Hope

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light,

for your life and strength.  Give thanks for your food and the joy

of living.  If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.

--Tecumseh--

Yesterday when I was running my Early Recovery group one of the clients began speaking of his life.  A new client in his 50's, and in very early recovery, he was obviously missing his drug when he spoke about how lost he feels right now.  He then spoke about  how hopeless he was feeling because he had thrown so many years of his life away.  And then the other members of the group chided in and spoke to him about being grateful for waking up in the morning and how it is never too late to start over.  And several members of the group began to tell their stories and spoke of their hopes and dreams for the future, and he listened.  We spoke about having hope and never giving up and it was sinking in.  And when I finally saw a smile come to his face, I knew.  He was willing to go for that second chances.

And after the group was over, I thought about my own life and how many times I could have given up, but rested on hope to carry me through...and it never let me down.  Without hope, there can be no success.  I keep that up front in my own life, and although tough times may get me down for awhile, hope always helps me to rise again.  This is something I always work to instill in my clients ....we must never give up.

It's going to be hot here today...pretty darned hot.  They are predicting 100 degrees, a record breaker for June.  Kind of scares me about what we might be in for this year.  Stay cool, drink plenty of fluids, and take care of yourselves.  

You've gotta have hope.
Without hope life is meaningless.
Without hope life is meaning less and less.
~Author Unknown

The Tests of the Sea

These are the tests of the sea: The third wave is for courage, the sixth wave is for perserverance, The ninth wave is for surrender.--Lunaea Weatherstone

I love the ocean and feel blessed to live so near to the Atlantic.  I love going out to the boardwalk and looking out across the blue green waters , seeing the never ending rush of the waves and how the sky seems to connect with them in the distances with the water reminds me of life as a never-ending cycle.  

Waves are a metaphor for our lives which can appear to mirror the changing of the tides and the calmness and storms of the sea by appearing cool, calm, and inviting an at other times, seemingly out of control, spinning in many different directions at once.  Seek to strengthen your ocean waves; make them powerful, but always kind.  

By the way my blogging friends.  Blogger has been giving me some difficulty when I try to comment.  Not the same problem some of you have recently have, but when I go to post my comment it says Service Not Available, Error Number .....I did manage to get a couple of comments through before it started. Let's hope it doesn't last too long.

June

"In these divine pleasures permitted to me of walks in the June night under moon and stars, I can put my life as a fact before me and stand aloof from its honor and shame."-  Ralph Waldo Emerson

June the sixth month of the year, was originally the fourth month in the ancient Roman calendar and originally only had 26 days. On the Roman calendar, it was considered the fourth month and had only 29 days. Julius Caesar gave the month 30 days in 46 B.C., when he reformed the Roman calendar.

The month of June, sacred to the goddess Juno, the Roman mother goddess.  She is ruler of the high point of year, when there is maximum light and minimum darkness (in the Northern Hemisphere). Juno was the special deity of women and the goddess of marriage and childbirth. The Romans held her annual festival on June 1st.  In Roman times, couples wanted to start their lives together under her protection; hence, the beginning of June weddings.

At this time, young ladies were often anxious to discover their future lover.  One method of divination they used was to wet a clean shift, turn it inside out, and then hang it on the buck of a chair before the fire. Thus magically summoned, the girl's lover was guaranteed to make his appearance.

Another, not less potent in its result, was to tie one's garter nine times round the bed-post, and to tie nine knots in it, saying to oneself all the while;

This knot I knit, this knot I tie,
To see my lover as he goes by
Id his apparel and array,
As he walks in every day.

The Celts believed this was the time associated with healing of the body and of the spirit.  An important part of the healing process was to use herbs which were used both as preventive medicines and as remedies for sickness. Midsummer has always been the most important time of year to gather magical herbs. On this day, herbs are harvested, for food, medicine and magick. In Celtic belief, the healing powers were believed to be directly linked to their Gods.

June is the month of roses, and this flower being the emblem of love and beauty, was perhaps the reason why the Romans considered June the most auspicious month in which to be married.   

According Greek mythology, the rose was created by the goddess, Chloris, who found the lifeless body of a nymph in the forest and asked the gods and goddesses for help. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, gave her beauty; Dionysus added nectar to give her a sweet scent, and the three Graces gave her charm, brightness and joy. Zephyr, the West Wind, blew the clouds away for Apollo to shine on her and make her bloom. Cupid, however, was shooting his arrows at some bees that had stung him and missed his mark. His arrows became the thorns. This, say the Greeks, is how the rose came to be.

Roses are of special importance on Midsummer's Eve. It is said that any rose picked on Midsummer's Eve, or Midsummer's Day will keep fresh until Christmas.  The birthstone for June is the Pearl. Pearls signify purity and innocence and over time have even been called “teardrops of the moon”.

June is a time for harvest and mythical beliefs. It is the time which since ancient times was thought to herald good luck with his coming.  The month of June is mentioned in many European countries’ folklore. Some myths associated with June are that if bats are seen flying on a June evening, it means that hot weather is surely coming. Another is that if swallows are seen to fly near the ground, it means that rain is coming.  There is an old saying that a swarm of bees in June is worth a silver spoon. This may also be taken to mean that if there is to be a long harvest, good weather is needed in June. Another saying is a calm June puts the farmer in tune.

On or about June 21, the northern Summer Solstice will occur, and in the south, will be the shortest day (Winter Solstice). 

By the way, I did some blog cleaning when I was sick.  Got rid of those that never took off.  By taking off, I don't mean the number of followers.  I mean blogs I started off all gung ho about and then ran out of stem, blogs that have sat there for months.  The Egyptian blog was becoming more of a chore than it was fun.  

Speaking of fun, I have started a new blog.  I've so many fun memories to share that I have started a blog that so far has been a joy, a real trip down Memory Lane.  It's for all of us Baby Boomers out there and then some.  Check it out at Remember When....

"It's beautiful the Summer month of June

When all of God's own wildflowers are in bloom

And sun shines brightly most part of the day

And butterflies o'er lush green meadows play.

Light hearted skylark songster of the wing

High o'er the quiet and lonely moorland sing

Above her nest cloaked by the tangled heath

Her charming song so exquisitely sweet.

So mellow the gentle breath of june day breeze

The birds rejoicing on the leafy trees

And dappled trout in pool bed of the stream

Bask in the sun their spotted skins agleam."

-  Francis Duggan, June

Well, the Nightmare is Over

Was planning on a one sentence statement saying that the mattress was gone, but it was like the nightmare that just didn't want to die.  Took some cajoling and pleading on my part, but I finally elicited enough pity from the garbageman to have the dreaded thing picked up.  Here is how my Saturday morning went.

As you know, I was afraid to put the covers on and put the mattresses to the curb overnight for fear that someone might steal them, and this time, I might not be so lucky and get that $100 ticket.  So, on a sleep late Saturday morn, I set the alarm for six, and hubby and I were going to go out, put the covers on, and put the mattresses out to the curb.  Well, instead, son got up at 5:30 and did it for me.  

Son had to go into work early to prepare for the catering of a huge party, so I took my coffee out to the front porch.  I really wasn't happy about being up so early on a Saturday, but I must say, it was actually quite pleasant out there, and I did enjoy that bit of quietude.  Weekend morns can be quite peaceful and serene, even here in Brooklyn, New York.

Finished my coffee and ran quickly into the house to use the bathroom and rinse my cup.  Life was beginning to stir on the streets, so I didn't want to leave the mattresses alone for too long. Still shake my head when I think about having to babysit my garbage.  Is this where the economy has brought us?

Well, I am only inside a few minutes...enough to tinkle and rinse the cup.  I step outside, for a moment, I stand there overcome with shock. In that short time, the truck had passed, and the mattresses, in their covers, were still sitting there. What the heck!!!!  Fortunately, the truck had not gotten very far, so my adrenaline kicked in, and I raced down the block after them.

'What about my mattresses? ' I ask.  'How come they weren't picked up?'

'You have the wrong cover on them,' the handsome young man replied.  'What you have is a regular mattress cover.  You need a bedbug cover.'

Now mind you, a bedbug cover can run up to $100.  Hubby bought one for our new mattress, and they gave him a break, $50.  They don't come cheap....and here I was complaining about $12.  Now I kick it up a gear.  I want to scream out in frustration, but that never works.  Time for a play on  little sympathy here.  After all, there is rain in the forecast and can't have those mattresses sit out in the rain...and I definitely cannot keep buying covers and REFUSE to spend all that money for a bedbug cover which is only going to be chopped up in the garbage truck.

'But they keep stealing the covers.  This was just put on this morning.  That's why I am out here so early on my day off....I am babysitting the garbage.'  A few tears don't hurt, at this point.  'You just don't know what I have been through trying to get rid of these mattresses. I just don't know what to do. I am getting so stressed out; it's making me sick.'

At this point, he chuckles and takes pity on me.  'Stealing them?'  he asks.  I nod 'yes'.  'I'll take them for you.  You don't have bedbugs, do you?'

'Oh, gosh no.  Please don't wish that on me.  And, I am forever grateful for your kindness.'

He signals for the truck to back up.  I breathe a sigh of relief as I watch as the mattresses disappear into the truck.  Nightmare finally over.

I tell hubby that I sure do hope the new mattress is durable because I don't plan on trying to dispose of another mattress any time soon.  The nightmare was over.  Now, I have to find out how to get rid of my old microwave, but I think I will wait a little on that one.  Oh well, it was my choice to live in the city, wasn't it?

Hope you all have a great day.  I've the last of those boring trainings this afternoon.  There is something to celebrate after all.

Friday Rant

What, a rant on Friday?  I usually try to enter the weekend with something upbeat, but there are times that no matter how you try, you can't be upbeat until you get something off your chest.  I do believe that deep down that most people in this world are good; in fact, I know they are...but once in awhile you run across people or events that make you shake your head in wonder.

Hubby and I bought a new mattress and box spring this week.  Both of us have been waking up each morning with back pain, so the money spent on them was well worth it.  So, the question now is, "What do I do with the old mattress and box spring?"  I do as we have always done.  I put them out on the curb on garbage pick-up day, but, lo and behold, when I get home from work, the garbage is gone, but the mattress and box spring are still there.  What the heck? I say to myself, thinking what I have is a couple of lazy garbage men.

Now, my cold was already coming upon me, and I was feeling pretty darned miserable.  In the house, I laid down on the bed and called the city information number 311 to find out how to get rid of this junk.  You'd best believe I flew out of the bed when the man said to me, 'You have to enclose them in a cover before setting them out.  If you do not do this, you can receive a fine of $100.'   Oh my, what to do....hubby and son are both working, but I haven't got a ticket yet, and yet can be a big word, not to mention happen any time.  I totally don't understand their reasoning.  Yes, New York City is in a bed bug epidemic, but, I'm sorry, these mattresses are tossed into the truck and then sliced up.  The cover means nothing, but who am I to argue with city laws?

So, out I go, sick as could be, in all this darned heat, and drag them both back into my yard.  Rain is in the forecast, and I know it they get wet, they will be impossible to deal with.  So I run to the 99 cent store for plastic mattress covers, only they are not 99 cents, they are $5.99.  Okay, $12 is a lot better than a hundred dollars.  When I arrive home, the storm has started, and son is there.  The two of us went out and put the mattress covers on.  I go inside, climb back into bed, and breathe a sigh of relief.  

Relief didn't last long though.  I went back to work on Thursday, and when I get out of the staff meeting, I see six calls from son.  Six calls make me nervous.  Well, it seems that some low life came into my yard and STOLE the darned covers right off the mattress and box spring...in the middle of the day.  Yes, it's only $12, nothing that will break me, but I want to get rid of these things.  If I buy it new set, what stops someone from robbing that as well?  My next garbage pick-up is Saturday morning.  After that, it will be Tuesday.  What of the rain?  If they get drenched, they will not only be impossible but work with, but also, in the heat and humidity, start to get that moldy smell.  

So, I go in and again call 311.  I need some advice.  I need someone to tell me what to do, or maybe even arrange for a private pick-up...which sanitation has been known to do.  Actually, I was hoping they would tell me I could cover it will with those big lawn and leaf bags and then tape them shut.  Big mistake.  Never plan to get any helpful info when you call the city.  Here is the gist of the conversation:

I begin by telling the guy what happened.

'You have to call 911 and fill out a report.  That's a crime.'

'If I show the sanitation workers a copy of the police report, will sanitation pick up the mattresses as is?'

'No ma'am.  You still have to purchase a cover.'

'But what good is that if someone is going to steal it again?'

'Ma'am, I told you what you have to do.  Someone came onto your property and stole something.  You have to call 911 and report it.  It's a crime no matter how much what was stole is worth.'

'Yes, I know that, but what good is a police report going to do?  They are not going to send extra patrols to watch my mattress covers.  And that is my main concern right now, getting rid of these mattresses.  Surely there is something I can do'

'I told you already.  You have to buy new covers, or they will fine you.'

'How many new covers am I supposed to buy?  By now he is repeating the police report aspect, and I am near tears, and when I come to tears, you know I am very angry.  'Perhaps I should save all my receipts and send them to the city for reimbursement.' That was said in sarcasm.

'Ma'am, we are not going to pay you back.  I will connect you to 911 now.'

I can see by now I am not going to get anywhere. 'Don't bother.  Thanks for all your help.'  I hung up.  There is so much violence and crime in this city.  I cannot see wasting their time on mattress covers.

Talk about frustration. Once the tears stopped, hubby and I came up with a plan, not one I like, but the only way we can get this done.  We will set our alarm for very early on Saturday morning, go out and put the covers on, then babysit the mattress and box spring until the sanitation truck arrives.  I am too afraid of putting them on at night and putting them out for the garbage, because, if someone steals the covers again, they might just leave me that $100 ticket. 

Isn't it a shame, though, when two honest, hard-working people have to give up their sleep to guard something that they are tossing out?  There is something wrong with that logic.  There is something wrong with the system, and there is something wrong with the thieves who stole the covers.  How low can a person go?

Whew, that was a lot to unload on you, dear readers, and I do apologize, but I needed to get the frustration off my chest.  But, I am such an honest person.  Wouldn't steal from a soul.  And to think, someone will violate MY space like that.  It takes all kinds in this world.  Let's face it...if we didn't have evil, how would we know what goodness is?

Now I will leave you with something a little more cheerful.  May you all have a joy filled weekend.

The Sweet June Time

The daisies and the buttercups
Now merrily are growing,
And everywhere for June's sweet sake
Are crimson roses blowing.
The sunbeams o'er the meadows lie,
And zephyrs light are straying;
And, oh! 'tis time that school was done,
And children--out a-playing.

Come, little folks--the fields and lanes
Are lonely now without you!
The birds are all in tune to sing
Their sweetest songs about you.
The old barn doors stand open wide,
The brooks with fish are teeming;
And over hill, and dale, and lake,
Dame Nature's smiles are beaming.

Come, one and all, from far and near,
And sound the summer's praises,
Whilst racing through the clover fields,
And nestling 'mid the daisies.
Make wreaths of roses crimson-red,
Your bright young heads adorning,
For summer-time was made for you,
And June is summer's morning!

"Vacation is the time for fun!"
All girls and boys are saying,
When school and books grow wearisome,
And hearts are ripe for playing.
So, little folks, come, one and all,
And tumble out together,
Amid the sunbeams' golden light,
All in the sweet June weather. 

--Mary Dow Brine--

The Hummingbird

The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation.

Hummingbirds are absolutely, fascinating to watch as they flit, float, and fly in backyards all across the country. With their brilliant colors, unique flying abilities, and their signature humming sound, hummingbirds are a backyard favorite. It is also the only bird that can fly backwards and sideways.  It has an unusual hovering pattern and can move its little wings in a figure eight pattern...a symbol of infinity.  Many people enjoy hummingbirds, but know little about these amazing little creatures...and little they are. They are the smallest birds in the world.  The babes are the size of a raisin when born. http://phoebeallens.com/

Lately I have become completely enthralled with a little Allen hummingbird named Phoebe.  This little bird and her delinquent son, Scout, have brought me so much joy since I stumbled upon her on UStream.  She makes her home in a rosebush to which she returns year after year.  Phoebe is now awaiting the hatch of her fifth and final clutch of the year but has had a bit of hard time of it with Scout, the baby from her fourth clutch who has been having a bit of a hard time separating from mama.  He has actually become quite a pest. Below is a video of some of his antics.  (Note: neither Phoebe nor Scout actually hurt each other, and Scout is not hungry.  According to the host, Scout has been eating well in the garden, and I have seen him in the background drinking some nectar from a rose.  He just doesn't want to leave his mama's side...but now it seems he has since he hasn't been around since Sunday.  And yes, the little tyke does know how to break your heart.) 



They say that his behavior is very unusual as once a hummingbird fledges, they usually don't come back to the nest, but little Scout has not only pestered his mom at her new nest, but gone to his old nest and called her to feed him.  Some think it is because he is an only child, his sibling died soon after hatching.  Others say he fledged too soon.  No one seems to know, but Phoebe sure does teach us what patience means.  The above went on for several days until Scout finally moved on his own. 


Hummingbirds have long been part of myths and legends.  A Kraho myth gives the hummingbird a negative relation to water, since it is the only creature capable of flying through flames.  In Mayan tradition Hummingbird is associated with the Black Sun and the Fifth World and is said to know the solution to the riddle of duality. Hopi and Zuni legends tell of hummingbirds convincing the gods to bring rain to help humans. Aztecs believed the god of music and poetry took the form of a hummingbird and went into the underworld to make love to a goddess, who then gave birth to the first flower. The Chayma people of Trinidad believed the hummingbirds to be dead ancestors so there was a taboo against harming them.  According to the Inca, small whirring birds, especially hummingbirds, are sometimes recognized as visiting souls, hovering between the dimensions of life and death.

As a totem, Hummingbird shows us how to re-visit the past for the purpose of releasing it instead of being caught in a permanently backward flight pattern. It so helps us to see that if we step aside we may see our life differently. Hummingbird teaches us to transcend time, to recognize that what has happened in the past and what might happen in the future is not nearly as important as what we are experiencing now. It teaches us to hover in the moment, to appreciate its sweetness.--Constance Barrett Sohodski

Under the Weather

I am a bit under the weather today...head is pounding, throat is sore, body aches, cold chills, unable to sleep last night.  We just got a new mattress, and I know we needed one, but I don't handle changes well.  Tossed and turned part from the hardness of the new mattress and partly because my throat was so sore I could barely swallow.  So, today I plan on pulling up the covers and taking care of me...chicken noodle soup. lots of Vitamin C, and so on.  Hopefully I'll be back on my feet tomorrow.


Take care everyone, and have a great day.