2017--The Year That Was or Wasn't

Well again. We are at the end of another year. Yes, I know some people don't even get a chance to say that. As I have watched several in memoriam segments on TV the last couple days I find a couple people that have passed on I wasn't aware they had. As you get older and cynicism sets in and you look back to see if you have accomplished all that you have wanted out of life no matter how long or short that life may be it is really only for your own benefit that we even probably put ourselves through these thoughts. Does anyone really care?

I heard somewhere recently that "blogging" is a thing of the past. Really the only people that do it is because maybe they can't say what they really want directly. For many years I have never had problems saying what I really feel either in front of or behind a blog posting. It may not always be appreciated,  my philosophy of "do you want me to lie or tell you the truth" has become a mantra year after year. Truth be told I haven't blogged as much this year as in years past. My reason at the moment...sometimes skating through life gets complicated and difficult when you do not wear the skates anymore. It isn't always about the shiny blades, white boots and costumes. It may be just about stepping on the slippery surface and hoping you can stay upright and the routine gets completed without an unexpected fall (which I did this week) and the appreciated applause at the end.

Having stated all this 2017 has been a year of embarrassment, empowerment, roadblocks, realizations, reality, sorrow, rebellion (no matter how young or old you can always be rebellious), frustrations, and several other things sprinkled in.

No one ever knows what the next year will bring. I hope to be as prepared as one can be to glide on the ice of life. To use an old skating mantra; if you feel yourself falling, relax and don't tense up. Your less liable to get hurt. Guess I better use that technique more in 2018. Only time will tell.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Another year has almost ended and the Christmas holiday is upon us already. As always we got a  head start on decorating right after the Turkey Dinner.  The weather cooperated and most decorating is in place in and outside our house. The memories of growing up came to mind when as we unpacked our artificial tree for yet another year (year nine and still the lights worked). Artificial trees have evolved many times over. The tinsel tree of my youth to the mixed plastics of today makes for some interesting conversations on whether to go real or fake once again. 

Since the family also decorates my in-laws home now due to health reasons and age, it becomes an interesting and entertaining topic at their house as well.  Last year my mother-in-law swore she had more trees in the attic than we could find. In all fairness, much of the decorations were downsized just a bit, given or sold to make memories for someone else. She indicated next year she would like another tree. I hope the tall, skinny trees become a thing of the past because as I told her, "we may just need to take the old lights off and string new one's next year". My hubby won't be a happy camper if that is the alternative.

A client of ours went into the live tree farm business in the last year. Who knows we could both win in that situation. The smell of a live tree could be a reality next year. 

In another Oh Christmas Tree story our neighbor who has a tree we have watched grow taller and taller over the last 20 years once again decided to decorate for Christmas. When the tree was manageable to self-decorate he strung lights for several years. Then when it got so tall he couldn't or wouldn't step on a ladder he stopped decorating. This year access to a lighting service in our area seemed to take the fuss out of his and many others' outside home decorating issues. My elf enjoys decorating so until he decides otherwise, will continue the tradition at our house.

 Now if he would just instruct the mean elves in the attic to please leave the blow-up outside ornaments and lights alone we would have had a decorating experience without major flaws. Think we may try a new plan of action next year on that issue.

Where Should the Thanks Go?....

Well here we are another year has come and gone and many are baking and slaving away for that big dinner tomorrow. Back's are hurting, fingers are raw and dry from hand washing after hand washing.  Trying to at least make one special dish for everyone seated at the dinner table. Wait.....

Sounds like the start of a great traditional story, but this year it won't be for my family. This is the year of the revolution.  The year to break the tradition. I seem to have heard the last several days I am not the only one who decided that I would not be cooking Thanksgiving Dinner for 2017. 

With mouths agape and looks of disbelief on many I have talked with, I am that person this year.  Don't feel bad, don't be ashamed or appalled.  The year has been filled with so many things out of control that this was one area it felt timely and right to do.

I am going to bed a little earlier. Not getting up before the crack of dawn to start the oven for the bird.  Like one of the last scenes in the movie a Christmas Story, we will be going out for dinner. No not to a Chinese Restaurant but to a restaurant where all of the arrangements will be taken care of and not a dish will we have to wash. It is the first time but may not be the last time it happens, but we are thankful for the opportunity to break from cooking.

Hoping that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner. However, and wherever is your choice.

 

The Older You Get

How many times have you seen quotes about friendships? You can find just about anything on Pinterest (my go to place) for things relating to needing, keeping or releasing friends.  Many people in my lifetime have said, "pick your friends wisely".  That other go to saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" still definitely holds true.  You don't need to be friends with everyone. Who would want that responsibility anyway?  To tall an expectation for this five foot one and shrinking female!

I received this card from a very dear sister friend with a tiny present inside. Cards being sent is almost an unheard of gesture in this busy technology generated world we live.   It brought a tear to my eye for many reasons. First she doesn't live nearby anymore and our time together is basically phone calls or text messages. People who can call for coffee or go out on a lunch date on a moments notice are extremely lucky. I do not get that luxury much anymore.  When I called to thank her for the thoughtful gift the two hour plus phone call wasn't long enough. Life just gets in the way. Even as we get older. When you can find someone who you can share things without it going any further is a true blessing.

I have found actually that it seems in my life I have more acquaints than truly close friends.  She has listened to so much of my troubles and I her that sometimes I think we could write a book and possibly make money off of it.  It would either be a great mystery or a human tragedy but by writing standards probably a terrific read.

At a time in life where it seems like life is so precious I hope that we can maintain even from miles away our special relationship. 

Running or Walking Away--What Does it Really Accomplish?

Most kids at almost any age probably fantasize about running away from home. I can remember as a youngster under teenage years, getting upset at my parents for something and wanting to get the heck out of Dodge. On one occasion I recall putting a few items in a towel and tying it to a broomstick and walking to the front door and saying "I am leaving and never coming back". I was unhappy about something and immediately thought that my first option was to walk out the door and leave home. When I was growing up I was unable to walk to school, walk down the block to a friends house or anywhere for that matter until I was 12 years old. Even then the only places I was allowed to walk by myself or with anyone was to junior high which was only a few blocks from home or to my grandparents who lived behind the junior high school. My allowable radius was pretty small even by California kid standards.  I only recall threatening to leave a few times and after reflecting figured I was better off right where I was. Growing up in a time when you feared your parents and what they would do to you if you misbehaved doesn't seem to hold true today.

I didn't actually leave the comforts of home until I was almost 21.  When I could actually leave home I never looked back. I was an adult, making money and departed at an appropriate time frame for me. Even at that age, it was a scary, sometimes unforgiving experience.

Today, on social media I have seen no less than three young people who have for whatever reason left home.  Obviously,  we don't know the whole stories of these people but it has definitely worried their parents.

One time when my kids were little we were in a chain department store shopping with a friend.  I had always instructed the kids to keep a hand on the cart while we were walking so that I knew where they were. Well they decided to leave as I was getting something off a shelf. When I turned around they were gone. Of course I freaked out but my friend had them within eye view. "Hang back so they can't see you" she said.  When they realized we were not around they raced back and never attempted to sneak away again. Several times the incident has come up in conversation as unforgettable moments.

You might at the time think you are hurting your parents or whoever is a part of the reason you are running or walking away from something.  Today, no matter where you live be it large city or small towns--it is a scary, unpredictable world out there where sometimes a quick decision you make can effect the rest of your life.  Social media can be a pro or con in making a bad situation worse or jumping to conclusion but my hope is that a bad situation can turn into a life lesson learned for these young people. 

Total Eclipse 2017

After months and months of preparations Total Eclipse 2017 is an event for the books. I have to say after having not felt the best for the past week, I wasn't really thinking that much about it but this once or twice in a lifetime phenomenon was a pretty big deal for those who live in Sedalia and those who traveled from far and wide to come and enjoy the show.

Many people spent high dollar for Amazon purchased glasses that as late as last week got e-mailed that they were not to be used for viewing. Many places around town including the 10 days of the fair had free or minimally priced ones. (Side note..did not attend the fair this year) I didn't get out much for the 10 days.

The hours leading up to the eclipse brought some interesting observations. At one point it was forecast to have possible rain in the area but it remained cloudy and overcast almost the entire time prior to the peak of viewing.

Although, I did attempt to build a viewing box the old-fashioned way to view the eclipse my granddaughter and I last minute decision was to go to church since they had free glasses available if you brought canned goods for the local food pantry. On the short drive around town earlier on traveling down the highway many people pulled into the various parking lots around town with folding chairs, cameras and glasses and prime spots to view the event.  A small group was assembled as time got closer, the weather got cooler as the sun and moon inched closer and closer to full eclipse. As darkness approached a silence covered the area. Not a sound was heard for that brief moment until the confusion of the birds and cicadas conversed. The hush was deafening.  As the show began to end it wasn't until later in the evening after watching some of the reports on television on just how magnificent the event really was.

 With all the constant turmoil around it was absolutely wonderful how this event brought a needed peace among people everywhere.

It takes a special event for people to stop and smell the roses or in this instance to stop and be totally eclipsed by the sun and moon.

Time Perspective Summer 2017

It is completely obvious to me that time has a way of not only catching up to you but also playing extremely mean tricks with your mind sometimes. It is bad enough that I have gotten slightly behind on certain things--namely blogging. When I looked at a friends' blog recently and noticed she has had an awful lot to contribute I took a moment and realized it had been almost 4 months since I sat down and blogged.

I wish I could say I was off traveling the world or that I was having fun doing nothing. Unfortunately, it hasn't always been the case. Oh yes, I have taken the time to read. My day is never complete unless I have read even if its while drinking coffee in the morning or wine in the evening outside while also multi-tasking and enjoying some of the cooler summer evening sunsets on my back patio.

We managed to get half of our floor tile project accomplished. Of course the easiest tile install resulted in some choice words from hubby. Don't ever just go by the "it is suppose to be lock and easy" description on the minimal directions. But hey it looks wonderful. And its one less thing on the long list of items. Unfortunately, I am still trying to get the house back into order before the next project requires me to tear the house apart once again.

Managed a trip to view the blooming plants and mythical creatures at our favorite garden. It was a hot day but well worth the road trip. I am sure we will hopefully visit a few more times before the weathers turns.

"Skittles Bush" Powell Gardens, MO

A last minute meet up with my daughter and yoga instructor recently provided  a fun diversion for us all. They were painting "virgins" but I had took my brush to canvas before. They both captured the rolling hills, sunset, and tree visions spot on. My tree envy in the middle turned out well. Next time maybe a little wine may help to cultivate my tree growth.

Audrey, Cindy and Jennifer (Artists in Training)

Along with planting my own backyard garden with flowers, bushes and tomato plants this year my green thumb seems to be doing rather well this year.

Along with all the other functions I attend, appoints I must schedule in for family and squeeze as much fun time in my summer is going way too quickly for my taste. My want list gets sometimes hazed over with my need to do list.  But just like politics those blurred lines seem to creep into your life whether you want them to or not.

Summer is suppose to be filled with fun, adventure and time for doing the things you really want to do. Our family has had to deal way to much lately with funerals, and illnesses. A dear friend moved to her final resting place as well as three of Davids' family members very close together. 

I can only hope that what few summer remaining weeks are left will not be "eclipsed" by anything unexpected.  Except maybe on August 21st when probably the last eclipse I will ever experience will happen. Perspective; the last eclipse like this happened in 1979. I was freshly out of high school and on my way to being a career girl. August 21, 2017, oh so much has happened since then Wow! does that put time into perspective!

What to Do When You May Need a Donut Double

At a time when sometimes I think I truly need a maid to clean up my house, a personal stylist to do my hair, makeup and to pick out my clothes each day and maybe just an all around personal assistant, I really thought I would need to add to the list this week--a donut double.

Hurts Donut Company Emergency Sedalia Delivery

Late last week I had an event pop up on my Facebook feed. It caught my eye because DAH it was donuts. I have many friends around the country who brag about designer donuts. I have watched an episode of Diners, Drivers and Dives and many other Food Network programs dealing with my kryptonite. At a time when every organization around the country is trying to find a new and exciting fundraiser to hold Child Safe came up with a terrific one. Hurts is based out of Springfield, MO just a hope skip and approximately 170+/- miles from our town. The hoopla surrounding the paramedic truck deliveries, lights and sirens and general great advertising-wrapped concept is one, frankly these parts doesn't experience often. 

So, my first plan was to be at the not so secret sight prior to touch down. Unfortunately, a slight glitch intervened and I thought my donut experience was gone at least for yesterday. But as the planets and or donuts aligned I was able to get the unscheduled appoint finished and still have time to buzz over in the rain, cold, every-changing lovely Missouri weather and take my place among the other donut aficionados. It was an experience listening to the various conversations around me. Most in my selection of the line seemed to be young, college students who decided to miss classes for the event. Young mothers with children who from my perspective could have cared less about waiting in line for even these special donuts.

As stated in the local newspaper, approximately 850 dozen donuts were made available for the fundraiser and 10% of sales was going to Child Safe.  I haven't heard yet whether they completely sold out. I know I bought my fair share and yes I even shared with several people.  Some commented why would you stand in line for what some call expensive donuts? Well it was for a cause and maybe just maybe someone will invest in a franchise for our town. You never know? Stranger things have happened in 20+ years. 

International Women's Day 2017--What Did you Do to Celebrate?

Wednesday, March 8th was designated International Women's Day.  Most people have differing views of why this day is important or why it should be celebrated but many who still believe in its significance made it important for them throughout the day.  The color red was designated as the color to wear to show that you were choosing to honor the women of the past, present and future.  Strangely enough, when I looked in my closet I realized that I didn't have anything "red" to wear. Then I remember that I recently purchased a yoga shirt that was actually a slightly different shade from the red family; burgundy. On the front of the shirt it says "Take Chances".  Rather fitting statement for the day. Its interesting how color designated for certain days shows a sort of solidarity yet we try and break down the color barrier for being equal.  The color red is a power color, fierce, strong and bold.

Throughout the day I not only thought about women throughout my life that had struggles or achievements that were well deserved but I often take time to think about the women before me that influenced my personal attitude toward what I believe today. Providing facts and information can be difficult now. What is one persons fact can be another person's fiction. Experience sometimes can be a better learning tool than anything.

I grew up as a child given up for adoption my mother had a choice and she made it. At a time where secrets were many and wild stories still come from out of the woodwork in my situation; life gives you tools to be able to learn and grow from it.

Acceptance is a hard word for people today. I don't always accept what is right in front of me. Sometimes it takes many scenarios to get me to change my viewpoint and sometimes I just enhance the viewpoint more.

After my early years of just excepting what was and turning the other cheek time and time again, I sometimes still find I am surrounded by people who are just happy and don't want to "ruffle any feathers". Well just remember the women who ruffled those feathers in history for you and I so that we can vote, go to school, drive, work at any job, fly in space, be doctor's, lawyer's, police officer's, fire fighter's, in the military, inventors, etc. They weren't celebrating they were living life struggles so you could celebrate.

She Persisted--The Quote Heard Around the World; Hopefully

Well when I should be getting a million things done at once after an extremely long and painful day yesterday, I woke up this morning to the words "she persisted". I then watched a short video about a woman unlike many other women who have said, "you know what your going to listen". Sometimes even when someone either stays silent or finally comes to a braking point (from which I did yesterday also) and says, " look, something has to give, you may not like it, but this is the new reality.

Persistence will work no matter what the task is at hand. Sometimes you want to stand at the highest point possible, and scream as loud as you can. That will work for a moment, but in the end persistence is the key.

I know if I hadn't been persistent much of my life I probably wouldn't be the person I am today. Sometime people can't understand my whole reasoning but you know, that's ok. I usually am the one person willing to take the flack, stand up and although I might not always be the most diplomatic about my delivery the "deer in the headlights" response to me means I woke you up and now you are thinking. Sure you have heard the statement "no easy way to put it?"

Sometimes people have turning points. Mine came midway through a life that I had lived pretty well to that point. Information can be another turning point. Today we wonder what information is correct, if we should speak or just stay silent.

Everyone has choices, some that we don't always want to face but in the end persistence seems to be right at the top of the list or the top of Capitol Hill. Don't kill the messenger, that message may be an important one.

We Are Going to Make It After All

Such an inspiring quote of its time. At the time when the Mary Tyler Moore show was actually airing I didn't watch it very much. Later in years I watched reruns and  learned to understand what it was to "make it". This past week MTM passed away. She not only portrayed many special model women of the times but many women along the way aspired to be the Mary Richards of the world. In 2017 it sometimes can still be a struggle for some.

The first few weeks of 2017 have made many wonder if we will make it. After being sick for a week I too wondered the same thing. After running, at full speed at life, sometimes your body tells you, "hey you stop and take a breath". Too many irons in the fires of life do catch up and it definitely did for me. I took the time to relax and catch up on a few things while lounging.

 Of course I took time to watch the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships which this year was hosted in Kansas City, MO at the Sprint Center. Although I had been asked if I was going to attend, I was glad I actually didn't buy tickets-- twofold. I would have hated to be out the money and not be able to attend due to sickness. (This is why I pretty much now hate to extend my self out for anything long term especially where money is involved). We really never know from one day to the next if life interrupted will rear its ugly head.

My summary of the event would probably be many different ways. It was history making to see Nathan Chen land not 1, not 2 but 5 quad jumps. His jumps are superhero-like and not sure if he continues on the road he is that he can be beat at the 2018 Olympics. Lets home he stays healthy and injury free since he has already been injured several times already for such young bones.  My big concern for him and all the other "quaddies" is many have already had bone breaks, strains, pulls in high volumes. Have we pushed the envelope enough?? Instead of pushing for the quads or whatever could be after that which would probably be humanly impossible lets just have a clean program with equally competitive jumps, spins, footwork and overall appeal.  My observation was we still have a long way to go to revamp figure skating (did it really need revamping?). Sometimes I think the "back to basics" might be a better choice. Some of the national participants seemed burned out already at ripe, young ages.  As I have always said when most learn to skate at such young ages it becomes harder and harder to have the zest for the sport and after years and years of hard work, money, changes you often wonder "are they going to make it". To not have the spark at the Nationals especially when it is televised can sometimes show a truly beautiful sometimes misunderstood sport in a not so great light.

 Although it seems as if more disappointments: I didn't appreciate the over abundance of white costumes, the lack of clean skates, the one piece body suits, the ability to hear several of  the scratchy skaters (apparently the sound/camera person was closer than need be to the ice) and sadly from reported by commentators the problems with the hard/soft ice conditions. An acquaintance went to the final exhibition show and said it was very enjoyable.  Sorry, the critic in me will always be at the forefront and won't go away.

Overall conditions are never ideal and truth be told skaters at this caliber should be versatile enough to work around it. That is why it is Nationals.

Everyone takes a path in life, it may not be always the best way and sometimes you have to go to hell and back but I try and think, although I am not always on the right road, lane or street I hope somehow we can make it after all. It's hard to say to use the path with the least resistance but in our world of resistance at every corner, nook and cranny. Just staying on the road can be an accomplishment.

End of the Year--Beginning of the Year

Try as I might several times actually, unsuccessfully I have attempted to pen thoughts on the end of the year and what to look forward to at the beginning of 2017. Well lets just say, "I have given up". Let's face it 2016 seems like a year in a nutshell best described as a nightmare, highs, lows and basically a year that should be chalked up to as "a hell of an experience". I guess some would call it life. Just the fact that personally most of us made it through the year is a miracle.

Looking into the first 14 days of 2017, personally I am in day 2 of waiting for a maga ice storm. As per usual,some of the media has hyped it to out of proportion levels. Our local stores have been pounded all week of people shopping as if it is the last supper, zombie apocalypse or whatever the term you choose.  What are we to do? Some people have been sucked in but mostly realistic people are staying put until the all clear sign which probably won't happen until Monday if we are lucky.

So for the most part, we wait, keep busy, look to the future and hope for the best. I choose to post an array of pictures of what the possibilities are. We are still waiting for that 15 inches of expected snow this winter. Of course we could still get it all in one day. I surround myself with beach sunset pictures or beach views of my former life, and look toward when my plumeria flowers will bloom in who knows what color this year. 2017 it too is looking to be a dud or a doozie; what do you think?