12/31/2022 - New Year's Eve

I know . . . I know . . .

There are various and

sundry ways of welcoming

in the new year! But for me,

first I must bid adieu to the

olde.

Started about 3:00 a.m. 

w/coffee ice cream in bed!

Now, does my guy know 

me or what?!

Then, to just add in a tad

of naughty, 6:00 a.m. margs

in bed. I so love living over 

existing! And ever so grateful 

that the opportunity to do so

has been gifted me . . .

'Tis my intention to turn a 

new leaf and behave myself 

in the new year . . . Having 

said that, I can't even imagine 

going from naughty to nice in 

one fell swoop!

Speaking of intention and/or

intentions, I must return to 

good eating habits. I like the 

two squares a day thing . . . 

although I find, retirement 

isn't conducive to hard and 

fast rules.

I already like the way I drink, 

a couple of times a week and 

abstain entirely January, May, 

and September.

And, as I only like to address 

three issues at any given time, 

seems to me I have the, "Eat, 

drink" part down and bet I'll 

have no probs with the "and 

be merry" part! Think I'll skip

that whole, "for tomorrow we 

shall die!"

*Rather tickles me that this

cryptic note can be found in

both the Bible and the Book

of Mormon . . .

Do enjoy today as tomorrow

will be expecting us all to 

shape up . . . bet that lasts 

about three days!

12/30/2022

"If you feel something

calling you to dance or

write or paint or sing,

please refuse to worry

about whether you're

good enough. Just do it."

~Glennon Doyle

Methinks this is where

aging comes full circle.

When we were kids, we

didn't dally around about

whether we were good

enough, we just did it.

And now once again, a

hundred years later, we

seem to give ourselves

permission to dance!

I find myself wondering

at times, about this whole

aging sandwich?! The 

child within, the oldster 

coming to fruition . . . 

care-free perfection!

Still, those in between 

years of self-doubt, worry,

concern about how we

look, how we perform,

if and how we're accepted,

total waste!

Truly, I have come to a 

place of realization . . . 

our elder years are a gift

to ourselves!

Come dance with me . . .

lets get up and dance

sing me a song old lady

walk on the wild side

12/29/2022

Did you ever stop to

think that snow is a

four-letter word?

My neighbor and friend

reminds me that we need

it; the moisture is priceless!

And, even as we speak, we

are hard hit with humungous

flakes coming down as hard

and as fast as they can.

'Twill be interesting to see

how much of this four-letter

word we get tonight. 'Tis my

intention to embrace my gal's

wisdom in regards to this

s-word.

But know this . . . I will NOT

be using words like sh-- or

f--- any more . . . It's going

to be snow this and snow that

from now on!

I sooooo loathe, hate, despise,

dislike, WINTER . . . but it

insists on coming every year.

Go figure!

I recognize I need an attitude

adjustment. My friend has her

work cut out for her!

On the other hand, follow me

and we'll lose this entire season!

Okay! Okay! I'll work on my

attitude . . . maybe, perhaps,

tal vez, quisás . . .

12/28/2022

I think about intensity . . .

There is something rather

wondrous about actually

living under the umbrella

of intensity. Living! Really

living!

Might be something like

living on a full time diet of

Thanksgiving dinner! And,

then I give that some thought.

Aren't we always about half 

sick when getting up from 

that amazing meal? This meal

that took endless shopping and 

about three days to prepare?

And that night . . . all we can

actually stomach might be a

piece of pie and the thought

that we might never eat again!

And never mind the dishes . . .

The weekend follows with

leftovers, soon to be tired of.

And, somewhere 'twixt cold

cereal for supper and those

flagging leavings, we want

something fresh and new.

I feel a bit of a metaphor 

coming on . . . Life simply 

can not be lived ever and 

always in the orgasmic

moment! We meet, attraction

may follow. A romance begins

and somewhere along the line,

making love brings its gift of

eight second glory.

So yes, let's live, really live.

Doesn't mean that the dishes

don't have to be washed or

the house cleaned. Doesn't

mean there isn't some existing

mixed in with the living.

Balance is a term that springs

to mind. Bottom line . . . yes,

I want to really live, but I get

that the mundane is ever with

us . . .

12/27/2022

It's so easy to be overwhelmed

with sorrow . . . albeit with the

winter weather, too much party

and not enough sleep or some

other reason!

Still, paying attention to business,

there is much joy just waiting to

be witnessed!

That phrase, paying attention to

business, I believe it's where we'll

find those precious moments to

keep us going . . .

A tiny blossom peeking out of a

snow bank, a young guy offering

a hand to an old dame in this

ghastly weather, a child's smile

for no reason at all.

Only today, I was offered a bite

of cotton candy. Hadn't had any

since I was a kid. Then, I saw 

my granddaughter fondly ruffle 

her little bro's hair . . . that one

precious moment of off hand

affection.

An inspiring flick, a precious

chapter from a fave book, an 

unexpected card from an old

friend . . .

My guy pouring me a glass 

of water just because, a warm 

bed on a cold night and a bit 

of a cuddle . . .

I so don't want to miss out 

because I'm busy wallowing 

rather than watching!

12/26/2022

'Tis the morning of the day 

after . . . Didn't think I would 

survive, but here I am with 

bells on!

Yesterday was most wondrous!

I'll never forget the joy on the

children's faces and those

endearing screams of delight

as their dreams came true.

Unfortunately for me, I coffeed

myself nigh onto death! And, as 

I only allow myself the luxury 

of the unholy bean once a month,

overdid per usual. I mean really!

'Twas x-mas day after all, so I

made it extra strong and drank

the whole pot! I swear, I would

have been better off drinking

and nursing a hangover!

I really only have one basic sin 

in my life . . . overindulgence!

"Eat, drink and be merry for

tomorrow we may die."

Ecclesiastes 8:15 . . . Seems

to be my goal in life!

Just think, we only have one

more holiday in which to over

indulge before our New Year's

Resolutions come out to ruin

things, ha!

I'm thinking! I'm thinking! I

only choose three each year

and I like to give it plenty of

thought. At this point, 'tis

coffee I'm most willing to

give up, but oh how I love 

a good cup of coffee . . . I

mean pot . . .

So, what are you giving

up in the new year? I don't

drink the month of January

so I usually indulge in a

lot of café . . . I'm thinking,

and I mean only thinking,

of giving up coffee as well!

Go figure! Nahhhhh . . . 

surely not!

12/25/2022 - Christmas Day

'Tis once again an OMG

moment . . . x-mas day

ahoy . . .

I'd be the first to admit,

seeing the grans opening

their pressies is one of the

most fun things ever! Add

into that, choosing them 

'twas just as fun as well!

Dear, dear granddaughter

whispered in my ear that

she wanted art bits and

pieces. Loved getting the

paints, brushes, pages for

her etc.

Heaven forbid she'd have 

to share with her little bro,

so had to get him a few as

well. 

Matters not at all that I'm 

about a hundred years old,

just love me some x-mas

moments. The opening of

presents, the joy shared, 

to say nothing of those 

sneaked adult drinks 

all 'round!

I find I'm not particularly

interested in the receiving

of gifts as much as giving 

them . . . is this what we

strive for in our old age?

Bottom line . . . might just

be the time for asking me

for whatever you'd like to

acquiesce from me . . . not

that I'm passing onto the

better life any time soon!

Sooooo, merry merry . . .

and don't do anything I

wouldn't do! Or . . . let's

join in the being naughty!

12/24/2022, x-mas eve

'Tis a hot day here on

x-mas eve; 20 degrees!

Obviously, compared

to 13 degrees below 0

yesterday . . .

I've heard a rumor that

we're supposed to have

a few warmer days next

week . . . I may make it

after all.

So, here's me thinking,

what fun and games can

we get up to in this cold

weather? I would love a

ride in winter wonderland.

Our friends did so ayer

and saw 13 accidents. 

Thirteen! Wow! Just wow!

Makes me want to stay in

rather than go out.

Well, once we've seen the

kids, you may not see me

again 'til Ground Hog Day!

Have a wonderful x-mas

eve tonight. Open presents

and save tomorrow for a 

good read tucked up in bed!

Happy! Happy!! Whatever

winter holiday celebration

you honor . . .

12/23/2022

Burrrrr . . .

Whoever said that 13 

degrees below zero was 

cold, knew exactly what 

they were talking about!!!

'Tis a glorious thing that 

heat rises, hence it's warm 

in our sleep loft. Oh, but as 

one begins down the steps . . .

First step or two, warmth.

Still, little by little, cold

envelops. Then, the last

steps below, 46 degrees

hits hard. Makes the idea 

of staying up rather than 

down a fab idea.

And, no way in hell does

the idea of going out to

the mail box appeal. My

heart so goes out to the

mailman and the others

making their living out

and about.

Still, heard a sweet rumor

that next week will be

warmer! Pray I never have

to sell my soul for a tad of

warmth . . .

12/22/2023

I sooooo love and enjoy

the Winter Solstice! Still,

I must admit, the day after,

the day in which the days

begin to elongate, are a

promise that brings hope

to my soul!

"The days get longer by 

an average of 2 minutes

and 7 seconds every day

after December 21."

The Scotsman

Not quite certain how 

all of this was arranged, 

but to combine coldest.

darkest days of winter

with the promise of 

returning light . . . 

quite genius.

It has been suggested

that winter is a good to

hunker down, have a

good look-see into the

soul and think about

all things important.

I like that! Rather gives

some personal meaning

to these cold, dark days.

I tend to think of this as 

a kind of spiritual hiber-

nation, as it were.

Maybe this winter, instead 

of all the usual moans and 

groans, I'll make an effort 

to do some serious thinking

and learn a thing or two.

I actually rather like the

idea of sussing things out

and determining to up my

standards rather than

drowning in the mire of

below freezing weather!

Today, with my additional

two minutes, I'm going to

snuggle in and think happy

thoughts! Wonder if a hot

something or other would

help?! 

12/21/2022 - Winter Solstice

'Tis Yule at long last . . .

The shortest day of the

year, yet midst the cold

days of winter, the days

begin to elongate.

I tend to think of Yule 

as a winter salad of days.

Visits with family and

friends, special foods 

and drinks, exchanging

gifts and well wishes,

sharings by the fireside.

Yule, December 21st. 

is the last sabbat in the 

fiscal year and celebrates 

the first day of winter. 

Like dates, March 21st,

the first day of spring,

June 21st, the first day of

summer and September

21st, the first day of fall.

One of the things I love

about these four days is,

all of us, no matter our

beliefs, are united in the

acknowledgment and

celebration . . . changing

of the seasons.

Pray, may you have a

most wondrous Winter

Solstice 'midst this

evening's snow and

freezing weather. Have

a sit by your fires, share

memories, hopes and

dreams. 

The morrow begins the

sun's long journey back

to warmth and joy . . .

12/20/2022

'Mongst the doldrums 

of winter, moments of 

joy are to be found . . .

My heart was touched 

by the sun today and I 

was able to enjoy a bit 

of time outdoors. 

One of the gifts we have 

here is bad weather does 

not seem to last too long. 

Feeling down, thinking 

the sun will never shine 

again and only moments 

later that daily blessing 

of rays envelops the soul.

I ask myself, "Why can't

I remember this miracle

when my heart is shroud

in sorrow?"

A dear friend wrote me

today. She brought a

message of hope and

care for the morrow.

I am reminded that no

matter how gloomy the

days of winter, there are

those who bring the light

of friendship to my path.

An effort supreme, but

I am remembering the

light . . .

Gratitude fills my soul.

12/19/2022

"Though my soul may 

set in darkness, it will 

rise in perfect light; I've 

loved the stars too fondly 

to be fearful of the night."

~Sarah Williams

Alas, the darkness is almost

beyond anything I can cope

with . . . Here in my corner

of the woods, it seems even

darker than other places.

There are days I despair

beyond all hope; heaven

help me! Still, hope indeed

is coming. Three more days

and little by little they will

grow longer.

Sitting by the fire helps. I

even love looking out the

window. Running to the

mailbox is good as it's light,

but 7 degrees?! I'd almost

rather be inside. Go figure!

Methinks we need a Light

is Returning party! Thoughts?

Let me know. I just love

impromptu!

12/18/2022

'Tis o' dark thirty, 7 degrees

and it isn't even winter yet . . .

to say nothing of the two 

days that are forecast to be

minus 5 and minus 9  . . . 

And . . . I'm going to make 

a supreme effort NOT to go 

off on a tirade!

One of the things I do love

about December is the effort

we all make to decorate, send 

letters and cards, visit family

and friends, and prep special

foods and meals!

This week, prior to the Winter

Solstice and Christmas Eve, 

seems I'm going to be especially 

blest with visitors. Old friends

today, class on the morrow and

then my godson. Added to these

delights, we get to spend a few

days up north with our fam!

You might ask, why share this?

For me, it has to do with getting

through the dark days, the cold,

simply making it . . . 

I sooooo pray I do make it this

winter and SAD be damned!

Now, ask me how I really feel!

12/17/2022

Oh, glorious days of

nothingness . . .

Just every once in a great

while, a day is born with

naught to do or accomplish!

Praise God from whom all

blessings flow!!!

It really is quite interesting,

the attitudes awakened and

displayed upon such days!

Breakfast in bed? A movie?

A fun lunch? A fire? A bottle

of wine?

Those amazing possibilities,

all just waiting there to be

chosen and enjoyed! And/or

even exploited . . .

These days occur so rarely

that I'm of a mind to create

the odd one from time to 

time. 

Obviously being retired, 

times like these are more

often available. Harking 

back to the good old days 

of hard work and long days, 

I wish now that I had made 

some of these happen!

Thinking here, am I really 

old enough to be handing 

out advice? My inner ego 

says, "Go for it!" 

So from me to you,"Create 

the odd magical days for 

you and yours! You won't 

be sorry . . . "

12/16/2022

There is a woman . . .

She is rather beyond

amazing . . . where 

to begin?

She takes gracious to

a whole new level . . .

but, beyond that, she

has an innate kindness

that simply shines out

of her soul.

When she has a family

gathering, she invites

all of us . . . those past,

present and future. She

is gracious to a fault!

I remember this one time,

I was annoyed with an ex.

The words were barely out

of my mouth and she said,

"But, she looks amazing!"

It was like she was moved

to say something kind, no

matter what.

I look at her . . . this woman,

she has a regal quality about

her. Royalty reigns in her

stride, in her manner. Each

of us is received with what

I tend to think of as, the

genuine! It's in her greeting,

her quiet joy at seeing you.

She looks at you when you're

speaking, really looks. She

takes time with each of us.

There's this magical ability

she has of making us all feel

special.

This woman . . . I want to be

just like her when I grow up!

Her name is Mary . . .

12/15/2022

Superlatives ahoy . . .

I have been described as

a passionate woman ere

this.

Reasons being . . . I tend

to feel all things in a big

way. I don't do middle of

the road in any way, shape

or form.

I adore my children. I love

my friends. I love red and

hate pink, colors and wine!

Loathe, abhor, despise, hate,

dislike all things false!

I wonder at the glories of life

and despair at its insanities

and inanities. Sometimes I

even prefer the questions to

the answers.

No can do mid, like, little,

sometimes, every now and

then! Give me love, huge,

always and ever!

Maybe this sense of self at

its exaggerated best, comes

from having faced death

head on a couple of times.

However this has come to

pass, I thrill in life in the

superlative. Sooooo pray

this will be so until my very

end!

So mote it be . . .

12/14/2022

"Every so often I lift the

corners of my darkened 

sky, to coax out the silent

stars that wish to shine 

sound from my soul."

~Janine Tamis

Even after all these years,

I find myself questioning

the hows, whys, and

wherefores of a SAD

attack.

I seem to get so involved

in my daily routines that

I forget to check for light.

Even in winter, there are

sources . . .

A drive, the odd run to the

mailbox, sitting by the fire,

remembering to peek out

the windows . . . All count

for moments of capturing

bits of light.

I've come to the conclusion

that reading and movies in

winter should be of a some-

what lighter nature. Not a

good time for dark murder

mysteries!

Also important is to pay

more attention to food. Eat

well, make the meals more

interesting, eat by candle

light, take time at the table.

Seasonal Affective Disorder 

is quite demanding in its own 

way . . . Bottom line, pay 

attention to business . . . 

12/13/2022

"Spirituality is recognizing 

and celebrating that we are 

all inextricably connected to

each other by a power greater 

than all of us, and that our 

connection to that power and 

to one another is grounded in 

love and compassion. Practicing

spirituality brings a sense of

perspective, meaning and 

purpose to our lives."

~Brené Brown

We had such a marvelous

discussion last night. My

daughter-in-law made an

interesting comment; hope

I get this right . . .

She said something along

the lines of . . . the gift of

religion is that it leads us 

to spirituality . . . lovely 

idea.

Seems to me that the term

spirituality means something

somewhat different to each 

of us. For me, it is found in

acts of kindness, compassion

and forgiveness . . .

. . . handing a child a flower, 

helping an elderly woman

with her groceries, lending

a hand to someone in a

wheel chair . . .

 . . . reading aloud to a person

with poor eyesight, sending

flowers to the lonely, the odd

phone call or note . . .

Religion is a choice that works

for many, methinks having very

little to do with spirituality. This

'don', this gift lives within us all. 

'Tis a matter of paying attention

to business and embracing it

with all our hearts . . .

12/12/2022

"Hell is empty and

all the devils are here."

~William Shakespeare

Had a fab discussion 

w/a long-time friend 

this afternoon. 

We were pondering the

imagined reality of both

heaven, hell. Obviously,

every faith known to

mankind has their own

beliefs regarding these.

On the other hand, no

matter one's belief in the

hereafter, we all live our

own heavens and hells

right here on earth. Some

say, we create them our-

selves. Others say we're

given them as a kind of

lesson. The only way to

learn, right?!

I swear, sometimes I

simply think it's all part

of life and nobody is

assigning anything to

anyone. 

Yes, there are lessons

learned and yes, some-

times I even pay attention

to business and make an

effort to change. Others,

I'm clueless or just not

interested in the outcome.

Maybe, just maybe, it's

different for each and

every! We are all on diff

paths, after all. 

Still, I tend to think that 

all paths lead to Rome!

'Tis a quandary . . .

12/11/2022

Just watched an old show 

that left me pondering . . .

In said show, the protagonist 

arranged a shooting scene in

order to portray his innocence. 

Set me to wondering . . .

How many times have I re-

arranged my own scenes to

make me out the innocent 

rather than the guilty.

I know that when I f--- up,

I tend to keep revisiting the

same scene in my mind, over 

and over. And, if I'm honest

with myself, little by little

that bit of a story just keeps

changing enough to make 

me out to be the innocent.

Here I am, about a hundred

years old . . . when the hell

am I going to grow up and

take responsibility for my

own actions.

Love how life stretches out

an allotted time so one can 

learn. High time I grow up

and take responsibility!

Going to do so if it kills me!

Here's hoping . . .

12/10/2022

"There are only two days in the

year that nothing can be done. 

One is called yesterday and the

other is called tomorrow. So

today is the right day to love,

believe, do and mostly live."

~Dalai Lama

For my sins, seems I ever and

always make the effort to live

in those two impossible days!

I cry over the spilt milk of

yesterdays and stress out about

the morrows. Go figure . . .

Methinks we all get this, those

simple words of the Dalai Lama.

Yet, there is a great distance

between getting them and doing

them.

There's naught wrong with a

look back and planning forward.

But, It's so important to live in

our todays! 

Not quite sure how to get there.

Maybe, it's all about bringing

our minds into the play of the

moment. Easier said than done,

but well worth the while.

I swear, I'm going to make that

effort to live and enjoy today.

Harder said than done, I bet . . .

12/09/2022

"The only real mistake is the one

from which we learn nothing."

~Henry Ford

Saw this phenomenal quote on

our infamous FB this morning.

Methinks, I need this tattooed 

on my very soul!

It's that side of horrific how we

berate ourselves over and over

for the mistakes we've made. 

In some cases, years!

Why is it that we can't accept

our mistakes, learn from them

and move on? We play the

scenarios over and over in our

minds. As the producers of our

own mental movies, we edit,

look at alternative endings, and

waste our time wishing things

had been different.

As I'm about a hundred years 

old, I have no idea how much 

time I have left on earth. I'd

like to think I could learn this

lesson whilst I still have time.

Bottom line, so need to lose the 

guilt over my mistakes already.

Learn and grow?!

12/08/2022

Methinks I've been having

prophetic dreams again.

Pray, allow me to share.

It all began yesterday . . .

We ran to Safeway so I

could buy some crossword

puzzles. Getting home, my

guy put on an old murder

mystery called, Diagnosis

Murder starring Dick Van

Dyke. A tad later, I read

a few chapters of a Harry

Potter book I've been

re-reading.

Beginning to get drowsy,

I fell asleep, along with my

book landing on the floor.

The hours in slumber ever

seem to pass quickly. Upon

awaking, I pondered my

vast prophetic dream.

I was at Hogwarts, Harry

Potter's school, sitting in a

comfy chair in the lounge

by the fire. There I was

working on a crossword

puzzle, when Dick Van D

came in and interrupted

me.

So much for my dreams 

going prophetic, right?!

Sorry I can't write any

more, my own hysterics

are about to throw me to

the wolves . . . 

Oh my God, I must be 

back at Hogwarts . . .

Leave me be Dick, I'm

trying to read here!!!

12/07/2022

"Selling all my physical books

today before I make a big move

and switching to a Kindle."

~Bittersweet

I saw this on FB yesterday . . .

Obviously, it gave me pause.

I'm currently reading an 870

page book and its heft has

made me think it would be

easier to read it on my Nook.

Alas, I haven't fired up my

Nook in a dozen years . . .

not even sure if it works 

anymore. 

Still, there is something

rather phenomenal in a

proper book. Pure magic!

Aside from the afore

mentioned heft, there is

the actual beauty of the

book itself. I like the feel

of the pages and enjoy

turning them as I read.

I do like the practicality

of the electronic book.

Methinks my guy would

appreciate NOT having

the light on while he's

trying to sleep. Maybe 

I should give my Nook

a whirl, or maybe I

should just buy one of

those small lights that

fit on your head?

Wonder where they're

sold, if at all?!

12/06/2022

"I am pieces of all the places

I have been, and the people I

have loved. I've been stitched

together by song lyrics, book

quotes, adventure, late night

conversations, moonlight, 

and the smell of coffee."

~Brooke Hampton

So appreciate this quote . . . 

rather makes one think of a 

life well lived in different 

terms. Too often we judge

success by money made, trips

taken, tasks accomplished.

Taking a page out of the above

quote makes me want to take

a peek at my own values . . .

That which I ever and always

love first and foremost would

be my children. Funnily enough,

I've always wanted them to

experience life through their

own family and friends. Add in

the joy that travel and adventure

bring and bounty awaits!

For me, that salt and pepper 

of a good life, or should I say, 

some serious chili seasoning . . . 

looks like a sweet fire, excellent 

background music, a good book 

and a cuppa anything delish on 

the side table.

Another side of me, not to forget

that I'm a Libra, loves moonlight

conversations with my sisters, 

drum circles and meditations. 

Hey, where's that red? I need a 

little top me up . . .

12/05/2022

Of course you all know my

aversion to winter and snow

as I've bitched about it enough.

Methinks the answer lies in 

the old adage, "Eat, drink and 

be merry . . . " and no, I'm not

adding the last part!!!

Yesterday was one of those . . .

A small group of us made Yule

logs. We all brought small logs

we'd collected. My guy did the

trimming and drilling and we

were on . . .

The table was filled with all

kinds of candles, ribbons,

greenery . . . add in the glue

guns, scissors, snips. And not

to forget the absolute glee!!!

Obviously, we each had our

own plans in mind, but midst

the fun and laughter, sharing 

our bounty, our ideas simply

exploded into pure beauty!

Once we were in final stages,

bottles were opened, snacks

seemed to magically appear.

And a few sips later, we were

off (NOT on) . . .

Taking pics, sharing jest, the

guys must have gotten quite

a kick out of us. Not long

before they joined in, bringing

their noxious ways with them.

'Twas hard to bring festivities

to a close, but dark, home and

dinners ever await. For me, the

end of this perfect day meant

I had to decorate my table and

crown it with my Yule log.

Such momentous memories, 

an ongoing kaleidoscope in

my mind . . . bless ye merry

gentlewomen . . .

12/04/2022

"I'm sassy and passionate.

Chaotic. Sarcastic. Occasionally

offensive, a bit awkward, and

never easy to control. I spent

most of my life thinking those

were bad things only to wake

up one day and realize they

were my best qualities."

~Brooke Hampton

I have a somewhat love/hate

relationship with this author;

mostly love with a little hate

thrown in. I was reading her

self-descript yesterday and

thought to myself, "Self, we

would all do well to follow

her example."

Might be the self-acceptance

that comes with aging. We 

do tend to lose quite a bit 

of nonsense along the way as 

we blow out those additional

b-day candles. 

My first cousin wrote me

yesterday, talking about self-

acceptance. He seemed to

think I had accomplished it,

but I imagine it's rather an

on-going process.

It occurs to me that we'd all

do well to make an intro type

statement about ourselves.

Thinking here . . . seems to 

me, maybe we forget that

essence of being whilst just

trying to get through life the

best we can.

What say you we do this . . . 

a thought or two dedicated to 

our own personal growth. 'Tis

a thought . . .

Were I just meeting myself for

the first time, I would indeed

note the eccentricity. That, I

celebrate. I love well; I friend

well. I celebrate my path and

intentionally walk it every day

of my life.

If I could only . . . awwwww,

maybe I shouldn't even go there!

Tell me, who are you? How are

you becoming?

12/03/2022

Can't help but wonder if 

anyone gets the same kick

out of what I tend to think

of as alternative shopping.

One of my greatest loves

would be proper antique

stores. Alas, pocketbook

doesn't seem to extend to

that kind of shopping . . .

but, I still enjoy the 

occasional look-see.

I do get quite a kick out of

Goodwill stores. Most of

them are organized, clean

and above all, interesting.

I tend to only look at the

pretties, as my mother 

used to call them. I make

an effort to only pick up

older items that would fit

in a 135 year old cabin.

Once in a while, I find a

specialty shop, fund-raiser

type, that I just fall for . . .

and fall for is exactly the

right term; make no mistake.

We slipped away this morn

and visited a couple of places.

I found a few of such fun

things. Thank God I only go

once every month or two.

Otherwise I would be broke.

Love me a good garage sale.

I have a sister who truly rises

to the occasion. She gets up

early at the weekend, makes

a list from the adverts and off

she goes. She has some finds

that must wow the gods! I'm

tempted to theft every time I

visit her. Good thing she has

a great sense of humor.

Sooooo love me some x-mas 

alternative shopping!!!

12/02/2022

I feel like such a shit!

My dearest and bestest just

gave me a very special coffee

warmer for x-mas. Alas, the

mug that comes with has to

be used for it to work.

My problem is that I have an

ongoing love affair with my

absolute favest coffee mugs.

I tried to hide disappointment, 

but she knows me way too 

well. She offered to exchange

it for the more simple plug-in

one I've been intending to get

for myself.

Can't help but wonder though,

Is one born a total shit or does

it come with age?! I'm quite

upset with myself . . . damn!

I'll probably just chastise my-

self, beat myself up, for a few

days and then go on to being

naughty once again.

On a brighter note . . . she did

say she was happy to exchange

it. You know, a friend like this

gal is beyond priceless!!!

Just love her muchly . . .

12/01/2022

Sooooo . . . today marks the

beginning of the end for 2022!

December is such a fun month!

All those different end of year

celebrations for each and every

creed, birthdays and all coming

to an end on New Year's Eve. 

Wow!

My fave part of this month is

rounding up all the presents I've

been buying throughout the year.

I have some pretty odd ways of

wrapping and I get a kick out of

that too. The hard part is getting

them to the post office. I have to

chuckle . . . nowadays, posting 

is more expensive than the gifts. 

Go figure!

I like to begin decorating on the

first every year. Takes me several

days to get it all up . . .  and then

again to take it all down. I usually

find the odd piece that I've over-

looked around Valentine's Day.

This would be my day to remind

myself not to let December turn

me into a proper drinker. Good 

to be both sane and careful though 

my guy has already brought home 

the eggnog and rum.

Then there's that whole thinking

which New Year's Resolutions 

to adopt. You know, the ones we

follow for about three days and

then forget all about them?!

I pray you all have the most

glorious of Decembers . . . the

planning, gifs, celebrations and

family time . . . Just do it all!

love me end of year

celebrations all day long

serve me up some cheer