This Year Is Coming To A Close

 This post was written one year ago at this time.   Guess my sentiments and words are the same
Except for the fact holiday time was spent recovering from some kind of virus.   Also 3 days ago a wisdom
tooth was pulled.   I was nervous but it turned out no different then any other tooth that was
pulled.  A sunny and unseasonably warm day and looking forward to energy returning.
In years past my little girls would spend New Years Eve with me.     The youngest has a bad cold so
 mom and dad will be home with them this year.


December 20l0.....
For all who read and sometimes comment on my journal - thank you.

No words can express what it means to this One Woman. You encourage her with your comments. She would start naming names but do not want to leave out anyone. You have become special friends. Writing, camera and computer have become an important link to the world outside of her woods.

A busy year with move to the country, garden, camera, a home sold and adjusting to the beginning of a lifestyle she use to live.

As a journey is shared - for pleasure and family, it may just give some an idea of One Woman's journey through this continuing process of aging. She is well aware that her path is totally different from that of her mother and grandmother's. Yet one trait is evident- they were strong women and she is sometimes referred to the same way.

New Years Eve and day will be spent with two youngest granddaughter's.

In the New Year that is about to begin ...

May you be Happy

May you be Well

May you be Safe

May you be at Peace

Today notice five recurring thoughts that take you away from your life as it is.

Write them down. When you have a chance, burn the paper lovingly, and let those thoughts drift away with the smoke ~~A Year Of Living Your Yoga~~

Judith Hanson Lasater

Special Morning Gift

A special visitor for my son in Bangkok,Thailand.
The young woman who owns and teaches at her
yoga studio in Nashville - is visiting with her family.
Aretha, thank you for the image I found on
my computer early this morning.
Also, that he is happy, well and an excellent teacher...

Wish I was there.....

April 2008 - A New Beginning

April in 2008 was the first entry into my journal world.   Had only acquired a computer 2 years before that.
Really did not want one and now I wonder "what would I do without this special friend."  It has brought me so much joy, challenge, a learning experience,  but also some frustrations as I continue to learn.  I realize  I know so little  about this wonderful machine.

I wondered if I would have anything to post.   Looks like with over 800 entries there was no lack for words.
I began writing when I moved from the country to the city.  I shared about this experience and really planned on spending the rest of my days there.  I tried to adjust but my heart was not in it.   I  consider it a gift that I was allowed to return to my heart's home.  My cottage is perfect for One Woman and occasional
visitors.

 Hopefully this is where
 I will always reside  and someday my ashes will be spread throughout the woods.  Can't think of a more wonderful place to be.

My grandchildren and even children know a little bit more about their mother and grandmother by reading her rambling words.    When we write I believe we share from the heart and use different words then we would use if we were talking face to face.   That is the way it is with me.   I read what I write and sometimes think "did I write that?" 

So many special online friends from many states and other countries - they found me and I found them online and we have shared and responded to one another.

I look back and many who responded almost 4 years ago are still sending me comments.

I wonder sometimes if we met in person would we be as drawn to one another as we are through
our writing?

New goal to not write as much,  I think I have shared most about this One Woman.   Will continue looking for special images to photograph and will be sharing about my gardening   A special poem or book will come to mind.   Maybe there will still be much to share.    I know as I grow older just do not want to begin
repeating myself and for you to witness some of what happens in the aging process.  Then I have the thought that you would see how One Woman continues on through this journey in life.

Christmas Eve, family will be visiting.  Then following week dental work, then appointment with a specialist
that I have been avoiding.   Really do not think I will learn anything different but  have been urged to do this and I will see who is right on this subject.  Surgery is scheduled for 3rd week of January.  Who knows, maybe a miracle and I can postpone.... 

Wishing everyone blessings
during this special Season
The blessings you desire and need.
From my heart I thank you for your friendship

Grandma's Little Girls

We have had our hair cut
Been to grocery
Had lunch

The youngest loves being in
my bedroom and picking up
different memory objects
and asking about them.

She found my basket where
I tuck all cards and pictures

Asked why I had a knife on my desk :)
told her it was a letter opener and
showed her how it works..

A picture taken of me years ago
she tells me "grandma I like that picture"

A special time
I love having them with me

Time goes by so quickly....

Another December Evening

In a few hours
the arrival of a new day.
Not many left in this year.
Soon a new year will begin
Wonder what it will bring?

Hopefully
Happiness, Health, Safety and Peace
for all....

Potato Soup And Praise Of Craziness

A cold, rainy  and windy day
Feels like it could snow.

On a recent trip to the big city
I stopped in the upscale bake shop
bought my special bread
and noticed their soup for the day
potato with an addition of turnips and mushrooms.
Now I do not usually like any soup but my own
but ordered a cup - it came with a crusty piece of bread.
Oh, it was so good.
So, today at noon I made my potato soup,
was able to find 4 small turnips in the garden
had fresh mushrooms on hand
I made my soup a little different.
It was good.....

~~~~~On cold evenings
my grandmother
with ownership of half her mind...
the other half having flown back to Bohemia..

spread newspapers over the porch floor
so, she said, the garden ants could crawl beneath,
as under a blanket, and keep warm,

and what shall I wish for, for myself,
but, being so struck by the lightning of year,
to be like her with what is left, that loving.

~~In Praise Of Craziness, Of A Certain Kind~~    Mary Oliver

Protected And Winter Solstice Is Approaching

For some reason this image
gives me a sense of peace
and protection.

The days are so short
the nights so long.
Time is approaching December 22.
Predicted time for days to begin
little by little to be a little longer.
I like the word Winter Solstice...

After many trips to big city for tests,
all involved to check out this container
for my spirit and soul - seems I may need
repair work on area where 2 years ago
 gall bladder surgery was performed.

Very independent, not wanting to be a burden
 and a family that is
super busy but it will come together.

Still not sure if I will have this done.
I will take one day at a time
moment by moment and the answer
will come.

Today I am picking turnip greens for freezer :)

So an interference on my path of simplicity
and mindfulness.

Life is full of surprises, so we need to just
accept them and go on.

As I look at the above image
I can  feel the warmth and security that
that the baby birds feel under the wings
of  one who loves them....

~~He will cover you with his feathers
     He will shield you with his wings
     His faithful promises
     are your armor and  protection~~      Psalms 91:4