Azulito

Azulito
Originally uploaded by Nieve44/La Luz

Music: Our Last Farewell, Dan Fogelberg
Mood: tired and blue

I just got back from a quick trip to Corpus Christi. Driving at night can take a toll on you. I think though it was because we (my parents & myslelf) left with heavy hearts. Before we leave Corpus, we almost always stop at the cemetary to visit my brother and grandmother. This blue flower was at the tombstone of my grandmother. I found it laying by a tree all by itself and happily placed it on the tombstone. Afterwards, we walked across to the other side where my brother is and this is where the sadness comes in. We could not find his tombstone. We searched aimlessly for half an hour but to no avail. It seems the heavy rains shifted the soil and weeds and grass have taken over. My parents were so upset as was I. I ran over to the office, which was about to close. The woman promised that on Monday they will have the groundskeepers locate the tombstone and raise it. We hated to leave but it was getting late. So, tonight I am blue because I felt like we left him solito-all alone since we couldn't find him. I know it's just a tombstone we couldn't locate but still our hearts ache. Just so you know, I never really knew my brother (Armando) as he died at birth but he is the twin to my brother Arnold.
Still, he has always been in my heart. We didn't even tell Arnold what happened as he would be beside himself. Thank goodness he doesn't read this blog.

Aerial Boundaries

Originally uploaded by :Eureka:

Some years back, I was introduced to the music by the late Michael Hedges. I had misplaced the CD but came across some of his music again on iTunes and have been playing it (Aerial Boundaries) regularly. I'm hooked. Another artist that we lost much too young. See him play title song live here. I wish I could've seen him play live.
Photo by Eureka/Erika

The Film

Quote from one of my favorite movies...

~~~~~~~

Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That's what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will...

~~~~~~~~

Dancing's just a conversation between two people. Talk to me.

~~~~~~~

Can you name the film? Hint: it floats! One of my favorite scenes is the house that Justin is building. OMG, I want a house like that in the country. He ain't too bad of a dancer either! He could talk to me all he wants! My other favorite scene is the dance hall. Guessed the film yet? You can read about it here. I'm ready to take a roadtrip to Smithville!

Nice soundtrack as well, which I was listening to earlier. Yep, a cheesy way to spend Christmas evening.

Christmas Auld Syne

Christmas Auld Syne
Originally uploaded by Nieve44/La Luz

Good Morning on this Christmas holiday. I just finished enjoying a cup of tea and an almond croissant. A relatively quiet morning here with Chulo but parakeets are chirping in the next room. I fed the birds outside as well as my extended family of two squirrels. Listening to some holiday music, which is nice but I've gotten to where I prefer the instrumental music more. Need to get moving here and make some Green Bean casserole as we (parents and I) are heading to my brothers of which I"m looking forward to. I am so thankful for my family and thoughts go out to those whose families are far or distant.

Winter Rose

Winter Rose - Front Cover
Originally uploaded by o2ma

In case you're looking for that last minute Christmas gift, this CD by Ottmar Liebert is a must have of wonderful holiday music. Perfect for sitting by a fireplace or by candlelight as I did earlier tonight. Even better if your driving around and sitting in holiday traffic, which by the way has been brutal these past few days. Thankfully, I'm done with my shopping. One last trip to Starbucks for coffee for a friend and to pick up some scratch off lottery tickets which is a tradition in our family.

Same Old Lang Syne

I just learned of this singer's passing! So sad!

I used to have the biggest crush on him!

His album, The Innocent Age is brillant

and certainly ranks in my top ten of must haves!

Lord, knows I wore it out!

Winter Rose 2007

Winter Rose
Originally uploaded by Nieve44/La Luz

She's back! My winter rose has come alive with color and beauty. :-) I finally got a chance to sit outside, bask in the cool air and take in her beauty.

An Erika Moment....

from my niece for my niece....

Tabasco

vs.

Tobacco

...we were talking about a new jam that I bought, with tabasco

and her reply was, "ewwww"!

She could'nt believe I would think to put tobacco jam on my bread,

THEN she realized what I was referring too!

Thus, an Erika moment!

Munked

Get Munked!

I cannot wait for this movie to come out!

My niece and I have a date to go and watch this movie on the 14th!

I just downloaded the "Witch Doctor" song from iTunes

and been jamming in my room!

Inner Fire

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer

Title and photo by BlueEyes5.

Uranus Direct

Astro Alert:

Uranus turns direct on November 24, triggering a powerful time known for change and surprising events. With Uranus, planet of liberation and freedom from earthly bonds, straightening out its course just hours before the full Moon, your need for independence and freedom will be heightened. Remember to honor your emotions, but keep the feelings of others in mind as well. While change is in the air, remain flexible as you ride out this roller coaster of a transit. Now is the time to break free of routines and patterns that no longer fit, trusting that the new pieces of your life will settle later.

...Proof it's in the stars!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by Nieve44/La Luz

Blue

Your true color is Blue!


You're blue — the most soothing shade of the spectrum. The color of a clear summer sky or a deep, reflective ocean, blue has traditionally symbolized trust, solitude, and loyalty. Most likely a thoughtful person who values spending some time on your own, you'd rather connect deeply with a few people than have a bunch of slight acquaintances. Luckily, making close friends isn't that hard, since people are naturally attracted to you — they're soothed by your calming presence. Cool and collected, you rarely overreact. Instead, you think things through before coming to a decision. That level-headed, thoughtful approach to life is patently blue — and patently you!



As I sit here entering this blog I am listening to Winter Blue by Ottmar Liebert from his Winter Rose cd and it's one of my favorite pieces of music. Thanks Desert Diva for the link to the test. She writes, I shamelessly “snagged” this color test from fellow blogger “Fleur-de-Lisa.”, and I'm just adding to the shame! ;-) If you to want to take the test see Tickle.

Frisbeetarianism

Word of the Day: Frisbeetarianism
Music: Thira, Stephen Duros
Mood: Laughing at the word of the day. I was sad earlier because another house slipped my fingers again. I'm starting to feel like a frisbee....getting stuck on a roof BUT not my roof!

Frisbeetarianism (n.),

The belief that, when you die, your soul flies up

onto the roof and gets stuck there.

Thanks, Teddy I needed to laugh!

Caffe Medici

Coffee the way it should be made!

When in Austin be sure

to enjoy a cup.

Happy Halloween

Mike
Originally uploaded by ggtem

He looks more like a Mikey with that snaggle tooth gleam! Photo courtesy of Erika. Design inspiration by Erika. Carvings by Luz & Erika. She wanted a happy face pumpkin and not a scary face pumpkin for her first pumpkin carving.

Awaken the soul

Instantly awakens the soul
Originally uploaded by ggtem

It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity.
-Dave Barry

From my niece! I crack up everytime I read this!

BTW Erika, we DO need to go back to Central Market

and grab that coffee we saw!

Transition

Music: George Winston, Montana: A Love Story
Mood: Blah

Libra Horoscope: 10/20/07

Like a brand new sponge, your brain is eager to soak up everything in sight today! You always thought learning was fun, but today you will have so much fun learning something new that you may need a few days to recover! Get ready for a shocking revelation, intriguing announcement or delightful declaration to stir up your imagination and make your energy level skyrocket. There is some extremely good news coming your way, and it will involve a major transition.

Update: 10/24/07... I'm still waiting for the shocking revelation/good news to come my way! I need something to snap me out of this downward spiral I've been feeling of late. I have my moments when I think it's happening but then something snaps and I'm back where I started...taking one step forward and two steps backwards. It seems that this whole year (2007) my life has been in transition. ;-( One thing for sure, I need a vacation! I've been pretty much stuck here in H-Town except for a few quick excursions to Corpus Christi and Lake Charles. While a vacation may not be in order soon one thing I AM VERY much looking forward to is my massage on Saturday! It's been more than a month and this Humpty Dumpty is very much in need of being put back together.

#48

Hello Kitty
Originally uploaded by nieve44

My one-a-month,

and a birthday present from my niece

--for a wild and crazy girl!

;-)

Precious Time

Precious time #3
Originally uploaded by nieve44

Precious Time

They’re calling up numbers now
Try to hide but how
Close your eyes, just pretend we’re runaways
How many boys and men…women and (pets too)
Will it take to win
And how many wish they could be runaways
How many tomorrows do we have
How much precious time

Pick a lucky star
Be it near or far
Just pretend on the long nights…
I can see it too
And wish the same as you

How many tomorrows do we have
How much precious time.

The past few days I’ve learned about the passing of two very dear people and one very special cat and this song by Darden Smith came to mind. John was my first crush from middle school and we went out a few times. I thought he hung the moon! I’m sure he’s chuckling now. I ran into him at the grocery store some years back. He recognized me at first and we caught up with one another in that “precious time” next to the produce isle. As I learn more about his tragic death, I wished now we had exchanged phone numbers/email, something—instead of “see you around”.

Just last month I ran into my student in the hallway and shared “precious time” by saying “hello”. I wish I knew then what I know now…I didn’t know she had been ill with cancer. When I met her some years back, she had just recovered from open heart surgery. She was just at work last Monday and died this past Saturday and leaves behind a young son. She had just completed her degree and came so far from where she began when I first met her.

The shock of John’s death was just passing when I learned of Chyna’s untimely death as well. My very tender womb opened up again and just this evening the tears finally flowed freely. I couldn’t hold it back anymore. Their passing had a profound impact on me as they hit very close to home. Sadly, I missed John’s memorial service and not sure if Chyna will have one but if I can I will be sure to attend. As soon as I can, I will look up into the night sky and pick three lucky stars…for John, Chyna and Duffy too!

Conscious Brilliance

Autumn's Beauty

The birth of autumn is an event missed by many. Autumn reveals itself slowly, hovering on the edges of our consciousness until its crisp breezes are strong enough to pierce our summer clothing, and we notice for the first time the transformations taking place all around us. It is only when the last fruits and vegetables have emerged in the crisp tangy air and the trees have begun to deck themselves in shifting patterns of crimson and gold that we internalize that fall has indeed returned. Autumn is invigorating and a time to gather our thoughts, in the same way that we might once have collected crops. Just as animals collect acorns to store them, we reap the fruit of our accomplishments. Autumn also ushers in a new slowness of being for most of us, as the tone and tempo of our lives change along with those of all of Mother Earth's children. As the days grow shorter and the blossoms that brightened our gardens through summer's heat begin to droop and wilt, we tend to acknowledge the changing season without understanding that we, too, are in transition. The brilliance of autumn's foliage, the flocks of southbound geese honking overhead, and the arrival of a bountiful harvest are all signs that our lives will soon be changing. Whether the season's cooler days are a prelude to a cold winter or a long stretch of sweater weather, we feel obliged to slow down and take stock of our lives. Autumn's pleasures and rituals revolve around the gathering of abundance in preparation for the winter to come. There is ample time to contemplate what we accomplished during the warmer seasons while tasting the year's first cider or breathing in the sweet fragrance of leaves breaking down. The same stirring that inspires animals to burrow deep into the earth compels us to celebrate the rich bounty we instinctively know will not appea! r again until springtime. Appearances deceive in autumn. The transformations undergone by living beings seem much more like endings than the transitions they really are. Dormancy, not death, is the hallmark of fall. Your priorities will likely change as nature flares into sunset brilliance and then lapses slowly into slumber, but remember to rejoice in the beauty of nature where every finale serves as an overture for a new beginning.

I just love this website!

I am so looking forward to autumn!

Angelus' Words

See what no eye can see,

go where no foot can go,

choose that which is no choice--

then you may hear what makes no sound--

God's voice. --

Angelus Silvenius

Luz & Tom

S(He's) the Greatest Dancer!

RIP-roarily FUNNY!

I'm still laughing!

Courtesy of Flickr Friend-Mike.

Makes me feel like really dancing

but oh to have that figure!

Angels 101

Angels 101
by Doreen Virtue
Posted by: DailyOM

"There are countless numbers of angels who want to help you, me, and everyone live in peace. Just as people hold different specialties, so do the angels. Here is a brief guide to the various types of Heavenly beings who would love to help you: Guardian Angels: The angels stationed permanently by your side are called guardian angels. These are nonhuman celestial entities sent directly from the Creator. They’re not our deceased loved ones, who—while they can definitely act like angels—are called spirit guides. Our departed friends and family members, like all people living or deceased, have egos. Although they may be well-meaning, their guidance isn’t as pure and trustworthy as that of guardian angels, who are with us from the moment we’re born until our physical death. No matter what we do in life, our angels will never leave us. Guardian angels are protectors and guides, ensuring that we stay safe, happy, healthy, and fulfill our life mission. Yet, we must act as a team with our guardian angels to fulfill these intentions. That means asking for help from them and then receiving the help they give you. Speaking as a lifelong clairvoyant, I’ve never seen anyone without at least two guardian angels stationed by their side. One is loud and bold, to ensure that you’ll work on your Divine life purpose; the other is quieter, and serves to comfort and soothe you. Yet, not everyone clearly hears their angels. If everybody did, we’d have a completely peaceful world! You can have more than two guardian angels, and there are benefits to being surrounded by additional ones. They act like a castle moat, protecting you from negativity. The more angels you have with you, the stronger you’ll feel the sensation of their Divine love and protection. It’s also easier to hear a whole choir of angels, rather than the voice of just one or two of them. Invoke additional angels by requesting that God send them to you, by asking the angels directly, or by visualizing yourself surrounded by more of them. You can ask for as many angels as you’d like. Some people have additional guardian angels because a relative or good friend prayed for them to be surrounded by a number of them. Those who have had near-death experiences have extra angels to help with their adjustment to life following their experiences on the Other Side. Every time God thinks of love, a new angel is created. That means that there’s an infinite number of angels available to everyone".

Courtesey of Daily OM


This past summer my guardian angels brought me to a special woman by the name of Beth Woolf who is an angel messenger. We met twice and she shared the messages of my angels as I clearly had not been hearing what they were telling me. What an eye-opening experience! My mom recently saw Beth as well and another friend asked me to bring her to the "Angel Lady" and each of us has left the sessions with a newfound sense of purpose and direction. I just ordered my copy of this book and as soon as I get a house I want to make it a haven for my angels. One of the first things I want to do is purchase a few angel statues and display them in and around the yard to serve as a reminder that they are always near guiding me.

Morning Dew

Music: Lucia, Oscar Lopez

Mood: Anxious

A Magical Potion

Morning Dew

The world awakens each day from its nightly slumber, transformed by a sparkling layer of morning dew on the grass, on flower petals and leaves, on cars and car windows. These glistening droplets last only a little while, an integral part of what imbues the early morning with its aura of magic. If we sleep too late, we miss the magnificent display of sunlight playing upon an infinite amount of tiny crystal balls. To step onto the dew-covered grass is to anoint our feet with a form of water that comes only once a day for a short time, a rarefied gift of the night air that will soon evaporate in the full light of the sun. If we inhale slowly and consciously enough, it is almost as if we are drinking in this magical elixir formed in the boundary between darkness and light. In one myth, morning dew is believed to be tears from heaven, and in another, the droplets are poured from the vessel of the goddess of dawn. When we see the earth draped with these shimmering drops, it is easy to imagine fairies bathing in the water, or a sky god weeping from a longing to be closer to his beloved earth goddess. Seeing the sparkling beauty of the earth emerging from darkness, we may understand this longing in terms of our own gratitude; how blessed we are to be here. Perhaps heaven really does long to be here on earth, and perhaps that is why we are here—as conduits between the divine and the earthbound. As we drink the morning dew in with our eyes, our skin, our breath, it is easy to imagine that it really is a magical potion, a gift from heaven, a reminder of our true purpose, and a daily opportunity to be transformed.


What do you think?

Courtesy of Daily OM

Admittedly, I've not seen much of the morning dew of late as I'm either sleeping or inside getting ready for work or sadly too busy running to work to notice the dew. Soon, I hope to have a home and I long to be able to step outside in the backyard and breathe in this magic potion.

Blip!

Blip!
Originally uploaded by nieve44

Coming home from work tonight. My 13th day of 20 working back to back and not getting off till 7:00/8:00 on weeknights! I'm in robotic mode these days. I see blips of the sun going into work and the moon coming home from work. I'm hoping to get a much deserved three day weekend off on Labor Day and SLEEP!

Aniversario x 3

From

August 15, 2004.

What a difference 3 years make!

BTW, no regrets about the job...

except that I should've held out for more $$$!

Ironically, today in my office I was listening to

La Semana

and oh yeah, I was "Counselor in Charge" today.

Chunky Dunk

Chunky Dunk.
Originally uploaded by MadeIn1984

Came across this on Flickr and after having just eaten it really hits home as I just got in from walking the dog and with temps in the triple digits these days it sure makes me want to take a dunk!

Police Comments

These 16 Police Comments were taken off actual police car videos around the country:

#16 "You know, stop lights don't come any redder than the one you just went through."

#15 "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them a while"

#14 "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."

#13 "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."

#12 "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that's the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you."

#11 "You don't know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?"

#10 "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I'm the shift supervisor?"

#9 "Warning! You want a warning? O.K., I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."

#8 "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"

#7 "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in monkey poop."

#6 "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."

#5 "In God we trust, all others we run through NCIC."

#4 "How big were those 'Just two beers' you say you had?"

#3 "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we can."

# 2 "I'm glad to hear that Chief (of Police) Hawker is a personal friend of yours. So you know someone who can post your bail."

AND THE #1 WINNER IS....

"You didn't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here

Running on Empty

Running into the Sun
Originally uploaded by nieve44

Running on - running on empty
Running on - running blind
Running on - running into the sun
But I'm running behind

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
I look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
Looking into their eyes I see them running too

For the past two weeks, I've been running behind, barely running into the sun and running on empty! I'm fininshing up my second week of working an extra part-time job and filling in for another person who is on vacation. Tomorrow, Sunday marks the 14th day of long hours of running back and forth between my regular job and the part-time job and running blindly. Thankfully, I"m on vacation the upcoming week and looking forward to some down time. Time to sleep, breathe, detox, and catch up with friends and loved ones. Even Chulo has been missing me.

More importantly, I'm finishing up my recovery period from my foot surgery. Just this past Thursday, I had the pin taken out of my toe and yes, it did hurt but was not excrutiating. So, now it's just one more week of walking with the stupid shoe but for now the toe is just bandaged and I only have to wear a sock to protect the foot. So, by next Friday if you see a shoe floating down the bayou you'll know its mine! ;-)

Touching Silence

Originally uploaded by nieve44

Music: Touching Silence, Nadama & Shastro
Mood: Sleepy (ok, not really a mood but you get the point)

My favorite time of the day...next to a sunrise but I haven't gotten to see to many of those lately. ;-( Title borrowed from song by 'Nadama & Shastro-A Reiki Offering' and I will have this photo in mind when I go in for my Reiki massage in the morning as I drift in and out of consciousness.

DCCLXXVII

*Above title taken from the Gregorian Calendar for the numbers, 7-7-7.

*Many couples consider today a date with destiny as the rush of weddings are at an all time high. The NY Times had this interesting article, "That’s because the date — the almost numerically perfect 7/7/07 — is being sought after by couples around the country as the ideal day for a wedding". I found this to be quite hysterical... "Oddly, some numerologists aren’t sure what all the fuss is about. For most couples, this is not the most desirable wedding date for long-term bliss” said Daniel Hardt, a numerologist and owner of the Life Path Numerology Center in Indianapolis. The triple 7 can lead to miscommunication. Interactions between the partners is likely to be strained. Marriage is difficult enough to sustain without the added burden of a potentially troublesome anniversary date, he said." Sorry Eva & Tony, which by the way I am so sick of hearing about their wedding! UGH!

I found Wiki's description of 7 to be more interesting! Lots of fun filled facts for this lucky date. No trips to the casino here or down the aisle for me today. Just a day at home but feeling lucky nonetheless for all my blessings. ;-)

Schmapped!

Schmap New York Third Edition: Photo Inclusion

Schmap New York Published Photographer: L.A. Rivera

Hi L.A. Rivera,

I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo has been selected for inclusion in the newly released third edition of our Schmap New York Guide:

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Please enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Luke Ritchie,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides

A very pleasant surprised indeed in which I have been honored to have published. A few weeks back, I recieved a request to have my photo submitted/approved for the first round of inclusion to which I gave the o.k, and just last week got this email notice. Psss...the linked file is big and you may not initially see my photo until it fully loads and/or you may have to move the cursor around on the map for the photo to display.

Post-Op/OUCH

Post-Op/OUCH
Originally uploaded by nieve44

YEAH, I'm back home and back on the internet. Foot is coming along slowly in healing and still is painful but not like last week. As you can see right foot is all wrapped up and encased in a cast--which is a killer! I cannot wait to have the cast removed. Doc wants to operate on the other foot too but I don't think SO! Thanks to family/parents and friends for all the TLC. A big thanks to Mario for being there to hold my hand and to my nephew Martin for the endless card games we played. Thankfully, I"m off the next two weeks and will head back to the doc next week for my first post-op visit.

Universal Life Force Energy

Originally uploaded by nieve44

Last Sunday, I completed Level I of Reiki training and we learned about the concept of universal life force energy, which we hold in our hands and I will take this life force energy with me tomorrow/Monday as I go in for my foot surgery. Thus, I will be out of the loop for a few days.

Friday Funnies #2

Company Policy: Effective June 15, 2007

______________________

Dress Code: It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary. If we see you wearing Prada shoes and carrying a Gucci bag, we assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a raise. If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so that you buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a raise. If you dress just right, you are right where you need to be and therefore you do not need a raise.
Sick Days: We will no longer accept a doctors statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.
Annual Leave Days: Each employee will receive 104 Annual Leave days a year. They are called Saturday & Sunday.
Bereavement Leave: This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangements. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.
Toilet Use: Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet. There is now a strict three-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture will be taken. After your second offence, your picture will be posted on the company bulletin board under the Chronic offenders category. Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sanctioned under the company's mental health policy.
Lunch Break: Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more, so that they can look healthy. Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure. Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim-Fast.

Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternation and input should be directed elsewhere.

Friday Funnies

Music: Salvador Santana
Mood: Laughing

New blog--Friday Funnies

because it's the end of the week and

we all could use a good laugh to

kick off the weekend!

~~~~~~~~~~~

GRANDMA'S BOYFRIEND

~~~~~~~~~~~

A 5-year-old boy went to visit his grandmother one day and while playing with his toys in her bedroom while grandma was dusting, he looked up and said,"Grandma, how come you don't have a boyfriend now that Grandpa went to heaven?" Grandma replied, "Honey, my TV is my boyfriend. I can sit in my bedroom and watch it all day long. The religious programs make me feel good and the comedies make me laugh. I'm happy with my TV as my boyfriend." Grandma turned on the T V, and the reception was terrible. She started adjusting the knobs, trying to get the picture in focus. Frustrated, she started hitting the backside of the TV hoping to fix the problem. The little boy heard the doorbell ring, so he hurried to open the door, and there stood Grandma's minister. The minister said, "Hello son, is your Grandma home? "The little boy replied, "Yeah, she's in the bedroom bangin' her boyfriend."

The minister fainted.

Your Life Story

for Kym

~~~~~~~~

Maybe love is all anybody ever should believe in

Maybe life is just something that employs us till we die

Maybe all we know is that the sun will come up every morning

Maybe time can choose whether to be earthbound or to fly

everybody thinks they've got it down I won't worry,

the truth's always been found in your life story

Maybe you're the one waiting for the ship to find your harbor

Maybe you're the one looking past the forest to the trees

Maybe you still think the older that you get life just gets harder

Maybe you would trade everything for just one moment's peace Everybody strains to hear the sound of their heart's calling

Now you can write yours down it's your life story

Gather up your telegrams your faded pictures, best laid plans

Books and postcards, 45's every sunset in the sky

Carry with you maps and string, flashlights

Friends who make you sing And stars to help you find your place

music, hope and amazing grace

Maybe what we leave is nothing but a tangled little mystery

Maybe what we take Is nothing that has ever had a name

Maybe love will fade like the parchment pages of our history

Maybe life is made of flickers from some brilliant, burnished flame Everbody's waiting for a sign- I won't worry, I think we'll be just fine

In your life story It's your life story And my life story

This is our life story

~~~~~~~

Funny how your life story could be my life story

or her life story or his life story

but as MCC says, I think in time we'll just be fine.

~~~~~~~~

Lyrics by Mary Chapin Carpenter

What Does Love Mean?

This is so sweet. The last one will get you.

Slow down for three minutes to read this... it is so worth it. Touching words from the mouth of babes.

What does Love mean? A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
~~~~~~~~~~~

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5

Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6

Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"
Emily - age 8

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start

with a friend who you hate,"

Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after
they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8

"My mommy loves me more than anybody You don't see anyone else
kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says

he is handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after

you left him alone all day"
Mary Ann - age 4

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes

and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down

and little stars come out of you." (what an image)
Karen - age 7

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and

she doesn't think it's gross."
Mark - age 6

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it.

But if you mean it,

you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,
"Nothing, I just helped him cry"

~~~~~

Cha Cha Cha

The new 100 million dollar dance at Universal!

About time!

Admittedly, I have not seen any of their three films

but I am vaction/medical leave after next week

for a month and a half and

their films are on my list of movies to catch up on.

Thank you Universal!

Domicile

Word of the Day: Domicile
Mood: Depressed
Music: La Sandunga, Lila Downs

Domicile

My apartment lease is up at the end of this month

and I had soooooooo00000000000000000

wanted a new permanent residence other than

my current residence but what was

almost within my reach has once again

become elusive. Unfortunately, time is against me

since I have an upcoming foot surgery in

a few weeks. So wait again, I must

unless the winds of change blow my way again

in less than a week or so.

I had visions of how my garden/back yard would look

like with my white picket fence and two car garage

and of course the usual dog in the/MY backyard.

Texas Women

Don't tell a Texas woman what to do!!

~~~~~~~~

Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had given their new wives duties. The first man had married a woman from Colorado and had told her that she was going to do dishes and house cleaning. It took a couple days, but on the third day he came home to a clean house and dishes washed and put away.

The second man had married a woman from Nebraska. He had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes, and the cooking. The first day he didn't see any results, but the next day he saw it was better. By the third day, he saw his house was clean, the dishes were done, and there was a huge dinner on the table.

The third man had married a girl from TEXAS. He told her that her duties were to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed, and hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't see anything, but by the third day some of the swelling had gone down, and he could see a little out of his left eye .... enough to fix himself a bite to eat and load the dishwasher.

....Can you hear me laughing from here! Only in TEXAS are tales bigger than life itself!

Twilight-Zone Time

I would just like to inform everyone

that at three minutes and four seconds

after 2 AM on the 6th of May this year,

the time and date will be;

02:03:04

05/06/07.

This date and time will never happen again.

<><><><><><>

from an email I recieved today

<><><><><><>

On and On it Goes

You can say that you'll never matter

Lose or win

The world won't care

and it's hard to bear

Such a lonely wind

But you can change a stranger's life

By letting yours begin

And on and on it goes

Chance is everywhere

Like the train you took

The rain that fell on the summer air

On and on it flies, like the time we've lost

It's either running out

Or covering all our dreams in dust...

Every night the TV shows

One more bad day's news

A world away from what I know

And what I do

But I could save a stranger's life

If I had a clue

And on and on it goes

Attention must be paid

Before it seems we're one soul short

And a second late...

<><><><><><>

words & lyrics by Mary Chapin-Carpenter

MASS...

Word of the Day: Massacre
Mood: Irritable
Music: In the Arms of Love CD, Ottmar Liebert (music to heal the soul)

MASSacre

<><><><><><><><>

How I hate this word!

Why does it have to exist in our vocabulary?

I'm sick of hearing about it--thanks to the media!

I couldn't quite title my blog for the day

with that word so I shortented it with MASS.

When we will get it-gun control?

NEVER!

Not in the good old USA!

When will get it-mental illness?

There are so many lost souls out there

and it will only continue to get worse.

Ok, enough rambling as I don't want to start

writing my own manifesto.

Now, I'm off to go

"Dreaming on the Starlight Train"

and engage in some much needed meditation.

<><><><><><><>

4 VT

My heart goes out to the college community

@ Virginia Tech.

My line of work as a college counselor

brought this tragedy close to home.

Happy Easter

Everytime it rains, it rains pennies from heaven, don't you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven, and you'll find your fortune falling all over town so be sure that your umbrella is upside down.

Slow Motion

Music: Slow Motion, Stephen Duros/Thira
Mood: Sleepy

Overview: Sometimes staying stuck can feel safer than making a change, even (especially) when you know the change would be better for you. Just noticing that is a good start. Real movement often starts slowly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I came across this post/horoscope a few months ago and had blogged it but saved it as a draft. Tonight, I was going over those drafts and found this. Yes, I was feeling stuck the past few weeks and in some aspects I still feel as if I am moving in slow motion (buying a house) but in other aspects the ball is moving and while it started slowly at least it's still rolling. Perhaps, it was the change in season and while I'm not looking forward to the summer here it does signal a change in time & self. Thanks to Stephen Duros for his ever inspiring music that heals the soul. Be sure to give his music a listen which can be found here and here.

Someone To Count On

Music: Lila Downs, Lila Downs, Lila Downs
Mood: Spirit Dancing-thanks to Lila
Color of the Day: Magenta
Libra Daily Horoscope:

A need to prove your diligence can come over you without warning today, prompting you to examine the pending promises in your life. You may be shocked to discover that you are carrying unresolved obligations and that you fear others will regard you as unreliable because of it. To ease your mind, consider whether you can fulfill any of these promises today. If it will take more time than this to express your dedication in action, you may feel compelled to reach out to the individuals to whom you are obliged. Letting them know that you are thinking about them and taking steps to act on your obligations can help you remember that you are indeed a steadfast person.We inspire trust in others naturally when we make a diligent effort to fulfill each and every promise we make. Trustworthiness is a worthy indicator of our ability to interact well with others because it provides us with a means of assessing the manner in which the people we spend time with perceive us. Though our obligations may tax us at times, the knowledge that our loved ones and peers can count on us in times of trouble will usually make the trials we face worth the trouble. We can take pride in the fact that we have the strength necessary to always keep our word and take pleasure in the fact that our actions contribute positively to the well-being of those we care for and esteem. As you concentrate on fulfilling your promises today, you will discover that others view you as responsible and reliable.
...Hmmm, FREAKY!

"Flamenco Opera"

Lila Downs
Originally uploaded by mRio.

Mario & I were witness to an amazing performance by Lila Downs last Sunday and we're still talking about that amazing concert @ Miller Outdoor Theatre! I was blown away as her music has to be experienced by attending one of her concerts. She's been touring extensively the past few months and thankfully made a stop for the Divinas Concert as noted in Houston Press. In May, her tour will take her to Spain and if you're in Spain-GO! I wish I could!

Centaur

Word of the Day: Centaur

Music: Snow (Hey Oh), Red Hot Chili Peppers

You Are a Centaur ...
In general, you are a very cautious and reserved person.

However, you are also warm hearted,

and you enjoy helping others in practical ways.

You are a great teacher, and you are really good at helping people

get their lives in order.

You are very intuitive, and you go with your gut.

You make good decisions easily.

~~~~~~~~~

What Mytholical Creature are You? Qaminante was a horse.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Yes, this kind of hits home. Definitely-cautious and reserved but indeed a warm person. Today, I was told I was a good teacher/counselor so that's nice to hear and in my line of work I do help college students put their lives back in order. Not sure about the intuitive part or making good decisions easily! I'm a Libra and making good decisions doesn't come easily, IMHO!

Post-Spring Break

Originally uploaded by ggtem.

My niece and I had a wonderful trip to NYC (her High school graduation gift). We lucked out with the weather as it was relatively warm considering that days before temps were in the teens and after we left temps plummeted again bringing sleet and snow and thousands of stranded passengers at the airport. Now, it's back to reality...WORK! I'm so thankful that working in education affords a week off to enjoy some much needed R & R and more importantly some family bonding time. I have one more trip to make good on a promised gift as my youngest nephew-Martin will be the next graduate--but I have some time still as he has a few years to go. I have so enjoyed spending/spoiling my niece and nephews with their gifts as I know it will be a gift they will remember for a lifetime. Also, my hope is that these first trips will be the first of many travels in their lifetime. I have been blessed to be able to travel within the U.S., and abroad as well.

The Calling...Continued

is calling me!

Finally, another CD by the great MCC gets released today.

Here's a review from USA Today...

and here

````````````

The Calling: * * *

Soul-searching singer-songwriter
Carpenter returns to the jangly folk-rock of her best country hits while searching for meaning in belief, life and hope. It’s hard to suss out her spiritual center — she’s open to God, Buddha and Allah, or nothing at all if it suits her mood — but few artists can so reliably navigate the dark, lonesome roads on the outskirts of faith. — Mansfield

```````````````````

Can't wait to get my hands on the CD.

`````````````

Thanks to Mario for giving me his copy!

Feeling under the weather today

and stayed home to take care of me

of which I needed to do as I had been

going, going & almost gone.

Leaving for NYC on Satuday

so yeah, I will need the down time today.

Listening to MCC now & it's like mana.

Priorities!

I just don't get it!

Millions get shelled out for this

& other athletes

AND celebrities

who are all highly overpaid.

Meanwhile we can't find the money or means

to fix this mess that has been an ongoing problem for years!

Really sad!

Rumble in the Jungle!

Music: Five Thousand Miles, Jon Gagan

Mood: Tired

Libra Daily Forecast:

Quickie: Exercise your creative muscles today, and you'll further strengthen your resolve.
Overview: A change is about to land in your life, and you're ready for it. If anything, you've been anticipating it for ages. Unlike most changes, this one will live up to its promise -- and then some. Get ready to rumble!

...Hmmm, wonder the change is in the jungle of my life?! I'll keep you posted!

THE UGLY FROG

An old lady was somewhat lonely
and decided she needed a pet to keep her company.
So, off to the pet shop she went.
She searched and searched.
None of the pets seemed to catch her interest,

except this ugly frog.
As she walked by the jar he was in,
she looked and he winked at her
He whispered,
"I'M SO LONELY, TOO.
BUY ME AND TAKE ME HOME -

YOU WON'T EVER BE SORRY."
The old lady figured, what the heck!
She hadn't found anything else .
So, she bought the frog. She placed him in the car,
on the front seat beside her.
As she was slowly driving down the road,
the frog whispered to her
" KISS ME AND YOU WON'T BE SORRY."
So the old lady figured,
WHAT THE HECK, and kissed the frog .
IMMEDIATELY the frog turned into
an absolutely gorgeous, sexy, young, handsome prince .
THE PRINCE THEN RETURNED THE OLD LADY'S KISS . SUDDENLY THE OLD LADY FELT
HERSELF TRANSFORMING FROM HIS KISS.
NOW CAN YOU GUESS WHAT THE OLD LADY TURNED INTO ? COME ON GUESS! OOOOOOOHHHHHHH COME ON --
DON'T BE A POOP! * * * * *
SHE TURNED INTO THE FIRST HOLIDAY INN SHE COULD FIND!!! She's old.......NOT DEAD !!!!!

OLD LADIES ROCK!
Long Live Old Ladies!

To Do List...

1. To live to see George W. Bush tried for crimes against humanity.
2. To fly in space—orbital would be fine—and to write about it.
3. To see "American Idol" canceled--and Survivor, The Bachelor, etc...
4. To be able to play the piano/guitar and sing. I cannot carry a tune in a bucket.

These are not my lists and there are more. Personally, I can cross off #2 & not in any hurry to go up into space but I definitely could hang with #1, 3 & 4. What's on your list?

Mirror, Mirror...

on the wall

whose the fairest

of them all...

Ugly Betty

on ABC @ 7:00 CT. ;-)

~~~~~

Must see TV 4 sure

with Ugly Betty & Grey's Anatomy!

~~~~~

I love Thursday's....one day closer to Friday

My early day from work

AND, must see TV!

Smile...

Day Gone to the Birds
Originally uploaded by mRio.

...it confuses people!

Photo by mRio

Beauty Of The Day

Beauty Of The Day, originally uploaded by BlueEyes5.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To find the universal elements enough
to find the air and the water exhilarating
to be refreshed by a morning walk
or an evening saunter
to be thrilled by the stars at night
to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring these are some of the rewards of the simple life.
~John Burro

Wonderful words that hit home and a wonderful photo by Shirley.

I love my Flickr friends!

America the Beautiful

About darn time too!

I Want-pt 2

...more cake!
...photos to be ready from this past weekend...my brother's friend took over #500 photos but thanks to Mario for his photos. It helps to have a backup photographer.
...to dance again with my dad and hear him whisper, "thank you" while tears are streaming down his face.
...I want to hug my brother again and cry on his shoulder as we begin to walk down the aisle arm in arm in front of my parents as we enter the church.
...I want another ride in the stretch limo, offering a toast to our parents.
...I want to hear the Bishop tell his story about the "alcahuete" /gossipmonger.
...I want and need to go to sleep now.

Wide Awake...

...@ 12:49 a.m,-Wednesday morn! Cold & freezing outside but thankfully nice & warm inside. Still trying to unwind from this past weekend--but still smiling! I was like this last week--pulling my hair out planning out all the details.

For Us!?

Golden Doves,
originally uploaded by nieve44.

photo courtesy of Mario

Yes, Mom for you and for Dad and for honoring our family with such a momentous occasion and a wonderful milestone. This is just a peek into the past weekend's events and the doves were a central theme in the celebration. We had arrived on Friday and the ballroom had just beed decorated for the reception on Saturday and when mom & dad walked in and saw the transformation of the ballroom which had been decorated with golden trim on chairs & tables and special linen's and mom made the comment....this is not for us! There must be another event happening tonight. She & dad both started crying when my brother told her, "yes mom & dad-it's for you and dad. That would be the first of many surprises in this past weekend's events. I'm still trying to process all the magic the happened. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and thanks to friend's and loved ones who came to share such a momentous occasion. I am still smiling and probably will be for a long time to come.

RIP-Yvonne DeCarlo

She indeed was such a beauty,

something we had forgotten about

after seeing her as Lily on the Munsters,

which will always be one of my favorite shows.

I Want!

Cool Stuff and

Something for the New Year!

~~~~

I hadn't realized that I hadn't posted for the new year yet. Time has flown! I think today is already the 9th day. I've been so consumed with planning the 50th Anniversary Celebration for my parents that I've been loosing track of time. This has been in the making for the past 2 years...see here and here. So much to do but it's starting to all fall in place--I think! I hope! I want! I want it to be such a special day--afterall how many families/couples get to celebrate such a milestone in this day and age. One of my dear friends mother passed away two years ago and his family did not get to celebrate such an event for their parents. He told me to go all out and do the special things I wanted to do because you only get one chance--if even that. Anyways, I digressed. I will post pics and a post-party celebration of events. I wish you all could come! Let me know if you can and I will have the limo pick you up! ;-) Just one of the few special surprises that my parents don't know about!