Thanksgiving

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day, and I enjoyed it immensely!  I had three friends come over for dinner and we enjoyed our meal until our bellies were so full.  We talked and laughed about different topics, mind you, these people did not know each other, but they clicked.  I had invited my friend and neighbor Janet, she is a very loving and kind woman, and she has been a blessing in our lives.  I also invited a friend and co worker, Edgar.  He has family in Denver, but he wanted to stay in the Springs, but had no plans for dinner.  I had invited him several weeks ago and he made the green bean casserole, which was awesome!!  I also invited my friend, Jeff.  Now, Jeff and I go back about seven years.  He has modeled for me on several occasions while I was doing some art projects for an art show.  Unfortunately, my son, Nathaniel was not able to have dinner with us.  His work schedule did not allow his spending the holiday with me and my friends.  Though he did have something to eat after work, of course, the stuffing is his favorite.  And, if I may add, I make my stuffing from scratch. So, my Thanksgiving was wonderful!  Thank God for to go containers.

There has been so much going on.  I will be having my knee replaced in the near future.  It is in God's hands, not mine, so there is no sense in worrying.  He has it all in control.  I finally had the work in my van done, though, it still needs a little more work, but that can be taken care of in the near future.  The mechanic that I used was great and helped me prioritize what needed to get done.  So, day trips, here we come!!  It has been almost two years that we could not go far with my car because of issues, and I am not able to buy a new car.  I cannot afford the payments. So, I will drive this van for awhile until I can get my financial situation more settled.

I am signing off for now.  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, because I did.  God is good!!

 

Nathaniel set up the table for me yesterday, before my guests arrived.  I so appreciate his servants heart.  I love you mijo and thank you for being a decent young man.  Stay humble in  everything you do, and remember to do everything in the service of our Lord.

Cold Morning

It is almost 9:30 a.m..  My son is still asleep and the only sound in my home is the clicking of my laptop key and the low music I have playing in the background.  I went out and had physical therapy, came home, took the dogs out and now I am blogging.  It is a cold morning, the heater just kicked in and now my apartment will be wonderfully toasty.  I have quite a few errands to complete this morning, but I wanted my son to sleep a little longer.  He started a job about a month ago, he works in a very luxurious hotel in town, and he is enjoying it.  My son had been looking for work for awhile now, but because of his seizures he was not offered a job.  I know employers are not supposed to discriminate, but in some way, I don't blame them, but of course they will never say that that was the reason he was not considered for jobs.  His current employer has been gracious and my son is thriving in that environment.  I pray for my son everyday, that he does well and is given favor from his employer.  I will continue to pray for that, he tries so hard, and he is doing well. 

Work for me has been going well.  Never a dull moment in the emergency room, I believe I thrive in the chaos of it all.  I do not have hands on contact with patients, but I do go into their rooms and register them for the ER and do all the insurance paperwork.  I do enjoy my job and I have met a lot of interesting and good people.  Yes, I have also met patients who are just not happy and can you blame them?!  I know that some of the patients are scared of their illness and the uncertainty of what is going on, but it gives me opportunity to pray for them and make them feel comfortable. and safe.  God definitely placed me in the right place.  Thank you, Father.  I am truly grateful!!

A friend messaged me yesterday.  Her son is hurting.  I prayed so hard for him and for my friend.  It is difficult as a parent to see our children hurting, no matter how old they become, in a mother's eye, an adult child is still a mother's baby.  No.  I am not being weird here, but a mother would understand what I am saying.  My friends family was flying in from another state to be with their mom and sibling.  I will not go into details, but if you read this post, please pray for my friend and her son.  Pray for healing and restoration on him and that his burden is placed at the foot of the Lord's throne, and left there. 

Well, I should sign off for now.  I will wake my son up and see what he would like to do.  He works again tonight.  I believe I will make a steak and shrimp dinner, and why not?!

Shadows

What is it about this time of year that has me yearning for some beautiful moments from the past.  Kisses that left me breathless and wanting.  What is it about the shadows from the past that haunt my heart.  Maybe, because I let them.  I was remembering how happy I was that several years ago I fell in love. I enjoyed that feeling, and I am glad that it happened.  It has been awhile, but none the less, it did happened.  The shadows of the past that creep into the deepest part of my soul help me realize that not all is lost.  The shadows of the present help me realize that it is okay to enjoy a man, if only for the moment, then I go on.  Though, I do not want just moments, I want a shadow to be a permanent silhouette and not fade. 

Gordon Lightfoot, "Shadows"

 

 

Body Pains

I woke up this morning feeling my body capable of doing a small walk with the dogs and some stretching.  I took my vitamins and drank my water and out the door I went with the munchkins.  No sooner was I out the door that an old neighbor, who I loved, stopped her car and got out and we had a wonderful visit.  As I was enjoying my conversation with this woman I felt my body starting to hurt.  My knee was stiffening up and my right shoulder was starting to hurt, again.  I hate getting old, but I still took my dogs out for a little walk and enjoyed the crisp morning.  I promised myself that I would start walking again.  I need to do it for me and the girls.  Last year I fell and hurt my back, long story, but it had something to do with another dog, and the owner was a jerk.  Anyways, after six weeks of physical therapy and hot pads, Tylenol and exercises, I was doing better, but I had gotten out of the habit of walking.  Mind you, I was walking over two miles a day and it felt great.  I was getting in great shape and my moods were tremendously great.  Then the fall.  It was last September and I am not completely the same.  I feel tired, sore and old.  So, last night I asked the Lord to give me determination to get back into my walks, hikes, and wanting to bike.  I know I am not young, but feeling stiff and beaten down does not help either.  I live in Colorado, DAMN IT!!  I need to get back into the groove of things and not let life's little incident stop me, honestly, I don't believe it ever really has.  As for my shoulder, well another round of PT and my knee, well I will be having surgery to replace the knee.  Long story on that one, but it was a lifetime of living with a deformed knee.  So, I am excited and a little wigged out because I will have a piece of metal in my knee.  No Bueno.  Well, that is the way it goes, and I hope it will help.  Yep, I am getting old.  Though, I must admit.  I did beat my body as I was living my life, I believe we all do.  Now, I will continue enjoying the rest of this beautiful crisp day, after I complained like an old woman, and get to doing stuff.  I believe I have a skull to paint. 

I still feel young, must be the meds!! HA!!

 

 

 



Frivolous

I usually have Friday's off from work, but I picked up a shift today for a co-worker, who wanted to attend a concert tonight.  I figured I could use the mula, but I am exhausted, I didn't sleep well last night.  As a matter of fact, I have not been able to sleep well for a while.  Insomnia?  You think?  Anyways, there is a lot going on in my head, always. HA!  Though, I am enjoying the morning and just relaxing.  A cup of coffee sounds great about now and a warm bowl of Cream of Wheat with blueberries sounds delish!  My son if off helping one of the families from church clean out their garage, I believe they are planning a Yard Sale.  So, he will be gone for awhile and I will not see him until later tonight.  My dogs are resting and enjoying this windy day.  I love having the windows opened and just letting the outside breeze refresh my apartment.  I still have two large containers waiting for me to start decorating my home for the Fall, as you may all know, Fall, my favorite time of year! 

I can hear the Air Force jets flying over, possibly doing maneuvers.  I need to pray for Puerto Rico, Texas, the country of Mexico and states who are still fighting fires.  Father, please HELP US!!

I try not to bring too much of what is going on in the world into my blog, but I will not shut out the world.  So many people are suffering, makes my problems and issues seem like nothing, and they are.  God is in control.  Always. 

I sometimes feel that I have a frivolous life, and in some ways I do.  Not that I am being irresponsible with my life, but that I have the freedom to enjoy the simplicity of my life, and I do.  But, at this moment it feels frivolous.  Am I grateful?  You bet I am!  Prayer has always been a force that I know the Lord hears and cares what happens to us.  I know some of you may not believe that, and that's okay.  But, that is what helps me with what is going on in the world, the suffering is immense at times it feels like I am drained.  I try not to take people or things for granted, one never knows when it will be taken away. 

So, with a prayer that the Lord will keep my son safe and healthy.  That those who are dealing with issues greater than ourselves, Father I lift them up.  For the patients who will be coming into the ER with fear and anxiety because of a health issue, I lift them up.  Comfort them Father.  Please, Father, use me tonight, that I may show your love and kindness in what sometimes is a bleak moment.  Father, help us all enjoy some frivolousness in our lives and to be THANKFUL everyday.

Just the way I am

 

Selfie taken Mother's Day 2017

 

Another rainy afternoon in Colorado Springs.  I so LOVE the rain, especially when it is a thunder storm.  My son just left to help out at church.  I hope he is not soaked, he walked over and it started storming minutes after he left.  Yes, I worry, I guess I always will.  At least my Neurological PA feels I should not worry, what good will it do.  I guess she has a point, but it keeps me in touch to the realities of life.  I mean right now we are in the midst of North Korea's threat to our country.  I thought the biggest threat to our country are those who live in America and do not stand by her.

 

 Anyways . . . that is for another blog. 

 

Right now I am content, worrying, but content.  Yes, I always write how God has everything under control, and He does.  The Lord has never let me down.  He has been faithful, and has been there when I have needed His help.  He has covered me in Love and given my son favor. I guess I needed to remind myself how I was created.  A splash of whimsy, a dash of sarcasm, a pinch of melancholy, a smidge of kindness and a bushel of strength.  That is just the way I am, and I like it!

 

Sara Bareilles, "Brave"

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Birthday and Mountains

 

On June 27th, my friend Scott celebrated a birthday, so I treated him to breakfast at, The Pantry, which is located in Green Mountain Falls. The Panty is about a 45 minute drive west of Colorado Springs.  Afterwards, we drove up to Pike's Peak Highway and saw several beautiful lakes and enjoyed our drive up to Pike's Peak Mountain, it was phenomenal.  I had been to the Peak before, and had taken the Cog Railway, but driving is a different thing.  I am terrified of heights, I did not drive, Scott did.  I so appreciated that because driving up 14,115 feet is nothing to sneeze about, and many people hike up the Peak. I so admire these phenomenal hikers who trek to the top, it is a feat that would exhilarate someone for the rest of their lives. 

                    Green Mountain Falls, Colorado

The drive to Pike's Peak begins.

It feels like we are taking off from a runway. 
 You can almost touch the sky.

Photographing Scott, photographing the horizon from Pike's Peak.

Descending the Peak. The beauty that is bestowed upon us on this earth from a loving God is magnificent.  He does speak to us everyday with his glorious design and creation.

 I believe it is God's way of saying,

"My LOVE is BIG for you MY LOVE!"

 

 

 

Old North End

Every year the Old North End which is located near downtown Colorado Springs, has a massive yard sale.  And, this year was not a disappointment!  Actually, this was only my second time attending this massive barrage of STUFF.  Now, the Old North End is the older part of the Springs with its massive houses, which was the hub of aristocrats back in the day.  The grand homes with so much history and apparently, so much STUFF.  My best friend, Ginger, my son, and his friend all got together and we walked up and down the neighborhoods looking for lost treasure we needed.

My son found himself some fantastic finds.  He also showed himself as a haggler of sorts, he is definitely good at bringing down the price on STUFF, it must be his boyish looks.  We scored big!!  I did purchase a fly fishing rod for almost nothing, the young man who sold me the his equipment never used it!!  Now, I need to take it to the Fly Fishing shop and purchase a reel.  Also, I purchased some liqueur glasses and a small flat screen television, that works!  I believe I spent about $25.00 for everything I purchased.  I know, I know, I don't need more STUFF, but I didn't buy STUFF.  I purchased dreams!

Anyways, if you are ever visiting the Springs, keep a look out for the massive Old North End yard sales.  It is so worth the day walking through beautiful neighborhoods and searching for the right STUFF!  

 

Scavenging for the goods

 



Happy Campers!

LUNCH!!

 

Enjoyable Saturday!!

 

 

Kiss

This past Monday was my ex husband's birthday.  He would have been 59 years old.  It has certainly been a journey for my son and myself.  We still talk about my ex, Cal, and remember him fondly.  I know it sounds weird, but, with all the mess we went through.  He was a good man before the manusha of life got too real for him,  it can get too real for all of us.

Anyways . . . .

My son had made a couple of CDs with music that my ex loved and played these CDs at Cal's memorial.  There were a lot of great songs, but Cal loved the band KISS.  He had seen them a couple of times in Philadelphia where he grew up.  The song that my son had added on the CD was "Beth."  I love that song and I could still see my ex sitting back relaxing have a glass of tea.  You thought I was going to say, "a beer."  HA  Yeah, he sometimes would have a beer too.  I do miss Cal.  I miss our talks, smoking Hookah, drinking gin and tonics, sitting by the fire pit and enjoying the evening in our backyard at our 100 year old home.  He was truly one of my best friends. 

It is hard not to forget what my family and I were put through by Cal.  He was drowning in his darkness, and there was nothing I could do.  I believe that God took mercy on Cal and took him home.  I know the desperate love that Cal had for the Lord, and I know now, Cal is who he should have been from the beginning of time. 

Happy Birthday, Cal.  I am sure it was a great one for you.  God always gives His best to his children.

 

 

KISS, "Beth"

 

 



Melody

Sometimes all you need is a melody to tell your story.

 

 

"Prom Night"  Aaron Zigman

 

 

October, November and December

Yikes, it has been several months since my last post.  I have been a busy girl!  A lot has been going on in my life.  I enjoyed my holidays immensely!  A new year is upon us and I am just writing on this 5th day of January 2017!!  I am still working in the E.R..  I am still getting things together in my life, a continuous process.  I am keeping this entry short, you'd think with all the goings on in my life these last several months I would be blabber mouthing all over the place.  Maybe, all I need to do is share my last months with you in photos. 

I will be signing off for the night, but before I do.  I want to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  I believe we need God's grace and mercy for 2017.

 

  

 

  

 

 

Good Night . . .