graffiti

 

 

 

 

Creative work is play. It is free speculation using materials of one's chosen form.  Stephen Nachmanovitch

 

This graffiti art photo was taken in Prague, Czech Republic.  It was painted on a wall leading up to one of the castles open for view.  After this photo was taken, we enlarged it and have hung it on our wall with other travel photos.  This is different in taste and format, but unique in it's expression.  The eyes of both the old women and the bird are intense.  Just what was the artist looking for here?  And why the combination of the two?  I find it interesting, very creative, but different, and sometimes wonder what became of the artist who painted it..   

 

Memories through the kitchen window

  

This statue has traveled with me through three states and can be seen while looking out my kitchen window today.  It is from my childhood home and at times brings back thoughts of years ago. It stood in the center of our yard and was always surrounded by flowers.  As I close my eyes and remember the view out that window when I was growing up, memories come flooding back of that time. I can see the garden with the many vegetables and sunflowers that stood 10 feet tall. Thoughts of picking the harvest is still fresh in my mind with the taste of those first tomatoes being delicious.  The flowers were plentiful and beautified our yard and was the envy of many.  The clothes line of yesteryear held outfits of mine and my siblings blowing in the wind while we ran around them trying to play our games.  The grass was filled with dandelions that stood bright yellow against the lush green and picking a handful would always bring a smile to my lips....a weed to many, but a flower to a child.  My dog at the corner of the yard sat there looking for me to take him for a walk. The rabbit cages next to him were filled with bunnies that were "saved" by me from a great Uncle that raised them to eat. I can still see the elderly neighbors that are gone today but remain the same in my mind. Their ornery ways were difficult to understand at the time, but it didn't deter us from having our fun.  This view that has been imprinted in my mind is as clear as my day today.  It brings comfort of a time where innocence was plentiful and worries were far from our thoughts.  This escape of memories captures my attention at times when I look at this statue.  The surroundings are different.....but the inner peace is still there.

Vacation pictures

Certainly, travel is more than
the seeing of sights; it is a change
that goes on, deep and permanent,
in the ideas of living.
            -- Miriam Beard

Our vacation was filled with spectacular views that will keep me going till the next trip.  The beaches were gorgeous and the wildlife endless.  The following pictures are just a handful of over 300 hundred that I took last week. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vacation pictures

Beauty was on the land surrounding us at every turn.

Vacation pictures

These Roseate Spoonsbills shown brightly in the warm sun. 

Vacation pictures

The different birds in the air gave a relaxing feeling all around. 

Vacation pictures

We fell upon this mean looking gator during our walk thru Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge.  We didn't get too close since he kept an eye on us the whole time.  We ended up eating at an outdoor seafood restaurant and guess what appetizer  I ordered?  You got it!  Gator meat!   It tasted like calamari! 

 

Sunday April 11, 2004
Woke up this morning and to my surprise the easter bunny once again came by our house with candy galore for everyone!  :)
After going to morning mass, we had a nice Easter dinner and then hit the tennis courts to run off all that energy caused by eating too much chocolate!   It was not uncommon to have snow on Easter when we lived in Pennsylvania.  It seems so different  to be outside in shorts on the courts today, but I think I can get used to this!  lol 


Happy Easter!  :)

 

 

 

 

spring break

 

 

When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
            -- Japanese Proverb

 

Today is packing day!  Yipee, spring break!  We are off to a much needed vacation for the next week. Nothing like hanging out at the beach, catching some rays, building sand castles and maybe just looking around.  :) 
My choice for reading material will be "The Da Vinci Code".  Hopefully it's as good as the reviews say it is.  This year I plan on packing some aloe.  For some reason I always end up buying it there anyway!  The sun seems to call me and I'm at it's mercy.  lol 
Good times ahead.  :)

Happy Birthday

 

 

They can do all because they think they can.
            -- Virgil
Roman epic poet (70 BC - 19 BC)

Here's Brian last night on his 14th birthday.  We had a nice time celebrating his day and enjoyed his humor during the party.  We told stories of when he was born and his younger years.  I will have to say he was surprised at most of them!  I wonder how these years flew by so fast!  Those stories seemed like they just happened yesterday!!    
Happy Birthday Brian!!  We love you!

embrace

 

 

 

 

 

The intensity of this embrace can be mesmerizing for me.  I have always liked this print and thinking of purchasing it.  This one in particular is a more close up view than the more popular print of the full length of their bodies.  It seems as though they are melting into one and absorbed into each other's embrace.  She looks as if in a world set apart from her surroundings.  Is this only an appearance of love?  An embrace depends on what it signifies.  For me this print illustrates the closeness that each of us want in life.  But an embrace can be however close or apart as you want it to be.  The emotional aspect can mean all the difference.

 

 

 

"Not all who wander are lost." 
J.R.R.Tolkien

Today was absolutely gorgeous outside.  The weather is getting warmer and warmer with each passing day.  Springtime feels like it is here to stay.  These are the kind of days that I just want to take the canoe out of storage, visit the lake and do some fishing :)   

 

Experience Works

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel went on an overnight field trip with 20 kids from his AIM class at school.  It was located 150 miles north of Atlanta at the Experience Works Camp.  This is a unique learning experience camp that promotes team building, leadership and self esteem.  They work together at problem solving, creative thinking and acomplishment.  Daniel climbed the rock wall, repelled, built a catamaran with his team and had a great adventure.  Not too bad for a 10 year old!  He came home exhausted but enjoyed every moment. 

A challenge

Sometimes I get one pulled over on me because I tend to believe in what I am told.   In other words, I choose to believe that people wouldn't lie.  That on occasions will have consequences.  After purchasing an item from a reputable company, I was given a rebate form for $130 to mail in.  After looking over the form in the store I noticed the purchase by date had been expired.  The representative said not to worry. She said they use these forms all the time and it will definitely work.  Well, go figure.  Checking online today for the status, it stated "sorry, rebate expired".  Since I always like a challenge in the business world,  I called and explained the situation.  I have learned from experience that stating the facts without yelling or demeaning the person will get you everywhere.  My $130 check will be arriving in 15 days.  Success...the only way to go. :)

The beach

 

My patience had to come into play these last few days if I wanted to keep any type of sanity.   With the upgrade of this computer and all that went with it, I would have to say I've kept my cool. We have yet to get all the programs on here that I use for my work and the pictures that I play around with.  This is done every year for my benefit but it seems to take forever when it happens.  With that said, I feel I have the time to dream of  being back on the beach at Paradise Island with the sand feeling as powdery as you can imagine and stuck between my toes .  The water is crystal clear and the birds are singing sweetly around me.   I can feel the energy from the sun filling up inside of me and the warmth encircling me like a blanket.  The views are spectacular with the lush trees all around and the feeling of tranquility fills the air......  ahhhhhhhhh...... In the background I hear....."we're up and running!" ! ?  Gees....back to reality.  lol

Spring

 

 

 

 

A little madness in the spring is wholesome even for the King.  Emily Dickinson

Spring is here and beauty is in the air.  I spent yesterday outside working in the yard and enjoying the warm sunshine and the blooming flowers.  This is the time of year when ideas come flooding in.   I have thoughts of putting in a small pond to grow some water lillies.  This will add a sense of calmness to my garden with the flowing water.....something that I crave and look for in my garden as I hide out.  :)

 

thoughts within

 

I can still feel you holding me
with your arms encircled around
your eyes are looking deeply into mine
your smile is intriguing
are we here alone?
or is everything at a distance just in our mind?
these thoughts that are within
are here and now
the same as it was then
it can't escape with time
we are alone
as time stood still
and the sun shone brightly around
the only sound was that of the quiet
and the only thing on our mind
was the next moment

 

 The only way to escape the personal corruption of praise is to go on working.  Albert Einstein  

 Thank you to all who voted for my journal.  Carol

 I am only an entertainer who has understood his time.  Pablo Picasso 

We hiked a local mountain this past weekend for a little fun in the sun.  The views  were the skyline of Atlanta and Stone Mountain.   I had my camera as usual and started taking some pictures of my surroundings.  Then I looked up and saw this gorgeous sky and thought what a great picture this would make.  It ended up being my favorite shot.

My life can sometimes be hectic, sometimes calm......thriving on the hectic and flourishing with the calm.  They are intertwined.  I get things done faster with pressure, yet feel unruffled during that time.  I expect the best of myself in what I set out to do, however accept things when I do less.  I listen to others with focused attention and feel disappointment when it is not returned.  I feel energized by a tiny speck of love and overwhelmed when lavished abundantly.  Rejection can crush me, yet I've learned to brush it off and continue on.   I find  honesty my best quality and not afraid to speak it.   I feel friendships should last a lifetime and do my best to make it happen.  My outlook on life has always been positive and feel there is no room for pessimism to overshadow.  This....is in the life of Carol....

Friends

This is one of my friends that amuse me during the day as I look out my window.  :)   Sometimes I think he is watching me since my computer faces that window!  I continue to feed these guys even though I have neighbors that dislike it.  They seem to bring the outdoors into me on days when being outside has to wait.  I call that a good friend.  lol

I could use you here tonight
to hold my hand
and wipe away my tears
built up from this time of missing you... 

and as the lonely night goes by
thoughts of you linger in the air...
I close my eyes and see your smile
which seems to lighten my mood...
holding on to that will get me through 

I miss you like crazy...
1/23/04

beauty

 

The sunsets this time of year have been gorgeous and I find myself mesmorized by the fleeting colors.  How beautiful it can be for the little time that it shows....but, how warm it can make one feel.  :)

Keep on going and the chances are you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I have never heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting down.
            -- Charles F. Kettering

 

    

 My mind is racing and I can't seem to sit still.  I glance at my reflection and it seems to be on an endless journey of discovery. I see others feeling content with pure passiveness and it appears foreign.  I don't confuse this with the quiet time meant only for me, for it is in those times that my imagination runs wild.  These long moments are simultaneous to the calmness of my being, as I am quietly persistant in what I set out to do.

 

 It figures my first purchase on ebay would be concert tickets for Prince.  We have some serious ebay people living here that watch it everyday and purchase items just about every day.  I am always the one that couldn't understand their excitement with it.  That is until yesterday.  :)
I remembered at dinner last night that the concert tickets went on sale at noon.  I had forgotten to get online and purchase them. I turned around and signed onto Ticketmaster to find tickets.  That is when the emotions went flying. The best priced tickets of $77.00 were sold out.  OK I thought, the $50.00 range won't be too bad.  At least I'll be there.  Well, the only seats left were the ones way up in peanut heaven!  Those are the seats that you can touch the ceiling!  My first thought was just try again.  No luck.  The disappointment shown and I was yelling at everyone, until my 14 year old said "lets get them on Ebay." Huh?
He proceeded to pull up ebay and listed were tons of tickets!  Good tickets!  We found something and I said to bid on them. OK, he said, but you have to wait 6 days to see if you win them.  WHAT???  At this point my heart was racing.  He went on to say I could purchase them now at a different price.  All right, do it!  Can't do that he said, they're $300.00 for 2 tickets!  WHAT???  He said, I'm getting Dad.  Well, go get him I yelled back, I'm getting the tickets!  For some reason he wouldn't let go of the wireless mouse.  I was getting pretty upset.
Next thing you know I got hold of the mouse, hit click....bought... for $300.00+. My son looked at me in amazement while I just sat there and smiled.  Floor tickets...row 13.  I think we both learned something about each other last night.  lol

memories

Sometimes I dream of a different time and it lifts me from the shadows, creeps back in my heart and settles in just right. This feeling is one that comes and goes like wisp of air. It shows of times when thoughts never linger and each new incident is only replaced by another.  I remember the freshness and lightness surrounding me, but not knowing it at the time. These memories carry me.

Kiss

 

 

 

 

As I was searching online for new art,  I once again came across one of my favorites from Ron D'Raine.  I have always loved this print but could never find a place in my home for it.  It just makes me smile when I look at it.  I think we all can remember that first kiss.  I just wonder if we also had that look of content on us like the little one does in this picture.  :)

My Life

    

 

"What one has not experienced, one will never understand in print."Isadora Duncan, My Life 

The last few days have literally opened up my world to a whole new outlook.  My surgery Monday went well to remove the cataract in my right eye and replace it with an implant lens. I awoke yesterday and made my way downstairs and stood alone at my front door with tears streaming down my cheeks.  After 2 days of everything looking red following the surgery, my eye cleared and I instantly began seeing unclouded objects.  Everything looked so sharp and with such vivid colors that I stood there for what seemed like forever and just looked around.  How easily I had forgotten what bright colors were.  I find myself full of anticipation of what beautiful things there are in this world to view.  After waiting years to have the courage to get this done, I am now looking forward to having the left eye fixed.  It can't come soon enough. 
Life if good.  :)
 

Passion

 
I have just returned from seeing "The Passion of the Christ".    I am humbled, very moved and at a loss for words. 

Prince

    Prince is back after 6 years with a national tour that consists of old classics and also songs from his new CD " Musicology".  He will be here in Atlanta the end of April and hopefully I'll be able to get good seats for this.  I've always wanted to see him in concert and had missed the opportunities when he did tour years ago.  I listen to a variety of music which changes all the time, but his songs has been a constant in my life for years.  I can't wait!  :)
                                                                                

 

Snow

 

 

Snow finally in Hotlanta! 
We awoke this morning to a bit of snow which covered my pansies to make this icy picture.

It's surprising what this little bit of snow can do for a northern girl.  :) 
The air feels cool and  crisp.   It took a long time to get here, but I'll take it!

Ash Wednesday

     As I took my morning walk today, I walked passed the long line of people standing at the movie theater.  I assume they were trying to get tickets for "The Passion of Christ" today.  I have walked this path mostly everyday the past few years and this was the first time ever that I've seen this kind of line so early in the morning.  This movie brings back memories of going to a catholic school and watching passion plays during Lent.  I too will be standing in line this weekend in the effort to see this. 

" The best expression of love is time.  It is focused attention."  These are my favorite lines in the book "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.  It tells us what is really important in life.  What we all crave.  We know that  nothing can take it's place.  When the attention of someone we love seems off somewhere in a distance, we usually take that as feeling unwanted or unloved.  To capture this back, it can sometimes feel like a chore.  We need to take the opportunity whenever we can to make those we love FEEL love before the opportunity passes and circumstances change.  Maybe if we focus, things will make itself clear.

Achievements

If people only knew how hard I work to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all.  -- Michelangelo            

This is one of those days when I realize how hard I work to complete something if only for my satisfaction.  For some reason I was blessed with patience to keep trying till things are done right.  I have so much to do this week before my eye surgery next Monday.  When they told me I had to take a two week break from any kind of hard phyical activity after the surgery, I felt like my world would be standing still for that time.  My day is surrounded by NOT sitting still.  Will I have the patience to handle this?  Will I be able to complete this?  Will I achieve this task?

Your love is exhilarating
And your attention welcoming
I tremble with your closeness
As I breathe in your air...
Thoughts of you swirl through my mind
And leaves me wanting you more
These feelings come as a surprise
And has left me fascinated...  

Enjoying this, but scared
Loving it, but hesitant
Needing this, but afraid to give all
Simple, yet complex.... 

Dean's List

It was a nice surprise last night seeing my son's name in the paper for making the Dean's list at school.  Apparently the college sent the list to our local paper.  I had known he was doing well, but as I sat there after 10pm looking at it, I decided to call him to let him know.  My first thought was, would I wake him up at that hour?  Yea Right.  He was actually at a Mardi Gras party at a club that was close to the school.  ?  Apparently he does more there than study.  I should have waited untill today to call!  lol

Anyway, Congratulations Dave!!

My future starts when I wake up every morning... Every day I find something creative to do with my life.
           -- Miles Davis
 As I returned from my morning walk today, I took the time to look at the flowers that were planted last fall.  To my amazement, amongst the pansies, I saw my tulips popping thru the ground and pointing to the bright sunny sky.  My first reaction was "What? It's only Feb. 18th!"  I have yet to get accustomed to this mild southern weather when it comes to my flowers.  But,how great is it that we have such a long planting season here!  Well, I came inside, dug up a picture from last year and thought what a perfect time to look at what is yet to come.  :)

My beta fish

 

 

 

 

 

This is Crosseye Tommy and he lives on my kitchen counter.  Sometimes he looks out at me with what seems like a need to get out.  He stays there swimming around and around contemplating his life.  His friend lives in another bowl next to him on that same counter....so close,  yet so far away.  lol

ballet

We spent last night at the Fox Theater seeing the Romeo & Juliet Soiree.  This night benifited the Atlanta Ballet and the Center for Dance Education.  The night included dinner, live auction, ballet and dancing afterward with the cast party to the music of Anita.  It was a nice evening spent with a fun group of people.  After reading the play this past week I was ready to enjoy the ballet with all it's passion.  

"What's in a name?  That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

 

 

My heart leaps each time you kiss me, each hug that I feel and each smile that I capture...this time is ours and I grab each moment that is given.   I watch your hands shake from the feeling of excitement as I reach to hold them for comfort.....this  closeness  lingers when I think of you long after we part.

diverging

 

 

Avoid the crowd. Do your own thinking independently. Be the chess player, not the chess piece.
            -- Ralph Charell
  I have always done my own thing  in what I feel is honest and true.  Some take it as being naive. If only they would understand that I choose to give people the benefit of the doubt and look at life at another angle.  Why conform to others if we think differently? 

MVP

 

Here's Daniel with his MVP award for indoor soccer.  His position is right forward and he is a great ball handler.  The outdoor season starts next week without any break inbetween seasons.  He loves playing and can't wait to get out on the big field to run.  Great job Daniel!!

As I lay there with the soft light flickering in the darkness, I watched the steam rise into the air.  The memories came flooding back to the forefront and all I could see was you. I felt your eyes upon me and your love surrounding me.  The feeling was clear and your presence inviting.   Your eyes glistened as you smiled and your voice seemed to be constant in the waves.  I lay there for what seemed like hours till new tears flowed when I opened my eyes.  For it was then that I knew you weren't there...

mornings

Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.
            -- John Wayne

I love mornings and today is no exception.  After seeing the beautiful moon last night hanging in the sky like it owned the place, I awoke today to yet another new day full of expectations.  It amazes me at times that all it takes is a mind-set of positive thoughts to get me going and conquer those things that only yesterday weighed me down.  I will aproach this new day with a skip in my step that only I can see and look forward to the many possibilities this day will provide me.   :)

basketball

Here's Kelly in action at the Woodstock basketball game.  They won this game against Hiram by about 25 points.  The season was busy with 3 games a week but is now coming to an end with one tournament left to play.  Even though Kelly loves the game, she is ready for a much needed break.  I will miss those games!

Make me feel alive with your closeness
and give your love that is intoxicating
remind me how it feels and
show me your love...
I can't let go or stop this ache
this addiction I have...
I grasped for air and you were gone
don't walk away...
come back and
capture my heart again...

keeping peace

Ignore the things that you don't like and embrace the things that you do.....In our life we all adjust to situations that just doesn't feel right or that we agree with.  Do we occomodate others so as to keep peace?  I tend to keep things to myself instead of speaking my mind at times because of that.  Am I considered too easy going or not caring?  I don't think so.  I think we all choose ahead of time how we want to react to something.  I choose to keep peace.

Morning, Noon & Night

 This book held my interest from the very beginning.  A very intriguing mystery that kept me captivated to the last page with love, deceit, hatred, power, greed and betrayal.  The twists and turns throughout the book kept me wondering as to what else would change the plot! 

 

Sometimes my loneliness engulfs me
and I can't see right in front of me.
I want to chase those feelings away
and replace them
with a caring warmth
that encircles me.
Someone turn on the lights.

Happy 17th Birthday Kelly!!

Here's Kelly on her 17th birthday!  She had a great day and enjoyed her birthday party with her family.  Her request was an icecream cake that consisted of chocolate cake,  mint  chocolate icecream and cream cheese icing.  It was so good!  Kelly is an intellegent beautiful girl that is growing up way too fast for her Mom.   She is the nicest daughter I could have ever hoped for.  Happy Birthday Kelly!  :)

Stomp

  We went to the IMAX theater yesterday and saw Pulse.   The music was great and it showed the universal language of rhythm.  The film was guided by the performers of the off-broadway show STOMP.  They showed beautiful aerial views of New York, their city streets and the people jamming to the beat.  The rhythm  was addicting and I found myself moving in my seat the whole time. Everyone enjoyed it and I would have to say it was a success outing.  :)

Ballet

Romeo:  "Has my heart loved 'till now?  Forswear it, sight!  For I never saw a true beauty 'till this night."

We have tickets to the 2004 Atlanta Ballet Ball at the Fox Theater on February 13th with the Romeo & Juliet performace.    Dinner is beforehand in the Eqyptian Ballroom and we are invited to the cast party after for dessert and dancing.  I have always wanted to see this onstage and can't wait!  This is truely the greatest love story ever written and of course my favorite from Shakespeare.  I hope to feel the passion, hatred, innocence and betrayal illuminated through the dance.   My only worry now is will my big kleenex box go with my cocktail dress?  lol

speculative glance

I've been sitting alone thinking.....wondering where this path of life will guide me...how long will it take for me to see that there is nothing more that I could want....how many more trails out there that need to be hiked and breathtaking views to absorb before I would say I've seen it all....how many more nights will I lay and dream with vivid panorama scenes?   I imagine my love will continue to spread for the adventures given to me in my life.  As I sit here wondering,  I inhale the comfort set upon me by those thoughts....

captivating :)

Kid Rock

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Once again this old song re-emerges by another artist.  Kid Rock has done a new video to go along with this song.  Those old favorites always come back by artists with new ideas in how they want to portray it.  He starts off a little country but goes heavy rock the rest of the way.   I would have to say that I love this song...enjoyed the video :)  ....and will continue searching and listening to music that inspires my days and relaxes my thoughts.

Listen :)  And if your curious, go search for the video to watch. :)

Staying positive

Today a decision was made.  I have finally made that call to the eye surgeon to have my cataracts removed.  I was shaking at the time with the thought of having this done.  I will be surprised if I go through with this but know that I will. The fear I have is very close by.  What comes to the surface of my mind is something that I have thought of since I was younger....the fear of loosing that sense.  What is beside that fear is the fact that my eyes have been open today to facts that moved me enough to make that call.  My main goal now is to keep the positive outlook that I have about everything else in my life and include this....to know that this will benefit me...and to keep the negative thoughts out of my reach. 

What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?  Dr. Robert Schuller

Hint of spring

What a great day it is outside!.  Hints of springtime are peeping through the trees and the warmth from the sun feels good.  I've just returned from helping the kids at school and each one brought with them smiling faces today.  Could it be that they too feel the change in the season?  Whatever it was the energy from them kept me smiling long after I left.  This is the kind of day that makes me want to stay outside frolicking beneath the sun.  I am patiently waiting for the birds to return to the feeders to watch them amuse the squirrels that have taken over their feeing trays.  Springtime...you can't come soon enough. 

Friends

"All people you meet here have one thing to teach you.  That there are no random acts.  That we are all connected.  That you can no more separate one life from another than you can separate a breeze from the wind."  Mitch Albom - The five people you meet in heaven.

Since reading this book from Mitch Albom, I have reflected on those friends and strangers that have passed through my life.  I would have to say that I have always thought we meet each person for a reason.  Sometimes we know why, other times we never do find out.   We bring each experience of that contact of others with us and that forms the person who we are.  As I sat and visited a friend the other day who has been struggling for her life, I couldn't help but wonder why I met her shortly before her illness started a year ago.  Each time we met we would talk about anything and everything so easily....and it was like that the other day even though we both knew that time was running out.  Meeting her was no random act. 

This year

Genuine beginnings begin within us, even when they are brought to our attention by external opportunities.  William Bridges

This new year will bring new situations to my life, new friends that will inspire my thoughts and new opportunities for me to improve my world through kindness, compassion and generosity.  I hope to enlighten those around me with something as simple as a smile and other times as complex as my thoughts.  My strenghts will help me along my way and hopefully I will work with and around my weaknesses.  I will bring to this year what seems like my never ending excitement and enthusiasum for the life that I have.  I will persist on this journey and enjoy every moment that is put in front of me and notice life at it's best with a smile on my face and continued warmth in my heart..... :) 

Hiking

Did a short hike of 3 1/2 miles at Alatoona Lake on New Years Eve.  We hiked this trail before but never when the lake had been lowered.  I ended up going off the trail and walking where the water used to be.  It made for some interesting pictures.  The day was sunny, warm and quiet beneath the trees.  It is this kind of day that I feel most alive.  :)

Christmas

Our trip to Pittsburgh for our Christmas vacation was fun.  We enjoyed seeing all our relatives and also added our annual ski trip before we came home to Atlanta.  The time went fast, but we left with lots of memories.   I'm already planning the next road trip! 

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours....May you celebrate this holiday season with joy in your home, peace in your world, and love in your heart.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Brian, Kelly, Carol, Dave, Daniel and Dave

Paprika

This is Paprika....he brought a smile to my face each time he hopped around the house, and an angry word to my lips everytime I had to pull him from underneath the freezer!   He was cuddly, mischievous and one of the cutest rabbits I've had.....he will be missed terribly.  December 21, 2003

I am at a lose for words.  What I feel sometimes is overwhelming.  I have been the ear and shoulder for my mother for the past six years since my sister passed away.  I sit and listen...for it is all that I can do now.  I don't know how she feels loosing a child, but the ongoing pain that I hear in her voice  is enough to know that I  shouldn't have any complaints in my life on minuscule things.  I fight to dig myself out of the emotions each time she talks with me of this.  It will come out of the blue like yesterday and hit me like a brick wall. She now is following a class action lawsuit of  similiar origin of the doctor that misdiagnosed my sister and has begun the process of writing letters in the effort to bring justice...or is it peace within herself.  My mother now wants my response and feelings on it....

I shouldn't tell her that I feel she should let go....it is not my right....I want her to never forget, but learn to stay positive for the surviving members of our family...I want her to put her energy in another direction....these feeling that I have will go unheard, for how can I tell her to do nothing?

I will continue to listen ...continue to keep it to myself...and hope that one day peace will replace the hurt that persists within her.

"Never deprive someone of hope, it might be all they have."  H. Jackson Brown Jr.

 

In the throes of indecision, a deep, inner voice will whisper an answer.  Lynne Ames from Easy Answers to Life's Hard Questions

Today I found myself amused by my surroundings.  At times I laughed with gusto... and other times I was searching for answers to questions that were asked of me.  Though the smile never quite left my face I found myself wondering why things happen as they do.  Is it just being at the right place at the right time....or do we bring certain energy towards us? 

patience

Sometimes I feel as if I'm pulled in all directions and everyone has just one more thing to ask of me....it gets to the point where all I can do is sit and smile.  This is when my patience kicks in and I learn to endure without complaining.   I will finish each day and be done with it.  If I am lucky,  I will  have another opportunity the very next day to deal with things all over again.... maybe with a new view that will make things seem easier.  In the meantime....I need a break!!!!!  lol

Silence

"Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose."   Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

True silence is something that rests in all of us and is mixed with the realization that our life is ever-changing in our purpose of being here.  The impact of each person that passes through our life touches that silence within us and forms a new  perception.  We take that impression, add it to our existing thoughts and learn that life has more reason of living than ever before.  How lucky we are to realize this in our daily endevors.  We are our silence within.

Santa

Christmas is just around the corner and Santa Claus is coming to town... should I watch out now and start crying?....will he remember me being naughty?.... is it too late to start trying to be nice?....think he will notice my pout?....will he remember when I was good or just all that bad stuff?....has he been watching me when I lay there and can't sleep??......will he check his list more than twice just for me to give me a break?..... goodness sakes.... is 16 days till Christmas enough time for me to change his mind and think about stopping here?...should I start stressing now????...   :)

I just awoke from spending my Friday evening sleeping in front of the fireplace.  The warmth of the fire encircled me like a blanket and all I could hear was the intoxicating sound of the crackling wood.  I lay there mesmerized by the comfort but alone in my surroundings, for the house was quiet.  The light from the flames bounced against the walls and shown brightly just for me.....I should have stayed there all night.....

 

The Northern Boy

Here's the typical northern boy eating ice cream in front of the fireplace.  Cold?  Nope...hasn't gone in the single digits yet...these Atlanta winters are great!

Did you ever have one of those days when things just feel good?  Where everything looks brighter.... and thoughts run rapid....but every bright corner is filled with good feelings of calm?  A day when it seems like you open your eyes for the first time...and everything  in return catches our awareness?

This was one of those days.  :)

Dave's 19th Birthday

It is not necessary  to change.  Survival is not mandatory.  Edward Demming, Management consultant

Here's Dave this past Sunday on his 19th birthday.  Where has the time gone?  Seemed like yesterday that he was learning to ride his bike and now he's grown and in college!  Change....it's inevitable....

 

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's been here like an echo between my space and time....this feeling that I have...it will stay until I can't hold it anymore, it follows me.....ready to greet me in the day, and surround me at night...time doesn't seem to erase.......

Yesterday's pictures

A lot of activities yesterday in our household.  Besides the cooking of Tom in the oven we enjoyed spending time together as a family.  Had a pool tournament and lost some money.  Today I think I won't gamble as much as 5 bucks a game like yesterday! lol  We watched the "Hulk" movie together and apparently that consisted of beating up the blown up Hulk that Brian owns.  Is that a guy thing??  The rubik's cube was done 3 times from my engineer husband who impressed the kids each time. How did he have so much time on his hands ??   Today we will fight the crowds at the malls as is tradition....I want to change that, but it seems my daughter is against it. I will have to look at it as quality time with her instead of quality time with a zillion of other people!  

 

Thanksgiving

This day inspires thoughts of so many things and I wonder how I will ever bring this to clarity.  I feel as though being grateful is such small words to say for such a life that I have.  My surroundings seem to brighten with every day and my excitement never ceases to end.  To have all of this and realize the impact can only enhance my world for the better. 

Today I will give thanks for every breath that goes through me...for it is in this time that my senses are attuned to all things around me....and that in turn makes me smile.  :)

dreams

You see things; and you say, "Why?"  But I dream things that never where; and I say, "Why not?"  George Bernard Shaw

Sometimes my dreams are so vivid that it is almost as though it really happened in my daily life.  I wake up compelled to figure things out and think of why I would possibly dream what I do.  Often I feel that it is a reflection of my true inner feelings....feelings that are kept inside for safe keeping.  Feelings that if brought out would only complicate my own idenity.   

Hiking

What a beautiful sunny autumn day! We decided to take a picnic lunch and hike Vineyard Mountain trail near the Allatoona Dam.  It was a steep hike straight up the mountain but it felt good!  I love taking advantage of one more day playing in the sun when the temperature goes above normal like it was today.  Now if I only could have convinced my hiking crew to stay and camp the night!  They can only take so much I guess.  lol

Kelly's first concert

Kelly and I went to the John Mayer concert last night at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta.  He put on a great concert and played for 2 1/2 hours!  The place was packed, the people were excited and the music was awesome.  The picture above was taken just before we left as we were filled with anticipation of having a good time. 

hour

"Why should we refuse happiness this hour gives us, because some other hour might take it away?"   John Hobbes

Sometimes I am speechless with the happenings in my life... I am captivated and not sure which way to turn...it's presence still lingers when I am alone...

Varsity Basketball

Kelly had her first basketball  game at the varsity level tonight.  The gym was packed with kids, parents and police officers!  Should be an interesting year.  With her having 2-3 games a week it should also be an busy year.  Her position is shooting guard and she is a great 3 point shooter.  Her coach yells if she only shoots 2 pointers. ?  What fun this year is going to be.  lol

I would be lost if I looked into those eyes...so I sit and I glance away.  He smiles and grabs me with his eyes and I know things will never be the same.  How sweet it must feel to have this each day...how warm it would make me feel.  So I sit and I glance and wonder each time if I dare feel this once again...

 

"A loving person lives in a loving world.  A hostile person lives in a hostile world.   Everyone you meet is your mirror."  Ken Keyes Jr. , Handbook of Higher Consciousness 

My son will be visiting this weekend!  It's been a month since he's been home and I will have to say I can't wait.   His birthday is soon and he will be 19.  Seems like just yesterday that we were in this picture booth taking candid shots. We looked like kids ourselves!

Received another letter from the IRS yesterday.  Apparently it wasn't over after we paid thousands more like they asked.  Seems that we have a refund of .95 to be exact.!?  They won't mail the refund unless we ask for it... that is a letter with a .37 stamp on it just to get .95.  Are they ridiculous or what?  Maybe they should have figured the exact amount at the beginning when they came after it!  lol

 

racing mind

"No one knows what it's like to the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blue eyes....

My mind races as to what I have to get done today....I need to go walking to  put all this in order.  The sun is shining brightly and it will keep me smiling once again through the day.  Maybe shuffling my tasks will create a whimsical day....yes, I think I will go against the norm...

......But my dreams, they aren't as empty, as my conscience seems to be...No one knows what it's like to feel these feelings, like I do...."

Behind blue eyes video

Small jobs

     "Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs.  Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger.  If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will take care of themselves."  Dale Carnegie

Sometimes I need to read this often to make what I do seem worthwhile.  And I wonder why there is doubt....but I have the confidence to overcome... confidence that is quiet....calmly persistent and effective.  It has the strength to be kind,and the courage to be truthful. It is the result of how I choose to live my life.  So why then do I need to read this often?.......

The weekend

A gorgeous weekend this was!  I spent hours paddling my canoe in tranquillity at the lake.  The sunset was breathtaking....... I arose 6:45am for a sole trip to capture the sunrise and fell upon the most peaceful time spent on the lake.  The water was still, the fog laid low and the quiet was just right. 

"True silence is the rest of the mind, it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourisment and refreshment"  William Penn

great news

Have great news...the cyst on my ovary is gone!  They  have been tracking this since spring.  Yesterday I had another cervical ultrasound and it revealed those results.  I am very grateful that I went for a second opinion since they wanted to remove it and my ovary last month.  They had thought it was a type that wasn't functional, which would then mean suspicious contents....life has been good to me.  :) 

"The time to pray is not when your in a tight spot but just as soon as we get out of it. "    Josh Billings

A breath of fresh air...

It's intriguing how certain people enter our life and bring with them a whisper of fresh air. We hold on to that air and everything seems brighter for some reason.....and then we wait for that time for those to enter again and bring that energy that feels so good.

Thoughts found and written 2/1/83

My mind goes weary without you by my side.  Just the touch of your skin sets my heart on fire - and the feeling of your kisses sends chills up my spine.  I don't know how I survived without you before this - for everything I live for is for you.......with you by my side nothing can go wrong.  You have a place in my heart which keeps me going - and living - and enjoying - and seeing life as beautiful in times of sorrow or happiness - and loving, which is the greatest gift of all you gave to me.  You offered yourself to me as a whole and set upon me a spell that blinds everything but you.

Carol -  Written 2 months after our wedding.

A great Day

What a nice day it is outside.  I had beautiful skies to look at as I did my morning walk.  With this cooler weather the sky has been so clear.  I've had the fireplace on the past two days and I love the cozy feeling.  Halloween is this week and I look forward to all the little ones running from house to house with a big smile on their faces.  A day that brings back good memories. 

                        "I shut my eyes in order to see."  Paul Gauguin

 

Frank Sinatra's Life Musical Production

We went to the musical production of Frank Sinatra's life last night at the Canton Theatre.  First, dinner was at a coffee shop that was unique and set up with a live band to play later in the evening.  The musical was great with three entertainers singing his songs through his life story.  The reception after was a catered event of sweets and drinks.  I will have to say I had one too many kahlua and creames.  I'm sure feeling it today!  lol

 

Hope is a good thing...and good things never die.

Get busy living......or get busy dying.

Shawshank Redemption

Inadequacies

Inadequacies in one's life can only be damaging to your self exteem if you let it.  Why then do we take something that is said in jest and take it to heart?  Why would certain things stand out that people say when you are overwhelmingly positive about most aspects in your life?  Shrug it off?...yes...we will only feel inferior if we let ourselves.

Tomorrow....

I'm sitting here filling out the forms for my doctors visit tomorrow.  This is my second opinion doctor for Gynecologic Oncology for the cyst on my ovary.  I'm sitting here worried, scared and wondering if I'll be able to get through the visit  calm and with a sharp mind to get the answers to the questions I will be asking.  I had to get out the letter from my sister's doctor on the type of her cancer.  Reading that letter puts worry in me and thoughts in my head of what our family went through 6 years ago.  I hope and pray things will go in my favor......

Quote:  Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man.  But sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.  Vince Lombardi

I will keep a positive attitude....I will and must do this....for me......

music

I'm sitting here listening to "Get Down Tonight" and it brings back memories.  It makes me want to get up and dance and get down.  lol   I heard it in a movie that we watched tonight, so I thought I would download it.  Good ole Kazza Lite.  What would I do without it?!

Switched over to a Prince song..."I Can't Make You Love Me".  I've yet to see him in concert.  One of these days...... 

Well, I'm going to see John Mayer in concert next month.  My daughter wanted  desperately to go see him,  so I figured I'd take her.  It's been awhile since I went to a concert like that.  Should be fun!  He's coming to the Phillips Arena in Atlanta November 21st.  I think she's counting down the days to the concert.  lol

I took her to the doctors the other day and found out she has strept throat.  It's killing her not being able to practice her basketball the last couple of days.  She plays and practices all year around so it's in her routine.  Take that routine away from her and look out! 

Then she has been stressing about her SAT testing and what she needs to get into the college that she wants.  Kelly is taking a 2 month course at a local college to prepare for the test.  She wants a private out of state school...for pre-med.....should I return to work now?  lol  Bottom line is...I'm so proud of her.

 

Quote for today: Learn the art of patience. Apply disipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal.  Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement, and failure.  Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success.  Brian Adams

Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand.....

pansies

I worked outside all of yesterday and planted my pansies.  They look great!  It's still a little early for the tulips.   Maybe in a couple of weeks for those.  I love it in springtime when they are all in full bloom.  Last year my neighbor asked if I was going to be planting my 14,000 pansies.  Sarcastic remark?  I think so.  Jealous?  I think that also.  Why are people like that?!..... 

Quote:  Always remember others may hate you but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them.  And then you destroy yourself.  Richard M. Nixon, in his white house farewell.

Dan's Birthday

Here's Daniel on his 10th birthday!  He's growing up so fast!  Dan loved the new in-line skates he received for his birthday and the train cake that I made.  He had a great day and is waiting for his brother to come home from college this weekend so we can all go out to dinner for his birthday. Looks like he picked Macarooni Grill as the spot.  Yum Yum

 Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.  Rabbinical Saying