Home For Christmas

Soon we will be on our way 'home for Christmas'. There is something special about that phrase; something warm and inviting; something nostalgic; something surely reminiscent of past Christmases that are worthy of remembering.
In any event (and even though I am already HOME as George so often reminds me) I am looking forward to going 'home for Christmas' this year to be with my family. I haven't been back to celebrate Christmas since I came out here to Surrey in 2007. It will be nice to be in Alberta for this 'Merry Christmas' season.
Hopefully we will get a chance to drive down Candy Cane Lane to see all the lights and decorations; perhaps see the parliament buildings; maybe build a snowman; take a sleigh ride behind the quad; have a snow ball fight or whatever happens to touch our funny bone.........and of course a wonderful chance to remember Christmas past with family.
Alberta, make room............we will soon be on our way!

The Words Are Lost

It's been forever since I last wrote.......

The Words Are Lost

Where are the words I used to pull
from the crinkles of my mind
the words I used to call
from unknown places I could find

They used to smile upon my page
make me feel that I was not alone
They used to paint the ocean waves
a sunset we could watch at night

Where are the words, my friends
that held my hand when darkness came
Where are the words, my force
that rescued me from disregard

Can you help me find the words
I used to place so fondly down
upon blank paper for the world
to see, to hear, to touch, to hold

To Two Very Special Guests

Welcome to our home
We are so glad to have you visit us
Rest your weary bones after a long drive
On this bed of good intentions and dreams
Rest your head after hours of beautiful scenery
On the soft pillows of this bed of good intentions and dreams
Relax your mind after all the stresses of this week
Let the worries roll off your back onto the floor
As you close your eyes for darkness of night
We promise you dreams in fluffy clouds
With not even a raindrop to be felt
Welcome to our home

Especially for Shelby and Brodie. Thank you for coming to visit us. We are so glad to have you.

Altered Ending

Most times I longed for the end to an enduring journey; this time was different. What awaited me at this journey’s end I could wait another lifetime to find.
The previous hour was surreal. I vaguely remember being called away from the meeting to the phone that afternoon. Even the words I heard on the other end of the line seemed less than valid. What followed as I gathered up my belongings was life in slow motion, and not very clear.
Then I was in the truck heading down the highway; I remember saying I really wanted a coffee; we stopped at Tim Hortons; I drank my coffee and cried.
I remember saying how angry I felt. Someone said to me “It’s all right to be angry”. Why was I angry? It was truly of no use to be angry now (or before for that matter).
I didn’t call the night before like I said I would. Why didn’t I call? The answer (if I had one) would make positively no difference now.
“Is there anyone we can call for you?” someone asked. I replied “no” but not recognizing it was only an offer of genuine caring, I wanted to scream at them “what kind of a stupid question is that?” Thank goodness I didn’t.
“Where would you like us to take you when we get to the city?” I had no idea where I wanted them to take me. I felt like shouting “take me some place where someone can take away this day and restore my life to where it was yesterday”.
They assured me it was all right to cry, scream, holler or do whatever I needed to do. Although I couldn’t stop the tears I wondered and wanted to ask them “What good will any of that do?”
What I really wanted was to erase the last couple hours, drink my coffee, watch the traffic go by, look at the cattle in the fields as we passed, think about my beautiful grand babies, hear the wind ripple through the leaves and the water run in the stream, see the smile on the faces around my kitchen table, hear the laughter, think about sitting in the moonlight and maybe if I could just fall asleep I might awake to a completely different scene. That’s what I wanted.
The closer we got to our destination the more I dreaded arriving. As strange as this may sound I wanted to get there but I didn’t want to be there. I really did not want this journey to end but end it must because sooner or later, with the wheels turning, you do arrive at where you are going.
As we pulled into the parking lot and I looked at the condo I had been inside so many times before I had a strong urge to jump out, run and keep running………….far away. (If I did, maybe that would mean this journey had not come to its end.) I didn’t of course. I went inside to where my little family was waiting but one beautiful daughter was not there. She would never be with us again. Like mine, her journey had ended; in a much altered way.

Saturday Writing Prompt (WFSC) July 02, 2011

Nothing Works

"Is this going to be one of those days?" I ask aloud to the room, to the air, to the world, to whomever is listening (which seems to be nobody). I have spent the last three hours rushing about doing chores, trying to reach the goals I have set for myself and it seems I haven't satisfied one single objective, let alone satisfied myself in any meaningful way. I want to get things done, make things happen, but it seems my destiny today is to be frustrated.
I sit for a moment in the big chair beside the window looking out over the back yard, where the leaves are rustling lightly in a small breeze. it took me a while to realize it, but my frustration has forced me into this chair, to sit, to watch, to listen, to just relax a little and think.
I have to review the realities; I have to review these realities often; I continually overlook them (though not intentionally); I get caught up in the bustle of life and trying to force things to go the way I want them to; I inevitably hit roadblocks and brick walls. Once again I remind myself to observe what is going on; there may be answers for me when I am quiet and willing to accept them. Yet again I remind myself that life unfolds exactly as planned; everything is the way it is supposed to be at this very moment; trying to force it to be different will only cause me more frustration.
The discovery I have made is that doing nothing works.
Watching the soft fluffy white clouds high in the sky sets the mood for my moments of nothing. I can imagine floating among those beautiful clouds, weightless and without a care. From my place up there I look at the beauty in my back yard; the rainbow of color created by the blossoms; the little butterfly sitting on the branch; the busy bee collecting pollen, my beautiful family sitting around the fire pit; my special little Mocha running about; the best life partner anyone could wish for; and I had to do nothing to realize these very beautiful pieces of my life.
Important to remember that sometimes nothing works!

(Writing Prompt - Write Well University June 18, 2011)

Happy Father's Day

I don't remember my father being at home. He left before I was four years old so I don't really know what having a father is like but I imagine that I would have loved a father like the one I write about in this poem.......In place of my missing father I had two wonderful brothers who stepped in and took his place; They are both gone now but I will remember them always and be thankful for the role they played in my life. This is my Father's Day tribute to them and all the fathers.

HE

HE............
helped me find worms
find a safe place for them to be
built me a wagon for hauling
a cradle for my favorite doll
sang lullabies to me at night
listened to my silly songs
tucked me in, read me stories
always heard the tales I told
wrestled with me, tickled me
threw me up as I giggled
helped me to ride my new bike
cheered as I struggled on my own
seemed always to be present,
for the disappearing broccoli
smoothed things over with mom,
at most of the required times
gave me chores and taught me how
reassuringly worked beside me
taught me how to drive
loaned me the car sometimes
HE...........
took my hand, we walked, we talked
was strong as he lifted me from a fall
gentle as he held me close after a bad dream
was reassuringly proud
as he walked me down the aisle
lovingly thoughtful as he wiped away a tear
first from my eye; then from his
HE...........
was always there
My dad

Seeking (But Not Finding) Stanley VII

Game seven, a sad loss!
Congratulations Boston!

What was even MORE SAD was the behavior of a select few citizens of the area. What happened in downtown Vancouver after the game was inexcusable. I know that most people realize the rioting was not representative of the majority of the residents of the city however it is still embarassing that the world has seen Vancouver in this light.

Seeking Stanley VI

Game six and I have little hope that Vancouver will win, (not that I don't want them to). I just figure that's the way it will be, with a game seven back home.
So here we go...........
End of the first period - 4 Nothing for Boston.
End of the second period - 4 Nothing for Boston. hmmm
End of the game 5 to 2 for a Boston win.
Well it appears that Vancouver wasn't present for this game either. Perhaps they will attend in Vancouver on Wednesday. Congratulations Boston! Come on Canucks.......you really can do it you know!

Seeking Stanley V

All right.........game five here at home.
From the looks of this picture the team has had a good talking to, so they should win this game here at home. I say should because although I want them to win I really don't have any idea who will win.
What I am bewildered about though is the many Canadians who are not Canuck fans for this Stanley Cup series. I guess perhaps because I'm not a 'REAL' hockey fan I don't understand their position but it just seems to me that if your favorite Canadian team is not in the playoffs and another Canadian team made it, you should support that Canadian team. Sounds perfectly logical to me.........but obviously, what do I know? Regardless of the vast number of folk who are hoping for a Boston victory, (some of my very own favorite people in the whole wide world) I would like to see Vancouver win the cup.
End of the first period - No Score (Been there before)
End of the second period - No Score (Still)
End of the game - 1 Nothing and a victory for Vancouver
Congratulations Vancouver, just one more game to go.

Seeking Stanley IV

Game four of the Stanley Cup Playoffs here we come!
Hopefully Vancouver will be in attendance this time; they were strangely absent from the last game (even though they got a losing score). I predicted that Boston would win game three, but lordy I never dreamed they would win by 7 goals! I have no prediction for game four.
End of the first period - 1 Nothing for Boston.
End of the second period - 3 Nothing for Boston. Hmmmmmmm. I think maybe Vancouver forgot to come to this game as well (or so it would seem).
End of the game - 4 Nothing for Boston.
Although I had no prediction for this game I was not surprosed with the outcome. Congratulations Boston. Hopefully Vancouver can win the next two.

Critical Pursuit

Placing one foot in front of the other seems the only way to reach the end of this journey though I do wish there was an easier way to do it.
This particular day dawned promisingly bright, with the sun shining into our front window, warming not only my body but my thoughts as well. Lately it seemed the weather had not favored us with too much other than rain so this day was a blissful change. Looking out the front window I felt rather tickled to see evidence that my upcoming task would be rather pleasant in comparison to the usual wet soggy missions I was committed to.
Enough pondering; chores needed doing inside before I would be able to get out and feel the warm sunshine on my back.
Finally ready, my friend and I headed out the door into the beautiful day. I had my umbrella just in case the weather man decided to make a quick transformation (which happened more often than not). We headed down the street in the direction of the park which we passed each day, in a light happy spirit. About six blocks from home the sky began to darken in the west. The sun, getting ready for bed, had already made its way in that direction. I got a sinking feeling that today was going to end up like so many others; that I would be blown and soaking wet.
It seemed each step marked the progress of the darkness in the sky and now we were under one of those eerie looking domes with dark clouds tumbling and churning above us and the sun completely gone from view. This always happened so swiftly; starting out a beautiful day and ending up the disastrous mess we were amidst now. Then the rain came down.This brings me to the point where I started my story………….indeed it seems putting one foot in front of the other is the only way we are going to reach the end of this journey…………so that’s exactly what we did.
I released the catch on the umbrella about the time a huge gust achieved its mark and turned it inside out. My friend was no help, looking at me with interest and curiosity as though I was perhaps from another planet, trying to open this umbrella in the middle of a wind storm. As I struggled to get the umbrella righted another gust arrived it seemed, for the sole purpose of ripping it right out of my hands. We watched it go sailing high above us, ironically now in the right shape and form to have protected us from the pouring rain.
Without protection of an umbrella we moved forward on our trek. The water dripped from the end of my nose, I couldn’t see out from behind my glasses, we were cold, my friends hair curled as it got wet and mine just hung in strings, the wind at its leisure, whipping it around and into my eyes. I could see our destination up ahead but in these conditions it would still take awhile to get there. I vowed to do something about the necessity for this daily traipse; just what or how I didn’t yet have quite clear in my mind.
Finally we arrived and there it was, the only place in the entire universe acceptable for the job at hand. My friend very promptly went over to her favored spot and tended to the task she had come here to take care of………she POOOOED……….she did her little (what I call) poop dance then looked up at me proud as punch, wagged her tail and waited at the end of her leash for her praise. There was no other place she would be convinced to carry on this critical business.
This journey could be likened to the early days of the mail delivery…………it had to be, whether wind, rain, sleet or snow.

(Saturday Writing Prompt (WFSC) May 12, 2011)

Seeking Stanley III

Ok it's game three of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
Now, Vancouver should win this game; I want Vancouver to win this game but...........the outcome is anyone's guess. I sort of think that Boston will win. Why do I think that? I don't know, it's sort of like, 'why do I think I should wear this blue T-shirt today'........I just do!
End of the first period - No Score!
End of the second period - 4 Nothing for Boston! Wow! That is quite the exhibition!
End of the game - 8 to 1 for Boston! I have no words........Congratulations Boston and Vancouver, may you find your game for Wednesday!

Who Ate the Cheese?

It began normal enough; as normal as any day can be when in the house you have two parents, a pint size and three teenagers, two of whom are football players; one of those big, strong, fit and hungry; one smaller, fit and hungry; the third a girl fighting for her share. Yes it had been quite a regular day as six people pulled up their chairs to the dinner table that evening and looked upon a feast of Sheppard’s Pie with layers of bubbly cheese on top. It was truly a dinner fit for a king with salad and garlic bread to accompany the main dish, even though we all know that sheppards probably didn’t eat salad and garlic bread (but then it wasn’t sheppards sitting at the table).
There was the usual banter skipping about the dinner table that evening with enough ribbing to go around; leaving no one out. The football players rehashed their strategies, the parents reviewed their options, the girl tried to take part in both discussions and the pint size tried as best he could to squeeze a word in every once in a while but eventually he just gave up and ate his Sheppard’s Pie and munched on his garlic bread. Everyone was full!
Surprising as this may seem there was leftovers after the meal was over. That must have been some whopper of a dish of Sheppard’s Pie to feed that crew and still have some left. It was time to clean up and as previously agreed that was the kid’s job, with the pint size being allowed to go out to play for just a while longer before bed time. The parents had gone outside to satisfy their bad habit and get away from the chaos, expecting things to be cleaned up by the time they returned inside.
Supper mess and dishes had been cleaned up all right but a loud roar in the kitchen clearly indicated something was not in order. The gavel sounded and court was in session, Judge MOM presiding, Clerk of the Court DAD in waiting. First witness to be questioned without privilege of council……..Pint Size. “Did you consume the cheese from the top of the Sheppard’s Pie leftover dish?” was the question posed. Cowering in fear, Pint Size quickly replied “No”. “Then who did” came the second question. “Not me” replied Pint Size. (That Not Me again………guilty every time.) They were each questioned in turn, the young lady then each of the football players, all again, without privilege of council. All replied with the same answers; “No” and “Not Me”. Right Honorable Judge MOM was furious and Clerk of the Court DAD still waited. Since no one would own up to eating the cheese, since the judge had narrowed her decision to between the two football players and since the football player who was big, strong, fit and hungry (well not hungry anymore) was the family member (the other football player was a guest) and responsible for the behavior of the other, she was holding him responsible for the missing cheese…………or so it seemed. He was badgered long into the night, missing the football game he had tickets for, which really ripped him, but all to no avail. It was never discovered ‘who ate the bloody cheese’. Remaining a mystery to this very day, I’m unsure as to whether the truth will ever be revealed or if will lie buried forever in the Cheese graveyard.
Judge MOM may never again make Sheppard’s Pie with cheese on top or if she does it is quite certain the leftovers will never be alone with the cleanup crew.

Seeking Stanley II

So, game two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
End of the first period.....score 1 nothing Vancouver!
End of the second period......score 2 to 1 for Boston!
End of the third period.........score is tied at 2.........!
Overtime here we come!
I was getting set to watch the overtime period and for a moment layed back on the couch waiting...........heard the commotion and cheering, then a shout "Score".......I missed the goal and didn't even realize they had started to play. Good grief!
Eleven seconds into the overtime period Vancouver scored to win the second game of the playoffs 3 to 2!
Aaron and Brodie, I am so sorry that your team lost again but I'm happy that (and I repeat) a Canadian team won. Congratulations Canucks!

Let The Storm Rage

This is not a ‘lightning flashed and the thunder roared’ kinda story although on this particular evening the lightning flashed and the thunder indeed roared, so bright and loud in fact we were all cowering and ready to get under the covers & stay there………..except that it wasn’t bed time so we decided to wait out this chaotic disturbance at our kitchen table with a cup of hot tea to sooth our hysteria. There you have it…………………the reason established for playing this foolish game.
Monopoly is not my favorite board game but it’s one we could all play; the youngest to the oldest of our clan. Standing as the banker was altogether too much responsibility for me on this particular evening under these particular circumstances (I just wanted to sit in a vegetative state until the storm passed) but the burden was imparted to me regardless of my wishes; they said I was the best choice for the job. All I really wanted was be out in my garden looking at the gorgeous rose blooms, smelling the delightful fragrance and just be able to enjoy the sunshine. Instead I was being frightened to death by this bloody storm, compelled to take part in this foolish game and to top it all, charged with being the keeper of the money; in a nutshell, how totally distasteful.
A large bowl of cherries, sitting just a stone’s throw away over on the kitchen counter, offered the one small ray of brilliance in this otherwise frightfully deplorable day. It is said chocolate can soothe many woes and cherries rank right up there with chocolate in my books. Even better would be chocolate AND cherries. Ahhhh, perhaps I could find some chocolate. As that thought passed among the many cynical ones afloat in my brain at the moment, the lights went out so I quickly went to the drawer where we kept the flashlight. Armed with light I was on a mission to find some chocolate. I searched every possible place chocolate could be hiding; I found none; I found not even one little scrap left over from Halloween. I was distressed so I returned to my seat in front of the silly game where a small battery operated lamp now lit our playing area; it was my turn and I begrudgingly shook the dice. I landed on the ‘go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200’ (you know the one) so it was off to jail with my little game piece and I was off in search again, of chocolate.
Down on my hands and knees I peered into the back of a lower cabinet and there I made the most delectable find ever…………a huge bag of chocolate covered almonds. Now we really had it all, cherries, chocolate AND nuts. Wooo hooo! This was going to save the day! As I was getting up from the floor, chocolate covered almonds in hand, I hit my head on the upper cupboard door I had mistakenly left ajar, which instantly restored me to my knees as stars swam about before my eyes and a grim ache in my head ensured I would remember this incident tomorrow. On the way back down I dropped the bag of chocolate covered almonds and listened to them go falling and rolling everywhere. Well I was not about to let this little accident stop me from my just discovered chocolate and additional bonus nuts; I would be down here with my little flash light searching out every lost chocolate covered almond, just as soon as my head cleared and the stars stopped twinkling.
Someone was calling me back to the game. It must be my turn again. Did I mention how much I really disliked this silly game? About the time I was deciding to get up from the floor there was the loudest clap of thunder I have ever heard and a scream to match from the area of table where the game was being played. Such a commotion! I was still on the floor and found out a short time later that Sarah had been startled by the thunder, jumped up, knocked a glass of water all over the game (money included) and across the table to run onto the lap of Jeremy who tipped over a chair as he hopped up when the water landed. Actually I stayed on the floor through all this because I was determined to have some chocolate and bonus nuts with my cherries. I was overjoyed after I had gathered up the chocolate covered almonds and got back to the table to find the game board and money drenched in water. Now we could clear the table, eat cherries and chocolate covered almonds until we burst. Let the storm rage.

(Saturday Writing Prompt (WFSC) October 16, 2010)

Little Mocha

Hip Dysplasia the Vet said and some arthritis. My poor little Mocha is having problems with her hip so she is on medication and a supplement called 'Sasha's Blend' which has been successful for animals with this problem.
She loves to tear around and play tug-of-war with her toys but now we have to be careful not to cause any stress on her hip which means her playing needs to be toned down considerabley. I feel bad because Mocha loved her long walk but now she can only take a short walk. She knows when she is on the way back home and begins going very slowly with a sad look in her eye, taking every opportunity to sniff around and prolong the inevitable. They are so smart; don't know who ever labeled them 'dumb animals'.
We are keeping our fingers crossed that the supplements help and the medication will ease the discomfort somewhat.

Seeking Stanley I

Congratulations Vancouver Canucks; won the first game of the Stanley Cup finals for 2011....!!
What is in store for the final outcome is anyone's guess, although Don Cherry would have you believe otherwise, but good luck Vancouver. Hopefully you can bring home the cup this year.
I'm not a great hockey fan; I'm not a Canucks fan; BUT if the Oilers are not in the playoffs and can't win, then best the win go to a Canadian team.
Go Canucks Go........!!!

Missing My Family

I am especially missing my little family this beautiful sunny (first one in a long time) day!
Sometimes I just need to be close; feel a hug; see their smile; hear their voices; look at them. Some days I miss them more than others.
She has a grand sense of humour and an attitude when things don't turn out that says "well, we'll just have to do something about this". Thinking of my beautiful granddaughter with the long red hair, I can hear the bright happy smile in her voice, I can listen to the sparkle of those eyes in her laughter, I can feel the sound of her voice in the giant hugs we share; all imaginary because we are so far apart; all real because of the love we share that keeps us close always. Today I feel like I need to be with you to share even just a few precious minutes together. Across the miles, today as every other day, I am wrapping you with love and spending those few precious minutes with you. I hope your day is blessed with special circumstance. I miss you and I love you!
He has a quiet understanding of many things I would not have thought to be, and after contemplation he discovers answers that sometimes have escaped me. As I think of my special 'little and younger' grandson I miss his attempt to avoid my granny hugs and kisses; notice I said 'attempt' because I always manage to get in at least a couple even though he does his best to avoid them, all the while loving the attention they bring his way (as he grins behind his sleeve). When I am quick enough I can catch your almost patient way as you try to teach me something you have learned but seems to have dodged my grasp; yes, if I am quick enough. Over the mountains I am sending a cloud of love to sprinkle down on you as you are ready to accept it so I can spend little bits of time with you when you are ready. I wish your day be filled with special moments just for you. I miss you and I love you!
His presence in the room cannot be ignored, not just because of his size but because of the 'hello, I'm happy to be here' tone radiating from him. Thoughts of my oldest grandson instill the wish to have him close, bring back the voice that said "I need a granny hug". I always gave the granny hug but received back from him the biggest bear hug ever. It made me feel enclosed and protected. Hearing the openness in the songs he sang as he played his guitar leaked a piece of him into our lives and brought rays of sunshine through our window. As my thoughts wander, I want to be near you, to hear your voice, to see your smile, to feel your hug; just images because we are far apart; real because of the bond we share. Across the distance I am sending sunshine and protecting you with a blanket of love so that I can keep you near. I want for you, a day filled with special substance. I miss you and I love you!
She passes through the day in a flurry; not worrying too much about her needs; trying to be everything to everyone; fitting 26 hours into the usual day; taking charge of everything on her path and some things on other paths. Pausing often to think of my beautiful daughter I miss the times we used to share. I miss the cheery attitude and determination to find a way to make things work; her motto 'where there's a will there's a way'. I admire the way she seems able to pick herself up, get dusted off after an avalanche and move along. If wishes came true just by having them I'd sit with you awhile right now; laugh at something silly; bake a pie; have a chat. On the wind across the miles that separate us I'm sending you special moonbeams and raindrops to shower you with love so we can be close. May your day be filled with beauty. I miss you and I love you!
She has left life as we know it; but with me every minute in my heart. If there was a way I would give anything to hear your laughter just one more time; hear you say "Hi mom, how was your day?"; give the hugs you most needed and never got enough of. It can't be, but I spend time with you in a special way every single day. I send you thoughts and listen closely to yours; even though not so here, I know there are no sad 'tears in heaven'. I miss you and I love you!

Intensely Mushroom (Conclusion)

“Shelby what ever are these mushrooms doing inside my clean underwear I would like to know……..?” (It all started with a mushroom!...............)

Shuddering, Shelby was almost afraid to venture off the bed, wondering if what she was hearing was real or still part of her dream………..(or was it a nightmare?) Was she awake or did it just seem that way? Was Brodie really talking or was he still out in the country with a flat tire or was he ever out in the country? Should she flop her feet over the side of the bed, shake herself off and get on with the day, or should she roll over, pull the covers up under her chin, get back to her dream to find out the ending to this torment? She believed there was an answer awaiting her. It would reveal itself in time if she could just hold it together long enough.
She sighed as the gnome smiled at her, this seeming to be the most rational juncture in the entire string of events. Conscious decision to stay or get up was never compelled.
Sitting on the bench outside, Shelby looked across the lush green grass into the flower beds beyond, the property that garden gnome declared for his very own little village. Looking quite innocent and stone-like, she had no way of knowing the predicament this little fellow had placed her in. Still contemplating the proceedings of the day she worried whether she would still have the motivation to prepare the evening meal for the guests she and Brodie had invited; she must; it just wouldn’t be like her to disappoint everyone; but where was Brodie?
Back inside, preliminary preparations for dinner complete, loud chatter was clearly audible from the kitchen/dining room area. Wary, she wondered if she dared investigate. As she entered through the doorway into the kitchen her mouth fell open at the scene awaiting her. Chatter having changed to authoritative booming instruction, the gnome, wearing hat and short green pants with suspenders covering a red plaid shirt, clomping around in hiking boots and no socks, shouted out orders to her in a tone demanding her submission. This was bizarre……….a few minutes ago this gnome was out in the flower beds, very much stone-like. Now he was alive in her kitchen. She fell into a chair with the bewilderment of it all.
From the chair Shelby could see Kevin swimming about in his little bowl and there appeared to be words being formed by the bubbles coming from his mouth. Good grief………….she could make out “feed him” and then “feed him peanut butter and jelly”. This was bizarre! Was her fish talking to her? She watched closely and could again make out “feed him peanut butter and jelly”.
After the events of this day ‘what did she have to lose’ she thought as she rose and began preparing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for the gnome (assuming Kevin had been referring to her feeding peanut butter and jelly to the gnome). Shelby couldn’t quite believe she was making a sandwich for a garden gnome. What would be written in her epitaph? Sandwich finished she handed it to the cranky little man in her kitchen who grabbed it away from her like a bear after a fish. It was gone in a few chomps. Momentarily though there was a big cloud of purple smoke filling the kitchen. When it cleared the gnome had disappeared. No one was going to believe her story about this day. This was getting more extraordinary by the minute……………. Could it have been the gnome who had been interfering with her mushrooms but where had he gone..........and Shelby wondered for the hundredth time this day, where was Brodie?
As the last of the purple smoke dissipated and seeming to be void of her usual common sense and intelligence, Shelby could hear the happy music of what sounded like the ice cream truck that frequented her neighborhood. Being drawn by some unknown urgency, without further consideration of the recent events in her kitchen she hurried out to meet the sounds coming down her street. It was like the ice cream truck all right; playing the words loud and clear ‘Come With Me’ in a tune she didn’t recognize; square tires seemed to maneuver the vehicle quite nicely down the street; a steering wheel was outside and at the rear of the vehicle; blueberries in various depiction covered the entire truck; sitting in the driver’s seat up front without a steering wheel was…….yes it was, another garden gnome dressed from head to toe in various shades of purple, extending in invitation, his pudgy little hand towards her. Seemingly unable to resist, Shelby, reaching for the hand offered, took it and climbed inside the blueberry decorated truck. Once aboard, the truck seemed to sprout wings and quickly ascended towards the clouds. Having still not recovered her common sense and intelligence which had dissipated with the purple smoke back at the house, Shelby sat back, watching the houses, the trees, the town, disappear as she sailed over top in the blueberry-covered-ice-cream-truck-turned-flying-machine. She was in awe! How was she ever going to tell Brodie about the strange events of this day…….and again she wondered, where oh where was Brodie?
Soon the blueberry-covered-ice-cream-truck-turned-flying-machine slowed and began descending towards the ground. They were nearing a village of some kind. There was a sign. Welcome to Blueberryville it read. Everything was purple in every shade you could imagine. The houses, the streets, the signs, the clothing worn by………yes………..it appeared all the inhabitants of this place were garden gnomes, but alive! They cheered as the vehicle landed on the street. Soon there was a crowd to greet her, offering their hand to help her out of the truck, bowing with hats off as she walked among them. This all seemed very illusive yet she could reach out and touch them; she could speak with them. They urged her to follow them to their town hall in fact they insisted she come. Inside the town hall she found the Mayor who seemed to be awaiting her arrival. He wasted no time in welcoming her to Blueberryville in fact he presented her with a key to the town, explaining that she was deserving of this honor having aided the gnome in her kitchen to be released from his stone-like existence in her garden by giving him the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Shelby was speechless and before she found her voice who should come walking through the door but Brodie. She ran to him throwing her arms around his neck. She had so many things to say and so many questions to ask him but could only find the words to say “I’m so happy to see you”.
All the gnomes of the town were equally happy that Shelby had finally found her prince charming. They urged them to marry in their little town and if they settled there they would become King and Queen of the entire kingdom surrounding Blueberryville.
Well, there in the land of the gnomes, Shelby did marry her prince charming, Brodie, in a grand 'purple wedding' attended by the entire town, and they seriously considered staying but in the end decided they couldn’t leave behind their friends and family back home. The gnomes were very sad they weren’t going to become their King and Queen but promised they would be welcomed in Blueberryville anytime they wanted to visit and of course the offer of becoming their King and Queen would stand forever.
The gnome who brought Shelby there in the blueberry-covered-ice-cream-truck-turned-flying-machine, took her and Brodie back home. There were cheers as they left and wishes for them to come back some day.
She was sure she could hear cheers. Opening her eyes Shelby rolled over and checked the time, wondering where the sound of cheers was coming from. It was time to get out of bed to meet this day, although she wasn’t quite sure if the day was really just beginning………
She quickly jumped out of bed, ran to Brodies dresser, opened the top drawer to check his underwear.

Remembering Two Special MOMS

Happy Mother's Day

Again this year, I want to share this poem I wrote for Mother's Day. Happy Mothers Day to all the MOMS !!!!

What is a Mom?

A mom never tells you about the pain she felt while she carried you
the number of times she was sick
or unable to eat certain foods
No……instead she tells of the love that flooded her whole being
when the nurse placed you in her arms
her eyes first set upon your tiny little face
A mom never tells you of the tears with every disappointment
along your journey to accomplishment
even just taking that very first little step
No……instead she tells of the excitement and absolute joy
at hearing the sound of your first word
listening to your first contagious giggle
A mom never tells you how very very tired she was sometimes
when there was no one else to drive you
to brownies or your evening music lesson
No……instead she tells you how her heart swelled with pride
at the beautiful sounds of the school choir
and she listened to you sing your first solo
A mom never stops loving you or being there for you ever
when you push her away in frustration
even the times you say you hate her
No……instead she circles you with love from a distance away
the distance you allow her to have
distance she never lets grow any larger
A mom never gives up fighting to make this life better for you
even though she is exhausted from trying
when it seems her efforts are all in vain
No……instead she keeps pushing you forward as much as she dare
listening to you in later years tell her
how she should have pushed harder
A mom never turns her back when you decide to marry
someone unworthy of your love
one she feels certain will hurt you
No……instead she watches as you head into such a big step
stands by to catch you when you fall
holds you as the bruises are healing
A mom never stops trying; learning new steps in the dance
even if she can’t hear the music play
even when the music stops playing
No……instead she tries her very hardest to figure out the steps
when the music changes in the middle
of the dance you are doing at the time
A mom never stops looking for answers to the pieces of life
that seem the hardest to fit together
even when it seems no answer is
No……instead she keeps right on looking; trying all the angles
worrying; digging deep down inside
searching for the one solution to it all

She isn’t perfect; we’ll never define her; but she’s your mom
Forgive her for the mistakes she made along the way
Hold her, cherish her as much as she does you
Sing with her, love her and tell her you do

Intensely Mushroom (Part II……)

Mouth agape, Shelby dropped the phone...................

This couldn’t be happening she thought when she had recovered slightly and picked up the phone that was crackling and making all kinds of noises from (she assumed) being dropped. “Hello…..Hello…..”she said into the mouthpiece, trying to resume her conversation with Brodie. No reply reached her ear as she tried again and again. The phone just continued to make strange noises. Had she really just received a phone call from Brodie? Did he really tell her he was stranded in the countryside and had been gone the entire day? After several attempts to get Brodie to talk to her she reluctantly replaced the receiver in its cradle.
A cup of tea is what she needed to calm her. Cautiously, slowly, Shelby walked to the kitchen to start the water boiling, glancing towards the refrigerator as she passed through the doorway. Relieved, it was clear; nothing lay on the floor, not a crumb, not a scrap, not a mushroom.
Tea in hand Shelby returned to the living room, sat back in the big recliner, sipped and thought. The events of this day kept playing over and over in her mind. She couldn’t shake the images nor did they make any sense. Picking up her Koontz novel she hoped to engage herself in the latest adventures of ‘Brother Odd’.
Cup now devoid of any liquid, Koontz unable to maintain her attention, she picked up the telephone to call Brodie’s cell. She dialed but got only the annoying response that the person she was trying to reach was unavailable. There seemed no point in leaving a message if his phone was dead so again she hung up her phone. There seemed nothing to do but wait.
Reviewing the dinner menu in her mind Shelby remembered she needed to pick up some creamer for coffee so, grabbing her keys from the drawer, finding an all-clear as she glanced quickly towards the floor in front of the refrigerator, she headed out the door to her car. This would take only about half an hour. Then she could come home, have a shower, hopefully by then Brodie would be back and everything would be back on track, mushroom excepted (they could solve that mystery together after their guests left).
Once in the store she couldn’t resist the aroma of fresh bread so she decided to pick up some dinner buns from the deli. Taking a quick look-around she grabbed the creamer, a bag of chips and was out the door before she decided she needed to buy anything else. Back at the car she unlocked the door, placed the bag in the back seat, climbed in, started the engine and stared in shock. There they were in plain view. She was beside herself. Three mushrooms sitting up on the dash. Rolling down the window she grabbed those mushrooms and flung them outside as hard as she could pitch them. Now in tears she had to try to calm herself so she could drive home. She went back inside the store to grab a coffee from Starbucks. After a few gulps of coffee she was ready, put the car in gear and motored home to hop in a hot shower, which she hoped, would soothe her being. This day was becoming altogether too strange and dreadful. She shivered.
Pulling into the drive Shelby noticed to her relief that Brodie’s truck was home. Most anxious to talk she jumped out and ran to the house. Thinking to just burst inside she was almost knocked down when the door, locked, resisted her like a brick wall. God he must have locked it after he got home. Fighting with her keys she finally found the right one and unlocked the door. Running inside calling his name she was once more on this day, stopped dead in her tracks as she ran into the kitchen. Four of them now lay on the floor in front of the refrigerator. She screamed, ran over to those mushrooms and started jumping on them and crushing them into the floor as hard as she could stomp. She stomped, she screamed, she cried but Brodie didn’t come.
Spent Shelby finally fell to the floor. She must get to her bed and lie down or she believed she would explode with the fear, frustration and bewilderment of this day. Tears still streaming down her face she made her way to the bedroom. Not bothering to even take off her shoes she fell across the bed. It was there she opened her eyes to the sound of her alarm and felt Brodie brush her cheek softly. “Hey wake up; you were crying out, where you having a bad dream? It’s time to get up; we have a big day today and company coming for dinner.”
Shelby rubbed the sleep from her eyes as it took her a moment to wake with the realization this had all been a bad dream. She was about ready to roll out but was stopped cold when she heard a growling roar from Brodie as he made his discovery and shouted to her “Shelby what ever are these mushrooms doing inside my clean underwear I would like to know……..?”
……….It all started with a mushroom!
This may have to be continued.............
(Writing Prompt - Write Well University April 23, 2011)

Brunch and Tulips

Stay tuned for Part II of Intensely Mushroom……..
In the meantime I will tell you that it was a grand May 1st with Sunday brunch at Newlands (for Easter/Mother’s Day) where the food choices were many and the desserts very yummmmy then an afternoon in Skagit Valley to walk among the tulips.
Skagit Valley (in Washington) is the home of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each year.
It was a beautiful sunny day to ‘tiptoe thru the tulips’ so that’s just what we did and it was a wonderful day! Couldn't have asked for anything better!

Intensely Mushroom (Part I……)

It all started with a mushroom Shelby noticed lying on the floor in front of the refrigerator. Must have fallen out as she was putting the groceries away she thought to herself but it puzzled her because the mushrooms she just brought home from the store were inside a blue Styrofoam tray and shrink wrapped. Picking it up she looked enquiringly at the mushroom then opened the fridge to put it back with the other mushrooms. Sure enough there was a vacant space in the container for the mushroom to fit but the packaging had not been disturbed. Now she was even more bewildered because she knew for certain she had not opened the mushrooms and taken one out then re-wrapped the package. This was quite disconcerting. Was Brodie messing with her she wondered, but at the same time she was sure she hadn’t left the kitchen after putting the groceries away, so he couldn’t have slipped in unnoticed to do this little deed.
Feeling sort of confused she decided on a cup of tea before determining what to have for lunch. A nice cup of green tea and a relax she felt sure would ease her mind. The TV was showing some sort of cooking show which didn’t grab her attention at the moment so she switched it to Matlock. Sometimes the old shows were a nice distraction. At some point in the next half hour she had decided to heat up a bowl of granny’s homemade broccoli soup. It was so good and with a slice of nice fresh bread and butter, it just hit the spot.
Still feeling a bit apprehensive about the situation she nevertheless decided to plan dinner. They were having guests for the evening meal and she planned to eat around seven. It was now twelve thirty so she had plenty of time. As she entered the kitchen what greeted her gave her a real start……….there on the floor in front of the refrigerator was one mushroom. She couldn’t believe her eyes, knowing full well she had put that mushroom away in the package inside the fridge. Feeling certain now Brodie was trying to have a bit of fun at her expense (even though she hadn’t heard even a hint of sound from the kitchen), Shelby began to plot how to get back at him. That mushroom was going to find its way into Brodie’s own private place.
She smiled, quite proud of her idea; for the time being she would return said mushroom to its rightful place to await opportunity for planting. It was time to start making dinner preparations.
Chopping, grating and mixing were the order of this afternoon as Shelby prepared ingredients for her dinner menu of stuffed peppers, breaded shrimp, bite-sized meatballs, nice fresh salad, baked potatoes along with brussel sprouts steamed then breaded with that special mixture to be finished up in the oven. A nice sauce for the meatballs would touch it all up. Dessert would be chocolate pudding, fresh fruit and whipped cream sprinkled with slivered almonds. Mmmmmm it was going to be so good; she could hardly wait to enjoy this meal with Brodie and their friends. They might watch a movie after dinner or play a game. She was looking forward to the evening.
Preparations had called for chopped mushrooms so Shelby had used all but one of the entire package, leaving the one behind for her own little caper. She smiled again as she thought about how she planned to get Brodie back for playing tricks on her and quickly headed for the bathroom to take care of some other required business.
She could hardly believe what she saw when she returned to the kitchen……..there right where she had found the mushroom before, lay one lone mushroom. She was beginning to get just a little annoyed with Brodie; as is sometimes said ‘a little bit goes a long way’ and she had almost enough of this little game. She picked up the mushroom knowing already that when she opened the fridge she would find the package empty. To the contrary, when she opened up the fridge she was speechless to find the package still containing the one mushroom she had left there for her own game. How had he managed to snaffle another mushroom from the bunch while she was making preparations? She couldn’t figure it out but would play along anyway.
Both mushrooms in hand, empty container in the garbage, Shelby was ready. Brodie must be around somewhere but she was sure she would be able to do this unbeknownst to him. When she found the room empty she quickly went to the drawer and placed the two mushrooms inside the garment lying on top. She arranged things so there were two neat little bumps showing, then quietly closed Brodie’s underwear drawer. With a smile and a ‘there-I-fixed-you smirk’ she returned to the living room to relax for a while before she had to make final dinner preparations.
Curiosity still gripped her as she wondered how he had managed to fool her like that and as a matter of fact she puzzled about just exactly where he was and how he had been avoiding her.
The telephone interrupted her thoughts. She went to answer and found Brodie on the other end of the line. Bewildered she asked “Where the heck are you and what’s going on?” He replied “I got up really early, didn’t want to wake you, went out for a drive and ended up with a flat tire; I had no spare and my phone was dead so I couldn’t call anyone. I have been out here in the country all day because at first I thought I would wait for someone to come by to ask for help. No one came so I had to walk. I walked forever it seemed but finally came to this farm. That’s where I am; just waiting for a tow truck.”
Mouth agape, Shelby dropped the phone………......

To be continued...............

(Writing Prompt - Write Well University April 16, 2011)

The Grand Phoenix (My Very Own Legend)

The dazzling mass streaked across the sky in a blaze of flaming color, to land atop the highest tree in our dimension. This beauty had come from a thousand years of placing care and love and courage with all who needed it. Anyone in the presence of this beautiful supernatural found themselves surrounded, protected and encouraged, as though someone held their hand and walked their every step with them, but most of all this experience was like a dream they would never truly be able to feel, touch or know for certain had really happened. Now this beauty, tired, weak from its years of tending and old from the years passing, was ready to renew itself with youth and opportunity to learn and serve again; ready to die to have that. Landing on the height of the palm tree, the amazing Phoenix waited as the sun warmed its place to flames, the winds fanned the fire and soon all that remained was ashes. From the ashes there appeared another dazzling mass of flaming color, a younger version of itself. Flapping its wings, renewing the fire it rose up from the flames, soaring into the sky on its way to serve the world once more. Done with their purpose the flames died, leaving not a trace of their existence in the tree. There was nothing to show what had happened except the beautiful supernatureal immortal being that had just flown away, its fiery color now among the clouds.

proud bird

stands amidst the flames
lived one thousand years
begs for peace and rest
willing to burn
to be young again, not tired
sun and wind are nature's way
giving and fanning the flames
when ash remains birth will dawn
legend to live on
The Phoenix

(Saturday Writing Prompt (WFSC) Jan 29, 2011)

Flowers and Crisp

Feel-good flowers and rhubard crisp for dessert.
(Complete with my sleeping Mocha)
I hope everyone had a nice Easter with lots of family and friends to be with and plenty of sunshine in your day! We didn't have a big Easter dinner and a houseful of people. We had a nice salad, rhubard crisp for dessert and the company of each other (and don't forget Mocha). It was great.
I do miss my family and especially when holidays come around.
The flowers were feel-good flowers from George because I was feeling down in the dumps when Aaron left for home. What a wonderful guy! I'm not quite sure what I did to deserve him but I am thankful for him every single day.

WOW

(The Hilton from our suite and Mount Shasta en route)
WOW it seems I haven't written in ages..........I always have good intentions but the good intentions don't always make it to this blank page.
Since I last wrote we have been on a road trip down to California, across to Las Vegas, up to Reno, then back home again. The weather in California was gloomy with pouring rain so outside activities were not in the cards. It was nice in Las Vegas though.............sunny and warm. Vegas has changed since I was there (probably 15 years ago) but still a 'happening place' if you call gambling and scurrying about on the street 'happening'. Don't know where everyone was going but crowds of people were certainly hurrying along the strip. The sidewalks at times were quite crowded. Reno on the other hand was very quiet; as quiet as it was two years ago when we were there; not a lot going on at all.
We were weary when we got home and both agreed there had been too much driving in too short a time but it was a nice time away together. Maybe our next road trip will involve more time and less driving.

Die in Each Other's Arms

The day has dawned bright, sun shining through sheers on the east bedroom window. At first flutter of your eyelid when sleep is being stepped on by morning, needing no coaxing, I am ready. I was ready as you slept and little known to you I was in charge then also. I watch as your eyes slowly try to focus on the sunlight. At first recognition I place a curtain between you and the sunshine; a curtain so dark and thick that only sheer delight can penetrate it. You have no delight; only despair. What has begun as a bright and sunny day for you, I have quickly transformed into a dreary hopeless time that you are forced to endure.

Knowing you must tend to your job and your day, you begrudgingly drag yourself over the bed's edge to place your unwilling feet on the carpet covering the room you don't want to leave. Five minutes pass as your thoughts meander about trying to figure out why you feel this way. Eventually you stand. It takes another five minutes for you to decide on your next move. You can't make a decision about whether to shower, get dressed without showering, or crawl back into bed, your first order of choice being the latter. All the while I hold your hand; urge you to do what it is you want most to do. I hold tight so there is no possibility you can ignore me.

You have somehow managed the decision to get dressed without taking a shower, pick up the clothes you wore yesterday and shuffle into them. They smell but I remind you that it doesn't matter; they will do just fine.

In the kitchen the choice between tea and coffee is so overwhelming you think perhaps you won't bother with either.........but you want a hot drink. You make coffee. You make tea. You pour coffee. You pour tea. You drink neither because you can't decide which it is you want. I ensure your indecision, making sure I remain in control.

You are expected at work today; you have many people counting on you. To get your lunch ready seems like a daunting task so you don't bother with any. You may have to go out for some fast comfort food for lunch. Knowing what is best for you I insist you do exactly that. Making lunch is too much bother and takes too much energy. You will do nicely at Wendy's or McDonalds.

It comes to mind during your lunch thoughts, not only have you not showered, you haven't even washed your face or brushed your teeth. I am quick to remind you it is immaterial and won't matter a hair if you don't bother with that today. There is always tomorrow for such tasks (never do today what you can put off until tomorrow, right?).......Good; glad we got that figured out.

Glen is coming downstairs. He reaches out to give you a hug but I urge you to back away. Why is he trying to interfere with our relationship anyway? You back away and look up into eyes that reflect the pain of estrangement. Glen doesn't understand what is happening and I don't encourage you to try explaining it to him in fact I like it better that he feels completely left out. Taking your hand we turn and walk away from him.

It will soon be time to be on your way to work. Work........it takes your attention away from me. I try to keep you engaged but when you get busy there are periods of time during which I lose control. It would be better if you stayed home today. I tell you that. Your only argument; "I have to go to work. I have already missed too much." Encouraged you have given me the opportunity to interject I gently remind you how tired you are and need to rest. It doesn't take much persuading. You slowly turn and head back toward your bedreoom. I notice the sunshine coming in through the kitchen window and quickly block it with one of those thick dark curtains as you pass by.

Still dressed you close the bedroom door and flop down on your bed. Soon there is a little knock on the door which I encourage you to ignore. The door opens; a young voice calls out "Mommy are you OK?" You reply that you don't feel well and won't be going to work today. There is no hug, no smile for the young voice who is concerned about you. I insist that you ignore that voice and close your eyes. Before long, dejected, she turns away, closing the door behind her. You grab a cover and pull it up over your head to cover the tears that are falling. Silly tears; I hate it when you cry.

You are in the deepest, darkest part of your world right now. I want to keep you there, away from your family, your friends, your life, convincing you I am the only friend you need and the only one who is able to help you figure out your life.

I am depression. Keep me to yourself and we will die in each other's arms.

I wrote this blog entry because I know first hand from years past what it's like to suffer alone with depression, afraid or unwilling to let anyone in and I know and have known many others in the same space. Wishing I knew how to help them, I try by being there and encourage them to seek outside guidance.

Thoughts For Japan

Disaster yet again; a most devastating earthquake and tsunami hits Japan.

I have no understanding of what it must be like to go through such a time; I can only try to imagine. What I know is that my heart goes out to the people of Japan who have had to bear this nightmare; the survivors; those who perished; those who are left behind to pick up the peices. The world for these people will never be the same; they will never forget this event in their life.

My prayers and thoughts are with Japan.