tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91687956247022876142024-02-18T22:39:57.332-08:00the green beemy efforts of growing, living, and adapting in a creative, simple way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-59223537576575539162014-09-12T01:12:00.000-07:002014-09-12T21:06:31.467-07:00Retirement Adventures -- Has it really been One Year?<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> Where has the time gone?</i>?</span> Getting used to being and living in the civilian world again has it's sunshine and shadow. First, the Colonel has to get used to life out of the uniform that so defined him for 28yrs (plus 4 more in college). Getting used to the shirt and tie, the hair (oh!! The hair!!! Full Beard displayed daily now!!), the almost normal hours of 9 to 5 ...</span></span><br>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>How does someone know</i></span> that the Colonel has been a Leader of young men? He guided and led men to become their best selves--by allowing ideas and <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">innovation to be viewed, discussed, implemented or discarded. The Colonel quietly led, never boastful, never overbearing, taking the time to personally help those whom required the most gentleness.....doing the right thing when it would've been easier to let the system take over -- I can't go into detail, there is a need for privacy-- I just feel that it needed to be addressed here...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Now</span> the Colonel's focus</i> <i>is a bit different</i></span><i>.</i> Presently it seems like he's "in the trenches" with his coworkers...some who would've been one of his soldiers in the past. The salutes are gone now, replaced with a hard-won acceptance and trust that the Colonel is "one of the boys" ---an experienced, capable, resourceful coworker (who sometimes needs the help of others! And isn't afraid to ask!!)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Time passes and we change</i></span> to accommodate the newness of it. The Colonel is doing well-- adjusting to the Retirement Adventure as quickly as possible--- sometimes we have to utilize patience a bit more than we'd like! Getting the military retirement and disability benefits have been a struggle --changing policies and new laws/policies/definitions make for a roller coaster ride that are long-lived and bumpy. If you're leaving the military, make sure you begin your information gathering and out-processing in a timely manner!!! I believe there are new requirements that include mandatory classes --pay attention to your out-processing time lines!! Don't put things off!! -- the Colonel took a "new" course and didn't get everything required from the "old" set of courses/standards...and it affected Everything!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Accepting our new path</i></span> is paramount to living fully, in this present circumstance. Some things just plain cost more....Health Insurance is not a freebie...co-pays rise </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">(I am Always surprised when I visit the pharmacy!!). Being older means our bones start creaking! Our eyes become less focused! Our stamina is not what it once was! (Many years ago my home would be "put together" both inside & out within months--presently we're still (!!!) working on it at the 12+ month mark!). We can rant & rave about the awfulness or? We can just age gracefully, accepting what is....making the wisest choices to lessen the blow on our mind, spirit and bodies as well as pocketbooks.</span></span></span><br>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Not a bed of roses by my standards</span></i>...I have struggled mightily with depression over the last 5 to 6 years. This last year has been a curse as well as a blessing. I finally had enough. I finally felt like the time had come to get more than just the status quo of help.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><font color="#b45f06" face="Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9ZV8A4SPUJULtULz3MO_442Xi-sFJ-T1NsD9SWSR-6PW2I2zFcSWq9h9mUkUH81B6VJj0oxYHfq_7KAWP9fEAkglEZPSoJ1q5QRE8qntP2k_F-KD6XrwDZ_tOJ5VisZRBO2Y_2fhv9zo/s1600/01c1146a4bb9eeff1a7b09c1fc665e401738b85e25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9ZV8A4SPUJULtULz3MO_442Xi-sFJ-T1NsD9SWSR-6PW2I2zFcSWq9h9mUkUH81B6VJj0oxYHfq_7KAWP9fEAkglEZPSoJ1q5QRE8qntP2k_F-KD6XrwDZ_tOJ5VisZRBO2Y_2fhv9zo/s1600/01c1146a4bb9eeff1a7b09c1fc665e401738b85e25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijujCx3KqoSMuL1U7NvVHLyv9LU_s-g3krSBpfcaIwhj7xNXi8w8GCGEizDYSzFEXpMmhpD44g77nQJfh8IpvQ0HP1OqySWQU5KIHLKaaXmcZ_iJugYk3txrcQ-usYLwVaXEDFrk3yrPOf/s640/blogger-image--1701606629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijujCx3KqoSMuL1U7NvVHLyv9LU_s-g3krSBpfcaIwhj7xNXi8w8GCGEizDYSzFEXpMmhpD44g77nQJfh8IpvQ0HP1OqySWQU5KIHLKaaXmcZ_iJugYk3txrcQ-usYLwVaXEDFrk3yrPOf/s640/blogger-image--1701606629.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><span style="color: rgb(180, 95, 6); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">So I had a little adventure that reminds me</span> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">vaguely of the movie 28 Days with Sandra Bullock. She had a substance abuse problem...mine was an eating disorder I had hidden for too many years and the depression. I went off to take care of both. And am still on my path to healing. I'm finding that it's very difficult to find professionals that work with eating disorders partly because it's difficult, and partly because people with eating disorders hide it and try to keep it a secret. I've decided for myself, that I am no longer willing to hide. It's <span style="font-size: large;"><i>time to let go and trust God</i></span> and myself to take care of this one precious life. Whew!! Thanks for letting me get that off my chest....I've started to ask forgiveness of those I had separated myself from--through isolation and even flakiness over the years. There's some forgiveness, sometimes not. It's okay. Either way, it's time to move forward. No more stagnation for me baby!!!!</span></span></span><br>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">So <i><span style="font-size: large;">even though the leaves may be turning brown and dying</span></i>...I am looking at this fall season as a time for renewal. A time for rest (of sorts) and time of clearing away the debris to make room for the new, healthier, brighter days ahead. </span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></span></span> </div><div><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br></i></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> The adventure continues!!!</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-1160372714021343342014-02-20T01:13:00.001-08:002014-02-20T01:14:09.396-08:00Retirement Adventures continue on....My Birthday!!! Yay!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_Ui4jPXGd1dFSR0jCk7XNLg1BStlhpN0EI1yWLKCb-Gv7nXtG-An7lCF3DDjzZgpU-GGj0OIKf39DSfEBtnjVZqBElTOumJrITl3MoD1MH3lmRjduHbc_bBPggjSc-_jiep8A23akC4k/s1600/IMG_20140213_081255_905-SNOW.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_Ui4jPXGd1dFSR0jCk7XNLg1BStlhpN0EI1yWLKCb-Gv7nXtG-An7lCF3DDjzZgpU-GGj0OIKf39DSfEBtnjVZqBElTOumJrITl3MoD1MH3lmRjduHbc_bBPggjSc-_jiep8A23akC4k/s1600/IMG_20140213_081255_905-SNOW.gif" height="200" width="150" /></a>Time flies doesn't it?? whether we're having fun or not....but this month has been a phenomenal month of fun, work, goal setting, weather whirlwinds, empty days, grayness-gone-wild!! haha...but it has been an adventure of my <span style="font-size: large;"><b>doing, and</b></span>, in a way,<span style="font-size: large;"><b> undoing...</b></span><br />
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With the crazy winter weather we've all experienced this year...it's been a great time for catching up on much needed rest...my fibromywhatsis was definitely calling for rest!!! though I tried on many occasions to participate in the "doing" of tasks...ranging from cleaning house, walking dogs, moving furniture (what?!?! now that wasn't wise...), painting our front door--spilling a half a gallon (!!??) of paint--now that's a story all it's own-- painting bathroom cabinets, painting hallway molding...spending numerous numerous hours on Pinterest and playing Candy Crush Saga--nothing <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAm2X6EVde2sRPmzLLJVz2EA2zH4FuNTOzb90yNGz77KOjprVfFIlbGSli3-UaRqlz7rasMDe9WtLa2Pl7dxbjSyoiA0ECQ_v61NtXRfc5J_ry5vd7sxLdQAnTgkQOsO2VyESb2LOkoAW/s1600/IMG_20140206_081926_923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAm2X6EVde2sRPmzLLJVz2EA2zH4FuNTOzb90yNGz77KOjprVfFIlbGSli3-UaRqlz7rasMDe9WtLa2Pl7dxbjSyoiA0ECQ_v61NtXRfc5J_ry5vd7sxLdQAnTgkQOsO2VyESb2LOkoAW/s1600/IMG_20140206_081926_923.jpg" height="200" width="123" /></a>like a little truth to keep it real-<b><span style="font-size: large;">-keep it real....</span></b><br />
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Early in the month I had the pleasure of flying to Tucson, AZ for <b>Art Retreat in the Desert</b>....I was so very excited to take some classes to teach me as well as help me practice previous learned skills in jewelry making and bookmaking. Oh! what an adventure <span style="font-size: large;"><b>trying to get myself together</b></span>, and off to the airport!! Oversleeping, not being completely packed, pulling my insulin pump canula out right before heading out the door (?! I mean, really???!!) Loading the dogs in the car--to take them to the kennel--getting to the airport finally and rushing through security...and lo and behold! I didn't have to be wanded!! Yay!! did I say Yay!! then finally making my way onto the airplane--after a few delays in the airport due to weather...halfway to Tucson, we have several delays...due to weather (I mean, really?? Mother Nature...please give us a break?) I didn't take time to eat between flights because there was nary a moment to spare--only to sit for a few hours hoping our plane would be repaired and make it out of the docket in the same night! We did!! and arrived safely and securely (yes, it was the wee hours of the NEXT day I was finally in my hotel room! but safe it was.) sigh....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFligCGAiIG5aXpYNAFY6QGUPL0IhZ1ON55B9K9mBj-79sC49vNV9mlHc5TaJfpVj-ZYzQ0U-vJFXxbAHPdE7-JxjBxFHYf0AOptcIeTzUsghhxtudJz-UTOg9C7AnTlfZK3KPzhPv7YBt/s1600/IMG_20140207_133421_711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFligCGAiIG5aXpYNAFY6QGUPL0IhZ1ON55B9K9mBj-79sC49vNV9mlHc5TaJfpVj-ZYzQ0U-vJFXxbAHPdE7-JxjBxFHYf0AOptcIeTzUsghhxtudJz-UTOg9C7AnTlfZK3KPzhPv7YBt/s1600/IMG_20140207_133421_711.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The art retreat taught me</b></span> a few things--that I was able to <b>participate socially</b> even when I didn't feel so very hot--but also that I couldn't participate physically as much as I wanted to. That was the hardest part--<b>accept</b>ing<b> my limitations</b>. With grace. With contentment. <b>Without apology</b>.. I must admit it was a process. I got there...eventually!!... <b>I met </b>some fabulous people...members of <b>"my tribe"</b>...joyful, earnest,<b> lovely souls</b> who enjoyed the instructors guidance...enlightening each other and spreading laughter and expertise while tentative formed sparks of interest in each other...in our craft..were cast about. I met<b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgIL6fPpciAGGV0zUhSQfzjPZDdhUzGWtygos_S3nO2nzoNfro-JdnmcpxNwVGszdR67IdYU-WvgSPfH65HuibeE6KDZhIqRI4ffPmNWVRpjGdIbXjYzZQSJ_-Kd3MpctRpCn0HNT8oBF/s1600/IMG_20140207_133702_368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgIL6fPpciAGGV0zUhSQfzjPZDdhUzGWtygos_S3nO2nzoNfro-JdnmcpxNwVGszdR67IdYU-WvgSPfH65HuibeE6KDZhIqRI4ffPmNWVRpjGdIbXjYzZQSJ_-Kd3MpctRpCn0HNT8oBF/s1600/IMG_20140207_133702_368.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Generous spirits</b> who permitted themselves and others the gift of friendship, of belonging (my Prairie Pearl friends--<b>Kathleen, Yvonne, Rita, Barb, Erin, Diane, Deryn, Cindy, and Marcie you were there in spirit</b>). I finished one and a half projects (out of three)...you would think that would make a soul weary, down-trodden...but I found I was okay...okay to spend time alone, time to heal, time to re-energize. and I found there was kindness in abundance--my <b>new friend Wendy</b>--amazed me with her sweet offer to help me finish that "half" project which I couldn't complete...and my new friend formed from being brave enough to have a roommate,<b> Marianna</b>, was a beacon of artistic ability and inspiration..I met so many wonderful ladies!! <b>Marcella, Kristin, Robin, Julie, Lori, Karen, Riki, Jeana</b>...and many many more that I did not have the time to get to know very well...but would like to...someday!!<br />
My<b> old friend Reen</b> flew out for a few nights--and took the Heirloom Relic book course with me--we had a wonderful time at our table of naughty girls!! well, not really naughty, <b>Kim and Marsha</b> just gabbing--goofing--etc. and laughing...that's what I remember most is the laughter floating through the air like feathers--floating---<br />
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Getting home was also an adventure--rarely do we have flights cancelled in the Deep South due to weather...but we did this year...and after a 24 hr delay <b>I made it home</b>...<b>safely</b>..again safely...<b>thanking my Maker</b> that I was able to spend time with friends, new and old alike..<br />
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Being home has been quiet, recuperative... Home....<b>this house</b> on it's rocky, boulder-filled perch<b> is home</b>...warm, welcoming.... our project-filled, dreams-may-become-real castle...not what I thought I wanted, but I am <b>changing my attitude</b> and accepting the here-and-now...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCauAALLHXbK60MK4EczIZ028UZoUVK3ChmHzhqShksivjy_5Vqr-4461tj1RfqAHuaQ3na6VdlSJIjxDOc1z6blglLs4r0PoA5dM3GC8jRZATdcwm_05RPPVVZY1XOJQy766d0RRdWvL/s1600/IMG_20140213_083307_080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCauAALLHXbK60MK4EczIZ028UZoUVK3ChmHzhqShksivjy_5Vqr-4461tj1RfqAHuaQ3na6VdlSJIjxDOc1z6blglLs4r0PoA5dM3GC8jRZATdcwm_05RPPVVZY1XOJQy766d0RRdWvL/s1600/IMG_20140213_083307_080.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>So come along with me my friends!! The adventure continues!! Or Begins Anew!! It should be quite an interesting ride as I learn to accept the here and now, myself as well as my surroundings...you see, when I think of myself, I see myself as a 20-to-30-something person...with the capacity, the skill, the know-how to do so much...but the modifications I must make as I age in "retirement," in dealing with a body that has a mind all it's own...the adventure will continue...as I look forward to new challenges--new adaptations....<br />
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Oh! and today is my birthday!! </div>
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and I am going to ride my bicycle with a dear friend of mine!! </div>
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and spend my day being kind to me...</div>
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Happy Birthday</div>
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...finally!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshyphenhyphen1osKXD3u0n7oD3AAzObs8xWbrpJsA9r3hDHLg7yMeEkDonZjhqh8K_dRMLdY3d6hErxC2K0HnrJAzfG96DXgjStXGSYDPzJh15gZeiqjKTT0oML0AtaYJ3xIStPT2GNKdxMn409qVV/s1600/IMG_20131223_205933_389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshyphenhyphen1osKXD3u0n7oD3AAzObs8xWbrpJsA9r3hDHLg7yMeEkDonZjhqh8K_dRMLdY3d6hErxC2K0HnrJAzfG96DXgjStXGSYDPzJh15gZeiqjKTT0oML0AtaYJ3xIStPT2GNKdxMn409qVV/s1600/IMG_20131223_205933_389.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">today is the day decorations find their homes in storage. memories attached to the "things" speak out and tug at heartstrings so full of gratitude and peace. happily i move among the detritus of the earthly belongings...but my mind and heart are already on other issues of the day. once i hold an ornament that my son has given me heart full and nostalgic - i hesitate to put it away -- the time is so little spent physically anymore with our young man struggling to get through grad school and exert his total independence...other ornaments speak of moments with a husband so gentle and kind and funny...loving me quietly in his own way.</span></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wXjDlBxDWpxqbyLm7ohggPaVgcVJM8s2DZlw2bjnO-nFwzAN6z79spWGAbU-dJvfsGPo6QD9ulIdBaJ1qXiNFc9Ol4uvJ52TMw_lsG5LV5pUNjhJbDkNuxo2uybzRy-Mv7TxX-xMu_P-/s1600/IMG_0014.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wXjDlBxDWpxqbyLm7ohggPaVgcVJM8s2DZlw2bjnO-nFwzAN6z79spWGAbU-dJvfsGPo6QD9ulIdBaJ1qXiNFc9Ol4uvJ52TMw_lsG5LV5pUNjhJbDkNuxo2uybzRy-Mv7TxX-xMu_P-/s1600/IMG_0014.jpeg" height="189" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYfXhaH5GthJVdbQtft56GjJPw5qUBAbV7HLdSKMCRKiL2pGugfU_4m1w5W6U_s6Gm4sVVnGs-uYNEwflGacgMh0h0NVf5HC4AXtO1jtEm1HmFvxcMBgfMNpc_7EiigdlcZ9G-xyJwzCC/s1600/IMG_0012.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYfXhaH5GthJVdbQtft56GjJPw5qUBAbV7HLdSKMCRKiL2pGugfU_4m1w5W6U_s6Gm4sVVnGs-uYNEwflGacgMh0h0NVf5HC4AXtO1jtEm1HmFvxcMBgfMNpc_7EiigdlcZ9G-xyJwzCC/s1600/IMG_0012.jpeg" height="200" width="149" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> cleaning up the ribbons and little bits of paper offal from Christmas dinner....memories of smiles and fun...of silliness and miniature plastic toys flying everywhere, confetti of the heart as i look around and see with my mind's eye</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> family gathered around the Christmas table...joy in the moment as we play together around a table cleared of dishes and holiday dinner, reminiscent of my Colonel's family Christmases past...</span></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcoovdufDdqB_hmc0tKin4B3wCWx50nwQ-JYujDrQG9ajhbwIf6vuAhEamKJs6h9iteJUkke42FV5HROWIlC_GWNSCPBVtkeIldkMWuNvxCKdEw2jJylS93sL-DHHI4L71svpaoIrajsn/s1600/IMG_20131223_223746_319-TWINKLE.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcoovdufDdqB_hmc0tKin4B3wCWx50nwQ-JYujDrQG9ajhbwIf6vuAhEamKJs6h9iteJUkke42FV5HROWIlC_GWNSCPBVtkeIldkMWuNvxCKdEw2jJylS93sL-DHHI4L71svpaoIrajsn/s1600/IMG_20131223_223746_319-TWINKLE.gif" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD2brOdfcAk8eJJl31Jzp9g_ESjmoo8zoeMCBLhrkJLWXm9kfDbWO2akwZqeoPY0L93gWo7wjT_5DbEsbAs5diphDMjzS45WVb9ZfQnqOjgX_IyYCaEF5d86KY9aUEFJjkR6X0D720g0f/s1600/IMG_20131223_223710_990-TWINKLE.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD2brOdfcAk8eJJl31Jzp9g_ESjmoo8zoeMCBLhrkJLWXm9kfDbWO2akwZqeoPY0L93gWo7wjT_5DbEsbAs5diphDMjzS45WVb9ZfQnqOjgX_IyYCaEF5d86KY9aUEFJjkR6X0D720g0f/s1600/IMG_20131223_223710_990-TWINKLE.gif" height="200" width="150" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">the vision of our Christmas tree...so difficult it seemed to put up and decorate this year..eventually done closer to the actual day of Christmas...was it less a festive time??.. in retrospect, maybe it was a more serene, simple time with the focus less on commercialism and more on what Christmas is: Emmanuel, God with us.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">New Year's eve was full in spirit - in presence - in bodies lounging about comfortably after chinese take-out...and the banter of children both old and young talking smack as the Texas A&M football game is taking turns nobody could foresee. gig 'em aggies...love everywhere i turn -i see family- i am thankful for these moments.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">breakfast comes too early! then black-eyed peas greens cornbread - holiday staples made favorite through years of cooking and enjoying. somehow the kitchen is put to order in record time and we say our goodbyes and hugs and smiles and waves...and waves ... of gratitude and love and peace in each moment of it all ...</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW-ZM9KcY6cjKEuqXgKum-1hTmXX9EJtz2n9Ut6J27P7_rqVgd1cPctib0NlnYw_Wpzowa3xoRTAIfI4o2UEmLdNsS99AZm_75Ip2ASM3rS2yX1MLPm8fn-FRHvAFRHFAiBX1tx2N1eoY/s1600/IMG_20131223_224206_881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW-ZM9KcY6cjKEuqXgKum-1hTmXX9EJtz2n9Ut6J27P7_rqVgd1cPctib0NlnYw_Wpzowa3xoRTAIfI4o2UEmLdNsS99AZm_75Ip2ASM3rS2yX1MLPm8fn-FRHvAFRHFAiBX1tx2N1eoY/s1600/IMG_20131223_224206_881.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">walking around the house of the Colonel's dreams...slowly finding little hints of home, of my belonging here, of being present in this place that gives shelter and love and comfort and yes! even joy. i find my place - my spirit lifted. it's been a while..a struggle of monumental proportions for me, for us, this retirement adventure so far...i think it must be like this for most folk who move at the end of a career to a new community a new home a new state of mind as well as physical location.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">this year will bring stability...and i hope less and less walks through dark valleys for me as we won't be packing up and moving with all of the stress and physical agitation. i am seeing a stable-ness that i haven't had in such a long long while. dwelling on this new year i would like to focus on the word gracious...grace...gracious of spirit of love of forgiveness ... these are what i hope to bring to all of the hearts i may come into contact with...and with all of this it is time to be about it all now..</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQDz9x8-S6NWvlv7KKwvMCPcX9oBVZhIGVRUSoCz0gcTbSugir2L0g3p2jydXBUGSIeHUmJeVKtXTotF-jzWo-6lnG-DHb-37Rrd-Ec1QqtJ6oFMa6lGPytGrsuIhu1QYimp5ghW154lr/s1600/IMG_20140104_121421_276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQDz9x8-S6NWvlv7KKwvMCPcX9oBVZhIGVRUSoCz0gcTbSugir2L0g3p2jydXBUGSIeHUmJeVKtXTotF-jzWo-6lnG-DHb-37Rrd-Ec1QqtJ6oFMa6lGPytGrsuIhu1QYimp5ghW154lr/s1600/IMG_20140104_121421_276.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">xox!</span></span></i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-47473551171238823742013-11-21T07:29:00.000-08:002013-11-21T07:29:09.012-08:00Retirement Adventures....of the quiet kind...Look Up!Today's post is a rambling stream of a moment in our Retirement Adventures of quiet reflection--time spent at home...alone with my cocker spaniel and sheltie. The Colonel's at work--hunting & gathering. My moments are quiet--tv off, quiet all around except for the occasional acorn hitting the rooftop. sometimes alone doesn't mean lonely. sometimes alone is a time of restoring, rest, letting body & soul be healed by simple beauty and gifts in my own environment. Here is a moment shared through prose....<br />
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As I go out the door<br />
On a crisp fall day..<br />
Wondering where the day holds it's magic<br />
Wondering if it will be a riotous joy<br />
Or a deflated tired empty balloon of nothing<br />
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The dogs burst through the back screen door<br />
with tails wagging and loud cacophonous yips<br />
and deep sonorous bays<br />
as they almost stumble down the stairs to<br />
hunt for and find the scent of their prey <br />
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I look about my feet-- bare<br />
on newly painted boards bedecked in rust and gold<br />
and browning offal from the swaying giants above<br />
Stepping lightly-- rifling through the crunch beneath<br />
to find the hidden wonder of the day <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peering over railing replete with </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">half eaten acorns I see</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">slashes of shadow long and striking amidst the stones</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beauty hides in nature's paint upon the ground</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">forcing my eye to see. To see. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking up-- i find the magic</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">in the Son's glorious movement above</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">in the grandness of the trees as they sway</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">to gentle breezes--rustling the leaves still there</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">like hair being kissed by gentle hands</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">lovingly holding autumn in a moment </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">of bliss. This gentle rocking of my soul</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">calling Look Up!! Look Up!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I Am there Always there.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look Up!! be assured..</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I Am there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you have a day full of gratitude and thankfulness...a day with blessings overrunning your vessels of life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> xoxo</span></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-50055345607357043942013-10-24T19:38:00.000-07:002013-10-24T19:38:10.589-07:00Retirement Adventures...It's not all a bed of roses..the petals have fallen off the stem and left me bleeding from the thorns..<br />
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.<img alt="deviantART: More Like FREE grunge texture by" class="imglt" height="224" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQdq2qjXy8QzDRvB6nxEdT7iFU44DIAs9RYdwehX4inQjthTHQ_:th07.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2010/158/c/a/heaviness_by_uckymush.jpg" title="deviantART: More Like FREE grunge texture by" width="224" /></div>
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When sharing the Adventures of our retirement from the Army life...I've tried to keep it light of heart and light of reading...re-inventing myself to what I want to be or think that I was at one time in my life. Brave, strong, fun, and funny...dependable, kind, giving.<br />
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Though I have taken a few paths that I've been ashamed of in the past--being angry, petty, mean-spirited, clique-ish, out-of-control--I've tried to make reparations and amends for my bad choices and bad behavior. Living with the consequences of my choices and actions has proved painful at times--shame and sadness can steal my joy in the todays--even when I am years past the hurting, the hurt and the asking for forgiveness.<br />
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In recent days...and weeks...I have found it harder and harder to be awake. To be present. To be thankful in my circumstances. My body feels so heavy--both physically and metaphorically--I just want to lay it down. To let it go. Fly away somewhere where there is no more weight. Where the alone doesn't matter any more<br />
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<a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQopu9kY--XMWqtXWolF3zW2hAe8IjQ9HUOMj1BA_CwOLOqHKyp:www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/images/130903-murky-water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Murky Water" border="0" class="imglt" height="149" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQopu9kY--XMWqtXWolF3zW2hAe8IjQ9HUOMj1BA_CwOLOqHKyp:www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/images/130903-murky-water.jpg" title="Murky Water" width="200" /></a></div>
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Then I pick up my phone--that modern necessity most of us utilize like it is air, or water, or clothing to start the day--and I open it to the blog: A Holy Experience by Ann Voskamp (www.aholyexperience.com) and read Missing Him: 31 Days of Jesus and today's blog post. And yesterday's and last week's...<br />
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Today's post is titled: If you Need a Therapy that Really Calms the Heart. It's about a man, a husband, a father, who is coping with his wife's depression. How his courage, his love, his patience and persistent "being there" is part of his cellular makeup. What hits me in the gut-wrenching soul part of me is it describes my husband. I am that woman who has that thing that "grabs a hold of a woman and makes her fear a day and herself and letting anyone get close" ... those of you who know me and love me may wonder where this comes from? I am a dual person...there is one of me who sings my inner song to strangers, who picks up a stumbled and alone elderly woman, who finds peace and joy in watching the trees sway with the power of the breathe of the Holy One. Then, there is one of me who allows "joy to be elusive and cynicism to be easy and stress to be normal..the same me that chokes down pills and food and shame instead of choking out what's wrong"...the me that is "scared to death to be real"...the me that "just lives to be dead"... So I battle daily to be present..to be aware...to find the ray of sunlight...the little heart signs that God leaves everywhere--in the trees--in the rocks--in the fallen leaves or clumps of dirt upon the floor--in my dear friend's reaching out to hold me...in prayer, in thought, in presence. <br />
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I could let this blog post be a damnation of my struggle...or, I can read to the end..like finishing the instructions on a test...to find what it has to say. For my husband (the Colonel) or for myself (inner understanding?)...and I see that ..I SEE that... in finding a something to be joyful in--be it a child's play, or a toddler's reaching up to hold a hand, the warmth of my cocker spaniel's bottom as he rests on my foot, the clump of dirt on the floor--miraculously shaped like a heart-love... there is joy to be found. Then the rest of the "instructions" are for me to be thankful in whatever circumstances that I am in...to wail to my maker to take my anger and my pain...to make me well again. Because the "anger is making me sick and weak and bound" and "the therapy is in the thanks".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can you see the heart-rock-love--lying on it's side?</td></tr>
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I could quote the whole shebang...all the wisdom, and worry, and angst, and joy, and love, and anger, and constant dullness of depression...but I think you would do better to read the post: <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/10/if-you-need-a-therapy-that-really-calms-the-heart/">http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/10/if-you-need-a-therapy-that-really-calms-the-heart/</a><br />
Maybe you could give a little prayer for the Colonel as he holds me til I can find my way again. Maybe you could pray for me to find my way into the sunlight, the thankfulness, the joy of what and who God is in the breathing and the living in the light.<br />
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I am thankful in this moment...in this light...xoxo</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-39179274023306516412013-10-17T20:31:00.001-07:002013-10-17T22:15:25.731-07:00Retirement Adventures: Re-Inventing Myself in the South<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo borrowed from Southern Living blog</td></tr>
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Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful event: <i><span style="font-size: large;">SOUTHERN REINVENTION</span>--</i>hosted by Tasia Malakasis and held at the new </div>
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It was a beautiful drive into the country with sunny skies and good company. The Colonel & I chatted pleasantly with one of my girlfriends who sat in the backseat as we found our way to Elkmont. It was a drive of unfulfilled hopes of southern music (I kept trying to get The Civil Wars track, Barton Hollow, up & running) to get us in the "mood" for our outing. Little did I know that I would have such difficulty with getting the track from my smart phone onto my husband's new car stereo with bluetooth capability. I'm the kind of gal who likes to read and apply the how-tos in life...and even after pulling out the owner's manual I couldn't get a single bar of music out of that car stereo by the time we made it to Elkmont!! </div>
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Now, I was so <i>Happy</i><i>!</i> to finally make it to the event...the beautiful new creamery was a wonderfully refurbished warehouse that was dilapidated only last summer! The soiree was to showcase the best of what the south has to offer where handcrafted and artisan are synonymous with quality and ingenuity while bringing new life to old buildings with a zest for community.</div>
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People came from many communities far and wide to support and enjoy the day with samplings of food, music, cheese making, clothing, and storytelling.</div>
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Clothing Designers<span style="font-size: large;"> Billy Reid </span>and <span style="font-size: large;">Natalie Chanin</span> had items available to purchase--both Alabama natives with a connection to community--they make a metaphorical statement that being Southern is an asset! not a hindrance.</div>
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We had introductions to some of the wonderful artisan-made libations of <span style="font-size: large;">Shine</span> of Stills Crossroads, AL(www.highridgespirits.com) and the<span style="font-size: large;"> Back 40 Beer Co.</span> of Gadsden, AL(moonshine and beer! Seen, not tasted! except in poached persimmons and beer vinegar respectively)</div>
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Recipes from <span style="font-size: large;">Southern Living</span> editors ( goat cheese cheesecake---divine!! Deviled eggs w/ goat cheese & pickled okra---yummy!) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Living editor Scott Mowbray on R</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-058uyl0pZ975I0uZIDB3IUQUwvpVp8t8_4LmWHcdXLSDpLuKI-v2BlO8A09jfk9y1yqghkYAmo4z_kVOca1wOaSGZbi1KQYw6ZuJVQtqqH0GITUswAfEHSfnOn2i0h9SVLeJk8H32iH/s1600/IMG_20131012_114827_573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-058uyl0pZ975I0uZIDB3IUQUwvpVp8t8_4LmWHcdXLSDpLuKI-v2BlO8A09jfk9y1yqghkYAmo4z_kVOca1wOaSGZbi1KQYw6ZuJVQtqqH0GITUswAfEHSfnOn2i0h9SVLeJk8H32iH/s200/IMG_20131012_114827_573.jpg" width="150" /></a>We had a fun time kneading and rolling our own goat cheese into logs before they were cut into little logs for taking home to enjoy --- though a few impatient persons unnamed enjoyed licking our fingers on the way to the wash stand afterwards! </div>
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Sitting on bales of hay with burlap seat covers we enjoyed a repast provided by</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jim&Nick's Community BBQ</span>. We feasted on BBQ sausage, brisket, and hot wings with multiple condiments rounding out the palate. I was sooo tempted to revisit the goat cheese cheesecake bites...but decided to play nice & share. I wish that I had had enough forethought to take photos of the lovely food -- next time I promise!! While fresh bottled water was provided aplenty, I purchased (as I always do!) a quart of icy cold herbal tea&black tea mix named Pom Pearadise! from <span style="font-size: large;">Samovar Gardens</span> of Brownsboro, AL. Never ever disappointed with their tea!</div>
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On the way out..we purchased a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan pie from the<span style="font-size: large;"> Pie Lab </span>also of Greensboro, AL .Check them out! Not only are they producing wonderful pie...but they are producing social change in their community! </div>
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<img alt="pie lab" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-478" height="162" src="http://pielab.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/pie-lab.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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We cornered Tasia for a quick photo under the new entrance wall of the creamery. What a gracious lady! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me! Jen (sister-in-law) & Tasia</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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What a lovely day out with my hubs, family and friends. Though I am born a Southerner (you all know what that means!) I am reinventing myself here..in Alabama. At times, it's a rather daunting task...but then I meet brave, strong individuals who dare to dream and then work like the dickens to accomplish those dreams!! I am inspired once again to pull up my cowgirl boots and get to work!</div>
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I am at once overcome with bittersweet memories of where I've been...but am determined to be happy and enjoy this new life...Reinvented....here. In Alabama!! There's beauty to be found here. XOX.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">poetry on the wall of Belle Chevre Creamery</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Tasia Mala </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-80320534011327484522013-09-26T22:53:00.000-07:002013-09-26T22:53:00.255-07:00Retirement Adventures--the way to the The Retirement Home<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What an adventure...not all happy...not all bad...just a roller coaster of emotions and experiences at a time where I could use less stress instead of more.</span> Things don't always go as we would like or as we would see them in our own mind...and when that happens, you can roll with the punches or have a hissy fit..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me? I have been the user of hissy fits way too many times in my life. I hate to admit that, but I will be real with you. I also will share with you that it really doesn't work for me. ~chuckle~ As a result, I have learned to roll with the punches a bit more than I would've expected to.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> our retirement home..</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our house-hunting expedition was epic (in my mind). I wasn't able to find my dream retirement home...no property...no barn...no flat land...no chicken coops. What we found will be a home that my husband is ultimately very happy with. His mom & step-dad love it so much they offered to trade with us! Smile. Don't get me wrong--it's not terrible--it's actually a lovely home. It's on a half acre of rocky hillside (in my mind, maybe part of the lower Appalachian trail? I just need to look harder for the holler and the still!) </span>~<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">chuckle again</span>~<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, lots of boulders in the yard.</span>..<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the dark place under the deck does NOT have a still..or a winery. Sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What it does have is lots of wonderful little paths...beautiful trees...and boulders with weathered, rain beaten hollowed out bowls..full of moss and bracken(the latter after a rain).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our trees sway slightly as the gentle breeze catches the leaves throughout the day. There are no sounds of highway autos or the general din of living. It is quiet here. Perhaps it will be peaceful after a bit of time?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our
adventures have led us to expect the unexpected: Employment not coming
as quickly as planned...Retirement checks being "lost in the proverbial
mail" (purely symbolic!) as the clerk who entered our account number
put in one too many digits...thus, it ends up taking a month longer than
expected! We were able to close a week early on our home...but it
still wasn't enough time to enable us to paint the whole house before
the Colonel started work. So we're piecemeal-ing it for now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Painting...cleaning..scraping wallpaper off..painting some more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of the things you have to do to make an older home "yours".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding all of the little "surprises" that an older house brings: uneven floors, funny smells, interesting design choices from decades past (and maybe present?) It has been overwhelming at times...thus, the hissy fits! And comparing to the newly updated, beautiful homes we had seen (though out of my comfort range for mortgages) it is difficult to look at the updating that will need to be accomplished over the next 5 years. (yes!! I said it! we're on a 5-yr plan!!) At times, I feel as though I have spent my whole life waiting ...I know it's not really my whole life...it just feels that way...waiting for the house that will be our place to nest. To feel like I have roots. To watch the flowers bloom every year. To know my neighbors for more than a year or two. A safe, peaceful place...that may even have a hen or two that scurries about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For now, the Colonel and I are climbing the mountain of boxes that comes with every move. I am collecting quite a ream or two of white tissue paper as I discover the moving company wrapped even some of the smallest seashells in 2 or 3 sheets! Funny how some items are "over"wrapped and others just tossed in a box willy-nilly. I can still hear my mother yelling at me to do a job over (and over!) if it wasn't done right as I wonder if people aren't taught to do their best anymore? Some must be as evidenced by my tissue paper collection. I think I'll dwell on that for now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our vacuum has to go to the appliance hospital tomorrow..I think I'll shop after dropping it off...purely an extravagance as I should be unpacking! Sometimes, a girl's just gotta do what a girl's gotta do! After all, the knobs need replacing...and the rooms need lighting (no overhead lights!! what planet am I on??!!)...The boxes will be happy to see me when I get to them...I will try to put on my happy face and look forward to the challenges ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Until then.. Adieux!</span></div>
XOX!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-31485373966389080752013-08-29T21:09:00.002-07:002013-08-29T21:09:55.798-07:00Retirement Adventures in the Upsy Downsy Topsy Turvy World of Mine! ..leading up to HomeOwnership!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Silly me! I just noticed that I misnumbered the previous "Episode" post..haha! I guess it's my just rewards for being "cute"! The "Episodes" are now m-i-a and AWOL. Sigh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The past month has been a lesson in patience...and we have tried to use our time wisely. Traveling by plane to Upper Michigan (the "U P") to relax and fish for 2 weeks was only one of the ways we utilized our time and our free mileage. Little did we realize that the weather would remain pretty rainy as well as chilly! Fishing continued through rain and shine and the Colonel was highly pleased with his efforts as he pulled in many lovely Large bass, walleye, and northern pike. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">His eyes shone with excitement when he returned not only with his fish--but with stories of the American Eagles who would fish alongside the pontoon boat (barely missing the inhabitants of said boat!!). I never had the blessing to see the Eagle-- but I did take a pic of their lovely DIY nest on the "big" island of our little lake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We spent a few days at the flea market while up north and I found lovely pieces to add to my collections (or should I say my "hoard"--I really really need to let go of Stuff! or not be surprised if I trip over everything!!). I will have to divest myself of a few items so that the new pieces fit in a manner that is un-trip-worthy. Wink Wink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After returning from the UP...we worked at a dizzy pace to get Drs appointments, new IDs, and all the other retirement i's dotted and t's crossed. I was the Colonels personal secretary and Girl Friday as I tried to fulfil his requests with a light heart...though to be honest, I must say I gave him a less than cheerful "Yes Sir! Colonel Sir!" once or twice along the way.<br />
Yes...I can be very sassy. I admit it. Poor old soldier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our next effort was moving our son to graduate school and helping to get him set up in his new apartment. The second trip (for me) the Colonel and I took through rain in a bouncy loud U-Haul van to deliver the sofa and other large accoutrements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Our bright spot was we looked like the Clampets driving to an induction ceremony the next morning! Lots of grins came our way as we stepped out into the parking lot with our Sunday best on. We had a lovely visit and my favorite memory is of the Colonel and his son working together on putting a big box table and stools together (and working out the difficulty of poor instructions and missing parts). By the time we left our student-- I was more than satisfied (and happy) that we had helped to make Jon's first 1 bedroom apartment a decent home-away-from-home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Out his front door his new "pets" await to great him every morning: Huey, Louis, and Dewey...as they quack a loud "good morning" in their style.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finally, somehow we made it to today. The final walkthrough done. A painter almost hired ($11,000!!!!! Really?!?--I am Shocked and Awed!) We'll hear lots of my "painting adventures" in an upcoming post--I'm sure! And now, as of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Monday...we signed our mortgage and officially became HOMEOWNERS!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am giving a<i> big</i> "Thank You Lord" for getting us to this day and to this home. We have walked through a mess or two but have made it thus far safely intact!! With some lovely memories along the way! (Honestly... As well as some frazzled emotions).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So here we are...on to wallpaper removal and painting sessions!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sorry for the long post--and the recycled pics (my FB friends will recognize many!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Choose Joy my friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-26652797761059092862013-08-25T21:23:00.002-07:002013-08-25T21:23:35.832-07:00Hello out there!! this adventure has been a roller coaster!! If you read blogs in a reader...I am joining<br />
Bloglovin and you can follow me there easily!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10437427/?claim=bvxcfuwekj2">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
I'll catch you up soon on all of the "adventures"!! Sorry for the delay.<br />
<br />
XO!<br />
Keep your hats on! and your hope High!!!<br />
~frankieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-51433529720619287762013-07-17T23:04:00.001-07:002013-07-17T23:07:27.375-07:00Retirement Adventures! Episode 5...Through Cool Waters...<div><p dir=ltr>Sometimes when everything seems to be a detour or a wall to where I want to be it's difficult to keep my head up, breathing slowly & surely.  There's a rushing sound in my ears. My body seems overwhelmed with the currents and eddies causing me to close my eyes and gasp for air. I try in vain to fight the obstacles...thinking the harder I try, the harder I work, I'll break through to the goal I have in my head.  Reaching up--I find that there's at least two or three goose eggs where I've banged my thick skull against the driftwood floating about!</p>
<p dir=ltr>This house hunting river has been a tempest.  Putting offers in and negotiating feels to me like a river rapids with jutting rocks and driftwood wedged everywhere. I feel battered and bruised when I walk away without "my house". Circumstances out of my control dictate a timetable that causes me angst.  Trusting someone else to do their best for me at the bargaining table has been my personal thrall.  I have felt unmoored.</p>
<p dir=ltr>However, with any storm or raging flood waters...afterward there is usually a calm, serene, sweet smelling pool of water to wade through without worry...without losing my way. I rely heavily on God (& the Colonel!)as well as my son and some of my closest friends to help me during the tempest...until I reach the cool green waters.  Though I have tried earnestly to trust God (& the Colonel!)to find the house meant for our family--old habits and patterns arose that kept putting me in a place of fear, of feeling lost and a bit alone.  Silly me!! I know in my head I am never alone...that I am never separated from  God--or the love that He (& the Colonel!, my sons and friends)have for me.  That good things will come. That lessons will be learned.  That I will find the serene place that I belong.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So let me just say...that when you feel like you're  drowning in angst...let go!  Hold on to the ones you love. They will buoy you. Your river will calm. Your goose eggs will recede. You can walk confidently through the still, green waters to a thankful grateful place called home!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Oh...and while I'm here...we have a signed contract on house #3!! Now we need for the appraisal to equal our loan amount to move in the direction of being homeowners!! </p>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-18832554608842934452013-06-29T22:45:00.001-07:002013-06-29T22:45:51.340-07:00Retirement Adventures<div><p dir=ltr>Well...It's week 3! Whew...what a whirlwind! We've been all over in our targeted neighborhoods looking for homes. Some are so small by today's standards--or is it we have too many belongings to fill a home?</p>
<p dir=ltr>75 years ago a double size closet would have held a husband and wife's wardrobe.  Now, walk-in closets are the acceptable norm for one person and it's full to capacity.  How many pieces of clothing do we need to hold onto? The high school favorites? The college "cool" duds?  That first (second and third) professional ensemble that saw us through the early years of our careers? How about all of the bridesmaids dresses? The Wedding dress? Scrubs for every size up & down...not to mention the blue jeans we'll "get into someday"??  T-shirts are another wonderful creation and addition to our modern times and clothing must-haves. When do we have enough T-shirts? At 10? 15? 25? 50?  What is the deciding factor in donating or throwing away (heaven forbid we make them into rags!!) our worn, too small, or tattered attire?   </p>
<p dir=ltr>Let's move from the bedroom to the kitchen and dining areas. In my mind the greatest kitchen and dining room lead into or are part of each other.  That "open concept" is modern in a sense--but I think we're just borrowing from a simpler time when farm kitchens were gathering places that enveloped our loved ones with warmth, companionship, and nourishment.  Now with the open concept comes less storage available for use...with that being said, how many sets of dishes am I really needing to utilize? The wedding gift everyday ware? The rad, "green" recycled glass place settings? The lovely handed-down china with all the unusual pieces? Or, my favorites...the vintage white restaurant ware.  And then what about the special "party ware" for the Oriental themed dinners? The Tex-Mex? The "outdoor rustic galvanized ware"? </p>
<p dir=ltr>I'm coming to the realization that it's really not the things that make your home warm, happy, or relaxing. It's all about the idea of focusing on the people in your life, making the most simple, clean food beautifully delicious and nutritious, and living within a reasonable size home while being good stewards of the belongings we are blessed enough to have.  Bigger isn't better. More is too much....uncluttered and simple is what will free us to live a quieter more peaceful existence.</p>
<p dir=ltr>While looking for homes...and shedding tears as "discussions" occur to bring a cohesive want-list to the search...we've narrowed the list to a "top 5"...<br>
Boy, was that a ping-pong discussion. #1 was #3 then #2. #5 was #2 now #1....but wait! We forgot about #7!! Now start all over...where was I??? Oh yes, let's go see 9 more houses and start again! Gotta keep your sense of humor in it all. Breathe. Don't speak before you think. Try to think of what your spouse needs and if you can live with it realistically, give them that gift. Remember though, that it is your choice and you have to live with that choice. No being a bratty whiner later!!</p>
<p dir=ltr>All this being said....we have made an offer on the #1 on the list!!.. the best choice for our needs.  Let, the negotiations begin!  <br>
We have asked for home inspections, a home warranty, and of course the appraisal has to be on target. The selling realtor asked why we needed a home inspection? Hmmmm...now that's an interesting question. Why would a realtor (of all people??!!)ask that?   We'll find out hopefully sooner rather than later!  The waiting game begins with offers and counter-offers. Patience is key to your survival in this stage. Patience and flexibility. If the deal falls through, know you will be okay. Remember, there's #2,3,4, and #5 just around the corner.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5KtAT_3OVcgcoXW5SxVB09LNs5k1onhxNU5-4DlDWpHu-wfBkocyZ5TO4xnctBBE6WUDG3zrnTNcV7oB-xXSBnJCec2LdqUU4cdS4cicVm0zeoRI66115Uc6C1cpFeEQuTiQNI-bxEFJ/' /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-57581103243503490872013-06-11T12:02:00.001-07:002013-06-17T22:03:39.270-07:00Retirement Adventure Week 2<div><p dir=ltr>This week the adventure takes us down the house hunting Boulevard-of-the-Bourgeois.  I consider our family middle class. We don't want to own a mansion or a Maserati. We don't need 6 bedrooms or a dining room large enough to host a convention.  Our needs really are basic: a home large enough to eat, sleep, relax and be creative in (I NEED that art studio!).  Preferably it will have 2 bathrooms so that when one is "occupied" another will be available for the inadvertent "call of nature" where nature isn't the scene for such. Lastly, we would like a property large enough for a vegetable garden. No more patio pots please!! (Unless for decorative purposes only!)</p>
<p dir=ltr>I thought I had to have a small organic farm resplendent with an old post and beam "art barn" as well as a few other outbuildings that could be converted to guest cottages. I am finding though, that my dear Colonel has no earnest wish for such large endeavors!  HUH??!! What man doesn't consider himself a Paul Bunyan or a Pecos Bill? Catching a ride on the tail of a tornado? Or chopping down a tree for the family fireplace?  Where is the adventure? The bravado??</p>
<p dir=ltr>"POP"!! ...that there was a dream bubble popping and reality settling in.  So we've agreed to compose a "must have" list made of both of our wants and needs.  We've also agreed to allow the realtor to help us find a home "the old fashioned" way:  by handing over the must-have list and the budget and allowing her to show us the properties that meet those needs.   The online photos, etc. won't distract us or waste our time this way. (Sadly, the photos almost ALWAYS show a house that is bigger and better than what the reality is. This I learned the hard, disappointing way.)</p>
<p dir=ltr>I have a small admission of guilt:  I "was" looking online...and thought I had found my idea of a wonderful new home! THREE times!! "POP"!!! goes that bubble again and again. The latest of the dream home's listing has been removed. I can only surmise it was sold.  Now my heart is somewhere under my arches of my feet on a hot, humid, overcast day in northern Alabama. I keep reminding myself that God takes care of every feather on a little sparrow--and there is no reason why He would not take care of me too.  I am battling with keeping the edges of my mouth from being down-turned and hoisting my heart back up to where it belongs for now.  Ceasing "online dreaming" may be a helpful recourse?</p>
<p dir=ltr>Meeting with the realtor on Saturday morning turned into a pretty full day of getting in and out of a little SUV...my knee aching and spasming and The Colonel's bad back didn't prevent us from seeing upwards of 10 homes in a five and half hour period.  Now, I hate to be a quitter after the first day of viewing these offerings, but somehow it's hard to stay in the game.  If the house looked fabulous the yard was too small or had no privacy.  If we looked at a "fixer upper" it was WAY beyond repair. (Again, the online photos were much better than reality!  The mold and water damage on one particular house was haz-mat gear quality.)  Sometimes the finishes were done well in one room like the kitchen--but then the bathroom had tiling that was so uneven you could cause a bad abrasion by hitting it just right.</p>
<p dir=ltr>The Colonel got excited about this one particular house. It was a great big house with 5 bedrooms, 3 living areas, 4 baths and a front and back yard that were on a mountain with a steep grade. The yard itself was like stepping stones carved out of mountain rock. The landscaping was beautifully done with very little upkeep needed.  Several different Japanese maples dotted the backyard interspersed with grasses and even hydrangeas. It was the largest "rock garden" I've ever come across!!  Lovely as it was, I'm not too sure we could have our vegetable garden, outdoor kitchen, or outdoor dining space.  If we had a party where would the guests park? How would they get to the front door?  Will we need to buy and install a ski lift??</p>
<p dir=ltr>Remember the opening paragraph of this post? Hmmmm, we haven't found a humble, middle class, modest size bungalow with an acre of land to call home.  Nothing close. How do I assimilate my dream home and my needs with The Colonel's?  Do men always "Go Big or Go Home"???  Can I be happy in a mountain rock garden? Or, will I constantly dream of a Texas limestone homestead with a windmill creaking in the background? Each spring and summer will I look for bluebonnets, daisies, queen anne's lace and Indian paintbrush dotting an open prairie field?  Will a quiet night be spent listening for the crickets, coyotes, and the occasional owl? And what about the night sky? Will it be as open? as star-filled as my childhood memories of the vast expanse of the Texas sky?</p>
<p dir=ltr>The adventure seems difficult at this starting place on the path. I guess the trick is to keep moving forward. Make the best decision you can with as much information as can be gathered.  Find the wood violets in the smallest crevice amongst the trees. Beauty I know is here. All around. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Before publishing this post... I slipped and fell down a flight of stairs at 2am as I was going to get The Colonel some pain medication for his herniated disc that was causing him a great deal of discomfort.  I'm very sore--no great damage to anything except "my personality" as I had hung on for dear life to the handrail and landed in a hurdler's position as I bounced off my left cheek for 5 more steps. Both of my dear menfolk jumped out of bed as I sat there thanking the Good Lord that nothing was broken.  Alas, The Colonel moved too fast and we ended up taking him to the Dr's office for that disc problem.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So, on hold for a little while are the house-hunting trips...the Retirement Fishing Odyssey to Canada, and the smile on The Colonel's face.  We are thankful for kind, professional people we met in the healthcare arena today as well as our son's stepping up to the plate and helping in any way he could.  This little side path to the Great Adventure was difficult in some ways but a blessing in many others.</p>
<p dir=ltr>As ever, onward!</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspeTsVYLsis6BwaArd7m5AMq6H3HENCEDhzRE2xPhQ1bYSRzh-gduXOWiB64-yPmWkPj0U1wVhhr0w8dZNohMw80kwa04O6Ng_tt9OcMHXwuZKV6QeQ5KWITJbKPZfvP7hzwEQAYEho0Y/' /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-37739077067934467592013-06-10T23:17:00.001-07:002013-06-10T23:17:03.729-07:00Retirement Adventures Week 1<div><p dir=ltr>It's been one week since driving cross country with my two favorite dogs!  Sadly my husband and son in my rearview mirror...were left with the  monstrous adventure of packing up our worldly belongings with the moving crew and then cleaning our military quarters to the satisfaction of the housing representative on duty.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Now, neither of these tasks --my driving cross country or the menfolk packing out the house-- would be a daunting task in and of itself but then you throw in a few unwritten obstacles and Voila!! you have quite the adventure!...</p>
<p dir=ltr>By now you're wondering:  "Why did she leave with the dogs?? That doesn't seem quite fair!".  In all honesty it is not a fair trade. Guilt keeps tapping me on the shoulder as I recover from the 13 hour trek.  I did stop every 1 1/2 hours to take the two faithful companions out for short walks but that was for my sake as much as theirs.  The old man, our 14 year old cocker spaniel Bullet, bones and joints creaking and moaning in protest, dutifully clamored in and out of the van as best he could.  Our little girl, a rescued abused Sheltie, Molly, managed to contain her terror of riding in a car to minimal foaming of the mouth.  She too dutifully climbed in and out of her kennel as if she were an old pro at this moving business.  The two dogs recuperated relatively quickly compared to my 5 day-downing with fibromy-aching body-algia!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Now that we're in Alabama...it doesn't seem quite so bad. The last 5 days have been devoted to acclimating to the humidity, the mountain, the steep terrain not only in the yard but also in the house with staircase after staircase to maneuver baggage, pets, and my aching knees, joints, and general stuff that comes with the aforementioned physical challenge.  Getting up early would hardly be called my forte...somehow, it has become an unwelcome necessity.  The beasts won't "go" in the steep yard covered in periwinkle...their little bums are tickled to distraction.  I am now taken for a minimum of three walks a day up a steep flight of stairs to street unlevel (sarcasm intended as even the street is at an angle!)!!  Not only are my current companions "walking me", they are teaching me fortitude, humility and duty -- every time I have to bend down, hand inside my recycled Walmart bag, to pick up the sizeable, malodorous offerings or walk, limping, up and down the street until their "gifts" are bestowed.  Truth be told, I am thankful for my sweet companions, gifts and all, and would be quite lonely without them. </p>
<p dir=ltr>!on the other hand, Thank Goodness for friends and family who live nearby. They rescue me from total overwhelming lack of human interaction!  My dear friend Alice brought her two sons over to help unload heavy boxes from the van...I managed to get one in the house then became a ball of knees-gone-bad. We then went to lunch at a restaurant I haven't eaten at in years (Oklahoma had lots of restaurants--more mom&pop establishments than well known modern venues). Lo and behold! While walking in, I ran into Laura, a sweet neighbor I met and enjoyed at Ft Stewart 5 years ago!  The next morning I met another dear friend Jo at Starbucks -- ah! the good life-- for coffee and yogurt.  Then, Friday night, David's little brother and his good-cook-wife Jennifer had me over for dinner. So lovely!! </p>
<p dir=ltr>Meanwhile, back at the ranch, or military housing...Jon David, our 22yr old, and David were hard at work. Monitoring the packing crew...supervising the loading crew...and also being a packing/loading crew themselves. Moving our son to his new digs in Auburn, AL later this summer requires a separate truck of household goods.  Not to mention a certain someone (she will remain anonymous) who didn't want her art supplies to be packed by any hands except her own or moved by anyone other than family members. Spoiled rotten! I'd say.  The packing crew didn't show up the first day scheduled -- and it created a frenzied level of work as two crews were sent to complete the job "on time". Starting at 8am and working until 10pm makes for an exhausting day both mentally and physically. Then the loading crew arrives bright and early the next morning.  Working from early morning until 8:30pm. Are you following this tale?  My poor menfolk are worn out!   But their adventure is far from over...sadly, they must load the rental moving van...then clean out the house. I would say, justifiably so, that those dear men deserve accolades and showers of flowers as well as a hot meal and cozy bed awaiting them when they finally make it to Alabama!!<br>
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Hopefully, that will be in the very near future!  A day more? before they drive moving van and car along my previously traveled path. ...to begin our "new" lives as military retirees.  Though my son & I have not been "in" the military, it has been the guiding force of our lives -- where we live, where I work and how long, our community, our friends, even our identities -- tied to our wonderful provider: my husband of 25 years, and my son's father. </p>
<p dir=ltr>For our family, "retirement" is a new adventure. A new path with lots of choices to be made and enjoyed.  Foibles to be chuckled at....New sunrises to view in awe. Fish to be reeled in. Successes to be celebrated. Unions to be rejoiced over. Breaths to be taken.  Oh, what an adventure! </p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQF4q1EFwyx-v1cuXbKi46splyviKYFnbI91ephG8sYpSwZVhOfhIt2aRXLDLGuoyW3k2CkMr-VZfgo-HPrsB0WjNjl5Q3Y2_3EpIWqAIuuMiuyOuz6xtnAezZad1vum-COQzCvcP7P0i/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4BHQef2xgTO7jBb5hbaYNE5V9q8sSwShst1Ibux5A0ZIUy9eJ5egK7uHB_D_fKPlZWRvldKqKd2Sdx5xqAXFQ0oxUPZMaToZrPzlZK6y1tTT4op1Q6oqap8sAxx0qBg5bercOIehQi7e/' /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-57718087399794272802012-08-30T00:13:00.001-07:002012-08-30T00:15:44.934-07:00Do You Listen to the little nudges of your Spirit?<div><p>Recently I read a post by a sweet friend...who seemed tired. She just wanted to have a pj-day...her little boy asked her to get dressed so she wouldn't be Hobo Mom...they say that "out of the mouth of babes comes wisdom"...well! That little prompt about Hobo Mom may not have been wisdom, but it definitely was an eye opener!!</p>
<p>I felt compelled to ask a group of friends to pray for this mom.  That she would find balance, rest, and take some time for herself.  This was a few weeks ago....and I was reading her post tonite and it seems she so needed prayers...and rest...and healing.</p>
<p>I'm glad I listened and acted on that little nudge inside of me.  And am doing so right now as well.  In taking my mind off of my own struggles and physical difficulties I am able to focus on someone else's needs...hoping and believing that my prayers are being answered. </p>
<p>I really think we should all get back to being aware of others and do what we can to help... this world has been in selfish mode too long.  Take the blinders off.  See the need and then act...love without expectation or compensation.  You'll find you'll be happier. More free. Able to leap tall buildings! (Just kidding!...that's Superman!) Give it a go! </p>
<p>XOXO!</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaizTGZXEsxcBI8TjIFrrllk2sL-16tGOaHMxzBXGIyfM_cqQRYKYjt58SaQIhSzEG3lpcp2Nc-ZvFQfuFGs9eDRpUyQJIPIo8Fh6wq-Vam6qFTjzlp8PWd-yn0bji_T2l5PnthuyhDTE/' /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-24153830091384491612012-08-27T22:21:00.000-07:002012-08-28T21:05:08.348-07:00What sits in front of me!!<div><div><div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This is my personal bead mix...I am going to try to recreate a necklace similar to the one that I gave to a lovely lady who just seemed to need a blessing the other day!...</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoiB_CANU1mOsc4EEZB0Fw_NNHRN6eg6YZoKgwQaLlkHe5sTk7cFOL_b8RPZ3l4rqqHTk89C9ud7rNpmlnbhH0VsOInY78j3zJQ2MNnMGJaDdCdJ5vNLK8cYhcqe5mTff_i6BeFPAdXIi/s1600/2012-08-27_19-32-14_921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoiB_CANU1mOsc4EEZB0Fw_NNHRN6eg6YZoKgwQaLlkHe5sTk7cFOL_b8RPZ3l4rqqHTk89C9ud7rNpmlnbhH0VsOInY78j3zJQ2MNnMGJaDdCdJ5vNLK8cYhcqe5mTff_i6BeFPAdXIi/s320/2012-08-27_19-32-14_921.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> Let's see what kind of a creation I can come up with. As I put the beads together, I will be praying for some of my friends who are sick, who are lonely, who are struggling, who might be in harms way...and also for the Gulf Coast, that this weather will dissipate before reaching land. Maybe that's why I pulled a lot of blues? The color blue always seems to soothe me. It makes me feel more peaceful.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> Here's what I came up with: </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k00UKGHFRT0iGI9vmPl7uaTuOxfLU3Zeq_1Xr8WPmFWKW-vPUBeDCvYYX5htsI4lZZUsGXBcn7ktNx4TnMeaRHU7GuK684wHb74821A5FM6_i4iJq7oL_JA-M-ElamtqB2WtiJNE1w_y/s1600/2012-08-27_23-39-10_645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k00UKGHFRT0iGI9vmPl7uaTuOxfLU3Zeq_1Xr8WPmFWKW-vPUBeDCvYYX5htsI4lZZUsGXBcn7ktNx4TnMeaRHU7GuK684wHb74821A5FM6_i4iJq7oL_JA-M-ElamtqB2WtiJNE1w_y/s320/2012-08-27_23-39-10_645.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> Well, it ended up somewhat similar...but a little different. (Of course I forgot to take a picture of the original! ...lesson learned!) That is just fine though. It was what the recipient needed in the moment!! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I think I like how this new piece turned out!! Isn't this a better outcome for me personally?! There are reminders of calm, of peace, of wisdom...there are mixes of cold metal with warm, soft leather. Mostly, this will be my reminder to pray often...love much...speak less...give of my time...and to remember to be thankful for those who touch my life for moments or for years. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Try to remember, that even when things look like a mess when it's all piled in one place....</span></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka_xJMPnsN5FRSrypEbCVazYgKj-2PCw-_x6oRoWyydm1Ncia-cP7Rjz9zatfnk86wyAVxjZ8Mm5c6wwdhlokN7H_ZBFzQcLfnC56bLTsUnX0Mz5PfRfp2RnCcnRg9GV-HkO8pDQXcYuu/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">It can still turn into something beautiful! </a></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It might be even more beautiful than you can imagine.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>XOXO!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">~Bee Fruitful.</span></i></span></div>
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<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyiJ5ZFMzth7PZkdC40jTlqW18qdiJNcxpI6dqId-Q_s4T5TVovfrjm_MmOBuaqHboAM1xuxwFXU4KIKKwzpbkcnhHyxv59qk6Ad4yYZLfYAOSckc1AxqrRhgoOdHm4a4o6v8DX5wn-XZ/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka_xJMPnsN5FRSrypEbCVazYgKj-2PCw-_x6oRoWyydm1Ncia-cP7Rjz9zatfnk86wyAVxjZ8Mm5c6wwdhlokN7H_ZBFzQcLfnC56bLTsUnX0Mz5PfRfp2RnCcnRg9GV-HkO8pDQXcYuu/' /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-58085830177537446212012-08-16T22:22:00.000-07:002012-08-16T22:22:26.741-07:00<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Get Low</span></span>, a movie with Robert Duval, is playing on the television tonight. I happened across it as I was channel surfing...trying to find something to dull my senses so that I can fall asleep soon. <br />
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Listening to Robert Duval's voice, seeing the scenery in the film of country lanes with trees on both sides of a lane...leading up to a cottage way out in the middle of nowhere...reminds me of my step-dad Dan. I used to call him Dan'l Boone.<br />
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He was a good ol' boy from East Texas. Had about 30 acres of wooded property outside a little town. I remember working on the fence rows -- clearing brush on hot summer days. Helping nail corrugated metal to beams that would become a barn....then climbing on the roof and tarring the seams so that the rain wouldn't flow like a river through them.<br />
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I miss that 'Old Goat'...one of my other nicknames for Dan. I miss working on that property.....digging post holes...hammering in 'u-nails' (my name for the u-shaped nails we used to attach the barbed wire to the fence posts when enclosing the horse and mule stalls Dan and his brother Gene laughed loud and hard over that!)...I miss playing cards with Dan, my momma, Gene, and his wife Norma...It's the closest thing to family and roots for me (not including my husband's extended family or our 'adopted' family). I miss Texas. <br />
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Dan's brother Gene passed away yesterday. His nickname was sometimes 'Old Goat' too...He always smiled when I called him that. Gene used to try to teach me sign language for 'old goat'...He had significant hearing loss and was always learning new sign. Little did I know that someday my ears would go bad and I could use those skills also someday!! I guess that's where the nostalgia is hitting me hard right now. The music from the movie, the scenery, the euphemisms, the way the people speak...and Robert Duval--Dan and Gene are so like Robert Duval's character. I'm sad that another life has passed on. If I hold on to the hope and faith that there is heaven, I can remember Dan, Gene, and Norma without too much pain. I am thankful for the time we had as family. I am thankful for the banter, the card playing, the smiles...the hard work. I am thankful for belonging.<br />
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The movie, <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Get Low</span></span> , is about a hermit seeking forgiveness. About a forbidden love that ended badly. About dying with dignity. <br />
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So nostalgia..quit me. Let me go...unless it's happy memories that you are bringing me..No regrets, no hiding out. Let me have peace...and beautiful memories.<br />
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<i> Nostalgia describes a sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations...I wish that all my memories were happy...however, they aren't...like most folks, I have ghosts...I will choose to remember the beauty and the smiles though. </i></div>
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<i>xoxo!</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-31074356022923020192012-08-14T08:30:00.003-07:002012-08-14T08:30:27.490-07:00Weathering the Summer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQjw7JvwCTpj4POB4xg3OmbW8pSb3Mi8QgSbDqaztty31uKHUJG2pJotcGdV7LJUU25thDoLbAK06YCSvzJvTbBHAItyb7A2LHnqlhUKXskIomAnr_kgoCplmsGVHe_53eh_zDTrRatmP/s1600/2012-07-10_08-31-25_935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQjw7JvwCTpj4POB4xg3OmbW8pSb3Mi8QgSbDqaztty31uKHUJG2pJotcGdV7LJUU25thDoLbAK06YCSvzJvTbBHAItyb7A2LHnqlhUKXskIomAnr_kgoCplmsGVHe_53eh_zDTrRatmP/s640/2012-07-10_08-31-25_935.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
This summer started out so pleasant! The area in Oklahoma I live in looked unusually green on the hilly ranges where the Army's Field Artillery practice their skills...In my memory I usually think of those ranges as yellowed, brown areas with a blip of green here or there...So this summer, when all around me was a verdant vista..I was growing beautiful plants and flowers in my potted gardens..it was a lovely gift to behold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TRRzXp2JiJd-0wrLD54Yzt7WMXQy-DKkOuJEwsHZwkYa8uUpBEUZ05OOEyfWdIkSYcnA7JLltLQPZingIjwoIcycp12Nsfa-_gVhbU3Q7iPAE8wi5kQRTuSbigbMUyTVq2Wgwas71K6-/s1600/2012-08-14_09-53-48_906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TRRzXp2JiJd-0wrLD54Yzt7WMXQy-DKkOuJEwsHZwkYa8uUpBEUZ05OOEyfWdIkSYcnA7JLltLQPZingIjwoIcycp12Nsfa-_gVhbU3Q7iPAE8wi5kQRTuSbigbMUyTVq2Wgwas71K6-/s320/2012-08-14_09-53-48_906.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKZ7wD-xAULSsE4B_aBXHW6-P_N8X_hOH-Dj0OLRD1KzpaUvwvi4K2lYlsi64TN-R_POCmxZjF8hNX7TnhL2OkGMgGcmsEjOeCXTsFRT24hOpVHcZFjWE6y5NF8uarH7iktbgWnsrWaNb/s1600/2012-08-14_09-55-03_656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKZ7wD-xAULSsE4B_aBXHW6-P_N8X_hOH-Dj0OLRD1KzpaUvwvi4K2lYlsi64TN-R_POCmxZjF8hNX7TnhL2OkGMgGcmsEjOeCXTsFRT24hOpVHcZFjWE6y5NF8uarH7iktbgWnsrWaNb/s200/2012-08-14_09-55-03_656.jpg" width="112" /></a>Then came July...and record heat waves of 100F+ for weeks on end!! The pavement was steaming all the leaves in my potted plants...so even watering did not save their leaves and blooms from damage...<br />
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I have been holding on to the hope that if I can just keep the roots alive, by the end of August (a few short weeks away!!!) perhaps the plants can give it another try...resume their loveliness...<br />
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It reminds me of my path lately....I have been struggling with physical issues that limit my mobility and interfere with a decent night's sleep. It can drain my motivation and eagerness to grow and participate in daily life...Though it saps my strength and resolve...I am holding on. Waiting for a reprieve in the intensity of the present wave....until rest, and proper nurturing can help me move in the right direction.<br />
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Until the heat wave ends...I will continue to nurture my plants as best as I can. Hoping that they can survive this little 'yuck' in time...and as I do for them, I will choose to nurture my body too. I sometimes find it easier to take care of others while ignoring my own needs...so lately, I have been making the choice to pay attention and take care of this body I have been given...so I can bloom again. Until then...<br />
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Take the time to take care of yourself. </div>
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You matter.</div>
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XO! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-4808333005800207382012-05-29T07:55:00.002-07:002012-05-29T07:55:32.446-07:00On Criticism.....<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">What if someone you trusted was brave enough to tell you the truth as they saw it...about you. about something that they think is troublesome? that may be hurting you? or them? or both?</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I have always treasured the friends that have dared to tell me the truth. I don't always agree with what they say, but if they are honest and frank with me, I honor and love that there is sharing.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes, I can be objective and look at myself...my behavior...my words. If it is something that I can change to make myself a better me, I usually do. If it is a gentling of my delivery...because sometimes words are delivered more harshly than I would like when I am feeling poorly, or exhausted...then I can regroup and try again.</span></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHptN2qsTjvgOx7oiF3xjQnGlLYrVztZq6prvAYMyB_3ALUut8YUJmoR2yuRx51wmjgGpbkfhu8nujBVBDn3YoCl1-sqB4PbPnfEwM9-ObVySyW-m2II2QF97Vl_UVeEF1D_ftnfCwmiSv/s1600/me+little.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHptN2qsTjvgOx7oiF3xjQnGlLYrVztZq6prvAYMyB_3ALUut8YUJmoR2yuRx51wmjgGpbkfhu8nujBVBDn3YoCl1-sqB4PbPnfEwM9-ObVySyW-m2II2QF97Vl_UVeEF1D_ftnfCwmiSv/s200/me+little.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes, unfortunately, I react like a scared little girl...even though I'm in my early 50's, when what is presented feels damning....sometimes I pout...anger blinding me for a little while...</span></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vZ-hsvgkBTlrBSqtueyS9Rpk6ifn4BCGWvXLUBiLgE-fxeePYoz0A0QBqWTCOK2nkEOfI_Cx16ktJacOEVZdu6Ipw6JucyY2liUktIpJZdJomR7PY3ZYlu_H8aaqsKDEzILprfE1EH3p/s1600/angry+little+girl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vZ-hsvgkBTlrBSqtueyS9Rpk6ifn4BCGWvXLUBiLgE-fxeePYoz0A0QBqWTCOK2nkEOfI_Cx16ktJacOEVZdu6Ipw6JucyY2liUktIpJZdJomR7PY3ZYlu_H8aaqsKDEzILprfE1EH3p/s320/angry+little+girl.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes, I hide myself away, buffering myself from pain and self-deprecation. From inadequacy and judgement.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Given a little time...and introspection...I can usually figure out if it is something which I can accept to help me be a better me...or if it is something that I can agree to disagree on...though sometimes it's a bit harder to leave things behind...(like the trash you see blowing along the roadside)...if it feels like it is a slap instead of a hug (said with malice instead of love...).</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I found this poem which sums up how I feel about criticism and how it is delivered...Something that I will try to read daily, so that even in the midst of fatigue I can remember to always, always:</span></i></span><br />
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<h2 class="title" itemprop="itemreviewed" style="color: #0b5394; text-align: center;">
<i>Speak Gently</i></h2>
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<i>
Speak gently! -- It is better far<br /> To rule by love, than fear --<br /> Speak gently -- let not harsh words mar<br /> The good we might do here!<br /><br /> Speak gently! -- Love doth whisper low<br /> The vows that true hearts bind;<br /> And gently Friendship's accents flow;<br /> Affection's voice is kind.<br /><br /> Speak gently to the little child!<br /> Its love be sure to gain;<br /> Teach it in accents soft and mild: --<br /> It may not long remain.<br /><br /> Speak gently to the young, for they<br /> Will have enough to bear --<br /> Pass through this life as best they may,<br /> 'T is full of anxious care!<br /><br /> Speak gently to the aged one,<br /> Grieve not the care-worn heart;<br /> The sands of life are nearly run,<br /> Let such in peace depart!<br /><br /> Speak gently, kindly, to the poor;<br /> Let no harsh tone be heard;<br /> They have enough they must endure,<br /> Without an unkind word!<br /><br /> Speak gently to the erring -- know,<br /> They may have toiled in vain;<br /> Perchance unkindness made them so;<br /> Oh, win them back again!<br /><br /> Speak gently! -- He who gave his life<br /> To bend man's stubborn will,<br /> When elements were in fierce strife,<br /> Said to them, 'Peace, be still.'<br /><br /> Speak gently! -- 't is a little thing<br /> Dropped in the heart's deep well;<br /> The good, the joy, which it may bring,<br /> Eternity shall tell.
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<i> </i></div>
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<i>David Bates</i></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">So let me remember to </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Speak gently. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Love much. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Be kind. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Always.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">....and to do All things with love...</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Hoping you have gentleness in your day,</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">XOXO!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-87835123809846047122012-05-22T22:17:00.001-07:002012-05-22T22:17:03.432-07:00Courage, little bird...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCC-vW6TJM9zECP3nO-BkNWMSRNcc_cjsxKeMmc4LZ5VAmAYiDS7OnyeSTeTt_4TtbbsFNV887_IeXABV0L9q4zZwZAWIQkIAO_cI9sFwIUMkcQ7_Rcfm98EuxKOymbiKLviQn0lvWnyp/s1600/eggsin+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCC-vW6TJM9zECP3nO-BkNWMSRNcc_cjsxKeMmc4LZ5VAmAYiDS7OnyeSTeTt_4TtbbsFNV887_IeXABV0L9q4zZwZAWIQkIAO_cI9sFwIUMkcQ7_Rcfm98EuxKOymbiKLviQn0lvWnyp/s200/eggsin+nest.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>itting, squirming, looking around</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">I see twigs and walls,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"> feathers and tufts of whatnot</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"> enclosing me -- hiding all that </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">I am.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">G</span>rowing daily into my feathered self</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Trying to climb out of the constraints</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">That hold me in old patterns</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">I cannot unfold my wings fully...</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWC20p-GwrS5JfyR1pe1HDuA5VLsqlz_BcgevUTHxWmzEBpEvx4suHIkx579cHXJWSAB2Z1zTs0-e8a0CevSPZFfGBoEahwsjUdcDFqbkTtrKrL_N7SDqHcs6Yc6sUARZeZWu1mTSiaD2/s1600/birds+growing+in+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWC20p-GwrS5JfyR1pe1HDuA5VLsqlz_BcgevUTHxWmzEBpEvx4suHIkx579cHXJWSAB2Z1zTs0-e8a0CevSPZFfGBoEahwsjUdcDFqbkTtrKrL_N7SDqHcs6Yc6sUARZeZWu1mTSiaD2/s200/birds+growing+in+nest.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> W</span>iggling about ...oh! I have feet!!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Still unable to pull myself to the rim..the edge.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">To join the world without</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Yearning to breathe...to fly...</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMdyUS7ZV8iYBN1CB6XxF_5Uk794JsIG9dwVsaNTR0RlaqRXSOMJK69pSPzG6s-QX9KAtP5uw50eduj9Sz_L4J-uzo2K7q49XwNqdJiTKzKs8IpCcNBD-_HAoHuqHnuX_X-KvRcz32bMG/s1600/grey+and+turq+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMdyUS7ZV8iYBN1CB6XxF_5Uk794JsIG9dwVsaNTR0RlaqRXSOMJK69pSPzG6s-QX9KAtP5uw50eduj9Sz_L4J-uzo2K7q49XwNqdJiTKzKs8IpCcNBD-_HAoHuqHnuX_X-KvRcz32bMG/s320/grey+and+turq+bird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">F</span>inally! Freedom is almost mine!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Sitting, squirming, looking around.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">How do I get to that distant goal? </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Leap? Fall? Fly? Fail? Soar?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>wigs and walls, feathers and tufts abound</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Enclosure pulling me back</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Into patterns and nests surrounded by fear...</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Or do I leap into the unknown? </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">F</span>ly...</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> S</span>oar......</span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">H</span>ope...</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpApGsW5Tk4UrX6p4NE4bIwAm6YgOZOn8kGE6FmsEnziNb5s3XHGhm0QVpVV9eJRvbWsnw_P6sMJ-dtJ4eF044HN0FBBvt80lEMaihTnHQ9lkqFSNHH3dvM-O2FZo-EI2eD6YFOYOAcSH/s1600/emptynest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpApGsW5Tk4UrX6p4NE4bIwAm6YgOZOn8kGE6FmsEnziNb5s3XHGhm0QVpVV9eJRvbWsnw_P6sMJ-dtJ4eF044HN0FBBvt80lEMaihTnHQ9lkqFSNHH3dvM-O2FZo-EI2eD6YFOYOAcSH/s200/emptynest.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-31921327909940705622012-05-11T09:41:00.001-07:002012-05-11T09:41:26.048-07:00Little Gifts...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8JkGyQWNzgACyIe9S7JxYS_s6GFBICjnKvwjQZkNyEo2JB0GBWDVdPxgLZfdtZ61RhxCII4mwKNFMvRPEt5Bp7tldRmsayLqyUG01k5R5aveA4sjhY9GowsNo0IUE2Pc4f9sf1qiZLLU/s1600/DSCF0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8JkGyQWNzgACyIe9S7JxYS_s6GFBICjnKvwjQZkNyEo2JB0GBWDVdPxgLZfdtZ61RhxCII4mwKNFMvRPEt5Bp7tldRmsayLqyUG01k5R5aveA4sjhY9GowsNo0IUE2Pc4f9sf1qiZLLU/s200/DSCF0206.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">here are so many butterflies, and moths, and general flying insects outside that every time I open the front door there is a greeting of whirlwind fluttering wings...It can be overwhelming! I don't want the moths inside--hiding in the drapes or frantically beating their wings against a light bulb turned on. Somehow, I get as many as possible shoo-ed outside...and the sunlight reveals to me little gifts if I slow down enough to notice them.</span></span></i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaXbzxLaqvuqB2UgHq5eYFcE6R8mjplU-4n5WA-qQvARudFzJ11L9XykfA2fwC5B_9MOi9BTZ8Lhuficy9RrBEPSQkE34azxbxywElsZHrgqMgo0sFYJafq_sThHjbyarm5aRFmRGlPEx/s1600/DSCF0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaXbzxLaqvuqB2UgHq5eYFcE6R8mjplU-4n5WA-qQvARudFzJ11L9XykfA2fwC5B_9MOi9BTZ8Lhuficy9RrBEPSQkE34azxbxywElsZHrgqMgo0sFYJafq_sThHjbyarm5aRFmRGlPEx/s200/DSCF0208.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a half-dead bush, but the prettiest butterfly finds what it needs..</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></span> <br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All about my yard there are dead trees....leftovers from ice storms and droughts in the past 5 years. I used to joke about them, talking about my "Camp-Dead-Tree-on-the-Fort"...thought that I would make a yearly party celebrating spring or summer around them...(I am one for great ideas, not always making them come to fruition!) somehow, I let life get in the way...really, I let myself get in the way...</span></span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB_k7r0Lv0EHHd8yRsQtjy6ej2zVt3S14_hqq3lyIvPNV_TYzNn9Lg6egrcWW0I33-geDD2HciTxN0iKPi9PdVagtMZ-38iDY0OUD7XjGrJOAVkHuyHDmDMYnEKP1rhpMN2zDip1VMQpa/s1600/DSCF0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKB_k7r0Lv0EHHd8yRsQtjy6ej2zVt3S14_hqq3lyIvPNV_TYzNn9Lg6egrcWW0I33-geDD2HciTxN0iKPi9PdVagtMZ-38iDY0OUD7XjGrJOAVkHuyHDmDMYnEKP1rhpMN2zDip1VMQpa/s200/DSCF0195.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">overgrown, dead tree...not so pretty to look at!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I forgot to look for all of the <span style="font-size: large;">little gifts<span style="font-size: small;"> which surround me and pop up every day.</span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Whether or not I feel well. </span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whether or not I am fighting depression. </span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whether or not I am thankful. </span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Always there. </span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> All I have to do is claim the gift. </span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Honor it and the One who sent it, created it, </span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> (to show that every little detail in my life matters!!)... </span></span></span></span></i></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVEx84DX7X5cuGknNYmhFCBFaTGh_OvXwt2gG54WBbGvNIpsl4EC7xBFcBqvr93t6GbRjhS0Fuq7oUpfurT4MRklIUt_S17Z6wb0t1oDji6ttAODgrsaDQi1x-rIlz1jRtpSNUJmznLbn/s1600/DSCF0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVEx84DX7X5cuGknNYmhFCBFaTGh_OvXwt2gG54WBbGvNIpsl4EC7xBFcBqvr93t6GbRjhS0Fuq7oUpfurT4MRklIUt_S17Z6wb0t1oDji6ttAODgrsaDQi1x-rIlz1jRtpSNUJmznLbn/s320/DSCF0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Among the grey, unencumbered branches and limbs...a dead tree shows me I am loved. That all I have to do is open my eyes...accept the gift(s)!!....then turn around and give the little reminder to whoever needs it...and we ALL need it, don't we?</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The joy I feel when I find a heart...formed from rock, wood, unexpected piece of cast-off detritus...makes me so thankful. Therein lies the crux...being thankful!! If I reside in gratitude and joy, there will be no room for low-ness..or focus on pain.. </span></i></span> <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Sharing my gifts, whether it's pointing out God-given reminders of love, or encouragement through words, poetry, art, laughter, or hugs is my path. </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>To wholeness. </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>To joy. </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>To peace. </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Those are my sincerest wishes for you too!</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>xoxo</i></span></span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-57240371840168171662012-05-08T08:11:00.000-07:002012-05-08T08:11:39.601-07:00after-math of the weekend's yard sale...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>I'm slower than I used to be...slower than I'd like to be...recovery from our yard-sale last Saturday is not progressing as much as I'd like...</i></div>
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<i>My home looks like a whirlwind has hit unexpectedly and strewn all matter of items about. No rhyme. No reason. Just piles dropped on a whim......</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopHMsKmngLXZySCJxV7QrzuTbyCtKwfKwatpY6Y3cAYacmp1AVVfUe8TsIHtEkzMOkkxwNnOxcV4VRPYIYRCWKHSfRxlXuI_q9YMNwVvRriC7gmxiZ_6Vn05RHFoJ-vLsk6rWKjfn3Ibx/s1600/2012-05-08_09-45-48_159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopHMsKmngLXZySCJxV7QrzuTbyCtKwfKwatpY6Y3cAYacmp1AVVfUe8TsIHtEkzMOkkxwNnOxcV4VRPYIYRCWKHSfRxlXuI_q9YMNwVvRriC7gmxiZ_6Vn05RHFoJ-vLsk6rWKjfn3Ibx/s200/2012-05-08_09-45-48_159.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozAtQ8QWqtL-MsJ899VGWRXMFhdEBiPtDUX6KuPUpxrzGchJK1FSuGKAcWV9DLg5W2I90KOVoH5Y_uyIGqlQiq8-fRrXsY2EZ_FDx8kLqWRkj8KET-0NE_oYz3GdOtXY1RbpwpcmAToku/s1600/2012-05-08_09-47-21_299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozAtQ8QWqtL-MsJ899VGWRXMFhdEBiPtDUX6KuPUpxrzGchJK1FSuGKAcWV9DLg5W2I90KOVoH5Y_uyIGqlQiq8-fRrXsY2EZ_FDx8kLqWRkj8KET-0NE_oYz3GdOtXY1RbpwpcmAToku/s200/2012-05-08_09-47-21_299.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></div>
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<i>this is just a sampling...In every room..there lies piles of stuff.......</i></div>
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<i>more than i need. more than i want at this point in my life...</i></div>
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<i>It's a cool gray day...the light is muted. the wind is gentle, but almost with a chill. Sort of fits my mood today. I am thankful for the 'dialed low' day...as i have a bit of an ache-y head, and my knee is throbbing...so it feels like maybe i have permission to wrap up in a woobie...(cozy blanket)...and take a few minutes 'off'...and gather my strength to get back to my long long task list! </i></div>
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<i>The truth (TRUTH) is: most likely I'm procrastinating .... I'm supposed to be working on my art...and some jewelry...and supposed to be jotting in my journal for my diabetes appt. By allowing the clutter, it distracts me from producing the things that will make a difference to my health and my spirit...hmmm....sounds like I need to get to it! Throw off the bow lines!!!! (get out of the woobie)...Sail forth!!! into my life today!! (get to the good stuff girlie!!)</i></div>
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<i style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sailing, sailing....into the ocean blue of living.....</span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-69543801247003946072012-05-06T14:42:00.000-07:002012-05-06T14:42:53.006-07:00I am overwhelmed...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijw0OfFPeJPJFBFj-P85jqtGJwXU3C1uiD1vhiVD9NG1uZjwuAVTZ0Lcc261WUIBCQxJjNZM3k-FSD89U-cWahqVldQOK54LRbCr1C65WSCurK4RqJiQWwyyIVYS65BSu6M9moeTDMLTCx/s1600/angel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijw0OfFPeJPJFBFj-P85jqtGJwXU3C1uiD1vhiVD9NG1uZjwuAVTZ0Lcc261WUIBCQxJjNZM3k-FSD89U-cWahqVldQOK54LRbCr1C65WSCurK4RqJiQWwyyIVYS65BSu6M9moeTDMLTCx/s200/angel1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>I am overwhelmed.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>unexpected gray visits</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>in the morning mists of</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>surprise endings.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>I am not ready yet..</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>momentum dallies forth</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>making decisions for my life</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>hard and heavy.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>My spirit is above</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>looking down on shattered</i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFNVgqJHF5plC_FwAJ0FkV9nEJgm5MKcgARmwEiyufJZ4lnY8YgDudPwtUpzQAvBleq7Y-Z5KDyhvYkLmICgR6SIxJW0YF8BRI4qeJPSL4QR6IBZC9Hf4Bgyode8bj_kizmoqySngTT2h/s1600/angel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFNVgqJHF5plC_FwAJ0FkV9nEJgm5MKcgARmwEiyufJZ4lnY8YgDudPwtUpzQAvBleq7Y-Z5KDyhvYkLmICgR6SIxJW0YF8BRI4qeJPSL4QR6IBZC9Hf4Bgyode8bj_kizmoqySngTT2h/s200/angel2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>torn and broken vessels</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>scattered about</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Death is no friend.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>but high above in aerie hearts</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>music holds me close</i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbeLoANeri4wLBYGQEuNMviamXn5WKB2BDfdVtxE1KEe3ywCOpEc-6Gz_5flf3Diytx94qRsYYbauhWjivWo8e3Igb9N4mHdXwLKxV6hDJKCAVbHoKo9brH0x22UgquHXG0BIH8XPzuo7/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbeLoANeri4wLBYGQEuNMviamXn5WKB2BDfdVtxE1KEe3ywCOpEc-6Gz_5flf3Diytx94qRsYYbauhWjivWo8e3Igb9N4mHdXwLKxV6hDJKCAVbHoKo9brH0x22UgquHXG0BIH8XPzuo7/s1600/sunset.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>please hold me close. </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>...a new, very sweet friend has recently suffered a terrible loss. I am overwhelmed with sadness and concern, wanting to comfort and hold her while she is having to bear this pain. While she does have close friends and family nearby, it is still a difficult thing not to be able to be present. To hug her. I just needed to express my thoughts...and hope that she knows that there are prayers being lifted for her and her family.</i> </span></span></span></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-12214301749337720412012-05-01T07:29:00.001-07:002012-05-01T08:22:51.364-07:00Home again...home again..<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLJrIy4N8gqxoR0SdwOQeQCFR30l3POEIMGnVL6GvbCpPk9KZbUuBxF5gtrOkMJ5ojObh7JrQN4JOxlh791biV8EIMV6HMVoZP3rEE71wB15J7w7Tz95jonBbYJxRoGyTuOjv3pZWpyO_/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLJrIy4N8gqxoR0SdwOQeQCFR30l3POEIMGnVL6GvbCpPk9KZbUuBxF5gtrOkMJ5ojObh7JrQN4JOxlh791biV8EIMV6HMVoZP3rEE71wB15J7w7Tz95jonBbYJxRoGyTuOjv3pZWpyO_/" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zYAQEE3vjOQ5-waRsb3a4KDhK7Rdr_HplQnVmk6Rnm9r7pfaVslX1liqWFwm3uOg4V8LaMUapDT0hUin6wSGZzTP5kaxnB7fGWw7U-zj-M5fIsDeD5EkKh4-IQhA7fLV-opLDVykRfr8/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zYAQEE3vjOQ5-waRsb3a4KDhK7Rdr_HplQnVmk6Rnm9r7pfaVslX1liqWFwm3uOg4V8LaMUapDT0hUin6wSGZzTP5kaxnB7fGWw7U-zj-M5fIsDeD5EkKh4-IQhA7fLV-opLDVykRfr8/" width="112" /></a><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My legs are creak-y today! So funny how driving in a car can get you so sore. I can't imagine riding a horse through Texas...or on a buckboard. Those were lovely conveniences of 100 years ago... thank goodness!! Fun for a bit, but I'm glad it didn't take me two weeks on horseback to get to this retreat!</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QnRk7jcwmBqoJGaT3YP5cMLa-z6BZaC4FaEjqn0F7ouCCtvekQySdCa07R50a38CFlH8Akppa-mW3LzGjhb8K6hFHCQzRQUQtEtLm9EIQx4gTjtYfwWyhvz9Z4dR0p6AggYg_tkvZEvD/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QnRk7jcwmBqoJGaT3YP5cMLa-z6BZaC4FaEjqn0F7ouCCtvekQySdCa07R50a38CFlH8Akppa-mW3LzGjhb8K6hFHCQzRQUQtEtLm9EIQx4gTjtYfwWyhvz9Z4dR0p6AggYg_tkvZEvD/" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fqJj0uFZWOPoRpfwZ3R_NtSnqhpfaie48FKqMnUJS28aL7WvPau-zXk-xO_jbW4u9y5eTBUQ-cN0LbQreVKu0f6mslLg-Fb4MK9tZUcGPt_lkNBVGW6hcjS7j_myzVMXLOA3EwfM33Wj/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fqJj0uFZWOPoRpfwZ3R_NtSnqhpfaie48FKqMnUJS28aL7WvPau-zXk-xO_jbW4u9y5eTBUQ-cN0LbQreVKu0f6mslLg-Fb4MK9tZUcGPt_lkNBVGW6hcjS7j_myzVMXLOA3EwfM33Wj/" width="150" /></a> <i style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have just returned from Vivi Magoo presents Art Retreat on the Prairie. What a lovely jewelry-making event! I took several classes from Deryn Mentok and one class from Diane Cooke...worth the drive? OH Yes!!</span><br style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It was so much fun! I learned an incredible amount of little 'attention to detail' that makes a jewelry piece 'art'. </span></i><br />
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<i> The retreat was at Rachel Ashwell's 'The Prairie' in Round Top, TX. Such a lovely, secluded, peaceful site! It was like going home. My cottage looked like it was straight out of "Petticoat Junction" with a cistern looking like it would topple over any second! I stayed in the Bluebonnet Barn...though it had nothing to do with barn! Think shabby chic...think comfortable...think relax...</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkmGRBJu6CVqWdyLe41XmVBqaozVQwExfXbol0qZGB411dQxwawOD7UT1csgjH9wjbHpcYnCwdxmXRmAahKh0WUV-WriK0_ZFzPpMC7ONQwSPxF3EK5Y9N68_KmROUBH57FVE9rsagzME/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkmGRBJu6CVqWdyLe41XmVBqaozVQwExfXbol0qZGB411dQxwawOD7UT1csgjH9wjbHpcYnCwdxmXRmAahKh0WUV-WriK0_ZFzPpMC7ONQwSPxF3EK5Y9N68_KmROUBH57FVE9rsagzME/" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHtKsna4b_LssyMBxO-yS0oIBDyH5sCxJWfNiS12SWjGgtG_fTyMkAQJmK_nbN23Wgy6zqvJfDWfyVvM4i4lDIeeiqb89Mw1V1VuwwBbaSH-i1w1gbzOJFWZSTmgsk8922cJaNrD3s8Tp/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHtKsna4b_LssyMBxO-yS0oIBDyH5sCxJWfNiS12SWjGgtG_fTyMkAQJmK_nbN23Wgy6zqvJfDWfyVvM4i4lDIeeiqb89Mw1V1VuwwBbaSH-i1w1gbzOJFWZSTmgsk8922cJaNrD3s8Tp/" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k3Mj2ZA4vP6g_XkMcF1UJvZXguY8pyyGPIe_xYlKTsXO7lv6C4z4jOz7HzeNLPDwEoY1eFPL02ldNyIsAN4KJoL0x1BZcG-w-iPCrDxGTjHndTWoyvJr2mpfHopXHGBoencsIdkcRHwH/" /></i></div>
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<i> After getting home...and unpacking a little...I worked outside and put together an old iron baby crib painted white. I have to figure out how to make a support for the seat so I don't fall through it! But I'm looking to find a little bit of the shabby chic retreat right in my own backyard....when I get the wherewithal together I'll post pics...</i></div>
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<i>....until then...here's hoping that everyone finds a little retreat that makes them feel wonderful...even if it's in your own backyard!</i></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-49185786489226743272012-04-23T08:51:00.000-07:002012-04-23T08:51:26.435-07:00Sometimes I over-commit!!!<div style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">It's 10am on a Monday morning...my task-list is very long...TOO long. I've signed up for all of these wonderful online courses that teach me lovely skills which I can use to make my life and art more creative and beautiful...but what crazy mental process do I use when I 'jump in with both feet' so fast that I forget to hold my breathe???? Aaaaaaaagh! Here's what I'm in the middle of:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Letter Love with Joanne Sharpe </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Artful Alphabets--Joanne Sharpe</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">The Note Swap -- ArtHouseCo-op</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">The Chronicle Project -- ArtHouseCo-op</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">The Self Portrait Project -- ArtHouseCo-op</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">the Art of Wild Abandonment -- through Christy Tomlinson with Junelle</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPaXZtIVuGA7FTH3qIHKszkrR574KxvJemnioJJZKPkSYyUCXi_qlRac_AvHDQwpdmywegXKWaUq9PDvvA9KNQSZ9Nr0HrYzo2e4xjAn0gSLDkJq7tH_Q06CORj3GsYIvmWiFepUlTlEM/s1600/bucket+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPaXZtIVuGA7FTH3qIHKszkrR574KxvJemnioJJZKPkSYyUCXi_qlRac_AvHDQwpdmywegXKWaUq9PDvvA9KNQSZ9Nr0HrYzo2e4xjAn0gSLDkJq7tH_Q06CORj3GsYIvmWiFepUlTlEM/s200/bucket+flowers.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">art of Wild Abandonment..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsPw-EMien6aeHat2kZ_tq8ddFAsi2FCU-UFnQ9foM87caUKGWtwoRLXu8Gkt-GdKwqSyMSMDQTR4ivlQVPCs2I2aQfjaXZ3tB-qvKoOcQ07jfHXnSfyazP1qFvbdcD-rmdpaZktjtFLy/s1600/earrings!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsPw-EMien6aeHat2kZ_tq8ddFAsi2FCU-UFnQ9foM87caUKGWtwoRLXu8Gkt-GdKwqSyMSMDQTR4ivlQVPCs2I2aQfjaXZ3tB-qvKoOcQ07jfHXnSfyazP1qFvbdcD-rmdpaZktjtFLy/s200/earrings!.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the earring supply...</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">making jewelry to sell in Oklahoma City</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">setting up and selling on my etsy site : <span style="color: #45818e;">www.etsy.com/shop/fBeeDesign</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">a commissioned project for diabetes education</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">work 8 hrs on paperwork in Antique Store every week</span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">.............................all of this AND this Weds I go to a 4 day jewelry course (where I know </span><u style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">nobody</u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">!!)and I have yet to pack my clothing, tools, and supplies...</span></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIOpyPJB6CP47Jic9ObXORIKLpMLqDNA4LJNW9vJVJpx0XM2-j1nAHNWiTSxevRwypzInOGXOxWnFtAvFZtJ4oZ7cxLk0uL49TbM2qV_LB7EAIHdK1U1mH07Dtqor190SLXLdcpG33mzN/s1600/2012-04-22_13-31-42_992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIOpyPJB6CP47Jic9ObXORIKLpMLqDNA4LJNW9vJVJpx0XM2-j1nAHNWiTSxevRwypzInOGXOxWnFtAvFZtJ4oZ7cxLk0uL49TbM2qV_LB7EAIHdK1U1mH07Dtqor190SLXLdcpG33mzN/s200/2012-04-22_13-31-42_992.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rattlesnake Ready...</td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and this...is not inclusive of every day taking care of life events...my spirit, husband, health, home. </span></span></i><br /><i><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This can cause anxiety to say the least...of which I really do not want or need in my life. Now, most of the art/projects i can do from the comfort of my home...and some courses last up to a year after the original posts...so that is a do-able thing...I just need an adjustment in my "jumping-in-first-without-thinking" button!! </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It really is okay to not be in the 'middle' of <u>everything</u>. It's okay to not to give so much of yourself to everyone and everything else that there's nothing left but a shell...It's okay to breathe...to reflect....to notice the little things around you...to spend an afternoon with someone you love walking through an obscure Rattlesnake festival where the rattlesnakes are in absentia!! I think we can always find ourselves when we slow down and empty ourselves...of obligations, of anxiety, of guilt...Take the time...be okay.</span></span></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9168795624702287614.post-47862778522618102412012-03-09T09:38:00.000-08:002012-03-09T09:38:22.750-08:00the Sun is rising today!<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">After yesterday's blustery wet greyness..<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">the SUN!</span> has come out today! Though the yard is still very wet...causing my Molly's feet to be encumbered with mud as she runs along the fence-line barking at the top of her lungs trying to engage the neighbor's dog, Lucky, into play...it is still a beautiful morning. A bit nippy! (we went from 7</span></span></span>0s to 44 degrees today!) </i><br />
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<i>I spent many hours working on a new endeavor yesterday...I started an online course: Letter Love by Joanne Sharpe <a href="http://joannezsharpe.blogspot.com/">http://joannezsharpe.blogspot.com/</a> </i><br />
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<i>First things first...here's my practice notebook cover...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMKQ5bjJQq6n1QNdFkY8gb0yvrSzGHojVLN-zuP35tvE_MbdLGWR25LxBIQ1K23USbLTtXJ8IttaESzIwvAnxM3RYj0Hx-pTZjJfKEw-PjjUO06V2KRYlJq1KVKKWvthNam3h7ks2Ngy5/s1600/20120309105503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Then comes the alphabet practice..<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMKQ5bjJQq6n1QNdFkY8gb0yvrSzGHojVLN-zuP35tvE_MbdLGWR25LxBIQ1K23USbLTtXJ8IttaESzIwvAnxM3RYj0Hx-pTZjJfKEw-PjjUO06V2KRYlJq1KVKKWvthNam3h7ks2Ngy5/s320/20120309105503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>and a little art with the alphabet...the bright colors are because my knee hurts and I didn't want to go downstairs to get new colors!</i><br />
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<i>I get lost in the doodling and the making of the letters...it's a process that takes some concentration as I would like to find a way to make the letters cohesive (Outlining hides a multitude of sins I find!) and in the posting of these pics to the blog...I'm learning how to shoot, upload, publish, and arrange photos AS I learn to blog. </i><br />
<i>It's a pretty big challenge for me as I'm feeling like I need to go back to school and learn about how to use a computer properly! There's happiness in the learning and finally accomplishing the task!</i><br />
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<i>Here's hoping you find an endeavor that gives you joy and opens doors to learning new things!</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01542794709926326042noreply@blogger.com0