11/12/2024

a.m.

Today is going to be a 

good day! 

We're off to my niece's 

wedding rehersal. So special 

when I get to marry family.

Wedding on the morrow . . .

two whole days of getting

out, seeing family, simply

enjoying.

Methinks I've died and 

gone to heaven . . . sooooo

NOT kidding!

Surely, good reports soon

to follow . . .

p.m.

Oh, it was so good to get

out in the sun! Sooooo

needed it!

Such lovely people in my

family . . . the bride so

gorgeous and her mom, 

one of my dearest cousins.

So impressed with the bride's

entourage. Lovely people,

very friendly.

Methinks seeing their love 

was just what I needed to get 

my mojo back!

11/11/2024

Sooooo, what's to be done

with depression?

Trying to think here . . . 

been so down, I've not 

been able to do so properly. 

Spoke to my daughter yester-

day and that helped a great

deal. Friends came over and

brightened the mood. 

But really, where do we go

from here? 

-Perhaps it's time to lose 

the murder mysteries I enjoy 

both reading and watching.

-Too dangerous out there 

to take a ride . . . maybe 

find a scenic show to watch.

-The answer has to lie in 

sitting by the fire. Might 

even indulge in an eggnog.

Something's got to give. 

Not a place I want to be in

much less live in . . .

Help! Drowning here . . .

11/10/2024

"The dark does not destroy

the light; it defines it. It's 

our fear of the dark that casts 

our joy into the shadows."

~Brené Brown

Just when I'm feeling over-

whelmed w/an early winter,

33" of snow and fear of the

unknown, I read this bit of

wisdom.

I've always enjoyed Brené 

Brown. She seems to be able

to capture the depth in the 

simple in a way that amazes

me.

I need to remember that light

follows dark and hope is ever

present in despondency.

And, tomorrow is another day

after all . . .

 - - -

Brené Brown is an American

professor, lecturer, author and

podcast host. Wikipedia

11/09/2024

Alas, sooooo not coping;

where do I go from here?!

I swore to myself that I

wouldn't use my daily

column as a gripe site . . .

yet here I am.

Still, I find that by sharing

my sorrows here allows 

me deal with my plight

somewhat better.

Obviously, I get that one

cannot change this winter

weather, the outcome of an 

election, and other things

that are off putting.

Sooooo, methinks sitting

by the fire with a spiced

eggnog might just distract.

This bit of brilliance was

suggested by my lover.

Feel free to send your

suggestions . . . I'm all ears!

11/08/2024

"Some of the brightest

lanterns are held by those

who have known darkness.

Brave beacons of hope for

others to find their way."

Sunlight and Shadows

Alas, 'tis that time of year

when I just want to curl up

and die. The good thing is

I know it's not real and I'm

ever learning how to cope.

The thing I consider best

out of my SAD months, is

the empathy one feels for

others in the same space.

So, what I want to learn 

from this would be how to

encourage those suffering

from Seasonal Affective

Disorder.

As I wasn't diagnosed for

years, there may be people

in the same situation I was.

Knowing is coping!!!

Bottom line, if you suspect

you might have SAD, get

properly diagnosed. Find 

a group to talk and share.

'Tis most likely the reason

I'm still alive today . . .

11/07/2024

"Dance before the music is

over. Live before your life 

is over." Hippie Zenlighten

Methinks this dear heart 

was sending a message 

straight to moi!

I've ever and always had 

my own secret dances . . .

and I have lived, oh how

I have lived!

Having said that, I find

aging can tend to move 

one's self into a more 

contemplative mode.

Right or wrong, I tend to 

do my living in front of 

the fireplace, in the pages

of a good book, in the

glory of a fab meal and

drowning in delight in

wondrous conversations.

Obviously, there's naught

wrong with that. Still, not

to forget dancing whilst

living in any manner one

chooses . . .

 . . . there are, after all,

many kinds of dancing!

11/06/2024

"Hardships often prepare

ordinary people for an

extraordinary destiny."

~C.S. Lewis

Obviously, we all have

experienced and endured

hardships of different kinds.

We know what it's like to 

be out of work, have a half

empty fridge, suffer illness,

lose a loved one.

We all have experienced

joy as well . . . that 

unexpected raise, a long-

awaited pregnancy, a small 

lotto win, our children's 

achievements.

So I would ask, why is it

human nature to focus on

our hardships rather than

our wins? Surely, the least

we could do would be both!

Think I'm going to go all

out and make that supreme

effort to focus on my wins.

Wish me luck . . .

11/05/2024

"They who dream by day 

are cognizant of many 

things which escape those 

who dream only at night." 

~Edgar Allan Poe

I may as well admit it . . . 

as everyone already knows 

this about me. I am indeed 

a daydreamer.

I remember as a child . . .

my father would say, "Get

your head out of the clouds,

Linda-Dale."

My parents would have to

call me more than once as 

I tended to be off in Never,

Never Land.

Not sure if it's a personality

trait, a coping mechanism 

or a place I simply like to be.

My guess would be, probably

a bit of all three.

Methinks daydreaming is a 

gift from the gods. It allows

one to escape uncomfortable

situations. It's fab for planning.

Maybe even a different use

for the mind.

Obviously, 'tis not a place to

live. It's important to live life!

But, daydreaming has its place

and I indeed visit quite often!

11/04/2024

"We are mosaics. Pieces of

light, love, history, stars. Glued

together with magic and music

and words." ~Anita Krizzan

Any time I'm feeling down,

all I have to do is read some

Anita Krizzan. Be that the case, 

I should have one of her books

in every room!

Obviously, life isn't quite that

simple. There are genuine 

reasons for the downs, as I

tend to call them. Winter being

the obvious one for moi as I

have SAD.

So, adding insult to injury, my

guy tells me we got 8" - 10"

inches of the s-word last night.

I'm going to try and be brave!

I'll look out the window and 

say, "Praise God, we needed

the moisture!"

And it's true! We desperately

need the moisture and I am

going to try and be braver

this winter! SAD be damned.

Wish me courage . . . Where's

Anita when you need her?!

11/03/2024

"Shall I cook, clean or  

do the grocery shopping? 

Okay, reading it is."

Crazy Book Lady

Once Days of the Dead

have passed, I like to think 

of November as a month

all about gratitude . . .

And indeed, I'm certain I'll

have my days as such. Still,

I'm feeling all wintery. And

yes, I do know it's autumn. 

So, how to cope? Dealing

with the cold and dark days,

snowy weather, reading it is.

I find moi treating myself to

old faves. Then I try a few

new ones on for size. I like

reading all the books I have

by one author and then going

on to another.

Should the gods ever ask me

how I made it through winter

without killing myself or any

one else, the answer will ever

and always be . . .

 . . . by reading!

11/02/2024, Día de los Muertos, Adultos Perdidos

Today, I honor my ancestors.

The altar is beautiful, these

old framed black and whites

of my parents, grandparents,

and greats are ever so sweet.

I recall stories told by my 

father. He loved his gran so

much. I know I too, was 

ever so lucky to have known 

all my grands. Lucky as well, 

to have heard dad's tales of 

the greats.

I like looking at the photos

as I place them on the table.

Old style, of course. Small,

black and white and not

taken as closeups. Still, I 

see magic there.

I know I am ever so lucky

to have spent 20 formative

years in Olde Mexico. So

love me the many traditions

taught me. Still, some of the

absolute best surround the

Days of the Dead.

Most wondrous . . .

 - - -

November 2nd is dedicated

to those adults; family and

friends, who have passed

before us.

11/01/2024, Día de los Muertos, Niños Perdidos

Just imagine, today all 

Latin American countries

will be celebrating The 

Day of the Dead.

These sacred days begin

on October 31, Samhain.

November 1st will honor

those small children we

have lost to Mr. Death.

You will find our homes

with decorated altars . . .

Marigolds are a must and

might just explain all the

colors of orange found.

Photographs of our much

morned children, as well

as gifts of food and coin

will adorn the altars.

Some will find jocularity

questionable. Know that 

has to do with mocking

Mr. Death. We turn our 

fears into rising to the

occasion and laughing 

in the face of he who has

caused us such pain.

Stories will be told, many

a tear shed . . . But know

this, We love our children

lost and pray they are safe!

10/31/2024 - Samhain

"Samhain is the third and final

harvest festival of the Wheel 

of the Year that signifies the 

midpoint between fall equinox

and winter solstice. Starting at 

sunset on Oct. 31st and ending 

at sunset on Nov. 1st, this day

marks the end of summer and

beginning of winter on the old

calendar. It was considered an

important time for giving gifts

to the dead and communing." 

Spirit Nest

Fam and friends often ask about

Samhain, hence the above. One

of the things I love about Latin

America as well as Samhain, is

that space in time for recalling

our loved ones who have passed.

Obviously, not everyone feels

this way; might even see it as

morbid. But for me, there is a

need to celebrate mine who've

passed before.

Wishing us a wondrous Samhain

and you a glorious Halloween for

sisters and brothers all are we . . . 

10/30/2024 - Samhain Eve

Samhain is a Gaelic festival

on November 1, marking the

end of the harvest season and

beginning of winter or the

darker half of the year. It is

also the Irish language name

for November. Celebrations

begin on the evening of Oct

31, as the Celtic day began

and ended at sunset. Wikipedia

Not exactly certain as to why,

but in all celebrated holidays,

I always prefer the eve over

the day. Might just be because

there's always a tad of mystery

to the dark of night.

This evening I see us sitting

by the fire, perhaps enjoying

a tad of eggnog and thanking

the divine for the gifts of love

from those who have gone

before.

Pray, may we each appreciate

and enjoy these next four days.

May our hearts and minds be

inundated with sweet memories.

Indeed, we are so blest . . . 

Happy Samhain eve!

10/29/2024

Celebrating my 75th,  

I planned seeing fam 

and friends every day 

of this month. Fun do's,

and some fun don'ts as 

well. Glorious eats, to 

say naught of secrets 

shared.

But, today 'tis the first 

day I have nothing on.

Can't help but wonder 

how the day'll progress. 

Will anything exciting 

happen?

I know one shouldn't 

plan every iota of life. 

Room must be left for 

surprises, for the un-

expected. 

I'll just have wait and 

see what happens . . .

10/28/2024

I know . . . perhaps I've ever

known . . . I am rich beyond

measure!

The first friend I made in US

when I returned from 20 years

in Mexico, came to visit from

afar last night. 

We talked, reminisced, laughed,

cried . . . sooooo glad we were

well into our brewskis as neither 

of us recall this early a.m. just 

how much we shared last night!

She comes not often as she hales

from far, far away. But, when she

does, she brings treats, I put forth

the naughties and we eat Mexican

food until we're speaking Spanish.

One of the things I most value

about a special birth year, is the

celebration of friendship. Frankly,

arriving alive and well at 75, and

living all over Kingdom Come . . .

leaves many a memory to share.

So, last night we solved all the

world's problems and this morn,

we started all over again. Alas,

methinks those in the upper

eschelon of our world today, never

think to ask our opinion . . .

Oh well, 'tis their loss!!!

10/27/2024

'Twas a most glorious day . . .

My annual mole making, at

last shared with a friend. 'Til

now, family only and sworn

to secrecy.

I remember my son asking

quite nicely, if he could 

share the recipe with his best 

friend and I said, "NO! And, 

don't forget you promised!"

Methinks, just might have 

something to do with being

at the other end of aging. A

tad closer to the other side,

as it were.

     Day 1: deseeding.

     Day 2: four hour boil

     Day 3: blending, sieving

     three times over

     Day 4: herbs and spices

     Day 5: eat, drink and be 

     merry

Make no mistake, I am so

looking forward to the whole

Day 5 part of this magic! I

just bet I eat myself sick!

Salud . . .

10/26/2024

Just keeps getting better and

better . . .

Early a.m. coffee w/two of 

my besties. Dressing up and

hitting an amazing restaurant

usually denied to the likes of

us. Unbelievable! No wonder

we only go ever five years!

Coming back for afters . . .

Two kinds of cake, two kinds

of ice cream. two kinds of

presents. If this b-day month

doesn't end soon, I'm going

to weigh 200 lbs and won't

fit in either the cabin or my

clothes!

Best gift ever though, is such 

incredible friendship. We talk,

really talk. Seems we never

run out of topics to discuss,

things to share, a comparison

of points of view.

I know not everyone has such

friendships. My heart bleeds . . .

Ever, ever so grateful . . .

10/25/2024

Best birthday ever, this whole

turning 75. I've so enjoyed

celebrating one special person

each day.

Last night, my bestie came in

from far, far away. We lit up

the place with candles, ate fun

foods, and talked so long and

hard that we were constantly

interrupting each other.

What a gift of life I have been

given! Such shame in thinking

of the times I gave up, didn't

wish to live any longer. I'm

ever so grateful I'm still here.

It's going to be fun actually

finding out just how long I'll

be given. Must be time to 

start telling tales out of school.

Well actually, my friends tell

me that I'm not already doing

that, but I'm telling some of

them over and over. Damn

embarrassing if you ask me!

So, here I am . . . loving life,

adoring my fam and friends

and finding myself somewhat

overwhelmed!

10/24/2024

Sooooo loving my age

and some of the things

that go with it . . .

Exercise - up and down

the stairs all hours of day

and night.

Groceries - once a month

or so; don't like to go out

much.

Meals - open the fridge

and see what falls out.

Oddities - ice cream for

breakfast, living in the

bedroom, no phone. 

Time spent - books and 

movies, visiting w/friends, 

writing e-mails and letters.

Trips - none of late; most

likely, it'll stay that way.

TV - good for watching

old movies. Don't watch

it otherwise.

Almost wish I had been

born this age . . .

10/23/2024

We were gifted a sweet

surprise last eve. Friends

from the neighborhood

surprised us with a visit.

A tad chilly, so my guy 

lit the fire. Not only did 

it add to the ambiance, it

truly warmed the cockles

of our souls!

We talked and shared a

couple of brewskies. Best

of all, our kid came home

from work and not only

brought a fab b-day gift,

he dressed up for us in 

his Halloween costume.

Taken several weeks to

put it together, 'twas

phenomenal. Scared me

just to look at him.

It's been so cold here at

night. To think we were

able to sit out by the fire

for a couple of hours is

simply incredible. Still,

'twas just what the doctor 

ordered!

Methinks I need to adjust

my attitude regarding fall.

I'll enjoy the days I can

and just have issues with

winter. Ha!

10/22/2024

I awoke this earl morn with

sweet thoughts of yesterday.

The gods blest me as I was

able to spend time with one

of my dearests and bests.

I can only imagine the smiles

our angels must have shared 

as we sat and talked, talked

and talked.

Obviously, there is much to

share when getting together

from afar only once a year.

Then, slowly but surely, once

the news is caught up on, true

conversation begins.

There is naught in this world

to compare to this kind of

friendship and sharing. My 

heart is full, my mind reeling 

and I feel fulfilled.

Alas, at one point, I needed

rest and thus ended our sweet,

perfect day. I will admit, I

wept as she drove away . . .

10/21/2024

I believe in the magic of 

each new day; absolutely 

essential in order to keep

going on!

The days are shorter, 

the dark longer. Not quite 

sure how I'll survive or

even if I will.

I pray you do not suffer

from SAD, Seasonal

Affective Disorder. Not

something I would wish

on my worst enemy if I

had one.

It's like being taken out

of time and place. All you

can see or sense is dark.

Cold and dark. It's much 

like being caught in a child-

hood nightmare and there's

no way out. And, there's no

daddy to come to the rescue.

Already taking precautions;

time outdoors daily, meds,

meditation and prayer . . .

Oh my God . . .

10/20/2024

Oh my God . . . I don't think

I've ever had so much fun in 

my life as turning 75 . . .

I'm just about partied out.

Didn't even know that could

happen. 

Five friends showed up

yesterday with picnic in tow

and I just sat there . . . felt

about a hundred. 'Twas a ball.

Best part, Michael serenaded 

us with both a six string and

a 12 string. He is phenomenal.

You've probably heard him at

one of my guy's Gypsies in

July.

Today, I'm blest with a visit

from my past. Old friend and

student coming over for Sun

margs after church. Now a 

PhD, a bigwig in education,

one my favest people ever!

One of the greatest gifts of

being a teacher, would be all

the incredible students one is

blest with. Watching the adults

they turn into is pure magic!

Methinks 'tis one of the best

b-day pressies E V E R !!!

10/19/2024

'Tis morn of the day after and

I'm feeling my age . . . I don't

know if it's psychological or

maybe I've partied too hardy!

For me, the day after has to 

do with gratitude. Before I 

was diagnosed with SAD, 

Seasonal Affective Disorder, 

I wasn't long for this life.

Knowing the issue, meant

being able to cope. My guy

has been phenomenal in

helping me deal with those

dark days of fall and winter.

Hard to believe I was born

in my own time of undoing!

Go figure . . .

So, I am grateful . . . 

 . . . for sunlight that staves 

off SAD, for those who have

loved me in spite of my ills

and woes, for reaching this

incredible age, for glorious

years of teaching and the joy

found in loving my students.

I am grateful . . .

 . . . for coming to understand

those things that never made

sense, for learning new ways

to love and live, for life itself.

Indeed, I am grateful . . .

10/18/2024

O' dark thirty this early morn

brought me the most gorgeous 

moon I've ever laid eyes on . . .

Was it Mother Earth gifting me

a special Harvest Moon? Was

it a present for all born on this

lucky day? Did the entire world

swoon as I did when viewing

her beauty?

Indeed, I feel ever so blest! 

Feels like this moon was the 

bow on the package Life has

gifted me these 75 years.

Wondered how I'd feel?! I say, 

"I've finally arrived, guess I

can go now." No, these words

did not occur. What I'm truly

feeling is, "Let's see what 

Mother has up her sleeve from 

here on out!"

Looking in the mirror, I'm ever

surprised . . . "When did that

happen?" I think. See the beauty

marks on my arms? "When did 

that happen?" 

Nah, doesn't matter . . . I'm ever

so lucky to stand tall, firm stride,

no need for a cane just yet.

So pray I'm gifted yet another

few years . . .

Happy b-day to moi . . .

10/17/2024

"The richest people in the world

are those who have learned to

appreciate simple things in life."

~Samuel Bizimana

This spoke to me . . .

For me, 'tis proof that I've at 

last arrived! I love my age, my

understanding of life and its

various happenings . . . and I

love all sweet, simple things 

in life.

Methinks my only sorrow . . .

it takes nigh onto a lifetime

to reach this point. I finally

get it. Why, oh why can't we

understand this bit of wisdom

at a younger age?!

This month, glorious October,

has brought this home to me

over and over. Coffee with a

friend, an unexpected card,

a telephone greeting, the odd

e-mail. All are simple and all

have brought me joy!

I ask myself, "What simple

things could I gift to others?

That unexpected compliment

in the grocery store, dropping

a post card in the mail, taking

the time to write a proper letter.

Since turning 75 has been so

special for me, I'm going to

dedicate this year to gifting 

the simple. One small thing

a day . . . and I bet this will

benefit me even more than

any recipient!

Need to give this some thought!

10/16/2024

One of the things I enjoy about

celebrating my b-day an entire 

month rather than just a day 

would be all the fam and friends

I get to see.

Today, I get to enjoy my son.

He is such an interesting man.

Phenomenal artist, reader of the 

classics, gifted conversationalist,

simply a joy to be with.

There are times methinks I've

given him all my good points

and haven't saved anything for

moi . . . ha!

What a gift it is to have children

turning out to be glorious people.

Talking with them, enjoying their

points of view, their insights, even

their vocab usage . . . utter delight!

At the end of the month, I'll be

offering my gratitude for this 75th

birthday. I'm thinking of different

things I could do, but have yet to

decide. 

Ideas welcome . . .

10/15/2024

Sooooo excited . . .

I get to spend this early morn

with my younger daughter!

Alas, now that I'm about a 

100 years old and rarely leave 

the cabin, I don't get to see the 

kids as often as I would like.

On the other side of the quest,

these priceless visits warm my

heart to a slow burn.

One of the things I love about

this particular age, would be

seeing the children as adults

and watching them rear their

own.

I bless my x-wife for sharing 

her babes with me. She is an

amazing mother.

Today, my heart is full . . .

10/14/2024

"We are here to heal, not harm.

We are here to love, not hate.

We are here to create, not destroy."

~Anthony Douglas Williams

Methinks we all need a daily

dose of A.D. Williams; we need

reminding!

Alas, I fear we exist rather than

live and we do so without a great

deal of thinking on our part.

Today, I meet with my niece and

her fiancee for wedding planning.

Part of me trembles at the courage

a young couple must have in order

to join the matrimonial rat race.

Yet another part of me cheers them

on and wishes them well.

For me, October becomes a time

of pondering, rethinking time- 

honored practices and choosing to

deal with things a tad differently. 

May we all have a look/see and a

good think about how we proceed

from here . . .

 - - -

"We destroy life, and we pollute 

oceans and skies, yet we have the

audacity to call ourselves superior

beings." ~A.D. Williams

10/13/2024

Thirteen glorious days of

celebration so far . . . and

at 75, I'm more than a tad

worn out! Oh, but what 

fun it has been!

Sooooo, today I'm going

to enjoy a b-day present 

I received, an absolutely

delicious book. Can not

wait to get into it.

Actually, I may be in a bit

of a mood as I read all nite

last night. Methinks I feel 

a nap coming on at some

point today.

Right now, I find myself 

overwhelmed with a great

deal of gratitude . . . 75?!

Wow! Just WOW!!!

Add in the visits, outings,

fun mail, cards, and these

feelings of thankfulness

are quite understandable.

My heart just feels all tingly!

10/12/2024

"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

This may just be the loveliest

sentiment Brooke Hampton

ever wrote. Even, without her

customary four-letter words!

In truth, her words so define

who one is, and/or becomes.

I think of being reared in a

small, beauty of a right-wing

town, going away to school

in the desert at 15, Mexico 

for the following 20 years

and back to the US to end

my 40 year teaching career.

Today, I am honored to spend

some of my birth month time

w/two of the dearest friends

I have made here in the US.

I can only imagine the fun we

will share, memories hashed

and new ones made.

I swear, this whole turning 75

caper is an absolute blast!

10/11/2024

Simply can not believe that 

a third of my birth month  

is celebrated and gone. And, 

oh what fun I've had already!

We'll be a birthdaying today!

Towns to see, beers to try out,

antiques to be wished over, 

delish foods to test.

First look-see was a phenom

antique store. Wow! Ever so 

glad I had no shekels with 

which to spend non-existence

life inheritance or I would've

had none left over!

Next, we hit a 2nd hand store

of an unbelievable nature. I

came home with 10 baskets,

which I collect.

Lunch will surely have ensured 

my own fat regime for the rest 

of my life.

Yet having said that, an amazing

FAC followed . . . in 2 places.

Did I ever comment on just how

much I just love b-days?!

Having said that . . . turning 75

is the best . . . lookin' towards

my 80th already!

10/10/2024

"When you dance, let your soul

lead. Your body will follow." 

muses from a mystic

Just ruminating . . .

Growing up in a religious home,

I never learned to dance. Doesn't

mean I didn't danced anyway. 

And alas, I find I'm not much for

dancing these days.

Now, October is playing my song 

and I find my soul dancing, if not

my feet . . .

Autumn days are passing . . .

Friends visiting, drinks hoisted 

and toasts made. And yes, my 

soul is dancing.

Strange about friends . . . 

 . . . some from far, far away 

and others from right next door.

And, ever so many less as we

age, move away, and grow apart.

I find, as I muse and ponder, 

that I am ever so grateful for 

those who have stayed the 

distance . . .

10/09/2024

How I love Wednesdays!

Alas, must not betray my 

own secrets, but love me

my Wednesdays and ever

will!

Today, I'm celebrating with

my guy by setting us up for 

fave Beau Jo's Pesto Pizza. 

Yikes! Can't help but wonder 

what I'm adding to the ole

waistline this October?! Just

doesn't bear thinking about!

I'll be thinking of my crazy

pal as she celebrates her own 

b-day today. She'd be better 

off w/me and pizza, but she

insists on working, go figure!

 - - -

Raising a glass and a piece

of pesto pizza to Heidi and

my other October babes . . .

Anna, Barb, Clemen, Colleen, 

Corina, Dennis, Esther, Fran, 

Francis, Greg, Heidi, Jennifer, 

Joyce, Karen, Maria, Nancy, 

Pam, Rebeccah, Sarah

10/08/2024

Today, a day by the fire

and all that comes with . . .

So looking forward to this.

Truly there's naught like it.

It's like time slows down,

somehow. 

Sitting in silence, holding

hands. Chatting quietly,

from time to time, is sweet.

No need for anything else.

Imagine the day may bring

an old movie, maybe some

music, something to eat. 

All wondrous! All glorious!

Find myself moved by the

sweet happenings in life.

Rather wish I had learned 

to slow down long before

retirement and elder years.

Although, I suppose one

does what's necessary to

get through life . . .

Still, loving me my elder

years!

10/07/2024

So looking forward to

today . . .

Get to spend time with

the first friend I made

when I came to the US.

She has just published a

new book, available at

amazon.com

Witch Way, Stannie?

~Marilyn S. Wells

Fab! Fab!! book! We'll

be discussing it today.

I like it so well, I've

already gifted six copies.

What is it about the gift

of friendship?! Methinks

'tis what keeps us going.

I would add that it's ever

so important to be friends

with our adult children.

This weekend, I got to

enjoy them. They are

phenomenal people. And

today, I'll see my first 

friend.

Time to celebrate? 

Hell yes!

10/06/2024

Methinks today came 

early. Might have some

thing to do with having 

gone to bed early! Ha!

Ever so lucky in that I

get to spend time with

one of my friends from

my old school district

today.

Sooooo love me some

birth months! The re-

connecting that happens

is both amazing and 

priceless. Plus, I love

the news updates as well.

I'm finding that I enjoy

these October days so 

that I hate for them to

end. 'Tis almost like I

try to draw them out to

the last second.

Can hardly wait to see

that this day, day #6,

brings!

Happy! 

     HAPPY! 

          H A P P Y !!!

10/05/2024

Today was simply packed

with wonder!

Three of my daughters

came for brunch; alas, 

the other two . . . one 

had a sick little boy and 

the other had work.

So, we four laughed and 

cried, told tales out of 

school, ate and waded thru

champagne and mimosas.

Then we met up with the

guys who had gone off to 

play pool and share some

brewskies.

A night time fire warmed

us in the evening. A long

day and simply filled with 

joy.

Turning 75 and celebrating

with my beloveds must be

one of the most beautiful

things to ever happen to 

me.

Much loved my kiddos as

babes, yet as adults, they

fill me with amazement . . .

10/04/2024

Back to lovin' me some Oct

days . . .

Had such a fab time with my

dearest and bestie Tommy

yesterday. 'Twas a bit chilly,

hence my first fire in October.

Do you have any idea what

it's like to drink a frosty beer

in front of a fab fire on a cold

day?! Such fun . . .

One of the best things about

a birth month is catching up

with fam and friends. Today,

I get to catch up with a friend

from my old neighborhood.

We even got to serve in the

same school district.

Sooooo looking forward to

seeing her. Bet we talk faster

than we can write.

Lesson learned from yesterday:

Don't try to get fat in one day!

You have the entire month to

lay on the pounds!! What's the

hurry, already!!!

10/03/2024

Never thought I'd be b-day'd

out in two days . . .

Got home from our fave café 

of yesteryear and told my guy

I thought a little nap was in

order. All good . . . and then

I woke up at 6:00 a.m. this

early morn.

I asked him if I had slept

straight through and he said

I had. Went down and got 

my two cups of buttermilk

as is my custom and began

writing this missive.

Turns out it was 6:00 eve,

NOT morn . . . How old

did we say I was?!

Still, had a great time w/

my son over tons of Mex

foods. I may never be the

same again!

Best of all, the gals came

out and sang me, Las

Mañanitas and gave me a

special dessert. Sweeties!

Feelin' fat and sassy . . .

now, which day is this?

10/02/2024

"Out of all Mother Nature's

colors, October is my favorite."

muses from a mystic

Speaking of my fave month,

yesterday was glorious, but

unbeknownst to me, surprise

awaited around the corner.

Our friends showed up in the

late afternoon/early evening, 

completely unexpected. We

sat around the fire pit, chatted

and 'brewskied' as the day

faded away into the dark. I'm 

talking pitch black. Such fun! 

Such cold!!

Today, we'll travel to our fave

café of yesteryear. We'll meet

my son for lunch. 'Tis a place

to get fat with delish foods and

memories in one fell swoop!

Sooooo love me my 75 years,

my favest son, falling leaves

and the month of October . . .

October 2nd celebrations

R O C K !!!

10/01/2024

October is here! Finally!!

Thought it would never 

come!!!

Gifted with turning 75, I'm

going to do something fun

each and every day of this

glorious month.

Today, my guy is treating 

me to breakfast in bed. But,

oh what a breakfast . . .

Champagne on ice (breaking

my 30 day fast) strawberries 

dipped first in sour cream and

then in brown sugar. Yum!

He tells me that later in the

day, he's taking me up the

mountains to see the fall

colors. Suggested I pack a

picnic. What fun!

I feel so lucky . . . 75 years

on this planet. What a gift!

Not sure to whom I owe my

thanks, but know this . . . I

am ever so grateful for the

gift of life denied to many.

Sooooo, let's celebrate!

Happy birthmonth to moi!

09/30/2024

Today marks several endings;

make no mistake and praise

the deities!

September at an end! Diet 

over!! Last day of my usual 

third abstinence month!!! 

(January, May, September)

Tantalizing though these

endings may be, I find the

entire decision making 

process fun to the max!

Shall I break my fast with

a marg? A beer?? A shot???

Shall I break my diet with

a fab plate of Mexican food?

Italian?? Chinese?

Good bye September! Hello

October . . . turning 75 if I'm

a day! Yayyyyy

Ideas of pure naughty . . .

brimming over my bubbly 

cauldron!

Halloween's afoot and I'm

going to enjoy every moment!

Who knows, I might even share . . .

09/29/2024

I'm always complaining that

I do not feel like I'm turning

75 . . .

Trust me! This early morn, 

I feel like that and more . . .

Cleaned out the closet under

the stairs as I wanted some 

more Halloween decor. Then,

I went out and watered all the

whiskey barrels and plants.

Only took two and a half hrs.

Go figure!

Methinks I should be called

Virgin ld or Saint ld. Alas,

I am neither a virgin nor a

saint, but I certainly need to

be called something or other!

I do make an effort to clean

one thing each day. That way,

by the end of the month, 'tis

time to start over, but all's had

a rub or so.

For all those 50 year olds out

there who actually think they're

aging, they need to think again.

Methinks I've only just begun!

Good thing . . . after tomorrow,

a fab month of party time . . .

and then, and only then, will I

start aging!

Ha!

09/28/2024

"Wisdom doesn't come 

from knowing anything. 

It comes from feeling 

everything." ~Scott Kiloby

Welcoming wisdom each 

and every day . . . yet, 

what a price to pay.

Obviously, I'm an oldster

now. I have sought wisdom 

daily, yet find it to be quite

elusive.

And perhaps, 'tis why it 

is so elusive, the pain that 

comes with . . .

I find it interesting that as 

I grow older, I am quite

leery in the seeking. Might

be left well enough alone.

Methinks, wisdom will come

or not . . . as it wills. So, I've

decided not to worry about it

any longer.

Surely, I'll acquire the odd bit

of wisdom before I cross over.

Although, I imagine it will be

as elusive as ever . . .

09/27/2024

Is it Colorado? Or perhaps,

post-COVID imaginings?

We had only a week or so 

of Spring and now Autumn 

is yielding to Winter when 

Fall has only just begun.

Alas, I feel the cold in my 

soul. I find myself ever so

thankful for warm p.m.s

yet the awaking 35 degrees

daunt me.

There are moments when 

I fear I will never be warm

again. Piles of bedding and

comfy nightwear do not do

their job adequately.

Must I return to Mexico to

ever feel warm again?! I'm

thinking . . . perhaps 'tis my

soul to blame.

Were my soul cold, wouldn't

that mean the body follows?

Something to think about.

I must find a way to warm my

soul . . . 

Pray, who will instruct me?

Who will help me find my

way . . .

09/26/2024

"Your time on Earth is limited.

Don't try to age with grace.

Age with mischief, audacity,

and a good story to tell."

Aging With Attitude

'Twas just the message I 

needed to see this early morn!

I tend to be made of sterner

stuff, a serious countenance.

Need to learn to let my hair

down, laugh and smile, dance

a tad.

Indeed, I was such a serious

child and seems naught has

changed.

I'll admit, it may have been

partially my daily assignment

with my special little bro. One

way or another, I've always

been quite serious.

Doesn't mean I couldn't imbibe

a few and join in the laughter.

Still, my heart is ever so glad

to be here and I'm going to

celebrate this coming October

as never before!

Turning 75 is a goal I thought

I'd never achieve . . .

Wow! Just W O W !!!

09/25/2024

"This is a wonderful day. I've

never seen this one before."

~Maya Angelou

Such depth and such wisdom! 

Methinks Maya Angelou has 

to be one of the wisest women 

to have ever existed! Now, if 

only I can learn from her!

What's with this waking up

cranky?! Being in a piss poor 

mood? Facing the day with

anxiety?

I'm awake! I'm alive! I'm here! 

What a gift . . . and seems I'm

spitting all over it with my bad

mood! Not quite sure why the

gods don't simply strike me

down!

I swear, I need an attitude

adjustment and I'm going to

get one before winter sets in!

I'm going to face the cold, dark

months with courage and some

kind of acceptance. 

To hell with SAD, Seasonal

Affective Disorder, I'm going

to up the ante even if it kills me!

p.s. 'Twas 37 degrees when I

took out the trash this early morn.

And, we're only three days into

Autumn . . . go figure!

pps. I may need reminding of

my promise from time to time!

Help!!!!!!!!!

09/24/2024

"My mother has something of

a medical problem . . . tequila!"

~Remington Steel

Funny! As I too enjoy the odd 

drink! Had my first drink at 37. 

It's been quite an experience 

learning all about it.

So, I allow myself Coronitas or

margs three times a week. I aim

for two, but it always comes out

to be three.

And, just to make certain I stay

on the straight and narrow, I fast

three months a year; January, 

May and September.

Only a week to go this particular

time around; damn well pleased

it's been no issue at all.

Another thing that goes with

drinking and not, is the old 

Mexican customs having to do 

with the passing of loved ones.

'Tis customary to abstain two

years with the death of a mother

and a year with the death of a

father. I chose to do the exact

opposite; got quite acquainted

with O'Doul's, what I like to 

call . . . a vegetarian beer!

So, here's to hoisting a couple

a week from today . . . what fun!

09/23/2024

"Follow your bliss and the

universe will open doors for

you where there were only 

walls." ~Joseph Campbell

Indeed, I worship at the feet

of Joseph Campbell, a man

of both incredible knowledge 

and wisdom.

Thinking back, methinks I've

been following my bliss since

I left home at 15 . . . School in

Arizona, 20 years in Mexico,

40 years of blissful teaching in

two countries, retirement in a

tiny cabin.

Bless God Himself for a mad

bliss worth following! Sooooo

love life . . . rather makes me

wonder at those disreputable 

life attempts?! I simply can 

not say the 'S' word.

Not quite sure how many days

left that the gods have allotted 

me. But, I'm damn well certain 

I'm going to have some bliss in 

each and every one of them . . .

Blessed be bliss!

09/22/2024 - Mabon

Mabon is here! Awaiting

celebrations . . . Yayyyyy!

Mabon? 'Tis the Pagan

name for the Fall Equinox.

Today, we all celebrate the

first day of Autumn.

I'm an eve celebration gal

rather than a day celebrant.

Still, I fully intend to enjoy

this day, make no mistake.

Alas, 'tis only 44 degrees,

but I would like to spend

some time outdoors if it

warms up a tad.

Might just have some left

overs from yesterday's

festivities. Yummmmm!!!

Going to spend some time

in my Mabon Book of

Shadows . . . always a good

reminder of things I knew

but may have forgotten.

Books await as my guy is

into his football game . . .

Works for me!

Enjoy today! Do something

special!! Memories matter!!!

Happy Mabon!

09/21/2024 - Mabon Eve

Finally, Autumn eve!

Making a proper entrance 

and a beautiful day it has 

been.

For me, it all began in the

afternoon with a pleasant 

couple of hours spent with 

our fave friends next door. 

Delightful!

Then, my bestie arrived to 

spend the evening, followed 

by a very special ceremony 

to celebrate the  arrival of 

this upcoming season. Indeed,

methinks we all enjoyed the

young women, the attitudes

and ideas. 

Autumn is indeed a glorious 

time of year. The heat and 

longer days of summer are 

gone and a quiet time of 

shorter days and lesser heat 

are here to delight us.

I know too, that Fall gently 

leads us into Winter, but for 

now, that's several fortnights 

away.

'Tis my intention to take this 

special time for thought and 

meditation. I wish to prepare 

myself for the upcoming days 

of Winter. Perhaps, this time

around I can find better ways 

of dealing with them.

May my thoughts be heard.

Pray I face these cooler days

with an open mind and a firm

desire for learning . . .

Happy Autumn!

09/20/2024

"To know even one life has

breathed easier because you 

have have lived. This is to 

have succeeded."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sooooo who I want to be 

when I grow up!

Perhaps 'twas the reason 

I became a teacher. Lying

within me was a desire to

help and serve rather than 

to harm and garner.

I blame it all on my little 

brother Sammy. I grew up

doing my fair share to help

him, enable him to survive.

Interestingly enough, I did

not feel put upon in the least.

And, interestingly enough,

when I cared for my mother

in my home for three and a 

half years, I did.

Methinks, this means I have

a long way to go, a long way

to grow.

I ask the questions, "How 

to grow? How to initiate this

positive change? Does the

Universe step in and begin

the teaching, the healing?"

Ever watching for signs and

signals. Hoping to give a 

hand one way or another.

Longing to grow, to grow up.

Heaven help me . . .

09/19/2024

Been thinkin' . . . always 

a tad dangerous. I know! 

I know! Questions ahoy . . .

Why is it that I do some of

the things that I do? Like . . .

Why do I sleep so close to

the edge of the bed with my

knee over the edge?

Why do I only wear black?

I have 13 sets of black clothes.

Why do I put blue in my hair?

Why do I send silly notes to

my friends?

Why do I have such issues

with cookie cutter people,

but dearly love those who

think outside the box?

Why do I refuse to use the

telephone . . . e-mail only?

Why did I give up my home

and move to a tiny 145 year

old cabin in the woods?

Why do I hate violence but

love murder mysteries? Not

too violent, Columbo and

Murder She Wrote will do

nicely!

Why am I the absolutely

weirdest person I know?

Just call me eccentric . . .

09/18/2024

Sometimes a dream is just 

a dream . . . and I get that! 

Still, I had a doozie last eve.

I dreamt that some of my 

guys and I went to a rather

new dump sight. There we

found that tons and tons of

different kinds of incense

had been brought there.

Absolutely unimaginable!

We didn't know if it were

moldy, in excess or what

the hell?!

Some of the group stayed

below and others joined me.

Not sure whether the gods

descended and gifted us

shovels, but suddenly we

had some.

I used mine to start mixing

some of those piles around

me. Then, began loading

boxes. Box after box, piling

them for retrieval. 

I had hoped we could each

take a box home as we all

used incense in our personal

meditations. 

Alas, we found the boxes

too heavy to remove. So

then, started dumping some

of the incense out so we

could carry them.

Methinks there's a message

here and I can come up with

a few.

Any fab ideas to share?

09/17/2024

Can you believe it?

Full Harvest Super Moon and

Lunar Eclipse for us to enjoy

today and tomorrow . . .

Feels like magick to me; make

no mistake. And if wishing on

a star is doable, can't help but

wonder what wishing on this

moon might do for moi?!

I'd kneel if my knees could

handle it . . . so I think I'll just

stand under that tad of lunar

light and wish to age long and

well.

After all those years of practice

and growing, we should be up

for those bits and pieces of pain

that aging drags in.

Beyond grateful here that I'm

still standing straight and have

a good lengthy stride. No need

to mention the sound effects

that go with . . .

 - - -

magic/magick - alternate 

spellings used to distinguish 

paranormal from stage magic.

09/16/2024

"Seasons change and so do we.

Let's start by appreciating all

that is, all that was and all that

will be." The Lovable Moon

Lover of the warmer seasons,

I find awaking to 40 degrees

on a summer morn most un-

bearable! Someone needs to

clue in the powers at be that

Autumn doesn't start until the

22nd! So not kidding here!

Fall simply seems to be slipping

in early. Wasn't it around the time

of Covid's appearance that our

weather patterns seemed to alter?

Go figure!

Alas, methinks I'm going to be 

wearing long janes for the rest of 

me days . . . 

 . . . I recall arriving in the U.S.

umpteen years ago. It was 93

degrees in the town I arrived in.

Had to put on a sweater. Guess

20 years in Old Mexico altered

my limits. And now, I'm freezing!

Still, here's wishing you a happy

autumn and me warmer days . . .

09/15/2024

"Those who dance appear insane

to those who cannot hear the music."

~Friedrich Nietzsche

I've heard the music all my life. 

Still, I dance amazingly in my head 

and rather poorly in reality. Might

be that I came from a family who

believed dancing to be a sin.

Looking at the meaning behind the

words, I see a plea to accept people

as they are. Obviously, one can only

guess as he is long gone. But, I do

hope that was his meaning.

We live in a world where critique

of the unusual, different, unknown

is rather severe. Seems sometimes,

that the 'cookie cutter' mindset is

in charge, in the know.

Were I able, I would beg, plead . . .

"Bring out the wild, different,

heretofore unseen parts of you!

Let the world celebrate your

uniqueness."

Yayyyyy us!

 - - -

Nietzsche was a German philosopher

who also said, "Without music, life

would be a mistake." He believed that

dance was sacred and danced daily.

calling it his, "only kind of piety" 

and "divine service." He also said, 

"I would believe only in a God that 

knows how to dance." Wikipedia

09/14/2024

"Power, as simple as a wish, as

complex as love. As dangerous,

potentially, as a lightening bolt.

Power is risk. It's also joy." ~NR

Find myself wondering about

power . . . Surely we each have

that personal power within! But,

have we forgotten all about it?

Forgotten to use it? Become 

afraid of it?

Meditating on these questions,

I find that perhaps I've laid my

own personal power aside. 

Can't help but wonder why? Is 

it because I've become more

accepting of life as it is? Or,

feel it's too much bother? Or,

even laid it aside for so long

I've forgotten all about it?!

This needs pondering; make

no mistake! Rather makes me

wonder what I need to do to

re-embrace my own personal

power.

Methinks a good session in

front of my fire would be a

good idea. Some serious

thinking needs to happen!

And by the time I finish, I'd

best have taken back my own

personal power.

I know I must use it carefully.

Good idea to start with myself.

Things to think about, to work

on and embracing this seems

to me 'twould be the answer . . .

09/13/2024 - Friday the 13th

Sooooo love those magickal

Friday the 13ths . . . "13 cycles

of the moon in a lunar year."

Rather links up to days of

yesteryear when my female

times happened 13 times a

year.

I like to fast and pray on a

Friday the 13th as "a spiritual

day of enlightenment divine

feminine energy and healing."

So enjoy meeting up w/friends

of the same mindset. Naught

wrong with lifting a glass to

the Goddess of yesteryear for

whom said days are celebrated.

Today, we are so lucky to be

joined by a couple who enjoy

celebrating Friday the 13th.

I like to use these two or three

times a year for fasting and

meditation, ending the day with

hoisting a couple with besties.

Pray, may your day be a special

one and bring you ere so many

blessings!

 - - -

"Friday the 13th can come in threes,

but that won't be case for 2-24. All

years will have at least one Friday

the 13th and as many as three Friday

the 13ths in any given calendar year.

In 2024, there are two. September 13

and December 13."

09/12/2024

"It's a delicate walk to balance

hope with chaos." ~Stacie Martin

Not sure if we live in stranger,

harder times, or due to daily

news, FB and other systems, 

we just know more about it.

The above has caused many 

to give up hope. There's a

definite I give up in the mix.

So, instead of witnessing joy

on peoples' faces, we see

lethargy and hear platitudes.

I so honor those who have

gotten beyond our current

sorrows and delve into joy

anyway. These are souls to be

cherished, make no mistake.

What can we do to counter

this trend? We must remember

there is joy to be found, if we

only seek it.

Sunrises and sunsets, watching

a child play in puddles, time

with family and friends, a special

meal . . . simply being alive is

wondrous.

I swear I'm going to pull myself

out of this current downer and

find this elusive joy, no matter

what!

09/11/2024

empathy, noun

the ability to understand and

share the feelings of another

"It's both a blessing and a curse

to feel everything so deeply."

Introverts, Old Souls & Empaths

I would imagine that everyone

possesses empathy to some 

degree. 

We all feel for what our children

are going through, what our fam

is suffering, what our friends are

putting up with.

Can't help but wonder, what is

my part in all of this. I've known

for many years that I'm an empath.

With it, I suffer with family and

friends, sometimes helping, others

not.

There are times when I am so

overcome with empathy I don't

think I can even live any longer.

Sooooo strange the gifts the

Universe has bestowed on each

of us. I pray we each make it

through the gifts we were given!

09/10/2024

"One of the hardest things in

life is having words in your

heart that you can not utter."

~James Earl Jones

There are times when I feel

myself actually chocking on

unuttered words . . .

With whom would I share

them? Would I just sob and

sob if I allowed them to spill

out? Would I ever stop? Or,

simply become a permanent

fountain of the heretofore

unspoken?

Do those who move away,

keep away, still keep their

promise not to share? Does

one live in fear of those

secrets shared rebounding?

Perhaps this is what prayer

is all about. Does some un-

seen being hear your distress?

What if someone overhears

your sobs, your confession,

as it were?

A breakdown of sorts? A

hurriedly invented story?

An unburdening of truth?

There will be a price to pay;

make no mistake!

Wonder what people will

think when finding all those

different parts of my body

once exploded?

09/09/2024

"They're both cut from 

the fabric of loss."

~Abraham Verghese

My heart hurts with the

sounds of sorrow . . .

All day long, sirens ahoy;

albeit ambulances, fire

trucks, police.

Times I hear a child crying,

sobbing as though his heart

would break.

In the quiet of the evening,

a woman hides out in the

bathroom, hoping no one

in the home will hear her

falling tears, sense her

dispair.

A young teen, seriously

considers suicide . . . the

kids at school are merciless

in their taunting. Lunches

stolen, names called, and 

worst of all, the swirlies.

Family pets, left out during

the night; moaning from 

the cold, the isolation, the

pain of hurting paws.

There are times my heart

simply cannot bear the

sounds of sorrow. Times

I cannot stop my tears.

I rue the day the gods gave

me the gift of empathy . . .

09/08/2024

" . . . I spread my dreams at

your feet . . . " ~W.B. Yeats

At the risk of altering meaning

by taking out only one line . . .

it sooooo speaks to me!

We've all shared our dreams;

fams, friends, and lovers. I

imagine most of the time it

makes no difference. 

Still, people come and go. 

And once gone, might not 

always remain mute re one's

own hopes and dreams.

Methinks most times, 'tis

done with no bad intentions,

just thoughtlessness.

At the end of the day, it comes

to me that if any spreading of

dreams happens, it might be

best at one's own feet.

I'm still dreaming, sometimes

sharing, sometimes not . . . 

 . . . Pray I never get too old,

too disillusioned, to dream!

09/07/2024

I awaken today in fine fettle . . .

Yesterday, I spent a few hours

with women I only get to see

a very few times a year.

The journey was beautiful, the

arriving thrilling, the sharings

most amazing, and fun, fab 

foods. Rather leaves me in a

state of anticipation for the 

next time.

What is it about those few

amazing friendships left to 

us in our dotage?!

It's not that our friends of

yesteryear don't love us

anymore. People move away,

spend more time with fams

and grands, maybe like moi . . .

don't like to travel so much.

Just as life tends to diminish

in our elder years, so do our

activities, our goings and

comings, our times out with

friends.

Methinks 'tis about accepting

life as it comes, enjoying its

gifts and being thankful for

what's given . . .

09/06/2024

"I have been many different 

versions of me, but even in the 

darkest of days, I keep coming 

back to the same heart, same 

passion, same purpose, and

same soul, just a little bit more

weathered and a little bit wiser."

The Kitchen Witches

Perhaps it's called Spiritual

Evolution, God only knows!

Still, methinks 'tis perhaps

the greatest truth I've come

across in a long while.

Personal growth has ever and

always been a thing for me,

ever since I was a child. Not

certain why or how, simply

was.

I've always tried so hard . . .

my parents used to call it my

perfectionistic bent. No doubt

about it and I still have it. I've

learned to fight it a bit, but one

is who one is, right?!

Now that I'm a proper oldster,

I would say it's about living, 

not existing. Indeed, personal

growth is important and should

be happening every day.

But, what would be the point if

life was not lived and enjoyed?!

Be you! I'll be me!! And, we'll

walk together, each on our own

path, living and growing to the

very best of our abilities . . .

09/05/2024

"There are two places you 

need to go often; the place

that heals you and the place

that inspires you." 

Goddess Love

I feel as if I had won the lotto

as these two places are both

to be found at my home.

It seems I was steered to spend

the end of my days in this tiny,

tiny, nearly 150 year old cabin.

'Tis a gift; make no mistake. 

Methinks, 'tis this place of

healing, learning and growing

that will usher me into those

last accoutrements of wisdom.

I firmly believe that it is this

wisdom that will allow me to

face the end with dignity and

acceptance.

I've had such a full, amazing,

interesting life. 'Twould be a

shame if I walked away in a

rather disgusting temper!

Sooooo . . . 

Still here! 

Still growing!! 

Still seeking enlightenment!!!

May it ever be so . . .

09/04/2024

"There are plenty of ways 

to die, but only love can kill 

and keep you alive to feel it."

~Leo Christopher

Perhaps 'tis my age, I find

myself talking about death

quite a bit.

Tell myself it's about getting

ready, about being prepared.

Making sure my fam and

friends receive my treasures.

Still, this quote caught my

attention. A bit scary, if you

catch my drift.

Sooooo, is this about death 

or is it about love? Perhaps 

both! Death is what it is, so 

maybe 'tis love we're taking 

a look at.

Love is one of those amazing

things that can go either way,

as it were. It can be the most

wondrous gift ever given. On

the other hand, it can leave

you the worse for wear.

The love I have for and with

my children is the real McCoy.

Alas, I've had the bad . . .

 . . . Craful! Craful! as my little 

bro used to say!

09/03/2024

"If you are not free to be 

who you are, you are not free."

~Dr. Clarissa Pinola Estés

What is it that keeps us from

being who we truly are?

Perhaps, we think we're

honoring our parents if we

think being ourselves would

upset them?!

Is it society we're cautious

of offending? Those people

walking down the street

that we don't even know?

Or perhaps, embarrassing our

children comes to mind. Time

to get even, they embarrassed

us many a time!

And surely we don't wish to

embarrass our friends. Think

about it . . . If we're upsetting

our friends by being who we

are, maybe we have the wrong

friends!

Methinks we have trained our-

selves to act in certain societal

approved ways and it's simply

difficult to get beyond them.

Time to grow up, accept who

we are and be ourselves!

So, Would you like to dance?

09/02/2024

'Tis not every day one has a new

moon and a much celebrated Labor

Day in one fell swoop.And . . . I 

do honor those for whom Labor 

Day was created, make no mistake!

Still have a thing about the moon;

it is what it is! What I love about

the New Moon is its symbolism,

giving us a little shove in the right

direction.

For those who follow our Lunar

Lady, the New Moon marks a time

in which we can add those positive

things that enrich our lives. Think

along the lines of writing post cards,

calling a friend, visiting family, 

doing an unattractive chore.

As we arrive at the full moon, I like

a three day celebration . . . the day

before, the actual full moon and the

day after. 'Tis my cup of tea . . .

celebrating our Lunar Lady.

Days after the decent begins. I like

working on things that deserve a

diminishing in my life. Perhaps,

eating and drinking a bit too much,

neglecting some cleaning, indulging

in a tad of gossip. Important to work

on both the positive and the negative.

Let's celebrate her in all her glory,

slender to full and back again!

 - - -

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the

US celebrated on the first Monday of

September to honor and recognize the

American labor movement and the 

work and contributions of laborers to

the development and achievements in

the US. Wikipedia

09/01/2024

Harking back . . . this date always

had me in a dither of excitement.

Only four days 'til school would

begin, September 4th.

A small parochial school with the 

best teachers. How I loved it and

reading was my absolute fave! 

Fact is, I loved school so much, I

became a teacher myself. 40 years

all told, in two countries. I do love

being retired, and yet . . . I still 

dream I'm in the classroom.

Blows me away that some of my

students are now grandparents.

Naught like it to remind you of

your own age!

I do recognize now just how lucky

I was. I hear people complaining

about their jobs, their work. That's

when it comes to me, luckiest gal

ever. Sooooo loved teaching!

Hope all of us have fond memories

of good ole days in the classroom.

So thankful for each and every

teacher I had. Bless them!

p.s. Doesn't mean I'm not enjoying

retirement though. Ha!

08/31/2024

"You cannot save people, you 

can only love them." ~Anaïs Nin

This statement so reminds me of

my daughter. What an amazing

young woman. 

Our family celebrates a plethora

of belief systems . . . Christianity,

Paganism, Agnostic, etc. My gal

is a Christian, the real McCoy!

It so moves me how she accepts

us all, no matter our personal

beliefs. She doesn't proselytize,

preach, condemn; she only loves.

Methinks she must be a very old

soul to be so wise, so kind and

so loving.

I want to be just like her when 

I grow up!

 - - -

Anaïs Nin was a diarist, essayist,

novelist. Born to Cuban parents

in France, composer Joaquín Nin

and Rosa Culmell, classically

trained singer. 1903-1977 

Wikipedia

08/30/2024

Methinks today I am paying 

for my sins!

Every year, I make a batch of

spice I can share with fam and

friends. Too expensive to sell

and lovely to share!

Over the past few days, I've

been throwing ingredients in

my cauldron, as it were. Not

mixing, you understand, just

compiling.

This early a.m. I started the

stirring process. Oh my God,

in minutes, I had the entire

house a cough.

None of us were even able

to stop coughing.  Oh the 

price one pays for high

cuisine! 

Still, absolutely delish! Go

figure . . . 

Want a taste?

08/29/2024

Been kind of down of late. Almost

like Winter SAD. So, not sure if it's 

the Universe providing or if it's my 

friends . . .

Yesterday, my bestie from over the

mountain came . . . bringing her

lovely self and peaches, no less.

Today, the first friend I made in

Denver is coming for lunch and 

in the evening my triad joins in.

Tomorrow, last FAC for 4 weeks

with our dearests and bests next

door and a party on Sat. Invited 

to dine on Sun . . . 

It's like the great Mother is saying 

to me, "Cheer up, you silly goose! 

There are those who love you and 

lots to live for."

I feel suitably chastened . . . not

sure to whom I should offer my

apologies . . .

 . . . but enough of the pity party

already! Sooooo need to get over

myself!

08/28/2024

"Nature is not a place to visit;

it is home." 

Ecological Consciousness

Many have asked me about my

spiritual beliefs. The above says

it all in a nutshell.

I sit at the feet of Mother Nature.

I bow to her moods and beauty.

I thank her daily, if not more often,

for all she provides.

When I find myself overcome in

sorrow, all I have to do is go out

and be with her for a while. I'm

ever so thankful to be living in

her forest.

Gleefully happy, I find I must share.

So, where do I go? To my very own

happy tree just outside the cabin.

Not necessarily sad, just grumpy,

again she is the answer.

Mother is such a gift to us. I simply

do not understand the perils all over

the world of floods, tornados, storms.

Alas, I do not understand . . .

08/27/2024

National Dog Day, held 

annually on August 26.

USA Today

We grew up with pets in our

fam. Every mixed breed from

here to Kingdom Come. I well

remember loving them all.

The time came, however, for

my little brother to get his first

guide dog. We were told that

pets were fine, but preferably

no other dogs.

'Twas hard to say good bye,

but we were able to place them.

Sammy's first dog was a lovely

Golden Retriever. He obviously

came with a set of rules. 

We could never touch him

whilst on leash. Probably

preferable that we never touch

him at all.

How the world opened up for

my brother. The freedom it 

gave him, the positive added to

his life. I believe he had a total

of four during his life.

We may be honoring our dogs

and I know we love them all . . .

 . . . but naught in this world

matches the value of a seeing-

eye dog.

I salute them as well as all dogs 

trained to augment the lives of

those who need them.

08/26/2024

"know when to walk away,

know when to run"

~Kenny Rodgers

I do this thing, which I think

I invented . . .

From the New Moon to the

Full Moon, I meditate on the

things I wish to add to my 

life, just as the Moon grows,

so will my state of being.

From the Full Moon to the

New Moon, I meditate on the

things I wish to diminish or

lose completely, just as the

Moon diminishes, so will the

negative in my state of being.

And then, once in a while, I

find myself humming a couple

of lines from Kenny Rodgers.

Although I don't necessarily

wish to grow up, I certainly

want to grow . . .

Pray, grant me daily growth! 

08/25/2024

"I love old souls. Daydreamers,

the deep thinkers, with lots of

fascinating layers. They don't

care what others thin, they just

do their own thing and when 

it comes to friends, it's quality

over quantity."

empaths and old souls

Now, this is who I want to be

when I grow up! Sooooo not

kidding!

Toying with upcoming b-days

and knowing I'm nigh onto a

100, I find myself watching the

elders . . . their garb, their walk,

what interests them.

It's like seeing a living catalog,

"I want that! Oh, pray I'll never

do that! Love her outfit! What

was she thinking?" etc.

Ever so lucky in that I already

have the bestest of friends and

most fab fam in the entire Uni!

Now, I just need to hit a good

2nd hand store to lay in some

really weird rags . . .

Hey, maybe we should have an

oldster parade?!

08/24/2024

"The only thing you should

quit wearing as you get older

is the weight of other people's

opinions." Moon Lovers

Saw this bit of wisdom this

early morn. Gave me quite

a chuckle. 

As I've worn naught but black

since I retired a dozen years

ago, methinks I need to put

together some odds and ends

and play dress up lady as I 

did as a child.

I understand that opinions

are formed when others first

lay eyes on us. Still, the idea

of having fun with dress is a

good one.

I take life way too seriously.

Just might need to get over 

that. 

Beware . . . my 75th is

coming up shortly and I 

may be raiding some closets!

08/2302024

"My wish for you is that you

continue, continue to be who

you are, to astonish a mean

world w/your acts of kindness."

~Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou has always been

and continues to be, one of the

wisest women to ever grace the

earth! Mother Earth!!!

I wish I could properly emulate

her, yet there are times when I

sense that all kindness is dried

up somewhere in my soul.

But then, just as I'm losing faith,

I see someone who invokes in

me, a need to give a hand. And,

whilst doing so, with heart in

hand, I give thanks to the earth

that I'm not quite done yet.

Not certain if it's moi or being

born a Libra or just plain dumb 

luck, but I have this yen for

perfection. This needs to end!

We don't obtain perfection in

this lifetime. Having said that,

we should strive for being 

whole rather than the impossible.

So hoping I have just a tad more

in me to stay a while and work

on that!

08/22/2024

"No one tells the oceans or the

trees or the mountains that they're

too old. They talk of how powerful,

how grounded, how awesome they

are. Imagine if we thought the same

way about ourselves as we got older.

Maybe we'd realize how spectacular

we are." ~Becky Hemsley

As I'm just shy of that glorious age

of 175, alright, 75, I find myself

thinking about the glories of aging.

Such a gift to reach this remarkable

age! I've lived through some things

that may have made this age un-

attainable . . . cancer for one, and

I choose not to talk about the rest

just now.

I'll not have a large party as many

do. But rather, a special thing each

day of the month. Pizza at my fave

place, an antiquing trip, meet up w/

friends and anything else I can think

of.

Feel free to send your ideas as I'll be

celebrating 30 days for 75. I'll leave

the 31st for enjoying Samhain!

Am I lucky or what?!