SIX for Six Word Saturday

1. First and foremost, it's the weekend!

2. The Spring that sprung sprang back.

3. Rock me gently, rock me slowly.

4. Destroyed most declarations from lost love.

5. Prep for lipid panel equals fasting.
6. Post fast it is omelet time.   

#sixwordsaturday. 

Another Shot

turtle club guest (2010-ish) 

Have you ever gotten up Monday morning, assessing the weekend days, how what got done (and what didn't) compared with the plans you had for the weekend leading in, and felt . . . deflated? Or worse, defeated?

Did I overreach or underachieve?

The off-the-rails . . . was it controllable? Could I have avoided the event that led to the eventual malaise that led to . . next to zero accomplishment?


The best part of waking up Monday morning (beyond you know, the waking up) is the chance to do the retrospective, dust yourself off, and do it (better) (different) (more) or (less) the next time. Putting the best foot forward, one step at a time, toward another weekend.

Monday and counting.

#MicroBlog Monday 

Days Gone Bye

Longing for the simplicity of before . . . 

#SixWordSaturday 

Desire

desire is a jumble of converging ideas, priorities, wants trumping needs--mess for me right now--much like how i see my existence. just holding court until . . .

#microbloggingmonday 

#ilovemandalas
lesson24 

Numbers by the Ages

DIY link 

A state of mind matters much.

#SixWordSaturday

Early Morning Ruse

Pete on alert. 

It is 4:12 AM and I am awakened by the rumblings of Pete and his co-conspirator, Buttah. It is too early to get up (for good) and too late to go back to any kind of serious sleep.

Though, blaming the awakening on the cats and by proxy, the pooch who is on instant alert and all too ready to rumble, is a bit unfair. It is really the fullness of a bladder that shakes a body from slumber


Point is, the too early wake-up call is frustrating enough on the weekends where a return to bed until at least an hour past sunrise is in play. The 4:12 AM rousing is beyond frustrating for weekday mornings where rise-and-shine time is no later than 5:30 AM; I am out the door within two hours of rising, and at my desk ready to work within another two hours.

So with all due respect to the forces that are Pete, Buttah, Cinnamon and the offending bladder, the mind and other body parts would appreciate a togetherness of spirit toward saving all antics until, oh, I don't know, 4:45 AM.

That wouldn't be great but it would be very much better.

#microblogging monday

Sing, Sing A Song

click image for link

Sing out loud, Sing out strong 

as recorded by The Carpenters. 

Inauguration * Re-dux.* Welcome to Wednesday

H * A * P * P * Y      (Belated)      B * I * R * T * H * D * A * Y             B * L * O * G 

Well, I just finished a shot of Johnnie Walker Black Label and decided to go for it. I've been pondering this step for weeks now, and well, I've decided with the help and encouragement from some others, to go for it!

I'm supposed to be working on my taxes. I'm not, yet. I will, I will, but not yet. This is the latest that I've ever attacked that particular task. I am just not feeling it this year. My son (24-SR in college, living at home) announced today; "Saturday, you're helping me with my taxes." Never mind that I've done his taxes every year since he was 16. This year, though he had decided that he should take matters into his own grown up hands. I can get with that. I relinquinshed all files and let go. Well, he took the files, stored them in his room for a few weeks, until now, when he announced... I'm more than happy to help. I did have something else to do Saturday, though. Ah well.

Tonight, (this morning actually in CST), I'm choosing to start this blog. 'Tis fitting as the reading and marveling over a number of blogs for the past few months have immeasurably upset a carefully designed organizational flow.

I don't know what tone this blog will take. Obviously, since I'm a mom of two adults living at home, that element will be here. I am also an only daughter (2 brothers) with the whole boy-girl child AND middle child stuff going on. I've got mother-daughter issues as I have a daughter and I am a daughter. Who knows where this thing will go.

I do know that I have been humored, thrilled, fascinated, educated, saddened and just plain interested in the array of what I've encountered in blog land over these past few months.

So, here I blog. Welcome to my rendering of my world. I'm not quite sure where I'm going, but I do hope the ride will be vigorous, entertaining and enlightening.

Wednesday, March 29th 2006  * So, here I still blog. So many changes but some things remain the same. I thought then, that I would enjy blogging--I wish more of the folks I read then were still around, but new bloggers have filled the void.  Thank you to all who visit here. Your presence is a joy.  

A Tine In Time

click image for link.

Most of my forks have vanished. 

Nothing and Not Quite Everything

#MicroblogMondays

First and foremost, happy Spring, officially. The weather has been un-Spring like of late, but hey, on the calendar IT IS SPRING and hope is alive that warmer weather will follow.

In that vein and in no particular order, thoughts, events, and ideas that have sprung in recent days:

1. The actor booked an episode of Chicago Fire and it aired last Tuesday. The episode titled, "Forgiving, Relentless, Unconditional" is available on-line. He comes on-screen at about the 37 minute mark.

2. It is very weird seeing your kid now a man, on television. I thought seeing him on stage was weird (exhilarating, but weird) screen is that multiplied by thousands. More, even.

3. Mom's oldest sibling celebrated her 95th birthday a few weeks ago. I have a couple of cousins who are struggling to make it to sixty, by way of contrast.

4. The Starbucks© #RaceTogether campaign  . Stumble out the gate, looking forward to next steps.

5.. THIS: My life is a struggle of constantly wanting to go out and have fun with people and also simultaneously trying to avoid human contact.

6. It has been mentioned here before and you may read it again, and again, I LOVE potato chips. Well, potatoes in most any form, but chips--on me, oh my.. That said, I haven't had any potato chips in over six weeks. (Yes, I relapsed went on a bender). The loss was re-gained and now, on the way back down, again.

7. Saturday (over Sunday) was more conducive to riding and so I did. Not crazy fast (that isn't ever going to happen) or crazy far (only about 5 miles round trip) but good to be out, good to not have collapsed upon return.

8. Discipline: per Merriam-Webster.com  5b: orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior.

9. Song lyric: would you mind, if I made love to you 'till I'm satisfied?.  haunting and halting. Stop.

10. Speaking of lyrics: Happy Really:? Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof. Really?

10a. Was the last film I saw in a theater August: Osage County?

And today: <>bSNOW

Ride On Time

My seventh birthday gift from my recently separated, soon-to-be divorced parents was a bicycle. She was blue. She had skinny wheels, zero speeds, but raced like the wind, as fast as my legs could pedal. This gift represented my first taste of freedom, from my brothers, from the block, from my seven year old worries.

I just rode.

The first, Samantha, had to be retired at some point in my early teens. I struggled mightily to earn enough to buy my next set of wheels. She was a second-hand number, black, and heavy. Not a good fit. I kept her for a season and then traded her for the wheels that carried me right through the rest of my time with my mother and brothers. When things got tense at home, I hopped aboard and rode, no matter the time of day. It was not unusual for me to be cruising the streets of Chicago at 3 or 4 in the morning.

I rode to ease my 15-16 year old worries.

Today, four decades later, being on a bike is still my solace. This weekend presented near perfect riding weather and so I rode. Loosened the limbs, freed some cobwebs.

Freedom. Sweet.

#Microblog Monday

F * R * I * D * A * Y

so much to say, so little time (and headspace) to get it together. 

in the meantime, to my friends who are fighting the fight 

rock on. 

March Woman, Women March

#MicroBlog Monday

A FB friend posed a kind of a question or challenge as her status:  It's the first of the month. What are you going to do every single day for the next 31 days? New habit? Ritual? Same ole' thing? Spill . . . 

I didn't offer an answer on the post. But, have been thinking about it ever since I read it early yesterday morning. What am I going to do every day this month? 

For starters, since it is March and Spring (reportedly) is on the way, I shall be getting myself (and Melody)ready for riding. The goal and promise is to ride on every opportune day, 40 degrees or higher and dry. In the meantime, steps, steps, and ever more steps. 10,000 steps over icy, un-even ground is quite the challenge, let me tell ya.  

Additionally, I shall be delving ever so gloriously in the hearts, minds, and works of some extrordinary women with an eye toward igniting: create. I made a promise to finish the mandala project from January 2014 by the end of the first quarter of this new year. With seven plus the bonus left, 31 (now 30) days should just about cover it. 

Beyond the above, pretty much the same ole' same thing; work, try to play, keeping eyes on the prize, putting one foot in front of the other, taking it one day at a time. 

So, what say you? What are you doing with your March? 

Somewhere, Somehow, Spring.

On a brighter note, robin sighting. **

**A** robin or two, I'm fine. But, more than that (any bird) I'm totally wigged out. Thank you.

#SixWordSaturday

Hey Look, It is Saturday

Cat and not quite a mouse. 

#Six Word Saturday 

BrrrSDayS

There isn't much more to say when it is so cold you need a new word for cold. Except, at least it isn't snowing. The pooch does love the fresh powder and that joy aside, I much rather (given-the-givens) commute in cold (even beyond naming cold) than snow, any amount. But an amount on top of what is already on the ground, no thank you.

I read the other day that the mayor of Boston had to ask residents not to jump out of windows. It seems that some folks decided that jumping and landing on the mountains of snow would be big fun.

Today's walking out the door temperature: minus six degrees.That is air. We will not discuss wind chill factors.

Be careful. Stay warm.

February Eighteenth Twenty Thirteen

Updated Wednesday, February 18, 2015
It has been a year two years  and as most who have lost a loved one, particularly a parent experiences, it feels like today. Like no time has elapsed. Pain. Sharp. Deep. And seemingly, never-ending. It will lessen, I've been told. Not today. Likely, not for a while, yet. Still. 

Per her wishes there wasn't a service but I did write something to honor her and sent it along to family and friends so that they may have . . .something.

Mom's Corner

Every Time I Feel The Spirit*

At 7:14 p.m. on February 18th, my mother breathed her final breath and with that achieved her desire to go home. The last few years presented a multitude of challenges. She prayed for the strength to go on and as the challenges continued to mount, she turned her prayers to those of resolve to move on . . . 

Where He Leads Me* 

Mom spent her time in our world in caring compassion to those around her. She tended her relationships with cards, letters, and other tokens of stewardship. She did what she could to improve the human condition and to beautify her corner of the world, giving as much of herself as possible. 

Pass It On*

Mom's commitment and ministry to community was very strong. Even in the face of her own challenges she gave her time and energies to a variety of outreach programs that aided the homeless, hungry, and disenfranchised, particularly ex-offenders, women, and children. 

Here I Am Lord* 

Even her final act was about giving, having donated her body to science and research. A lifetime of caring, compassion, loving, and giving cannot be summed up in a few hundred words. Nor can such a life and life experience go by totally without notice or report. 

Mom loved to laugh. In going through her possession I located a card sent by a friend that contained the following quote: "laugh as often as possible. you must, because the world will offer you every reason to weep. So as often as possible you laugh! That, I think is part of the GREAT LOVE!" ~Maya Angelou 

Mom's faith was important to her. Each of the starred stanza headings are some of her favorite hymns. John 3:16 was her favorite scripture. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

My mother lives on in all our hearts and minds.

You who know me, know I am not a believer but my mother and ALL other relatives and friends are / were of the faithful community. As noted in the beginning this was for them. I drew comfort putting it together as finding her wishes offered a bit more insight into the woman my mother was, strived to be. 

"I will always love my mama, she's my favorite girl, she brought me in this world .  " 

Welcome to Wednesday:* MONDAY MeMe (2) Edition

This was the meme that started it all so perhaps,  meme (1) would be more appropriate, but since I'm answering and posting it second, well, number 2 it is. 

1. When was the last time you cut your hair? Because I keep my hair short I cut it pretty often.              This example is longer than I usually keep it. 
      Did you like the haircut? I liked the idea of it right from the start (when I first started                        cutting it very short, several years ago). I've had to grow into the style and learning HOW       to cut it myself in a way that is agreeable. 

2. Grapes with seeds or seedless? So long as they aren't green, I'm good. Green grapes suck. 

3. When was the last time you went to a fancy party? Probably 5 or so years ago. A golden                               anniversary part for an uncle and is wife. 
     What did you wear? My finest slacks and a shimmery shirt. 

4. What colour is your bedroom wall? In my mind, lavender. In reality, white. 

5. The worst smell in the world is… Chitterlings. Or rather, Chit'lins. 

6. Last thing you spat out.  Some chicken trying to slide down the wrong pipe. ::cough:: 

7. Do you sing when no one is around?  YES What do you usually sing? Often, something from the               "Wizard of Oz"  Lately, "Shake it Off". 

8. Your least favourite name (and it’s okay if it’s Melissa; I can take it).  Olga. And, Clementine. 

9. Did you like the food served at the last dinner party you went to? I did. The dinner was in honor of an aunt's birthday and held at a Brazilian steak house. Mouth-watering good. 

10. What is your most prized possession? Photos of and notes and cards from my mother. 

Would you kill a unicorn in order to save your most prized possession? I'd be so stunned to be face-to-face with a unicorn I don't know that I'd have the presence of mind to do anything but stare. Likely, I'd think I'd died and well, the possessions . . . rather insignificant, at that point. 

#Microblog Monday

*2/18 will be a difficult day. I'm trying to busy myself but it isn't working. 

Dosey-does

Love is a two way street. 

#SixWordSaturday 

Welcome to Wednesday: MeMe Edition

And so, my friend developed these questions and so, I'm answering: 

1. What topic is so interesting to you that you could talk about it for days? 

I'm sure I could talk about my  son and daughter for days. But, those two aside . . . pipe cleaners; home crafting golden product.  Okay, I'm kidding.  Popsicle sticks! I kid you not. 

2. Dream home: cottage at the beach, river house in the woods, lake house, penthouse in a city, farm house, castle in Europe, family home in a burb? Something else?

This one is tough and after much thought, lake house.  

3. What talent would you like to have that you don’t have already?

Piano. Hands down. playing, not building, just to be clear. 

4. If you could make one food that’s not good for you, good for you, what would you choose?

TIRAMISU 

5. The one piece of advice you would give to everyone and wish they’d follow.

Sock and a sock, shoe and a shoe. Not, sock / shoe, sock / shoe.  Oh, and kindness wins. 

6. What period of history would you want to visit as a tourist?   Edwardian.  

7. Do you have a hobby?    Slow dancing, swaying to the music.  (Arts.) 

8. If an animal could talk, which animal would you want to talk to? Buttah. I'm aching to know what kind of home he lived in before he was ours. How it was he wound up on the street, not the safest even for a cat with all four paws clawed. 

9. If you could be friends with a fictional character, who would you choose? Kay Scarpetta's niece, Lucy Farinelli. 

10. Introvert or extrovert?  All together now, i-n-t-r-o-v-e-r-t. 

Another blogger created another list of questions and I've decided to answer those as well. Next Wednesday.  Have a wonderful rest of the week.