Summer in December...

When my niece strolled in last Friday, her first question was, 'Who bought you the flowers?'  I answered her that I sometimes buy myself flowers.  It's a little treat that brightens up my mood as well as my counter.  Hazel The One Eyed Wonder Cat likes to nibble on the leaves and smell the roses too.

With Thanksgiving behind us and the approaching season, I think it's important to take care of yourself.  As women it seems that the bulk of the holiday pressure lands on our backs.  We decorate, shop, cook and maybe host parties-and it's not easy.  Magazines, television and Pinterest having us believe that everything must look and taste perfect or somehow we have failed. 

Having stopped exchanging gifts years ago has largely helped.  I love to shop and feel the excitement without the pressure to find the perfect gift.  I have stopped the Bronner's light show in my yard and now hang a simple wreath and toss out a Solar Shower gadget. But I love to drive down Jefferson and enjoy everyone else's display.  I now decorate only one tree and the simplicity of it makes me happy.  My family generously offers to help with any dinner I host because they know fully well how nervous cooking for others makes me.  I still love to write out Christmas cards and plan to start my (shortened!) list soon.  I get great joy in receiving cards too.  Christmas mass with my Mom is also special to me and I get teary with the palpable faith in the air.

And still....I sort of dread it.  Not sure exactly why.  Maybe with Dane and my Dad not here, I have to face the fact that it will never be the same.

Enjoy things in your own way and most important of all-take care of yourself.  And I'll stop to smell the flowers.
  I'm thinking purple poinsettias. xo

Helter Skelter...

Charlie Manson died today.

As far as I'm concerned, that could be his full obituary.

I clearly remember that in my junior year of high school, hidden behind my biology book, was the book, "Helter Skelter."  (It's no wonder I barely passed the frog dissection!) I was morbidly fascinated by this true story of a diminutive cult leader and his followers that would do anything he ordered.  Before DNA testing, high tech security cameras and computers and even cell phones, evidence had to be put together so very carefully.  It probably was my first foray into the true crime genre that still interests me today.  And the fact that the very glamorous Sharon Tate was a victim, well..that just added to the intrigue.  I have always been curious at how anyone could have the brain that justifies murderous behavior.  In another life, I think I would love to explore criminal psychology-what an addition to my resume' that would be!

I have long since lost any interest I had in ol' Charlie.  He was a sick and twisted individual that did not even deserve to live to 83.  But it was never for me to decide.  He can answer to St. Pete and garner his true just rewards.  I am happy to 'close that chapter' in our history.

With Thanksgiving a few days away, I am thankful for all the usual things-without taking anything or anyone for granted.  Life is too precious and tenuous to do anything else. 

Have a peaceful holiday, my darlings.  xo

The Plan...

Has anyone read any good books lately?  With the turn of the weather plus my pneumonia diagnosis last week, I've been reading and resting like crazy. 

I saw that a favorite story of mine has now been made into a movie.  The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls is the true story of a family struggling to survive with a very optimistic view of things that would take most of us (me included!) to the edge.  I have the story on my ipad, so I decided to reread it-something I don't usually do.  The wry humor and irony of a tale told by a young girl is inspiring and out and out funny.  I seem to be attracted to stories of personal triumph.  I loved it again and can't wait to see the movie which inevitably won't be as good as the book.  I now have moved on to another one of Jeanette Walls books, which is my modus operandi.  Both Dane and I would do that thing where we would binge read a certain author or watch an actor or directors complete works.  Do you do that, too?

It's been a pretty quiet week here at the ranch while I hack my brains out and gobble antibiotics and Mucinex.  Books, movies and the fireplace have been my best friends during this down time and I am looking forward to feeling normal again.  (I know, 'normal' being a relative term!)

Speaking of friends-as Hunting Widow Week approaches, I gotta get hale and hardy cuz I can't be tardy to hook up with my Dollfriend(s) this weekend.  It's our annual girl time.  There will be wine, good food and surely some discussions on what we are reading.  Our hunters speculate that we use this time to talk about them.  As if!  Undoubtedly there will be far more important topics covered, such as a discussion about the latest beauty products and speculation as to whether they will possible change our lives for example.  Maybe even some hot tubbing while doing all the above mentioned. (Hint, hint, Kristin!) 

Gotta work on my health, Babes, the weekend is coming and a girl's gotta have goals! Hug and Kisses-I'm not contagious!
  

Call it What you Want...

In honor of Daylight Savings Time, I am 'falling back' into my usual coping habits.  As a person who suffers from Seasonal Depression Disorder-fancy name for being in a funk-I have to take care not to get as dark as the days.  So here's my plan: tossing on a onesie, monkeying around, drinking apple cider and eating Randy's Famous (very regional opinion!) Chili.  Throwing on the fireplace and catching up on all the movies I've taped will keep me from going bananas on these short, dark days.  So what's everyone else up to?  Let me know your survival techniques! XOXO