Hanging Our With JP

Went for a drive with my granddaughter yesterday. We drove 'the back way' to my folks' house.

JP drove, we listened to music and shared thoughts about the music, the lyrics, moving, boys  and moving to the east coast.

She is going to be sixteen in just over two weeks and she astounds me.

She is honest (extremely honest), she is authentic and she is wise.

We took my dad grocery shopping and she carried on a wonderful, animated conversation with him. She helped transfer groceries out of the cart and onto the belt to the checker. She packed groceries into bags, loaded them into the car and helped unload when we got back to the folks' house.

She is an excellent artist and drew a picture for Mom and Dad. She joked with them, asked some questions and listened to the answers.

Not once did she pick up her smart phone and disengage. She was involved and she showed them how much she cared.

She also taught me about making venison sausage, she shared her thoughts that people need to dress for themselves and own their own look.

Basically, she told me, "No excuses! If people like me or don't like me, it's none of my business!"

I liked the message and I love her.

 

Room For Two?

A FB friend asked yesterday, "If you were stuck in an elevator with a rock star, who would it be?"

(To all my grammar nazi's out there, should that be "whom"?)

I ran my list of favorite songs through my head and visualized the artist behind it. Went a little like:

Cat Stevens....no.

Stevie Nicks....no.

Steven Tyler....mmm, no.

Pharrel Williams.....hmm, maybe.

Cindy Lauper...another maybe.

Bob Marley....Oh Yeah, but that elevator might be on the way to heaven, so, uh, NO!

But when I do take that elevator to heaven, it would be nice if Bob Marley and Jim Croce come down to greet me and accompany me on the way up.

Still thinking.......Carlos  Santana......now that is an elevator that I could be stuck on for a long time.

I would definitely ask him if he was thinking of me when he wrote Black Magic Women!!!

If there is room for one more music artist on our little elevator, then I do think I'd like Sarah McClachlan to join us.  Can you imagine the angels that those two people would have in their company?

Which rock star would you choose to be in a stuck elevator with?

p.s. I would have preferred if we were sitting around a fire pit, drinking tequila but, hey, an elevator will have to do.

Dream Maps

Wow! What a dream I had this morning. I could feel the texture of the coat I was wearing, the breeze on my face. People's eyes could be read. Interesting selection of people to join me for such a lucid dream, too.

Three, no four, major players in the dream.

Person-one, who has a habit of "not showing up" was in the dream and, surprise, did not show up! But we were expecting her.

Person-two: I found her stuffed bunny and returned it to her. We chatted and danced while we waited for person-one to not show up. Person-two left on a school bus and took her bunny with her. They both seemed very happy to be reunited!

Person-three, had a heavy load and was headed to the laundromat, but eyes told me that maybe later.....(promises, promises).

Person-four - What are you doing in my dreams? I've never seen you here before; welcome! You look good at the head of the table! Your leadership skills are becoming very impressive!

I was wearing my pretty royal blue coat with the fur collar that I lost 45 years ago. All this time I thought it was stolen but I just left it in the land of dreams. What other items might be waiting there for me to rediscover?  It would be nice if my skate key is there. I don't have the skates anymore but I sure liked that skate key. It would look good on a 30" silver chain surrounded with Kyanite and Iolite beads.

The restaurant where I was having lunch with friends was built with thick redwood beams  and boards. Windows wrapped around three sides of the dining room. I could smell the vegetables roasted in rosemary and the ravioli (I'm pretty sure I brought the ravioli with me from watching Master Chef Canada last night. I could taste it too and all I have to say is "YUM"!)

I do hope my subconscious noted the location of the restaurant; the ambiance was remarkable and the black currant balsamic vinaigrette was literally out-of-this-world! I'm going to start sleeping with a  mason jar just in case I go back.

If I die in my sleep, please know that some uptight dream-realm official wouldn't let me transfer dimensions with a mason jar full of other-worldly salad dressing so I chose to stay with that divine nectar of the gods!

I found a folding laundry basket, returned it to person-two, returned to the curb to wait!  I looked down the street and knew that person-one was always going to not-show-up. I unbuttoned my coat, put my hands in my pockets and started walking in the direction of home. I made the choice not to wait but to show up for myself.

The walk felt good, the pace was brisk, even in an elegant pair of heels! I was smiling. The air brushed my face as I walked.  As I woke, I could still feel the breeze on my skin and I was still smiling.

I wonder if I can get a map back to that place and where do I get one if they exist?

Now, if you'll excuse me. My teapot is whistling and I have fresh ginger to peel and chop.

Do you have a place that you visit often in your dreams? 

Well, Hell!

You can build a fence out of wire or wood, steel or iron.

It can be four feet high or twelve feet tal.  It can reach the sky.

Signs, threatening trespassers with bodily harm or litigation, can be every six feet or every six inches.

Sooner or later, though, you are bound to leave the gate open.

Damn!

In My Momma's and Dad's Backyard...Back-Back Yard!

Skies were pretty dramatic while we waited for sunset color.

My Mom and Dad live on the Sacramento River though the bank is pretty steep, so they don't see the river from their house unless there is serious water flowing.  Most of the time, we have to walk to the back of the yard to see the pretty little rapids.

Leaving Mom-and-Dad's place last Sunday, we decided to go around the back of the Bend to look for the whooping cranes we had heard. Cranes were gone (or napping) but the green was very much awake and singing.

Sunset color never did show up in the sky but the clouds were dancing.

 The sound of frogs, and a hundred different species of birds was fantastic. Isn't it strange how noisy peace and quiet can be?

Occasionally, the breeze would rise up, and the surface of the water would ripple and at other times the water was the perfect mirror.

Did you know that between 1950's and the 1990's, the clarity of the sky became so polluted that we lost 20% of our blue?

Scientists called it Global Dimming. Since we have become more aware of aerosols and other pollutants, we are getting our clear skies back. The vivid blues are returning. Of course, that means the sun's radiation and heat can reach earth more effectively, which makes it warmer.

All I can say, is I am thankful for the blue, which is the last color to be discovered by the human eye! Maybe nature saved the best for last!

We were not disappointed by the amount of birds. As usual, my husbands photos of moving targets are far more beautiful than mine...so mine will stay in the "much to be desired" file!

I have told you that he does have a better (fancier and more expensive) camera than mine, right?

We waited around to see if the sunset would treat us with some brilliant color. It only teased us of sunsets to come with bits of color. Soon....maybe soon!

I enjoyed the evening so much, I decided to make the Bend my Wondering and Wandering background for awhile. It is the perfect place for exactly that, a little wondering and a little wandering and a whole lot of appreciating.

Hard To Say Goodbye

The ashes of a dear friend returned home this weekend.

I've kept them for 10 years, debating where to spread them. He loved the ocean, he loved the ranch. Ten years of ocean? Ranch? Ocean? Ranch?

Last fall the ranch was in the middle of one of the biggest forest fires in northern California. Everything was burned to a crisp but the house and the tall Mount-Olympus cypress trees that surrounded it...or so we thought.

We took a drive to see what spring might have brought and took his ashes with us.

Yes, it is silly, "Hey, Mitch, want to go for a drive with us?" As silly as it sounds, he did want to go and we loaded him up.

Highway 20 wildflowers were almost non-existent. In years past the road was lined in bright pastels of lupine, poppies, bluebells, baby blue eyes, yarrow, violets and sweet peas. Some of the mountains were still black but several of the slopes were sporting green grass and a strange white flower that I've never noticed. The contrast of black tree skeletons against the bright green was startling.

We stopped at the ranch. So many ancient oaks completely dead, not the tiniest sign of life.

The blackberries surrounding one of the spring-fed ponds were completely obliterated but two hundred year old trees survived nearby, a huge fig tree and an gnarly pear tree. We cheered for their strong survival instinct to thrive through drought, fires and years of being munched on by cattle.

Walking along side the fence....ever seen melted barbed-wire....over the rise and there they were. All 250 almond trees adorned in green leaves. They lived! The last time we saw then they were the blackest of black, smoke still rising from the ground. Here they were, leaves, tiny buds of almonds. Life!


What a celebration! We left Mitch's ashes on his beloved ranch with his trees that had risen from their own ashes.

Rest In Peace, my friend. I miss you but I am glad to know that your ashes are home.

Ta Da!

Light at the end of the tunnel approaching! Everyone off of the tracks?

To Do list is close to becoming a Ta Da list...and never once did my hands leave my wrists!

GodParenting Book: Rough Draft finished and off to 4 editors, two for psychological/sociological editing, two for doctrinal editing.

Illness: Antibiotics finished. Ultra Sound today to confirm kidney stones, not back pain from lifting 22 month old and sitting on ground playing with Lego blocks and puzzles.

Logo:  Company in Auburn submitted two choices and the clerics are liking them....phew!

Bills: paid, at least for the next 17 days!

GodParenting Proposals: prepared, checked twice, edited, done.

Mom's Broken Hearing Aid: Replaced

Mom's Missing Replacement Hearing Aid: whole other story, but resolved!

Meeting with Deanery:  Presentation Prepared..."please, God, keep me from spraining my tongue while talking to a room full of priests, (but, yes, I understand,  'thy will be done')!  

Meeting with Diocese: Prepared...mostly....still praying for grace and no drooling when making presentation. (but, again, 'thy will be done')!  p.s. I am willing to bargain for a little mercy! I'm willing to give up Hostess cupcakes and Dutch Bros coffee for a whole month...or two!

Shower, Pee, Eat...maybe tomorrow! All in due time!

Addendum to 'Imagine If'

Yesterday's journey through the woods and the mysterious, inviting foundation of an old cottage reminds me of Neil Gaiman's Instructions, just in case you ever find your self in a fairy tale. We should always carry a copy of it. You never know when such instructions will be necessary.

"Instructions" By Neil Gaiman

 
"Touch the wooden gate in the wall you never saw before.
Say “please” before you open the latch,
go through,
walk down the path.
A red metal imp hangs from the green-painted front door,
as a knocker,
do not touch it; it will bite your fingers.

Walk through the house. Take nothing. Eat nothing.
However,
if any creature tells you that it hungers,
feed it.
If it tells you that it is dirty,
clean it.
If it cries to you that it hurts,
if you can,
ease its pain.

From the back garden you will be able to see the wild wood.
The deep well you walk past leads to winter’s realm;
there is another land at the bottom of it.
If you turn around here,
you can walk back safely;
you will lose no face. I will think no less of you.

Once through the garden you will be in the wood.
The trees are old. Eyes peer from the undergrowth.
Beneath a twisted oak sits an old woman. She may ask for something;
give it to her. She
will point the way to the castle.
Inside it are three princesses.
Do not trust the youngest. Walk on.

In the clearing beyond the caste the twelve months sit about a fire,
warming their feet, exchanging tales.
They may do favors for you, if you are polite.
You may pick strawberries in December’s frost.
Trust the wolves, but do not tell them where you are going.

The river can be crossed by the ferry. The ferry-man will take you.
(The answer to his question is this:
If he hands the oar to his passenger, he will be free to leave the boat.
Only tell him this from a safe distance.)

If an eagle gives you a feather, keep it safe.Remember: that giants sleep too soundly; that
witches are often betrayed by their appetites;
dragons have one soft spot, somewhere, always;
hearts can be well-hidden,
and you betray them with your tongue.

Do not be jealous of your sister.
Know that diamonds and roses
are as uncomfortable when they tumble from one’s lips as toads and frogs:
colder, too, and sharper, and they cut.
Remember your name.
Do not lose hope—what you seek will be found.

Trust ghosts. Trust those that you have helped to help you in their turn.
Trust dreams.
Trust your heart, and trust your story.
When you come back, return the way you came.

Favors will be returned, debts be repaid.
Do not forget your manners.
Do not look back.

Ride the wise eagle (you shall not fall)
Ride the silver fish (you will not drown)
Ride the gray wolf (hold tightly to his fur).
There is a worm at the heart of the tower; that is why it will not stand.

When you reach the little house, the place your journey started,
you will recognize it, although it will seem much smaller than you remember.
Walk up the path, and through the garden gate you never saw but once.
And then go home. Or make a home.
Or rest."

          *    *     *     *     *     *     *

Now, I can tell you many of these items I have found to be profoundly true.

Dragons do have soft spots.
Hearts are easily betrayed (and most often betrayed) by tongues.
Most importantly, "Do Not Lose Hope!"

What advice do you have for someone who has found themselves in the middle of a fairy tale?

Imagine If...

You're hiking along a deserted forest path. Only the tiniest rays of light find their way to the forest floor. Ferns are thick and full, easily surpassing your belt in height. The path narrows, takes a twist and turn and another twist.  You find yourself traveling down hill. The trees' canopy thickens. There are no splashes of sun to light the way.  In the silent darkness, the path can only be made out by the separation of the undergrowth.

You know you are walking down hill only by the slight pull in your calves and upper thighs, so subtle is the descent. Another twist, another turn...looming before you is a mossy stone wall, steep steps invite you to approach...or do they warn the traveler to stay away?

Photo Courtesy of Wayne Grazio

Do you climb the stairs?

Do you sit on a step, with your back to the stone wall?

Do you sit on the ground and listen to the echos of life past?

Do you listen for gnomes and fairies to tell you the story of residents long gone?

Mille Femmes

While waiting for my handsome husband to get his soft, wavy curls get snipped away (sniff, sniff) at Supercuts, I picked up the closest magazine. I would have waited in the truck with my Kindle but the temperature was 94 degrees...I was seeking air conditioning in a major way.

Just a side note about Redding. Spring lasts about 8 hours, which I think happened Monday from about 10 a.m through 6 p.m.

The magazine was Good Housekeeping.  This is not your mother's Buick. Completely different from the last issue I read, which was probably 1988 or so.

This was March, 2016 issue, featuring an article regarding Mille Femmes, an art show of 1000 portraits of women who were asked to describe themselves in one word!

Talk about the self-examined life!

Photo Courtesy of Good Housekeeping March 2016

Curious, Passion, Genuine, Gregarious...how would I describe myself in this moment of my life?

Brave....not even!

Aware...well, mostly.

Wry...probably not.

Gregarious?  Uh, with or without Tequila?

Seeker? Getting warm.

Vibrant?  Yeah....no!

If I must narrow it down to one word, it can only be one.

I am blessed.

Can you describe yourself in one word? Gifted? Compassionate? Courageous?

Tell me, tell me, do!

Good News!

Good News Tuesday!

Just got some great news in my email!

The beautiful pastel blouse with embroidered petal on the pockets down by the hem that I ordered five weeks ago to wear on Easter shipped today!

Question of the Month

Mike Agostini's compelling Question of the Month is "What is your favorite thing that begins with a 'C'"!

Okay, I have to admit. As questions go this one might not be compelling but it is fun. Just check out all the links on his page of favorite C-things.

It's taken me a couple of days to think about it and I've felt a little bit like Dr. Suess while contemplating my favorite thing that begins with C.

Cake? It is not cake, "Sam I am, I do not like it here or there," I do not like cake anywhere.

Coal?  "Not in a house, not with a mouse."

Crayons? Nope, not my favorite but I do like them.

Crispy Cremes? Oops, that starts with a K, silly!

Cats? Not on a train or in a boat. Not in a car with a goat.

Cars? Nope, not that one either.

Coats? Carnivals? Castles?

"Oh! Oh! I know, I know!" (see hand raised and waving madly!)

Coconut cream pies! Oh my god! The rich cream filling, the thick whipped topping and a little toasted coconut sprinkled on top!

I hear Marie Callender's calling my name, my thighs and my wallet. A little like Bali Hai but no handsome man to see across the crowded room! Just me, a spoon and my pie!

It's Okay Tuesday

Missed last Tuesday's It's Okay and, in keeping with the spirit, I guess that's okay. Check out Airing My Laundry,  to get the gist of Hey, It's Okay.

It's Okay:

That my granddaughter had an allergic reaction that needed the application of her Epi Pen and a trip to the ER. She is doing fine and she is no longer afraid of the Epi Pen, so, if her trusted parents aren't around and she ever needs the Epi, she will not be afraid to use it.  She's going to be a great artist and designer one day!

It's okay to walk into the doctor's office without an appointment and beg to be seen. It works!

It's okay to empty the garage and toss out stuff you haven't thought about for a year.

It's okay to find something you've been looking for, for over a year, while cleaning the garage and bring it back into the house. (It's okay to scowl at handsome husband while doing so! It's okay to quote a presidential candidate and say, "He started it!")

It's okay to be sad for me and happy for my daughter and her family to get great jobs and be moving 3000 miles away.

It's okay that I am totally confused about what awesome scent to use in my new Scentsy warmer. I bought 7 scents and I love each one.  Sedona Sunset won out today.

It's okay that I'm blogging instead of working on the book today, yes it is, yes it is, yes it is!

Have a great day all of you, I think I should go work on the book!

(but first I'm going to do Question of the Month....and then the book....I swear!)

Note From My Mother

To Whom It May Concern.

Please excuse Toni for her absence from Blogville.  The Life Fairies delivered a three month package of events, duties and illnesses on her in a three week period.

She has answered comments, tried to catch up on reading and has missed all her Blogville friends.

Sincerely,
Toni's Mom

p.s. Dang! Did it again, I'm supposed to sign it with her name instead of Toni's Mom, right! Will I ever learn?