Mental gear shifting

(Doodle by Lee)

As it happens every year, the world fully overlooks Thanksgiving in anticipation of the Christmas season. The stores are fully decking the halls at the end of October. At the local Walgreens, you can get discount Halloween candy and tree garland in the same aisle. Something is inherently wrong with that in my mind.

I love anticipation as much as the next person, but never allow myself to really even think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving has past. Traditionally, the weekend after the turkey is when I can mentally shift gears and wrap my heart and mind around the approaching Christmas season.

This Christmas will be different. My family has made a conscious decision that we won't be buying gifts for one another. My mom and dad will get some things for the boys and of course, I'll have things for Sam under the tree, but we will not be exchanging gifts otherwise. The truth of the matter is that none of us "needs" anything and with the economy as it is, going into debt for the sake of finding that "perfect gift" just seems superfluous at this point. It certainly takes the pressure off, that's for sure. My dad is the hardest to buy for, and I've spent countless Christmases in the past worrying about what on earth to get for him. It's not what the season should be about.

So, here I sit, with a smile on my face, listening to Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong (you really must check out this CD) and smiling with contentment. Tis the season to be thankful for many things, but not for the gifts we are given. Instead, I'll think about what I can give that does not cost a single penny and fills my heart. And, that thought is what will fill me with the joy of the coming season.

Loving the chocolate

Finally! The day came where I could finally get rid of the Krazr and upgrade my phone. Here's the thing. Me? I just want a "phone." I don't use the camera, I hardly text anyone, I don't need the MP3 capability really. Nope, I just need and want a boring, all purpose phone that you can talk to people on.

But, alas, the way things are evolving, you can hardly find one, unless you want the senior citizen Jitterbug they advertise on TV, that does not tout multiple capabilities.

So, after much looking and deciding I really wanted an LG, I settled on the LG Chocolate 3 in black. And, I love it! First time in years, I have splurged on a sweet. And how sweet it is!

Just the perfect gift ideas...

As I perused the stack of catalogs on my table
I came across one of my very favorites.

No matter the occasion or the person,
I can always find a wonderful gift in
the Femail Creations catalog.

They carry such unique and inspirational,
and yes, funny items. Enjoy browsing!

Happy Thanksgiving

May you enjoy the company of family and friends
this day, and be thankful for all your many blessings!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Out of the mouths of babes...

A friend related a story that happened in a church several weeks ago...

Seems a youngster was being rather unruly and squirmy when the mom had reached the end of her patience.

She grabbed the little girl up and headed down the aisle to get her out of the church.

As the little girl was being led out, she was saying, "Help me! Help me!" as they passed by the rows of seated congregation.

When she got no response, as they reached the back door, they heard her say, "Well, if you're not going to help me, at least pray for me!"

Yearbook yourself!

I had seen the Yearbook Yourself site on several blogs and decided to give it a whirl last night! Oh, what great fun! The trick is to find a photo of yourself where you are looking straight ahead (though you can tweak the position in each photo) and then upload to have some real laughs!

So, here for your viewing pleasure, is Jayne as she would have been....

In 1960... dig the glasses!

In 1962 when I was born!

In 1974... hey, I had this hair-do!

and in 1984... the mall hair baby!

Truth in words

Seen on a church sign yesterday on my way home:

"Be thankful for what you have
and, what you don't have."

I remember years and years ago seeing a snippet on TV of a motivational speaker named Rita Davenport. I must have been in my early twenties when I saw her, and something she said has stuck with me all these years. I have often repeated it to others, and it still holds so very true.

Rita was born in Nashville, and so you have to put the Southern accent with this as you read it. Trust me, it makes it even more enjoyable. She was addressing a group of women and she said in part, "Laaadies, what if I were to tell yew that yew can write down your very worst problem on a piece of paper and bring it up here and put it in this hat, and it would be gone? Gone! Just like that! (snap your fingers here) ..... But the catch is that yew have to come up here and draw somebody else's problem out of the hat. Why, you'd be scrambin' up here to get your problem back, cause let me tell yew, yew don't want any body else's problem."

I still smile when I think of this feisty lady recounting this to the group, and it made me think long and hard. It still does. Lately, I have been feeling really sorry for myself and dwelling upon my problems in life. I've been all but wallowing in the sadness of it, and even feeling somewhat persecuted by people close to me. What I came to realize is that the truth hurts. Indeed it does. When someone else reflects your truth back to you, the tendency is to get defensive. I am almost over myself now thankfully, and have had open, loving conversations to admit my part in the angst so I can now let it go and move forward.

But the lesson remains, as I again was reminded on the way home from church by the sign above. Be thankful for what you have, and for what you don't have. I was also reminded by my dear friend Ginger's blog this past week in her posts, Oh Give Thanks, Part I and Part II. How powerful and how true. Thank you Ginger.

So, my goal for this Thanksgiving week is to remember to put everything into perspective and to give thanks both for what I have and what I don't have. Care to join me?

Oh, and while I am at it, let me tell you all how much thanks I give for each and every one of you in my life. Your presence here means the world to me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

On the kitchen table

A beautiful mix of orange, yellow, and red....
Makes me smile.
Such joy for so little cost.

Consider treating yourself
just because you're worth it.

Catalog browsing...

And make that a Venti please?

Oh, and since I have to work both today
and tomorrow, can I get a re-loadable swipey card?
Thanks!

Perched in the sun...

I saw him fly towards the hackberry trees
and perch in the sun....
Isn't he lovely?

Ain't it the truth?

In an email I received the other day....
it would be funny if it weren't so darn true!!!

I remember laughing at my sister and my cousin
when they got into their forties and started
comparing notes about their stagnant memories
and the ever desperate need for Post-It notes in their lives.

Now, I am a full fledged member of the
Where-Did-I-Put-That Club.

Resting in the cold

Last weekend, it was colder and damp.
This little Junco was trying to find a warm place
in the sun in the crepe myrtle and made me smile.
I love seeing them back for the winter.

Pantry Purging

When we moved into this house, I was thrilled with the large pantry off the kitchen. But, it's become a "catch all" of sorts, and so Saturday I decided it was time to bravely go in there, clean out the pasta and canned goods from 2006, and do a bit of organization of everything else in there.

Two huge garbage bags later, the end result was rather pleasing. Now it seems we need some food? Nothing like getting a closet area organized to make you feel a sense of accomplishment!

Sharing with the Siskins

With the plethora of Pine Siskins in the past days
it's been hard for anyone else to get a nibble in edgewise.
But, the White-breasted Nuthatch is a quick and
stealthy seed nibbler. He was brave enough to enter the fray.

For those wondering, here is a shot of my
feeders taken from the upstairs bedroom.
The Advanced Pole System from WBU is simply
the best system I've ever owned.

Nitric oxide...or did I need NITROUS oxide?

Well, Thursday afternoon, I left with a friend to head to Atlanta. We decided on an early dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. We both had the Chicken Madeira..."Sauteed Chicken Breast Topped with Fresh Asparagus and Melted Mozzarella Cheese, Covered with Fresh Mushroom Madeira Sauce. Served with Mashed Potatoes." Oh. My. Chicken so tender, you could cut it with a fork! Yum-my!

After dinner, we headed towards the International Convention Center to hear Dr. Christiane Northrup. My friend had never heard of her, and I was looking forward to the dear doctor explaining to her, and me, why we feel the way we feel during the march to menopause. But, this gathering was apparently planned for those who not only KNOW of her, but have read most of her books. I have to say that I was fairly disappointed. The lecture was to be from 7-10PM, and the first segment was so scattered and seemed so random. She was covering a number of topics and interjecting superfluous stories along the way. It was almost hard to follow her. But, what happened around 8:20, really had me flummoxed. They took, I kid you not, a 40 minute "break" so that people could visit the "books for sale" table at the back of the room, and then line up to have their books signed by her. Seriously. Are you kidding me? Uh, did you know we drove two hours to hear the lecture? Could you not have done it from 7-9 and then had an hour afterwords for that stuff? It really annoyed me.

The second half was a bit more organized and less choppy. In essence, her new book, The Secret Pleasure of Menopause, is all about the molecule nitric oxide, a "good" free radical, that increases serotonin and other feel good hormones. She went into details about how to increase levels of it so that you have a sense of happiness and well being. Good information, though at some points, I was wishing I had the nitrous oxide instead. It would have made me feel happier about spending the time and money to travel and see her lecture in person. Now, THAT would have been funny. The crowd on nitrous oxide? Just imagine it. Go ahead. I'll wait while you stop giggling and having visions of good trips to the dentist.

Anyway, my girlfriend company was wonderful and we had a great time conversing about life, love, and laughing over the state of our chockras. Methinks Dr. Northrup is a wee bit too concerned with the "abundance" part of her life.

The Flock Descends

I noticed a commotion at the feeders when I glanced
out the window yesterday morning.
I grabbed my camera to get a closer look, and smiled
as I saw that the Pine Siskin flock had returned!

They jockeyed for position, and those that could not
get on the feeders, went to the ground. I could not
believe the sheer numbers*!

They are skittish for sure, and it was not long
before they heard me move, and whoooosh.....
off they flew!

*My curiosity got the best of me, and I printed off the
ground feeding photo just so I could count them.
How many were there?
Drum roll please....
There were 65 on the ground!
Whooo-hoooo... welcome back gang!

Red-shouldered splendor

He was pretty far away,
but I enjoyed watching him perch on
the warning signs as he kept an eye
out for a potential snack in the grass.

Perching art

The wind blew...
His crest at attention,
he awaits a meal in the pond below.

7:10 Awe

I was opening the blinds yesterday morning
preparing to leave the house, when I was greeted
with this sight.....
Well, I ran for the camera to record just
a fraction of the awe that awaited me out the window.
What's being a little late when one can start
the day filled with such beauty?

Fun Meme-time

Borrowed from Organic Mama... a fun meme!

If your doctor told you TODAY that you were pregnant, what would you say? No womb here. (Bada bing, bada bang!)
When was the last time you flew in a plane? Probably in 2000 when I went to Texas to a friend's wedding. (Gee, has it really been that long? I need to go somewhere!)
What did the last text message you sent say? "I'm here early if you want to send a boy on out"... to Sam's parapro
What features do you find most attractive in the preferred sex? An engaging smile (where the eyes smile too) and an open, comfortable, kind spirit
What is a goal you would like to accomplish in the near future? To let go of the need to take care of everything
Shoe size? 7
Been to Mexico? Yep, Cancun, three times.
When is the last time you had a massage? Hot stone massage in the spring. Need to make an appointment for... NOW.
What was the last TV show you watched? The Amazing Race
What are your plans for the weekend? No clue yet.
What is in the back seat of your car right now? An umbrella?
What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Pulling into the parking garage at work.
If you could marry any celebrity today who would it be? Seriously?
Have you ever been to a strip club? No.
What is the best ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip
What is the last sporting event you watched? NFL football
Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on facebook? Never, ever have.
Ever go camping? And pretended to like it too. Not my gig.
What did your last text say? I'm just not a texty girl.
Where is your mom right now? At home, 20 minutes from here.
What color is your watch? Gold tone cheap waterproof Timex. Takes a licking...
Last phone call? To a dear kindred spirit friend.
Are you allergic to anything? Raking and jogging?
Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Dansko clogs
What is one thing you have learned about life recently? It's getting shorter.
Do you own an iPod? It's more hubby's really.
Do any of your friends have children? Most all do.
What do you do at work? Wound Care/HBO nurse
Who was your last kiss? Sam's sweet hugs and kisses.
How did you get one of your scars? From carpal tunnel surgery.
What is your moms name? Phyllis
Are you ticklish? Not excessively
Ever cried for no reason? Uh, duh.
Ever broken a bone? Does a toe count?
Do you have any piercings? Ears only.
Have you ever changed clothes while driving? Maybe as a passenger, but driving, no.
Have you ever cleaned up someone else's vomit? See profession above... all sorts, dear friends.
What was the last thing you ordered at McDonalds? Number 10 meal for Sam.
Can you do the Crank Dat dance? Crack Dat what?
What is your favorite color to wear? Coral or Blue
What is the longest plane ride you have ever been on? Nine hours to Hawaii
What is the longest road trip you have ever taken? Probably eight hours to Florida
What are your turn-offs? Huge egos, cruelty, ignorance, piety
What was your 1st alcoholic beverage? Sips of gin and Wink (remember Wink?)
What was your last alcoholic beverage? Glass of red zin
What are you craving right now? More Dancing Bull Red Zinfandel.

EVERYone is welcome

Yesterday at church, I was the lector. I love reading, and take time to go over the scripture for the day many days beforehand, making sure I have all the pronunciations down (Tip: There is a wonderful site called Biblical Words, and there you can hear correct pronunciations) so that I can give more meaning to the words as I speak them. I have not read since I've been back to my home parish, which will be a year in March, and it felt good to be back on the rotation. Standing there at the leturn felt like going home once again. I heard my words ring out... "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

I looked out over the sea of faces I have come to know over the years, and this is what I know. We come from all different backgrounds and persuasions. Politically, there are those who are very left leaning liberal and those who are more right leaning conservative. There are also many more who are somewhere in-between. But, the important thing is that at the end of the day, we worship together. We have a common purpose and mission. We love one another. There is no "us" and "them." I am sure there were many who were disappointed last Tuesday, just as there were many who rejoiced. No matter really. When we come together under our large tent, that does not come into consideration. When we fill up the slots to provide items for Thanksgiving meals for needy families, we are one. When we say aloud, during the Prayers of the People, the names of those needing or desiring our prayers, heartfelt prayers ascend as a corporate body. It's "church" as it should be.

This past week, I read a wonderful post by Real Live Preacher that I think is worth sharing. I love Gordon Atkinson and how honestly and simply he puts things. As I read this piece, I smiled, because I can easily see someone like this in our parish feeling quite comfortable. I like that. There is room for doubt and questions as we seek to fully understand. How can you not embrace the mystery? We are all in this together. We seek to love more fully, be Christ-like towards others, and grow as human beings. In my mind, that is as it should be.

Roosting retreat

I was out on the deck yesterday morning
when they flew in.....
Again, claiming the old house they
seem to love above all others
for winter roosting.

He came first, then they came together
to determine the suitability.
She flew in for one last look.
A perfect place to roost for the winter
and to raise young in the spring.
Oh, how I love them.

Another virgin!

I think I was in my first year of college and dating an Eagle scout. He came home with me one weekend, and my dad commented on a certain bird outside the kitchen window. He (the Eagle Scout) identified it at once, and we were enthralled and amazed. For Christmas that year, I guess it was 1980, he gave our family this Golden Book Guide to Birds (copyright 1966 with a price of $4.95) shown above (yes, I still have it). From that moment, my family was hooked, and we became novice backyard birders.

My sister and I took the book to our new home together in 1984 (sadly, the Eagle Scout moved on to other birds) and kept notes of different birds we'd see and what date we saw them. We could identify most all backyard birds, and put up both feeders and houses in our yard. It's been a joy in my life ever since. I've not really ventured outside my backyard, but that will change come April when I join "the flock" at the WV Birding and Nature Festival. It will be my first big, official outing where I'll lose my "backyard birding" virginity! (I hope they'll be gentle.) I can't wait.

But now I've made the acquaintance of another virgin. Kallen visited this blog, and as is my custom, I checked out her new blog, Kitchen Window Birder. I was grinning the entire time I read her very first post, My Mid-Life Crisis is for the Birds. So, go encourage her, and spread the bird love. She is embarking upon a joyful journey indeed. Welcome to the fold Kallen.

Mmmmm.... it's good

I'll admit it....

I am a coffee snob of sorts.

I would rather have no coffee at all than subject my taste buds to bland, boring, tasteless coffee. To that end, I have been on a quest of sorts to experience different coffees. I do know my buds don't care for French Roast brews or Colombian brews too much.

My new find is by a favorite source... CoffeeFool.com

It's their "Secret Bean" and man, it makes my coffee taste buds soooo happy. You too can become a Coffee Fool. You'll never be more proud to be called a fool, and if you are a frequent fool, you get a better price! What a great reward for being foolish!

Transitions...

If you've never heard of Dr. Christiane Northrup, let me tell you that this woman has some smarts. Her first book, The Wisdom of Menopause, is a bible of sorts, and helps women to understand this time of their lives in a fully different and more complete way. I read it years ago, when I was just a pre-peri woman, and it so resonated with me.

Since my hysterectomy in March of 2007, I've felt the effects of my body's gradual slow down sans uterus. Drier skin, slower (much slower) metabolism, and memory issues are just a few of the things I've noticed. But the other thing is the annoying habit my husband has of breathing. (Yes, that is said tongue-in-cheek, but you know what I mean ladies.) Dr. Northrup notes that in our earlier years, our hormone levels are such that we are masters of organization, care taking, multi-tasking and "other" oriented focus. For those of us with children, it's natural to fall into that category even more deeply. However, she notes that once we enter the peri-menopausal stages, the hormones sink and shift, and truly, our brains are no longer wired or capable of maintaining the status quo. What was once just second nature becomes stressful and sometimes impossible. It's during this time that we need to shift to a more "self" oriented focus in order to navigate it all without ex/im ploding.

That seems to be where I am right now. The me who used to "take responsibility for everything" and "do it all without thinking twice" is not happy with that arrangement any longer. Problem is, (poor hubby), that's the way this relationship has operated for 19 years. He's perplexed that I am all of a sudden blurting out, "Can't you just do this ONE thing?" It was a good gig for him, no doubt, but it's not where I am any longer. Nope. Just won't do. Can't do it anymore and stay sane. It's probably why there is the old joke about women losing their minds during this time, but truly, it's that their minds are trying to make them see that they need to take the time, maybe for the first time in their lives, to exercise some extreme self-care.

To that end, my hero Dr. Northrup will be speaking in Atlanta next Thursday evening, and I really want to go. I've asked a friend to go with me and am waiting for her to give me the go ahead to get our tickets. We'll drive down, have a nice dinner, and listen to her tell us we're not crazy and we can get through the next years of our lives in a peaceful, calm, and yes, even richer manner.

Yep, it's time for the roller coaster to slow down. I'm ready to just take a slow walk and eat some cotton candy. How about you?

Let Go again....

As I was looking over my Sitemeter stats the other day, it struck me that on my entry pages ranking, the highest number of visitors find my blog by googling one phrase.... "Let Go, Let God".

And so, because yesterday was such an emotional day for so many, I think it would be appropriate to listen to Olivia sing as you see still images of her inspirational "breast cancer research/awareness team" walking in Beijing. If you want to forward through the intro music, the song starts at 3 minutes in... enjoy.

"Let the signs remind you, we are passengers. Let the signs remind you to surrender."

Well, here we go...

Today is the day. A day which will determine the direction of our country. A day which has caused pain, heartache, and division for so many people, including me. People who regularly read my blog don't any longer because I have expressed an opinion about today. My heart has literally hurt because of this day. Relationships have changed, probably never to be the same again because of this day. We are at a crossroads for sure. I so want to believe we can do better. I so want to feel that we can come together as a nation, united, not divided, and move forward.

None of us knows what the outcome will be, but the path forward has to change regardless. We will be changed because of the process and what this nation has become and what we endured during the process. Change is hard. Change is painful. But, as the old saying goes, "Nothing changes, nothing changes."

And, however this day turns out, we all need to remember we're in this together.

~~~~~~~~

After this post was composed, I learned of Barack Obama's grandmother's passing. May light perpetual shine upon her and may he and his family be surrounded by God's strength and peace.

Riding the thermals

We have lots of vultures around here.
At any given time, you can look skyward
and see one floating on the wind.
This turkey vulture flew over the back yard
just as I was heading in from the deck.
So graceful to be such a "Ugly Betty" bird!

Fall on Chickadee

Our little trees in the backyard tree line
are starting to show their true colors...
I love all the hues of red and gold.

Though it's nothing at all like Carolyn's view,
which still has my mouth agape.
Click on her photos and drink in the beauty...

Are we blushing?

When Sam got into the car at school yesterday,
his parapro Ms E said, "Ask him to see his hand!"
I looked over and Sam just grinned.

(We won't dwell upon the fact that sweet Melanie
is apparently known for always being in school suspension
for fighting and such... no, we won't.)

For one day, she made a sweet 16 year old boy grin widely.