December (2012) Photos

Peder snuggling into MY mane.

My 3 Snow Warriors - Dec. 2012

Six Great Men In My Life

Pop and Baby Danny 11-2012

There are six great men in my life. These men have taught me many things. Things that are good, bad, funny, necessary and even heartbreaking, but all very worthwhile and important to the woman I am this day.

I'm only including the men that are alive. While I could include my Grandfathers and a Step-Dad, I'm not writing about them today. Today is for the living.

Me & Pop - 1970

Starting with Pop. My Pop is in the photo above. He's holding my nephew, Daniel - Danny to me and forever.  This was taken yesterday, 11.3.2012.  Pop taught me how a woman should be treated. He taught me this by not only treating me the way a woman should be treated, but by treating me the way a woman should not be treated.  He didn't do anything immoral with me - don't go there! LOL YIKES!! I'm a total Daddy's Girl, but he was young and made plenty of mistakes with parenting. I love him all the same. Pop and I have a crazy telepathic bond. I kid-you-not. Pop just knows when I need him and I never fail to call, just when he is thinking of or needing my shoulder.  I'm a smart cookie and I don't sugar coat, I know he's a rascal of all kinds, but he's my Pop.  When I have cooking questions, depending on what I'm making, I'll give him a call.  If I need someone in my corner, I call Dad. If I'm crying and heartbroken about my mother, his first wife, I call him. He is the only other person on earth (besides my Auntie) that knows her like I do. Actually, I don't think my Auntie knows her the same way Pop and I know her, but she knows LOTS. Anyway! My Pop - the first man I ever fell in love with - the only way a Daddy's Girl can fall. He'd sing me to sleep and give me butterfly kisses. When I had a nightmare, I'd go to Dad. He became Pop when he stayed with us for a while - we needed a different title for him, for the boys. Pop it is!

Matt. My hubby. He taught me that just because we argue - doesn't mean that someone has to LEAVE. That's what I learned from my parents I guess.... every time they argued, Mom would leave.  Matt taught me to stay.  You hear the phrase, "Real men don't leave."  Well, yeah, okay, but what about women? Strong women know when to stay, when to leave and when to get her "Black-Chick Swag" on and take off her earrings!! LOL "Don't make me take off my earrings!"  Matt treats me like a lady. Matt treats me with love. Matt is AWESOME!!! He loves me in my Love Language (acts of service). That means he takes out the scary, smelly garbage when it's dark and scary outside.  That means he will help me with things when I'm too tired or hurting. Take a bullet for Matt? Drink poison for him? Wash his dirty underwear? YOU BET!!!

Me & Mario - 2009

Mario. My little brother. Mario taught me all about nature vs. nurture. Mario and I, at most, have had approximately 10 months of our lives in which we have lived together.  We are so alike! It's a crazy and creepy kind of thing! I mean, I don't mind people knowing that I'm alot like my brother, but I bet he isn't so crazy about people thinking he's like a girl - even if it is his sister! LOL When Dad had Mario with Claudia. I didn't want to be with my mother, I wanted to be with Dad and my little brother. It broke my mother's heart. At the time, I'd drink poison for him. Now, I'd just SLAP it out of his hands and say, "What the FUCK are you doing!?!?!! That's POISONED for crap sake!!! Don't drink that!!" LOLOL

Rick, Mario, Benny - 2009

My sons, Rick and Ben. I knew that I would love my children, but I did not know that I would fall in love with my children. I never knew that I could love another being as much as I love my sons. I love my brother alot - and I would have taken a bullet for him. Then I had children. Before my sons were born I didn't know I could love someone even MORE than I loved Mario. Then along came Rick and Ben. I didn't know I was capable of that much love!!!  I'd take a bullet for my boys. I used to say I'd take a bullet for Mario, but now that I'm a mom, I'd just shove Mario out of the way and duck myself. LOL My boys though - I'd lay my life down for them.

Mario and Baby Danny - 2012

Then! Along comes Baby Danny. I have yet to hold him physically in my arms. It's all virtual. I'm all about Auntie tears and tons of love. How can I love one tiny little man so much without holding him in my arms??!!! Baby Danny is teaching me all about loving someone that really isn't mine, but is related. Baby Danny made me love my Sister-in-Law more than I ever dreamed I could love her. I mean, if Mario loves her, that's enough for me - I love her too. Unconditionally. It's just that now she has expanded my family. Family is everything to me. She has given me a gift - the gift of being an Auntie. I ADORE my Aunties! I never thought I'd be an Auntie. I was my parents only child until I was 13 years old.  I'm a big sister and I love Mario with everything a sister who lives 1500 miles away can give.  Now he has made me an Auntie!!

I didn't know, growing up, that I could love with such ferocity.  I didn't know I could love so unconditionally.  I didn't know I could love.  I was loved growing up. I am a loving person and always have been. I've worn my heart on my sleeve my entire life, but these six great men have stretched my heart in ways I never knew existed.

Thank you guys - I love you.

ABC - My Potion

Rum Chata
Malibu Rum
Pineapple juice - frozen
Frozen chunks of pineapple
Ice

I will not share the amounts (mainly because I just dump it all in the blender) because I don't want to give my magic potion away! It's a witchy secret!

ABC - Safety on Halloween - a funny

Buy your own candy.
Stay home and eat all the candy yourself.
Do NOT share candy.
Eat your own candy.
Eat it all before Nov. 15th otherwise it will taste yucky and you will be too full to eat turkey and pie and Cool-Whip.

Tylwyth Teg - My D & D Character

Tylwyth Teg

The Tylwyth Teg ("the fair people") are Welsh fairies who live in lakes or streams or in hollows of the hills. The females are called y mamau (the mothers), a title which links them to the pagan Celtic deities, the Matres. Associated with them are the usual traditions of moonlight dance, the supernatural passage of time, the stealing of children, and the substitution of changelings. They are especially interested in children with golden hair. Their favourites they enrich with precious gifts, which disappear when these gifts are spoken of.

The Tylwyth Teg (Welsh: "the Fair Folk") is the common term in Wales for fairies. A synonym, Bendith y Mamau, means "Blessing of the Mothers". Until the early 19th century it was commonly believed that the Tylwyth Teg, described as ethereal, beautiful and fair-haired, dwelt in a number of places in Wales as genii loci similar to Greek nymphs, Norse elves or Irish Aos Sí. Such places included the lake Llyn y Fan Fach. Tylwyth Teg had Fairy paths upon which it was dangerous for a mortal to walk.

They are usually portrayed as benevolent but capable of mischief, neither entirely good nor completely evil, unlike the Scottish division into Seelie and Unseelie. In their benevolent capacity they might, for example, reward with gifts of silver a woman who kept a tidy house. Yet they might also leave a changeling child in place of a human baby. They are said to covet beautiful mortal children. They fear iron, so unbaptized children could supposedly be protected from them by placing a poker over their cradle.

IN the mountains near Brecknock, says Davies, [a] there is a small lake, to which tradition assigns some of the properties of the fabled Avernus. I recollect a Mabinogi, or mythologic tale, respecting this piece of water, which runs thus:-

In ancient times a door in a rock near this lake was found open upon a certain day every year. I think it was May-day. Those who had the curiosity and resolution to enter were conducted by a secret passage, which terminated in a small island in the centre of the lake. Here the visitors were surprised with the prospect of a most enchanting garden stored with the choicest fruits and flowers, and. inhabited by the Tylwyth Teg, or Fair Family, a kind of Fairies, whose beauty could be equalled only by the courtesy and affability which they exhibited to those who pleased them. They gathered fruit and flowers for each of their guests, entertained them with the most exquisite music, disclosed to them many secrets of futurity, and invited them to stay as long as they should find their situation agreeable. But the island was secret, and nothing of its produce must be carried away. The whole of this scene was invisible to those who stood without the margin of the lake. Only an indistinct mass was seen in the middle; and it was observed that no bird would fly over the water, and that a soft strain of music at times breathed with rapturous sweetness in the breeze of the morning.

It happened upon one of these annual visits that a sacrilegious wretch, when he was about to leave the garden, put a flower, with which be had been presented, in. his pocket; but the theft boded him no good. As soon as he had touched unhallowed ground the flower vanished and he lost his senses. Of this injury the Fair Family took no notice at the time. They dismissed their guests with their accustomed courtesy, and the door was closed as usual. But their resentment ran high. For though, as the tale goes, the Tylwyth Teg and their garden undoubtedly occupy the spot to this day, though the birds still keep at a respectful distance from the lake, and some broken strains of music are still heard at times, yet the door which led to the island has never re-opened, and from the date of this sacrilegious act the Cymry have been unfortunate.

Some time after this, an adventurous person attempted to draw off the water, in order to discover its contents, when a terrific form arose from the midst of the lake, commanding him to desist, or otherwise he would drown the country.

Tylwyth Teg (Fair Family) Rho’wch (People of the Blue Petticoat)
(pron. terlooeth teig) Welsh faeries who are good, dance & kidnap children with long golden hair. Their king is Gwyn ap Nudd. They possess glamour and can change into goats, dogs, cats and sionach/shynee: foxes. Gossamer is called Rhaffau’r Tylwyth Teg: the Ropes of the Fair Family because they use it to bind sleepers. They live underground in mountains and caves.

The way to their wooded country the Land of Enchantment: Gwlad Hud a Lledrith with meadows of bright flowers is underneath hollow banks that overhang the deepest parts of lakes, or the deepest pools in rivers. Mortals can not follow them further than the water.

They are dark-haired, one to three feet tall, wear birch leaf coats, moss breeches & gorse flower hats. They are associated with poisonous foxgloves which are called petticoats. They use glow worms for torches. They have white horses, the women have bright dresses of red, white, pink, blue and green on Mayday. They play harp and violin music; feast on wine in golden cups inlaid with gems on silver tables in palaces of gold and pearls. 

Their sacred well which cannot be drunk from is full of fishes of every color and golden fish. Pen y Boric, Corwrion, Wales, Afon Cegin Arthur is a portal and some have seen their houses submerged under the water. In rough weather the bells from the church tower of that town may be heard ringing, The lake is populated by herons, geese, cormorants, eels, leeches, water-hens, water-lilies, rushes & sedges. A sour apple-tree is lit up by fire during the winter half of the year. The faeries use spinning-wheels: troell bach in the summer and sing rounds: sìli ffrit: small fish divination.

On nights when the moon is full they celebrate a noswaith lawen: merry night. At midnight they rise out of the ground in every combe and valley; then, joining hands, form circles, and sing and dance until cock-crow, where they then vanish.

 The Tylwyth Teg are a distant relatives to pixies but still remain part of the sprite family - if just by a hair - even if they carry no true magic through their bloodline, which is acquired instead of being inherited like many other Fey. They are known for their particular nature for both good and evil deeds and so are called the Tylwyth teg or 'The Fair Folk' as a term of endearment for fear of reprisal. Very few adventurers or even their Fey cousins have ever met and talked with a tylwyth teg as they are very secretive folk, only moving when all backs are turned in order to preserve their mysterious nature - their greatest strength being others fear of their presence. Often they will enter human households uninvited whilst they sleep or vacate and inspect the upkeep of the dwelling, rewarding housewives who are dutiful with gifts of silver. If they are angered however, they have been known to kidnap healthy human children and replace them with sickly Changeling babies, the real child is usually returned upon the removal of all iron implements from the house and an offering of sweet pastries - the size of the offering dependent upon the severity of their wrongdoing. Babies would only be removed from households which are not suitable for the youngling to be raised in. Thoughtless parents have been known to have been struck unconscious by falling pans and pots or have the hems of their clothes catch alight with no warning.

 Tylwyth Teg are light-hearted folk but at the same time carry a heavy burden which is their reputation when away from their hidden homes. If one were to talk with a tylwyth teg the experience would be as if talking to a child, often they would appear shy and bashful - their understanding of common and sylvan languages is only basic amongst the older generations - but when under threat or intimidated retaliation usually comes in the form of a few magical curses and illusions although very rarely will the experience be fatal unless there is an obvious foreboding of danger. The Tylwyth Teg have always been on good terms with the creatures of the forest, for they take little but offer great deals of protection within the small forest glades which they rest - warded against intruders of all kinds. It is because of this ancient bond that many of the tylwyth teg tend towards raising abandoned animals and healing the injured, releasing them from traps and snares hunters set and animals will aid caught tylwyth teg - no matter how unlikely the situation might seem.

Tylwyth Teg have an appearance much like pixies with the exception that they are little more than half the size and bear much smaller, squarer wings upon their back much like the fins of a fish. Their proportions are startlingly similar to that of humans, with the exception of their ears - whose tips reach the height of the crown of their head. Often both the tips of their ears and hair will be a myriad of blues and greens, changing in the light depending upon the angle. They possess very bright and colorful eyes, more present amongst the women than the men. In all aspects they appear limber and unrestricted in movements, their garments usually layered soft silk and fine cloth - a full size tylwyth teg cloth garment fit for a human has been known to be given as a gift for selfless acts such as the release of a tylwyth teg prisoner without ransom or accepting a lost tylwyth teg into your home and making the appropriate arrangements - including the complete removal of all pure-iron implements from the house. 

The Tylwyth Teg are not known for associating long with truly intelligent beings for long, staying close to home and in tight knit kin-ordered groups. However the tylwyth teg in secret migrate to fellow tylwyth teg safe havens in order to cement marriages and prevent the dying out of their ancient civilization. It is often a rule of thumb that all relations with humans and tylwyth teg be only temporary, regardless of the situation with the possible exception of the situation warranting a reward which the tylwyth teg is yet to prepare. The fairies will often watch over children in their sleep should their name be uttered for protection although is often mistaken as a term used to ward off the removal of healthy babies from their cradles.

No alignment has been known to capture a tylwyth teg for long, though their tendency for both good and evil is always dependent upon the situation lead an immoveable belief in what actions warrant both positive or negative results - though these may vary from fairy to fairy. The most common aspect of the tylwyth teg is Chaotic Neutral, whimsical beings who will take their own decisive acts regardless of local rules or regulations. Should irregularity not be apparent, the tylwyth teg usually resume small tasks such as planting small seeds and other deeds which it finds fun or amusing. 

The Tylwyth Teg are usually secluded to one protected glade per forest, comprised of several family group and possibly a dozen blood relatives per family given the size and ease of maintenance. Each glade is set in a place of half-shade, warm enough to feel the sun when it rises and yet cool enough to keep the forest floor soft and lush. Each glade has enough room to fit an entire group of tylwyth teg and a handful of large animals while they rest, usually set next to a steam or pond or crystal clear water. This safe haven is usually hidden under more than a dozen wards, one that shield it from sight and discourage further searches - magically imbued thorns, illusions of gigantic spider webs and even sentient plants although these wards will not affect children of any race, for humans those under the age of twelve can safely pass between the barriers without ill effect.

The Tylwyth Teg devotion to the fairy-gods is a powerful spiritual bond, granting them many of their essential magical abilities. Each family will devote their line to a particular aspect of the fairy-gods, such as luck, growth and even larceny, though these faiths have strangely secretive rituals which are non-aparent to many other races unless specifically shown or directed towards minor actions such as rolling a set of miniature dice to make decisions or divine the future. 

Soothing Comfort of Home

I try to be my best self all the time, but especially outside of my home. Some days are more of a challenge than others.  These are some scriptures that I keep in the back of my mind. I don't remember WHERE they are when I think of them. I usually need a concordance to look up their location in the Bible. However, I know basically what they say and try to keep them in my memory banks.

 

James 1:19 ESV - Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; - I have trouble with the slow to anger part, but I'm always trying.

 
Proverbs 17:28 ESV - Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. - I try to keep silent.

 
Proverbs 29:20 ESV  - Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. - being hasty in my words was more of problem in my past. I have learned, but do always practice this.

 
Proverbs 15:1 ESV - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Tact. I believe I do have tact. What I do not always have is patience, therefore, I do not always have a soft answer.

Ephesians 4:29 ESV - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. - to me this means gossip and I try my best to not feed that fire!

Proverbs 18:2 ESV - A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. - who wants to be a fool?

Proverbs 12:15 ESV - The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. - I try to always seek advice.

Ephesians 4:32 ESV - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - I try to always be kind.

 

James 3:1-18 ESV - Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!- I stumble often, but do not want to be a stumbling block!

ABC - 10 Things I Know

1. Love
2. Laugh
3. Forgive
4. Befriend
5. Trust
6. Give
7. Pray
8. Talk
9. Create
10. Sing

These are the first 10 things that came to mind about which I am highly knowledgeable or good at doing.

ABC - Dream House

I'm in my dream house.

I grew up in rentals. Some were nice, small, apartments, houses, dumpy, farms, trailers.

The trailer was the worst.  Ice on the walls, no storm windows, no insulation, thin curtains...

My house is the best that I've ever lived in - it is my dream.

And I love the man that fullfilled that dream for me.

My front porch.

ABC - Favorite Word

There are many words... to choose just one... Mom

Now... I could have chosen the f-bomb!! LOL

I could have chosen: honey, love, darling (said with a British accent), sons, family, husband, safety, Hello-kitty or chocolate, but I like "Mom" the best.

ABC - Letter to Myself

The challenge is to write a letter to my older self. I think I will do that, but it seems to be personal. So, I will write the letter, by hand, and then I will keep it tucked away somewhere to be opened at a later date.  I think though, that I will note in this blog post WHERE I put the letter so that I don't forget.

My intention is to eventually print my blog to book form, so hopefully, I will stumble upon this post and find my letter, should I lose it.  I don't think I will lose it... I will keep it in my Bible case - the one from my Mom with an angel on the front. Now I just gotta keep that case forever!!

ABC - My Autobiography

I have already written a partial autobiography. It's called Me, Myself and the One I Forgot. The link for it is HERE.

Please. Do NOT feel that you have to read it. It can be painful for some people. It may be painful for YOU. Disclaimer over.

ABC - An Accomplished Woman

Accomplishment - a definition:

ac·com·plish·ment/əˈkämpliSHmənt/

Noun:

Something that has been achieved successfully. The successful achievement of a task.

According to Pride and Prejudice:  HERE
Of this list, I have 7 out of 10 qualities.

Ahh..., but here is a modern version of an accomplished woman: HERE 
Goodness... out of the 19 I maybe have 5 or 6 of those traits!

Therefore, since I did not do too well with the lists, I should, instead, go by the definition.  I will say that the which I have successfully achieved, whether it be a task or possession, is my marriage.  When I look back at all that my husband and I have endured and look forward to - together - I can say that my marriage is an accomplishment for which I am very proud of.

ABC - Birthdays

I think birthdays are meant to be celebrated with balloons and cake. The night before I will put up as many balloons as my dining room ceiling fan/light can hold. I also make or purchase a cake... LOTS of cake. Then, we eat cake for breakfast every morning until the cake is gone. That's why I make or purchase lots of cake.

We may do other things for "significant" birthdays - like for the 10th birthday - the 1st birthday - the 16th birthday - the 6th birthday (because I think 6 yr. olds are amazing!) the 18th, the 21st, and then onto the decades 30, 40, 50, etc.

ABC - Favorite Job

I loved working in a deli. I'd love to have a small cafe` somewhere and have it be all cozy and great. However, for right now my favorite job is working at the library.

ABC - Childhood Traditions

None. There weren't any. We moved too much. We didn't do things every year - things that were special. There was the bottle brush Christmas tree every year. However, it brought such grumbles....

There were always twinkle lights for the tree and when we couldn't afford a tree the lights went on the wandering jew plant. That was pretty.

Gram usually had a birthday cake for me, if Mom couldn't.

I tried to listen to the same Christmas album every year. Here's a Youtube link:

The only tradition was a God-given one - it has always snowed by or on my birthday. God hasn't let me down.

As for my family NOW - we have given up the Christmas tree for several reasons - space, storage, personal reason, etc. However, I have instead  made up wreaths for almost every door in the house! I personalize them for each of us and then for the family.  Those are kinda neat really.  We also choose to observe the days of Hanukkah. We aren't perfect, but we try to do our best.

We are also trying to pay attention to Sukkot and Passover.

ABC - Free Home Service

If I could have one free service in my home - I'm guessing the idea was meant to be something on the lines of housekeeping - if that's the case, I'd have to say dishwashing. I'd want someone to come in everyday to wash and put away my clean and dry dishes.  

However, if I could have anything free for my home that would be used regularly, if not daily, I'd want free cable TV.

ABC - Kindness Towards Me

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me...

Lots of things - Bringing my family food when we were short; bringing my family food at times of death; gifting us expensive countertop appliances like a Bosch Mixer; bringing us food during times of illness; helping out with finances or diapers or JUST prayers.

However, the most tender thing ever.... my hubby tucking me in at night when I can't move; my children helping me up the stairs when I can hardly walk; my youngest making sure I drank enough water when I was ill.

ABC - Funniest YouTube

I had to ask my guys for help on this one. This is what we came up with. I have to agree that it is pretty funny.

Here's the link: Dan Bull Epic Facebook Rap

ABC - Favorite Song

Homesick by Mercy Me

ABC - Time Capsul

1 - A copy of Benjamin's book, The Fifth Wizard.
2 - A copy of my Memoirs, Me, Myself and the One I Forgot
3 - A family photo
4 - A digital camera with charger, cords, card and pics stored on the card.
5 - LP record & player
6 - Cassette tape, player and rechargeable batteries.
7 - 8 track tape
8 - CD with player
9 - Advil
10 - DVD, VHS movies
11 - Matches
12 - Money
13 - Sugar
14 - Wheat berries
15 - Articles on Monsanto, government issues, natural health, colloidal silver, ancient aliens,
16 - A Bible
17 - a copy of Don't Know Much About History, by Kenneth C. Davis
18 - Honey
19 - A Twinkie
20 - A letter explaining our lifestyle and current events

ABC - D.I.Y. - Tyra Style

I don't typically like D.I.Y. projects, although I believe in them. I think it's a great way to save money and have pride in yourself and/or your home or for whatever your DIY is about.  We've painted the interior walls, we've cut down trees, taken off siding, built a picnic table, shelves, etc. 

D.I.Y. is not my favorite thing to do or even think about. However, my funniest D.I.Y. story simply involves me ripping some old paneling off a wall in our back - now side - hallway.  I called my hubby while  he was at work and asked him, "Honey, where's your sledgehammer?"  He said, "Whyyyyyyyyyyy?" His boss almost made him go home! LOL

Everything worked out great and the paneling was taken down and thrown out! I then painted!

ABC - Indecent Proposal It Wasn't

When hubby proposed to me, we were on the way to a Brewer's game! He asked me to go in the glove compartment and look for a map. On top of the map was a tiny box.  I knew what it was and I knew that this is what we wanted, but I was suddenly so nervous, I skipped over the box and grabbed the map - quickly closing the glove compartment.

To which my hubby declared, "TYRALEE!!!" You go back into the glove compartment and get that out! "What?! Oh! Well, what have we here?"

I don't remember anything after that - except that I was looking at the ring during the whole game. Behind us sat three ladies... in their 60's -ish, one of them asked me if I just got my ring. When I told her yes, they were all happy for us and gave us their well-wishes.  I don't remember anything after that either!!! I'll have to have Matt post here if he remembers anything more.

I don't know who the Brewer's played that night - who won - or how I got home! I just know that I landed the guy that I wanted for a long time and he's still with me!

ABC - I'm Driving In My Cadillac...

Here's a LINK a previous post I wrote about getting my driver's license. It's interesting... I guess. However, the first time I can recall driving alone - I must have gone to the mall, actually... I think I went to Shopko! I probably bought a  huge purchase of Bonnie Bell lip gloss!  The drive was a 55 mph highway drive that took about 20 min. to get to the shopping center.  I had a huge black truck of some sort that belonged to my Mom's boyfriend. The radio worked - that's all that mattered! LOL

ABC - Family Heirlooms

My Grampa's paintings! Amazingly enough, I do not have a single photo of his paintings on my computer. I'll have to try and remedy that soon.

ABC - Items of Comfort

 My items of comfort:

A bowl of rice.

Pescadero, California - my own photo.

OMGosh! I'm ready to go to Wal-Mart!

My Pjammies, fingerless gloves, and comfy shoes and pink hoodie!

Frosted Sugar cookies - my own and yums!

A Door Co. sunset that we enjoyed together. 

I took this in 2007

My "go-to" movie when I need background noise - You've Got Mail, The Holiday, Harry Potter.

My most often played music (of late) Adele 21.

 

ABC - More Time

bloomingtonbirth.org

It isn't that I wish I had more time, but if I could ever have time back again, I would wish for the time when I was trying to breastfeed my sons. I didn't try long enough. I didn't have any support. The hospital pushed for formulas. I wasn't educated enough to know better.  

However, now I know better and if there is one thing that I could do over again, it would be for breastfeeding my children.

ABC - Carving Pumpkins

Not my photo.

This isn't exactly what I plan to do, but it's so cute!!! I think I'm going to do something similar for the library with old book pages!

For at home, I'm just going to use a plain orange and uncovered pumpkin, but with the cute black mask.

ABC - Pumpkin Pie Recipe

This is my son, Ben's favorite recipe for pumpkin pie. Simple, quick and delish! Just click on the link. The highlight might not show too well - click on the words "recipe for pumpkin pie" and you will go to the link.

ABC - First Hauntings

Way back before we had children, some friends of ours, my hubby and I all went to the "Brandon's Haunted Woods". This was back before safety inspections and politically correctedness.  Meaning - it was a lot more fun back in the day! LOL Anyway, it was great scary fun. The exhibits were amazing! 

A real car wreck - with a mannequin... or so you thought. The mannequin was a real person that would jump at you when you leaned in real close to look at the AMAZING details in the car wreck.  However, he didn't jump at everyone....

The photo above I haven't seen in person, but I'm willing to bet that the head in the pic is the dummy head for the daytime photo. I'd bet a chunk of change that the head at night is attached to a real live human and screams at you when you get too close!

There was a man all in black following us. Sometimes I'd see him, but in the darkness of night, he could just blend in to his hiding places and not be seen when he didn't want you to. So, SUDDENLY, there he'd be again, up close and personal breathing, literally, down your neck!

It was all great fun. That guy in all black followed me out to the parking area - deep into a corn field....

There is one more time that I want to mention - it's a first for me, so I think it fits this post. We've always "known" that our library is haunted, but one night I filmed a sound byte and got a real flippin' EVP!! I even got one that said, "Hello Tyra" it totally freaked me out and I haven't really done anything since - even though I've been asked...

ABC - Scary Movie Memories

The Challenge posed is: "What is the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?"

Because I have already written a post on the most scary movie I have ever seen, and cannot possibly improve upon that post, I will give you the link for that, here.

It's an incredible story and swear to you it is ALL TRUE!!!  

Who needs movies when you've lived the life I have?!!

I Have Off Tomorrow...

...so that I can prepare for my colonoscopy on Thursday morning. In other words, I took a vacation day so that I can stay home and poop! LOL  I'm going to try and enjoy my time off - Wed., Thurs. and Friday. I'm going to watch movies - or the SAME movie all three days and just lay around and relax.

I'm not going to do anything!  Well... anything but poop on Wednesday night - be prodded on Thursday morning - sleep it all off Thursday evening - and watch movies all day Friday.  I go back to being a working lady on Saturday. Then I have off on Sunday and I'm not going to do much then either, with the exception of laundry.

It will be a busy and crazy work schedule these next few weeks. A co-worker had an unexpected death in her immediate family; another is expecting a baby any second now and the rest of us are being supportive helping anyway we can.

ABC - Halloween Costume

We are quite the group at our public library after hours!!!

ABC - Halloween

When I was 6 years old, I went Trick or Treating in Berkeley, California.  My cousins, Aunties and I went around Lola Mom's neighborhood. What made it so memorable was the fact that it was DARK outside!  Back in Wisconsin, we had only gone Trick or Treating during the afternoon, so the darkness was special.

Another memorable time was when neighborhood kids wrapped up rocks and handed them out - "I got a rock."

ABC - A 13th Month

I have no idea where I'd add another month! Extra springtime? No. Extra Autumn? Yes! Extra Winter? Yes, but I wouldn't want the extra heating bills. Extra Summer? Maybe, but still - extra utility bills. I'd have to go with extra time for Autumn. 

However, one son says, "In between the summer months of June/July/August. Then I could have more time off!"

Another son says, "I wouldn't add an extra month because it would mess up the space time continuum!"  Gotta love a writer!

ABC - Found Money

The scene - 'You just found $500 cash. You can keep it, no questions asked. What would you do with it?'

Well, actually, that has happened to me! I kept it aside for several things - a tiny bit for a short weekend vacation and the rest for bills.

I know - boring bills, but I'm uber and ridiculously responsible!! I can't help it! I paid my bills and would do so again.

ABC - Best Photo I've Taken

Inside Holy Hill

Beautiful

 

Healed & No Longer Needed

ABE - Poetry!

Make it funny: Roses are red….

Roses are red,
I pee'd in the bed!
My hubby jumped up and hit his head.
Off goes the bedding,
So much for our wedding!
To me, he is wed,
Wet bed and sore head!
A vow he did make,
It wasn't a mistake!
But a renewal should also say,
"No peeing during a roll in the hay!"

Intestinal Endometriosis

I had my initial G.I. appointment today - her initial thoughts/hopes is that my intestinal problems are "only" endometriosis tissues INSIDE my intestines. I'm hoping it's "only" that too.  She said she has seen it before and that with my history with endometriosis that it is highly likely. Of course, there could also be polyps, etc., but we are hoping for something "simple" like endo tissue inside an organ! LOL

I LOL in jest. I'm really kinda... a bit scared. I thought 'for sure' that MAYBE it was a possibility that I had endo tissues on the OUTSIDE starting to constrict a section of my intestines - and that could still be! BUT, I never even considered the fact that I could have tissue INSIDE.

So, anyway, tissues inside - also causes a leaky gut syndrome.  A leaky gut syndrome can also let endo tissues inside the intestines.  Endo tissues inside the intestines can also cause problems with food allergies - gluten intolerance - fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia-like symptoms.  It's all related!  I'll be happy to know what's going on in there.

So, next Wednesday I'll be drinking the "stuff" and Thursday I'll be under the scope! It happens to be Matt's birthday that day too.  In 2006 when I had my big surgery - the date was decided on October 4th - my surgery was the 10th.  In 2007, I relapsed on Oct. 6th'ish. In 2008 Oct. 4th was, I think, normal. In 2009, October 10th I was  hired at the library, so that was a GREAT year!!!  I don't remember anything to significant about 2010 and 2011, but now 10-4-2012 will have another surgery on it.  I hate ruining his birthday!!!!

ABC - A Good Friend

 I had a hard time finding information about this statue, but it's in Montreal. I think the photo may have been taken by: Stock Photograph by Darlene Bordwell 

I'm not a very good friend. I'm not nearly as good a friend as my girlfriends are to me.  I have a bestie that has stayed by my side through years of love, laughter, neglect, hormones and children.  There is another bestie - she and I connected in school, lived lightyears and lifetimes apart, but reconnected as adults only to realize that she/I/we were the best-friend that we didn't know we had.

 That would be me whining to my two besties...

These two women are so incredibly and intricately intertwined into my being that if I were to lose either one of them I would feel like I lost a major limb or organ.  Everyone should be so blessed to have just one friend like these women are to me. I am incredibly LUCKY and BLESSED to have two of them!

A stone statue of three women on a rock Stock Photo - 4250451 123rf.com

Well... we definately do NOT look like these women! LOL

Greek Like Statue of Three Women Embracing, La Serena, Chile, South America ...

art.com

Nor do we resemble Greek women...

The Three Graces at the Louvre

Not my photo - it's a flckr photo.

And... I have to say that we have never stood around naked with one another.  However, Renae did let me feel the lump in her breast.

I think we are a curvaceous combination of all of these women.

ABC - What Would Oprah Say?

Oprah’s first question to you would be? 

I imagine that I'm talking to Oprah because I have just recently published my Memoirs and she wants to know, "Are you SURE this isn't fiction?" She would probably continue by asking, "Are you on medications to remain sane?" To which I would reply with laughter and say, "Nope, not a thing!"  She would sit back in her chair and just laugh with me.  My dream.

ABC - Best and Worst 1st Date...

My best and worst first date were one in the same. Fortunately, he married me anyway!

Hubby and I were in high school. On our first date, he took me out to eat at Rocky Rococo's  Pizza. Little did I know that Rocky's pizza would literally cause a "rapid detox" of my intestinal system! We weren't 5 min. out of the restaurant and I needed a bathroom right away. He asked if I wanted to go back to the restaurant, but I asked him to just take me home - about 5-10 more min. away.

So, he gets me home - we lived in a trailer home at the time. Please read: Very thin walled housing with no sound proofing at all. I just make it to the bathroom after a hasty - "Hi-Mom,-this-is-Matt,-I-gotta-go-to-the-bathroom,-please-say-hello!" ZOOMING past my Mom, leaving my brand-new boyfriend in the dust.  Fortunately, Mom knew to keep the radio on! LOL (Thanks, Mom.)

After I get out of the bathroom, we leave again to go who knows where and my Mom proceeds to pinch my new boyfriend in the ass on the way out the door!  Good grief! (Yeah... thanks, Mom!)

It was our first date, but he still kept coming for more!

ABC - Being Alone vs. Loneliness

I hate being…. lonely.

Being alone does not necessarily mean that I am experiencing the feeling of loneliness.  I don't mind solitude. What I mind is the feeling of loneliness. That feeling of not having anyone that can comprehend what I am going through. The feeling of not being able to SHARE what I am experiencing.  The feeling that even though my loved ones love me unconditionally, they do not and can not comprehend what I am experiencing.

That's when I feel lonely.

That's usually the time when God will send something my way to let me know that I am not in this on my own.  Most recently, I have gluten issues and a friend just shared the scripture, Matthew 4:4 "...Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone,..." that made me cry. I was so happy to receive that nugget of love from God - through the email  of a friend.

Sometimes, the feeling of loneliness goes deeper than just dietary. It goes deep into my memory banks - repressed memories that must stay wherever they are so that I can function in this life.  There are times when the feeling of loneliness is spiritual... I no longer believe in the everlasting need for organized religion, sometimes following the path that I believe to be the true way to God is a solitary one. At the very least, not heavily populated.

Lace-filtered light.

Ahhh... but being alone, now that is something that we can all use from time-to-time. Alone time to unwind, decompress, read, create, love, cuddle, bask in the warmth of someone or of sunshine. Watching the light filter through the lace curtain of my studio... Listening to the memory invoking sound of the mourning dove... Letting the warmth of freshly made peanut butter fudge melt in my mouth... All soul-filling times of solitude that I savor and hold deep in my inner-most self.

One of My Favorite Songs -- Right Now

ABC - These are a few of my favorite things....

It's a simple question really, "List three things that are important to you."  However, it is tremendously challenging to pick "just three".  I will exclude my three guys - they aren't things...

I'm going to guess that this means material items, so I'm going to go with that thought process.

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

The blacker the better!

My MP3 Player

Gotta have my music!

Although this is an INCREDIBLY OLD photo of me - it's my 

digital camera

that I want you to notice.

...not the 20# heavier face of me...

ABC - Living Anywhere...

The question is: "If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?"  Now, they aren't asking, "Why?", but I will give my reason along with my where.

I would live in the United Kingdom - Anywhere in the UK, with the exception of London.  The country is rich with history and beautiful hiking. I wouldn't even mind the weather!  Both of my sons want to relocate there, so I would have to follow.  Hubby will just have to follow me - love that he is.

ABC - What to take on a desert island...

The question posed: "If you were trapped on a desert island, what are three items you would take with you?"

Simple!

I'd take my THREE guys!

It doesn't matter what I have, as long as I have my family!

Autumn Blog Challenges - past...

I didn't start this Autumn Blog Challenge (ABC) until Sept. 19th, so I thought I would just answer the previous prompts all in one post! Happy reading.

 

September 1 – Why have you decided to participate in the Autumn Blog Challenge (the ABC)?

I really like blogging - I love writing - I love journaling. Sometimes though, I get writer's block and need a prompt to get me through the day.

 

September 2 – What is your favorite thing about Autumn?

The color. I love the color. I'm thankful every year for my eyesight - which is hindered due to a drunk driving accident I was in as a child. I DO NOT take my eyesight for granted.

 

September 3 – What toys do you remember playing with as a child?

A doll I named Nancy, my Winnie-the-Pooh, Uncle Wiggly board game and Bonkers board game. I also had Hollie Hobbie Colorforms! They were awesome. The board was shaped like her house and then when you put a lamp behind it, the windows lit up!

 

September 4 – Have you ever met a celebrity?  If not, which one would you like to meet?

I met LeRoy Butler from the Green Bay Packers - actually I met several of the Green Bay Packers. I also met Paul Poberezny - the creator of the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, Wis.  I had the awesome blessing of meeting and talking with (and having them sign my Bible by their favorite Bible verse) the Christian band, Sidewalk Prophets!

 

September 5 – Write about a favorite play or concert you’ve attended.

The best (and my favorite) concert I attended was a Duran Duran concert in 1984.

 

September 6 – Make a list of books you want to read next year.

I'm a librarian, so there are way too many for me to list! I do want to read a Janet Evonovich book though - I haven't yet!

 

September 7 – Where were you when…?  Describe what you remember.

I don't remember - My memory has the amazing ability to block out all things traumatic. It's because of my childhood - so much trauma and dysfunction... my mind protects me with situational amnesia.

September 8 – What is your favorite, “go to” cooking recipe?

Hot dogs and rice!

 

September 9 – Who was your favorite teacher?

Mrs. Dorothy Weber from 1st grade. Ms. Ronnenberg from Creative Writing in high school. Mr. Woznicki from 9th grade English - just because he was so flippin' cute!

 

September 10 – What was your favorite subject in school?

Art, English Lit. and Creative Writing.

 

September 11 – What was your least favorite subject in school?

Accounting and Algebra - in both classes I got a D- just because I tried so hard. I should have flunked, but I did try - I even went in before and after school!!!  It just didn't click!

 

September 12 – What was your high school reunion like? If you haven’t been yet, do you plan on going?

I think I've been to 2-3 of them - the first one was alright - typically clique-y yet. The next one... a bit better and yet still the same. The third one... I went to for about 30 min. and left. I don't know if I'll attend another. I see who I want to anyway and we are all on facebook.

 

September 13 – What do you think about our current educational system?

We homeschool our children. I know that there are wonderful teachers out there - I just wish that every child could have them as their own teacher.  I'm a bit concerned about what I see in the young adults that come through the library where I'm employed...

 

September 14 – When has being right been wrong?

One of my sons told a lie - just before his birthday party. I had to discipline him... I cancelled the birthday party. He took his punishment with grace and dignity.  Discipline is right. Lies are a problem.  Then we found out from his sibling that the birthday boy didn't lie - the sibling did.  By this time the party was cancelled and there wasn't time to "re-do".  We used it as a learning experience to stand up for yourself. Say something! When there is a misunderstanding - speak up!  It was also a painful lesson for the son that told the lie - he saw what his lie could do.  It was a hard lesson for both sons and us! However, they both learned that I will keep my word when it came to following through with discipline.  We really did not have any problems (that I know of) with lying after that!

September 15 – I am a people person except for people….

... that are outspoken and angry sounding when they are "sharing" their beliefs. I wish they would just shut-up! I tend to stick up for the underdog and get angry when others are so closed minded that they can't see straight.

 

September 16 – Do you think we’ve made our lives more complicated by trying to make thing more convenient?

No, but I do think that we've poisoned our food supply.

 

September 17 – What did/do you want to be when you grew/grow up?

I had to answer this one for the SBC. In that post, I mentioned that I didn't have any dreams of what I would be when I grew up.  In about 4th grade I wanted to be an architect, but w/o any parental encouragement that one fizzled out. Then, in high school, I discovered writing. I wanted to work for a magazine agency in New York, but then I fell in love and didn't go. As much as I wanted to be in NY, I'm very happy to not be there. As much as I wanted to write for a publication, I'm very happy to be where I am. As much as I THOUGHT I wanted something else, I am so happy and content to be where I am now.

 

September 18 – What was the most profound thing to happen in your life today?

Let see, that would have been yesterday, actually! LOL Nothing profound. I had to go to the doctor due to some intestinal pain. It could be endometrioma tissues closing in on my intestines; or it could be "hot-spots" due to gluten allergy; or it could be polyps; or anything else that I don't want to think about. Future appointments are made.  However, can I please just say that on Monday, September 17th I was given notice that I will be promoted in January!!??!! YAY! I will be the new Audio/Visual Librarian in January. I will be going full-time! It will be nice to have the money to pay off my medical bills. Thank you Lord.