Lets all be EXX-Customers!

I came across this on the web today: "ExxonSecrets.org takes a look at the folks who claim that global warming (and presumably global dimming) either still aren't proven or don't exist: the spokespersons, the organizations with whom they're affiliated, and most especially the organizations funding their efforts. Whatever lots of sunlight is doing to the planet, the more of it shining on the wellsprings of such information, the better. "
I don't know about you, but I am climbing aboard. I hope you will join me in being an "EXX Customer" of Exxon and Esso. See this site for more info: http://www.dontbuyexxonmobil.org/

The Great Outdoors

This photo was shot April 2nd while walking the property line with my uncle. I came across this tree and thought it so unusual. It 's very reminiscent of staring at clouds to see what unfolds, don't you think?

I always enjoy my time at home, especially outdoors. This 26 acres provides space for many a fantasy. In five years, we've moved fences twice, opening up a 5-6 acre yard. The other half mows... and mows... and mows. Then he walks around the house like a rooster, admiring the yard from every window.

I plant and prune and move rocks.
This year I've started my tomato plants from seeds. I have a pot of 6 I need to separate.
I have a bit of the rooster syndrome too, I think. I make it a priority to plant the majority of things so they are visible from one of the many windows inside the house.

I've been battling a bit of the dreaded carpal tunnel with all its delights and tests, and as a result, neglected my blog. In fact, today is the first day I've checked my email in 3 days! I don't know what has come over me.
I have an hour commute to work each day. Time spent darting in and out of traffic and eyeballing the side and rearview mirrors for state troopers. I listen to the radio and use the windshield time to ponder over the meaning of life. I used to play catch up--returning phone calls and making appointments--but the dreaded "CT" puts too much pinch on the elbow area. So I think. And analyze. And replay life's moments in my head.

I don't play the "what if" game anymore. I'm thankful I have realized this is a waste of time. I find that I worry less and try to take life for what it is--day to day.

The Land of Misfit Dogs

We've accumulated quite of few puppy dogs in the past 3 or 4 years. I brought two from Texas, my other half had one, and we've added two in the past 4 years. Each dog has its own little, minor imperfection that we accept, acknowledge and deal with daily.
Mr. Haji (left) has a personality disorder: he thinks he's a bad ass big dog.
He lives outside with the big dogs because he lacks the formal training and/ or social graces to be underfoot inside. He can be the sweetest little thing, wagging his tail so hard you think he's going to take off at any minute. Then, the next minte there will be a gnashing of teeth and growling very reminiscent of a wild animal. I can't imagine what events shaped his personality to make him this defensive!

Life is Good!

Rushing, rushing, rushing. There never seems to be enough time.
Prioritizing as opposed to procrastinating is my rule of today. I'll be sure and let you know how that one works out.

I am so encouraged by my new ventures! They are providing a wonderful (or should I say "Marvelous?") avenue for my creative energy. And so much fun, too! Please check them out... I welcome your comments and/or suggestions.


http://www.cafepress.com/mizmellonline


I am still learning and so very thankful I still have the ability to do so.

The Last Rodeo

Yesterday my parents celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. I'm in awe. I'm on my third round -- something my husband I deemed "the last rodeo" (his third, as well) before we tied the knot.
So, do you think that's what makes it work?
My parents got married at a young age. That's just the way it was done then. Mama was 16 and Dad was 19. I think they have suffered through the ups and downs of matrimony. Can't remember any big trouble, though. I haven't made the mistake of asking my mother that one -- she might tell me something that would shatter the illusion I have of her and Dad.
Sometimes they bicker like siblings, other times like best friends -- trying to get the best of one another. What I like is that they are there for one another. Both are vocal in their opinions and the other (pretends to?) listen.
My parents have separate bedrooms. I'm not quite sure what brought that on, although Mama says Dad snores and flops around in sleep. I guess this is just another example of how they identified a problem and resolved it together.
Which brings me to my point today: Marriage is a commitment, a promise to one another to always "be there" physically and emotionally.
It seems too often nowadays, when things get a bit uncomfortable, folks just want to run away.
I'm taking the bull by the horns on a day to day basis and I guess my other half might be the rodeo clown, providing the much needed diversion from the serious business of life.

Perception is Reality

I am noticing more and more than spring is indeed coming after all. The flip flop from cold to warm has tested my patience. So much, that I had gotten to the point I just gave up... accepting the cold and dealing with it.
Last weekend, I had hope for better days. I planted 6 bleeding hearts at the top of the drive. The weather was warm with just a bit of coolness still in the wind. I kept the thought of those beautiful blooms greeting me every time I turned down the driveway and got through the digging and moving of rocks.
This morning the sun is shining -- teasing me into thinking the weather is warm. When I went out to fill the bird feeders, I realized I had been tricked again.

Miracles

There are two ways to live your life:
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is though everything is a miracle.

I am now among the hard core REAL believers having recently experienced the power of prayer. Not just my prayer, mind you, but the result of a group effort. Its amazing. I had been praying for some time. But only when I asked others, did the changes start to unfold.
Remember: Only a fool will turn away help!

The quote at the beginning of this post can be attributed to Albert Einsten. It makes reference to attitude more than miracles, I think, but I wanted to share my miracle with you.

Attitude makes a HUGE difference. An optomist will live longer than a pessimist and will probably have fewer wrinkles as well. To live fully, one must have faith and hope in the outcome of any given situation. Oh, it's very easy to say. It's a bit more difficult to actually do. That's where the prayer comes in. Ask God to help you. Remind yourself that everything is in God's hands and trust Him. You may at times question his judgement. That's where the faith comes in. But, I assure you, His plan is bigger than we ever imagined.

My Hut is on Fire...

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?"

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal,"they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Many thanks to my Uncle (VirginiaBoy) for his email. He too, must have seen the smoke!

Footprints

We all walk around within the numbness of our habits and routines so often that we take the marvels of ordinary life for granted.

We had a wonderful snow this past weekend and what tickled me most about it was seeing the footprints on the hillside made by our dogs... a random pattern of circles and curliques with no real apparent destination. My dogs, like myself, probably had a thought... a plan... but somehow got sidetracked by something of interest along the way.

Tread Lightly

There is so much irony in life. The first thoroughly accurate cliche' that comes to mind is this one:
Be careful what you wish for...you just might get it.

I am sure many read that line and immediately identify! But, also remember, it's not up to you and I. The outcome is predetermined and we are just players of the script that has been outlined for us. Just a damn shame we can't sneak a peek to better prepare us for the next chapter, right?

Well, I don't know about you folks, but I'm hangin pretty well. I even have fun with it. Each pothole in the road teaches me to watch my step. Each hill (or mountain) reminds me to utilize those deep breathing techniques I learned a hundred years ago in Lamaze class. The view from the top of the hill ain't so bad either.

C'mon Spring!

Saturday was the perfect day with just enough sun to tease me into thinking winter was just imagined. Just a hint of wind. Not enough to chill, but just enough to keep you from breaking a sweat. I hiked up the hayfield and looked back at the house and all our projects (in-progress). I felt like Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic -- "on top of the world!" My mind raced with plans for spring.
Sometimes I feel like I'm in a race. There are many, many things I would like to see come together so at some point I can just sit back and just delight in it all.
The higher elevation also gave me a new perspective on just how much has been accomplished. It's hard to see change when you look at it, live it, day after day.
I did manage to get sheets hung on the line. I planned ahead! I love crawling into bed with that marvelous scent. Talk about aromatheraphy -- it's right up there with eucalyptus and spearmint (which is said to be very soothing and relaxing).
I am taking a que from my eldest who amazed me by saying "I try to eliminate the things in my life that cause me stress." She's 21! Where did she find that wisdom??