12/31/2023 - New Year's Eve

"What you think, you become.

What you feel, you attract.

What you imagine, you create."

~Buddha

The New Year approaches . . .

I imagine we all have been

pondering, "What resolutions

should I consider? How do I

want this year to be different?

What changes can I most likely

make happen?"

I can remember as a child

thinking, "There are ten

commandments, so I should

probably make ten resolutions."

All my adult years, I have made 

three . . . and often they have 

been the same three. This year, 

for the first time, I am thinking 

maybe I should reduce the 

number . . . one just might be

enough!

Methinks perhaps this might just

work . . .

"Come to understand my different 

selves, to heal them, to accept them."

Sooooo pray I may grow . . .

12/30/2023

"The plants and the earth 

are resting. Maybe we should 

too. The long days will be here 

soon enough." ~Rebecca Raiden

Ever on the lookout for quips

and quotes that will help me

deal with Winter . . . I found

this one particularly helpful.

I get that we are constantly

being chided and goaded into

accomplishing, performing.

Having said that, most of us

do indeed accomplish and

perform.

Still, methinks those plants

and our Mother Earth are

showing us the way . . .

So, let's lose the guilt, rest

awhile, recharge our batteries.

A wintering we shall go . . .

12/29/2023

"Enjoy the little things."

I read this bit of wisdom a 

few minutes ago. Simple, yet

profound and it hit me hard!

Alas, we humans are often 

seduced by, "the bigger, 

the better!" 

Of course, I do not lament

my trips abroad, living in

Mexico for 20 years, or my

training for a marathon . . .

my very own big things!

But, I find myself enamored

with those sweet bits of spice

that come in small packages!

Catching a glimpse of those 

naughty raccoons looking for

a trash treat. A fox in my back 

yard. A couple of deer sacked 

out by the vardo.

My guy brings me a fresh 

cup of buttermilk early morn. 

He passes me the salt before

I ask. Only brings sunflowers

as he knows they're my faves.

He even wakes me up and

makes me go look at the moon

when it is quite spectacular.

Methinks that from now on,

I'm going to be on the lookout

for little, for small, for tiny.

Who knows? I may even spot

a wee elf or two . . .

12/28/2023

"Hate has no home here."

A friend posted this on FB this

early morn. I love it! A motto

I pray to live by.

I own up to hating . . .

 . . . spouse-beaters, child abusers, 

scam artists, kidnappers, drug

dealers, pimps.

On the other hand, I love people!

And, the different beliefs, colors,

jobs, mates, simply serve to make 

them that much more interesting!

I really have no answers, only

questions. I don't understand the

embracing of evil, the hate it must

take to hurt a child, a spouse.

What are we about? Will evil

never end? Will enlightenment

ever come?

Methinks, "Hate has no home here"

is a good start!

12/27/2023

"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, ad-

venture, late night conversations,

moonlight, the smell of coffee."

~Brook Hampton

In my winter down time, I tend

to forget many of the miracles

depicted in the above quote.

It occurs to me, do what it takes

to remember outside the box if 

I may mix a metaphor or two.

Memories . . . leaving home at 

14. Living, marrying, teaching, 

birthing in Mexico for 20 years.

Teaching amazing students in 

Commerce City for another 23.

Perhaps, 'tis trips down memory 

lane that just might be the cure

for SAD. Or, if not the cure, they

will help immensely. 

So today, I'm going to invite me

to my very own picture show of

delightful rememberings . . .

12/26/2023

'Tis the morning of the day

after . . .

The day after x-mas, fam

and friends, gifts galore. 

Day after cooking, baking,

eating and washing dishes

beyond the pale.

One of the good things is

with Yule and Christmas

behind us, we can now see

the New Year is just 'round

the corner.

And this merits a few good

days of thinking about!!!

-What are my dreams for '24?

-What do I wish to accomplish?

-What changes should I make?

-What do I hope to gain?

-What should I do differently?

All worth pondering. Still, I've

learned to keep it simple. I'll

probably end up with the same

three I usually choose. Naught

bad about that!

Here's to our in-between days . . .

Good bye holidays; welcome

New Year!

Here's hoping I get it right

this time . . .

12/25/2023 - Christmas Day

Though I'm more into Yule

than Christmas, I find the

season ever so fascinating!

People are so friendly. They

greet each other in the street,

give out compliments and

share many a sunny smile.

Some share gifts around the

tree the night before; others

awake early on x-mas morn

and scatter wrapping every-

where!

My childhood x-mas eves . . .

ever and always three things.

New undies, a book and a

doll. I've shared before that

I was expected to give away

last year's doll. And if it

wasn't nigh onto as nice as

the new one, 'twas the new

one I would have to give.

My family preferred eves as

it allowed for all the clutter

to be cleared away and the 

day could actually be all 

about food and family.

Whatever your customs, 

here's wishing you a phenom 

day, lots of joy and sharing . . .

12/24/2023 - Christmas Eve

I sooooo love the eves of all

holidays . . .

First, you have the evening 

to plan and look forward to. 

Said evening, once enjoyed, 

you have the entire next day 

for the fun and games the

holiday brings.

I have a firm belief that eves

should be celebrated by the

fire and rather fun drinks to

enjoy. Chat will follow and

entice. Such fun!

Tonight is one of those eves, 

isn't it?! I feel my spine a

tingling! To plan or just let 

it happen naturally?

I see such choices as chilled

champagne, dry red and a

chartreuse a tiempo. Only the

best of cheeses to accompany,

and an exotic bread perhaps . . .

I can feel the licking flames

even as we speak. A gentle

light to show us the way to

a night to remember.

Do enjoy your own Christmas

Eve . . . Raise a glass or two!

12/23/2023

"Paradise has never been about

places. It exists in moments. In

connection. In flashes across time."

~Victoria Erickson

Methinks paradise is exactly 

the place where I wish to be. I 

so like reminders like this one 

by Victoria Erickson.

Alas, it's so easy to forget those

precious moments; they are quite

small after all. Perhaps the solution

might be to watch out for them.

My guy goes downstairs to get 

the salt so I don't have to. Our

friends surprise us with gorgeous

holiday drinks. An unexpected

package arrives in the mail.

On the other side of the coin, I'd

like it to be moi whose doing the

little niceties for others.

Let me think . . .

At nigh onto a hundred years old, 

I probably won't be washing anyone's 

car. Still, everyone likes mail. I need

to get back to my postcard fetish!

12/22/2023

My heart hurts today . . .

Our kid's pickup was broken into

at 3:00 in the morning. Alarms

singing their song and the baddies

calmly going about the naughty

business.

We watched it happening on the 

monitor several times, just can't 

get over it . . . What kind of world 

are we living in today? The news 

is unbearable. Senseless murders. 

The cruelty at schools. I'm sooooo 

done!

Sweet Solstice one day and terror

the next . . .  I'm praying someone 

gifts me blinders for x-mas or maybe

rose colored glasses . . .

12/21/2023 - Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice, also called 

the Hibernal Solstice, Midwinter;

the Shortest Day, the Longest Night,

occurs when either of Earth's poles

reaches its maximum tilt away from

the Sun. This happens twice yearly,

once in each hemisphere, June 21st

and December 21st. Astronomically 

marks the beginning of lengthening 

days and shortening nights. Wikipedia

Tis my favest day of December!

I can put away my SAD angst and

simply rejoice that the days will be

lengthening, the promise of healing.

Today we will take a drive in our

beloved Mother Nature, perhaps a 

glass of champagne in front of the

fire . . . simple joys!

It's been ever so dark; darkening

as early as 4:30 in the afternoon.

I can hardly wait to eagerly watch

the lengthening of days, my own

path to wholeness and sanity.

Pray enjoy the day . . .

12/20/2023 - Winter Solstice Eve

I love today . . .

Seems my entire life I have 

ever and always preferred 

and enjoyed the eves of all 

celebrations!

I have visions of sitting by 

the fire this evening and giving 

my guy his Yule gift, a book I 

wrote for him.

I can see it all now, candle 

flames a dancin', fire burning 

quietly warming both our souls 

and our bodies, maybe a bit of

quiet music.

'Tis my favest of all fave days

of winter. Not so much into the

cold and snow, but the eve of

this holiday with snow about

and cold all around . . . perfect!

I wish each all all of you a most

glorious Yule eve!

12/19/2023

"Your life is as big as the 

risks you take." natural life

Love this! Rather wish I were

up to the challenge . . .

I look back to my wondrous

years as a young mother and

teacher. The energy I had was

rather beyond remarkable. 

Wish I could have harvested

some of that so I could dip in

it today!

Methinks the words 'energy'

and 'risks' might be linked if

not downright synonymous.

I've always been a risk-taker;

my energy, never flagging. So

why am I now an olde dame

with little of either?!

It's just life, isn't it?! Maybe 

it's time to simply accept that

I'm in my latter days and it's

perfectly normal for both risks

and energy to flag.

Now the real questions . . . 

Am I actually up for acceptance 

of this time of my life? 

Am I truly done with risk-taking?

Will my joy be less now that I'm

somewhat sidelined?

Food for thought . . .

12/18/2023

Have you ever questioned 

your taste in movies?

I remember my mom loved

all things Disney and my dad

liked documentaries. 

My aunt and uncle never,

ever turned off the TV. They 

watched whatever was on . . .

no discrimination whatsoever.

My own children are capable

of delving into terror, horror.

I would die first.

I am a pacifist who enjoys

murder mysteries; go figure!

Now, they have to be a la

Columbo or Rockford Files.

No can do any serious flicks;

I'd never sleep again!

You'll have to excuse me now,

I have Sherlock Holmes waiting.

Guess I'll have to learn to laugh

at myself . . .

12/17/2023

"The most beautiful thing

we can experience is the

mystery." ~Albert Einstein

Saw this on FB this early 

morn. Hit me hard! Einstein 

truly had wisdom as well as

intellect on his side.

I love mystery in all its forms.

Love, friendship, the universe,

aging, hurt, pain . . . it's all 

pure mystery; make no mistake!

I ponder the love, acceptance,

forgiveness my own children

have bestowed. Surely they'll

experience something similar

from their own spouses and

children.

A mystery to me then, would

be how sometimes we're loathe

to give the same. Rather bears 

thinking about.

For now, I wish to dwell in the

mystery . . . no need to figure 

it out . . . just enjoy!!!

12/16/2023

"Don't waste your time looking 

back; you are not going that way."

~Ragnar Lothbrok

Love the quote, but I beg to differ.

We have all been gifted a past, a

present and a future. Obviously,

it's sad when someone only lives

in the past! Sooooo don't even 

want to go there . . .

Having said that, there're glorious

experiences to be revisited and

enjoyed in each segment of our

lives.

I cherish remembering special

events in my past . . . the birth 

of my children, precious years 

of teaching, living in Mexico, 

special times with my dad.

A kaleidoscope of memories

not unlike glancing through a

photo album. Still, you don't

live there!

The present is priceless indeed.

And, that's exactly where I wish

to live. Naught wrong with plans

for the future either. 

Bottom line . . . live in the present,

visit the past, plan for the future!

All three matter!

12/15/2023

My heart so hurts this early morn . . .

Today, we say good bye to my long

time friend and x-husband, Martin.

I love that he is being honored at

Dinosaur Ridge. Accolades will

be phenomenal and he will be

given a proper send-off.

Methinks none of us know about

the afterlife. Does it really exist?

Reincarnation? Heaven awaits?

One way or another, each belief

has to be taken on faith.

However it turns out to be, I so 

hope Martin is able to hook up 

with my dad, Chet Jennings and 

my godfather Karl Hirsch. They 

were quite the trio!

Bon voyage Martin . . . know

you are well regarded and

much loved . . .

12/14/2023

Real or imagined?

There can be nothing quite like

living in a cabin 145 years old!

Creaks, groans accompanying

our steps, the odd shadow that 

can't be explained, a bit of chat

outside?

Seems the builder of the cabin,

1874, likes to hang out in the

back yard; my dad as well. My

guy has spoken to both of them.

The man who built the cabin 

was a blacksmith and 'tis what 

he built it for. He told my better

half that he likes what we've

done with the place and that 

we "keep the upkeep kept up!"

I was never given the gift of

seeing nor hearing that goes

along those gone by. My lover

has battled the gift his entire

life. Rather wish he could give

it to me.

One way or another, I am much

thankful for my little cabin. It

has brought us, and others, much

joy!

Come on by for a look-see and a

swig of something good . . .

12/13/2923

"Do not seek the extraordinary,

but see the extraordinary shining

through the ordinary." ~Jeff Foster

One of the things I enjoy in this

whole aging process is exactly

this!

Everywhere I look, I am wowed!

The falling snow, a light rain, an

unexpected visit, fun holiday cards,

a pizza delivery . . .

Methinks the point would be, 'tis 

a gift from the aging process. When

the realization hits that you're actually

nearer the end than the beginning,

cherishing the beauty around you

begins.

Looking back, seems I took ever so

much for granted. Not sure there's

any particular thing wrong with that.

Again, the age thing!

Frankly, I like where I am right now.

It's rather like walking into eternity,

pausing for a moment and turning

around for one last look . . .

 . . . a kaleidoscope of cherished 

memories, along the lines of a drive 

in movie spinning by, fast and furious!

I pray I'm allotted just a while longer

to bask in the past, enjoy the now, and

look forward to the future.

Blessed be . . .

12/12/2023

I'd be the first to confess . . .

we do indeed tend toward 

lazy days in our retirement.

We simply enjoy . . .

But, you should have seen 

us haul ass when a friend told 

us we may have been exposed 

to COVID. You never saw a

pair of oldsters move so fast!

Off to buy some home tests.

Worry clouding our silence.

Take the test in the car? Go

home first? Crossing fingers . . .

Prob takes longer to read the

damn instructions that it did 

to be exposed in the first place.

Finally, instructions down,

test taken. Now the wait. 

Never did 15 minutes appear

to be so long . . .

 - - -

Hallelujah . . . seems we are

still among the blest. Can't

help but wonder . . . methinks 

what w/being elder and all, 

we must careful be!

'Tis a crazy life; make no

mistake . . .

12/11/2023

"You will inspire some and trigger

others. Both are good medicine."

~Unknown

I find myself absolutely wowed

by this quotation . . .

Frankly, I recognize that it hasn't

been until my elder years that I've

actually understood that one can't

necessarily like everyone, and

vice versa. 

Obviously, none of us like every

one, but I thought we were to try!

What I do think is, regardless of

one's feelings, kindness, decency

and being polite are ever in order.

I've heard the old adage, "I'll be

nice to you if you're nice to me."

I don't buy it!!! Not one little bit!

How I treat others, liking them 

or not, speaks to who I am! 

Treat others in a  manner that 

speaks to who you  are, rather 

than who they might be.

I like this way of thinking; might

just make a difference to someone

sometime!

12/10/2023

"We have spilled much ink in our

discussion of the human connection.

We're no closer to understanding

them than when the correspondence

began. I often feel as if I'm standing

on one side of a wide chasm shouting

across and wondering if the response

I hear is you or my own voice echoing

back to me." ~Sherlock Holmes 

Sooooo enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle,

especially in the voice of Sherlock

Holmes . . .

Every now and again, I find words of

wisdom that wow me beyond the pale.

This would be some of them . . .

Interesting isn't it, how bits and pieces

of worthy advice come from the least

expected places. Methinks this might

just be an invitation to take more 

of a look-see!

Might be driving myself crazy, but I

fully intend to keep a good lookout!

Wish me luck . . .

12/09/2023

"Healing is a journey, not 

a destination." ~Unknown

I imagine we all come to

the conclusion that we need

healing at some point.

Why do I get so angry?

Why do I hold a grudge?

Why can't I reach out?

What has happened to me

that I seem unable to release 

these maladies?

For me, the above words

make it easier to cope with

my need for personal growth.

So how? How do I go about

this?

For some, meditation is the

key. For others, prayer works.

Pondering and thinking are

good. Apologies when needed

are very healing.

Bottom line . . . get on with it!

Grow up! Grow a pair! Own up!

Stop, just stop repeating bad

behaviors. 

I'm on it! I'm going to grow

each and every day no matter

how long it takes!!!

I swear it . . .

12082023

"Let gratitude be the pillow

upon which you kneel to

say your nightly prayer."

~Maya Angelou

Truly, it is ever so easy 

to take all good things  

for granted!

We tend to say, Thank you,

without thinking . . . a gift,

an errand ran, a ride given.

But, what about thanking

the Universe for a gorgeous

day? The beauty found in a

walk through the mountains.

The serenity in sitting by a

gentle stream.

Indeed I am grateful for many

things, but do I bother to say

those magic words of thanks?

The gifts of life, children, food,

amenities . . . I thank the powers

at be for all of these.

Pray I ever be cognizant of all 

these gifts brought to my door!

Blessed be . . .

12/07/2023

"Those who don't believe 

in magic will never find it."

~Roald Dahl

The one thing I love about

Winter is its magic therein.

Awaking to a pristine snow

covering the yard is quite

magical.  Trees everywhere

of every color and varied

decor. Lights galore!

Presents collecting under

living room trees. Holiday

music playing softly in the

background. Kids shaking

gifts to enhance guessing.

Strangers greeting strangers.

The rush of holiday shoppers.

Cups of coffee with a friend.

The odd card in the mail. An

unexpected phone call. Gifts

pouring in via the post.

Methinks might be a good

idea to remember these bits

and pieces of magic when I'm

dour about Winter . . .

12/06/2023

I find myself rather in awe at

the old dame I'm becoming.

For instance, we have been

watching old murder mystery

series. Such fun . . .

 . . . Bones, Columbo, Monk,

Rockford Files, Sherlock Holmes . . .

 . . . so much fun!

Always thought I was a fairly

decent woman, so why do I like

murder mysteries so much?! 

Guess, Disney and Hallmark 

I am not!

"Give it up ld, you're old enough

now to do whatever you feel like!"

Hey now, that sounds like a fine

idea!

Let me think . . . what series shall

I watch next? Hmmmmm, maybe

Jesse Stone might be just right!

12/05/2023

"Seek to be whole, not perfect."

~Lola Yayo

Seems my entire life I have

sought perfection . . .

Not sure if it's because I'm a

Libra, or maybe it has to do 

with being reared by Christian

parents. I so wish I had carried 

this quote in my heart my entire 

life!

Who knows? Maybe it's not

too late. I'm only a 100 years

old anyway. This old dog likes

learning new tricks!

When I have my kids over, I

sometimes forget to serve a

particular dish. I notice that I

spend more time lamenting my

forgetfulness than I do loving

the fact that they came over.

This we need to watch out for. 

Seeking perfection overrides 

the joy of living, celebrating

precious moments.

I so long to be whole rather

than perfect . . .

12/04/2023

"Let us come alive to the splen-

dor that is all around us, and see 

the beauty in ordinary things."

~Thomas Merton

It's ever so easy to forget all the

good in our lives during these

cold, winter days. Strange that it 

would take a Trappist Monk to

remind us of this.

Having stayed indoors during

the recent snow storm, I can now

look out the back and see a pure

blanket of snow. The only tracks

are those of wild animals taking

the odd shortcut. Rather makes

me wish it would stay thus.

Methinks 'tis high time I get over

my negative obsession w/winter.

It doesn't need to be my fave

season, but by the same token,

it doesn't need to be so disliked.

Maybe I could just say that it's

my least fave . . . careful, I might

just be growing up already!

Thomas Merton was an American

Trappist monk, writer, theologian,

mystic, poet, social activist and

scholar of comparative religion.

1915 - 1968 Wikipedia

12/03/2023

It's incredible . . .

   15 days 'til Hanukkah begins,

   17 days 'til Yule eve,

   18 days 'til Yule,

   21 days 'til Christmas eve,

   22 days 'til Christmas,

   28 days 'til New Year's eve!

Methinks the bad news might be . . .

   drinking too much,

   in house fighting,

   overspending,

   taking out a loan,

   weight gain!

But, there's ever and always good . . .

   eggnog w/or w/o

   family feasts,

   get togethers,

   renewing friendships,

   skiing and sledding,

   that perfect gift,

   tree decorating

Merry! Merry!! Merry!!!

Let the holidays begin!!!

12/02/2023

"I feel the years in my bones...

the aged wisdom of my soul,

but my spirit has a youth that 

time and pail will never touch."

~A. Shea

I still stand tall, walk a fine 

stride, but my knees hurt 

worse than child birthing.

I consider aging a gift from 

the universe; make no mistake.

All you have to do is consider

the alternative.

Alas, I no longer cook like 

I used to. Standing too long 

makes my back ache. I don't

go on long walks and climbing

gentle hills is simply not going

to happen any time soon.

But I love for fam and friends

to show up, telling tales out of

school and sharing snacks and

beer.

I delight in finding the odd card

in the mailbox and responding.

I love my son's visits and my

daughter's phone calls.

The wheel of life is challenging,

but ever so interesting . . .

12/01/2023

"Knowing your own darkness 

is the best method of dealing 

with the darkness of other

people." ~Carl G. Jung

Obviously, there are all kinds and

types of dark in each of our lives. 

The unexpected loss of a job, not 

getting that expected scholarship, 

bankruptcy, decline of health . . .

 . . . to say naught of depression,

weather dependent or otherwise.

So wish all of us were reared with

the reality and expectation of some

negativity in our lives. Were ways

and methods of dealing with said

negativity included, we'd be talking

serious success in coping!

For many of us, it's a bit late to

teach our children coping methods.

But, not for our grands or others

seeking answers.

May we each learn to cope with

our own dark and share ideas and

methods as far and wide as we can.

And pray, bring on the light . . .

11/30/2023

"We must be willing to get rid of 

the life we've planned, so as to 

have the life that is waiting for us."

~Joseph Campbell

My mom used to say about me

that I had my life planned from

the cradle to the grave. Yikes!

I so hope I'm not quite that bad!

Still, I can see what she meant.

I admit that I rather like planning

ahead, knowing what's going to

happen. I think it makes me feel

like I'm in charge of my own life.

I think this trait stems partly from

being a Libra, the most unbalanced

Libra I've ever met! On the other

hand, it may be that this is simply

who I am.

I'm going to do an experiment. I

will plan nothing for the next four

days and just see what happens.

Might be interesting; might just

be a new way to greet December!

Here's to the unknown . . . rather

scary if you don't mind mw saying!

11/29/2023

Martin G. Lockley was a Welsh 

paleontologist. He was educated

in the UK where he obtained degrees

and post-doc experience in Geology

in the 1970s. Since 1980 he had been

a professor at the University of CO at

Denver and was later Prof Emeritus.

1950 - 2023 Wikipedia

I weep; my heart aches; my mind

wanders down memory lane . . .

I first met Martin upon my arrival

to the US. He was a close friend of

my father and would make a point

of dining with my parents when he 

came to town.

For me, it was love at first sight!

What a truly lovely man. From

that point we were granted a dozen

years of those joys and sorrows

gifted along with marital bliss. And

speaking of gifts, his children will

ever and always reside in my heart.

Lockley, as a scientist, professor,

world leading expert in dinosaur

tracks, has touched the lives of

many fellow professionals and 

a myriad of doctoral students. He

leaves nigh onto 50 books translated

into at least 16 languages that will

continue to serve his calling.

I can't say, "Rest in Peace." Rather,

I hope he has an afterlife full of

phenomenal adventures and untold

discoveries!

God, I sooooo miss him . . .

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Lockley

11/28/2023

"Gratitude is not only the greatest

of virtues, but the parent of all the

others." ~Cicero

I promised myself at Thanksgiving

that I would make the effort to be

more grateful . . . how easily one 

forgets! I like that the Universe sends 

out its own little reminders!

I awoke this early morn to 12°. We

still have about 4" snow, so you can

only imagine just how grateful I am

for hearth and home!

I would add, when my guy builds a

fire, I am overwhelmed w/gratitude!

There is something so magical about

fire. It simply makes my day every

single time!

A friend intends to visit this early

morn. Naught in the world like fam

and faithful friends. I am thankful

and I promise . . .

. . . to watch for those gifts from the

Universe for which I must be grateful.

 - - -

Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman

statesman, lawyer, scholar, philosopher

and academic skeptic, who tried to

uphold optimate principles during the

political crises that led to the establish-

ment of the Roman Empire. 106 BC -

assassinated 43 BC Wikipedia

11/27/2023

"The November full moon is

dubbed the Beaver Moon

because it corresponds to the

time of year when beavers 

start sheltering in their lodges,

according to the Old Farmer's

Almanac. This is also historically

the time of year when beavers

would be trapped as part of the

fur trade." CBS News

Awoke this early morn, 'round

4:00, to the most amazing Beaver

Moon. We literally had to lie on 

the floor and look up out the upper 

window. Absolutely breathtaking!

We kept going down about every

15 minutes to check it out. One of

the things I like about viewing the

moon at this time of day is it appears

to be yellow.

Each time we'd go down, the moon

was slightly different. I especially 

liked it when viewed through foliage. 

Not exactly sure why this particular

moon has so moved me . . . sooooo

looking forward to seeing it on the

morrow, the actual full moon!

Yayyyyy Beaver Moon!

11/26/2023

"Everyone wants to be some-

one's sun to light up someone's 

life, but why not be someone's 

moon to brighten in the darkest 

hour." TheMindsJournal

Must confess, I'm all about the

moon. I have loved her sweet,

shining face in all her facets

since I was a little girl.

My guy has ever and always 

been about the sun. Together,

methinks balance! Still, I must

honor him for brightening my

darkest hours!

One of the things I love about

him is he checks out the moon

every time he goes downstairs.

If he finds it particularly lovely,

he wakes me and tells me to go

have a look-see.

Love me my moon, but he makes

the sun most spectacular!

Doesn't get any better than that!

11/25/2023

"Friendship is above all the 

art of allowing the soft light 

of love to fall upon even our

darkest sides." ~Anne Lamott

Suffering intensely from SAD

during the early onset of winter,

I've been thinking about what

it is that gets me through.

My guy sneaks me the odd dish

of ice cream from time to time.

So sweet! My daughter calls me

every Sunday. My son visits and

even cooks! I'm lucky enough

to have so much caring in my life.

I find it all boils down to friends.

My own children are some of my

very bests. Our neighbors are our

friends; not sure I'd make it w/o

them. So enjoy those who write 

the odd note and/or send a card. 

Pray know, that on my darkest

days, I am ever so thankful for

friendship!

Blessed be . . .

11/24/2023

I sooooo don't get it! It has 

now been snowing for just 

over 12 hours . . . and we 

have about three inches of 

snow. Simply doesn't make 

any sense!

Hark back to 2003 . . . 

snowed for about the same 

amount of time (ok, maybe 

a bit longer) and we got 7 

feet up the canyon where 

we lived. Now that rocks it 

for me!

I know! I know! We need

the moisture . . . and I am

grateful for that. At least it

didn't start snowing until

Thanksgiving was nigh on

to over.

I'll stop bitchin' now . . .

11/23/2023 - Thanksgiving

We all know those wondrous

tales of yore telling about that

first Thanksgiving and that this

has come to mean.

Obviously, 'tis much different

today. We enjoy a time-out w/

our fams and friends . . . eating

those incredible meals, stuffing

ourselves ad nauseam, often not

even offering to do the dishes.

This year, we're taking a tiny

time out. We're staying at home,

in bed, watching football (he) 

and reading a fab novel (moi).

Methinks a bottle of champagne

may be in order at some point.

Know my thoughts tend towards

you who we love ever so much.

Happiest of all TGs!!!

11/22/23

"To live is the rarest thing 

in the world; most people 

just exist." ~Oscar Wilde

I can still hear my father 

reciting this kernel of truth; 

I say it to myself each and 

every day . . .

I know I've written about 

this gift from Oscar Wilde

many a time. I truly try to

make each moment count.

Still, I'd be the first to say

just how easy it is to be

lost in the minutia of the

day . . .

 . . . the dishes, the wash, 

the meals, the bills, errands!

Never ending!

Yet the wisdom of dealing

with the daily grind is well

addressed by the Buddha,

Thích Nhãt Hanh and other

greats.

Quiet meditation whilst 

addressing those bits and

pieces of the daily. Thankful

hearts that we have homes

in which to labor. Recalling

from whence our blessings

came . . .

I'm trying! I'm trying!

Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie 

Wills Wilde was an Irish poet 

and playwright. After writing 

in different forms throughout 

the 1800s, he became one of 

the most popular playwrights

in London in the early 1890s. 

1854 - 1900 Wikipedia

11/21/2023

"O Lord that lends me life, 

lend me a heart replete with 

thankfulness."

~William Shakespeare

Thanksgiving approaching,

I most appreciate the in your 

face reminders to be thankful!

Everywhere you look . . .

adverts, turkeys, invites,

special outfits and travel. 

Not quite sure if these are 

about being thankful or not.

This year will be stay at home

for us. Being affected by the

weather, methinks I need some

quiet time w/my guy. The menu

threatens eggnog and movies,

easy to prep!

And silly me, I always like to

decorate for Yule the day after.

Something to look forward to!

11/20/2023

Beware, I feel a rant coming 

on . . .

Woke up to the s-word this 

a.m. Have about an inch and 

it's supposed to go until noon.

Can't help but wonder if I even

brought it on as I decorated for 

the season all day yesterday. I 

usually wait 'til December first. 

See what I mean?!

When I'm queen of the Universe,

we're NOT going to have snow 

on Halloween, nor Thanksgiving, 

nor even in November at all.

Feel free to vote for me!

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

11/19/2023

"Associated with the final stage

in the cycle of life, the Crone 

was the third aspect of the Triple

Goddess in ancient culture. She 

was the summation of women's 

life experience, wise old mother 

who symbolized knowledge,

judgement and death."

I like to think I've enjoyed both

the Maiden and Mother stages 

of my life. Still, I find myself 

somewhat enthralled with this 

Crone era.

Of course, there are the usual 

aches and pains accompanying

the aging process . . . having 

acknowledge this, there are

ever so many positives as well.

I've come to appreciate slowing

down, smelling the coffee as it

were, and all that this entails.

So enjoy those who have chosen

to remain friends, stay in touch.

I find the conversations priceless.

I much value being able to watch

my children beyond childhood.

I find their own stages of growing

and living most fascinating. What 

amazing people they have become.

It has been incredible being born

into a world of a three-party line

on the wall and a one station TV

in the living room to a tiny hand-

held phone and 100s of stations

available for the choosing.

Fast cars, long trips, phenomenal 

jobs and an unexpected techno-

world! Wow!! Just W O W !!! . . .

 . . . Sans paroles!

11/18/2023

What a difference a day makes . . . 

Yesterday, I was enjoying an a.m.

fast break with two of my besties

and today, I'm back in my own

real world.

Real world in the sense that 'tis 

the space where I exist/live/love 

on a regular basis.

One of the things I find interesting

in these years of retirement wonder

would be the need, as well as the 

joy, of being at home.

On those rare occasions when I 

get dragged out of my cocoon, 

I find I enjoy my friends and

activities immensely. And, I am

well pleased that I also love my

own hearth and home. 

Still . . . something to be said for 

getting out and about from time 

to time.

Alas, my fire hearkens . . .

11/17/2023

She fell

She crashed

She broke

She cried

She crawled

She hurt

She surrendered

And then . . .

She rose again

~Nausicaa Twila

Methinks 'tis who I want 

to be when I grow up!

Funny, I can hark back to

college years and thinking

then that I was all grown

up.

Then, it was first teaching

job when I realized that this

was actually real adulthood.

When I retired and took care

of my mom, I truly knew 

what being an adult and taking

responsibility was all about.

Not at all . . . here I am, nigh

onto a 100 years old and get

that the above stanzas might

just have the right idea . . .

11/16/2023

I have spoken of that incredible

feeling of anticipation before . . .

 . . . a long-awaited and glorious

happening. 

Today, we'll be celebrating our 

Lady Hekate with my LH Triad. 

For her, I named my cabin. As 

legend has it, the goddess Hekate 

stands at chosen three-way cross-

roads, such as my cabin is sited.

Loving that sweet #3, we three

have been friends for roughly 

30 years. And, I love that whole

past, present and future of our

knowing each other . . . ever and

aways growing in genuine caring

and friendship. 

 - - -

Hekate, goddess of magick,

night, moon, and the three-way

crossroad, was the only child of

the Titanes Perses and Asteria

from whom she received her

power over the heavens, earth

and sea. Hekate assisted Demeter

in her search for Persephone,

guiding her through the night

with flaming torches. Wikipedia

11/15/2023

"I found the world to be woe-

fully lacking in safe places. So, 

I became one." ~J. Warren Welch

Such a thought provoker! I was

quite moved when I ran into it

this early morn.

Make no mistake, we live in a

difficult world in this present day.

Rather makes it easy to focus on

the negative.

What this quote shouts out to 

me . . . an invitation to self adopt 

the positive roll in a negative 

environment.

On a simple level . . .

-be the one to greet first

-take turns at food and dishes

-deal with trash and mail myself

-wave at the neighbors

On the more complex . . .

-give donations w/o taking credit

-listen with no ready comebacks

-give out advice very carefully

-stand up and be counted

Oversimplified perhaps, still bears

thinking about. And, it matters to

me to embrace the positive . . .

 . . . as well as making the effort

to learn to become that safe place.

11/14/2023

Glorious evening by the fire,

chilaquiles on our plates, fun

chats, and best of all . . .

our daughter's in town!

I find myself thinking, one of

the most rewarding points in

parenting would be spending

time and conversation with

our adult children.

I love seeing the child within,

the emerging adult, thoughts

that belong specifically to 

them.

You know all is well when your

children have minds of their 

own, verbalize their thoughts 

and beliefs, and are living their

lives to the best of their abilities.

I feel so blest . . . perhaps the

greatest gift any marriage can

bestow would be the children.

I honor the parents and thank

them for allowing me to love

their babes as if they were my

own.

God in heaven, I am so lucky

I feel a lotto ticket coming on!

11/13/2023

"I would rather stand

and rock the boat

on the meanest of seas

than ever sit

and come to grips

with the calm of apathy."

~A. Shea

Is it any wonder A. Shea is one

of my fave sheros?! She gives

me daily courage; bless her!

From time to time I am forced

to take a look around . . . can't

help but see those negatives

that plague us all.

Then, I play with that idea . . .

the idea that we would all do

what we could to make this a

better world.

I see concentric circles of all

sizes, overlapping and healing.

Maybe, it's down to each of us

to do what we can do . . . 

Perhaps, this would help inspire 

others little by little, bit by bit . . .

11/12/2023

"It is a serious thing

just to be alive

on this fresh morning

in this broken world."

~Mary Oliver

Ran across these words

this early morn . . . just

what I needed. Oliver is

ever and always the voice

of reason when I need it

most.

Methinks the combination

of Daylight Savings, 8" of

snow in Autumn, SAD and

aging is maybe just a bit 

much for me to handle . . .

So, what to do about it.

Mary Oliver and fellow

writers might just be the

answer.

The dour, that would be

moi, need to be reminded

sometimes that it is simply

an incredible gift to be alive.

So what I'm aging! So what

my knees ache! So what I've

lost my girlish figure (as dad

used to say)! 

Being alive with intellect

basically in tact is a gift to

end all gifts!

 . . . and yes, I am ever so

grateful! 

Thank you Mary Oliver!!!

11/11/2023

"The wild drips oceans 

of peace and solitude into 

my soul and allows me 

tp pour a cup for myself." 

~Janine Tamis

I feel ever so fortunate

that I have been able to

live in a bit of the wild 

in my elder years!

I walk out the door and

there are pine trees for

as far as I can see. I love

the expanse of my back

yard, the vardo awaiting

our visit.

Although I wish that snow 

would wait its turn winter . . . 

still, 'tis a beautiful thing 

to look at that vast expanse 

of pure white before any

trampling occurs.

With winter poking its head

around the corner, not so

strange to awaken to 19°.

Looking forward to seeing

what surprises the day holds.

Hey, don't be surprised . . .

working on my attitude here!

11/10/2023

Woke up this early morn 

to 13° . . . methinks the 

weather gods have decided 

to eclipse Autumn in its

entirety. Can't believe we

have already had two snows!

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

Reminds me that we only

had a few days of Spring

as well . . . under a week!

Sooooo, trying to decide

whether to blackmail ole

man weather or to sweet

talk him to death!

I've learned to live with

dark winters, but I'm so

not okay with no Spring

or Autumn!

Going to make an effort

to stop bitching now!

Good luck with that!!!

11/09/2023

"you will know

who your people are.

they will feel like safety,

they will feel like sunlight."

~Alyce Taylor

Without a doubt, I am much

enamored of quotes that attract

my attention. This one truly

caught my eye this early a.m.

I could weep for those who

have never really found their

soulmates . . . for in this world

today, naught is more important!

I'm ever so lucky as this eve 

I will be visiting with mine . . .

on the morrow, two. I know,

truly know, that I am alive

today because of the soulmate

connection.

Pray ever and always choose

wisely and honor each of them!

Better yet, may we each be

phenomenal soulmates!

11/08/2023

"Life is all about finding people

who are your kind of crazy."

Wild Woman Sisterhood

I much enjoy the odd word of

wisdom coming from this group

of dames. So appreciate that they 

honor the elders as well as the 

youngers.

I sometimes wonder why it takes

the elder years for us to value 

who we truly are?! We spend our

entire lives in becoming . . . and

it seems to happen when we're

finally on our way out.

God only knows if reincarnation

is a real thing . . . but, if it is, I 

sure hope I come back a tad wiser

than I'm been this time around!

 - - -

"WWS is dedicated to cultivate

true sisterhood and to unleash

the wild authentic woman 

defined in all of us."

Wild Woman Sisterhood

11/07/2023

"Tears are words that need to

be written." ~Paulo Coelho

Ran into this quote by my hero

Paulo Coelho early this a.m. 

Sooooo love this guy!

I began reading him in my 20

year sojourn in Mexico. I did

not know at the time that his

work had been translated into

English; I only knew him in

Spanish. And I believed he

originally wrote in Portuguese.

Only two years older than moi . . .

and I've adored him ever since

The Alchemist. 

Do read him; 'twill be pure joy

from start to finish!

 - - -

Paulo Coelho de Souza is a

Brazilian lyricist and novelist.

A member of the Brazilian

Academy of Letters since 2002,

his novel, The Alchemist became

an international best-seller. He's 

published 30 additional books. 

Wikipedia 

11/06/2023

"I am a survivor and a sage.

All things thrown at me 

will light my path and turn 

to ashes under my feet." 

~Nausicaa Twila

Amazing words of wisdom

to which I awoke this a.m.

It's 7:00 a.m. and 29° but

we're to have a lovely warm

day today . . . a real autumn

day.

Our snow, 10" front yard, 12" 

back yard, is now almost all

melted. The sun is just up and

shining brightly. And, today

I will have two visitors.

Feeling blest . . . and lucky

as my guy made me a lovely 

present last night . . .

11/05/2023

DST . . . here we come . . .

You'd think we'd be used 

to Daylight Savings Time 

by now. I just read a brief 

history; I had no idea . . .

1918 - DST was first used

1942 -1945 DST nee War Time

1966 - DST April to October

1974 -1975 year-round period

1987 - 2006 DST April to Oct

2007 - 2023 DST Mar to Nov

Sooooo, going to make my 

best effort to deal with my

two alphabet soup deals . . .

Seasonal Affective Disorder

and Daylight Savings Time.

Raise your glasses to SAD

and DSL . . . and may your

alphabet soup ever diminish . . .

11/04/2023

"My storms are never-ending

reminders to seek beauty in

the chaos." ~Janine Tamis

Trying to think of why this

quote hit me so hard. Perhaps

it has something to do with 

this winter weather we've

been experiencing.

I can appreciate the analogy.

For me, it's all about these

dark, dark days of quasi

winter.

SAD is what it is; I simply

need to cope with it. Still, I

so wish it would in winter

rather than stealing days of

autumn from me as well . . .

Wish me luck . . . and yes,

I will be seeking beauty in

the chaos . . .

11/03/2023

Yesterday was the day we 

honor our late ancestors in 

my beloved Mexico.

I spent the early hours of the 

morn creating my annual

ancestor altar. Truly I was,

and am, very pleased with it.

What I didn't see coming . . .

the dreams that assailed me

last night. I don't know if it

had to do with family on my

mind or the magick of the

season, maybe creating the

altar.

In my dreams, I was still

teaching. My father came to

visit me in my classroom as

I was straightening up after

the day's classes. He told me

he was a bit tired and would

like to rest whilst I put the

room in order.

We simply stayed there. We

sat on the couch in the back

of the classroom and talked

of our family who had gone

before. Like a kaleidoscope

of cherished memories, we

recalled, remembered, and

shed our tears.

For me, it was unbelievable

the number of family I was

able to see. Frankly, I felt

bereaved upon waking.

I feel ever so grateful, so

honored and more than a bit

W O W E D !!!

11/02/2023

El día de hoy, celebramos 

las vidas de nuestros seres 

amados, adultos, a quienes 

hemos perdido.

Obviamente, a mi edad, he

perdido a toda mi familia

mayor que yo. Hay veces

que me siento morir si no

pueda hablar con mi padre.

Recuerdo perfectamente a

mis abuelos, mis tíos, los

primos. Lamentablemente

no conocí a nadie más allá

de este círculo.

Muy sin embargo, mis papás

fueron diligente en contarme

historias de sus padres. Así

que, cuando menos tengo los

cuentos, aún que no les conocí

yo misma.

Deseo seguirles recordando

a los míos, no le hace que 

no sea un día designado para 

celebrarles. 

Sé que es importante . . .

11/01/2023

Cuando llega el primero 

de noviembre, mi corazón 

vuelve a México . . . el día 

en el cual honramos a los 

bellos niños quienes hemos 

perdido.

Lloro por los míos, mis 

nietos que no tuvieron la

oportunidad de sobrevivir.

Sollozo por sus vidas no 

vividas. Lamento por todos 

los padres quienes hayan 

perdido a sus amados nenes. 

Añoro tanto a toda la familia

y amistades que dejé en 

México. Le ruego a Dios 

que sea cierto que algún día 

seremos reunidos.

Abrazos muy fuertes les 

mando desde aquí . . .

10/31/2023 - Day 31 October Fest!

Samhain has finally arrived!

That might just be Halloween

to you. Seems I've waited all

year for it to arrive as it's my

favest of all holidays.

Looking back, we lived way

out in the country and were

not allowed to Trick or Treat.

I get it, absolutely. We got to

dress up and T or T our own

home.  I just love the Trunk

parties parents have invented

for their children's safety.

I had my first T or T's late

afternoon yesterday. So fun!

Methinks we're going to have

some adults knocking on the

door later this afternoon. Fun!

Not to forget, in my own 

familial realm, today is 

Day of the Dead. We honor,

celebrate, raise a glass or two

to our fams and friends who

have passed . . .

May they long be remembered!

10/30/2023 - Day 30 October Fest!

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

7:00 a.m. TWO DEGREES . . .

This is winter? Hell no! This

is October and it's supposed

to be autumn! Okay, enough

bitchin' already . . .

. . . Tryin' to be positive here,

let me think . . .

10/29/2023 - Day 29 October Fest!

1:00 a.m. No can do sleep; been 

snowing all day and all night. 

Methinks we have about six 

inches so far.

Pray for me; not sure I'm going

to make it. Alas, 'tis SAD time

again!

 - - -

7:00 a.m. Still snowing, 27 

hours now. My guy just went

out to check; he says we've 

got about 10 inches. I swear, 

moving back to Mexico!

 - - -

11:11 a.m. Still snowing . . .

fairly large flakes and coming

on down. I'm going to have

some ice cream and pretend

it's summer. At least I think

that's what Pat was recom-

mending!

 - - -

1:00 p.m. The snow is taking

a break and the Sun is coming

out. I might just make it yet!

Yayyyyy!!!

10/28/2023 - Day 28 October Fest!

Today is a gift of October gifts . . .

A full Blood Moon, a lunar 

eclipse, as well as a congregation 

of friends for FAC . . . Wow! Just 

W O W !!!

Now, on the negative side, woke 

up a snow covered yard . . . only 

about half an inch, but still . . .

Rumor has it we're supposed to 

get about 8". I simply don't hold 

with snow in October. Seems, 

nobody asked me!

I'm not quite as mad as I sound,

but the s-word does turn me into

a serious loony tune . . . double

entendre intended!

I've even decided that I won't be

saying shit any more. I'm just

going to say SNOW! Far worse

than the s-word and a whole lot

more expressive as to how I feel.

Snow!

10/27/2023 - Day 27 October Fest!

"A free spirit is someone who

believes in who they are and 

who does not need the approval 

of any one." American Hippie

Ran into this quote early a.m.

Reminds me of my daughter-

in-law who is coming to brunch

today.

She is definitely her own person,

goes her own way, doesn't seem

to need approval. Love this . . .

just who I want to be when I grow

up.

Strange how we grow up, always

needing acceptance from others. 

We spend our entire lives trying 

to get to a place where we need 

approval from no one. I'm not 

even sure we realize we're doing

this . . . all part of personal growth.

Know this, daughter of another 

mother, you are an example to us

all. Keep it up; we need you!

10/26/2023 - Day 26 October Fest!

"We are a momentary spark 

of light existing between two 

endless pillars of darkness. 

Make the most of it." ~db

Read this a few moments ago

and it really hit me. Part of

that might have to do with me

dealing with SAD. Still, the

truth of it really hit me. And

yes, I get that the author may

have had something else in

mind.

We live in a dark world, in

dark times, in the dark where

monsters lurk. This simply is;

has naught to do with moi!

War, poverty, violence, rape,

incest, loss of hearth and 

home . . .

So these momentary sparks 

of light are beyond priceless!

Love, family, friendship, full 

bellies, place to lay our heads . . .

I repeat, beyond PRICELESS!

Today, I celebrate with just such

a friend.  He's been in my life

ever since I came to the US. A

lovely chap; sweet, intelligent,

caring . . . just plain lovely!

God, I have ever so much to be

thankful for!!!

10/25/2023 - Day 25 October Fest!

I'd be the first to admit it . . .

I love celebrating my b-day.

Strangest thing though, I'm

actually running out of energy.

Never thought it would happen.

Alas, I fell yesterday. We were

buying water and I walked off

an 8" curb w/o seeing it. The

tough part is that I fell on my

left knee and right hip, same

two places I hit 8 months ago.

I know! I know! Only moi . . .

Praise God, I must have had a 

moment of wisdom . . . I didn't 

schedule anything for today. 

Not sure whether I'm going to

sleep all day, or dream up 

something to do once I wake 

up . . . that is, if I can walk!

Guess I'll just have to wait

and see . . .

10/24/2023 - Day 24 October Fest!

I've so enjoyed doing something

daily to celebrate my favest of 

all months . . . October! 

Be that as it may, methinks I'm 

on the verge of total exhaustion. 

Only a half a doz more days to 

go . . .

Today, my guy and I are ventur-

ing forth to see my b-day twin's 

new home. So exciting! 

She's a phenomenal chef and 

all she makes is phenomenally 

delish! 

Alas, I'm thinking November 

is going to be all about dieting 

just as October was all about 

partying.

Damn!

10/23/2023 - Day 23 October Fest!

Today, I treat myself to my 

own special birthday gift . . .

Taking a Libra b-day picnic

to my mentor, teacher, friend.

We enjoy doing this from time

to time. We arrive w/basket in

hand and after hugs all 'round,

she asks my guy to choose a

bottle of red.

She's been an amazing gift to

me in my life. We met when I

returned to CO after 20 years

in Mexico. Both of us teachers,

both having lived abroad, ever

so much in common . . . ours

was an instant hit.

I may as well confess, 'twas

shero worship for me from 

the very start. The woman 

is so knowledgable, rather a

been there, done that kind of 

gal. Bottom line, obviously

believing in LIVING rather 

than simply EXISTING.

Thus today, I gift myself time

with the most amazing woman

I've ever met . . .

 . . . That little girl in me wants 

to be just like her she grows up!

Happy birthday sweet mentor

of mine!

10/22/2023 - Day 22 October Fest!

A SOPES report . . .

We ate; we drank; we made

merry . . . and praise the Lord,

on the morrow, we didn't die!

Still, now I know what heaven

looks like! Friends, margs, and

sopes . . .

Sopes are little homemade masa

cups, deep fried and filled with

goodies.

I would say rather impossible to

describe. I recommend . . .

https://www.mexicoenmicocina

.com/como-hacer-sopes/

If you don't wish to pay the piper

and make them, suss out a Mexican

restaurant that makes them.

Yummmmmmmm

10/21/2023 - Day 21 October Fest!

A fun day begins with plans,

continues with expectations,

followed by the even itself,

and ends with those memories

created!

Today our, d) all of the above;

neighbors, students, teachers,

fellow imbibers, will arrive to

try SOPES on for size.

Sopes is a fab Mexican dish

that I don't make very often

as it is quite involved. Don't

call me old, just call me lazy!

Find my mouth watering even

as we speak. They damn well

better turn out or I may have

to break down and have a

temper tantrum like my better

half.

Wish me luck!

10/20/2023 - Day 20 October Fest!

Today awaits and I feel the

excitement rising from within.

I sit here this early morn, by

candlelight, awaiting my two

favest. The anticipation is 

almost too much to bear.

We will eat, drink, be merry

and tell tales out of school.

I can just feel the excitement

coming on.

We will be having class as

well. Teach insists on making

us behave, mind our manners

and learn a thing or two.

Then, we get to hit the town

for a bit. Treasures ahoy, here

I come . . .

 . . . never forgetting that I 

have two of the greatest

treasures right next to me.

10/19/2023 - Day 19 October Fest!

I suppose the days of yesterday

and today mark the difference

'twixt and 'tween 73 and 74 . . .

Or, would that be 174?!

Today, I rest from the festivities

of 18 consec days . . . but tonight

I shall resume celebrating w/my

bestie. Can hardly wait!

I so love birthdays; the gift of yet

another year when once they had

been threatened.

I pray to be blest with a year of

that acquisition of wisdom I have

yet to find . . .

 . . . I so need it!

10/18/2023 - Day 18 October Fest!

This day is turning out to be the 

best b-day ever . . .

I awoke to my guy bringing me

pancakes and strawberries in bed.

Next, he brought in a fun set of

movies, Pirates of the Caribbean,

that the kid in me muchly enjoys. 

He has plans for the afternoon in

front of the fireplace. I can hardly

wait to find out . . . but I'm going 

to enjoy each moment today as it 

comes.

Sooooo, 74 years ago today, or 

was it 174 . . . guess it depends 

on the day . . . that I was born on

the wrong day.

'Twas supposed to be born on

Halloween, but it obviously did

not happen . . . so I'll just have 

to soldier on enjoying the days 

'tween today and . . .

 . . . All Hallows Eve!

10/17/2023 - Day 17 October Fest!

Today is one of those equal opportunity

days, as I tend to think of them . . .

I get to spend two hours in the dentist

office at the a.m. and a similar amount

with my son and his wine at the p.m.

I know I'm not alone when I say I'm

scared ~!@#$%^&*()_+ of the dentist

office. It is what it is and if I'd always

brushed more faithfully, etc. I might

not have to go through this. I deserve

it and I need to man up and take the

consequences. Still, doesn't make it

any easier!

Me thinks, sitting on said dental throne, 

holding my breath, trying not to faint,

and/or cry, makes me some kind of

shero crossed over with idiot . . . go

figure!

Then, I get to come home to my kids

and supposedly some kind of treats

and drinks, which my mouth won't

be able to deal with. Just add in the

guilt already!

Still, don't they say, all's well that

ends well and any time I get to see

my babies is a good day!!!

10/16/2023 - Day 16 October Fest!

"Monday, Monday, can't trust that day

Monday, Monday, it just turns out that way

Oh Monday, Monday, won't go away

Monday, Monday, it's here to stay."

The Mamas & The Papas

Not sure why most of us grow up hating

Mondays. Must have something to do

with having enjoyed the weekend and

knowing we have to go back to reality

on Monday.

For either good, bad or indifferent . . .

retirement turns into a series of weekends,

yet those pesky Monday feelings remain.

I'm lucky as today I get to spend time

with a somewhat newer friend. We shared

an incredible loss this summer, which will

never, ever be let go. I still hope that she

and I will remain friends and stay in touch.

Sooooo birthmonth or not, here's to

learning to enjoy Mondays, one way or

another.

Pray, have a happy Monday . . .

10/15/2023 - Day 15 October Fest!

"When man can't find a deep

sense of meaning, they distract

themselves with pleasure."

~Viktor Flankl, 1905 - 1917

If any author ever speaks to me,

it has to be Frankl. Such wisdom!

I would ask if he came by due 

to all he had been through in the

Holocaust. Indeed, is it sorrows,

rather joys, that bring us wisdom?

Alas, in looking at my own life,

I do find this to be true. 'Tis the

sad times that bring on reflection,

right?!

I'd never discount joy. Methinks,

joy is that salt, pepper and spice

that makes our learning plausible.

Having said that, we must never

lose ourselves, our sorrows and

our learning in a world of naught

but horseplay! 

We must, ever and always, seek

balance and pay close attention

to that which the Universe is

trying to teach us.

My half-way mark through my

favest month of the year, brings

me this bit of learning. Pray I

pay attention. Oft, I tend to get

distracted . . .

 - - -

Viktor Emil Frankl was an Austrian

psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor,

who founded logotherapy, a school

of psychotherapy that describes a

search for a life's meaning as the

central human motivational force.

Wikipedia

10/14/2023 - Day 14 October Fest!

Today I celebrate my b-day 

with the Universe itself! I

am so wowed; it's both the

New Moon & Solar Eclipse.  

I pray to be gifted a view.

Alas, we're pretty clouded in

just now. Wouldn't you know

it, our first dusting last night!

night. 

Then, off to celebrate b-days

with our d) all of the above.

Ahhhhh, what a gift this Oct

has turned out to be. I may be

annoyed with the weather . . .

(I swear we went straight from

Summer to early Winter this

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

. . . but, never with my favest 

of all b-day months!

10/13/2023 - Day 13 October Fest!

"Friday the 13th is considered

an unlucky day in Western 

superstition. It occurs at least

once aa year, but can occur up

to three times in the same year."

Wikipedia

Ever and always have I loved 

the magick of Friday the 13th! 

I can remember back in grade

school, how we used to play

jokes on each other on this

supposedly fearful day. We

thought it hilarious!

I also recall dressing in black

at college and partying, of

course! A whole different ball

game! Maybe even more fun!

In my world today, I find it

more of a spiritual day, a day 

of reflection and quiet joy. I'm

particularly pleased this year

it graces my birth month.

Enjoy your Friday the 13th in

which ever way you get a kick

out of . . . 

Happy! Happy!

magic – act of staged illusion

magick – movement of natural

energies to create needed change

10/12/2023 - Day 12 October Fest!

 Happy b-day to moi . . .

Yesterday, my girlfriend 

asked me if I wanted to 

go on a ride to see the elk. 

I actually said to her that 

they came from time to 

time to visit the yard and 

that I enjoyed them muchly!

When it was time for her

to go, I headed up for my

daily! Methinks it comes 

w/the whole aging process.

Upon awaking, I saw that

the yard was full of elk.

There was a male w/6 or

7 tines; my guy says 6, 

I thought 7.

There was a young buck

with no tines at all, as well

as a mama and a baby. We

watched them nigh onto

kingdom come. I could

hardly let go.

Such magnificence, such

beauty. Simply blows one

away!

What a blessing! Best b-day

present, E V E R !!!

10/11/2023 - Day 11 October Fest!

Today is lookin' fab! A long

time neighbor, co-worker, 

and friend is coming for an

October b-day visit.

As I'm not allowed to drive

due to those pesky attacks

of mine, she's insisting on

sneaking me away to shops 

and other naughties!

Not one to leave my shanty

for almost any reason, 'twill

be interesting to see what 

she can talk me into.

October reminds me of so

many gifts Mother lays at

our feet; family and friends,

hearth and home, health and

well-being.

I am overwhelmed . . .

I am undone!

10/10/2023 - Day 10 October Fest!

I forgot something when I

asked the deities for special

celebs each day of my birth

month. I should have used

the word fun!

I spent my entire weekend 

w/the worst toothache known

to mankind! Never had one

before so maybe I have no

real comparison. All I know

is, I prefer childbirth.

Yesterday was a holiday so

I went in today. Not pretty

and going to have to go in

three times to get fixed.

For now, I do know I haven't

sinned enough for this pain.

Rather makes me think I need

to get on with some serious

naughty.

Please send me your ideas at 

the bottom of this missive!

10/09/2023 - Day 9 October Fest!

So enjoy other October sisters

celebrating their days . . .

Today, I get to spend a couple

of hours with one of these. I

call her my d) all of the above;

neighbor, student, teacher, fun,

drinks mate . . . anything else 

I can think of.

I see the vardo awaiting . . . 

my guy is dealing with the

heat for us. He is the treasure 

of my life, and he built this

wondrous gypsy wagon for me.

Frankly, wish we spent more

time out there!

Happiest of all b-days to both

of us . . . let's drink up and say,

Salud!

10/08/2023 - Day 8 October Fest!

Sooooo unfair!!! 'Tis my b-day

month after all . . .

Woke up with a gynormous tooth

ache. I've never had a tooth ache

in my entire life . . . at least that 

I can recall. What the hey?!

And, to think I was going to have

ice cream for breakfast! So pray 

this doesn't mean things don't bode

well for the day!

My guy is having his own special

day . . . steak for breakfast and

hours of long awaited football. 

Yayyyyy!

Rather thought this meant hours

of good reads for moi!!! And, not

to forget the ice cream. 

I may have to break down and just

see what happens; perhaps there's

a surprise or two round the corner!

 - - -

p.s. Bet your damn boots I'm having

ice cream for breakfast! It's 33.3

degrees, my fave number THREE

times over! And, the cold is even

soothing to my toothache. Go figure!

10/07/2023 - Day 7 October Fest!

Most fun b-day E V E R !!!

My guy nudged me in the 

middle of the night and

whispered, "Happy birthday,

midnight margs coming up!"

I just wanted to turn over

and sleep some more, but I

got into it.

We went downstairs, made

the margs and brought the

trappings up to the bedroom.

He put on a movie, served

the margaritas and we were

in business. So fun. 

We only had a couple, over

loads of ice. Probably not

even a complete drink. But,

it was the thought, unusual

and endearing.

I'll never forget . . .

10/06/2023 - Day 6 October Fest!

Today has started out on a

phenomenal level . . .

At least, I waited until dawn, 

and then . . .

A very special birthday ice

cream awaited me in the

garage freezer.

Back to bed to eat a glorious

raspberry and dark choco bits

ice cream.

If the rest of the day goes any-

thing like that delish dish of

pure ambrosia . . .

Ahhhhh 'tis ever sooooo grand

to be alive!

10/05/2023 - Day 5 October Fest!

Only Day 5 and I've already

had sooooo much fun. I just

love reconnecting with fam

and friends.

I get to spend today with 

my first friend I made when 

I returned to the US. Taught

together many a moon and 

have been friends for eons.

In my love of October, I'd

have to say that the true gift 

it offers, would be the people

that come into our lives. I am

ever so fortunate!

"I will cut adrift - I will sit on

pavements and drink coffee -

I will dream; I will take my

mind out of its iron cage and 

let it swim - this fine October."

~Virginia Woolf

10/04/2023 - Day 4 October Fest!

Today in waiting . . .

This trio of besties get

together a couple of special

times a year. One would be 

to celebrate our mutual love

of Lady Hékate. The other,

to make Chartreuse. 

I could fill this space with

volumes of stories. My fave

scientist gifted me these 

friendships rather inadvert-

ently lo these many moons

ago.

So lovely to find these like

minds awaiting friendship.

And, today's gift would be

a reminder of the value to

be found in these special

people the universe has

arranged for us to meet.

I raise my glass . . .

(Bet H & W come over

for an October FAC this

afternoon!!!)

10/03/2023 - Day 3 October Fest!

My guy has already brought 

me breakfast in bed. Have to 

see what the rest of the day 

brings!

So love me some surprises 

and he just served me black 

walnut ice cream. Yum . . .

Now, he's put on my fave

show and invited me to an

ld movie fest . . .

 . . . with, I might add, my

favest of all faves, Cheetos.

God, I sooooo love Cheetos

and only allow myself this

treat once in a while.

Happy birthday to moi . . .

 - - -

I will cut adrift

I will sit on pavements 

   and drink coffee

I will dream

I will take my mind out of its

   iron cage and let it swim

this fine October.

~Virginia Woolf

10/02/2023 - Day 2 October Fest!

And, it has already been a 

wondrous day!

Daughter wed! Fam seen and 

enjoyed! Safe travels both 

directions! Deer in the yard to 

welcome us home! Mama and 

baby are currently sacked out 

by the vardo. Too sweet for 

words.

Today our drive surrounded us 

with the most vivid fall colors; 

a kind of heaven if you will. 

Such beauty. It's good to be 

reminded the colder weather 

brings its own gifts.

We're still watching the deer

'twixt and 'tween tasks to be

accomplished. What a blessing

and a rather glorious b-day 

pressie!!!

10/01/2023 - Day 1 October Fest!

Today! TODAY!! T O D A Y !!!

begins my wondrous month of

October . . . 

I love October so much that I

have to find ways of celebrating

each and every day! All stems

from being born on the wrong

day!

My parents met on Halloween,

married a year later on Halloween

and planned for me to be born

the following Halloween. Alas . . .

I was born early so to console 

myself, I celebrate every day of

the month. 

Starting today, we had a delish

post-wedding brunch with my

daughter and her new hubby!

Twas glorious!

Can hardly wait to see what

each day will gift. 

Yayyyyy OCTOBER!!!