Seriously...No Comment

I know it's hard to believe, but in pondering my extensive lack of words to write, I have made an interesting observation:

It seems that whenever I have to actually take the time out to seriously focus on my life, then take the time to do what is needed to adjust or fix all my ongoing affairs, I simply have no opinion -- one way or another -- on what anyone else is doing with theirs...or...even my own, for that matter.

I have yet to decide whether this is a good thing...
                                                                             or not ;~)

Thankfulness For Life Helps

My mother is back from her ten day stay with my brother. The first 3 days seemed somewhat rough going, but we adjusted and actually managed to survive the transition without any serious damage. 

Thankfulness for life always seems to help.

Nearly a week later, I was taking my beloved husband to the ER for acute stomach and side/back pain -- less than 2 weeks after being there with his mother. He's doing fine...nothing catastrophically serious anyway. But it caused me to pause in thankfulness for having something as simple as -- life.

Then he got his paycheck. It was 4 days short on pay. I'm still not at all sure how everything got covered those 2 weeks, but I know I chose to remain calm and confident that we would survive without any major consequences. Of course, remaining thankful for life certainly didn't hurt.

When the 3 dogs got cabin fever yesterday, because of sudden inclement weather, and I felt like strangling each of them for ignoring every single command...guess what!?

Thankfulness for life really does help!

There Is Always A Choice

Just finished reading my conclusion of last year's journal writings: nearly every entry speaks of balance, focus, purpose and freedom. It's interesting to realize that God's Word answers each of those things, when it is truly the only rule of faith and practice. With that Word, life becomes simple, balanced, focused, purposeful and I become free.

Courtesy of HubPages.com

Change. Now there's another wonderful theme. I believe that one is befitting 2012. It only takes a teeny tiny tweak to alter the course of any subject, and I have a few subjects that really need to find new paths to travel on.

There are decisions I can make -- that I have control over -- which can make a difference in not only a day, but my week, and thus my year. 

It can be something as simple as grocery shopping Friday (or even Monday) mornings, rather than Sunday (or even Saturday) afternoons. Or, taking a shower at 6 AM rather than in the afternoon. Or, riding my bike in the mornings while our 3 dogs nap. Each choice I make to vary my norm in the here and now, will alter my future.

If a particular picture (physical or mental) upsets -- causes mumblings or possibly even depression -- then get a new or different picture! Why hold on to something that makes us feel miserable? 

Contrary to what our minds may occasionally try to tell us, ...there is always a choice.

Profound??

Pondering deeply? Not quite. But of course that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to be. I simply need to get my focus back -- focus for writing.

I was such a prolific writer in my 30's...makes me wonder what it would've been like for me if blogging was available then. But, that was then and this is now. Profound? Hardly.

For the past 4 weeks, I've been using our little 2 year old Gateway netbook to access the internet -- not sure yet whether I like the keyboard or not. It also explains why I haven't been too social lately. Guess I'm like a lot of other people, wanting things simple and convenient, or not much happens. Of course, I'm assuming I know how a lot of other people are. I could be dead wrong. Yes, me. Profound? There are those who think I may have just qualified myself. (haha)

My mother left to stay with my brother 6 days ago...she'll be back in 4. Her third day away found us at the ER with my mother-in-law (who also lives with my husband and myself). She had fainted. They never figured out exactly why, but we learned she had a good case of the flu. She's 72.

Other than that, nothing very interesting has been happening in my life lately. Our car is running fine. Our 3 dogs are fine...considering what it is to have 3. The house is hunky-dory. My decluttering plan is going...well...progressing as I had about expected.   Everything is actually quite fine.

I have to admit, life is pretty much the same it's been for awhile -- that is, considering all things to be considered.

(Sounds like one of those wonderfully profound remarks from the movie The Matrix -- doesn't it? Well...doesn't it????)

Okay,...so I definitely need help. I admit it. Now that is  deeply profound ;~)

Thinking of God at Holiday Time!??

Amidst the hustle and bustle and "Buy me!" of the holidays is not the time to be asking anyone how they feel or think about God. Why not? Because this is the one time of the year more than any other that, basically, is God-less. (I have my opinion...you may have yours.)

Guess one might say that sounds a bit calloused, but I simply cannot believe someone took a poll about "feelings and thoughts of God at holiday time," and wrote about it as if it is some sort of barometer on the subject for our country. Good grief!! Six months from now those same people will more than likely say something totally different. 

It's not that these people are hypocrites; it's just that buying more "stuff," out of our tired-economy wallets, brings out the darker side of our nature. (sigh...) Has anyone noticed!??


So...let's not stop and re-evaluate our priorities and values just now. And let's not stop long enough to hear, "Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus." Definitely, not.

Instead, let's just make it through all this hustle and bustle and "Buy me!" time of year without too much wearing-away of the edges, and see if we can spring into the New Year thanking God that we made it!!

Ho-ho-ho!! Merry Christmas!! :~))

I'm Going to Do It

Starting today. This is it. I've simply let it go way too long. That's the sum and gist of it all. 

I mean, why not? There's absolutely nothing stopping me. As a matter of fact, everything in the universe -- and I mean "everything" -- is compelling me to move on it. Ignoring it is affecting way too many other things...and especially, people. Isn't that the true deciding factor? Affecting people? 

Well, perhaps...but the real crux of the issue is that the "people" it's affecting is moi...

Me :~)

So, this is it. Finally. I am going to take care of...me. :~))

What does this all mean? What is "it?"

Clutter!!!!!!!!!!! Not-so-good, old fashioned, clutter!

Oh...so you have a similar issue!?? And here I thought I was the only one who let things go this far. Hhhhmmmmmm...

I'm pulling out a dark green 33 gallon bag from the garage and heading over to those junk and "keepsake" drawers and closets. Then some quick and final decisions: throw? sell? or store? No inbetween-ers. No exceptions. 

To be vigilant in life, one must be clear headed. To be truly clear, one must travel light -- both mentally and physically. For many many months now, most of my efforts have been on the mental. It is time to set in order my physicals.

What are you doing to make way for what you love in life?

Lobster and Lamb

A 25th wedding anniversary should not be taken lightly, especially during the past few decades of multiple divorces, and especially if the couple is happier than when they first married! I must admit, my ideas for celebration were just a bit on the side of grandiose, but what the heck...it only happens once!

I am highly particular about fresh herbs and gourmet taste in food, so I figured we would have to either spend a lot of money eating out, or I'd have to do it myself. It was my mother-in-law who said it was sort of sad I couldn't have someone else cook for us here -- the way I like it. The light came on in my tiny brain, and I thought of my favorite chef...someone who once took beef tongue and made it so delectable, you'd think we were eating Chateaubriand!

He enthusiastically agreed when I approached him, but to my great dismay, a major conflict in schedules and timing developed just 2 weeks prior to the event. *huge drawn out sigh* We were back to square one, but I stayed with my original menu plan: lobster and lamb.

I had a no-fail, in-oven, lobster method I had acquired from the blog, Transparent Mama, and a fabulous wine and liquor store just down the street (right next to Whole Foods Market I might add). What more could I need! It was set in motion, and, on the first of June, 2011...voila!

Charcoal-grilled Mediterranean lamb kabob topped with crimini mushrooms sauteed in a garlic-basil infused olive oil, served alongside a tender 5 ounce Maine lobster tail, accompanied by roasted asparagus with hollandaise and a fluffy, twice-baked potato topped with sour cream and asiago-cheddar. (Note: all on one plate designed for easy cleanup :~)

Yummmmmy! So much food that we opted out of a salad. But we included tiny Italian rosette rolls, and of course, wine :~)

Although a white would be standard with seafood, or possibly a pinot noir to best compliment both entrees, we leaned more toward a Bordeaux -- which we knew would at least work well with the lamb. It proved to be a surprisingly good choice for the entire dinner.

Chateau Guichet, Bordeaux 2008 -- Not top-shelf, but nonetheless, rich and balanced.

Ah yes...although the camera missed the shot, we even squeezed in a sweet finish. My husband, Kelly, went for the Sicilian flair and had cannolis, while I became French indulgent having vanilla creme brulee.

Kelly, insisted I include the picture he took, showing his contentment. There's one thing that puzzles me though...what did he do with the lobster shell?!!

"Nineteen, Twenty...my plate is empty."

Nineteen, Twenty?? Okay...it's from an old, old...actually, very very old counting rhyme. But who's counting! Unless, of course, it's your Silver Anniversary!

Almost Up and Running...

First, I'll write of significant events in my personal life that have come about over the past couple of months...along with a few pictures, of course. Then I'll be digging into two or three deeper subjects that seem to have risen from some hidden place within. I trust it'll prove an interesting voyage for all...including me :~)

I Haven't Run Away...

Tomorrow I turn 60. This is so saddening, yet, so exciting at the same time! I will be camping with my husband, my mother-in-law (seriously) and my little cocker -- for 3 days and nights in the Arapaho National Forest at 9350 feet, just north of Black Hawk, Colorado. One of the evenings, we'll be celebrating 2 of our birthdays at Seasons' Buffet in The Lodge Casino...

I will write more about it upon my return :~)

Birth Order Funk

Birth order isn't important
To a juggernaut,
An umlaut,
To sauerkraut,
Or even an argonaut.

But it's important to me.

And, the order of birth doesn't matter
To a patter,
A shatter,
To splatter,
Or even a cake batter.

But it matters to me.

The order of one's birth brings revelry
To a rivalry,
And chivalry
To devilry,
Or even a call for the cavalry.

So should it be -- to me!
(Inspired by Lisa Cihlar, poet and friend.)

What A Day It Is...

What a day it is, turning it around in my mind. Picking up remnants in the yard from last night's storm. My sick little doggie, Ginger, taking an extra long walk this morning, then eating a scrambled egg after having refused breakfast for over a week. Facebook? Someone asking, If our nation falls, will it be because of debt or condoning homosexuality? (sigh) And, I've been thinking about posting the pics I took late yesterday afternoon of the tiny green hummingbird that visited my petunias. Made my care and storm-protection of those huge baskets well worth it :~)

Ah, yes! And I am actually contemplating the possibility of writing again...will see what develops.

I believe it really all began with my 25th wedding anniversary...

Dead Calm

Sitting in a sailboat in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight -- dead calm. That's me in the sailboat. No motor. No cell phone service. But plenty of food and water, so I'm actually handling it rather well. For now, the solitude is somewhat soothing. Although I am wearied by the passing of time, I realize that once I decide which direction I want to go...the wind will be there.

I'll Be Back...

...time sensitive issues in life have crowded my path for writing, but...

I WILL be back :~)

Age is a Funny Thing

Courtesy "Psychology Today"

Today, it seems, I haven't much to say about life. I've pretty much come to accept its ebbs and flows, its peaks and valleys, and...well, not so much its plateaus. But overall, it is what it is.

The earlier version of myself would never have agreed. I was constantly off on some new adventure, taking on some new challenge, and learning some new element of life. Ohhh...and could I be profound! Metaphoric essays erupted from my inner core, and poetry just oozed out of my pores!

Today appears to be a time, not so much of opinion, but of story-telling. As I came of the age I am now, I was rather convinced I would end up this elderly wise sage. Perhaps some of my more long-time friends may still see me that way. Did I know that all those adventures would lead to telling stories? I think not.

Ever see the 2003 movie Big Fish, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney and Billy Crudup? The following excerpt is taken from Yahoo-Movies:

As an eight-year old confined to bed because of a preternatural growing spurt, Edward Bloom occupies himself by reading the entire World Book Encyclopedia. He is taken in particular with an article about goldfish, in which he learns that "if goldfish are kept in a small bowl, they will remain small. With more space, the fish can double, triple or quadruple its size." Ten years later, after becoming one of the most popular young men in Ashton, Alabama, he realizes that--like the goldfish--in order for him to grow he must leave home and explore the world.

And thus, an improbable and mythic journey begins. Many years and countless adventures later, Bloom is well known as a teller of tall tales about his colorful life as a less than ordinary young man, when his wanderlust took him around the world and back again. When Edward becomes ill,...Will [his disbelieving son] embarks on his own personal journey trying to separate the myth from the reality of his father's life and come to terms with the man's giant feats and great failings.

My own father was much like Edward Bloom in the "tales about his colorful life" department -- at least in the way it affected me. I'm not so sure I was ever able to sort it all out like Will did in the movie, but at an early age I decided that my colorful stories of life would simply need to be true. I honestly believe that is why I chose to be a writer of nonfiction.

Growing up in the midst of so many tall tales, the quest for truth filled the deep crevices of my heart and soul. In my early years I immersed myself in the Bible -- a book that Roman Catholics of that time weren't supposed to read without direction. HA!

Then, as a teen I searched the works of Kant, Camus, Tiehard de Chardin, Jung and even Kahlil Gibran. Many philosophies and religions later, I returned to the Bible as my final word on what is true...finally having been taught how to understand it. (And, for those who hold that Carpe Diem doesn't possibly fit with the Bible, it does -- perfectly.)

When I first sat down to write today, I thought that a head full of opinions may be a thing of youth - a trait that perhaps dissipates with age, because aging teaches us that everyone always has an opinion about something. 

And, I had the thought that the story-telling was an outgrowth of having lived many wildly colorful years. These thoughts may all harbor some truth, but I think my premise is false.

I believe my concepts about "being full of opinions" and "being full of story-telling" have nothing really to do with age. In fact, that is where my premise is in error.

Age is a funny thing. People vary far more than from Black to White, and a few shades in between -- far more than any rainbow. I believe that people are, refreshingly, as unique and varied as God. And yet, to consider that the foolishness of God still lies far above the greatest wisdom of all mankind combined -- oh my! So much for opinion.

It is not the chronological age of an individual that determines these tendencies. Rather, it is how one ages, how one assimilates the adventure of living life, that would have the greatest influence on what exudes from that life -- no matter the actual years lived.

Opinionator? Stories? Sage? Ah yes! Age is a funny thing.

What's Next?

So now that I've completed the April 2011 A to Z Blogging Challenge, what's next?

My plate is very full, having pushed aside many things, while endeavoring to produce a noteworthy post nearly every day. Now I will need to peel back the layers to uncover each neglected task and aggressively take them on -- one by one -- hopefully emptying that plate.

It is spring, and our yard has been crying out for attention like a mournful puppy. We've raked and mowed, overseeded and watered, but now it's the weeding and planting (ever wonder what happened to all those bulbs??!)...plus a little bit of pruning. Then there's all the fall debris that still needs to go to yard-recycling.

Our closets, the basement and the garage are all bursting with things for Goodwill, the Veterans, and a possible garage sale. But before any of those tedious projects can begin, there is the simple matter of catching up on my dishes, laundry and other basics in life to clear the clutter. Sound familiar?

And, I have yet to mention any time for reading, bike riding, amigurumi, journal writing, artwork, letters, ukulele, hiking, indoor gardening and piano. At times I wonder how others stay on top of all their interests. I truly need to lock myself down to more of a schedule, just to stay ahead of any possible regrets in the years ahead. Especially since I'll be turning the big 6-0 this summer.

We have a tremendous plan for our 25th (Silver) Anniversary, less than a month away. June 1st is the actual day, but on the eve we will have our favorite chef come into our home to prepare us a fantastic dinner with wine by candlelight. Plus, our live-in mothers will both be out of town that entire week, so we'll be free to make a few day-trips without any other responsibilities (except Ginger, our Cocker Spaniel). What a delightful time this will be for just the two of us!

Guess that about wraps it up for now on What's Next?

-- without pond-ering too deeply, that is :~)