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.

public pose

How people behave on public transportation fascinates me. Some act aloof and think everybody is looking at them, some are totally transfixed on their phones, others close their eyes and try to rest, some are staring into space, seemingly in another world. As a whole, the group doesn't speak unless you are riding with someone you know.

And then there was my seat buddy Mike. He had his coat off, obviously trying to be comfortable for a long ride, and placed on the seat next to him. As I made my way toward that only empty seat he offered it saying "my coat is clean" and didn't move it, so I sat down. He wanted to talk about the newspaper he was reading, the sports section featuring an interview with Fran Tarkenton---at least a name I recognized! He had a few more points of conversation, including how he had been at the bar, and concern for a friend.

I hope my brief encounter was pleasant for him. Like I have mentioned in my previous blogs, I wonder about the folks around town, who a bit "off" and perhaps a little disheveled, and how they often are shunned. A pleasant conversation and a smile is what I can offer my seat buddy. And my day is improved by pleasant interaction with another human being.

Quote of the day from Charles Baudelaire;

" The lover of life makes the whole world into his family."

take care.

path

It was strangely quiet this chilly Monday morning when I was out walking the dog. I usually encounter some people crossing the main hallway with their "mapps" coffee on their way to the offices next door. Today the hallway was nearly empty. Outside, except for the bus transit station daily hubbub, the west side was deserted. Is there a holiday I don't know about? A personal day taken to sleep in? Beginning of vacation season? What's up?

The Greenway is, as a rule, pretty desolate when the temperature is below zero, so no change there. However, there was a very perky bike rider giving me a hearty "good morning" greeting as he pedaled past. Typically the bikers and the walkers do not speak. It's just how it is on the Greenway! Only the bi-peds speak! Then, I heard faintly though my hood someone singing. As he grew closer I could hear he was belting out a Beatles tune as he rode his bike east down the path. I love it when I witness that sort of uninhibited behavior. If you feel like singing, do it!

Quote of the day from Ellen Glasgow;

"Nothing in life is so hard that you can't make it easier by the way you take it."

take care.

prostrate

Flat on the ground I fell.

The ice finally brought me down, prostrate on the sidewalk. I felt my feet go out from my center of balance and did NOT feel where my arm flailed out to try and stop gravity. I'm not sure if it was the actual fall that injured my shoulder, or if it was the angle or pull from the dog leash that made it worse. In any case, I'm in an uncomfortable state.

And Patrick has a case of whiplash, says the chiropractor, from a jerky ride on his most recent flight to Denver. We are a couple of sorry looking folks.

Quote of the day from George Eliot;

"What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"

take good care!

potent proclamation

How, on this Sunday when the Vikings are playing with Brett Favre as their star, are we not invited to a party?

After all the parties we have hosted, with all the food and booze, and the people sucking it all up, can there be no invitation.

Grrr...I'm done with entertaining and toting all that liquor from the Chi-Lake to our place. You people are all dead to me.

Quote from Confucius;

" To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it."

Pro

A rainy night indeed.

Who knew that a Friday night in downtown Minneapolis in late January would require an umbrella? Waiting for the train at the Warehouse District platform was simply surreal! What city is this? Who are these folks with umbrellas? Why do I need my rain boots?

The weather is unusual from coast to coast.

We attended the Timberwolves game at the Target Center. It had been quite some time since we'd been to a game and it was enjoyable. Pat enjoyed giving me a little basketball history lesson and pointing out things of interest. The stop at our favorite bar, Glueks, was good, although the presentation of a "happy hour" menu was confusing. The bartender placed a plastic stand containing the menu with the beers, drinks, and appetizers listed and available for happy hour. We chose and then were told there is no "happy hour" pricing because of the event (i.e; Timberwolves game). Well, why present the menu? Didn't change our order and heard him telling the same story to the patrons beside me.

Quote of the day from coach Phil Jackson;

" Winning is important to me, but what brings me real joy is the experience of being fully engaged in whatever I'm doing."

Take care.