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!

The Light Will Come

It's easy to fall into fear and despair regarding the depressing economic news, but it's important to remember that spiritual principle transcends all that. God's laws are higher than economic laws, and God never goes into a recession.
Marianne Williamson

Fear is an illusion. Our craziness, paranoia, anxiety, and trauma are literally all imagined. That is not to say they don't exist for us as human beings. They do. But our fear is not our ultimate reality, and it does not replace the truth of who we really are.
—Excerpted from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in. (unknown)

One of my favorite songs by singer, songwriter, Michael McLean states...hold on the light will come...

As we are stumbling through the darkness we must hold onto the surety that we are loved and that we are so much more than our problems and concerns...everything is a test...some days the test is a piece of cake...other days, not so much. The key is to take the trials and learn from them and move on...there is ALWAYS "a light at the end of the tunnel"

I find that when I close in on myself and stay in the dark...my spirit shrinks. When I choose to open the windows of my soul, express joy and love...my spirit expands and soars!

My plan for the weekend is to "get out" of the house, so to speak and expand my spirit in whatever way is presented.

We live in uncertain times...we have trials and troubles...joy and happiness still abound, sometimes we have to dig a little deeper to experience Life to its fullest!

I saw a card recently that basically had someone jumping for joy and it said "Any day above the ground is a GOOD day!

My soul longs for the sea...a walk along the shore casting troubles out with the waves...yep...maybe this stinking cough will go out to sea as well. May each of you feel loved, feel joy and have a most wonderful weekend. God has created a beautiful world for us and for this I am deeply grateful!!!

(photos were taken by me on various trips to the Florida and South Carolina coasts)

Roosters in my Kitchen!!!

Have you ever had an invasion or infestation of some sort? My kitchen has run rampant with chickens and roosters!!! This guy right here is the instigator! He was spotted clucking around an art shop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and insisted on going home with me. He bobbles his head each morning in greeting. My darling husband brought home a few more crazed looking buddies and thus a collection of randy roosters and coquettish chickens was born. Of course, once your friends are aware of what they consider a "theme", chickens and roosters adorn each gift you receive. I am grateful for each and every rooster and chicken...however, the must visit on rotation or we would not have room to cook or eat! None of our roosters or chickens look remotely like anything you would see on a farm. They tend towards the unique...just like us!

I have some watercolor prints of a rooster and chicken in fabulous bright colors (they came home with the funky chicken/rooster above) One states, "The rooster crows because he knows Hope Dawns" and the other, "So many eggs in one basket, Celebrate" I think these are apt descriptions of the Loose Lemon's household. We are so very blessed and in being so must celebrate each day with JOY and GRATITUDE!!! And a healthy dose of laughter. As my friend Jayne always says, "No matter how dark the night, morning always comes" One of my neighbors had honest to goodness live chickens and roosters and sure enough...every morning that rooster would crow letting us know a new day was dawning.

With each new day begins a new opportunity...no matter what the yesterdays are like...today is a new day. I just love the very thought of having a new beginning each and every day! And I would really like some chickens and a rooster! I am truly not a morning person but the sound of the rooster always cheered me up...it is something about that cock a doodle doo...it is like I'm up, lets get this party started!!!

Through the Eyes of a Child

This is what happens when you leave your camera within reach of a soon to be four year old!

Do you think we have a budding photographer on our hands? I am always amazed when I look at the world through the eyes of a child...have you ever gotten on your knees and crawled around...things sure look different from that angle! I am convinced we move into a state of ennui when we constantly do things the same way everyday or look at things with our "grown up" eyes. We often miss the subtle occurances happening all around us. My children frequently inspired me to reach new heights. My grandchildren give me the opportunity to see things anew again. Hunter and I were riding in the Boxster with the top down...He always says "put it down, Nonnee!" And away we go...car seats and seat belts, of course. If you are bored, lonely or sad...borrow some children (your friends will love you) and go for a walk , blow bubbles or color...many exciting adventures await you.

Inspiration

Rain is splashing in puddles on the concrete, there is a chill in the air. A new season is beginning. A leaf or two begins the subtle change from green to orange, yellow and red. It's a glorious season one I love for reflection, meditation and making improvements. Preparing to hunker down for the winter to come. Or for us in the South the promise of Winter. It is a quiet Friday and I am prone to daydreaming...the dripping rain beckons me back to the window! Browsing thru some shots of things... I derive inspiration for future projects...
This humble cottage would make a lovely vacation home in the mountains. It's definitely a fixer. It is in fact in the Smokey Mountains. Can you just hear the rain tapping on the tin roof? A couple rockers on the porch. Pure Ecstasy.

The clouds rolling over the Great Smokey Mountains...all around one is engulfed in this smokey haze...it has an ethereal feel to it.

The lines of this bench and the way it felt against my back...I could nap here. Oh yeah...Me and Moe, our feline son.

On a walk in the country at the family ponderosa...I have no idea what these are...reminded me of some alien pods........

What's not to love about this wiggly, little guy. Can you look at him and not smile for all his being so very "twee" (as my friend Dorothy would have called it) This was on the dash of my friend Kelly's car. He was rescued from a thrift shop in Florida.

Nature's beauty discarded from the sea for us to look upon and enjoy. I could sit there for hours and sift my hands through the fragments. Some shells were selected to be added to jewelry projects...nature graciously provided holes for them to be re-used as jewelry or in other art.

Kinda what today looks like, shades of gray...behave... we are not talking about my hair! This day has a reflective, meditative, silent deliciousness about it...hope you enjoy your weekend!

Lessons from the Diva

Happy Birthday to the Diva...September 7...no current pictures from recent celebration as the floozies are being slackers and have not sent them to me! Love Ya'll anyway! We celebrated the Diva's birthday at Travinia's in true floozie fashion. A fun time was had by all. I have known Paula, aka as "The Diva" aka as my evil twin (some days I am the evil twin) The evil twin misnomer came by way of the Diva's students thinking we were sisters...we are sisters in spirit! I have known Paula approximately fifteen years...our daughters are the same age and quite frequently could be seen together. We have experienced grief, tragedy, divorces, joy, laughter, a series of adventures, workouts and everything in between! Paula came by the nickname Diva for a number of reasons, the main one being a mutual friend had a sign made for Paula referring to the Diva and the rest as they say is history or herstory! Paula has always been a swan, it took her a few years to totally embrace her beautiful persona. This is the woman my husband would leave me for if she were to have him, just kidding. Carl loves being around Paula but so do alot of other men, sorry Tom! In honor of this zany, crazy beautiful friend I have compiled a list of lessons learned from the Diva:

• You don't have to have a beautiful solo voice to sing in a choir, it's fun and it takes many voices to create a beautiful sound.
• Birthdays are too special to celebrate for just one day.
• Feathers and sparkles are a good thing.
• You can never have enough feathers, sparkles, black pants and tops.
• A little jewelry is great, more jewelry is better
• More is more!
• The joy of jacuzzi ownership
• Shopping is a good thing... it stimulates the economy
• Sometimes you have to let go of "friends" that drag you down or require more than you are willing or able to give or "cost" your well being in some way
• To enjoy excellent meals with good friends
• How to be a great hostess
• You can never have too many flamingos (that is a story for another day, while Kendall is responsible for the Diva thing alas I am responsible for the beginning of the Flamingo epidemic
• It's okay to be forked (not what you think, again a story for another post)
• Be Yourself and true to yourself, if someone doesn't like it...they are missing out
• Everyone is a potential friend
• The higher the hair the better

I could mention a few more things however the Diva is already very comfortable being fabulous...we wouldn't want her to get a "big head" The best lesson of all LIVE BIG OR GO HOME!!! So, again wishing the Diva a wonderful Birthday Month and then some. Much love from all your floozie friends!

Sun, Sand, Sea and Tattoos!

A return to sun, sand and sea beckons me like no other place. Sorrow, grief, frustration flows away with the tide...joy, delight and awe return with the tide! Doors open enabling the sounds of the waves to rock you to a peaceful slumber. Majestic colors of Sky and Sun reflecting on water. The delightful giggling and shrieking of happy children (especially grandchildren) racing to get busy digging, building, running and splashing. A return to childlike wonderment and delight.

A bright new day filled with possibilities awakens with the glorious sunrise!!! Morning begins with a swim in the pool with very excited grandchildren! Hunter isn't still long enough to be photographed. Anna must look at and touch everything.

It's a quick shower and off to be tattooed! Henna that is, washable, safe and fun! As we rode along the boulevard enjoying the "tourists" (Jayne, a former coastal resident for 30+years, Kristi and I being South Carolinians and a couple of hours away do not consider ourselves tourists!) we spyed an accommodating location to get our tattoos...so many to choose from...hmmm...

Yes, my lower back is a might ticklish and I am concentrating on being still!

Oh My Stars and Garters! I decided on a swirly star with a curly garland as an anklet! I love it.

Several women, later in the day asked me if it hurt and I said no because it is only dye and not permanent! I am too fickle to have anything inked on me forever.

Jayne decided to have stars, moon and dragonfly a wee bit higher up the leg...

Some much needed retail therapy and silliness after a scrumptious, fine dining experience at Abuelos. Great food, wonderful atmosphere and the best service I've had in a long time! Along with fajitas and yummy chips and salsa were these delicious papas con chile' (mashed potatoes on steroids) After an attempt to sample the "hot stuff in little silver cups" I quickly downed about 5 diet cokes!!! Reminder to self...do not drink 5 diet cokes when you must use many public restrooms! Goodbyes to Kristi and Jayne, return to the condo for me! Sunday was yet another beautiful day...exhausted children and great grandma...we let them sleep in and slipped downstairs to the restaurant for breakfast. We had our own private "worship" service on the beach. We usually do not shop and go places on Sunday, that is reserved for church service and rest...however being at the beach for a limited time we took the children and the great grandma to the aquarium to view the most amazing heavenly creatures! Michelle's husband was injured on a four wheeler while racing (note.. frowning here) we decided to depart early for home.

A lovely time was had by all...to my friends enjoying shagging (dancing) at the beach have fun...I may see you gals at the "grapevine" on Friday!!!

I SEE THE MOON AND THE MOON SEES ME!

My pitiful attempt at capturing the most glorious full moon. It was so beautiful last night. I attended our monthly book club meeting which is always, always a good time. A group of people who love to read, discussing, laughing and just having a great time! My grandchildren are learning very early to love books! Little Miss Anna attended book club last night. I rode with her in the backseat...on the way home we looked for the moon, she was soooo excited every time she spotted it. I remember reading Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown to my children every night for what seemed like years. The words "I see the moon and the moon sees me" popped in my head and I was reciting parts of the book for Anna. Every time she would spot the moon she would say "I see the moon and the moon sees me". My daughter called me and asked if I would take some pictures from my house as I have such a clear view of the sky. She said that Anna was still looking for the moon and kept talking about it. I tried many attempts at stabilizing the camera (I need a tripod or a better camera) I finally retrieved a blanket from the garage and just sprawled out on the lawn. DH was in the garage working on a new airplane...sigh. I cannot begin to describe the loveliness of lying on the grass looking at the night sky. It reminded me of childhood drive-in movies and yard camping.

I have been "coming out" of my cocoon at a very alarming rate. The revelations, ideas and epiphanies that are swarming through my brain are astounding and exhilarating...stay tuned for this crazy journey! I feel like I have been asleep at the wheel and am waking up to a whole new world!!! What truly amazes me is my strong desire to be outdoors. My children and I spent a great deal of time outside when they were "small". As they got older and went their separate ways and a series of life events occurred I settled indoors and nested. Now it appears I am being kicked out of the nest by my own inner voice! I am excited to wake up in the morning to see how the new day will unfold! Yippee!!!!

Rejoice!

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy,

If a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you,

If the simple things of nature have a message that you understand,

REJOICE, for your soul is alive...Eleonora Duse

A gentle breeze is fluttering outside the window. I stepped out to go to the bank and felt the sun on my face and the breeze blowing wisps of hair around my head. I am craving a walk in the woods by a stream. Some ice cold water to drink and some fresh berries or an apple for sustenance. Sigh...

Note on 50 books:

I am on the last couple of chapters of The Witch of Portabello by Paul Coelho - fiction, but has some meaningful messages throughout the story as told by the different characters who knew "the witch".

Maryjane's Outpost, Unleashing Your Inner Wild by Maryjane Butters - this is a delightful feast for the eyes and the soul. A practical guide to surviving the outdoors from your porch to the "real" outdoors and making it a truly beautiful experience. A vast array of topics is covered such as cleaning fish, decorating your porch, edible wild plants and making aprons. The photographs take you to a wonderful place. One you may remember...I will have to read this one a few times.