The Way I See Things!

a few random thoughts

2009-12-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've attempted to blog anything new. I was sitting here trying to decide what I would write about, and many *thoughts come and go while I sit here!
I am now in my mid fifties, and not having the sound of children's laughter and joy at this time of year (Holiday Season) I find it rather sad and depressing to really dwell upon Christmas and all the trimmings of the celebration. I instead am thinking of perhaps the first real Christmas celebration between myself and my husband in our home together after 10 years of being together and doing very little other than sending money to the grandkids or going to the PIL's and having a very subdued day!
This year, due to his new work schedule, we will be splitting both Christmas eve and Christmas day into 2 parts! The first part of course will be Christmas eve and preparing food, and making sure that what ever gifts we've chosen are all carefully wrapped and under the *first tree we've ever purchased and decorated (we've not done this part yet). The second part will be Christmas morning and the joy of opening those gifts, and then sharing the meal we've prepared together before he has to go to work!
He and I have NEVER really done much in the way of decorating or gifting in the ten years we've been together, and this year I want this to change! We are not getting younger, the children are far from home, and the grandkids are not able to be a part of our day, other than by photos, videos, and phone calls, so, to say that we *share this with them sort is lack lustre and a bit empty for me as a Nana! On the positive side, I do get to hear all about Santa's visit and hear the joy and happiness in their little voices albeit by phone, at least they are able to let me know how their Christmas is.
I told my husband that we need to make up seperate wish lists, and placing things we've wanted from the most seemingly inate to the rather large of items both of us *wish for!
I've got a few ( ok a bunch) ideas for things I'd love to have for myself, and some probably are silly sounding but here they are:
1.) gift card for Whole Foods
2.) gift card for Joann's craft & hobby store
3.) a fuzzy house robe
4.) boot slippers
5.) reboks
6.) a larger screen/tv/monitor for my computer in my room, and a blu ray player! ( that's my BIG gift wish)
7.) some personal items I've been needing ( no need to specify those)
8.) a nice evening out to dinner and a show or movie with my husband
9.) some new curtains
10.) some kitchen ware
11.) Susan Boyle's new album

These are just some of the things I'd wish for if they were possible!
For the most part, I'll be happy with a warm and cosy environment shared with my wonderful husband, with a good * Holiday toast, and nice meal! Add to that the joy of hearing from my grandkids all about their day and being able to say *Merry Christmas* to them and all of those I love and wish good tidings for!

Being Happy With What I Have!

2009-09-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

I know that alot of folks strive for better living arrangements, more comforts and such, and I am not sitting in judgement on anyone who does feel the need to pursue these things. I am at a stage in my own life however, when I realize just what I feel is more important to my daily blessing of being alive and I've come to understand that for me, less is MORE.
Less to have to worry over someone coveting, less to idolize, less to have to strive to maintain and less to worry about being taken away!
I think having less things makes me appreciate the "freebies" I have already around me. Since my daily needs are already met as far as shelter, clothing and food it is easy for me just to look around and appreciate the natural gifts abound!
The freebies I enjoy on a daily basis are simple ones like the animated antics of the squirrels I see playing by my fence, the darting flight of the dragonfly over the tops of the grass in my yard, the crazy little rituals of the brown anoles' that call my patio and woodpile home, the magnificence of the eagles, the hawks, and the all over happy behavior of the birds that nest in the trees around me especially when they break the silence of the air with a glorious song.
I also enjoy watching the back and forth between my dog and my cat who seem to offer unending entertainment!
I don't have to find a club, an event, fashion show, or any of these kinds of things to make my life feel more full. It is much simpler (and cheaper) and more rewarding to go for a long ride (to nowhere in particular) and just let the scenery around me soothe my soul.
I don't feel the need to surround myself with hoards of people, crushing crowds, or gatherings that are oppressive and contained. I find more joy sitting in the quiet of my own home or on my patio letting the breeze catch my hair. I believe in simplicity. I don't like shopping for myself but on the occasion that I do shop I find it hard unless I am shopping for someone else then that makes all the difference. I find great joy in giving to others. I have always felt that as long as I place my trust love and in God, he will always provide a way!
Whatever God's plan is for my life, I will follow. In the end I am sure the riches through him will ultimately be more rewarding than anything I could ever dream of.

Amazing Life On My Patio

2009-08-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here lately in the evenings as I sit in the fading light of the setting sun, a little chubby brown bird with a long narrow beak has become a frequent visitor. The little bird flies up into the folds of the patio table umbrella and perches there in the shadows. I figure since the umbrella resembles a tree when rolled down this bird has figured that is what it is! Either way he/she has found himself/herself a prefect "tree" to rest in at nighttime. I haven't been able to find out exactly what type of bird this is. The closest match (it actually is a perfect match) is the Brown-throated Treecreeper. The only issue with this is they supposedly do not live in my area.. nor my country.. not even on the same continent.
I have really enjoyed seeing this little (and I really mean little) visitor make it's way each evening to the fold of it's choice. It gives me great pleasure knowing this little birdie is safe and resting well. I quite enjoy all of the nature in my own back yard!

Fall in the air?

2009-08-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

The air is not so hot and humid and the breezes are indicative of the coming fall like conditions. Today while sitting on my patio like I usually do, I could feel the lower temps and lack of mugginess which made me start really looking forward to fall! There is something rejuveniating about the fall for me, easier to mobilize, easier to breathe, easier to find the energy otherwise lacking!
I really love the changing colors of leaves, but here where I live, that is slower to occur than in Northern states, and not as likely to be so vibrant in color, nonetheless I still look forward to that time of year!
I can remember being a child of summer, then as I got older and had children, I becane a fan of winter time with snow and such. Somewhere in my late 40's and up until my current age, I've developed a deep love for the fall months, and there's something spiritual about it for me.
I think alot of folks look forward to springtime much the same way as I look forward to the autumn months, for perhaps some of the same reasons, the colors and the easy to enjoy temps!
I like to pretend that I have the means to plan or plot out a trip to someplace that features all the great things I love about the fall months and attributes, and who knows maybe I will get to do that once fall is REALLY in the air!

Frustrations

2009-08-11T08:03:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not alone in my frustrations. I realize there is probably not one soul who doesn't have at least one frustration which nicks at them.
My biggest frustration I think is the inability to do simple and even mundane things. I used to enjoy simply things like *walking * swimming * cooking * drawing *and events with others.
Now because of medical issues, these things are cumbersome, painful, and have gotten farther and father apart.
I lost 100 lbs 3 1/2 yrs ago, and kept it off until my mobility really began to falther, the habits acquired during this time have come around to kick my proverbial butt. I have gained back 20 lbs in a little over a yr, and with no means to work off the intake I now am faced with trying to *plan my intake to match my inabilities to do simple things. I do not want to ever reach the former weight, and I feel much like crying just knowing that weight gain is far too easy, and weight reduction is way more o f a problem.
I guess I should just figure out calories, fats, carbs in the things I love to eat, and cut down the quanity, and limit the times when I eat.
I hope this will reduce my frustrations!

Stumpy

2009-08-11T08:02:00.001-07:00

I have discovered a love of my own backyard wild life! From my patio, I can sit and enjoy the smaller wild creatures that call my yard home!
I have come to look forward to seeing a large Anole' ( lizard who calls Florida home) with a broken and mending tail. I have started calling him Stumpy, seeing as the tail situation sort of prompted the name! he is rather unique, in that he doesn't seemed to be bothered by my presence, and if I say hello to him using the name I've given to him, he actually stops in his tracks and tilts his head as if listening!
I have watched him hide and hunt and catch his food, which at times seemed all too large for him, but, nonetheless he's caught and ate what he's hunted.
I have also been witness to his mating behavior; ( it caught me by surprize and I attempted to document by camera) I may get another opportunity to document it! :0)
I have noticed that the chameleon behavior he exhibits has provided me with some chuckles. I say this because he has attempted to hide posing as a house trim, a torch basket, a stick, a leaf, and the newest one is the patio table umbrella.
I know they are not fond of humans, and try to avoid interaction, but, with Stumpy, I've notice a pattern of behavior where he allows and puts up with my presence to the point I've grown fond of him, and can actually make myself believe he's my own little Patio Anole'.

Social Media Friends

2009-08-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

I have really come to appreciate using the * social media links to get to know alot of really gifted and talented people. I am amazed at the uniqueness most of them display, from art, to music, to writing, and even those who act,direct,produce and everything in between.
It's awesome, how by simple interaction I have felt a part of what these awesome folks do everyday.
I have had my own share of similar experiences which makes it that much sweeter getting to share in theirs. From the acting, writing, the art, the music and more, I have a common ground which enables me to understand the complexities they all endure for the love of what they do! I am thankful that I do for now, I can only live through them the things I myself was long ago able to enjoy.
I may only be a sideline observer, but, for the mostpart, it doesn't feel that way. I feel drawn in and a partner to these folks whom I've come to enjoy through social media. To me they are my *new friends* and though I've not met but one in person so far, I feel as though we are *old friends* and that is the best part of social media friendships..
I look forward all the time to reading and sharing the new things in each one's lives and from my own world using my keyboard to connect with them.

Today's Times

2009-08-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

I'm wary of where this nation is headed, with all the "scary" new laws and different views coming into play, it makes me nervous, I know I cannot be alone in this feeling! Please if you would tell me what's your take on all these proposed changes?

Here are some links to some of the articles that have gotten me thinking..

http://www.lc.org/media/9980/attachments/healthcare_overview_obama_072909.pdf

http://www.renewamerica.com/analysis/jon/090803

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h45/text

http://www.infowars.com/billions-of-people-expected-to-die-under-current-codex-alimentarius-guidelines/

http://edlabor.house.gov/documents/111/pdf/publications/AAHCA-BillText-071409.pdf

http://www.rense.com/general85/vacc.htm

http://www.infowars.com/journalist-files-charges-against-who-and-un-for-bioterrorism-and-intent-to-commit-mass-murder/