Namaste

I have been thinking a LOT about blogging, emails and all the messages we send that do not really have a "face" or an expression attached. When emailing or blogging what we may think is humerous may indeed come across as something entirely different to the reader. I sincerely hope that in the course of blogging, emailing or commenting that I have been circumspect. Being inappropriate has never been a goal of mine. I have recently gotten the impression that I may have offended someone along the way. For this, I am sincerely and wholeheartedly sorry. I write what is on my mind at the time and have never felt the need for an apology for how I think...I don't edit, I write from the "cuff". I think the internet is a wonderful source of communication, entertainment and information...I have been naive in thinking that I could "talk" to the "blogging, facebook, email" world the way I talk with friends that know me in the flesh. I have taken a step back from all things that communicate who I am...what started out as a fun, inspirational journey has backfired a wee bit. My goal in this life is to be the most authentic version of myself that I can be, to love and to serve my fellowman and to be grateful to my Father in Heaven for the many blessings showered upon me. There is opposition in all things however I will continue to write and be positive about Life. Life is Good. After the darkness, there is light...after the rain, rainbows and so on and on. We are touched by people for varying lengths of time and for various reasons. I thank each of you for your contributions to my life and sincerely hope that I have contributed somewhat to yours. From Wikipedia:

Namaste, Namaskar or Namaskaram (Sanskrit: नमस्ते [nʌmʌsˈteː] from external sandhi between namaḥ and te) is a common spoken greeting or salutation in the Indian subcontinent. Taken literally, it means "I bow to you". The word is derived from Sanskrit (namas): to bow, obeisance, reverential salutation, and (te): "to you".[1] Namaskar is considered a slightly more formal version than namaste but both express deep respect. It is commonly used in India and Nepal by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, and many continue to use this outside the Indian subcontinent.

When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. The gesture can also be performed wordlessly and carry the same meaning.
In Indian and Nepali culture, the word is spoken at the beginning of written or verbal communication. However, upon departure only the wordless hands-folded gesture is made.
In yoga, namaste is said to mean "The light within me honors the light within you," as spoken by both the yoga instructor and yoga students.

Without further ado, the light within me honors the light within you.

Gotta Go Right Now!!!

What does “sit” mean and what does “squat” mean?
To “sit” on a toilet bowl means users were generally comfortable enough to expose their bare bottoms to the cold porcelain seats beneath them. To “squat” over a toilet means that most users were not comfortable touching any part of the toilet seat and so they exercised the “squat”. This may take some extra thigh muscle support. We do not recommend squatting when carrying heavy objects, if you are tired or intoxicated, or if the toilet seat is much higher than average. However, we DO recommend squatting when the toilet is just plain nasty. In the end, it’s your decision entirely. We are not responsible for what happens behind closed bathroom doors.

Okay is it me or is this just plain hilarious??? I happened upon the "news you can use" section of our local paper this morning letting readers know that Procter & Gamble's Charmin brand toilet paper has a site that helps travelers find clean public restrooms. SitOrSquat.com guides families traveling with children, people with special needs, those with handicap access or those like me that need access pretty quickly!!! The article says that the site has logged more than 52,000 toilets in 10 countries. Actually, I find this information to be quite valuable, however, I still find it highly amusing.

Several of my blog friends (whom shall remain nameless) have written extensive posts regarding "potty" habits and one included a poll. Using the toilet is a necessary function and there is much humor in the habits of the masses. When I was younger I had "public restroom shyness" If someone was in the stalls I would wait and wait for them to leave. My 50 year old bladder DOES NOT CARE!!! (I know, I know TMI) Some of the funniest stories I've heard involve the extremes some people will go to...to ensure they can "potty in private" As we know, our brothers in this world can tinkle anywhere they desire...our anatomy is different and thus is not conducive to using the nearest tree...which leads me to the next point of interest...this company has created a cup and spout type gizmo for the ladies...Uh uh!!!

So, what do you think, interested? Personally, when in the wilds of Africa or wherever...I'll go with the time proven...find a bush and someone to keep guard!!! How about you?

Happy 54th Spring

A beautiful, sunny day unfolds to welcome Spring...much like a similar day 54 years ago when this hazel eyed, smiley faced guy burst into the world and started living life full out! Dear Husband does everything with total committment and passion...His motto: Why be Ordinary?

He is anything but ordinary! A brass plate with the words, Life in the Fast Lane dangles from his key ring. I always tell Carl I could find him with my eyes closed...his collarbone has been broken so many times it sticks out at a slight angle...his nose is the only one I have ever known ...he constantly tells me he used to have a normal nose and a really nice upper lip until he ran into some trouble involving a motorcycle and a guide wire...this is the face with which I fell in love and married and see everyday! It is a face of kindness, compassion and tenderness.

It is also the I AM AWAKE and it's time to rock and roll face! His feet hit the floor and he is talking to the cat, singing in the shower, rat tat tattin on everything...no rest for the weary. He is father, brother, son, husband, buddy buddy (to the grandkids) uncle and friend. His hobbies include playing the drums (he misses being in a band) playstation 3, flying remote controlled gas powered airplanes, jet skiing, power napping and travelling with his son to assist him while he races in competitions all over the country. Addicted to crime drama type shows and a fount of trivia knowledge...he can tell you who played the drums for XYZ band in 1964, who subsequently replaced them and why...name a band, any band...he is pretty good with old movies and television shows too. He is a certified head banging drum player that loves Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney, Sinatra and many more. When he is not goofing off...he sings the most beautiful songs to me.

Happy Birthday Big Guy...I love ya bunches!

Bon Anniversaire

As usual when the Floozies gather...a lovely time is had by all. The Floozies were delighted to shower Jeanne with treasures for the upcoming nuptials and to celebrate her birthday as well! The Princess of Quite Alot hosted the gala in her lovely home filled to the brim with princess-like "period" furniture. The Floozies each contributed to a scrumptious luncheon and the Princess even placed beautiful porcelain placecards (that belonged to her grandmother) at each seat. Yours truly created the lovely headpieces for the "bride" and the "bridesmaids" Photography was a little sketchy due to a really good time being had by all. It is rather hard to focus when one is laughing constantly and the body is shaking! One humorous note, the Princess of Quite A Lot found chocolate "shot" glasses to accompany dessert and one of the floozies (who shall remain nameless) cracked her chocolate cup to pieces in an attempt to drink from it. It is a joy and a pleasure to have such friends that come together in a spirit of celebration and love! Happy Birthday, Happy Wedding Jeanne! And lest we forget...Happy Birthday to Mary Jane

In Case of Emergency - Break Glass

Because of THIS...

THIS was lost...
THIS represents a 40 hour work week...every penny!!!

I sure am glad I had a good time!!! The key shall be placed in a fireproof, emergency glass box in a place of honor with a small ax nearby to be used only in extreme emergency. On the plus side, the dealership always washes your car even if you are just getting a key programmed.

Charity Never Faileth

In this time of economic recession, belt tightening and hunkering down are you still inclined to share with those less fortunate. Has the current economy left you feeling less than generous? We have been considering our spending habits and what the future may hold as has probably everyone on the planet.

In my twenties I was always "broke" and thankful for friends that invited us to dinner. I knew of an acquaintance, an able bodied man that on weekends would go to small towns and pretend that he was deaf and mute with the proverbial cup in hand. This appalled me greatly and left me feeling cynical about those "in need". As I came to listen to the still, small voice I was prompted to be more generous. Sometimes the voice of contention would rise up and say things like "you cannot give your money away...you have bills to pay" I discovered that the more tightly you hold onto things, the greater the loss. When you expand and "tithe" your life becomes more abundant. Tithing is often thought of as the one tenth of your income that you donate to the church you attend. I recently participated in an e-seminar that offered a slightly altered twist to the original concept...give generously to whom you will...whatever feels right, make a donation, lend a hand. As I was contemplating this idea many opportunities for "tithing" arose. How often have you felt prompted by that inner voice to give someone $1, $5 or whatever. I struggle to overcome the cynicism in my mind that says, "that person probably has more money than I do or why don't they just get a job" During our dinner conversation my husband said to me, "I just don't know what came over me today" and he related the following story. He was in the checkout line at the grocery store (he was shopping for his parents) and the woman in front of him was counting out coins for a bag of flour and a gallon of milk and it looked like she was going to be "short"...my husband told the checkout lady to add it to his bill. Additionally, he gave the "flour" lady $20 whereby she gave him a great big hug! As tears welled in my own eyes, I said, "Honey, you KNOW what it was that came over you"

Charity Never Faileth...this is the motto used by The Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From my personal experience and from those around me I know that this is a true concept.

So in this time of belt tightening and being cautious...let us not forget the tired, the poor, the hungry...donate your time, talents and some $$$ We each are "our brother's keeper"

Please pass the Vodka???

February 22, 2009 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina....cold, windy and beautiful!

I just bet that got your attention! Having dinner with my friend Jayne always helps me to put things into perspective. With her vast knowledge of so many subjects including the ones she teaches plus an incredible memory of everything she has ever read Jayne always has a helpful tidbit to keep your life sane plus she is not preachy. We spent two hours chatting over chips and salsa and delicious entrees at Chili's. It was a much needed respite for me and I woke up this morning feeling more calm and optimistic. Jayne and I often talk about "our tribes" We discussed a little about telling those you care about and admire how much you care and admire them. I am so grateful for "my tribe", the individuals both far and near that I call friends...those I spend time with in my day to day wanderings, my book club tribe and my blog friends. I have been amazed at the kinship I feel with some of my blog family, Hayden coined the phrase, I-Family and I think it is an awesome and very apt definition. Stephanie takes the everyday mundane chores, rants and raves a little, adds her humorous twist and you leave amused and less annoyed with life. Natalie, well you never know what she will be up to and she makes me laugh! Other members of the tribe include Tracie and Tracey and so many more that inspire me and leave comments that color my world Happy! Ruth writes technically, professionally and creatively...sometimes I worry about my obvious misuse of grammar and flagrant misuse of punctuation, however even she comes back and leaves lovely remarks. Jayne and my daughter, Michelle were the impetus for starting my own blog. Prior to that I only lurked around blogworld! Many thanks to my blogging friends for your continued support! To each of my friends I thank you for your individuality and for all the ways I am inspired by you.

How does your blogging go...I generally get an idea and just start typing...I know there are a few of you shaking your head this very moment. I never have a rough draft and do not edit overly much. Thus I never know where I may end up with a post. The title of this post was inspired by an article on The Daily Green that listed ten uses for vodka...my favorites...soothing a toothache (duh?) freshening your laundry (so that's what my aunt was doing out there) an insect repellent...it suggests using the bottom priced vodkas for these household uses... no Grey Goose in the laundry room. The article caught my eye mainly because I am always on the look out to an alternative for every day stuff. Did you know that vodka helps with jelly fish stings (you pour it ON the stings) and poison ivy...? My friend Kristi chose the book "Alas Babylon" for our book club recently and one of the characters purchased cases of alcohol in preparation for an end of times scenario...it became a very valuable commodity particularly since no medicine or antiseptics were available...I'm not saying go out and buy a year's supply of booze...

I have been blogging a little over a year and I have FINALLY learned how to include links!!! I am so excited...it is the little things that make me happy (STOP shaking your heads)!

Other things that make me happy today...

a cool, crisp beautiful day
the bunches of tulips I bought for each of my daughters, shh, it's a surprise!

the daffodils tilting their lovely heads towards SPRING (hey DotDot, I am thinking of you each time I see them)
planning silly headgear/hats for an upcoming bridal shower

beaches

and as Hayden says, you can never have too much cuteness....