Views from Raven's Nest

Daily Reminder # 589

2012-02-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot that I'm doing the blog in the daytime right now. (This will not last.) Puxatawny Phil did NOT see his shadow this morning. Winter will drag on according to legend. That said, this has been an exceptionally winter-less winter by and large and apparently the ground hog population has forgotten to tell the trees and the squirrels that there will be no early Spring. Silly Groundhog. I found this kind of interesting item about the history of Ground Hog Day for those with time on their hands.

Other than that, there was another good message from Neale Donald Walsch today. By becoming a virtual hermit, I avoid the necessity for acting on such wisdom, but it's still a good thought to put out there. I think sometimes for some of us who, for most of our lives have been bullied and abused, it gets hard to let go of control or to trust the future. We need help and we fear help and we don't know how to receive help. Accepting that I was disabled was a huge bridge for me to cross. Asking for help was a huge bridge. Taking the help has been another battle. I still feel guilty about it. On the surface, I have learned to take whatever help I can get, but it is still a war. When Republican think tanks issue reports saying you aren't poor if you have a refrigerator or a TV, the community of Demonalians who live inside my head form a committee and offer up all the reasons why I am a blight on the face of the Universe, a waste of space and the reason for everything that is wrong in the world.... I'm not sure why I'm talking about this or how it's relevant. In the end, the person we need to persuade, the person or persons we are doing battle with are the voices in our head. For me, the internalized versions of my mother and brother are the biggest problem. Some idiot at Huffington Post says, "if you're poor how come you have a computer?" and all my buttons get pushed , in part, because I ask myself the same question. Part of me thinks I should live on bread and water (at best) and have nothing. Part of me has more compassion. It can be very exhausting to be me. But I'm rambling. I'm not sure that any of this has anything to do with the message but I am seem compelled to put it out there, so maybe somebody somewhere needs to hear it. Or not. Anyway, here's what Neale and God have to say:

On this day of your life, dear friend,

I believe God wants you to know...

...that giving up is not the answer. Neither is giving in.

Stand your ground.

There is a way of doing that without having to be

combative. There is a way of hanging on to your true self,

and demonstrating it, without resorting to aggression.

But giving up and giving in is not the way.

Simply and quietly claiming your right to be You

is the way.

You know exactly why you received this message today.

Love, Your Friend....

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an attempt to embrace abundance and to expect good things in hopes of inspiring the Creative Forces of the Universe to help me manifest them.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
coffee and Int'l Delight
my little coffee maker
granola bars
water
Margaret
litter box changed and garbage out
the garbage man and his extra steps
Janet, the mail carrier
UPS
Vitacost.com
my warm robes
my heavy cape
my furnace
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
the colors of the rainbow
beauty
sight
hearing
taste
touch
smell
Pandora radio
music
the joy of singing
the joy of listening
my awesome Bose speakers that my niece gave me
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
eye drops
grapes
my camera
my computer
the internet
email
Netflix
computer games
My TV
the remote control
the mute button
a clothes dryer
a sun room on the back of the house
a truckload of money (big bills)
winning lottery numbers
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year for life)
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
new curtains
blinds for the front window
more flowers/landscaping for the back yard
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
paid off mortgage
paying reiki clients
company/companionship
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
a new Dutch Door front door
a ceiling fan in the bedroom
a gathering of friends and family for my 65th birthday
Nintendo
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
care2.com
thehungersite.com
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around with help
indoor plumbing
my bathroom
my kitchen
my microwave
my refrigerator
wind chimes
determination
resilience
eye drops
persistence
Neale Donald Walsch
words
literature
poetry
ideas
imagination
Rick Henrickson
that good can come from evil
hope
possibilities
teddy bears
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I love them
my friends
email
Google
SKYPE
YouTube
Ground hogs
love
laughter
life

May the Ground Stay Firm Beneath Your Feet

and Your Guardian Angels Guide You

Where You Need to Go

Daily Reminder # 588

2012-02-01T14:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm giving today's reminder to Neale Donald Walsch. It's a really good one. In my own case, I hope it means that Publisher's Clearinghouse is finally going to come through with the check. But I'll accept any and all "good" that the Universe wants to send my way. May everyone of you who reads this feel it's truth in their bones and receive the best that the Universe can give you.

On this day of your life, dear friend,

I believe God wants you to know...

...that great and unexpected good is coming to you now.

You've been waiting for a shift in energy, and that shift

has occurred. All you have to do now is get ready to receive

your new-found good. Be on the lookout. It may come

at a time and in a way that you could not have

anticipated or imagined.

Love, Your Friend....

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an effort to embrace and expect abundance and good things, - to BELIEVE and TRUST - which, in an effort to inspire and enable the Creative Forces of the Universe to help me manifest them.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
Coffee and Int'l Delight
my little coffee maker
water
granola bars
signs of Spring
Groundhog Day tomorow
tree branches
twilight in the tree branches
my camera
my computer
the internet
email
computer games
Pandora radio
music
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
sight
hearing
taste
touch
smell
beauty
the colors of the rainbow
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
YouTube
Google
SKYPE
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my warm robes
my heavy cape
warmer temperatures
HEAP
my furnace
my home
sunlight through the clouds
Netflix
possible paying reiki clients
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
words
literature
poetry
imagination
art
creative people
funny people
a clothes dryer
Nintendo
company/companionship
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a sun room on the back of the house
more flowers/landscaping in the back yard
new curtains
blind for the front window
a paid off mortgage
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year is fine too)
winning lottery numbers
a gathering of friends and family for my 65th birthday in July
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
paying reiki clients
a ceiling fan in the bedroom
a new (Dutch Door) front door
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
paper towels
indoor plumbing
my microwave oven
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around with help
my kitchen
food
care2.com
thehungersite.com
teddy bears
Angel hugs
very little snot production by Tara Grace
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
wind chimes
my grabber
my mattress
blankets
my body (we have issues, my body and me, but it is handy to have one)
breath
that my brain is still working
the capacity to think and change
the view from my front window
cat toys
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert
humor
resilience
determination
stubbornness
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I love them
my friends
my neighbors
the free Kindle download
books
love
laughter
life

WISHING YOU REASONS TO REJOICE!

WISHING YOU MIRACLES!

Daily Reminder # 587

2012-01-31T12:55:00.002-05:00

It's a wonderful Spring-like day here this morning. The temperature is 50 or higher and I have even opened the window for a bit, which is making Angel very happy. Since I keep the house at 50 most of the time, it feels ok to let some fresh air in for a few minutes. I don't have any pictures, so I guess I must go to YouTube again. Got a letter from my utility company saying that someone broke into their records so they have given their customers (those who bother to open what looks like an advertisement) a year of free Identity Protection. Pity the poor fool who steals my identity in any case. Bad thing about doing these posts in the daytime. I am more prone to cheat. I will confess that I copied yesterday's gratitude list and modified it. I'm often tempted to do that but I resist. Today, I'm giving in to my inner cheater. Oh - almost forgot the big news until I was revising the gratitude list. Used my oven last night. No mice ran out. My kitchen is mine again.

Thought I'd add this one... no groundhogs. But it's just very silly. Added it int he wrong place but I'll just leave it here. Ground hogs are below.

Ground Hog Day is coming on Thursday. It's the favorite holiday of one of my friends so I thought I'd celebrate a little early. Found this gem on YouTube. Looking forward to the return of these guys to my back yard. The last video is seasonally off, but I just loved it, so I'm posting it anyway.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an effort to embrace the expectation of abundance and good things, which according to some spiritual teachers enables the Creative Forces of the Universe to help you manifest them.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my little coffee maker
Coffee and International Delight
water
granola bars
a year of free identity protection
my furnace
weatherizing
lovely feel of Spring in the air
warm robes (it's not THAT warm)
my computer
the internet
email
YouTube
Google
SKYPE
my camera
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
snail mail
Janet, the letter carrier
packages
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around
my kitchen
my microwave
indoor plumbing
Dr. Bronner soap
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that the seem to love me as I love them
my friends
Liberals
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert8
the capacity for change
the colors of the rainbow
the view from my front window
woodchucks
a mouse-free oven
a clothes dryer
Nintendo
company/companionship
blinds for the front window
new curtains
a sun room on the back of the house
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a truckload of money (big bills)
winning lottery numbers
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year)
a paid off mortgage
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a new (Dutch Door) front door
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
more flowers/landscaping for the back yard
paying reiki clients
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
care2.com
thehungersite.com
kitty hugs from Angel
head and heart butts from Tara
lavender
allspice
sight
taste
touch
smell
hearing
music
Pandora Radio
my awesome Bose speakers that my niece Diana gave me
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the sound of the human voice
words
ideas
imagination
literature
determination
resilience
hope
humor
Netflix
paper towels
grapefruit (they are the size of oranges but very good)
all the things I'm forgetting right now
tasteful snow
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
sunshine and the feel of Spring in the air
blue skies
neighbors at the window for a chat
love
laughter
life

WISHING YOU A GLORIOUS DAY

Daily Reminder # 586

2012-01-30T13:01:00.001-05:00

Thought I'd give a go to posting in the "morning" again, but I don't think it's going to last. Anyway, I don't have any photos this morning, but I thought I'd just post ONE video... an Abraham-Hicks, that I thought was pretty good. Ok. TWO videos... the second one is good too and short.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an effort to embrace the expectation of abundance and good things, which according to some spiritual teachers enables the Creative Forces of the Universe to help you manifest them. It is an attempt to get into the "vortex" (listen to the video) and stay there.)

Angel and Tara Grace
Abraham Hicks
my home
my little coffee maker
Coffee and International Delight
water
granola bars
my telephone
Dr. Jim
my furnace
weatherizing
warm robes and my heavy cape
my computer
the internet
email
YouTube
Google
SKYPE
my camera
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
snail mail
Janet, the letter carrier
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around
my kitchen
my microwave
indoor plumbing
Dr. Bronner soap
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that the seem to love me as I love them
my friends
Occupy Wall Street
freedom
Democracy
Liberals
the capacity for change
the colors of the rainbow
beauty
the view from my front window
a clothes dryer
Nintendo
company/companionship
blinds for the front window
new curtains
a sun room on the back of the house
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a truckload of money (big bills)
winning lottery numberss
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year)
a paid off mortgage
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a new (Dutch Door) front door
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
more flowers/landscaping for the back yard
paying reiki clients
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
care2.com
thehungersite.com
kitty hugs from Angel
head and heart butts from Tara
lavender
allspice
sight
taste
touch
smell
hearing
music
Pandora Radio
my awesome Bose speakers that my niece Diana gave me
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the sound of the human voice
words
Harold's Story
ideas
imagination
literature
determination
resilience
hope
humor
Netflix
paper towels
grapefruit (they are the size of oranges but very good)
all the things I'm forgetting right now
tasteful snow
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
the wonders of Nature
trees (winter, summer,spring & fall)
squirrels and crows and other wonderful creatures
beauty
wind chimes
love
laughter
life

MAY WE ALL DANCE HAPPILY IN THE VORTEX

Daily Forgot Turned Reminder # 585

2012-01-29T13:22:00.004-05:00

This is a Daily FORGOT because I forgot to post last night. I was going to just say that, but as long as I'm here, I'll do some gratitude too, I guess. Ok... once I did gratitude it became a reminder, I guess.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an effort to embrace the expectation of abundance and good things, which according to some spiritual teachers enables the Creative Forces of the Universe to help you manifest them.)

Angel and Tara Grace
sunshine
my house
my furnace
weatherization
warm robes and my heavy cape
coffee and Int'l Delight
water
my mattress
blankets
the subtlest hints of Spring in the tree branches and sky
grapefruit
granola bars
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
President Obama (talking heads are on the TV at the moment, not muted)
my camera
my computer
the internet
email
Google
YouTube
SKYPE
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
the capacity for change
the view from my front window
tree branches against blue sky
the colors of the rainbow
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I them
my friends
my neighbors
paper towels
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still wobble me from room to room with help
Angel hugs
Tara heart and head butts
beauty
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
lavender
allspice
Miracle Foot Repair cream
a clothes dryer
Nintendo
a truckload of money (big bills)
winning lottery numbers
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year)
more flower/landscaping for the back yard
a sun room on the back of the house
new curtains
blinds for the front window
a new front door (Dutch door)
a reading and healing with Nancy duTertre
freshly painted living and bed room walls
company/companionship
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
paid off mortgage
paying reiki clients
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
care2.com
thehungersite.com
having enough to eat
my SSD & food stamps and HEAP
every day miracles
computer games
ideas
imagination
music
Pandora radio
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the sound of the human voice
my awesome Bose speakers that my niece gave me
Netflix
movies
words
poetry
literature
creativity
resilience
determination
funny people
teddy bears
possibilities
hope
love
laughter
life

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL DAY

AND A CLEAR ROAD AHEAD

Daily Reminder # 584

2012-01-28T01:27:00.000-05:00

My lazy streak continues. I spent what energy I have on Wordzzles which I managed to complete today. I didn't do a good job, but I got them done. Difficult words this week. Anyway, I'm going to do a cheat and post a couple of videos I didn't post yesterday because I thought maybe I was already over-doing it with seven. Tonight I'm only posting SIX, but only because I am willing myself to stop.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an attempt to teach myself to expect good things, in the hope that the Creative Forces of the Universe, feeling my resonance with abundance, will shower it upon me with relish and generosity.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my warm robes
my heavy cape
my furnace
weatherization
water
Coffee and Int'l Delight
granola bars
saltines
a food friendly tummy
paper towels
Nintendo
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my computer
the internet
computer games
email
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
wordzzles - especially COMPLETED wordzzles
words
poetry
ideas
imagination
inspiration
literature
sight
hearing
taste
touch
smell
lavender
allspice
my Tibetan salt lamps
electricity
indoor plumbing
my rock collection
the colors of the rainbow
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
my grabber
a clothes dryer
more flowers/landscaping for the back yard
a sun room on the back of the house
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
company/companionship
winning lottery numbers
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year, I'm not choosy)
a truckload of money (big bills)
Nintendo
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
paid off mortgage
reiki clients
a gathering to for reiki and for whistling vessels
new curtains
blinds for the front window
seeing the red list turn to black
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of singing
the joy of listening
the boom box by my bed
my mattress
blankets
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I love them
my friends
my neighbors
the town of Hancock
care2.com
thehungersite.com
Janet, the mail carrier
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me from room to room with help
memory foam
the telephone
no snow
sleeping kitties
no mouse
Miracle Foot Repair cream
resilience
determination
Craig Fergeson
my whistling vessels
poetry
YouTube
Google
SKYPE
Netflix
PBS
poets
my body (despite my issues with it, it is handy to have one)
breath/lungs
my electric toothbrush
toothpaste
Listerine
beautiful places I have seen
happy memories
the capacity for change
all the things I'm forgetting or omitting
sleep
love
laughter
life

WISHING YOU THE POETRY OF LIFE

Weekly Wordzzle Challenge #188

2012-01-27T19:21:00.002-05:00

I'm still going with the story of Fred Johnson, Paragon of Virtue, though I hope it is drawing to a close soon. It's hard to believe that it has been six months since I started it. Time really does fly. Thanks again to Argent - well thanks sort of - these words were HARD! - for this week's words. I got my mega done but am really stumped for getting these bloody words into the mini and the 10-word, so I think I'll post what I have so far and finish tonight or tomorrow. Ok... it's about a half hour later and I have done the other two. I have really stretched to get the word in, but now I can relax for the rest of the evening.

Here are links to the previous episodes. If you need/want to catch up, click here for the 1st installment, 2nd installment, 3rd installment, 4th installment, 5th installment, 6th installment, 7th installment., 8th installment, 9th installment, 10th installment, 11th installment, 12th installment, 13th installment, 14th installment, 15th installment, 16th installment, 17th installment, 18th installment, 19th installment. 20th installment, 21st installment, 22nd installment, 23rd installment, 24th installment, 25th installment, 26th installment, 27th installment..

Words for this week's 10-word challenge were: nickle, banshee, render, foil, noodle, aggressive, smooth, hat stand, cat, treat, And for the mini: mode, bread, blues, epic, tripod

My mega:

After a brief discussion it was decided that the best mode of operation would be for each of them should recite Grandfather Purist's incantation in turn, thus mutiplying its impact, after which they would intone the "it's always darkest before the dawn" key in unison. The very pregnant Bubbles, who sat holding her grey cat Parchment in her arms and smoothing it's soft fur with one hand as she offered treats of small pieces of bread with the other, went first. "Remember son, the Number One,Sun to sun, the Number One, Day is Done, the Number One, that is how the spell's begun, First we dance, then we run, then we watch the web be spun. Hate expires, Love has won, Love is ONE. Dawn of day to setting sun. Remember always Number One," She was followed by McFlash, the dragon, the wizard, the Paragon and finally Count Psycho, each in his turn. As each of them spoke, the dark energy in the room seemed to become - for want of a better word - more aggressive. First a tripod in the far corner fell over with a loud clatter, followed shortly by the sight of a hat stand rising up to fly like an arrow in their direction. The wizard downed it with a flick of his wrist, but it was still unsettling to see for someone like the Paragon who was a newcomer to the world of magic.There was more to come, though. By the time the dragon was taking her turn, an epic banshee-like wail began to rise up out of nowhere, loud and vibrating with rage and a darkness so intense that even the wizard and the dragon had struggle not to be sucked into a deep feeling of the blues despite all the magical protections with which they had used to foil the power of any dark magic that came at them. For his part Fred Johnson feared that his legs might have been rendered useless. They felt like wobbly wet noodles beneath him. With a sense of great relief he heard Psycho finish his turn. Making sure that Cane and Parchment were in tow, and that they were all connected hand to hand, they spoke the final words in unison. "It's always darkest before the dawn." Instead of a vortex this time, the tapestry became three-dimensional and a road appeared. They stood in stunned silence for a moment and then the wizard chuckled. "Your father took no chances, Psycho. Any suggestions anyone, on which way to go?" To answer the question, the Paragon pulled a nickle out of his pocket. "Heads we go left, tails we go right." he replied, "unless someone has a more sensible idea."

The 10-word:

The wizard chuckled. "The Earth custom of flipping a nickle is an intriguing idea but I think we need to take a more aggressive approach at this juncture; we have to use our "noodles" as I think they say on earth for this one..." "Yes, I agree," Paraphrase chimed in, picking up the hat stand as she spoke and then smoothing her scales distractedly. "I think perhaps your dog Cane and Bubble's cat should do a little recon for us before we proceed into the tapestry ourselves. I have equipped them with foil locators so that Spark can transport them back should they run into trouble with the banshee or any other curse Psycho's father may have planted in their paths. In addition Spark and I will wrap them in spells that should render them safe from any attempt to harm or restrain them. In addition Cane and Parchment are both able to communicate with me telepathically so you need not fear for their safety. For our part, while they explore which road to take, we should do two things to prepare ourselves. First, we should treat ourselves to a small meal to keep up our strength and second, a close inspection of the two marionettes you mentioned, Paragon. I believe there may be more to them than meets the eye.

My mini:

As she spoke the others realized that they were very hungry indeed. "I wish I had my basket," the Paragon muttered, feeling a kind of deep exhaustion.. He had become accustomed to that convenient mode of getting his meals. So easy and delightful to reach into the basket and find some new culinary delight from Confetti, whose food not only nourished but healed. "I suppose we will have to make due with bread and water and maybe I can magic up some jelly beans." As he spoke, Psycho and Bubbles had picked up the fallen tripod and were sorting through the debris to set up a make-shift table. Bubbles gave the Paragon a playful elbow in the ribs and chided him. "I know you have not been among us long, Paragon, but do you forget that you are in company of a master wizard and a dragon, among others? I imagine that we shall have an epic feast before we continue on. The wizard has already manifested a new basket and Confetti is preparing a meal for us and for our 4-leggeds as well." As she spoke, Psycho came forward with a basket much like Fred's own. At the sight of it, Fred felt his blues lifting in anticipation, but before he could reach in and discover what the chef had made for them this time, he was distracted by a gasp from the other side of the room where the wizard, McFlash and the dragon were investigating the strange red-headed marionettes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Words for next week's 10-word challenge: brick wall, plumage, suspense, stripes, wheels, fire, augment, shrug, speculate, questions

And for the mini: melody, crank, broken, space, chill

Thanks you for playing. Newcomers can check here for some guidelines to make the game more fun. There are no rules, just some general guidelines and tricks.

Daily Reminder # 583

2012-01-27T01:16:00.000-05:00

Pleased to report that I am feeling MUCH better tonight. After being really sick for about 6 hours running, I emailed the amazing Dennis Puffett, who since he lives in Australia was up and about, and he sent me some healing energy and my stomach almost instantly calmed down and has been fine all day. I love a good miracle. I think I'm going to do a theme-less reminder today, unless posting a bunch of totally unrelated videos can be called a " video theme." Tonight's collection includes cute animals, new music, inspiration and politics... and an old 60s song that always makes me happy. The reason for the last one is because I spent almost an hour trying to remember the name of the song, doing all kinds of searches to no avail. All I could remember was "frog." Then it just popped into my head... or at least the first line did, which was all that was required in this computer age. Gotta love Google and YouTube. So here are some videos and some gratitude and my wishes that you have a lovely day.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Exclusive - Elizabeth Warren Extended Interview Pt. 1

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Exclusive - Elizabeth Warren Extended Interview Pt. 2

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, a desire to learn how to expect good things in hopes that the Creative Forces of the Universe, sensing my expectation, will pony up and deliver the goods.)

Angel and Tara Grace
Dennis Puffett
that I feel so much better
my home
my furnace
my warm robes
my heavy cape
weatherization
thermal windows
thermal curtains
the view from my front window
Coffee and Int'l Delight
saltines
granola bars
Margaret
Schwans
abundant water for drinking
indoor plumbing
a lovely warm shower
clean laundry
toe nail clippers
paper towels
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still wobble me from room to room
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
music
Pandora Radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
a clean litter box and garbage out
that Louise is gone, though I regret her death
Mike, the garbage man
Janet, the mail carrier
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my computer
the internet
Google
YouTube
email
Netflix
Nintendo
a clothes dryer
winning lottery numbers
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (a million a year would be fine too)
company/companionship
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
new curtains
blinds for the front window
more flowers/landscaping for the back yard
a sun room on the back of the house
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a paid off mortgage
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
my camera
care2.com
thehungersite.com
Craig Fergeson
humor
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert
Elizabeth Warren
President Obama
poetry
PBS
words
language
the sound of the human voice
creativity
compassion
passion
kindness
that it really does always get better (even when it seems to be getting worse)
hope
resilience
determination
clean laundry
my washing machine (even if there is no dryer yet)
hardly any snow
computer games
my rock collection
beauty
the colors of the rainbow
sight
hearing
taste
touch
smell
lavender
allspice
peppermint
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
Nexxus shampoo
teddy bears
the telephone
my grabber
that Tara is still doing well
my mattress
blankets
sleep
literature
ideas
imagination
videos
memory foam
my microwave
my refrigerator
my body
breath
Listerine
Angel hugs
that my cats sleep with me
my friends
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I love them
art
hope
possibilities
the stuff I've forgotten
love
laughter
life

This song always makes me feel happy for some reason.

WISHING YOU A GLORIOUS and JOYFUL DAY!

Another Day Off

2012-01-26T00:11:00.000-05:00

My apologies for yet another day off. Louise pushed her luck and had a run-in with Angel last night and I think again this morning. Or maybe she died last night and I didn't realize. I'm hoping maybe Louise died of fright. There didn't seem to be any blood, just a dead mouse. Anyway, Angel was acting all weird this morning to the point that she was driving me crazy and then at some point she got Louise's body where I could see it. Have to say that my grabber came in very handy for the disposal process. Alas, when I get mega anxious, which I do when creatures die and have to be disposed of like this, my stomach gets very contrary and doesn't like to keep anything down, so it has been an extremely unpleasant and exhausting evening. There's nothing really IN my stomach any more but it still feels like it wants to throw something up. Sorry to be so graphic. Sorry to duck out on posting, but I'm just not up to it at all. Tomorrow will be better.

WISHING YOU A LOVELY DAY!

REST IN PEACE, LOUISE!

Daily Reminder # 582

2012-01-25T00:30:00.000-05:00

Well, just listened to the State of the Union address and thought it was excellent. The, to make the evening interesting, Angel caught Louise and brought her out here and luckily Louise escaped but we are all now greatly on edge and Angel is crying and upset and I'm not crying but I'm anxious and upset and Tara is sleeping through it all as though nothing had happened. I really, really, really wish that Louise would go away. I wish her no ill. There must be warmer houses around with more food and no cats where she could settle in quite happily. Why me? Anyway, I'm just going to whine about Louise and then do gratitude.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an effort to inspire, attract, create in myself a sense of abundance and in so doing to inspire in the Creative Forces of the Universe extreme generosity and a desire to hear, feel and respond to my hopes and dreams and wishes.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my furnace
my warm robes
my heavy cape
thermal curtain
thermal windows
my computer
the internet
email
chocolate Soy silk
grapefruit (size of an orange but delicious)
water
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
beauty
the view from my front window
that Louise escaped Angel
cheese
President Obama
Gabby Giffords
my camera
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they love me and I love them
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still wobble me from room to room with help
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
Miracle Foot Repair Cream
Vitacost.com
lavender
allspice
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
literature
poetry
music
Pandora radio
music
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
my awesome Bose speakers
my friends
my neighbors
my kitchen
my microwave
my bathroom
my house
indoor plumbing
Elizabeth Warren
Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert
paper towels
my mattress
blankets
sight
taste
touch
smell
hearing
breath
my body (I have issues with it, but I'm still grateful for its ability to survive in spite of how I treat it)
Netflix
Nintendo
a clothes dryer
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a paid off mortgage
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year would be ok too)
winning lottery numbers
new curtains
blinds for the front window
more flowers/landscaping for the back yard
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
company/companionship
non-violent demousification (I really want Louise to move out)
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
a sun room on the back of the house
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
art
literature
my grabber
Janet the mail carrier
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soaps
computer games
SKYPE
google
YouTube
AIM
email
teddy bears
care2.com
thehungersite.com
honesty
kindness
generosity
words
ideas
poetry
imagination
possibilities
determination
resilience
NyQuil
the colors of the rainbow
all the things I'm forgetting
animal sanctuaries
hope
love
laughter
life

WISHING YOU A GLORIOUS

AND PEACEFUL DAY!

Daily Reminder # 581

2012-01-24T01:06:00.001-05:00

Had kind of a down day today. Nothing's really wrong. Have a little bit of a cold. Mostly it was just gray and damp and cold even though it wasn't that cold out. Angel had been alternating between being naughty and needy. She's sweet doing both but I'm cranky and then I feel guilty about it. Too much politics is probably part of my problem. Watched a not very good movie. One of those things I kind of knew wasn't going to be good but I put it on the list anyway.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an effort to inspire, attract, create in myself a sense of abundance which will inspire in the Creative Forces of the Universe a desire to hear, feel and respond.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
weatherization
my warm robes
my heavy cape
Chocolate Soy Silk
water
Dr. Jim
the telephone
my computer
email
SKYPE
the internet
beautiful photos
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I love them
my friends
my neighors
cyber friends
SKYPE
Google
YouTube
Netflix
my grabber
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
music
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the human voice
new discoveries
words
literature
poetry
sight
taste
touch
smell
hearing
breath
the body
my camera
paper towels
computer games
imagination
ideas
a clothes dryer
company/companionship
winning lottery numbers
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
paid off mortgage
non-violent demousification (Louise moves out voluntarily)
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year)
Nintendo
blinds for the front window
new curtains
a sun room on the back of the house
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
more flowers/landscaping for the back yard
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
that I don't miss my soaps that much
indoor plumbing
paper towels
my electric toothbrush
Listerine
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
beauty
the colors of the rainbow
art
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still wobble me around with help
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert
humor
genius
President Obama
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
care2.com
thehungersite.com
therapy
kitty hugs
purrs
my mattress
blankets
sleep
my microwave
my refrigerator
resilience
determination
my SSD
hope
love
laughter
life

WISHING YOU AN AWESOME DAY!

Daily Reminder # 580

2012-01-23T00:07:00.000-05:00

Feeling much better this evening. We had another cold day and a little more snow but it isn't depressing snow, it's kind of pretty... and it's going to be 20 degrees warmer tomorrow so it will most likely melt. Other than that it was a quiet weekend. Paying too much attention to politics. I confess to outrageous bigotry, but I can't believe that anyone anywhere is voting for any of the Republicans in the primaries. They are all awful to me. I should probably share a Neale Donald or something but I don't know if I have enough ambition. Well, I found a short one that requires nothing of me as it's pretty self explanatory. They all are, really, I guess, but ... Not making much sense, am I? Sigh.

On this day of your life, dear friend,

I believe God wants you to know...

..that no cause is helpless if it is just.

John W. Scoville said that, and he was right.

Do not let a Just Cause go unassisted by you.

Do what you can. Never think that what you

can do is not enough. Every little

bit helps. To do nothing is what hurts.

You know exactly why you received this message today.

So what are you waiting for? Jump in. Dig in. Pitch in.

Do it now. No, no, really...now.

Love, Your Friend....

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, half joke, half genuine effort to persuade both myself and the Creative Forces of the Universe that I'm worthy of good and wonderful things and abundance. And hoping to move myself from the THOUGHT to the BELIEF/FAITH that conviction/knowing, living "as if," helps the Universe help you create what you want. Something like that.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
my warm robes
treating myself to a 60 degree day
Coffee and Int'l delight
bread and butter
paper towels
my computer
the internet
email
computer games
Google
YouTube
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the boom box by my bed
sight
taste
touch
smell
hearing
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
water
Miracle Foot Repair cream
the view from my front window
tree branches
the carved bear by my neighbor's tree
tasteful snow
icicles
light and shadow
my camera
cave kitty hugs
kitty head butts
that I feel better
my microwave
ice cream
my kitchen
my bathroom
indoor plumbing
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
my electric toothbrush
Listerine
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
a clothes dryer
a truckload of money (big bills)
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
Nintendo
a sun room on the back of the house
company/companionship
new curtains
blinds for the front window
winning lottery numbers
more flowers/landscaping for the back yard
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
non-violent Demousification (Louise moves out for good alive)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (a million a year works too)
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
paid off mortgage
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
the colors of the rainbow
resilience
determination
imagination
words
ideas
creativity
words
poetry
literature
a good book to read
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I love them
my friends
my neighbors
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
the capacity for change
the ability to think
Oprah
George Lucas
social change (GOOD social change, not the negative kind)
kind people
my SSD
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still wobble me around with help
my mattress
blankets
my secret, private gratitudes
the things I'm forgetting but really AM grateful for
the sound of purring
lavender
allspice
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert
compassionate people
funny people
funny compassionate people
geniuses
art
beauty
the colors of the rainbow
love
laughter
life

May You Trust That

Every Step is a Step in the Right Direction

Sick Day

2012-01-21T22:50:00.005-05:00

No reminder tonight. Not feeling well. Not seriously ill, just seriously miserable. I'll be fine in the morning.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Daily Reminder # 579

2012-01-21T01:57:00.000-05:00

Exceptionally lazy tonight, so it will just be gratitude and a few pictures. I'm very pleased with myself that I finished my wordzzles. They are awful, but they are done. Can't have everything. My perfectionist (such as she is) can just go sulk. I will not listen to her. We had snow but not too much. It fell into what I call the "tasteful snow" category. Cold, though. It's 14 degrees right now. But it's also late January and that means that Spring is only a month or so away. Anyway, I got nothing tonight and it's late and I still have to do some reiki, so... see you tomorrow.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude an effort to embrace and vibrate with abundance and wanting and HAVING and in so doing to inspire in the Creative Forces of the Universe an intense and unrelenting desire to lavish me with cool stuff and massive amounts of cash.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
tasteful snow
Coffee and Int'l Delight
bread and butter
water
grapefruit juice
my warm robes
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around with help
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
my camera
crows
the view from my front window
tree branches
clouds and sun
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
Netflix
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
art
beauty
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
completed wordzzles
words
poetry
literature
ideas
inspiration
my microwave oven
food
my grabber
Nintendo
a clothes dryer
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a paid off mortgage
company/companionship
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a sun room on the back of the house
more flowers/landscaping for the back yard
non-violent demousification (Oh, Louise, I wish you'd go)
a truckload of money
winning lottery numbers
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year)
new curtains
blinds for the front window
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
music
Pandora radio
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
my awesom Bose speakers
sight
hearing
taste
touch
smell
breath
my body
my nephew, my nieces and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they love me and I love them
Tara's Purrs
Angel's hugs
my computer
the internet
email
computer games
my friends
my neighbors
resilience
determination
hope
possibilities
Stewart and Colbert
President Obama
Occupy Wall Street
all the things I'm forgetting or listing in my head
my mattress
blankets
PBS
teddy bears
paper towels
Listerine
Miracle Foot Repair cream
love
laughter
life

HAVE A SPLENDID DAY!

Weekly Wordzzle Challenge # 187

2012-01-20T18:03:00.000-05:00

Actually posting on time tonight! Yee ha! Not my best efforts, but I got something done and that makes me pretty happy even if it isn't very good. I'm still going with the story of Fred Johnson, Paragon of Virtue, though I hope it is drawing to a close soon. It's hard to believe that it has been six months since I started it. Time really does fly. Thanks again (I think... they look like tough ones) to Argent for next week's words.

Words for this week's 10-word challenge were: angst, pills, falling snow, parchment, flute, grey cat, boy was my face red, situation, clamp, heart And for the mini: dreadful, fog, format, participation, choice

My mega:

As his dog Cane, and his 4 companions appeared through the vortex, Fred Johnson, Paragon of Virtue, felt a good deal of angst leave his body. The dreadful vice-like clamp that had been making him feel like each beat of his heart was a choice between life and death let go and the fog that had begun to consume his thoughts slowly dissipated. "To say I'm glad to see you would be a massive understatement," he gasped, hugging Cane and then the each of his companions in turn. "I'm having a 'boy was my face red,' moment. I didn't stop to think and I got myself into a dangerous situation. Not sure I would have lasted much longer on my own. This place is toxic and I have no idea what to do next. I'm sorry. I think there's an enchantment on this tapestry... and those puppets... and..." He stopped in mid-sentence at the sight of a large grey cat which seemed to appear out of nowhere. "what the... where did..." he stammered. "Oh, that's right," Bubbles laughed, "You've never met Parchment, my cat. She is a rather exceptional being. I thought her participation in our current situation might be helpful. Oh - I almost forgot," she added, handing him a small container of what looked like pills. "Graph berries and a few other ingredients with an added spell by the Wizard. Take 2 right away. They will help protect us from the dark magic that consumes this space." Meanwhile, the Wizard Spark, McFlash, Psycho and the Dragon were studying the massive tapestry. I can't figure out the format, McFlash said... "falling snow on the upper right and what looks like a desert oasis on the left. If it's a map, I don't know how to read it." For her part, Paraphrase removed a flute from a pouch of some sort and began to play. "I thought I had seen everything, the paragon mutter to himself, but a dragon playing the flute never even entered my imagination."

My 10-word:

As the dragon continued to play her flute, the Paragon swallowed his to Graph Berry pills and felt what remained of his former angst leave his body completely. Spark and the dragon lavished him with praise for discovering the vortex ("You did well, Paragon," they had pronounced in unison) which was helping him let go of the "boy was my face red," feeling and to believe that he might actually be up to handling the situation after all. Psycho, who seemed to have grown a rather large heart in his new incarnation, clamped him warmly in his arms in a big bear hug and thanked him for finding the place and for all his efforts. As of to add her approval to the mix, Parchment, Bubble's grey cat, rubbed herself against his legs purring in what seemed a melodic counterpoint to the dragon's flute playing. As he was released from Psycho's hug, he began to turn his attention again to the tapestry and the discussion that the others were having about the falling snow.

My mini:

With the lifting of the dreadful brain fog induced by the dark magic, the Paragon made the choice to add his own participation to studying the tapestry and trying to discern what if any method there was to the format of the scene in front of them. Now that his mind was functioning again, ideas were beginning to come to him in rapid succession. "I wonder, he said out loud, "if we might not try the password on the tapestry? But maybe it would be a good idea to put Grandfather Purist's invocation into the air first?" "Genius!" the wizard shouted. "Bravo, Paragon!" the dragon hissed. "Good thinking," Psycho and McFlash said in unison. But it was Bubble's, whispered, "You are not Paragon for nothing." that made him blush with delight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you to Argent for giving me a break this week from coming up with words. It is much appreciated.

Words for next week's 10-word challenge: nickle, banshee, render, foil, noodle, aggressive, smooth, hat stand, cat, treat,

And for the mini: mode, bread, blues, epic, tripod

Thanks you for playing. Newcomers can check here for some guidelines to make the game more fun. There are no rules, just some general guidelines and tricks.

Daily Reminder # 578

2012-01-20T02:19:00.000-05:00

Winter is stressed and struggling and could use prayers,
reiki and good thoughts aimed in his direction.

Thought I'd start tonight with a request for prayers and good thoughts to this rescued dog who is named Winter. He has just been adopted but he's apparently having a hard time in his new home, peeing on the floor and generally stressed. It is his second home since the woman who rescued him could not keep him. It's snowing out. May be our first real snow this winter (except for the one before Halloween), which suits me fine. I like snow when it first falls but when it hangs around, I get depressed. Got my utility bill today. Very pleased. $72. My suffering and the weatherizing are paying off. I've actually been pretty weak-willed about keeping it at 50 so that makes that amount even better. I don't have any good photos tonight except for Winter. The first video is a friend of mine singing one of her own songs. And at the close, a little Sweet Honey in the Rock.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an exercise in feeding optimism and attempting to "vibrate" to abundance in hopes of getting the Creative Forces of the Universe to vibrate back with cash and goods.)

Angel and Tara Grace
coffee and Int'l Delight
Margaret
cat food sale (saved $18!)
my home
my furnace
my warm robes and heavy cape
weatherizing
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
YouTube
Elly Sarty
Sweet Honey in the Rock
my computer
the internet
Google
AIM
SKYPE
email
snail mail
Janet the mail carrier
the garbage man
clean litter box and garbage gone
water
indoor plumbing
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
computer games
my TV
the remote control
the MUTE button
Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart
comic genius
humor
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they love me and I love and adore them
my friends
my neighbors
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
my mattress
blankets
Miracle Foot Repair cream
popcorn
butter
my microwave oven
Netflix
Nintendo
a clothes dryer
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a paid off mortgage
winning lottery numbers
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year)
more flowers/landscaping in my back yard
a sun room on the back of the house
company/companionship
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
new curtains
blinds for the front windows
non-violent demousification (Please, please leave Louise)
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
resilience
determination
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still get me around with help
my grabber
books
words
poetry
music
ideas
imagination
the colors of the rainbow
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
the capacity to think and change
Democrats (flawed as they are)
President Obama
No Keystone Pipeline
that the GOP candidates are all horrific people ( I know that's wicked of me, but...)
care2.com
thehungersite.com
paper towels
my kitchen
my refrigerator
lavender
allspice
cheese
grapefruit juice
creativity
my electric tooth brush
Listerine
I know I'm forgetting a lot tonight... so all that stuff
possibilities
resilience
naps
hope
peace
my body
breath
sight
taste
touch
hearing
love
laughter
life

MAY YOUR DAY

BE FULL OF SWEETNESS AND LOVE

Daily Reminder # 577

2012-01-19T00:49:00.001-05:00

Feeling lazy tonight. Think I will even skip gratitude and just post some Stewart/Colbert political genius. First one isn't that good but one didn't seem like enough and the second is brilliant.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on
Facebook

WISHING YOU LAUGHER!

Daily Reminder # 576

2012-01-18T00:04:00.000-05:00

I know the Angel pictures are getting kind of repetitive, but I don't have anything else at the moment. I've been very weak-willed of late and kept the furnace at 62 starting from 1 o'clock on. I was going to do this new system of running it warm for 2 hours and then see how warm the house stayed, but I was feeling chilly even at 62 so I somehow never tottered over to the thermostat to turn it down. I had a lovely surprise today. A belated Christmas card, a note and gift from the wonderful photographer Corinne Botz. I met Corinne when I had my agoraphobia column and she was doing a series of photos of agoraphobics. Right now she's working on something called The Secret Life of Objects. Anyway, she sent me a book with the wonderful title, THE FASTER I WALK THE SMALLER I AM by Kjersti A. Skomsvold. The first sentence reads as follows: "I like it when I can be done with something. Like a knitted ear warmer, like winter, spring summer, fall." I can't wait to read it. It was such a nice surprise too. And I listened to a teleconference lecture by Jean Houston. I probably would have skipped it but I had forwarded the link to a friend and she said she was going to listen so I decided to do so too. Of course it's meant to entice you to a course that costs money, but there was still some good stuff worth hearing. Other than that, it was a quiet day with nothing much to report. I'm still trying to work up my courage to call the one of the debt relief places and see if they can help me find a way to pay down my debts faster. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those six months of procrastination things, but this agency (NFCC) is supposed to be free or cheap and trustworthy.

Think maybe I'll share the latest Stewart and Colbert SuperPac ad. Pure genius. They did a joint segment on the Daily Show this evening which was so brilliant that I will hopefully remember to share it tomorrow, with apologies to those in Europe who apparently can't get those videos to run.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, me trying to open my heart, mind, body and spirit to abundance and in so doing to inspire/invoke assistance from the Creative Forces of the Universe, who I hope will shower me with truckloads of money, clothes dryers and lots of other wonderful things.)

Angel and Tara Grace
surprise presents
good books
friends
mail
Janet, our letter carrier
my house
weatherization
my furnace
A cozy day splurge day at 62 degrees
my warm robes
my heavy cape
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I them
my coffee maker
coffee and Int'l Delight
anti-biotics in Tara's food is working great
my hair clip
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers that my niece Diana gave me
music
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the human voice
the boom box by my bed
sight
taste
touch
hearing
smell
bread and butter
empty food dishes in the morning (means the girls are feeling good)
my microwave
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
Netflix
water
the view from my front window
my camera
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
art
literature
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
computer games
my computer
the internet
email
Google
YouTube
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert and their SuperPac
their newest SuperPac ad (see above)
a clothes dryer
winning lottery numbers
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year)
new curtains
blinds for the front window
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
more flowers/landscaping in my back yard
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a sun room on the back of the house
a paid off mortgage
non-violent demousification of my home (Out, out damned mouse)
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
Nintendo
company/companionship
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Jean Houston
Corinne Botz
surprise presents with lovely notes
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around with help
thermal windows on a windy, windy night
the telephone
the gift of words I didn't make up myself for a future wordzzle week (thanks Argent)
feeling useful
my friends
my neighbors
that Spring isn't so very very far off
the sound of wind chimes
my grabber
cat toys
Tara's Fleece Box on the bottom shelf of the book case (she pretty much lives in it these days)
indoor plumbing
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
my kitchen
my microwave
food
paper towels
ideas
imagination
words
poetry
art
photography
creativity
creative people
kindness
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitiamin D-3
Miracle Foot Repair cream
resilience
determination
my body
breath
my fingers
memory foam
my mattress
blankets
Dennis Puffett
love
laughter
life

MAY YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

Daily Reminder # 575

2012-01-17T00:30:00.000-05:00

Just gratitude tonight, I think.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an exercise in letting myself want things and "vibrate in tune with receiving them," in hopes that the Creative Forces of the Universe will fill my coffers with cash and my home with clothes dryers and other good things."

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
weatherization
thermal windows
my warm robes
my heavy cape
my coffee maker
coffee and Int'l Delight
water
yogurt
Dr. Jim
my microwave
the view from my front window
shadows
paper towels
my camera
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
Miracle Foot Repair cream
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my mattress
blankets
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they love me as I them
my friends
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the boom box by my bed
sight
taste
touch
smell
hearing
lavender
allspice
the colors of the rainbow
beauty
words
poetry
literature
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my computer
the internet
email
Google
SKYPE
YouTube
a clothes dryer
Nintendo
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (a million a year would be fine too)
winning lottery numbers
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
more flowers/landscaping in my back yard
a sun room on the back of the house
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
company/companionship
new curtains
blinds for the front window
non-violent demousification (Louise finds a new home somewhere else)
paid off mortgage
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
feeling useful
Netflix
PBS
indoor plumbing
my hair clip
computer games
imagination
ideas
creativity
butterflies
butterfly people
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still wobble me around with help
my shop vac
memory foam
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
determination
resilience
my electric toothbrush
Listerine
teddy bears
kitty hugs
antibiotics for Tara that I can put in her food
Stephen Colbert & Jon Stewart
their BRILLIANT new super pac ad
care2.com
thehungresite.com
kind people
humor
laughter
love
life

MAY BUTTERFLY PEOPLE WATCH OVER YOU

Daily Reminder # 574

2012-01-16T01:22:00.000-05:00

Just gratitude and Angel tonight. She has been exceptionally cute this week. Tara seems to be responding to her "pulse" dose of antibiotic even though I realized this evening that I've been doing it wrong and only giving her half as much as I was supposed to. Tomorrow and Tuesday she'll get the right amount and hopefully that will hold her until next month. It's MINUS 3 degrees tonight and I'm especially grateful for the weatherizing of my house and for my furnace. I got a call from my friends and their furnace went out. I hope they were able to get it repaired and that they are toasty and safe again.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an exercise in letting myself desire prosperity and "vibrate in tune with it," in hopes that the Creative Forces of the Universe will vibrate right back at me and fill my coffers with cash and my home with clothes dryers and other good things."

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
weatherization
thermal windows
my warm robes
layers
my coffee maker
coffee and Int'l Delight
water
yogurt
the view from my front window
shadows
paper towels
my camera
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
Miracle Foot Repair cream
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
sleep
my mattress
blankets
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they love me as I them
my friends
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the boom box by my bed
sight
taste
touch
smell
hearing
the colors of the rainbow
beauty
words
poetry
literature
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my computer
the internet
email
Google
SKYPE
YouTube
a clothes dryer
Nintendo
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (a million a year would be fine too)
winning lottery numbers
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
more flowers/landscaping in my back yard
a sun room on the back of the house
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
company/companionship
new curtains
blinds for the front window
non-violent demousification (Louise moves out)
paid off mortgage
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
feeling useful
Netflix
PBS
I Claudius
indoor plumbing
my hair clip
computer games
imagination
ideas
creativity
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still wobble me around with help
memory foam
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
determination
resilience
my electric toothbrush
Listerine
teddy bears
kitty hugs
antibiotics for Tara that I can put in her food
lavender
allspice
my microwave
cheese
Stephen Colbert & Jon Stewart
their BRILLIANT new super pac ad
care2.com
thehungresite.com
kind people
humor
laughter
love
life

WISHING YOU RESILIENCE

AND FAITH IN YOUR DREAMS

Daily Reminder # 573

2012-01-15T00:39:00.000-05:00

Freezing cold here today. It was in the 20s/teens all day and is 9 degrees at present. Supposed to go down to 4. Cold. Some interesting icicles, though. Managed to get my wordzzles done. They weren't great but they are done. Thought I'd post another Neale Donald Walsch message. I don't think I've posted this one before but even if I have, I think it's a good one and worth repeating.

On this day of your life, dear friend,

I believe God wants you to know...

...that every day is a New Beginning.

A new cycle begins this day, yet a new cycle begins

every day. Indeed, every moment. So if you recognize

anything on this day, recognize what it symbolizes: The

miracle of the endlessly continuing Cycle of Life.

What a grand day! What a time for celebration! We

begin again today! We turn the page! And so, let go

of all that you do not wish to carry with you any further.

Any fear, any sadness, any anger, any resentment, any

disappointment, any lament...let it all go. And now,

using the specialness of this day as a springboard,

let's get on with Life!

Love, Your Friend....

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, a game designed to help me "resonate" with abundance and in so doing inspire in the Creative Forces of the Universe a desire to resonate cash and other good things in my direction.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
weatherizing
my warm robes and heavy cape
coffee and Int'l Delight
my little coffee maker
water
bread and butter
indoor plumbing
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
Miracle Foot Repair Cream
my computer
the internet
email
computer games
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my camera
icicles
no snow accumulation
Netflix
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
the capacity for change
words
wordzzles (especially COMPLETED wordzzles)
poetry
literature
paper towels
Crocs
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around with help
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
music
Pandora radio
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the awesome Bose speakers my niece gave me for Christmas
the view from my front window
thermal windows
antibiotics for Tara Grace that I can put in her food
Dr. Bronner soap
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soaps
a clothes dryer
new curtains
blind for the front window
winning lottery numbers
Nintendo
company/companionship
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a truckload of money (big bills)
more flowers/landscaping in the back yard
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year is good too)
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
a sun room on the back of the house
a paid off mortgage
non-violent demousification of my house (Louise, there must be houses which offer more)
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
the colors of the rainbow
Dennis Puffett
my grabber
sight
hearing
taste
touch
smell
lavender
allspice
humor
PBS
I Claudius
care2.com
thehungersite.com
You Tube
Google
SKYPE
Neale Donald Walsch
art
creativity
beauty
ideas
the telephone
memory foam
my mattress
blankets
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that the seem to love me as I them
my friends
my neighbors
hope
possibilities
resilience
determination
all the stuff I'm forgetting or that I give thanks for privately
love
laughter
life

MAY TODAY BE

YOUR BEST NEW BEGINNING EVER!

Daily Reminder # 572

2012-01-14T01:42:00.001-05:00

A little politics tonight from Move to Amend and 350.org and some gratitude.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an effort to harmonize my energy with abundance and in so doing awaken in the Creative Forces of the Universe an intense and irresistible desire to please and accommodate me and my desires.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
my little coffee maker
coffee and Int'l delight
bread and butter
my warm robes
the view from my front window
not enough snow to be a nuisance (double dusting)
feeling useful
a vet who will come to the house
meds for Tara Grace (something called "pulse" doses - 5/month for 3 months that I can put in her food)
my computer
the internet
email
SKYPE
Google
YouTube
water
indoor plumbing
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers that my niece gave my for Christmas
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the wonders of the human voice
talented people
Netflix
the telephone
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
the capacity for change
my camera
sight
hearing
taste
touch
smell
lavender
allspice
coconut oil
Miracle Foot Repair cream
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still get me around with help
a clothes dryer
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a milliion a year is fine too)
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
a paid off mortgage
company/companionship
winning lottery numbers
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a truckload of money (big bills)
a sun room on the back of the house
more flowers/landscaping for my back yard
new curtains
blinds for the front window
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
non-violent demousification (please move out Louise)
Nintendo
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
resilience
determination
words
poetry
wordzzles (once again I have not done mine yet)
imagination
inspiration
creativity
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
cheese
humor
Craig Fergeson
Tara when she's frisky
Angel hugs
my microwave
my kitchen
my warm robes
my heavy cape
my mattress
blankets
my grabber
computer games
my electric tooth brush
Listerine
I Claudius
PBS
my bookcases
my refrigerator
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that the seem to love me as I love them
my friends
my neighbors
the boom box by my bed
funny people
care2.com
thehungersite.com
OWS
Move to Amend
350.org
President Obama
hope
kindness
determination
ideas
love
laughter
life

WISHING YOU AN AWESOME DAY!

Weekly Wordzzle Challenge # 186

2012-01-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

Still going with the story of Fred Johnson, Paragon of Virtue. Here are links to the previous episodes. If you need/want to catch up, click here for the 1st installment, 2nd installment, 3rd installment, 4th installment, 5th installment, 6th installment, 7th installment., 8th installment, 9th installment, 10th installment, 11th installment, 12th installment, 13th installment, 14th installment, 15th installment, 16th installment, 17th installment, 18th installment, 19th installment. 20th installment, 21st installment, 22nd installment, 23rd installment, 24th installment, 25th installment...

3:28 Saturday afternoon. Finally finished. Was good to have Argent back with another episode of Harold and other good things last week.

Words for this week's 10-word challenge: positive, genius, pot, red-head, clump, oops!, marionette, capricious, tapestry, putrid And for the mini: temper, boil, cluster, cute, dilly-dally

My mega:

"Oops! That was not a genius move," the Paragon thought to himself. "In fact, I would suggest to myself that the capricious entering into of putrid vortexes of dark magic unaccompanied by dog or other companions displays a decided lack of good judgment. I was so positive that I had learned to temper my enthusiasm with caution, but I guess not. I hope Cane brings assistance soon. I wonder if Paraphrase can read my thoughts? Maybe Spark can transport through the shield now that I'm here. Guess I will find out. Meanwhile, what's done is done, though. No point in dilly dallying. 'Light,'" he called out in his best wizard voice, but although there was a slight ebbing of the darkness, there was no great burst of light as he had hoped. "Good thing I brought my flashlight," he muttered, reaching into his back pack and clicking it on, began looking around. Directly ahead was a massive tapestry covering the entire back wall of the room. It was at once beautiful and horrifying, though he was not sure what inspired the dread it inspired in his whole being. Clustered in front of the tapestry were groups of discarded toys and other artifacts. In a large cauldron-like pot, as though waiting to be boiled by cannibals, sat a pair of red-headed marionettes that might once have been cute, but were now half decayed, with clumps of their bright red hair missing. Next to them lay a broken drum, a harp without strings and a collection of mutilated stuffed animals and dolls. Fred shivered. "I hope the others find me soon. This place is seeded with madness as well as evil. I do not have the magic or wisdom to deal with it alone."

My mini:

In the mountains, as Paraphrase, Spark and Purpose Perfidy clustered together around a small fire a pot of Tempered Tofu soup just coming to a boil. They had been having an idle conversation about how Confetti came up with the cute and peculiar name for his dishes when Paraphrase sat at attention. The Paragon is in trouble Spark and related to him what she was reading from his thoughts. "Go at once, my friend. There is no time dilly-dally. I will summon two other dragons and we will watch over our friend here until you return." As the last word escaped her lips, Spark was gone and to Purpose Perfidy's utter astonishment and delight two additional dragons arrived. The smaller of the two new arrivals - Prudence by name - was about the size of a large cow. Her companion Theodoseus was the stuff of myth. "At your service, Para my dear," he said.

And the 10-word:

Spark arrived outside the derelict toy store just as Cane returned with Bubbles, McFlash and Psycho in tow. "Oops!" he said, as he appeared so close to Psycho that he almost toppled him over. "Sorry, Count. Miscalculated my landing. I must say it is delightful to see you looking so well and sane after all this time. But let's get to it. Seems our young Paragon is half genius and half fool. Clever enough to find the entrance and then bit rash and capricious to dive in on his own like that. At least he had the presence of mind to send for you and to convey to Paraphrase and myself images of what awaits us. He went on to provide the others with a brief run-down of what awaited them inside, describing the putrid air, the tapestry and the potted red-headed marionettes with their missing clumps of hair. When he mentioned the marionettes, Psycho gasped and said are you positive about the puppets? They have called to me in my dreams for many years" "Excellent news," Spark replied. "Perhaps they have something to tell us. It's good that you are here. No time to waste joining the Paragon. Does everyone remember the password? Someone hold onto Cane to make sure he comes along. I believe we will need his help in there. Now, in unison, then, my friends..." And as one, they intoned, "It's always darkest before the dawn." and vanished, holding hands, into the votex to join Fred

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Words for next week's 10-word challenge: angst, pills, falling snow, parchment, flute, grey cat, boy was my face red, situation, clamp, heart

And for the mini: dreadful, fog, format, participation, choice

Thanks you for playing. Newcomers can check here for some guidelines to make the game more fun. There are no rules, just some general guidelines and tricks.

Daily Reminder # 571

2012-01-13T00:30:00.000-05:00

Quiet day today, though Tara Grace did spend some time posing. In between her anti-camera voodoo exercises , I got a few actual shots of her. I think I had something I wanted to say today but I don't remember what it is, so I guess I'll just share Tara Grace and some gratitude and leave it at that. I wish it was Spring. I know I shouldn't complain. It's been a very mild winter so far and we haven't had any snow that wasn't a dusting, but I still wish it was spring. Now that I have whined, I will remind myself to say, "Thank you for Everything. I have no complaints whatsoever,' and try to mean it.

Some thing I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, playing with the concept of wanting and receiving and hopefully encouraging the Creative Forces of the Universe to play along with me and shower me with cash and goodies and other cool stuff.)

This isn't very flattering, but it gives
a better sense of how tiny she is.

Angel and Tara Grace
water
coffee & Int'l Delight
my little coffee maker
my home
my furnace
my warm robes
my heavy cape
Pandora radio
music
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
my computer
the internet
computer games
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
Janet, the mail carrier
my telephone
Schwans
the garbage man
my microwave
my kitchen
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
coconut oil
lavender
allspice
cinnamon
my camera
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
Google
SKYPE
AIM
email
Margaret
my cane
my chair/walker
that my legs still wobble me from room to room with help
indoor plumbing
PBS
I Claudius
a clothes dryer
winning lottery numbers
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (a million a year is fine too)
more flowers/landscaping in my back yard
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
new curtains
blinds for the front window
a sun room on the back of the house
company/companionship
a paid off mortgage
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
non-violent demousification of my home
Nintendo
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
care2.com
thehungersite.com
words
poetry
literature
imagination
creativity
the chance to use my editing skills
feeling useful
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I love them
friends
neighbors
EISEP
food stamps
my grabber
my mattress
blankets
the boom box by my bed
taste
touch
smell
hearing
sight
personal treasures
possibilities
my hair clip
determination
resilience
Netflix
no snow
YouTube
Jon Stewart
Stephen Colbert
laughter
love
life

MAY YOUR PATH BE CLEARED OF OBSTACLES

AND YOUR WAY BE SMOOTH AND JOYFUL!

Daily Reminder # 570

2012-01-12T02:04:00.000-05:00

Every so often you get lucky with a picture. I just love this one.

Not much to say tonight. Going to share another Neale Donald Walsch message. It reminds me of one of my most favorite therapy memories. Dr. Jim suggested that I might be a bit of a perfectionist. "How could I be a perfectionist," I scoffed. "I never do anything right." He burst out laughing and I realized that maybe I was a bit of a perfectionist.

On this day of your life, dear friend,

I believe God wants you to know...

..that at some point it may serve you to decide that

a particular project or undertaking is complete.

Seeking excellence is one thing; never finding

anything totally satisfactory is another.

It is as I have told you before:

Perfection is the obstacle of creation

and the enemy of achievement.

At some point you've got to say, "This is good.

And this is enough." If you cannot do this, you will

never get anything done -- and that is the opposite

of what you want, is it not?

Love, Your Friend....

I've given up perfectionism by and large. Proof? Posting this photo. I let
spacing imperfections ride. I don't feel the need to post a daily treatise.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, a lesson for myself in allowing myself to want things and to ask for what I want, and a dare (challenge, request, plea, hint) to the Creative Forces of the Universe to hear my wishes and then grant them!)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
my warm robes
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my camera
my computer
the internet
email
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
energy saving light bulbs
weatherization
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the human voice
the sound of purring
sight
taste
touch
smell
hearing
beauty
coffee and Int'l Delight
my little coffee maker
water
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
my grabber
lavender
allspice
coconut oil
Netflix
SKYPE
Google
YouTube
litter box changed, garbage out
vacuums
the garbage man
computer games
a clothes dryer
Nintendo
lottery tickets
more flowers/landscaping in my back yard
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a paid off mortgage
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
new curtains
blinds for the front window
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year for life)
company/companionship
non-violent demousification (go away, Louise)
a truckload of money
a sun room on the back of the house
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as much as I love them
my friends
my neighbors
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me from room to room with help
my grabber
paper towels
words
poetry
literature
imagination
ideas
inspiration
my microwave
ice cream
art
beauty
my body
breath
my mattress
blankets
indoor plumbing
resilience
determination
hope
possibilities
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
PBS
being useful to someone once in a while
human beings
Nature
love
laughter
life

MAY YOU HAVE A LOVELY DAY

AND MAY YOU BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Daily Reminder # 569

2012-01-11T00:46:00.000-05:00

How tragic is that face? Please, person, may we play some
more? See how sad I look? How can you resist me?

Well, Tara had a quick $25 visit from the vet today. She's very pleased with how she is doing. Me too, except for that really bad day on Saturday which had me very freaked out. We are going to give her three months of some kind of special anti-biotic treatment that she gets 5 day of each month. Think I'll share a Neale Donald Walsch message from a few days back. I just read it and it's a lesson I had a really difficult time learning. Not sure I've learned it yet. I spent 10 years of my life hoping my brother would change before I gave up. I'm much better than I once was. I've come to believe that there is a gift in everything, even the most painful life experiences. That said, for myself, I would really like the Publisher's Clearinghouse truck to drive up with a big check for at least a million bucks. Anyway, here it is.

On this day of your life, dear friend,

I believe God wants you to know...

..that you cannot help another who will not help him-

or herself.

In the end, all souls must walk their path -- and the

reason they are walking a particular path may not be

clear to us...or even to them at the level of ordinary

human consciousness.

Do what you can to help others, of course. Show

love and caring whenever and wherever you can.

But do not get caught up in someone else's "story"

to the point where you start writing it. Know what

I mean?

Love, Your Friend....

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude an effort to play with hope and desire and let it be OK to have both, including that, in response to my efforts, the Creative Forces of the Universe will hear and say to themselves, "why that woman really OUGHT to have a truckload of money, a clothes dryer and some good company. Let's make sure she gets them as soon as possible."

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
weatherization
coffee and Int'l Delight
my little coffee maker
water
my warm robes
my heavy cape
the visiting vet who gave Tara a good grade
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
music
my awesome Bose speakers
Pandora radio
music
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my computer
the internet
email
feeling useful
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around with help
UPS
drugstore.com
Miracle Foot Repair
a truckload of money (big bills)
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year, either one)
winning lottery numbers
Nintendo
more flowers/landscaping in my backyard
a sun room on the back of the house
new curtains
blinds for the front window
company/companionships
a clothes dryer
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
a paid off mortgage
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
non-violent demousification of my house (Free Louise!)
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
my camera
care2.com
thehungersite.com
paper towels
my kitchen
my walk-in shower
indoor plumbing]
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
the telephone
Netflix
I Claudius
PBS
SKYPE
Google
YouTube
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
Dr. Jim
computer games
wordzzles (there was another chapter of Harold's story this week) Yippee!
words
poetry
literature
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I love them
forks and spoons and knives
ideas
imagination
inspiration
resilience
Advil
determination
coconut oil
lavender
allspice
sight
hearing
taste
touch
smell
my body
breath
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
the capacity for change
the colors of the rainbow
my grabber
my mattress
blankets
beautiful things
art
my hair clip
kitty hugs
an almost sneeze-free Tara Grace
lots of other stuff that I'm not going to bother to list
Jon Stewart
Stephen Colbert
laughter
love
life

WISHING YOU A MAGNIFICENT DAY!

LAZY DAY OFF

2012-01-10T00:46:00.001-05:00

Just don't feel like it tonight. I feel lazy and am short on anything to say, so I'm taking the day off.

MAY YOU HAVE A LOVELY, RESTFUL DAY!

Daily Reminder # 568

2012-01-09T00:06:00.000-05:00

I've got nothing tonight except some gratitude. And some inspiration. Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of Gabby Giffords shooting. She and her husband are awesome, I think. Teachers for all every one of us.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, a lesson for myself in allowing myself to want things and to ask for what I want, and a dare (challenge, request, plea, hint) to the Creative Forces of the Universe to hear my wishes and then grant them!)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
my furnace
my warm robes
a lovely warm shower
a lovely warm house (68 degrees) before the lovely warm shower
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my camera
my computer
the internet
email
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
my rock collection
energy saving light bulbs
weatherization
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the human voice
the sound of purring
sight
taste
touch
smell
hearing
beauty
bread and butter
coffee and Int'l Delight
my little coffee maker
water
Dr. Bronner soaps
Dr. Ihhiru probiotic soap
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
my grabber
lavender
allspice
coconut oil
Netflix
SKYPE
Google
YouTube
Gabby Giffords
brave people
computer games
a clothes dryer
Nintendo
lottery tickets
more flowers/landscaping in my back yard
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
a paid off mortgage
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
new curtains
blinds for the front window
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year for life)
company/companionship
non-violent demousification (Louise begone, please)
a truckload of money
a sun room on the back of the house
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
Dennis Puffett
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as much as I love them
my friends
my neighbors
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me from room to room with help
my grabber
paper towels
words
poetry
literature
imagination
ideas
inspiration
my microwave
ice cream
art
beauty
my body
breath
that Tara is feeling a bit better... not quite herself, but better than yesterday
my mattress
blankets
indoor plumbing
resilience
determination
hope
possibilities
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
I Claudius
PBS
being useful to someone once in a while
human beings
Nature
kitty hugs and purrs
love
laughter
life

Wishing You Only Small Obstacles

and the Knowledge

that Nothing Can Stand in Your Way

Daily Reminder # 567

2012-01-08T00:05:00.000-05:00

I finally heard back from Maple Farms Sanctuary. It was kind of a newsless report. Cassie/Emily is fine, but unchanged as far as they can tell. They are not the kind of people to experiment with calling her by a different name. So it goes. Through their Facebook site, I ran across this beautiful video of photos of aging animals. The kitty who died just before Angel came into my life was 22. My very last photo of her is tragic, yet I both saw and didn't see her changing as the days went by. I did, of course, but that last one breaks my heart. I don't think I have ever shared it with anyone before tonight.

Elderly Animals: Photographs by Isa Leshko from Mark & Angela Walley on Vimeo.

One kitty's journey (with a lot of the middle missing) from youth to old age.

She was 19 or 20 here. This was taken when we were
living in Arizona with my niece Cindy.

Age 20

June - she still enjoyed eating, especially baby food.

June - 4 months before she died

This picture breaks my heart. She was so tired. I wrote about her passing
at Suite101.com. It was sweet and gentle death. She died in her sleep on
Columbus Day a few days after this picture was taken at age 22 and a half.

And then the other night PBS had a conversation on aging as well. And of course since I'm moving up there and not all that healthy, aging is on my mind a bit too. I'm not aging with much grace, but I'm still wobbling my way through the day, so I guess I'll count myself lucky. In the PBS conversation, the guy mentions the passing of time. I don't know if I've ever shared one of my favorite trivia-ish things, but there's a theory out there that the reason that time goes faster and faster as you age (and BOY does it!) is because a year/month/week/day becomes proportionately smaller the older you are. At one a year is a massive expanse of time. At 50, it's 1/50th of your life. I don't know how clear that is as an explanation, but I think it has a lot of truth to it.

One last thing. I'm a little worried about Tara Grace. She has been fine but today she has hardly eaten (that I have seen) and has spent almost the whole day in her brown fleece box. Prayers and good thoughts would be appreciated.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, an experiment in wanting, asking for what I want and hopefully inspiring the Creative Forces of the Universe to hear and respond.)

Angel and Tara Grace
that I am still alive
my home
my furnace
weatherization
my warm robes
my warm cape
my little coffee maker
coffee and Int'l Delight
my computer
the internet
email
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my camera
photos
all the kitties who have enriched my life - Katrina, Abigail, Angel, Tara Grace
strawberry/banana yogurt smoothies
paper towels
bread and butter
water
the view from my front window
Angel hugs, especially on a cold day
my grabber
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around with help
my microwave
my kitchen
Sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
coconut oil
lavender
allspice
cinnamon
sight
hearing
taste
touch
smell
the body
breath
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the boom box by my bed
my mattress
blankets
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
indoor plumbing
computer games
Nintendo
a clothes dryer
$5,000/week for life from PCH (or a million a year)
winning lottery numbers
company/companionship
a truckload of money (big bills)
blinds for the front window
new curtains
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
a paid off mortgage
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
more flowers/landscaping for my back yard
a sun room on the back of the house
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
nonviolent demousification of my home (Louise, PLEASE leave alive)
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
resilience
determination
words
poetry
literature
Dennis Puffett
my teeth
my electric toothbrush
Listerine
Miracle Foot Cream
Janet the mail carrier
I Claudius
Netflix
the Sci-Fi Channel
PBS
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
imagination
ideas
inspiration
that I finished my wordzzles even if they suck
my hair clip
eye drops
all the stuff I've forgotten to list
love
laughter
life

I posted that hideous photo of Abby at her end, figured I owed it to
her to post myself too, hold her... 2003 about a month and a half
before she let her body behind and moved on.

MAY WE FIND ALL THE JOY AND WONDER

OF EVERY PHASE OF OUR LIVES

Daily Reminder # 566

2012-01-07T00:10:00.001-05:00

The sky was exquisite this evening. And it was a kind of warm day considering how cold it has been. It went up to 50 after days in the teens and 20s. I was comfy all day but tonight for some reason I can't get warm. The mysteries of my physiology, I guess. I notice that I can be cold for a long time and then at around 11:30 or after midnight, I'm suddenly comfortable. I'm sure if I studied my biorhythms, I could figure out a way to be more comfortable more of the time.... but I'm too lazy to do that... and clueless as to how. Still waiting for any news about Cassie/Emily, the agoraphobic cow. The woman who is my contact said she was having dinner with the people who work with the animals last night and would let me know but I haven't heard from her yet. The friend who told me about Cassie/Emily told me an interesting story about the name Emily. Apparently there is a famous Emily the Cow - a 1995 escapee from a slaughterhouse - not far from where the Maple Farms Sanctuary is located. This Emily became a vegetarian activist and has her own statue. Could my Cassie Emily have picked up on that? Life is pretty astonishing sometimes. Well, life is always astonishing, but some things do stand out. That's it for me today, I think. I'm cold and tired (didn't sleep well last night) and a touch cranky, so I think I'll stick to gratitude and pictures of the sky.

Some things I'm grateful for today: (Items in red are pre-gratitude, a game to convince both myself and the Creative Forces of the Universe that I really ought to be in possession of millions of dollars, a clothes dryer and everything that I wish for in life.)

Angel and Tara Grace
my home
the view from my front window
sunset skies and tree branches
Coffee and Int'l Delight
my coffee maker
bread and butter
my furnace
the benefits of weatherization
my warm robes
my heavy cape
that I could open the window for a bit today
electricity
my Tibetan salt lamps
the colors of the rainbow
my rock collection
my camera
my TV
the remote control
the mute button
my computer
the internet
email
music
Pandora radio
my awesome Bose speakers
the joy of listening
the joy of singing
the boom box by my bed
art
beauty
poetry
words
wordzzles (procrastinating yet again on doing mine)
literature
computer games
the ability to read and write
the ability to type
imagination
ideas
inspiration
water
my chair/walker
my cane
that my legs still wobble me around with help
sam-e
Omega-3
IP-6
Vitamin D-3
Coconut oil
lavender
allspice
my kitchen
my refrigerator
my microwave
Netflix
Nintendo
new curtains
blinds for the front window
a reading and healing with Nancy DuTertre
paid off mortgage
zero balance on my credit cards
lower interest rates
winning lottery numbers
$5,000/week for life from PCH (and/or a million/year)
a truckload of money (big bills)
freshly painted living and bedroom walls
company/companionship
a sun room on the back of the house
more flowers/landscaping in my back yard
a clothes dryer
non-violent demousification (Louise finds a new home)
seeing the red list turn to black
reiki
angels
miracles
my nieces, my nephew and their families
that they are happy, healthy and successful
that they seem to love me as I love them
my friends
my neighbors
mail
my body
breath
Angel hugs
Tara sleeping on me
I Claudius
indoor plumbing
resilience
determination
hope
possibilities
gravity
the capacity to change
my electric toothbrush
my teeth
Listerine
energy efficient light bulbs
kindness
HEAP
EISEP
that Louise keeps to herself by and large
tree branches
squirrels
love
laughter
life

May Your Day Be Wrapped in Beauty

Weekly Wordzzle Challenge # 185

2012-01-06T18:10:00.000-05:00

HARD TO BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN DOING THE PARAGON'S STORY FOR 25 WEEKS NOW. TIME GOES SO FAST! THAT SAID, I'M GOING TO POST MR LINKY AWHILE, BUT WILL PROBABLY WAIT TO DO MY EXERCISES UNTIL TOMORROW AGAIN.

6:30 Saturday - 2 down, one to go. I'm not happy with what I have done so far but nothing better is likely to come to me. I'll post the first two and add the third after I eat supper. Sigh. I think maybe I should start cheating and make word lists that will be easier to work into my story, but where's the challenge in that?

7:30 Saturday - Finished... for better or worse. This week was REALLY DIFFICULT.

Words for this week's 10-word challenge: platitude, cow, chilly, sport, match, star, wind chimes, hood, bandage, wedding gown And for the mini: treatment, paper, independent, brick wall, revolution

My mega:

Meanwhile, back at the Fortress, a glorious revolution of sorts had taken place. Guided by Psycho, McFlash, Bubbles and the Paragon, the entire population was now chanting "Remember son, the Number One,Sun to sun, the Number One, Day is Done, the Number One, that is how the spell's begun, First we dance, then we run, then we watch the web be spun. Hate expires, Love has won, Love is ONE. Dawn of day to setting sun. Remember always Number One," and it was if a giant bandage had wrapped around the Fortress and some miraculous healing treatment had penetrated not just the hearts and spirits of the population, but even the air they breathed. The chilly brick walls seemed warmer. Wind chimes sounded more musical and food and cow's milk tasted better. The stars seemed brighter, the air purer, the sky bluer. The portrait of Amanda Purist was hung near the greenhouse, protected by multiple spells and dozen armed guards. Over a thousand independent agents were sent to scour the kingdom for the missing purple teddy bear and papers were circulated promising a reward to anyone knowing of a purple teddy bear matching the description and included picture. Stealing teddy bears from young children and dying them purple became an unfortunate sport until Psycho issued an edict forbidding it. They began a thorough and methodical search of the Fortress' archives, finding many interesting artifacts, from Amanda's wedding gown and wedding ring, to her childhood artworks, books and a host of other items which kept Psycho absorbed and delighted for hours. Fred Johnson watched him at times in wonder that this was the same person who had done so much evil for so many years. The transformation gave him hope, but as days passed with no sign of the teddy bear, he began to fear that they would not succeed in saving the Count's mother. And then, just as hope was fading, he heard the dragon's voice in his head whispering an old platitude. "It's always darkest before the dawn." We have learned from the painter that it is the key to unlocking a secret room.

My mini:

Paragon of Virtue, Fred Johnson distractedly scratched behind the ears of his beloved dog Cane, talking to him as he did so. "You know, Cane, I thought we were about to hit the proverbial brick wall and then - voila! - the dragon's voice offers hope yet again. Bubbles, McFlash and I have decided to take three independent revolutions of the Fortress. You are going to help me with mine. The dragon and the wizard have done a special treatment on this paper which we hope will allow you to guide me to the location of the secret room. It's worth a try, don't you think, my friend?" The dog wagged his tail, nudged the Paragon's hand and jumped to his feet as if eager to start their quest.

And the 10-word:

As he moved slowly around the Fortress with his dog in tow, the Paragon continued his musing. "I'm trying to figure out, Cane my friend, why they would use a platitude like 'it's always darkest before the dawn," as a key. I wonder if there's a hint in it somehow..." A light breeze stirred as they walked and he muttered, "Getting chilly, isn't it boy, zipping his jacket and pulling up its hood. And then he stopped in his tracks, looking around, realizing it wasn't a normal chill he had felt. Looking to his right, there was a large infirmary, being exited by a man with a large bandage around his head, who stopped, struck a match and lit a cigarette before walking on. "Bar fight, I'll bet," the Paragon whispered to his dog. Looking to the left his jaw dropped as he looked at three shops. First was a sports equipment shop called Midnight Sporting goods, next a derelict toy store with collection of derelict toys collecting dust in the window (a stuffed cow, an old rusty train set and a fairy doll holding wand with a star on it)... it was the next shop that sealed the deal, though. Dawn's Wedding Gowns. "We've found it, Cane. Go and fetch the others." Then, stepping toward the door of the shop, he said loudly, "It's always darkest before the dawn." Instantly there was the sound of wind chimes, a draft of cold, stale air, and a portal opened. "Bring the others," he repeated to Cane and stepped through.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Words for next week's 10-word challenge: positive, genius, pot, red-head, clump, oops!, marionette, capricious, tapestry, putrid

And for the mini: temper, boil, cluster, cute, dilly-dally

Thanks you for playing. Newcomers can check here for some guidelines to make the game more fun. There are no rules, just some general guidelines and tricks.

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