Hi Everyone!  Hope this finds you well.  Happy New Years Eve and New Year!  WOW 2018!  I am amazed that another year has flown by.  I definitely feel that time goes faster the older I get.  We have had quite the cold weather settle in here the past week...Lady and I have both been bundled up when we walk.

I have seen and read many retrospectives this week about the year 2017...the good, the bad and the ugly.  I actually thought about doing something along that line with the blog and then other thoughts popped into my head.  I have to go where the thoughts go...I can always retrospect later..LOL! 

I will say I had my share of ups and downs in 2017 just like many other people.  I laughed and I cried (more than I normally do) and yet I look back and think...what did I learn?  I sit and ponder the learning experiences and boy did I learn a lot!  I usually have to take a step back to do it, but it helps me resolve any residual anger or bad juju so to speak.  The blog definitely helps with resolution and learning. 

As I have mentioned for many years, I don't do resolutions.  I am trying to be a bit more freewheeling and spontaneous, but have things somewhat planned so I know there is something coming up.  I absolutely believe that after the hullabaloo of the holidays there should be something to look forward to in the coming months.  So far I have a couple of trips planned (yes I will be in VA in March) and a few more trip ideas floating around.  I am going to continue group meditation (phenomenal energy) and also take Reiki II.   I am researching the start of a family support group for those that have family members in the memory care unit where my mother resides.  I am researching the role of ombudsman/advocate whether in MA or VA.  Of course, I'm still sorting and cleaning out the house...next up (after putting away the Christmas decorations) make a list of items to have updated/repaired in the spring.  Also, try to take Lady out in the car more, she's not a fan, but I'm hoping if I get her used to it that we can travel a bit more together. 

Part of my thoughtfulness over the next few months is what to do about coaching?  My ICF certification ends today and I have not done anything to obtain CEUs, etc.  The meetings are too far away from here and the webinars are fine if you have good internet service.  I realize as I write that some of these are excuses, yet I have had no time to focus over the past couple of years on the certification part.  I am thinking of taking a few coaching classes over the next year to bring me into focus and then I'll see how it goes.  I'm not giving up the blog or doing what I do now, but might refocus the business. 

I am going to leave it here for today.   I hope the prospect of the New Year is exciting for you.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!   Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

"New Year's Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change." - - Sarah Ban Breathnach

"Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." - - Brad Paisley

"New year, new blessing, new grace and new opportunities, never allow the failures of the past to rub you of the blessings in the new year." - - Bamigboye Olurotimi

Hi Everyone.   I know it's not Sunday, but for some reason I was moved to write a blog today...guess too many thoughts in head...LOL! 

I almost titled this blog....LEARNING TO GO WITH THE FLOW!   Yes this is a lesson learned type blog today.

On Sunday when I put the blog together I laid out my plans for the day.  Had a lot to get done, but was so looking forward to everything.   Of course, in my mind, I had it down to the hour of what needed to be done when.  Well, my well organized plans went out the window when the burner on top of the stove basically  exploded - OK that's the word I used.   But, I have to say it scared the heart out of me as it popped and then shut down.  I immediately went to the electrical panel and shut off the breaker as I was afraid of some type of fire.  As you can imagine, I thought OH NO there's goes dinner, but I took a step back and a deep breath.  My sister had worked all night so I contacted my brother-in-law told him to leave the back door unlocked as I was loading up my car and driving up to cook dinner.   He and the kids were headed to Plymouth to finish Christmas shopping and visit mema so he offered to pick up Lady and bring her to their house for a visit.  

So I ran and had a quick visit with mema and then loaded up the car with spices, bowls, pans, bread, and the yule log I picked up for dessert.  The back of the car was pretty full, but at least nothing moved..LOL!  I arrived at my sister's house and freaked her out a little as I walked in the door as she was getting up from sleep.  She had just read on FB that I was headed their way. 

I honestly believe that everything happened that was supposed to happen.  I think our angels were looking out for us.  With the original plan because of my sister's work schedule she would have had leftovers, but not been at the dinner.  When I decided to just go with the flow - I got to spend a quiet afternoon with my sister as the sauce cooked.  I got to have dinner with her and most of her family.  Lady and Buddy got to chase each other around and drive each other crazy.  It was a lovely, peaceful time and possibly the start of a couple of new traditions. 

I had to laugh when I got home as Lady was so exhausted she ate and slept heavily for hours.  She does not like to ride in the car so she was emotionally and physically exhausted. 

I have to say I think I surprised myself by how calm I was that  morning and how I easily made it work another way.   When I thought about it after, I realized I could have gone across the street to the neighbor's house and used his stove as he was going out for the afternoon.  But, I honestly believe I was meant to be with my sister.  So, for me, going with the flow had some awesome consequences.   Also, the dinner turned out fantastic! 

How are you about going with the flow?   Any reflections that had awesome results? 

I'm going to leave it here for the day.   I hope you have a good rest of the week.  Stay warm!  Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

"Going with the flow is responding to cues from the universe. When you go with the flow, you're surfing Life force. It's about wakeful trust and total collaboration with what's showing up for you."
~ Danielle LaPorte

Hi Everyone!  Hope this finds you well this Christmas Eve and not stressed out about last minute "stuff."  Do you have everything in order, items crossed off the proverbial list (never seems to get smaller), meal prep done?  I had a choice this morning either start the sauce or write the blog - can you guess which one I picked?  I have the majority of items on the counter ready to get started and will get it moving after I finish this so it can slow cook the rest of the day.  The weather is saying we "might" have a white Christmas - we'll see about that. 

I have to say "THANK YOU" to all those of you that have reached out to me over the past several weeks.  I am doing well - not to say I don't have my moments, but overall I'm well.   I've changed up some of the decorations and placed some of the sentimental ones in different places.  I'm trying to make it a little easier on the family when they visit.  My sister and I are starting some new traditions this year - I'm making Christmas Eve dinner (for her family) and in the morning I'll travel to her house for Christmas breakfast (might even bring Lady).  My sister, being an overnight nurse, had to work last night and tonight - she wants to open presents, cook breakfast, and then head for a nap.  I will head back to Plymouth for dinner with my mom at the nursing home. 

I spent the past week popping in/out of places for gift cards or last minute gift ideas.  I carried on papa's tradition of giving gift cards to the staff at the nursing home as well as cookies.   I also gave out a few cards to different people and I love the smile that appeared.   I was also the recipient of free coffee and lunch (as well as hugs and kisses) at my favorite coffee shop.  The owner was appreciative of my support for them - so much the reason I love to support local places.  

My wish this Christmas season is that some of the spirit we feel at this time of year would spread throughout the year.  A smile here or an extra tip there goes a long way with people.  I always think of the ripple effect and how it can spread.  I am going to continue my avoidance (as much as possible) of the negative nellies. 

The post office disappointed me.  Last week I mentioned I mailed packages and the postal person assured me I had plenty of time to get a box to Minnesota and it would arrive on Friday....well not there yet.  I checked it via tracker and I know it's in Minneapolis so I'm hoping they will deliver today.  If not, it will arrive on Tuesday.  Oh well, I guess I should have paid the extra money for faster shipment.  I'm not upset as much as I am disappointed.  Oh well, I learned my lesson for next year. 

A big Happy Birthday shout out to my niece Melanie!  She turned 18 yesterday!  We had our traditional dinner at the same restaurant we have gone to since she was 5.  As she weaves her way to adulthood I know she will find her purpose and passion. 

Did not finish any reading this past week.  It took me three days to read the newspaper and that was about it.  I caught up on mail and some of the publications I receive.  What are you reading - any suggestions for the new year? 

I am going to leave it here for today.  Please be safe if you are traveling.  I hope you get to spend some time with those you love (whether family and/or friends) and create lots of memories (capture them if possible).  Remember the reason for the season.   MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!  Almost the end of the year...any thoughts?  Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

I could not decide on quotes for today so I chose the two that resonated with me:

Irish Blessing

“May you be blessed,
With the spirit of the season, which is peace
The gladness of the season, which is hope
And the heart of the season, which is love.”
---------------

“Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”
~Oren Arnold, author

I apologize in advance if no title comes across...Technical difficulties with website this morning and I tried three different creations of the blog.  Oh well....hope you will read on. 

Hi Everyone.  Hope this finds you well.   WOW 17 December!  Only another week until Christmas.  Hope your shopping and baking is almost complete.  My shopping is completed, (you know I don't bake), but now my problem is when I see something I buy it any way...no such thing as too many gifts.  I wrapped (not great at it) as I watched Christmas movies.  Just need to pick up gift certificates and the cookies I ordered for the nursing home staff.  I mailed two huge boxes of presents yesterday - the line was not as bad as I expected at the post office.   My only surprise was the difference in mailing costs - the smaller lighter box cost more because it was going to the Midwest (more zones to cross) versus the bigger heavier box that went South. 

Plymouth had a little snow this past week - nothing to write home about - just enough to make everything pretty, especially with the Christmas lights.  My neighbor has lights around the big bush on the corner and the other morning as I peeped out the window in the dark I was stunned by the simplicity and beauty of the snow falling and the lights.   When I walk Lady at night I just love to see the lights.  Lady has worn her jacket or sweater a lot this past week as the temperatures really dropped.  She does not seem to mind although some of the time it seems it takes us longer to get ready to go out, as we both bundle up, then it does for her to do her business and want to head back inside.  Reminds me of kids and their snowsuits...LOL!  I think the crisp clear air has really brought out scents for Lady because sometimes she just sniffs and walks with her head down and does not care which direction.  Other times she plants and will not continue any farther. 

I went out to shovel a little yesterday morning (turned out to be light/fluffy stuff) and my elderly male neighbor (I've written about him previously) came over with his shovel.  This man is so like my dad in many ways, especially in the way he wants to help everyone around him and will not slow down no matter what.  He was in the hospital twice in the past few weeks for a leg injury and infection.  Although he is still limping around he went hunting yesterday morning after he shoveled his own driveway at o'dark thirty.  We talked and joked and I give him a hard time about slowing down.  I knew he would shovel next door, as there are two elderly women there, so I assisted him and we got it done quicker.  I then insisted he go home and put his leg up with a nice cup of coffee (he calls me 'boss').  He can't wait for the big snow to break out the plow.   His family is close by and checks on him constantly (even has GPS on his phone), but we neighbors keep an eye on him as well. 

I must have been tired and chilled last night as I forgot to turn the heat down when I went to bed.  I usually turn it down a degree or two as I love to snuggle under the comforter.  I woke up this morning with only the sheet and a little parched.  Oh well, the propane tank was filled on Friday so it's not likely I'll run out any time soon.  I know it's a lot different this year than last as I keep the house about 10 degrees cooler than papa did.  I don't mind wearing a sweatshirt or sweater inside and I'm up/down or in/out most of the day.  Perhaps January/February I'll need it a bit more.  I'm pretty sure I'll get a rebate when the winter is over from the budget plan.  I just found out I forgot to shut off the outside lights as well...boy I must have been tired. 

I felt like I had a lot of peopling this past week.  I was invited to a small farewell lunch for one of the neighbors as she moves permanently to Florida.  She was a dear friend of my parents as were the other attendees.  It was nice to hear stories about them from over the years.  Several of them were part of the team that worked with my dad in the kitchen for community events.  Of course, I heard some interesting tidbits and their opinions about happenings in the community now.  Always good to know what's going on.  Yesterday I went to an open house at another neighbor's - in a different part of the community.  You could tell she loves Christmas by her decorations and she loves to cook/bake.  Her family helped her and I could tell she is well loved by all those that attended.  She had a beautiful corner filled with Angel tree toppers that I would love to really view again some day.   I met more people that knew my parents.   The houses here are not very big so after a couple of hours when more people arrived and it was getting a little tight, I decided it was time to head home.  I hate to say it, but Lady is sometimes a great excuse to get home.  I don't use her very often, but every once in a while when I'm feeling a little antsy...LOL!   What do you do when you feel a bit antsy?  Or have too much peopling?  

My mom did not feel too well this past week.  She picked up a bit of a cold with chest congestion.  Many of the residents seem to get it around the same time.  Mom slept a lot (not a bad thing), but hopefully is on the mend.  She was up yesterday and ate a bit better than the past few days.  I just keep popping in/out to keep everyone on their toes. 

I have to say I sat here this morning with no background (music or TV) noise for quite a while.   Every once in a while a car drove by crunching on the ice.  It was very peaceful, but at the same time a bit difficult for me.  For as far back as I can remember I have always had something going on around me as I work/study/etc.   I enjoy the silence most mornings when I am out walking with Lady, but for some reason in the house is different.  I am going to try to enjoy it a little bit every day.  Do you enjoy silence or background noise?   Do you notice anything when in the silence? 

OMG! I just heard that Saturday Night Fever is 40 years old....WOW what memories come back to me from the disco era!   I do have to say that no matter where I go if you play music from the disco era everyone gets up and dances.    OK I'm feeling a bit of my age although with a big smile on my face! 

I am posting a picture of a poinsettia that my sister made in school many many years ago.  My mom kept it and protected it all these years and for the past several years hung it from the window valance as I have also done.    I believe it's made from the old IBM index cards (let's see how many of you remember those!!).  As I sat here in the silence this morning I was drawn to it - perhaps because it's the window where the sun comes up.  

I am going to leave it here for today.  I already have thoughts written down for the next couple of week.  I hope you have a wonderful week filled with fun and no stress.  Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."—Christopher Robin to Pooh, A.A. Milne

"And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about."―Haruki Murakami

Hi Everyone!  Hope you are well and had a calm week.  We had our first snow here in Plymouth yesterday - nothing major as it was mostly rain.  I'm not even sure we got an inch.  It's flurrying right now, but again it won't be much.  Lady is still sleeping, but I'm sure we'll both tread carefully on our walk in a while.  She would not walk too far last night so we'll see about today.  It was so quiet this morning when I woke - no plane noise from the nearby airport, no gun noise from the nearby range, and no maintenance trucks - seems like the neighborhood is sleeping in.  
 
Have you been caught up in the rush of the holidays?  Decorating, shopping, cooking, baking, parties, etc.?  I have decorated a little, changed up a few things and places for decorations, cleaned out a few, fixed a few.  The manger is up (baby not in until Xmas day), but this year I have kept it lit 24/7 and on mornings like this it is very spiritual.  My shopping is mainly done - what happens now is that I pick up little things such as gift cards or stocking type items.   I am trying to shop local as much as possible so the craft shows and local art shops have been my focus.  Now to wrap a few things and put boxes together for mailing.   I did finish my Christmas cards though and that was a job in itself as I realized my address book was so far out of date.  I think it took me three days to organize and pull everything together, but what a sense of accomplishment yesterday when I put them all in the mailbox.  There will be a few stragglers, but I'm prepared to send them right away.  

This past week for some reason I focused on pine cones.  I know it sounds silly, but when I added it to my list of possible topics I realized that almost every week something on my walk grabs my attention for a few days.  For instance, flowers, gardens, sheds, rocks, etc.  This past week it was pine cones.  Not sure if because there were so many on the ground, but they really caught my attention.  We have tons of pine trees here in the community and the paths were strewn with pine cones.  I never realized how different each one could be - whether it be shape, size, color, or design - there are no two pine cones.  No, I did not take pictures although I thought about it quite a bit.  There was one that looked like a beautiful rose and when I went by it the next day it had been run over by a truck and smashed - so no picture, but in my mind it is as clear as the picture would be.  No, I did not pick any up to keep as I wanted to leave them in nature.   Looking at these pine cones made me think of how different people are.  We, humans, come in all shapes, sizes, colors and/or designs yet we all provide some type of beauty to the world.   Do you stop once in a while and check out nature?  What do you see?  How do you feel?  

As many of you know that follow me on FB, my stress level was up earlier in the week although I had to laugh about it.   My chiropractor described the tension in my neck as the seven gates of hell! He then said, I've not seen a neck this stiff in many years.  I have to admit I felt every vertebrae as he worked to stretch them all out.  At least I was able to turn my neck again when driving.  I do carry lots in my neck/shoulders even when I don't realize it.   So I'm happy that I went to a group meditation class a couple of days later and it was great.  The funny part is that I was the only person there as the other attendees cancelled, but I'm so glad the class went on.  As I've mentioned previously, I am not great on my own, but when I'm guided it's a win/win situation.  Class is every Thursday for the next few weeks and I look forward to each one.  I also signed up for Reiki II in January which will be an all day session.  I love energy work.   This coming week will be great as I get a massage and energy work!  

My reading has been very slow.  My intention is to work on that so we'll see what this week brings.  What are you reading?   

I am going to leave it here for today.  I'm getting a bit hungry (bought raisin bread from the local bread bakery yesterday) and it's definitely time for coffee.  In the time it took me to put this together - the sky has cleared and the sun is out.  Looks like it will be a great day.   I hope you have a good day and a good week. Enjoy the people you are with and keep creating fun memories.   Chat soon.  Marie

“Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.”– William James

“You may find the worst enemy or best friend in yourself.”– English Proverb

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”– Carl Bard

Hi Everyone.  Hope this finds you well this Sunday evening.  Late Blog today as I was away overnight for the first time in a long time with my sister.  We had a great time last night at Foxwoods Casino and saw Celtic Thunder (amazing!).  I have to say for the first time ever I left Foxwoods with more money in my pocket than when I started (perhaps there was an angel looking over my shoulder).  

I have to say poor Lady!  She had company while I was away and she did not appreciate any of them including her cousin Buddy.  She hid in the bathroom the whole time - only came out of the room to go outside.  Since I got home, she ate all her food, walked twice and has sat in my lap cuddling (not something she does very often).   At least she used the new bed I bought her (now she has several choices at night).  Nothing like making me feel guilty - she's sitting on the floor under this table looking at me.  Extra treats for her tonight.  

It was a week full of ups and downs - almost feels like that's the norm for me as well as many others.  One of the neighbors asked how the holiday was for me?  I said it was ok, but a bit lonely.  She said that's the hard part when you are alone.  I had to stop and think about that.  I went back to those dreams I talked about last week.  When I was young I remember wanting to be out of the house and living on my own.  You know that dream many of us have and hope to achieve.  I moved from my parent's home to an apartment with a friend.  Then a year later moved from that apartment to another with friends.  Over the years friends have come and come except Patti...for some reason she stuck around and we have been BFFs and roomies for almost 35 years.  So I have never truly lived on my own until now.  For the past few months I have been alone and a bit without purpose.  Not cooking too much either as I only know how to cook a lot of food at once.  So I have to remember not to wallow in loneliness - sometimes easier said than done.  I value my alone time, but so appreciate more than ever the power of having roommates and friends.  

I had a family meeting at the nursing home this past week.  As many of you know how tough I can be imagine a table of people who have not seen me in action.  You also know the meeting may not go well, when I ask the person facilitating the meeting to leave as I do not want her to have any part of my mother's care.  Well, that set the tone.  Don't panic.  The person was the social worker that I had problems with in the past and thought she had left.  She showed up the day before the meeting - guess she was out for a while.  The new head nurse almost fell off her chair as she had no idea of the history (first time meeting me...what an impression I made).  The head social worker came in and I explained how I felt and she agreed to handle my case.  I'm sorry I don't appreciate someone that does not understand problem solving and respect.  After that we had a great meeting.  

Have you ever heard the phrase - too much peopling?  I say it once in a while and actually am not sure where I heard it...thought I made it up (LOL!)  There are days when I've had enough of people that I want to be alone.  Or if I am around too many people at once and feel the stress that they are all carrying (felt a little bit of that last night leaving the concert as everyone jostled their way out).   I actually just "Googled" the word peopling and it is an actual word with a definition.  So surprised when I found it.  Then realized I was probably using it wrong...may need to rethink that part.  

Way too much happening in the news to even want to comment.  I'm so tired of the negativity that I find myself watching less and less.  I can't believe I was such a news junkie before.  It just makes me irritated and a little bit emotional.   

Have not even finished any books although I'm reading two.   One of these days I'll finish.  What are you reading?  

I think I'll leave it here for tonight.  I hope you have a wonderful week.   Need to start Christmas cards and tackle some laundry.  Take care.  Chat soon.  Marie

Today's quotes are from:  POWER OF WORDS QUOTABLES & PROVERBS by MJF Lion Kishore Bansal

"ONE OF THE COMMONEST AILMENTS OF THE PRESENT DAY IS PREMATURE FORMATION OF OPINION."

"ONE OF THE SECRETS OF A HAPPY LIFE IS CONTINUOUS SMALL TREATS."

"ONE NEVER GROWS OLD BUT WHEN ONE STOPS GROWING, ONE BECOMES OLD."