Just One of the Thirty Things

On July 16, 2009 a blog friend who no longer blogs tagged me in a note on FB: 30 Things No One Knows About Me. The "On This Day" feature on FB reminded me of the post--which was the first time I'd re-read the responses. I reflected on the answers then and thought about how I might answer now and found that in most cases there was no change in my responses. In at least one case, there was. Question Number 30

30. Do you believe in angels and demons? 2009 No. 

2016: Well, not in the the heaven and hell sense of angels and demons. However, I do believe there are supremely good forces at work in our universe. If there is good energy there must also be bad. The energy these past several weeks has been supremely bad. It is time to turn. May the good energy force be with us.  

#MicroBlog Monday.  click for more :-) 

Earwor Symphony

Hello yeah, it's been awhile

Not much, how 'bout you

I'm not sure why I called

I guess I really just wanted 

to talk to you. 

And I was thinking maybe later on

We could get together for a while

It's been such a long time 

And I really do miss your smile 

So, this song  has been in my mind off an on over the past several weeks, surprised to realize I even knew the lyrics after all these years. I don't remember liking the song (especially) when it was popular. 

What song is swimming about your head these days? 

Anyhoo.... here's to Monday. 

#MicroBlogMonday

At What Point . .

 . . . does staying indoors as a result of being an introvert become something else like . . hermitism?

Or what does the beginnings of agoraphobia look like? Feel like? My mom suffered from agoraphobia. The manifestation was extremely present during my teen years. She was unable to go outdoors for the most part and suffered severe bouts of anxiety at the prospect of same. When did that begin? Or was it always a thing that got progressively worse?

Medications and therapy quieted the anxieties to a point where she was able to function. But of course, being anxious was always part of her being.

While I am not feeling particularly social these days, I am also not feeling particularly anxious at the prospect of being outdoors, among people, in social interactive situations. Nor am I feeling particularly anxious over not feeling particularly social and deciding to stay in over taking myself out to a movie, or brunch, or even the grocery store.

Is what I'm experiencing the introverted me being spent over the daily social interactive experiences by the time the weekend rolls around?

Or . . . . ?

just kinda thinking outloud

           

click for more

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Day Before, Day After, Each and Every . . Pride

My First Parade Image Capture

A year ago yesterday, the White House and other sites were bathed in Rainbow Lights in celebration of the Marriage Equality ruling. How sweet that memory is in light of the news over the past year, especially over the past couple of weeks. 

My daughter, who has recently come out as bi-sexual, wrote me a card . . 

June 2016 

" . . . . I want to wish you a Happy Pride! Being yourself is so important in the whole scheme of things! I'm happy that you're happy and taking Pride in who you are, . . . "

Chicago's Pride parade was yesterday. One Million expected attendance meant there would about 999, 990 too many bodies for me, so mine wasn't there and because of work, my daughter wasn't there. 

Still, our  

Pride Runs Deep

for more click:   #MicroBlogMonday   

Melody Spoke

T O D (aka Middle Girl) and I have been spending a bit more time together. It is still exclusively weekend days for now. But soon, hopefully a weekday or two can factor into the mix.

It feels good to be able to help T O D get her rolls on. Though I do feel like she's struggling to achieve a nice and easy rotation, a glorious glide. A few more times out should help that. Right? I'm hoping. I do so enjoy being out and about.

Our little jaunts have taken us to the library, post office, parks, and a grocery store. It is the grocery store I take issue with. Well, not the store,.they were nice and caring enough to install a rack for the two-wheelers. but look, just LOOK at how some person parked their . . Billy? Jack? I didn't know his name, but LOOK at THAT!?!

I admit, I was angry for a moment but I recovered and found a spot to nestle my frame there, on the end. It was fine. I didn't even mind the sun as there was a pretty nice breeze. T O D came out with more bags than I thought I cold carry. But, I did swell. It turned out to be a glorious outing.

Here's to rolling along.

#MicroBlogMonday 

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Hazy Days

Three years ago this month I was laid off from my job, still reeling from my mother's death a few months prior. I'd been with the family of companies since 1979. In that time I married, had (and raised) two kids, got divorced, came out as a lesbian, had relationships with two women, came out as atheist, sat with my mother during her last week, last seconds....

In other words, lived a life. And then part of it, a big part, was suddenly over. Well, not so sudden, I'd read the writings on the walls. The company had fallen on hard times and ownership mis-manged away all of our futures.

So, a shift was in order. A re-building, re-branding. The last three years have been among the most challenging of my 56. And let me tell you, I've had some challenging years. But, having said that, I sit here today . . .

Photo: Facebook

"When something bad happens you have three choices. You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you."  ~author unknown. 

able to say, able to be . . stronger.  May peace be with the family and friends (and all of us, really) affected by the Orlando massacre.  
Equality Florida established a donation site. 

#MicroBlog Monday  

Today, We'll Change Tomorrow

The United State of Woment Summit

June: Not Too Soon

 The first full weekend of June has come and gone without much fanfare. The weather was mostly agreeable, some chore were done, some Melody time was had, some rest was achieved  . What didn't occur this first weekend in June was the journey to Chicago's famed Hyde Park neighborhood for the world famous 57th Street Art Fair. 

bygone days sketchbook

I look forward to this fair every year. I had the calendar marked, I had an alert set.  I love the event for the location, the eclectic and charged atmosphere, the fact that it is early enough in the season where it isn't too hot so the walking is mostly agreeable.In many ways it is the event of the season.  

Yet, I didn't go. Despite the excitement over the idea, even as I had a pang of nostalgia for a visit two years ago and I discovered she didn't have work, even as art fairs is one of a few venues I don't mind attending alone, I didn't go.

And for the first time in quite some time, I didn't beat myself up for missing an event that I had planned (even if loosely) to attend.  I wake up this Monday morning feeling satisfied over the amount of chores completed and the balance of fun and relaxation achieved this weekend.

The season has just begun and there are many fairs on the horizon. Some I will make. Some, I won't.

And it shall be fine. There is always a plan B (or C, D, etc. ) I must continue to embrace the moment, listen to my body, and take special care.

Happy Monday All.

#MicroBlog Monday   click the link for more.

Then There is That

A few days ago I read a blog post that got me thinking about when a friend suddenly and without explanation became a former friend. I recall being hurt by the silence. I reflected on continuing to be hurt by that silence. It brings to mind my father's silence for so many years of our existence. There was even a time when he came to town without nary a word to me. I found out after the fact that he had been so physically close, yet

didn't have time.

I don't have many pen pals (I wish there were more) but of those, while I may be disappointed if they were to come to town without notice or time to meet, I don't think I'd been mortally wounded or moved to terminate a relationship that I presume, as penpals is at least cordial and companionable.

There is still no clue as to why the former friend froze me out of her life. Even if it hurt, I would prefer knowing why. My father did (eventually) explain why we couldn't meet during his trip. I didn't buy it then, but I recall appreciating the effort. That effort led to our being able to bridge our gap before he died.

A few days ago I read a blog post that got me thinking . . .    letters

#MicroBlog Monday ::more, ya heard?::

Seventy - Six

My mom would have been 76 today. Of all the posts 

celebrating her birthday since she died, the first  

one said what I need most today. 

TidBits

*

#The biggest challenge in turning over this new leaf toward healthier eating, has been the impulse to lean into easy (lazy) behaviors. It is much too convenient to pick up a bag of chips, a couple of cookies, a candy bar, the dreaded quick service or something out of a box. Planning and prepping: impulse busters

#Several of my co-workers snack on sunflower seeds (with the shells). None, I  believe, eat the shells. They all seem to build mounds of sucked on shells, leaving them on their desks (resting on a dish or paaper towels) until the mound is dumped in the trash. Some, must take sunflower seeds into the bathroom. I never expected to see a sucked on shell in the bathroom, not in the trash.  

#It apears that unnatural hair colors are trending. Pinks. Blues. Magentas. Folks dyeing their hair from the box of 64 crayons, buying pieces, weaves, and wigs, that widen the spectrum even further. A couple of fellow commuters "had words" over expression of this trend. He said she had Now and Later hair. She wasn't as upset over the specific critque as she was over his nastiness in expressing his opinion.

#My mom's birthday is Thursday. I'm trying really hard to lift up the cheer-filled, happier moments. Feeling fairly confident that the effort was going to prove exhausting, I've already requested Friday off. Now, to just get through the 4 days . . .

#We had two (count them, two) days with temps touching 70 and the sun being our friend. Yay!


*don't mind the date on the photo--different camera, didn't reset--photo taken Sunday morning.  

#MicroBlogMonday click the link for more. :-) 

Ready, Set, Go! Again.

I am knee deep in endeavoring to keep more weight away from my waist (and hips, and arms, and . .well, all of me.) But even more, I am endeavoring to improve my my overall health; that entails eating healthier, exercising regularly, and not crossing the street against the light or other not so prudent acts that may result in massive head trauma or broken bones.

I've been down this road before. I've been successful before. I am trusting that I can be successful again. But, more than reaching a weight loss goal, or achieving multiple (consecutive) days of healthful eating and hitting exercise targets, I am looking to achieve a lifestyle shift toward a health-filled existence.

Every journey begins with a step. I celebrate the steps taken to date, and the steps yet to come.

#MicroBlogMonday. (click the link to see, read more)    

Flashbacks

My Grandma "Big Mama" (w/my kids) 

My Grandmother (w/my dad) 

My mom (with my daughter) 

As you may imagine, yesterday was a bitter to sweet kind of day.  I spent much of the day alone (well, the dog and cats were about, but you get my drift) and as often happens when I'm with myself my mind flashes to times, past and present, good and bad.

Through music, FB tributes, other blogs, my scrapbooks of notes and photos, I walked through our histories, my memories. I am because they were. I miss them, I love them. I am grateful to have been and to remain part of them and to have them with me, now and forevermore.

#MicroBlogMonday 

May We Go All The Way

No cook, mason jar oatmeal.                      

Four years ago I had a girlfriend. Weird to be saying girlfriend in my mid-fifties, (well, I wasn't mid at the time) but still . . .   that's what we were, girlfriends. And April per FB memories was our signature month. She shared and spoke with me much four years ago April  Not to long beyond April she stopped talking and eventually, broke up with me. But, I am veering off track. The track being: healthy eating. My good friend over at 8th Day proposes a community challenge of small changes to daily eating that will hopefully lead to lasting changes toward eating healthily.

Some of the small changes referenced in the post  are changes that I'd already adopted on some level but I have not been consistent to the discipline. Thus, I am joining the challenge. One of my hurdles is having healthier options readily available. Which brings me back to the girlfriend.

Four years ago she shared a no cook, mason jar oatmeal recipes link.I bookmarked the link but had not ever gotten around to trying any of the recipes. Then, we broke up, life took a turn toward death, grief, unemployment, and . . . well, suffice to say, I forgot all about living healthily let alone, no cook mason jar oatmeal.

If not for the "On This Day" FB feature no cook, mason jar oatmeal would have remained forgotten. Now, however, I am anxious to pick up the supplies and ingredients needed to make several days worth. I am already doing smoothies a couple of days a week, oatmeal in a more traditional serving method for a couple others. Breakfast done healthier is rolling along fairly well. The no cook, mason jar oatmeal will help mightily.

Lunch and Dinner need much more work. In preparation of the challenge, my grocery list included more fruit and vegetables. My week one challenge is to include at least one vegetable with both lunch and dinner this week.  

In addition to taking on the May Healthier Eating Challenge, May is also National Bike Month. My hope is

that weather permitting Melody and I are rolling more and more hours this month. April has been dismally wet and cold. Not at all conducive to Melody trips. Here's to taking a lasting turn toward sustainable lifestyle changes and healthier living. Thank you to FB for prompting a memory. Though the relationship ran aground, I am happy for having had the experience. I remember much of our time together fondly, now.

#healthier eating challenge week 1 

Leap, Circle and Yearn

Last year PBS Newshour presented a segment with musician Rob Kapilow speaking  

to why the song is so good. He makes a good point, I guess. . 

All I know is I love the film. I ♥ this song. 

Music is life. 

A Week in Pictures

 The nature challenge mentioned last week in this space resulted in the posting of these ten photos (3 for day seven). The first, taken the day after the challenge was issued, is a neighboring yard. The house behind the yard is empty and I believe, has been for some time. One of the things I love most about Spring is the surprise blooms of perennials in gardens of all shapes.

Day Two, you've seen before 

    

 Day Three, a neighbors Mum display from Fall 2015. 

Day 4.  Call of the Not So Wild 

Day 5. One of the Amazing Local Parks 

Day 6 HI Fall 

Day 7 (1) Winter, not Blah 

Day 7 (2) Summer Bloom 

Day 7 (3) Array of Fall Colors 

Day 7 (4) Spring Bling

Some of these pics are from archived shots, a couple are new with the challenge in mind. A good friend who accepted my nomination, said on her 7th day posting,

"I opened my eyes to new things this week ... noticed such beauty that I wouldn't usually take notice of."  I had a similar kind of reaction. I am a fairly observant person. But, what I noticed most during this challenge, was a concerted effort to observe differently. I walked down the same blocks, but on the other side of the street, for instance. I look forward to exploring with my camera in hand, to see if what I see, is what I document. :-) 

#MicroBlogMonday 

Forever Purple

GobsmackeD

There are words, so many thoughts swimming around in my head but they won't release. 

Not now. 

RIP Prince Rogers Nelson   

Nature for Seven Days

A friend was nominated a friend for a FB exercise; post a nature pic for the next seven days and nominate a friend to do the same. Should the nominated friend  take up the exercise, they are to nominate a friend, and so on and so on. 

Thus, I'm participating in a FB exercise to post a nature pic for seven days. The above photo is day two of the exercise. I posted this: The beauty and majesty of trees make me swoon. Over the next few days there may be more trees. with the photo. 

Looking through my current stock of nature photos, I observed that many include buildings. Well, I do live in a very urban area. But, even as I've traveled to or through scenic areas, the photos tend to include people, animals, or buildings--making those things the focus--over the scenery. 

Observation: a focus shift may be in the works. 

#MicroblogMonday   
Follow the link for more Micro Monday.

Sun, Stay

Welcome to Friday. 

Friends, Family, Framily

This song emerges from my memories often. A hit, in my 

daughter's birth year (a remake of a previous version 

recorded in my son's birth year) it was one of my 

mom's favorites.  It has taken on a newer life for 

me in recent years. Thank you, Friends. ♥ 

F*cking B*tch, Get A Life

Ian L / Public Domain 

Sunday, March 27, 2016. Otherwise identified as "Easter Sunday" began like any other Sunday. It was laundry day for the Middle Girl ladies. We decided to cab it over using the car share option. Since we only had the laundry run, a cab made more cents financially.

The cab ride and transaction to the laundry mat was more-or-less uneventful. The driver friendly and efficient enough. The return driver was huffy from the start. He went from huffy to out-and out belligerent when I asked to used the credit / debit card swipe and nasty when I passed on adding a tip.

"Don't you have 7 dollars?" "Why don't you take a bus?" He huffed and puffed about the expense of the credit / debit option. There was a bit of back and forth. (read: not a discussion. think: yelling match)
As he was pulling off he yelled into the still of this Easter Sunday morning, "F*ck you, you f*cking b*tch! Get A Life!" 

Get. A. Life. . .   Here I thought breathing, walking, talking, working, mothering a son and daughter, nurturing pets, volunteering, writing, drawing, and a bunch of other stuff was me having a life. It isn't? If not, then what is?

I do so love laundry day. 

Waiting Can Be Trying

not a product endorsement. just cute as heck. 

That is all. For now. 

March On

A wee bit of randomness for this last Monday in March: 

Sunday was nice enough, long enough for a short ride; first of the season. Given-the-givens body feeling pretty good. A damn sight away from agile, but again, given-the-givens, pretty good. 

Tuesday (tomorrow) is the anniversary of the birth of this blog. I updated the inaugural post last year to commemorate the event, late. This year I am early. Whoopee. ten Years. Wow. WoW  

Saturday I intend to attend the first social event not connected to family in some/any way in many, many, (even more many) months. I'm a little nervous. Okay, I am a lot nervous. 

I do not believe Spring is here to stay yet. The photo shown is a couple of years old but is from a group labeled, "snow in April" (though THIS photo was taken in May). Point is, too soon to dust off the Spring togs, full on. My daughter is of the opinion that the winterizing efforts should remain in place until after 5 days of wanting to open the windows have gone by.  Five days feels long to long for fresh air. But, she has a point. We'll see how this week plays out, weather wise. 

The coffee experiment is going well. The household is now out of coffee. Having a cup at home means going out, which I am not apt to do. As far as coffee on the way to work, or at work, I feel the handle on that is fully and firmly grasped, given I've already gone two weeks without succumbing to either of those options. . 

And as for how I feel . . . given-the-givens, pretty good.

#MicroBlogMonday   

Same Ole Love

Album: Rapture: Release Date: March 20, 1986 

From beginning to end, 365 days a year . . .  

Despite the fact that I'd given birth to my second child only a few months before, I was far from a "happy in love" station (in the romantic sense). Life was, in a word, turbulent. It became less so over the years but right when this song / album came out I was dreaming of a past that never really was and for a future I hoped to secure. Same ole . . but, new.  

Anita Baker roller skating. Swoon. 

Cool Poultry

Buttah Explored*

Last week I participated in an experiment of my own design. For the five work days, I went without coffee.
It was a trial. Even though I do like teas and drink them fairly often, tea is not my go-to hot beverage. It is certainly not my, "getting up in the morning, on the go" beverage. Or, it wasn't until last week.

It was Thursday before I wasn't actively craving coffee and considering abandoning the experiment. Still, on Saturday morning upon reporting to a rare Saturday shift, the coffee had brewed and it called me, loudly.

The first taste was gulped hungrily. I soon settled into a more respectable sipping and savored with glee. I had coffee again at home on Sunday and it was swell. Quite.

This Monday morning the day begins with Green Tea with Honey and Ginseng to have alongside some cottage cheese, sliced strawberries and peaches, saving coffee for a weekend pleasure.

Maybe.

The experiment shall continue for the next few weeks, or for as long as I can stand. Unless, it is proven that there is (or is not) a direct correlation to the hot beverage of choice and overall eating habits. (I believe I eat poorly and / or make poor choices when I drink coffee and not so much when I have tea. I also tend to drink more coffee and less of other beverages (like water).
The theory may be all wet, but there it is.

It may simply be mind over matter.

Whatever the case, appreciable and measurable changes must be made and maintained--forevermore.

This is a new start.

#MicroBlog Monday *
*Happy Anniversary Twitter*

Welcome to Friday

"We have to live together."

Second Monday in March

A co-worker asked what I was doing for St. Patrick's Day. I replied, it is Thursday. I'll be doing what I do most every Thursday. No big whoop. I just hope the weather stays more like spring rather than deciding to deliver a winter blast.

Bigger than St. Patrick's Day (in my opinion) for the up-coming week, is our state's primary.  Election day is Tuesday and if last Friday is any indication, it shall be a bumpy ride. The weather may keep most folks off the street. Hopefully, most folks voted early.

The best aspect of this week (and the advent of Daylight Saving Time) is that Spring is officially around the corner; sunshine, blue skies, fields of blooms. May the Sun shine warm upon all our faces.

#MicroBlogMonday
click the link for more Monday Musings 

O Say, What'd He Sing?

This song has been blowing through my mind for the last several weeks. Why? I don't know. I mean, yes, I used to love it but hadn't thought about it for years. Like most of Smokey's song catalog it is about love, falling in love, being in love, loving - - - L O V E. And that is not where I am or have been. Well, except with . . well, that's another post.

Anyways . . . I always thought I knew this song like the back of my hand. For while I hadn't thought about it for years and years until a few weeks ago, I used to listen to it often.  Blow, baby.  And so, as I couldn't get the song off my mind, I decided to build a post around it. And even thoughI felt I knew the song backward and forward, I checked lyric sites none-the-less.

And now, I'm thrown.

The first stanza after the chorus: When you sigh, weak am I, A butterfly caught up 
in a hurricane, hurricane. Lucky me, umbrella free. Suddenly I'm caught up in your summer rain

Those lyrics are in my bones. I've listened to the song again and again and again in the past several weeks and that is what I hear.

Or is it that I have always believed those lyrics to be true and refuse to hear it any other way?

Most of the lyric sites have the lyrics to that stanza as follows:

Windy sigh, weaken my Butterfly caught up in a hurricane, hurricane
Lucky me, I'm better free, Suddenly I'm caught up in your somber rain

I mean, I listen to the song and try to hear those lyrics....but, I can't. In my mind it is fairly obvious what he's singing and it anything about being better free (WTF?) or somber rains.. idiotic. Really.

So, I don't trust the site. I trust what I hear/d.   It is in my bones.


PS. Good golly I miss albums and liner notes with song lyrics.



  

On Repeat

I got Aretha in the morning
High on my headphones and walking to school
I got the blues in springtime 'cause I know that I'll never have the right shoes

Momma she'd notice but she's always crying
I got no one to confide in, Aretha nobody but you
Momma she'd notice but she's always fighting
Something in her mind and it sounds like breaking glass

This song / recording is old however new it may be to me. I heard it for the first time a couple of weeks ago while listening to one of those DIY streaming music sites. It was suggested because I played (or searched) for something else. I don't even know what the something else is now. I may have it written down somewhere but for the life of me, I can't bring IT to the surface now. If it is meant to come back to me, it will. But for now, I am all over Rumer (stage name) Sarah Joyce and her tale of a girl being lifted by the music of Aretha Franklin, trying to forget just how bleak life is for her and her mom. .  

PS:  Spring? Oh yeah, two words: wintry mix. 

Minding Your Words

Or even as thought balloons that lingered for quite some time after the words were spoken. . .

#MicroBlogMonday 

Tough Week

I'm trying, but it isn't working out so well this week. It is taking every single ounce of energy I have to get up, get to work, do my work (to the best of my ability) and make it home, where this week I've been crashing, asleep before eleven only to wake up at 2: 30 ish. Again at 3:30 ish and yet again, at 4:30 ish, only to have to be up by 5:30 and out the door by 7--to do it all over again.  I'm trying not to dwell, I'm trying not to wallow. But, I don't feel like doing anything but wallowing. But, she wouldn't like that so again, I rise.

May 26, 1940 - Feb. 18, 2013
Peace, be still. 

Too Sharp to B Flat

Photo by Amol Art 

My son ("The Actor") is, through a variety of means (youtube tutorials, books picked up in thrifts, and one-on-ones with working musicians) learning to play the blues harp as well as acoustic guitar.

He's played on the streets to the delight of passers-by, he's participated in open mic type jam sessions at one of the few spaces featuring live music, he has held guest appearances with some featured acts.

The actor has been having a grand time learning, jamming, building his repertoire. Though he isn't striving to become a working musician he does anticipate having music in the mix will further enhance his résumé.

Today is the anniversary of the actor's birth. He continues his slice through time with his usual grace and aplomb; staying in tune and razor sharp to the bone.

 Happy 34th birthday to Bluesman slash Actor.

#MicroBlogMonday Check out Mel and others!

Super Bowled Over

I don't know how much a Super Bowl ad spot is going for these days. I do know, that the ads ARE the thing. And of the few that have I've seen so far, this hit me. Full disclosure, I am not a huge fan of ketchup and as a "Chicago Hot Dog" person (when I eat hot dogs) NEVER on a hot dog. Still, I like this ad. It's fun.

I'll tune in to see what folks who paid trillion bucks (or whatever it is) for air time bring to the party.

Oh, and somewhere in there, a football game will be happening. Cheers and pass the chips!

 

Be Still My Heart

Aretha Franklin has been as much a part of my growing up as collard greens and cornbread. Carol King's Tapestry was one of the first albums I bought with my own money. This moment was one of the greatest TV moments in my recent memory and I shall cherish it for years to come. 

Natural. Women. Swoon. 

#MicroBlogMonday   

No Offense Taken

A "senior" coffee is fifty-five cents at the local quick service spot near work. I only know that
because this morning, the clerk who took my order charged me for a  "senior" coffee.  Which sent me on an
all day bender trying to figure out what it was about me
that had her take me for a "senior" whatever that is
in their establishment.

My head was covered (winter, dontchaknow) but even if it wasn't my hair is still more pepper
than salt. It is possible she just gave me the once-over and decided by coat (and / or
over-all manner of dress) was just not trendy enough to be anything less than, "senior" Again,
whatever that is to her  (all of 20, if that) and/or the establishment.

I was feeling pretty spry after y long bus rides having worked out the kinks and plantar
fascitis type aches and pains, cause for the occasional limp--so I don't think it was my gait that read,
"senior."

All day I wondered.

 Until I decided that it wasn't my appearance
that drove the clerk to the "senior" key.
It was how I ordered or rather,
how she heard my order .

"May I have a 'small' coffee and 2 oatmeal cookies?"
became, "May I have a 'senior' . . .

That has to be it, she heard senior instead of small.. Yes,
that has to be . .
IT!

#MicroBlogMonday  

Soon-Ah, Very Soon

Simple things, some lovely simple things.

#SixWordSaturday

New Year, New Plan

Click image for more MBM! 

One of the brunch aunts gifted me with a blender. While we were chatting that Saturday,  I mentioned wanting / needing one and she had an extra (older model) and so, now I have a blender. I have spent the better part of last year collecting healthful alternatives and adding more fruit and vegetables to my total intake. 

This morning's smoothie: pineapple, yogurt, cranberries, and spinach. 
  
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Woke Up Weak

We (me and various members of my extended family--even those who have died) are gathered in what looked like a big treehouse. We are there for a nephew’s 6th birthday party. As folks are getting their party hats on, so to speak, the smell of frying fish and chicken wafts throughout.  

Someone yells that we needed ...something. I hop to volunteer to go get the something. Cinnamon and I get into an uncle’s Chevy Impala. There aren’t any parking spaces, so I double, jump out and ..   SHIT!  

Engine running, door locked, Cinnamon inside.  

Panic explodes on the inside of my head.

I try to figure out a way inside the car. Thankfully there was no traffic in fact, no one was on the street. At. All. Still, my head is spinning with what could happen. Running car. Dog inside. Folks at the party waiting for me (and whatever it is I went to get). All the doors are locked, Futility pushes me to try them anyway.

Sweet sassy molasses, the passenger side door isn’t locked. I swing it open, reach across the seats to turn off the car and grab the keys out of the ignition. As I stand, three women with beehive hairdos approach and proceed to enter the car. Appearing mildly miffed by the presence of the dog slows but doesn't stop them. They are chattering away. 

I am temporarily stunned into silence but do find voice enough to ask what

they are doing. Again, miffed that I seem so dense; as it was clear to them I was the ride arranged by the planners of whatever event they were attending. I stumbled out an explanation that I was not, in fact, their ride and they had to get out of the car. I was still frantic to get back to pick up . . . whatever it was I went to pick up for the party and get back before too much longer.

The ladies with the air in their hair start to argue or negotiate when 

Cinnamon BARKS and I wake up.  

With a headache.

First dream of 2016.

#MicroBlogMonday Go check out Mel's place for more MicroMonday entries.

So Far, So Okay

Happy New Year. So Much Ambition. 

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