Reflections of a Year Well Lived...Part 1

New York State of Mind

All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teef!

Annual Holiday Silly String Wars!

In the year 2010...imagine the music from the song in the year 2525 if man is still alive etc.  It was a year of upheavel, challenges, bereavement and best of all Joy!  This, the last week of 2010 many are pondering the whys and whats of the last year.  Many will determine what changes need to be made...some will choose a word, a "watchword" if you will to determine intentions for the coming year.  Release was the word I chose this past year...it caused me to work on some old thoughts, beliefs and it exhausted me.  I will be entering the year 2011 with a lighter load!  Who benefits from dragging old baggage around?  So many of my friends have participated or will participate in choosing one word rather than a grocery list of resolutions.  It is easy, think, ponder, pray...choose a word...throw some into a hat and let the word choose you.  The word Grace is tickling my fancy right now...this is probably the word I will go with for 2011...the definition:

1. elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.

2. a pleasing or attractive quality or endowment.
3. favor or good will.
4. a manifestation of favor, esp. by a superior: It was only through the dean's grace that I wasn't expelled from school.
5. mercy; clemency; pardon: an act of grace.
6. favor shown in granting a delay or temporary immunity.
7. an allowance of time after a debt or bill has become payable granted to the debtor before suit can be brought against him or her or a penalty applied
8. Theology:
a. the freely given, unmerited favor and love of god.
b. the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.
c. a virtue or excellence of divine origin: the Christian graces.
d. Also called state of grace. the condition of being in God's favor or one of the elect.
9. moral strength: the grace to perform a duty.
10. a short prayer before or after a meal, in which a blessing is asked and thanks are given.
11. ( usually initial capital letter ) a formal title used in addressing or mentioning a duke, duchess, or archbishop, and formerly also a sovereign (usually prec. by your, his, etc.).
12. Graces, Classical Mythology . the goddesses of beauty, daughters of Zeus and Eurynome, worshiped in Greece as the Charities and in Rome as the Gratiae.
13. Music . grace note.

Synonyms

1. attractiveness, charm, gracefulness, comeliness, ease. 4. kindness, kindliness, love, benignity; condescension. 5. lenity, leniency. 14. embellish, beautify, deck, decorate, ornament; enhance, honor.

What do you think?  Will "Grace" be an easier choice for the coming year?  Hmmmmmm...we'll see, won't we! 

If I am not back sooner... Happy New Year my Lovely Friends!

Rest In Peace Dearest Mother

Hazel Rebecca "Becky" Fogle    June 4, 1930 - December 15, 2010  As we are saddened and mourn your passing...the Hallelujah Chorus plays for those you will reunite with in the Life beyond this one! 

My husband and I will be taking in a little quiet time to reflect on the life of his beloved Mother.  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, particulary my sweet, gentle, tenderhearted husband.  The Twenty third Psalm was being read as she passed the veil of this life into the next.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Mom, Granny, Becky, Hazel...mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, dear friend will be remembered for her beautiful smile and loving kindness.  Til we meet again...

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Hi My Lovelies...I am off to the Big Apple for shopping, shows, sightseeing and did I mention some shopping?!  Dear Husband will be keeping the home fires burning brightly until I return.

I thought I would share the cost of the Twelve Days of Christmas for those of you looking for gift ideas!
The full list of gift prices for 2010 are as follows:

•One Partridge in a Pear Tree: $161.99

•Two Turtle Doves: $100

•Three French Hens: $150

•Four Calling Birds: $599.96

•Five Gold Rings: $649.95

•Six Geese-a-Laying: $150

•Seven Swans-a-Swimming: $5,600

•Eight Maids-a-Milking: $58

•Nine Ladies Dancing: $6,294.03

•10 Lords-a-Leaping: $4,766.70

•11 Pipers Piping: $2,356.20

•12 Drummers Drumming: $2,552.55

If you were to give all of these gifts in exactly the way that the song describes (as a true love, no doubt, would), you would spend $96,824 for all 364 gifts, a 10.8% increase compared to last year.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

~The Elf Code~

• Treat Everyday like Christmas
• There is Room for Everyone on the nice list
• The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Once upon a time in the land of Princesses, Divas and Floozies there came a time of much prosperity and abundance.  An idea was hatched and a proclamation declared...hear ye hear ye...we shall share the spirit of giving with others...we have enough already!  Thus the Princesses, Divas and Floozies (who gather frequently throughout the year) charged the Princess of Quite A Lot with the task of shopping for a specially selected family.  Shopping is done, gifts are wrapped and a GOOD TIME was had by all.  And the Divas, Princesses and Floozies are attempting to live Happily Ever After. 

The true spirit of Christmas comes from a love of mankind and from gifts that cannot be purchased.  The Princesses, Divas and Floozies truly encourage those able to share their blessings and abundance to do so... many are in need.  A smile, a nod or a simple courtesy may change someone's day for the better!

Yours truly was happily photojournaling our story...AND wrapping a gift or two myself...Cheers to All!

A Grateful and Happy Heart

As we are flowing through the season of much giving, kindness and charity may we remember to always have that spirit throughout the year.  I am grateful and blessed in so many ways.  Trials and tribulations come and go...good friends and family are forever! 

I have been a busy albeit injured Santa's helper!  Apparently, yellow jackets have nests in the ground (who knew) and do not like it when you pull weeds and trim bushes around their nests...I'm just sayin...someone could win some money from the scene in my flower beds...flailing arms, tripping over light post, landing on rear end on sidewalk...numerous stings later...I am on antibiotics, steroids and anti don't scratch yourself to death medicine.  I don't know whether to lie down and go to sleep or run around the block ten times!

Sunday's dinner welcomed most of our children, grandchildren, adopted parents, my mom and of course, yours truly and the dearest husband!  We are not a Norman Rockwell depiction of any holiday.  I like to refer to our gatherings as organized chaos.  It works for us and we have a great time. 

I purchased some cutout boys and girls to keep the grandchildren occupied...imagine my surprise and delight watching the grown up children design and color "people" with as much  joy as the young children.  It was a glorious day, not without a tear or two or a frustration or two...we prevailed with loving and thankful hearts.

I am still on a pay it forward/random acts of kindness mission...there is ALWAYS someone that needs an uplift!  I like living a life that is filled with compassion, joy and giving with a dose of complaint free days (I am working on my part of living in a "Complaint Free World")  I have a purple bracelet to remind me!

Peace and Love Ya'll!

P.S.  someone is going to New York City with a group of gal pals...she is just a little bit giddy about it!
start spreading the news...I want to be a part of it...New York New York

My Brother's Keeper

Traveling in the 60's with Dad!  My younger brother James, always Jimmy to me.  We were an inseparable pair until I started school.

I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and I found all three. ~Author Unknown 

Hi Bro,

I just noticed that the trim on your socks don't match.  Ha Ha!  I think you got that from Dad.  I always wondered if he was color blind or if he wore some of those combinations just to annoy Mom.  I called Mom a few minutes ago because today is difficult for her.  We sure miss you.  I was talking to my grandson about you and realized you have been gone for seven years and he just turned six.  Maybe your spirits connected somewhere.  He is quite a character and some kind of cute!  The girls and I are going out for dinner tonight and we'll raise a toast to you and to everyone else we get to missing this time of year.  I am somewhat dismayed to mention that I have not made it to Mt. Ranier yet.  We plan a trip to the left coast, I mean West Coast next year.  (Carl's friend Rick lives in Cali and he always calls it the left coast)  I think some of your pals from the AT have already hiked the Pacific Coast area.  I realized that while I do love to hike...I am not the one who will go into the woods for months (or even days) at a time.  I will climb a portion of that mountain by proxy although I imagine you have a much better view of it than I do.  Say hi to Dad, Dot Dot and everyone else...I love you...til we meet again. 

Love, Your Big Sis

There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother. ~Astrid Alauda

Appalachian Trail - Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katahdin, Maine approximately 2179 miles.  How many can say they have hiked this great Eastern trail or done it more than once?

Trail name: PapaSquat

September 30, 1961 - November 17, 2003

A Special Veteran

Hi Dad,

Thinking of you today.  You always looked so handsome in your full dress uniform.  You were so proud to serve your country.  You sacrificed time with family and your health for many, many people that didn't even appreciate what you were sworn to do.  We appreciated you, always have, always will.  I miss you...I have my "conversations" with you and there are times I would give anything to sit across a table from you.  Sometimes (more often than not) a girl just needs her Dad!  Thanks for being an awesome human!  I know you have a great crowd to hang out with and I miss them as well.  Til we meet again...I love you!

(July 24, 1934 - December 24, 1982) 

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

This poem by Mary Oliver really speaks to me as it does to many, many other people!  I love what I love and have quit making apologies for who I am or who I am striving to be.  Impossible to believe that it is November, the year 2010 is winding down...it has been quite the rollercoaster ride for me.  I have been choosing a word of the year for several years now.  Boy, Howdy...did the word Release really stir up some interesting dirt.  I am tired albeit in a very good way...shifting through all the "stuff" that no longer works in my life is painful, exhausting yet exhilirating!  I am coming out the other end with a better knowlege of my loves, my purpose for me, my family and my world.  Currently pondering my word for 2011...a cautionary tale...be careful of your chosen word...it may put you to work in a BIG way! 

I am happy knowing I am a mass of contradictions, aren't we all.  What have you learned this year and are you totally grateful for having that experience?

The Road More Frequently Traveled

Often you get to blaze your own path...

Sometimes...

you follow the marked path!

In My Kitchen and On My Nightstand

Not so long ago I read a book called The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake.  Rose can taste the emotions of those cooking and baking. Curse or Charm?  Hmmm...I often bake when I have something to work out.  Lately, I have been on a cake baking binge which is hilarious given that I am also attending Weight Watchers!

Tonight we have book club.  One of our former members moved to Alabama and as it was not feasible for us to travel...we are reviewing the book she selected, Before Women Had Wings by Connie Mae Fowler  AND I baked her recipe for a Mississippi Mud Cake.   It is OH SO DECADENT!  My rationale, apart from honoring a friend, is that this book is so raw and tragic yet compelling that we DESERVE chocolate.

In between episodes of Top Chef, Just Desserts...I prepared Chaos in the Kitchen's Chicken Salad and Trish's Mississippi Mud Cake and Kerry's Orange Balls.  My darling husband tried one of the orange balls, sighed and as he sat in the living room said to me, "I hear those orange balls calling me "  He is my biggest fan! 

I have realized that I am a FOODIE.  I love cookbooks, cooking shows, fine dining and experimenting in my own kitchen.  Offering up something fabulous to friends and family says, YOU matter...I care...I love you. 
Sometimes we prepare a meal or bake a cake because that is what we do as a kindness in times of trouble or grief or stress or even a new birth.

Baking is a little like magic and I like a little bit of magic in my days.  When asked why she always baked with the window open, Julia said "I am calling to someone" (paraphrased from The Girl Who Chased the Moon)  Serendipitously, (cue Twilight Zone music) the Hummingbird Cake was baked and pink hair extensions attached prior to reading that magical book and Eric made a version of Mississippi Mud Cake on Just Desserts while I was frosting mine.  How is that for Woo Woo?  What special treat beckons your friends and family?

MISSISSIPPI MUD CAKE


1 1/2 c. flour
3 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. chopped pecans
1 (3 1/2 oz.) can flaked coconut
1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme

Grease and flour 9x13 pan and set aside. Mix flour and cocoa together; set aside. Beat butter for 30 seconds to soften. Add sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Add eggs. Beat in flour mixture. Stir in pecans and coconut. Turn mixture into prepared pan. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. While cake is still hot, spread with marshmallow creme. Cool completely and add icing.

MISSISSIPPI MUD ICING:

1/2 c. butter
4 c. sifted powdered sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1 tsp. vanilla


 

Magic Monday - A Little of This and A Little of That

Time sure does fly when you are having fun!

Salon Bella is doing pink hair extensions and ribbons for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.  My daughter and I now have pink hair.  I am digging it and thinking this may be a new trend for me!  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  A hair extension and a ribbon is a very small thing done with a heart full of love and honor for our friends who have/had breast cancer.  Ladies...early detection is the key!  Please, please feel your boobies and get a mammogram.

As many of my friends know I have a love for the arts (of every sort)  I was visiting my granddaughter's dance class on Thursday and there amidst the wee dancers was one teeny, tiny girl with natural, beautiful talent.  Sadly, her parents are unable to afford dance lessons for her or her sister.  I am pondering a solution to this...maybe a little chat with the studio's owner will provide a way to enable talented children an opportunity to participate.  After my hair appointment on Saturday,  I had the VW Beetle washed at the Palmetto Dance Center's car wash to support the dancers' competitions.  It was heartwarming to see even the youngest student washing cars to earn money.  I think most things are appreciated more when they are earned.  

After the car washing, it was a trip to the local grocery store.  Spending what seemed like a small fortune...I returned home to bake a Hummingbird Cake for our church Boy Scout Bake Sale.  I encouraged my darling husband to purchase the cake from the bake sale for our family get together on Sunday thus contributing to the boy scouts, my ego and Sunday dinner!  It was a delightful, busy weekend filled with service, fun and family!

Here is my lunch today...EVERYONE is out of the office and I am here with Hummingbird Cake!!!  I am counting it as a fruit...it has lots of bananas and pineapple in it...that is my story and I AM sticking to it.

I first heard about Hummingbird Cake from the lovely Christina.  Apparently it is one of Southern Living's most requested recipes of all time.  It is definitely scrumptious!  What is there not to love about a cake full of goodness with cream cheese frosting?  The recipe can be found here.

So my pretties, have a lovely day...enjoy the beautiful weather...celebrate if you have the day off...you know what?  Just celebrate!!!

Happy Fall Ya'll

What I love about Autumn...

*Nature adorns herself in a splendid array of colors* a cool crispness is in the morning air and night draws near earlier and earlier*soup and homemade bread*pumpkins*root vegetables*Halloween*Mums in a riot of color displayed on the stoop*crispy, crunchy leaves underfoot*boyfriend sweaters or cardigans*crazy socks and danskos*scarves*jumping onto cold sheets and cuddling*reading by lamplight*maybe a fire or two*firepits*toasted marshmallows*ghost stories*birds migrating*quilts*knitting*hayrides*country drives*

The night sky is so clear and lovely.  I pointed out the beautiful moon to my granddarling Anna and she says,
"that isn't the moon that's LUNA!  Of course I thought she was too cute and the most clever of little girls.  Sweet Anna looks very much like her mom and aunt in the photo above. She is excited to be visiting a pumpkin patch soon and I wax nostalgic because it is the same one we always visited when "my girls" were small.

Autumn is a very reflective time for me, a day dreamy, wistful, wishing time.  I think of Oktoberfest in Germany and how I would love to visit my relatives in the tiny village of my birth. 

I have been thinking of the song with the words "Would you rather swing on star, carry moonbeams home in jar..."  Here's a little doodle drawn while at my desk being totally non productive (thank goodness I am really sorta my own boss)  I am ready for a weekend of "piddling"  and homecaring and cooking.

So I wish for you a weekend of "piddling, dreaming and wishing"  Maybe you will swing on a star or find some moonbeams!  Happy Fall Ya'll

Blog Book Tour!

Patti Digh, Author Extraordinaire!

What if you only had 37 days left to live on this Earth...what would you do...where would you go...who would you see?  I first became aware of Patti's work on her blog 37 Days.  She urges everyone to fully experience life in the present moment.  Rent the RED convertible! Burn those Jeans!  Unpack your Boxes!  Love unlovable People!  Her essays were compiled to become a book which I absolutely adore and use regularly called  "Life is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally"

Patti's regular posts on Facebook are funny, wise and inspiring.  She mentioned at one time that she was holed up in a hotel room writing a book on post it notes.  Regular fans gave a little chuckle.  "Four Word Self Help" was the book born out of that effort.  As she says, "life is complex, not complicated"  The simple four word missives speak directly to the heart and are illustrated by artists from around the world. Patti extends an open invitation to artists everywhere to contribute their art for possible use in her books. Also, here is where I come in...copies of her newest book were sent out to bloggers for a Blog Book Tour.  How cool is that!!  She truly embraces creating your own tribe.  How often do we experience someone that truly "walks the talk"? 

Did I mention the huge laugh the UPS guy received when he handed me the package containing my precious copy of Four Word Self Help ?  I was a teeny bit excited!  I held it for a moment, looked at the beautiful art, read a little...put it down...picked it up...read a little more.  It is a beautiful testament to life, to all that is simple and good. Patti's gift for telling her story and our story shines throughout the pages of this gem.  It will be my go to gift for birthdays and other special events.

 

a few favorites:

catch someone who's  falling

write more love letters

leave some things undone

give up itchy clothes

stand up for something

blow bubbles more often

Here is an excerpt that really spoke to me:

"Life is incremental.  Each day's decisions add to the decisions of the day before; each action taken adds to the events of the days past.  As writer Oscar Wilde has said, 'No man is rich enough to buy back his past'.  No, maybe not. But we can create a different future-one simple, beautifully mundane, daily decision at a time"

More information about Patti Digh can be found here

Her newest book, "Creative is a Verb, If You're Alive, You're Creative" is available at Amazon.com and will be available at local bookstores by November 2010.

Gift of Jewels, Gift of Friends Part II

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am participating in the Gift of Jewels hosted by the ever lovely Se'Lah of Necessary Room.  I was and am delighted with these absolutely beautiful cards from Joanna at The Fifty Factor.  To quote Joanna's note to me, "The blog community is filled with extraordinary people from around the world"  One can catch a glimpse of the fascinating lives of wonderful people throughout the world. Though thousands of miles separate us physically... our hearts and minds are connected!  We enter various blogs as strangers and leave as friends.  I think that is pretty cool.  Sometimes my cyber buddies "get me" better than anyone else...interesting...huh!  These cards are so beautiful...it will be difficult to part with them...a heartfelt thank you Joanna!

My Gift of Jewels is heading out of the United States and traveling North!  I will post pictures once my new friend receives her jewel. 

The Blog-o-sphere is a place of learning, a place of gladness, sadness and mostly it is Community.  A magical place where a person can locate her "tribe".  Namaste dear ones.

Gift of Jewels Gift of Friendship

When things seem to be looking down and happy is hard to find, the Universe or for me, God steps in and sends the right people at the right time.  People that enjoy your company (just the way you are) and do not expect anything from you just good conversation and laughter.  God knows I needed the postive support and love.  My darling husband has been remarkable (as usual).  The only downside would be the fabulous meals that I have been forced to eat!  I amazed by the outpouring of love and friendship, both in real life and in cyberspace.  I have been astounded to realize just how many lovely people I have come to know. Making new friends is fabulous...my friends from Nia class...my cyber buddies...my husband's friends from grade school and high school. Nuturing older friendships from my neighborhood (we laughed until we had tears in our eyes)  Book clubs friends reading Eat, Pray, Love and watching the movie...having an intense craving for Italian food after.  "Floozie friends" that love you fiercely enough to allow sadness and step in to offer support and comfort.  So thanks to all my beautiful friends!

My dear friend, Se'Lah of Necessary Room is  hosting another round of "The Gift of Jewels" This will mark the third time I have participated in this wonderful outpouring of love and friendship around the globe.  I am so excited to plan something to mail to my "newest" friend.  I have met a very funny Mamma of four grown sons and a beautiful, creative spirit in Denmark both of whom share parts of their lives with me as a result of Se'Lah's love, generosity and giving spirit. 

I am filled with gratitude and humility and IT IS ALL GOOD!!!

p.s. the above photo is a postcard I received through Postcrossing.

To Forgive or Not Forgive?

emp·ty [ émptee ]

containing nothing: not containing or holding anything, unoccupied, uninhabited, unfilled, etc. etc.

Experiencing some serious betrayal has left me feeling a little tired, shell shocked and empty.  I like my place to be a place of love, joy, compassion and lots of happy...with the occasional snark thrown in for fun.  The actions of others remind me that one must always look inside to find the full measure of one's worth!  Everything happens for a reason and there is always a lesson to be learned.  I am working on an attitude of forgiveness, praying and meditating on what that means.  My thoughts go round in circles and lead me in many directions, along with forgiveness comes the philosophy surrounding the word UBUNTU...I Am Because You Are...We are all connected to a larger whole.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu offered a definition


A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu further explained Ubuntu in 2008:

One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality - Ubuntu - you are known for your generosity.

We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.

So when I offend, I am sorry and seek forgiveness...when offended I offer forgiveness whether it is sought or not. 

The Bible teaches us that we are to forgive over and over and over and over.  The "Golden Rule" suggests we treat others as we wish to be treated. 

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."   Paul Boese.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."  Mahatma Gandhi

and for those of you that like a little snark with your diet coke:

"Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much."  Oscar Wilde

After turning the other cheek, the best "revenge" is to live a happy life surrounded by those that love and care for you...even with a foible or two!

Flashback Friday - Some Days a Diamond, Some Days a Stone!

Sometimes...you reach the top and you feel like this...

And sometimes...you feel like if you can't see them...they can't see you...sometimes...solitude is golden

sometimes...contemplation and pondering are the order of the day...and sometimes...you just need your friends!

Happy End of July to You!!!

May All Beings be Free from Suffering

Bumper Sticker seen yesterday:  May all beings be free from Suffering.

Everyone suffers at one point or another in their lives...for some their day to day existence is threatened.  I am happy to know folks that go above and beyond to advocate for the hungry, homeless, abused, poverty stricken masses. 

I would like to introduce you to my friend Kelly...teacher of special needs students, professional photographer, muralist, pottery freak, all around doer of Good plus she is a great mother and a good friend!

Kelly has recently returned from another mission trip to Costa Rica.  During that time, her group  made repairs and painted murals at an orphanage.  They brought shoes and gifts to the children.  Kelly's sons asked how many "orphans" she would bring back to live with them.  She has captured many striking photographs that are displayed in galleries and used to get the message out to each of us to help children the world over.

 
She has given me permission to use some of her photographs on this blog.  Others can be seen at Kelly Crayne Photography (website and on facebook)

Most homes consisted of dirt floors, old boards and tin for roofs.  Food was and is scarce.  Let us not forget the suffering masses around the world.  A small effort from each person is like the ripple effect in a pond.

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.

Mother Teresa

Let us keep the tide of humanitarian aid and effort going.  Each person can do something.  One thing.  Join me!

Playing with Food

Earthfare's special, purchase 1 pound of heirloom tomatoes and receive mozzarella and basil free.  Hmmmm...what to make?  I purchased some organic vine tomatoes and plenty of heirlooms for a special project.  What to do when faced with so many varieties and colors...play with your food!

Heirloom tomato, heirloom rosary (missing cross due to an uncle's trip to pawn shop)  coral beads with sterling silver.

Playing with the tomatoes in the herb garden...oregano looks a little "seeded out"

Oh Tomato, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways!

tomato, basil, mozzarella salad with a balsamic vinegarette dressing...YUM!!!

Weighing in...postal scales dating to when you could mail a letter for 2 cents...considering more tomato possibilities...fresh tomato juice, tomato, basil, mozzarella pizza, tomato pie, tomato salad, tomato soup, marinara sauce, tomato basil pasta, fried green tomatoes, salsa, preparing jars of tomatoes for winter...ooooh, ooooh the deliciousness goes on and on...tomatoes, love em or leave em?

So, Sew

A silly little tale for sure...many of you know I suffer from bouts of insomnia.  During one of those sleepless, let me see what is on the boob tube at 3 a.m. moments I purchased a sewing machine.  She who hasn't "sewn" in a very long time.  (baby stuff circa 1981 - 1984)  The sewing machine, at least I assumed it was a sewing machine stayed in the box in the home office for probably 3 months at which time I thought I should make sure I had indeed purchased a sewing machine...breathe...establishing that it was in fact a sewing machine it went back into closet sans boxes.  Fast forward to the present day and time...I have an obsession...I adore quilts... I now wish to make a quilt or ten.  The fabric is purchased, the sewing machine is "set up" and I must learn how to operate the computerized version!  We won't discuss how much time was spent ogling and touching fabric or thinking about quilt patterns.  I plan things very well...it is the starting and finishing that is problematic for this lifelong procrastinator.  I am pretty sure I suffer from an adult attention deficit disorder or a scattered memory disorder.  I may start something in one room and go to another room for an item and get started on something else and remember there is a project going on in the other room...you see it is Monday already.

Wish me lots o luck.  I will be under or around a pile of fabrics and lots of delicious sewing implements!

Simple

“The simplest things are often the truest.”


Richard Bach quotes (American Writer, author of 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull', b.1936)

Se'Lah of Necessary Room is hosting a Simple Things Birthday Party for the lovely Christina!

Throw the doors open, light the candles, sip a cooling beverage, have some cake...today we honor and celebrate the most beautiful Christina of Soul Aperture.  She the amazing, wise, gifted writer, photographer and all around beautiful spirit makes the simple celestial.  Simple things for you Christina...your spirit has reached out and touched my spirit...One Love!  I wish for you...

all the beauty of the earth and sky

cherry juice running fingertips to elbows from the plumpest, juiciest cherries

treasures from the shore and wood

a heartfelt laugh that radiates throughout the entire body

a hand in yours

a delicious cup of tea or two in mismatched cups and saucers

a postcard or letter in the mailbox

rain on your skin

sun on your face and hair

a soft place to land

books of every sort

baking smells in the kitchen

flowers, oh yes lots of flowers on your counters

bubbles

peace and love

hugs and joy

friends who "get" you

everything that is good, lovely and praiseworthy!

Happy Birthday!  May all your dreams and wishes come true!