Nature holds all the answers...

.... go outside and ask some questions - open your heart and listen to the response! ~Amethyst Wyldfyre

I'm planning on doing just that tonight, with a big, beautiful full moon over Texas.....

Enjoy yours~
Shawn

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I wish I'd said that....

Shawn
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The most tangible of all visible mysteries...

...fire. ~Leigh Hunt

Staring into the fire....it's mesmerizing. One can do it while sitting around it with your best of friends, talking and toasting marshmallows and drinking. It's hard to beat that.

Then again, I like to think about the fire SGTex builds in the back yard when he's grilling our dinner. Everything is delicious and it's a happy time together. Have you ever noticed how wonderful it smells when one of the neighbors has the grill going? I'm hoping that the effect ours has on them is as pleasant as when it's the other way around.

The fire also made me think about the "If you play with fire, you're sure to get burned" principle. It's important to explore new thoughts and ideas and take certain risks in life, but one must be prepared for things to heat up, to the point of burning, sometimes.... And it might not be a good idea to ignore the proverb "Fire in the heart sends smoke into the head." Take that however you will.

This picture got me to thinking in all directions, and our friend J was kind enough to share it with us. I think it's a remembrance of a very good time for her, and I have a feeling she has many more good times to come....

Love~n~Light

Shawn

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Those who think it is....

....permissible to tell white lies soon grow color-blind. ~Austin O'Malley



These flowers no doubt went to sleep at night lying in white, only to awaken in the morning blind to the fact that all their color was gone.



Shawn
xoxoxo

And if all else fails....

In conclusion....

....this is what you get when you have 4 gorgeous azure robin's eggs, which safely hatch at our friend T's house in Tennessee! :+) Just in time for Momma's Day! Haha! Farm fresh, aren't they? I said to SGTex, "Aren't they cute?!" He said, "Nooooo." LOL!! Well, give them a bit of time and they'll be a little less mussy.

(Thanks, T, for supplying such fab photography for our blog from time to time! You really, really need to go pro!)

This has been quite the week. We've had our highs w/the aftermath of OBL (he who should remain nameless in future), the National Day of Prayer, and yes, even a few of our lows (yes, a few of those to keep us humble, I guess). Now it's just hit 100 degrees outside on this beautiful, breezy Texas evening.

Did any of you watch the Kentucky Derby? We were hoping that Midnight Interlude would win, but Animal Kingdom came from somewhere ?? and with seeming effortlessness won the race. We do hope Archarcharch is all right. Amazing and fun. And the hats, the hats, the hats.....

Next up will be a couple of days "off," and I do hope we make the best of them, in such a way as to be refreshed and ready for the upcoming week.

I guess I took the opp to blog, just so I could show the world these cute new babies! I'm silly like that.

Happy weekend, world.......

Shawn

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2011 National Day of Prayer....

With all due respect to last year's finding by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb, if the National Day of Prayer does represent government endorsement of a religious message, it need not be an improper (unlawful) kind of endorsement.

Certainly government may endorse religion a little bit, so long as the gesture of endorsement regards various religions and philosophies equally, without any favoritism. Nothing to it, really: In order to keep the twofold promise of constitutional religious liberty, government must follow the example of Jefferson and make a point of acknowledging diversity. He spoke of a religious freedom so invested in the principle of equality as to remember "Jew and Gentile…Christian and Mohammedan…Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination." What could be clearer and fairer as a basis for religious freedom?

The first words of the Bill of Rights are not ambiguous but very clearly mean to guarantee no legal "establishment" of one religion or another, and at the same time to guarantee no legal hindrance to "free exercise thereof."

The National Day of Prayer is our chance to put this into practice, but there are only two possible scenarios for lawful public observance of prayer at a government venue such as the steps of City Hall. Either no religion is represented, or else all of them. Done right, a National Day of Prayer event is very American-looking, with prayers of every sort included: Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Pagan, Buddhist, Baha'i, and so on. Indeed, Jefferson's term "Infidel" would appear to prescribe a reasonable level of respect for Atheism, that "religion" that repudiates superstition, holding reason and humanistic values supreme. Why shouldn't that creed advocate on the National Day as well, declaring rational practice better for America than prayer? In this way, everyone might enjoy equal treatment in the matter. Let freedom so ring!

The Interfaith Council's observance of the National Day of Prayer (Minter Park Downtown at noon, Thursday May 5) is the one that properly affirms and celebrates religious freedom.

SGTex

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photo courtesy of: sacredartstudio.net interfaith peace mandala

You're welcome, world....

A thing of beauty....

....is a joy forever. It's loveliness increases. It will never pass into nothingness.... John Keats

This is the Eve of Beltane, a time of rejoicing and celebration of new love, rebirth, hopefulness and anticipation of abundance in the months ahead. It's a time of believing in possibilities and a time of reassurance, potentiating that which can/may/will be accomplished and brought to fruition.

Here we are in the midst of spring, but in times of old this was a point where it was the beginning of summer. It's the time when it's time to wait no more, but to be awakened to all sorts of possibilities.

At least that's the way I see it and what my heart tells me about it on this beautiful, sunny day. I hope it's the same for you, at least.

Beltane Blessings!
Shawn
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photo courtesy of our friend Tabitha in Tennessee...

A Royal Wedding....

I thought it would be fun to post a picture of the Royal Grandparents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on their big day. I don't know how I missed this picture way back when, during the "everything is about our upcoming wedding" period, but here it is now ;+) How about that train, ladies!?! Whew. I've seen some photos that are more close-up pictures of the dress, and I must say, it is exquisite. I was somewhat intrigued by the fact that it has so much detail, contrasting with the "tone it down a bit" mentality that directed the wedding dress designs of American brides during and around the time of WWII.

Here's a bit about their wedding, excerpted from the Internet's version of About.com at Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip's Wedding Profile:

Philip and Elizabeth met in 1934 when Elizabeth was 13 years old at the wedding of Philip's cousin, Princess Marina of Greece. It was love at first sight for Elizabeth and she started writing letters to Philip. The first photograph of the couple together was taken in 1939.
They became secretly engaged in 1946. Because of her age, her family at first opposed her marriage to Philip, but relented. Their engagement was officially announced on July 9, 1947. Her platinum engagement ring had a large square diamond with smaller diamonds on either side. The diamonds came from Philip's mother's tiara.
Wedding Date and Information:
Elizabeth and Philip were married on November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey in London, England.
They had eight bridesmaids and two kilted page boys. The wedding ceremony was officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher and the Archbishop of York, Cyril Garbett.
The 2000 guests at the wedding included many royals, Noel Coward, Beatrice Lillie.
Wedding Reception:After the wedding, a lunch was held in the Ball supper-room at Buckingham Palace. Favours for the guests were individual posies of myrtle and white Balmoral heather.
The nine-foot high, four-tier wedding cake, was made with ingredients given by Australian Girl Guides. The wedding cake was cut using The Duke's Mountbatten sword. After the wedding, pieces of cake were given to schoolchildren and institutions.
The couple received over 2,500 wedding presents from around the world and around 10,000 telegrams of congratulations.
Wedding Attire:Elizabeth wore her grandmother's tiara and a beautifully designed wedding dress. In order to be able to purchase the material for her wedding dress, Elizabeth saved up ration cards.
"Made of ivory duchesse satin woven from silk from Chinese silkworms at Lullingstone Castle, the dress was decorated with 10,000 white seed pearls, imported from America, silver thread, sparkling crystal and transparent appliqué tulle embroidery. Attached at the shoulders was a 15-foot star-patterned full court train, embroidered in pearl, crystal and appliqué duchesse satin. The ensemble was completed by a silk tulle veil held in place by a diamond fringe tiara, lent to the bride by her mother as 'something borrowed', and ivory duchesse satin high-heeled sandals, trimmed with silver and seed pearl buckles."
"The Worshipful Company of Gardeners provided the Princess's bouquet, made of white orchids with a sprig of myrtle from the bush grown from the original myrtle in Queen Victoria's wedding bouquet."Source: Royal.gov.uk
"The richly embroidered white satin wedding dress shimmered with her every movement. Softly spaced throughout the dress were garlands of pearl orange blossom, syringa, jasmine and White Rose of York. These were skilfully combined with flowing lines of wheat ears, the symbol of fertility, and worked in pearl and diamante."Source: Wedding Dress Info
"The dress was made of ivory silk, decorated with pearls arranged as white roses of York, entwined with ears of corn embroidered in crystal."Source: Gyles Brandreth, Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Royal Marriage, page 164.
Elizabeth's "wedding ring was made from a nugget of Welsh gold which came from the Clogau St David's mine near Dolgellau."Source: 60 Facts -- Diamond Wedding Anniversary, Fact 27.
Elizabeth wore a "ensemble of a dress and matching coat in mist-blue with mushroom-coloured assesories."Source: 60 Facts -- Diamond Wedding Anniversary, Fact 47.
Honeymoon:
The day after their wedding, Elizabeth's bouquet was laid on the grave of the Unknown Warrior at the Abbey.
Philip and Elizabeth honeymooned at Broadlands in Hampshire and at Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate.
Note to Elizabeth from her father, King George VI: "You were so calm and composed during the Service and said your words with such conviction that I knew it was all right. I can see that you are sublimely happy with Philip which is right, but don't forget us is the wish of Your ever loving and devoted papa."Source: William Shawcross, Queen and Country: The Fifty-Year Reign of Elizabeth II, page 33.

I love reading about these things.....

I'll be up early Friday morning to watch William and Kate on their happy occasion.

Cheers!
Shawn

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When you....

....defile the pleasant streams
and the wild bird's abiding place, you massacre a million dreams and cast your spittle in God's face. ~John Drinkwater

Not very cheerful? Well, words to live by, nonetheless.

Considering that it was Earth Day on Friday, tomorrow millions around the planet will celebrate Easter and that we're well into Spring, I thought I'd share this sweet picture taken by our friend in Tennessee....

Into what kind of world do you think these baby robins will emerge? I'll bet it's going to be absolutely lovely.

Shawn

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What's happening in my part of Texas....

It just wouldn't seem quite right to blog about the birds singing and the roses blooming in the garden, what with all the wildfires going on here in Texas right now. One article stated that 655 square miles have burned, and that's a good bit of our part of Texas, and all those who are suffering or worried or displaced are on my heart and mind today.

These cattle are (or were) in the area of Marfa, running from the flames. One firefighter, a gentleman who served the Eastland Fire Department lost his life the other day, overcome by smoke and consumed by the fire while he lay in a ditch. I told SGTex that Texas lost a real hero, and his loved ones have our deepest condolences.

There's a lot of weather going on in America and no doubts other parts of the world. Nevertheless, we are going to have a lovely Sunday with hopes and prayers for a better week.

Shawn

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It's bluebonnet time....

....here in Texas. After going out to eat, we took a Sunday drive. It was a beautiful, hot day with lots to see. The mesquite trees are leafing out and I've never in my life seen such a wonderful, lemon-y green. Sure enough, we glimpsed the first bluebonnets alongside the road and SGTex stopped to pick a bouquet. They're so pretty, and I found this lovely picture to give you a glimpse of springtime in our part of Texas.

Enjoy! Shawn

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photo courtesy of: AC Kandler Photography

Even the gods love jokes ~ Plato....

"Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment." - Ellis Peters

There isn't really a lot to say, other than it's been an excellent week. I'm truly surprised that it is already April, and pretty soon the bluebonnets will be bursting out of the earth around here (one of my many favorite things about Texas). Have a wonderful weekend in your part of the world. I hope you get to take some time to relax and enjoy it!

~Shawn~ **** photo courtesy of: John Doyle

Saturday in spring...or...Playing it safe"....

I must confess that I had a vastly different picture I nearly posted today, but I'm saving it for another time, if I don't lose my nerve, lol. Can a picture be totally appropriate and inappropriate at the same time? Maybe so....Anyway, you'll know it's *the one* if/when I use it, and you'll very likely guess the reason why.... To say the least, it's been a perfectly glorious morning.

It is absolutely spring out there and there are blooms popping all over the place. Two of our neighbors across the street are having yard sales, and SGTex was dispatched twice to check out a couple of things, bless his heart.

So today, it's all kinds of busy on our street with people coming and going, kids on bikes and birds chattering and oddly enough, the dogs are somewhat quiet. I told C last night on the phone that it's "dog hell" in this neighborhood-- not in a really bad, but somewhat comical way, and at times it can get p.r.e.t.t.y. n.o.i.s.y. LOL!!

We've 2 neighbor chihuahuas next door, 2 neighbor chihuahuas across the street. They enjoy our back yard and like to dig their way in for coffee mornings. Then on the other side is a tiny beagle-like thing that squeaks and basically rules the roost. Our 2 Havanese are kept real close, but Sebastian does escape and run in mad circles around the yard whenever he gets the chance, with Seamus tattle-barking from the kitchen. The most civilized of the gang is the neighborly old black lab from across the street who moseys over to look through the neighbor's gate to see if the tiny squeaker is home.

It was a good week, all in all, and if you don't believe me, stop by to see the dozen long-stemmed red roses My Man brought home yesterday morning in order to *WOW* me...which explains the mysterious picture I nearly posted, but alas, I am a bit shy...... ;+)

Shawn

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You can’t possess radiance, you can only admire it....”

"I mean, how many young women get a set of rubies just for doing something wholesome like swimming laps? Or win a diamond ring at Ping-Pong with their husband...? Well, I did, and for all of these memories and the people in my life I feel blessed. " ~Elizabeth Taylor

I was so sad and surprised, while watching CNN this morning, the news came that Elizabeth Taylor had passed on. I had heard that she'd been failing, but it didn't really register with me that she'd actually die.....I looked over at my husband and the first thing I said was something about Michael Jackson waiting on the other side of the River Styx to greet her, holding the lamp high and happily helping her onto the shore. I also mentioned that I figured she'd no doubt have handed the oarsman a diamond earring in payment for crossing....and SGTex said, "No doubt she wasn't the first to have done so."

I'm hoping that "Father of the Bride" will be on TV, and maybe we'll get a chance to see it. Or see her with Sir Richard Burton playing Cleopatra... That might be nice. Did you know that she relinquished her American citizenship to marry him? I'd forgotten that, and I guess I don't mind too much that she'd do that. It only goes to show you what a woman will do, when she has a great love for a great man.

Here's to you, Elizabeth Taylor, and to your journey to and through your next life. May it be filled with every happiness and may all your hopes and dreams come true.

Shawn

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photo courtesy of: http://fwallpapers.com

This isn't at all about St. Patrick's day, but....

.....it's about me, doing a bit of light thinking about life these days.

Japan: It would be wrong for me to skip over this topic. In fact, it should be the most important topic any of us discuss these days. I can't even imagine what goes on in the hearts and minds of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. What they're going to do in order to find some normalcy in their lives is beyond my comprehension.

What really gets to me, just as much as the heart-wrenching stories and images is what so many have to say as to the 'why' of what happened. For some reason there are those who are compelled to slap a 'reason' on the situation. It's either God giving a big warning to a population who, as a whole, don't worship Him, or it's Ma Nature fighting back and grabbing people by the short hairs, doing some saber-rattling. Either one of those ideas seems rather preposterous to me, seeing that Japan sits on one end of the Ring of Fire and the Earth has a tendency to rearrange continental plates from time to time. Things move and shift and rattle, because that's what a planet does. At least this one.

Vocation versus Avocation: Or, work to play and play to work. Or work and play at the same time. I read on another blog.... (that shall remain nameless, not because I'm jealous of it or anything, but because I can't remember what the name of it is and don't want to sort through my blog list on my favorites right now. Honestly).... Hey, did you read that sentence in one long breath, because that's how I typed it...eyeroll...As I was saying, I read that there are more than a few "tests" one can use in order to measure success potential for a new business (ad)venture. You all have no doubt heard that the main thing is, "love what you do/do what you love." Ummm, I'm not sure people are going to want to pay us for doing that, but you get the gist of what I'm saying. ;+) Food for thought, though. That's been on our minds lately, and has made for some pretty interesting discussion. We have our goals and dreams, and I guess something can be said for the fact that they remain the same. Are we closer to achieving them? I don't know, except to say that we've accomplished some things and have gotten some Big Deal Stuff out of the way, which is good. And the big things that we did were on The Dream List, aamof.

The day-to-day: In this case, I'm thinking that settling into somewhat of a routine is going to be a good thing for us. Not a rut, but a routine. There's a difference. :+) It's nice to see the evenings be longer, but since we changed the clocks I've noticed it's dark in the mornings when I wake up for the first time, and that's different. Spring is here, complete with birds and blooms all over the place, and I love it. I know, I probably said the same thing last year, and the year before that. :+) Hey, the mockingbirds arrived! I don't know where they go when they're not here, but it sure was fun to see them on the neighbor's back gate, harrassing Mortimer, their cat. It's not really named Mortimer, but I can't ever remember that cat's name and don't want to bother Sir, who is working.

Time to go see about dinner. Thanks for dropping by......

)O(

Shawn

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Saturday night....

Just a few thoughts about the past few days and what's been happening in the world.

This weekend, I am:

Feeling really sorry for those in Japan, especially. I cannot begin to comprehend their trauma and the devastation, and my heart goes out to them and to those who love them. I don't know about you, but I'm not seeing this as a 2012 thing or 'the good earth gone bad,' or 'mother nature is showing us up' or anything like that. I'm not one to close my eyes to the reason behind things, and TTYTT, I'm quite mystical and ready to see the supernatural, but some of the chatter comes a little too close to laying blame, and that makes me uncomfortable. We'll see what the upcoming super moon effects are, if any. I guess there's more to learn and wonder at than we realize, isn't there?

Contemplating making some changes this spring, and hoping to subtract some of the negative and add some of the positive effects upon our day-to-day life. Not bad~ a minus negative equals a positive. :+)

Well, that's about it for now. Time to wrap up the day and go share a midnight picnic with You-Know-Who......

And that's something I can wrap my mind and heart around, without any problem at all.....

Shawn

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....something, something, something...at the Brown Derby anymore...

Oh, hi.

Yesterday morning SGTex and I were spending a typical Sunday morning, just laying around. For some reason, a favorite actress of mine came to mind, as did one of her funny stories about The Brown Derby.....and I cannot, for the life of me, find the story/joke, anywhere, other than the fact that Clarke Gable proposed to her in a Brown Derby phone booth, a few nice Brown Derby drink recipes, and stuff about their Cobb salads.

As usual, my search for all of that led me to other interesting facts and stories about Carole Lombard (and Mr. Gable), along with some of her most fascinating and insightful quotations.

As you know by now, I'm nuts about quotes and am very apt to drop one here and there, whenever I think it might be appropriate or useful or interesting. Sometimes they're well-received, sometimes they're not. But this is about Carole, and she really did have a way of telling a good story and her thoughts and ideas seem quite wise and practical.

Some of what she had to say pertained to a woman living and working in what was called "a man's world." I'm not so sure it's a "man's world" anymore, but I suspect I'd have been more comfortable in some ways back in those days, when the lines were less blurred. I wonder if we lived more like the way they lived then, we'd have less conflict and wear and tear on relationships.... She talked about a woman's intuition vs a man's sense of logic, the former being just as necessary and valuable as the latter...hmm. I agree. It seems that she realized that a woman is way more interesting when she's busy doing something useful and has something to contribute to those around her, is more fulfilled and has a sense of purpose. Yeah, Carole, I believe that. She suggested that women not be afraid of work, that they be industrious and have something to do besides being a woman who just sits around and gossips and causes trouble. She used the term "catty" for that type of woman. (But that's insulting to cats!! heh)

There are many, many other things that she had to say about her life and times, and as you can imagine, I'm going to enjoy reading and thinking about what she thought. Hopefully I'll pick up some good tips and learn something to apply in my own life, in my own love.

I guess what I admire about her is that she was a lovely woman who was smart, funny (and she threw a helluva party), she worked really hard (some years starring in as many of 5 or 6 films- and they were good ones). She obviously was a thinker. She followed some of the rules, bent some of the rules, broke some of the rules, and managed to do it all while still maintaining her "ladyness."

Ego integrity--that's what my man, SGTex would call it.

Shawn
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The button basket....

For some reason today my mother's button basket found its way into a conversation I was having with SGTex. I hadn't thought about it in a long time, but all of a sudden I was wishing I still had it, as it actually came from my great grandmother. Nothing fancy, just a brown, woven basket with a lid that just barely fit, filled to the brim with beautiful buttons and what-nots, each representing memories of days and dresses and shirts gone by.

It occurs to me that our minds are a bit like that button basket. Hopefully most of what is stored there is useful and pleasant, old memories right alongside new, bright ideas that are tucked away and easily found when needed, able to be applied for renewal or repair of whatever situation arises with the sun or the moon in our lives. It's best that it not be filled with what is useless, broken or unpleasant, but when those items find their way to the surface, they can easily be dealt with and discarded as necessary, leaving room for only what's nice and worth keeping... ;+)
Shawn
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photo courtesy of: cottage quilting online, The Button Basket.

It all comes down to....

...the cherry.

I've been meaning to tell you what happened.....

The other night someone mentioned one of Sonic's latest beverages, the vanilla cherry diet Coke. Well, we like Sonic's drinks and felt we just had to imbibe. Delicious. And sure enough, there was a maraschino cherry on the crushed ice at the bottom of the cup, just laying there waiting for me to reach in, pull it out and make it disappear :+).

So, later on that night we were having popcorn and watching television. I reached into the big blue bowl that we share, and much to my surprise, just laying there on the popcorn waiting to disappear was...a big, red maraschino cherry.

Hey, SGTex had saved it--- for me!!! Now, that's love, isn't it?!!

I don't know about you, but I bet you must be thinking what I'm thinking-- his doing something like that for me was just beyond sweet. There's something very special about a man who's willing to give it up for a woman, and that Man is mine, and that woman is me!!

Shawn

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Love story....

As a very small, pre-school age child, I hadn't heard much talk about "love" in my home, but knew there was such a thing. I learned that behaving myself and doing what I was told, minding my mother and being cheerful got good results, i.e., "love." Not doing those things got bad results, and that made the "love" go away.

Or so I thought.

At least it felt that way to me, especially about my mother, as she was the person with whom I spent the most time and who seemed to have the power to add or subtract happiness in my day-to-day world. Oh yeah, and as time went on and I added a few years, I heard these words: "We love you, and we want other people to love you, too." Sounds good, doesn't it? Well, that was behavior-based love. In other words, if I was behaving myself as a child, my parents would love me. If I misbehaved as a child, my parents wouldn't love me, nor would anyone else. Actually, I should insert somewhere in the above paragraph that my father didn't say any such thing, nor did he give me any indication that the filial love which I could expect was based on anything other than the fact that I was, for all intents and purposes, his daughter. And I should also mention that much of this was a misconception on my part, as I was too young to understand that much of the negative stuff I observed and experienced was caused by some incredible stress that was happening in the lives of my parents, who did, in fact love me, and proved it over and over in ways which I've come to appreciate, now that I've learned what it's like to be a "grownup," :+). Anyway, at the time, I was given to understand that if I wanted "love," I'd better mind my P's and Q's....

Or so I thought.

We fell into the habit of going to church, and I heard about God's "love." That was a United Presbyterian church in Oregon, and this God I had been told about was depicted as somebody in a brown robe with a hood, looming out of the clouds and smiling in a funny sort of way at Earth. I know, because it's what I colored that morning on my Sunday School paper. I wasn't very impressed, and didn't much want to go back there. I'd find something else to do on Sundays, thanks anyway.

As mentioned above, there was this family crisis and we moved to Washington and started going to a different sort of church. I was taught different sorts of things than before, and the concept of God became a little clearer. Oh, okay, so I was going to be all right, after all, and I didn't have to worry. What I was now being told seemed reasonable, and the people who came into my life could be trusted. I had no worries, and things were going to work out just fine in my little life.

Or so I thought.

Well, some things happened, good and bad. The teen years were upon me and again, I was sitting in church listening to a visiting delegate from our religious organization (sigh). There was this guy in a black suit standing up front of the church full of really nice people, and he had come all this way, from Collingswood, New Jersey, and he was talking about what was going on in the world. I wasn't paying close attention, until he said sneeringly, in a big, deep voice, "Love!!!! Love??? Where have we heard THAT before??" He was talking about the peace movement and what was happening all over America at the time, as though it were a terrible thing. Wait a minute! How could anything about "love" not be good?? What?? He said the word "love," as though it were distasteful, used the word in such a way as to make us question and be suspicious about what we were seeing in the news and hearing at the dinner table.... Yes, he was, as though "love" was to be avoided. Very confusing. Right then and there I decided I wouldn't be influenced any longer by people like that, those leaders who wore the suits and did all the talking in that church, those who attempted to direct and tell me what to think and how to live. I could ignore them. That wouldn't be too difficult.

Or so I thought.

Anyway, the years and the miles have flown by, and I'm still in the process of extrication. I haven't changed my core belief about love and what it means, and what it doesn't mean. I'm nearly, but not completely free of all that. I still find it irritating when people attempt to impose their attitudes and beliefs on others, in the name of "love." Frankly, I've found more unpleasant and distasteful behavior, read more asinine comments and seen the judgment-passing by those who claim to "love" God and do his good works, than I've ever experienced by those who aren't going around touting their principles for living as godliness and lovingkindness. I have no more time for those who claim to love and be loved by God, yet are looking down their noses at those who feel differently and believe differently.

And so, that's my rant on this Valentine's weekend. My goal for the next while is to work on effectiveness and sincerity, effect an enhancement, so to speak.

It's about making my love.... more loving.....

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Shawn

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Valentine's Day compte à rebours ....

Isn't this flower amazing?!

It reminds me of the lovely bouquet SGTex brought home the other day.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner here at our house, how about where you are? Sure hope you have something special planned with the one you love!

Beaucoup d'amour....

xoxoxo

Shawn

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Run your fingers through my soul....

For just once, feel exactly what I feel, believe what I believe, perceive as I perceive, look, experience, examine, and for once, just once, understand. (unknown)

I wonder what this world would be like if we had a better understanding of what was going on in the hearts and minds of our fellow sentient beings?

Last night SGTex and I were watching "Space Cowboys" on television and we got to talking about satellites, how it was a show about satellites and the fact that we could watch it because we have satellite tv. I went to sleep thinking about how different life is now than it was years ago, how the world is smaller, thanks to today's technology.

Thanks to yesterday's technology, he and I met (via the Internet, wow).

Thanks to Facebook, lol, I'm much more aware of what's going on in the lives of people who matter to me that live on the other side of the planet. (Hey, the planet doesn't have sides, lol!!)

But they do matter, these people who share what's on their hearts and minds and I can click "like" or comment in an instant, with them responding, or not. I swear, there are some friends who must have a bell ring or a buzzer go off at their desk when I post something....haha. I'm not one of those friends collectors who have thousands of so-called Facebook friends, but do have more than a few with whom I share interests, memories, family ties, or the need to agree to disagree about religion or politics.

It is fun, and I do think it's important to have that sort of connection with people around the world. Should I actually have something to say, it's nice to know someone might just read it and might just respond.

Yeah, but how about those with whom we spend our days and nights? If you're anything like me, every once in awhile I just have to stop, look over at my Man and marvel at what must be going on in that mind of his....Hmmmm.

Yeah, I do, and that's when he says, "Hey, why are you looking at me that way??!!"

I just can't help myself, Honey. Hahahaha ;+)

Shawn

****

photo courtesy of: Jerrysjuicebar.com/blog09/2009

How beautiful it is....

.... to do nothing, and then to rest afterward. ~Spanish Proverb

I love this picture that SGTex chose. He doesn't know I'm borrowing it for the blog, but here it is... :+) It matches, and I love it! (Thankyou kindly, Mister)

Well....If I were giving out 'the worst week just about EVER' awards, this last one would win, hands down. No kidding.

The worst thing that happened: SGTex lost a dear friend, who will be sorely missed by many. Here's to A, someone I'd really, really have liked to meet.

The best thing that happened: Lily the Black Bear had 2 little cublets yesterday. She and little Hope (who celebrates her 1st birthday today) are tucked away in their winter den getting acquainted. Talk about sweet!

So far, the weekend has been just fine. A beautiful, somewhat chilly but sunny Saturday in our part of Texas is fading into a lovely evening. My Man is out in the back yard harvesting some pecans. The puppies are running around in circles waiting for the back door to open, so they can give their own particular version of 'glad tidings' and be overjoyed at him, lol. Sasha the kitty is asleep in the office window, and after I rinse this shampoo out of my hair, I'm going to go see about scrambling some eggs. With ground beef, red bell peppers, onions and mushrooms.

Oh! Wine...we must have wine....

Shawn

****

photo courtesy of: SGTex, a fantasy album cover, depicting 'the age of ice.'

Time is....

....too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity." ~Henry Van Dyke

Which brings to mind the quip, "Good things come to those who wait." Umm, which also brings to mind, "All good things must come to an end."

Apparently, this could go on and on, lol.

Who said that, anyway?

Just sitting here sipping absinthe with SGTex and thinking about time....

I'd like to be able to say that I'm posting because I had great, profound thoughts on the matter of *time* and just had to blog, but that's not the case at all. Actually, it was an accident. As usual, I was looking at something else, and just happened across this poem by Mr. Van Dyke, so here we are. :+)

Anyway, have you noticed how it seems like nice things happen when there's plenty of time?

Perhaps it has to do with the attitude with which one anticipates what's about to happen, or with the approach one takes, taking plenty of time and being all laid back and relaxed when engaging in a pleasant activity...Either way, there's something nice about taking one's time.

Like on the weekend. Especially Sundays.

Not to say, one can't squeeze in something wonderful in a big. last minute hurry, just before it's time to start work or leave the house in a mad rush to get somewhere and do something very important.....

And those times are pretty especially nice too, aren't they? Mmmhmm ;+)

Shawn
****

photo courtesy of vincanity, photobucket

Provoking thought....

A few days ago I had the privilege, mercifully short-lived, of driving behind "the flag-waving gun-toting God-fearing voting conservative that the liberals warned you about." Besides that identifier, there were several others including "Impeach Obama" and this, er, food for thought: A caricature of our president urinating upon "first the constitution, then We the People." This kind of protected speech stirs me (1) to be sure I get out and vote and (2) to consider "toting," too, lest such intellectuals as that be the only armed citizens driving around.

It is increasingly apparent that the nation lost its one and only intelligent conservative on February 28, 2008, when William F. Buckley died. Indeed, isn't a given society's right wing opposed, heart of hearts, to thought?

Let us analyze. Let's take a legal-size sheet of paper and list stuff in a right and left column.

We want to consider indicators of brain power, smarts, sophistication. Okay, which side do we put "college education" on? Well, that would go opposite such items as "strict Bible creationism" and "overalls."

On this side, tree huggers who would save the whales, etc., hippies and gays and Jews and writer types. On the other, you got your "19 kids and counting," your truck for a car, your Sarah Palin's Alaska, where they exult in tossing the bloody beating hearts of hapless critters before their wincing little daughters.

If the lyrical sentiment of "Kumbaya," "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" must be jotted in our lefthand column, across from it (Willie Nelson or the Dixie Chicks notwithstanding), there is Merle. There is that spirit of, to quote Ray Wiley Hubbard, "kickin' hippies' asses and raisin' hell." Sure, the folk thing got kind of wussy there, but came through it all with good grades and graduated in the top quarter. Conservative country can take a lot of pride in what it is, but is it intelligent? Way hey ale, not eggs act Lee.

Opera and the arts versus Nascar. The Zen garden with koi pond versus bass fishing, and absinthe versus Coors.

Skipping down for the news & commentary line, I suppose NPR slash PBS goes goes flush left, then MSNBC next, which leaves room for Anderson Cooper. Now, just across the dividing line there appears Bill O'Reilly before it gets as bad as that bonehead, Glenn Beck -- but then, all the way over, lessee, who's an absolute bombastwit? Oh, yeah -- Rush Limbaugh. I know, we haven't the figures on IQ levels along that continuum, but just subjectively, whom are we kidding? You could sled down it.

To summarize, then, the liberal (or "progressive," as preferred by some) side is associated with intelligence and education. To be a conservative is to align proudly with the not-all-that-bright and just pretty much thump a drum of willful ignorance.

There, I said it. Ignite a cross in my yard.

SGTex

****

photo courtesy of: www.enemyoftheleft.com

Romance is the glamour...

....which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze. ~Elinor Glyn

Well, here's 2011, and I'm already starting to think about that particular holiday in February, which is a favorite of people in love. Quelle surprise!

We finished a home décor project together this weekend that has an aspect of "romance enhancement." I'm quite pleased with the results ;+).

This morning SGTex and I had some conversation which touched on the topic of romance and how nice it is to keep it on hand, even during the work day. Not a problem here, and I must say, it does tend to brighten things up a bit when we get bogged down in the ordinary.

I'm certainly glad I don't have to wait until Valentine's Day to indulge in the romantic, or to be indulged ;+). I'm extremely fortunate in that department. And what makes it even nicer is knowing that it's a from-the-heart manifestation of what's real in my world. I'm very grateful for that.

Just what's on my mind at this moment....

Shawn

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Happy New Year!!!

Best wishes for a wonderful 2011.....

The Lily&Hope Den Cam link is here, for those who wish to have a peek at our bears....
http://www.bear.org/livecams/lily-hope-cam.html

Enjoy!
Shawn & SGTex
****

The merry year is born....

....like the bright berry from the naked thorn. ~Hartley Coleridge

Okay, I must confess, when I found a new year's quotation that mentioned the word "berry," I went googling for raspberry pictures, and here we are. :+) Or perhaps it's the raspberry Milano cookies SGTex brought home from the store the other evening, lol.

Today, especially, I have been thinking about 2011 and what is in store. One of our Facebook friends posted this morning on the subject:

"‎2011: another 3,153,600 seconds for me to ______." After thinking about it for a few minutes, I filled in the blank with "live like I'm dying." Well, that's what I mean to do. I would imagine that my score on that little test will be in the low-to-mid 60s, what do you bet? Yeah... Perhaps that's because I'm kindasorta coming down (or up, perhaps) off a day that was quite less than perfect, so my mood is a bit tentative. I was telling SGTex the other day about Dorothy A, (Remember way back when, and I posted about the Dorothys in my life?) She'd say, "This day God hath not made!" when things weren't as they should be for her. It helped, lol.

But here and now it's my today, and the sun is shining brightly and the breeze is just about as perfect as I've ever had it 'breeze' here in Texas. Our mood is a little lighter and things aren't so awfully bad, after all. You know how that is, I'm pretty sure.

So, here we are with 2010 drawing to a close. If you're anything like me, and should you have a list of resolutions, some of those might entail what you/I didn't actually get around to finishing--or even starting, lol. I think just to be able to X some of those items off the list as the first few months go by will give me a sense of accomplishment, and that must be a good thing. Our year was absolutely crammed full of events, mainly surrounding the wedding. Every once in awhile I'm still a bit surprised when I think about the fact that it's behind us and not ahead of us, and now we're on to making new, happy plans for the new year.

I'll always hold a special place in my heart for 2010...but I've been kinda like that since 2005....

Shawn
****

Merry Christmas from Texas....

Just stopping by on a wet and chilly Christmas Eve to say that we hope everyone, everywhere has an exceptionally happy holiday!

Best wishes from both of us~

Shawn & SGTex

Sebastian, Seamus & Sasha

photo courtesy of http://skimhenson.files.wordpress.com

Beannachtaí Grianstad an Gheimhridh!

Winter Solstice Greetings!

Last evening SGTex and I were out on the town and he stopped to harvest some lovely mistletoe for our home. It's extremely prolific in this area all the year round, but is especially beautiful at the holidays, being thick with tiny, white berries.

The magical mistletoe was considered to be the most sacred plant by Druids. Five days following the new moon after the winter solstice, the priests would collect the greenery from a holy oak tree using a golden sickle. The branches must be caught before touching the ground, then were divided into sprigs to be passed to those who would carry it home to hang over their doorways as protection.

Our mistletoe will grace a beautiful antique bowl of brass with some red and gold ornaments and cones from the trees where we used to live. Some will be strategically placed in order to enhance our ;+) celebration, and perhaps we'll tie some on to our golden snowflake that tops our tree.

Enjoy your time of Winter Solstice. This lunar eclipse is something that has not be seen since the 1600s, so we look forward to experiencing that together.

Cheers!

Shawn

****

Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather....

‎....and dance - each beautiful, unique and too soon gone. ~D. Whipp

Some of our friends kindly shared what they remember about past holidays:

Angel…Mine is of my Daddy. Every year he got socks, underwear, and tee shirts. Every single year he would look all innocent like he didn't have ANY clue what was in there, and every year he would open it up and exclaim, "OOOOhhhh, JUST what I wanted!!!!" Valerie and I would just be so tickled because he loved "our" presents that Mom had bought for him, from us. As we grew up it was done a little more tongue-in-cheek, but he still kept saying that. I love him so much.

Anne…Such a nice memory of your dad, Angel. Mine is of my dad as well. He was a big joker. One Christmas he put this huge lidded trash can next to the tree with a big red bow & a tag showing it was a gift to my mom from him. Mom just shook her head like - what is he up to now??? Mom opened the trash can & inside there was one huge box which was wrapped in newspaper or something like that. She proceeded to open the box & must have gone thru 8 or 10 boxes/bags, etc. (looked like he had cleaned out the basement), to finally get to a tiny jewelry gift box holding a little wishbone charm for her charm holder necklace. It was so funny & we all enjoyed watching her open it all. None of us knew what Dad had done either, as he kept it a secret! I had a fun family!

Estelle…Two incidences, same Christmas: Hubby couldn't find a box to wrap his present for his dad, so his sister had a Gator Golf box he used. FIL unwrapped the box, kinda looked disgusted for a second...regained his composure, smiled kinda big and said, "Thanks, y'all." We had to encourage him to open the BOX to find the grown up present he needed. We laughed about that until he passed away. Hubby's sister had already received 2 Mr. Tea makers, and she unwrapped yet another one from her husband. She was so ticked off! Her hubby had to calm her down and make her LOOK inside the tea pitcher to find a gorgeous emerald ring. This is our Mr. Tea Emerald Ring story. :)

Becky…My dad was always the shining star at Christmas - makes it really hard without him, even though my mama was the glue who held everything together. On Christmas morning, we were not allowed to open our doors until we heard the jingle bells and heard the furnace fire up. Dad would jingle bells all the way down the hall and holler, "Kris Kringle was here!" and then we could come out. We all believed in Santa for many years past the time we should have because it was all so much fun and the presents were so lavish (we didn't get "stuff" throughout the year).

Anne…I can imagine both of those things happening, Estelle! At our house when growing up you had to look in the box as most times the box was being reused - never judge a box by its cover! We also had times where my husband & I would give my brother & his wife the same gift we received from them - we had all come up with the same idea. A time or two we also gave Mom the same items/gifts, so by the time we were done, we had 3 identical gifts there & we were all very happy with the results.

Cynthia…On Christmas Day 1997 George brought me a box wrapped in two unmatching types of Christmas paper. The outside of the box was labeled "Combat boots, size 9 M." Inside the box were three of Sue Grafton's alphabet books, and two boxes wrapped in tissue paper. The larger of the two boxes held a crystal teddy bear with a rose zircon heart (my birthstone.) The other box...when I unwrapped the tissue paper I noted that the wrapping paper said Zales. For those who don't know, Zales is a jewelry store. I unwrapped the box, which took forever because that wrapping paper could have withstood dynamite, to find a diamond ring in a box. At that point George proposed to me, and of course I accepted. We got married 05/02/98, and the last twelve years have been the best of my life. I only wish that my mother had gotten to meet him before she passed away.

Michelle…I'm having a disjointed memories day so... When I was a kid we all gathered at my grandmother's house. We were NOT a formal bunch. My grandparents supplied the turkey/ham/meat, and the rest of us brought sides and desserts. Everything would be lined up buffet style. One Christmas, we somehow started this tradition of stealing food off one another's plate. So, you might have your plate full of your favorite thing, and someone might stick their plate next to yours and scrape that last piece of pie onto their plate or steal your dinner roll. It escalated into "dinner roll" baseball later, with used pie pans as the bases and home plate. It was my most fun, most memorable, and most unconventional Christmas ever.

Shawn…Three Xmas holidays stand out in my mind. 1. The storybook, Hallmark card-like one spent in Wales. 2. When my father passed on, and the holidays basically turned upside down for me. 3. The one following 9 days of no power in WA, where Noel held my hand and kept me sane from a distance of over 2000 miles. Now I’m back to loving the holidays again. They’re simpler, less elaborate, and much, much better than ever, because I get to spend them with my very own Texas Santa Baby.

Let's remember to make some more of those sweet Christmas memories.

Shawn & SGTex

****

"I will honor Christmas in my heart...

....and try to keep it all the year." ~Charles Dickens

It seems to me, if we were to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long, we might not experience the stress that we do during the holidays. I think what Mr. Dickens likely meant is to have an attitude of charity and best wishes for all, to do for others first, to aim to give, rather than receive, to have more of a beatific countenance and a happier world view. Perhaps. But I don't want to presume to speak for Charles Dickens.

Who, by the way, is said to have been owned by Havanese (as are we, lol)... Perhaps that is why he was able to say he will honor Christmas and keep it all the year. That's not too difficult if one spends any time at all with such happy puppies ;+). This particular breed of canine's makeup can be summed up thusly: Glad Tidings of Great Joy, lol.

Anyway, I do think that it's a good idea to have that attitude. At the very least, we can attempt it. And I must say, I've certainly failed to do so. Hard as I may try, I find myself drawn into negativity and difficulties all too easily.

I very likely said it in my prior post about Christmas trees, but one of my most favorite things about this home is that I have such a great view of our sweet little tree with the old-fashioned lights and ornaments. It is placed "just so," and I can glance up from my desk and be reminded of what a lovely time of year it is. That helps when the typical stressors get the best of me and I'm out of sorts (who, me??), when I'm needing to be of better cheer, lol.

The other night when SGTex took me out on the town to see the holiday lights, and we pulled up in the car and there was our own tree shining through the window, I was very thankful. Our little house with the pretty tree and big holiday wreath on the front door with a big red bow was just as wonderful as anyone else's holiday home, in my estimation!

I might as well admit it. Yes, I do need to have the holiday spirit and to try (a little harder) to keep it all the year.

Happy 12 days until Christmas!

Shawn

****

The truth about snowflakes and frost....

Crystals arise when a pure compound passes gradually from liquid to solid form. The elegant regularity of a crystal is attributable to the way its molecules have configured and fit together. The angles and distances between atoms are determined by the strong bonds of fundamental molecular structure, and then weaker bonds amongst the molecules determine in turn the most comfortable interrelationship as they gather, when cooling from a melted state or drying forth from solution.
In regimented accordance with all these affinities and angles, molecules work out the most stable arrangement and ultimately present a statement about themselves to us. If it weren't for this, we might still be wondering about the structural nature of the executive genetic material, for Watson and Crick had to make crystals of DNA and shine x-ray light through them to *eureka* the remarkable double helix.
Not to disillusion those who need to believe Jack Frost is a real person, but the fact of the matter -- and my point here -- is that frost's fractal feathery fronds and the special beauty of snowflakes come about in this way, too. H2O maintains an angle of 104.5 degrees, stout chemical bonds keeping the hydrogens and oxygen together in a molecule, while gentler attractions decide the way they array when they find themselves at a low temperature. The most stable state entails compromise, as there is considerable repulsion between like-charged ends as well as attraction between the oppositely charged points, accounting for the expansion we see when water freezes, as well as a tendency to form a ring of six V-shapes that may ultimately express itself in a swirl of tiny sprites we can view with a magnifier and be impressed---or spread out this way and that across a pane to result in those crystal coastlines, cascades and crochet for perusal by sleepy eyes at sunrise.
And I will say it's quite apparent that the origin of life on Earth (and all those other worlds) traces back just as surely to the intricacy of purpose that atoms and molecules are able, nay eager, to share. If you catch someone trying to propagate the lie that order does not increase on its own in a universe such as ours, try not to smirk but rather smile. Arrogance is *their* province, not ours.

SGTex

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Oh, arbre de Noël....

I realize it's not even December, but we put our Christmas tree up yesterday--that is to say, SGTex did. It is so pretty, as always.

We were reminiscing a little bit about what fun we had when we went tree shopping our first holiday together, here in Texas. We didn't quite shop 'til we drop, but I can honestly say we had lots of fun. I'm not going to tell you what SGTex did at the hardware store, but I honestly thought I'd die laughing. There was a bit of a discussion when it came down to the final tree selection, as we were living in an apartment and didn't have a huge space. The options were to go tall, but they tended to be rather pricey, and too large, lol. There was one particular window that would be a nice spot, so we picked one that was on the small side and not too wide. It's what I call a "forever green tree," so we can just pack it away and bring it out each year, and now it sits in the window that can be seen by those who happen to pass by our little house.

We seem to have a somewhat typical array of ornaments. Each holiday we have been together in Texas, we choose a new ornament to add to our collection. I keep meaning to bake some gingerbread men to hang, but never seem to get around to that. I like the clear lights, kind of a warm white. SGTex prefers the larger, old-fashioned colored lights, so we've done a combination, which really looks nice. This year, it is nearly the same, but instead of the clear, we have a set of quite white, bright lights that are a bit different and really look great.

I thought this picture of one made from antique jewelry was gorgeous, so wanted to share it. This may be the first of several.... Oh, oh...I feel a theme coming on, lol.

We hope your holiday season will be filled with good cheer!

Shawn
****
photo courtesy of antique-jewelry-investor.com

Thanksgiving....

“You know that just before that first Thanksgiving dinner there was one wise, old Native American woman saying, “Don’t feed them. If you feed them, they’ll never leave.” –Dylan Brody

I'm looking forward to getting started on our second Thanksgiving dinner at this house....which makes it my third, here in Texas.

I remember the first Thanksgiving dinner I made for my family in Washington years ago. That was the first time I had company at my new-to-me home, at the time. I had a wonderful, green monstrosity of an oven that I had fenagled from the nearby appliance center. What I didn't know about it was, there was a switch that needed to be turned on in order for the oven to heat. I had the dinner ready to go, the turkey in the oven and went off to set the table....came back and checked. Nothing was heating. That turkey was as cold as it was when I took it out of the refrigerator.....Called my parents in a panic and my father drove down the hill to my house, fooled around with the fuse box....and then I discovered this funny-looking switch. The oven heated and all was well. Best Thanksgiving dinner anybody had ever eaten, they claimed, lol. Fun times.

SGTex and I had an interesting first Texas Thanksgiving, too. Big turkey he'd had in the freezer long before I got here.......We thawed it out and went looking for that little bag of goodies that is supposed to be removed before roasting, you know.....couldn't find anything. It wasn't there. Got the flashlight..........no sign of it, anywhere. Concluded our turkey was different- it came with no extras. Oh, well. And that's what we thought until several days later when I was taking all the leftover meat off the bones for soup and salads........Oh, oh.... Man, that bag of goodies was tucked well away, LOL.

This year our dinner will be pretty traditional, with lots of trimmings, including pecans. Lots of pecans, as it appears we're having a bumper crop this year.

May you and yours have a bumper crop of blessings.....

Shawn & SGTex
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Moon over, Texas....

This has been a great Saturday, all day long. Nothing especially unusual or intense going on, just being at home together, getting some much-needed R&R and doing a few things around the house.

There's something to be said for taking time out from the busy work schedule to find out what it's like (what *we're* like) when there's nothing in particular that must be done, nowhere in particular to go, no big projects or concerns that must be dealt with....

This evening SGTex suggested we take a moonlit drive, so we put the pups in the "Raspberry," headed down the road and enjoyed the full moon over Texas.

Goodnight, everybody.

Shawn

****

photo courtesy of: "Moon over Texas" seen at the on-line gallery of WAMdesigns and artist Wilma Morrow, wilmamorrow.com

An Afghanistan-American sweetheart named Target....

This beauty, along with her canine friends Rufus and Sasha intercepted a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, saving the lives of many US soldiers. One of them brought her home to live in Arizona with her new family. She was America's hero. She even got to be on Oprah.

I guess it wasn't too surprising when she got out of the yard and spent some time at large, running loose in her town.

At least in America she didn't have to fear being shot (again) by Taliban, nor did she risk being caught by explosives.

But, the helpful neighbor who took her off the street and sent her to the animal shelter couldn't have known she wouldn't live to see home again. She was euthanized, much to the shock and dismay of her family and all of America.

Go hug your dogs and cats. This makes a good case for ID collars, microchipping and strong, secure fences.

Take care of your animal friends, for they will take care of you.

We're so sorry for what happened to you. Bless your beautiful heart, Target.

Shawn

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Thoughts of thanksgiving....

This is the beautiful ceiling dome of the Thanks-Giving Square Chapel in Dallas. I absolutely must get to see it sometime soon....

I'm beginning to notice, as life goes on, that those things for which I am thankful aren't necessarily the same as when I was a child. "Come, ye thankful people come," isn't necessarily a song directed toward those who've had no difficulties or issues to resolve in their lives. I don't know what you were thinking as an American school child (were you one of us, lol) when it was time to get out the crayons and paste and draw around your hand and turn that into a turkey picture, but I was pretty well focused on being grateful for the nice things in my life. I didn't necessarily take everything good for granted, nor was I one who went around with a grateful look on my face and waking up each morning with, "Boy, am I lucky!!" As an adult living in Ireland, I found out that what I'd considered to be positive and good about my life in the burbs wasn't necessarily as well thought of by those living outside the USA.

As time has gone on, in fact, I'm less and less impressed by the "God is good" sayers. It seems that every time a distaster is averted in somebody's life, all the glory is given to God. Well, fine. Who gets the glory when the disaster lands smack dab on top of someone, or 10s of 1000s of someones???

Okay, never mind about that. I guess what I'm discovering is quite a "cornucopia" (lame, huh, lol?) of things for which to give thanks: Waking up in splendid Texas with a splendid man and finding another opportunity to get it right. Puppies that smile, no matter what. Mockingbirds. The love of a good man. My cute little margarine-colored bungalow. Good friends here and there. The soft colors of Texas and Black Angus cattle, just like in the movies, but just across town. Pictures of Washington, so beautiful as to remind me of my childhood. Getting to live in Astoria, Oregon.

Okay, okay.

Shawn

*****

Hey!!!!

Yeah, you, dammit...

Okay, that wasn't very ladylike of me, was it?! I know, but geewhiz. Last evening an old friend posted on Facebook that she had noticed that some of her more liberal friends were being cranky (after the midterm elections where the more conservative types prevailed and will be sitting in Congress, now). I made a comment to the effect that some of us aren't as cranky, as we are skeptical these days, watching to see what the Republicans are going to do about everything they want changed....and of course, a couple of conservatives hopped on the thread and started in with their remarks. I chimed in with my guess that there are those who dislike Pres. Obama and family because they're not white folks, and it doesn't set well with them. So, I got told that liberals are always crying "racism" when they disagree with the conservatives.....blah, blah, blah.

Well, anyway, I find it all rather tiresome, this hash-slinging and accusatory mentality, and wish everybody would just settle down and identify the real problems we have in our country, put our heads together (as opposed to knocking them) and come up with some solutions. Maybe even just start with one thing and then resolve it, then move on to the next...and so on.

I think the first thing we might do is remember that we all are Americans, yet we don't have to all think and live the same way. It's actually okay to believe differently than our neighbors and have different lifestyles, different philosophies. There's something called "diversity" that makes life more interesting and rewarding--but the deal is, we need to actually pay attention to others and appreciate them for being who they are, and get to know about them, if not get to know them personally, well enough to like them and respect them, be grateful for what they bring to this country. I remember someone who was absolutely mean and hateful about the Vietnamese people who came to our small town in the PNW and worked hard, proving that they could contribute to our community and were given loans so they could buy a small business and make something of it. Boyhowdy, they did, and they did all right by themselves and helped each other and their extended families. They were successful. The hateful person? Well, she and her husband have gone on to be dishonest and fail at their business and are both pretty dismal and angry people, without their medication... lol. Hatred and mistrust and bigotry seems to take a toll on a person's health. I know I can't stand to be around them... I wish they were a fraction as nice as the Vietnamese people they hate so much, lol. Oh, well...

I know we're exceedingly blessed here in America. We're lucky as all get-out and some of us don't even know it. Other people from other places dislike us, mainly because we come off as being uppity and arrogant and we take so much for granted. I remember when I lived in Ireland, there were people who would come up to me and ask me if families really all had cars, or more than one car, and did our houses really have garages that were filled with all of our extra stuff so we had to park our car(s) outside...and then when I answered yes, yes, yes, they shook their heads--not so much in amazement, but in a sort of pitying, tongue-clucking way. We do take a lot for granted. We've been given a lot, here in the US of A, and the least we could do is to be grateful, take better care of it all and see if we might redistribute some of it amongst ourselves, so as to help those less fortunate.

I know, a girl can dream.....

Shawn

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