Thought I was rather

proving myself . . . And . . .

what I was really doing was

proving myself to be about

a 100 years old!

Things are looking really fab

around here. Too bad I might

be too dead to enjoy them!!!

All jest aside . . . and yes, I

wasn't kidding about being

half dead . . . okay, all dead!

What I was thinking was . . .

how lovely it would be if it

always looked like this?!

Funny thing about seasons

and their accompanying

weather . . . Seems they've

their own agenda and feel

no particular need to ask

my opinion.

Probably just as well and I'd

be praying for sun and you'd

be begging for rain . . . to

say nothing of the kid down

the street who wants some-

thing entirely different.

Here's wishing all a good

weather day, like it or not!

Prost! Cheers!! Salud!!!

bring on the bengay

or maybe make that a beer

down with yard work pains

07/11/2022

Been a-porching of late . . .

So tiny and not particularly

comfortable, we've never

really sat out there until the

other evening.

Several things conspired to

make it more appealing. A

friend kindly put her hand

to the task of cleaning the 

space, so it's actually doable.

My guy put up my father's

art and I hung up my antique 

bell collection. It now has that, 

"There's no place like home," 

feel to it.

At the end of the day, we

inaugurated our spruced up

porch with celebratory margs; 

pure delight!

We were hefting our glasses

in toasts to the occasion when

a buck and his spike wandered

into the yard. Still in the velvet,

they made a phenom picture!

I'd be the first to admit my own

romantic take on most things.

Still, it rather felt like my dad

and little brother were coming

over to bless our efforts.

They were absolutely fearless!

Wandered the yard as if they

owned the place. Came within

four or five feet of me whilst

I was picking a handful of

posies for my altar.

Found myself tearing up; 

feel ever so blest . . .

loving summers gifts

helps me learn to live anew

joy in the small things

07/10/2022 - Oh Mary . . .

Dreamt again of family.

I find it quite unnerving . . .

What the hey? Am I just

trying to see them one more

time? Perhaps missing them?

Saying goodbye?

My step-family is ever so

beautiful. 'Tis headed by the

most prodigious matriarch. She

is brilliant; advanced degrees.

Ever gracious and thoughtful,

a true warrior in her own 

right! . . . To say naught of her

beauty, both inner and out!

I so miss the children, her own

babies, and now with babes of 

their own. They are becoming . . .

an amazing feat to witness. 

I find myself ever so proud of 

them!

Accomplished scholastically,

adept in familial circles, fine 

parenting; rather takes pride 

to an entirely new level!

Know I have loved you well. 

I have learned from you . . .

still learning, even now. I say!

Take a bow! You've earned it!

a gift of the gods

may i ever remember

whole new depths of love

07/09/2022

Last evening, some friends

came over for a brewski. 

There was a light rain, so 

we chose to sit on the porch.

Now, this 135 year old porch 

is quite tiny and my gran's

high back chairs aren't really 

comfortable. 

Still . . .  a few candles lit, 

bottles in hand, conversation 

flowing and all is rather 

wondrous!

I get that the evening's delight

was all about the combination

of things. But, methinks that

porch is pure magic. Can't help

but wonder about all the things

that must have happened there

in days of yesteryear. 

My cabin was built by a black

smith. In my mind's eye, I can

see him . . . exhausted after a 

day's work, sitting on the porch, 

maybe a homemade brew in 

hand.

Who know's if his wife was

ever able to take a moment,

sip a cup of tea, rest from her

daily endeavors. Were there

children at her feet, perhaps

playing with bits and pieces

from dad's forge?

Frankly, I much lament that

porches seem to belong to

another era . . . they truly are

absolutely phenom!!!

dreams of yesteryear

olde bearer of memories

times long forgotten

07/08/2022

Methinks, I've won the lottery!

This morn, I get to see another 

friend.

Of course, we all value our 

relationships, albeit by blood

or by that true blue that exists

amongst real friends.

One of the things I've found

interesting as we grow older,

we may have less companions

as we're now retired and see

less people. But, friendships 

cultivated in the wisdom of 

the ages . . . priceless indeed!

What defines The real McCoys 

in friendship? I'm thinking, a

real presence in one's life. It

doesn't really matter if it is 

weekly, monthly or whenever.

What matters is what works

for both parties.

Listening is also incredibly 

important in a friendship . . . 

and both friends listening to 

each other. It can't just be a 

one way street.

Gifts, nice but not important.

It's truly sharing our lives that

matters the most. I beg that I

ever and always be the kind of

friend to others that I'd like to

have for myself.

love you near or far

gift of friendship paramount

ever and always

07/07/2022

So loved seeing my mentor

today . . . she reminded me 

of eras gone by . . .

A life long lived, stories to

be told and shared, ahems to

be dropped and amazement

all 'round!

Can't think of anything more

amusing, durable, valuable, 

than telling tales out of school!

Those precious stories shared 

are rather what makes a life 

important. We tend to forget, 

others than ourselves have lived 

as well! And, they've lessons 

learned and to be compartido!

Today, I found myself dropping

my jaw, chuckling, downright

laughing and struggling against

tears . . . a precious time shared.

In today's world, the oral tradition

no longer properly exists. I so love

the written word, but I rather wish

we hadn't lost that invaluable 

sharing of stories otherwise untold.

My long time friend epitomizes a

life as I long for it to be. Let's learn

to not only enjoy, but to honor those

who have lived a time we've never

experienced.

May we live rather than exist . . . 

may we endure until such a time

we can rejoice in a life heretofore

unknown!

so longing for life

existence tis of no matter

pray lets truly live

07/06/2022

"It takes courage to grow up 

and become who you really 

are." ~ee cummings

In today's culture, seems to 

be a bit of pride surrounding

this whole not growing up 

thing. Not sure exactly where 

I stand on this; I'm thinking, 

I'm thinking!

I believe we all gird up our

loins, sally forth and conquer

when the daily demands are

put upon us. Still, we enjoy 

pandering to the child within

as well!

Loved, enjoyed, cherished 

my 40 years of teaching. Yet,

being at play as an oldster

is priceless. Wonder if this 

doesn't have something to do 

with we old folks becoming 

a bit childish?!

And, no matter how much 

we enjoy our play; bills still

have to be paid, food bought

and prepared, house cleaned.

On the morrow, methinks I'm

going to go get in some trouble

with an old playmate of mine!

Can hardly wait and I already

have picnic ideas . . .

come and play awhile

caprice and whim at its best

can so hardly wait

07/05/2022

Methinks 'tis the morn of the

day after and things are looking

brighter . . . That would be moi 

striving for a better attitude, my

very own promise to myself!

This month marks the beginning

of the second part of the year. I

find myself taking a look-see and

wondering what I'm going to do

with it, to accomplish.

Trying hard not to think about it,

but summer brings about the yard

clean. Birthdays show up, expect

to be celebrated. Visits that don't

happen in the winter, finally come

to fruition. 

One thing that comes to mind . . .

I want to live each moment, in the

moment, rather than constantly in

the looking forward mode. I know

this, but somehow the lesson does

not stick . . . Maybe this time!

So today . . . I am spending it with

my guy, watching some old movies

with popcorn on hand. I'm going to

read in a bit. Always makes me feel

glorious to embrace the written word!

living in the now

a lesson needing learning

promise cross my heart

07/04/2022 - 4th of July

Not sure any of us spend much

time remembering, recalling,

thinking about the meaning of

today.

Methinks that wondrous fam 

of four . . . mom and dad, son

and daughter, are mostly well

served, remembered, celebrated.

Still, what about our attitudes

towards large families, single

moms, single dads, mixed race

homes, gay parents, black fams

etc.

Looking around, I fear we have

forgotten that 4th of July means

liberty for ALL!!! I would like 

to think we get that and truly 

mean it as well.

I challenge us all . . .  and that

includes me . . . Let's work on

our attitudes, really work on

them. Let's celebrate life, and

the freedom to live this life as 

we can and should.

I know none of us have enough

shekels to save the world, but 

we do have enough love to go

around. Let's get right on that!

live life at its best

share the loving all around

lets grow truly grow

Happy 4th of July!

07/03/2022

Today awaits . . . an unopened

present, a pending surprise, a

long hoped for celebration . . .

I often ask myself, "Why is it

that we tend to focus on the

negative when there is still so

much beauty in the world?

'Tis rather like not being able

to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner

due to worrying about who's

going to wash the dishes.

Can't help but wonder if it's 

too late to change the habits

of a lifetime?!

"Damn it, it's raining, or, The

plants are going to love this!"

"Alas, I'm out of shekels, or,

Ever so glad there's plenty of

food in the fridge!" "You're

dragging mud into the house,

or, Incredibly lucky to have a

home!"

Methinks 'tis high time this

camera focuses on the pretty

pictures of my life . . . Sooooo

need to leave the petty behind!

pretty or petty

lets have a petty party

leave petty behind

07/02/2022

"Dedicated to every human 

being who looks different, feels

different, and thinks differently. 

I see you. I feel you. I am you. 

Stay different. Our world needs 

the difference we make." 

~Qasim Chauhan

I was always different . . .

Parents belonged to an unusual

religion. Brother was both blind

and special. Impoverished, hard

working people . . .

No way in hell could I be cookie

cutter! Part of me got quite a kick

out of this, yet another part of me

longed to be part of the crowd . . .

The good thing is, one grows out

of the longing and salutes the

being!

My father was a true eccentric; the

older I get, I find the more I am as 

well. Praise gods for small favors!

Looking back, I have to ask, "What

gifts have eccentricity brought into

my life?"

Glorious kids, phenomenal students,

unusual life experiences, the oddest

of gifts, interesting people, strangest

of dreams . . . the rare . . . ever and

always the rare!

color me grateful 

outside the lines every time

doesn't cover it!!!

07/01/2022

So love me those dwindling moments

just before slipping into dreamstate . . .

so wish I could capture a few!

I find them comforting, almost like a

mother promising a good night's rest.

I do find myself confused, let down,

almost betrayed, when treated to a

nightmare however. Where do these

come from?

A heavy supper? A bit too much to 

drink? Negative thoughts, worries?

Pondering here . . . In the grand

scheme of things, might these be a

warning? 

Every once in a while, a nightmare

is so intense, so horrific, that I don't

even wish to sleep the next few eves.

So need this to be explained to me

by someone who's in the know!

Here's hoping tonight's rest will be

peaceful, coddled in the arms of

sweet dreams . . . 

ever so tired

wishing us all a good night

may sweet dreams abide