Milestones of 2015-Better Late than Never

December, 4, 2016

I was scanning my posts recently and one: I noticed I was a little behind on my postings. It is been a storm of such lately and certain things get put on the back burner. Also while scrolling down I noticed that I had not undrafted  (not the correct word but I am using it) my year end for 2015. It was strange to read all that happened and also to be close to the end of 2016. So what the heck, I look at it this way, what a difference a year makes! I hope I am better at summarizing 2016. Boy it was a whopper!

2015

Another year has come and gone. When I looked on the listing for how many posts I wrote this year I was slightly saddened. A total of 22 posts for the entire year. Gee was it because my life seemed sometimes boring? Was I super busy? Could I find nothing noteworthy to write about? Well all of the above, if that is at all possible. I struggled sometimes to not write about the negatives and more about the positives. Not easy for this Scorpio.

I get a chuckle when someone makes the comment about retirement or taking life slower. More power to you if you can do it.

 One of the first things I set out to do this year was keep up my smaller Christmas tree out all year. Why you ask?  The previous year I had seen several places about trying something different.  Since it is usually up for such a short time (decorations went up slightly later than normal this year due to scheduling) but I did manage to cover just about every holiday and a few of my own ideas. I don't have it down yet but it was fun to do something different. If your on Pinterest check out my "Do Something Different and New Ideas 2015". The list I wrote about earlier in the year was pretty long and unfortunately, I was able to do only a few on the list, but at least the thought was there to at least do a few.

As if I don't have things to keep me busy I also got heavily involved in adult coloring books as a way to keep my mind on positive, creative things. I had read and seen them all over the Internet but what really got me going with it was my on-line correspondence with Tai Babilonia. Earlier in the year she had mentioned on her website how she was in development of a ice skating related coloring book. Well if that didn't peak my interest! We started messaging each other about when the launch would be sometime later in the year and in time they came out. Take a look back on my blog about that experience. I was so blessed to get one of the first autographed copies and she spotlighted some of my pages on her Facebook and website. What an honor to have one of your skating idols that you quietly shared the ice with and thanks to social media are able to connect with.

As far as family, we had many celebrations. Our second grandson joined the other three little people in the family. Gentry Ellis is a carbon copy of his sister and his Dad and makes our grandchildren package of two and two complete. I love even numbers,

Our oldest granddaughter Hadleigh had a milestone of starting Kindergarten. Actually, it just wasn't her milestone it was all our milestones. Being involved in school activities I thought had ended for me years ago. But, we enjoy our daily pick-up and its interesting all of these years later to see how parents deal with their children and school. It was much more organized and calm back when my children went. They have a long way to come but at least it provides much entertainment and conversation that I am sure they would be embarrassed if I touched on any of it. Think a lot of growing up of kids and parents will go hand in hand. Our second granddaughter started Preschool recently and she has also provided I am sure much dinnertime conversation between her parents as well. As they say out of the mouths of babes.

Milestone number three was provided by my father in law. Although, the lifespan of people is longer I doubt if he thought he would reach the ripe age of 90. I posted about it back in September about the man of few words. How he made it, we are all at a lose. He has been through good times and many hard times the last several years. Each day is a blessing.

One issue that has been on my radar pretty much since I can remember is Women's Equality. The soapbox came out more and more again this year (not surprisingly). The Oscar's provided a platform once again when Oscar Winner, Patricia Arquette gave a wonderful speech. It was all over social media and once she started the ball rolling I found myself back on the ball again after several years of throwing in the ball and towel.  It started going into a new direction in my abilities to start further conversations about the issue which seemed to go off.  I was asked if I would contribute to our women's organization Facebook page as a co-administrator to keep our group up-to-date on our activities. There is such a wide range of topics on the Internet that my knowledge and postings provided probably more information then they bargained for. If that wasn't enough, several months ago since I guess I was doing such a great job, our State organization President asked if I would consider taking over the State Facebook page. I do the same with it but try to stress how important it is to continue to grow our group and bring it into the 21st century. We have to be willing to learn new things and step out of the box (gee didn't I say this same thing back in 2010!) As someone said during a conversation about how I was an administrator/maintaining four total sites on Facebook, Wow are you just the Internet Guru! I prefer Media Maven myself.

We all usually wear many hats, and for this person who actually dislikes wearing hats I try and tackle whatever comes my way. Sometimes it is kicking and screaming but I hope 2016 bring on more interesting adventures and hopefully I will be able to push my eight year blog as well into the 21st century. That would be a great milestone for 2017!

. Social media and butterfly merged.

Monarch Powell Gardens 2015

Coloring Your World-- No Staying within the Lines Required

If you are like I was as a kid I had Crayola's and coloring book's to keep me occupied. It was one of my favorite past times in childhood. Whether it be a rainy day, or no kids to play with which happens often for only children, a coloring book can provide hours upon hours of fun. My early pictures were I am sure scribbles all over the page with no concept or reasoning. Then as I got older I came up with my own technique of color schemes and outlining the pictures. Somewhere down the line I decided to add the date then my picture was complete.

Back then I figured coloring books were invented by someone who knew that not everyone could be a free-handed artist, for which I am definitely NOT.

The closest I ever came to artistic design was as a figure skater. In school figures you could draw a figure eight with or without a scribe and follow the intricate pattern. In ice dancing each dance has a pattern to follow and most if looked at in a book or up close on the ice you can determine what dance it is.  Each skater's routine is usually plotted out with precise steps by a coach and choreographer.  Go to iceskatingresources.org or usfsa.org to check ice dancing/compulsory figure diagrams. They are not as detailed as they were at the start of figures but still a lost art of sorts since figures are no longer a requirement (sad but true).

Another fascinating use of coloring or art therapy is used for Alzheimer's patients. Used as an alternative therapy, The Alzheimer's Association of Orange County (AAOC) and artist Selly Jenny and Marilyn Oropeza developed Memories in the Making art program. This program works with persons with dementia and helps them express themselves through art when they otherwise may have little or no communication skills.  For some patients this outlet of expression has opened doors that were otherwise closed due to this terrible disease. Training sessions are available and additional information about this program is available by going to the alz.org website. Many chapters around the country are participating in this program.

Recently I came across several articles on adult coloring books. These are not just ordinary books. Most have themes as the one's I purchased below on Amazon. They have a wide variety of prices and styles to chose from. Other's are large scale posters with thin, fine lines that sadly even the older adult eyes might have difficulty in completing. Pull out that trusty lighted magnifying glass if you tackle those books!

Pinterest also has pinners who have started coloring book boards (myself included). Most pages you can print out and add your own unique colors too. Also the coloring craze seems to have a wide variety of printable pages available for free you just have to know where to look.

To keep with my connection to my figure skating roots a few months ago I found that former Two Time Olympic and World Champion Tai Babilonia was in the process of developing her own coloring book.  So far the pictures on her Facebook page "Tai Art" looks like it will be a fun one to add to my collection. I look forward to its release soon. 

Coloring is great therapy for any age, it can be a calming way to get your mind off hectic schedules or just a bad day in general.  I guarantee  your kids and grandchildren may want you to share your colors with them. It's your choice to stay within the lines, but it isn't required. 

Tai's Facebook Page is "Tai Art".

Summer Days--Summer Nights

What is summer without hot days? I have expressed many times I dislike humidity. The hot, breath of summer hitting you in the face the same in the morning and also late at night--not my idea of fun summer life. Warm with a breeze in which you can sit out and enjoy the sunrise or sunsets is more to my taste. We have only had a few of those lately with a helping of cloud formations for storms either coming or going by. We may have not had 100 degree weather (yet) but it inches closer and closer to three digit temperatures. Maybe if we are lucky (fingers crossed) we won't have any this season.

One night recently when it was cool enough to sit out on the porch and actually enjoy a breeze, made me think of summer evenings as a kid. We didn't have fans, or air conditioning, we really didn't need them living close to the coast but sometimes all you could do is find a place on the floor, open the sliding glass window and think cool thoughts. With the lights on and some form of music playing your imagination took you to places only a youngsters mind could.

Summer vacations typically started out with summer school to curb boredom in the mornings. I was one of those strange kids that didn't mind going at all. Trips to the library to get books to read and skating sessions at the skating rink. What kid didn't want to go to the rink in sub zero temperatures and come out from the rink only to have your feet steam from the sudden temperature changes. While spending time on Pinterest recently I found the picture below that summarized it oh so well.

If enough time was to be had for the rest of the day you spent some time in the sun to get a little of the white ice rink pale face a little color. If we only had spray tans back then like they do today. Somehow the orange tan lotion just didn't cut it.

This summer enjoyment will be coming to an end soon hopefully all the other social uproar that has been a part of our lives lately will also just be a memory also. Only we can make that possible. The weather well you know Mother Nature does what she wants--doesn't every woman?

Just Do Something-2015

Well as figured this year didn't start off as hoped. But do they ever? No resolutions, too difficult to keep. Everyone has a new spin on how to live life, improve your outlook, and just go on.

I am an avid Pinterest pinner and two things came my way recently. One was, "Do Something Different or New in 2015". I am always tired of the same old, same old so this got me seriously thinking. So far a few items pinned I have followed through on or am working on. One was to utilize the Christmas tree for other holidays throughout the year.  This might prove to be a little interesting finding articles to decorate the tree with but I have some ideas in mind. Guess those creative juices better not be frozen by the winter weather.

The other item I pinned so far was Word of the Year. It took me a while to really think this through. Finally it came to me. My word is HOPE. I can only hope things are not always what they seem and improve over time.

The other pin was "100"+ Things to Do Before You Die". Humm probably not the best title for someone over 50 was my first thought. Some call it a Bucket List. I went through the 100+ items on the list just to see what might be accomplished (some are pretty lofty and expensive. Must have  money, time and really be an exceedingly adventurous individual). Many include being able to swim (which I can't do and won't be one of the things on my list to learn at this late stage. No 

problem with using a life vest where water is involved).

I was surprised at some of the items on the list I have accomplished already:

Watched Cinderella Castle Fireworks

Made a Snow Angel

Made Own Pizza

Been to a Broadway Musical

Dog Sledding

Rode Vespa/Moped

Feed Giraffe

Finish Book in One Setting

Prepare Care Pack for Homeless

Experience Northern Lights (faintly)

Stand Under Hollywood Sign (Think that as illegal although I have been close to it several times)

Night in Teepee (thanks to Scouts)

Visit 50 States (well almost all of them 45 is pretty close)

Helicopter over Volcano (very small plane)

Many of the items call for traveling to far off lands. While picking a few on the "To Do" List. Some I think may not be as hard to possibly accomplish.

Stay in a Treehouse (Pete Nelson here we come)

Eat a Cronut

Go Lavendar Picking

Leave Your Mark in This World

Dance in Rain

Stay in Overwater Bungelow

Zipline

Go to Lock to Love Bridge Paris

Ride in Hot Air Balloon

Bathe in Milk

Jump in Pool Full of Jello

Make a Rainbow Cake

Create an Ice Cream Flavor

Celebrate 50th Anniversary (30 already accomplished)

Eat Vanilla Pudding in Mayo Jar in Public

Make Gingerbread House

Make a Rainbow Rose

Be in a TV Audience (came close several times)

Make Family Recipe Book

Pay a Strangers Restaurant Bill

Visit Chocolate Factory

Swim with Dolphins (with a life vest)

Travel Somewhere New Each Year

Name A Star

Send a Message in a Bottle

I will be knocking off one of the items tonight. Bathe in Milk sounds wonderful.  I hope many more get checked off this list over the coming year also. What ever you call it have a list of things and make an effort to put a check before it and after it.

By the way this original post on PopSugar.com was posted by someone very young and would really like to see how many of these items will be checked off the list in her lifetime. Stay tuned.

Architecture/Construction Everybody Has to Start Somewhere

I came across this picture the other day on Pinterest and basically it made me think of my situation for the past week. I am not sure this may or may not be some one's home. The saying "a person's home is his castle" has a universal meaning. If you have watched any Home and Garden program on just about anything to do with home repairs or home remodeling it is most definitely not an easy process. What sometimes is a weekend warrior project usually turns out to take twice as long. Budgets are usually out the window after the first hour you start the project because you usually find what may have started off as a small issue now becomes much more detailed than originally thought which in turn will cost more money.

On my go to Sunday Morning program a segment on architect recently was on Moshe Safdie who has been the architect to some of the most beautiful and noted structures around the world. The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts in Kansas City, MO and the United States Institute of Peace in Washington D.C. are just two such structures. What started on paper in his mind ended up as beautiful pieces of structural artwork for all the world to enjoy.

It has always fascinated me traveling around and see some interesting architecture that you really, wonder what an interesting concept for a building! Growing up my grandparents would take me to a restaurant called The Parasol Restaurant in Torrance, CA. It is no longer there but the pretty pink parasol was always a conversation piece of the community for many years. Although I never ate at the Hollywood Brown Derby, it was a part of early Hollywood for decades. Its derby shape was known around the country and world. Who doesn't remember the I Love Lucy episode with Lucy and William Holden--classic!

With all the famous and infamous structures around the country built and designed by some of the most renowned architects and building construction individuals my little situation seemed ever so easy to take care of--NOT.

With all the unseasonably strange weather we have had the past few years it finally caught up to the roof. Little did we realize what could have been a very easy and routine fix turned out to be more than what we or anyone bargained for. Unfortunately, sometimes you are left with shaking your head as to why people do things they way they do. Safeguards, planning ahead and working in a structured environment doesn't seem to be the work plan for everyone. 

I do not, never have and probably never will live in an expensive palace but you want to be dry, and be able to move around with ease in your home. Right now I am not yet at that point, but hopefully I will see the light at the end of the tunnel very soon.

I was being overly facetious in putting the above picture up but at this time, that is exactly what is appropriate for how I am feeling.

 

Showing my Love of Skating

In trying to organize my life recently, I had our main business in one closet and my Dove Chocolate Business in another, organization is usually always a part of our lives in almost each and everything that we do; if we are lucky. I guess that's why I like many other people have gotten somewhat addicted to Pinterest. It gives you an opportunity to have several boards of fun things that either are currently a part of your life or maybe your past life and also something that maybe you have on a bucket or wish list of sorts. that may be important to you and that is fun to share with others.

 Dorothy Hamill-1985

Ice Capades-1979

I came across some "vintage" Ice Capades, Holiday on Ice and World Tour Programs. It was always a time of enjoyment when the Ice Capades or some show was arriving in town.  I guess for skaters this was their version of the circus to some kids. The rush to buy front-row seats was always a highlight so that you might get a chance to be picked by one of the skaters (hopefully someone you might have known and skated with)  especially as a smaller child to ride on ice with them. Although it has been many moons since I have attended any skating event  (2002 was the last event I attended for the first with my niece in Kansas City after moving to MO) and with the Ice Capades disbanding many years ago, unless you go on a cruise ship the shows are almost like dinosaurs--you have to dig to find them.

When I struggle through daily ups and downs to take a little time and thumb through programs and wonder "Where are They Now?" or "The Good Old Days". I feel so blessed to have been able to thumb through this wonderful programs.

If you would like to see more of the programs I have collected go to Pinterest and type in Figure Skating Daze.