Awkward Family Photos

Tue, 2 Apr 2013 19:43:38 EST

I was going through my camera and ran across some pictures today. Who says pics have to be "picture perfect" to be great ones??? I decided that since yesterday's blog was kind of "deep" I would lighten up today with some "Awkward Family Photos" of my own. Welcome to the first installment...just don't tell Bre that some of these made it out to the public!

"Wake up Bre!! The Easter Bunny was here!"

Get Real

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 22:38:38 EST

Dear Self:

Who are you?

If you were able to peel back the layers of your life, disrobing the learned behaviors and shaped beliefs that you have carried with you throughout your life, would you do it? Who are you behind closed doors, when no one is speaking, when no one is listening, when no one is watching? What is your innermost dialogue that seems to be speaking with every heart beat, your true definition, your real purpose, of your life here on this earth?

Sticks and Stones

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 14:54:09 EST

We are defined by our words. How we say them, when we say them, if we even say them at all. Our tongues are our most powerful attribute...they say that actions speak louder than words, which is very true in most cases, but words have the power to build up or tear down just as well. The old childhood taunt of "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" has lost its strength as we are faced with the reality that bullying in our schools has reached an epidemic level. ...

Trampled By Elephants

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:31:40 EST

My old man and I both work the same shift so everyday before we leave we try to spend as much time together as possible. Whether we go out for lunch or just cook together we talk about our kids, grandkids, the bills, our health or what's going on in the news. But there are some days we get bored and that's when stupid stuff happens. (Like seeing who can make the most points tossing cashews into the other's mouth. You get double points if you don't choke them doing it.) Or watching reruns...

It Doesn't Take A Brick To Fall...

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:24:27 EST

We've all seen her. The little girl in the corner at the party with her arms folded across her chest and a pouty mouth, mad because something didn't go her way. The people around her are trying their best to make her smile, to reassure her that it's going to be okay, just come out and have some fun. She won't look anyone in the eye and quickly turns away from them with tears in her eyes, defiant and a little testy. All she can think of is how "unfair" life seems to be...

A coup...

A Little Ramble

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 15:28:55 EST

One of my challenges in life has been my illness. Most of you know, I have lupus. I always carry a low-grade fever and deal with muscular and joint aches on a day-to-day basis. I have been on every medication that treats it and have had to discontinue them because of the side effects. I have also used home remedies, herbal therapies, modified my diet, etc., etc., but still have to deal with some very bad days when it just wants to rear its ugly head and make my life, well, hell.
<...

Husband For Sale

Wed, 2 Jan 2013 16:58:02 EST

It all started with the Steelers/Bengals game December 23. That all important game that would determine if the Steelers were still "in the hunt" for the AFC playoffs that could ultimately take them to the Super Bowl in the new year. Being married to a Bengals fan has never been easy. They are a different breed all of their own. My husband is a different breed all of his own. So combine the two and you get a really-weird-psycho-mix of, well, psycho.

The Bengals won. As I sat...

Bethel Ridge/Liberty Township Hike

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 20:17:55 EST

I could do it. I did it once yesterday, braving the frosty air and silver white skies to hike the trail that snakes through my woods. But today brought more beauty that took my breath away. The sky, after the storm moved through, brought some of the bluest skies I have seen in awhile and one of the prettiest sunsets that winter time could offer. I set off on my trail only to end up a few roads over in Bethel Ridge. The air, brisk, chilled the tip of my nose. I hoped I wasn't pushing my ...

I Hiked, I Saw, I Conquered

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 20:03:18 EST

When I got up this morning I looked out my bedroom window and buried my face in my hands. I had promised myself that today I was going to stop being such a wuss and brave the cold for a brisk hike on my trail. (The treadmill was not cutting it. I dearly missed the solitude and peace that I always felt outdoors, that "no-feeling-like-it" feeling as I merged with nature.) I pulled my robe tighter around my waist and headed for the kitchen to make a warm cup of tea. The house was quiet, exc...

Christmas Pics

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 17:56:38 EST

About a month ago I was caught admiring this leather jacket at our local Harley-Davidson shop...

Then this showed up in my stocking this morning!

I LOVE it and can hardly wait for milder weather for when I can put it on and ride my Lowrider down the highway. :)

But some of my biggest reasons for loving this time of year are belo...

Virtually Visiting You

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:51:14 EST

If I could visit each one of you this holiday season, I would. I would arrive at your doorstep, knock loudly and unceasingly at your door and smile broadly as you opened it. I would then, most likely in a loud and exuberant voice, (some call it 'obnoxious') say, "Waail, hello, sweet thang, ya just gonna stand there?! Invite me in and let's have some fudge!!" And as you stand there in your curlers and house slippers, wondering what the heck just happened, I would blow right by you and make...

Season's Greetings!

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:57:08 EST

I really wanted to lick the spoon after stirring my holiday fudge. I had it in mid-air, almost to my lips, when my brain screamed, "3.5 pounds! On your badonkadonk!" The spoon inched a little closer, my mouth salivating, when the phone rang, jarring me back to reality. It was a telemarketer. "Would you like to purchase a water filtration system?? No?? Well, why not?? Do you LIKE drinking dirty water??!" Back to the pan. By then the fudge had hardened and there would be no licking in...

Giving Thanks EVERY Day...

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 11:53:39 EST

It's been awhile since I've blogged. Time has been whizzin' by so quickly these last few weeks that at certain points I've forgotten to breath. A new job, a newly-found excitement in my relationships here at home have all taken up the majority of my time although I still sneak in here and spy on yer all's pages from time-to-time. Yeah, it's like that. It's my way of staying connected and keeping an eye on all of you trouble-makers, lol.

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone ...

I Met My Husband Today

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 21:15:45 EST

I had no idea.

I had no idea that my lifestyle has felt "threatening" to my husband.

I had no idea that my time writing, painting, hiking, has left him feeling so ignored, unneeded and often times, unappreciated. I've spent so much time trying to find MYSELF that I left HIM behind. I had no idea. Until he TOLD me. Allow me to rephrase. Until he screamed it at me. Out of frustration. MANY hurtful things were said on both sides. I felt at the end of my rope. I...

Just One Thing At A Time

Tue, 6 Nov 2012 17:23:12 EST

You know it's gonna be one of those days when you wake up and give yourself a black eye. Shuffling around in the dark at 5:30 a.m. is never a good idea especially when your intent is to make a cup of tea. That means leaving the cabinet door open, forgetting you leave it open, then turning around and driving your eye into the corner of it. What made it really scary for a moment is the fact that when the pain shot through my socket, I fell back and stepped on a grape on the floor. Pop and s...

It Is What I Am Not That Makes Me Who I Am...

Sun, 4 Nov 2012 14:16:37 EST

So many times...

So many years I've given to bettering myself. I've been on journey after journey to find my personal Nirvana, longing to find that tender balance of spiritual, mental, physical stability that we ALL crave as soulful creatures. Even as I write this I am still searching for my place in this big wide open world...

I could tell you who I am until my voice is hoarse and my face turns seven shades of blue. I can tell you my favorite time of day (and night),...

"Small" is Big

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:54:14 EST

I was awakened at 4:30 a.m. by a loud "crash" that sat me straight up in bed...my heart pounding, I shook Brian awake and saw a bright light burst through the bedroom blinds. We both jumped to the window. Brian said it was snowing and I pulled the slats down to see for myself. "But what was that light," I asked and the "explosion" happened again. Lightening. I've seen it only once before during snow and it has always struck me as odd. Yet, for some reason, I found it beautiful and unabl...

Balancing Act

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:04:01 EST

I am diligently praying for all of those in the path of Hurricane Sandy. My thoughts and wishes for your safety are abundant in my heart today...

This past weekend was frustrating in many ways but little hiccups in the road only serve to make us stronger. Knowing this seems to make the sting of disappointment a LITTLE easier to take. But, I've realized, as well, you cannot "make" someone eat healthier because you want them to, that the choice for change has to come from within t...

Just For Kicks...

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:07:53 EST

Today was laid-back. Just wanted to switch it up a little.

1. What song do you love to dance to?
I will pretty much dance to just about anything but if I had to choose, it would be Alejandro by Lady Gaga. It moves my groove.

2. If you could have a drink with someone from history who would it be?
Mae West.

3. If you were assigned a seat on a plane beside your favorite celebrity, what would you do?
Most likely choke on the peanuts and pass o...

Mick Jagger Was Right

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 15:30:04 EST

There is a song by the Rolling Stones that says, "You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you might just find, you get what you need." I'm pretty sure he was meaning it in a different context than what I am about to use here, but the premise is still the same.

I was very excited Thursday about finalizing my plans for Bridge Day in Fayetteville, West Virginia at the New River Gorge. It is a place for BASE jumpers, rappellers, and zipliners to exhibit their a...

Perhaps Hypnotism?

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:19:43 EST

My husband has always been slim...except for a little muffin around his middle, he has never been overweight. In fact, he's worn the same size jeans since we were married 20+ years ago. He can eat anything he wants, whenever he wants it and how much he wants OF it. I'm not saying that is good for him, as my advice seems to fall on deaf ears anyways, but he's just wired to burn calories as fast as he can put them in. There are times I just want to, well, be childish, pound my pillow with m...

Screw The Past

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:52:28 EST

I stopped talking to my mother-in-law six years ago, for reasons I won't disclose here. It was both sides, a refusal to admit our own parts in the problem that ultimately led to a breakdown in our relationship.

That being said, I learned the other day that she was in the hospital. At 78 years of age, it is almost never a good thing and to say that my heart didn't feel pangs of sorrow would be a lie. Suddenly the reason for not speaking with this woman didn't seem nearly as imp...

Will It Ever Really Be Okay?

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 17:41:38 EST

I seem to be having a difficult time today, feeling out-of-sorts, physically not up-to-par. My hike this a.m. didn't yield the desired results such as exhilaration or feeling refreshed. It was cold, damp, foggy; my body ached tremendously and still does. It is so defeating to me and my spirit. Sometimes it makes me want to give up physically, mentally and spiritually. It really does. I look at others who are able to do so much more and it is not for lack of trying that I don't do the sa...

Vacation Pics From the Sunshine State

Mon, 8 Oct 2012 19:32:20 EST

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away." I'm not sure who quoted that statement, but they were right. I had the most wonderful time in Florida with my two sisters. We seized the opportunity to grow closer and try things that we had never tried before. For them, just boarding an airplane was a first for them. For me, it was getting on a boat. Everything in between was just icing on the cake. I have so many pictures (hundreds). So many ...

My Last Blog

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:40:07 EST

Until I get back from Florida, that is.
100
Do you realize how long I've waited for this vacation to get here??? Sunday morning at 4 a.m. I am leaving to catch my plane. Hallelujah!

I'm only taking one bag. A DUFFEL bag. That's like, the first time EVER I've packed so light. Just the bare essentials this time. Like, travel size shampoos and soaps. No fancy crap either, like conditioner or socks. The old man is looking forlorn. I asked him what wa...

The Biggest Surprise Ever!

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:05:33 EST

You guys seriously have to check this out! The joy this woman must have felt!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt190ZRqGaw

How were YOU proposed to?
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The High Of Hiking

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:24:34 EST

Hiking has become my meditation, my peaceful sliver of life, my inner sanctum of calm. It is my zazen, my time to be in the present and breathing in the moment. Meditation is very crucial to me for two reasons. It gives me time to reflect on my life, my goals and about what is important for me. As my feet strike the ground I am able to concentrate on my breathing, how my body feels, the smell of nature around me. I am centered. I am in the presence of the here and now, stumbling into sp...

Just Take The Time To Listen To Your OWN Heart...

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:07:11 EST

First, there was the initial misunderstanding. Brian looked me square in the eyes and opened his mouth.

"Better not buy meat in New England."
"What??! Why? What happened??"
"I don't know. I didn't watch it."
"You didn't watch what? The news??"
"The game."
"Wait...what did you say??"
"I SAID Baltimore beat New England!"
"Oh. I thought you said...never mind."
"Are you hearing things again?"

These things seem to be happening alo...

Tragic? Or Magic?

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:10:07 EST

I didn't want to do it.

I didn't want to get dressed, stretch and go walking. I didn't want to fool with it at all. I decided in my heart-of-hearts that I could "get by" without one day of hiking. Plain and simple. Whatever. Yada, yada and yada. Then I saw the box of donuts that Brian had bought for his lunchbox. Hmmm. Looking around, not seeing anyone, I took a step closer. Pinching my bottom lip between my thumb and index finger, I toyed heavily with the thought...no one...

A Little Dab'll Do Ya

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:45:15 EST

I was trying to clean my bathroom last night when I realized I didn't have enough space for "my stuff." When I say "my stuff," that means lotions, creams, serums, oils, shampoos, conditioners, the usual things that women accumulate here and there for a "youthful glow," "younger-looking skin" and "bouncy, youthful hair." (I'm a junkie. I should have bought stock in Avon years ago.) I've got banishing creams, dramatic firming creams, tonics, spritzes and sprays. Got crow's feet?? Heck, I g...

Wanna Hike With Me?

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:17:34 EST

This may look like a mess of leaves and trees to you but to ME it is my hour-long get-away to another world! Nestled deep in my woods is a place where I find contentment and a place that gets my heart pumping.

Leaving my house, I trek up the hill to the opening of the minuscule forest that awaits me.

The outskirts are lush and green...

Gerard Butler Sent Me Roses

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:58:42 EST

Have you ever had one of those mornings when you "wake up" but yet you are in that little space between the dream and being ACTUALLY awake? That portion where you are thanking God that you won the lottery? And you are mentally spending your lottery winnings on all the things you always wanted? I was ecstatic that I was going to be able to buy my '69 Shelby Fastback and new kitchen towels, when *!Poof!* the fog was gone. I opened my eyes and saw Brian's mouth wide open on my pillow. I wat...

"Bean" There, Done That

Sun, 9 Sep 2012 14:52:02 EST

A couple of years ago at this time I posted this blog. I wanted to remind you and MYSELF that this life is what we make of it...

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling.

It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water ...

Let Me "Lame" It Out For You...

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 21:29:12 EST

I've gained three pounds.

I want to blame my new job.

The walking that I achieved during my last position was close to 8 or 9 miles a day at a MINIMUM. This current position gives me 2 miles TOPS. So, let's label that one "Lame Excuse No. 1," shall we?

"Lame Excuse No. 2" is: I don't have time to eat right because my hours at work are totally different and now I have to grab and go. Right next to the bananas, apples, and oranges are chicken salad sandwic...

Pick Yourself Back Up. You're Strong.

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:41:50 EST

Need to feel a little inspired? Try these on for size.

My mother was a beautiful woman. She had the patience of a goddess (with six kids, nonetheless) and was an INCREDIBLE cook. As much as I kn...

What's In YOUR Attic?

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:00:46 EST

I got a great walk in early this a.m. and decided to go rummage around in the attic. It's been a long time since I've been up there. Like years? The possibility of finding some old photo albums aided me in overcoming my fear of "something" living up there and biting the tar out of me. So, after smashing a few of my toes with the ladder, I crawled through the door of the ceiling and looked around hesitantly. Wow. Once I saw the cedar chests and boxes stacked neatly around, I couldn't wai...

It's All In The Weeds.

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:03:08 EST

The last few days have been beautiful chaos for me. I was able to get so much accomplished in my department at work and it gives me GREAT satisfaction to be part of such a hard-working team. Without them, I would not have been able to pull off the tasks assigned and call them a complete success. Not the type of person to just carry a clipboard and delegate these tasks between them, I got knee-deep in with them and, well, made myself stiff and sore!

Today I'm off. I miss it. A ...

A Quick Post...

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 13:20:28 EST

Everyone that knows me, knows I wear my heart on my sleeve. When God made me He didn't give me any filters in that area, at least I don't think so. I've tried to shush my inner wonderings, workings, questions about life. I've tried to be reserved and "normal," more times than I can count, but then I wake at 2 a.m. either giddy from excitement or reading His Word, trying to find answers or reassurances. I have learned that I cannot stop being who I am, no matter how hard I try, and there a...

Hizzle Chillin'!

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 15:43:40 EST

Well, it's on. Totally break-neck-speed on. I've done everything now that the pharmacy division wants done so now I wait. My manager told me this a.m. that John, the pharmacy manager, has aggravated the snot out of her to get me replaced a.s.a.p. so he can attain me. She seemed perturbed. Her explanation was that she was not in any hurry to lose me and he needed to back off or lose a finger or two.

Feels good to know that I'm valued enough that there could be bloodshed. Boos...

Photo Blog

Sun, 5 Aug 2012 18:48:13 EST

I've been super windy the last few days so I think today I'll just share some pictures of my beautiful grandbabies. It's hard to believe how much they've grown!

This is Ayanna...

This is ReaAnne. Both of these pics were taken this morning at Vacation Bible School. (ReaAnne is most like me. Note the tattoo on her upper right arm and missing teeth from brawling. That's m' girl!)

Aren't You Glad We Didn't Drive?

Sun, 5 Aug 2012 01:42:44 EST

Florida.

I'm getting excited about the thought. There are times I think I can still smell the salty oceanic air from last year. I have to admit, sometimes I sneak into my closet and open up the water bottle that I stuffed sand into last year. I pour a little on my hand and feel the granules on my palms and even sniff it with a starry-eyed smile. So many beautiful memories there with my two sisters and niece. (Some a little blurry from the watermelon my sister laced with an a...

Full Speed Ahead

Fri, 3 Aug 2012 20:55:55 EST

Bre woke me this morning. Before my alarm had a chance to go off, I felt a gentle stroke to my cheek and an angel whisper of, "Momma..." Opening my eyes, I gazed at the most beautiful face in the world, a face smiling and reaping of compassion and wonderment. I couldn't help but lie there and take her in. She sat down on the bed beside me and took my hand as I looked at her big brown eyes, framed by wavy brown hair that wisped around her cheeks like gentle hugs. Then I remembered...
...

Self-Reflection

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 01:09:41 EST

I need a make-over.

Not an extreme one, not a physical one (well, maybe, but that can wait), but one of the soul. I haven't been too great in the spiritual department as of late and it's starting to show. I don't know what it is...I know that we can't always remain on the spiritual high, which should then lend itself to leaning on faith, but sometimes there are just things that creep in and take hold. Then they start to rear their heads and leave a nasty aftertaste in your mou...

Let's Go! Walk With Me!

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:51:32 EST

Today was my third day off from work. I was looking forward to these three days and had decided I was going to do nothing but paste my butt to the recliner and watch t.v. My first day off and two hours later I knew I was in trouble when I tried to see how far I could stretch a slobber string from my bottom lip. The day didn't really get much better from there.

The second day was better. I went to PetLand and played with my chiweenie. See my SparkPage. Isn't he cuuuute???! <...

I Ate WHAT?

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 23:41:53 EST

I can't believe how quickly time flies when you're having fun. Bre came home a few weeks ago and it's been such a wonderful time! She and I have made a pact that this summer we are going to get to our healthiest weight and eat "good for you" foods. We have also eliminated sugar, flour and most meats from our diet which has lead us to experiment with vegan recipes. We've learned that there are alot of great ways to dress up fruits and vegetables which leave us feeling fulfilled and not fee...

Where's The Aloe???

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:16:37 EST

At work, I am methodical, smart, contemplative, professional. On my days off, well, to put it bluntly, I am just an idiot. Apparently, I don't handle time on my hands very well. I end up doing stupid things. Like, painting ivy on my bathroom wall. Without my contacts in. Sometimes I sign up on another social network. I joined a site the other day and noticed dollar signs and numbers going up at an alarming rate until suddenly a red banner flashed, saying, "Congratulations!! You are ow...

How Many Fingers Am I Holding Up?

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:45:35 EST

I think I need new contacts.

I just stood on my front porch, breathing in the cool country air, and was dumbfounded by a strange light in my woods. It zigzagged through the trees, did a 180 and topsy-turvied straight up before plummeting straight down. This light would be bright one moment, then dimly fade, showing up a few "feet" from its original origin. My heart pounding, I wondered if I was witnessing a real live bona fide UFO.

Just before I texted Bre to tell...

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