05/18/2024

"If only our eyes saw souls

instead of bodies . . .  how 

different our world would 

be." ~Lauren Jauregui

Methinks all we need is a

closer look! Most people

wear their hearts on their

sleeves anyway . . .

We spend way too much

time being distracted by

beauty instead of enjoying

personalities, intellect and

humor.

There is naught wrong with

beauty. But, it is not the be

all, end all. There has to be

something behind the facade

to make the person interesting.

So enjoy listening to a person

of decent intellect. All said in

conversation captivates me.

Some are beautiful and some

not! Seems to me, they don't

pay any attention to looks.

They enjoy learning, reading,

forming their own opinions

and sharing in conversations.

Just who I want to be when

I grow up . . .

05/17/2024

"The ache for home lives in 

all of us. The safe place where 

we can go as we are and not be

questioned." ~Maya Angelou

There are days when I so long

for home. Not quite sure where

it is anymore . . .

The closest I've ever found is

here in my tiny 1876 year old

cabin. I so love being here. It's

like living in a bit of history.

I've come to understand that

home isn't just a place where

we feel comfortable. It also

has to do with those who are

with us from time to time.

There are those who lend a

sense of home wherever they

are. An interesting quality;

make no mistake. My gran

was like that. 'Twas a comfort

simply to be in her presence.

Can't help but wonder if we

don't somehow carry a sense

of home with us?!

05/16/2024

"My body isn't a temple,

it's a haunted house. It

needs a lot of work, makes

mysterious creaking sounds,

and contains the spirit of a

creepy old lady that's always

mad about something."

~Wild Woman Sisterhood

This entire aging thing is

amazing, mysterious, crazy!

No way to figure it out, just

endure. I always consider the 

alternative and find I'm just

fine with being somewhat an

elder.

I know I'm lucky . . . straight

and tall, a good stride, no cane.

But, I could so do without the

knee pain and saggy you know

whats! 

Funny, I still don't think of

myself as elderly, older,  in

my dotage. I feel the same

inside . . .

 . . . and am simply amazed

when I look in the mirror!

Go f---ing figure!!!

05/15/2024

Every night when trying to

fall asleep, I silently murmur

Live as I breathe in and Exist

as I breathe out.

I do so partially to fall asleep

with good vibes in my soul,

as well as focusing on living

rather than simply existing.

Today was errands day . . .

hit taxes, Social Security, 

water, Safeway and the 

liquor store. We treated

ourselves to pizza as our

chef seems to have left us

in the lurch.

I'm exhausted, fairly broke

and want naught more than

a nap . . . here's hoping my

fairy godmother leaves me

something under my pillow

tonight! I deserve it!

What I like about days such

as today, other than getting

things done, is the reminder

that living is ever so important.

Still, one must note . . . existing

has its place. Bills must be paid,

taxes filed, water picked up, etc.

These tasks in the existing field,

make living ever so much more

lovely after all!

05/14/2024

"It's important to find people

who make you realize there's

nothing wrong with being 

who you are." ~Unknown

Nice one to wake up to . . .

having ever and always been

the weird one in the crowd.

Can't remember it bothering

me, even when I was a kid.

I belonged to daddy and he

was an eccentric so I didn't

think anything of it.

There are gifts found in the

cauldron of eccentricity.

Meeting the most interesting

people . . .  absolutely fab!

Conversations that amaze

and sustain. Finding the

fascinating anywhere you go.

And no, one need not be an

eccentric to possess these

qualities. There are a great

deal of fascinating people

out there.

Let's all simply enjoy each

other. It's important; make

no mistake!

05/13/2024

"The sole purpose of human

existence is to kindle a light

in the darkness of mere being."

~Carl Jung

I've been a fan forever and 

a day! Such wisdom . . .

I get that he has been been

controversial throughout the

decades of his life. Still, he

does hit on certain important

points. And, I like this one.

When all is going well, we

tend to forget that there are

others to are struggling to

the point they may not even

wish to go on.

Seems to me, it's only when

we're down and out that we

tend to remember the

suffering of others. Maybe,

this is one of the whys we're

allowed the downs!

If we're in a good place,

let's hark back to the dark

times and shine a light for

those who aren't doing so

well just now.

Could make all the difference

in the world to them.

05/12/2024 - Mother's Day

This early morn, I find my 

mind listing towards those

special ones who are not 

thought of as mothers.

-I know an amazing nurse

who has saved many a child

and is much revered.

-Aunts with listening ears 

to whom our teens go to talk

are sheros; make no mistake.

-Teachers who spend their

days with troubled teens

surrogate moms to many!

-And there are those gals who

care for animals, wildlife and

gardens.

-Mother Teresa, my shero . . .

mother of thousands.

-And have you even thought

of the dad moms? So many

fathers filling in after their

wives passing. They simply

shine!

I pray we all honor our moms

today, but never forget those

who are a different kind of 

mothers.

Happy Mother's Day!

05/011/2024

Today we moms find ourselves 

halfway 'twixt and 'tween Día 

de las Madres Mexicanas ayer, 

and Mother's Day tomorrow.

So love that we merit these

celebratory days. Fun memes

and fab get-togethers.

On the other side of things, 

now that I'm nigh onto a100, 

I'm making an effort to think 

of my own mother most days.

As we disagreed on all things

philosophical and I cared for 

her three and a half years in 

quite difficult circumstances, 

I found myself riding my high 

horse and dis-remembering 

more important things.

I'm so proud of her for 30

years at the Atomic Energy

Commission. Proud that five

of her bosses flew in from 

parts unknown to honor her.

She wowed me in the way 

she cared for my special, 

blind brother Sammy and 

was very involved in his 

school and activities.

She took time for me as well.

I remember all the amazing 

things she did for our 8th grade 

class, one special field trip, or

activity per month.

Today, as I honor her, I am

determined to let go of any

remaining negative feelings

and celebrate the amazing

woman she truly was.

Thank God I always treated 

her with great respect.

Diez de Mayo, Día de las Madres

El día de hoy recuerdo a todas 

las bellas madres que conocí 

en los viente años que viví en 

México.

Juguetonas, querendonas, serias, 

felices, orgullosas . . . para con

sus hijos. Me parece que nunca

he visto igual en ninguna parte.

Una familia en particular me

conmovía. Cristina, reina de la

misma, una madre sin igual. Al

pasar los años, sus hermanas . . .

fantásticas. Todavía recuerdo a

la doña madre de ellas. Ha de

haber sido la madre del siglo

para tener hijas tales.

Bien me acuerdo de mis vecinas.

Desgraciadamente, les faltaba

educación y bienes, pero al igual,

amaban a sus hijos.

Mi hija, siendo tan bella Mexicana,

ha sido una madre fabulosa . . . y

ahora abuela. Espero ansiosa ver

su papel en la misma en los años

venideros.

Felicidades a todas ustedes . . .

amigas, vecinas, cuñadas, hermanas.

Las adoro a todas . . . 

05/09/2024

"i'm aware that i am rare."

Mother/Maiden/Crone

I remember hearing a certain

comments as a child from time 

to time  . . .

"He's an odd duck." or "She's 

a bit of bother."

I always knew my dad was an

eccentric . . . and ever longed 

to be just like him!

I do know that I was fortunate

to be reared by a man who was

so utterly himself. He always

encouraged me to be my real

self, follow my inclinations

and not worry about the crowd.

This gift, given to me by my 

dad, has brought such amazing 

people into my life. I worship at

the feet of my fellow unusuals.

Frank conversations, personal

beliefs, own way of dress . . .

oh how I admire these brave

souls!

Let's celebrate our differences!

Let's lose that whole cookie 

cutter nonsense, ever and always

seeking to be our true selves.

05/08/2024

"I have loved the stars too

fondly to be fearful of the

night." ~Sarah Williams

I so identify . . .

Alas, I find fear takes over

to some degree. Living out

here in kingdom come, I

worry the bears are going 

to get me. They've come 

strolling up our walk just a

few . . .

I suppose, living in the city,

one could fear the baddies.

Rather boils down to having

to make a decision to live in

spite of whatever maladies

exist in one's world.

So looking forward to hot

summer eves, star lit nights, 

perhaps even a cold beer to

go with . . .

 - - -

Sarah Williams was an English

poet and novelist. 1837 - 1868,

30 years of age. Wikipedia

05/07/2024

"If you could erase all the 

mistakes of your past, you 

would also erase all of the

wisdom of your present. 

Remember the lesson, not 

the disappointment."

Empaths & Old Souls

Phenomenal bit of wisdom . . .

One of the issues I find hard

about being a lopsided Libra,

I constantly worry about my

errors of the past rather than

celebrating wisdom gained.

What a shame to have spent

so many years concentrating

on the lost; I could have been

enjoying found.

Universe only knows how

many months or years I have 

left at my disposal. But, one

thing I do know, I wish to

spend whatever time I have

left; in the positive, the joys,

the delights offered by mine

own.

Pray, I be gifted with the

courage to change. My the

last times of my life be spent

in the joyful rather than the

sorrowful . . .

05/06/2024

"You are not the darkness you 

endured. You are the light that 

refused to surrender."

~John Mark Green

My niece, Jamie, posted these 

most wondrous words this early 

morn.

Just the reminder I needed . . . 

SAD time is over! Outdoor time

has arrived. Feels like the longest

winter ever! I know. I know. I say

this every year.

FACs outdoors, eating at the

picnic table . . . even warm walks

to the mailbox and library . . . Ha!

Ever so grateful for the return of

Mr. Sun, his warm rays entering

my trembling soul. 

Pray, stay for a long, long while!

 - - -

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

is a type of depression. It happens

most often in fall and winter. It is

thought that shorter days and less

daylight may set off a chemical

change in the brain leading to

symptoms of depression.

Johns Hopkins Medicine

05/05/2024 - Cinco de Mayo

"There is always, always, always,

something to be grateful for."

~Rhonda Byrne

And today, it is for the birth of

my daughter . . .

My mother was born May 5th.

As we were living far, far away

in Olde Mexico, we wanted to 

give her the greatest gift she'd

ever received.

Much planning, fun guessings,

and our dream came true! My

doc liked to say, "her first half

'twas born on Cinco de Mayo,

Mexican, and her second half 

on the sixth of May, US. He

even gave us two birth certs

representing the two dates.

Rather makes me think she

coulda, woulda, shoulda been

a Libra.

Today, US will be partying.

Mexico will be having very

serious marchings, speeches

honoring this vast historical

significance . . .

 . . . Hopefully, my dear, sweet 

daughter will be celebrating 

her heart out!

Feliz cumpleaños hijita!

05/04/2024

"Moonlight is music for the soul."

~Rumi

So love me our Lunar Lady!

Each night as I wend my way 

down the stairs, I peek out the

window for a look-see.

I love watching her journey

across the sky, changing just a

tad each time I see her. Matters

not whether she's full, new or

in between. Simply, beauty of

the highest order!

Sometimes, she peeks out from 

behind the trees; others, she is

framed by the clouds. Every 

now and then, she has the skies

all to herself . . . pure magick!

My guy is all about the sun, 

rather the same way I'm all 

about the moon. But, I just love

how sometimes he awakens me

and demands that I go down and

see the moon.

He's right, of course. There are

those times when she is so

magnificent, that sleep is of no

consequence.

Lunar Lady, shine on me . . .

05/03/2024

"No amount of money, oil, or gold

is worth more than the bees, trees

and clean water." ~David Wolfe

I enjoy reading David. Sometimes,

he's a bit out there for moi, but per

se, he makes a great deal of sense.

Might have something to do with

how I was reared.

Still, bottom line, we seem to have

forgotten those precious few that

truly matter. People and houses are

replacing land once inhabited with

animals, birds and fauna.

I sob when reading . . . 

"Lying between CA and Hawaii, 

the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is 

three times the size of France and 

is the world's biggest ocean waste 

repository, with 1.8 billion pieces 

of floating plastic which kill 1,000s 

of marine animals each year." 

Wikipedia

What can be done? What can each 

of us do? Again, methinks it all 

boils down to doing our bit in our

own space. Branch out as age and

health allow. Sign ballots and

complain in the right places.

Alas, I fear Mother Nature will be

running out of patience any time

soon . . .

 - - -

"David "Avocado" Wolfe is an

American author and conspiracy

theorist. He promotes a variety 

of pseudoscientific ideas such as 

raw food, alternative medicine,

and anti-vaccine sentiment."

Wikipedia

05/02/2024

"Earth is my church; Nature 

is my spirituality." Pantheism

I am so fortunate to have been

reared by a man who loved the

outdoors, Mother Nature in all

her essence.

I remember drives, exploration,

hiking, climbing . . . precious,

precious memories.

Frankly, there is naught in this

world that can compare to her.

Our mother, Mother Nature,

Mother Earth, is amazing . . .

beyond amazement!!! Make

no mistake!

She brings us gifts of beauty,

the seasons, the sun by day, 

the moon and stars by night.

She provides us with the most

incredible home.

My gratitude knows no bounds . . .

05/01/2024 - May Day

May Day has finally arrived!

With it, comes longer days,

a brighter sun, warmer temps . . .

finally summer peaking its 

head out.

I'm beginning my celebration

early . . . 

 . . . Having my early morn

caffeine fix in the form of coffee

ice cream, in bed no less! 'Tis my 

intention to cook and then friends 

are to come over.

Today marks the beginning of

my usual No Alcohol May, as 

I like to take Jan/May/Sep off

from drinks. I swear, the lengths

one must go to . . .

So, here's hoisting my coffee

ice cream cup to you. Have a

most wondrous May Day, a

phenomenal Beltane . . . as 

you weave your very own 

May pole!

04/30/2024 - Beltane Eve

May Day, or Beltane, celebrates

spring at its peak and the coming

summer.

May Day Prep . . .

   -Build a Beltane altar

   -Decorate your table

   -Light a Beltane fire

   -Make a maypole

   -Play music

Sooooo love this holiday! 

When I lived in Mexico, May 

Day celebrated Día del Trabajo.

Parades, speeches and no school

indicated its importance.

Still I would have to say, I find

the lighter side, Beltane, ever 

so much more fun!

Decorated my table, including

a miniature maypole. A fire this

afternoon is in my plans and I'll

think about the music to choose.

Funny, I've always enjoyed the

eve of any given holiday more

than the actual day. Might be

because my parents always did

x-mas eve and used the day for

dinner and fam . . .

Happy celebrations!

04/29/2024

"The highest form of knowledge 

is empathy, for it requires us 

to suspend our egos and live 

in another's world." ~Plato

Truly, I admire the emotion 

of empathy above all others.

To walk the path of another,

understand where they are

coming from, the whys and

wherefores of what they are

going through . . . priceless!

And, understanding what a

friend is suffering, is ever 

so helpful.

On the other side of the coin,

it's truly important to listen,

simply listen. Saying this,

perhaps the most important

thing is that the empath not

take another's feelings unto

himself.

The emotions of another are

NOT our emotions! Their

pain is not ours to steal, as it

were.

Empaths care so deeply; it's

perfectly logical to want to

share the pain. This is a two

part bad . . .

One, the empath that absorbs

another's pain is no good to

anyone. Secondly, as said 

above, taking on another's 

issues is a kind of theft.

Remember, listen, don't absorb!

04/28/2024

So love and enjoy dif days!

Snowed all a.m. Began to 

heat up in the p.m. and so

did NOT know what to 

expect!

The snow stopped, warmed

up and friends stopped by. 

Wow!

So love sitting by the fire w/

our neighbors, having beers

and chat . . . reminding us of

the universe in which we live!

I find myself thinking about 

all the things that matter in

our paltry lives . . . yeah, 

I get that this may be an 

exaggeration of sorts . . .

Having said that, so love

friendship . . . and all that it

involves! Getting together,

sharing brews, chatting about

all things important, or not . . .

Promise, cross my heart, I'll

cherish these moments forever

and a day . . . make no mistake!

04/27/2024

Sats most interesting! . . .

One of the most interesting

things that happened . . .

SNOW and NO internet!

One would think a couple

of things . . . living w/o the

internet for a few hours may

not have any perceptible dif

in anyone's life.

Still, we are accustomed to a

certain level of connectedness.

One might even call this the

internet! Right?!

Bottom line . . . we are who

we are and each of us have

our own issues . . .

Not quite sure where to go

from here . . . Sooooo hoping

I have the courage to endure!

04/26/2024

"I'm dancing as fast as I can."

~Barbara Gordon

My life might just be a tad

easier, a bit more do-able, a

jot, a tittle more successful,

if I could only follow in the

footsteps of Barbara Gordon.

She has been an amazing 

example! In her book . . . 

I'm dancing as fast as I can,

she tells of locking herself

into her apartment, and not

leaving 'til she had cleansed

her system of all addictions.

Such bravery!

As I find myself on the other

end of life, I want to grow, to

become, to know . . .

I so appreciate the inspiration

she is to me!

 - - -

Barbara Gordon is an American

documentary filmmaker and 

author. Wikipedia

04/25/2024

"My story is filled with broken

pieces, terrible choices and ugly

truths. It's also filled with a major

comeback, peace in my soul and

a grace that saved my life."

~Ravenwolf

Such a truth! And I would ask, 

why is it that we so concentrate  

on the negative rather than the

growth?

Perhaps it's simply human nature.

We must have a need to explore

our dark side with the intention

of fixing it . . . only we seem to

get bogged down there.

I swear, before I pass onto that

supposedly better life, I long to

learn to sweep away the negative

and focus on the positive.

Again, what's the draw? Why oh

why do we find the negative so

tantalizing?! Methinks we need 

to retrain our minds.

I swear, I'm going to work on this

if it kills me!!! Ouch! That's not

a very positive statement. Oh well,

que será, será . . .

04/24/2024

Ever have a sense that

something is missing? 

A deep hunger, almost?

I find it's a bit like an

unrequited desire you can't

quite put your finger on.

I page through those pages

in my mind . . . Is it that I

need to lay eyes on my babes?

Perhaps, take a short trip?

Am I longing for a childhood

fave such as mac and cheese?

A grown up need for dark

chocolate? A chat w/a friend

whilst indulging in a glass or

two of red?

Is it something that hasn't

happened yet or a memory

out of yesteryear? Do I need

to sit by my fire and chat with

my dad? I do miss him ever

so much!

A nap? A rest? A special book?

A sunny day? A bit of warmth?

A letter? A card?

Alas, I ache with a longing 

so deep and simply cannot find 

an answer with which to soothe 

my soul . . .

I am sooooo hungry, starved for 

peace in my soul . . .

04/23/2024

"The world is full of magic 

things, patiently waiting for 

our senses to grow sharper." 

~W.B. Yeats

 

So love me the word magic!

Everywhere you look, it's all

around us!

Dew on grasses, sandwiched

'twixt and 'tween sunrises and

sunsets . . . ever a fave.

Clouds in the sky, telling their

own tales out of school. Stars

at night, overwhelming the soul.

An unexpected visit from an 

old friend. The gift of flowers,

a bottle of wine to share . . .

Above, I said something about, 

everywhere you look . . . The

problem might just be that we

look, but don't necessarily see.

We're so busy, rushing to the

next place we have to be, that

commitment we must attend to,

the job to be worked . . .

Perhaps 'tis the word busy that

amounts to blinders. And thus,

we miss all that beautiful magic

out there . . .

Alas . . .

04/22/2024 - Earth Day, 54 years

"Earth Day, observed annually

on April 22, was first celebrated

in 1970. Earth Day places a focus

on clean air and water, addressing

pollution and championing

conservation efforts." VOA News

Ever so pleased to have witnessed

this is my own lifetime . . .

I know there's a lot of sorrowful

happenings all around us. Thus,

it's somewhat easy to forget all 

the wondrous, the glorious.

Mother Earth gifts us so much . . .

Trees that surround us, gardens

to grow familial food, acres for

crops, streams, rivers and seas.

The list is endless.

Alas, I fear her righteous revenge

when she tires of the way we mis-

treat her.

On this Earth Day, it's time for

each of us to commit to doing a

better job. Let's remember those

three R's . . .

Reduce! Reuse!! Recycle!!!

Mother Earth, I promise, I

commit, to mind the three R's

more carefully each day I live . . .

04/21/2024

"Not all places of worship

have walls and a steeple."

~Zen to Zany

Methinks we're talking our

glorious Mother here . . . 

Mother Earth, Mother Nature.

When my docs gave me the

death sentence half a dozen

years ago, we moved into

this sweet little cabin, and 

I mean little!

I have to chuckle as looking

left, 'tis Mother. Looking right,

"It's a man's world out there!"

Rather speaks to my unbalanced

Libra, right?!

Still, I truly feel that my little

bit of paradise offers me a 

place of worship. Interestingly

enough, I find that my worship

of today is vastly different than

that as a child.

As a kid, 'twas of the "Now I 

lay me down to sleep" variety.

Nonetheless, fond memories 

of family prayer, readings and

discussions.

When it comes to the Christian

faith, my parents were the real

deal. So, how I honor my dad

for telling me when I turned 

13 that he believed me to be a

Pantheist as he himself was a

Panentheist. 

Speaking of real, doesn't it

come down to being real, 

no matter which path one

chooses?! Some simply drift

along; others walk their path

with absolute determination.

I love my path; I honor yours.

I do tend to believe that all 

roads lead to Rome, as it were, 

sooooo . . .

Happy journeying!

04/20/2024

"If I was ever accidentally

weird to you, just know I'll

be thinking about it every

night for the next fifty years."

Soulology

Sooooo owe this one to my

friend Joseph . . .

The bad part about this is it's

almost too true to be funny.

Obsession is the word we're 

looking at. I also hear the 

sages using the term letting go. 

Don't think I've ever let any-

thing go . . . I only have to be 

reminded and there it is all 

over again.

Approaching serious elder

years, rather wish I could go

having learned to ditch these

two particular enemies. Not

sure it's possible, but sooooo

needs to happen.

Advice gets handed out, books

and articles written, but these

particular maladies seems to

remain in place.

Just know, "I'll be thinking about

all this every night for the next

fifty years . . ."

04/19/2024

"You know how some people 

become reclusive and weird 

as they get older . . . I'm just 

about there . . . and it's sure 

coming in handy." Zen to Zany

My dad was an eccentric and

often told me I was a chip off

the old block. Just might mean

he thought I was as well.

Had to laugh this early morn

when I saw the quote . . . One

of the best reasons to be nigh

on to a hundred years old is 

you can be an odd duck and 

no one gives a flying . . .

Wondering if oldsters really

plan their shenanigans or . . .

simply are who they are?!

Methinks might have some-

thing to do with energy. 

Might be only enough energy

to BE . . . forget planning 

already!

I find I'm somewhat intrigued

to see what my alter ego comes

up with for today. It's Friday

anyway, right?!

04/18/2024

"I got friends that are Witches,

Starseeds, Christians, Pagans,

Hippies . . . I got friends with

degrees, LLC's and felonies.

I've learned from all of them."

~Unknown

One of my dear childhood

friends sent me this today.

Wow! Just W O W !!!

So love that I've been gifted

with friends from various

arenas. Makes for interesting

and thumbs the nose at all the

isms!!!

I'm slowly coming to wonder 

if prejudice isn't the main issue

in today's world?! Hatred of any

given group is beyond heartbreak.

The price for which is paid in

war, strife, poverty, starvation.

When will we ever learn?! 

Perhaps the answer to that would

be in small, overlapping concentric

circles. Each of us; loving others,

acceptance, giving . . . leads to

example and courage for others.

Here's to these amazing circles

of acceptance . . .

04/17/2024

"Time on Earth is limited.

Don't try to age with grace,

age with mischief, audacity, 

and a good story to tell."

~Unknown

So love this bit of wisdom.

Even at my rather un-spritely

years, I can find a great deal

of naughty to get into!

Addressing this bit of wisdom

yesterday, simply placed the 

N-word in my mind. Obviously,

each era in one's life has dif

types of naughty.

I was such a school girl . . . only

ditched once and thought I was

going to die of guilt. Methinks,

I need to make up for it now!

Think I'll spend the morn in my

new book rather than doing any

housework. I already took the

trash out . . . doesn't that count

for something?!

Here's hoping we all have a fab

naughty day . . .

04/16/2024

'Tis an ornery thing when 

sleep is sought but not caught!

All the naughties I came up

with can only be imagined!

I find the closer I am to that

fateful one hundred years, the

closer I am to being seduced

by them.

I already eat ice cream for

breakfast in bed. To pay for

this particular sin, I only dip

into the coffee once a month!

We go to bed at 7:00-ish. Once 

my guy is out, I like to read 'til

midnight. I rather think the

occasional sleepless night might

just be its payment!

Third naughty? Fire, ever and

always fire. Fire is so precious,

so perfect, methinks needs no

payment in kind.

Can't help but wonder if there

is friendly fire in my future?!

One way or another I do know

there's plenty of naughty to be

 expected!

04/15/2024

Methinks I have found just 

the right fight to SAD

(Seasonal Affective Disorder). 

Praise God from whom all 

blessings flow . . .

Yesterday, was a particularly 

bad day. It was rather a do or 

die situation and as I couldn't, 

get the hell out of Dodge, I 

came up with the following!

Lit a fire, along with a few 

candles. One lamp only and 

a seascape jazz serenade on 

the machine. Don't think  for 

one moment that I forgot a 

summertime Margarita. 

Glorious! Truly glorious!

Might not be the be all, end 

all of SAD, but it got me 

through the day w/o slashing 

my wrists.

Will Spring ever come? 

Oh, I forgot this is Colorado. 

Never mind . . .

04/14/2024

"Quiet warrior

don't lose who you are,

you have the ability

to move mountains

with your stillness."

~janine tamis

Several days now, I have

found strength and courage

in Janine Tamis' words.

I recall, back in the day, when

I marched, spoke at forums,

wrote letters, gave opinions,

basked in the ole do-gooder

bit.

Alas, I find myself quite worn

out at present. 

Still, I get the concept that if 

we each moved the mountains 

in our own concentric circles,

we could indeed make serious

changes in the world today.

For now, since I can still walk

to the mailbox, I'll be on the

letter writing war path.

Pray, wish me well . . .

04/13/2024

"Storms splinter

the night sky, and

wild stars pull slivers

out of the dark."

~janine tamis

As one elders in life, storms

seem to appear more often.

I find myself seeking those

slivers of light Janine Tamis

refers to. Where might they

be found?

Faithful friends, beloved

children, fond memories, 

happy thoughts . . . all bright

stars in the darkest of nights.

I find myself inundated with

gratitude . . .

 . . . sans paroles!

04/12/2024

"The ghosts of all the women

you used to be are all so proud

of who you have become."

~Nikita Gil

Only just this early morn, I 

found myself pondering just 

how many women I have been . . .

Part-time jobber, college student

wife, young mother, teacher,

university prof, caregiver, retiree,

just to name a few . . .

I'd have to say though, my fave

station in life has been mother!

There's all that planning, hoping,

praying and finally, the doc says,

"Yep, you're preggers!" Right!

I always wanted a hippy doctor!

I loved being pregnant! I adored

my babes in arms. I felt blest to

be able to nurse. Watching them

grow, become, stand up and stand

out . . . wow! Just WOW!

I have loved and enjoyed my step

children as well. Seems to me, all

our children are the greatest of

blessings! 

I am ever so grateful that one of

women I got to be was mother . . .

04/11/2024

"Life becomes more meaningful

when you realize the simple fact

that you'll never get the same

moment twice." ~Unknown

'Tis absolutely so! Methinks we

all hope for tomorrow, heaven,

paradise, reincarnation . . . but

this must be taken on faith. It

is not a certainty.

Thus the gift of those sweet

moments in time are priceless.

And truly, aren't these the salt,

pepper and spice of life? Just

try eating with none of these;

it's that tad of spice that makes

the dish.

Obviously, we are all cautioned

to neither dwell nor live in the

past. Still . . . surely enjoying

those precious moments of the

heart from time to time is not

only not wrong, but very, very

right!

04/10/2024

"Some hearts are suns

in graying skies

that rise

to warm the world."

~A Shea 

Finding myself in the last 

quarter of my life, I still think 

about who I want to be when 

I grow up . . .

When we were kids, we all

wanted to grow up to be docs,

nurses, firemen, etc. 

But this early morn, A Shea

reminded me . . . maybe it's

not the career that's important,

but rather the soul.

I like to think about this . . .

becoming a bit of warmth in

someone's life. I'm serious!

Needs be the how?!

Perhaps a kind word, a sweet

compliment, a little chat, an

in depth conversation, sharing

silence.

Indeed, methinks this is the 

how! 

Street where I want to live!

04/09/2024

Oh, glories of glories . . .

the Solar Eclipse moved me

to tears yesterday.

The fun part was friends over

to watch with us. The more

serious side to the day was

the miracle we beheld. 

And maybe, just maybe, 

the best was being moved to 

realize that everything around 

us in the heavens and earth is 

truly a miracle.

The beauty of our surrounding

mountains, the ever-changing

palette of the skies, trees in

every shape and size, streams,

rivers and seas . . . how I wish

we cared for them more.

I pray we ever remember these

precious gifts from our Mother

Nature.

04/08/2024

"Hold fast to dreams,

for if dreams die,

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly."

~Langston Hughes

Of late, I've noticed a tie in 

of the death of dreams and

depression.

Over 8%, 21 plus million, of

Americans suffer depression.

Rather startling when you

think about this being one of 

the most gifted countries in 

the world.

Methinks all we can do is for

each of us to begin with our-

selves. We have a responsibility

to strive for mental health.

Although I may be somewhat

broken, I will ever hold fast to

my dreams and learn to fly ere

I die . . .

 - - -

James Mercer Langston Huges

was an American poet, social

activist, novelist, playwright,

and columnist from Joplin, Mo.

One of the earliest innovators 

of the literary art form called

jazz poetry, Hughes is best 

known as a leader of the 

Harlem Renaissance. 

1901 - 1967 Wikipedia

04/07/2024

Amazing winds . . .

 . . . twists and turns, 

as I have so many different 

reactions.

I like watching breezes at 

play, but this is no ordinary

breeze. Frankly, just a tad

scary.

We're told of outages all 

over kingdom come, 

uprooted trees, five semis 

overturned at Vail pass. 

Did I say, "just a tad scary?" 

I don't think so. More than 

just a tad.

My more romantic notions

think of the gods running

amok and secretly laughing

as we scurry to safety. Is

Mother Nature angry with

us?

What's the prob already? 

We're only polluting the air,

all available water sources,

and filling trash dumps at

the speed of sound. So, why

would She be angry with us?

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

Why don't we just grow up?

Grow a pair? Get over our-

selves?! We're like spoiled 

tots throwing temper tantrums

but we never outgrew them!

Truly, we're only specks in

a windstorm . . . One of these

days Mother is going to lose

her patience and blow us all

to hell and back again!

I do get it, but I'd prefer we

reform . . . Any chance of 

that?! Alas, not bloody likely!

04/06/2024

'Tis the weekend and no 

plans. Funny, might have

annoyed me in my youth,

and now I celebrate it!

The whole day is open . . .

read a fave book, watch

a movie, cook something 

special, take a nap, WOW!

I seem to recall back in the

day, if I didn't have every

minute planned, I would 

have thought something 

was wrong. Now, I just

celebrate!

Methinks I'll just have a

wait and see what happens!

I find the idea rather exciting!

04/05/2024

Today is one of those fab

days that just came together

one way or another . . . 

An early morn class on 

the heart chakra, a proper 

visit with my two besties, 

an afternoon FAC with my 

d) all of the above . . .

Wow! Just W O W !!!

I find I enjoy all three parts

of days like today. The

anticipation, the actual day

and the remembering. Frankly,

triple joy!

One of the things I love about

being nigh onto a hundred

years old, is the finding joy

in every little thing. Rather

wish I'd learned this in my

youth.

Never too late . . .

04/04/2024

Can't help but wonder if FB

realizes I'm aging at the speed

of sound?!

I get adverts for adult diapers. 

I get ads for women's facial

devices. Infomercials for

knee pain joint relief. Say

naught of hearing aids and

other elder toys!

Rather relieved most of these

do not apply . . . however, if

FB is not psychic, where the

hell do they get their info?!

Reading over my shoulder?!

Obviously, there exists some

kind of set up watching out

for code words . . . Still, isn't

this an invasion of privacy?

Thinking about it, might be

worse to be getting ads for

blond hair dye and red finger

nails. Maybe I should just

bit the bullet and ignore the

whole thing.

Bottom line . . . we exist in 

a world today with absolutely

no privacy. I find that more

a bit scary!

04/03/2024

"Day by day, what you 

choose, what you think 

and what you do is who 

you become." ~Heraclitus

I really hadn't thought about 

this in exactly this way. And

of course, it's our choices 

that render us who we are.

My choice to live in Mexico

for 20 years gave me my

beautiful children, the gift 

of the Spanish language and 

many friends . . . Had it been

Canada, I might be speaking

French instead.

My choice to degree in teaching

gifted me 40 years of enjoyment

in the classroom, fond memories

and the love of my students . . .

Nursing, my first choice, would

not have suited me at all.

My choice to live in a 145 year

old tiniest of cabins has bought

me the quiet time I needed to

survive . . . Now, if I can only

survive winter!

Methinks I best be considering

very carefully the next choices

I make . . .

 . . . I am nigh onto a 100 years

old after all!

04/02/2024

"Always be careful with your

words because you never know

how many times it's repeating

in someone's head." Unknown

I know this to be true as my

own head is very good at this!

It can be those few beautiful

words . . . and alas, it can be

the hurtful, harmful ones.

I like to focus on the beautiful.

In my 40 years of teaching, I

always made it a point to give

a dozen or so compliments in

each class.

Important not to make my kids

uncomfortable, say the words

and walk away. 

I find myself still doing it . . .

the supermarket for starters.

Makes me smile when I think,

"What must people think of

that crazy old white-haired gal?"

Bottom line, words are powerful,

choose carefully . . .

04/01/2024

April Fools!

I find myself recalling . . .

Grade school, most likely.

April 1st, we thought we'd

died and gone to heaven.

I recall a principal, a very

grave man. I pinned a note

on his suit coat, "I'm a gost."

I thought I was probably the

bravest kid on the planet.

He felt it, obviously, pulled

it off and said to me, "You

spelled ghost wrong." Wow!

I planned this one; walked

into the kitchen and said, 

"Eek a mouse." Mom jumped,

dad started pulling off his belt

and I shouted, "April Fools!"

Dad looked at mom and said,

"Are you okay with this?" She

said something along the lines

of, "As long as it's April Fools

and doesn't happen again!"

Lucky escape! Today, methinks

the joke's on us. Piles of snow 

everywhere you look and it's

supposed to snow all day. 

Can't help but wonder if the

gods aren't whispering . . .

April Fools!

03/31/2024

Naps have never been my forte

as they tend to steal the night's

rest.

Case in point, took one yesterday

and didn't awake until 3:30 this

early morn. Though my schedule

will be messed up forever and 

a day, just must remember I am 

retired and it really doesn't matter.

My guy's watching a movie at 

this ungodly hour and I'm on 

the friggin' computer . . . going 

to be interesting watching this 

day play out.

I'm thinking . . . maybe prep 

some good eats. Day for margs

perhaps. I'm in the middle of a

very intriguing book. This could

pan out to be a very decent day!

Nor should we forget it's Easter

morn. Many will be celebrating

with kith and kin. Perhaps a visit

to the local sanctuary.

Pray, may today bring each of 

us a great deal of happiness . . .

03/30/2024

A few disjointed thoughts

running amok through what

passes for my brain . . .

Got up at 4:30 this early a.m.

My back aches, found myself

climbing the stairs slower than

usual, felt like ice cream for

breakfast but too lazy to go 

out to the shed to get it.

Ahhhhh, such is life.

On the good side of naughty,

although we're expecting snow,

it's bright and sunny outside, 

a lovely 33°. Ouch!

Reading a fab book; so good

in fact that when I looked the

author up on amazon, the first

book I wanted was $99.00 

Ohhhhh, just might be why 

God invented libraries; go 

figure!

Alas, methinks am aging at

the speed of sound! Perhaps,

a nap would be in order . . .

03/29/2024

"Be kind to the trees. They

are busy saving the world." 

Humanity

I find myself overwhelmed!

Let's see, we need the wood . . .

   -to build

   -to burn

   -to restore

   -x-mas to celebrate

   -for land availability

But yeah, let's save the trees!

I do get that some trees are

grown specifically for the 

above purposes. Yet, the 

thousands torn out because 

someone fancies a house in 

a given area rather breaks 

my heart!

Guess I just wish we could 

build in already cleared areas 

rather than clearing more and 

more.

Yes, it's a conundrum. We have

needs and the majority of them

are legitimate. Maybe, I just wish

things could be different . . .

Sooooo wish we could save

the trees!

03/28/2024

"Who looks outside, dreams.

Who looks inside, awakens."

~Carl Jung

I much appreciate Carl Jung.

I have read his work my entire

life. In fact, I was 12 when he

died and I was already reading

his work for a couple of years.

This quote reminds me how

important it is to have balance.

Were I not a Libra, there's be

no hope whatsoever. As is, I

rarely seem to find balance.

I think, 'dreams', left brain,

'awakens', right brain. I could

be wrong. Wonder what Jung 

would think of this idea.

Truly, it's important to have 

both. I actually find that dreams

give birth to awakening, which

in turn, brings action.

One way or another, 'tis some-

thing to think about . . .

 - - - 

Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss

psychiatrist and psychoanalyst,

founder of analytical psychology. 

1875 - 1961

03/27/2024

If it scares you, it's a sign you

need to do it." (Quotes 'nd Notes)

Let's see! I live in fear of weight

gain . . . bring on the chocolates,

donuts, ice cream, x-large pizza!

I'm afraid of exercising on my

street . . . bring on the above and 

don't forget movies 'n treats in bed.

I fear house cleaning and as I'm

respectful of my fears, I just lay

back hoping the elves get to work.

Always afraid I'll drink too much

at a party and embarrass myself

and my date . . . so I add ice to my

glass, thus diluting any chance of

the above! 

Living a life in fear is a tough job,

but somebody's got to do it!

Yeah, I get it . . . I do self-delude 

a lot!

03/26/2026

"I have been many women in my

lifetime. I have been the protector 

and the provider. I have been the 

lover and the fighter, but the woman 

I value most, will always be the 

survivor." ~S.L. Heaton

Times, I'm The Three Faces of Eve; 

make no mistake!

Obviously, we have all served many

roles in our lives; the kid, student, 

spouse, parent, wage-earner, grand-

parent, and finally, the elderly . . .

facing exit time.

'Tis as it 'twas meant to be. Still, 

rather wish I had more time to play

more roles. Seems it's only been a

few moments I've been a Crone. 

I'm sooooo not ready to go yet!

And like Ms. Heaton, I do honor 

the survivor in me. The stranger in

a foreign land, the misunderstood,

the eccentric, those fears we do not

like to talk about . . . all survivors.

Actually though, if I be granted 

a tad more time, I'd willingly pay 

the price by remaining a survivor.

Survive that 4:30 a.m. ice cream,

umpteen years wearing only black,

reading a book a day; who needs

sleep anyway?! 

Yep! Survivor I am . . . and would

not have changed a thing, even 

were I able!

03/25/2004

"I've hears so much malarkey

from so many nincompoops

that I have become totally

discombobulated." Zen to Zany

I do like plain language, straight

talk and "get to the point already"!

Still, as a Lang Arts teacher, I

find myself missing beautiful

words and stunning descriptions.

You know, anyone can say, 

"That's nice." But, what about; 

phenomenal, incredible, fantastic, 

glorious, to die for? There's naught 

complicated about any of these 

descriptors . . . simply wondrous 

words.

"I love you" is sweet. We hear it

all the time. Still, seems to me, 

"I sooooo fucking adore you!" 

is a tad more delightful "Get your

glorious ass over here and give me

a kiss!" is yet another I quite like.

Good or sumptuous? Pretty or

stunning? Nice or phenomenal?

Sweet or touching? Love or adore?

Not even particularly special 

verbiage, but it's ever so lovely 

to sweeten the pot with some 

delectable vocab!

I bid you adieu; pray, do not tarry 

as I must lay eyes on you again 

soon. Your presence enhances mine 

and my soul blesses you for it . . .

03/24/2024

Not sure if it's because my

guy showed me a segment 

honoring Rosa Parks, or the

most gorgeous full moon

ever or the nightmare I had

last night, but I seem to keep

tearing up.

I find I want to say something

and my voice is thick with

unshed emotion. 

What the hey?! Most nights, 

I dream of my own dead . . .

dad, mom, bro, friends. The

veil feels thin. Can't help but

wonder why?! Rather feels

as if I were on my way to join

the party.

Guess Mr. Life isn't required

to explain himself! My job is

to choose to live it or just exist.

So hoping I'll always choose 

life rather than to just sit in my

easy chair and watch life go by.

Sooooo in thinking about it,

Rosa Parks is my shero. The

moon is the love of my life.

And if the price I have to pay

for them is nightmares, so be it!

That's why God invented tears,

right?!

03/23/2024

Feels a bit like a bowing out,

if you know what I mean, or

whatever . . .

Can barely cope right now,

for any kind of reason. Might

be winter, might be the dark,

and/or the two together. SAD?

So, I'm ducking out . . . going

back to yesteryear. Isn't that

what books and movies are

for anyway?!

Rather wish I'd learned to treat

my winter depression/anxiety

with Merlin books and movies

a long time ago! Oh well, I

suppose it's never too late!

Gotta go . . . Merlin awaits . . .

03/22/2024

Been in another world of late . . .

watching Merlin. Wow!

''Twas one of my glorious 

husbands that turned me 

onto this amazing world of

magick. For whatever reason, 

I had never read, nor watched. 

I truly came to love it!

I like the attention to detail, the

veracity of the era, the caution

of lingo. Wow! Just WOW!!!

Created back in the day, 12th

century British pseudo-history,

'tis something we have enjoyed

forever and ever!

Not sure if it's the child within

or that Lang Arts teacher of

yesteryear that just loves tales

told out of school . . . but there

will never, ever be anything 

that can compare to the epics 

of yesteryear!

I bow to the imagination of the

epics. Thank the gods for one 

of the greatest gifts ever . . .

03/21/2024

"I believe in kindness, also 

in mischief." ~Mary Oliver

Words to live by, make no

mistake. I have sinned on the 

side of being way too serious.

No, that's not quite right. I've

had plenty of laughs and loads

of fun in my life. It's just that

my nature leans towards the

ultra serious.

The kind of mischief I enjoy

getting into has something to

do with spending time with

my girlfriends. We can do that

whole, "eat, drink and be merry"

thing even better than the guys!

Now that I think about it, might

have to do with that whole Libra

thing . . . serious on one side and

mischief on the other!

Let's remember that how we treat

people has to do with a reflection

of oneself, not others!

Kindness . . . every time, all

the time, no exceptions . . .

never, ever! 

 - - -

Mary Oliver, beloved poet and

bard of the natural world, died

on January 17, 2019 at home in

Hobe Sound, Fla. She was 83.

03/20/2024

"There are thousands of worlds

in all of us. Gorgeous, terrible,

wild, contradictory, imaginative

fascinating worlds. To know 

someone deeply is to know a

universe contained in skin."

~Victoria Erickson

One of the things I enjoy about

knowing a friend throughout a

lifetime of changes, is that whole

getting to know their universe,

as it were. And I would admit, 

it's been quite interesting seeing 

my own changes.

So it comes to me, maybe we

should talk to our children about

this in their growing up years.

They might find it intriguing. 

Kids have such fine imaginations.

I think they might get a kick out

of knowing what they were going 

to experience throughout their

lifetimes.

There garnered me a couple of

additional thoughts. Might even

be fun for us to take a look-see

at the different lives we ourselves

have led.

And, a good thing to whisper 

to our children . . . 

"You can choose and create just

whoever you wish to be . . .

Go for it!"

03/19/2024

"Doing nothing is very hard 

to do . . . you never know when 

you're finished." ~Leslie Nielsen

Rather thought that retirement

might look something like this.

I dreamed of doing nothing for

a while! But first, I cared for my

mom for three and a half years.

Then, I spent months moving in

my tiny, tiny log cabin. You can't

even begin to imagine what it's

like to get rid of sixty some years

of possessions.

Being one of those learned later

types, rather wish I'd traveled

more and collected less.

Sooooo here we are, 'bout six

years now, still haven't learned

the doing nothing lesson.

Still, I'm starting by staying abed,

watching fave movies, eating ice

cream and being as naughty as I

possibly can . . .

03/18/2024

I find myself wowed beyond the

pale!

Our friend and neighbor, along

with his little girl, came slowly

up the walk, digging into nigh

onto four feet of snow every

step of the way!

They came carrying a sweet 

bag of treats. Might be because 

I bitch about winter until we're

all nauseated. But bottom line,

they came . . .

My guy received the package

so they wouldn't have to try 

and come up any further. He

was happy to bring it up to me,

thought it might just help with

my winter sorrows.

I'll confess, I let out a little

scream when I looked into the

bag.

There was a sweet plant right

on top. Then milk and eggs.

For fun, candy and cookies

along with strawberries and . . .

. . . a thank you note from our

little gal. Are you kidding me?

The thank you note should have

been from me to her!

You know, we tend to forget

there are people in the world

such as this family. I count

myself ever so lucky to have

phenomenal friends. Each

different, with their own gifts

and that is as it should be.

Still, this particular event in 

my life brought tears and joy

along with a reminder . . .

There are still phenomenal 

people in this world and I may

be the luckiest friend ever!!!

03/17/2024 - Dr. Martin G. Lockley

Today on his 74th birthday, we  

bid adieu to Dr. Martin G. Lockley;

father, friend, spouse, erudite . . .

I will ever remember him with his 

quixotic grin, enigmatic statements,

his incredible need to educate. What 

a fab combo . . .

One and all will be remembering

Martin for his prowess as a scientist.

Number one authority in the world

on dinosaur footprints, author of nigh

onto 40 scientific books translated 

into18 plus languages, hundreds of 

professional papers . . .

But, I shall remember him as an

intriguing helpmate, a teller of tales

out of school, amazing correspondent,

a fine friend . . .

Marty, I so hope you're off somewhere

celebrating your b-day with live dinos

and raising a warm Guinness to that

sweet grin of yours . . .

You are ever and always missed and

well loved . . .

04/16/2024

So enjoy Sacred Water prep. 

On both New Moon and Full

Moon, just after sunset, I like

to place a couple of gallons of

well water under the open sky.

Then, just before daybreak, I

harvest the water, attach the

date and type. I use Full Moon

Water as celebratory drinks

for things overcome and New

Moon Water for those I'm

working on.

Rain water is harder to collect,

but can be done at any time it's

raining. I find that several large 

open bowls allows me to gather

a cup or two. I use it sparingly.

I call it, Tears from Heaven, and

have a shot when I'm really down.

Feels like the celestials are crying

with me.

I do the same with Storm Water

for when I'm unduly angry and

can barely cope due to such

sentiment.

Snow Water is one of my absolute

faves. I only collect snow when it

is over three feet deep. My sense is

that less snow may be quite soiled

as its job is to clean the atmosphere.

I scoop the upper level of snow into

every pot and pan I own. Tupperware

bowls as well. The following morn,

the snow will have melted. I house it

in jars and label it by name and date.

I like to drink Snow Water when my

soul feels frozen with pain. Whilst I'm

having a few sips, I ponder, and/or

meditate and try to suss out what is

bothering me.

Sun Water is placed outside in the

rising morn and allowed to bask in

all the glory until just before sunset.

I enjoy the odd glass when I am

overwhelmed with SAD during the

winter.

Give it a think and perhaps you'll

prep a bit of Snow Water for yourself

today . . .

03/15/2024

Oh my God; 'tis beyond belief!

We awoke to just over four feet 

of snow this early morn. Most 

enchanting . . .

I find I'm looking forward to 

watching the evaporation of 

this immense snow. 

Will it stay a while? Last? I

can envision the basement full

of water, the paths a muddy.

Danger awaits.

I pray we will all benefit from

the moisture without coming 

to harm.

May we don extra care . . .

03/14/2023

Confession time . . .

I hate cold! I loathe snow!!

I abhor winter!!!

Now that I've confessed, do I

feel better? Cleansed somehow?

Not bloody likely!

The funny part of this is, when

waking up to over two feet of

snow, those usual emotions are

somehow lost under wows . . .

Wow! WOW!! W O W !!!

Did our errands yesterday. The

trash man, recycle lady, mailman

all came. Sooooo not leaving my

bed 'cept for maybe a marg refill.

Here's to you!! Stay home; stay

abed; be safe; enjoy!

03/13/2024

"My heart is a morning star

A light refusing to fade

A power defying the dark"

~A. Shea

On these dark days of winter 

I seek light wherever I can 

find it.

I find it encouraging . . . the 

days are elongating, bringing 

more light to the table, as it 

were.

Actually, methinks the dark,

and all its accompanying 

effects, is enhanced by the 

cold that surrounds it . . .

 . . . My feelings for the dark in 

winter are completely different

from my feelings for the dark 

in summer.

It occurs to me, I need to find

a way to live w/the dark . . .

the dark in winter, the dark

within.

'Tis the dark within methinks

I need to conquer. 

Bears pondering . . .

03/12/2024

Why is it that people shout, scream

and holler? I sooooo don't get it!

We all have a voice, certain amount

of intelligence and reason. So, why

the hell don't we use them?!

I understand disagreements. I get we

are all on different pages. I know we

there is a tendency for us to want one

and all to agree with us.

But when not, what I don't understand

is, why don't we simply talk to each

other? What's w/the shouting matches?

Is it that we want, some how need to 

hurt each other because we ourselves 

hurt inside?

I could soooo become a hermit!

03/11/2024

"Want to was away your troubles?

Take a bath with wine and bubbles."

~Anita Opper, Zen to Zany

Saw this bit of fun this early a.m. 

Love it! One of the things I've 

missed . . . long, leisurely, hot 

baths! Add in the red; methinks

pure heaven!

Living in a 145 year old cabin,

there are many joys as well as the

odd sacrifice. One of them would

be not being able to take a bath.

We are so close to water than our

well is only about eight feet deep.

Obviously, that isn't deep enough

to cleanse the water.

Our water serves us well and we

use it for everything except for

drinking, cooking, etc. Still, you

can appreciate taking a bath in

slightly mired, tepid water doesn't

appeal.

Got to thinking . . . some people

rent a hotel room to sleep. I may

just rent one to take a bath.

Don't even think for a moment

that I'd forget the red!!!

03/10/2024

"I like people who get excited

about the change of seasons,

watching a sunset, the smell 

of rain and and starry nights."

~Brooke Hampton

Saw this quote early this a.m.

and immediately thought, "my

kindred spirits!" 

It takes all kinds of people to

make the world go 'round . . .

those who love to shop, others

who clean incessantly, the

loners, people pleasers.

For me, I'm all about Mother

Nature and those who adore

her!

I'd have to confess, the only

walking in the snow that I do

would be to the mailbox and

back. Still . . .

My fave is to sit quietly by

the fire and watch the snow

coming down. I have friends

who are right out there in it

and others who run and hide.

For moi . . . it's all about

watching from afar.

03/09/2024

Awaking today to 15° and about

5" snow, I am ever so glad I get

to spend the day at home . . . 

no errands to run, no place to go 

and a warm bed and good book 

calling my name.

I am much enjoying my elder 

years, never having expected to

arrive. So love hearth and home,

quiet joys and simple moments.

I rather wish I had known these

long awaited moments were to

be expected. 

I'm ever so grateful . . .

"Call me an old soul, but I find

peace in thunderstorms, the 

moon, starry nights, sunsets, the 

smell of rain, warm hugs, late 

night drives, deep conversations, 

old books, music and people who

feel like home." conscious reminder

03/08/2024 - International Woman's Day

Been thinking 'bout snow and

fair weather friends . . .

I'm actually one of those people

who never, ever goes out in the

snow. Rather makes me think 

I need to be more patient if no 

one stops by!

We're here, sitting by the fire,

having the odd tad of wine and

watching it snow. And no, I

wouldn't want any of my friends

to be out in this! It may not be 

a blizzard, but it's been snowing

for two days!

Is this Santa in December? New

Year's in January? Valentine's 

Day in February? Hell no!!! This

is MARCH. Someone up there

forgot that March means Spring!

Can't help it; so wish the seasons

would stick to their allotted time!

Maybe I should move to Phoenix?

Ouch, I forgot! My kids live here.

Say no more . . .

 - - -

"International Woman's Day . . .

celebrated annually on March 8 

as a focal point in the women's

rights movement, gives focus to

issues such as gender equality,

reproductive rights and violence

and abuse against women."

Wikipedia

03/07/2024

"Nature is not matter only. 

She is also spirit." ~Carl Jung

You know I'm all about Mother

Nature. Still, I would never have

suspected this quote from Carl

Jung. Love it!

My own love affair with Mother

Nature began when I was about

three years old. From walks and

hikes, camping and survival

training, I simply loved her.

Now that I'm about a hundred

years old, I especially appreciate

programs such as provided by

National Geographic, David

Attenborough, PBS, etc.

I still get to enjoy our Mother

without ending my days a walkin' . . .

Still, the thing I quite love about

this quote is the mention of spirit.

I hadn't thought about it in just

this way.

Thinking about it, my spiritual

affinity lies with nature. There-

fore, the quote makes perfect 

sense. 

Ever so pleased I ran into it this 

early a.m.

 - - -

Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss

psychiatrist and psychoanalyst

who founded analytical psychology.

He was a prolific author, illustrator,

and correspondent, a complex and

controversial character. 1875 - 1961

Wikipedia

03/06/2024

"Working hard for something 

we don't care about is called 

stress; working hard for some-

thing we love is called passion."

~Simon Sinek

Not sure whether to laugh or 

cry over this bit of truth . . .

I started babysitting and house

cleaning at 11 and retired at 62

to care for my mom in house

for three and a half years. I bet

all your stories are similar.

So, a decade later, I no longer

hike or take long walks. Trash

and mailbox does it for me.

I do know retired friends who

engage in a great deal of out-

door activities, so it must be

just moi!

Were it up to me to shoot a 

tad of elder wisdom your way,

I'd say those same infamous

words we've all heard so often.

Do it now! Now being the

operative word. I may even

make the effort to add in the

odd thing or two to my own

life . . .

 . . . although I'm quite content

as is! 

 - - -

"Simon Oliver Sinek, English-born

American author and inspirational

speaker on business leadership. His

books include start with why and

The Infinite Game. 1973." Wikipedia

03/05/2024

"Fear is a natural reaction to moving

closer to the truth." ~Pema Chodron

Methinks we all struggle with fear 

on some level or other . . .

Speaking of levels . . . fear of missing

the bus would never be the same as

the fear of losing a child.

Maybe an important step would be 

to simply recognize we all fear! 

Then, suss out one's own fears, look

at what could be handled at this point

in time and make a plan!

I know and accept that I have fears

I cannot face just now. But surely,

there might be one I could manage.

I don't like to stay at home alone,

especially at night. So, a couple of

times a month, I make a point of

making this happen.

I get a great deal of cleaning done;

make no mistake. Bottom line, I'm

still antsy, fearful, anxiety ridden,

but I'm doing it!!! 

Surely that counts for something 

in the grand scheme of things. 

Negative feelings still in place, 

but an effort is being made! 

I vote for moi . . .

03/04/2024

I do love me some leftovers!

Funny, some people won't even

touch them. Each to his own, I

guess.

Sometimes, this might mean not

cooking the next day, just heating

up. Times when it turns into an

entirely new dish!

Bit like life, don't you think?!

I have friendships left over from

high school. Maybe we aren't as

close now as we were then, but

memories so warm my heart!

I have leftover teenagers in my

memory and my heart from 40

years of teaching. Rather kills me 

that some of these kids that I hold 

so dear are now grandparents.

Leftover children, the memories

in my heart, always surprises me

when I look at these 40 year olds.

Aren't they still supposed to be

kids?!

Bottom line, leftovers . . . I love

them! Nought wrong with them

and the memories they bring to

heart and mind . . .

03/03/2024

"Dreams don't have expiration

dates- keep going." ~Unknown

Been peeking at this pearl of

wisdom for a bit now . . .

My question might have some-

thing to do with being about a

hundred years old. Not that one

stops growing, per se, but really,

does one really grow and/or

advance in such elder years?

I do think one who gives a damn

keeps trying no matter what! Still,

methinks perfection ever remains 

just around the corner.

Might be in one's best interest to

choose points of growth carefully.

Frankly, one of the allurements to

go on living would be the striving

itself.

So, here I come . . . sure hope the

Universe gives me several more

years to prove myself!

By the way, how do you blackmail

the universe into letting you stay 

around a while longer?!

Feel free to send advice, clues,

ideas . . .

03/02/2024

"I am realistic. I expect miracles."

~Wayne Dyer

In my dotage, I find myself some-

where 'twixt and 'tween hoping 

and believing.

We all need miracles and I believe

'tis the hoping and believing that

gets us through until they actually

happen. If you think about it, every-

thing, and yes, I mean everything, 

is a miracle . . .

 . . . Awaking to another day. 

Breathing freely, albeit though 

what might be fetid air. Enjoying 

our children and friends. Going to 

bed without any fear of not awaking.

And, we have the balls to say we 

don't believe in miracles?! Who 

the hell do we think we are?!

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

Maybe what we need is to take 

another look at the definition of 

miracle. We all grew up on fairy 

tales, didn't we?! Perhaps we 

should have paid more attention 

to the Grimm brothers rather than

the tales themselves.

For what I find is, our current day

understanding of miracles is pretty 

grim.

You may think winning the lotto is

a miracle. But, there is no amount

of lotto that beats a hug from your 

son, a coquettish smile from your

daughter, your father surviving a

car crash, eating and sleeping well

every day.

Methinks our job now is to have a

very serious look at this precious

word we bandy about so easily!

03/01/2024

Sooooo, what's with this 

dreaming with death every

night? I've mentioned this

before, but I weary of it.

Last night, 'twas my mom

and dad, my little bro Sammy

and my best friend Doug.

We actually drove to our old

home town to see them and 

say goodbye.

My mom was making peanut

butter cookies and she needed 

me to tend them.

Amazing to see everyone 

although they appeared to be

quite ill. At some point, my

brother and I went to see the

neighbors across the street.

It was there that we found out

all these people had AIDS. No

idea what that was about.

I am a bit weirded out and do

hope all the dreams do not

presage my own passing.

Thoughts?

02/29/2024 - Leap Year

One of my favest days ever . . .

 . . . Leap Year simply feels 

like pure magick!

Perhaps it has something 

to do with only coming every 

four years. Maybe it's all about 

those fantastical tales told out 

of school.

For me, it's a day of healing.

How so?

Some things in our personal

lives are so hard to deal with;

we put them on a back burner

and try to forget all about them.

Somehow, when this special

day rolls around, we gather up

our courage and face some of

those difficult things.

Having not looked at them in

ever so long, perhaps they no

longer matter. On the other 

hand, we face them. Take a

long, hard look and deal.

I have rarely been hurt by a

friend, praise god! But, there

are a few times and oh how it

hurts. More so perhaps, as I've

been nursing the pain for years.

Leap Year gives me the courage

to let it go . . . or at least give it

a try. Still hurts, but I shouldn't

allow the pain such a prominent

place in my life.

Sooooo, here's wishing us all a

phenomenal day. And, let's give

healing a chance . . .

02/28/2024

"One with nature, one with soul."

~Angie Weiland-Crosby

I will be forever grateful to my

parents for rearing me with a 

love for Mother Nature.

Every weekend picnics, rides 

and hikes. Sometimes others 

would join us, most enjoyable!

My fave times would be a picnic

up on Glade Park, followed by a

hike. Then the surprise would

appear.

Daddy packed all the camping 

equipment without us knowing.

The tents in those days were a

piece of work; make no mistake.

It took all of us holding corners

while daddy put in the poles and

staked the edges. My brother and

I were simply overjoyed. 

We camped so much that my

parents had an organized system

for putting everything together.

Dad would do all the cooking as

mom always said she cooked at

home so he could cook whilst

camping.

I especially loved roasting 

marshmallows and storytelling

at the end of the day. Bottom

line . . . 

 . . . I love that my parents gave

us so many fond memories.

02/27/2024

"Life is short, break the rules.

Forgive quickly, kiss slowly.

Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably

and never regret anything that

makes you smile." ~Mark Twain

I've been reading Mark Twain

since I was six years old . . .

Why, oh why, have I never seen

this quote until now?! Sage advice.

So wish I had captured this bit of

wisdom in my soul about a hundred

years ago.

Looking back, not sure I would

really change anything. Might lose

that pesky gift of guilt though.

So loved my 20 years in Mexico.

My 40 years of teaching. The births

of my children and watching them

come to fruition. 

These elder years have their issues,

but they sure beat the alternative. I

really don't mind being in my early

70's, I mean 100's. I'm living and

enjoying.

Now, if I can only keep my head on

straight . . . but, not too straight!!!