Random One Week Before Thanksgiving Thoughts, 2009

Random One Week Before Thanksgiving Thoughts, 2009

Thanksgiving is one week from tonight...2009, where have you gone? So much growth in the past year, so much seen, so many amazing experiences, several really nice people...a different view of my life.

This week has been a gift...time at home, working in my robe, pugs snoring day round, gutters cleaned and leaf-proof, carpets cleaned and "sealed" (we shall see!), studio cleaned out and ready for relaxation and creativity, downstairs organized and ready for Giovanni, several meals with good friends, time to visit with my neighbors, and my son and daughter once again in my home...

There is no doubt that the Holidays feel different this year...partially due to the final few words pending in my old life vs. final few chapters...partially due to the gift of a Grandchild, partially due to my head finally being on straight...and looking forward.

This is a picture I took of Matt when he first moved to Philly...he now has his head on straight, and has created an impressive life for himself in PA. It is interesting to hear him talk about his job, how he likes it, how he is grateful to have a job...I am so proud of him...Tonight he, Laur and I are going to dinner...our first night out in 2 years as a trio...and finally it seems that we are all comfortable with that...a lovely Holiday gift indeed...

Virginia

Virginia

Virginia is someone who I can count on to tell me the truth, in a kind and caring way. She has never been wrong. She is recovering from yet another bout of pneumonia...and I am checking in on her daily.

Tonight she shared wisdom with me that she had cut from a magazine...

1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that and man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these men don't know each other.

Yes I found this hysterical...go figure...though I would have added that it is important for a man to be a fabulous lover...

This is yet another picture of a door (opportunities) taken in China...I am still deciding which door fits me...hopefully the Jury will be back with a verdict soon...

Morning Rituals

Morning Rituals

For nearly the past 30 years I have been drinking General Foods International House, Orange Cappuccino Instant Coffee every morning...and I do mean every morning...it is my one cup of caffeine that my body tolerates (until Pumpkin Spice Latte Season) , not to mention looks forward too!

For the past year, my coffee has become increasing scarce...Stores that previously carried it no longer did, with my last search ending at Save Mart, where I purchased 5 cans. Yesterday push came to shove and in the coffee isle of my last resort...it was gone.

Though I know that doing or saying the same thing over and over and expecting different results is not productive, I did engage in that behavior by searching each individual can, after the first general visual sweep. Coming to grips with change I opted for the Chai and for the Orange Spice coffee.

I am now sitting at my desk...sipping my morning Orange Spice coffee. 4 o'clock this morning left me wondering how similar it would be to the old flavor...well the verdict is in...it is EXACTLY the same flavor, color and texture...well done General Foods...though knowing this ahead of time could have saved much angst, as well as time, gasoline and mileage...

This is a picture I took in China. It reminded me of this morning...and the lesson...be open to what is behind door numbers 1, 2, and 3....

This Is How I Entertain Myself at the Airport

This Is How I Entertain Myself at the Airport

The end of a long week always ends at the Airport. Today that is El Paso...one of the strangest places on Earth that I have visited...Security here is tighter than China...go figure...

The Terminal that houses United lacks a bar...instead they have a "hallway" with tables that you can "self serve" your order...and food is not an option. I ended up having an intense conversation with a Funeral Director who thought he may service some of my patients...flashback of "Six Feet Under!"...and a reminder that we are all in the track to become a customer of his, or his associates...good times.

This is a picture I took this afternoon after I had cleared Security. The flags reminded me of the scarves present in China...funny how so many things remind me of that trip...and call me back to those 12 days...I had a conversation about India last night...perhaps that will be my next big adventure...

Orange Boots

Orange Boots

Tonight came after a very long afternoon...and a frustrating search for the Lucchese Store that had been easily sighted last night. El Paso is a strange place, the landscape is barren, the colors dull, housing is puzzling, and the sunshine is beautiful this time of year...it feels very far away from the life I have in California...almost as if you could disappear here and no one would notice.

I have dreamed of the perfect pair of Lucchese "orange" Cowboy boots since I first saw a "men's" pair over Labor Day at the Feed Store. Tonight, after finally finding THE store, and trying on 21 pairs of boots from these delicious orange to pink, to black, to patent...I was very disappointed that none of the said boots were "comfortable"...the colors and the leather were spectacular...but at this point in my life, some comfort is paramont...so I am sorry to report I am still "Lucchese-less"...so very sad indeed...

Friends. etc...

Friends, etc...

Today started and ended as the day before my loving charming daughter's Baby Shower. Honestly, I am having a bit of a problem dealing with the fact that I will soon be a Grandmother...I previously thought that was for "old" people...and for the record I do not feel old...I am in the prime of my life...

Friends are folks who love you for who you are...people who understand...that you do not need to "defend or hide" yourself from...and most importantly you do not need to fabricate to gain their acceptance. I am so lucky to have Virginia as a friend...tonight she fed Laur and I, and was a support in one more day of life...she never judges...I can say what I feel and she gets "it"...children are not perfect...and basically life is challenging...as well as rewarding.

One of the many gifts I have learned in the past 2 years is that I must love people for who they are. This is a lesson I am attempting to impart to my Daughter as she makes her way in the World...and is looking forward to the birth of her Son...

This is a picture that I took in China, that was better taken by someone other than me...I love it because it is beautiful...and the colors provide me with an inward smile...

Reality is Slowly Setting In...

Reality is Slowly Setting In...

Tonight while shopping for Friday's Baby Shower it hit me that my Daughter is really pregnant, and Gio is due to be born soon...not that this fact is not in my face most days...I can "see" that Laur is pregnant...and we talk about it ad-nauseam...though while selecting liquor that she cannot drink for the Shower, and picking up formula, diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, and super Maxi Pads...I finally get it...I am going to be a Grandmother, whether my driver's license verifies I meet the age criteria or not.

This is a picture of a horse posted on a street sign in China. It reminded me of the days and nights that were spent loving and caring for Elvis...our Welsh Pony...great times of being Mom and Daughter focused on a magnificent creature who bonded us in a common interest and passion...and now Laur will have the opportunity to create those memories with Gio...and hopefully I can tag along for a bit of the ride....

Denver

Denver

Most weeks lately have included a plane change in Denver...this week it was my final destination. I know the United Terminal well...there is a fabulous cosmetics store and as airport food goes, a tasty Mexican Bar with killer margaritas. The Terminal is long enough that you can walk, and get your "airplane" legs undone...then there is the "Pet Store", all kinds of items representing all kinds of dogs...and finally several jewelry and art shops that are interesting to browse.

As I continue to make decisions as to where I might want to be next year at this time, Denver appears on my list. Many positives including cost of living, more mid Country, several great friends already located here, direct flights to nearly everywhere...and 4 hours to Philly and 2 hours to Sacramento.

This is a picture I took on my way home from Atlanta last week as I cruised to Sacramento via Denver. Amazing that in spite of the "rice" and "de-icing", my flight was actually early into SMF. So I guess I will add "competent airline people" to the Denver list...truly a good thing...