Best News of the Day

Hey, folks.

Sister #1 has decided to take Sister #2 up on the offer of renting mom's house!!!!

My heart was so overjoyed @ this news.

This means we don't have to rush to get the remaining weird crap outta the house (we still will - there's just no deadline rush).

This means we don't have to put mom's fancy clothes, hats, etc., in storage until it is decided what it to be done with them.

This means the house with the great patio/backyard will stay in the family and we will continue to celebrate there.

This means the Yellow Maple planted in the backyard honoring my brother's memory will continue to have our eyes adore it.

This means Sister #1 will be a HOMEOWNER (as opposed to a townhouse renter).

This means we will still have a reason to go to that side of town (the North East).

This means Sister #1 will take a lovely home and put her lovely touches to it.

This means.....God is always right on time.

All the time.

Peace.

Update

Seriously? Day 24? Lol. Sometimes I don't know why I bother with these prompts. 😕

"Inspiring Movie": I loved this one. Eddie Murphy was 'bravo worthy' for sure. If you haven't seen it, don't sleep on it. It's purely worth it.

I got my photos submitted for the Arbor Day Photo Contest ("Tree-Mend-Us). I almost didn't make the deadline. The voting ceremony will be this Friday (27th) then the winners will be announced May 4th @ a ceremony at a very cool art gallery in our city's art district. I'll keep ya posted. Here are the submissions:

On the very cool end, I have a buyer for the black/white photo!! 😀 I never know what to charge for my pictures, but I think I've come up with a reasonable price. I have such a bad habit of under selling my talent/worth. If the buyer isn't happy with the price, that will be okay too.

On a not so cool end, mom's doctor has diagnosed her with "severe Alzheimers." 😩 We're in the process of obtaining guardianship. He said it'll get a lot worse as she'll begin to have angry outbursts. We have tons of information, options, etc., but I am SO heartbroken. He said she's rapidly declining & probably 'won't be with us much longer.' THAT was the heart-squeezer for me & I'm always on the brink of hot tears.

At a time like this, I stay in tight communication with God for strength & constantly reflect on the word "Impermanence" which was taught to me at a time when I was grieving for a friend.

The best we can do is spend as much time w/her as possible while we still have her.

Amen.

Hmm... I think I Might Work There....

Yeah... the 7th month. Summertime here in the midwest. And I finally found a job.

The job thing happened in a strange way. I went into a grocery store chain to check on flowers and came out with a job. Turns out, the chain is/was building a bigger, 'better' grocery and was hiring for employees to man the deli (aka the Cold Cut Counter). I was in my dirty tennis shoes, holey jeans & tank top (my typical daily summer wear), and was interviewed on the spot.

Two days later, they offered me the position. But God..... 😲

I wasn't sure it was real and didn't accept that they truly 'hired' me, even after they gave me a name tag & I started orientation. Lol. That feeling carried on even as I trained for 2 weeks and waited on customers.

So now... the new store is opening on July 12th and I'm on the schedule.

I think I work there. 👀👀

While ever place has it's round of "way too many chiefs and not enuff indians", what I like about this type of work is THE PEOPLE; THE CUSTOMERS; THE ART OF SERVING, and WORKING AS A TEAM. The art of the "Greet, Stay, Have A Nice Day" way of things. I don't know about others, but I can't have too much of a bad day when I'm smiling, telling OTHERS to have a good day when I can't seem to have one my DAMN self!!

This serves my soul better than sitting in an office where you day is dictated by the dick-head in charge's mood. Where no matter what you do, how you do it or how much of your all you give it - it's just never enuff. I won't say what I won't ever do again (because who knows?), but my pref. is being out in the open. Where I can shine.

So as I pull on my required khaki's, my red issued shirt, my name tag & slice fine meats and cheeses to the public's liking, I feel a little spark inside. Because I work there.

I think..... 🙌

July 4th; by me

Getting to know 'Mat"

After reading way too much about it & not doing anything about it, I finally decided to get to know "Mat."

She's nice. Comfortable. Long & squishy.

While she's beautiful to look at, she supports my efforts and encourages me to keep going.

I love being with her in the morning and evening.

Moving into beginner positions, trying to not breathe like a wild dog in heat. 😬

I want this to become of my daily routine. Pushing muscles that I haven't used in years.

I'm much more motivated to do this at home as opposed to signing up for a class. Plus, I can't afford a class right.

And, I really like Adrienne as an instructor. She's pretty cool.

My Photo

My Photo

Namaste.

Your "Word" for 2017

I'm proud of myself for completing thus far 29 photo prompts of December Reflections. The only 2 I missed were days 24 and 25 and I don't believe in going back in this case. I enjoy these because it makes my brain connect a picture to the prompts. It wasn't difficult since I shoot about a gazillion pictures making it easy to go back & connect one with the other.

I will not participate in the last day. I mean I will, but it won't be "MY" word. I've decided not to have a word for the upcoming year. There are already plenty of words out there; I don't need to put another pain in my ass for feeling like failure when I don't 'live up' to the word.' I have enough on my mind.

For instance, the word below was my 2016 word. Yes, I came out strong creating a bold, kick-ass banner that screamed as much. However, I realized in the last few hours of the old year that I haven't done one damn thing that equates 'brave.'

My "2016 unused word" (Photo by Me)

If you want to call walking out on a stressful new job after a 3 year dry period 'brave', then you can count that. I didn't feel brave at all. I felt like I was leaving before the door hit me in the ass, so to speak. It's less painful when you 'fire' yourself than to hear it coming from your boss. Lol!!

My ever-wise friend, Se'lah, gave me this bit of knowledge tonight:

"If something doesn't personally make a difference in your life, there is no need to embrace it." 

My Photo

What? I don't?? Her saying that was SO freeing!!! Why the hell couldn't I have figured that out myself? I need to surround myself more folks spitting wisdom. Now I need to dig into myself to see what other shit is holding me hostage and why I feel married to shit that doesn't make me feel good.

Peace, light and DUH!!!! 😡

There are no "sides"

I am the daughter

Remember how your parents always were in charge of your lives until you grew up and moved on?

What happens when the roles are forced to change?

Your are the mother

And what happens when the role reversal is met with sheer, intense resistance? When the mother will never admit there are things she can't or doesn't remember? Is it her fear of losing independence? What about when you have 7 siblings who the mother calls "those other people" because they, too, have expressed concern?

Role reversal can be scary

It's time to lay down the role of 'best friend, encourager, cheer-er upper, running buddy" and be honest. When I expressed my own concerns, they were met with disdain. "You've been talking to "them!" "I need you to have you OWN opinion!" "I need someone I can depend on to support me "against them!"

Sigh... there are no "thems", there are only "us." ALL of us. I shared that all concern came from nothing but love.

There are no sides.

Randoms

I'll admit that in 2014, I want to fly. If I only had the courage. Let go of the fear.

I don't want to drag any 2013 baggage along

I want to realize what is real in my life, stop allowing emptiness & look at the big picture

Life would be perfect if: Some girls had mute buttons; Some guys had edit buttons; Hard times had fast forward buttons; And Good times had pause buttons.

I continue to be interested in new things that seem old, and old things that seem new.

Catching up #3/One Minute Writer; "Emotion"

"Emotion"

The other day, I made a decision based totally on emotion. I didn't consider the fact that I may have been losing a valuable, loving, friendship. But in the end, I decided to trust and believe in myself.

One Minute Writer word prompt: "Emotion"

Sunday

"When you saw only one set of  footprints, it was then that I carried you." ~ God

Wishing everyone wellness and peace in the upcoming new year. May your goals, dreams and wishes comes to fruition.

I read this today in "Jesus Calling" while doing my Bible study in my room. It surprises me how many things try to distract me during this time. From son busting in to ask goofy questions, to "D" doing the same. It truly irritates me when everyone knows what I'm doing. Anyway, this struck me and called me out! I don't usually like to write in my books, but I found this highlighter-worthy:

When you are dissatisfied with your behavior, you tend to feel unworthy of My Love. You may unconsciously punish yourself by withdrawing from Me and attributing the distance between us to My displeasure. Instead of returning to Me and receiving My Love, you attempt to earn My approval by trying harder.  All the while, I am aching to hold you in My everlasting arms, to enfold you in My Love. When you are feeling unworthy or unloved, come to Me.  Then ask for receptivity to My unfailing Love. 1 John 4:15-18, Deuteronomy 33:27; and Psalm 13:5.

This is me. When I know I've done things that I know don't please God, I hide. Just like Adam and Eve. my prayers are choppy and stunted, like a child admitting to his parents that he did, indeed, break the window, or any other repentance. Now any other time, I'm glad to know He's right by my side, but when I know He's giving me the side-eye, things just aren't right with my soul. But the most awesome thing is knowing He loves me, regardless. Such a comfort.

Here's to walking a much more true-er path in 2013.

Sunday

One way to make sure you slow down is to take the time to help an elderly parent/relative. At the height of my supreme coffee buzz while I flew from one task to the other, mom needed help going to the grocery. This is no problem whatsoever, but I knew it would require me to get my 'coffee rush' under control.

At first the irritation of slow motion pissed me off! Lol! (the coffee wasn't cooperating). Then when I watched mom, I felt bad; she confused easily & was truly struggling with her knee. Suddenly, my heart felt warm and I was more than happy to be her eyes, her ears, her feet, her knees. I took on her small list with a vengence. I wanted to take care of her & ensure her safety.

When she dropped me off back @ home, she assured me she was okay with getting the bags out of the jeep. I told her to make sure her garage door was closed first.

Our roles have reversed. I vow to never be 'too busy' when she reaches out.

Picture: me
The Sunday Community

1 Timothy 5:4 ~
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

Day 18, A Day of Thanks

I have failed epically at giving daily thanks, even though I have been thankful, daily. In keeping with Happenings @ Chaos, my dear friend, Sharon's, timely & daily blessings inspire me.


I am grateful for making what I feel are the right decisions regarding discipline

I am grateful for this beautiful November weather: sunshine & blue skies, even tho temps are high 40's & low 50's.

I am grateful for the beautiful fall mess that is my yard. With the golden yellow leaves from the maple all over the place, I think it looks rustic

I am grateful that it's my house and I don't have to rake if I don't want to. Ever. Lol.

I am grateful that everything will still bloom in its time, even if I don't rake.

I am grateful for the grace I am feeling in the face of adversity about the upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving plans have changed multi-times in as many as 3 days. I'm about ready to chuck it all. WITH grace. :-\

I am grateful for Xanax. :-)

Upgrade

Self-pity is one of the most dangerous forms of self-centeredness. It fogs our vision. ~ Annonymous

Tell me, what right do I have to ever have a pity party day when I am so blessed?
I go about my business and my life, thankful, but not really knowing

• how it is to have chemo, radiation, biopsies, neropathy, nausea, hair loss
• or to have to use a cane to walk, to be so, so thankful to wake up, to live another day
• to celebrate another birthday, to not be in constant pain

While the people I know that do suffer from such things

• shine their light their brightest
• give testament to milestones with pure joy
• walk marathons
• travel more, love more, live more and relish their moments more
• and live in their moments more

My attitude stays in a constant state of upgrade.

Picture: me; I pass this pond every day; when the water is warm, but the air is cool, a huge fog shrouds the pond.
Sunday Scribbling word prompt: "upgrade"

Jumping Tandem Sunday

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:2

Jumping Tandem: The Sunday Community

"Quiet Signs" Friday (with words)

“Listen to the quietest whispers of your mind. They are telling you the choices that will help you the most.”


Happy Friday, all. My mind is affixed on an opportunity I've been offered that is calling for a lot of pros & cons to be examined.

For the most part, the cons in this opportunity is winning. It's something that I've wanted for a while now, but if the links don't add up in my favor, I may have to let it go on past until the next blessing finds me.

Sigh, inhale & exhale.

Trying to focus on "the quietest of whispers."

Have a safe, warm, weekend, all! :-)


Pictures by me :-}

Thankful Thursday

Good Thankful Thursday morning, all. I am thankful, always, however, I'm feeling a life-change coming on, so I have no more words than to say: Thank you. I am looking into finding new employment as I believe I have gone as far as I can go at my present job. The only way to change that is to be proactive, so the resumes will be sent. I don't know what will happen, but I feel confident that God will guide my path - if I take the first step.

Prayers & stay thankful.

"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me." ~Author Unknown

Pictures by: me
Even though our temps are in the 30's with a threat of the dreaded snow tomorrow, I was still able to find "pre-winter" beauty.