Dishes

Well, I think I have finished collecting the odd dishes, bowls, mugs and glasses for my Adventure.  The light green glass here says lemonade in several places, along with slices of lemons on it.  I am certain, however, it will hold other beverages.  The purple spiral glass has a larger cousin that will be part of the collection also and these two pieces were made by a local hand glass blower who's creations are all over the world.  Nicholson's Blown Glass located in Auburn, California.  They are such a sweet couple and visitors can go and watch them at work.  Very wonderful!  They have a sale once a year which is the only reason I have a few awesome pieces made by them.

Getting everything ready for the estate sale.  I am glad I have several bookshelves that I can use (and sell) to display what is for sale.  Several friends have offered to help with putting things together and helping on the days of the sale.  I image it will be a lot of fun. Here is to great weather for the days.


Just walked through the front room and saw the cat ("Sam") sleeping on top of the window air conditioner.  He woke up when I took his picture.  Lazy summer morning for him.  Odd coloring by taking the picture through the window.

Fortunately the lizard is gone and on safer ground somewhere.  There was another lizard running around on the base of the Catalpa tree earlier.  Much smaller than the one on the window frame the other day.  I think I am being overrun with reptiles.  Perhaps it is a good thing, on many levels, that I am about to be off on my Adventure.


                                                   Look Around You


"To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wildflower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour."         -   William Blake


Enjoy  your "Look."

Doing My Best

OK, so maybe I wasn't totally in my body yesterday morning.  I know I said I was feeling calm, however I think that was just a momentary illusion.  I took my shower, as usual, and washed and conditioned my hair and then used the face wash I keep in the shower, to wash my hair instead of my face.  So I'm standing there in the shower, wondering why it was so sudsy and realized what I was doing.  Laughed hysterically over this one.  So, yesterday my hair got washed, conditioned and exfoliated.  It was rather fly away all day.


I continue to finalize details of the motor home purchase.  I expect to have more photos once I get it home sometime next week.  Talked with several friends who will help and have provided some great travel tips.  Sharing stories and laughing at all of the synchronicities that occurred on Monday and Tuesday.  So many things are just falling into place.  I love it when this happens.  Definitely makes one feel secure in the decision just made.  I have certainly discovered that I am not the one in control of this Adventure. Want to know who is?  I'll let you know later.

It has been a bit warm here and I found this little fellow (possibly a female) hanging on to the framing of my front room window.  I didn't want to get any closer and have it freak out and scurry away.  I wonder what it is about frogs and lizards in my life lately.  I need to get my "Animal Speak" book out and read up on them.  I'm sure it has something to do with transitions and shifting and such.  Probably letting go of the old to make room for the new.  This is certainly my life at the moment.


So, back to washing sheets, watering the lawns and doing sessions.  Those wanting a session before I leave probably need to call now, as I am suspecting August 24th will be my last day working here.  I would love to be able to see each of you before I depart, so we'll do our best.  That is all we can ever do!


Enjoy doing your best!

Wheels 2!!!

I actually slept last night even though I wasn't really sure if I would.  I am more clear headed this morning, so I am coordinating the final details with financing, etc.  Deciding where I can get the best deal and then discovering Costco does financing too.  Details!

So, the specs are as follows:

2003 Jayco Greyhawk 26SS. with a slide out that includes the dinette and sofa, 27' long and in pretty good condition.  There are currently a few minor repairs and cleaning being completed before I pick it up on Monday.  It drives well and is easy to handle.  It even has a back up camera on the drivers side visor, so I can avoid running into anything behind me.  Good storage, which is important considering what I am going to be doing.

There is a white tag on the passenger side windshield  which says it is sold to me, with a smiley face, and wishes me "Happy Trails."

So, now I will finalize all of the sorting and packing I have been doing.  Get the estate sale date set and everything ready to move out of the house that has been my home for the past eight years.  I have fond memories of being here with the various birds and animals.  A baby robin is pecking at the ground looking for food.  Leaves and litter are flying about at is searches.  Its tail feathers are really short.  Oh, now there are two of them.  Wish I had been able to take a picture of the hawk sitting on the telephone line with over a dozen small birds on the line on either side of it.  It was pretty funny to see.  "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."  This was really making a statement!

I am aware of how calm I am.  I find this surprising since I am about to take off for who knows where.  I suspect it is because it is time to do this Adventure.  Lots will be discovered and many memories will be added to my already huge collection.  I feel so happy and blessed to have this incredible opportunity.  The world feels fluffy and hugging right now.  Very awesome.

OK, so I best get at the tasks at hand now.

Enjoy your opportunities!

Wheels!!!

Oh My Gosh!!!  I just bought a motor home.  I am still in shock, so here is a quick picture of what I am about to take off in and see the world.  It just got a bath here...

Well, maybe not the world.  It will be my world though.  There are several things that need to be fixed before I bring it home and start packing.  And many things yet to do here before I am ready to leave.  


I will post more tomorrow after I have a good nights sleep and am a little less stunned.  Happy trails to me!


Enjoy your trails!

The Journey

"Peaceful Warrior", movie:  
     "The Journey is what brings us happiness.  Not the destination."


Burton Hills quote:
     "Happiness is not a destination.  It is a method of life."


Things to think about and be aware of while going through our lives.  Each moment is the journey and we can choose to see the joy in it or otherwise.  Finding the pleasure in all that is seen and felt and experienced can make this journey happy. Watching all that goes on in nature is very relaxing and uplifting.  Nature does its journey so beautifully.  

The above image is copied from the pictures available on the internet.  It shows the Deodar cedar tree cones as they are growing on the top of the tree branches.

The Deodar Cedar Trees create these magnificent cones that fall apart when they mature and turn brown.  This exposes the individual seeds which is food for the animals that eat them.  However, the very top of the cone stays in tack and is shaped similar to a rose.  They are affectionately called wood roses and are simply a wonderful creation of nature.  They can be incorporated in a wreath creation, glued to a firm stem, or placed in a simple collection in a bowl.  I have a basket filled with them.  These are definitely a joyful part of my life's journey.

Over the years I have collected so many great and lovely treasures created by nature.  Pine cones, cedar cones, acorns, redwood cones, sea shells, feathers.  The list goes on and on.  Some have become a part of a creation while others are simply out and on their own somewhere in my home.  Seeing them brings back the memories of where I found them and the occasion of the moment.  Always makes me smile.

This is one of my favorite refrigerator magnets that encourages me every day to go out there and explore and be brave.  Practicing.  Always practicing.


Enjoy your Journey!

Star Wars

Andie reminded me of a most famous line by Yoda:


     "Do, or do not.  There is no try!"


In keeping with this concept, I will patch the elbow tear of my favorite shirt and patch my favorite pants that I was going to give up on.  I must have some crazy colored material somewhere that will do the trick.  Something bold and mismatched and strong.  Perhaps I will start a new trend, though I doubt I can compete with what is already out there.


I have several baby evergreen trees growing this year for the first time.  I failed to notice them in years past if they were growing.  I have successfully transplanted one and have surrounded it with stones to protect anyone, including me, from stepping on it.  Others still need to be moved to safer territory and out of harms way.  Also, to an area where they can grow to their full potential.  How cute is this?  See it there in the middle?  Kind of a gray/blue sticky looking thing among all the ground litter.

My poor pine Christmas tree is suffering from overload of the silk tree pink fluff droppings.  Individually, these are both magnificent trees.   However, in the summer, when the silk tree blooms its pink fluff things, it drops them all over the pine tree.  So the pine tree looks as though it has some horrible disease.  Periodically I attach the power nozzle to the hose and spray it off the pine tree.  Then I end up with a mess everywhere around it.  I do feel, though, that the pine tree appreciates my efforts.  I know I feel better when it is clean.

So many beautiful trees and bushes are in bloom now.  Your eye just darts all over the place attempting (notice I didn't use the word try!) to catch it all.  Crepe Myrtle trees are available in so many colors now, as well as, Agapanthus blooms.  My friends grandchildren call these explosion plants.  And butterfly bushes.  All attract butterflies and humming birds and bees.  This keeps me from having to put out feeders

Enjoy the Blossoms!

Life Fulfillments

Today, did you......


     Fulfill your heart,
          which loves who you are, what you do and who you are with?
     Fulfill your mind,
          which creates positive stimulation and a peaceful routine?
     Fulfill your body,
          which emanates health, energy and security?
     Fulfill your spirit,
          which grows, evolves and is at one with all?
     Fulfill your inner child,
          who learns, seeks adventure and plays?
     Fulfill your inner man,
          who creates daily results?
     Fulfill your inner woman,
          who communicates, nurtures and heals?
     Fulfill your inner sage/crone,
         who mentors and enjoys the process of work and life?


                                                                                     -  James Wanless


I woke to the sound of the robins singing.  I think they are glad the smoke has disappeared and the temperatures are moderate and there is a gentle breeze.  I know I appreciate this tremendously.  There seems to be a calm this morning.  A peacefulness that all is in order.  Feels great.  


The fire is now 90% contained and the total acres burned remains at 2,650.  Almost all of those evacuated have been allowed to return to their homes, though some are still under evacuation orders.  More than half of the fire fighters have been released and everything seems to be finally winding down.  What a wonderful job these people did in keeping this event from being a huge disaster.  Amazing.  Thanks. love and hugs to all of you.


The cobweb has been rebuilt at the kitchen window.  Now just waiting for the humming bird to find some left over goodies.  And I need to curtail my urge to remove it.  Saw the birds in the water from the sprinkler yesterday.  They move so quickly I can barely follow their movements, much less determine their colors.  Amazing little creatures.


Another motor home has been spied.  I have called the phone number and am now waiting for a response.  Think I may go look at it this morning and hopefully get more information on its specifics.  This will give me an excuse to go down the hill to Trader Joe's. Not that I need one.   I can always find something.  


One of my favorite over shirts, that has boat racing emblems and flags on it, has developed a tear in the material at the right elbow.  I heard it happen.  Very sad.  I have had this shirt since the mid 1980's and I have apparently worn it to death.  It even has some paint on it from one of my creative ventures.   It is the perfect weight and size and I wear it around the house on a regular basis.  Since the material is obviously very thin, I am unsure if a patch will do the job.  Think I will give it a try though, because I really like this shirt.  I have purchased others since then, but none completely replace this old treasure.  This shirt will definitely not be in the estate sale.  

Enjoy your life!

Bravery

Movies and books contain, for me, some quotes and sayings that seem to have a message.


"Peaceful Warrior," movie:  "Only the bravest souls come to earth to learn."


Dr. Wayne Dyer, Facebook:  "Every day, do one thing you fear."


"Joe Versus The Volcano," movie:  "Why not do the thing you are afraid of doing and see what happens?"


"Ratatouille," movie:   "If you focus on what you left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead!"

Living bravely and fearlessly.  In doing so, I think the governing aspect whether or not to do something might be to consider if it will hurt anyone.  This means being honorable with your intentions. Determine the purpose of your actions.  Be honest.  Be brave.


I think it takes a lot of soul searching and being honest with ones self to truly deal with the fears that deter us from being brave   Programmed since childhood on how to behave and act can lead to some deeply seated ideas of ourselves and those around us.  Who is the person that said "such and such" is normal?  What is normal anyway?  What if I choose to live in a round container rather than a square box?  As long as I keep from hurting anyone, what does it matter?


I am working on taking many leaps.  This whole Adventure is a leap.  Parting with my "stuff" is a leap. Being away from familiar surroundings, friends and family is a leap.  Giving up a schedule (and I'm going to really like this one) is a leap.  I think I want all of my life to be leap.  That step that makes your stomach feel as though it is full of butterflies and your heart pounds a bit harder because of the unknown.  Just being amazed at everything in front of, behind, above, below and all around.  I am excited to experience whatever presents itself.  Definitely an Adventure. And I am already practicing ......being brave!


So, hence, mismatched plates, bowls, mugs and glasses.  And who knows, maybe even bed sheets.  I love seeing little children wearing different colored socks and clothes.  It seems to me they are simply expressing being creative.  Perhaps it is their way of saying," this is how I feel today."  Polka dots with squares and plaids with prints.  And who is the one overall person who dictates that certain things don't match or do go together?  In what kingdom do they rule?  Oh, how our forefathers would be rolling in their graves if they could see all of this today.  I hope they are laughing because it is, after all, pretty silly and definitely fun.


I am glad to report that the Robbers Fire is 50% contained and the fire lines are holding.  There have been twelve injuries to fire fighters, with the worst being broken bones.  One vacation home and four out buildings have been destroyed.  The efforts to this event have been addressed twenty four hours a day since the start of the fire.   The local fairgrounds has opened its gates to the animals of those who have been evacuated, for free.  It is awesome to watch a community come together and help each other out when the need is there.  It would be great to see this out pouring of caring on a regular basis. So, thanks again, to all those assisting and working so hard to ease the difficulties of those in need.   For more specifics the Cal Fire web site is:  http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/...incident_details.  Or Google search: Robbers Fire (Placer County) CA.


I started the process of washing the things I can to eliminate the smoke smell.  Walking in to the house and having it smell like a campground is a bit much for me and it gets old after a while.  Sofa and love seat covers, the curtains that are washable and all the throws are now clean and fresh again.  Next is to sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and then vacuum.  That is the best I can do for now.  And then, of course, letting the windows open as much as possible until it reaches the predicted 95 degrees by Saturday.  Which means closing the house up again with the air conditioner running.  Never a dull moment.  And always something to do. 


Enjoy being brave!

Smoke

This area woke to smoke again.  Hoping the wind comes up just enough to clear it out.  Too much wind fuels the canyon fire. The Cal Fire web site provides updated information on the happenings of the fire.  Sad to say one home and three out buildings have been burned and eleven firefighters have had injuries.  Lots of people are still evacuated from their homes and several roads are closed.  Cal Fire reports 2,250 acres have burned and they are holding at twenty percent containment.  This is a difficult location for them to work and continued blessings and prayers to all of them.  Hopefully the wild animals have made it to safer locations and out of harms way.


I have held off washing and drying the sheets outside due to the smoky air but I think I will just need to do it, and soon.  The dryer just does not seem a good alternative when it is hot outside.  I also will wait to wash curtains and such until the smoke is no longer an issue.  I'd rather just do it once.  One person I talked with said they woke up (smelling smoke) thinking they were camping.  That is what I call a deep sleep and wishful thinking or dreaming.






The Home Goods store is a very amazing place.  Since I have decided to use mismatched dishes, bowls and glasses, etc. in my motor home (which, of course, is still eluding me) I went there yesterday and discovered some great finds at inexpensive prices.  All of the pieces I obtained were made in Italy, Portugal, Turkey or England.  It was wonderful to find these amazing pieces and I am grateful they were made somewhere other than China.  I must admit I know several people who would be appalled by the fact that none of these items match.  The way I see it is that I can use whichever plate, bowl, glass or cup that suits my mood at the time.  I have given up on being a conservative!  From here on out, I choose to do as the moment presents itself.


The motor home search continues and I have several emails out to dealers with queries on units they are showing in their inventory.  One is actually located in Fresno.  I think it would be hysterically funny if that is the one I end up buying.  Fresno is one of my least favorite places to go because of the heat in the summer and the "tule fog" in the winter.  I went to high school in Fresno and my Mom used to live in Clovis, until she passed in 2010.  I also have an older brother and some of his family still living in Clovis.  So, we shall see.  Thanks, too, to all those who continue to contact me about wandering rv's they come across.  One of these days it will arrive.  And I will be ready!


I also am continuing to organize and sort things for the estate sale.  I obviously need to sell the other dishes, bowls, mugs, glasses, etc.that a currently use, in order to justify the ones I have just purchased.  I am probably doing this all backwards, though I have learned over the years it is best to seize the moment.  When something presents itself, action is needed.  Although, sometimes there are many things presenting themselves at the same moment and it gets a bit difficult to determine what action to take.  I continue to practice and  I consider myself a work in progress.  Heaven forbid that I should ever be done with working on myself.  That's a scary thought!  


I have stalled long enough.  There is a slight breeze and the air seems a bit more clear, so I am going to be brave and wash the sheets and get them out on the line before anything else impedes my progress and good intentions. I do have to go out and wash the clothes line off first.  I am sure it is covered in dust and particulate matter.   It is predicted to be cooler tomorrow and that may be a less desirable day to get this done.  Taking action.


Enjoy taking action!

The Robbers Fire

Wednesday afternoon a fire broke out in a canyon about ten miles from where I live.  That night the wind shifted and smoke enveloped the area here and lasted most of the day. Many people with lung issues have gone down the mountain to escape the particulate matter that has filled the region.  There are many homes and families threatened by the fire, which has now split into two fires heading in different directions.  People and animals are evacuated and in fear of the unknown. As of this morning, the fires, which has burned over 1,150 acres, are still only ten percent contained.   Holding good thoughts and offering blessings and prayers to those affected by this event, as well as, to all those providing effort and support to extinguish this fire.  


I can still smell smoke and, according to the news this morning, it may be in and out of the area here off and on all day today.  After that, unless things get worse, they expect the winds to carry the smoke north and up.  The temperatures are predicted to be lower also, which is greatly anticipated.  Think I will wash and hang out the sheets tomorrow.  I still need to remove the smoke smell from inside of the house.  Probably have to wash curtains and other material things to remove it completely.  It is amazing how it permeates almost everything.  I can't image what it must be like where the homes are closer to the fires and smoke.  


Yesterday morning I was preparing the room for a session and saw something at the window sill.  I thought it was a large brown moth.  So, I went to get something to capture it and put it outside.  When I got closer to it, I found it to be another tree frog.  He was trying to blend into the surrounding colors and was beige, brown, rust, and almost orange colored.  He was beginning to climb up the screen so I had to move quickly to cut off his escape route.  He fell on the sill so I swiftly covered him/her with a plastic container and slipped a piece of cardboard under her/him.  I released him/her out in the orchard where they had just finished watering.  I am clueless as to how he/she got in the room.  However, I am glad to see they are still around and hopefully eating all the bugs that seem to be bountiful this year.


Only one market in my area is carrying seeded watermelons this season.  These are my favorite because I think they have the best flavor and texture.  My mother-in-law, years ago, introduced me to cutting the watermelon up and removing all the seeds so that we could simply enjoy eating it without fighting with the seeds.  I do this now and love it.  It takes a bit of time to remove the seeds, but the end result is worth the effort.  I have it down to a science so it doesn't take much time at all.  Yum!  Love this summer food.


Well, will go down the hill today to load up on needed supplies that are unavailable here.  Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Costco.  These are probably places I will be challenged to find during my Adventure.  I think I will Google search and see where they are located throughout the US so I can plan my routes accordingly.  There are just some things that only these stores carry.  Whole Foods carries 100% grass fed beef.  Costco carries my favorite albacore tuna in water and canned pineapple in its own juice.  And Trader Joe's has great nuts and frozen fish that is Alaskan wild caught.  Have to watch where the fish comes from though, because it is not all caught in the US.  Reading the labels is a must for just about everything these days.  Doing my best to buy organic.  As well as, buying US made.  Both of these can be challenging at times.  Need to get moving!


Enjoy your fresh air!

"Joe Versus The Volcano"

This movie is a quirky romantic fantasy that was made in 1990.  Tom Hanks (One of my very most favorite actors!) and Meg Ryan star in this rather goofy firm.  However, the message, for me, is all about doing what you are afraid of doing and taking the Leap.  Really living life and stretching ourselves by doing things we may have never done before.  Doing one thing at a time, with conscious awareness and presence of mind.  For me, that is eating, while I am eating.  Watching television, while watching television.  Crocheting, while crocheting.  Although I must admit, I do listen to a movie while crocheting.  And slowing down.  It seems almost everywhere I go anymore, everyone is in a hurry.  Lives are so crammed with things to do there is little time to get all of them accomplished.  


One of the problems, though, is we are continually doing the same things.  Day in and day out.  We wake up to the alarm, get ready for work, do the work thing, lunch, and home for dinner and chores and go to bed, only to wake up to the alarm again.  "Groundhog's Day" was a perfect example of this.  We appear to be repeating the same actions every day.  So we become unconscious of what we are actually doing.  I find myself in this situation many time during the day and evening, so I am currently in the mind frame to change this behavior.  


I remember what it feels like to go somewhere I had never been.  The trees seemed greener and more animated.  I noticed the architecture of homes and buildings.  I saw more wild animals in their natural habitat.  I smelled new flowers and different foods cooking.  The sun felt warm and comforting, the breeze was more welcomed, the clouds were fluffier, and I was discovering all things new.  I wonder what it is like to live each moment with this newness? This is part of my new quest.  


I know once I am out on my Adventure, everything will be new.  Now, however, I want to attempt to live each moment with the intention of discovering what it truly is.  To savor the taste and flavors of a dark chocolate covered caramel as it melts and spreads its wonderfulness in my mouth.  To wake to the sounds of the morning birds and try to identify who is singing.  To marvel as the sun rises and shines light on the top leaves of the trees across the street and watch as it spreads to engulf the full tree as the sun rises further.  To imagine how my sheets feel as they are gently blown dry in the breeze.  


So all of this is old news.  Heard it before.  Said it before.  Take a different route when going to a usual place.  When putting on socks, put it on the other foot first.  When hanging out laundry, starting from the opposite end.  When watering the lawn, drag the hose around in a different pattern.  It is simply doing things differently all the time so we can be more aware of what we are doing.  I do think, however, that I will continue to shower from the top down rather than reversing it.  But maybe cleaning the ears before putting on deodorant.  Mix it up.  Stay aware.  Pay attention.  Truly live!


As I am typing this I am aware of a robin sitting on the corner railing of the neighbor's deck. When it scratched it's neck it stuck it's wing out.  He/she is perhaps surveying the lay of the land for food.  Maybe an unaware insect flying by or maybe some movement in the leaf litter indicating a worm is restless.  A robin's life seems uncomplicated.  Sing, sleep, soar, take baths, have and raise babies and eat.  And also stay aware so it can stay alive and out of the mouth of the local cat.  They say animals in the wild rarely take the same path.  Something to think about.  So much to think about and to be aware of.  Better get started.


Enjoy living!

Hawks, Humming Birds and Robins

Several days ago I washed down the vinyl siding of the house.  All of the wind blown dust and the cobwebs seemed a bit much.  There were also some left over droppings from whatever birds flew over, doing a fly by.  It looked as though someone had flicked a splotch of mud on the wall.  It is amazing to me how much can accumulate on a house.  Then, yesterday, I was at the kitchen table and the humming bird came to the corner where the cobweb had been and hovered, realizing his food source had vanished.  How could I have forgotten about this?  I think I get a little obsessive/compulsive sometimes about cleaning.  I must remember to leave some of the cobwebs for the humming birds.


A few days ago I was outside hanging sheets on the line and I heard a hawk calling from the top of one of the nearby cedar trees.  I looked up to see it take flight and come towards where I was standing.  Suddenly another hawk flies toward me from a different direction and lands in the cedar tree just next to me.  It was carrying a snake dangling from its feet.  The first hawk continued to call and landed near the hawk with the snake.  It was just like a scene from a nature show, only I was without a camera to catch the action.  They stayed about a minute and then both took off in the same direction, with the first hawk still calling.


I suspect the first hawk was young and the other hawk was a parent catching breakfast for the younger one.  It was beautiful to see the under side of both of these hawks when they were so close to me.  Gave me the shivers.  A couple of my neighbors have recently killed four rattlesnakes between them so I think the snake the hawk had may have been a rattlesnake.  I have seen other kinds of snakes in my yard, almost stepping on one once.  Fortunately I have been successful in avoiding the dangerous ones.


I love watering the lawn because the sprinkler provides a much needed water source for the various birds in the area during the hot summer.  The robins are happy to play in a puddle as they take a bath.  Then there are these nondescript brown birds that just sit under the water droplets and periodically shake it off.  Humming birds will hover in the water spray, either catching a drop of water or getting wet and then flying off.  Blue jays, well, they just do the blue jay thing, which sometimes is chasing everyone else away and then leaving themselves.  They can be annoying sometimes.





The Dogwood trees have finished blooming and now are in the process of making seed balls.  Last year was the first time I ever noticed these seeds.  They were blue.  Totally surprised me.  I had to Google search about this because I thought something might be wrong with the tree.  It turns out they are seeds and can be red or white.  I just Google searched again and was unable to find the site I found earlier.  Typical.  User error.  Anyway, they are in their process.  Maybe I can get a picture of them once they turn color.


Enjoy your summer days!

Sad Movies / Hidden Messages

Why is it that when watching a movie I have already seen many times, and I know a sad part is coming, that I still cry?  It fascinates me that I have this whole dialogue going on in my head about my being in control of my emotions while watching a sad movie.  So I know the scene is coming and I attempt to get my self ready to just watch it, without emotion, and there it is anyway and I find myself crying, again.  When the sad part is past, I laugh at myself and shack my head and am still confused by the whole thing.  I enjoy watching other kinds of movies too, yet a few favorites, such as, "Steel Magnolias,"  "Forrest Gump." "Peaceful Warrior," and "Somewhere In Time" are ones I will continue to watch again and again, and cry, again and again.  So it is! 






"Peaceful Warrior" is a movie based on the book "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" written by Dan Millman, a world gymnastics champion.  I first read the book in the mid 1980's and read it again and again over many years.  (Yes, I read books again and again, also.)  Several years ago I discovered the movie.  After watching it I simply had to read the book again to see the differences between the two.  For me, reading the book and then watching the movie makes more sense.  However, the ritual for this movie and book is to watch the movie several times in a row and then read the book.  


I love to look for the hidden message or the underlying meaning or the suggested idea, that is the foundation for every book or movie.  The spark that caused the author or writer to do their thing.  "Peaceful Warrior" seems to have two messages.  First, to pay attention to and enjoy the journey.  Using all of the senses to truly enjoy the journey.  And how that original journey includes many, many side journeys along the way.  And to enjoy them as well.  


For me, that is enjoying hanging out the sheets.  Smelling the freshness of their being clean and watching as the breeze gently blows them dry.  When it is really hot, they just hang there as though stuck in the air.  And when it is really windy, rescuing them before they are torn from the pins holding them to the line.  Once they are dry and I take them down, I feel the crispness of the material and folding them brings a sense of neatness and once they are all put away on the shelves, a satisfaction knowing they are all ready for their next use.  


Second, to experience unreasonable happiness.  Being happy without a reason in the world.  Being happy during the journey.  And the journeys and journeys within the journey.  To simply be happy.  This takes a bit more practice, I think.  A greater sense of how I feel inside at all times.  And adjusting it if need be.  "Don't Worry, Be Happy!"  Great song.  


Enjoy your journeys and journeys, within your journeys and journeys!

Amazing Horses and Riders!

This was my first time to actually attend a Regional Competition.  I have watched these amazing horses and riders during the Olympics and have been amazed.  Up close and personal was a great treat.  Hearing the rhythm of the hoofs as they impact the ground, the breathing of the animal as it passes by and the sounds of the saddle as the rider is posting, all remind me of days long ago when I owned and rode my own horse.  This is a much greater level of skill and technique than I ever had and it causes me to wonder just how this is all accomplished.





The training and patience of those working with these animals must be tremendous.  I heard many unfamiliar terms and  I watched as horses were warmed up before their performance, wet down after they rode and then stabled.  The attention to detail and care of these animals is wonderful.  


And the riders.  The focus they must maintain while riding has to be immense.  Watching this particular rider, when not riding, showed her very intense on every aspect of the care and preparation of each horse before she would ride.  She has ridden several horses in championships and is a picture of elegant style to watch as she rides.  Perhaps some day she will ride in the Olympics.   It was quite an honor to attend and observe all of this amazing horse magic.  


I always love how smoothly and effortlessly my car seems to drive after it has been serviced.  I have also noticed that the same phenomenon occurs after my car has been washed and cleaned. The car has a slick surface that, I think,  allows the car to just be slippery.   It feels as though the car and I seem to slip through the air a bit easier.  No bugs or dust or dirt to drag us down.  Less resistance.  This, of course, increases gas mileage.  I wonder if there have been any studies on this.  Seems worth looking into.


There is a butterfly bush planted on the side of my front porch.  It has fairly deep purple flowers that are a source of food for the butterflies and hummingbirds.  This year, for whatever reason, the plant is sending its branches through the wood railings and onto the porch.  It is great because as I walk in and out of the house these fragrant blossoms greet me and my visitors.  Between the airy branches, the sweet flower smells and the deep purple blossoms, it makes for an awesome treat for the senses.


Speaking of the front porch, I was sitting outside one evening and noticed something dark on the side of the wall.  All sorts of things ran through my mind because I couldn't make out what it was from where I was sitting and the dim lighting.  Being brave, I got up and slowly walked toward whatever it was.  I really thought it was a huge spider.  Thank God it wasn't. It was a small tree frog clinging to the vinyl siding.  They are really cute.  So, I left him/her in peace.  


Several years ago I had a swamp cooler in one of the windows and occasionally I would find one of these little dears jumping around in the living room.  It was always tricky capturing them and returning them to the outside.  Apparently they were attracted to the water in the bottom of the cooler, because when the cooler was removed there were several in the water pan below the unit.  I am grateful they have survived.   Makes me curious though, about where they are hanging out these days.


Another odd finding inside the house was a lizard.  When I first noticed it I thought it was some spilled water, since it was a darker area on the carpet.  I went to step over it to get something to clean it with when I almost fell, realizing what it was.  How do I capture this critter and return him to the wild?  I finally put a waste basket over him to contain him until I could figure out what to do next.  I then decided to get a file folder and slipped it under the waste basket (hoping the lizard was on top of the folder) and carefully carried it all outside.  I placed everything on the ground and lifted the basket and was happy to see as the lizard scurried away.  Another rescue achieved!  I wonder why all these litter creatures are coming inside?  I am certain there are better food choices outside.  Although the number of spiders in the house this year is ridiculous.  


So, I am off to finishing laundry, watering the lawns and rv searching on the web.


Enjoy whatever comes to your senses!