Warm Thanksgiving Wishes

Vanity Cards

It's a must read.

It Makes My Brain Ache!

There's got to be some better way to manage the multiple need for strong and secure passwords. Here I am an IT person and I find it absolutely terrifying sometimes all the passwords I'm retaining (or not in many cases) in my head.

I know there is technology out there that will someday make it easier and leave me little doubt to its security, but until then, "what is my favorite automobile" and "my first pet's name" will have to do. Maybe....

Those Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

This past weekend I attended a Class of 1977 50th Birthday Part. That is a 50th birthday party for those of us turning or having turned 50 during this year. What a great bunch of old people! I was commenting to friends that I have to keep adjusting my perception of "oldness." I see folk on the street and think casually, 'hey, they are about my age' and then I realize, um, no that isn't true. I am older, elder, elderly....whatever!

My mom, who rationalizes her youth, is very funny about saying 'you are only as old as you feel.' Well then somedays I'm akin to a geriatric coot, somedays I'm a gazelle. Most days, I'm 50 and actually loving it.

Summer Days and Nights!

Finally!!!!! And that's all I'm going to say!

Windows 7

Woohoo! I’ve taken the “big” step and downloaded and installed RC Windows 7. Right now it’s playing very well with others on my Toshiba laptop. I’m amazed at how this old dog learns new software and OS fairly easy. Of course, now that I’ve said that, all hell will break loose.

I’ve been back from vaca for one week; and in that week I’ve celebrated my 10 year anniversary at work; Mother’s Day, and my first-ever fish tacos. All were wonderful!

Vacation Memories

The harsh reality of it all. Returning from a wonderful, relaxing vacation to the hyped-up, zipped-up world of college life. Crikey!

I must remember to center myself, breath deeply and listen for the sound of waves crashing to the shore, seagulls squawking, and the salt-tinged smell of the air. Just that will put me back in memory mode and sustain me for a wee bit longer.

To Cell Phone Or Not To Cell Phone

So yesterday I had to call customer service for a credit card I use. It was a simple phone call, I needed to update my mailing address. Trust me, I had tried using the website, but didn't seem able to find the exact location in my profile for that specific account. Instead I turned to the phone for reliable customer service.

The account rep was fantastic and easily updated my information. In ending the conversation she said she noticed that some of my information was incomplete, and would I like to update the account information with my cell phone number?

Her question didn't astound me, rather it was my response. I whispered, almost guiltily that "ssssh, don't tell anyone, but I don't have a cell phone." Years and years I've struggled with all the anguish of "guilt feelings" installed by parents, by things not done, by lives not led, by wasted moments that are gone and lost forever. And I've been pretty damn successful in ridding myself of those guilt trappings. I just can't believe I'm now allowing myself to even think about feeling guilty over a cold metal and plastic piece of technology. I choose NOT to be instantly connected and tethered to some electronic device I have no love for nor use in owning. Guilt -- be gone!

Ah Sugar Sugar....

Today while I was out for a walk I noticed all the maple sugar tins hanging from the maple sugar trees. I had taken my camera so here's a shot of what the tins hanging from the trees looks like.


Just down the road from this stand of trees, there's a farm that also has maple sugar collecting canisters up. BUT this farm uses plastic "mud-bucket" type collection containers.

I don't know but something just doesn't seem authentic when you see plastic 5 gallon buckets hanging from a tree collecting sap. There's a majesty to the old rusty tins juxtaposed with new shiny ones. The mysticism in maple sugaring is the tradition and the art of collection.

Plastic containers never say "art" to me. Just sayin'....

Marketing Teaser for New Process

Sometimes what I do is fun.....

When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin...

The other day I stopped by the landlord's to drop off the rent check. Sitting on their front porch was a very fat and fine robin who didn't seem at all afeared of my encroaching presence. Anytime of the year this would be unusual, but more so since this was an extremely cold day in early February.

The robin finally flew away but perched close by in a wisteria bush. I commented to Patti that there was a big old fat robin hanging out on her porch. She responded that "Dad's back." I didn't have time to hear out her story, but I'm assumed the robin was the re-incarnated spirit of her long-departed father.

As I turned to leave and stepped off the porch. I spied a frozen, dead bird laying in the pathway. Amazed that I hadn't seen it when I walked up to the house, I felt a keen sense of loss for the watchful robin.

I'm not so sure that the waiting robin was the reincarnated spirit of some long-lost father. But rather, a grieving spouse of a deceased robin. Now I'm no ornithologist or psychic, but it struck me eerily to be that way.

Happiest of New Years

Yes, it's the 5th already, yes I could have logged in a posted something poignant earlier, but like many other resolutions easily misplaced or disregarded, I didn't. Oh well.
It's Monday, back at work with a zillion e-mails and little catch-ups to do. It's not a difficult day, but just a long one. The reality of resolutions gone awry already and much to do and much to organize seems so daunting. Ah, but I'll breathe, chant an "Ohmmmm" or two and practice some mindful behavior (geez what kind of new age crap I easily spout, eh?).
Here's to finding my center, remaining calm and creating a new path this year. Oh boy....