Holiday musings

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Wow, I didn't realize this holiday would stir up so many feelings. But a day to honor the dead, and a day where "souls from the other worlds can come here"(read on wikipedia) should entice some emotions. It is odd being a mixed blood American, I have roots in many places, and my family has been here so long that I've lost most of those roots. I don't know exactly why I do some of the things I do, traditionally speaking. I don't know if it is from my Irish, German, Belgium, or Cherokee grandparents that I get my sense of tradition. It is these people that I want to honor today. After reading the wikipedia info about Halloween, with special attention paid to Samhain, I get a slightly better idea of what today's holiday means to people around the world, and throughout history. But what does it mean to me? When I was a child I LOVED the Dia de los Muertos decorations. Little doll houses with skeleltons. Faces painted as lovely skeletons...........really skeleton anything had me mesmerized. We would go to Olvera Street in LA occasionally and walk in the little stores to soak up all the traditional artistry surrounding the celebration. Even though I was raised with Mexican uncles, and their families, my immediate family did not celebrate this holiday. For us Halloween was always just that, Halloween and nothing more. A time for candy, candy and more candy, sprinkled with a little pumpkin dust and some funny face paint. But I have been craving from deep inside to do more during this holiday. To honor the season change, and honor the past. I plan to spend some time tonight with old pictures, some candles, saying blessings and remembering those that came before me, helping me to be who I am now.

I client just came in, looked at my angel costume and said he thought I was pushing it a little too far!! Haaa! He seemed to think devil horns might be a little more appropriate for today!!Hahahaha.........well, it's my costume and for today, I can be an angel. Tomorrow I'll put the horns back on!!

I want to give a special blessing of strength, hope and love for those on the east coast who have braved the hurricane. It is hard to think of celebrating at a time when others are exerpiencing so much heartache.

I hope today is filled with all of the elements that make a meaningful holiday for all of you. It is a time to delve into our storehouse of memories and connect with our heritage, families, communities, and the earth and all her mysterious bounties. Happy fall festivities for us all.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HIPPICHICK1 11/1/2012 10:09AM

Simply Comment edited on: 11/1/2012 10:09:15 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGPAWSUP 10/31/2012 6:05PM

I love Halloween and will celebrate Samhain tonight. Something simple you can do tonight to honor the dead is light a single candle. Speak the name of someone departed followed by "you are loved and remembered". Spend some time living in the memories of that person. Do it again and then put the candle somewhere it can burn out. Report Inappropriate Comment

RIDMYCOCOON 10/31/2012 5:52PM

Cool! I got married on the Day of the Dead because I feel very close, near and dear to my departeds. I wanted all my relations with us at the time of our union. Plus Steve and I had our first date on Halloween to see the Smashing Pumpkins. We get a new calaca every year to celebrate the year we have had together. We have also celebrated many times at Olvera Street. I looove it there! Enough about me. I am thrilled that you are keeping your self engaged and making a special and interesting evening for yourself! You are so awesome! Have a wonderful time! Embrace and enjoy! Comment edited on: 10/31/2012 5:52:48 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

Not so spooky Octoberness

Monday, October 29, 2012

Well, this Halloween season is not so full of the usual haunts this year for me. My nieces are in Tucson, so I am not taking them out, as I did last year. My step-son's are not here, so no spookiness with them. Hubs is on the road, and now that we are back in the apartment, I don't think I will see any trick or treaters. But that is fine with me. I do love the season, and if things were a bit different this year, I'm sure I'd love to have a nice party to dress up and go to........but since that is not the case, I'm admiring from afar all the ghoulish gatherings going on with sparkfriends, and other friends and family around. I am really just enjoying the season change, and all that it brings.

I woke up to another pound loss. I am kind of flabergasted by this, but am not wanting to jinx it. I am not really doing all that I should be doing in oder to insure timely weight loss...........but what I am doing is staying busy. I haven't been spending my weekends in bed, I've been up and around. I went on a three mile walk this morning around the Davis Arboretum, it was gorgeous out there. I took lot's of neat pics, with my phone.........and can't quite figure out how to transfer them to the computer yet........I'm slightly tech challenged at times! I know, I know, you are all terribly sad that you can't see my artistic endeavors achieved by today's walk.......I'm sure there will be many more to come in the future!! I do love taking pictures, it soothes my soul.

I planned on getting into contact with my father today, after three years of no communication. But, he is not where he once was, and it is going to take a bit of detective work to track him down. I have been missing him tearribly and would love to hear his voice. Not sure if that is a possibility or not, but I will try, that is all I can do.

I have a whole chicken roasting in the oven, and it smells oh, so wonderful. I still have not been able to do any major grocery shopping, so it's been a few weeks or cleaning out the cupboards, which is fine by me. I don't like having stuff sitting around for years that I never use. My mother made a butternut squash soup that was super incredible last weekend. Simple, savory and a bit sweet from the squash, light hint of nutmeg..........super yummy and really simple. I LOVE butternut squash. I eat it year round, when I can get it........but it is truly delightful this time of year. Still planning to substitute the butternut, for the usual pumpkin in this years Thanksgiving pie. Can't wait to make that.....I've been on countdown for over a month now. I really LOVE Thanksgiving.......still a month away and I'm daydreaming over here! It's not just the food I love, I swear! It's family, fires, games, laughs, a little too much wine, hugs, toasts, and most importantly, remembering our loved ones that are gone and being thankful for all that we have. Such a brilliant holiday, I love it.

I am planning a small activity in honor of All Hallow's Eve and All Saint's Day. I have been trying the last few years to take the time to honor the dead, both famiy, and friends, and also those I've never met who have sacraficed so that we might have a better future.

Well, since I've lost 4 pounds in just over a week and a half, I guess at this rate I'll be at my goal in no time!! Haaaa! I know this is not realistic. I am super thankful for the weight loss. Looking forward to 10 pounds gone in two months. I know this is not record breaking speed, but that is fine with me. At this rate, that is 60 pounds in a year, and I am more than happy with that. I am really focused on losing and maintaining the loss. I've yo-yoed my whole life, I know how to do that very well. What I don't know how to do is maintain. I hope that is what I'm learning by taking baby steps and not giving up!

I bought a couple of art supplies this weekend at that 99 cent store and was drawing and painting last night. It was kind of fun. I am not super impressed with the outcome, but I think if I keep it up, I might be able to baby step my way into creating something worth hanging on the wall one day! I was not blessed with the ability to draw, but I feel it is a muscle that if I exercise, might strengthen. I am artistic in other ways, so maybe I can cross train my other abilities into leading to drawing abilities!! Artistic strength and fitness, that is what I'm really going for!!

Picked up a few books out of a free bin today. One is a culture crossed lovers tale set in India that looks engaging. The other is a modern Alice in Wonderlandesque tale of a young girls jaunts into the other worlds of her imagination. Also found The Red Tent, a recent near and dear book that I've been wanting to own for awhile. I love it when I have good books around me, helps to ease the solitary duldrums of missing the wild one.

Hope the season changes are bringing you closer and closer to the brink of discovering hidden gems that have been lying within you, waiting to be polished and admired. Tis the season to look within, dream and remember just how divine we are.
Happiness in all, holidays and all days.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RIDMYCOCOON 10/30/2012 11:43AM

MMmmmmm butternut squash soup! Where do I sit? You are so very creative in so many, many ways! I know your muscles to draw will strengthen in no time! This is a really beautiful post. I am embraced by introspection and ponderings as I read this. You are a gem. Thank you for this candid visit into your day Report Inappropriate Comment

BEARGODDESS 10/29/2012 8:25PM

Ah well, we're out in the woods and we never get trick or treaters here either. If we want to enjoy the costumes, we have a trick or treat party which goes on down in town. The kids go from business to business on the main streets. It's supposed to rain here though. I'm like you, I remember those whom have passed and think about the future on Samhain night. Your weight loss is going really well! Whatever you're doing, it must be the right stuff!! Congratulations!! Thank you for the lovely blessing at the end of your blog and I wish the same for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGPAWSUP 10/29/2012 8:11PM

Sorry you'll be on your own for Halloween but it sounds like you've got one heck of a plan. Just keep going, you are doing great. Report Inappropriate Comment

Thursday night

Thursday, October 25, 2012

I was just sitting here, reading a few comments from sparkfriends, browsing pages here and there and realized that I love this community so much that I sometimes forget that I am using this site for more than just giving/sharing the love!! Haaa! It truly is wonderful to be getting to know some of you. I appreciate your support, and insight so much. I adore reading your blogs and getting glimpses into your lives. What a great bunch of people we all are! I hope your weeks are going well. I've not been as diligent on fit mins and food tracking as I'd like to be.........but I lost two pounds this week, so I'm not going to kick myself too hard. I think the weather change and light diminishing are still effecting me a little. I've been a little extra groggy in the mornings. Nothing I can't shake off with some early morning stretching, green tea and a brisk walk (on my good days!) Yay, hubs is calling! Night all!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RIDMYCOCOON 10/30/2012 11:45AM

Kicking boot taking names! Report Inappropriate Comment

VALERIEMAHA 10/26/2012 1:02PM

TWO POUNDS??? I lost ONE in THREE WEEKS!!! Take it and be very, very glad! YAY! for community!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGPAWSUP 10/26/2012 10:33AM

I'm in love with the community here too! Great people. Thanks for being part of my circle! Report Inappropriate Comment

BEARGODDESS 10/26/2012 9:31AM

2 pounds is great! Report Inappropriate Comment

HIPPICHICK1 10/26/2012 7:54AM

2lb loss is right on track!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Fun little ask and tell

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Saw this fun little exercise on a few friends pages, thought I'd try it. So, here's a cut and paste. Let's share.

Where is your cell phone?
On top of my "Ashes of Problem Cusomers" tip jar.

Spouse?
He's in Portland, OR. training for a new job.

Your hair?
Dishwater blonde in the summer, medium brown in the winter.

Your mother?
Is a living saint

Your father?
Miss him terribly

Your favorite thing?
My heart

Your dream last night?
Lovely, I was with my husband.

Favorite drink?
Water, and recently hibiscus/green tea mixed

What room are you in?
Sitting in my barber chair at work

Your hobby?
Photography/writing

Your fear?
Being seperated from God

Where do you want to be in 6 years?
Happy with life

Where were you last night?
At home with a friend

Something that you aren't?
Unloving

Muffins?
Bran, yummmm

Wish list item?
World peace, and on a personal note, my own home and more education

Last thing you did?
A haircut

What are you wearing?
Sneakers, jeans, comfy top and barber's smock

Your pets?
Can I count my hubby?

Friends?
The ones I have I will have til I die

Your life?
Getting better all the time

Your mood?
Content with a small tinge of melancholy (missing hubs)

Missing someone?
Yes. Hubs is a truck driver, and he is in Oregon, and should be home this weekend. I can't wait for some huggies and smoochies.

Drinking?
Water, Vitamin Zero water, hibiscus/green tea, all three sit on my station right now. I believe in serious hydration!

Your car?
Pontiac Grand AM, Toyota Camry

Something you're not wearing?
A bra!!! ;p!

Your favorite store?
My Sister's Closet, best consignment store ever.

Your favorite color?
Lavender

When is the last time you cried?
Saturday, long, hard and exhausting, but it was necessary for healing.

Where do you go over and over?
Arms of my hubby ( you can puke now!!)

Five people who email me regularly?
Multiple people, including friends I've met on SP, love it!

Favorite place to eat?
Home or Mom's house

Favorite place I'd like to be right now?
In bed, snuggling with my bestest husband.

Awww, that was fun, but I didn't realize how many questions would make me miss the hubs even more. Better to miss him, than be glad he's gone. Guess I married the right one! This was a fun little exercise, you guys should try it! Have a great day sparkfriends!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BIGPAWSUP 10/25/2012 2:08PM

That was really cute. It is always wonderful to see someone still in love with their hubby and not "raggin" on him. You have a very blessed marriage. Report Inappropriate Comment

HIPPICHICK1 10/25/2012 10:00AM

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VALERIEMAHA 10/24/2012 7:14PM

AHA! I see you JUST did it too. I hadn't noticed....Nice to know you a little bettah. xox Maha Report Inappropriate Comment

RIDMYCOCOON 10/24/2012 5:07PM

I like that you gave more than one word answers nice twist. Looks like fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

Another sparkling week

Monday, October 22, 2012

I've been trying to blog all week, but it's been a whirlwind. Lot's of great stuff going on here. Fall is definitely here, wearing jackets most days. Lot's of soup and chilli! Leaves, mist, crispness and pumpkins everywhere the eye can see. I love it. Tim starts back to work tomorrow. As usual I have mixed emotions. I will miss him, but am excited to get back on track financially. Our car that was stolen a week ago was found the day before yesterday with only a little damage. I felt very blessed when I got the call to come pick it up. We also paid off our other car, six years of payments behind us, finally! Feels really, really good.

Went on a nice 2.5 mile walk with my sister today. We've started a little routine of her spending Saturday nights with us. She's been here all day today also and I'll take her home tomorrow. It's so wonderful to be spending time with her. The older she gets the more we have to talk about, and we have a lot in common.

Haven't had much money to do grocery shopping, so my new recipe adventures have been put on hold for this week. I'm OK with that. I have alot of ideas for winter dishes, breads, soups, and warm salads that I want to try soon. I am doing a butternut pie for Thanksgiving, I can't wait to make it.

My special visitor is here this week, so I've been a bit bloated and somewhat cranky. I've kept up with my exercise pretty well, walk/jogging 4 days, and one really good ST session. I'm not losing any weight, but I'm not gaining either. I do notice that I feel stronger though. I was talking to my mother about this health journey, and she had the best advice............just don't give up. I think I'm finally to the point that I'm not too worried about a deadline of any kind. I'm pretty happy with just getting my alotted fit mins in each week. My eating leaves a lot to be desired. I haven't been tracking everyday, and many days that I do track, I go over my maximum limit, sometimes just a little, sometimes a lot.

I've been drinking a lot of tea lately, substituting it for my coffee cravings. I do still drink one cup of coffe most days, but I'm back to sugar free sweetener and just a little milk or powdered creamer. Not too bad, not great, but I can live with it for today. It sure beats my hot cocoa/coffee I was drinking everyday the last month. That was a quick 150 calories in one cup.

Wow, just noticed Beetlejuice is on! I love it! Holloweenie! I have watched halloweenish movies nearly every night this month. I LOVE Winona Ryder in this one, so great.

OK, gonna get off for tonight. My goals for next week include tracking food everyday, and sticking to calorie range everyday. If I can achieve that this week, I'll be very happy. That and 8-12 cups water EVERYDAY. Some days I seem to "forget" to do this. I love water, so there should be no excuses.

OK lovelies, have a great Monday. I'm thinking of taking some fall pics tomorrow. Photo days always make me so happy. I know I'll need a little pick-me-up with Tim leaving. OK, adios amigos.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SNUZSUZ 10/25/2012 7:17AM

I am really happy to hear you got your car back! Report Inappropriate Comment

RIDMYCOCOON 10/22/2012 7:19PM

Cannot wait to see your photos! Report Inappropriate Comment

BEARGODDESS 10/22/2012 11:28AM

I'm so glad that you got your car back! Super cool that you paid off your other car! Double YAY!! You sound like your moving into the groove of eating joyfully but within the "limits". Love the happiness of this blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

VALERIEMAHA 10/22/2012 9:39AM

You make me HAPPY! Maha Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGPAWSUP 10/22/2012 9:28AM

Sounds like things are working out for the best! CONGRATS!!! You deserve it. Have a great week! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUGARSMOM2 10/22/2012 9:23AM

hi lots of good stuff here . good base of ideas . yes money is tight everywhere . hard to buy food without breaking the bank . I have been using what i have in my freezer . It helps get rid of things that otherwise i might have to toss because I forget i had it the back of the freezer . when i was younger my aunt used to make garbage soup . using the left over in the ice box . always was delicious . Report Inappropriate Comment

HIPPICHICK1 10/22/2012 7:05AM

You're making great progress! Good Luck with tracking your food this week. It can be time consuming but so worth it! I'll bet if you can stay under your top of range you will see a loss next week. Exciting, huh? Sending you some "found money" vibes. Report Inappropriate Comment

1HAPPYSPIRIT 10/22/2012 12:25AM

Great blog! Thanks for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment