It's Long Road, But Don't Walk Too Fast!

Feet on the Ground, not in it...

Strolling around my olde' town, I stopped today near a place that I have traveled past for years.  I even remembered that as a young teenager, I pushed the pedals with much more energy... as to not slow down near here!  

It is actually a pretty patch of land with lovely, windswept trees that sometimes together with the sun create lace patterns on the grasses of the glaring white, bleached tombstones.  I have decided that this is a perfect to place to walk on a bad day...

For here there is no bad day.  

People come and go, life in all of it's joy and chaos continues.  We are merely a blip on the screen of a universe so vast and incomprehensible that our problems are truly microscopic.  All that means is, everything, the gusto of your life, is how you carry yourself in any given second; for the next second may not be held for your existence!

It is very hushed in this space, the markings are old and tell tales of people who once were.  I breath in and push my feet across this shroud of green turf  in order that I might return to my "bad" day.  And in this day I have gained a bit of clear insight, that it just ain't so bad after all...  

To run free is an amazing gift!

Our spirits are harnessed by nature to an "earthbound" gravity, filled with the absolute weight of the world.

Let go of all that holds you down...

and give your spirit a chance to soar.

Be exceptional and free if only for a moment...

you have that power within you!

Let this be the most important gift that can you give yourself...

Rachel and Cheryl.... two of the best people I know!

Six Sentence Sunday is in dedication to these two strong and amazing women...

Unconditional love, in an conditional world is an exceptional achievement.

Celebrate your soul mate, as no other human being will ever understand or admire your spirit more... !

You can never push away the one you truly love (and who loves you), no matter what hell you try to create; they will never give up or walk away, they will just fight harder to stay.

In my life, just short of loved ones and special friends, coffee, chocolate and a mountain or ocean view are the best things that I can hope to have in my ordinary day.

People are in fear of what they cannot relate to or do not understand.

Keep your faith and let the light shine on your face, as you must believe that you are truly amazing!

Love to my friends,  Julie

THE LAST MORNING GLORY...

Life has been hectic, but good!

Trips out of town, new grandchildren, camping with friends...  All of those things squeezed in alongside a heavy work schedule, my new health regime and trying to get my house in order has not left me a great deal of time for the things that make me, ME!

I am proud and happy except for the things undone, like my poor, pathetic yard.  Grass rag-tag and tattered with sticks and wild weeds.  I really call them wild flowers, but who am I kidding?  I tell myself, everyday as I climb into my car, "the insects love you, look at all of the blooms"!  They are buzzing with activity and I feel like I have allowed nature to be itself, showing it's finest before the dead of winter!  My mess is part of the universe in it's most pure form.  (I am really good at convincing myself that my slack can somehow equal good on some astral or karmic level).

Yesterday, as I was bending for the morning A.I.S (ass in seat) departure, I looked over and saw it!  One of my favorites...and they do so truly touch my heart.  I do not know if it is the color, which I love, the frailty or strength that they represent to me, or if it is just the light that shines from within them as they greet a new morning.

I dearly love my morning glories!

I jerked to a stop and halted my hasty, forward movements in order to do the most important thing... I snapped a few quick pictures as a farewell to the flowers.  I smiled and knew that next year they would be back to greet me along with a new summer sky...  

And for just a moment, I knew that it was time to stop and notice the last morning glory!

“A morning glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.”

― Walt Whitman

Six Sentence Sunday...Oct 9, 2011

The nature around us is a gift from God;  if we slow down and take just a moment to look closely we will see his hand.

As hard as I might try, even if I fight with all of the strength that my poor heart can muster,  I cannot make it through this life without love...

Fear of failure makes you keep your colors inside of the lines!

There is nothing more sweet than a tiny new baby, curled up, sleeping on your chest...your hearts touch.

Sometimes, you do not see the joy in your life, until it has passed!

The deepest purple of the morning glory, surrounds the glowing light that come from deep within.


Fall photo, by Jules
Near Evergreen, Colorado...U.S.A

No Butterfly for You....

Well, I woke up and went to sit outside on a beautiful weekend morning, where no need to rush to work makes me feel like a queen!
During the week, time for things that truly feel like a blessing are somewhat diminished... it is more difficult to rise and face the day, knowing the insanity that awaits me.
Breezy, fresh and peaceful was the world, as I sipped my smoky java and inhaled the day!
I began to notice the flowering weeds in my yard! I guess they are weeds because "city girl" Jules, did not plant them...The lavender flowers growing wildly, supported by the ragged grass that needs attention were just a hub of activity.  Woven in between are the morning glories, which I did plant, because I so love them (and because they photograph like champs)!
Bees, both honey and bumble zoom along with the slower moths and butterflies. All shapes and sizes of winged creatures, just flitted about enjoying my disheveled yard.
The light was awesome and speckled with moving shadows, as my trees danced with the wind.  I was not going to miss this inviting opportunity!

I left the steaming mug abandoned and alone on the glass table top and rushed to seek out my camera!  It was just where I knew that it would be, entombed in it's black leather pouch.  I rustled it loose from it's coffin and pushed the little silver button to revive the lost soul.  NOTHING!
I shook the case to free the other two batteries.  As I fumbled with the silver casing and released the latch, I wondered just how long had it been?  Two more attempts at camera CPR only resulted in dead bodies... put a toe tag on 'em and move on!
In hopes of not missing the capture of my outdoor bliss, I grabbed my cell phone.  Okay, not much of a tool but when you snooze you lose.  Apparently, I have been asleep at the wheel a lot longer than I realized.

I scared away the first orange and black butterfly.  How did he know I was there?  Did I need to move down wind?  So, after scaring away two other posers, I thought sit down, blend in...
I am so damned funny!  It is not unusual to drive by my home and see some women laying near her overgrown "garden" shooting pictures of the underbelly of a bush.  Neighbors, just pass by, slowly and in awe!  I believe that I have carry tons of entertainment value on my block, and the kids just love me!

So there I am, I sit still and wait...cell phone posed for a shot to share with you!
Here comes a black bumble, so fat he looks lumbering in his flight.  He lights "quickly" on a few purple buds before he reaches the capabilities of my humble cell phone.  I smile with anticipation as he sits right in front of me, I push the button... and turn off the phone.
Oh, you have to be kidding me.  I laugh, the bee lurches on to his next choice meal.  Okay, so try again...
Ready, set, push....slow learner hits the same dad-gum button!
One lovely, huge butterfly attracts my rapt attention across the yard.  Oh my goodness, it is huge and sports amazing, colorful wings.  I put down the cell phone and just sit quietly and watch.
I know that if I move he will be gone.  I know that the phone is not going to cut it... so the crazy weed lady puts down her non-picture taking camera to sit and watch the life around her.  It occurs to me that we miss many beautiful things, while we are on a "mission".
So, I stopped.  I just stopped and watch the life go on around me.  Birds were singing, I could feel the sun on my arms just before it ducked behind a small cloud.  The breeze blew in my crazy red hair.  No camera today, nothing captured, nothing to share.  Just a small moment, flitting from flower to leaf...just my life in this moment...

Unexpected

I have been away for a little while...
I have locked up, shut down and now have managed to trudge ahead.


The latest thing to overcome was having to place my Grandmother in a nursing home about a month ago.  "Muzz" has been my roommate for over 20 years, she is now 97 (she will be 98 next month).  It was not always a picnic, but she was my buddy!  And though I "bitched" in my head, that I wanted my own space and some privacy... I loved her and she loved me.  
Well, I have to work and it was getting to where things were going a bit mad at home, whilst I was away.  Suffice it to say, she could not manage small items that may have gone awry in big ways, like burning down the house.
She is in a good place and I have been visiting often.   So, while not ideal, I think it is good for her.  She is active and attended to... 
I, however am scared!  I wonder who would have thought that the absence of a 5 foot, 100 pound, 97 year old woman would make you feel like you need an alarm system?  It is funny what you get use to and what makes you insanely insecure!


Anyway, not all has been bad!


I have a new daughter in law, Sarah...who married my awesome baby boy, Kenny!  That was so much fun and so special.  They are going to have a wonderful relationship.  So, now all of my amazing sons have lovely partners, who are strong and smart and who will keep the families intact.  They have deep core values and make the most blessed daughters!  I am a lucky woman!


I NOW have two new grandchildren, that are about a month apart. Interesting turn for our family is on my side they are the first GIRLS since me.  I was the only girl and I have two brothers, I have 3 sons.  We are blessed to have Caroline Elizabeth and Emmy Grace!   What fun...Gram gets to buy girl stuff!  There is a special place in my heart for those little boys, too.  Andrew, Harrison...Gram misses you!


So, as I come out from under the boulder of life my and have a bit of space to concentrate on me and what I see around me and what I love or despise, these posts and pictures are a must...


Thanks, to all of my friends out there life has been quite a ride!  Hugs to all of you who may have noticed my missing posts.   I send good thoughts and the hope that life has been good to you in these crazy times!
I will see you soon with more posts and photos (as soon as I find my camera, that is)!


Have a wonderful weekend!


Sincerely,  Jules

No Answer

Why do those filmy thoughts keep crossing my brain?

"Call him"...

Thoughts so slight, sometimes I barely acknowledge them and yet in other moments they hit me with a ferocity that slams my heart into the crust of the earth.
"Call him"....
When you have known someone for as long as you can remember, from the beginnings of your first conscious thought, they do not depart your life quickly. You are part of him, if he never existed than neither would you. So, how can you be disconnected, displaced?
"Check on him"...
When you look at your hands and see his.
When you drink your tea out of the cup that he gave you.
When you pass the house and no light is on.
When there is no part of him accessible, when you don't know where he is...you just know he is not here, within your grasp... you cannot call him! He is gone.

We were not perfect, we wasted time, we disagreed on foolish things. The perfect love that should have been, got lost in life, sometimes.
A daughter who did not always listen.
A Father that did not always understand.
Just people who felt pain and were judged.
People who carried heavy baggage from being misunderstood, souls who failed themselves.
So human and fragile, so protective and armoured...just crying for acceptance from those who should have been there unconditionally.

I will not have the chance to make it up, I cannot make him proud, I cannot hold his hand. There is no "sorry" now, no second chances, I missed it.
Now, I can only wait to see if there is eternity... for now, he cannot hear me.



This is my first Father's Day without my Dad...It is hard to know that part of you, the person who was here from your very first moment, is somewhere else.  Or,  well, not here, at least.
It is weird not to have your greatest protector within earshot... If I were in trouble, I would look up and he would be there.
I had no ashes, and due to family difficulties and the ruination of Katrina, I do not have too much physical left to visit or view for memories.
Ha, I guess I can look in the mirror!

Today I launched this poem and some pictures from a point on our lakefront, attached to it were three balloons.  One for each of his children.  I watched them sail and wander.  I watched them move further and further from me...so small, so high, just a pinpoint dot in the bright sky above.  I hope he smiled when he saw the wind, waves and blue skies, floating my love beyond the bright, billowy clouds.

I love you, Daddy!
God bless everyone today, celebrate, remember, hug, kiss and hold hands.  Laugh and look closely at those who are not just some distant spot on a far horizon... and love them with all your might!

J.

I am alive

Hey, Folks!

I miss all of you and my writing and pictures.... I will be back, I am alive but my lap top died last week while on the road headed to Houston for the fabulous wedding of my youngest son!

He and his lovely bride had an exceptional wedding, such a joyous occasion and are now down on Hwy. 1 in the Florida Keys, I hope.

I will be back, I am researching lap tops and catching up on my job and real work.

Hope everyone is well!  See you soon!

The Bird, Let Loose

I love the feeling and boundaries that seem to melt before me, as I read this poem by Sir Thomas Moore!
I have had a hectic week, because I am making some big changes for myself.  I am in such a transitional state, my blog goes empty and this morning I had to move furniture in order to find my keys!

I laugh at myself, and say, "chalk it up, and get over yourself"... I will forge ahead!

So, as I looked at this poem, posted on the wall above my desk... I thought that I would share a bit with all of you and do a pulse check, of sorts!  Blessings to all, I miss you!

The bird let loose in eastern skies, 
When hastening fondly home, 
Ne'er stoops to earth her wing, nor flies
Where idle warblers roam.
But high she shoots thro' air and light,
Above all low delay,
Where nothing earthly bounds her flight,
Nor shadow dims her way!

Photo original, Julie Watson

Chicago December 2010, Baha'i Temple grounds 

Six Sentence Sunday...

Nappa Sunday's are the most beautiful Sunday's on the planet, I long to go back!

Working a 12 hour night shift, can be rough on an olde' girl like me!

I never had a sister and she was more like me than I was myself, she even puts ice cubes in her milk!

The lovely sound of thunder, soon gave way to the sound of pelting hail...  We only needed gentle rain, not the fury of tornado's!

Soft pink blankets, tiny pink tee shirts with lady bugs sewn on... pink fuzzy wash cloths and a pink seahorse, that is what Grandma buys at the first news of a baby girl!

What a week!  And while you all are enjoying your Sunday's I will be snoozing, hungover from working 12 hours last night!  I am glad Monday is a holiday...don't forget our soldiers in your prayers, wave your flags!

True Blue (challenge 147 Written Inc)

She fought fires, kept people safe through fire prevention, taught children safety and dedicated her life to making the world a safer place.  She was a leader, best friend, soul mate, mother and a hell of a scrabble player (of course after she beat me about a dozen times, then she tells me her maiden name is WEBSTER, she was a card)!  Her heart was open to anyone who needed anything!  Honest, open and fun to be around!

I chose this blue photo today, to honor my best friend ever, who is no longer here with us.  We miss her and we miss her spirit!
Most days, you would find her dressed in blue and she had the most devilish blue eyes that I had ever seen!

My most precious Pam, who taught me so many things... I hope that you look down today and smile upon me!

To The Friend Who Made Me Smile Today...

I have had a bad week!  Well, okay to be honest, I have had a bad time since last October.
Now don't get me wrong, there have been good things, in fact there have been wonderful things.  I really try not to miss the awesomeness around me, really.  And I remember to be grateful for the blessings that I have, the beauty that surrounds me, the family and friends, I really do.
But losing my Dad was hard, work is hard, money is tight, other friends have died.

Those things, despite my fight, remain close to the surface.

I work on making memories and I plan things to look forward to, I am working on myself and doing things that I like.  But, still the darker shroud remains.
After a long work night, last night... I return to unlock my office door this morning.  A friend had returned a book that she had borrowed, it was settled just inside the Lucite mailbox.  As I moved to my desk a cream colored envelope fell out of the book,  fluttered to the grey carpet and settled at my feet.
I picked it up to open the flap and before I could fully take the card out, I had tears falling down my freckled cheeks.  A beautiful card, with a beautiful sentiment, from a beautiful friend!
I was so astounded at my tears, what the hell is going on?

Then I took a moment to feel the caring that came along with the message!  I understood, that I fight so much and work so hard and try to give to others... and in that I forget what it is liked to be cared for!

It meant so much to me today, that I just wanted to honor her and share with you.

The flamingo's are a symbol of beauty, balance and grace.  My friend is all these things, rolled up in a delicate, yet smart and spirited package!
Thank you, my friend!

The photo's are from the my zoo trip in Chicago!

Blue Again (Challenge 147 from Written Inc)

Deep Blue Leading to Pure Light...

Disappearing Blue

Blue, Yet to Come...

Blue through the Brush

Blue Holds up the Moon!

Blue, broken down...

My Best Blues!

I am sorry, I will stop, I can't help it!  LOL
Have a good day!

Words with Meaning (2)

The word for today is "hectivty" ~ meaning hectic activity


Hectic (frantic, intense, confused, fluctuating or recurring)


Activity (something that keeps people busy, lively, but not necessarily ending in accomplishing the deed or pursuit) ~ (however, in this particular usage, it is applied as some work or deed that no one really gives a "heck" about)

Did you experience hectivity today?

Excerpt from: Julie's Book of New Word Essentials:  A book filled with logical words to get us through the days of this crazy life!

Got the Blues... (Challenge 147 from Written Inc)

I was not here on Monday but since my blogger friend challenges last for a week and considering the fact that I love the theme I am going to try!  Sally said "Blue Monday"  and I was rolling with that, at first!  But the theme is, "Got the Blues"...

The best blues of my life are easy to see, the blue of the sky and ocean allow me to truly "be" myself.  I secretly wish that I had been a pirate!
This challenge seems to be more of an "indulgence" for me, so I hope that you enjoy them!

Eight Layer Blue

Gentle Blue...

Blue Worked into a Frenzy

Exhale Meet Inhale...

So head to Written Inc.( http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2011/05/thematic-photographic-147-got-blues.html ) and view the other challenges to join us next time!  It is a good blog and although this is only my second week, I am enjoying it and have found some other cool spots and bloggers!

No Words

I am wandering off for a few days and I chose even to escape my creative outlet...the computer will be left behind.
You may find me lolling beside the pool...

So, for this Sunday, I leave you with a photographic wish for the rest of your weekend!  Enjoy, be safe!

My Favorite Fountain!

Steel Aerial

Sneaky shot in a back "grand room" of Mr. Trumps newly opened hotel, in the Windy City... I went to the restaurant, which I found to be closed for the afternoon.  So, I wandered off to the ladies room and upon my exit, purposely went the wrong direction, up to no good.  

The views were amazing, so I snapped where I could before someone would come to throw me out!

Luckily, I was never captured and made my escape back down towards where the rest of us live, a peasant once more!

I love the view, the angles of this shot and the reflections of the other buildings in the shiny girder to the left of the photo.  The light was also amazing, everything appeared to gleam... I was enthralled to be at this window!

I wish I could have seen it at night, I am sure that the view would have been equally fantastic...

Thanks Written Ink...for the challenge!  http://writteninc.blogspot.com/

Six Sentence Sunday (#3)

It was a long and lovely, fair weather weekend...thank you very much God!

More water coming down the Mississippi River than the record river stages and flooding in 1927, that is astounding!
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/out-and-about-louisiana/2011/may/15/morganza-spillway-gates-open-louisiana-braces-miss/

I know that many people wish they were on higher ground, this weekend!  (I send blessings and prayers, be safe).

Even "gods" can fall to earth and fall in love...and they can look damn good doing it, too!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/


We can seek each other out from across the room, flash our eyes, connect and tranmit the message to meet along the shadowy fringes of our love!

Soft plumped pillows, sweetly cleaned and freshened sheets, darkend silence...good night world and sweet dreams!

My Saturday Gift to You

Unexpected coolness sneaks inside my home as I open the door.  The morning light, so soft and accepting, is heralding the new day and it has come to my fall upon my doorstep. 

Steam curls and rises delicately above my hot coffee as it sloshes around inside the delicate yellow and red flowered cup.  I step out to welcome that lovely, morning light and 
I am happy to take in a breath and know that this feeling of warmth and slowness can remain just a little while longer. 

For you see, I am learning to take my time!

There is always so much to do it has become a quest of mine to make more "quiet" time for myself.

I found that even when I was not "physically" busy, I seem to be wrestling activities in my mind.  At any second there could be a brawl in my brain about what I should be doing...outward stillness does not always equate to peace or quiet for me.  Static reigns supreme, overwhelms and often overtakes my physical stasis..

It is not hard to allow yourself to slip and fall only to become hostage to chores and tasks of all the work that reaches out for you with strong, sinewy arms.  And as if that is not enough, you can beat yourself up inside your with voices cajoling about what you should be doing, what you will be doing, or even what you are not going to do!
True, we are somewhat defined by what we do and our life's work;  it actually creates a healthy framework and very important stabilizer for our existence.  I,  however have come to joyously appreciate that I can find  a part of my true self in the quiet moments of my life.

There is no sound of the washer running or the lawn mower sputtering and my bed is yet unmade, this day. 
There is no thought of a path or plan for my day,  for this moment is where I am living! 
Windows open, birds singing, set with a second cup of coffee by my side.  Today is shaping up to be an awesome part of me and I am relaxed and happy in it...

So, I send to you this lovely Saturday morning, a sip of my warm, dark coffee, a kiss from the dew followed by a sweet caress from the breeze that gently billows my curtains.

Take a pause somewhere in your day, slow down and inhale the unencumbered breath to remember yourself and who you are that exact moment ~

Have a wonderful day!

WARRIOR MOTHER

She is never afraid,

and will stare you down...

She is relentless,

and can fight without sound.

She stands for the weak,

and protects every child...

She loves all of God's children,

all the meek, all the mild.

She toils in harsh sunlight

to nourish and feed...

She totes water uphill,

so to wet all the seeds.

She lights up the darkness

with lanterns and prayers,

 Spouting tales of distant horizons

and surfacing whales.

She fluffs up soft pallets to make them a bed,

She stands nightly to watch them and protect them

from dread.

She tucks them in gently as she kisses each head.

  Eyes flash in the darkness,

all feral and red...keeping shrouds at a distance from where innocence beds.

No one will fight harder to protect them from harm... 

ever vigilant,

always warrior,

The mother...of all!

Down and Out With a Dragon!

Goodness, I feel like crap today.  I called in (well, I actually texted in) and desribed my "dragon" of a sore throat and slight fever.  I did not open my computer or do anything all day, I slept and the tea, coffee and water...seemed to be no help at all. 
So, tissues piled up and some ointment gently rubbed on my throat and wrapped with a towel, sent me off to doze once more. 
The phone, that somehow managed to wind up beneath my pillow, rang and startled me so badly, I actually sat straight up, shaking.  The racous noise left my heart banging loudly inside my ears...which managed to reduce my intense dream to nothing more than a milky blur.  The person calling to check on me must have thought that I was a bit muddled and mad.  I wish they had brought me some streamy Chinese soup instead!

I had a few cheese busicuits and I let the tv drone on with "Project Runway" as I snoozed.  I woke to the phrase, " Guadelupe, you are out!"  followed by that European, "double-cheeked" pecking sound that made me choose just to roll over once more! 
Needless to say,  not much of a productive day... but I think that I had just worn myself down to the bone, leaving me no choice but to rest, nurture and revive.  Funny, how you think that you can manage your life and body despite yourself, but when your body (or mind for that matter)  has had enough it will find a way to slow you down or stop you in your tracks.  It makes not one darn difference if you agree to the respite or not!

Now, there are some pretty flowers in my view, I have soothed out my soft sheets and fluffed myself so that I might manage the simple task of turning on my computer.  I have enjoyed some really good blogs, smiled, laughed and pondered. You all sure keep me on my toes! 

I hope that I can pull it together and feel around on my insides enough to draw out some creative poem or something.  But, if that does not happen and you see nothing more from me tonight, just know that  "The Office" drones on the tv in the background as I snuggle in and try to make peace with that dragon who breathes fire in my throat...

Please send soup!

Doorways, Hallways, Thresholds and Pathways...

From New York to Chicago, The West Coast, Mexico, The Jersey Shore and good old St. Tammany Parish, (even Tiger Stadium in snow)... Just a few portals that I have crossed... 


Well okay, I did give the gorilla some space!  But all in all, I have been a lucky traveler so far!
Have a great day!