09/01/2022

Oh my God . . . what a . . . 

8:30 this a.m. and the yard

was simply filled with elk.

It had to be the entire herd.

Countless numbers . . .

Perhaps the most impressive

member of the tribe was a

gynormous bull elk, hugest

antlers I'm ever seen, with at

least six points. His counter

part, was a young bull with

his first single spike.

There was a mom with two

calves, still in their spot mode.

Dozens and dozens of elk

everywhere you looked. An

amazing, stunning experience.

When they finally moved on,

you could actually smell the

scent, or maybe I should say

stench, of all that the elk left 

behind. They were, after all,

in front, back and side yards!

I feel ever so blest to have

had this experience. I rather

yearn to experience it again.

our animal kind

amazing experience 

life to the fullest

08/31/2022

"I like messy people, people

who don't fit into a box or stay 

between the lines, but whose

integrity is greater than any

rule book and whose loyalty 

is stronger than blood." 

~Jim Wern

Such a sweet surprise . . .

My longtime birthday twin, 

albeit a decade younger,  

surprised us with an amazing 

home cooked meal this eve.

I've never experienced an

event quite like this one.

Visiting together, having this

spectacular meal brought to

our table, ending with a fab 

dessert and more sharing in

the afters . . .

Friendship simply fascinates

me. I find the subtle changes 

that come with the advancing

years most interesting. 

Some have moved on, albeit

physically or emotionally. 

Others remain in the loop via

the odd call, correspondence,

or visits. Still others will ever

and always wend their way

here.

Bright blessings, Gypsy!

08/30/2022

"Lions and tigers and bears, 

oh my!" The Wizard of Oz

Seems that even using up

and downstairs calendars,

along with my computer, I

still mismark dates! Can't

trust me as far as you can

throw me!

Methinks I need to listen

more carefully, write info

more completely - rather

than abbreviations, and

coordinate all calendars.

Now, doesn't that spell

secretary to you?! It sure

does to me!!!

On the bad side of that

suggestion . . . I wouldn't

be able to afford one, nor

have anyplace to work.

Seems the only thing left

to do would be to put on

my own secretary hat and

be a hell of a lot more

careful!

Sooooo need to pay more

attention to business! So

fear that's not going to

happen . . .

08/29/2022

Alas, 'tis time once again . . .

Goodbyes are ever so much

harder than hellos, right?!

We like to make the rounds 

of the kids during the summer

months as we oldsters find it

harder to get out in winter.

We always find it surprising

how much the grandkids

have grown and that they're

enjoying the new school year.

Days of yore reflect families

living closer together. But 

in today's world, we all have

relatives all over kingdom

come. Rather breaks my heart

that we don't get to see each

other much.

And I've noticed, the older we

get, the smaller our geographic

circles. Can't help but wonder 

if this is part of the evolution 

of aging . . . maybe an attempt 

to keep us safer.

Sooooo, although my body be

somewhat indolent, my heart

is ever and always in theirs . . .

08/28/2022

Just realizing binging comes 

in all forms . . .

Been on a crossword puzzle 

binge; morning, day and night.

Can't seem to stop! Going to 

be interesting to see if I've

misplaced the odd pound or

two. Not bloody likely!

As a Lang Arts teacher of 40

years, I would be the first to

admit my long time love affair

with verbiage. Never use one

word when two or three will

do!

Got to play this one out. Can't

help but wonder just how long

it'll last. Guess it's better than

binging chocolate or margs!

Just color me verbose . . .

08/27/2022

Interesting how the geography

of different places is so distinct.

I grew up near canyon lands, 

lived in the mountains, visited 

the plains. For years, we were by 

the ocean . . . each so incredibly

different.

Can't help but wonder where

and why people choose to live. 

Often, it's most likely the luck

of the draw; we're born where

our parents live, after all.

Going away to school, taking

jobs out of town, going on

vacation, all give us the chance

to see other climes.

Still, one of the things that 

surprises me is, we often revert

to type. Nothing quite like 

home, right?!

And, as we really can only live 

in one place at a time, methinks 

'tis why vacations were invented.

Pray, take me to the ocean  yet 

one more time!

lets get out the maps

so loving me some travel

just one more trip please

08/26/2022

Most likely, we all exist in the

daily grind . . .

There are errands to run, floors 

to mop, dishes to wash, meals

to cook.

And then, out of nowhere, my

guy comes in with a sunflower,

my fave flower of all time.

Methinks 'tis ever so easy to

forget life's little niceties when

we should be making a point

of creating them.

Leaves me wondering how I

could make someone's day the

way this sunflower made mine.

Help out with my daughter's

dishes, take out the trash, mind

the recycle . . . really, you don't

need to spend any shekels to 

make someone's day.

Love how a sunflower made my

day, but also inspires me to do

something for someone else. A

fab kind of sharing; make no

mistake.

a kindness of sorts

lessons to be learned and shared

so making my day

08/25/2022

It finally happened to me; never

dreamed it would . . .

Woke up to an urgent message

that someone had charged $100

to my credit card. Have no idea

how that could happened, since 

I have not been to the store in 

question for a month or so.

You hear about perps being able

to scan your card through your

purse or pocket. Must be true.

Funny, I'd just ordered a veiled

holder for exactly this kind of

protection, but hadn't gotten

around to using it yet. Might be

a lesson in there somewhere.

Bottom line, we live in a very

troubled world just now. I know

there have always been issues,

but since COVID, jobs have 

been compromised, homes lost,

bankruptcies and other sorrows

have driven people to extreme

actions.

Here's hoping whoever used my

card at SAMS got some much

needed groceries for their family.

08/24/2022

Coffee, Tea or Me? ~Donald Bain,

Trudy Baker, Rachel Jones

Feeling a bit chilly of late, decided

to get into my magickal tea chest.

And, I do mean magickal, not

magical!

Thought it would be fun to sit by

the pond as I looked through my

tea treasures. Oh my God, every

kind of special tea one could ever

hope for . . . Along with silver

spoons and strainers, clay rests

and a couple of wondrous tea

books.

'Twas feeling the excitement when

I noticed quite a spillage of a very

expensive tea from my international

travels in days of yore. I carefully

lifted each item out and proceeded

to pick up every strand of tea. I

had just finished when I knocked

the entire bag of tea out on the

ground. Swear I could have wept!

So instead, I indulged in some quite

non-lady like linguistics!!! Forget

the cost, I was so looking forward

to wintering with this particular

tea! Grrrrrrrrr  ~!@#$%^&*()_+

Still, there're some pretty spectacular

treasures in the tea chest. I intend to

enjoy them rather than leave them

to my family who may prefer coffee!

So, if you're answering the question,

coffee, tea or me, you'd better choose

me because Mama Earth already got

the tea!

08/23/2022

I find myself missing Mother,

Mother Nature . . .

Pantheism, the path I follow,

honors her ever and always.

I look back to my childhood;

the rides, hiking, camping . . .

Oh how I loved it all. My dad,

a Panentheist, truly made sure

we spent a great deal of time 

in our Mother's lairs!

Today, about a hundred years

later, I do find myself missing

those most wondrous forays

into her world. It hurts to admit

it, but I no longer have the 

energy to hike. Praise the gods

I can still enjoy rides. And I'd

be the first to admit, camping

in a travel trailer sure beats 

sleeping on the floor of a tent.

So I ask myself, how can I

enjoy her at this age? What's

left for me now that I can't do

the things I used to enjoy? I

know with the pice of gasoline

my sig-o doesn't like to take

rides very often. But, I can read!

There are phenomenal books

magazines, brochures, and not

to forget nature documentaries.

Maybe none of these are the 

real McCoy, but I am grateful

they exist; make no mistake!

the cost of aging

so loving me my mother

no longer able

08/22/2022

"I will be okay . . . 

Not right now, 

but I will be okay . . .

someday." 

~berkana vuno

A dichotomy isn't it?

Light spring showers,

but dark autumn rains . . .

The former brings such joy;

the latter fuels depression.

Yet, there is something

amazing in witnessing a

fierce summer storm. It's

rather incredible how hard,

fast and furious it can pour,

then suddenly, it slams on

the brakes and the sun struts

his stuff.

I have come to understand,

Seasonal Affective Disorder,

SAD, is a malady to be dealt

with as there is no cure. I've

received such fab ideas from

family and friends as to how

to cope.

It's important to have a list

and check it twice, with my

apologies to Santa. When 

wanting nothing more than 

to exit life, the energy to

combat this ghastly affliction

simply isn't there.

Bless you all for helping me

to create combat strategies;

pray I have the wherewithal

to try them on for size . . .

color me helpless

mr sun pray come to me

so need your blue skies 

08/21/2022

So needing some light of day . . .

SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder,

seems to be accosting me early

this year. Normally, I can expect 

it raising it's ugly head around 

the time of cold and snow. 

Its early arrival might just have

something to do with all the rain

we've been receiving daily for a

couple of weeks. I love rain and

we need it. 

The sky gets so dark for several

hours. Wish there could at least 

be sun before and aft; 'twould 

make it easier! Please, oh please,

could we have a few more weeks

of sun?!

My doc has updated my SAD 

meds and my sweet daughter 

gifted me a SAD light. I need 

to learn to use it, of course.

Looking ahead at long months

of a dark autumn and a darker

winter, so pray I can survive 

one way or another. Methinks

getting my ass outside on days

when the winter sun peeks out 

its head might be a good idea! 

Need to learn to use that sun

lamp and anything else that

comes recommended. I may

make it after all . . .

lunar lady mine

sun worshiper i should be

and ever will be

08/20/2022

"Irene Woodward, tattooed lady,

was the daughter of a sailor who

began the tattooing when she was

6 years of age and finished when

she was 12." The New York Times

Methinks I may have gotten the

last of my tats yesterday. Here's

hoping! 17 tats plus1 hidden may

mark the end of my sojourn into

the world of the Tattooed Lady.

My tattoo artist, amazing over

the years, has helped me create 

my dream. 13 wild cats, each 

of a different species, two maps

of my creed and two for daily

meditation purposes. Such fun!

The pain notwithstanding, hasn't

kept me from enjoying the results.

I've heard that tattooing can be

addictive. Methinks starting at

40 and ending at 70 doesn't

necessarily mean I'll be going

under the needle anytime again

soon.

I've so liked getting acquainted

with my tattoo artist and his fam,

a sweet young woman and baby.

I commend him for his art, his

knowledge, his patience.

stranger and stranger

heres to the tattooed lady

pray may i indulge

08/19/2022

Have to ask myself . . . 

What is my fascination

with murder mysteries?!

Love mysteries; page turners,

both books and movies! So

enjoy watching the movies 

with my guy! Then, if he falls 

asleep before I do, 'tis open

those delish pages.

Still, methinks 'tis high time

for me to have a look-see at

the attraction. Not that I have 

to go back to childhood Disney

flicks. Not sure I could do a 

whole lot of travel flicks or 

comedies either.

I am rather glad that I like flicks

like Monk, NCIS, Bones, etc. 

So I'm thinking, at least I have

no taste for the heinous! And,

for that I am glad. I leave that

genre to my kids . . .

Rather leaves me with that ole

idea that the answer might reside

in self acceptance! Just going to

get over it and enjoy my murders,

uhhhhh . . . I mean my murder 

mysteries!

murder or mayhem

eeny meeny miny moe

just solve the intrigue 

08/18/2022 - Happy b-day Peter!

Remembering . . .

What an amazing kid he was,

is and ever will be!

I can't help but chuckle . . . his

fave meal, grilled cheese sands

and tomato soup. Daily fare . . . 

sooooo not kidding!

And then, we took him to Japan.

Sat there, at this formal banquet

banquet, and devoured a $100

lobster. Best yet, then devoured

mine. He's been a gourmet and

a gourmand ever since; sooooo 

not kidding!

At the risk of getting killed for

telling tales out of school, I must

say he is a phenomenal artist in

his own right. Well known in the

sport circles, sooooo not kidding!

And now, I see him as a husband

and a father. It touches my heart

to see him with his family. He's

both affable and thoughtful, a

pleasure to be around; sooooo 

not kidding!

So proud of this son, this man,

this friend. I pray he knows just

how much he is loved; sooooo 

not kidding!

Happiest of all b-days Peter . . .

much love from your s-mom,

sooooo not kidding!

08/17/2022

Find myself wondering about 

this whole, getting the hell out 

of Dodge thing . . .

One of the gifts of additional 

b-days has to do with the total 

gusto of being homebodies. 

So delish in fact, that if there 

were no need to grab some 

sustenance, one might never 

leave the proverbial nest.

I recognize that it would be quite

easy to become insular. On the

the other hand, balance does tend

to demand its own attention.

Love it when fam, friends and 

foe come knocking at my door; 

such fun to shoot the breeze with 

brewskis in hand.

Why is it that the road no longer 

beckons?! Perhaps living a bit off 

the grid, as well as a slightly lighter 

purse, just might have something 

to do with it. 

Methinks a change of pace is in

order. Trips both North and West

would delight me in visits with

the progeny, loves of my life that

they be. Might even succumb to

the temptation of the odd antique

store or two. Hands tied behind

my back, of course!

let me strut my stuff

methinks a trips in order

any excuse works

08/16/2022

 I find myself wondering about

premonitions of late . . .

Not sure if it's an age thing, an

ld thing, a sleepless night thing,

go figure!

I've ever and always had them,

most of them coming true. But,

did I just make sure they did?

Or, was it just luck of the draw?

No idea, really!

Sometimes, it's simply about the

weather; no biggie! Other times,

I sense something is wrong and

I have to run down the catalog

pages of my brain until I hit one

that might be the problem. 

Usually, I address it right away

and yes, there is often something

that needs addressing. Maybe

that's a good thing.

The premonition I find somewhat

unnerving is that I'm not long for

this world. Not bad really, I've

lived five years beyond what the

docs gave me after three days

testing at the hospital. And five

years is nothing to be sneered at!

Not looking for sympathy; might 

not even be true. Just addressing 

my precog deets!

I get a kick out of that old story

where Mr. Death goes to the right

address to pick up his next on the

list. The man doesn't happen to be

home, so Mr. Death goes next door.

Not finding who he came for, he says,

"I'll just take this guy instead." And,

of course it's the right guy just out

visiting his next door neighbor.

im on my way home

finding myself curious

pray when will it be

08/15/2022

No can do believe it . . . 

Last night I dreamt of going to

summer church camp meeting.

Unbelievable . . .

The excitement prior to the trip,

the getting ready, packing and

driving for hours and hours! I

really thought we'd never get

there, but finally . . .

Seemed dad and mom took 

hours to set up the tent. Those

old army tents were so different 

than these easy, lightweight 

tents we have today . . . to say

nothing of the weight.

Once up and moved in, Dad

would take us around the tent

village. Lots of greetings thrown

about; slaps on the back and hugs.

Nice!

There would always be amazing

potluck picnics. It was interesting

to a child to spy different kinds of

foods, especially desserts. Yum!

Then, gathering in a humungous

tent for the evening sermon. That

was the only part I didn't like. I

usually fell asleep within minutes

of the first hymn dying out.

In my old age, can't help but

wonder if something along these

lines exist in the esoteric world.

Methinks might be called Renn

Fair, or some such.

wine women and song

love me some summer campouts

what say you we go

08/14/2022

"Chartreuse is a French herbal

liqueur made by the Carthusian 

Monks since 1737 according 

to the instructions set out in 

a manuscript given to them by 

Francois Annibal d'Estrées in 

1605." Wikipedia

I feel so fortunate . . . I have 

an amazing circle of friends . . .

and, they make Chartreuse once

a year. 

There are two particular women 

who seem to know every herb 

in and out of sight. This is born 

out by their search and find mode

whilst prepping for Chartreuse.

We admirers enjoy using a few

small pieces of each of the many

herbs they've collected for our

gallon glass jars.

Said herbs are covered in vodka

and several interesting spices are

added. After three days, contents

are sieved and Chartreuse is born.

A bit of sugar syrup tops off the

miracle . . .

I like pretty bottles with three or

four small crystals in the bottom

for housing this delightful ambrosia.

Looks beautiful on the mantle and

tastes ever better . . . Methinks the

term ambrosia vastly underestimates

the power of the beast.

That delightful term yummmmm

creeps into my mind . . . so can

hardly wait for three days to fly by.

tis a sip of french

world travel in a bottle

tongue awaiting bliss

08/13/2022

What is it about candles?

Got a call from my cohort in 

crime yesterday. She then

proceeds to tell me a fun story 

about candles. 

Seems she was driving along

minding her own business, 

when she spied a box by the

side of the road. As it was

marked free, she stopped to

take a look-see. 

A box of candles . . . how fun,

especially as she burns them 

every day. Different sizes, 

different colors, some new, 

some used. In the joy of her 

find, I started musing about 

candles.

In my own life, I burn candles

for any reason I can come up

with. But, who needs a reason

anyway?!

There's nothing quite like being

in front of my fireplace with 

five or six candles adding to the 

romance of the moment. I like 

to fall asleep at night with a

couple of votives burning by 

my bedside.

I would swear that eating at

the table demands several

candles to add to the mood. 

And speaking of moods . . .

good or bad, candles can only 

enhance the moment. 

Think I'll light one now . . .

let the candles burn

tis soothing all my heartbreak

balm in gilead 

08/12/2022 - J. D. Bristow, Master Gunnery Sergeant

I found myself thinking about

you the other day, as we both

taught at Adams City. I was

there 23 years; 'twould have

to admit, I simply loved it.

You were ever so great for our

kids. I think I'd explain it by

saying you gave them a glimpse

into a different kind of life than

they'd ever known.

You also offered a different kind

of structure, discipline not linked

to bad behavior. As we shared

some of the same students, they

would often come into the class

room talking about you, They

would speak to the rigor of your

classes, as well as their training,

uniforms and performances. 

Methinks they secretly loved it

all!

I'd have to say, we too were given 

a gift. Teaching in said community,

getting to know the families of

our students, sharing their lives

for just a little while . . . all good!

Treat yourself to a 'look back' from

time to time. You deserve it! Hail

fellow well met!

08/11/2022

I swear, I'm going to get that

bear if it's the last thing I do!

Sooooo love watching him walk

through my yard, just sauntering

along, minding his own business.

Or, would that be mine?!

Still, from time to time, he seems 

to feel the need to spew my trash

all over kingdom come. And, you

don't get three guesses as to who

gets to clean it all up!

Methinks, he's sitting somewhere

on the side having a great fit of 

the giggles! What kills me is that

I have it supremely tied down w/

bungie cords. He just pushes the

lid asunder and wreaks havoc!

Had to run to town and whilst

parking the pickup, saw more

bags up the hill. Not being able

to navigate the height, my poor

guy had to hike up and get the

trash. 

Damn him; he's one busy little

beaver . . . not so little either!

naughty little guy

pick up your toys already

you are so grounded

08/10/2022

There we were, standing there,

receiving our new teach instruction.

She had taught umpteen years in

Canada as I had in Mexico.

Neither of us knew anyone . . . 

and it's not everyday that you go 

to a new country, a new teaching

assignment, even though you're

a seasoned teacher.

Methinks we were given a gift 

of the Universe, coming home 

as it were and finding a most 

wondrous teaching position. 

Know this: I loved teaching and 

sharing in Commerce City, CO, 

for 23 years; make no mistake!!!

Still, she, Art . . . me, Lang Arts, 

in both languages . . . Spanish and

English. What a duo! I look at us

lo these 33 years later and have to 

give thanks to the universe for an 

amazing friendship I would never 

have had otherwise.

Today, we shared a lunch, chat and

remembrances . . . what a gift! I have 

to wonder, though, how many of us 

are gifted with friendships such as 

this?!

I bow to the Universe for its gifts. 

Pray I ever be grateful!!!

you so touched my soul

gift ever to be given

pray stay in my life

08/09/2022

Monday morning coming down . . .

I'm absolutely certain Johnny Cash

meant Monday, not Sunday.

We had such a wonderful few days

with the kids. And then, a day of

travel and tats. I cannot reiterate

enough just how much I enjoy a 

good restful Monday!

Sleep in . . . ice cream in bed . . .

a couple of good murder mysteries.

Wasn't I just saying how phenom

glorious Mondays can be! Methinks

celebrating Monday on Tuesday is a

rather good idea. I might just need

an additional Monday in the week.

I've had this true conversion . . .

Growing up, I always had a hard 

time with Mondays. Most likely,

it had something to do with crazy

weekends and needing to recoup.

Now that I'm about a 100 years

old and retired, I love Mondays.

My nature would be to plan the

hell out of all my upcoming 

Mondays. I sooooo need to learn

to let things happen rather than

simply planning them to death.

So today Tuesday, my second

Monday of the week, I'm going

to simply let the day unfold and

enjoy it . . .

loving me mondays

tuesday morning coming down

have another one

08/08/2022

It's been several years actually

getting the tats I want . . . the

first was for my 40th birthday.

My daughter held my hand the

entire time. My latest, today at

72, my guy sat there without

holding my hand. Naughty boy!

Originally, I had two depicting

my beliefs, but I wanted cats!

Thirteen wild cats, each of a 

different species. Today, I got

my thirteenth gato salvaje.

I've used the same tattoo artist

over the years. I loved how he

asked me on my way out today

if I was in for a few more. Of

course I responded, two more

I do want one on each forearm

honoring our Lunar Lady and 

Mr. Sun.

Takes a bit of time, not only to

save up the shekels, but to psyche

oneself up to deal with the pain.

Still, you're left with something

you've wanted for a long time 

and something you quite love.

Such fun and loving it!

skin is for decor 

ever so much space for art

loving me my tats

08/07/2022

Out of the mouths of babes . . .

Methinks everyone gets a kick

out of the grandkids, but I was

landed in Hystericsville this time!

Our little guy comes out to the

travel trailer, knocks on the door

and says, "Gramma, can I come

in?" I tell him to hold on as I

need to watch out for those pesky

incoming flies.

He comes in, sits down and right

away focuses on the TV. "Hey

gramma,"is your TV really old?"

Of course, I admit to this and I

will say, I'm damn curious to

see where this is going.

"Well gramma, why don't you

buy a new one?" I explain that

I just don't have the money to

do so. He pauses, Obviously,

he's thinking about all this, 

takes his time . . . and then, he

looks up at me and grins. "Well,

maybe my mom could buy you

a new one!"

Frankly, I didn't see it coming

and I fear it was a damn struggle

not to die laughing on the spot.

But, I was a good gran and told

him I thought we were good for

the time being. He gets up to go,

turns and says, "Well, think about

it, gramma."

I swear that kid puts a smile on

my face every time I see him. 

We won the lotto with our eight;

make no mistake.

08/06/2022

Every once in a while, one 

is given the gift of a day . . .

It wasn't planned as such, 

but everyone had something 

specific they needed to get 

done. I found myself on my 

own; crossword puzzle time!

Delish!

'Twas then that my daughter

from another mother walked

over with her coffee and ciggie

in hand and gave me the best

gift ever! A day of sharing and

conversation. Wow! Just wow!

I would be the first to admit it;

I love conversations of depth.

It's not a plane one can live on

each and every moment. Life

must be lived. Things need to

be accomplished. Taking care

of business takes up a lot of

time.

Still, every now and then, an

opportunity presents itself in

which real talk can take place.

Comparing belief systems, 

taking a look at the current

political situation, telling tales

out of school . . . all good. 

And I like that whole feeling

of walking away, knowing we

never put anyone down, said

anything inappropriate, just

really and truly conversed.

Can't help but wonder if real

conversation, emphasis on the

word real, isn't part of what's

missing in our today's world.

Something to think about . . .

lets talk it over

pray come sit with me awhile

the comfort of words

08/05/2022

Guess if you can't laugh at

yourself, who can you laugh at?

Didn't feel like washing dishes

last night, probably tired partying.

Rather glad these birthdays are

over already!!!

So, I put hot water in the dish tub

and added my usual 3 streams of

dish soap . . . only to realize I'd

added coffee creamer instead. 

I'd like to ask what this world is 

coming to, but, I fear just might 

be my own aging.  Still, I intend 

to blame it on my own sleepy head 

as I really hadn't woken up yet!

I also entertain the idea that these

silly happenings can be good

learning lessons. It's up to us to

implement them! So, what am I

to learn from my own craziness?

Methinks, paying attention to 

business might be a good start. 

I fear, I tend to live more in my 

head than in real life. If these 

wake up calls didn't happen from 

time to time, I would not get it!

So, here's me listening up Universe!

What is it you'd like to tell me?

What would you like me to know?

find myself longing

such wisdom of the ages

will i ever know

08/04/2022

In my dream, a few of us

were sitting around what

appeared to be a conference

table of some sort. Those

of us who were visiting,

didn't know each other.

Obviously, we were assailed

with a myriad of feelings . . .

curiosity, fear of the unknown,

wonder. "What was this and

how did we get here. And,

who the hell were these sages?"

The sages, as I seemed to 

think of them, continued

their quiet conversation as

if we weren't even there. A

young boy, apparently braver

than the rest of us, spoke up.

"What's the deal? Why are we

here?" The elder seemed startled 

at the interruption, but answered. 

"You are each here because of 

the queries you've made in your 

dreams."

"You will stay a while, journey 

in pairs, and seek the answers 

you are searching for." By now, 

we're all open mouthed! And 

you'll never guess who I was 

paired with?! The young teen, 

obviously . . .

Alas, I awoke at this point. Still,

methinks there's a message in

there. Sooooo hope I'm paying

attention! Wow! Just W O W !!!

find myself longing

such wisdom of the ages

will i ever know

08/03/2022

All Quiet on the Western Front

~Erich Maria Remarque

Maybe too quiet . . . 

I chose, quite happily I might 

add, to experience cabin life. 

I had no idea what I was getting 

us into; it's been most interesting.

Interesting in that there's been

so much to do, repair, fix up,

make livable . . . my guy has 

been a champ and an absolute 

godsend all the way. 

I feel so fortunate that friends

drop by from time to time. 

Methinks I might just curl up 

and die without this human 

contact. 

During the summer, we each

host a celebration. My man 

throws a fab family b-day do.

A few days later, my sisters

join me for Lughnasadh, the

beginning of harvest season.

And now, the lull in the afters.

There is a certain amount of

joy remembering, processing.

In the silence, we hear the pond,

the birds chirping or singing.

Funny how I'm able to exclude

those ghastly traffic noises.

Still, can't help but ask myself,

"Now what?" Obviously, these

mysteries will sort themselves

out, but I'd be lying if I didn't 

admit to being curious!

Can't help but wonder, will you

be one of my summer surprises?

08/02/2022

Comings and goings . . .

So love me the anticipation

of the long awaited arrival

of a good friend.

There's the whole planning

element, the getting ready,

and finally . . . the actual day!

The hours of waiting on said

day, are the longest hours in

the history of mankind . . .

I swear it!

Spying her from afar, seeing

she has arrived safely, that

first glorious hug! Wondrous!

And then comes the catching

up, tripping over each other's

words in the eagerness of

getting a word in edgewise. 

Each day is enjoyed, treasured.

And how quickly they pass.

Unbelievable! And finally, time

is up. Which is as it should be.

I so get it. Still . . .

Load the car, get to the station.

Encounter a horrific accident on

the way with over a dozen police

cars and emergency vehicles.  And 

yet, no matter how badly you feel 

for those involved, your worry is 

all about the fear that you'll miss 

the scheduled time of departure.

Somehow you make it; praise the

gods! And then . . . that last good

bye hug and watch her walk away.

Tears on the way home and the

exhaustion that emotional sorrow

brings . . .

Ah, such is friendship of the ages!

08/01/2022

Today marks the birth of

my paternal grandmother,

Elsie Castner . . . one of

my greatest sheros of all

times!

One of the things I have

loved about getting older

is the recognition of those

who have come before me.

Obviously, I would not be

here were it not for my

grandmother. Having said

that, nor my great gran,

nor my great great gran.

We are all here because of

those who have gone before.

Methinks we don't tend to

pay attention to that rather

amazing fact.

And frankly, now that I'm

about a hundred years old,

I find I am more and more

interested in where I came

from. Ancestors? Traits?

Commonalities? 

I can't help but wonder . . .

What does what I learn, find

out, bring to the table? Hints

of whom I take after? Why 

do I perhaps act the way I do?

Certain interests, proclivities?

I have learned that I seem to

take after my father and his

side of the family more than 

I do my mother's. Not certain

it even matters, but I so want

to find out!

pray sit beside me

tell me a story grandma

may i hear your words