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 |   Theses are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call life. |
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These are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call Life. I blog with these groups:     "Blogging Circle of Friends "  [E] 
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Blog City - Day 1977 I lost my 20 year old cat today to cancer. I'm heartbroken. She was with me through 2 rounds of cancer, my move to New Jersey and my head injury. We've been through a lot together. The prompt is about losses in your life. Looking at the number of the day and reading the prompt makes me give a sad smile. I too had a cat who lived to be almost 20. I grew up with her. She was my companion and my comedic relief. My mother and I bought her for $2.50 and I think the year was 1977 or was it 1975... or 1973... either way, it was the seventies. Mom had said we were not going to buy anything... but hey, what a gift we found in that little ball of calico fuzz. The short story I am writing for my Fiction Writing Workshop is featuring her crazy calico comedy as it flows through my childhood and my mother's depression. She held us together and made us smile and laugh on some of our darkest days. I have a feeling God gives us gifts like her to make coping with life a little less chaotic. She reminded us that humour was always there to be found and savoured. Even as I write about her I smile and even laugh outright when I remember her wonderfulness! I have almost always had cats.... despite the allergies I have developed over the years - that is another cosmic transgression. All my cats have been a blessing and helped restore my faith in the small things. Right now we have two cats - one is diabetic, the other has just been diagnosed with cancer. The vet wanted us to put him down, but both of them are happy so were are cherishing the time we have with them - one is 15, the other is 16. The older one, with cancer, was playing with my socks this morning as I tried to get dressed. Crazy Boo Boo Bear! |
| I did several blogs last month, but did not bother to post them. So here I am today posting... Enjoy this thrilling Thursday! Blog City - Day 1961 Prompt: What things in life make you feel at peace? Being in the moment and being with my cats. Both of those things fall into the same category. Fear tends to lurk in the 'should have' pasts or the 'must do' futures. It plays tricks with your mind and makes you come up with all sorts of scenarios that may not even happen. Staying in the present and breathing deeply helps to qualm those spikes in terror and settle you into the present - which is a gift of time. Moment by moment. Breath by breath. Focus on the right now. Focus on the what you can do in this moment and let the worry and fear fall away. Don't let them in. They will destroy your peace - much like Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss's Cat In The Hat. Stay grounded in the moment and live in peace one step at a time. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge It was a long nine and a half hours but we here in Hawaii, Waikoloa to be exact. I booked us at the King's Land, it's a Hilton property.. It's a 500gps nite. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60608-d1404166-Reviews-Kings_Land_by_H... While you're catching up on some sleep, could I impose on you to drop Fivesixer a note in your blog entry telling him what you've been up. Kind of a quick summary of the first half of the month.Thanks. We're going to be quite busy on Sunday, so I would take advantage of the down time. Having bought some snorkel gear in New Zealand, I am eager to head to the beach - Waialea Beach. More sun and swimming for me. I will find a shady spot and catch up on a little sleep as well, but I was lucky enough to get some sleep on the plane. I can sleep anywhere... I have been blessed with that ability. I love the craggy rocks and the trees that seem to wind themselves over the sand. The water is plenty calm today and the shade is inviting. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g60588-d2226954-Reviews-Waialea_Bea... I picked up a bit of food on my way to the beach.... another picnic. The Island Gourmet Market was a blast to walk through. The hard part was picking only enough for a lunch. I finally decided on a sandwich and fresh fruit - local produce - pineapple, mango... yummy! The Hawaiian coffee is great. I had one to go and had them fill my thermos. This is my day people. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g60608-d8786374-Reviews-Island_Gour... In the evening a few of my other virtual travellers are getting ready to explore some nightlife, I tag along. We venture over to the Lava Lava Beach Club for Pina Collodas and some excellent food. Our view out on the patio is amazing. Lyn's a Witchy Woman   and I even managed to find a few furry cats to pet. There was also live music and dancing. I even managed to get in a game of Jenga - an extra large size pieces.... that increased the stress of toppling the tower even more! But it was fun. We kept the night early. Tomorrow is supposed to be a big day.Soundtrack of My Life Another song I love the beat to, but can't stand the words... Star Boy by The Weekend. And who calls themselves 'The Weekend'?? Oh and the official video has a killing at the beginning... what's up with that?? I found a 'clean' version Funny... the 'clean' version has no real video; just the album cover. That is probably for the best anyway. I like songs with a good beat and excellent lyrics. This song only has the good beat. I would not wast my money buying any of this artist's stuff. I'm sure enough people do. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge It's our final day hanging out with Elle we're going snorkeling and if you don't like swimming they have a glass bottom boat and glass kayaks so you'll get to see the awesome array of fish. So how cool is that, great photo ops and all for 1000gps. There's a lot more things to do if you check out the link. We're having dinner together at Leigh Bar, There's a cool fireplace and leather chairs we can hang out until it's time for our departure. https://www.leighbythesea.co.nz/things-to-do-in-leigh/experience-goat-island/ https://www.leighbythesea.co.nz/project/leigh-bar/ Today is snorkeling off Goat Island. I love this idea. I have snorkeled before - in Mexico, at a natural area - Xel - Ha (https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g659488-d275031-r123757229-Xel_Ha-Riv...) This will be a little different as it is open water with the opportunity to see dolphins and orca... now that would be extra special. pwheelr mentioned that I was the first to spot a sting ray and swim with a sea turtle... I would have to agree; but I would also add the pleasure of swimming with dolphins and seeing some orca in the area as well. No sharks, thank God. That always make me a little nervous... but maybe they prefer to hang out in Australia. After the guided tour we are able to keep the equipment and continue to snorkel until we have had our fill for the day. I was glad I picked up a little lunch to have a rough picnic when I got famished. I had enough for several of us, but others had the same idea. We all found a great place to eat and rest before venturing out for more. The Leigh Bar was a great place to grab some food and wine at the end of a busy snorkeling day. All that swimming did me good. I had a hard time deciding on what to eat because everything looked so delicious. Soundtrack of My Life February 15... today is the beginning of guilty pleasure week. I have already admitted to being a Duran Duran fan... but what else? There are some songs I like because of the beat, but having heard the words I have had to rethink my choices. One such song would be: Depeseto - I at least found a version without that idiot Justin beiber. He's one of our Canadian embarrassments. I have heard this song has even been banned in Brazil. The words.... https://www.happyhourspanish.com/despacito-spanish-lyrics-english-translation-le... Are down at the bottom of this post. I love the dance beat to this song... so it is definitely a guilty pleasure. |
Soundtrack of My Life Grace Got You - Mercy Me I love this song... it just gets me up and dancing! It also reminds me that I can live my life with purpose and in doing so I might be able to let others know their is goodness and light in the world. Same song, but cooler video! I love the little snips of various movies. I think there is only one movie in this that I haven't seen and it is the most recently made with Ryan Gosling. I love the old Mary Poppins bit and the Dirty Dancing segments. |
Soundtrack of My Life Tell Your Heart To Beat Again - Danny Gokie Life is challenge, but songs like this help me to carry on. This is Day 12. I love these songs with a great message - wonderful lyrics and beautiful accompaniment. There have been times in my life when things have gotten hard. I have found myself being thankful for my love of Christian songs. I can always find a song with lyrics that move me and help me move on from where I am. I thank God for that and for all the artists who craft music like this. |
Soundtrack of My Life I am a little anti- Valentine's today.... so, this is what I'm listening to: I am impressed with these women. One received death threats because she spoke her mind and instead of letting it pass, she incorporated it into the song. She continued to sing, but she also kicked ass and made the world know this is what was happening. That is a great way to fight back. I'm not ready to make nice! Dixie Chicks. The words: Not Ready to Make Nice Dixie Chicks Forgive, sounds good Forget, I'm not sure I could They say time heals everything But I'm still waiting I'm through with doubt There's nothing left for me to figure out I've paid a price, and I'll keep paying I'm not ready to make nice I'm not ready to back down I'm still mad as hell, and I don't have time To go 'round and 'round and 'round It's too late to make it right I probably wouldn't if I could 'Cause I'm mad as hell Can't bring myself to do what it is You think I should I know you said Why can't you just get over it? It turned my whole world around And I kinda like it I made my bed, and I sleep like a baby With no regrets, and I don't mind saying It's a sad, sad story When a mother will teach her daughter That she ought to hate a perfect stranger And how in the world Can the words that I said Send somebody so over the edge That they'd write me a letter Saying that I better Shut up and sing Or my life will be over? I'm not ready to make nice I'm not ready to back down I'm still mad as hell, and I don't have time To go 'round and 'round and 'round It's too late to make it right I probably wouldn't if I could 'Cause I'm mad as hell Can't bring myself to do what it is You think I should I'm not ready to make nice I'm not ready to back down I'm still mad as hell, and I don't have time To go 'round and 'round and 'round It's too late to make it right I probably wouldn't if I could 'Cause I'm mad as hell Can't bring myself to do what it is You think I should, what it is you think I should Forgive, sounds good Forget, I'm not sure I could They say time heals everything But I'm still waiting Songwriters: Martha Maguire / Natalie Maines / Emily Robison / Dan Wilson Not Ready to Make Nice lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., BMG Rights Management |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Day 13 New Lynn, New Zealand https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1811027-d2369720-Reviews-Orakei_B... Look at these pictures for inspiration and then write either a poem or a short story. Your entry fee is 750 gps and you have the opportunity to win an Imagery Merit badge as an added bonus for your entry. Show me what you got! I was drawn to the photograph of the fallen tree over the misty morning waters.... Morning lays dormant Quiet Except for the buzz Of wildlife Some settling to their beds While others take up the post The air vibrates with unseen energy The fog masks any movement In the misty morning. Undercover, Life continues on Even in this fallen tree Which has given its living life To now become fodder For those that work through the decay Taking life And returning it to once was... Soil nutrient rich and plentiful Where the cycle of life Continues on In harmonious balance. Soundtrack of My Life Who I Am - Casting Crowns I love this group. The words are inspirational. Casting Crowns is a favourite contemporary Christian group. It's pop music with a message... a message I like and feel strongly about. It is a message that is positive and uplifting. We all need a ick me up and a reminder that we are more than alone in this huge world. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge We're going to meet , its about time don't you think? She's the master behind the Quills that everyone loves getting nominated for each year. Hey Fivesixer  want to come with us to Auckland, New Zealand. It's only 750 gps That's a steal! .https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g255106-d12916032-Reviews-Haka_Hotel_Su... Auckland_Central_North_Island.html Haka Hotel Suites - Auckland City offers style-led affordable luxury in the heart of Auckland's most vibrant central district. With stunning harbour views and carefully curated furnishings, our self-contained suites offer the perfect sanctuary in the city whilst still being an easy walking distance to some of Auckland's best eateries, shops and attractions. As with all Haka Hotels, the apartments are carefully crafted to maximize your experience of New Zealand’s cities. Our hotel looks mighty swanky but after that crazy long flight, you ladies and gents might need some r and r for a bit. {and a peaceful day before we meet up with Elle and maybe her daughter Caitlin.for diinner at Boldrums. We're having dinner at Boldrum's Kitchen, supposed to have a great selection of food choices. Hope your appetite is back. Jet lag is murder. I've been told they have “Coffee Kick Starter , that works for me. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g255106-d8841933-Reviews-Bodrum_Ki... Oh, I have always wanted to go to New Zealand. I'd also love to meet Elle - on hiatus  , so I am on board... or rather, on flight. I am also up for that "Coffee Kick Starter" Lyn's a Witchy Woman . I had a good giggle over the choice of restaurant in the New Lynn area of Auckland.... well done! The hotel is lovely. I am not sure if I want a nap or a swim first... probably a swim. It is summer here.... Oh, now that is fine, fine, fine. Here at home schools are closed today... the second ice storm in less than a week. I could use some sun and temperatures well over 20 degrees C. Touring Hobitton and Lord of the Rings scenery would be a delight.... any other fans? There is a lot of beauty in this place. https://hairyfeetwaitomo.co.nz/ Gotta check out the local coffee shops and a bookshop. I know Elle - on hiatus would know the best ones. I checked out some of the more independent shops:https://concreteplayground.com/auckland/arts-entertainment/culture/ten-of-the-be... I'd love to check out some local authors. I'd also love to people watch and take some time to write. Soundtrack of My Life Beautiful - Mercy Me A little inspiration and a pick me up. Mercy Me is one of my favourite Contemporary Christian bands. I find I like listening to this type of music because it gives me the upbeatness of pop music, but the words are positive and inspiring. In a world where things can get so dark and negative one needs to be able to see the light the world does actually have... and it comes from the goodness of loving people... regardless of their religious affiliation. Goodness is light. Goodness is love. And LOVE wins every time. |
Soundtrack of My Life Saturday. A little inspiration to 'take back my life' song! Power of mind and heart. I love songs like this. Life is not easy and songs that uplift, like this one, remind me I can still get up and kick ass. Everyone needs that from time to time. It also reminds me to be grateful for what I do have and to find contentment in the now. Fight Song lyrics - https://www.bing .com/search?q=fight+song+lyrics+rachel+platten&qs=AS&pq=fight+song&sk=LS1AS1&sc=8-10&cvid=9F2EE0B2B9E842B6927C93D4C94184B5&FORM=QBRE&sp=3 30 Day Blogging Challenge - Day 9 DAY 9 Ocho Rios It's going to be quite an adventure for 1000gps Don't forget your sunblock. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g147309-d11447272-Black_Rive... We've left Montego Bay and headed to Ocho Rios. We're doing the Black River Safari, it's twelve and a half hours. Hope you're ready for an adventure. We'll be staying at Prospect Plantation after our safari.. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147312-d149017-Reviews-Prospect_Planta... Another day in paradise... and an adventure to boot. Lyn's a Witchy Woman you really do keep us on our toes. We are going to explore Jamaica's lesser-known St Elizabeth parish, home to the Black river, YS Falls and the Appleton Estate. During this12.5-hour tour from Ocho Rios, we will swim in the refreshing pools at the bottom of thundering YS Falls. We'll take a pontoon boat ride down the Black River in search of local wildlife like crocodiles, herons and egrets. We got to tour the Appleton Estate, where Jamaica's favorite has been produced for over two hundred years. We got lunch and tasted some very fine rum. I might as well buy a bottle to take home. The Black River is one of Jamaica's longest rivers, this tributary eventually empties into the Caribbean Sea. Upon arrival on the banks of the river, we met our local guide and boarded a pontoon boat. We took an hour-long cruise, gliding through the lush tropical forest, looking out for the many native species like herons and egrets that find their food in the shallows. Crocodiles favor floating among the roots in the mangrove marshes, so have your camera at the ready. I got lots of fabulous pictures. Back on solid ground, we enjoyed a traditional lunch of jerk pork, fish and chicken. Then we climbed back aboard our coach will a full belly and make the half-hour drive to YS Falls - we got to enjoy the splendor of 120-foot (37-meter) falls. Cascading over 7 tiers of cliffs, the YS River pours into pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot tropical afternoon. You got that right! After swimming or relaxing by the falls, we continued on to the Appleton Estate, approximately 25 minutes away by coach. This historic distillery is one of Jamaica's oldest, and has been producing the island's favorite rum for over 250 years. We toured the property, then saw the oak barrels and copper stills that give Appleton rum its distinctive taste. We learned about the distillery's rich history and the rum-making process before tasting some. We got to try several varieties of rums and rum liqueurs before hopping back on the coach for the return trip to Ocho Rios. |
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