![]() |
Just shooting the poop with Lori |
He travels the world on the backs of others Insignificant in his stature and size His journey carries no mission Randomly roaming at the will of his host Sated enough to never question his trek Life is an open adventure without worry If the excitement of his dusty trail dulls Another bus awaits to grant passage With a furry friend to carry him home Ah the wonderful life of a flea |
The New Year has arrived. A clean slate for all of our annoying habits, bad deeds, and petty grievances await. The new and improved version of ourselves is but a step away. While we focus on our weight loss goal or clean house plan take time to explore new friendships, laugh out loud, and make important memories. The pounds will come and go and the dusty furniture will form cobwebs but time spent with the people in our lives are transient. Tomorrow isn't a constant but only a gift of opportunity. |
Survived the holiday! And it was nice, different, but nice. Loved ones were missing and things were more subdued but we were together and celebrating the season. My oldest child missed part of the festivities because he is in a new relationship and had to split his time but again I got to spend time with him and let him know how much he is loved. That is what Christmas means to me. It is all about family and making memories. Change isn't always a bad thing, sometimes it is the start of something new and wonderful. Our hearts just have to be dialed to the open slot. Merry Chrismas, one and all. |
Magical Christmas There once was a dog named Dimitri that believed in all of the magic of Christmas. His family had always involved their puppy in the celebrations of the season. Dimitri loved decorating the tree with his milk bones. He howled his jingles, jangles, and carols with pride. So quick he was, to grab the window seat for the family jaunt to look at lights. His Santa bow tie was so stylish to see at Christmas dinner and midnight mass. The children were delighted to see the merry pup in his holiday attire. Christmas was Dimitri's favorite time of the year. Each Christmas Eve he waited patiently for Santa, as any good dog would do. He was excited at the wonderful gifts that Santa would bring. There would be presents for the family and presents for him. On Christmas morn, they would all take turns inspecting their baubles. He couldn't wait to see what surprises Santa would bring. On one snowy Eve, as the story goes, Dimitri heard the clatter of hooves on the roof. The dog dashed to greet his reindeer friends and give Santa his cookie treat. He knew all of the reindeer by name. There was Dasher, Donner, Blitzen, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, and sometimes Rudolf. The dog could barely contain his joy at seeing his buddies again. Dimitri jumped off of the porch, onto his dog house, up to the shed, and over onto the roof. He wagged his tail in holiday cheer being sure to greet each gift giving deer. The pup was at first dismayed to find Vixen was not there. In her stead was a beautiful reindeer named Lorelei. Dimitri fell in love with the deer at first sight. Santa explained that Vixen was sick with a terrible blight. Lorelei was the best flying reindeer available this night. Dimitri sang his howling song," Santa please tell Vixen, I hope and pray that my friend will be alright." Santa laughed his belly laugh. "Yes my good puppy, I shall bring Vixen your well wishes. Do not worry Dimitri, the doctor tells us that Vixen will be well by the New Year." "Such good news" the dog replied., Of Santa the dog requested to remain with the reindeer while he went inside. Santa, the jolly soul, granted the canine's wish. Dimitri danced and pranced for the reindeer. He did high flying leaps, tipsy toesies, and ballet pirouettes all in an effort to impress the new woodland caribou. To Lorelei the reindeer, he sang his song of love. He crooned and cooed to win her heart. Rudolph turned off his light at the ridiculous sight. The other reindeer giggled and refused to play these reindeer games. Up on the rooftop, Dimitri dashed about the snow showing off his stylish attire. His doggy heart was all aflutter. With an awkward chuckle, he pointed to the mistletoe above their heads. The dear little reindeer, sweet Lorelei was heard to say,"My doggy-doo. I so love you." Dimitri cried for joy. He was heard to utter, for he didn't stutter. "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night." Thus was born the rein-dog as we know it today. Santa now knows better than to leave the reindeer unattended. His helper elves stand guard. Dimitri went down in history. He receives a lump of coal in his stocking each year but Santa still brings presents for his rein-pup. Word count 572 |
My Christmas Spirit The ornaments that I hang upon my tree today Hold much wonderment of the season for me With each bauble unwrapped from newspapers aged My heart sings of memories pleasant and cherished The wooden apple carved once out of love Now worn and smooth, I polish to reignite the shine A treasured family heirloom, it offers connection to my past There are the ornaments of my childhood passed down Plastic creations of the 50's and 60's represent simpler times Classic and refined trimmings spawned from another era As I unpeel the paper around the blue silver bell, so shiny A dainty bell once warmed by the hand's of my mother Allows me to touch the heavens if only for a moment There are the traditional ornaments from the birth of each child Or the numerical countdown of their birthdays given by well-wishers I drape them upon the twigs of fir in a graceful display Tenderly revisiting the infancy of each child, that is no longer The ornaments crafted by my kids are much the worse for wear An eyesore for some, bear a place of honor upon my tree As I picture again, the love and pride with which they were presented My tree holds no resemblance to the magazine pageantry My tree is a regal arrangement of the true Christmas Spirit Adorned and blessed with a legacy of family life |
Procrastination is an art form! I am the portraits master and painter of all the details that accompany the trait. Here it is six days before Christmas and I am left with a million things to do. I tell myself I work better under duress. It is a self spoken whopper meant to motivate. A tree, my treasure for a tree I offer, with none to be found. A Charlie Brown branch I resurrect in cheerful glee. The heavy ornaments hang limply with no magic wand to make them twirl. Bulbs are burned on the one strand that I wrap around the fir, so the twinkle of my tree has dimmed. Presents,haha, this is a myth! It is an exchange of needed items that time and money prevent you from buying throughout the year. Socks and underwear, anyone? Hurry, Kmart has a great sale. Grocery shopping turns into a frenzied fight of the fittest to find the best in appetizers, meats, and dips. Cleaning the house for invited guests quickly becomes a hide the dust, trash, and laundry expedition. On December 23rd, I stop! Inhale and remember the reason for the season. No stress just love for family and friend. I am excited when I finally reach that point. Merry Christmas, I have to leave now cause there is a lot to do. |
Please remember this year and next, that not everyone can find the holiday cheer. For whatever reason, sadness looms for many. It may be the recent death of a loved one, the added stress of the season, or just having a hard time fighting depression. As a nurse, I see it over and over again, people who would rather stay in the hospital than be alone at home. Only sadness waits for them at home. Give them a hug, tell them you love them, or send a note to let them know that you care. Celebrate, live, laugh and love but remember that not everyone can muster up the cheer. A Different Shade of Christmas Somewhere the bells are ringing Melancholy thoughts the silent chime Twinkling lights with shine sublime Ears strained for the choir’s singing Angelic voices play in quiet mute Season’s spirit painfully destitute Sadness visits with teardrops brimming Trapped in shadows of Christmas gloom Holiday tunes with their velvet croon Inner cheer is woefully dimming Snow tops glisten for the multitude While shades of blue paint solitude Roasted chestnuts and wine for sipping Lost in holly leaves and snowy skies Smile hooded behind anguished eyes Grays of winter, depression gripping Season’s joy wrapped in despair Buried deep in mental health’s lair Branches draped in joyous trimming Carry on the Christmas yuletide Hearts be lifted by Santa’s ride Somewhere the bells are ringing |
I have been in the medical profession for quite a while now. That simple phrase grants me a little perspective, I believe. I am reminded often that life is fragile. I try to live my life in a way that reflects that fact, full of love, happiness, and kindness. The one item that I fear the most is being struck with dementia in any form. Que sera, sera whatever will be will be. The future is not ours to see. I have spent an inordinate amount of time praying that if dementia strikes I am allowed to be the cute little old lady that hides her cookies. I hope to be the lady that tells her caregivers that she loves them or the one that plays tricks on the other residents. I refuse to be the cranky old gal who swings at nurses as they walk by or screaming curse words that would make a sailor blush. I worry about being the patient that has to have everything exactly as they want in a precise manner and precise time. I tell myself that if you were a nice person before. maybe just maybe, you will remain that way even if you lost track of time and place. But who knows? It breaks my heart when families forget to visit. Cranky or not, mom is still a mom. She wrapped you in warm blankets and made you hot chocolate on snowy days. Dad is still the man who taught you to drive and watched your plays. They may not remember but we should. |
Tomorrow floats away as easily as a child's bubble drifts through the air. Tomorrows are gone as quickly as they came. Love hearty. Live happily. Dream big. Explore the universe. Grab those tomorrows by the tail and turn them into incredible todays filled with the adventure of life and the treasure of a lifetime. |
Golden Bowling Pins....Yes, I'm painting Golden Bowling Pins. The things we do for our children has no measure. I must say this is a concept that hadn't entered my mind. My youngest son is a bowler, and he is responsible for his part of a senior bowlers farewell dinner. So I paint in an effort to help. He will add the details later. They golden pins look pretty awesome as memorable trophies. He will personalize them for the bowlers in tribute as a keepsake of good times. What a great idea, but if he asks me to paint an entire alley we will have a long talk. |