October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween to you!

October 29, 2008

Desiderata written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s

The author is Max Ehrmann, a Poet and Lawyer from Indiana. It has been reported that Desiderata was inspired by an urge that he wrote about in his diary. "I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift-a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods."
Sometimes it good to re-read this once or twice.
DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

October 20, 2008

A Summer Treat


Well, this morning some of my summer flowers and plants have turned to looking like spinach. That only means one thing; I have to get myself out there and work on Phase III in the garden. The first two phases were annual clean-ups, and cutting back of perennials. The final phase will be to plant the one hundred seventy something tulip, daffofil and crocus bulbs that have been purchased. But have you ever not wanted to 'git out there' and just do it. I'm in that mode now. To get motivated, I've had to go to a couple of online garden sites where I purchased the bulbs to remind myself of the spring joy there is to come. Good news: Hubby has taken some vacay time, and will be my garden partner!
By the way, the photo is of a Hibiscus flower. :o)

October 19, 2008

Tea Time


My Mother and I went for lunch on Friday, at a most charming restaurant and tea room called Sally Lunn's. Originated in England many many years ago, it is now a permanent fixture in a small town about 30 mins. from where I live. In addition to 'high tea' they also offer cottage pie, lamb and beef pasties, their famous scones, many tempting homemade desserts and a very long list of teas. My Mother enjoyed a hot mug of mulled apple cider w/apple slices and lemon wedge. My beverage was a cinnamon tea-warm and comforting. I selected homemade chicken pot pie for lunch, and my Mom ordered French Toast stuffed w/warm apples. It is the best French Toast I've ever tasted. Sorry no photos at this time. I know - blog sin #1. The pot pie was full of vegetables and chicken w/a puffed pastry topping-delicious! We managed to leave without dessert, which is almost impossible to do. The tea room is as charming as you can imagine: mix'n match tablecloths with white lacy overlays and cloth napkins. All around the walls stand curio cabinents loaded with tea services for sale. Tea cups and saucers abound on shelves as well. When we were done looking around at the vintage prints that also hang on the walls, we then carried out our little white bags of scones with devonshire cream and jam for Saturday morning breakfast. There we were, two smiling women with their little white bags. When I called my Mother this morning to say "hi" she was enjoying her scone. I could tell she had a smile on her face. And that makes it all worthwhile!

October 16, 2008

Mr. "C"

I've been friends with a girl name Debbie since the sixth grade. When she came into my classroom on the first day of school, we immediately bonded, and have been friends ever since. She's one of the most thoughtful and kind human beings that I could ever ask to have as a friend. Now, I've known Debbie's family for as long as I've known her; let me put it in years - 39 to be exact. Her Father always enjoyed kidding around with me about everything. When I would ring their house doorbell, he'd answer it and say "we gave at the office" and shut the door. One time when I was going there to swim in their super deluxe pool, he answered the door, asked me if I had a club membership card. When I replied "no" he shut the door. He then would re-open the door with a smile on his face. The next weekend, he gave me a club membership card he had printed up. I always enjoyed those times, and vividly remember them with a smile.
Once he took Debbie and I up in his airplane, and was so very concerned about my weakness for motion sickness. We flew along the shoreline, stopped to have breakfast, and flew back to the local airport. What an event that was for me! I didn't stop telling people about it for weeks (until I caught on that they were tired of hearing about it). Mr. "C" as I liked to call him is just a great man, a devoted Husband and a terrific Father.
He's having some difficulties in the hospital with his heart and lungs. It's a scary time for all of us, especially for his wife and three daughters. I'm trying to help Debbie in any way I can, but somehow the words just aren't enough. She listened to me cry uncontrollably when my Father was dying, and she cried with me. I know now this is my turn to cry with her. Life can be so bittersweet. I went to a wedding on Sunday, and laughed and danced. Today, (four days later),I am trying to figure out how best to help my best friend, as she watches her Father. I am a firm believer that when the sun shines, soak it in like a juicy peach. Life moves fast, it really does. Mr "C" - I'll always have a SPECIAL spot in my heart for you!
With love,
Kathy

October 14, 2008

The Wedding


A couple of days ago, I went to a family wedding. What an event! The cocktail hour was thoroughly delicious with very tasty coconut shrimp just as one example, several warm carving stations, hot Italian food that could easily fill ones' belly as a satisfying meal. The dinner was a choice of four entrees. Let's not forget the wedding cake. Lastly, the Venetian stations located in another large room, proudly offered their multiple flavors of gelatos, fondue w/fuits, nuts, etc., creme brulee, flan, cheesecake, and a huge assortment of Italian pastries. These desserts seduced my senses until I broke down and walked away with several "small" plates, vowing to add twenty more minutes to the elliptical and spin bike on Monday. The music was fun with lots of dancing, clapping and happy faces. The last time I saw my relatives it was for three funerals, count 'em three, consecutively within a years' time (my Father included). This event gave my family the opportunity to look at pictures of great grandchildren, hold a baby, catch up on happy events in the lives of aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. It reminded me of the Renoir painting shown above of eating, drinking and making merry. Times like this give us a break from the global and national news that assaults us on a daily basis. The one thing I can count on at an Italian wedding is the outward expression of love for family, food and music. Ciao!

October 13, 2008

Welcome to my new space. Make yourself comfortable.



Hello and welcome to my Blog Space. This is day one for me, so excuse me if you see several errors. Just today,I was presented with a Smile Award from the lovely Cindy @ http://figslavendercheese.blogspot.com/ Thank you again Cindy!!! :)
It was actually the kick in the pants I needed to modify my time in the comment section of a couple of blogs, and find my own place to call cyber home. It may take me a while to find the blogs that I would like to extend this award to. I'm one of those individuals who believes in being thorough.

Kick off your shoes, make yourself comfy in whatever fashion you prefer. I have a thing for slippers and chai tea. Pajamas too. Together, it confirms that I am home. And after a full day of the world, I need to know I am at home, in my nest. Once I saw an advertisement for windows and doors in a magazine. The front door was ajar, and the only comment on the bottom of the page read "This is all that stands between you and the outside world". Well, I never forgot those strong and thought provoking words! There are many nights when I shut the outside door and think to myself how true, how true. Home is comfort to me on a very deep level. Wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen, a lit candle, great music, my hubby's laughter from watching the Daily Show, a page turner book and my cat sleeping on my feet are just some of my home pleasures. And sometimes it is as simple as looking outside at the trees and flowers - very peaceful.

Tell me what makes you feel "comfort" (doesn't matter where or how you live). It's the feeling that counts.