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 . . .