11/30/2024

Just heard from my son. 

Safe arrival from TG trip 

to see my daughter and 

nephew. Sooooo would 

have liked to have been

there, but were concerned

about hauling the travel

trailer in snowy weather.

One of the things I recall

'bout being younger is that

"no fear factor" as I tend

to think about it. I well

remember teaching all day,

night classes as well, and

then crawling into the car

for a four-hour trip to see

my dad. No could do it now.

It occurs to me that youth

are blest with fearlessness

and oldsters with wisdom.

Think I prefer the latter,

but do wonder why. Is it

that in our youth we didn't

fear death and now that

we're old, we do? Or is it

that we're simply holding

onto life with everything

we've got because we've

learned to love it so much?

Thoughts to ponder and 

here's hoping I've a few

more years in me to think

about things!

Like I said, here's hoping . . .

11/29/2024 - a very liquid TG

Normally, TG is a colorful

kaleidoscope of family and

dishes . . . paling beside any

meals 'fore and/or 'aft!

We'd sooooo hoped to travel

to parts unknown to join in

familial bliss, but umpteen

inches of snow and not 'bout

hauling the travel trailer kept

us home.

Sooooo, we decided we'd do

drinks rather than dishes . . .

carefully, of course. We started

the day with my daily column

and my usual buttermilk.

We graduated to a fun show,

old time MacGyver and drank

plenty of water . . . "Craful,

craful" as my little bro used

to say.

First course really began with

that delish box of chocolates

my hijita gifted me for my 75th.

We each had a piece with a

glass of champagne that one

of my dearests and bests had

just gifted me.

We then took cautionary naps

and awoke to an iced glass of

ld's famous margs. Truly, we

were clever to stop at the one!

I had somethings to do on FB,

so we each enjoyed a beer, Mex

for moi, and dark German for

him!

'Bout that time, mister treated

himself to one of the four TG

games offered on the telly and

I served a red . . . along w/a

new book by one of my fave

authors.     

Obviously, a long day of fun

and pleasure had to end with

a very special coffee from

Guatemala, along with a decent

dollop of Baileys.

There may not be a repeat in

the midst of such indulgence,

but . . .

. . . Oh my Goddess, it 'twas

ever sooooo fun; make no

mistake!

Salud . . .

11/28/2024 - Thanksgiving

I've always appreciated

that on this day we are

somewhat mandated to 

be grateful.

Still, I certainly value 

that a reminder is always 

a good idea! Didn't our

parents always tell us, 

"Say thank you to . . . "

One way or another, I have

no real issue with being 

reminded to cherish certain 

people, values, facts.

I praise the gods daily for 

my babes; make no mistake!

I thank the universe for my

man, my home, my comfort.

I honor the fact that we ever

and always have food to eat

and warmth in winter.

Indeed, I am thankful, grateful,

and don't mind one iota being

reminded. One thing for certain,

I certainly hope I ever recall

daily, the blessings I have been

given.

And, not just for today, I am

in awe of the love I have for

my children, my friends, my

life.

Indeed, I am grateful and not

just for today . . .

11/27/2024

"Paradise has never been 

about places. It exists in 

moments. In connection. 

In flashes across time."

~Victoria Erickson

I so value this unusual 

look at the word paradise.

There must be many a

different concept re the

term.

That glorious culmination

of love making, an actual 

place where we intend to 

end our days, even a high

end eatery.

I like Erickson's take on

the word. Words! "It's a

boy! Your daughter rocks!!

You are a hell of a friend!!!

Actually, I fear most of us

have forgotten, or never

even realized the power of 

words.

Sweet words, kind words,

loving words, words of 

encouragement and healing,

just what we need on a

daily basis.

Words bear thinking about,

both to hear and to give . . .

Methinks I'm going to gift

a few today!

11/26/2024

"Age is irrelevant. Ask me

how many sunsets I've seen,

hearts I've loved, trips I've

taken, or concerts I've been

to. That's how old I am."

Happy Hippies Life

I was so taken with this that

I shared it. Still pondering

True inspiration!

Somewhere 'twixt & 'tween

the fear of dying yet still 

longing for release, I've lost

those precious memories of

a life well lived.

The quote truly says it all.

And yes, I've seen many a

sunset, loved hard, traveled

far and even taken in a few

concerts.

More importantly, I've given

birth to two of the grandest

souls in kingdom come. No

greater privilege!

Sooooo, lose the fear already!

Love hard! Live each day as

'twas the last . . .

11/25/2024

"Your soul already knows 

the answer. You just have 

to be quiet enough to hear

the whispers and brave 

enough to follow them"

~The Universe

So love me those bits and

pieces of wisdom that pop

up in the strangest places!

This particular one is ever

so important!

I find myself saying to moi,

"Just shut the f--- up and

listen already! Stop talking

for a while and you might

just learn something!"

I fear we don't often listen

to our higher selves. It's

almost like we don't really

believe that we have any-

thing important to say and

apparently no wisdom at

all.

As I draw nearer each day

to the century mark, think

I'd better get going on that

whole learning curve, 'cus 

not much time left anywho!

I swear, listening here . . .

11/24/2024

"I am looking forward to the

small things that bring me joy."

Goddess Love

Love the concept of enjoying

the small gifts life brings us!

You'll laugh, but . . .

Buttermilk in bed at o'dark

thirty is delish! Coming up

with a new seasonal table is

pure fun for moi. No idea 

what to eat and then recall

my neighbor left me a treat.

Methinks 'tis important to

get into this! Every day,

think about three small 

happenings that made you

smile. After a while you'll 

do it automatically and then 

find you can't stop at three.

I find I do this more in the

warmer months. This year

I'm going to make a point

of doing so during winter.

It occurs to me that I'll find

myself cheering up whether

I like it or not!

Ouch! Does this mean I like

to wallow?! Something to

ponder. Bet I need to grow 

up and get over myself.

Go figure . . .

11/23/2024

"live with intention. walk

to the edge. listen hard.

practice wellness. play with 

abandon. laugh. choose with 

no regret. continue to learn. 

appreciate your friends. do 

what you love. live as if this 

is all there is." 

~mary anne radmacher

 

A true list to live by; make

no mistake. She only forgot,

"adore your children!" 

which I do with abandon!!!

I tend to watch out for words

of wisdom. I find the short

quips stick in my memory 

longer.

Actually, this list could be 

mine, all except, "practice

wellness." Now that I'm

nigh onto a hundred, I like 

to eat ice cream for break-

fast and other naughtiness.

Always thought 10 mandates

were too many. I've always

lived by three. Since there

are 11 here, or 12 if you add

in mine, I may have to change

my mind.

Thoughts?

11/22/2024

¡Qué rayos! 

Noche a noche, sueño con 

mi familia, mis amistades 

y los veinte años que viví 

en México. ¡Será que estoy 

por pasar a mejor vida antes

que después?!

En mi sueño, vamos al sur

de México para vacaciones.

Estamos invitados a pasar 

el día con unos mariachis 

quienes tocan, cantan y 

bailan. ¡Qué día!

Pero en la tarde, finalmente

le toca a mi Sr. informarme

que se ha enamorado de una

de las bailarinas y que va a

quedarse con ella.

Lo curioso para mí es que

esto nunca pasó en realidad.

Pero, el dolor que siento en

mi sueño es más allá del

más allá. Despierto . . .

sollozando casi a gritos.

He estado soñando así por

varios meses. No es que 

tenga miedo necesariamente,

pero siento que el fin de mis

días reina cercano.

Ha de ser una advertencia

pero aún así, ¡no estoy lista!

Simplemente, no quiero

irme todavía . . .

11/21/2024

"Sometimes you need a

"stop doing" list as badly

as you do a "to-do" list.

The Defiant Crone

Ran into this bit of smart

at o' dark thirty this early

morn and simply couldn't 

stop laughing.

Sooooo true . . .

I've ever and always had 

that simple "to-do" list;

-change sheets

-do the dishes

-pay the bills

-time to sweep

-water the plants

No biggie. Prob don't even

need a list. But I'm liking

this whole "stop doing" list

idea.

-don't focus on the negative

-lose the attitude already

-stop obsessing & worrying

Rather like this whole still

learning in my old age thing!

11/20/2024

Glory in the unexpected!

I thought I had a couple

of friends over . . . seems

I noted the wrong date.

Sooooo, as my guy had

built the fire, he suggested

we make it a couple's day.

Asked me to make margs

and put on some music.

Oh my God, does it ever 

get better than this?!

We sat contentedly by the 

fire, drinking our margs, 

and eating the food he 

brought in. Glorious!

In the background; Kenny 

Rodgers, Willie Nelson 

and other of his faves. He

made the day happen, had

to be his choices.

Hated to head off to bed, 

but had to happen. Rather

makes me want to mess 

up arrangements another

day, if you know what I

mean!

The thing I love? We still

enjoy each other one way

or another . . .

11/19/2024

"There are two rules on the

spiritual path. Begin and

continue." Sufi

Ran across this bit of wisdom

upon awaking at 3:30 a.m.

Really spoke to me.

How many times in life do we

begin something for whatever

reason and then abandon it for

the same?I

Now that I'm a hundred years

old and trying to suss out the

meaning of life, I'll be damned

if I give up on my search!

During these past two weeks,

and again yesterday, I have 

been reminded of the power 

of friendship.

I don't think for a moment that

one's friends need to be on the

same belief path. We each

travel to Nirvana in our own

way.

So hoping my elder years and

my path bring me the answers

I seek . . .

11/18/2024

Awoke to 18° this early morn.

Does this mean it's winter yet?

Nah, methinks 'tis still autumn.

In spite of SAD and elections

and the go withs, I'm going 

w/Norman Vincent Peale's

Power of Positive Thinking.

Friends have given me many

an idea as well . . . short time 

outdoors each day. Hey, it's 

only 18° right now . . . good 

meals. Does buttermilk and a 

banana sound about right?

For today, I'm going with a

fire, sweet contemplations

and a decent bottle of red.

One of my old friends from

the 'hood will be joining me

and I bet my 'tude and I are

going to be just fine!

Here's hoping the sun comes

out, melts away those last bits

of 33" snow and reminds me

again what autumn is supposed

to look like . . .

Oh well, autumn is as autumn

does . . .

11/17/2024

A new week, a new day . . .

So hoping I can now begin 

to get beyond this depression;

33" of snow in three days, 

the election, world chaos.

What's to be done to improve

the downs, as I like to call 

them.

My guess would be that we

all know the secrets. The trick

would be to do them, right?!

Eat right, bit of daily exercise,

drink not at all or very little, 

sleep your eight, read some 

light-hearted literature.

And never forget the power 

of sweet visitors! 'Tis the 

best . . .

Hey, I'm going to get right on

this! Especially this last one!

11/16/2024 - Sacred Night of Lady Hekate

Many of you know I named my cabin,

The Lady Hekate. This ancient goddess

was known to stand at the three-way 

crossroads and as my cabin is such, 

thus I named her.

November 16 is her anniversary, The

sacred night of Lady Hekate. I thought 

you might like to know a bit about her.

I like the below text; am only sorry 

the author is unknown . . .

"She roams the earth with her hounds, 

new initiations are made for those 

who follow her. Hecate’s Supper is 

left  out on the steps of her followers 

dwellings, usually consisting of honey 

and mushrooms. Hecate then blesses 

those inside.

On the night of Hekate, she draws very

nigh. She is known by many as the

mother, maiden and crone, goddess of 

the night, the full and dark moons, 

crossraods, life and death, transitions and 

transformation. She is a keeper of wisdom, 

the unconscious mind and is considered 

to be the queen of magic.

Hekate holds the keys to the Gates of 

the Underworld and to all mysteries. 

Ancient Greeks placed statues of her 

at the doorways for protection. For 

those who honor her, she will bestow 

many gifts, including magical abilities 

and prosperity."  ~Unknown

11/15/2024

Today we are celebrating 

Lady Hekate, Goddess of 

the three-way crossroads. 

In days of yesteryear, 

"Pillars called Hecataea 

stood at three-way cross-

roads to keep away evil 

spirits." Wikipedia

As my little cabin sits on 

a three-way crossroad, I 

named her after this fab 

goddess.

My guy created a space 

for an outdoor altar in 

the center of three trees.

It is quite stunning and

the statue has withstood

13 years of weather of

all kinds.

One of the things I so 

love about my Lady

Hekate cabin is the fact

that it houses a true

sense of spirituality!

I often ask myself why

I am so moved by this

particular goddess. Part

has to be the three-way

crossroads as three is 

my number. I also love

her symbol, the key and

I have keys all over my

cabin and property.

No can do the snakes 

though . . .

 - - -

"Hecate is a goddess in 

ancient Greek religion 

and mythology, most often 

shown holding a pair of 

torches, a key, snakes, and

accompanied by dogs."

Wikipedia

11/14/2024

What a fun, delightful wedding!

Just before the bride came in,

a chap danced up the isle, 

throwing popcorn, snacks and

beer to the audience. He then

brought each of the wedding

party a beer.

I simply loved speaking to this

young couple. For the first time

in about 35 years, after marrying

dozens and dozens of couples,

I shared my points for a good

marriage. You might think this

a bit much as I've been married

three times! Oh well . . .

#1 - Know yourself and be

yourself. Of course, naught

wrong with discussing certain

things even if you have to agree

to disagree. 

Compromise R O C K S !!!

#2 - Work at it. Take turns at the

dishes, straightening up, changing

the sheets. Share the bills, share

in anything and everything.

#3 - Make lots of love. And, that

doesn't mean just going to bed.

That odd touch or look, holding

hands, being playful together,

and lots of little kisses.

I would add, couples are going to

fight. Having said that, I don't get

why two rational, intelligent adults

shout at each other. Why can't 

opinions be stated and discussed?

Raise your glasses . . . here's to

these sweet, young newlyweds.

And, here's to us enduring and

enjoying . . . Salud! 

11/13/2024

Ever sooooo excited . . .

Today, a young couple join

hands in ceremony, promising

to love and honor 'til death do

them part.

They will be surrounded by

the beauty of family, friends,

and well-wishers. Smiles and

teary eyes, nods of approval,

simply sheer joy embracing

the young couple.

See those sweet, secret looks 

'tween those long wed, others

looking forward to their own

someday soon. Bottom line,

naught but joy abounds . . .

Today is a day of promises

given, happiness abounding,

hopes for a glorious future.

But, what about us? Those of

us who witness all? Those of

us still hoping and praying?

Methinks we've an opportunity

here to evaluate. Maybe even

begin a plan. 

Yes, there is much out of our 

hands, yet there are also things

over which we do have control.

I say we use today's joy to

inspire ourselves to take steps,

albeit baby steps, towards

reclaiming our own joyous

moments.

Joy awaits . . .

11/12/2024

a.m.

Today is going to be a 

good day! 

We're off to my niece's 

wedding rehersal. So special 

when I get to marry family.

Wedding on the morrow . . .

two whole days of getting

out, seeing family, simply

enjoying.

Methinks I've died and 

gone to heaven . . . sooooo

NOT kidding!

Surely, good reports soon

to follow . . .

p.m.

Oh, it was so good to get

out in the sun! Sooooo

needed it!

Such lovely people in my

family . . . the bride so

gorgeous and her mom, 

one of my dearest cousins.

So impressed with the bride's

entourage. Lovely people,

very friendly.

Methinks seeing their love 

was just what I needed to get 

my mojo back!

11/11/2024

Sooooo, what's to be done

with depression?

Trying to think here . . . 

been so down, I've not 

been able to do so properly. 

Spoke to my daughter yester-

day and that helped a great

deal. Friends came over and

brightened the mood. 

But really, where do we go

from here? 

-Perhaps it's time to lose 

the murder mysteries I enjoy 

both reading and watching.

-Too dangerous out there 

to take a ride . . . maybe 

find a scenic show to watch.

-The answer has to lie in 

sitting by the fire. Might 

even indulge in an eggnog.

Something's got to give. 

Not a place I want to be in

much less live in . . .

Help! Drowning here . . .

11/10/2024

"The dark does not destroy

the light; it defines it. It's 

our fear of the dark that casts 

our joy into the shadows."

~Brené Brown

Just when I'm feeling over-

whelmed w/an early winter,

33" of snow and fear of the

unknown, I read this bit of

wisdom.

I've always enjoyed Brené 

Brown. She seems to be able

to capture the depth in the 

simple in a way that amazes

me.

I need to remember that light

follows dark and hope is ever

present in despondency.

And, tomorrow is another day

after all . . .

 - - -

Brené Brown is an American

professor, lecturer, author and

podcast host. Wikipedia

11/09/2024

Alas, sooooo not coping;

where do I go from here?!

I swore to myself that I

wouldn't use my daily

column as a gripe site . . .

yet here I am.

Still, I find that by sharing

my sorrows here allows 

me deal with my plight

somewhat better.

Obviously, I get that one

cannot change this winter

weather, the outcome of an 

election, and other things

that are off putting.

Sooooo, methinks sitting

by the fire with a spiced

eggnog might just distract.

This bit of brilliance was

suggested by my lover.

Feel free to send your

suggestions . . . I'm all ears!

11/08/2024

"Some of the brightest

lanterns are held by those

who have known darkness.

Brave beacons of hope for

others to find their way."

Sunlight and Shadows

Alas, 'tis that time of year

when I just want to curl up

and die. The good thing is

I know it's not real and I'm

ever learning how to cope.

The thing I consider best

out of my SAD months, is

the empathy one feels for

others in the same space.

So, what I want to learn 

from this would be how to

encourage those suffering

from Seasonal Affective

Disorder.

As I wasn't diagnosed for

years, there may be people

in the same situation I was.

Knowing is coping!!!

Bottom line, if you suspect

you might have SAD, get

properly diagnosed. Find 

a group to talk and share.

'Tis most likely the reason

I'm still alive today . . .

11/07/2024

"Dance before the music is

over. Live before your life 

is over." Hippie Zenlighten

Methinks this dear heart 

was sending a message 

straight to moi!

I've ever and always had 

my own secret dances . . .

and I have lived, oh how

I have lived!

Having said that, I find

aging can tend to move 

one's self into a more 

contemplative mode.

Right or wrong, I tend to 

do my living in front of 

the fireplace, in the pages

of a good book, in the

glory of a fab meal and

drowning in delight in

wondrous conversations.

Obviously, there's naught

wrong with that. Still, not

to forget dancing whilst

living in any manner one

chooses . . .

 . . . there are, after all,

many kinds of dancing!

11/06/2024

"Hardships often prepare

ordinary people for an

extraordinary destiny."

~C.S. Lewis

Obviously, we all have

experienced and endured

hardships of different kinds.

We know what it's like to 

be out of work, have a half

empty fridge, suffer illness,

lose a loved one.

We all have experienced

joy as well . . . that 

unexpected raise, a long-

awaited pregnancy, a small 

lotto win, our children's 

achievements.

So I would ask, why is it

human nature to focus on

our hardships rather than

our wins? Surely, the least

we could do would be both!

Think I'm going to go all

out and make that supreme

effort to focus on my wins.

Wish me luck . . .

11/05/2024

"They who dream by day 

are cognizant of many 

things which escape those 

who dream only at night." 

~Edgar Allan Poe

I may as well admit it . . . 

as everyone already knows 

this about me. I am indeed 

a daydreamer.

I remember as a child . . .

my father would say, "Get

your head out of the clouds,

Linda-Dale."

My parents would have to

call me more than once as 

I tended to be off in Never,

Never Land.

Not sure if it's a personality

trait, a coping mechanism 

or a place I simply like to be.

My guess would be, probably

a bit of all three.

Methinks daydreaming is a 

gift from the gods. It allows

one to escape uncomfortable

situations. It's fab for planning.

Maybe even a different use

for the mind.

Obviously, 'tis not a place to

live. It's important to live life!

But, daydreaming has its place

and I indeed visit quite often!

11/04/2024

"We are mosaics. Pieces of

light, love, history, stars. Glued

together with magic and music

and words." ~Anita Krizzan

Any time I'm feeling down,

all I have to do is read some

Anita Krizzan. Be that the case, 

I should have one of her books

in every room!

Obviously, life isn't quite that

simple. There are genuine 

reasons for the downs, as I

tend to call them. Winter being

the obvious one for moi as I

have SAD.

So, adding insult to injury, my

guy tells me we got 8" - 10"

inches of the s-word last night.

I'm going to try and be brave!

I'll look out the window and 

say, "Praise God, we needed

the moisture!"

And it's true! We desperately

need the moisture and I am

going to try and be braver

this winter! SAD be damned.

Wish me courage . . . Where's

Anita when you need her?!

11/03/2024

"Shall I cook, clean or  

do the grocery shopping? 

Okay, reading it is."

Crazy Book Lady

Once Days of the Dead

have passed, I like to think 

of November as a month

all about gratitude . . .

And indeed, I'm certain I'll

have my days as such. Still,

I'm feeling all wintery. And

yes, I do know it's autumn. 

So, how to cope? Dealing

with the cold and dark days,

snowy weather, reading it is.

I find moi treating myself to

old faves. Then I try a few

new ones on for size. I like

reading all the books I have

by one author and then going

on to another.

Should the gods ever ask me

how I made it through winter

without killing myself or any

one else, the answer will ever

and always be . . .

 . . . by reading!

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

Today, I honor my ancestors.

The altar is beautiful, these

old framed black and whites

of my parents, grandparents,

and greats are ever so sweet.

I recall stories told by my 

father. He loved his gran so

much. I know I too, was 

ever so lucky to have known 

all my grands. Lucky as well, 

to have heard dad's tales of 

the greats.

I like looking at the photos

as I place them on the table.

Old style, of course. Small,

black and white and not

taken as closeups. Still, I 

see magic there.

I know I am ever so lucky

to have spent 20 formative

years in Olde Mexico. So

love me the many traditions

taught me. Still, some of the

absolute best surround the

Days of the Dead.

Most wondrous . . .

 - - -

November 2nd is dedicated

to those adults; family and

friends, who have passed

before us.

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

Just imagine, today all 

Latin American countries

will be celebrating The 

Day of the Dead.

These sacred days begin

on October 31, Samhain.

November 1st will honor

those small children we

have lost to Mr. Death.

You will find our homes

with decorated altars . . .

Marigolds are a must and

might just explain all the

colors of orange found.

Photographs of our much

morned children, as well

as gifts of food and coin

will adorn the altars.

Some will find jocularity

questionable. Know that 

has to do with mocking

Mr. Death. We turn our 

fears into rising to the

occasion and laughing 

in the face of he who has

caused us such pain.

Stories will be told, many

a tear shed . . . But know

this, We love our children

lost and pray they are safe!