percentage

I wonder what the percentage of blogs are abandoned.

I've been neglecting this one, and feel bad about it! Poor little blog, needs some attention!

Over the past few weeks there has been travel, celebrations and happiness. Surprising news has come forward as well.

The details are many and I feel a bit overwhelmed to get up to date in one entry. So, how about if I try to blog every other day and just keep current? I'm okay with that.

take care.

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 10 is the day my good friend Mindi has a medical procedure scheduled. After over a year of waiting, planning, endless decision making, the day is here for her kidney transplant. I am very confidant about her surgery and a good outcome. The recovery process will be intricate, remaining in the Rochester area, a trip to the clinic daily, and a dedicated constant companion. I'm happy to say I will be that companion! I will need to share a bit of the time with her husband, we can work that schedule out. Her recovery will not only give her a new lease on life, but will give me the time and pleasure of her company. I'm just a bit scattered and nervous today.

So many people in my life are fighting so mightily for health. My cousin Janelle shared with me after her first round of Chemotherapy that she yearned for normalcy. Just the mundane little things that make up daily life. Traffic, a stack of paper a work, what to make for dinner, taking a stroll just to get some air, using the phone just to say hi, not for a cancer update. All the little things that make up your life seem so ordinary until there're gone.

Stay mindful of what you have. Right now. And enjoy.

take care!

past and present

I've been thinking a lot about past and present. There are some special days this year with numbers attached; 80th birthday, 50, 40 and 30 as well, and a 25th anniversary. The past feels somewhat settled, and the future looks very good. There's much for which to be grateful. I had a lovely birthday over the weekend and found out my neighbor Mike has a birthday on the 27th and my friend here at work, Karen, has a birthday today! Nice!

In the midst of all this, is loss.

My cousin Helge from Randaberg, Norway has died from cancer. There was not a kinder, more gentle soul than he, other than my Dad. He is the one who told us all about the early days of our immigrant Gr. Grandfather John who was born on the island of Rennesoy, near Stavanger. What joyous times we shared with him and wife Astrid in Norway and the winter of 2010 in Phoenix, AZ. I will miss him, and think of him often.

Other near and dears are coping with cancer and chronic disease. My friend Mary described my life of late as being in a bad vortex. Quite accurate.

quote of the day from Psalms 25.4

"Make me know your ways O Lord,
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation; for
you I wait all day long."


take care.

powder prediction

Really. More powder snow is predicted for the weekend. It's incredible. The new white blanket has disguised the the dirty banks of snow and ice, as well as the dog excrement that lines the boulevard. For some reason the cold weather seems to make pet owners think they are exempt from city law that clearly states; "leash and pick up after your pet." grrrr.

On a much better note, I am now typing my blog on a beautiful new apple imac. Slowly learning the mac way and happily, or worriedly, thinking ahead to when we will all be connected 24/7 with iphones and ipads.

I wonder if the lake property has a wireless network...maybe we ought to buy the acre of land behind us to lease to a tower! And with the solar power we will make money from the property!

Quote of the day from Charles Kingsley;

"Make a rule and pray to God to help you keep it, never, if possible, lie down at night without being able to say, 'I have made one human being a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day.' "

take care today!

powerful packers

Super Bowl Sunday was a victory in Dallas and Minneapolis.

The Packers triumphed over the Steelers and all were thrilled with the outcome. The Packer fans in the media room could not contain their happiness! And it was Max's first GB championship.

The food I prepared was easy and super yummy. Easy to make and very delicious. The signature cocktail was a Tequila Sunrise--so good! And many ounces of WI beer were consumed!

Quote of the day from Gordon Parks;

"The guy who takes a chance, who walks the line between the known and the unknown, who is unafraid of failure, will succeed."

take care.

prepare

The new year, so far, has been a series of preparations;

Get the folks to the doctor and airport.
Get self to airport.
Pack up Aly's AZ stuff.
Drive cross country.
Settle into the condo.
Get Pat to & from airport. Several times.
Plan Super Bowl gathering.
Prepare for AZ birthday celebration.
Get selves to airport.

It's good to be busy, but I'm losing myself in the fray.

Quote of the day from James Stephens;

"What the heart knows today, the head will understand tomorrow."

Here's hoping.

take care.

peaceful path

Sometimes a change of scenery will clarify thoughts.

My mind is spinning with the things to get done for the upcoming holidays. Granted I have been slow to start in my Scroogey attitude this year, but still there are things to be completed by weeks end. Going outside with Matilda the wondrous snow digger dog, gave me a time to reflect. In the middle of the city, on a path with newly fallen snow, and a few flakes gently falling through the calm sky, I felt happy.

Happy to know that what I do or do not accomplish this week has no bearing on how much I treasure my near and dear ones. Content that the future will bring clarity and focus to what matters. Gratitude for those people who stand fast and true.

Quote of the day from Gail Sweet;

"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided, but for the feeling that you cherished them."

take care.

poignant project

Recently I participated in Project Homeless Connect. The event brings many service and provider agencies together under one roof to make access easy for those who have difficulty with transportation, let alone housing. The number of volunteers and participants runs into the thousands. Part of my job that day was to be a guide to services needed by the participant/guest. Medical, dental, eye checks, haircuts, legal services, general assistance benefits, and of course housing were stations to visit and get some work done. The mayor spoke and talked with people for much of the day. The event was a great way to help people. I'm happy to have the time to be a volunteer and work to make our community a better place.


Quote of the day from the Dalai Lama;

" Compassion seems to be the greatest power."

take care!

peculiar pep

The weather rules. Isn't that why the "bad guy" often times in old movies seek to control the weather?

I have little control over things like weather. There are things that happen to us just because we live on this planet. Living a good and honest life with integrity comes easy to some people-you know who you are- and not so easy for others. And you know who they are! I'm assuming if you are reading my blog you are a fantastic person who is interested in what I have to write and I am equally fascinated with you. Therefore you are a person of high quality and have no time for the negative force some people choose as their way of conducting themselves.

Karma. It's powerful.


The forecast is for snow in my city and I have an abundance of energy today. Just like a squirrel readying it's winter food supply, I can't sit still. I believe there is something in the air that nudges me to get the chores done. Barometric pressure? Survival instincts? Caribou coffee? I don't know. Even after dropping the hubs off at the airport early this morning, still can't settle down.

Quote of the day from Florence Shinn;

"The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, words, and deeds return to us - sooner or later - with astounding accuracy."

take care.

Plentiful

Thanksgiving gave me plenty to be thankful for.

Before Thanksgiving, I flew south to AZ to help Aly with a difficult and trying time she was experiencing dealing with unemployment and life in general. That trip proved to be bountiful. Not only did we have a fantastic dinner on Thanksgiving Day, other blessings were revealed!
My dear cousin Janelle will not need to have more chemo treatments for at least 2 months and her cancer seems to be retreating---not gone, but not growing larger. Yay!

Aly had a good interview with a business in Tempe and landed a job at Marshall's. She met with a potential new roommate and will decide on a new place to live very soon! yay! In the meantime, she's house-sitting at G&G's. Be good Aly and don't mess with Grandma's stuff!

I love all my girls! And am thankful for all the blessings.

Quote of the day from writer Jill Churchill;

"The most important thing she'd learned over the years was that there was no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

take care.

perpetrator

Who's right and who's wrong.

Is it always an absolute yes or no?

Guess I tend to be more gray. And I'm not talking about my hair! Which is not gray now, nor will it ever be...but I certainly have had enough stress and conflict to create a few. Is it wrong to be flexible and not stand up for what you believe to be true?

Yes, when it comes to being true to those you love. I believe in loyalty to family. I'll defend my family to the bitter end. And I have.

Does that make me a hero? Absolutely not. Does it make me better than anyone else? Absolutely not. Does that make an enemy or two? Absolutely yes.

It's an innate feeling I have to protect my family from physical or mental harm. I have friends and cousins who are included in my family policy of protection. Public opinion regarding my defense has been called offensive. Call me anything you want because I am confidant and capable. I have a super-fantastic life!


All I can say is don't mess with my family.

Quote of the day from Eleanor Roosevelt;

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear right in the face...you must do the thing you think you cannot do."

take care.

perfectly phunny

I really liked viewing this funny video. Please check ot out!

Check out this great MSN video: Dad Life

And know how cool your Dad is!

party post

One of the nice things about where I live is the community within the population of the building. The historic building is nearly it's own city considering the market, businesses, and the adjacent medical care.

On Friday night, at Steven's big birthday bash, his good friend David and I discussed how people choose to engage with their neighbors. Whether it's a wall, a fence, or miles, there's a certain connectedness to the area in which we reside. And with that, is your willingness to say hello and their response. As I looked around the room all the "neighbor" guests were people who took that first step to meet the person they encountered on the elevator or in the mail lobby.

I'm happy to know them and thrilled to have met many of Steven's cool friends. It was a fantastic party with tons of appetizers and never ending libation. It was over too soon! Or was it? Just to add a bit of drama to the evening--which is so appropriate for Steven-- the elevator got stuck! With poor Jeff inside! The party stragglers, me included, Pat had already left to take out the recycling, had to be escorted down the rooftop access stairs to the passenger elevators on the 12th floor. What a funny memory and way to top off a great party!

Quote of the day from Madeleine L'Engle;

"The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been."

take care.

plaid

I love plaid and argyle.
It's just so fall fashiony and sharp. I've noticed fashion on the streets of my neighborhood and on the metro transit (bus) and discovered many individuals who care about appearance. For instance, there is a tendency to match the shoes with a hat or other accessory. There is a continuing trend fancy in handbags and scarves. Many of the children are decked out in new coats and backpacks to match. The parents seem to do their best getting their kids "weather-proofed!" What I have not witnessed on the real streets of the city are sky high heels seen in every catalog and store window. Those heels are made for sitting - not walking. They appear on the Nicollet Mall for a few minutes until the wearer has to retreat back to her desk to be seated for the rest of the day.

Quote of the day from Lily Tomlin;

" If truth is beauty, how come no one has their hair done in the library?"

take care!

positively perfect

The light and colors around me recently have drenched my soul in happiness. What is it about the sunshine that equates this warm and energetic feeling? Is it the actual warmth and energy of the sun? Is it the luscious fall colors the leaves have turned? Is it the 8 bottles of wine consumed over Girls Weekend?



I may never know the answer to the source, but will bask in the glow of Autumn 2010 and try to draw out the lasting effects.



Karla has a brand new mazda and she drove us to Hackensack for the weekend. Her family was at the cabin on Deep Portage and we popped in so Jan could see the little ones. The Schaffran girls are quite talented when it comes to matters around the house. Karla has some kitchen skills which were deliciously displayed and Lisa's ambitious crafting had us all in amazement. Will you please sit down? And Jan was, as always, gracious, generous and seemed so happy to have her girls for a few days.

It's good to be a part of GW2010 and already thinking of fun things for next year.

Quote from Zelda Fitzgerald;

Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.

take good care!

proclamation

I'm ba-a-ck!

It's time to get back to pondering perplexities.

The time surrounding the wedding up until now has been filled with the busy-ness of everyday life. With an injury, unemployment, and cancer diagnosis, thrown in for good measure. I want to give some time and space to these large issues. In the meantime know that the injury I sustained is healing, the joblessness for Aly is creating a new direction, and the cancer for Janelle is being fought hard and will most certainly be conquered.

Quote of the day from Mary Kay Ash;

I keep an eye on the bottom line, but it's not an overriding obsession. To me, P and L doesn't mean "profit and loss"---it more importantly means "people and love."

take care!

pre-wedding preparation

The days have been filled with lots of "wedding" stuff!

Our trip to Florida is approaching at breakneck speed and I'm really not in a panic. The bride, Hanna, has everything under control. There are some little details to be dealt with and a few more things to buy, ship, make and print, but mostly---it's all fun. Aly and Lisa will be helping the bride on Tuesday and Wednesday so I can maybe take some time off!

Today I have some favor box embossing to do...

take care for now!

pure pain

The rain has washed away some of the winter dirt and sand from the sidewalks and trails here in the city. Temps have risen and spring may arrive on the actual calendar date. My environment is improving everyday, while several friends around me face challenges almost too much to bear.

My whole body is aching in response to the most recent news of my most cherished friend needing a kidney transplant. This person is the one I don't remember not knowing. She's the one who will remain a young girl in my heart and mind, because it's the same voice, same face that's been with me since---forever.

I am heartbroken.

pack a peck of perfect

Perfect garment choices that is...

Whilst traveling, one must have a variety of clothing. Changing temperatures, activities, entertainment, work and events call for different outfits. And different outfits call for shoes that suit the look as well. Woe is me with the packing! Even with some staples at the condo in Arizona, I'm still over loaded with belongings to be checked at the airport.

There is some serious poolside relaxing to do, along with a hot tub time or two. A hike with the Norwegians, a trip to the botanical garden, bridesmaid dress shopping, several dinner parties and restaurant outings to name a few of the things keeping me busy for the next 3 weeks.

There was an amusing (to me) statement in the the variety section of the newspaper today. The article was about selecting clothes that are flattering and age appropriate. The writer posed the question "when do you know it's time to move from Anthropologie to J.Jill?"

yikes.

Quote of the day from Wu Wei Wu;

Why aren't you happy? It's because ninety-nine percent of everything you do, and think, and say, is for yourself."


take care!

public pose II

Create a presence. Dress to impress. Make a statement. Have charisma.

How do we manage to put out a positive vibe and yet be authentic to ourselves?

I'm wondering about the value of pretending to be nice. That is, having the nice manners to be kind when you really aren't up to it. Being a human being here on the planet and choosing to interact with others. The conversation with a person that's going nowhere. The comment regarding the weather, a nice sweater, or fresh haircut.

I think it is absolutely necessary!

One positive comment to an acquaintance or stranger can make all the difference in the day. For you and for them. I challenge you to remember a time when someone was especially kind, or said something not necessarily profound, but had an such a impact, albeit subtle, that you remember it to this day. I remember a mom in my toddler and mommy class telling me I had a real personal style. That comment made me feel great, and to this day I sometimes think to myself, "Hey! I've got a great sense of style."

Quote of the day from Florence Shinn;

"The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, words, and deeds return to us--sooner or later--with astounding accuracy."

take care.