07/31/2024

Tonight marks the long-awaited

Lughnasadh Eve. Strangely, I oft

prefer the eves of all holidays

rather than the actual feast days.

I particularly enjoy Lughnasadh

for several reasons. I like the

warmth of the weather. Reminders

of much to be thankful for are 

much appreciated.

Best of all, several earth lovers

join us in celebration of her rich

gifts to us. But, that will be on the

morrow.

For tonight, Lughnasadh Eve, we

intend to sit outside with Mother

Nature and enjoy her beauty!

Happy Lughnasadh!

 - - -

Lughnasadh is a Gaelic festival

marking the beginning of the 

harvest season. Historically, it

was widely observed throughout

Ireland, Scotland, and Isle of Man.

Held on August 1, midway 'twixt

Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox. 

Wikipedia

07/30/2024

"Touched bottom again.

Decided to liberate myself.

We are never trapped unless

we choose to be." ~Anais Nin

I swear, wisdom of the ages!

All winter long, and parts of

spring, I blame my doldrums

on SAD (Seasonal Affective

Disorder) and don't really try

to do anything much about it.

And, here's wisdom of the 

ages, making a phenomenal

statement! I need to be more

like her!

I am thankful for my fam and

friends . . . they all help me

thru winter as well as giving

me ideas for coping!

Still, sounds to me like I need

to get off my duff and follow

Nin's advice!

 - - -

Anais Nin was a French-Cuban

diarist, essayist, novelist and

writer of short stories and erotica.

Born to Cuban parents in France,

Nin was the daughter of composer

Joaquín Nin and Rosa Culmell, 

a classically trained singer. 

1903 - 1977 Wikipedia

07/29/2024

Just in case one forgets the

wonders of nature, Mother

sends her reminders . . .

Yesterday, we had elk in the

yard off and on all day. I was

yet again, amazed by their

beauty, found myself teary

eyed, blown away, amazed.

Then, they started eating my

plants, trees and flowers. I 

did my fair share of hollering, 

I must admit.

It's taken years for my little

tree by the pond to become,

as it were. And, I'm ever so

proud of my potted plants.

Seeing them spread eagled

so they could drink from our

tiny pond was fun. Watching

their ginormous beauty sway

down our stone walk was

most likely worth my losses.

Spending the afternoon in 

watch . . . a joyous, humbling

experience. Doing so with

friends and neighbors simply

added to the joy!

Can't help but wonder if they

will come back again today!

07/28/2024

 Today is my guy's b-day! 

74 and counting.  And, we

get to share the 74 for three

months until I become the 

elder once again. We jest

that he has to obey me once

my 75 is in place.

Our families honored him

yesterday. 'Twas so lovely!

Catching up, yacking away

at the speed of sound, eating

goodies and hoisting the odd

beer. Such fun!

It's such a wondrous thing

having a birthday . . . but,

living into our elder years

is a gift without par.

I especially love those who

celebrate aging as a gift 

rather than a curse.

Methinks every day we are 

allowed on this planet is

indeed a gift!

Bless you dear heart . . .

07/27/2024

"Your sacred space is where 

you find yourself again and

again." ~Joseph Campbell

I so love my sacred spaces!

I have one sweet little spot

tucked away in my back yard.

Surrounded by green bushes,

and set with tree trunk seats,

bells hanging . . . I swear I

could stay in there for hours.

My guy built an all natural

fence on one side. I'm finding

some things I'd like to hang

up. Methinks I just may have 

a decor fetish, but don't tell

anyone!

Bottom line, when I'm sad or

upset, it helps me to go there

for a bit. Just a sit and think

usually makes things easier.

Frankly, one's particular creed

doesn't really have anything to

do with sacred spaces. We all

simply need a small space to

regain our strength and balance.

Find one, make it work for you!

It helps, it really does!

07/26/2024

"Universe, I am open and ready

to receive clarity. Show me the 

signs that I need to see." ~Ara

Recently, I participated in a class

designed to further personal growth.

The message I received suggested

I eat and drink less, exercise more

to enhance good health.

Deciding total honesty would be

the way to go, I asked myself if

I truly thought I could embody

the message received.

Do I truly want to eat healthier?

Do I wish to drink less? Do I 

want to exercise?

I recognize that I struggle with

being just shy of 75 and wanting

to live out every second left to

me in joy. 

On the other hand, being healthier,

living longer are wonderful goals.

Still, if I'm honest, methinks I'd

go for naughty every time!

- - -

C. Ara Campbell is a visionary

writer and founder of The Goddess

Circle, soul guide, cosmic channel,

artist, facilitator of The Inner 

Priestess Awakening online program,

and author of The Astro Forecast.

07/25/2924

Once my bro started using his

seeing-eye dogs, we could no

longer have other dogs as pets.

Sooooo, 'twas cats ahoy for us.

I remember Tiger, rather looked

like his name, and well known

in the neighborhood!

He'd have his portion of dry food

w/us in the a.m. and then go over

to the Watsons next door. There

he would get a fresh egg every

morn.

Then up to the Bergmans. Fresh

cream every single day. Back

down to the Englebrights. They

fed him table scraps. 

You can't even begin to imagine

the size of this feline. Wow! And

once groomed, stunning.

Seems to me I've been traveling

Memory Lane of late. I've been

assured it happens in our elder

years.

And, I have heard that all dogs

go to heaven . . . hope there's a

place for cats as well.

Missing Tiger . . .

07/24/2024

Ye ole politics ahoy . . .

I remember so fondly talking

politics with my parents.

Mom a Republican, Dad an

Independent and I a Democrat.

We'd sit at the kitchen table

and discuss, and I mean discuss.

Never a harsh word spoken, no

swaying of opinions. Just sharing.

In my life today, a bit of the same

song second verse. One of my

children is a Democrat, the other

a Republican and I sit about half

way 'twixt and 'tween Democrat

and Independent. Again, any

discussion is without animosity.

Frankly, I don't understand why

familial relationships are torn

asunder by differing points of

view. Always thought one of the

things that make America great

was its freedoms! 

So, as we approach voting time, 

let's honor different opinions and 

keep friendships and relationships.

Love conquers all, right?!

07/23/2024

Today is my little bro's b-day.

Alas, we lost Sammy when he 

was just 24. 

My son had just been born and

my parents had come to Mexico

to see him. They had been there

just an hour when the call came

that he was dying.

Dad had driven from Colorado

to California to Mexico and

simply had to just turn around

and drive from Mexico to CA.

I can't even imagine how he

stayed awake.

Time of both sorrow and joy.

Sorrow for Sammy's passing

and joy for my son's arrival.

And I get it, Sammy needed

to rest and my baby needed

to live.

I find myself missing him. He

needed to go, needed to rest.

Still, I feel sad today.

07/22/2024

"Be open with your love and

loud with your laughter. Life

is so much brighter when lived

genuinely." ~Rose Beaches

Looking back, I have actually

lived and not just existed . . .

*Leaving home at 15 to study

in an academy rather than at

home . . .

*Going to Mexico at 17 and

returning home at 37 . . .

*Teaching 23 years in my

beloved Commerce City . . .

*Living in a tiny, tiny cabin

in my elder years . . .

None of that even compares

to birthing the two most fab

kids heretofore known to 

mankind!

There is naught wrong with a

look back to remind oneself.

The thing is, I need to make

sure, even in my elder years,

maybe especially in my elder

years, that I keep on living

rather than existing!

Obviously, the activities need

to be diff than when one was

much younger, but just so

living is winning over existing!

I've ever and always loved my

life. 'Tis no different being

almost 75 as being 25. 

Let's live!

07/21/2024

Remembering . . .

Today is my dad's birthday.

I miss him terribly; I always

do. And, I talk to him most

days. When I meditate, I find

myself talking to him.

I suppose I would say it's an

interesting experience. It

simply happened. One day,

I was quietly meditating and

there I was, talking to dad.

It's different than praying.

More like carrying on a chat

with a dear friend or even a

counselor. I find myself

pondering, if you will, and

dad listening. By the end, I

have an answer.

And yes, I miss him terribly.

Talking with him does tend

to mitigate my sorrow . . .

 . . . yet I am ever so grateful

to have had him in my life

for those 72 years.

Happy birthday dad! Loving

you and missing you terribly!

07/20/2024

"Take only memories;

leave only footprints."

The Modern Day Hippie

I've heard tell we spend 

the first half of our lives in 

accumulation and the second

half in ridding.

It occurs to me that I could

have traveled the world over

with the shekels I've spent

on acquisition. Rather breaks

my heart to think of it.

These thoughts are nothing

new. Bet every oldster in the

world feels the same. Naught

can be done about it now. And,

it may be a lesson that each of

us needs to learn.

So, where do I go from here?

Going to spend some time in

the memories arena, that's for

certain!

And here's hoping there will

be a few good footprints to

leave behind . . .

07/19/2024

Driving home last eve, the sky

was a deep, dark gray. 'Twas

obvious a storm was coming.

Then, the sky parted in three

places, forming a rough triangle.

One had a stretch of blue sky

and a bit of white cloud. Another

had streams of light announcing

the end of the day was near. 

The last and best showed the 

setting sun in slow mo. We got 

to watch this entire gift all the

way home. The show ended as

we pulled into the parking lot.

So moved by this unexpected

gift, I just sat there with tears

in my eyes. 

Methinks there is naught in this

world such as our dear lady,

Mother Nature.

Thank you for your gifts to us.

07/18/2024

"Paradise has been about 

places. It exists in moments. 

In connection. In flashes across

time." ~Victoria Erickson

This may be one of the truest

statements I have ever read. In

fact, 'twas only yesterday we

experienced a tad of this reality.

We traveled to a fab park down

south for a fam get-together and

a fond farewell. It was like a 

family reunion. We sat with my

guy's x-wife, her sister, and two

of their sons. We talked for hours.

'Twas most wondrous!

Earlier in the day, we stopped to

purchase some items for summer

and found ourselves a few cents

short. It was a tad embarrassing,

all told. The clerk reached into

his pocket and counted out the

difference. Wow! Just WOW!!!

We went on home as we had

things that needed refrigeration.

I packed up some of my special

spice and took it to him. He told

me he loves hot so he'll enjoy it.

I expressed to him how much his

kind gesture meant in a world

that is somewhat awry of late.

Seems to me we hit Paradise

at least twice yesterday!

 - - -

Victoria Erickson is a grounded

idealist who's been writing the

world awake since she was a 

child. A wildly popular columnist

w/Rebelle Society. Google Books

07/17/2024

"Do not feel guilty for allowing

yourself to rest. Recharging is an

act of kindness for your future self."

~Stacy Martin

This was something I had to learn

both as a mom and a teacher. The

old bod can take only just so much.

What I didn't see coming was what

I like to call, ye ole lady syndrome.

   *Don't walk as fast as I used to. 

   *Or . . . don't walk at all! 

   *Eat less, drink more. 

   *Pay the bills; forget anything else.

Having been reared in a guilt-ridden

society, it's just not that easy to lose

the guilt. I remind myself of years of

parenting and 40 of teaching and try

to own that I deserve it.

So, what might elder years rest look

like?! Maybe, just maybe, it's more

about just being. We all probably

worry too much about getting out

there and achieving. But, if you think

about it, we've done plenty of that . . .

and yes, it's time to rest.

I'm going to rest today! And, I'll do 

that by doing the odd errand, visiting

my step-son. Might take in a show,

read a book in my new series. I'm

learning to be, just BE . . .

07/16/2024

"I am an empath, I can hear what

you are not saying." ~Unknown

Per most things in life, there are

both positive and negative feelings

involved in being an empath.

Helpful in parenting and teaching

beyond the pale; make no mistake.

My problem was I was never able

to turn off another's pain in my 

own soul.

Perhaps, therein lies the negative

side of empathic ability. Mind and

soul of others constantly targeting

yours. So hard! No wonder I've

been white haired since I was 30.

But bottom line, I am grateful for

this somewhat difficult gift. My

little brother began losing his sight 

when he was three. He was blind

by 11. My job was to read to him

after school until my parents got

home.

Sometimes we would take long

walks. He was too small at the

time for a seeing-eye dog, so we

would hold hands and I would

narrate. The whole neighborhood

knew us.

Frankly, I credit him with the gift,

or curse, if you will. He had a speech

impediment and I was the only one

who understood his lingo. I grew up 

in translation mode.

One way or another, his life made me

a better mom, a better teacher, a better

friend. I miss him, yet I am glad he's

resting. 

My heart hurts . . .

07/15/2024

"Walk barefoot. 

Talk to the moon,

And the trees, 

And the rivers and

streams and the mighty

mountains. Find the

magic in every little

and big thing."

The Feral Mountain 

So love our Mother Nature!

She brings such contentment,

such joy.

For a long time now, I have

endured depression and anxiety

for SAD (Seasonal Affective

Disorder). Interestingly enough,

I find sitting outside for a while

soothes my soul down to my 

toes.

Yesterday, I found myself to 

be particularly shaky. Needing 

to water, I spent time outdoors. 

I immediately felt serene and

comfortable in my own skin.

What a gift is our Mother. She

lights up my life. Sooooo love

her!

07/14/2024

In speaking of the Crone, methinks

some may have also heard the term,

Olde Crone. What is the difference?

In days of yesteryear, women croned,

or crowned, much younger. Post

menopausal most likely. Alas, women

also lived a much shorter time .

Today the Crone, or Crony, usually

celebrates around 60 and is packing

plenty of wisdom. The seeking of

wisdom is obviously a prime concern.

Often, the age of 75 or 80 is chosen

to celebrate Olde Crone status. And,

although the seeking of wisdom is

inherent in the nature, the sharing of

wisdom becomes summarily important.

One can always seek the advice of an

Olde Crone or Crony. They must be

approached politely and with deference.

A gift of acknowledgment is also

important. Don't feel bad if the gift is

passed on. The receiving is essential,

the sharing is as well.

Remember, these gifts come to us in

age. If we seek, we will find. One's

basic beliefs are not an issue here.

Blessed be!

07/13/2024

"Sadly, some would call her 

a Hag . . . Lovingly, we call 

her Crone . . . Blessed are the 

Crones for they have lived the 

paths others have yet to walk."

We Sisters Three

From time to time, I am asked

what this Crone business is all

about. Methinks 'tis high time

I explained a bit.

A woman becomes a Crone,

a man a Crony, when her/his

second Saturn passes. This is

usually around one's 57th or

58th birthday. Personally, I

like 60 years of age; seems

a tad more symbolic to me.

So, what is the focus for the

Crone, Crony, here on out?

Personal growth is probably

the most important endeavor.

Seeking wisdom and how it

applies to one's life fits right

in here. Showing the way for

others interested marks the

third.

Alas, we live in a society that

has forgotten to honor the

Crone and Crony. Important 

we teach our children to honor

the aged, the elderly . . .

Blessed be!

07/12/2024

"Life needs more stolen kisses,

soft smiles, and slow dances

in the rain." ~Samantha Gabardi

Love this!

Yesterday, one of my friends

pointed out that I tend to get

more positive during sunny

days. If any of you suffer SAD

you'll know exactly what she

means.

I'm thinking I need to take a 

page out of Samantha Gabardi's

book and store up some ideas.

So love holding hands w/my

guy whilst watching a movie

together. A morning prepping

cards to mail pleases me. 

You'd laugh, but even getting 

my bills paid on time gives 

me a boost.

Upon reflection, I see it takes

so very little to make happy, 

as it were. So why then, do 

I spend any time down Sad 

Alley? 

Wonder if I could learn to

control it?!

 - - -

Samantha Gabardi, was born 

in Sonora, CA. She resides in 

Texas with her children.

07/11/2024

"Did it alone. Did it broke.

Did it tired. Did it scared.

Still doing it." Thinking Minds

Yes . . . 

As I read this, memories of 

yesteryear simply flooded 

my soul.

Certainly, we all have our 

own version of these words.

Still, 'tis good to remember

from time to time.

People are . . . Amazing! 

Magnificent!! Phantabulous!!!

Can't help but wonder, as we

forget this, does this forgetting

contribute to depression?!

Going to try this . . . Next time

I'm in the hands of Mr. Doldrums,

just going to take a walk down

memory lane. There are ever so

many beautiful things to recall!

The births of my children, my

years in Mexico, skating rink

time . . . Yeah, Memory Lane

R O C K S !!!

07/10/2024

"Listen to all things in the 

Universe with open heart."

Wild Woman Sisterhood

I so want this admonition

to be moi! Alas, 'tis easy 

to forget to pay attention!

Late afternoon yesterday,

we were sitting outside.

Finding ourselves in quiet,

we were delighted with the

different sounds . . .

Water dripping in our little

pond. Chipmunks scurrying

to and fro catching a drink.

The odd cracking sound as

something stepped on leaves.

It was interesting that we did

a pretty good job of tuning out

the traffic. Methinks it helped

that we were so in tune with

Mother at the moment. 

Mother Nature, Mother Earth,

giver of most wondrous gifts!

Thank you and thank you again!

07/09/2024

Been dreaming of late . . . of

those of mine gone before. My

parents, my brother, an aunt and

uncle, a couple of my friends.

Alas, 'tis every night. As I dream,

I'm happy to see them. But, upon

awaking, my soul is flooded with

both concern and worry.

It's just that it's now, now as I'm

turning 75. And nightly! For me,

someone who has wished out

more often than not, I find it

interesting that I no longer feel

ready to go.

What is it that has brought this

longing to stay a while longer?

Age? Maturity? Understanding?

All I know is that I must not yet

leave. I have a need to suss things

out, learn more, understand.

I pray the universe will gift me

yet a tad more time . . .

07/08/2024

"Silence and smile are two very

powerful tools." ~Paulo Coelho

Harking back to 40 years worth

of teaching, I am reminded of

the above wise words. Now, if

I could only remember to use

them now! Ha!

Seems every time I open my

mouth, I get into trouble! 'Tis

then, I recall something about

silence! 

Methinks one of the good bits

about being nigh onto a 100

years old, people forgive your

tongue. 

Now the smile, I've got that

down! Seems my smiles just

run down the side of my mouth

with zero prompting.

Can't help but wonder if this

isn't all about secret smiles?!

When you've lived as long as

I have, you know things, you

have experienced many . . .

that whole, been there done 

that thing.

Word to the wise . . . best be

careful 'round we oldsters!

07/07/2024

Love is indeed phenomenal!

If one keeps eyes open, the 

L-word is all around us . . .

Yesterday, we witnessed love

in a very special way. Our

friends and neighbors, also

known as, d) all of the above,

celebrated their 35th retaking

their vows.

Sweet family and friends

surrounded the happy couple,

wished them well and spent

the afternoon eating, drinking

and making merry.

Two of the men, fab musicians

in their own right, made every-

thing even more phenomenal 

with their music. They wowed 

us with guitar, song, and voice. I

never wanted the concert to end.

I found myself much moved by

the obvious caring and friendship

in this circle. If ever there were

proof of how loved ones feel 

about our sweet couple, this is it!

I found myself gifted with hope.

Hope that there is still beauty in

our troubled world. Hope that

friendship will ever out . . .

Goddess bless!

07/06/2024

"if the pain was deep, you will

have to let it go many times."

~yung pueblo

Through the years, I've heard

much about letting go. Alas, 

I fear 'tis not a feat at which 

I excel.

Time to time, I pat myself on

the back thinking I've finally

let something go . . . and then

a memory comes up and it's

all right back in place.

I keep thinking that I damn

well better learn to let go

before I pass on to the better

life, as it were.

I know that I too have offended

and hate to think of these poor

souls holding on for dear life

to my offense. 

Methinks, turning things

'round helps to understand

someone else's point of view

a tad better.

Perhaps my goal . . . turning

75 this year, after all!

07/05/2024

"Don't sit on the floor without

a solid plan on how to get up 

again." Note to self

I can actually remember simply

crossing my legs and pushing

myself up; whatever happened

to that dame?!

Actually, as the aging process

began a couple of years ago,

times I would be overcome in

tears. Then, I got a grip! 

Now, I just chuckle and let it 

go. I would admit, watching 

me get up from the floor just

might be worth selling tickets!

Methinks one of the reasons

we hang with our peers is so

we can tell tales out of school

and learn to laugh at ourselves.

Just remember, laughing is far

better than crying . . . now for

trying to get up . . .

07/04/2024

What does the 4th of July

mean to you? To us?

For some, it's all about get

togethers, picnics, drinks

and fireworks . . . and let's

celebrate right through the

weekend!

All this is well and good,

make no mistake. Still, it's

important we remember

what the 4th is truly about.

"The day in 1776 that the

Declaration of Independence 

was adopted by the Second 

Continental Congress in 

Philadelphia." Wikipedia

Yes, let's party; eat, drink

and be merry . . . ever 

keeping in mind the true

significance of the day!

Happy 4th!

07/03/2024

"Take care of your thoughts when

you are alone. Take care of your

words when you are with people."

Wild Woman Sisterhood

WWS always shares good, sound 

advice. Now for the difficult part,

following it!

I often find my mind wandering

in and out of places I would never

allow my bod to go! Go figure!

Sooooo, how to tackle this issue?

I think it's easier to mind one's

tongue when with others, so 

maybe start there. I've found  

when I listen more than talk, 

I get into less trouble.

Perhaps, therein lies a tad of

wisdom! I should listen to my

thoughts with the same attention

I give to people talking!

Maybe whilst I'm learning to deal

with the above advice, I'd do well

to do a lot more listening instead

of talking!

Think I'll shut up now . . .

07/02/2024

"The land knows you, 

even when you are lost."

~Robin Wall Kimmerer

Winter lasted ever so long

and our longed for Spring

never really happened.

Summer has finally come,

a tad of heat, a bit of rain . . .

But, Winter's depression is

hanging in there, breaking

my heart all over again.

So loved Robin's words,

reread this early morn. My

land does know me and I 

am ever so lost.

Who do I pray to? Mother

Earth? Gods of yesteryear?

The Universe? The god

within?

I am so tired of my own

Winter. Pray, leave me. Go

back to your own place and

time . . .

07/01/2024

"I love three languages of 

the universe: music, love and 

silence." ~biswajit mahapatr

I am sooooo there! Certainly,

this has been said before in

many ways, shapes and forms.

My heart goes out to any who

don't appreciate or understand

any of these three.

Surely we all love and enjoy

music! All kinds for many

purposes! Then there's love,

also many kinds and purposes.

Couldn't live without it!

I think it's silence that some

find it a bit harder to understand.

And really, it's not just anyone

you can sit with in silence.

I know I'm fortunate because 

there are those in my life with

whom I can sit quietly. What a

precious, precious gift. I actually

believe that silence heals. In fact,

perhaps it heals when naught else

will.

So, whereas we may all understand 

the power of love and music, let's

all ponder the power of silence and

learn to live with it, to use it and to

enjoy it.

Blessed be . . .