My Promises

Sometimes All You Need is a Hug From Mom...

How Does My Garden Grow?

Tried something new this year - I am growing flowers from seed - let's follow along...

The seeds & peat pot "greenhouse"

The peat pots before water & seeds

The peat pots eally expanded after water was added

The seeds sprouted only after 2 days


I planted the zinnia seedlings directly inbto the ground & a big galvanized tub.  I will keep us posted on their development.



Life’s Little Instructions

Sing in the shower.

Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

Leave the toilet seat in the down position.

Never refuse homemade brownies.

Strive for excellence, not perfection.

Plant a tree on your birthday.

Learn 3 clean jokes.

Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.

Compliment 3 people every day.

Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

Leave everything a little better than you found it.

Keep it simple.

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.

Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

Floss your teeth.

Ask for a raise when you think you've earned it.

Overtip breakfast waitresses.

Be forgiving of yourself and others.

Say, "Thank you" a lot.

Say, "Please" a lot.

Avoid negative people.

Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.

Wear polished shoes.

Remember other people's birthdays.

Commit yourself to constant improvement.

Carry jumper cables in your truck.

Have a firm handshake.

Send lots of Valentine cards.

Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."

Look people in the eye.

Be the first to say hello.

Use the good silver.

Return all things you borrow.

Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.

Keep a few secrets.

Sing in a choir.

Plant flowers every spring.

Have a dog.

Always accept an outstretched hand.

Stop blaming others.

Take responsibility for every area of your life.

Wave at kids on school busses.

Be there when people need you.

Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.

Don't expect life to be fair.

Never underestimate the power of love.

Drink champagne for no reason at all.

Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.

Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake."

Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."

Compliment even small improvements.

Keep your promises no matter what.

Marry for love.

Rekindle old friendships.

Count your blessings.

Call your mother.





by H. Jackson Brown Jr.

My Hero, My Friend - Doris Jelinek

Doris & her amazing story of survival & strength
http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/03/from-darkness-and-despair-doris-story.html?spref=fb

Don't Feed the Bad Wolf.

An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life…

He said to them, “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil—he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego.

The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.”

They thought about it for a minute, and then one child asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win, Grandfather?”

The Elder simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers...

Not intended to be posted today - found this as a draft while editing some older posts - so I set a record today - 3 posts in one day!




When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes". The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand and the students laughed.
Now, said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
The sand is everything else---the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life."

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children.
Spend time with your parents.
Visit with grandparents.
Take your spouse out to dinner.
Play another 18.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter.
Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented.
The professor smiled and said, "I'm glad you asked. The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend."

Wreck This Journal

Yes two posts on the same day!

Now that I can find things again in my "studio", I am definately going to start projects again. 

I am kicking it off with "Wreck This Journal"

"For anyone who's ever wished to, but had trouble starting, keeping, or finishing a journal or sketchbook comes Wreck This Journal, an illustrated book that features a subversive collection of prompts, asking readers to muster up their best mistake- and mess-making abilities to fill the pages of the book (and destroy them). Acclaimed illustrator Keri Smith encourages journalers to engage in "destructive" acts-poking holes through pages, adding photos and defacing them, painting with coffee, and more-in order to experience the true creative process. Readers discover a new way of art and journal making-and new ways to escape the fear of the blank page and fully engage in the creative process." (Thanks Amazon)

We shall see how this goes!
We shall see how this goes!""""""""""""…

Can You Say Spring Cleaning?

Massive, massive cleaning!!!!!

I have cleaned & purged the master closet room (yes room - we converted a tiny bedroom into a full closet - love it!).  I got rid of clothing & shoes we haven't worn in a long time.  Clothes that were ripped, torn, stained & even clothes that were not.  Clothes that were a bit snug or just weren't flattering anymore (no I am not going to save them until I loose weight, cause I'm not!).  Bought a huggable hanger knock off (from The Christmas Tree Shop - 10 for $4.99 - cheapest anywhere! [they had to be, we bought about 100]) & yes they do exactly what the TV people say they do - gives more space & nothing falls off them.

Next we cleaned out the pantry/laundry/boiler room.  Got a new washer & dryer, rearranged the room so it's now easier to do laundry (if that's possible), organized the shelves, put things in containers & jars & actually LABELED everything, yes it's true!

And last, but certainly not least, I cleaned out my craft room - years of stuff that I swore I needed & couldn't live without & of course was definitely going to absolutely use someday.  Yup - sorted, tossed, organized & finally can see things (like the floor) & actually use the good stuff I saved.

Our garbage men hate us, as I swear we have put out at least 75 black garbage bags to the curb so far, with at least 25 or so waiting to go out!

We do have one more black hole we have to tackle & that's the attic.  Lord that is going to be rough, but it has to be done.  I will be tying a rope around my waist so if I don't come out after a day or two, they can rescue me!

Be Kind

Sometimes it is so darn hard!

Just Say NO to a Dishwasher!

I don't have a dishwasher - oh the horror!

When my parents purchased this house in 1974, it did not have a dishwasher - most houses then did not (except for the "big" houses - which this house is not!).  As a kid growing up in Broklyn, that place certainly did not have a dishwasher - that is until I turned about 8 - then I became the dish washer, and I have been hand washing dishes ever since.

Now that I took over my parents house, I have left the kithcen as is - sans a dishwasher.  I hear audible gasps from people when I say that we don't have one.  What is the big deal? 

Thinking about it, dishwashers kind of skeive me out anyway.  The thought of dirty dishes sitting in there for 1,2 or 3 days makes me cringe.  I often wonder too, exactly how many dishes must one own in order to let a dishwasher fill up yet still have dishes to eat off of?

See, I have grown accustomed  to and actually like washing dishes (shhhh - don't tell my family).  My sink is at the window which looks out into my backyard, which I love.  I can watch the rabbit or the birds at the feeder or the dogs running when they are out.  In the warmer months, the window is wide open, which makes it even nicer.

I guess I have developed a system, and hand washing isn't really that bad.  I usually have the radio on, just about everyone has left the kitchen (except the dogs) and I actually can relax - lose myself in my thoughts if you will.  Most days I look forward to "my time".  I'd be lying if there weren't times when I cursed doing them, but fortunately those times are not too often.

So call me crazy - but yes I have no dishwasher.  (Hah - the house in Maine has one - wonder what I'll use it for!)

                                                           My little dishwashing haven

I am a sparkle - no longer a paper bag in the wind

The words of this song scream out to me!!!
I finally let my sparkle shine about 10 years ago; before then I felt like I was just like a paper bag floating in the wind.

100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011!

We'll see if I can do this!!!   My kindle helps - I go everywhere with it & I swear I can read more with it than ever before.  But 100 books?????  LOL!  :)

ETA:  This challenge will include ALL books I read - cookbooks, etc.  My other challenge will be just "novels".



            Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011
• Rules - Read 100 or more books in 2011
• All books can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
• Only print books and ebooks count (no audiobooks).
• You can join anytime.

Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening....

This is what it looks like outside my window tonight!  At least it's Christmas break & big Guy doesn't have to be in until 2 o'clock tomorrow.  Ahhhh a sleep in morning!

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.
~Robert Frost

An Inspriational Key Note Speaker - Patti Ann McDonald

I recently attended Holy Trinity Diocesan High School's 3rd annual Women's Communion Breakfast.  It was truely an inspriational and somewhat emotional event for me. (More photos here)

Patti Ann McDonald, wife of NYC policer officer, Steven McDonald, and now mayor of Malverne, was the keynote speaker.  Their story riveted my since the time it happened.  His forgiving of his assailant and her decision to stick with and by her paralyzed husband always tugged at my heart.

She spoke of the event and their life immediately after.  She spoke of her husband's forgiving the gunman and of their new, deeper faith in God.

She also went on to speak of what it is like to live with and care for a handicapped person, whether physical or mental, and the trying and often God questioning times.  How could God have let this happen, why her, a young newlywed and eight month pregnant bride?  She was just begining her life and she was then handed a burden for her to carry on for the rest of her life.  This is when she opened my soul and looked inside - it was almost as if she was speaking directly to me .  I was moved to tears.  I realized that I am not alone in my journey, having to care for my handicapped brother, and that other people get as discouraged as I, but they get through it. 

I mentioned this whole thing to a friend of mine, who also is the sister of a mentally handicapped man and she said "you were meant to be there and hear her speak."  She was so right; I was able to look inside my soul and make room for all that my brother gives me, realizing that it will always be hard, but I can get through it.

On another note, sitting in the chapel that day, I got emotional just thinking about my son and his experiences, not only in that chapel, but in that faith filled school and how quickly life sped up to get us to this point in his life - a Sophmore in High School - and as usual I got teary eyed!

Patti Ann & Steven

Steven & Fr. Joe

Sqawking Blue Jays - noisy theives!

I feed birds in my back yard, I have since we moved in as a kid way back in the early '70s.  Seed, suet, stale bread - whatever we can find - out it goes. We have always gotten great pleasure watching the birds, me, mom, dad and eventually big and little Guy - darling husband Guy now has a routine on how he fills up our 5 feeders.  He even went so far as to set up things in Maine to attrack birds too!

I have taken to putting millet and nyjer seed and peanuts on top of our rabbit hutch (our hutch is about ten feet long with a flat roof, the perfect platform feeder.)  I've  begun buying millet, cracked corn, nyger and peanuts from a company called  Prdseed (love that name!) and we store everything in galvanized garbage cans (to keep out the critters) in the shed.

Blue Jays LOVE peanuts and as soon as a batch goes out, that insane racket they make starts - one calls another and then that one another and so on.  It's funny, only one Jay at a time swoops in, grabs a peanut in it's beak and then flies into a tree to crack it open and munch it down - never two, I guess it's a Blue Jay culture thing.

When the weather is clear and crisp as it's been lately, and the Jays come, I am instanltly transported to Maine - you see every morning is clear and crisp and Jays constantly squawk there, so when I hear them around here, it's a deja 'vu thing - I guess that's why I do it - for "that feeling".

John Lennon Google Doodle - Happy Birthday John

Argan Oil

I found a real treasure for moisturizing my face - Argan Oil.

Argan Tree

Pits & Seeds

 Argan oil is an oil produced from the kernels of the Argan tree, native to Morocco, it is valued for its nutritional, cosmetic and medicinal properties. Ancient  people of Morocco would collect undigested argan pits from the waste of goats which climb the trees to eat their fruit. The pits were then ground and pressed to make the nutty oil used in cooking and cosmetics. Hopefully today's oil is harvested in a much more sanitary way!  But it just goes to show how great this oil is, if people were willing to go to these extremes just to harvest it!!!

Using oil on my face at first seemed incongruous, after all weren't we taught that we had to get rid of the oils on our face?  But I realize the opposite is true (even if you have "oily" skin), if you hydrate your skin with the right kind of oil, it won't need to produce oil, thus making your face oily. 

 I use Josie Maran brand & adore it!

I also use oils to cleanse my face, but I make up my own concoction!  Three parts extra virgin olive oil (moisturizes) and one part of castor oil (cleansing), I put itnto a spray bottle and use twice a day - better than anything I ever have purchased over the counter!

The Not So Itsy Bitsy Spider

A visitor set up house my garden - a creepy, ugly spider. They make my skin crawl - but this one fascinated me for some reason.

The eensy weensy spider
 Crawled up the water spout
  Down came the rain
   And washed the spider out
    Out came the sun
     And dried up all the rain
      And the eensy weensy spider
       Crawled up the spout again.
Sorry I could not resist

The Last Rose of Summer

It is sad to see the last, rugged rose bush, produce one more beauty befor settling down for a long winter nap. This is the same palnt that gave me a glorious bloom a few years ago (my perfect rose post). Beauty still prevails.
 

See you next year!