03/31/2025

"Never change to be accepted 

by others. Stay Weird." 

Mermaid Musings

Sooooo love this!

Thing is, I've come to see

I was simply born this way!

Add being reared by in an 

eccentric dad, leaving home

at 15, living 20 years in Old

Mexico, teaching for 40 and

now living in a 145 year old

tiny, tiny cabin . . . and you

have moi!

I wouldn't have it any other

way. Still, my heart goes out

to those young children who

are different and suffer at the

hands of cookie cutter class

mates.

As a teacher, I have ever and 

always encouraged parents

to celebrate the different in

their children. They need to

know it's even better than ok

to be unique . . .

03/30/2025

"Maturity is understanding

that letting go is not a one

time event. If you really 

want to overcome your past,

you will need to let go many

times so that you can be in-

tentional instead of reactive."

~Yung Pueblo

Wow! Just W O W !!!

I firmly believe in  the concept

of letting go; make no mistake.

I've just not been any good at

it.

I think I've let something go

and then I remember some

aspect and I'm angry all over

again.

This may be why Yung Pueblo's

quote makes so much sense to

me. You have to let go over and

over again.

Maybe, each time I'm reminded

of something that makes me

angry, 'tis an opportunity to let

go once again.

I swear I'm going to make the

ultimate effort to remember . . .

Letting go is a process!

03/29/2025

"We are very good at preparing

to live, but not very good at

living. We know how to sacrifice

ten years for a diploma, and we

are willing to work very hard to

get a job, a car, a house. But, we 

have difficulty remembering that

we are alive in the present moment,

the only moment there is for us to

be alive." ~Thich Nhat Hanh

I so admire this Buddhist monk!

Although not a Buddhist myself,

I've found his work enlightening

and helpful at every turn. Today,

I simply wish to honor him, read

some of his work and remember

him.

"Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese

Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific 

author, poet and teacher, who founded 

the Plum Village Tradition, historically 

recognized as the main inspiration for 

engaged Buddhism. Known as the father 

of mindfulness, Nhat Hanh was a major 

influence on Western Buddhism practices."

1926 -2022 Wikipedia

03/28/2025

"Getting old is like looking

both ways before you cross

the street, and then being hit

by an airplane." Zen to Zany

So love this! If you can't

laugh 'bout all this aging

business, you don't have

a leg to stand on!

I find myself forgetting 

and if I do remember, I

have to wonder if it's real 

or if I made it up?!

You come to the door and

I'm thinking, "You're not

expected until tomorrow!"

Yikes!

Looking in the fridge, I 

see two gals of milk, one 

curdling and another fresh.

I think to myself, "Didn't

I mean to put that out for

the trash yesterday?"

You'll have to bear with 

me. I ain't going anywhere.

I might just get lost . .  .

Ain't life grand?! 

03/27/2025

"There was never a night

or a problem that could

defeat sunrise or hope."

~Bernard Williams

Praise and thankfulness . . .

I awoke feeling somewhat

back to my old self. Think

today is going to be warm

and sunny; I could cry in

pure gratitude!

Methinks, I must recall all

those sunny days both aft

and afore . . . surely this

could help with SAD.

Here's looking at a brand

new positive attitude!

Just pray it holds . . .

03/26/2025

"I have danced with your

memory a thousand times."

~Zen to Zany

Winter SAD is ever so

difficult for me. There 

are days I swear I'm not 

going to make it.

And then my wondrous 

dad comes to mind. I do

miss him ever so much.

More often than not, I

find myself speaking to

him in my meditations.

I've asked God to forgive

me if this is speaking out

of turn. I simply find it 

consoling.

I've enjoyed these last

spring days. Hope we

get to have a few more

of them. 

Sooooo done with winter;

make no mistake!

03/25/2025

"Deep in your wounds 

are seeds, waiting to 

grow beautiful flowers."

~Niti Majethia

I just love it when I run

into a reminder of what's

important.

Been hurting of late, so

perhaps forgetting this.

Sometimes I blame my

forgetting on brain over

load. I've collected a lot

of material up there in

75 years.

There are times when I

just want to say . . .

"f--- it, I'm out of here!" 

And others when I think . . .

"No, I still have things to 

do here." 

There is something in me

that ever hopes the latter

prevails!

Sooooo, here's to healing.

May it come soon . . .

03/24/2025

"I must not fear. Fear is the

mind-killer. I will face my 

fear. When it has gone past,

I will turn the inner eye to

see its path. Where the fear

has gone, there will be 

nothing. Only I will remain."

~Frank Herbert

Alas, I find as I grow older,

fear raises its ugly head. 

Not really certain as to why, 

it simply is.

I make the ultimate effort;

make no mistake! I stand

tall, face the music and act

as if naught could startle me.

Inside, I tremble. I actually

feel the fear. Can't locate 

the source. As I have never

been a fearful person, can't

help but wonder if it isn't

the meds I take all winter

for SAD.

So wish I could be given 

a gift . . . a gift of a fear 

free time in these my elder 

years.

Maybe somewhere 'midst

meditation and margs, I'll

find an answer . . .

03/23/2025

"Magic is not about leaving

the physical world; it's about

deepening your presence in it."

~Victoria Erickson

What a lovely sentiment . . .

I've always been attracted to

magic as well as magick. So,

what's the difference 'twixt

and 'tween the two?

Magic is the term we know

and love for anything from

a kid's magic show to a term

we use for the unusual.

Magick with a k, is a term

used for the etherial and will

often be found in paganism.

Bottom line, sooooo love me

both of them and want plenty

of both in my life!

Here's wishing you that bit 

that will make your day . . .

03/22/2025

"Today, soak in what's real

and what's real is unhurried.

The ground. The air. The

exhale. The planted seed. 

The shift. The season." 

~Victoria Erickson

Sooooo needed to hear this

today . . .

I've been so down. Well, 

in truth I'm always down in 

winter. But, reading Victoria's

words, methinks she has an

answer.

Were one wise enough, brave

enough, committed enough to

follow her suggestion, I believe

there would be some healing.

Why is it that we're ever and

always in such a hurry?! I'm

reminded of Garfunkel and 

Simon's song . . .

"Slow down, you move too

fast. You got to make the

morning last."

Anyway, I intend to make a 

stab at it. Here's hoping . . .

03/21/2025

Two days of docs and taxes . . .

That should count for some-

thing, right?!

Yearly physical, bi-annual

teeth, etc. all ending in

taxes. Methinks I should

run away and join the army

as my da used to say!

Rather feel as if I don't have

a single secret to my name,

even a lonely hideout on my

bod!

I suppose our open lives have

been a while coming. Probably

be like this for the rest of our

lives. I have no issue, per se,

as I'm a very open person. No

secrets . . . still, it's privacy

that I value most.

Imagine we're actually following

in the footsteps of third-world

countries. This will be interesting

as well as fear inspiring, I imagine.

'Tis rather a wait and see situation.

I'll wait and you see as I may not

be here 'til the bitter end.

03/20/2025

Alas, my heart is broken.

Heard on the news this 

a.m. that the higher ups

had closed education

facilities.

It's always seemed to me

that the most important

arena in any country is its

education for the people

of all ages, from kinders

to grad school.

Where to go from here?

Less schools, less teachers,

less shekels?

We will be utterly bereft 

as a nation. Where do we

go from here? Are there

any answers?

Do tell, where do I find

my black arm band?

03/19/2025

"The highs. The lows. The

blessings. The lessons. The

setbacks. The comebacks.

The love. Everything.

Thankful for all of it."

~Everyday Inspiration

One of the things remarkable

about aging is the perspective

gained.

So many things that might've

bothered me in the ago of time,

now matter not at all.

-A bad day only means I'm 

still alive to grump about it.

-A few extra lbs?! Sooooo,

I'm a 100 years old and enjoy

fab food.

-No longer can wear heels.

So appreciate my slip ons. 

-Time tables?! Loving me 

my ice cream at o' dark thirty,

sleep in - read late!

So, I'll take the bad along

with the good. Wouldn't mind

though if Mr. Universe could

weigh a little heavier on the

FAB!!!

03/18/2025

"She loves wine, but can't

start her day without a cup

of coffee. She likes breakfast

for dinner and pizza in bed.

Some of her favorite days are

spent entirely in pajamas and

others are surrounded by those

she loves. She has learned to

live life, her best life on her

own clock and by her own 

rules." ~j. iron word

Methinks here I see exactly 

who I want to be when I

grow up!!!

03/17/2025

"The power of finding beauty

in the humblest things makes

home happy and life lovely."

~Louisa May Alcott

So remember reading LMA

as a child. I simply devoured

her books. She was amazing,

especially for her era.

I like her attitude . . . finding

beauty in the humblest things.

-A sleepless night provides

a time for thinking.

-Running out of a given

product helps to inspire a

new dish.

-Staying home, rather than

going out, gives time to read,

visit, cook and even imbibe.

-Learning to live on a small

retirement enhances thought

as to consumption practices.

-Being an elder lends an 

entirely different perspective

to life.

Sooooo this whole learning

to think outside the box thing!

  - - -

LMA was an American author

poet, and short story writer.

She wrote pulp fiction as well

as her experiences as a Civil 

War nurse and women's rights

publications. 1832 - 1888

03/16/2025

"Every day is a gift. It is 

a chance to rise, heal, love,

and to become who you are

meant to be. Embrace it fully."

Wild Woman Sisterhood

I sooooo get this!

The bad thing if that we all

forget it from time to time.

We may wake up cranky.

Maybe didn't sleep well. Just

want to go back to bed and

never wake up. 

I imagine that per se we greet

the day and get on with what

ever business needs to happen.

Alas, 'tis so easy to forget the

best part . . . 

 . . . That part where it dawns

(pun intended) on us that we're

alive and well, that we've been

gifted yet another day of life. 

A day in which we have the 

choice to be angry, sad, upset 

or happy, pleased and loving.

Obviously, I'm in that latter

part of my life. I don't know 

if I have days, months or years.

Methinks, 'tis a must to awake

each day in the joy of living.

Sooooo hope I remember . . .

03/15/2025

"I am reasonably intelligent . . .

Relatively stable . . .

Loving and logical,

UNDENIABLY WEIRD

and just as confused

as the rest of you . . ."

-z2z-

Learning to laugh at myself . . .

Sooooo needed this!

03/14/2025

"I like weird people. The 

black sheep, the odd ducks, 

the rejects, the eccentrics, 

the loners, the lost and 

forgotten. More often than 

not, these people have the 

most beautiful souls." 

~Unknown

I've always loved this quote.

So wish I knew who wrote

it. Accolades ahoy . . .

Methinks the most fabulous

compliment I've ever received,

"You're just like your father,

a true eccentric!" I so pray 

this be true!

In a world full of cookie cutter

peeps, the eccentrics do stand

out. Not a bad thing at all!

May have been a bit difficult

growing up, but once reaching

an age of any kind of reason, 

gratitude abounds.

So, if you see this olde dame

at the market . . . wearing all

black, weird jewelry, covered

in tats . . . feel free to ask for

her autograph!

Cookie cutters need not apply!

03/13/2025

"It is a serious thing just to be

alive on this fresh morning in

this broken world."

~Mary Oliver

So love me some Mary Oliver!

She hits on the REAL over and

over. And, what a legacy she's

left behind!

Alas, I find myself somewhat

fearful of the d-word as I age.

I've outlived my dad by three

years. Eight to go to reach

mom's demise.

I've always loved life, loved

living it, exploring it and just

being. Interesting how much

more we appreciate it as the

end approaches.

Still here! Still living!! Still 

enjoying!!! Doesn't even

matter that there are a few

bad days to traverse.

Going to give myself an 

attitude adjustment and enjoy

whatever time the gods allot

me . . .

03/12/2025

"Sunflowers are a reminder 

to be strong, stand tall, and 

always find the light." 

~Anonymous

My favest flower in the entire

floral kingdom!

I can remember picking them

as a kid, bringing them home

and placing them in water.

Even then, they stirred my

little soul.

You'd think I might become

more sophisticated in my own

taste as I grew older . . . not

so. Still pick them up at SW

from time to time.

My best sunflower memory . . . 

we were coming down the 

mountain on the way home 

when all of a sudden my guy 

slams on the brakes. He pulls 

over, parks the car, jumps out 

without a word.

Not sure why I was more

intrigued than frightened!

He jumps back in, gives me

a handful of sunflowers and

drives off without a word.

Just might be the sweetest

gift I've ever received.

Sunflowers have taken on

new meanings today. 'Tis

good and methinks we'd do

well to listen up . . .

03/11/2025

"Grandmother, 

teach me to walk in wisdom.

Mother,

teach me to grow in love.

Sister, 

teach me to follow my bliss.

Daughter,

teach me to live in wonder."

~Wisdom of the Ages

This glorious quote reminds

me just how lucky I am and

was to have had each of these 

incredible women in my life.

My grandmothers were each

amazing women in their own

right. My maternal grand was

a down home, apron clad,

sweetie. My paternal grand

was a sophisticated, dressed

in fashion, hats to match and

beautiful heels.

Mother was a great big WOW

in my book. College educated

and worked at the Atomic

Energy Commission for 40

years at a time when women 

were stay at homers.

My sisters are the phenomenal

gals in my life today. Couldn't

live without them. They ROCK!

My daughter is the true shero in

my life. She's been mothering 

me since she was nigh onto two

years old. Head on straight, lives

her life with amazing integrity.

Yes, these women have taught

me to live my life in wonder.

I raise my glass . . . salud . . .

03/10/2025

"I want people in my life

that make me feel safe. 

Safe to talk, safe to share, 

and safe to be myself." 

~Unknown

I have been so fortunate 

with the people in my life.

Glorious children, great

relatives, amazing students,

phenomenal friendships.

How lucky can one get?!

I sorrow for people who

haven't been so blest . . .

Those who have grown up

without love, perhaps even

abuse. Those who have

known poverty at its core.

I am beyond admiration 

for those who have won 

rather than succumbed to 

such negatives.

Lucky are those of us who

are gifted elder years with

that faithful few . . .

I pray I be a faithful friend

such as they who have been 

to me.

03/09/2025

"What's the point of reaching

for the stars if we can't even

take care of the ground 'neath

our feet?" 

Defenders of Lady Gaia

I feel so frightened of late . . .

Walking over to my library,

I see mini bottles and beer 

cans strewn about. I imagine

it has something to do with

not being caught with open

containers in the car if one 

is stopped by the police.

I worry about the millions 

of water bottles we put in the 

recycle every day. I like that

we refill gallons over and over

but we do buy the bottles for

guests.

Are our homes being built on 

the remains of land fills? Will

they last if this is so?

I understand we each need to

do our part. Again it worries

me that we too are in our elder

years and can't do as much as

we used to.

This may boil down to each of

us taking care of our own space

and hope the concentric circles

of the same overlap into a real

caring of Mother Earth . . .

03/08/2025

"A simple life filled with

freedom is what truly

fulfills me."

The Homestead Movement

Been talking 'bout this for a

while now. Mostly in regards

to being an ole retired gal.

Still, 'tis what I've ever longed

for and now have been gifted.

So hope the powers at be give

me a few more years to enjoy

exactly this.

Add in a little naughty and

you've got pure paradise!

Think outside the box here . . .

Champagne brunches, a

mystery marathon, fun meals 

in bed, sitting by the fire w/

friends for FAC, an all night

read!

Doesn't get any better than

this . . .

03/07/2025

"The best thing about getting

older is becoming clear on

what does and doesn't matter."

~Anita Opper, Zen to Zany

If ever there were a truth,

this is it!

When I was a young wife,

mother and teacher, I had to

dance at the speed of sound

just to keep up. Methinks I

did so with one hand on my

waist!

Now, however, Mr. Time has

slowed me down and I find

myself ever a pondering.

Naught wrong with this, I 

just didn't have time before.

Then, it was about beauty.

Now, 'tis more about comfort.

Then, I read for professional

reasons. Today, I read for

pleasure. Then, I prepared

three truly fab meals a day.

Now, I eat whatever I want,

whenever I want. Ice cream

for breakfast is ever a fave!

Now that I'm a 100 years old,

I do wish we could mix up

the two!!!

Why does wisdom have to 

come so late?

03/06/2025

Not exactly certain why, 

but my little bro Sammy

has been on my mind of

late. I think of him by day 

and dream of him by night.

Only a few months apart,

we grew up playing, as 

well as all else together.

I've shared before that he

was diagnosed with Von

Recklinghausen disease

just before turning three.

So, in many ways, our

childhood together was 

a gift. 

Either Russel's mom or

Bonnie's mom would drop

me off after school. The

bus would then drop off 

Sammy and then my time 

to care for him until our

parents came home would

begin.

Several activities would

keep us busy. I would read

to him from a fave book.

We'd take a walk around

the neighborhood . . . often

stopping in to say hi to our

faves.

Ever and always, supper

together as a family. After

dishes, we'd read together

and have family prayers.

I've shared so much of this

before. I haven't forgotten;

it's just that he's been so on

my mind. 

Can't help but wonder why . . .

03/05/2025

Wondering if winding down

into my now olde might bring 

about a rewind into yesteryear.

Dreaming, thinking, rethinking . . .

 

. . . hopefully not living in the

past, simply visiting!

Precious memories, mistakes

made, happenings I will ever

treasure.

I have lived; make no mistake.

Now, what I'm hoping is that

in my last run at what time is 

left, I don't go down existing

rather than living.

Then . . . parenting, teaching,

traveling, partying, playing.

Now . . . reading, writing,

puzzles ahoy, spending time

w/my guy.

It's all good, both the now and

then. But, assessing, I'd say yes,

I am living not just existing. 

Still, it's a 75 year old pace 

rather than a 35 year old dance.

Might just be why the gods 

gifted us both memory and 

imagination . . .

03/04/2025

On the sidelines, awaiting 

my SAD meds, I watched 

that infamous parade of 

old tired souls walking by.

Some with canes, others in 

wheelchairs, a few slowly

advancing step by step.

Looking at these amazing

oldsters in the stances old

age brings to the table, I 

could sense the attitudes 

at play. The pretty young 

girls within, flirting a bit. 

Handsome lads responding 

in kind.

My heart hurt for their worn

out strides, their hurting limbs

and whatever medical probs

brought them to this table

in particular.

'Twas strange that I wasn't

necessarily feeling sorrow,

rather awe. Life! What an

amazing vehicle life is.

I glanced down at my hands, 

for whatever reason . . .  and 

there I saw my own wrinkled 

paws, with the odd age spot.

I was taken aback as I looked

up at my oldsters in parade

and then again at my hands.

It hit me then, I'm one of them,

aren't I?! I'm older than I am

younger, right?! 

Ever so glad I've had a most

wondrous life. Sooooo needs 

me some humungous words 

just to describe how I feel.

Let's see . . .  astronomical . . .

 . . . glorious, wondrous, 

incredible, amazing, beyond 

the pale!!!

03/03/2025

March energy:

Let go of perfection

Give people kindness

Focus on small daily wins

Be your most genuine self

Stop doubting your progress

~Yung Pueblo

Such wisdom for one so 

young!

The days elongate. Daylight

softens the cold and snow 

wisdom comforts.

Methinks I may actually make

it this time. Alas, 'tis to snow

again this evening. Yes I know,

we need the moisture!

Thinking positive here!

 - - -

Diego Perez, Ecuadorian, 

is the poet and philosopher 

behind pen name Yung Pueblo, 

'young people'. Google Books

03/02/2025

"I like people who get excited

about the change of seasons,

sounds of the ocean, watching

a sunset, the smell of rain and

starry nights." Brooke Hampton

Methinks Brooke is talking 

about our Mother Earth; she 

is so dear to all of us.

For moi, 'tis all about the 

heavens . . . 

 . . . Our Lunar Lady, first in 

my own heart, followed by 

sunsets and stars. Sooooo love 

me the heavens! They give me 

the courage to stay the distance.

I so love this time of month . . .

watching the moon grow from

its initial sliver to a glowing full.

I like to think of this as a time to

come to fruition in my own needs

and desires.

I feel so blest under the light of

moon in all of her stages . . .

03/01/2025

Methinks part of this aging

gracefully business would 

be learning to laugh at your-

self. That may mean that 

I'd be in constant hysteria!

I was sitting in my comfy

chair by the fire when I

noticed what looked like 

a small glass vial. I didn't

recall it at all, so took a

good look-see.

The liquid was clear w/no

apparent scent. I put some

on my wrists and again, no

scent. Finally, I just simply

recapped it and put it back.

When our fellow FACers

arrived, I asked my buddy

if she knew what it was.

"Oh, of course. That's your

urine sample. You're to mail

it in as soon as possible."

Didn't say a word, just about

died from silent hysterics!

Guess if you can't laugh at

yourself, you'll never make

it through this whole aging

process!