Holiday Delight

Time to get the Tree!

Oh, how I love Christmas. Sure it's an overwhelming time with all the MANY things to do. Parties, presents, decorations, baking, shopping, cleaning, traveling...but so what? Isn't it worth it? Isn't the warmth and love that comes from it all...worth it?

The way I see it- you could either let it turn you into a scrooge...bah humbug...or you could embrace the traditions. Allow them to sink into your bones; taking over your senses.
So relax! Enjoy the season. It won't wait for you.
Jump into it with both feet. Let it sweep you away. Be different. When your standing in line (the one you've already been in for 15 minutes) let the person behind you go first. Some call this random acts of kindness. Whatever...just try it. Don't rush. Savor. It goes by to fast.

One month is not enough for me. I want to do it all. Turn the house into a winter wonderland, bake cookies for my neighbors, send out Christmas cards, watch every childhood Christmas special on tv, invite all my friends over for hot chocolate and apple cider, get all dressed up and watch my daughter dance in the Nutcracker, give out homeade gifts with my kids to older folks forgotten in a nursing home on Christmas eve, give a special gift to the one I love, and the most important...Pray, remember "Christ" is the reason for the season and be still in God's awesome gift.
Merry Christmas and Bless you. You do have, after all...A Wonderful Life.

Our Thanksgiving meal was treditional and comfortable. Candles glowed, cider sparkled and smiles were shared. After dinner we took a walk to admire the lovely landscape. The light drizzle rain grew thick, forcing an early end. Deer munched the green grass as I ran the rest of the way home. Another glass of wine? Sure!

Things I'm Thankful For

My Family.

Falling in love.
Laughing so hard my face hurts.
A hot shower.
No lines at the supermarket.
A special glance.
Getting mail.
Taking a drive on a pretty road.

Running in the early morning mist.
Hearing my favorite song on the radio.
Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

A bubble bath.
A good conversation.
The beach.

The fact that my daughter needs me to sing to her every night.
Finding a 20 dollar bill in my coat from last winter.
Laughing at myself.

Sprinklers that cross my path when I'm running on a hot day.
Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
Having someone tell me that I'm beautiful.
Laughing at an inside joke.

Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
A first kiss...second....third....
Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

Having someone play with my hair.
Sweet dreams.

My imagination.

The color Red.

Starbucks Coffee.
Holding hands with someone I care about.

Watching the expression on someone's face as they recieve a gift from me.
Sitting on the roof watching the sunset.
Getting out of bed in the morning and not feeling sick.

When God saved my life.
Knowing that somebody misses me.
Getting a hug from someone I really care about.

Computers....yeah, really...

Question

Very quick since I have lots of cooking to do tonight...

Where do you get your latte?

A. Starbucks
B. Local coffee/donut shop
C. Grocery store
D. Drive thru expresso
E. Bookstore
F. Other

please explain why. example- the atmosphere, the convenience, great tasting coffee, etc...
Also if you desire, explain why you think coffeehouses have gain such nationwide appeal. (Europeans have coveted these places for years...)

Falling in Love

A moment in the lives of Emma and Don Fanny;

A woman walks into a movie theater and sits down next to a man she secretly wants. The desire makes her heart pump much faster than necessary. The man hands her some popcorn and says "It's about time, I was starting to think you weren't coming." She takes a deep breath and manages to get out, "sorry, it doesn't look like I've missed anything, have I?" He leans in toward her just close enough that she can smell his skin to say "just a couple previews." All she can see of him is a dark silhouette. Occasional flashes of light reveal his deep face and those blue eyes that pierce her soul."What am I doing here?" she asks herself. The answer of course was instant. I like him. I just like being near him. Such a simple answer, but the only one that fit.

Patience Kitty

Waiting for the kill...

He waited not so patiently, jumping from side to side; top to bottom. My kitty, Danny. However he was persistent. I tried to see if a sparrow had made my kids bird house a home, but found nothing. Then it happened. A butterfly took his moment of opportunity and dashed out of the small circular entrance. Danny swatted and chased after him, but to no avail. The beautiful little butterfly would live to see another day. Happy insect, sad cat.
Life is like that sometimes, huh? Waiting and waiting (impatiently) for something to happen and when the best opportunity arises, we miss it or just don't take it. Was the time spent waiting a waste? Depends, I guess. I actually happen to believe that every experience makes you who you are. The choices you make define you. I am selfish. Most of my decisions are based with "me" in mind. I don't like it, I try not to, but for the most part, it's true.

For example- Thanksgiving is at my house this year for the first time ever. I'm thankful not everyone is coming...I hate to cook. Lately eating doesn't seem to hold much appeal either. However, I do love my family. I miss my dad and brother most. I wish they could be here...I'd cook a hundred turkeys if they came. Yeah, I'm exaggerating of course.
2....that would be good...2 turkeys.

:-)

No Problem Mon.

Jamaica still lingers...

Yes, it would appear that my brain is stuck between two worlds. One foot is here while the other I left in Jamaica. My brother (in blue) got married to Conni (a great sister-in-law) on the beach in Montego Bay, June 10, 2004. I was the maid of honor and Michael was the best man. It was the best wedding I've ever been to. Intimate. They got a lot of flack by choosing to get married there instead of Ca. or Mn. But they did what was best for them, and how many people have the guts to do that!

Country Living

Country Living

Is it any wonder I love to run? Look where I live! Yes, I'm bragging. I can't help it. I LOVE this place. It's beautiful, the school is great, the people are great, the air is clean (most of the time), and the traffic is...wait a minute, what traffic?? We don't even have a real stoplight. Where else can you go to the bank, post office, bookstore, buy a mocha, get your haircut and take your pet to the vet all before noon? Here, that's where. And if you must go to the big city, it's a fun drive through the canyon (10min) and 30 more on the freeway.
I love to run, I love to run! By the way, I love to run. I think for the same reason I like to do home improvement. It's a challenge. My stubborn streak needs a challenge. I need something to resist. Something to fight. I fight fatigue in running. I fight "your a girl and can't do this" in home improvement. I LOVE to excel. I love to win. I love to push myself. I love to feel invincible. I love the challenge. For me running is being "in the zone."
I could live without the pain, the nausea, the stretches. But I can almost do the splits! Like when I was a kid. There are just to many pluses to running and I'm not going to give it up. That's why I went to a sports doctor yesterday. Shin Splints. Just shin splints, yeah, but they hurt! I'll do whatever I need to do to keep going. Rub, stretch, ice...walking just seems to slow. I try, but my pace picks up until I cave in and run. If something hurts while I'm running, I'd rather stop, rub it, and run again. No walking. Walking is something you do when you're with a friend. Talk and walk. It's good for you, I know. But running is a thrill all it's own.
One more thing about running. YA GOTTA GET AN IPOD!

Baby Angels (Cherubs)

On The Road Again

To Sacramento
My daughter (the one with the short dark hair, giving my her goofy smile) along with her friend, Emma (the first one with long hair and goofy smile) were choosen to be in The Sacramento Ballet Nutcracker this Christmas. Very exciting, but lots more driving for me. That's okay. They have so much fun and I don't mind the commute- really! Beside, Emma's mom, Denise is my best friend and we take turns carpooling to Sac. Tonight is my turn. I'll drive through rush traffic, fight for a parking spot, pay the meters, and wade through a crowd of about 150 dancers to watch them sit on the floor of the studio playing Row-sham-bo. It's a 45 minute rehersal. They'll probably only need 15 minutes with the director.
I LOVE the Christmas Season!

Passionate Peace

The sun makes love to me
touching all my skin
danger I fear not
to lovely deep within

winds blow on my breast
the ocean at my side
salt and sand sift through my hand
will cover me tonight

Oh lovely sun
could I forget you?
fill my mind
protect my heart with rays
of radiant heat

The weather outside is getting colder, though the sun I do remember. Locked in my heart forever, the dreams I long to live. If only for a moment, the passion lofty lingers and brings me to this place of joy.

The Broken Road

Don't take me down that broken road. I must admit, the bumps are fun. The thrill reminds me this heart in my chest still beats. When my face feels the dirt, I am lonely. Which was the bump that caused me to fall? It was that one, yes, that one. I do know it well. The rock made of steel. With all my might I have tried to move it, crush it, hide it...yet I stumble still.

Don't take me down that broken road. The one I love, my favorite one. I long to feel the thrill again. It gives me pain. Lovely, sweet and bitter pain. The extremes I'll gladly visit and say Hello, but shall I live there? Hell no! I fear I'll drown if I stay down.

Don't take me down that broken road. The one I take myself. Another road? Does it exist? One without bumps I can't crush with my fist. A smooth road. A flat road. A silent and boring road. Shall I go there with my brain lying flat on a bed on silent noise? Could I go up and not fall? No. The bumps take me up. The bumps take me down. I must fall after all.

Take me down that old broken road. The one I've traveled a thousand times. Tears of joy and tears of pain will soften the frozen ground. "Life goes on" I hear people say, but what does that mean? Day after day. The road of life is broken and that is all I have to say.

Down in the Dumps

Just having one of those days that I wish would go away.
Things I want to do; write, run, dream, just seem so far today.
Back to bed and cover my head would be so easy.
Write on this blog page, so easy to.

Does anyone else out there struggle with this?
Is it just me?
My creative nitch focusing on wasted time.
Easier for me you see, I don't get a paycheck.

I can't express this one, it's hit a dark wall. It's hidden and not there for all.

Everyone has them.
Today is my turn.
To be down in the dumps.
With lessons I've learned.

that's enough- i'm outta here.

A Good Read

Climbing from the depths of utter ignorance
I am born into the realm of knowledge
Can my frame withstand?
Shall I crumble and fall?
The pages fly by the compass, dew west
Their words adorn wings
sinking like bullets deep into my flesh
I am sick with this world
yet, the sweet smell of rest
does quicken my heart and lengthen my quest.

Authors comment: This is how I feel when I am reading a good book. What an amazing thing to create a world all your own. A world that people you don't know can get lost in. Someday I will take you on a literary journey. I will show you things you've never thought of. I will enrapture you and leave you with a desire for more.

YOU

You

I think I like your smile best

your teethe grin

and crimson chest

your starlit eyes

and sandy hair

the way you melt me

with your stare

your long thin fingers

to help you speak

your careful words

that make me weak

I think about you all the time

I just can't get you

off my mind

I like your thoughts

of splendid wonder

about your world

of silent thunder

But I think I like your smile best

it's where my heart and center rest.

To You, I Drown in You, Enamered by You...

Precious Moments of You

Thank You

Hiking in the Canyon on a foggy day.

This was a farther drop than it looks. Why did I decide to go out on this pole??

Oh, yeah- because I fear nothing! See, I'm an awful liar. So, really, why am I on the pole? It's like this...if you notice 3 large pipes sticking out of the ground, you imagine yourself sitting or standing out on one of them. It always looks so easy on tv, right. Fear Factor. So out I go. But it isn't as easy as I thought. Plus this pipe is rusty! I'll ruin my jeans. Can't have that. Still, I wish I would have gone out farther. On second thought, it was a long way down to those jagged rocks...

Modern Ruins

Modern Ruins

There are several hints along the North Fork of The American River that make you question a time that has long since past. There used to be a railroad here. I've seen pictures of it. From a distance I could see something small in size and orange in color. As I drew closer I began to realize that it was actually a large metal pulley that had become crusted with corrosion, sitting among the tall grass and weeds. I inspected it. Mud, moss, rocks and rust had taken claim to the once useful tool. I stood up and gazed around the landscape, listening to the powerful sound of rushing water. Beauty. Natural beauty. It was everywhere. Even modern man could not cover it. I'll be back soon. With pen & paper to write my day away.
What inspires you?

AnnieFanny

Who is Annie Fanny?

Soon you'll know-
Like the Russian girl in Moscow yelling "Mom look! It's Harry Potter!"
The Asian boy in Tokyo pleading to eat at McDonalds.
She's the sad girl you didn't notice. About to find a brand new world with familiar faces.
Annie Fanny. Her name says it all. Go ahead and tease her- everyone does.
Unless you feel the pain of guilt that hurting another person brings.
Better yet, get to know her. She's funny, cute, smart and above all- a good friend.
Could you be all that?
Consider leaving the Earth's atmosphere by accident. Your father being charged with your murder. Finding out there is life on other planets and gee- they look just like you! Thank God, because in this world "Fanny" is not a slang word for "butt".

Who is Annie Fanny?
just my idea- my story- my dream

interesting fact

If this is true, Kerry already had the odds against him...

did you know that:

In U.S. history there has NEVER been a change in leadership during an American war.

nope never.

Abbott & Costello

I know this is looonnnggg, but it is funny :)

For those of you who remember them, this is to love...

ABBOTT and COSTELLO Buy A Computer

Remember ABBOTT and COSTELLO ? Hope you enjoy this one. In today's world, Bud ABBOTT and Lou COSTELLO's famous sketch "Who's on first?" might have turned out something like this....

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT . . .
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.
ABBOTT: Your computer?
COSTELLO: I don't own a computer.I want to buy one.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.
ABBOTT: What about Windows?
COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look in the windows?
ABBOTT: Wallpaper.
COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
ABBOTT: Software for Windows?
COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What have you got?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
ABBOTT: I just did.
COSTELLO: You just did what?
ABBOTT: Recommend something.
COSTELLO: You recommended something?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: For my office?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!
ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, lets just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?
ABBOTT: Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: Word in Office.
COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.
ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?
ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".
COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers. OK, forget that. Can I watch movies on the Internet?
ABBOTT: Yes, you want Real One.
COSTELLO: Maybe a real one, maybe a cartoon. What I watch is none of your business. Just tell me what I need!
ABBOTT: Real One.
COSTELLO: If it's a long movie I also want to see reel 2, 3 & 4. Can I watch them?
ABBOTT: Of course.
COSTELLO: Great! With what?
ABBOTT: Real One.
COSTELLO: OK, I'm at my computer and I want to watch a movie. What do I do?
ABBOTT: You click the blue "1".
COSTELLO: I click the blue one what?
ABBOTT: The blue "1".
COSTELLO: Is that different from the blue w?
ABBOTT: The blue "1" is Real One and the blue "W" is Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: But there's three words in "office for windows"!
ABBOTT: No, just one. But it's the most popular Word in the world.
COSTELLO: It is?
ABBOTT: Yes, but to be fair, there aren't many other Words left. It pretty much wiped out all the other Words out there.
COSTELLO: And that word is real one?
ABBOTT: Real One has nothing to do with Word. Real One isn't even part of Office.
COSTELLO: STOP ! Don't start that again. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?
ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer
COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.
COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
ABBOTT: One copy.
COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?
ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy money.
COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?
ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

A FEW DAYS LATER . . ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off? ABBOTT: Click on "START"..........

My Election Day Morning

Got up at the usual time. Got the kids ready for school, as usual. At 7:30 our normal routine began to change. I decided today I would dress a little nicer (kacki's and a blue snap up blouse) discarding my t-shirt and black night pants into the dirty clothes hamper. It is Election day after all.
I remember the first time I voted. By that time I was already married with children. I never thought to vote before because it just didn't matter to me, I guess. Growing up, I knew my parents voted, but they never took me with them. The subject of politics was avoided in our household. My dad worked for the government, doing who knows what?? I never could quite put a finger on it. Other kids would ask me, "so, what does your dad do?" and I awkwardly stumbled to give an answer. "Well, he works at the base- uhmm..."

By 8:15 I was shuffling the kids out the door and hoping we'd have enough time to go by the polls before the last school bell rang. I wanted my girls to see how this works. They're old enough now to learn and remember what voting is like.
We waited in line for about 15 minutes quietly talking about the significance of the moment. "What are they doing mommy?" my youngest daughter asks. "Why can't we just say who we want for President and leave?" was my older daughter's question. I explained to them, as I have done before, that we are voting on more than just who we want for President. Still the questions kept coming, and I was happy to answer. "Why do we vote? What else do we vote for?" I explained that there are other issues that I care about- such as huge casinos being built in our state, stem cell research and the three strikes law. This is how we help make tough choices.
"Why can't we tell people who we're voting for?" I knew this one was coming. Because the time for debate is over!! Above all I wanted them to understand that Every American Citizen has the right to have their vote RESPECTED. You don't have to agree, but you do have to respect their choice and sometimes that means keeping your mouth shut.

So we finally reach the table and gave them our name and address. They never check my ID. That bothers me, especially in California! After handing me my ballot- the lady suggested we use the little voting machines that were placed on portable tables for handicap voters. This way I can involve the kids. Great idea. Both girls loved helping me vote. I showed them where to place the cards and let them move the lever up and down to punch the holes in the right places.

Some people say it is just a hassle to take their kids to the polls. Yeah- I guess, but the benefit was worth it. They learned something in the real world today- Democracy. I'm surprised there aren't more parents dragging their kids to the polls. I even got them to school on time. By 9:30am I had already voted, gone to the post office, the bank, paid for a tall soy mocha at the local deli and made small talk with 2 friends. I love this small town! Life is good.

12 thoughts...

Yeah- I got a million of um

12. Life is sexually transmitted.
11. Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
10. Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich!
9. Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.
8. Some people are like Slinkies.....not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. ouch, not so nice...
7. Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
6. Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
5. All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
4. Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut saves you thirty cents?
3. In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
2. Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.

AND THE # 1 THOUGHT FOR 2004: Many terrorists come to America legally and hang around on expired visas (some for as long as 10-15 years). At Blockbuster you're two days late with a video rental and those people are all over you. I think we should put Blockbuster in charge of US immigration.