Hummingbirds 2021

I started this summer looking forward to taking photos of the hummingbirds as they came to feed at our feeders.  Even though we did not change a thing from the previous years: same number of feeders (3) and same food, for some reason very few hummingbirds came to feed.

I've got my fingers crossed for next year, but in the meantime, thought I would share some of my favorite photos from previous years. 

 

 

 

Bless Her Little Heart

Every single morning when I let Missy out of her night crate, she takes two, maybe three steps, and then she is immediately on her back for her first belly rub of the day.  That is how Missy starts every single day - with a belly rub.  And it's how I start my day, rubbing Missy's belly. Belly rubs make Missy happy - they make her extremely happy.  And making Missy happy through belly rubs, makes me happy too.   

At any point during the day, inside or out, I see Missy "belly up". Missy is forever hopeful that a belly rub is in her near future and she lies in wait. I don't have the heart to refuse and she knows it! She knows that I once I see her little belly, I am powerless. I am simply unable to resist the lure of rubbing that little belly.  

I hope you are on the receiving end of your own "belly rubs" today.  Whatever form they take, I hope it is something that brings you joy and makes you smile. 💓😊      

  

Things I Keep - Cards

I've been spending the week cleaning out my studio.  Normally when I clean out my studio, I am cleaning out my crafting supplies.  However, this time, I am cleaning out my stuff.  I have lots of stuff. 

In earlier blog posts, I've shared that I have many sketchbooks filled with cards. articles and pictures that I want to keep.  In my studio closet I have a tub where I put the things that will eventually go into my sketchbooks. I've been adding items to the tub for the past five or six years - since we moved here - and it was finally time to tackle the tub. I used to do a better job of staying on top of this task, but now, it all just seems to get away from me and it doesn't get done.    

In my closet I also have two boxes of cards. If you have sent me a card or note in the past 25 plus years, chances are it's in one of these two boxes. I also used to do a better job of putting cards into my sketchbooks, but, well, that's slipped as well. 

     

First up - the tub. I've been going through and reading each item to see if it is really something I want to keep.  Sometimes the articles and pictures I saved were relevant for that period of time but not something that is relevant now. Those situations are easy, I don't need to save it, so I throw it away.  It's the boxes of cards that I am having a hard time with. Personal things are very, very difficult for me to part with. I want to keep them all.  

As I've gotten older, I find myself thinking about my stuff and what will become of it all after I have gone. I have no children and chances are pretty slim that anyone in my family will want any of this. And really, why should they? They have their own memories and 'stuff' and I certainly don't expect them to take on mine.  

 

There were several times during this past week when I felt overwhelmed with the volume, and I thought "Why bother?"  When the day comes and someone is going through my things, in all likelihood, it will all get thrown away anyway. It made me question and rethink what I was doing.  It made me wonder whether this project was worth my time and my energy. And then I realized that it was worth it.  And it was worth it because of the joy it brought me. Deep down I realized that I was feeling joy. 

As I went through and read each card and note, I was able to recall the love I felt when I initially received the card all those years ago.  I was able to reconnect and remember people that have passed away, that I not longer work with or live near, and in some cases, people that I had somehow completely forgotten about as well. To be able to again feel this love and joy was very rewarding for me. 

Yesterday, I finished going through the tub and boxes of cards and began the next phase of putting the items into the sketchbooks.  When I'm done, I'll put them away upstairs - with the others. Will these things mean anything to anyone else? Most likely not, but they are one of my greatest treasures and I think they are definitely worth it. 

"Spider's Web"

One morning last week we had a heavy fog.  I was out walking Missy and saw this spider's web in my neighbor's Crepe Myrtle tree.  I brought Missy home and came back with my camera to take some pictures.  

Looking at the web, I love how delicate and intricate it is. I also appreciate the patience and work that went into creating it.  I love and admire the randomness of it while I also love the pattern and consistency of the design.

Such an amazing and fascinating gift from nature and God. 💓🙏

"Fifty-Nine"

I have a birthday next week and I will be turning 59. There isn't anything that I can say or write about aging that has not been said or written before. Some people are really bothered by it, some people fight it and some people, like me, don't think too much about it.  

My thoughts on aging are pretty non-existent, I really don't think too much about it. However, I would be lying if I said that I look at some of the changes going on and wish they weren't happening in quite this way, but mostly I don't obsess or worry too much about it. Getting older truly does not bother me or occupy much of my thoughts. 

I've accomplished a lot of things in my life that I am extremely proud of. There are also some things that I could have handled differently, but I believe we can all relate to that, hindsight being 20/20 and all. But the person I am now, what I am doing in my life right now, is the result of all that...the good and the bad. And it was all necessary to get me to this point in my life.

I am never going to be stagnant in my thoughts or in my life. I am constantly moving forward and learning and I don't ever see that as changing. I am always, always, always going to be looking for the joy, the good and the positive in situations, in people and in life. I was not created to be anything less than the best I can be.  

I simply do not have time, energy or the desire to be dragged down by angry or negative people or situations. I just don't. There is so much good and positive in life to experience and I truly believe that what you focus on is what you will see. I will always choose to see the joy and the good. 

Getting this blog up and running again after a 5 year absence(!!!) was important to me. I want to make sure that I say it often, and clearly, I truly and sincerely appreciate each and every one of you that read my words and my thoughts and encourage me to write more. Sharing joy with people is extremely important to me and I thank you for allowing me to come into your life in this way.  You are helping me live a life filled with joy and I will never take that blessing for granted or not appreciate the privilege.

I said that I don't think much about aging, but I suppose, in a small way, I do.  I think about what time I have left. I have a very clear mission and goals for my life and I am determined to continue to live my best life in the years left. I will always be looking forward to what's next. 

I will be turning 59 years old next week.  As I've gotten older, birthday's seem to pass just like every other day and that's not a bad thing.  But I do hope, for this one day, there's cake. 💓😊

 

Pink Rain Boots

This morning at the library, while searching for a new novel, I heard a little voice a few aisles over singing, “It’s a small world after all… it’s a small world after all… it’s a SMALL world after all… it’s a small WORLD after all…” on repeat. The emphasis shifted each time, but the same line kept echoing. It was absolutely adorable, so of course I had to check it out.

I turned down the aisle and spotted a mother with a little girl, about five or six, cute as a button. She wore a white top, blue shorts, and pink rain boots, and kept singing with great enthusiasm, “It’s a small world after all... it’s a small world after allllllll...” without missing a beat, even with me there. I glanced at her mom, who offered an apologetic smile. Apologize for this? Oh, not at all—I told her she was absolutely adorable. The little girl was singing and doing little twirls in the aisle, all the while looking down at her pink rain boots.  I told her that I LOVED her boots and she stopped and rewarded me with the biggest smile and said "They're new!".  "Well", I said, "They are fabulous!  And, you are quite a good little singer too."  Another big smile!  And then she continued singing and dancing...."It's a SMALL world after all....it's a small world after ALLLLLL....."

Her mom thanked me for noticing and mentioning it to her. She said, "They’re new, and she hasn’t taken them off for the past two weeks!" Bless her little heart.

Driving home, thinking about that little girl, I realized what a beautiful glimpse of joy I had just witnessed. As we go through life, some days we’re the ones wearing the new pink rain boots, and other days we just hope someone notices them. Either way, life can be so wonderfully full of joy.

Missy and Piper

A couple of days a week, we welcome Piper to the Alden home.  Piper is a sweetheart and we love having her spend her day with us. It's been so much fun to see her and Missy get to know each other and become friends. This sweet gal has quickly endeared herself to us.

1

As bratty as Missy can sometimes be 2, I thought she would be a little put off by having another dog in the house all day. This has not been the case at all. Despite Missy always having to know where Piper is at all times - she has been a gracious host. 

Our Piper days usually start with us all going for a walk together.  It was a bit tricky at first, getting used to walking two dogs, but we (I) figured it out and we now have a good rhythm and do quite well.

Piper likes to lead us, so I give her enough leash so she can escort us around the neighborhood. Truth be told, part of the reason I love to let her lead is because she has the sweetest little ears that bounce, bounce, bounce when she trots!  It just cracks me up to see them!  And to see her taking her 'job' so seriously 💓. Piper is super focused on leading her little troop.   

We are often joined by my friend Rose and her dog Brody. Rose is a good friend and Brody is just awesome too! Missy was his first dog friend and they adore each other.  They are all roughly the same size, and all the same temperament, so they have always gotten along great!  When we first meet on the hill, the three of them get updated on the latest news 3, get their ear scratches and then we are off.  Brody is still just young, but Rose has done a great job teaching him to walk on the leash and we all fall into a good flow - all led by Miss Piper.   

Once in a while, we will walk by something and all three of them make a bee-line to smell whatever it is that needs their IMMEDIATE attention.  I wish I knew what they "learn" when they smell so intently like this.  They sometimes need a little coaxing to move it along, but soon we are on our way again and having ourselves a nice walk. 

After about 20 minutes, we say good-bye to Rose and Brody and make our way back home.  Piper lives next door to us, but she knows that when she is out with Missy and I, she is going to be coming back to our house. I let her lead us home, down the driveway, through the garage and right to the door - and she does it with such determination and focus! Piper loves her mom, and misses her when she's gone, but I love that she is comfortable and that she enjoys coming home with us too.  😊

Besides the fact that Missy feels that it is necessary to repeatedly check on Piper, we all settle into a quiet and easy routine.  On the days when I am in the studio, Missy goes into her room and Piper settles under my table and soon falls asleep.  Every 20 minutes or so, Missy will come into the studio to be sure that Piper is not on the receiving end of any belly rubs.  She'll come in the room, look at Piper asleep at my feet and turn around and go back to her room.  Once Missy has determined that the situation is just as it should be, we are good for another 20 minutes or so. 

The first time Piper was with us, and I went to use the bathroom, Piper came into the bathroom with me.  Missy stood there from the doorway looking at her and was all like "Whoa, hold up there Piper! That is not cool. We don't actually go into the room with her - we just stand outside the door and stare at her."  Piper learned real quick and now she stands at the doorway with Missy and they both stare at me. I'm not sure that Piper understands Missy's rule either, but she abides by it. 

When it's not too hot, we all sit outside in the backyard.  They both get settled into their favorite spots and we are good for a while. It's easier for Missy to keep on eye on Piper outside so I think she prefers this arrangement much better too. 

Every once in a while they hear a noise that needs to be investigated in the yard. We are secluded with large evergreens so they actually have to get out in the yard to see anything. But they do, and it's synchronized guard duty.  They both get up - they don't bark - they just go to access the situation to see if barking is required.  It cracks me up how they both go trotting down to the end of the sidewalk like they rule the world, not just our backyard. Piper usually monitors the east side while Missy takes the west side - apparently they have worked out these details earlier.  They stay there until they determine that 1) It was nothing that requires their action, or most likely, 2) There was nothing out there at all to begin with, and they come back. They return strutting back down the sidewalk, acting like they saved me from unspeakable neighborhood horrors. I let them enjoy their victory. It's good to be safe and I do appreciate their dedication and attention on the behalf of my safety.

We spend a great portion of the day going outside. And, we spend a great portion of the day coming inside.  Despite the pitiful look on their faces, please know that they wanted to go outside.  But now, they want to come inside. Piper always stands at the door and Missy stands behind her. I believe that Missy has convinced Piper that she has a better shot of looking neglected and sad then she does, so she places her up front. It works. They are soon back in the house.

When I open the door to let them in, Missy just saunters on by Piper and comes in first.  Piper waits a few seconds and then leaps over the threshold.  She leaps in and she does it with such flourish!  She was outside and that was awesome, and now she is inside and that is awesome too!  This little gal just delights me! 

During all the time that Piper has been spending time with us, there has only been one little incident and Missy had to lay down 'the law'.  Missy will share her home, her mom and dad, her water dish and her walks, but she will not share Lambchop. 

Out of the 347 +/- toys that Missy owns, Lambchop is her very favorite toy. It was given to her by Carol, and Missy thinks Carol hung the moon. I don't believe that Piper was even going to play with Lambchop, she just got near Lambchop and that was all Missy needed to see.  She let Piper know pretty quick that Lambchop is off limits. And Piper is a quick learner, she hasn't gone near Lambchop, or any of her other toys, since. 

I've enjoyed watching Missy and Piper interact and getting to see their different personalities.  It fascinates me how they communicate and how in sync they seem to be with each other.  It's been a great experience and I appreciate Piper's mom, Sheila, for a letting her spend her days with us. 💓

1. Pre-haircut pictures

2. It's true. Bless her heart

3. read: sniffing

Random Thoughts VI

It's been a while.....

Sometimes, but not every time, Missy will bring her treat over to the rug and roll all over it before she eats it.  I tried that with my Oatmeal cookie. Honestly, I don't know what the appeal is. 

I used to have 30 coffee mugs in my house but I realized that I only really used one.  My criteria for choosing a coffee mug used to be that I had to like the design or the saying on the outside.  Now, in the wisdom of age, I know that the thickness of the mug is key. The mug has got to be thick to keep the coffee warm.  Which brings me to.....

I do not like cold coffee. I have never had a iced coffee but I don't need to try it to know I won't like it.  Now, I know there are 74 trillion people that LOVE cold or iced coffee and I say "Rock on", not this gal.  I will drink my coffee as it cools and I will finish up the coffee cold, but I can not just dive right into cold coffee. Not happening. 

Why don't we call all meat what it is when it is used for consumption?  We don't say "Want a Cow" or "Some Pig"?  We do it for chicken and most fish, but you rarely see anything labeled as "Cow" or "Pig".  Weird. 

"I won't betray people for money" was the answer Jamie Lee Curtis gave when she was asked why she won't write a tell-all.  Love this!  Way up high "high five" Jamie Lee!

When I am taking the stairs next to someone who is on the escalator, and I beat them to the top.... I'm not generally a competitive person, but I will say that I have been known to give myself some mental "high-fives". 

And, while we are on this subject. I'm a very nice person and I am a very kind hearted person. But, I gotta tell you, when I am in traffic and I choose the lane that is fastest and we are going by the other lane standing still, I don't actually say it, but I do sometimes think "Suck it!"  Right then and there, I am the Queen of Picking Lanes.

The waitress/waiter who refills your water glass or coffee cup without you having to ask her to... that is someone who is GREAT at their job and paying attention. 

Do not ever EVER Google any skin issues you may be having.  And please do not ever use "Images".  There is never your skin issue pictured but you will be exposed to things you can't easily forget. 1  

Have you noticed that the word "cough" sounds like a cough?  And the word "sneeze" sounds like a sneeze 2.  They could have very easily been named "Klinker" or "Lorky" but they are named for what they sound like.  I'm sorry, I find this cool! 

I love when survey's ask me to name my age in years.  Because I was totally going to answer "30,505,054 minutes" 

Anticipation!  I could live on the anticipation building up to a Key West vacation for longer than the 10 days we spend there. 

I never knew what "Piddling" was until I moved to the South.  Come to find out, I'm pretty good at it. 

You want to get vaccinated? Great! You don't want to get vaccinated? Fabulous!  You want to wear a mask?  Go you!  You don't want to wear a mask?  Rock on.  If it's a rule or law, I'll abide by it, but if the action is my choice, it is my choice, not yours.  Just like it is your choice and not mine.  My business is not your business and your business is not my business. 

"We all need hope, but sometimes we need help finding it.  Be the person who helps others find their hope - live beautifully."  I don't know where I read this or who wrote it, but LOVE it.

Call me a rebel, but I am not going to go through your little maze of cones and ropes if there is no one waiting in line. I'm by-passing all that there and going right to the cashier. 3

I apologized to Missy for inheriting my back issues and my sensitivity to medication and she told me that she wished she was adopted.  

We used to be able to turn the volume up just-a-smidge.  Now, now you have to go in increments.  I'm sorry but sometimes I need the 12.5.

So, can I just say this?  Now that there are no masks, I am back to worrying about bad breath and boogers. 4

In the morning we have the news on and I can hear the weather 6 times and still have to ask Bill "Is it going to rain today?"  When did weather get so complicated?  We have radar maps, satellite maps, graphs and Doppler this and that. It's all just more information than I need to know.  Pretty much my concern is "Sun or rain?". Simple. 

Doesn't matter who you are, when you start out the sentence with "I had the weirdest dream last night...", unless it is really WACKY, most times I'm tuning you out. 5

When I was getting my tour of the gym yesterday, I met a 96 year old man named, I believe, Willie.  Mara told me that he is there almost every day. I just know that we are going to be best friends. 

Bill will use two Q-tips and I refill the glass with 8.  I can't help it... I'm a 'filler". 

I sometimes kibitz about my age, but really I am younger than I thought I would be at this age. 

Bill is a 'whistler' and will whistle at random times while he is working. It is adorable. I don't know many people who still whistle. 

"Some people are never happy. And that's not your problem. It's theirs".

1. You are welcome

2. You tried it didn't you? 😄

3. Yup, I'm trouble

4. Mine and someone else's

5. Sorry 

And finally, Missy has a "Thank you" for those that rub her belly!