11/30/19

There's a rule, isn't there, that rather
than spend your non-existent fortune
on Black Friday, you do your x-mas
cards?! One way or another, I bit the
bullet and I'm all finished except for
a few children's cards. I find myself
smiling at how each of us tend to
spend the holidays in different ways.
For some, it's all about cooking and
baking. For others, it's cleaning and
decorating the house and yet others
care more about the gifts they can
put together. I can actually remember
a time when I had the energy to do
all three; inconceivable at this point
in my life! Actually, I read somewhere
that once you turn 70 you're not
supposed to worry about dusting 'cuz
those dust bunnies might just be
an ancestor!

holiday spirit
parties and goodies galore
pure ambrosia

11/29/19

I can recall Thanksgivings at my grandmothers.
I can remember Thanksgivings with my parents.
And of course, the years and years that I prepped,
cooked and hosted myself. But yesterday, watching
the children working in the kitchen, in harmony, in
sync . . . pure magical ambrosia!

#1 son recreated a traditional familial fruit salad,
some of the best dressing I have ever had and an
absolutely delish gravy. And, I thought I knew how
to cook string beans; obviously not! I hated to share!

#1 daughter, according to her family fans, baked the
best turkey ever! and pie to die for. She slipped me
a piece of delectable delight that felt straight out of
French cuisine; amazing baker this woman!

#1 girlfriend created (I use the word on purpose) two
kinds of mashed potatoes. I may as well confess right
now that I had thirds! She talked about her grandma's
trick of pre-soaking the potatoes in a light sugar water
prior to boiling. Who knew?!

Sitting together, enjoying the feast and ever in awe at
these amazing children, I give thanks that they share
bits and pieces of their lives with us. I am W O W E D!

deep blue clear night skies
miss new moon sir evening star
gifts for the way home

11/28/19 . . . Thanksgiving

I find myself caught 'twixt and 'tween
a grin and a giggle; 'tis nothing short
of a TG smorgasbord. First, we planned
on a travel trailer trip to Utah with fam.
Then my guy got the angst; he really
wanted to spend it with the kids. I got
it; even had similar feelings. Still, I hope
we get to make said trip at some point
as I had a longing for it. We decided to
divide and conquer; he'd go to his and
I'd go to mine. But then, travel plans
got shot down due to weather. Our
latest attempt at familial celebration is
for both of us to join his family, idea
which I love, but the weather scares me
to death. We have roughly 18" plus snow
to shovel and so far, we can't get out the
front door. Guess we'll see what happens;
but that giggle may turn into a snicker if
I'm not careful; forget snicker, hysterics is
more like it. Happy TG guys; save drives;
be thankful . . .

okay surprise me
a day most unusual
hey go with the flow

11/27/19

I find it heartbreaking that there are
periods in our lives when we feel lost
to ourselves. I believe this happens
due to traumatic events that either
steer us from our chosen path or can
even cause us to crash and burn. The
accompanying fear brings about a sense
of disorientation which can then lead to
anxiety and depression. Overwhelmed
and disheartened, finding the way back
to self and one's true path seems
unsurmountable. In this time of gratitude,
let us truly remember who we are. In
the embrace of family, let us return to
our path. Seeing the bounty, let us find
and accept self once again. Let your heart
hear the words, "Welcome back, I've been
missing you."

been buried too long
who am i where have i been
triumphant return

11/26/19

Every now and then, the universe does
indeed gift a day . . . a very special day.
And, to be perfectly honest, I would have
to admit it's not just once in a while! We
awoke this morning to roughly 15 inches
of snow. Alas, there was naught for it
but to spend the day abed . . . with none
other than the great Indiana Jones himself.
Such fun and four entire adventures to be
had! Now . . . if only I could have breakfast
in be . . . along with a couple of mimosas!
Oh well, guess one can't have everything . . .

the angels at play
ma nature having a day
icing on her cake

11/25/19

'Tis confession time . . . I promised myself
to really take a close look at those things
for which I am grateful. It just isn't enough
to be thankful on Thanksgiving day . . . we
need to make that effort on a daily basis.
Obviously, I like to think that I am one who
appreciates on all grounds . . . but this a.m.
I awoke to a forecast for a dozen inches of
snow tonight. I have 'winter issues', but I
truly believe I could make it through winter
if winter would just stay in its allotted time.
Here at the cabin, starting in October and
through this month, we've had 4", 13", 8",
5" of snow and it isn't even winter yet!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! ~@#$%^&*()_+   How
the hell am I going to make it through
winter proper? Pray, send me courage . . .

no can do like snow
am moving to the islands
winter wonderland

11/24/19

I have known love; I am sated . . .

I have known the love I have for my
children and the love they have for me.
I am sated . . .

I have known the love I have for my
family and the love they have for me
I am sated . . .

I have known the love I have for my
friends and the love they have for me.
I am sated . . .

I have known the love I have for my
students and the love they have for me.
I am sated . . .

I have known love; I am sated . . .

~Linda-Dale Jennings

11/23/19

My amazing niece has been doing
vast amounts of research into our
familial history. I realize 'tis a fad
to some, but to her, it's a mission
in live. She shares stories with us
that are simply remarkable! What
this does for me . . . a reminder
that life doesn't begin HERE! It
comes from wayyyyy back; we
tend to forget that. If our 'greats'
had not met when they did, had
they not conceived a child when
they did . . . we simply would NOT
exist today. I forget that from time
to time. Bless her for reminding us.
Indeed, I am thankful for our past.
It doesn't haunt; it heals!

our past history
a different perspective
for this i give thanks

11/22/19

Holidays always seem to bring my
brother to mind. His was a harsh
story, some of which I have shared;
not certain I should have. His incredible
existence brings many lessons to the
table. Through him, I learned caring
for someone other than myself. I
witnessed people, real people, who
turned a blind eye and others who went
well out of their way to help. I saw his
dreams crashing down around him and
still he would rise and shine to face yet
another difficult day. Alas, I fear I am
grateful that I was gifted a normalcy of
sorts, that I received the gift of education,
that I was allotted the chance to create
my own life, and in turn, give the gift of
life to my children. I am eternally thankful
that I witnessed the courage it takes to
face day after day in the dark. That I
knew bravery when I saw it in a young
boy fighting for an existence of any kind.
That he fought and prevailed to the end.
I pray I grow to be even half the man he
was . . . and yes, I am eternally grateful.

always complaining
why cant enough be enough
time we get a clue

11/21/19

'Tis exactly a week away . . . this day
in which we gather with family, share
tales out of school, eat copious amounts
of deliciousness and are reminded to be
thankful for our blessings. Per always,
I like to spend time ahead of the day,
pondering meaning, remembering whos,
whys, and wherefores. Make no mistake,
I much enjoy the gatherings, the food,
the goblets of delightful contents, but
the bottom line is family, isn't it?! I find
I cherish them in a special way that day.
I see those missing and wish they were
there. Memories of those long gone visit
my soul and I yearn for them. Oh yes, I
will most definitely be thinking of those
much loved and the blessings they have
brought to my table, my life.

grateful beyond words
memories of yesteryear
pray partake with me

11/20/19

I had never given much thought
to the rituals we observe in our
daily lives. Yet, there they are!
Each morning upon awaking, we
do our own individual dance of
facing a new day . . . a stretch
perhaps, a groan to show our
disdain for the whole rise and
shine routing, a self-lecture about
getting on with it! Preparing meals
can be a bit ritualistic as well. For
me, it begins with opening the fridge
to see if anything falls out . . . no
really, I do look to see what I have,
take out ingredients of whatever
nature and create! Getting into the
car . . . check the systems, put on
the seat belt, look around and get
going. Planning a day may start out
with a list, organizing the order of
the day, thinking of a way to reward
oneself for all the accomplishments.
Bottom line, we really shouldn't be
surprised about enjoying spiritual
rituals, we've been ritualizing our
entire lives . . . food for thought!

good habits and bad
finding comfort in routine
my sweet rituals

11/19/19

Mother, forgive me for I have sinned . . .

Yesterday, I pontificated, complained,
sputtered and muttered about a missing
package. The package was incredibly
important and my heart hurt at its loss.
Later on in the morning, I perused the
property . . . and there was the package.
The wind must have blown it about or
perhaps an animal disturbed it. Bottom
line, the package is back and I am damn
embarrassed! My fait in my neighbors
in humanity, is restored. And, I find
myself vastly ashamed. Why is it that
when something goes wrong, immediately
the worst case scenarios comes to mind.
Bottom line, I have a lesson to learn here
and I damn well better learn it!

most disappointed
striving for understanding
determined to learn

11/18/19

I'm upset and not sure just who to
growl at! My order from Amazon was
taken from my front door. The walk
way trails up to it away from the road
and my property is fenced, so it's a bit
hard to envision someone stealing it.
Nonetheless . . .
I've obviously heard of the new game
in town where persons run in and take
packages off porches. But, it was never
going to happen to me! I live too far
away. My cabin is so tiny that even
the mice hesitate to visit. There are
no signs of wealth to attract a thief. Oh
well, it's finally happened to me and I
have no idea of recourse. The site I
ordered from doesn't have a 'contact
seller' logo. The whole thing is just
too sad. I find myself disappointed in
losing the package, but much more so
in losing faith in humanity.

so glad to be home
nooooo someones been a 'thievin
feeling invaded