Monday Morning This and That

We need periods of being by ourselves--alone. Sometimes a
fortnight or even a week will do wonders for one, unless
he or she has drawn too heavily on the account. The simple
custom, moreover, of taking an hour, or even a half hour,
alone in the quiet, in the midst of the daily routine of life,
would be the source of inestimable gain for countless numbers.

Ralph Waldo Trine

I had a nice weekend.  On Friday, I rose early, showered, and dressed, then made a decision not to go to the center.  I decided to run my Saturday errands  instead.  That way I would be able to take Saturday off.  I realize that I have now been transferring my workaholic tendencies to my retirement activities.  I feel as if I have to go, go, go.  Fortunately I realized what was happening before it got to the point where I burned myself out.  I don't have to be on the run seven days a week.  Part of retirement should also be taking the time to relax, to rest after a lifetime of work.  I knew that hubby had plans to visit his sister, and I felt the need for some solitude.

So, I headed to the bank, checked out Best Buy for a Laptop, and went to the fruit stand.  As usual, I made out like a champ.  Of course, I came home with my favorite black seedless grapes.

I'm thinking, though, that grapes are usually available year round, and are usually one of the few fruits I eat during the winter months.  Perhaps it is time to lay off of them for awhile and take advantage of the fruits that will soon be off the market. Such as the donut peaches below.

For some reason, they always taste better to me than regular peaches, which, by the way, are not one of my favorite fruits.  Whenever I buy them, it is usually for hubby to eat.

I also bought some strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and kiwis which I  made into the following salad.

How healthy can I get?  I am missing my fruit smoothies that I got at the stand on my way to work.  I know, I could always buy a blender and make my own, but I'll admit it.  I am lazy, and it is a lot of work.  So, I indulge in lots of fruit.

On Sunday morning I went to church.  I really enjoyed the service right from the start.  The processional hymn spoke of the Lord of the land and the sea.  It was so beautiful.  And then, the priest gave a sermon about 'invisible realms' and how, just because we may not see something in our mortal realm, it doesn't mean it is not there--right up my alley.  He spoke of our ancestors and how he believes they are always around us.  I was really enthralled with this one.

I don't feel so much like a fraud anymore.  I have always felt comfortable in the church, but often wondered how they would react if they know I wasn't a Catholic. And, this had nothing to do with my being a Druid and an Interfaith minister.  No, it had to do with  the bad experiences I had in the Catholic Church surrounding my firstborn's baptism.  His father was a Catholic, and his family wanted their grandchild baptized in the Catholic Church, but when the priest discovered I wasn't Catholic, he made a big thing out of it. In essence, he did all he could to make me feel inferior. In essence, because mom wasn't a Catholic and refused to go through the hoops they requested they would not baptize my son. 

I'd been baptized in the Episcopal Church, and when I contacted them, there was no problem with my husband being Catholic, and they baptized my son.  Ironically, if you study the history of the Episcopal Church you will find that it was originally considered Anglican Catholic.  Because Anglican means English, both the Scottish and American Anglicans chose the name Episcopal, meaning "with bishops."  The mass is pretty much the same with communion and many of the same prayers.  However, the priests are allowed to marry, women can become priests, and there are no nuns.

So, when I began attending this Church, I at first did have a bit of concern, but the truth is, I was wrong to judge everyone on the merits of one bad apple.  I became an Interfaith minister because I believe there is good in all religions and beliefs.  It seems that, for just a short while, I'd forgotten.  Thanks for letting me share. 

There is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like

about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be

good and kind to person and beast, it is all a sham. 

Anna Sewell

Oh My is it Really Friday Already?

Today, fill your cup of life with sunshine and laughter.

Dodinsky

Time sure does fly when you're having fun.  I had an especially great, and busy, time yesterday.  It began with 'Stay Well Exercises', a bit of everything combined--yoga, aerobics, stretching.  We ended the class by exercising the muscles in our eyes--look up to the left, look forward, look up to the right, look forward, look down to the left, look forward, etc. I had no idea how hard that would be.  The instructor advised us that this is because we don't use those muscles often. 

Next class was meditation.  It began as a discussion the power of the mind and how important it is for us seniors to stay busy so as not to fall into a rut which can lead to depression.  We discussed the importance of staying active after retirement.  We then discussed the various physical ailments that will keep us from living a full life...if we allow them to.  She then put on a tape of ocean waves beating against the shoreline and had us close our eyes and focus on the ocean waters flushing out those very ailments that hold us down.

After lunch was the 'End of Summer Gala' during which we were treated to a show by a professional hula dancer.  Sorry the picture isn't better.  When she was in my area, I was trying to get the darn flash off on the camera and missed the shot.  From my studies of Huna, I learned that each movement tells a story.  Hula is something I'd always wanted to learn but, from the time of my youth, I've had hips that don't want to move.

Afterwards there was old music and dancing.  I tried my hand at the twist and jitterbug.  Thought I'd be feeling it this morning, but I was pleasantly surprised.  I will admit that I did get a bit melancholy listening to some of those old songs, and on more than one occasion, felt tears welling in my eyes.  Memories began to flood in...especially when they played "Rock Around the Clock".  I won a dance contest with that song, my first and only one.  I remembered the boy I danced with and began to wonder whatever happened to him.  Oh, why does this always happen to me?  Why can't I remember without feeling sad?

It's very hard to explain.  I am happy where I am at today.  I have accepted this season of my life, and I truly feel fulfilled. I am living life today in a way I haven't lived in years.  Yet, when I heard those songs I began to mourn my lost youth.  Not that I'd want to relive it.  Not in the least. My youth was a painful time for me, and there is no way I want to go through that again.  Perhaps what I am really missing is something that I never had in my youth....the opportunity to live as a normal teenager and experience all the ups and downs that go along with those years.

Thanks for listening today.  May your weekend bring you joy, love, and peace.

Look not sorrowfully into the past; it comes not back again. Wisely improvethe present; it is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future
without fear, and with a sturdy heart.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

End of Summer Gala

 When summer gathers up her robes of glory, and like a dream of beauty glides away."

Sarah Helen Power Whitman

This little lady is almost twenty years old now.  In fact, she is so old that the liquid inside has turned yellowish. But, she still loves to twirl and dance about when you turn on the music...which, for the life of me, I can't remember the name of the song.

What fantastic weather we are having.  The sky is blue; the humidity is gone. A nice touch of fall in the air.  Love it.  This afternoon we will be  celebrating the 'End of Summer Gala' at the center.  Usually I head on home after lunch, but this really seems like a lot of fun.  There will be music of the Beach Boys and others.  Oh, what grand memories that will bring! When I was a teen, the Beach Boys WERE summer.  Remember 'Surfin USA'? There will be a sing-a-long and dancing for those still agile enough to dare.  We will also be treated to a trio of Hawaiian dancers who will also be offering some Hula lessons. Snacks will include lemonade and ice tea as well as some of the tasty cookies they serve each morning.  I've not had so much fun in years.  There really IS life after work.  And I am definitely making up for lost time.

Yesterday I stopped at Pathmark after the center to pick up a few items.  While there, I came across Sylvia's Restaurant Spices.  Now, I just happen to love soul food, and Sylvia's is the best, so I ended up buying all three of her spices--Secret Seasoning, Sizzlin' Hot, and Great Greens Seasoning. I figured if it were anything like the food she serves in the restaurant, I can't go wrong...and I didn't.   Last night's dinner consisted of a delicious pan fried chicken, candied sweet potatoes, and spinach.  Oh my, that chicken was fantastic. 

I realize that fried foods are so unhealthy, but sometimes we can't help but give into our cravings...just so we don't do it all the time.  May you all have a blessed day.

"Let me enjoy this late-summer day of my heart while the leaves are still green and I won't look so close as to see that first tint of pale yellow slowly creep in. I will cease endless running and then look to the sky ask the sun to embrace me and then hope she won't tell of tomorrows less long than today. Let me spend just this time in the slow-cooling glow of warm afternoon light and I'd think I will still have the strength for just one more last fling of my heart."

John Bohrn, Late August

A Little Wednesday This and That

 Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them.

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Good morning, everyone. Finally, a nice dry day so I am off to the center for a day of fun and games. I am looking forward to it. Yesterday was just too nasty to go out.  I hated to miss because it was blood pressure day, but the worst of the storm began just when it was time for me to leave the house. It was nice to have a choice about going out in the rain. Oh, I indeed had choices while I was working, but there was always the matter of making up a fib to call in sick.

Another new addition to my garden is the Rex Begonia.  The plant is native to India and was introduced to the West in the 1800's.  This little plant was nestled way in the back of the flower shop, barely visible, but it called out to me and as soon as I saw the tag which said, 'angel plant'.  Their wings DO look like angel wings, don't they? I didn't realize until I got it home and went online that this one can be a bit difficult.  It will certainly get some tender loving care from me.

If one finds oneself with bread in both hands, that person
should exchange one loaf for some flowers of the narcissus,
because the loaf feeds the body, but the flowers feed the soul.

Mohammed

Love that quote!

Buying candles has become almost an addiction for me, and I usually have scented candles burning all of the time.  I love the way they make the house smell. Burning incense only seems to irritate hubby's emphysema, so that is reserved for the times he is not around, but the candle scents are so gentle, they don't bother him.  Most of my purchases are for this reason, but there are also candles I buy for other purposes such as...

The above are candles I use for rituals and prayers. I also have plenty of white candles on hand.

I brought this Candied Cranberries candle home about two years ago at Christmas, but once I got it home decided it was too nice to use, so it has become a decoration.

This is another candle that became a household decoration once I brought home.  Didn't have the heart to destroy it.

 The view from the other side. This candle has such a wonderful scent, but it will never be put to the test.

Look how well my pepper plant is doing.  Notice all the new peppers coming out.  Hubby asked if I am going to eat them. I don't know about that.  They say they are pretty darn hot.

I'm having a great time with my new phone...as you can see from all the photos.  I'm waiting patiently for the full moon to see how well it does with that.  Poor Miss Minga is getting her picture taken every day.  I get such a kick out of her poses.  Well, it's time to get a move on.  Hope your Wednesday is filled with joy. 

All real and wholesome enjoyments possible to people have been

just as possible to them since first they were made of the earth

as they are now; and they are possible to them chiefly in peace.

To watch the corn grow, and the blossoms set; to draw hard breath

over plowshare or spade; to read, to think, to love, to hope:

these are the things that make people happy.

John Ruskin

The Money Tree

I look upon the pleasure which we take in a garden as
one of the most innocent delights in human life. . . It
gives us a great insight into the contrivance and wisdom
of Nature, and suggests innumerable subjects for meditation.

Cicero

The above is the most recent addition to my in-house garden.  I may not have a backyard, but that doesn't mean I can't have plants.  My latest addition is a special type of bonsai tree with the  botanical name is Pachira Aquatica, but it is commonly known as 'The Money Tree'.  According to the Chinese, the  'Money Tree' is a traditional symbol of luck and is believed to bring good fortune and weath.  Hence, it is a popular gift during the Chinese New Year. There are various tales of how it became known as the 'Money Tree', but one of my favorites involves a poor, hardworking farmer who said many prayers for help. 

According to legend, one morning the farmer was working in his fields and came across a beautiful, yet rather  unusual plant.  He decided to dig it up,  bring it home, and nurture it.  After all, perhaps this was what he was waiting for, the answer to his prayers. As time passed, nuts began to grow on the little plant, and the found that he was able to sell these nuts. He took the seeds and began to grow more trees which he was able to sell as well.  Soon, he became a great entrepreneur.   

The  tree is symbolic in that it has five leaves stemming from each branch which basically represent the five  elements of feng shui-- water, metal, wood, fire, and earth. With all five, 'feng shui' balance is achieved, thus bringing harmony to a space. The tree must be properly placed to bring luck and fortune to the household. The proper place for the plant is the northwest corner of a room, and it would be most ideal if your money was kept there as well.

Today is quite a stormy day so I've already made up my mid to stay home.  My tummy feels much better.  Sometimes I tend to forget that now that I am older, I just cannot eat like I once did.  Heck, when I was young I could eat anything I wanted.  I especially loved buffets and had to try a bit of everything, but those days are long gone. Now I cannot mix like I used to, and yesterday I sort of lost control.  A wee bit of this and a wee bit of that doesn't seem like much, but when you put them together will all the other things you ate, and you have a messed up tummy.   Moderation is the key.  Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Balance recognizes that many good things in life are good only
in moderation. There really can be too much of something wonderful.
Most virtues, taken to excess become vices. When an interest,
affection, or endeavor becomes utterly consuming, it doesn't
allow room for other kinds of goodness.

Unknown

As Monday Rolls Around.

Happy Monday to everyone.  It's raining this morning so I am not sure that I will be headed to the center today.  It's nice to be able to 'make' that decision.  I'm not up to par anyway.  My tummy is a little on the rocks this morning.  Ate something yesterday that I shouldn't have.  I've a few hours left before the activities begin so I guess I will just play it by ear.

I had a nice weekend.  On Saturday I went shopping for pillows for my new rocking chair. Not much luck in that department.  Guess I will have to go to Target or a place like that.  The chair is so comfortable and rocks so quietly.  It's just what I wanted. 

Snapped the above picture of the sky while waiting for the bus.

And this one a few minutes later.

Speaking about riding buses, don't you just hate it when people talk very loud on their cell phones while riding on public transportation?  Like everyone 'really' wants to hear their business. My guess is that some people just don't realize how their voice carries, while others just don't care who hears their business. Personally, I find it annoying, and it makes for a rather uncomfortable ride. It's awkward  in that one  really doesn't 'want' to eavesdrop, but the person gives you no choice. It was obvious that I wasn't alone in the feeling, but here in the city, you have to be so careful about what you say to people. It was the bus driver was able to take the situation and turn it all around. Here is the gist of what happened. 

There was woman seated in the middle of the bus, and she was carrying on a conversation on her cell phone. From what I could gather, she was trying to make arrangements with the other to do some work on her home. Obviously, the person wasn't understanding her thick accent...which made her speak all the louder. She kept repeating, "I won't be home until 3 o'clock. 4 o'clock?" And then she would talk some more with this person, and eventually they would end up right back to the 3 o'clock thing. Then, she said, "How about Saturday?" Out of the blue, the bus driver, who was probably getting tired of it as well,  says (on the speaker), "Saturday will be fine. What time?" The entire bus burst out in laughter.The woman was so engrossed in her conversation she didn't know the joke was on her...but she really had asked for it.

Look at her face.  My son was over  Sunday and was snapping some photos on my phone.  He caught her as I got out of the chair to get a glass of water. She's not too happy that I woke her up. She's a character, she is.  Always at my feet no matter where I sit. Miss Minga is my boss, and what she says goes.  LOL!!!

A Day Off

The time to read is any time: no

apparatus, no appointment of time

and place, is necessary. It is the only

art which can be practised at any hour

of the day or night, whenever the time

and inclination comes, that is your time for

reading; in joy or sorrow, health or illness.

Holbrook Jackson

Many years back hubby and I were walking through the 'village' during its most vibrant times, and on every corner someone was peddling their wares.  I spotted the above mirror and just had to have it.  This is the third apartment it has been hanging in.

Good morning, dear friends.  Today I have decided to take the day off from the center.  Today is fish day, and I don't eat fish. It's nice to make a decision to play hooky and not have to worry about what kind of excuse I am going to use.  I 'must' get to the supermarket to get some food into the house.  It's been three weeks now.  It's nice having a Pathmark by the center, but I only  shop there for a few items here and there.  They are so much more expensive than the little Met food I have used since I moved there. 

Afterwards, I'm going with hubby to get a new rocking chair.  Boy, did we ever get ripped off.  My chair is not even two years old, and you might as well say it has been totally rebuilt by hubby.  It first broke down just after the warranty ran out, of course, and from that time onward, has been breaking at regular intervals.  Poor hubby keeps adding reinforcements, but last night it broke in three different places so it is time to chalk it up as a loss and let it go.  Hubby said it was poorly made to begin with.

 Actually, as nice as it appeared when he brought it home, it was never really what I wanted.  All I had dreamed of was a simple 'grandmother rocker' like the one I loved in childhood.  But, hubby went without me while I was working, and they talked him into this monstrosity on the pretense that bigger is better.  And it was far from comfortable.  The padded seats were hard and the seat was so long that it was impossible to sit up straight in it.  I really do believe it has had a lot to do with some of my back problems.

Not much on the agenda this weekend.  I plan on spending some time reading.  I seem to have fallen behind.  To get the juices started again I purchased  'Seeing in the Dark: Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now and in the Coming Age' by Colleen Deatsman and Paul Bowersox. Written pre-2012 it speaks of changes to come. It does not dwell on the end of the world and the info found in the book is very pertinent.  Shamanism has always been a passion of mine. The book has rave reviews.  I began reading it last night, but then my chair fell apart, and that was basically the end of my night. I'll let you know more once I get further into the book.  

And with that I wish you all a great weekend.

As a child raised in rural communities with few libraries, I was thrilled when
the bookmobile rolled into my area every other week. With my books strapped
to the back carrier of my bike, I would eagerly pedal a little more than a mile to
where the bookmobile was parked. Happily fortified with new reading selections,
I’d pedal back home, clamor up the makeshift ladder to my tree house, and settle in.
When was the last time you settled in for a mindlessly pleasant read? Why don’t
you do that more often? What’s driving you continually to be productive? Perhaps
some of you, like me, are missing out on the recreational activity that has no
purpose other than to give a needed respite from our task-oriented lives.

Marilyn Meberg