In less than 12 months, two of my favorite friends have been diagnosed with breast cancer. They are dynamic women, with large hearts... caring and giving... undeserving of the trials of the cancer curse in any form. The only thing I can do is offer my arms for hugs and possibly the benefit (if benefit it be) of my experience with the same diagnosis. Some years ago, a book was written about bad things happening to good people. I later heard that someone had said bad things happen to bad people too, we just don't care. Please, please get your mammograms.
I discovered a musical performance that might lift your spirits. Take a listen, give a look... classical music is new again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry4BzonlVlw
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Fall smells different...
Now that Fall is officially here, the scents wafting on the air have changed. Trees are changing colors; weeds and other flora are finishing their Summer displays and have gone into Fall mode. Just ask any allergy sufferer... red, puffy eyes and stuffy noses abound.
I've done most of the seasonal clothing change-over, keeping some of the hot weather items close for those days that start out cool but warm up as the sun does its thing. The colder weather clothes must smell different too. At least Bailey, who is now 9 months old, must think so. He usually doesn't stay very far away from me but there must be something about my clothes that smell different to him. He already knows that if I start changing from my pj's into clothes that I can wear in public, there just might be a chance that he's going to get to go outside for a short while. But his reaction to these clothes is different. Summer duds excite him because of the possible outing, but these clothes must have a different odor to them. He stays 2-inches away from my feet as soon as I bring out jeans, socks and shoes. His nose goes into overtime and the snuffling is something to behold. He seems to think that the flapping of socks and legs of jeans is an invitation to grab hold for a game of tug-of-war. Every time I start to slip my foot into my shoe I can't because he has his nose stuck into the toe of it, snuffling away. The other morning I was using a lint roller to get at Bailey fur (an attempt to keep my jeans from appearing as if he had slept on them). As I ran the roller down the front of my leg I hit him on the nose... he had stuck it between my knees. Talk about a friend that sticketh closer than a brother!
I've done most of the seasonal clothing change-over, keeping some of the hot weather items close for those days that start out cool but warm up as the sun does its thing. The colder weather clothes must smell different too. At least Bailey, who is now 9 months old, must think so. He usually doesn't stay very far away from me but there must be something about my clothes that smell different to him. He already knows that if I start changing from my pj's into clothes that I can wear in public, there just might be a chance that he's going to get to go outside for a short while. But his reaction to these clothes is different. Summer duds excite him because of the possible outing, but these clothes must have a different odor to them. He stays 2-inches away from my feet as soon as I bring out jeans, socks and shoes. His nose goes into overtime and the snuffling is something to behold. He seems to think that the flapping of socks and legs of jeans is an invitation to grab hold for a game of tug-of-war. Every time I start to slip my foot into my shoe I can't because he has his nose stuck into the toe of it, snuffling away. The other morning I was using a lint roller to get at Bailey fur (an attempt to keep my jeans from appearing as if he had slept on them). As I ran the roller down the front of my leg I hit him on the nose... he had stuck it between my knees. Talk about a friend that sticketh closer than a brother!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wanderlust
As if I needed anything else. And the change in seasons just makes it worse. The definition of wanderlust includes 'a great desire to travel or rove.' I always have a low grade urge for road trips any way, and train riding is my preferred mode. I finished reading The Christmas Train by David Baldacci last week and that tipped me over the edge. I've ridden on a train 3 times and each trip was a pleasure, if only for the large amount of personal space at my seat (I actually had room to lower the back of my seat), the ability to walk the aisles and from car to car. The spacious bathroom (compared to ones on a plane). (If you happen to look down into the toilet seat, you see the rail bed. But, I digress.) Amtrak has been loosing money with less provided by Congress, and low ridership. I've often wondered why people abide the continuing restrictions of air travel when they could enjoy the freedom of rail travel. Yes, I understand the need to fly for business or emergency purposes. But all it takes to use the train is a little planning ahead. And the prices are certainly comparative. Not to mention how much easier the journey is when traveling with children. Sometimes a child can ride free with an adult. Savings! Cha-ching. Parents should see how much easier it would be to travel with their children... ya know how much plane travelers just love having children on their trip. Check out the Amtrak cite for all they have to offer. Again, digressing. The only destination I have in mind is to somewhere in Colorado to see the night sky. I basically just want to take a long train ride. Hmmm... may just have to check out some day trips.
A new plane, the Dreamliner, has been announced. I caught a man commenting about some of the customer improvements. He said they are proud of the new blue color of the interior walls, a serene color, meant to lessen rider stress. And the windows are bigger. He wondered how much of an impression this would make on travelers as they will still be sitting in a seat with 16 inches of space. How's that sound to you?
I wonder if sardines are impressed by the gold-colored walls as they are sealed into their can.
A new plane, the Dreamliner, has been announced. I caught a man commenting about some of the customer improvements. He said they are proud of the new blue color of the interior walls, a serene color, meant to lessen rider stress. And the windows are bigger. He wondered how much of an impression this would make on travelers as they will still be sitting in a seat with 16 inches of space. How's that sound to you?
I wonder if sardines are impressed by the gold-colored walls as they are sealed into their can.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
It takes a woman
Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, droughts... need I go on? I don't think there is a continent that isn't experiencing some kind of weather disaster. Just here in Virginia, it's still rocking and rolling in and around Mineral, the epicenter of our earthquake, which, by the way. reached out and touched more than 20 states. Hurricane Irene came by to visit, dumping rain, flooding even some high ground, and bringing wind that downed trees, broke electrical poles, and generally threw around anything and everything she could get to. And even she couldn't douse the swamp fire... although she did blow the smoke up for the rest of us to enjoy before she got here. Texas is still, I think, the driest place on our continent. The hurricane that came up into the Gulf of Mexico hardly made a dent in the southeast edge of it. Irene went on north and created havoc for northeastern states.
Yes, Mother Nature has been flexing her muscles... letting everyone know that regardless what we think, she is in charge. She must have decided to take a short break... she let a utility man with his handy-dandy wire cutters have at it, leaving millions in San Diego and beyond in the dark.
I don't know about you, but all I have to say is... Enough, already!
Yes, Mother Nature has been flexing her muscles... letting everyone know that regardless what we think, she is in charge. She must have decided to take a short break... she let a utility man with his handy-dandy wire cutters have at it, leaving millions in San Diego and beyond in the dark.
I don't know about you, but all I have to say is... Enough, already!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Beginnings of endings
Things are winding down... or gearing up, depending on your point of view.
Fall is in the air. The cool mornings of the past few days are a precursor of the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. The day after Labor Day, the holiday season is just a slip and slide away. Scientists have said that the expansion of the universe is slowing from the Big Boom. I have yet to figure out how that relates to the speed-up of time... would explain how the older I get, the faster the days go by. I haven't been inclined to cooking meals... the heat has just not been conducive to hot ovens and steamy pots and pans. I'm looking forward to soups, stews and roasts in the coming weeks... and quick breads and cakes and maybe a pie or two.
My second-oldest granddaughter got her driver's license this week, signaling the end of her childhood and her ascent into adulthood. I managed to keep my advice to two points:
a) the car has brakes as well as a gas pedal
b) the car has three rear-view mirrors as well as a windshield
She is a good driver, and she'll gain experience over the coming months. I have little hope that her time on the roads will include limited incidents such as the yahoo who insisted on pulling in front of me the other day. There was no one behind me. What is behind this type of behavior? Ego. God forbid that the driver should be last. But, I digress...
My oldest grandson starts his Senior year in high school in a few days. (They've already taken the Senior pictures!) He's been looking forward to this and he, as well as his younger sisters, are ready for school to start, although they are loathe to admit it.
The plan is in place, the location acquired, and the date set for the From the Heart retreat scheduled in September. I've been looking forward to the retreat since last year's (my first). Along with meeting and greeting other members of the group, we'll be celebrating the 100,000th donation since the group's inception. We've already started on our next 100,000.
Bailey will surely enjoy the cooler weather when it finally sets in. It'll mean more time outside for walks and playtime with his new friend, a Shih Tzu mix named Miss Nellie. Bless his heart, he has to spend so much of his time with just me that he can't contain his glee when we leave our apartment and he gets to see other people. Actually, I can't really call our forays outside as 'walks'... they're mostly 'drags'... him dragging me behind as we make our way along the sidewalks and through the grass lot.
Fall is in the air. The cool mornings of the past few days are a precursor of the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. The day after Labor Day, the holiday season is just a slip and slide away. Scientists have said that the expansion of the universe is slowing from the Big Boom. I have yet to figure out how that relates to the speed-up of time... would explain how the older I get, the faster the days go by. I haven't been inclined to cooking meals... the heat has just not been conducive to hot ovens and steamy pots and pans. I'm looking forward to soups, stews and roasts in the coming weeks... and quick breads and cakes and maybe a pie or two.
My second-oldest granddaughter got her driver's license this week, signaling the end of her childhood and her ascent into adulthood. I managed to keep my advice to two points:
a) the car has brakes as well as a gas pedal
b) the car has three rear-view mirrors as well as a windshield
She is a good driver, and she'll gain experience over the coming months. I have little hope that her time on the roads will include limited incidents such as the yahoo who insisted on pulling in front of me the other day. There was no one behind me. What is behind this type of behavior? Ego. God forbid that the driver should be last. But, I digress...
My oldest grandson starts his Senior year in high school in a few days. (They've already taken the Senior pictures!) He's been looking forward to this and he, as well as his younger sisters, are ready for school to start, although they are loathe to admit it.
The plan is in place, the location acquired, and the date set for the From the Heart retreat scheduled in September. I've been looking forward to the retreat since last year's (my first). Along with meeting and greeting other members of the group, we'll be celebrating the 100,000th donation since the group's inception. We've already started on our next 100,000.
Bailey will surely enjoy the cooler weather when it finally sets in. It'll mean more time outside for walks and playtime with his new friend, a Shih Tzu mix named Miss Nellie. Bless his heart, he has to spend so much of his time with just me that he can't contain his glee when we leave our apartment and he gets to see other people. Actually, I can't really call our forays outside as 'walks'... they're mostly 'drags'... him dragging me behind as we make our way along the sidewalks and through the grass lot.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Living life amidst miracles, generousity, and serendipity
Almost every day, I am reminded what a gift my life is. I don't actually forget so much as take a day or two for granted then get brought up short with a reminder...
Miracles don't usually happen in twos, with an hour or so between. The result of which being hazard-avoidance and survival. As I can't tell the exact story of these happenings without revealing names, suffice it to say that they were followed by stunned silence on my part and, a couple of days later, a calm, short lecture on changing lanes while driving.
All of my friends and most of my dear acquaintances are warm, intelligent, generous people. Why, then, am I so blown away when I am the beneficiary of that generousity? I am continually amazed when it comes my way... I'm so used to seeing it directed toward others.
During the course of a conversation the other day, one of my granddaughters suggested that I start dating again. Really!?
During the course of a conversation the other day, one of my granddaughters suggested that I start dating again. Really!?
Got a wrong-number call yesterday that turned out to be a right number. The caller was obviously surprised when I answered and when identities were confirmed, it was so good to be speaking with the caller. We hadn't talked in a long time and caught up quickly, albeit with recaps. It was so great reconnecting with this wonderful person.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Kiss of the Mayfly
Kiss of the Mayfly... wouldn't that be a great title for a book or movie? Remember... you heard it here first.
Returned a few moments ago from taking Bailey for his first walk of the day. The temperature is 68 and the breeze is cool, almost bracing. Wonderful! Bailey is so energized that he started running circles around me and the dining table and back and forth between our rooms. Then he brought his tennis ball and insisted on a game of toss & fetch. I know how he feels... I'm almost tempted to dance on the table.
The coolness reminded me of something that happened a couple of weeks ago. The day was lovely; cool enough to drive with the car windows open instead of closed with the a/c trying to run. I was returning home from the 'Yarnery' (my daughter's name for the From the Heart workshop), my friend riding shotgun. While stopped at a red light, I looked down in time to see a Mayfly come in through the open window and alight on the back of my hand. He (she?) stayed a few seconds only but what a gift! Pure magic. AND I have a witness to back me up when I tell everyone about it.
Money couldn't have bought these moments of joy.
Returned a few moments ago from taking Bailey for his first walk of the day. The temperature is 68 and the breeze is cool, almost bracing. Wonderful! Bailey is so energized that he started running circles around me and the dining table and back and forth between our rooms. Then he brought his tennis ball and insisted on a game of toss & fetch. I know how he feels... I'm almost tempted to dance on the table.
The coolness reminded me of something that happened a couple of weeks ago. The day was lovely; cool enough to drive with the car windows open instead of closed with the a/c trying to run. I was returning home from the 'Yarnery' (my daughter's name for the From the Heart workshop), my friend riding shotgun. While stopped at a red light, I looked down in time to see a Mayfly come in through the open window and alight on the back of my hand. He (she?) stayed a few seconds only but what a gift! Pure magic. AND I have a witness to back me up when I tell everyone about it.
Money couldn't have bought these moments of joy.
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