09/04/2025

Walking down memory

lane today . . .

Having grown up in

yesteryear, we always

started school on Sept.

fourth.

Exciting times for us,

make no mistake.

Our school was small

enough that we had two

grades in each room. 

And, how we loved our

teachers!

Coming in from recess,

we'd put our heads down

for 15 minutes and then

we'd sing along with our

teacher as she played the

piano.

I learned so much at this

school, I was able to do

high school in three years.

Fab times . . . and . . .

fond memories!

09/03/2025

"I honor who I was, but I

don't live there anymore."

~Mark Hollenstein

One of most interesting

things about aging is

looking back.

Obviously, is not a place

to live, but taking a good

peek now and then can 

be quite revealing.

I've spent time looking 

back. I see a life well

lived, plenty of messes

I made from time to time,

and many a glorious 

moment.

But, to quote Jesse Stuart,

"the thread that runs so true"

is still there. I honor the

growth, the changes, but

make no mistake . . . I see

that ld path throughout

these many years.

Hopefully, I will continue

to grow, right to the end.

But know this . . .

 . . . I wouldn't change a

single thing!

09/02/2025

"When you stop being

somebody, you can dance

with life instead of racing

through it." ~Allan Watts

So wish I could have seen

this quote when I retired.

Methinks we all look 

forward to retirement . . . 

and then it happens. It 

takes some getting used 

to, make no mistake.

What to do with one's time?

Work, rest or both? Rules 

to follow? Schedules?

I believe the answers lie 

in fully embracing this 

phenomenon. Learning 

to enjoy this sweet time

is such a gift.

Best of all . . . ice cream

for breakfast . . . right in

bed!

09/01/2025

Love me my reading, 

make no mistake . . .

Not a lot of time to 

do so during the day, 

but from time to time, 

I pull an all nighter. 

'Tis 4:30 this early 

morn . . . just finished 

reading two books. 

So fun! 

I'll admit I may pay for

it today . . . but, isn't

that why naps were

invented after all?!

During my 40 years of

teaching, I longed to

turn all of my students

onto reading.

I think the secret lies

in allowing the student

to read what they like . . .

funny books, romances,

humor, classics, sacred.

Frankly, there are so

many genres that kids

can pick and choose.

Sooooo let's read guys!

08/31/2025

"Your purpose isn't to gain

the approval of the world,

but to be a light in it."

Ancient Pagan Roots

Having taught high school

for 40 years, my heart just

hurt when I saw most all of

the young people following

the crowd, trying to fit in.

Obviously, there were a few

different crowds on could

try to join . . . the stoners,

the athletes, the cools, etc.

But, there was usually one

who fit no where, sat alone

in the cafeteria and most

likely rued his existence. 

With all my heart, I wish

we could teach our children

to simply be themselves!

Blessed be . . .

08/30/2025

"Solitude isn't loneliness.

It's a kind of communion -

with self, with land, with

life itself." WW Sisterhood

Indeed solitude is priceless.

Yet I would have to say, it's

a bit difficult to lay hands 

on. Today's world is busy,

busy, busy!

Perhaps every generation

feels the same. Still, I find

said phenomenon when we

go out. Walk into a grocery

store, a Walmart, and I just

want to make a run for it.

Conclusions, snag every

moment you can. And, if

there are none to be found,

plan!

Seems a bit rich to plan

solitude time, but if that's

what it takes, so be it!

08/29/2025

"The best time to call

me is a text message."

~CWpoet

Saw this . . . soooo 

made me laugh.

I really only us my

phone four times a

month . . . to call my

daughter at the weekend.

I've shared before . . .

-First phone, a party line,

when I was ten and not

allowed to use it.

-Second phone, at 40 

when I returned to US.

No need to repeat any 

more deets. It's simply 

that I never was in a

position to get used to

phones.

Don't know whether to

laugh or cry when I see

people driving, dividing

their time 'twixt that and

their cell.

My old phone is a flip,

so best way to get me is

via e-mail. That's about

as far as my techno-know

how goes . . . 

alas . . .

08/28/2025

"I hope to arrive to my

death late, in love, and

a little drunk. ~Atticus

Crazy as it may seem, 

we oldsters do ponder 

the inevitable in our 

latter years.

I know it drives our kids

and younger generations

a bit crazy. Still, bears

thinking about a tad.

I would have to confess,

I fall into this category 

of pondering my future. 

-Can't help but wonder

if there is an afterlife?

-Is there per chance a

return to this life with

better chances this time

around?

-Is there a heaven and

a hell?

One can ponder, believe,

hope. But bottom line,

it is what it is and we'll

just have to wait and see.

Bright blessings . . .

08/27/2025

"I am a quiet wild.

Few will ever see 

the madness in me.

Like a wildfire on the

dark side of the moon."

~A. Shea

Looking back over the

years, I can see those

different sides of me . . .

. . . the teenage persona,

the loving mother, the

responsible teacher, the

fun FACer, the risk taker.

So, here I am at a hundred

years old, retired, living

in this tiny, tiny cabin . . .

. . . I'm trying to ascertain

who it is I've landed in my

old age.

I like our lives here in the

woods, the sitting outdoors,

sipping the naughties and

quieting my soul.

I can't help but wonder 

if this is all there is and 

if indeed, I am content.

Learning to live in the

moment is what I'm up 

to now. Not as easy as

it sounds . . .

08/26/2024

"One of the most important

things you can do on this

earth is to let people know

they are not alone."

~Shannon L. Alder

I so bless those who bother . . .

the odd card in the mail, a

quick note on e-mail, a call

on the phone, a visit!

During our working years,

we see people everyday. 

There's FAC after work,

lunch out, notes and calls.

Thinking particularly of

retirees, there's adapting to

be done. Unless you're a

goer, you rarely see people.

I'm one of the lucky ones.

Friends visit at the weekend,

daughter calls every Sunday,

son visits twice a month.

Not everyone has this . . .

So remember, make that call,

send a card! 'Twill be more

appreciated than you can ever

imagine!

08/25/2025

Last night I dreamt . . .

I was living in my old

home, taking care of my

mom. 

Feeling exhausted beyond

belief, it was a true pleasure 

to be invited by my bestie 

to go on a special outing.

She insisted that I be home

and she would pick me up.

She arrived, coming up my

driveway in a moped. I was

beyond tickled pink!

Just putting on my shoes, 

my little bro stepped outside.

She asked him if we were

going out today and he said

no.

Obviously, he was referring

to himself. I dashed outside

just as she was turning 

around and speeding away.

My grief was so intense I 

was completely unable to 

stop sobbing. At some point

she was there, trying to

console me, but I simply

could not contain my grief.

When I awoke, my heart

still hurt . . . what could

this dream been trying to

tell me?

08/24/2025

Outside last afternoon

with our pals, when all

of a sudden, deluge . . .

It all began with marble

size hail. The thing is, it

literally pounded hail out

of the sky and it didn't 

end 'til the ground was

literally covered in white.

No land to be seen, only

a carpet of hail.

Then it began to rain. I

really should say pour. It

rained so hard it was more

than a bit scary. Again,

neither of us had ever seen

it rain so hard and for so

long.

We have little rivers all

over the yard and parking

area. Mother Nature sure

pulls it out from time to

time.

I'm ever in awe . . .

08/23/2025

A sweet invite to sit in the

sun . . . and a special red

to go with. Bless his heart!

Whilst wine was breathing, 

he apologizes for having

been in such a bad mood.

He goes on to tell me he's 

been suffering from a bad

headache all day.

We share a small glass and

begin to enjoy the afternoon

watching our pet critters hit

the pond and scamper about.

At some point I asked him

how his headache was faring.

He growled back that he did

not have a headache, never

had one and didn't know 

what I was talking about.

Oh the joys of aging . . .

Let the fun begin!

08/22/2025

"Dream until your dreams

come true." ~Red

I wonder sometimes if we

oldsters either forget to

dream or give up on dreams.

Methinks our entire lives

are spent dreaming, making

dreams come true, dreaming

both night and day.

So, when was it we actually

stopped dreaming?

Was it when we turned 70, 

75, 80? Did we ask ourselves,

"What's the point? Life is

almost over for me anyway."

Dreaming can be healthy for

the soul. If we've given up

on dreaming, start small.

-Dream about a dish you'd 

like to taste again . . . and

make it! 

-Dream about someone you

miss and would like to see.

Invite them over for drinks

and snacks if you're too 

tired to cook.

-Dream about somewhere

you'd like to visit and go

there. It need not be far.

Then, as you relearn to enjoy

these smaller dreams, maybe

go for slightly bigger!

Dream on . . .

08/21/2025

"it takes courage to grow 

up and become who you

really are." ~ee cummings

One of the great loves of

my life . . .

I found him and fell in love 

with him when I was 10ish. 

We lost him when I was 12. 

Rather broke my heart.

Even as a little kid, I got such

a kick out of his dislike for

capital letters and his refusal

to use them. One of the tales

told out of school was that he

bashed them in on his own

typewriter.

Now that I'm about a hundred

and 75, I understand what he

says in the above quote. If

anything in this life requires

courage, it would be the

courage to become.

Bright blessings . . .

 - - -

ee cummings was an American

poet, painter, essayist, author

and playwright. He wrote approx

2,900 poems, 2 autobiographical

novels, four plays and several

essays. 1894 - 1962 Wikipedia

08/20/2025

"Light is an invitation to

happiness. That happiness,

when done right, is a kind

of holiness, palpable and

redemptive." ~Mary Oliver

Sooooo loving the summer

sun! 'Tis as if the Universe

itself is embracing us.

I find spending afternoons

outside is one of the most

healing things I've ever come

across. And I am grateful!

I probably shouldn't say this,

but that yummy marg in my

hand is awfully nice as well!

08/19/2025

"I remember the story of 

the old man who said on 

his deathbed that he'd had a 

lot of trouble in his life, most 

of which had never happened."

~Winston Churchill

God in heaven, why, oh why

do we do this to ourselves?!

It's like we worry before,

during and after! And, I'm 

as culpable as anyone else.

Sooooo wish I could learn 

to live in the moment and

not worry about things until

they actually happen!

Another thing I don't get, we

know this and still fall into

the trap of worry.

I keep saying I want to learn

something new . . . how about

learning not to worry unless

absolutely necessary!!!

08/18/2025

"In life you will lose many

things, just don't lose hope."

~Roger Lee

Pondering hope of late . . .

I believe I have a hopeful

nature, part of my persona.

Still, there are times when 

I find hope failing me. Alas,

down times when I simply 

cannot drudge it up.

This is rather heartbreaking

as hope is what gets us out

of the dark. It gives us the

strength to soldier on, as it

were.

How does hope, once lost, 

find its way home again?

There has to be ways to

recapture lost hope. 

Perhaps, sitting with an

old friend and talking, 

really talking! Spending

more time out in Mother

Nature helps. Eating top

meals rather than snacks.

Hope matters! May we

never lose it . . .

Blessed be.

08/17/2025

"The beauty of light owes 

its existence to the dark."

~Brené Brown

Methinks 'twould be a good

idea to remember these wise

words.

Must confess, I have issues

with the dark. It can be most

scary during a harsh storm,

especially if one is alone.

On the other hand, sitting in

the dark with a loved one and

watching the night lights come

on is a beautiful experience.

As I get older, it is important

to suss out my issues. Fear of

the dark, both literally and

esoterically, would be one

needs looking at!

 - - -

"Brené Brown is an American

professor, lecturer, author, and

podcast host. Brown holds the

Huffington Foundation's Brené 

Brown Endowed Chair at the

University of Houston's Graduate

college of Social Work." Wikipedia

08/16/2025

"'Still gangster' I whisper

to myself as I drink my

chamomile tea with a

heating pad on my back."

Sisterhood connecting as one

Aging is quite the process!

Frankly, best to laugh or

you'd be crying most of the

time!

Walking a tad slower, sitting

more and standing less, rather

be home than out . . . and to

say naught of the constant

aches and pains.

Still, I'd rather be here, some-

what alive and well, rather

than gone away!

So, bring it all on, I'll deal

with it . . . and by the way,

pass me another beer . . .

08/15/2025

"This is dedicated to every

being who looks different,

feels different, and thinks

differently. I see you. I 

feel you. I am you. Stay

different! Our world

needs the difference we 

will make." 

~Qasim Chauhan

I am ever so grateful that

I had a different father who

encouraged me to embrace

my different.

I do see, on some level,

that I'm a eccentric and I

accept myself as is. Still,

there are many things I'd

like to understand about

eccentricity, the different.

I do know that cookie

cutter has never appealed

to me. Let's all embrace

our precious differences.

Blessed be . . .

 - - -

"Living the struggles,

fighting his demons, and

in the search for inner peace,

Qasim Chauhan started his

journey of making art and

inspiring the world through

his words. He believes

knowledge can take you places

and inner pease is the highest

form of success." Google Books

08/14/2025

"There is a middle path

where you let yourself

face challenges and you

are mindful to not push

your nervous system to

the edge." ~Yung Pueblo

Sooooo wish I could

learn this skill!

My nervous system 

dances to the point

where my entire bod

shakes!

What does it take? 

   -Long walks? 

   -Meditation? 

   -Mind power? 

I've tried all of the 

above, but now I'm just

a tad impatient. 

Perhaps I should simply

accept that being a nervous

wreck is part of my own

demeanor. 

Just accept yourself and

get over it already!!!

08/13/2025

Feeling sad yesterday . . .

So, we went out to sit

in the sunshine. The sun

always makes everything

better!

We sat quietly, soaking up

the sun. All of a sudden,

our very pregnant chipmunk

came over for a drink in the

pond. Not long after she was

joined by a smaller version

of herself.

I found myself smiling and

then one of our two bunnies

hopped over. Sooooo cute!

And man, can they cover

the ground! Speed of sound

comes to mind.

We had quite a few hummers,

as well as our two robins.

Chickadees joining in. We

also have a bird over which

we argue over his name.

Sitting there, enjoying the 

pond and the wildlife, it came

to me that the universe finds

a way to send comfort and 

healing.

I pray one and all may find

this peace today . . .

08/12/2025

"I am so tired of waiting,

Aren't you,

For the world to become

good, beautiful and kind?"

~Langston Hughes

I discovered Hughes in

my early teen years. It

was love at first sight,

make no mistake! 

I was heartbroken when 

he passed. Even then, I

thought 66 was awfully

young to die.

What gifts he has left us

in his writing. When I so

need cheering up . . . all

I have to think is, "Give

me some Langston!"

 - - -

Langston Hughes was an

American poet, social

activist, novelist, playwright

and columnist from Missouri.

An early innovator of jazz

poetry, Hughes is best known

as a leader of the Harlem

Renaissance. 1901 - 1967

Wikipedia

08/11/2025

"Respect your body when

it's asking for a break.

Respect your mind when

it's seeking rest. Honor

yourself when you need

a moment for yourself."

~Unknown

Words to live by . . .

make no mistake!

I so appreciate those bits

of wisdom that we find

throughout the day!

I've always sought wisdom

wherever it was to be found.

But I must confess, these

tiny bits and pieces I've only

come to honor in my old age.

I will say, I used to read vols

of books seeking the wisdom

therein. I still read a book a 

day, but for pleasure rather 

than knowledge.

Perhaps I may need to rethink

this . . .

08/10/2025

"Aging is not the end of

youth, but the beginning

of freedom." 

~Happy Hippie

I was discussing this with

a friend of mine yesterday.

She has about 4 or 5 years

on me, but we both get the

deets!

Obviously, we compared

the odd aging nasty, but

mostly we talked about

the freedom we had been

gifted.

-We dress as we feel like it. 

-Pay no attention to hair

what so ever! 

-Open the refrigerator and 

see what falls out rather than 

cooking.

-We go to bed when we want.

-Read all night, sleep all day.

I feel lucky and ever so grateful

that I've been allowed to be on

Mother Earth for this long! 

I pray she gives me just a few

more years . . .

08/09/2025

"If I accept the sunshine

and warmth, then I must

also accept the thunder

and lightning." 

~Khalil Gibran

Ever and always phenom

wisdom from this man!

I grew up reading his work.

Lucky am I who was given

the gift of reading, parents

who supported me in it.

Trips to the local library

once a week. Oh how I

loved that library!

I believe it was there that

I was introduced to Kahlil 

Gibran. My parents always

insisted I choose a variety

of books each week, hence

Kahlil Gibran.

Now that I'm on the other

end of childhood, I am

still reading and kneeling

at the feet of his wisdom.

 - - -

Kahlil Gibran was a

Lebanese-American writer

poet, visual artist and

philosopher. 1881 - 1931

Wikipedia

08/08/2025

"Embrace the glorious

mess that you are."

~Charmego

One of the gifts of aging

is self-acceptance.

Methinks we spend the

majority of our lives in

trying to figure out who

we are and never being

quite satisfied.

Only in our latter years

do we come to a point

where we let it be. We

learn to let it all hang

out, as it were. 

I'm only about a hundred

years old and I'm still

searching. Alas, I probably

only have about a decade

left and I feel I must find

some answers before I go.

-Do I ask the right questions?

-Where do I find the answers?

-Is this all there is?

-Will I ever learn?

Perhaps life is simply a

conundrum?!

08/07/2025

Crazy morning coming 

down!

Up at crack of dawn, 

moving cars, trailers, etc.

Finally, today is the day 

men will come and install 

the new pole. Bears watching 

as the equipment to make it 

happen is really something 

to see.

The pole is humungous! 

It's seeing it up close that 

makes you realize its size. 

Funny, we never even think 

about poles. They're just 

there.

This particular pole is 

destined to give us better 

service. Here's hoping!

08/06/2025

"The spirit of nature heals-

in still roots, in soft winds,

in wild flowers that bloom

without needing permission."

~Dede Hawkins

Mother Nature is absolutely

the mother of all mothers;

make no mistake!

I find I can go outside to sit

in the summer sun and within

moments, I feel better already.

Wish I'd remember this more

oft!

Last night, my guy humored

me. We sat outside until 9:00

watching the lights come on,

and nighttime surround us.

A most wondrous remembering . . .

08/05/2025

"Joy does not simply happen

to us. We have to choose joy,

keep choosing it every day."

~Henri Nouwen

Something to bear in mind

for certain!

Seems I simply let the days

go by and happen as they will.

Methinks I need to hear this

message again and again.

Rather like the idea of finding

joy in the moment. Yesterday,

we got quite a kick out of

watching two young rabbits

at play. Our one chipmunk 

darted all over kingdom come,

adding to the fun.

When I read Henri Nouwen's

thought, this was what I

recalled. Much joy to be found

if one stays out of politics and

in to Mother Nature!

Now, there's a thought . . .

08/04/2025

"Our very being, essence,

health and happiness

depend on Mother Earth."

~David Suzuki

I have ever and always

loved our Mother . . .

My parents were phenomenal

about taking us to Glade Park,

the Monument, Grand Mesa,

every weekend.

Picnics to be had, walks to

be made, treasures to be found!

Time of year made no difference.

We always went.

What a gift! I thank them every

day for my love of nature. They

didn't talk about it, they lived it!

Blessed be!

08/03/2025

I always love the morning

of the day after!

Sweet memories crowding

my mind. Remembering

bits of wisdom spoken here

and there. Sharing hugs,

catching up, truly caring!

I love women! Women are

phenomenal .  .  . I think

back to teenage years, 

young adulthood . . . I cared

deeply for my friends. But,

the awe I have for womankind

now, is entirely a different

thing.

I find when we gather that 

I am refreshed rather than

exhausted. Obviously, there

is tired, lots of work after all.

But, the spirit is revived, 

hope returns and elation 

awaits . . .

08/02/2025

Today, we celebrate Lughnasadh!

This is one of my fave sabbat

celebrations. Most likely we'll

have some rain but friends put

up a tent we can dive under.

We'll spend an hour chatting

and catching up with the odd

glass of champagne. Then we

will have our ceremony . . .

simply a circle of sisters sharing.

I so look forward to this each

year.

Then, a fun potluck, in which

our guys are welcome to join.

Sooooo love me some Lughnasadh!

 - - -

"Lughnasadh is a Gaelic festival

marking the beginning of the

harvest season. It is held on

August 1st about halfway

between the Summer Solstice

and the Autumn Equinox."

Wikipedia

 Wikipedia

08/01/2025

"The only true wisdom 

is in knowing you know

nothing." ~Socrates

I've known this quote 

since I was in nappies,

yet it has only come to

fruition for me in my

elder years.

From the time of birth;

parents, teachers, life

teaches. Over a span

of time, learning occurs

in one way or another.

I doubt very much that

time is spent pondering

one's ignorance.

Then, true aging steps in

and all bets are off. It hits

hard, that coming to know

and understand that you

actually know precious

little!

Still, methinks our quieter,

elder years are ripe for

harvesting knowledge. We

may even share a bit of it

from time to time!

07/31/2025

Today I'm blessing myself

with an attitude change.

Where's all that positivity

I keep going on and on 

about? Been in bed for 

three days and still feeling 

'bout a 100 years old!

Been saying this is really

my true first year of aging.

Actually, one does age ea

day of one's life. Still, it's

been the month of July

that's done it for me! 

Four weeks of daily yard 

work and I'm soon ordering

my own coffin. Methinks

gardeners deserve highest

accolades of all time!

They are my heroes and I'll

be thinking about all that

expended energy from my

bed.

Now, where's that attitude

change I promised myself?!

07/30/2025

"If you're falling, dive!"

~Anonymous

Methinks I'll be following

this advice anytime soon!

I'm sooooo tired. Every

bone in my body aches.

I can't seem to recover

to me . . . or to myself.

I just stay in one place,

hoping to heal. I pray

the gods either smile on

me or take me away . . .

I may just dive!

07/29/2025

"Walk barefoot.

Talk to the moon,

and the trees, and

rivers and streams

and the mighty

mountains. Find 

the magic in every 

little and big thing."

Defenders of Lady Gaia

This truly says it all.

I know Mother Nature

can cause great damage

and it breaks my heart.

I also know she heals

and is good to us in spite

of all the bad we have

done to her.

How I wish we had been

kinder in return! 

Mountains of trash, cigs

thrown out car windows,

a trash island in the sea

and enough water bottles

out there to sink a ship.

Alas, it is all of us. It's

almost like we can't help

ourselves. We live in a

me! Me!! M E !!! world

and tend to forget our

mother.

I pray we can become more

cognizant of our actions!

Blessed be . . .

07/28/2025

"The only person you 

should try to be better

than is the person you

were yesterday."

Everyday Inspiration

If ever there were a bit

of good advice, this

would be it.

Looking back, I can only

see the bad things that

happened in the day. That 

is just wrong.

All days have both good

and the bad happenings.

That's life.

Indeed, food for thought!

Bottom line, I'm going to

try and live to the best of

my ability; forgive myself

for my wrongs and recall

that I do good as well . . .

07/27/2025

"Yesterday I was clever,

so I wanted to change the

world. Today I am wise, 

so I am changing myself."

~Rumi

I constantly am amazed

recognizing those moments

in which I show no wisdom.

You would think at 75, I'd

have plenty of it. Alas, not

so! I still make mistakes

every single day.

So, what do we learn from

our mistakes?

Humility, for one thing.

Methinks 'tis these mistakes

that keep us from becoming

self-important. Ego time!

Unlike Rumi, I feel no

wisdom in my soul. Still,

I am learning every day.

For that I am grateful!

07/26/2025

"Your life does not get

better by chance, it gets

better by change."

~Jim Rohn

Often ask myself if I'm

not too old to change?!

Sometimes I answer, 

"I am who I am; take 

me or leave me."

But, that smacks of a

flippant response to me.

And I think, "Grow up

already!"

Maybe it's all about

compromise. Some

things simply have 

to be accepted. Others,

we need to work on

daily.

Methinks a good look-

see is needed. Change

is necessary as is

acceptance.

Maybe I am growing 

up a tad . . .

07/25/2025

"Eyes closed to pray...

still I see

that God is made

of human hearts

and hands

choosing kindness

every day

saving each other."

~A. Shea

I so love that we each

perceive God in different

ways!

It has taken me many

years to realize I simply

cannot even imagine

what God must be like.

And methinks, I don't

need to.

I see God in the nature

that surrounds me. I see

him in the people I love

and who love me in

return. I see him in the

kindness people gift

others every day.

I believe in the existence

of a higher power, but

have come to a place where

definition isn't necessary.

Blessed be . . .

07/24/2025

"Let's put 'kind' back

into humankind."

~John Mark Green

I have a friend who said

to me, "Oh, you're the

one who uses a quote

and then writes about it."

Must admit, I do enjoy

good quotes. So much

wisdom packed into a

few choice words.

I look for a good quote

each day and take it as

a special message to me.

Rather helps on some

level.

So, today's reminder,

let's be kind! It matters!

- - -

John Mark Green is a

poet and author who 

explores themes of love,

nature, personal growth,

and overcoming abusive

relationships.

07/23/2025

Today is my little bro's

b-day. 

Of course I remember

him all the other days.

I have an altar for him,

also a reminder.

Sammy was one of the

most remarkable people

I've ever known. Both

blind and a slow learner,

he faced life with honor

and courage.

He was fortunate to have

three seeing-eye dogs in

his lifetime. They offered

him a freedom that would

otherwise be denied. All

Golden Retrievers and

much loved!

I do hope there is a heaven

and that he's in it with all

three of his beautiful dogs!

Happy birthday Sammy . . .

07/22/2025

Yesterday was my dad's

birthday. I couldn't talk

about it just then; I miss

him ever so much.

My father was a wine

maker. He raised five

different kinds of wine

grapes. His wine was

valued here in Denver

at $30 a bottle way back

in the 80's.

Yesterday, I took three

bottles of wine in his

honor and drained them

around all the sacred

places in the yard. I

called his name and

wished him well.

On some level, it helped

my soul. But, I shall ever

and always miss him. It

is how it is . . .

Sooooo love you daddy!!!

07/21/2025

"Trust your instincts.

If something feels off,

it probably is. Energy

doesn't lie. Your eyes

and ears will play tricks

on you. Trust your soul."

~Brooke Hampton

Methinks we hear our

entire lives that we should

be paying attention with

our brains. 

Alas, instinct is put down.

Rather nice to see intuition

honored.

I notice that the older I get,

I sense things about those

I meet. Good feelings, a

wariness and absolute bad

vibes.

I've always loved that whole

Christian ideal . . . Treat 

others as you would like to

be treated.

So bad or good, treat people

well and choose your friends

carefully.

Blessed be . . .

07/20/2025

"I find it amusing that we're

all pretending to be normal

when we could be insanely

interesting instead." ~atlas

So love me this statement!

Not quite certain when and

where this whole desire to

be normal happened. What

would be wrong with each

of us being ourselves?!

In a gathering, I so enjoy

looking around and seeing

the differences in people!

Clothing choices, hair cuts,

make up, fun shoes. Every

where you look, each one

different!

I say, lose your normal, 

be yourself and have a

ball! Ever so much more

fun!

07/19/2025

"Ah kindness. What a

simple way to tell another

struggling soul that there

is love to be found in this

world." ~A. Shea

I find I'm ever and always

elated when I see an act of

kindness!

I make the effort to greet

people, compliment, nod,

wherever we go. Some

respond, most don't.

Methinks people are rather

huddled into themselves as

we're living in most difficult

times. I sooooo lament this.

Where do we go from here?

Let's be kind, kinder, kindest!

Blessed be . . .

07/18/2025

"There is even a little ok

to be found in broken."

~Matthew Spenser

Alas, I find I spend a great

deal of time pondering the

broken. 

Methinks it has to do with

those pesky elder years

having a look-see at a life

well lived!

Actually, I'm learning 

to live with my broken. 

There are things that can 

never be changed or fixed. 

Perhaps lessons were to 

be learned.

It occurs to me that these

broken parts of our souls

may have become stepping

stones to healing as well

as learning.

Crazy Libra that I am . . .

here's hoping there are less

broken places than healed!

07/17/2025

Had me a special all

health day yesterday!

I had hardened cheese

slices for breakfast . . .

my absolute fave!

Lunch gave me some

McDonald fries and 

a small shake. Yum!

Afternoon in the rain

potato chips and beer.

'Twas contemplating

ice cream but decided

I'd sinned enough for

one decade.

Would you like to hire

me for chef duties? Ha!

07/16/2025

"Rest is not idle, it is not

wasteful. Sometimes . . .

rest is the most productive

thing you can do for body

and soul." ~Erica Layne

I was fortunate to teach

40 years, 17 in Mexico

and 23 in the U.S. So 

loved it! In addition to 

day school, I taught four

nights a week, as well

as summer school.

Obviously, I was a tad

worn out by the time I

retired. And then, mom

came to live with us for

three and a half years.

That was the true worn

out; make no mistake!

Now that we're properly

retired, living in the cabin

for about 8 years, I am

getting some of my old

energy back.

I'm actually thinking about

how to spend it! And then,

get tired just thinking about

it!

Sooooo, I find the above

quote very comforting, 

very soothing! 

Think I'll just rest today!

07/15/2025

"To live without hope 

is to cease to live."

~Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Sometimes, I need to be

reminded . . .

SAD was particularly

difficult this winter. The

depression, beyond the

pale. Now that we are

enjoying summer, I've 

had a thought.

Perhaps what tipped the

scale was the actual death

of hope. We are living in 

tremendously difficult 

times.

War, political issues, 

natural destruction such

as flooding, job issues and

loss of life.

Obviously, we've ever and

always had this issues to

deal with. Still, we seem

to be quite hard hit this

time around.

We could do that whole

ostrich head in the sand

thing. Ignore the issues

and only enjoy the good.

Or, we could help others

however we are able.

Methinks the answer lies

in giving hope to others.

Helping where we can

inspires help within the

soul.

07/14/2025

"My only regret in life is

that I didn't drink enough

champagne." 

~Robert Noecker

Humorous at least and 

euphemistic at best . . .

One of the things I like

about aging would be

those bits and pieces of

wisdom we find.

For me, it's all about the

champagne of life . . .

Finding! Drinking!

Sharing! All good!

I love the champagne of

spending time with my

children!

The champagne of friend-

ship is without par!

Living the champagne of

life well . . . happily,

fully, peacefully!

The outdoors in summer,

pure champagne!

Pray I drink champagne 

at the fountain of life

until the day the gods

call me home . . .

Blessed be!

07/13/2025

"She found peace where

the waves kissed the shore,

a rhythm older than pain,

a lullaby the soul never 

forgets." ~Dede Hawkins

I remember whilst living in

Mexico, I would go to the

sea shore when I was filled

with angst.

We lived only 20 min away, 

so I could slip away for a few. 

Watching the comings and

goings of the waves, my soul 

would calm. I could return

home to deal with those pesky

whatevers of life.

Days upon days, I wish I had

a sea shore at hand. The closest

I get would be meditation and

it does help.

I must remember . . .

07/12/2025

"We can't heal the world

today, but we can begin

with a voice of compassion,

a heart of love, an act of

kindness." ~Mary Davis

It has always worried me

that healing the world does

not seem to be in the picture.

I've thought that if each of

us spreads joy and kindness,

we send out concentric 

circles, overlapping and

creating peace on some level.

And, I still buy this!

However, the words of Mary

Davis truly struck a chord in

me. As we grow older, seems

we can only do so much. So,

her idea of compassion, love

and kindness makes a great

deal of sense.

Bottom line, I choose these

three . . . compassion, love

and kindness . . . by which

to live and share.

Blessed be . . .

07/11/2025

"There's something so

beautiful about having

long-term friends that

have witnessed multiple

versions of you and 

loved you through it all." 

~Inspired Living

Methinks I've ever and

always had a thing about

friendship!

There's a part of me that

would like to keep them

forever. But, I get that

people move away, pass 

on to that better life, etc.

I still dream about old

friends. When it happens

I send prayers and best

wishes. I figure I dreamed

of them for a reason.

One of the things I've ever

enjoyed about x-mas cards

is the catching up. Alas, I

find that tradition may be

coming to an end as well.

My fave part of all of this 

is I have friendship with

my children . . . hopefully,

all of them. Best friends

ever!

Blessed be . . .

07/10/2025

"There is a way that nature

speaks, that land speaks. Most

of the time we are simply not

patient enough, quiet enough,

to pay attention to the story."

~Linda Hogan

I so love summer!

Indeed it does mean work . . .

 . . . and lots of it! Mowing, 

weeding, snipping, cutting,

moving outdoor furniture

around!

But at the end of the work

day, sitting and having a

good look-see, with a cool

drink in hand . . . wow!

Just  W O W !!!

I know that Mother Nature

has many different faces. I

see them right here in my

sweet, little space.

So love that she has shared

a small corner of the earth

with us . . .

07/09/2025

"Your weirdness

will make you stronger.

Your dark side

will keep you whole.

Your vulnerability

will connect you to

the rest of our

suffering world.

Your creativity

will set you free.

There's nothing wrong

with you."

~Andréa Balt

What a beautiful reminder!

I find, this year particularly,

that I tend to worry about

everything. Rather concerns

me.

Most likely has to do with

aging . . . what's happening,

what to expect, will I be able

to deal with everything?!

Why can't I just live each day

as it comes? I'm at post PhD

level of worrying and this 

needs to stop!!!

07/08/2025

Methinks I have the most

beautiful space in the entire

universe . . .

 

07/07/2025

"Life always offers all who

are blest a second chance . . .

It's called tomorrow."

Zen to Zany

I swear, I'm trying to live

in the present, in the now,

in today!

Having said that, knowing

I have tomorrow around 

the corner, gives me what 

I need in order to cope.

Still, I so want to live today

to the best of my ability . . .

 . . . knowing there is a 

tomorrow to look forward to!

07/06/2025

"You're not healing to be

able to handle trauma, pain,

anxiety. You're used to those.

You're healing to be able to

handle joy, and learn to accept

happiness back into your life."

Wild Woman Sisterhood

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!

I recognize truth when I see it

and this is it! How sad that we

become suspicious of joy as

we've seen so much sorrow.

In my elder years, I feel like 

I'm cramming for an important

exam. I have to hurry up and

learn all I can because I don't

have a lot of time left.

I do know I want to dedicate

as much of my remaining time

to joy! 

Find it! Make it! Do it!

07/05/2025

"I have never been drawn

to luxury. I love the simple

things; cool rocks, moss

covered hills, when the sun

filters through the trees just

right and people who try to

understand." ~R. YS Perez

Love this quote. Methinks

Perez took it straight out 

of my mind!

Yesterday, I was so sad . . .

and yet, today is another

day.

Today, I will return my

thoughts to Mother Earth,

Mother Nature and fill

my soul with peace once

more.

I will think of those I love

and send them thoughts

of joy.

Blessed be . . .

 - - -

R YS Perez is a non-binary,

queer Latinx writer born 

and raised in New York 

City. Currently working as 

a writing tutor, their biggest

passion is sharing her love

of words, whether through

her writing or helping the

students that cross paths.

goodreads

07/04/2025

I find I am sad today . . .

07/03/2025

"Silence is essential. We

need silence just as much

as we need air, just as much

as plants need light. If our

minds are crowded with 

words and thoughts, there

is no space for us."

~Thich Nhat Hanh

I have been a fan of this

master lo these many years.

His wisdom is without par.

And, I am so in tune with the

fact that silence is essential!

My question would be . . .

"Where do you find it?"

I've looked the world over,

as it were, and 'tis not to be

found. In the dead of night,

cars going by. By day, even

neighbors can be heard.

My conclusion . . . silence

can only truly be found in

meditation. Even then, it's

difficult.

Alas, we live in a noisy,

noisy world . . .

 - - -

Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese

Thien Buddhist monk, peace activist,

prolific author, poet, and teacher. He

founded the Plum Village Tradition

historically recognized as the main

inspiration for engaged Buddhism.

Known as the father of mindfulness,

he was a major influence on Western

practices of Buddhism. 1926 - 2022

Wikipedia

07/02/2025

"Enter silence. Let nature

heal you of everything

that hurts." ~Frederick AR

I find myself more grateful

than ever for our beautiful

summer weeks.

Alas, I have yet to heal from 

my winter SAD. The next

few weeks will indeed take

care of that.

Ever so grateful . . . and I 

am going to take the gift 

of silence. I may need to

create it rather than find

it. But, this shall happen!

07/01/2025

"So come to the pond,

Or the river of your

imagination,

Or the harbor of your

longing.

And put your lip to

the world.

And live

Your life."

~Mary Oliver

Methinks all the answers

are in the word, live!

Why is it that so many of

us simply exist, especially

when living is the answer?!

I'm learning to sit outside

everyday and enjoy the

heat of summer, the blue

skies and white fluffy

clouds!

I'm learning to enjoy the

people who come by to

visit and the moments

shared.

I'm learning to live the day

rather than the expectation

of the morrow.

I'm learning to live rather

than exist!

06/30/2025

"This is dedicated to every

human being who looks

different, feels different, and

thinks differently. I see you.

I feel you. I am you. Stay

different. Our world needs 

the difference we will make."

~Qasim Chauhane 

I've been told I'm different,

unusual, eccentric, since I

was a child. Methinks like

my father before me.

I would like to identify

whatever characteristics

make me different. Never

been able to put a finger 

on it.

I know, I do love people

who are not cookie cutter.

They interest me. Maybe

fascinate would be a better

word.

Bottom line, 'tis fab what

makes us all tic!

 - - -

Living the struggles, fighting

his demons, and in the search

for inner peace, Qasim Chauhan

started his journey of making art

and inspiring the world through

his words. He believes knowledge

can take you places and inner 

peace is the highest form of success.

Google Books

06/29/2025

"The future belongs to those

who believe in their dreams." 

~Eleanor Roosevelt

So love the wisdom of this

woman!

I've often wondered if we're

allowed to dream until the

very end or if in the end, it's

pointless.

Methinks I'll go with the 

former.

Feel the same as I ever have.

And, I still have hopes and

dreams.

I'd like to live yet another

while longer. I need to see

more of my children, all of

them. Love me my summer

afternoons with friends and

margs. Holding hands with

my guy!

Ever sooooo thankful to be 

here! And, I will continue

to dream on and on . . .

Life is so precious . . . 

06/28/2025

What?! Didn't I just fall

a few days ago?!

My two so unbalanced

Libra scales must be at

war again! Fell twice

yesterday afternoon.

Alas, my entire body

aches!

I know falling is indeed

an aging thing. But, I

have fallen my entire

life. 

Part of that has to do

with NOT paying

attention to business.

The other part would

be wearing silly slip

on sandals when I

should be wearing a

good pair of tennis

shoes.

Think I be asking the

deities for a gift of

common sense!!!

06/27/2025

Alas, 'tis off to the dentist

I go . . .

Sooooo don't get it! I'm

nigh onto a hundred years

old and it still scares me

to go. 'Tis hard to believe 

I get so upset about going

to the dentist. You'd think

I was a little kid!

Was supposed to go last

afternoon, but I canceled.

We had road workers 

and all their equipment

blocking  our three way

entry. Alas, couldn't get

out. Sob! Sob!

Guess I'll just have to 

"gird up my loins, sally 

forth and conquer . . . "

And there had better be 

a cold one waiting for 

me if I survive the 

experience! 

Pray for me! 

06/26/2025

"Positive people

are not ignoring

the darkness of this world

they have dragged themselves

painfully

into the light

and are choosing

to share it

     with you"

~Donna Ashworth

This matters to me, this

whole being positive thing.

There is so much negativity

in this amazing world of ours.

I'd simply rather be on the

other end of the stick, as it 

were.

Prob is, there is indeed a lot

of dark surrounding us . . .

   -those in need

   -violence abounds

   -heavy debts

   -hunger

   -loneliness

Methinks each of us should

do what we can, that little

tad extra and then celebrate

the light. Living in the dark

garners naught at all.

I pray the light returns for

all of us . . .

06/25/2025

Do you dream? 

Nightmares?

Do you remember them?

Understand messages?

I've ever and always had

nightmares. Never got

the why of it. So wish I

even had an explanation

as to why.

Sometimes, I'd almost

rather not seek sleep as

I most likely will dream.

In thinking about it, I

watch murder mysteries,

read murder mysteries . . .

Could that be the reason

for the nightmares?

I am always very careful 

about choosing the more

lighthearted mysteries

such as Columbo, Murder

She Wrote, McCloud, etc.

Nothing hardcore.

If I'm not careful, going

to have to go back to

Sound of music and such!

Ouch!

06/24/2025

"When you're feeling lost,

go to the flowers."

~Nausicaa Twila

Suffering from SAD, I go

rather nuts awaiting for

summer. Finally here!

I've so enjoyed working

out in the yard each day.

Although, next to my true

gardening friends, they'd

laugh.

Nonetheless, might just

be small that fare can be 

truly healing.

God, I so love summer,

the heat, the yard . . . I

feel ever so blest!

06/23/2025

"Life is too fleeting to allow

anything less than good vibes,

magic, and beauty into your

heart." ~Nausicaa Twila

Sad how we tend to forget

these words of wisdom!

We all know life is fleeting.

Losing friends unexpectedly

reminds us. Accidents, ills,

can take away cherished

fam and friends. And then,

we are reminded . . .

My dad used to quote that

old adage, "Live each day

as if it were the last." I get

that we mean to . . . 

We get too busy existing 

to enjoy living!

Methinks I need reminding!

06/22/2025

"It's morning. And again

I am that lucky person 

who is in it." ~Mary Oliver

Maybe I didn't used to think

so much about this . . . but

at 75, indeed I do!

Each morn I awake, 'tis a

gift. It's been this way my

entire life, but I just didn't

think about it.

Kills me that I still make

mistakes every day. You'd

think I was old enough to

have learned already.

One thing I have learned,

only today matters. Wish

I could always remember

that . . .

06/21/2025

Awoke to great sorrow at

o' dark thirty this morning.

We live in difficult times,

sad affairs in the world

around us. This kidnapping

of a one year old just hurts

my heart. I pray the little 

girl is soon found. 

I must get myself into 

Mother Nature for healing . . .

06/20/2025 - Litha

"As the sun spirals its

longest dance, cleanse us.

As nature shows fertility

and bounty, bless. us. Let

all things live with loving

intent and fulfill their true

destiny." ~Alison Williams

Sooooo love the Summer

Solstice, that first day of

heat . . . Litha at its best!

I look around at the flowers

friends have shared with me

and my heart is filled with

joy.

Cloudless skies, ever so

blue, bright sun shining.

'Tis no wonder this is my

fave season!

Let's celebrate . . .

 - - -

"Litha, also known as the

Summer Solstice or Mid-

summer, is a Pagan holiday

celebrated around June 20th.

It marks the longest day of

the year, a time to honor the

sun's peak power, celebrate

the abundance of summer."

06/19/2025

Oh my God, I ache all over!

Last afternoon, I went out

to water, weed and rake. I

was moving the now empty

trash can when I stumbled

and fell.

And wow, did I ever! Got

my ankles, shins, knees and

back. Methinks I'm paying

for any and all sins I've ever

committed and then some.

Going to have to think up a

few extra just to get even.

That for which I am most

grateful . . . naught broke.

I am feeling ever so lucky

about that.

Guess I'd better be more

careful, eh?!

06/18/2025

"Don't wait for everything

to be perfect before you

decide to enjoy your life."

~Love Lines

I know! I know! We're all

guilty of this . . .

   -Want to write in my diary

once I change the sheets.

   -I'll read as soon as I wash

the dishes.

   -Going on a walk once I

vacuum. 

I am changing a tad; I write

before I rise! Good one!

I read from 8:00 - midnight.

And, I'm skipping the whole

walk thing . . . other than 

going for the mail and books!

I'm beginning to think that

this perfection business we 

all seek should be more about 

acceptance!

Being closer to a 100 than 

birth, makes me think I need

to get on with acceptance.

Might actually be a good idea!

06/17/2025

"They are good people to

know, these plant people."

~Robin Rose Bennet

Met him at an elk stampede,

this neighbors of ours!

Met her with a bottle of pink

in hand when she joined us

at the picnic table.

Met them both at the creation

of my wondrous vardo.

Even then, had no idea how

important this couple would

become to us.

They usually drop by at the

weekend and share a few

brewskies with us. They 

keep an eye out for us as

we are fast becoming 

oldsters.

But, the friendship is not

just that. There's laughter

and story sharing, telling

tales out of school, and I

believe a genuine caring.

'Tis most amazing how

people find each other,

get to know one another,

become friends.

This may not be Valentine's

Day, but I'm ever so grateful

for friendship at its best!

Blessed be . . .

06/16/2025

"Enjoy the little things."

~Anita Opper, Zen to Zany

Alas, 'tis easy to forget the

little things . . .

   -an early morn sunrise

   -breakfast in bed

   -planting all afternoon

   -sitting with my man

       and a beer afterwards

Wait! Those aren't little

things . . . they're the joys

in my life and they mean

everything to me!

One of the things I enjoy

about growing older would

be learning the truth about

things!

Seems those little things

are the biggest and best

that keep us going!

06/15/2025 - Father's Day

Ever and always I think

of my father. Still perhaps, 

today more than ever.

The great love of my life,

I find myself talking to 

him in a manner much like

prayer.

In life and after, he has ever

been there for me, helped

me through. Not sure where

I'd be if I couldn't talk to him.

I am so fortunate to have fab

dads in my life. I think of Don

Luis, father of my children. I

honor Martin, my kid's dad.

And the man beside me for

the last 25 years, Russel. All

amazing dads!

Happy Father's day to all you

dads out there. You are much

loved . . .

06/14/2025

"You are where you are

because of the choices

you have made. Own it

and adjust your decisions

to get to where you want

to be." ~Goddess Love

So admire the succinct 

wording of this bit of 

wisdom!

"Take responsibility" 

is another adage that 

comes to mind.

I find myself thinking,

fab advice! And high

time I pay attention!

Seems to me, one of the

the things that follow us

from childhood is the

need to place blame on

someone else . . .

So hope I grow up, get

my ducks in a row and

take responsibility for

myself . . . before I die!

 - - -

Take responsibility is a direct

translation and adaptation of

the Latin phrase, "cum magno

imperio, magna servitus."

Wikipedia

Friday the 13th, 2025

So love me some Friday

the 13th! Happens once

to three times a year and

I always get a kick out of

them.

There are lots of stories,

some superstitious, some

fun. I prefer the latter.

Friday, the last day of the 

working week. FACs just 

waiting to happen and the

entire weekend ahead! 

Add in 13, such a delightful

number, and you have the

makings of fun at its best!

Whatever you do today,

enjoy . . .

 - - -

"Fri the 13th was traditionally

sacred to the Divine Feminine.

Fri is named for Freya, goddess

of love and magic, 13 honors 

lunar cycles tied to womanhood

and creation. It celebrates fem

power, a time when the veil is 

thin, intuition flows freely, and

ancient blessings stir beneath

the surface." ~lightFUL

06/12/2025

"Simplicity quiets the 

noise.

Stillness returns you to 

yourself.

Nature reminds you what 

truly matters."

~etheric echoes

Methinks, our elder years

are all about returning to

the simple. And, I truly

believe that stillness is

lifesaving!

I am ever so grateful to

my father for my love of

Mother Nature. Always

lived out in the country, 

but weekends we for

picnics, hiking, enjoying

our Mother.

If you think about it, it's

interesting how parents

influence us. Obviously,

we're not like them in

many ways, but taste

has to rub off.

I no longer hike . . . thus

making me doubly glad

we live in a forest!

Blessed be . . .

06/11/2025

"Sometimes, all we can do

is try to seek the beauty,

through all of the madness."

~P.T. Berkey

Fab reminder . . .

In living our daily lives, we

are so busy coping that we

tend to miss the beauty that

surrounds us.

Yesterday, as I sat out under

my fave tree, I looked around

that the beauty surrounding

me.

I could see the work we had

accomplished in the last few

days. Green spilling out every

where you look. A gift of plants

just waiting for their new home.

Visiting with my guy, I found

my heart was full, my mood

happy and my mind alert.

High time I remember to seek

beauty and leave the madness

behind!

06/10/2025

"The world is full of poems,

but you have to be quiet to

hear them." ~Mary Oliver

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!

Methinks, I do more tuning

out than listening. Seems 

to me, I need to do some 

serious rethinking!

Yesterday, working in the 

yard, I got to hear so many

different bird calls. I was

also blest to see several

humming birds.

Alas I fear, I commented on

the weeds rather than the

birds. Obviously, something

else to rethink!

Two weeks 'til summer, SAD

will have passed and I swear

I'm going put my senses to

work a la positive!!!

06/09/2025

"Fear attracts darkness.

When you have no fear,

the darkness fears you."

~Suzy Kassem

Been thinking a great deal

about fear of late . . .

Seems to me that I have 

been fearless most of my

life. So, where the hell is

this fear business coming

from?!

Perhaps, it has something

to do with age. Obviously,

as we grow older, we get

that there are a great deal

of things to fear.

I find I would like to go

back . . . back to a time

when I was not so fearful.

That doesn't mean I wish

to live entirely in innocence. 

Knowledge and the wisdom

to deal with both the known

and the unknown is important.

Still, I find fear more than a

tad overwhelming . . .

 - - - 

Suzy Kassem is an American

writer, poet, philosopher and

multi-faceted artist of Egyptian

origin. 1975 Google Books

06/08/2025

"When you forgive, 

you live.

When you let go, 

you grow."

English Literature info

Wondrous bit of wisdom

found this early morn.

At least I know I have

forgiven many a time.

More difficult would be

forgiving myself. Alas,

I don't seem to be able to.

Now, letting go; methinks

ain't never going to happen!

And, I am sorry for that.

I've worked on letting go

my entire life. I simply don't

seem able to.

And now, I can see why I

found this particular quote

this morn . . . the two things

I need to work on . . .

   -forgiving 

   -letting go

Not certain I'll be successful,

but I sure am going to try!

06/07/2025

"She is walking away

Afraid but brave

White knuckles

become open arms

Now she is ready

to embrace the stars"

~A. Shea

I find it interesting that

I have more fear now 

than I ever did as a young

person.

I'm not afraid all the time

nor do I court fear. I can't

help but wonder if this

stems from having lived

75 years on this planet?!

Living this long, one is

exposed to things, sees

things, experiences things.

So of course, fear will be

a resulting ingredient.

Actually, methinks the 

word fear is a misnomer.

Perhaps, respect would

be more accurate.

One thing I know, I love

living . . . whatever issues

it includes!

Here's to life and may we

live it to the absolute best

of our abilities!

06/06/2025

Just wondering . . .

Who do you pray to? 

Who should we pray to?

Per se, I meditate. But,

there are moments when

I feel the need to pray. 

The problem for me is, 

to whom do I direct my 

thoughts? My words?

The Christian God? 

Pagan deities? My own

father? My inner soul?

I would chuckle, but it's

important to me to be

respectful.

Do you have any thoughts

on the matter?!

06/05/2025

"Wildness is a necessity."

~John Muir

So love me the wisdom

of John Muir. I've been 

a fan my entire life!

Lucky to live with the

wilderness on one side

of us. Not so lucky to

have the ever present

traffic on the other.

I tune out the traffic and

simply enjoy Mother

Nature smiling down 

on me.

We're living in incredibly

difficult times. I firmly

believe that to get through

this, Mother Nature is the

place to be. She is the

saving grace. 

We need to get the hell out 

of Dodge and fill our hearts 

and minds with her. We

can't afford not to.

24 hours in a day . . . spend

even half an hour with her.

It will help!

 - - -

John Muir was a Scottish 

born American naturalist,

author, botanist, zoologist,

glaciologist and advocate

for the preservation of

wilderness in the US.

1838 - 1914 Wikipedia

06/04/2025

"I need a timeout until I 

can play nice with others . . .

this may take a while.

2drunkladies

Sooooo not sure what's up

with moi! It's supposedly 

spring and SAD shows no 

sign of letting up. 

Been so grouchy that I 

warned a friend who came 

to see me. Told her, "If I 

seem rude, it has nothing 

to do with you."

The bad thing is . . . when

is this ever going to end?!

So, if I seem a tad out of

sorts these days, don't take

it personally. 

Just shoot me already . . .

06/03/2025

So love me new beginnings!

Just think of all those we are

given . . .

The beginning of each day,

each week, each month, each

year!

So, why is it that we think

we have to wait until the new

year to begin again?

   -Today, a new beginning, 

means I can be more careful 

about what I eat.

   -This week, I can commit to 

buying healthier groceries.

   -This month, get more exercise.

   -This year, make sure I live a

tad longer.

I like this whole thinking outside

the box thing! Now, if I could

only follow my own advice!

06/02/2025

"Do your little bit of good

where you are; it's those

little bits of good put together

that overwhelm the world."

~Desmond Tutu

Beautiful sentiment! And, 

I so love the idea.

What rather astounds me is

I seem to be on the receiving

end of late. Methinks must 

have something to do with 

age.

-Can I get you a drink?

-Would you like anything else?

-I can pick that up for you.

It's sweet, but I can't seem to 

get used to it.

Perhaps the answer lies in age.

I we each serve someone older

than ourselves, we all get to be

both helpful and nice.

Frankly, this whole aging thing

takes some getting used to. Bit

of a learning curve here!

 - - -

Desmond Mpilo Tutu was a

South African Anglican bishop

and theologian, known for his

work as an anti-apartheid and

human rights activist. He was

Bishop of Johannesburg from

1985 to 1986, then Archbishop

of Cape Town from 1986 to

1996, in both cases being the

first Black African to hold the

position. 1931 - 2021 Wikipedia

06/01/2025

"I love three languages of the

universe: music, love, silence."

 ~Qasim Chauhan

Methinks we tend to forget

there are more languages in

the universe than those we

speak!

When I saw this quote, I was

instantly reminded . . . and I

cringe at all we simply take

for granted!

That music of Mother Nature

is nothing short of miraculous.

The gentle swaying of trees

and grasses, the chirp of birds

in the bushes, the soar of eagles

swooping in and out. Priceless!

I am ever so fortunate to have

known love. That which I hold

for my children is beyond

sacred.

And, we so easily say, "I just 

love that dress or I so love

mole." Need to learn to use

like instead of love, right?!

Spiritual love, sacred love,

the love we have for a long

time partner . . . blessings!

There are times I would trade

my soul for silence. Not a

commodity easily found these

days! I live in a Libra kind of

world . . . forest and quiet on

the one side and continual

traffic on the other. 

Guess I would have to say 

the trick is learning to tune 

in or should I say, tune out!

Dear, dear Mother Earth, 

I am listening . . .

05/31/2025

"Mother Earth, 

Enlighten what's dark in me,

strengthen what's broken 

in me, heal what's sick in me, 

and lastly, revive whatever 

peace and love has died in me." 

CrystalLoversTribe

I bow to the beauty of these

sweet, lovely words! They 

bring both promise and  

comfort. 

Methinks, we'd all do well

to focus more on the positive. 

I know, I tend to get bogged 

down in the daily minutiae 

of negativity.

-got to pay the bills today

-better get the mail out

-dishes need to be washed

Maybe not particularly

negative, but neither is 

the list of fun things to 

do. Best to do less fun

quickly in order to find

joy in the fun elsewhere.

Food for thought . . .

Happy! Happy!!

05/30/2025

"How rare and beautiful 

it is to even exist."

~Cottage Whimsy

I have always loved life, 

even in the bad times. 

Those god awful times I

tried to end my life, weren't

about me not loving life. It

was about SAD, the illness

I suffer every winter.

Now, I am ever so grateful

I'm still here . . . even on the

difficult days!

I celebrate my children, all

seven of them . . . their fams

their lives and our shared

moments.

I celebrate our friends. I so

value that they come to me

as I really don't go out any

more.

I celebrate we have a home 

to live in and food to eat. 

Alas, so many people don't.

I celebrate life . . . no matter

what!

05/29/2025

"Are we alive-ing today or

surviving today? Your call."

~Donna Ashworth

Such a fab question to begin

each day!

I fear we get so busy with 

our existence, we forget to 

live.

Actually, if one thinks about

it, busy can be enhanced a

tad to make it more palatable. 

-music whilst doing dishes

-two cooking instead of one

-dancing with the vacuum

Alas, I usually just hurry

through chores so I can go

do what I want. I know the

Dali Lama would not approve!

Still, let's each do our daily 

live rather than exist, no 

matter how we define it . . .