Old MacDonalds Farm!

This is one of my paintings I have done and I decided to post it today.The painting reminds me that autumn is not too far away. I can not believe that we are already into the month of August. Soon autumn will be among us. I already have my Virginia Creepers with about half the leaves turning red. I am keeping a positive attitude and hoping that it will continue to be as nice and hot as it has been this past week. Today my sister in law and I went out to one of the local farms to pick some strawberries. I knew I was going to have a bit of difficulty, but I do try to push myself...I was finished by the time I got to the patch, picked about three quarters of a gallon and knew I was going to have trouble getting back to the car. As I was walking back ever so slowly, there were two lovely horses at the fence. I thought to myself, I should take a horse over to the vehicle. First of all, if I had the enegy to get on a horse, I would have energy to make it to the car, so as I am thinking this it strikes me a little funny picturing me on the horse, and then I dropped to the ground due to my cataplexy. It does not last long, so in a couple of minutes I was picking up the strawberries and still on a mission to get closer to the vehicle. My sister in law was now on her way too and she caught up to me just as I made it to the garage at this place. I asked if it was okay to sit on one of the chairs for a minute, and I rested for about ten minutes. I also got some lettuce that tasted awesome at supper. The man at the farm asked me if I had tripped, I just said that I think I better practice my dancing steps. We all laughed, my head slumped forward,but this time I did not fall so that was good. So even though it was hard for me I managed and knew that the next time I go there I will have to take my cane with me. I also forget how quickly I can loose my oomph! After we made it back to the city we went for Ice Cappucinos and brought them home and sat in the yard and had a visit. And then I had to have a nap or I knew there would be more spells in the evening. Everything worked out, had a nice evening...oh the couple at the farm were so cute, the wife was saying to the husband, oh take the afternoon off so we can go to the wedding, you work to hard. It made me smile, they reminded me of my parents. It was a good moment. It was a good day!And now I need a good sleep. Take care.

Memories

Good day, sorry this picture is a little fuzzy. I wanted to show it as it was taken at the farm in June when we were all home for the funeral. It is hard to imagine that 2 months have passed by so quickly. Dad used to sit and watch all the birds, they of course got way more than I ever had...I guess the woes of living in a city. I loved to sit in the veranda with him and watch. They are so tiny, so beautiful, and intensly fast. Sometimes there would be about 5 or 6 and you would see them dive at one another. I can not tell you how many times over the years that we have watched the birds together....Today I just felt lost, I miss him so bad. I wonder how long it will take to not expect him to come around the corner, or how long it will take to forget his last few hours. Today I just felt sick because I can't remember how he smelt...This is ridiculous, because every year at Christmas he would get cologne, and he would always laugh that we all must think he stinks! We would all laugh together. In hindsight how many bottles of Old Spice should one man have. It is funny but as I was writing this I remembered...Old Spice! And a part of me feels a little better. "Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things!" by Cicero. For now he stays with me! Right now, for now anyway, I am once again okay.

Planes or Cars!

SO heres the thing, I am going to give three scenarios and we have to figure out which one is the most likely. Okay, I hope you play along. He is my newphew waiting to get on the plane. Lets figure out what conversation is the most likey. He also has an older brother about 13 going on the plane with him..okay ready.

Scenario One...BRRING, Hello, Aunt Cinner is that you? Of course it is, you rang my number. I need your help. Whatever for? I think the driver is sleeping. Oh good then he won't be tired when it is time for the plane to go. Are you feeling a little nervous? No,mot at all! Oh they want us to board the plane, where is my brother. Have fun, make sure your seatbelts are tight! Silence on the other end,,,he was gone.

Scenario two...BRRING, Alfred could you bring the car around and pick up our baggage, we need you to drive us to the farm and yes I WILL call them and let them know about the emergency with the plane. I will Tell Gtandma to start making those deserts. Hurry Alfred, we must go, quick, quick.

Third Scenario...BRRING, HI Son, how are you. Just great, The plane will be leaving soon. Yeah our bags are checked and everything is cool. Are you nervous? No, not at all, We will be fine, they are picking us up at the other end and we will not leave the airport. Oh we gotta go, don't worry Mom we will be okay. love you....talk to you later. See you in two weeks, oh and Aunt Cinner is the best Aunt in the whole world.....Okay you caught me I put the last line in.

So tell me what you think.

Where did She Go!

Two worlds collide, right and wrong, good and bad. I think it is every parents worst nightmare....How will my child turn out? To me it is amazing, 4 syblings all with such complete differences...While I was growing up, I just wanted to run, get out and make my own life...and I made no bones about it. As soon as I am done school I am outa here. Little did I know as soon as I left, I would get so homesick that I actually moved back. I quit my job in the am, and took the bus that night. I was 17 living in the big city and hated it. So when I got home, my Dad sat me down and said, well since your home, your going to help with combining and hauling grain. Picture me doing the dance of joy....Yeah, yeah, sis boom ba, I was never so happy in all my life...Funny how that was probably one of the best summers of my life. After harvest I got a job at the local restaurant working 6 until 3 in the afternoon.I must have worked there for about 8 months and have some hilarious stories to tell you someday. Then I worked in a bank for about a year, and then off to computer school in the big city. I have to say I have been a city girl every since. When I left home for the second time, I was okay. I think because I was a little older and had learnt some things about the real world. Trust me I had alot to learn about the real world and I was going to learn pretty fast. Lots of lifes lessons have been hard, but I have never felt sorry for myself for some very large mistakes that i have made in my life. Large mistakes that helped to mold me into whom I am today. Somehow I found my way back from what could have been the worst times of my life,,,stronger for all my experiences, have a deep love of life and I was truly living on my terms. I definately had some angels guide me along the way, keeping me safe, helping me to grow up. My one sister said I was always like a camelian, that I could fit into any crowd or type of people, I have to say back then I loved the bad boys. If a guy was in a suit...not for me, construction workers, bikers, truckers, etc. That was a lifetime ago. I was going to live fast and dangerously and no regard for anyone whom had any advise for me. For afterall I was young and smart enough to live my life how I wanted....my poor parents I really did give them a hard time. That was in the eighties and lots has changed since then, as I write this I wonder just where should I start...I think if I were to write a book, I would have to start back at the beginning for it all to make sense. Maybe one day, for now its on hold as right now I am focusing on a much calmer life. Who was that strange girl anyway. Sometimes I barely recognize her. Have you ever felt this way? I would love to hear about it.

What ifs....

Here are some of my lilies that survived our big storm. I have to say my flowers are really looking a bit dreadful, they need some tender loving care. My sunflowers which usually don't bloom until September were beaten down from the wind, a couple have stood up again as if to say I am fighting, I am a survivor, ...you can't break me. I have an area where I let the wildflowers grow and I have to say they look just fantastic, although most are some forms of weeds I am sure, but I like them so I let them come every year. So really thank goodness for them. I was going to go and buy some flowers to put in, but I decided against it as the season is really too short now for me to be getting more. So I decided I can enjoy my yard without as many this year. Odd that in this less than perfect setting I can sit in peace and silence, other than the barking of the odd dog in our neighborhood. It is relaxing, it is my place, it is my hospital room, where I feel complete. When I was at the hospital when my father was in intensive care, before he was taken there, he was in a room with 3 other patients. I know it would have done them all good if there was a place we could have taken them to sit and be in better surroundings. They were all complaining because there was not even a window to open. I wonder where that saying came from, "Your like a breath of fresh air." Your smile, your attitude, your laugh, it is really too bad I did not know the power of these 20 years ago. There are definately things I would have done differently, would have I turned out the same, Perhaps! Do your best, be your best and live your best! That is where my heads at now and my heart is there too!

Enjoy your day.

Have a Terrific Tuesday! It is late and I must rest,may my dreams be gentler than my day!....As always a good night sleep can change my whole outlook on life, love and living. They say that there are so many people out there that are sleep deprived. I know as soon as I am starting to get a little grumpy that it is time for bed. Having severe cataplexy with a variant of Narcolepsy I have to be especially careful...After a rest I awake after wearing my Cpap manchine as if I could fly to the moon. This feeling only lasts about 2 hours, so that is when I do any of my daily tasks. I usually cook in the morning as I know there is a good chance later in the day that I will not have the energy. Example yesterday my husband had the day off, I needed to go get ink for my printer, and wanted to stop at the Jysk store as they had a big sale on summer stuff, so I thought I could just go look around. We went to Staples and that was the end of my shopping....So I guess the positive thing is I never spend alot of money,I then had to rest, he went and got groceries, and then we had about 3 hours together in the evening.He went and played ball and I did a few things here. ....I have a sign in my room that says, Sometimes I wake up grumpy, other times I let him sleep. Ocassionally there will be a sticky note over him and it has been changed to her. His sense of humour is great. Once in a while I might have more energy and I take it, trust me. I am off to ride my bicycle for about 3 blocks....does not sound like much...to me it is a huge milestone as in 2 hours I won't be able to until tomorrow morning again. It is a silly condition, forced to slow down before I ever wanted to be.....but the flowers smell damn fine.

Mellow Yellow Monday

Good Monday Morning All. I am doing this in the evening as I have to be honest and let you know I seem to be a little overtired tonight...I think I might of had too much heat this weekend, although I was sitting in the shade most of the time. I was just around the back yard. We had a lovely visit with some company. Anyway as mellow as I am feeling I am glad I took this picture to post for Mellow Yellow Monday....I just love Corn on the Cob. We used to cook hundreds of cobs on the farm and Dad would cut the corn off so we could freeze it in plastic bags....It was something we always did as a family. We had cousins that would come down and spend a few weeks in the summer and one of them....let me tell you she could chow down...Little miss thing, could easily polish off a dozen cobs on her own...We will always remember those gatherings, as we will when one year the corn kept disappearing in the garden. Lets put it this way Dad was not a happy camper when he found out that my sisters dog would pull away at the husks and chew on the corn....I think he had to be tied up for a while. The absolutley best corn I have ever had is from Chilliwack, B.C. The corn is to die for. Everytime I used to go visit my aunt, she and I would always make a special run to go and get some corn. Ome year I was leaving early in the am, and you know we even had it for breakfast...These are things I have not thought of in years. My Dad and his sister died approximately 2 years apart, it is surprising some of the memories that become the most important...so I know this sounds crazy, but my thought for today is....We never know how our actions can affect someone for the rest of their life....How eating corn could leave such an impression on a little child years later...Imagine just an act of kindness, a good morning, a smile, ...we have the power to change the day.

Have A Great Sunday.

I thought this was different how this picture turned out, looking like just the edges of the rose had any color, when in actuality it was almost a dark orange.As far as I was concerned they were both beautiful. Beauty is definately in the eye of the beholder. Here are some things that show beauty to me. An early morning sunrise, getting closer, brighter, by the moment, and in evening the sunset.There is beauty in the smell of fesh bacon and eggs being brought from the kitchen with a cup of coffee with the fancy creamy. There is happiness and a thankyou is not suffice. There is that understanding that he will be right back with his in hand. In his other hand will be the morning paper. There is beauty in watching him read silently as he slowly wakes up. The breeze rolls over our bodies and slowly cools the skin. It is beautiful. The birds are chirping as they are readying for their day. Some fly down to the pond for a sip of water, Two stumble around playfully in out of the trickle of the water down the bamboo fountain. And I watch and I see beauty all around me. It is quiet and simple and my world that I have made of peace and quiet. It is a much slower pace and no rushing is done. and we absorb our surroundings and wrap an invisible blanket of love around one another. All is well, we have no place to be, no desire to go for now. Have a great and glorious Sunday. Take a moment to aprreciate your life...not for what we don't have but for the many blessings we do. Open your heart to all the possibilities of the day and may you find beauty in something new.....

Planes, Cars and I am Outta Here!

It is going to be a noisy weekend around here. We have the airshow and the Indy races. Yesterday I got a picture of the planes going overhead, and with my little digital that was no small feat. They go so fast and you could hear them coming, and then boom there they would be and then poof they were gone. I could hardly get into focus. So it will be noisy here, For hours I will here frrrm, vrrrm, vrrrrm, and around and around the cars go. I have to be truthful I do get headaches by Sunday evening!So I hope you have a great weekend and get some time to have a peaceful day. Take care for now.,

Gratitude!

Blogging Friends by cinner on Polyvore.com

You might look at this and see a mixed up collage and wonder what was she thinking today. I am going to tell you how I see it as it relates to my followers and blog world that I choose to be a part of. I see Holly the queen of the Universe. She was one of the first ladies that I befriended. She has a wonderful heart, is very spiritual and has a great love for her Scottish Terriers. She has been a constant for me and has helped me through my fathers passing, sending me well wishes, a homemade card and encouragement. I see Toni, the great journal collage maker, beautiful letter writer, she sent me a letter that was waiting for me when I arrived back home, that I have framed with Hollys card, blown away at the kindness of new friends. I see Beth, the photographer, lover of life, a fighter,great wife, a giver.She sent me a beautiful photo, that is now and always will be one of my favorite treasures. It hangs on my living room wall and I am blessed to view it daily. I see her also as an inspiration in cancer awareness and the importance of spf. She is a giver and seems to always think about others.Apparently she is a dance lover, I think through her daily life she dances. I see Spotted Wolf, a great Shaman whom helped me through a very hard time. He told it like it was and made me realize the love between a father and his daughter. He is a wonderful soul.He is also very couragous to be amongst this group of ladies, but he gives us another way to look at things. I see Cam, the happy, smiling, lover of the beach, and family. I also feel her strength and know she cherishes life. I also see Char whom seems to face life headon and she is a great photographer. She has a love of life also, also a great yellow bag which I think she cherishes. She is looking for work and faces everything with an upbeat, positive attitude, How can you not just adore her. I see Lois, the Colonels wife. She is so imspiring and kind and good that everytime she stops by I feel blessed. I see Crista, a nature lover, who carries on through diversity. Never complaining and appreciating her surroundings and children to the fullest. I see Anne whom has just lost 35 pounds, who hoo, and she is a great inspiration for me. I see Christina whom appreciates the simple things. I feel as though she is one of Gods angels as she is so genuine, so kind. I see my Aussie buddies, Ribbon whom loves life and makes me smile every time I see her picture. You can just feel her energy ooze from it. Kathy whom is a great Scrapbooker, comes by for a visit to say hi and calls me her Canadian friend. They both make it very tempting to go visit. They are both so genuine. I am not sure about the Kangaroos though! I see Brandi, the joy rebel...you just have to love her for that. I see Mel with the Sisterhood of the Purple Bicycle. I love her enthusiasm. I can not mention everyone. Some are not followers, some are Bloggers I visit everyday because I feel they have something to say. I am grateful and feel blessed to have you just for a moment of the day in my life. I feel we don't always say enough! I hope today you feel you have done and are enough. Many thanks!

Turn your day around.

There is always a bright side to any day. I had a beautiful day today, I was not feeling well when I awoke, but I remembered my post the other day and sat here smiling to myself....you know those fake smiles that make you crack up when you look in the mirror. I have one I do with a smile and then I have all my teeth sitting there like a big ole beaver ready to chomp on the first piece of lumber that goes by...okay not that bad. It also does not help that my vanity has a warped mirror. It is an antique that was given to me by a friend. I have always wanted to refinish, but it is one of the jobs on my list that I never get done. So after feeling a little goofy, I was feeling better some anyway, and then I had a friend pop by. The weather was 30 with a breeze. So we had our lunch sitting out on my deck. She was just thrilled with the yard and with the ornaments she had given me. We laughed and talked and she is going on a trip to Paris the end of August. Now she is originally from England but moved here 45 years ago. She has the most lovely accent, and every once in a while she will say something I just don't get! She has a different sense of humor than I. On Tuesday she turns 82, My problem is this I have no idea what to get her as she has been giving back gifts for awhile now. So I am racking my brain to see if I can come up with anything by Tuesday. . At the one pond in the yard today, there must have been 50 birds playing in the water, we both enjoyed watching them. We also treated ourselves to little miniature pecan tarts....oH they were good, So my day turned out pretty good. After she left I slept for about 3 hours, and had a pleasant evening with my husband. The Fair has been going on and at 11 we have listened to the fireworks and then fall fast asleep. I will see what tomorrow brings...The car races are in town so we will hear the buzzing of the engines from Fiday until Sunday. Tomorrow is support out troops day, so anyone reading, here in Canada we wear red on Fridays to show our support....I hope you all have a great weekend. Spend time with friends, family, loved ones and make some memories....or read a good book, sip Margaritas, oh just have fun.

Hot weather makes me Delirious

Today I could have easily sat at the top of this fountain of water, in a bikini, sipping a marguarita, thinking joyful day, yeah, yeah, yeah. Now first and foremost I am not a bikini kind a girl. I have friends and relatives that can vouch for that, just as I am not a dress kinda gal either. They do make 2 piece swinsuits for the ever so lovely plus size voluptuous woman....Still not buying it and I will tell you why...unless you are using ducktape?, nothing is going to stay in one place...but I would have a problem keeping my composure if one of my but cheeks fell out on the sand beside me....There has to be someone out there that can relate to me. And as you reach to retrieve it....yes the top has now separated from the bottom....oh yes, it is beautiful....this is where a piercing should go...yes the bellybutton...what were you thinking. goodness me. Here bellybutton, here bellybutton, where art thou,,,I know your hiding. Now if I did have a bathing suit on I would have a disquise...yes huge sun glasses, a great big hat and maybe I could pass as some crazed tourist, but I think I am just happy as a lark being me right now. That is the great thing of being 45!...So if your at a beach and you happen to spot me, well make sure you come on over, I will be the one with the cabanna boys, hey it's my story. LOL

Laughter is great Medicine.

Well today just got too hot for me to do much of anything...now I know how my friend Toni in Phoenix feels...I love to be outside but when it gets too hot, well I am inside with the air conditioner...So because the enegy was zapped from just being out in the heat I knew it was going to be a pretty low key day. Anyway I started to read which I very seldom do other than in the winter. Did you know that the average child laughs about 400 times a day. And the average adult laughs about 17 times a day.. First of all where do they get these statistics? Secondly, what are the requirements for average? So this is my conclusion from reading, laughter is the best medicine for almost anything to do with well being and state of mind. So now we know why children are so happy, As adults we all take things way too seriously. Have you ever heard someone laughing and it was just contagious, no matter what kind of day you were having you could not help yourself from laughing. I worked with a fellow named Leon and I wish I could have bottled him up as medicine for the world. When Leon laughed you could feel it right from the tip of his toes and it was so heartfelt. His laugh remains one of my fondest memories, I just close my eyes and I can hear him. When I got Cataplexy I started to stay away from him as he would make me fall, It was a little difficult trying to explain to somebody, oh I am fine, you just made me laugh. All I can say is thank god for medication as my days have definately become better. When I am tired I have to be careful if I am standing up...You know you just never know when something will strike you as funny...I do know that I can not watch Just for Laughs...Gags on T.V. or I will have one episode after another...even sitting down...To me laughing is worth it. I would not give up being able to laugh for nothing. I can not imagine a life without it...I do have to say some of the medications I was on made it real hard to...luckily I got off those because I just knew something was wrong. It makes me wonder when children are on medications that it would be very hard for them to know if the medicines were too strong. That is my opinion, I knew there was something wrong when I started having trouble remembering names etc. I thought, okay enough is enough. Luckily I was smart enough to do that, because I can live a pretty normal life with some limitations, but I am as bright as I ever was. All the bulbs are connecting if you know what I mean. My advice is to not sweat the small stuff, get as much stress out of your lives as possible, smile more, frown less, and laugh like it is the funniest day of your life. Come on, you can, try harder, okay there you go. see it does feel good, lmao. What makes you laugh? I would love to know.

Color or Not

Color ? by cinner on Polyvore.com

I love colors, all of them, the only color I don't like is navy. It makes me look really really cold and unaproachable. That was told to me in some business meeting.
At work there were black suits, with different blouses thrown under neath. One day I even wore a scarf as a shirt under my blazer. I was nice and cool that day. I have a real love for different glasses although my favorite ones i gave to a young lady that did not have money to buy a new frame for herself. They were metallic shiny blue. She loved them and everyonce in a while I miss them...but she needed them more, I have rose colored glasses. Used to think I was the bees knees in them. of course bright green plastic frames that looked like the bad side of the moon on me....so my point is why do we love something one day and then next you wonder what the bleep were you thinking. I know the room I created on polyvore would keep my interest for about 3 months and I would end right back to what I know...Garage sale items, treasures and the more earthtone the better. I would say turquise is my favorite color and favorite jewelry color. If I want to feel sexy I dye my hiar red, I love the look of colorful drinks although I can no longer drink. And I feel like i have hit the jackpot when I look at paint. There is nothing better for me, and to open a can and see the brillancy wow. In my home earthtones usually prevail. I do not have one white wall in the house. That would kill me and make me think of a hospital I live my life day by day and feel like I am playing with a box of crayons, to see the world as vibrant or washed out. It really is about the mood of someone. I feel sexy in purple,young in jeans, hate dresses, exhauted in white....so I can color my world anyway i want...I might like one pink chair, the rest would have to go. I ask my husband what does he want and he says he trusts me, that it always looks nice....since I got sick I have yet to finish one complete project...whereas before everything had to be done or I could not sleep...now I know things can wait for me, afterall life is on my time, when I am having a good day I may start something and then may not have a good day for awhile...my husband tries to help me, we just laugh as he knows how hard I try. Just like the colors of the rainbow, we can make our world whatever color we want, when we want, where we want. Colors can cheer us or make us sad, colors can give us more energy, My favorite color is turquise(p.s. this week). I hope you have a very colorful day.

The Storm

Hello, here is a picture of one of the trees in our neighborhood that was blown down last night. We went for a walk with the dogs and it was quite an excursion. 4 Doors down a great big branch had come down so we could not go that way. It was blocking the sidewalk and their yard was all full of huge branches, it looks like it was a hit and miss affair. I live in an area where all the trees have been here forever, my house was built in 1912 and I have a tree that I am sure is as old as the house. So they get old and weak, and well down they come. I think we were all very lucky and I did not see any broken windows on our walk. I know we have to go rake the twigs off the grass before we can cut it. We have just one of those push mowers as we have been trying to be more earth friendly. So that was realy the excitement for the weekend. I am grateful I am here and that the storm passed, any difficulties in our lives so too will they pass. Have a great Monday.

The Storm

Yesterday was a hot, hot day! It was beautiful. My husband and I worked outside, had our mornig coffee, lumch and had planned to barbecue a salmon. There was mot any breeze. It was just a beautiful calm summer day. At about 6 in the evening, the wind started blowing and howling. We went inside and noticed on the t.v. were severe weather warnings. Be prepared to take necessary precautions.Both of the dogs had to come in the house because they were barking and we knew it was going to hit us! It thundered and lightning for hours, probably 7 hours. At one point I said to my husband that maybe I should get out of my p.j.'s just in case. It was a strange feeling for sure...However as you can tell we did make it through the night. I love a storm, the thunder was loud and extremely close, and the lightening lit up the sky for hours. Needless to say not alot of sleep was had. So we awoke this am, and off to our regular routine, that being our coffee out on our patio. There were leaves everywhere, lots of my flowers are now laying on the ground, their petals ripped from them by the wind. I think we are lucky no branches from our big old trees did not break or that even our roof is on the house! I am sure on the news we will hear about damage that has been done to other parts of the city. Years ago on the farm, there was a storm and the loudest boom I had ever heard. We knew something had been hit by lightening. We looked out and could not see anything. The next day we went to check the cattle and there was one of the cows that did not make the night because the boom must have been it getting hit by the lightning. So today will be a cleanup day outside and I am grateful no damage was done. At one point in the evening I said to my husband, maybe I should take my camera outside and get some pictures. Needless to say some common sense prevailed. It is a good day. We are safe and sound!

The photo I posted was taken last year when we were travelling. It makes me think that fall is just right around the corner. It also makes me think that there are alot of creative people out there! Have a great day whether your inside or out, take time to enjoy yourself!

Six Word Saturday!

1. Take time to smell the flowers!

2. Enjoy your day, Enjoy your life!

3. Live.Love, Laugh every day always!

4. Do not waste one prescious moment!

5. Get outside and have some fun!

6. Be grateful for everything you have!

The Weekend

Life by cinner on Polyvore.com

Enjoy your weekend everyone! may it be filled with many blessings!

2 surprises in 1 Day.!

I had a nice surprise today. My husband came home early from work and surprised me. We had a beautiful evening. We sat outside and he Barbecued. It was scrumptious. It really was the first time all week that I ate, my cold has finally broke so I should be myself again in a couple of days. I also had another surprise from a girlfriend of mine that I have not seen for fifteen years due to the distance and never been able to get time off, then when I got sick lack of funds just would not allow it. She is coming at the end of August. I am so excited. Years ago I stayed at the YWCA, where I met the nicest bunch of ladies. Most of us were taking courses, some secretarial, I was learning how to be a Computer Programmer. When the course finished it turned out the school was not yet recognized...so poof that was the quickest $2000.00 I had ever spent. However I am glad I took the course because otherwise I would never have met all the girls. We were mostly about 20, most of us the first time away from home. I look back at that life and really do feel it was maybe the funnest time I had ever had. When you are all living in the same building, sharing a kitchen, sharing bathrooms, sharing stories we all got pretty close! I lived there for almost two years on and off until one night it had rained so much that there was a flood and the whole building moved off the foundation. The basement was completely full of water...How is that for luck, and two blocks away where I had been working there was only slight rain..Needless to say I was pretty surprised when I got there and there was a note saying the place was shutdown. So one door closed and another opened...we were moving up in the world into an apartment. That was back in 1983 and our friendship has lasted all these years, usually talking on the phone or emails. Do you have friends that it is like no time has passed and when you finally see each other again it is like no time has passed. I am so excited to see her, her husband and daughter, although I had to promise we would eat earlier in the evening when they are here!So I hope you get to enjoy time with your friends. Remember they are a gift.

One or Many Men

Ladies, ladies, it's not what your thinking.I was sent an email the other day that has stayed on my mind and I decided to put it on here as I think it really needs to be read. First of all I want to say that I was a fan of Michael Jackson and mean him no disrespect. He Was an extremely talented man, whom I believe did not have much of a life due to his fame. That is my opinion! That being said the following is the content of the email.

...Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whos only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a 'momemt of silence' for his passing?
...Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he is a martyr because he entertained us for a few decades?What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America. Wheir is their moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Where did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and Women, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"
...I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American peopple can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE,those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed out blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
...Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Remember thes five words the next time you think of someone who is seving in the military;

"SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE.." signed Issac

Although I know that millions of dollars went to Charities and that Michael Jackson was in the Guiness Book of Records for donating the most to the most charities. That is wonderful.....Issac makes a very strong case does'nt he. I am a Canadian and many of our men have been killed during the events since 911. Death knows no borders!Appreciation and Grattitude should be forefront and center for these amazing men and women whom need to be honored. I want to state that I am not pro War, I am pro Respect for what they do. I AM SO GRATEFUL !

Usually my posts are much lighter than this...sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe. like Issac. I am thankful to be alive, well, loved and at home.

No Concentration Tonight!

I took this photo last summer. It reminded me of the one that used to be on the family farm. I often wonder why most barns are painted red, why not blue or yellow, why red. I love old barns, houses, buildings, cars, and men! I have never been attracted to a younger man. Age just brings more character to a man! Age for me is making me slower, wider, and shorter...I think there is more to this list but I will leave it at that. There is the walking from room to room wondering what I am doing or where was I going. If this keeps up I guess I will be going for holidays in my house...just letting you know I think the nyquil has kicked in. I went to the doctors today and I have to go for chest xrays to rule out anything other than a cold. I knew I had a cold before I went or did I...anyway the adventure out played me out. I talked to my Mom for quite awhile tonight. It would have been my parents 47th anniversary today. We had a nice talk about my Dad, we were able to talk without crying so it does seem to be getting better for us. Somewhere we find the strength that we need to continue on and as many of you have told me it will get easier with time. You were all right! Well I am off to sleep. I will say a prayer for all of my
blogging friends to keep us safe, well and young at heart. oh, as for the old men that is a story for another day...if I remember.hahaha

A Whole Bunch of Everything!

Amongst my Virginia Creeoers,that I have to say are looking pretty good this year, sits yet another ornament that I truly love. I have a bamboo pot fountain that runs into my pond. In behind the bamboo pot fountain I have bamboo and 2 hilarious Budhas that make me smile, because they have such sillylooks about them. Around my small pond I have a bunch of wild flowers and two great big round fuzzy ball things...i will have to take a photo to show you. I love this statue because it is like the overseeer of the yard. I find the eye is just simply drawn to it. It demands your prescence with no words spoken. It is one of the simple things that I can enjoy. All my little treasures remind me of various times of my life when I have made changes. I ask myself how did a partygirl, university dropout, artist, be damned with the consequences, hardworking , funloving girl get from the time that now seems foreign to me. And now I am content to be in my yard drawing, painting, just sitting and living a much more rewarding life and lifestyle. The rest are memories that I can visit later. Can you guess where i will be today if I feel up to it...Yes your right, I will be taking in the beauty that God has allowed to grow this year. All simply my treasures. Sorry if I am all over the place with this one...I hope you get a chance to smell your flowers, be in the fresh air, and to just enjoy and smile. If not smile anyway. It could change your day and someone elses!Throw any guilt right outa their. Be and do what you can today! By doing we can achieve our goals!

A Day In My Life.

I had to laugh when I saw this photo that I had taken as I did not remember my dog sitting there...but there he sits sunning himself. He is quite a commical dog, always not very far from me. Anyway so this is the fountain that I got from my friend the other day...I don't know if you remember but she had a bunch of her ornaments stolen from her yard. As she has no fence she wanted me to take some of them and she will come and enjoy them in my yard....So I am royally loving this. I love cherubs as long as there are not too many of them. This is perfect. Yesterday, before I took the picture I sat on the bench and closed my eyes listening, to the birds, the sound of the city that was almost drowned out by the trickling of the water. I think everyone needs a fountain as they are so peaceful and can literally transform you from the stress of your day, into a calm, soothing soul that is at one with the universe. I swear someone could come in with guns ablazing, and I would say, now sit your but down as I am meditating, or maybe I am over medicated. Anyway right now this is my world, my zone. I have picked up a summer bug of some kind. I am starting to lose my voice, so voila here I am....and when I am not here, I am either sleeping due to my medicine or I am meditating out by the fountain...just the dogs and I. Talk about a simple life, it's the one I choose and it feels good to say that.

Make Believe

Believe by cinner featuring Hera necklaces

Sometimes I think I read too many fairy tales as a child. The whole thing about castles, horses, knights, princesses, etc....where oh where did this come from and when did it start. Makes me wonder! If you ask me what type of movies I like, yes you guessed, anything with Medievial Times. I have a feeling my spelling is atrocious tonight. My favorite movie is Tristen & Isolde. I could watch it a hundred times...just like the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore. Would these be called Chick Flicks...I can't for love or money get my husband to go to the movies, although after going with my sister when she was here visiting....3 adults, 2 young soon to be men, and drinks and popcorn were 47.00 dollars.....Just a minute, I think i just had a spell just thinking about it....How can they possibly charge that much, I believe that someone is building themselves a castle. When my sister told me how much I thought about how many people could eat off of 47.00 dollars...or how many groceries I could get with that money...I remember my Dad telling me that back in the day it was 25 cents for the movie, popcorn and a drink. Anyway I guess times are a changing...Sometimes it is nice to think of things that have nothing to do with real life. It is an escape I guess. So the picture is what I would want, their is a time for dreans and a time to stop dreaming and start living...Just suppose how it would be if they also had fairytales and what would theres be...Love your thoughts on this. I am riding the black horse at the ocean, with the water splashing and it feels like freedom and joy. I can do it here, so maybe its not a fairytale!

Who Steals Lawn Ornaments!

Happy Monday Morning Everyone! Of course the weekend went by really quickly. we spemt most of Sunday outside relaxing in the yard. I have a bad cough/cold. It is a very strange one...enough of being sick already! This photo is actually one of my favorite plants in my yard. I have it in my rock garden and it flowers like this. This is the second year. Again it is one I can't remember the name. I do remember the store where we bought it. They had awesome displays of blown glass I had ever seen. It was quite an artsy fartsy store which brings me great joy. I love seeing what others are doing. That is actually something that has always interested me...blowing glass. Years ago we did it in Chemistry class and it has been almost haunting me, as if it is calling out to me to do it...So this is on my list of things to do. I am good at making lists, but sometimes not on the follow through part of it. I had a wonderful surprise this weekend. One of my friends recently had a bunch of items stolen from her yard and she does not have a fence around her yard, so she had some things she wanted to give me and another friend. I agreed but told her she had to promise to come and sit with me in my yard and we would have tea and listen to a beautiful fountain she gave me....I will try to get pictures tomorrow. It makes me angry that people take from others. She has been one of the kindest and most generous people that I have ever met in my life. I was really saddened by the taking of her lawn ornaments and beautiful solar lights that looked like butterflies and dragonflies...She said she does not want to have anything out in case they come back again and take them! I will make sure she comes over often and gets to enjoy my yard now that she does not feel safe in hers. She is 82 years old, I love her and I am mad as hell at whomever stole her stuff. I did tell her that I was glad she was not at home when this happened...she is safe and sound and she agreed with me. She was upset as one of the statues that were taken I had given it to her! Luckily there are still more good people in the world than not, it is too bad though that they do not think how people will react to their demonstations of immaturity. If they come in my yard I think I will blast them with the water hose...Yeah right I would probably run chicken into the house....okay, okay, it would be a fast walk as my running days I think are over...;lol. I have my two dogs for protection, but lets put it this way...I think if anyone happened to have treats...poof it could all be gone...but I an not worrying about another thing, as that list is pretty full. I know if anyone steals anything from here I hope they take all my lists, then the last laugh would be on them....Have a great day, keep your loveones close!

Bassetts are Beautiful

A few years ago I got into painting rocks. This is my favorite. It sits in front of my house under a pine tree where nothing crows except for some lilies of the valley.My brother in law hauled this home from one of his excursions up to the Northwest Territories. I also got into painting rocks and bored of that quickly, so then I started to carve into some rocks. Where I would carve into them I would then paint black.They turned out really good. I will have to paint a picture to show you. But for now I have to tell you I love, love Basset Hounds. I have never owned one, our neighbor had one that he named Murphy. He used to sit over at the house and howl and man would it sound like a dismal day for the dog. He taught my dog to Howl...so suddenly when my dog firgured I was neglecting him, he would howl until I would go outside..Anyway that is my dream for my next dog, but until then my rock with the two bassetts will just have to do. Have a great day!

Who AM I?

Who am I by cinner on Polyvore.com

I have really been doing some soul searching since my Dad passed away. I seem to take one step forward and two back...but I guess these things happen now. So rather than get down about things I am going to have a relaxing weekend with my husband. This polyvore reminds me that sometimes it takes awhile to get to another place. Have a great weekend and I will be back checking out your blogs on Monday.

True Colors

After my post from yesterday I got thinking about people that have come into my life, stayed awhile and are no longer in my life. For the longest of times I would think, gee Cinner what is wrong with you, why do people come and go. This is what I believe, Friendships just like relationships...you may be fine but suddenly one seems to change and has gone in another direction. I find myself missing some of the friendships but I also have a better understanding of why. The first time I really noticed this was after my divorce. Our friends seemed to take sides so to speak, and though you could understand their uncomfortableness(is that a word)I found it easier to start my life over with my own friends. I felt I had to do that to get on with my life. I also found this happened to me when I suddenly became ill. Suddenly I was different, could not go out, had to stick to a schedule and in a way have become somewhat of a hermit...so again your friends change. Gone are the ones you used to go out and party with, gone are some of the ones you used to work with..So I am not sure if it is lifes changes or if you grow apart, and if things can change so quickly how good of friends were they to begin with. I believe I am a good friend, trustworthy and loyal, always there when needed, so why do people come and go! I am truly blessed to have a few very close friends whom take me as I am, love me unconditionally. I think if you have a few really good friends in your life you are very lucky...Friends are hard to find, acquaintances are many...so among all the people in my life, there just like the flowers are ones that stands out and are different. What are your views on this. I would love to hear from you! I hope you all have a great weekend, Enjoy your friends, but most of all enjoy yourself!

If My Friends Were Flowers....

My beautifful peonies are almost done for the season. There is still one to open but the rest will soon be a memory of this season in my garden. Sad that all the flowers don't bloom at the same time and stay all season...Now I am just being selfish. I guess this way we can truly enjoy them because of how splendid they are alone. Just like our flowers so too are our friends splendid in their own uniqueness. If I had a garden of my friends it would be quite colorful. Would the brightest be the most excentric, whom would I compare to the roses. Would my garden have weeds. Whom would be my 15 foot sunflowers. would they be the strongest, the most loyal, the most adventurest. I am thinking of my friends and realize that there is still so much to learn. Hopefully they will be there for many more seasons. Today I had a phone call from a friend that I had not talked to in about a year. I was reminded of a post I read this morning on one of the blogs. It was about how sometimes people are sent to you for a reason when we need them. It was funny as today my friend was someone we always shared farm stories with. We chatted as if no time had passed at all...Now was there a reason he thought of me today or did he somehow know I needed to hear from him. Life has so many wonders, flowers, friends. As the petals fall from the flowers, I remind myself they will come again. For now I pick them up and hold them in my hand and let them fall gently to the ground. I have some calls to make today!I have some friends that need to be told how I value them in my life. Some times if you don't take the time, the friendship can fall like petals to the ground. With a little time and care both the gardens and friendships can bloom again.

They're Gone, They're Gone!

I am trying something different today, My newphew Isaiah left yesterday and he thought I should do a questionairre. So to honor him this is what we came up with....

Question A. As all he seems to do is eat, this was the number 1 priority question...
What is your favorite food?
Mine is vietnamese food!!!!yum. yum!, If you care to know his is Kraft Dinner. Surprise, Surprise.

Question B. What is your favorite game to play?
Mine is Chess, I remember playing with my Dad..He was much better than I. Isaiahs favorite game is Guitat Hero! He asked me to say He has mad skill at it!

Question C. Whom has influenced you the most in your life? I would say my father has influenced me the most as far as values and beliefs, however I am a huge fan of Maya d'angilo...spelling?, and Mother Theresa. Isaiah said, His Mom because she told him not to put his finger in a light socket when he was little so he feels this saved his life, I am heartbroken he did not say me! Just kidding...LOL.

If you feel like sharing that would be great. In the meantime I would like to say that my sister has always said that it takes a village to raise a child, and I am glad to play such an important role to both of my sisters children and will continue to even though they fight over who will do the dishes! Have a great day, Cinner

Simple Things

This week I am participating in Simple Things, which was the idea of Christina from Soul Apeture. If you have never visited it is a site that you should.

___The Simple Things
I enjoy holding my husbands hand, seeing the twinkle in his eye, hearing his voice, watching him play ball, watching how he interacts with the pets when he picks one up to hold, his tenderness when he silently reaches out to keep me from falling, or when he walks slower as he knows I am not having a good day, or how he has never missed a doctors appointment with me, how he supports and encourages me to just be, how he held me when my Dad died,any many more, I can't write it all as the list is infinite.
Other things, children laughing, elderly people holding hands or kissing, butterflies, the sound of rain, a thunderstorm, my flowers, the silence, painting, my pets, the smell of a baby, the joy of riding a bike, walking, understanding something difficult,popcorn popping, my nieces and newphews,everyday, being alive,sight, touch,taste,smell,hearing, my best friend, laughter, balloons, music, rainbows,thunderstorms, mountains, friends, old things, old stories, life.

We're Like Sardines!

It is going to be a day! It pouring, its raining, the husband is snoring, the boys are up, my niece is here and it's very early in the morning! My house is 860 square feet...so add two dogs, a cat, and a bird, oh and me and now ask me if my house is full. Yes we are busting at the seams! The little ragamuffins of course have enough energy for an energized bunny. So I believe we will all try and stay out of each others hair today or maybe watch a movie, they want to watch the Michael Jackson memorial...not sure If I will or not, I think I have had my fill of funerals lately! I have just been informed we are all staying in our pjs today...I tell you me in a flowered mumu...well it just does not get any better than that...my girlfriend Neener says they are the reason I never had children...She actually has come to my house and thrown them out...Only a best friend can get away with that. I hope you all enjoy your day and if it sunny, get outside...As soon as the sun breaks, I am outa here...If its too crazy, I have a really bright lime green raincoat to go with my bright mumu...The kids will just die, Maybe I will make them go for a walk with me. Can you tell I like to get them going and wind them all up! it should be a day filled with laughter, rain or not!

My Blog was mentioned on the blog site.. It's gonna take more than a hamburger to make me happy...you should check it out, It is definately worth a look see.!
Its gonna take more than a hamburger to nake me happpy

Adventures of Aunt Cinner

We had a wonderful day! Of course it had it's ups and downs, like at breakfast when I noticed that the cord of the toaster was all melted....of course no one knew what happened...I believe it is the adventures of the boys. Actually I know, apparently when you are cooking eggs it is not a good idea to let the cord touch the burner...Imagine that! Anyway most of the day was spent outside in the yard, I had a nap in the afternoon and the boys ran through the sprinkler!Apparently the wind does not dry off clothes in this fine city because I found them lumped in a ball. Somehow Isaiah has an excuse for everything which makes us all laugh. The exciting part of the day was the butterfly found while I was weeding. I am not kidding the butterfly actually was on my hand. It was the photo opportunity of a lifetime and as Isaiah came closer, closer with camera in hand and then poof it was gone...I don't know what it is about children or should I say young men(in case they read this) but they bring out the best in you. Life is not serious and we can laugh at anything. They believe I am quite funny...I think it is my dry sarcasim. They are leaving Wednesday and I will be sad to see them go, although it will be much easier on my food bill...Man can they eat and eat and eat! So from the beauty of the butterfly to almost burning down the house and slipping in the pile of clothes we could not have had a better day.

Poppies, Trees and Dad

My first poppy of the year, very exciting! Dance,dance,dance....It does not take much to make this girl a happy one....I love the colors in the poppies and the variations. The picture turned out a little hazy but that is okay too. I am starting to see the beauty in the imperfections that surround me and the ones that are me. I want to devour life as it is put before me, lifes struggles are what makes us whom we are and through them whom we become. I don't think we are the same today as we were yesterday...not if there is a growth process that we can either embrace or disregard. Since the passing of my father I am struggling with the past, present, and future....Live in the now I know is the right thing to do...but why are there so many changes, why should I care if they will cut down a tree my Dad planted if life is supposed to go on....It's a tree but why do I feel like it is a part of my heart...Am I being too dramatic...I don't know, It's not about the tree, it's about planting the tree with him, watching it grow, as well as our lives,,,and now to be torn down, ahhh the damn trees! So what does this have to do with poppies, not a damn thing...you see someday, some thoughts don't even feel connected...I wonder how I get from here to there but you just do...you keep doing, you keep planting, you keep your dreams alive, you accept that others have different ideas than you and you hold what is dear to your heart...Somewhere deep inside I know I just want my Dad, I struggle back a tear and head off to water my plants, to see the beauty and be reminded that all is well.

Boys, Food, Tired

Well this morning I had breakfast made for me. I was very surprised because last night I let the newphews stay up late. This morning I called them bright and early just like my Dad did when we were kids and these little gunkers told me they were staying in bed because they were too tired to get up. I did let them stay in bed but had to chuckle because I knew if it were my Dad they would have been up and dressed and had a half days work in already. Anyway when they did get up, starving they were, thus my breakfast was made. We all had good laughs this morning. Soon we are going to get things ready for our Vietnamese supper this evening. They love it so I thought it would be fun showing them how to make it. My favorite are the rolls...ummmmm. I can just taste them now...Other than that not too much planned, my sister in law is taking the boys to some demolition car races. they are stoked about it...any of my outings are done durning the am because as the day goes on and I get tired that is when I have more of the Cataplexy spells...So off I go now to do some stuff with them. I am just getting over a cold so I am already feeling a little tired. I must keep going or I am done....and they won't have no part of that....Here is a picture of my peonies in bloom, finally...it is so later for them. Lots of my flowers probably will not bloom this year due to our late spring and we have had very little rain....Have a great day and to all my American friends Have a Great 4th of July Day.

The Ball Game

SO it was a beautiful day and off to the ballpartk we went. The game started at 615, so we went for a leisurely drive first...My sister, her two boys, her friend Rod and I were in the truck and out of the youngster, Isaiahs mouth he says, Aunt Cindy, how old is Uncle Wain? I say he is 57 that he had just had a birthday....there was silence for a few moments and he said. At 57 arent you supposed to be getting ready for the retirement home? Well we of course all laughed and he thought it was really good that Uncle Wain could still play ball. I explained to him that some of the players were 80! So Isaiah was delighted he got to run and catch a few foul balls and he became Mr. Photographer although I had to send him back to take the pictures of the right guy...He said Oh I thought you were Uncle Wain.....we all had another good laugh. Anyway they lost the game but it did not matter as everyone all had fun. And of course what is a ballgame without icecream...So all was happy! Yesterday we went off to see Ice Age, dawn of the Dinosaurs....it was cute, I was not too sure about the 3D as it kinda gave me a headache...might be due to my cataplexy. Then last night we had a barbecue and played some botchi ball. I watched as I was just too tired...The boys definately have lots of energy. Anyway was thinking of you all and wanted to get a hello in. Be Back soon.