Hand painted holiday wine glasses!

A friend of mine found these online and while I do not drink wine, I had to save and share this photo because I think that they are a great and festive gift idea!  Not positive what paint to buy to make them (obviously some safety to consider when painting anything that will be near/on/holding food or drink!) however this could be a really great gift to make for friends/family if anyone wants to this holiday season!  Or any season for that matter -- glasses could be decorated for any holiday, birthday, special occasion, or with fun quotes/images "just because".... Am looking forward to the month of December, the world seems to pick up a bit of cheer that other months do not hold and as you can tell I have been a bit down recently -- just the month to help me become more cheerful and giving!

Silence doesn't always mean yes

I am not using this image to try and point out that there are people I know who "don't even care to understand" ... I know I am frustrated with myself and I think I do not know many (any?) people who can relate to my situation. If I push a little there are absolutely people who would take a phone call or read (well, at least respond) to an email... I just feel as though I currently am still stuck -- I cannot explain things in a way that will have others understand and help me.  So I find myself feeling helpless.  That should not be true but unfortunately I think I do feel helpless -- which in turn of course makes me mad/upset/frustrated. How fun it is to be me today!

Thank you to all of you who are trying and reaching out to me. I appreciate it so much more than I can express.  Am thankful for the support I do get

Forget how much it hurts and try again

When I was younger it really was not a problem for me to fail and start over again.  After I got sick -- at first I could not focus at all, I have memory gaps.  Then I started to just exist, and eventually I started to live again.  There was even a few years where I was doing alright and could fail and start again.  Recently... I find that I am having a lot of trouble forgetting how much things hurt.  People, promises broken, hope lost... Having difficulty wrapping my head around various things, sometimes hurting other people in the process but never on purpose.  It is not my intention to ever be hurtful.  I am missing strength... support... hope... I keep trying and either being told I am not doing well enough or am asked why I am not working or helping out more or... So much frustration and not knowing how to make things work anymore; it is just so frustrating and it would be easier to not have this moment

Tired of so many things...yes, I know this makes me ungrateful. Not happy.

"Her hair was up" (borrowed story)

Her hair was up in a pony tail, Her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy's Day at school, And she couldn't wait to go. But her mummy tried to tell her, That she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, If she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; She knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates Of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried, For her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, She tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school Eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees A dad who never calls. There were daddies along the wall in back, For everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, Anxious in their seats One by one the teacher called A student from the class. To introduce their daddy, As seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, Every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, A man who wasn't there. 'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out. 'She probably doesn't have one,' Another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, She heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, Too busy to waste his day.'


The words did not offend her, As she smiled up at her Mum. And looked back at her teacher, Who told her to go on. And with hands behind her back, Slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, Came words incredibly unique.


'My Daddy couldn't be here, Because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, Since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, And how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories He taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses, And taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, And ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone. 'Cause my daddy's always with me, Even though we are apart I know because he told me, He'll forever be in my heart' With that, her little hand reached up, And lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, Beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, Her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, Who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the love Of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, Doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, Staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, But its message clear and loud. 'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, But heaven's just too far. You see he is a British soldier And died just this past year When a roadside bomb hit his convoy And taught Britians to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.' And then she closed her eyes, And saw him there that day. And to her mothers amazement, She witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, All starting to close their eyes. Who knows what they saw before them, Who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, They saw him at her side. 'I know you're with me Daddy,' To the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, Of those once filled with doubt. Not one in that room could explain it, For each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, Was a fragrant long-stemmed rose. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, By the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, That heaven is never too far.


Take the time...to live and love. Until eternity. R.I.P. Brave Soldiers everywhere xxx Please like and share if you support our soldiers ♥

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (November 26th)

 

"Behind every stack of books is a flood of knowledge..."

Hello everyone!  I am sorry to have to report that I have read ZERO books from cover to cover this past week!  I love having Monday be a book "update" day for my blog though, so I decided to use this neat image with a VERY appropriate quote for those who have learned to enjoy reading! Still reading historical fiction surrounding King Henry VIIIth of England, update soon!

Every relationship has its problems

"Every relationship has its problems but what makes it perfect is when you still want to be there when everything sucks."

As with most images, I found this online a while back and saved it.  So many things I want to say, but this is a public blog... too many "personal" memories/thoughts could be connected to this...  Kept writing and re-writing this entry, decided to delete everything.  I just cannot share at this moment

If you have good thoughts

"If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely" ~Ronald Dahl (I realized I have read most of his books) ... I like the giraffes in this image, and the quote brings up a nice image... I am in a much better place than I was a couple of months back, but I still feel like I am not quite up to the "you will always look lovely" -- even when I have a ton of good thoughts! I have been frustrated by my perceived lack of progress -- well, it is actually a lack of progress at this moment in time.  I have hit a plateau, a wall, a block, something.  Trying to find people to hang out with, things to get me up and out and motivated.  I will keep at it and things will be fine.  In the meantime, thinking of others who need prayers and good thoughts! Off to help with a few things and to read more of my book.  Trying to avoid going to any stores until at least Monday (if I can) -- there are lots of sales but too many people so overall am having a nice weekend with the dog curled up next to me.  Did have Thanksgiving dinner with relatives, but decided against going to the movie theater just yet.  Keep forgetting to take pictures of the setting sun, very pretty almost every night the past week!

Flower Centerpiece

 I love centerpieces, and this one came from an early holiday gathering -- since it was able to be brought home (every now and then centerpieces are given to certain people, this particular event anyone could grab one)... I took two different angles to try and give a good look at the "basket" which has great holiday colors!

Aside from fresh flowers, this particular dinner centerpiece included fresh pears and large pomegranates, along with pine branches cut and placed around the very bottom, sticking out like a skirt.  There are also some bunches of fresh berries that helped make it more festive!


Hoping everyone is doing alright and sending out prayers

Being Thankful

Giving thanks, being thankful, thinking of so many here and gone... Love, blessings, good thoughts, prayers, and everything helpful on this, a special day, set aside to help remind us that life is filled with things to offer Thanksgiving -- we just need to look closely if we are not seeing it -- special support to those family and friends who need it <3

The Modern Schoolteacher (comic)

I found this comic clip online and since many family/friends/etc are teachers I found this very amusing and true; therefore I have decided to share it.  Currently thankful that I am not a teacher with too many duties and not enough support -- I try to encourage and support everyone I can, when I can.  If you have never been close with a teacher perhaps you do not realize how much they really do, what they give up/give of themselves to help, especially the very good/excellent teachers.  Let's make sure to give thanks for them (as well as many others in leadership positions who are working for a greater good) this holiday week!

DWTS Special Dance to "A Thousand Years"

Video of ABC's Dancing With The Stars
Special One Time Dance to
"A Thousand Years" sung by Christina Perri

Beautiful dancing, song, video... the performance is lovely
(click the bottom right corner to make the video full screen)

More Books :)

"I always buy another book when I still have ten to read"

This usually is me, but partially because of the weather and partially because of my health I have been staying in recently.  Just because I have not purchased (or gone to the library for) a new book the past two weeks, I still have done plenty of reading and hope you have done something enjoyable also!

Apparently I am back on a historical fiction reading kick.  Still in England (although I have been tempted to re-read some Egyptian ones I have on hand) -- I have now caught up in time to when King Henry VII has just passed away and the young King Henry VIII begins his reign.  Very likely I shall spend perhaps two weeks on Henry VIII because all of the books that include Anne (his second wife, a commoner who became Queen Anne and displaced Queen Katherine of Aragon - also known as Annemarie) and Mary (his mistress, the sister of Anne, also known as Marianne until someone decided they no longer should share the "same" name -- perhaps their father?).... Where was I?  Ah yes, sorry.  Going to be reading/re-reading roughly eight or nine books that deal with Henry VIII and his six wives (particularly the second, Queen Anne, and her sister Mary who was one of Henry VIIIth's mistresses for several years).

If I am still interested in historical fiction after getting through those books (most are no shorter than 300 pages), I shall continue with Henry III three children (in order of being crowned, not age): Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth.  Also might skip some of the books I know of/own and jump to Queen Elizabeth -- out of the English history and historical fiction I have read, she is absolutely noteworthy -- who else gets an entire era named after them?  The Elizabethan Era was filled with many wonderful things, including what was most important at the time -- Elizabeth became the first woman to not only become Queen by right of royal blood, etc -- she also remained unmarried her entire life (which was absolutely a HUGE deal at the time -- and still).  So yes.  Rambling about reading -- every Monday if I can!

Oh, lots of prayers/good wishes for several online friends of mine who are in need of support for various reasons.  Also for several people I know "in real life" because apparently this is a very difficult Thanksgiving week : (

HGTV and Cooking Shows

I found this comic piece online and just HAD to post it!  I realized that this is more or less how most of my family (and family friends) watch so many shows!  Not exactly the yelling part, but there is absolutely conversations between the television and those watching the shows -- not to mention discussions during tv breaks :)

Prior to getting cable (and yes, that was many many years ago now, but still it is worth mentioning) I remember Jeopardy was the only show that anyone really talked to the television -- oh, and Wheel of Fortune.  Nowadays however, most shows on HGTV (Home and Garden Television) particularly House Hunters, and shows on the cooking network, particularly Chopped -- well, there are lots of comments made.  It  makes it fun most of the time, but I never stopped to compare it to watching sports...

Talking to people (or about them!) who are on a show is pointless yet amusing... Have also realized that the closest most of my family and family friends watch when it comes to sports is whenever the Olympics are on.  Sometimes there will be a football game on, but none of us really are the types to throw a gathering because of/surrounding any particular sport.  I do enjoy watching ice hockey live (Staples Center, etc) and the occasional basketball game but really going to Dodger Stadium at times when growing up was/is the most involved I have been in sports. (Although my sister did play soccer for a couple of years when she was about four or five, so technically soccer as well)...

Hopefully everyone is enjoying the weekend and thankful that there is another holiday this week -- even if you do not celebrate Thanksgiving, it is always nice to take some time out of our lives and remember to be thankful for what we have (even if what we do have does not seem like enough -- or if it seems like too much!)

Holiday Ornament Swap!

Hello and welcome to my blog!  I am so excited to share the results of my first blog swap/exchange with all of you!  A very special thanks goes to the organizers, Dreaming of Dimples and Living in Yellow... Yesterday, November 16th I received a package from my partner!

A HUGE thank you to my partner, Taush O. -- I love the thought and time put into my package, not to mention the fact that you managed to do this while expecting (33 weeks is wonderful!) and having the baby shower to deal with! (Huge congratulations go out again to her and her family -- along with lots of prayers to all who are somewhere along their own baby journey!!!)

Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I tend to be very traditional and I love crafts/homemade items -- I could not have asked for a better first blog swap/exchange! Photos for everyone below:

My packaging and two gifts!

(Can you tell I am excited yet?? I received the cutest ornament and an adorable little pin to wear during the holidays!)

 

Cute ornament that looks like a gingerbread man and has such great detail - love the "icing" and the red hearts (not to mention the ribbon bow!)

 

Sweet little angel pin, appears to have come from a craft fair which is perfect for me!

EDIT/UPDATE: Kari at Cupcakes and Bling received and blogged about the package I sent her and I am thrilled that she loves it!  What a great first time swap experience! Thanks to all, and please go see what I sent Kari HERE

Raindrops on roses

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad


(This song/these images were just begging to be put online today -- yesterday/today/tomorrow there is, once again, finally rain where I am!  So lovely!) 

Friends are Angels

"Friends are angels that lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."


I wanted to make sure, as we are now one week away from USA Thanksgiving Day, to give thanks to my family, friends, family friends, church friends, blog friends, school friends, Face.Book friends -- any and all of you who have come into my life and helped me.  If you have done that (and hopefully I have helped you at least once!) I believe you were placed in my life/are placed in my life to help me remember how to fly.  Thank you for everything positive -- and sometimes even for the not-so-positive, because that helps me remember and appreciate the good even more! <3

Off to the market

Off to the regular Farmers Market down the street as I have been trying to do every Wednesday!  Only purchased what have become my two "staples" however -- fresh squeezed pomegranate juice and fresh baked croissants! Both delicious as usual, yet I was a bit more frustrated than usual so went straight to the two booths I needed and then left.  (Well, okay, I did wander through slowly and smiled and nodded at all of the vendors who were not busy -- I do appreciate the market is still happening once a week for half a year now! Great variety still and, as always, various shoppers from the neighborhood)

I was a bit frustrated today because I forgot to remind myself in time that the post office would be closed this past Monday in honor of Veterans Day.  That is usually never a problem -- but this year, last month to be specific, I signed up for my first ever blog swap/exchange.  Roughly 200 people signed up for a "daisy chain" type of holiday ornament gift giving.  We all receive an ornament from one blog and we send an ornament to a different blog (great way to discover new blogs).  So, my forgetfulness?  The ornaments were all supposed to be in the mail by the 12th.

Yep.  That was two days ago.  I thought "okay, no problem, run over on Tuesday and get a cute holiday box" (my local post office does enjoy Christmas/holiday time) "then mail out the ornament and get to your appointment."  Seeing as I am writing about it, you can guess that did not happen.  I found a cute box and I had brought tons of my own bubble wrap and had the correct mailing address... yet after standing in line for 25 minutes I was still a good ten people or so away from being helped and I had to leave for my appointment.  Today I stood in line a bit longer than that BUT! -- ornament has been successfully shipped out and will be across the USA by Friday :)  All's well that ends well, yes?

A society grows

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." ~Greek Proverb

I am in a thoughtful, restless, tired, calm, and slightly confused place in my mind. I do plan on putting things aside to watch "Covert Affairs" however (I watched "Revenge" on Sunday and "Bones" yesterday). Yes. Random. Shopping tomorrow I think, get some gifts for others.  Also the library...

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (November 12th)

 "Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers"

Last week (Nov 5th) I posted about a new book by a well-known historical fiction author, Philippa Gregory -- I had just read "The Kingmaker's Daughter" for the first time.  I realized afterwards that I had not really enjoyed reading "The White Queen" the first time around (indeed, it is still only half-way finished!)

However, I had forgotten most of "The Lady of the Rivers" and in re-reading it I find it has jumped to one of my favorites by Gregory.  Choosing the image to start todays post was quite easy because I have always loved books.  When I was quite young I was an advanced reader, and while I do love reading new material, I have found a comfort, a relaxation, in re-reading books.  Sometimes I re-read certain books every year or so; sometimes it will take me perhaps half a decade to return to a certain author or series.

I do encourage everyone to get a library card (or join in a book exchange program of sorts) -- if I was to have purchased every book I have ever read...well, I shall just say that I am thankful I never had to!  My reading horizons have been able to expand because I use libraries and I can borrow books from others!  So, no brand new books this past week, but still lots of fun!

Veterans Day

November 11th is Veterans Day

I want to thank my family and friends (those who are still here and those who have passed away) for helping to protect by serving our country. I want to thank all those who I have met or learned about since last Veterans Day for helping to protect by serving our country.  I want to thank all of those who I do not know and/or will never know for helping to protect by serving our country.

I also want to make sure that this year I include not only all of the families, relatives, friends, etc of those who have served/are serving/will serve -- all of us, all of you -- together on this day we can all help bring forth the message that loved ones are protecting the USA.  (In addition to Memorial Day of course, which emphasizes those we have lost)... Also thank groups that help support those who serve/have served... Today is another day of giving thanks.

Too often I can be so very selfish -- some days, including today, remind me that there is so much more going on.

With My Sister

I found this photo today of my sister standing next to me on the deck of a cruise ship in summer of 2005 -- during hurricane season.  My parents, sister, and I all joined a pre-planned cruise that began in Los Angeles and ended in New Orleans. I used the term pre-planned because some extended (as in I had never met 95 percent of them before!) family members and their families from my dads side of the family tree apparently take annual vacations.  Note - this was the one and only time I attended, and as far as I know, the only time the four of us were invited.  I think another family "dropped out" at the last minute and we scrambled to get my sister and myself our first passports so we could even go!

Despite it being hurricane season (we did have to miss one of our ports of call plus stay out at sea one extra day because of smaller hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico) -- we were SO BLESSED to escape Hurricane Katrina! We were out of New Orleans in late July (if I recall correctly) and Katrina hit in August 2005... Lots of memories from that trip, most great, unfortunately some of my mind feels as though it was erased :(

Everyone had a great time, despite the ups and downs in the weather.  I actually woke up one night and went over to the glass wall that faced the ocean and tried to get a good photograph (who am I kidding! A halfway decent photograph!) of an amazing lightning storm that went on for several hours.  Eventually I kept falling asleep in one of the two tiny chairs and had to go to bed again -- but I did get a photo of lightning stretching from the clouds in the sky all the way down to touching the ocean waves! Along with some others... however they were on a computer that died past the point of anything being saved.  I *think* I might have a print copy in a box somewhere (closet perhaps?) but am not sure.

Luckily this photo I had sent to my grandparents in an email, so I still have it available! The only thing I can tell for sure about where we were in our trip is that the ship had left Los Angeles and that we had at least made one port of call - Jamaica - because of the cloths we have on.  Also I recall that it was rare to have full sun, I think that it started pouring less than an hour after we had been walking on deck!

I can remember some details (such as the fact we only got to stay in New Orleans for one night instead of two nights because the ship had been ordered to stay at sea during one of the hurricanes)... I know we shrunk down to a group of perhaps a dozen family members (instead of the 30plus group we had been on the ship) because most of the family had only planned to stay one night in New Orleans.  I recall taking a trolly... that our hotel room had floor to ceiling windows (but they were narrow, not the length of the room)...  Bourbon Street after the sun had set after we checked in but prior to heading out to dinner... My poor sister had some sort of allergic reaction/rash that was so horrid we went straight to a local emergency room and waited (and missed joining on a large family dinner) -- thank goodness she ended up being helped and we made it through a great dinner at what we later learned was a great little corner restaurant "Mr. B's Bistro"??? I think??? ...So thankful my sister was cleared by the ER to fly back home!! The ER had not been 100 percent sure of their diagnoses but we had to get back... As I started out this rambling paragraph, I can remember some details very well because this was only the second time we had been on a cruise (as a family, plus it was a family reunion) -- also the other cruise was only three days, this one was somewhere closer to ten or eleven days long and I realized how much I love being on the ocean! I think that I was one of the few people happy that we had to miss one of our ports of call -- being my typical bookworm self, I got a treat of three chocolate-dipped strawberries, grabbed one of my books, and found a quiet space somewhere on the ship where I curled up in a comfy large chair/mini loveseat and read the book from cover to cover while looking out at the ocean!

...Lots of Rambling.  Perhaps you followed, perhaps not!  Either way, have a wonderful Saturday and if possible say hello to someone you care about!!

Blown Away

"Blown Away" sung by Carrie Underwood at the CMAs 2012
(CMA - Country Music Awards show)

A couple of weeks ago one of my family members kept repeating "There's not enough rain in Oklahoma" -- but they could not say which song it was from, nor remember much more of the lyrics.  I was watching the CMAs the other night and realized that it was from the song "Blown Away" and I liked how the dress designed for Carrie Underwood resembled a storm (just the overall performance I enjoyed). So that is it from me today, have been staying indoors enjoying that it is cold/rainy/damp/possibly starting to snow -- yet I get to play with the dog and drink tea as well as read!  Oh, below are the lyrics -- have a great three day weekend!  (Shall post something about Veterans Day, no worries!)

"Blown Away"
Dry lightning cracks across the skies
Those storm clouds gather in her eyes
Her daddy was a mean old mister
Mama was an angel in the ground
The weather man called for a twister
She prayed blow it down


There’s not enough rain in Oklahoma
To wash the sins out of that house
There’s not enough wind in Oklahoma
To rip the nails out of the past
Shatter every window 'til it’s all blown away
Every brick, every board, every slamming door blown away
'til there’s nothing left standing
Nothing left of yesterday
Every tear-soaked whiskey memory blown away
Blown away
She heard those sirens screaming out
Her daddy laid there passed out on the couch
She locked herself in the cellar
Listened to the screaming of the wind
Some people called it taking shelter
She called it sweet revenge

Shatter every window 'til it’s all blown away
Every brick, every board, every slamming door blown away
'til there’s nothing left standing
Nothing left of yesterday
Every tear-soaked whiskey memory blown away
Blown away


There’s not enough rain in Oklahoma
To wash the sins out of that house
There’s not enough wind in Oklahoma
To rip the nails out of the past
Shatter every window 'til it’s all blown away (blown away)Every brick, every board, every slamming door blown away (blown away)
'til there’s nothing left standing
Nothing left of yesterday (blown away)
Every tear-soaked whiskey memory blown away
Blown away, blown away, blown away, blown away

Funeral flowers

I have had a lot of thinking going on inside my head but for some reason I can not seem to get the words to come out of my mouth - or through my fingers onto the screen - in one coherent sentence.  Suppose that my thoughts have been more scattered than usual the past couple of months.  I have found that I cannot always recall a memory (even ones that used to be very strong, or have large emotional ties).  Rambling is not enough. Words are not enough (since I cannot force them into something that makes sense).

When I was in elementary school, I was an alter server.  I attended more funerals than any of my classmates. I also attended more weddings - as an alter server. Somewhere along the line I moved on to being a Eucharistic Minister as well as a Lector (Catholic Girl Here).

I wonder if those occasions, the ones growing up that I was not attached to the funeral/wedding... I wonder if that is where I learned to love flower arrangements.  This particular photo was from a family friends funeral recently (and though it may seem a bit too callous, I would not be able to say her passing was unexpected because she had been on a very rough road for...well, most of my life).

When I really think about it, flowers tend to fall into very specific categories for me.  Nature (mostly mountains)... Yards/Gardens/Gardening (selected by people particularly to suit their wants/needs)... Decorative centerpieces (ceremonial occasions such as a holiday, bringing life into a room in a house, galas/fundraising events, that sort of thing)... Of course the Rose Parade in Pasadena CA every New Years Day (or Jan. 2nd if it fell on a Sunday that year, as it occasionally does)... I suppose courting/birthday/just because flowers have a category... Then I am left with funerals and weddings.

No idea why this particular rant felt the need to be typed out but since it is one of the few items I have been able to write (well, ramble on) about I am going to make it a post.  Flowers, wherever they are found, are beautiful.  They might not necessarily match (if they are arranged/in an arrangement) -- but they remind me of fingerprints -- all unique. Some chosen in sorrow, some chosen in joy... some with care and some without.  But nature is always around us and flowers are often a beautiful way to express whatever emotion/occasion exists at that moment in time.

(Today I am happy, sad, worried, lucky, blessed, thankful)

I Voted Sticker

 To start off I wanted to follow up on yesterdays post: I went ahead and voted, and also I wanted to say another thanks to those who supported me (even if I did not know it) yesterday -- I had a procedure and things went better than expected so yay!  Only downside -- still not able to pin down why my health is at perhaps the second worst low. Oh well!

TODAY - So as usual I went to the farmers market and of course I took my handy bag that I bought a while back from Alyssa (she has a fun ESTY page that changes depending on what artistic phase she has going on -- I love the graphic patterns on this bag and blue and green are two of my favorite colors plus it is so comfy to use!)

Today a new food stand joined the market -- I did not get a very good photo, can you guess just from the flavors? Either Potato and Cheese or Spinach and Cheese (fresh or frozen)? No?

Added to the "hot food" (as I think of it) end of the farmers market a new home made fresh perogi cart joined the "family" -- perogis are basically dough with pretty much any stuffing you want in them.  I picked their Spinach and Cheese, the lady put them into the boiling water thing (sorry, not good with food cart/truck/booth technical terms!) and a few minutes later was eating seven fresh hot perogis for only $5

I also stopped briefly by my two "usuals" and got more fresh squeezed pomegranate juice and a few fresh croissants! Had fun!

Vote (and pray)

"VOTE - It's a matter of life or muerte!"
[muerte means "death" for those who do not know Spanish]
(Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead comic strip clipping from a paper)

One of two: Go out and vote today -- presidential elections only come once every four years!

Two of two: If you have a minute please send some positive thoughts/prayers my way today. Everything should be fine but I am having a quick(ish?) procedure today and then have to wait for the results to see if I have bad news or my health is...stable? Dislike having to wait -- extra thanks to L and A for helping me feel as ready as I am going to get!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (November 5th)

 "If I'm honest, I have to tell you I still read fairy-tales and I like them best of all." ~Audrey Hepburn

I have not been reading fairy-tales recently (although I did some of that while my godson and his twin sister were visiting this past summer -- sometimes just reading to myself and not them!)... I have, however, been reading many fiction and historical fiction books. My current favorite historical fiction author is Philippa Gregory -- I usually focus on King Henry VIII of England (and his three children) -- however there are "new" books of hers that are set before Henry Tudor ruled England.  This week I read, for the first time, "The Kingmaker's Daughter" and found it quite interesting.

I found it tied in very well with two other books she has written (and that I own -- the one above is currently borrowed from the local library) "The Lady Of The Rivers" and "The White Queen."  After skimming parts of the "older" two books, I think I like this recent read the best.  That is primarily due to the fact that I feel I grasped the history (well, fictional history) and that "The Kingmaker's Daughter" was a different perspective on the same situation.  This is a trilogy I would recommend, although if you are not interested in the time period (or historical fiction!) you may find these three books a bit daunting, particularly because they are not short books.  Hope everyone has a good week!

Fun With Cake

I absolutely have a sweet tooth (although with all foods I can be picky) -- and so this image I found online showing various cakes that were created to look like something else caught my attention! Unfortunately there was not a description/page that I could locate, only this image, yet there are utensils in three of the four images so I assume they are all on the smaller side.  I am not sure what is layered in the pink couch cake, but I know I love both red velvet (the grey camera) and chocolate (the flowerpots)... Although again, my finickiness comes into play because if the chocolate is laced with mint or coffee at all I would not eat it. Am not quite sure what the final one is, but in my opinion there are two cupcake sized cakes made to look like mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows sitting on top. Also unsure about the cake inside. I enjoy both sweets and salty snacks -- yet I very much dislike anything too spicy/hot/peppery and I usually avoid everything sour.  Not really sure where this particular post was headed, but apparently it is surrounding my taste buds?  Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! Time to get back to reading my current book!  :)

Grief

"Grief is NOT a disorder, a disease, or sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve"

This image I found online and there are just so many different ways this quote can be applied to so many different lives.  Everyone grieves in their own way and I just wanted to say that no matter where I am in my personal journey that is life -- I am here for you.  "You" means everyone - whether I know you or not, whatever the situation is or was, if I can lend a shoulder or listen....

Sometimes I think we might just need to know that we are not alone? On our on paths, yes. Yet there is always a bigger picture.  If we keep our stories to ourselves or share them, if we turn our thoughts/feelings into actions (ie gatherings, walks, artwork, etc)... There are always prayers/hopes/fairy dust/wishes/candles being lit/etc for any and all who need to be supported, whether asked for or not.

(This past week had Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead/All Saints Day/All Souls Day - many memories of my own and I know everyone has their own)

DWTS and Farmers Market

Coming to the end of an up and down week...

Spent six hours on Monday being part of the live audience for DWTS (Dancing With The Stars) -- this current season is their first ever "All Stars" and my mom and I were invited by a family friend to go for free which was great!  Not only was it my first taping experience, the two of us have often watched the show over the past few years, and I grew up on/love Christmas and Country music -- randomly ended up being Country night!!! So great to know most of the songs, see Taylor Swift live for the first time, and watch the top eight All Stars dance!! (For those who avoid the show at all costs, the all stars were gathered from winners of past seasons, picked from top three, and a few past fan favorites.  The show is perhaps halfway over now?)  Anyway, it was a fun time -- aside from the fact it turned out to be too long of a day for my body. Dislike. So Monday night through Wednesday I spent with meds, in pjs, and just re-adjusting.  It was worth it though so that is great!

Wednesday evening is our local farmers market and although I did not take tons of photos, I did get three to share with you!

 This first photo is of freshly squeezed (pressed??) pomegranate juice!  I got the medium sized (about the size of a regular water bottle) for only six dollars and considering how tart the juice turned out to be, I think it is one of my new favorites! (I have however, mixed one part water for three parts juice -- it tastes much better to me).  Pretty sure I will be looking for this vendor every Wednesday I can!

 Okay, now these taste great (I tend to prefer fruit that is less "grainy" -- not sure how to describe that so I guess I will not try)... I forgot to take a photo of the name of these fruits!  I believe they are something crossed with red plums, and they are to be eaten when they are more on the "hard" side.  Possibly getting more soon.

And finally my favorite treat -- croissants!! Both plain and chocolate this week

Life is like a piano