Imagine that!

As I sat, listening to yet another interpretation of the new AARP program "Life Reimagined", I heard the presenter discuss triggers...those things in your life that precipitate change.  It got me thinking.  I have a variety of triggers.  Lately, thanks to this hangy-on cold, I haven't slept well, so I eat.  Sometimes, when I feel a bit over stressed, I eat.  Whenever I'm angry, I eat!  If the weather changes, I eat.  Lots of triggers, the same result.  Face it.  I eat like a horse.  Is that why they call it a "Trigger"?  Roy Rogers, eat your heart out!  And the rest of you...know you are loved!

The artist

Of all the things I can't do, creating a piece of art ranks right at the top of my oh poop list.  I can see things.  I can visualize things.  I can be tempted to recreate these things in an artistic form.  But there is a significant disconnect when the attempt reaches my wrists.  My hands just don't get it.  My stick people are even hard to discern.  So I have learned to revel in the abilities of others.  What, you might ask, is the precipitor of this day's ramblings?  We are in Sioux Falls and this morning enjoyed the sculpture walk.  The walrus and calf were stunning.  The fat bird sang to me.  But the zebra...oh my god, the zebra.  What a stunning piece.  The power.  The coloring.  The mood.  It was something of which I will marvel for some time (Cathryn would not let me take it home!).  There were some I didn't understand.  There were some I understood but didn't like.  There were some that made me think my stick people might be okay (actually, that is a lie, but it sounded good!).  But each was unique.  Each was a vision, and each was a statement the kind of which I cannot make.  But I can and did enjoy!  If you can, create a piece of art.  If you can't, enjoy the work of others and make your life your masterpiece!  And always believe that you are loved!

Green

I hereby proclaim...I prefer green to white.  It was a perfect morning for a little exercise--a light breeze from the northeast.  The sun, shining brightly (at least part of the time).  The toilets in the park are open!  If I hadn't been running, I truly would have enjoyed the experience.  However, since I was, I had time to utilize my senses.  There truly was the scent of spring in the air.  At some point in my run, something was blooming, and it smelled divine.  (Or perhaps it was oxygen deprivation!)  Likewise, as I headed for home (the only enjoyable thing about running!) I noticed the grass.  What a gorgeous shade of green.  And I realized that just as the cold and dead season of winter was finally gone (at least until the next snowfall, possible at any time in South Dakota), the rebirth of plants and this animal were apparent.  Bring on the green!  I'm ready.  And you are loved!

Sing, sing a song

As I vegetate in front of the brain sucking tube, it strikes me.  Music.  My, how it can draw you in to a scene.  But this doesn't surprise me.  I've known for years what impact music has on my soul.  It can truly soothe the savage breast.  It can also arouse it!  Put "Old Time Rock and Roll" on the speaker and watch my feet move, my body twitch, and here me start to sing along.  Meat Loaf?  Oh yeah!  The amazing thing is, I also love the classics.  You should see me at a symphony concert (unless they are debuting a new original I don't get it piece!).  I groove.  I sing...okay.  I play the piano...okay.  I played brass...pretty well.  Music is a great part of my life.  So it's okay to vegetate, if only for the music, right?  Finally, an excuse!  Sing yourself a happy song and know you are loved!

The people we choose to love.

When teaching my career readiness class, we used to talk about making choices.  We choose with whom we become friends.  We choose the direction our employment heads.  We choose the diet we decide to follow.  We choose whether or not to accept the consequences of our choices.  And we choose the person with whom we will share all these choices.  I maintained then, as I do now, that is the most important choose we make!  I can truthfully say I have NEVER regretted my choice.  The woman I married is an amazing teacher, a caring family member, and a concerned citizen.  She accepts the fact that we are in control of our reactions.  She learned at an early age that if there is fault for something, there is usually enough to share.  She realizes the impact of positive reactions and remarks.  She has a deep, abiding faith and lives by the tenets of those beliefs.  Se sees the folly in foolish actions but the inherent good in the individual.  And she plays a wicked game of bridge!  To say that I am lucky would be an amazing understatement.  To say I love her would be the truth.  And I choose to tell the truth!

Phriday Phood Philosophy--the unexpected

Who knew that mayonnaise, pineapple, and carrots would come together in such a wonderful way?  Each ingredient falls into my "favorites" category (witness the three gallons of mayo sitting by our back door!).  But toss them together with a few other ingredients, and you get the most delightfully decadent carrot cake you can imagine.  Frost it with cream cheese frosting and you have a party of flavors waiting to explode on your first bite.  Sometimes the whole IS greater than the sum of its parts!  Give it a try and know you are loved!

SURPRISING CARROT CAKE 

2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple
2 c. shredded carrots
1/2 c. walnuts

Mix first 5 ingredients. Beat the next 4 ingredients separately. Add the two mixtures together. Beat well. Stir in the carrots and walnuts. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until tests done. 9x13 of 2 layer pans.

Clouds, moisture, wind, and

I don't recall when last I have been as impressed with the weather.  The winter?  It was cold.  And long.  The spring?  It has been cold.  And damp.  And windy!  When I looked out the window this morning, this is what I saw:

The orchid was a birthday gift two years ago.  Somehow, it has managed to survive and thrive.  It provides a constant reminder of the power of friendship!  No matter how blustery and cold it may be, the beauty and grace of this amazing plant brightens my soul!  So too do the well wishes and love of the quality friends I have been lucky enough to make.  Sometimes, when a day isn't quite what I want it to be, or things don't go just the way they are supposed to go, all it takes is a quick glance out the window to see what I really do have!  The eye is captured by the orchid, and the soul remembers the joy of the people by whom I am surrounded.  The day?  Well it's a lot brighter!  And I?  I am thankful!  Know you are loved!