very unusual

well it's saturday   snowbound saturday   it's still snowing and i bet we have 2ft of snow here in the city    this is very unusual   i went out to buy my son some thermal shirts this morn so i could get them in the mail   got the shirts, but the post office is closed    this hasn't happened in 15yrs or so   Goodness    the truckers were all lined up along the interstate in two roads east bound I-40   others were in the parking lots of Target and Walmart   the city is dead   even with my 4x4 it's too much snow to get around in    i wanted sooo much to get these shirts out to my son and his buddy Josh   plus i found out the p.o. is closed tuesday due to Pres. Ford's honor   so it won't be til wednesday before these shirts get in the mail   i talked to my son yesterday   he called 3-4times last week   it's cold in Iraq   well life doesn't always go as planned   i'm not sure when this snow will clear   hopefully soon    this is very unusual, pretty, but strange...

i'm back....

well i made it home   beat the next snow storm that came in last nite   it's currently snowing here on the mountain anyways   it's beautiful   my kids are sleeping right beside me    they haven't left my side since i got home yesterday    ....anyways, the above pics are all of family except the very first one   that pic is my childhood friend and her parents   we hung out ALL the time and i spent a lot of time over at her house   it was great to see them, but i didn't realize until i was there it's been 30yrs or so since i had seen them ..goodness     so now let me see if i can sort out the rest of the pics   2. is Jason, a son of my niece Jorjeanna  3.  Rory, 2months old, Jorje's new addition   4. Madison, 3yrs old   Becca's lil' girl, Jorjeanna's sister  5.  Arlene, my older sister and Jorje's and Becca's mom  6. Jorjeanna  7. Mark, Jorje's husband   8. Ava Louise, 6weeks old, my niece Kris' new daughter  9. Aunt Betty, my mom's sis  10. My mom  11.  Me with mom & aunt betty  12.  My sis Clarine  13. my cousin JoAnn, Aunt Betty's daughter 14.  My dad, stepmother JoAnn and all the great grandkids  15.  all the grandkids with their kids with dad and JoAnn   16.  the whole damn family,  me included in there somewhere  17. Jacob, Jorjeanna's other son  18. Maechala, 4yrs old, Felicia's kid, Felicia is Kris' sis  19. Felician, Maechala, & Ava Louise  20.  Matthew, my nephew, Arlene's youngest  21. Clarine,& 2 of her grandkids Kameron & Ava Louise  22. Aunt Betty with her gag gift, a thong-she even put it on for us  23. Me with Ava Louise  24.  Maechala again  25. Felicia  26. JoAnn  27. Kameron  28. Kris with her fiance, Brenon...30. Becca, my niece  31.  the kids at a movie in the living room  32. Ava Louise  33.  Kameron as Santa Claus  35.  Aunt Pauline, another sis of my mom's  36.  Mike, Aunt Pauline's son  37 & 38.   Jaydin at karate

the trip went well    i got to visit my old hometown, Mooresville, Indiana   i also got to see my birthplace in Ft Thomas, KY    i also saw other places i lived as akid in Kentucky   it was a very busy, noisy, trip with all the commotion at Christmas, but it was good to visit after 15yrs or more   but you know, there's no place like home here in New Mexico    it's great to be back....cya soon

flight delay

we got a snow storm yesterday and this morn    the city was all but shut down    flights were still coming and going, but some delayed    my flight delayed so much i would have missed my connecting flight   so i've been rebooked for tomorrow with a direct flight from here to Cincinnati    hopefully it'll be a go for i've heard there's another storm coming in    so let's see....Now for some great news    my son called me today from Iraq   God it was sooo good to hear him   he sounds good and he's going to call again saturday while i'm in Ohio to talk to my mom   he sounded more like himself today than he did on the dvd the other day    he told me where he's located exactly so now i just need a map   will hit the library in Ohio asap   life is pretty good....if you don't hear from me in awhile, i made it to Ohio...

happy holidays

Merry Christmas!

i'm headed to Ohio in a couple days and much to do before then ....so i wish everyone a Merry Christmas....cya when i get back!    Hugz!

heard from kyle

heard from my son today    received a dvd with him on it   he was in kuwait   he looked a bit different in his demeanor that is   i noticed the change about 3weeks or so before he left during our phone conversations   he says he's fine, not to worry   he did admit he was a little nervous   maybe a lot by my view   he's gotten really serious in the last month not that i blame him   he usually is cutting up like a clown all the time    but it was good to see his face and hear from him    he requested i get a copy to my mom and i'll hand carry that this next week when i get to Ohio    she's the one to finish raising him the last 8yrs or so before he went into the army   Goodness, i need to watch it again    i know he's really growing up fast now in Iraq   God i keep him and all our troops in my prayers    he said he'll be home in august, let's hope the govt keeps it that way or bring 'em home sooner....

affirmation of the day

COURAGE

i am courageous.  i will not give up.  step by step my courage grows deeper and stronger.  i embrace the new and unknown.  my courage makes me brave.  i explore what iis possible without hesitation.  the wisdom of others inspires me daily.  i have the courage to let go of who i am for who i can become.  ever onward!...my strenght and resolve run deeep.  i boldly ask for what i want.  i surround myself with courageous and passionate people.  i follow my heart.  i give myself permission to be courageous.  i act in spite of my fears.  i choose to live filled with courage.  i look ahead and go for it.  i am no longer afraid.  i choose to be powerful.

the above affirmation is written on a blanket   it's called an affirmawrap    these blankets came into the office earlier this month and the office crew went crazy for them   we didn't know they were coming for our transformation team ordered them for fundraising for our move to our new church    of course i had to get girlfriend M one   in her favorite color purple and affirmation of abundance    i gift wrapped it and gave it to her immediately, but it wasn't until last nite that she finally opened it    she was estatic   she loved the blanket as much as i did    i bought me the one on courage   anyhows it was a great Christmas gift that came in unexpectedly   i had already bought her a book for the holiday, but this was even better   there are other affirmawraps and i hope to also buy the one on serenity    don't know where our transformation team ordered these, but way to go!

Lobo Basketball

first,  Thanks Jimmy for reminding me of second chances   now i have all the time in the world for it....now...i'm home from the game tonite   it was a women's game tonite   i'm not sure i mentioned recently or not, but i'm ushering at the men and women's basketball games now   i don't get paid, but the game is free   this weekend the women had another tournament   that means 5-6hrs of being at The Pit each nite for the two games   it's 3-4hrs for one game   we have to be there about 2hrs before tip off   we hang around for about an hour, then people start trickling in    but it's exciting and enjoying meeting people   i now have my own post i call it, the same section every ball game   there are certain people, mostly older folks, that come to both the men and women's games sitting in the same place every time   now i just pass them thru without looking at their tickets    so tonite i thought i wanted to stay later than our leaving time for the Lobos vs UCLA   it was a close game, but i realized within a couple minutes we had the game under control   plus i didn't want to mingle with the traffic on the way out    so i left with plenty time left in the game    on a one game nite we get to leave with 5mins left in the game   two games, we get to leave 10mins left in the second game   by the time i get home the Lobos games are over and all i have to do is check the website for the final score   yep we won by 9 the final score reflected   poor refereeing tonite on both teams in my opinion and there was tons of fouls   anyways, we survived    i get to see some friends even former co-workers to attend all the games   and tonite i even saw a nice lookin' woman   now if ony i had the courage to ask her for coffee  and then again who knows if i'd see her again    anyways, it was a good nite, but i was tired    i didn't make it to last nite's games because i think i had a 24hr bug   felt much better today but not 100% yet    another good nite and good day's rest i should be fine     right now i'd like a cup of coffee, but it's way too late for it   sure smelled good at the game    so guess i'll go grab a glass of milk and a book or watch tv to wind down       everyone take care   cya soon....

Boise State University

Boise State U ...i was reading the sports page this morn on aol   reading about BSU and their bowl game coming up   it brought back memories of when i was there   i attended BSU for a year   this is when i really got into photography taking 2 black & white classes   that was the good thing that came out of it   i remember i was so gun ho about going to school, now it seems almost secondary   i didn't know what i wanted to study at the time so i was doing the requirements plus some   Boise is a nice little town and the state beautiful in its uniqueness    the decision i made to leave there was a good one, but i wouldn't realize that til much later   not that heading to California was a whole lot better, but all part of the journey   my journey in life   i was wondering for a moment where would i be if i had stayed and completed my degree    now i still desire to complete my degree or two, but it isn't as pressing   now i have more perserverence, patience and durability to complete that journey    the journey of school again is coming together this next year for sure   funny how my interest has changed as well    i have changed much, but i'd like to go back to more of my spunk i had back then   does age really mellow you   it seems it has for me anyways....

he called again:-)

well he called again...but i missed the call    i was sound asleep   my first few hours of sleeping, i don't hear a damn thing   not even my dogs barking up a storm   but for some reason i woke at this ungodly hour of 2:30am and heard my phone beeping   i saved the message he left and wish i could keep it forever   he did say he'd call from iraq as soon as he could   so i'll be answering EVERY phone call that says unknown at least   usually those are bill collectors and i don't always answer that call, just call them back laterz   but now, i won't miss a phone call unless i'm sound asleep or just miss getting to the phone, but i'll have it next to me every minute of the day   Goodness, i still wonder how this war will effect him and how he'll handle it   according to my dad, kyle had told him he would be guarding the detainees, but who knows that'll hold true   my son has a tendency to blow smoke a lot and/or the army keeps changing his mission   but he still blows smoke a lot anyways   no big deal to me  i recognize it when he's doing it mostly   whatever, maybe one day he'll get out of it    anyways, it was good to hear his message   i'll be anxiously waiting for his first phone call   need to get his Christmas package off to him asap, but i'll wait til i get to Cincinnati to buy it   more Bengals gear will be available there than here unless i find something else in the meantime of more value   he's a Bengals fan like i used to be when growing up in that area of the states   anyhow, i'll be shopping for him soon...the other day i was wearing his sweater he left behind and he got such a chuckle out of it when i told him saturday nite   maybe i'll put it on again today, but if not i'll wear it often along with a couple other shirts left behind    Goodness, he's growing up some more i can tell already    time will not be soon enough before i hear from him again....i love you son!!!

He Called!!!

i just got off the phone with my son    i'm relieved, i'm stressed, i'm whatever   but i got to talk to him tonite before he departs tomorrow nite for Iraq   he gets on the bus at 8:30pm and then takes flight i believe at 1a.m. or something like that    i was a little concerned for a little while there   he didn't seem to chippery the last few times we chatted    from our conversation i think his excitement going to Iraq has diminished or at least he said he didn't care one way or another whether he went which is different than his initial desire   but he says he's happy and all is good    he also said he had no clue when he'll be back, which doesn't surprise me at all   regardless when he comes home, i'll be setting some time aside for him   even if all he wants is to hang out with just me and not go see his grandparents   just as long as he makes it home safe and sound    God bless him!   God bless all our troops!   it's time to wrap up Iraq and bring our soldiers home!!!!!

17 this morn

i woke this morn to 17degree weather   yep it happens a couple times a year, but as i said it only last a day or two   it's suppose to be back in the 40s again tomorrow and the rest of the week.....in the meantime, i'm booked to fly back east, mideast i suppose   Ohio where the remainder of the family is located except for my brother in Oregon   i really didn't think i was going to make it there this time of the year, but it all came together after all   it'll be an interesting trip back since i haven't seen my older sister in about 20yrs or so, or her kids     i'll see if she's changed but from what i hear, she hasn't   no big deal to me   life is what it is and is not   weather permitting my father will drop in from Georgia   almost a family reunion minus a couple people   don't expect my brother and i still have one sister missing   i pray she returns home one day safe and sound   it'll be good to see the kids, my favorite part in returning home   much easier to have fun with than the adults   but hey, it's Christmas and my spirit will be soaring due to the holiday   nothing or no one can deplete me, or at least i hope   i'll be there a week, which is just about all i can last then it's back home to my kids and their wonderful gifts   there's no place like home which for me is now New Mexico...

34

current temperture, 34 degrees   Nippy but feelin' good...i've always loved 4seasons since a kid and growing up in it   yet since movin' to NM over 18yrs ago, i love the milder winters   mostly mild because it just plain doesn't get that cold very often   we might have a few more freezing degree weather and below this year but we average about 45-50 degree high on a daily basis   but i like it time to time when it drops below the norm   i love the crisp air burning your lungs and biting your hands   well occasionally i love it   at least here we don't have to endure it for long   not much more than a day or two at a time which makes winter a whole lot easier   and now that i don't have to deliver mail in this, i can enjoy it even more in the brief moments out there....

heineken!

nice cold beer!   just got home from a lavlight group meeting at church   it was good for me although i'm always reluctant to go   tonite's meeting help me take my mind off marijuana and drug users   this weekend a "potential" friend revealed to me she uses mj for medical purposes   she sent me a link to all the pros and cons about it   i read it and am still against it   what it did was bring up all those memories of loved ones who've used, maybe abuse, drugs and alcohol and was abusive   NO THANK YOU i wrote her telling her i don't desire to be around it    it just plain ain't fun being around those who use no matter what they say   i've experienced enough dr jekyl and mr hyde personalities by being exposing to them   Hard is such a soft word to describe them and their negativitiy they become    i just can't go there   i had already noticed a little negativity in her personality, now i wonder if this is the reason    whatever, do what's best for her i told her   she has her reasons, but don't light up in front of me.....anyways, after tonite's meeting which took my mind off all that, i came home to have a beer, JUST ONE, and relax     JUST ONE is all i ever do when drinking   just enough to relax a little   Life is too short to more damage than necessary   my brain is hangin on as it is minus the alcohol    tomorrow is another day, but for tonite, i'm chillin'

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

dec 4th

dec 4, 2006    the day my son leaves for Iraq   so  i learned tonite   i'm handling it better now than the initial time   i must have faith he will be fine, no matter what happens   it is in Spirit's hands now   i can't tell at the moment how he's really feeling and i'm not sure whether to ask or not   i gave him some advice tonite for he had yet to pick up my letter i sent over a month ago giving him that advice   so i'll talk to him a few more times before he leaves   once he leaves, i have no clue when i'll hear from him again   he's the worst letter writer ever   he just doesn't do it   maybe i can have contact via email   some GIs due have internet access over there   with Kyle being an MP, i'm not sure he'll have access   all i can do is pray and hope    he said he'll be there til next August   that is longer than six months as originally told   but i will say my prayers, light a vigil if i must daily, nightly   i know he will come home....

one sunday morn

Goodness,  it's been awhile since being here   i sit this morn in contemplation and then some   it's a beautiful morn   we're still having 60 degree weather here   beautiful weather for a bike ride   yesterday i went bike shoppin' again   i had yet to hit the Honda dealers   after doing a little research  i learned the Honda Shadow has good ratings  so i definitely had to check them out   Beautiful bike and fits me perfectly   after lunch with M the other day and our discussion on bikes, i sorted out what i wanted   a few days earlier i was at the Harley shop and fallin' in love with their bikes all over again   but i finally realized i don't want a big bike right now   bigger yes, but not Big as most of the Harley's are   i also sorted our what was my image really coming to a bike   i reflected on my cars and jeeps and yep a sportser was right up my alley   the Honda Shadow fits the sportser image to a T   i think this is my bike of the future, next summer   the only other hold out is that crotch rocket i'm absolutely in love with  the Suzuki GSX1300 -  it has a name but i don't know how to spell it-japanese name   anyways, i had to look at it again after the Honda dealer   i even asked Brian my service guy at this dealer a few questions about the bike   just as i had been figuring, a long haul on the crotch rocket is really not different than on a cruiser   one still needs to take your breaks and gas up    so now i have a few months to decide on which of these two bikes i'll buy   both are about the same price and will save me at least 8k from buying a Harley   sure i like the Harley image, but i want my own image and nothing too big for me   the Shadow and the Suzuki are perfect fits   a Big bike is really too heavy, too big i feel although i'm sure i could manage to ride one   maybe laterz   maybe not   but it was nice to narrow down my choices finally and know where i'm headed in a bike.....

now in the meantime, my crush on M has flared up again   this time for several days versus several hours   Goodness she's such a wonderful woman    my crush hasn't been this strong since i first discovered it a year ago   is it a season?...  

LMAO!!!

finally,  i'm laughing about working at the church, the people there and the whole situation   i'm laughing at the multiple personalities we have and how we all love each other while sometimes bitchin at the same time   i'm laughing at the apprehension i face for tomorrow (an interview somewhat) and the anticipated work there  i'm laughing again of how serious we take life sometimes, well maybe not life, but some of things we do in it   i'm laughing for yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not arrived, there's only now, and yet there's still tomorrow    i had no idea when i volunteered 3 months ago that i would be in the thick of things somewhat at the church   it's been an interesting adventure, it still is   but now i can laugh at myself in the midst of it and know everything is just fine just the way it is, and just the way it is not!    Laugh, it is the japanese symbol i have tattooed on my right hand   i must look at it from time to time and remember...Laugh, there's not enough of it in this world....

hope you voted today   i did   my motto:  if you don't vote you don't have a right to bitch about who's in office and what's happening with our govt!!!

laughter...

i got a good laugh over at one of Jimmy's journals   THANKS A BUNCHES GUY!!!   it's been too serious around here lately and the way the week looks ahead, i don't see much fun in it coming   is there a good comedy movie out? (i haven't looked at the movie list in ages)   anyways, i was thinking of the days ahead this week and my calendar is FULL!!!   again i see another 6day week at the church unless i can figure a way out of it   ok friday i'll be off   this is good news   hopefully saturday too   maybe i can skip wednesday, but i have an interview with a church member about assisting her with a church project she's doing right now   assisting her may take me away from the volunteering at the church, but i'll be volunteering for her for the church   we'll see   Goodness i'm worn out just thinking of the rest of the week    i had a meeting tonite after being at the church today   ok i'll skip class tomorrow nite   something's gotta give and lately it's been my house cleaning  granted i ain't the spit shine house cleaner, but i do like it cleaned   i'll squeeze that in tomorrow nite  ...right now i think i'll hit the sack   i'm tired just thinking of all this   dear God, please provide me some r&r this week....

7:30pm

well it's 7:30pm    feels like it should be 9:30pm   i'm ready for bed   why this day feels long i'm not sure    maybe because i was at work at 9am in lieu of my usual 10am   yep, nowadays that makes for long days   funny how six hours seems long compared to the 10-12hrs of yesterday   i've learned to enjoy my life of leisure   doing whatever i choose   and this time change   i always hate it   makes for longer days all by itself    anyways, guess it's time to curl up to another book, or actually get back to the one i'm reading   right after putting my pajamas on    in the meantime my kids lay at my feet with their first chew bone in awhile chowing down like there's no tomorrow   i don't think Boo knew what to do with it initially   so i must do the chew bones more often plus they'll help in cutting down the confetti parties they have around here   and for a little while i've been wondering why i have 2 small trash cans, one in the bathroom, the other right here next to my desk   because everything i put in them, Boo takes out...and i mean everything    so life here in my adobe bode is all nice, peaceful and cuddly   moments like these make days ahead such bliss...

trick or treat!

Trick or Treat!    and so the trick or treaters visited us at M's house   these are just a few of the treaters for the evening   we handed out candy, ate pizza, and sorted thru my fall foliage pics for M's new house's bathroom in Durango   her and her beau are buying a house in Durango, CO which is only 3 1/2hrs from here   the first pic above is of her beau's son   it was a load of fun at M's tonite   the baby boy in M's arms was the neighbor immediately next door   only 3months old and in his costume   M rocked him to sleep   anyways, i enjoyed handing out the candy throughout the nite   hadn't done that in years   at my previous house i get about 3 or 4 treaters and that's it   so i stopped doing it all together   a lot of kids go to the mall nowadays for treating as did Jasmine, picture no. 2, my neighbor girl (pardon my mess on the floor, my kids had their confetti party the past couple days)   now the only thing missing tonite was watching The Wizard of Oz, which was not on tv   don't know how or when in my childhood, but this movie was always showing at Halloween time...Lions, and tigers, and bears O My!

happy halloween!

lions, tigers & bears, O my   halloween  always a day to remember The Wizard of Oz   maybe i can find it showing on tv tonite   anyways, i'll be at M's house handing out candy with her   we'll catch up from the past month   it'll be great to see her   think i'll take my photo printer and print some photos she liked from the fall foliage ...anyways, this entry is more about my thoughts on my son at the moment   i talked to him the other day   he's ready to get out of the Army already (when his 3yrs are up)   i sent him an email to write and talk to me   i'm curious as to why the decision already when he hasn't been in there a year   hopefully he'll write   and i was thinking of sending him Why Courage Matters by John McClain   it is about courage in the midst of war experienced by everyone differently   hopefully he would read it while in iraq   i'm just not sure he'll read it at all   i sit here sensing his need to talk, yet i'm far away   i know he will talk to me, but from such distance?    i wonder if he's talking to his buddies at all or if he's hanging out by himself    he was just hanging out the other day, seemingly by himself   i worry about him a little right now, that will increase once he's in iraq    i know, as he has admitted, he's a mama's boy, but i was hoping he'd find a father figure he could learn from   i have no clue if it will happen   his father abandoned him when he was an infant   come to think of it, i'm not sure he's had any male role models in his life...anyways, regardless if he stays in the army or gets out in 3yrs, i want to be there for him    i was hoping to go see him before he left for iraq, but i learned yesterday that my back lump sum pay from social security won't show up for up to another 90days    if i get lucky and it shows up by the end of the month, maybe i can still go   i'll see   i'll say a prayer and let Spirit do the work   if it's meant to be, so it will be    in the meantime, i need to get his new address and write him more letters, i just started last week   i'm more prone to call him than write, but i realized ican say more in a letter than a short phone call    may Spirit watch out for him and carry him thru his military service time   may he come home safely and alive   i love him very much...

wine for dinner

ok i had a sandwich too, but the wine was the main course for the evening    again a ballgame on (tv muted) while listening to some jazz   think this will become a saturday nite ritual, just add a glass of wine to the atmosphere   i read very briefly Conversations with God book 2  one chapter actually   think i've had enough spiritual grounding and enlightenment for a week, a day    went a to a class this morn for church   was suppose to stay the day, but left in the midst of it    i've spent too much time at the church lately and i'm back there manana   i'm going to take most of next week off    here i am retired and spending as much time at church as i did at the p.o., or so it seems and feels    too much   i wanna have fun right now   dont get me wrong, i enjoy my volunteer work, but i don't want to become a church addict as some people are there   at the moment i'm wishing my bike was not in the shop again-yep it's there again dammit   but anyways, it'll be all fixed by the end of the month, then come next spring i'm buying my new bike   i made a decision, pretty much, on a Suzuki Boulevard 1400    anyways, once i get that bike i'm on a road trip at least every other weekend, if not every weekend   right now i'm wearing myself out and don't want to do that   so i'll keep changing gears til i get in the right one   i remember this week, Life is to be enJOYed, not chained to any one thing or person for that matter   seek and i will find    tonite while sipping wine, i was even thinking of finding me another date    i haven't given this much thought for at least 2yrs, maybe 3 now   i've lost track, but i'm ready for another change, maybe a date wood be a good direction   for awhile i've been hoping to meet someone at church, but now i'm rethinking that   only time will tell   in the meantime, hurry up and fix my bike!

a letter...

good mornin' my friend   i woke this morn feelin a little warm fuzzies   not as strong as last saturday's but good   so i made coffee and dove into Conversations with God again this morn   as i read, i contempated   i'd take a break and other thoughts came thru me while thinking of you and our recent conversations (financial and other topics)    anyways these are some of my thoughts    first my frustration with the other office angels (volunteers)   actually i recognize they're doing what they can, just some better than others   i haven't been comfortable with the idea that some have unconsciously appointed me their "leader", but Sandy said i did that myself by coming in there and always finding something to do (which i do)   i just wanted to volunteer, not become "leader" but maybe that is what i'm suppose to do there   i haven't been in a leadership position per se in years, 20plus, and have been avoiding that    mostly i'm just being me   i've always taken initiative about things since i was a kid   it's an unconscious habit and i don't even know i'm doing it half the time   anyways, i recognized again this morn that everyone is different, different in their nature of being and i'm going to continue being me even if it's being "leader"   humble myself and accept that part of me  give of myself what i can   and humble myself in relation to my family is what i think i need to do   every experience this week, i was asking maybe i need to stay in the thick of Life in order to continue growth even if it makes me uncomfortable at times   Goodness, life is changing again for me   i desire to live as a loving individual and i'm not always so   humility is a good teacher to me although i don't always welcome it   not sure what came over me this week, but i feel more spiritually connected this week and that i've been away for some time   it's probably only been a few months, but that's too long   maybe it hasn't been a few months, maybe just a few weeks, but i recognized i have to sit and sort things out from time to time and i haven't done that in a little while    i guess this is part of the journey that i need to enjoy   i've been on a rigid journey for 20yrs at the p.o., now life is opening up   there is more to it all which i've known but unable to experience fullly   working at the p.o. was truly an experience of survival, now i'm in the experience of Living    goodness, there is only God and the expression there of   it's overwhelming sometimes, yet so simple...my brain is in overload, i go back to my book   i recognize now i can take one step at a time in lieu of one giant step all the time  the pages of my life will write itself as i direct my own course   ...Life is Good again.......hugz~k 

missing

yesterday i went lookin in my closet for a particular sweatshirt i thought sure i had   well it wasn't there   i thought ok, maybe i didn't have it or my son took it    well back in the closet today lookin for another sweatshirt   it's missing too    since my son was here and left, i've been missing clothes, music and books    is this what kids are for....LOL

O goodness!

it's gonna be an adventure when i return to Ohio in december   i just talked to one of my nieces i haven't seen in 20yrs, she's 27 now and has a baby girl   Goodness   it's been over a dozen years since being in Ohio and the last time this niece and her mother weren't around   her mother, my older sister, and i have not been in touch   she hasn't wanted to be in touch with me for whatever reasons   no problem here   it's clearly going to be interesting when i get there    maybe i'll meet the nephew i never met either before he ships out to the Army   Life, you never know what its compass is....i will sail my vessel (garth brooks)

went shoppin'

went shoppin' today with no money    good tiime to go shoppin    i woke up with the blues, part illness part life    so i went to the mall    i went into about 3 stores, then sat and people watched while having a pretzel and water    anyways, i haven't people watched in a very long time   all shapes and sizes and attire    there were teens there, there were everyone there   a daughter-mom combo walkin the mall numerous times i guess getting in their exercise   i saw them loop at least a half a dozen times   odd couples, cute couples   people watchin did me more good than shoppin'   a good change for the week ...but also, i don't think i told you that i had 3teeth pulled this last monday   had an infection, they  had to go   one was really a root tip from a previous broken tooth   so it's been no straws or sodas for a week -with no straws i didn't ask about smokin'   anyways, i called the dentist's office to see if i could at least have a soda already   gotta have my daily coke and i've been a good girl and have done without all week   she said coke was fine, but still no straws    i've been wanting a cigarette all week   maybe next week    i have a follow-up apptmnt on monday, maybe i'll get the ok for straws then    we'll see   i'm all stitched up, so that factor may play into a cigarette   all in due time    once home i took a nap  i feel a little better    now the debate as to whether attend a church meeting manana   all the history data and statistics i gathered for this project are being presented tomorrow   but it's a 9-5er    not sure i can last the whole day with this soreness with my gums    then tomorrow nite is a movie at church, Conversations with God based on a book by Neale Donald Walsh   good book, plus others that follow i have yet to read   not going to miss the movie, but i'll miss part or all of the meeting if i  must ....nothing on tv, nothing at the dollar movie (my budget at the moment)   time for a book which i have still yet to pick up and read anything lately    toomuch on the plate and it's World Series time    all in due time.....

p.s.   found me a bike or two the other day, and it's not going to be a Harley after all    fell in love with another crotch rocket, but will probably stay away from it    discovered a Suzuki and Kawasaki cruisers i fell in love with   will be one of them    next spring or summer, i'll be gettin the new bike:-)!

the music plays

the radio is on, i sit quietly in tears knowing my son will be headed to Iraq    i thought i was all peaceful about this war, peaceful within myself, until now    apparently when it hits home, it hits    i know he will be fine regardless what happens   i'm very proud of him   i can tell in phone conversations he's growing, maturing as he serves our country   i pull out a book, Why Courage Matters, the way to a braver life-by John McCain   yes the senator who may run for presidency   i've read this book once, but now is the time again   opening the middle of the book and where i had highlighted, i begin to become peaceful again   reminded of why we have wars anyways..."His faith is his country and the justice it promises.  Like Dr. King, he believes it is possible in this country to create the 'beloved community,' where all races, alll religious persuasions, all hearts, live together peacefully, respectfullly, where people can 'lay down the burden of race...just lay it down.'"    there's purpose in this Iraq war and there's got to be some good in it somewhere, somehow    what it is remains to be seen my me, probably others   but may Spirit watch over us all in its duration   GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!   God Bless the Iraqis!!!!   and all those in Afghanistan.....

...came home after work, i had left the radio on   American Soldier by Toby Keith  and God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood played one right after the other   my two favorite patriotic songs   i'll play them often while he's in Iraq   i'm sending him a copy too ....

tent rocks plus sum

this was my new road trip today!   it was awesome!   M told me about it   great place to visit    anyways, i'll write more on this trip in this entry laterz   my Boo has been barking at me for an hour since being home and i must tend to her....as you've noticed there are 116 photos   this time i included ALL my pics for today so you know i don't take the perfect picture all the time   best of my knowledge NO ONE ever does, not even pros!   that's why i enjoy everyone' else's photos too!   ...so enjoy ...more soon....

ok i'm back    all i needed to do was sit on the couch   Boo layed at my feet, Jimmy curled up with me on the couch, and they both went right to sleep    kids you gotta love 'em....so i listened to Michael Buble and Norah Jones sing while watchin' the Broncos beat the Raiders (tv muted)...

now about the trip...ok this is how i take photos   i take tons!   i love shooting photographs   with my digital camera i can go on & on & on without interruption of changing film   once completed, i select the pictures i like the best and post them    these photos i'm not crazy about the lighting on some, but i can fix that later on the computer   i'll do so and then re-post a few     these are called Tent Rocks   (note:  i think some of them look like other than 'tents'   more like the male genital i'd say)    anyways, this was a wonderful hike    as you come across some of these photos that may not make any sense, those may be the trail i was on while hiking thru them   all you see is rocks surrounded by walls of rock   yep that was the trail    although it was only 1.3miles i think for the whole trail, it took about 2hrs up & down it    once on top you'll see photos of the view and beauty of New Mexico   some of these photos i really like   also, there is a spider   size of a tarantula, but a different kind   saw him/her strolling across the path around the base of the rocks    it was a beautiful day up there, but once the hike was over i saw nothin but rain clouds in the distance   yep i rode my bike and i haven't yet ridden in rain   fortunately is was mostly very cold wind with a few rain drops   but those drops hitting my face, i didn't have a shield on the helmet, those drops felt like hail   who knows maybe it was pin drop size hail   that was smarts   thankfully it didn't last the whole ride home    i'll pack my shield the next time in case of rain   must start carrying a bigger backpack too   i needed an extra layer of clothing on the trip   i was ok here in town, but once on that interstate, whew, a bit breezy from the crosswinds    anyways, this was another great road trip   have i enticed you with enough photos of New Mexico that you'll come visit?

my son

got a message from him today on myspace.com   he got his orders for iraq but won't be leaving til december   i'm to call him monday at which time i'll ask if he can come home next month before he leaves    i'm saying a prayer that he does....

tgif!

TGIF!    well it's been a nice day after all    i had to go to the church today after all but was there only an hour thankfully    i already spent 4days there this week and i was doing my damnest not to show up today    it didn't work   i'm still tryin' to put in just 3days a week, that's not workin' either    another volunteer and i were just wondering the other day how they mananged without us volunteers before we arrived   we're still speculating   ...anyhows, it's 7:30pm and i'm ready for bed already    don't think i got my nap in today    i did manage to get a dental apptmnt for my achin' tooth come this monday   it began a couple days ago and i was tryin' to hold out on it, but i was told i have an infection since my face is swollen on that side   i've been holdin' down the pain with tylenol, but tonite thought i'd try Jack Daniels on this   works wonders   one shot, no pain immediately   i can go for that   J.D. is proving to be a great rememdy for all kinds of ailments so i'm learnin'   besides it's great to relax with a shot of the whiskey as well   this must have been how some people handled the pain in the olden golden days of way back when   it's workin' for me   no complaints here ....anyways, i'll watch the baseball game for another 45mins and then head to bed   actually it's 7:45pm right now   this weekend i'm chillin'    if it was for rain in the forecast, and my toothache, i'd be on another road trip on the bike   must get to Tent Rocks...hope all is well in your neck of the woods...take care

4th of July Campground

first, most of these pics look better if you "View Larger"    i heard that this campground was a great place to see the fall foliage   so i hopped onto my bike and headed down hwy s 14    it's a great back road for a country ride whether in your car or on a bike   it definitely (S)nakes intially constantly swerving directions along the way   i mean that Literal S down the road for a few miles   and some stretches were long   (as i came back i noticed all the vehicles crossing the line often)    anyways, the ride there was such a joy   it was a tidbit cool on that mountain road, but bearable   once out in the sun and behind the trees, it was comfortably warm   anyways, little did i know that i'd be taking some dirt road to this campground   the last 7miles was 4wheelin' on my bike to the campground    as i rode up there i noticed the foliage was about gone   i was at least 2weeks too late for the true beauty of the fall foliage, but i did get a few shots as noted above   i took more than the 39 posted, but i don't always include "all" pics i take   and i didn't get tooo picky about which pics to post    i'm so damn critical of my photos and have learned others like photos i take that i don't think are that good    well some of these are decent, others ok (i'm always ready to take a better photo)   but one of these pics i've fallen in love with    going to print it (two simple leaves on a rock)   but you choose what you like and enjoy   the adventure out today was just what i needed after yesterday which was trying    i have another road trip coming up,but decided to wait til the middle of next week or two (think i have a doctor apptmnt next week)   don't want to travel the interstate on the weekend while everyone's off work and buzzing everywhere   plus the weather forecast is predicting rain for the next 4days or so   aint gonna be goin nowhere....have a good one my friends!

copyrights for all photos reserved for Karen L Goins

say a prayer...

for my son Kyle and all our troops    just got the call from him that he's headed to Iraq   he's been wanting to go sooo badly and he's finally going   i'm very proud of him and i pray he comes back safely   he'll be gone within a couple weeks    he's young and gun ho, i pray he keeps his cool    i know he & his buddies will be watching out for each other   God Bless Our Troops!

...and the wind blows

it's a quiet nite except the wind blowing hastily rustling the trees and howls   a ballgame is on but i sit in contemplation of my journey, spiritual or not   i'm ready for another book, thinking of the Ghandi book i have yet ready for a mini break from spiritual material   so i look at my library of the books bought, yet not read   i have anything from classic to modern politics   where do i trek is the question   my contemplation tonite is on this transition in my life and where am i headed   the answer remains to be seen   volunteering at the church i ask myself do i really desire to be in a spiritual place all the time   i love the philosophy, don't get me wrong, but sometimes i need the grounding of the real world   not that our world isn't real, but it's nature is a different tune than the drum beat of everyone else    a friend and i recently talked that sometimes it seems to be too positive, but if that's the only complaint, then we can handle it    i'm acustom to being in the trenches where one grinds away at Life, not the softer path my church offers   just yesterday i sensed i'm missing a connection or maybe i haven't adjusted to the new path   there's a long journey ahead   only a couple days ago did my schooling become clear to me for the next year or two   then there will be another fork in the road and i will decide the next path to take from there   but for now i need leisure tiime or at least a balance than before   20yrs at the p.o. was workaholic time, mostly due to the demands of that job    now the road is wide and open   i have many paths to take   each its own journey bringing to me another part of Life   i look forward to the treasures collected along the way   and who knows what Life will bring as i travel    maybe there will be a mate, there certainly will be new friends   Spirit as my guide, i will follow where i'm lead....for now a different book and the adventures untold

The Illusionist

this movie Rocks!!!!   ok i loved it, but it's a must see movie   beautiful!   wonderful!   even the kids can see it    can't say much here about it without giving it away   so go see it!

WAZZU

I hope i spelled Wazzu correctly   it's been soooo long since even thinking it let alone spell it    anyways, tonite i watched the Washington State Cougars vs USC football game   they were playing in Pullman, WA and it was such a site for sore eyes   i remember as if it was yesterday being there   there's no place like home=Washington, the eastern side of the state especially    now that i'm retired, i can go visit more often   and i noticed i haven't told you folks the good news i received a couple weeks ago   my social security disability benefits was APPROVED!!!!!   i was in shock for days, but slowly it is sinking in    this frees me up not having to work and do some schooling   i just figured out my school direction a couple days ago   i will complete the distant learning program in Metaphysics, then decide whether to return to UNM for a photographer's degree or pursuit the Ministry   there are requirements to meet before even thinking of doing the Ministry which are spiritual classes i can take at church   one step at a time, and Spirit as my guide, i will know in time where i'm headed   i'm just becoming comfortable with the spiritual path i'm on again after 3yrs of struggling with one issue or another relating to it   it was mostly confusion and fear and that is gone now   it's as if i turned a page last month sometime  i'm finally understanding A Course in Miracles since struggling with it when i began in March   attending the dialogue of Foundations Class at church, i am recognizing and seeing clearly more our philosophy & principles   i am trusting more my memory which fails me sometimes   i am more grounded within my soul of my journey in Life and what's most important   all we have is the moment of Now....and truly that is how i live!

50 questions from Lori :-)

50 questions

Here's a fun one - a 50 questions survey from Sassy - play along and leave me your link!

1.  First name:  Karen
2.  Middle:  L
3.  Named after:  a friend of my paternal grandmother's
4.  Last cried?  tuesday i think, grieving Richard's transition
5.  Like handwriting?  sometimes
6.  Favorite lunch meat?  turkey, & turkey pastrami
7.  Kids?  one rottweiler, one bernese mtn dog
8.  Friends with myself?  most the time
9.  A Journal?  absolutely
10.  Use sarcasm alot?  who me? :)
11.  Still have tonsils?  yes
12.  Bungee jump? No way
13.  Fave cereal:  any chocolate cereal and oatmeal
14.  Untie shoes when taking them off?  always
15.  Think you're strong?  yes
16.  Fave ice cream flavor:  chocolate, or caramel cone
17.  Shoe size:  8
18.  Red or pink:  both
19.  Least fave thing about self:  hair
20.  Whom miss most:  steph
21.  Want everyone to send this back? it would be interesting to read your answers. Give me journal link if you have already done it.  yes, please do!
22.  What color pants & shoes wearing?  golden Lugz shoes & my Levi's
23.  Last thing ate?  enchiladas, tortilla, salad, avacado
24.  Listening to now? nada
25.  If crayon what color:  Purple - "surprise" lol
26.  Fave smells:  puppies, babies, roses, pine, wood
27.  Last person talked to on phone:  some business
28.  First thing notice about people attracted to:  personality
29.  Like the person who sent this?  of course!
30.  Favorite drink?  starbucks, heineken, black opal merlot or cabernet sauvignon
31.  Favorite sport?  football & tennis
32.  Hair color?  salt & pepper  33.  Eye color?  hazel
34.  Contacts?  bifocals
35.  Fave food?  seafood, steak, shrimp fried steak, teriyaki chicken burger
36.  Scary movies or happy ending?  happy ending
37.  What color shirt wearing?  blue
38.  Fave dessert?  cheesecake or ice cream
39.  Who will respond?  not sure - hopefully someone
40.  Least likely?  haven't a clue
41.  What book reading:  Teach Only Love-by Gerard G Jampolsky, M.D.
42.  On my mousepad?  nothin
43.  Watched on TV last night?   college football while listening to music & reading
44.  Fave sounds?  rain falling, seagulls, my dogs howling (or even coyotes)
45.  Rolling Stones or Beatles?  Neither,
46.  Furthest been from home?  Germany, Holland, France
47.  I know that 47 had something to do with do I believe in Santa, whichI DO!!!! and 48 went something like, Does Rudolph sit on the roof or in the garden?  On the roof, of course, until he flies off again! I agree!!!
49.  Special talent?  photography
50.  When & where born?  KY

Simple Truths

Simple Truths -by Kent Nerburn   a small little book i recently picked up for my birthday   Ellen at church gave me a gift certificate for our bookstore and of course i had to cash in     this wonderful little book is a must read   the following are a couple excerpts from the book:

Life is but a dream we renew each day, it is up to us to infuse this dream with light, and to cultivate, as best we are able, the ways and habits of Love.

ON STRENGTH

"We each have a different kind of strength.  Some of us are able to persevere against hopeless odds.  Some are able to see light in a world of darkness.  Some are able to give selflessly with no thought of return, while others are able to bring a sense of importance into the hearts of those around them.

     But no matter how we exhibit strength, its truest measure is the calm and certain conviction with which it causes us to act.  It is the ability to discern the path with heart, and follow it even when at the moment we might wish to be doing something else.

True strength is not about force, but about conviction.  It lives at the center of belief where fear and uncertainty cannot gain a foothold.  Its opposite is not cowardice and fear, but confusion, lack of clarity, and lack of sound intention.

     True strength does not require an adversary and does not see itself as noble or heroic.  It simply does wht it must without praise or need of recognition.

     A person who can quietly stay at home and care for an ailing parent is as strong as a person who can climb a mountain.  A person who can stand up for a principle is as strong as a person who can fend off an army.  They simply have quieter, less dramatic kinds of strength.

     True strength does not magnify others' weaknesses.  It makes others stronger.  If someone's strenth makes others feel weaker, it is merely domination, and that is no strength at all.

Take care to find your own true strength.  Nurture it.  Develop it.  Share it with those around you.  Let it become a light for those who are living in darkness.  Remember, strength based in force is a strength people fear..  Strength based in love is a strength people crave.

My Old Friend

My Old Friend Lyrics
Artist(Band):Tim McGraw

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My Old Friend Lyrics

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Send Tim McGraw polyphonic ringtone to your cell phone


My old friend, I recall
The times we had hanging on my wall
I wouldn't trade them for gold
Cause they laugh and they cry me
Somehow sanctify me
They're woven in the stories I have told
And tell again

My old friend, I apologize
For the years that have passed
Since the last time you and I
Dusted off those memories
But the running and the races
The people and the places
There's always somewhere else I had to be
Time gets thin, my old friend

Don't know why, don't know why
Don't know why, don't know why

My old friend, this song's for you
Cause a few simple verses
Was the least that I could do
To tell the world that you were here
Cause the love and the laughter
Will live on long after
All of the sadness and the tears
We'll meet again, my old friend

Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye

My old friend, my old friend
Goodbye, goodbye

this morn as i was remembering Rich and driving down the street, this song came on    i was just wondering only yesterday how to say goodbye to him   how fitting Spirit brought this song to me this morn....and i also learned today from the thought, 'what do i know about Life' and reflecting on him   that it's not all about me   not that i try to be about me only, but sumtimes i get caught up in that    i am just one Spec in this Universe   a fraction of the whole   there's sooo much more to Life i have yet to learn   but what a treasured gift Richard was in my Life and this Life   the gift he gave of himself.....

Serbian proverb

Be humble for you are made of earth.

Be noble for you are made of stars.

i got this from one of my favorite books i have on hand - The Laws of Spirit by Dan Millman.....a great little book if you'd like to pick it up

The Man without a Face

just saw this movie....what a wonderful movie!    not only very heart warming, it reminded of some good literature i need to return to   find some good poetry and some classics   that wood be a good break from what i'm reading now-spiritual   not that i'm complaining, but sometimes i need a breather from it so i can absorb it and Life as it unfolds    think i'll find me a classic i bought this past spring and devour it...

a fresh word

                             We believe in the direct revelation of truth

                             through our intuitive and spiritual nature.

                            And that anyone may become a revealer of truth...

                                          --Ernest Holmes

 

 

I am always open and receptive to a fresh revelation of the word of Spirit.

               -SOM magazine

pink!

C . O . U . R . A . G . E

IT'S NOT THE MOUNTAIN WE CONQUER, BUT OURSELVES

 

she's in her pink outfit   her pink shirt, her pink shoes, along with her mountain gear rock climbing    she sits on my wall framed reminding me what i need to do   this week i had a sense i was tryin' to still please others   that is not what my Life is suppose to be    a note in the previous entry reminded me i do as i damn well please nowadays   i'm free to have any and all emotions i so desire   curse if i wanna  get wild   be FREE....so i put on my pink shirt (don't have pink shoes) and today i will Be!

6 weird things about me

Rules:
Each player of this game starts with the "6 weird things/habits about you". People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird habits/things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1.   i smoke a pipe (luv the taste and the smell)

2.  i limp sumtimes, and don't even know it until someone points it out to me (originates from a broken left femur long ago and the leg is shorter now as well)

3.  i analyze tooooo much

4.  at age 48, i still sleep with my dogs (literally in my bed, all nice & cozy)

5.  maybe i read too much?   i've started 6 books and haven't finished them yet, and still buying more

6.  i do whatever i damn well please   99.9% of the people i know don't know this   and i have a bite too

 

who's tagged!

Jude

Anne

Gina

Marti

Lori

Donna in Texas

 

5. 

play in the sunshine

from the SOM magazine:

I play in the sunshine, sliding enthusiastically through my spiritual journey.

SOM=Science of Mind....the September issue has a good article regarding Oprah Winfrey   i like Oprah, but all the years at the p.o. allowed little to no time to watch her   i think i was at the p.o. as long as she's been on tv   anyways, reading sum of her quoted thoughts, i had no idea how spiritually evolved she is   i knew she was doing many good things, but her philosophy has peeked my interest   i'll need to buy The Gospel According to Oprah -by Marcia Z. Nelson, a religion writer   and i think there was another book mentioned as well within the article   i love what Oprah said, "...It's very difficult for me to even see myself as successful because I still see myself as in the process of becoming successful.  To me, 'successful' is getting to the point where you are absolutely comfortable with yourself.  And it does not matter how many things you have acquired."   what a great way to view success   i may adopt this thought for i'm still struggling at times to be totally comfortable with myself    although i've gotten better the past few years, i have reminders along the way that i'm not there yet    to be totally at peace with myself, how humbling   Life will unfold, i will grow, i change like the seasons hopefully becoming a better person....

pitter patter, pitter patter, rain drops fall    lightning strikes   the thunder rolls   wind howls   it's nipping in here   cold chills run my spine as the weather unfolds   darkness all around   only the light upon my desk shines   my kids sleep and i'm ready to crawl into bed    so why am i writing this moment   beats the hell out of me...one more day and i'm off for the weekend   too many things going, must slow down ...

just wanna

i just wanna watch the wind blow by...

fall is here

fall is here   it rolled in a few days ago bringing that cold nippin' wind with it   it was a gorgeous day   my first hike in months, but seemingly par for the course here in NM   too hot to really hike and the trails were all closed, fire danger high   so i packed my bag, and up the hillside i went   ok it may be a lil mtn, but i call it a hillside for seeing what a true mtn looks like    anyways it was a good cardio  my lungs began to burn expanding with more air   nothing like exercise   i then sat on a rock, contemplated and celebrated Richard    alas i needed to descend the rocks and off to our new church i went   i met Jane there to get a tour i missed previously a few weeks ago   i'm part of the Transformation Team (moving team)   i now better understood our numerous ideas for the place, where to put whom where and designation of the garden & playground   we have a Preparation Team meeting this wed Jane invited me   i'm currently serving on the Departure Team, but heck who knows, maybe i'll be doing both   there's lots of excitement surrounding our new church   it definitely needs sum aesthetics and TLC which we are Lovingly prepared to do soon as we sort it all out   the next 30-60days we hope to have a plan   we're not moving til March but we're starting right now    much to do between now and then   i love the new sanctuary and i've heard the acoustics are great   i'm anxious to see how all this comes together   i'll be doing interviews of our office team for their vision inputs   definitely looking forward to this unfolding.....the day is good   the sun is setting   the birds singing   another breath of life and tomorrow will soon arrive...

in loving memory...

this is a note to remember my dear friend Richard   Carol :& Richard are my second parents   Carol called me this morn and let me know Richard passed this last week   the funeral was yesterday    i held my tears until after talking with her   she sounded exhausted yet good   everything was beautiful she said    he hung on til his grandson could make it, then requested to be taken off the machines(or whatever he was on)   2hrs after his grandson's arrival, he passed    he was ready   i'm glad he had some choice in the matter   in between the busy moments today, i could only remember all the treasured times i spent with him   i miss him already   just only a few days ago i was thinking about him wondering how he was doing   maybe it was the same time he and Carol were talking about me    they live in Spokane, WA and it's been a couple years since seeing them   Richard has had heart problems for awhile   ....i still can't believe he's gone, but he's forever in my heart and their picture sits atop my rolltop desk ....I love you Richard   I love you Carol   you have given me treasures no one can ever take away....much luv & hugz

thoughts...

the following is an excerpt from 365 Science of Mind, A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes (our founder)    it was perfect for me today,   thought this was well worth sharing;

                Daily I Contemplate My Importance in a Divine Plan

            For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's field, ye are God's building.-I Corinthians 3:9

My thought is a gateway to illumination.  I know that the Spirit within me is my strength and power.  I approach life with a sense of security and well-being.  I know that I have a secret source in God.  I know that my thought is a gateway to illumination.  It is the secret place of the most High within me from which comes inspiration, guidance, and wisdom.  Therefore, I accept the fulllness of this moment.  I accept life as a glorious experience, a spiritual adventure.

     I believe in myself because I first believe in God.  I believe in my destiny because I believe that the law of good is operating through me.  I have a calm confidence in the future, a keen and enthusiastic expectation of good things to come.

     I open my whole consciousness to the realization that all the power and presence there is surrounds me in an eternal embrace, that the Spirit forever imparts Its own Life to me, forever flows through me into happiness, success, and well-being.

     Knowing that I cannot live unto myself alone,but that I am a part of all Life, I gladly and enthusiastically unify with people, conditions, and events, flwoing into them with the certain knowledge that I belong to the universe in which I live, that this universe belongs to me, that I am a part of it, necessary to it, one with it.

go lobos!

ok, it was the first game i attended tonite    we didn't do so well  we lost 27-17   but apparently our starting QB got hurt last week   well we missed him for sure tonite    but i had a great time anyways   it was nice to be in the atmosphere   n the spirit of football and home games    i even got a visor which i wasn't expecting    so, i'll see how our current QB does in next week's game as to whether i'll go again   i may regardless, i mean it's only a game! 

from my niece

Think About This....

Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10
minutes.
He stays up for days on end. 

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags. 

You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again. 

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists. 

You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe
his brow. 

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today. 

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean. 

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today. 

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months. 

You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home. 

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume. 

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if
they'll ever meet 

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves
anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and
remembers why he is fighting. 

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded. 

You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him. 

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told. 

You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and
eat. 

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get
comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be
woken by gunfire. 

You sit there and judge him, saying the world is probably a worse
place because of men like him.
If only there were more men like him! 

If you support your troops, re-send this to everyone you know,
If it gets to another veteran who hasn't received it yet, it will
bring back memories.

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ and the American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. ........

Remember that everyday is only as good as you make it!  Also remember that someone is thinking about you...and that someone is ME!

ground zero

i recieved this via email from Jude   it included a pic of Ground Zero   felt it was worth sharing with everyone     thanks Jude!       This has not been broken since 9/11/01 , please keep it going...
This has been kept alive and moving since 9/11. In memory of all those who perished this morning; the passengers and the pilots on the United Air and AA flights, the workers in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and all the innocent bystanders. Our prayers go out to the friends and families of the deceased.



IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew ! it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
! you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them howmuch you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Send this to at least 10 people to show your support.

$2.73

ok i didn't believe it in the papers, but i went to the gas pump tonite and yep it's gotten way low  $2.73 for my unleaded plus   saved me $10 which in turned paid for my lunch today   O goodness, now why can't they keep these prices during the summer   o well, better enjoy it while we can....

in the meantime i got my shoulder checked out finally today   yep it's been hurting since May & my florida trip   for awhile it seemed like it was going to get better   i even had my massage therapist work on it, but its better feeling lasted briefly   so off to the doc and he said i have probably with my rotator cuff   friday they'll give a shot for pain since i can't get into physical therapy until 2 weeks from now   in the meantime, take sum tylenol in addition to the naproxen i already take   if it doesn't get better within 6 weeks, we may have to consider going under the knife -Yuk!   he gave me 2 exercises to begin with which i'll head there now and begin.....

9/11

      forever in our hearts...God bless the USA!

they did it again!

...damn it!    the local tv station tape delayed the women's U.S. Open Tennis championship game showing Lobo football again   i remember this from last year   it just plain sucks!   i'm sure there's not enough tennis fans in this part of the country to override their choice......soooo, i put a game on, NOT the Lobos, muted it   turned on the radio and worked on my scrapbook   more enjoyable!!!!    my scrapbook consists of photos i've taken in the past 6yrs that i didn't ever put in a photo album   i also wanted to do something more with the photos than just stick them in an album this time    so i gathered the StAcK of photos and started randomly putting them in the book   no order with these photos    i also found stickers and rub-on sayings that i could include in the scrapbook    so it's a lil more personal and creative   great relaxing project.....now in the meantime, i'm staring at the boxes i have yet to unpack from moving in here months ago-YUK!!!!    it's mostly paperwork and i hate paperwork    i'll start manana on it, one box at a time   now when manana arrives, who knows...lol

Go Placidly...

Desiderata

   -by Max Ehrmann   (1872-1945)

 

 

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

And remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender

Be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly & clearly;

And listen to others,

Even the dull & ignorant;

They too have their story.

 

Avoidloud & aggressive persons,

They are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

You may become vain & bitter;

For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

 

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

It is a real possession in the changing future of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

For the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

Many persons strive for high ideals;

And everywhere life is full of heroism.

 

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

For in the face of all aridity & disenchantment

It is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

Gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

 

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.

Beyond wholesome discipline,

Be gentle with yourself.

 

You are a child of the universe,

No less than the trees & the stars;

You have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

 

Therefore be at peace with God,

Whatever you conceive Him to be,

And whatever your labours & aspirations,

In the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams,

It is still a beautiful world.

 

Be cheerful.

 

Strive to be happy.