A Little Circular Thinking For New Years

I recently sent out a twit of: "While planning your future, take a moment to review how you got to your past." Which got me thinking about New Year resolutions and the forward thinking that surrounds them.

 Like everyone else, I too have my list of things I plan to give more psychic energy.  I say that because sometimes in attempting to go forward we need to from time to time take a moment and look back at how far we have come.

So here is my list of circular thinking for the next year:

1. After all your help in encouraging others to live their dreams... do more to live yours!

2. For all those people you said you would never forgive... hope they forgive you as well.

3. Stop signs provide a useful purpose, in traffic! Stop responding to the stop signs in your life!

4. No matter how much you feel the need to tell others what they should be doing... say nothing!

5. Even when you don't want to, vow to speak in a kinder gentler manner to those you encounter.

6. Despite that extra ten pounds, too many bad hair days, and pictures you see in magazines, you really are gorgeous in your own way.

And finally,

7. While you are waiting for the love of your life, decide to love something deeply right now!

8. While giving thought to the list above send it to someone you know and see how long it takes to come back to you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Cold Enough For You?

I'm working on photos of a recent beach trip from an unusually warm winter here in Florida and realized I was pouring salt into a wound for some because of unusually cold weather throughout the rest of the country. Snow is a fact of life I left in Colorado so when I hear the phrase "wind chill" mentioned I smile as I enjoy walking around in shorts.

To help you feel a little bit better about your lot in life this Winter, I found this video of the weather in Siberia. Once you watch it, you will realize things are not as bad as they seem; and can then wait patiently for me to prepare the beach photos.

See... now don't you feel better!

The Private Life of Santa

And here we are on Christmas Eve and kids all over the world are excited with anticipation. Which got me wondering exactly what does Santa do just before he takes off on his appointed rounds.

Take a look...

He looks for an ATM because he is almost out of cash buying those last minute presents that the elves didn't have time to make.

He takes a helicopter ride to make certain he knows the route just in case his GPS Rudolph can't recalculate in time.

He checks in with all his elves to make certain they have been working and on schedule.

And, he has a policeman give a ticket to an elf that has gone off the rails walking around with an open container.

Then off to deliver all those presents while he dreams of taking a well deserved break after the holiday by getting in a little fishing.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each and every one!!!

The End of A Horrible Month

I have settled into December and must admit I now understand how the Queen of England felt when she referred to her "annus horribilis" or horrible year, November was mine!

The Constant Gardner, my father, will turn 90 next year and has had a struggle to remain in the world through this one. During multiple hospitalizations, he was revived three times and at one point we even had to make that dreaded end of life decision to remove life support.

But, the old scamp still had a trick or two up his sleeves and came roaring back. I say roaring because once all the medical devices were removed he began to thrive, was aware and alert,  and began making demands and telling us what he would and would not do. He is now back at home and planning the next harvest!

But, death comes on cat's paws and just as we were celebrating, I had to deal with another loss just as devastating. One of my best friends in Denver (Dwight Carr) went into the hospital complaining of chest pains and died! I have written about him and his wife before, and always regarded them as my "other" Ma and Pa because their love and patience could only be compared to the level of a parent.

I know my level of loss and can only imagine how his wife of 37 years must be adjusting to a loss of this magnitude. I found myself counting the days until November went away because now it was the bringer of bad news and events that were hard but must be endured. I will forever miss my friend, his laugh, his booming voice, and a willingness to help that seemed to know few bounds.






And so, the magical thinking continues because November has passed into memory and I am well settled into December... a month that holds promise. I do apologize for my absence in blogging and hope you will understand. A final word in passing: Take a moment and hold someone you love close!

Southern Women Go To A Show

I have heard about the Southern Women's show for a number of years and this year decided to take the camera and give it a look see. As usual click each photo for a better view.

The thing I love about Americans is that we are a very friendly people on an individual basis. You can walk up to anyone and ask them questions and they are more than happy to help or tell all about something they are interested in. I say that because all of the people in the following photos were more than happy to take time to tell about their exhibit.

There were the expected exhibitors offering weight loss alternatives. I asked questions to test this young woman's knowledge and she was more than gracious and passed the test as well!

I didn't ask questions, but simply watched as this young woman was transformed. It was interesting to say the least to listen to the beauty tips provided.

I also learned a good deal by talking with a number of exhibitors. A longer distance trip is in my future to visit the town of Helen, Georgia. Helen evidently is an alpine village nestled in Northern Georgia. It is a seven hour drive from Jacksonville, so during a long weekend it should provide a chance to really get away and experience a little bit of Europe right here in America.

I will also admit to having a bit of misinformation corrected by a very informative gentleman from the Florida Peanut Producers Association. I thought Georgia produced most of the peanuts we consumed in America. I found out that yes, Georgia is the largest producer but Florida is a very close second. He recommended several recipes using peanuts that were simple and allowed peanuts to add spice in terms of dressing up a meal. So take that Georgia!

Speaking of recipes, Publix (the local grocery chain) had a presence and their attendants worked to out do the peanut guy and were a fun group as well.

And speaking of fun groups, I was surprised by the number of men in attendance. Groups like the Fraternal Order of Police who gave new meaning to "Officer Friendly" in that they provided info and also made our talk more than a lighthearted event.

These guys pointed out to me that a women's show is not just about makeup and weightloss. Women now own their own homes and they were there to show how such a major investment could be protected by adding something as simple as gutters. It seems simple, but in a place like Florida where there is substantial rainfall, gutters can prevent foundation problems. They too were a fun group and a fitting end to a great show!