This will close the blogging year for me, my last post of 2010. Does one truly close a year? Do we file it away in the memory portion of our conscience, only to use it as reference? What really is a year to remember?
For me I will be starting the New Year in exactly the same place I started the last; under-educated, unemployed but hopeful as ever. Yes, I said hopeful. This past year taught me many new things; including the fact hope comes in small comment forms.
One small comment after another led me to smile. Smiles led to a tinge of hope and hope led me to, “Oh, yes I can.” It has been your consistent comments that have allowed me to believe again in, “The world truly is my oyster.”
Middle of the week, the last week of the year and I wanted to do one more “Just so you know” segment. It has been a while since I have added anything to the “Just so you know” category, have you missed it?
Any who, I hope you are enjoying your holidays and without further ado...
Just so you know … Mouse has passed everything but rawhide. We are going to assume she is alright and has a cast-iron stomach.
So? Did you have a wonderful Christmas, get all you asked for? Maybe you received several items that immediately went to the “re-gift” box for next year. Either way Christmas has come and gone for another year, but wait let me tell you…
My 24 hours of Christmas was comical to say the least. Christmas day I spent home alone, remember Mom’s prerogative, enjoying time with my furry friends and once again shoveling Mother Nature’s dandruff. It really was a great time. Then late that evening the phone rings…
As I sit to write this, I realize most all you will be waking to a holiday. I, on the other hand am waking to another 2” of snow and very thankful I do not have to travel today. Tomorrow, why tomorrow?
Tomorrow will be our Christmas. With all my siblings in the medical industry it is fair to assume someone would pull the holiday, this year two. Mother, as only mothers can do, declared Sunday our day of celebrating. Yeap, she moved Christmas.
This is nothing new. Growing up the child of a fireman, I was fed many a tale as to why Santa either came on Christmas eve or was late. See, story telling is in my blood.
Any who… Sunday I will load Ms. Twister and myself in the car, go pick up granny and head to the hollers. Today I come to offer you a very Merry Christmas.
I hope you are opening the gift you asked for, you are with those who fill you heart with love and that the aroma from the kitchen is driving you crazy. Merry Christmas my beautiful followers!
I’m off to hunt down the elves who left all those tiny elfin beer cans in my yard and Santa needs to pick up after his deer.
Yesterday I read a post by my blogging buddy Flowering Mama. Where she related how thankful she was for her country neighbors and it left an impression. I began to think about Christmas memories. Do you have Christmas memories?
I am not talking about those traditions we all go through year after year but memories. What pops in your head first when you think of Christmas past? Is it a gift, a place, a relative, maybe just a simple sense like the smell of pine?
As I spent the afternoon battling this cold, a pattern emerged. I began to realize my memories were nothing like what I expected. What I was remembering were not gifts or any monetary asset I had been bestowed but rather true Christmas memories.
Yes, as promised I will provide photos of the ice. I hope you enjoy because it sure was an adventure. My backyard has a ski slope built in, just getting down it was a crash course in ice walking.
Allow me to remind you, what looks like snow is actually ice balls. We received, so they say, an inch of snow, the rest is sleet/ice. I hope you enjoy.
White, pure and simply white and yet, it is a deceiving white. She stopped for a moment as if frozen in time and just breathed. A cold sharp air filled her lungs and briefly jolted her senses. “Well, this is not right. Why do I feel so much when I’m cold?”
The morning light brought a frozen wonderland. Not the soft, snow globe, picturesque sort but rather a harsh crystallized encasement. A hand crafted reminder that old man winter was still king and he ruled his frozen realm. It did not deter her; something about the cold lit a spark.
The memory of ice, yes my memory of ice. We are currently being warned of an impending ice storm and just the mention of this flooded my mind with memories. Have you ever experienced an ice storm?
The first ice storm I survived was major. A solid sheet of 1” thick ice covered everything by morning, though you do not sleep much in an ice storm. The first thing you notice will be the sound.
Most of my followers know I received a traffic ticket a month ago but in case you are new, I did. I crossed a yellow line to get into the turning lane and wall-la, a ticket. Last Thursday I completed my sentence.
Our lovely County Attorney offered me a fine of $150, ($63 cheaper than paying the ticket), preform 4 hours of community service and attend 1 hour of traffic school. I signed up and honestly am glad I did. My thanksgiving post came from the community service obligation and truly was a gift. Last week I completed the one hour traffic school.
When you look back, tally your naughty or nice score, which is it? Do you expect a lump of coal or that very special gift? Will Santa pay you a visit or will Rudolph turn the light out and head north?
I started thinking, “what do I really want for Christmas?” I started a list, below is what I came up with. Hope I make someone’s shopping list.
Do you ever have one of those mornings where you know what you want to say but the words elude the page? One where, no matter how hard you try or how fast you type you just can’t seem to catch them?
After several hours now I’ve decided to give up trying to catch them. To you my lovely followers I need to say a few things and for myself I need to purge a few things. Rather than type out formed paragraphs please accept my bullet points for the day.
My beautiful people, it is Monday. How did that happen? Time seems to transpire whether we wish to use it or not and so went my weekend, it transpired. When I left you Friday I was heading to the bath room to rid myself of some lemonade and I did. What I found though was Jell-O.
Saturday I awoke to our first snow fall and it continued throughout the weekend. Thus the Jell-O, a stay in and shake sort of weekend.
I love waking before dawn and having the first rays of light cast color reflections on newly fallen snow. It seems to make the world seem so pure and peaceful.
I really wish I was able to plan posts like the rest of you it sure would come in handy right now. I get up every morning and compose these posts you read, everything done in about an hour. Well, guess what?
Yesterday about 4pm life decided I needed another test or maybe a pop quiz. I have a programmable thermostat, you know save the bucks, cooler during the day and then warm by late afternoon, this was my first question.
At that moment the door closed behind me. A single bulb hung from the ceiling. Two stories up, it dimly lit the room. “Not much use,” I thought. “What have I got myself into this time?”
My head lowered and my eyes shifted back to the immediate surroundings. The perimeter held dancing shadows, the floor gritty, as though sandy feet had passed this way before me and the room is round. Flashbacks of carnival fun-houses filled my mind. “Well, I bought no ticket to this ride.”
The randomness of Tuesday. A thought process, a method to the means, if you will, of which a daily plan is born. For me in two hours it has become the randomness of a rainy day. Can you pickle a brain?
Random thought #1: A comment from yesterday’s outing still lingering heavy on my mind. “One person cannot make a difference.” “Since when?” my brain responded. The comment was from a youth in our fair country who believes this. “Sad,” I thought. Guess they did not catch CCN’s hero episode. Where these not all one person who choose to make a difference?
Get your minds out of the gutter. This is just a short snippet, a let me tell you sort of thing. I know many of you are in the final hours of NaNo so I’m going to be kind and keep this short. Aren’t you glad?
Besides today is cyber Monday and we all know you will be scouring the web for that one true deal. May the cyber force be with you and the FedX man bring you undented boxes.
The past couples of months have been extremely hard for me. Personal demons, soul aching and then I got a traffic ticket. At one point I could do nothing but laugh until I cried, that did not help. Do you know the song “Can’t always get what you want?”
At the last minute I have decided to participate in Jeffrey Beesler's Early Bird Thanksgiving Blogfest. Hop on over to Jeffrey Beesler's World of the Scribe to read the rest of the thankful stories/lists. So let the appreciation begin.
When I look in the mirror there I see a broken reflection. The image of fused pixels all forced into a blurry shape. Little spots of color, slowly melting together emerging as one fuzzy composition.
“Mirror, mirror, on the wall?”
Emotions have pixilated this image. Some obscured by the weight of the world, some self induced and some just left over paint, all blurring what now we see. Are we impressionist’s?
I want, I need, to inch my way back into our world of blogs. It wasn’t until I stepped back that I realized what a force you guys have become in my life. Do you know what I mean?
The compassionate comments you left on my status post only solidified my belief in you. Your compassion and the homeless guy who returned the backpack full of money, only to be rewarded with more generosity have pierced the gloom. Through the darkness came a light.
I’m nowhere near conquering my crossroads and I have made strides during this hiatus. I’ll tell you more about that tomorrow, but I did submit my first short story to a competition. I know, depressed and I set myself up for rejection. Well you have to have a cherry on top of that blue sundae don’t you?
Like I said, I’m inching my way back in, so this is not going to be long. I did want you to know that your words…
Lifted my wings like a small breeze and allowed me to make to the next branch on my journey. Thank you! Compassion is NEVER over-rated.
Since I left you M.I.A. with music I felt it only fitting I inch back in with music. My first holiday wish for the season…
I don’t know if you noticed, but I have been M.I.A. It is a conscience choice. It seems a crossroads has been hit here in the world of rainbows. Soul searching, chasing shadows and hearing noises, is where I am. Have you noticed me M.I.A.?
Storm clouds have gathered, I cannot find my foul weather gear and my power just went out. A metaphor for my being right now, thus the self imposed hiatus.
I hope you will bear with me while I weather the storm, find my way and the words return. In the meantime I offer you music…
He crept in a window. Except for shadows, the room was void. Oak floors creaked as he slumped in the corner. There, among the shifting, sinister shadows he found his home. Drool oozing from the corner of his mouth came a snicker, “Here I will dwell.”
She walked in the door. A lifetime of memories was in this room. Heels clacked on hard wood as she simply passed the shadowy perch. Weak, lost in a moment, peripheral vision failed her. A sinister extremity of shadow goo brushed her bare arm. Tears welling in her eyes came a whimper.
I can think of no better tribute to our armed forces past and present than a musical rendition. Yesterday I watched most of the World War II mini-series on the history channel. What a leap from teenager to armed warrior. I bow my head and say thank you, I gladly place my hand on my heart when they play the National Anthem and I never forget what liberties I have because of you.
If you are a veteran or currently serving please except the small award above as my thank you. Now for your music.
For the rest of you normal, non-fighting folks, I have another award.
Last week I received this irresistible award from Ms Yvonne at Welcome to my World of Poetry. If you are not following her, shame on you. Ms Yvonne can take any situation and turn it into poetry. She also is addicted to sliding boards and music, so leave your speakers on. Thank you so much Yvonne. I was just happy to have you back on-line sharing with us.
I pass this award on to: Flying High In the Sky, she too writes poetry and needs some followers. Go give her a look see and tell her I sent you. Roland @ Writing in the Crosshairs. What can say if you do not already know Roland. A total master of depth and description, if he were a painter galleries would be fighting over his master pieces. Give him a gander.
That's it for today. The squirrels are mad, I got the leaves raked. My PC is acting like it has the flu so I'm keeping this short.
One of the first days of Indian summer, take a stroll. Dressed for the uncertainty of day she left the realm of safety. Was it, “Safe” she muttered, snickering in a smug sort of way as she pulled the door shut.
The sound of a door closing she knew well. That numbing sound of swish, suck, click and then, silence. Her hand lingered on the knob and for a second the thought of reentering crossed her mind. “Come on, this warmth won’t last forever.”
Today is the 115th anniversary of the X-ray, did ya know? Did ya know I have not one but two folders full of this lovely invention? True, I do, more is better isn’t it? Oh what stories these films could tell, have you had x-rays?
Looking back I sometimes wonder why I am not now a human glow stick? It is sad when one can assume an x-ray position with no outside coaching or instructions. So why have I had so many? What stories could these films tell?
Deviating from the norm, I feel as though I need to explain. For the past couple of weeks my mind has not been on writing or blogging. For this I have a four-letter word, pain.
I have somehow, in some non-memorable way, totally messed my shoulder up. Yes, to all the mothers out there, I did go the doctor. I received 4 shots and been put on ice therapy. Healing is occurring. Whew!
“Be still my child, do not move.” In the stillness of the moment she heard the warning but heeded not the words. With the flip of a hand, as if to say, “Oh bother,” she ventured on. One-step, two-step, forward was her progress. Yet, in the back of her mind the words did echo, “What do you mean be still, I’m on a journey?”
As she turned she could see the mountains from whence she came and recalled the laborious trek to where she now stood. A glorious trek full of visual titillations and simple relics, carried now in the small pack upon her back. There had been no need for grandeur or amassing more than she what she need, just a simple memorable journey. “Be still my child, do not move,” again came the warning.
To all you lovely followers, I have noticed the tremble in your words. Some due to personal strife, some due to electronic dilemmas, some are cursing NaNo and some of us are just weary from all the political rhetoric. So for all of you?!
I say thank you, I encourage you and I am calling you. Your kind words have again given me flight. I’m trying my best to pass back some cheer your way, in whatever cyber form I can. In return you have sent me wings. How do I top that?
She dreamt of storm clouds. Clouds of towering, bellowing shades of gray that escalate into oblivion and can overtake the soul. Ominous clouds of vision that darken all in which we see and in her dream she was longing for...
Deep within the realm of sleep, she sat solely. Eyes focused squarely on the distant horizon she watched as her dark clouds grew. As if on cue and sensing the wonder in her eyes, toward her across the sky the storm did ramble.
This Monday morning, I am in mourning. Sitting here I find it hard to string a thought into a sentence, a sentence into a paragraph and so on. My emotions are full of heartache, making it difficult to write. Have I lost my summer companion?
Being in such a fragile state I realize distraction is what I need, I crave. Distraction is of what I will write. Follow along if you dare but cohesiveness I am afraid you will not read.
A very short holiday post. We here in Kentucky actually celebrate Halloween on Halloween. Kentuckians have a hard time with two times; daylight savings time and holidays that float. In the spirit of the day I will not be wordy or inventive, just celebratory.
Allow me to wish you a most eerie holiday and supply you with a festive dance. Growing up in 70's this is from one of my favorite cult movies and yes I can do the dance. So here enjoy and do not worry dance diagrams are provided.
But just in case dancing is not for you, I still have a treat. Feel free to chair dance while listening to the music. I thought this song title appropriate. Enjoy..
This must be my “Trick” day. Waking up at 3:30 in the morning this is what has finally driven me back to bed.
From 3:30 to 5:30am I tried to be as quiet as a church mouse. Bumped, stumped and mashed every extremity I have. (It is hard to whisper swear words.)
From 5:50 to 8:30am I managed to screw several things up related to blogger. Sent a message for help, got spam in return. (Sort of like finding a toothbrush in your Halloween candy.)
There are monsters among us. None of us are safe. Do you know monsters? I’ll bet you do. This is my story of a monster that walks among us.
The monster has no face; still, is in every face you see. It possesses not those wicked fangs. It is not hirsute beyond compare nor does it exude the demeanor of the dead. Quite simply, there are no signs when this monster is at hand.
As a continuation of a busy evening, I have a busy day to get through. The storms left a real sense of fall in the air and I have noticed everyone is in the trick or treat spirit. So in the sentiment of the season I thought I would share a couple of humorous Halloween photos.
First though, I'd like to thank everyone for stopping by yesterday and commenting. As you know I have a hard time handing out awards, I think you all deserve one. Any who, let me say you are special and not unnoticed. Now.. the photos.
In lieu of being wordless I have awards to acknowledge. Funny how blog awards are a blessing and a curse, don’t you think? Receiving them means someone has read your written words and felt it worthy of a badge. Then you are cursed into sending them on and having to sit for hours stewing over whom, whom do I send this on to?
The other day Ms Nancy at NR Williams, Fantasy Author awarded me a lovely acknowledgement. Nancy has a wonderful blog and I love her hump day improvisations. Besides she hosts a really good party. So hop on over and visit her.
The rules are as follows:
Post the award and thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their blog.
Share 10 things about myself.
Give 7 blogger friends the award and link back to their blog.
In the quite of the morning she knew. With dew drops glistening and the songs birds singing she knew and darkness fell upon her. Over night her world had become merely to duck and cover. “When and how did I become this silent victim?” she thought.
The night had allowed a nefarious thief to creep in and take all that had been so real to her and then vanish. “I do not want folks to pity me,” she thought as emptiness filled her soul. She tried to scream, “I will not give you credence,” but the evil had left its mark.
With the snap of a lighter she lit the skinny poison stick. Exhaling, smoke mesmerized her from yesterday to tomorrow and the thoughts of a life vanished in a wisp of smoke. The curled, dancing trail reminded her of an evil seductress. It called her name, moved in beauty and left her wanting more.
Every movement of her hand left a gray twirling trail of wonder, a sign of whence it came and yet it would vanish as if never there. “How apropos,” she thought, taking her eyes away from the seduction of the smoke.
As she looked away the sound of rain gently falling broke the trance. A smile managed to curl itself upon her face. The smell of freshness strolled right in and escorted the memorizing smoke deep into nothingness. “Thank you,” was all she could mutter.
Today I am participating in Alex’s Blog Fest where I am to note my “Top 10 Television Shows.” Now me being a Baby Boomer I grew up when 3 channels were all you had to chose from and you watched real entertainment.
I have never been one to just sit and watch television though. As a kid I would rather be outside playing and this continued up into my forties. Now there just is not a lot of great television to watch, thank goodness for PBS. So here is my list.
I gaze out at a small orange band of color; almost dawn. There just to the left holding onto the last few twinkles of night is one lone star. Like the pulse of my universe this star beats in simple white. I stop to watch the lifeline and ask, “What happens when the sun out shines your beat?”
The twinkle of the star slowly ebbs and with one last twinkle, winks and says “goodbye.” The sun does seize this moment and declares for all to hear, “I’ll take this morn.” The explosion is in a glorious array of victory splendor; daybreak is here. Oh my, the sun has won. The lonely star has gone. To where has my morning star gone?
Yes I’m at a Halloween party, N.R. William’s party. The cyber event of the weekend, can you see me yet? Where am I and how will you know me?
I’m over here in the far right corner; see me? I’m hopping on one foot, waving my free, non-smoking beverage hand. Oh, I forgot I’m in costume you do not recognize it’s me. Well, do you see a short woman dressed in black?
I am sorry but I have to get this off my chest. Apparently, yesterday I put my grandmother and mother in grave mortal danger. Who me, the one who loves their grandmother and mother more than anything?
As you know or in case you don’t, one day a week I spend with my mother and grandmother; yesterday was that day. The weather was good; we had plans and thought all would be grand, NOT!
We started with a routine trip to the chiropractor to get our bones adjusted, followed by a stop at the cemetery. Fall colors and feeding the ducks, nice time. Again, our day was totally routine and enjoyable. It was time for lunch.
With this being my first full post after my road trip I thought I might share with you what I actually learned. Have you ever done that, took a trip and then get home only to wonder what did I learn from that?
I do it every trip, sort of like the trip was meant to be an experience and I need to relish the lessons. This trip was no exception and now that I have had a day to think about it there were definitely some lessons.
Travel companions are easy targets but worth a mention. This trip I traveled with a very old, dear friend and her blind dog, the lesson? When a friend tells you they need a break and invite you for a road trip be forewarned it will be a long trip.
My travel companion talked the entire way, every waking moment and if she was not talking she was singing or humming. Being totally southern her accent is as thick as whipping cream and her speech as simple as it comes. Lesson here is to make sure you take a bag of saltwater taffy with you.
Our road trip began by heading through the mountains and heading all the way to the coast, 11 hours. We had 3 women and 2 dogs so pit stops were often. I've decided this post will be minimal words and mostly photos. I hope you enjoy.
Our first sunrise.
Poor fisherman had a hard time with these birds.
I loved the sea jewels left each morning, low tide was @ 9am everyday.
Dolphins at sun rise.
More treasures.
First sunset.
These little birds fascinate me.
I can still hear this sound.
Little guy was lonely.
Sun rise.
Breakfast.
Beach patrol. Fragile Mouse.
Sea Oats at Sun Set.
Waves at sun set.
Sea oats at Sun rise. Last Day.
Our drive home through the mountains.
I'm still trying to get back on schedule and hopefully tomorrow things will get back to normal. I hope everyone is still here. By the way the trip has screwed up my "O" so if you see one missing blame it on the beach.
What can I say that you will not find in the blog posts. I live in the state of "B's,"bluegrass, bourbon and basketball. I enjoy way to many things to include in a mere list. Those favorite categories would have to change daily, for I am always in search of new things.
Should this not satisfy your curiosity, just follow along. This is an on going journey.
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and Santa needs to pick up after his deer. 
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