American Soldier...

Happy Memorial Day!  To all of the men and women who have bravely gone where I would never have the guts to go and fought to give us all that choice.  I enjoy all the freedoms that our veterans so honorably defended and am grateful and humbled by such unselfish service.  God bless you all today and everyday.

My Uncle Dan is a Vietnam war vet and I was ten years old at the time.  I clearly remember writing letters to him and anticipating letters back.  And I got them.  He fought in the front lines and was a platoon leader.  This was a very scary time for my family when all we could do was write and send care packages.  We carefully would pack up my Mom's wonderful baked goods and other favorites and send it off to those exotic addresses.  We later learned that he generously shared this bounty with others.  Thankfully he made it back, but not before seeing the horrors of war.  To this day I cannot watch 'Saving Private Ryan', 'Platoon', or any other movie depicting war. Just too realistic and heart wrenching.   We were, and are, very proud of Uncle Dan.

A friend of mine, Tom, fought in the Gulf War.  We communicated with letters also.  From his left handed leaning scrolled notes and television coverage, I felt very close to that war/skirmish.  How very strange to be able to 'see' the war and not just imagine it.  (My silly crush on reporter Arthur Kent a.k.a. 'The Scud Stud' made it even more interesting!

A dear friend, Dava, also a veteran, just got her son home from Iraq.  He is finally safe and in her loving arms.  What a relief and once again, we are very proud.  Welcome home Derek!

And to those of you that have had friends and family die in any war, know that their efforts are not forgotten.  Happy Memorial Day. xo

Circle of Life...

It's with a heavy heart and deep sympathy for our friends Bob, Kristin, and daughters Lexi and Elle, today, on the loss of their beloved pet, Wyatt.  As the quintessential golden retriever,  for 13 years he was a loyal friend and companion.  He will be missed by his family as well as many friends.  Knowing that he is in a better, pain free place only helps a little.  God bless, Old Boy.  You loved and were loved so very much and it was a blessing to have had you in this world.  xo

What is it about our attachments to our pets?  I once lost a dog and could barely function for days.  My heart was broken.  Pets insinuate themselves into our lives in a way that can hardly be described.  The joy and unconditional love from a pet is like no other relationship in our lives.  We are instantly super heroes.  Their routines become our routines as they blend seamlessly into our days.  Like children, we anticipate their needs and they know just when to throw a special look our way.  A dog-or cat-looks at us with the most loving, trusting eyes that reflect back the very best part of ourselves.  I read a quote that says, "Be the person your dog thinks you are."  We can at least try. xo

I Like it...

How fabulous is it that it is finally spring in Michigan?  I've totally got spring fever!

 My dollfriends and I are enjoying the first bonfire of the season and you can tell by our smiles that we are happy, happy, happy!  Or maybe it's what is our cups...

My magnolia is bursting out with its gorgeous pink flowers and my irises are ready to bloom their snowy, while petals.  The nurseries are callin' my name as flats of perennials are ready to be purchased and planted.  I spend a crazy amount of time designing my big flower pots and am on the hunt for some large elephant ear plants.  Dramatic yet glamorous is the look I am aiming for!

And equally important, my lazy winter mood is finally lifting.  Yes, I think I suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Being in the Keys for five weeks almost saves me, but I still struggle to endure these gray, cold days.  I just feel like cuddling up and napping.  And most days I do.  Are y'all bothered in this way? 

I am carefully sorting thru books and loading ebooks, looking for beach reads in preparation for long, lazy afternoons in my hammock where I plan to escape into the world while enjoying the one I am present in.  It's heavenly. 

Seems like most of us are breathing a sigh of relief as we anticipate about 7 months of lovely weather.  It's what makes Michigan worth hanging out in!  I love it!!

Gotta run, dearies, they have pink flamingo's on sale at ACO with my name on 'em!!! 

Doggie Style...

I had the strangest experience on Friday night.  While dozing on the sofa with a belly full of pizza, I woke suddenly.  The Tiger ball game was on and I was listening to the commentary.  Suddenly my heart started racing while my palms began to sweat.  I was completely overcome with the feeling that my Dad-one of the greatest Tiger fans ever- was near and watching the game, too.  Like here, with me, on the love seat.  It was so very real that I almost heard his voice arguing the call.  Just as quickly as it came, the feeling left me.  The whole thing was oddly comforting and I hope it happens again sometime.

Now I wonder...Was I dreaming?  Was Dad's spirit really with me in such a palpable way?  Was it nothing more than simple missing him and being reminded of him through our common interest?  Is this part of an adjustment period of sorts?  Don't know, but it was comforting and I loved it.

I have always believed that some of our energy is left here after we pass on.  Have any of you ever experienced anything like this?  Do tell, Darlings, I really would like to know. xo

P.S. What's cuter than dogs in cars?  I saw these two in the keys patiently waiting for their owner to finish shopping.  Our old Mickster would have stormed the Kmart to find me for sure!  Even the dogs in the Keys are laid back! xo

Spiders and Snakes...

Once I saw clip that featured a woman who was afraid of pennies.  Yes, pennies.  Her reaction was crazy and seemingly unreasonable.  My son Dane's neighbor is deathly afraid of toads.  He gallantly and gently rescues the poor creatures from the crazy screaming lady.  Poor little toad.

 

I like to think of myself as a relatively brave person.  Not a worrywart, adventurous, and a little gutsy.  I have worked hard to train myself not to worry about things I cannot change.  That may seem a bit laissez faire, but it works for me.  I would always take the dare and race down the black diamond slopes.  I was the kid who would swim out the deepest knowing that I would be able to swim the distance back in.  Never had a fear of water and even scuba dive-in the ocean.  I could jump off the highest swinging swing and run up the longest ladder.  I have flown in a tiny 3 seat airplane and loved every minute of it.  No fear of heights here.  Learning to drive in the snow doesn't scare me a bit.  Just go slower and watch out for the other guy.  I can easily do a MRI even though it scares many people to be in that coffin-like tube.  And I've gotten used to shots, although I still hate 'em.  Spiders?  Snakes?  Bees?  Wasps?  Nada.  I don't relish public speaking but managed to bite the bullet when I eulogized my Dad in front of a rather large group.  Not so bad, really.  I am an adventurous eater and will try anything on (or off) the menu.  Well, not hundred year old eggs or fried cockroaches, but most other things.

 

But every year at this time I must face a fear that makes me queasy.  Invariably while shopping for my spring flowers I must face 'them'.  Some deranged person has deemed that those little gnome creatures are appropriate for yards and gardens.  With their beady eyes and squished features and pointy hats, well, they just creep me the 'eff' out!  I made friends Tom and Kara remove one from thier cottage yard before I could comfortably visit them.  I refuse to book with Travelocity because they use one of those little creeps as the mascot.  I have nightmares that there is one of them in my closet that chases me around.  I simply hate them....

 

So now, true confessions my Dears.  What scares you?  And be specific.  And if I ever visit you, please sweep all gnomes from your yard before Denzel Washington pulls in.  Happy Spring! xo

 

 

 

 

Love shines Down...

Hello dear readers-I am finally home after a few 'earthy' days.  I've been up in Ossineke doing all things earth.  Monday afternoon I spent with my godchild's kindergarten class on their celebration of Earth Day.  We were read a story, we did an art project, they almost killed me in gym class and we studied and ate some things (fruit) that grows on trees.  I then had some intense attention from a princess, a mermaid, a doctor and some friends that gave me a little a friendly little blood pressure and reflex check.  Nikki is an awesome teacher and her little charges, all 23 of them, love her.  Thanks class, for an awesome afternoon!

On a totally different note, this morning we interred my Dad.  It was a sunny morning in an old, country cemetery where my Dad was  blessed from ashes to ashes and dust to dust, literally.  It felt completely right to end the celebration of  his life in this way.  Flowers and trees were beginning to bud and birds were chirping.  An old horse was just over the fence watching the proceedings as he munched fresh grass.  Dad was laid to rest with his wife, children, sisters and extended family witnessing.  Back to the earth-as it should be.

I am very introspective tonight as I feel tired and grateful to have experienced what seems like the full circle of life.  New life, old life and everything in between is wonderful and special on our wonderful, beautiful, earth.

Let's work together to keep it that way for generations to come. xoxo

Could it Be...

Thoughts and prayers tonight for the victims of the Boston tragedy.  I barely have words to describe the fear I am feeling.  I am sick and rocked to my core.  xo