"Be kind, for..."

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle"

~Plato

Stars in the Heavens

Pretty paper stars!!! Made and mailed to me in time for Christmas by a long time friend (two decades now???) Keep forgetting to post photos of the three stars so here you go!

 Above on the left is one made of light blue paper;

Above on the right is one made of dark blue paper

I think this one might be my favorite because every other point is made of a different shade of blue which is neat!  I cannot make these, but they are lovely





EDIT 12:12am on January 31st JANUARY 30th post!  Eeep!  Technically I am off of posting something every single day now.  *disappointed* Blargh.  Oh well. I still made the post -- does that count? Started doing something here daily the last months of 2012 and intend to continue... I have decided this post counts.  Either that or I shall randomly post now.

Just thinking

Just thinking today - also drinking lots of water

The Gambler by Kenny Rogers

(You.Tube.Video of "The Gambler" -- Kenny Rogers)

The Gambler (lyrics)
On a warm summer's evenin' on a train bound for nowhere,
I met up with the gambler; we were both too tired to sleep.
So we took turns a starin' out the window at the darkness
'Til boredom overtook us, and he began to speak.

He said, "Son, I've made my life out of readin' people's faces,
And knowin' what their cards were by the way they held their eyes.
So if you don't mind my sayin', I can see you're out of aces.
For a taste of your whiskey I'll give you some advice."

So I handed him my bottle and he drank down my last swallow.
Then he bummed a cigarette and asked me for a light.
And the night got deathly quiet, and his face lost all expression.
Said, "If you're gonna play the game, boy, ya gotta learn to play it right.

You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table.
There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.

Now Ev'ry gambler knows that the secret to survivin'
Is knowin' what to throw away and knowing what to keep.
'Cause ev'ry hand's a winner and ev'ry hand's a loser,
And the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep."

So when he'd finished speakin', he turned back towards the window,
Crushed out his cigarette and faded off to sleep.
And somewhere in the darkness the gambler, he broke even.
But in his final words I found an ace that I could keep.

You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table.
There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.

Fits into the empty space

"Sometimes someone says something really small but it fits right into this empty space in your heart"



I love this leaf that is changing color, and the heart shape that was likely cut out of it (into it?)...also the saying that helps remind me that even though I sometimes feel like I have empty space(s) inside of me, there are so many words and actions from family, friends, strangers that help fill me with positive feelings during days that are difficult for me.  Thank you to everyone who helps, even if you are not aware of helping!

Happiest Things

Disney - Peter Pan
"Think of the happiest things, it's the same as having wings"

Remember, you can fly, you can fly, you can fly! :)

Never regret

"Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience."




(Like the saying, need to practice living it a bit more often!)
(Also, raining again today!  Very lovely, am enjoying it!)

Dishes and rain

"enjoy life"

It was a lovely surprise, getting rain last night, which continued throughout the night and for most of today! Did feel extra lazy (is that possible?) so I did not end up doing any laundry.  I did however finish two out of what was three loads of dirty dishes which is good :) Enjoying life curled up with a tie blanket, plenty of water, and no specific plan for the day. Very lucky... yet part of me still wants to get up and go back to washing the last of the dishes (not such a good idea because the edges of my hands are still "pruney" from hand washing a large portion of cookware/dishes/utensils -- three large glass dishes, some tupperware, and two wine glasses are all that is left so I shall "let" someone else do those last few items).  Suppose I did wash more than two-thirds of the dirty stuff and that is good enough for today.  Hope that everyone is doing/will do something today that helps to enjoy life 

All I can expect of anyone

Note to Self:
I am doing the best I can with what I have in this moment and that is all I can expect of anyone, including me!

Snow in Paris!

(Man using skies passing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on January 20, 2013 -- image taken from online search of the first heavy snowfall of the new year!)


Love this photo -- makes me miss my France family!


Love to all :)

Faith is (MLK)

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"

Flowers in her hair

This image was on a friends F.B. page a few days back and I saved it for two reasons.  One, I love the silhouette including the flowers in the hair!  Secondly, the quote is something I need to remind myself of on days that are not so good.  "My worth and value is in who I am, not what I do."  (Have been having difficulty with working in recent months and I have been quite hard on myself considering the main reason is my health, particularly health issues that I cannot control any more than I already am.  I really need to remain pleased that I have not had to return to a hospital, that I am attending appointments, and currently able to do things like go run errands or take a short walk or go hang out with a friend. It is wonderful but frustrating that so many people I know are on different, seemingly "better" roads than I am. While I am so very pleased for them, I cannot help thinking that in comparison, I fail. Daily.) So -- a different mindset, a more positive mindset, is needed on almost a daily basis.  I try and thankfully many days I do succeed.  However there are still many days that my mind is not able to be convinced and I am working on a daily battle with myself that I do not always win. I do make sure to put something on this space which in and of itself is starting to concern me because I do not know who reads it, nor who might in the future.  Feeling a bit alone and lonely.  Later tonight there is a brand new episode of "Downton Abbey" to transport me back in time for an hour and I shall have tea, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy it fully!

Downton Abbey tomorrow!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE PBS's "Downton Abbey" enough times in the past few weeks? Also yes, I know I posted this exact photo about a week ago, but the shows go so quickly!  Am very glad I decided to wait and buy seasons one and two on DVD (although I really wanted to watch them before!) since this month season three is brand new AND -- for those who have not yet found this wonderful and historically correct fictional show -- they have gotten the green light to film season four!  Unfortunately the show cannot go on forever, it initially really was just to be right at the 1910-1920 mark and too many seasons will bring the show into modern times (which is not what they intend to do)... I shall still enjoy every minute produced and hope that many of you are/will be doing the same thing!

So the image above contains the two grandmothers (not a surprise to realize that in the 1920's the grandmother on the left is from America, seeing as her outfit reflects a much more "loose" society than the very strict class structure we have been watching in previous seasons!) On the left is the lady of the houses' mother, played by Shirley MacLaine.  On the right is the lord of the houses' mother, played by Dame Maggie Smith.  Both are two of a large cast of wonderful actors and actresses!!

3 tired kittens

3 tired kittens -- they look so cute!

Hope everyone rests this weekend!

Have a heart that

"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts."   ~Charles Dickens

Various thoughts keep floating in and out of my mind recently, particularly of memories that I cannot quite catch (or am able to grab tiny pieces of)... In comparison to where I was emotionally/mentally about seven months ago, I have vastly improved.  There are hours (or days or even a full week) when I find myself slipping and that leads me back to Charles Dickens first few words of this particular quote -- I do not ever want to find myself in possession of a hear that has hardened. 

[deleted sections yet again.  sorry, I just cannot share still. I apologize]

Thanks to those who try. I am here and listening and learning -- every day is different.

Frost Flowers

This photo was taken by an old friend of mine of our college campus.  We received our bachelor's degrees about half a decade ago, I moved back to southern CA and she eventually found a great guy and is working on the campus. I LOVE how she was able to capture the frost, and at the same time I wonder how I can be so cold during this cold snap when I have visited places that are much cooler!  It was a lovely day today though, warmer (although with a chilly breeze) and I was able to visit our weekly farmers market (mostly browsing). Hope everyone is doing well and hopefully I will be in a much better mood starting today!  (The past week -- well, I will just say I have been in a negative place in general, although I have had good moments)

Eli Young Band (Even if it breaks...)

"Even If It Breaks Your Heart"

Way back on the radio dial,
The fire got lit inside a bright-eyed child.
Every note just wrapped around his soul,
From steel guitars to Memphis, all the way to rock and roll.

Ohhh, I can hear 'em playin'.
I can hear the ringin' of a beat up ol' guitar.
Ohhh, I can hear 'em singin',
"Keep on dreamin', even if it breaks your heart."

Downtown is where I used to wander.
Old enough to get there but too young to get inside.
So I would stand out on the sidewalk,
Listen to the music playin' every Friday night.

Ohhh, I can hear 'em playin'.
I can hear the ringin' of a beat up ol' guitar.
Ohhh, I can hear 'em singin',
"Keep on dreamin', even if it breaks your heart."

Some dreams stay with you forever,
Drag you around but bring you back to where you were.
Some dreams keep on gettin' better,
Gotta keep believin' if you wanna know for sure.

Ohhh, I can hear 'em playin'.
I can hear the ringin' of a beat up ol' guitar.
Ohhh, I can hear 'em singin',
"Keep on dreamin', even if it breaks your heart."
[x2]

Keep on dreamin', even if it breaks your heart.

Keep on dreamin'

Don't let it break your heart.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (January 14th)

Finally, an image of another book!  Just teasing... Although it does feel as though it has been a while since I posted book covers/images here as part of my "It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" posts.  I have been reading bits and pieces of books, but this is the first "important" new book that I have read in the past couple of weeks.  I have been very obsessed with the PBS Television show Downton Abbey (bought and flew through seasons one and two; last night watched the second episode of season three)!!  This book, The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott was actually one that I picked up partially because of Downton Abbey, so even books are not immune *amused*  The Dressmaker is an interesting story whose main character is a servant girl who up and leaves her position for the chance to work on the Titanic.  (This connects to the tv series because the show starts in 1912, when the Titanic sank/sinks). The young woman finds a position, survives, and the story continues with her first few weeks/months in the United States -- including hearings held about the sinking of the ship, which I fully admit I had not realized occurred.  Possibly more novels/historical fiction from that time period to come!


Also I cannot go without posting at least one image from season three of Downton Abbey! This is the two grandmothers (not a surprise to realize that in the 1920's the grandmother on the left is from America, seeing as her outfit reflects a much more "loose" society than the very strict class structure we have been watching in previous seasons!)

On the left is the lady of the houses' mother, played by Shirley MacLaine.  On the right is the lord of the houses' mother, played by Dame Maggie Smith.  Both are two of a large cast of wonderful actors and actresses!! Love this show!

You're lucky (Sunday)

"Why yes, I am wearing sweats today. I also didn't fix my hair or put on make-up. It's Sunday. You're lucky I'm wearing a bra."

Polar Bear in flowers

January Cancer Awareness (Cervical)

From Stand Up To Cancer....
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
New Cases: 12,000+
Deaths: 4,000+

Unfortunately SO MANY types of cancer :(
Shall try to at least post the current month update

Prayers and Hope for those lost and those still fighting!

Today I miss

Today I am missing my godson and his twin sister.
(Photo is of "twins" I gave them at the end of the summer -- they loved their mix and match pj's more, but toys were still fun!)

Christmas Decorations (Belated Post!)

 

Ornamented garlands from living room to dining room to kitchen window

  Kitchen window decorated only with tea and hot chocolate ornaments!

 Miniature tree with miniature ornaments in the powder room

 LOVE THIS
Night view of the living room
(Fireplace white lights and white knit snowflakes with the Nativity)
(Fully lit and decorated Christmas tree by the window)

Attempted close-up of the Christmas tree

Downton Abbey Premire (Season 3)

Yesterday should have been my usual "It's Monday! What Are You Reading!" post -- I finally finished seasons one and two of Downton Abbey and watched three specials about castles, one particularly about the one Downton is filmed at. Sunday January 6th was the Season Three premier in CA! As you can see in the photo, Mary and Matthew finally got married! Much more happened of course and I loved the episode -- hard to believe there are only six more and then there will be an entire YEAR to wait for season 4!!

Huell Howser Gone

"California's Gold" Huell Howser passed away today -- such an assortment of places the show visited!  (Photo taken from internet)

Visited a friend

Forgive others

I Hope You Dance

Lost

Night Sky

As usual, I found this amazing image of the night sky online -- this was taken during a meteor shower on New Years Eve (2012) -- just a couples nights ago!  I LOVE these colors, the stars, the openness of the space the photographer was standing in and just had to share this!  Shall be posting about the Rose Parade soon. Hope today is a good day!

Happy New Year!

Wishing you and yours a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May everyone have great memories both in the past and future!

 (In multiple languages!)