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!