Free Spirited, She Is!

My granddarling Anna will soon be six.  She burst into this world in quite the hurry and has not slowed down since her arrival!  She started kindergarten this year.  My biggest hope is that the system will not steal all her joy, independence and free spirit.  "They" want her to conform...she has a hard time with it.
To say she has her own sense of fashion is an understatement.  My daughter prefers not to battle over clothing, hair and shoes.  As long as she is covered and it is not a safety issue so be it.  The assistant in her classroom asked Anna if her Mother looked at her in the mornings...apparently Anna's choice of shoes did not suit her...she wore her jazz boots...leather bottom, leather tops, neutral color, very comfy not distracting to anyone except the assistant.  Yeah, several of us were ready to string her up.

Anna dances through life...she is on a competition dance team with her first performance in February.  She flew through my kitchen after dance dragging a pink suitcase on wheels.  I told her I loved her pink suitcase and she assures me that it is HOT pink.  She proceeded to do her dance routine on the breakfast bar. 

Give the child some paper and something to write with...she is busy for hours, really!  When this little girl has had enough of the world around her...she takes herself to bed and snuggles in with a stack of books.

Her Mimi (great grandma and my mom) gave her money for Christmas.  Anna decided it was time to re-do what she calls "her" bathroom.  Pink and purple polka dotted shower curtain, pink rug, toothbrush holder, cup and towel set...with a huge Justin Bieber poster (a gift from her brother).  What five year old does this? 

I LOVE this girl.  I love her spirit.  I love being reminded to dance through life...to be creative and to take yourself to bed with good books when the world is too much.  Most of us knew what made us feel good and how to just BE before we let life take over.  Yes...there are jobs, families, myriad responsibilities...in the midst of all of "that" let us not forget to just Be, to explore, to enjoy.  I have a feeling 2012 is going to be an Amazing year...how about you, what do you think?  

Word for 2012

It has been a lovely Christmas season!  I have spent the greater part of a day and a half in rest and contemplation.  I have missed writing and visited my journal in an effort to choose a word of the year.  For those unfamiliar with that concept, here is a great link:  http://christinekane.com/blog/resolution-revolution-a-better-way-to-start-your-year/  basically you choose a word for the year rather than make a list of resolutions that never stick.  This is the fifth year of choosing one word to define my year and I find that it works for me.  After much contemplation and five journal pages I have chosen (or rather I believe the word chose me)  Exploration!  A theme that kept cropping up was fun, joy, openess, adventure and exploration.
I am always trying to improve myself with some success...now I think it is time to explore new places, new paths to creativity, spirituality and yes JOY and FUN.  Often I have to talk myself into doing something...once on a certain path I am certainly happy I chose it...however it is a painstaking decision too frequently.

So I fondly (or not so much) say good-bye to 2011 and embrace the New Year with Exploration in my heart.  Several health issues and foot problems have delayed a few goals...I fully intend to explore wellness and step into my dream of climbing a portion of Mt. Ranier (for my brother) traveling to Italy and to whatever new opportunities beckon me!  

I wish each of you a fabulous 2012!  Happy New Year Darlings!

Excuses or Whatever it is that I have been Up to Lately!

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do."

Edward Everett Hale, American Author, Clergyman

My dearest blog,

I am so sorry to neglect you so...the truth is...I have been cheating on you with another website.  It's true, Pinterest sucked me right in, however it did inspire me to have a craft day/brunch at home.  Which was a LOT of fun and included my daughters and granddaughter. 

You are in good company as I have also neglected the many wonderful blogs that I love to read.  So forgive me for leaving your "pages" blank.  I do not wish to make any promises or excuses to you...hopefully things will return to normal (whatever that is) eventually.  I have the greatest ideas for posts and even compose them in the car...trouble is...I cannot remember a thing once I get to a computer.  My memory, while never stellar, fails me quite frequently.

You have my permission to hibernate or drink hot cocoa or whatever it is blogs do while their "writers" are engaged otherwise...I think of you often!

A few observations I have made lately...

Someone is clearing a huge section of timber from the road near my house...I love trees and this sorta hurt my feelings!  I love all the lush green and abundant foliage.  It is such a peaceful, tranquil drive. 

A gentlemen paid for dinner for 12 ladies because he had been very blessed in his life...I was one of those ladies and did not know until after he left the restaurant.  Carrabas - total bill $400.00

The Floozie girls (above mentioned twelve) adopted a single parent family for Christmas and had a spectacular luncheon to celebrate and wrap gifts!  Many in the group engage in numerous acts of kindness and altruism.  Those who are blessed should be willing to bless others and everyone is blessed in some form or fashion!

On the street where our business is located I pass by a strip of brick buildings, shops of various types and a church or ministry.  The ministry often has tables set up with  produce, bread and other items
that are free to the neighbors (many of which are living in poverty)  It always makes me feel good to know that at least on that day (s) people will have a meal.  A first for me, I was able to witness the prayer circle that preceded the food being placed on the tables.  It sent a jolt of indescribable peace and happiness through me.

So dear blog,

We often read or hear about the sad and bad that occurs...I know and I believe that Good People and Good Stories outweigh the bad!  As for me and my house, we will continue to lift the hurting World up in prayer, continue to express gratitude for our many blessings, do what we can when can to improve our corner of the world and we will continue to act in kindness and love.   With your help, my blog friend and those other "bloggers" out there we will spread a message of hope, goodwill and cheer!
Love ya bunches, Connie

"That best portion of a good man's life; his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."

William Wordsworth, English Poet

"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."

Aesop,  Greek Fable Writer

AND one more...

"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."  Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese Poet and Novelist

P.S. Lisa, if you are reading...this post exists because you asked!  Thanks!


 
  

My First BFF

Dear James,

I was just thinking this morning about how you were my first BFF (best friend forever)  I really, really miss your quirky sense of humor...that is something we all had in spades!  A little piece of me feels missing...you, at least get to be surrounded by those I loved best! 

As your older sister I felt responsible for you.  In many photos together I can be seen with my arm slung around you.  One memory that has come to my mind today was a kool aid episode!  We were standing in front of the fridge fighting over the kool aid pitcher and we both dropped it...I was trying to be the big sister...you were trying to assert some independence...it was probably my fault.  You know how ballistic Mom can be...fortunately she decided to wait for Dad to come home for punishment...although Dad's disappointment was often more horrible than Mom's outrageous screaming and smacks with the wooden spoon.  Dad talked to us very solemnly and asked who was responsible...neither one of us would "fess up"  After one of his very long I am disappointed talks...he put us both on restriction.  I felt so bad after all I was the taller, bigger and older sister.  I went to our Dad and spilled my guts!  That was the end of the punishment for both us although I do think I had to listen to one more I am disappointed in your behavior speech.  I always thought, geez, could you just spank me already?  I did my best to look after you...there are some things even a dedicated big sister couldn't fix. 

You were such an inspiration.  How many people can boast of your cross country accomplishments?  You never did boast though.  Actually, you still are an inspiration...we never did get to do that hiking together...Carl and I hike parts of the AT...we feel your spirit residing there and it is comforting.  After all, on the trail and in the woods was where you came alive and were happiest! 

Mom and I were talking on our way to visit Steve...he is still a pain in the rear baby brother (insert smile) and she simply stated...Gosh I miss that boy so much!  You took such great care with her...she didn't get on your nerves much or make you tired.  She makes me tired. 

It is that time of year when I wax nostalgic and get weepy...it seems we never have enough time!  We do not know how much time we have on this Earth...memories should be created at every turn...after all it is what we are left with when all else is gone. 

I love you always and miss your presence in this world...til we meet again...the big sister

James aka as "PapaSquat" September 30, 1961 - November 17, 2003.  Somewhere on the northern part of the Appalachian Trail. 

P.S.  I STILL have not been to Mt. Ranier! 

Almost Wordless on Wednesday

How many people actually enjoy having their picture taken?  Apart from the odd one or two and those who make their living in front of cameras!  This would be one of the reasons I stay behind the camera!  That said, I absolutely LOVE this image photographed by my five (5) year old granddaughter.  I think the camera was set on Aperture mode...I think my granddarling captured something special...my relaxed and playful side.

"Smiling is my favorite"  Buddy, the Elf.  I use my smile often and most folks respond well to a smile.
Even if I feel like crying on the inside...I just fake it til I make it.  Usually I can talk myself out of a frowny mood.  I just smiled at you...Pass It On!!!

Further Proof that Men Just Think Differently!

 So you meet the right guy and all you want to do is breathe the same air...fifteen years later and some days you just want to smack him with a pillow!

Men just think differently, I think it has to do with that Y chromosome.  In my personal situation, my husband is not a multi-tasker...all attention is focused on what is right in front of him at that time.  He also suffers from selective hearing! 

Him:  Is this all the trash that needs to go out?

Me:  There are three bags in the garage by my car.

Him:  Three bags of trash by your car?

Me:  Yes, dear.

Him:  I am riding to xyz...

Me:  Okay

An hour later...

Him:  I threw out the two bags of trash in the garage and I dropped the third bag at Goodwill! (With a huge smile, because he had done something "extra")

Me:  Um, there were three bags of TRASH in the garage.

Him:  No, the other one was full of clothes, I opened it and thought someone could use those things!

Me:  It was trash!!!

Him:  No, it wasn't...there were shirts and stuff in there.

Me:  Actually, it was a bag of stained, torn shirts and old socks and underwear and probably some household trash as well!  I am sure Goodwill appreciates those.  I told you it was trash...why must you second guess me?

Him:  I saw the shirts...I thought I would be helpful.  Was I wrong to want to be helpful?

Me:  Big SIGH!!! 

another example:

Him:  Would you like for me to carry that box inside for you?

Me:  That would be great!  Thank you!

Him:  Sits on the garage steps and continues to watch me.

Me:  Are you taking that box inside or do I need to?

Him:  I didn't know you were ready for me to take it inside...

Me:  Big SIGH

so he gets the box inside and puts it on the counter...perfect for him he can look right into the box...for me, not so much I am a foot or so shorter...I would need a stool to see in the box and get things out of it!  He just grins sheepishly telling me that a woman architect/designer told him men hang things up too high...Yep, different perspective.

My dear husband and his cell phone are never far from each other.  It is his office away from the office.  It his connection to his band.  We all love our cell phones, connectivity and contact information.  On our recent visit to Las Vegas, the phone was in his constant possession much to my chagrin...UNTIL we left the hotel.  We have checked our luggage, we have gone through security...we are finally relaxing for a few minutes before we board the plane.

Him:  Do you have my cell phone?

Me:  I didn't know I was in charge of your cell phone!

Him:  Well, will you call the hotel and see if they found it?

Me:  ????  I didn't leave it there!

Him:  Well I can't call I don't have my cell phone (with pouty expression)

Me:  *(&^% 

There were a few more airport scenarios I won't even go into...suffice to say...my dearly beloved is not going with me when I go to Italy! 

He is the dearest man whom I love, love, love...he just thinks differently and he means well, truly he does...now where is that pillow?

                                                   Caesar's Palace with the Newlyweds! 

Happy New Year in September!

I like the idea of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  It has been a season of introspection for me.  Determining what works in my life and what no longer serves and can be discarded.  I have been so exhausted and I have decided my tiredness stems from all the thoughts running through my brain!  I do not want to oversimplify or make light of a sacred holiday...there are numerous sites to go to for more information.  Rosh Hashanah begins on sundown of September 28th and ends on September 30th.  Certain foods are prepared and eaten such as apples dipped in honey...for a sweet new year.  Many Jews go to a body of flowing water and recite prayers to release sins or as it says on one of the websites: "We leave our old shortcomings behind us, thus starting the new year with a clean slate" I like the idea of releasing sins, bad thoughts and so forth near a body of flowing water.  For me, flowing water symbolizes purity and cleansing.
If you are the coast some time near the end of September you may very well see me there!

It is said when the student is ready the teacher will appear.  Teaching moments (and learning ones) can come from so many sources.  What other reason would the celebration of Rosh Hashanah be in the forefront of my mind...if not to teach me.

Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim, "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."

May you always be open to the learning moments that cross your path even from the most unlikely sources!