THE AGE OF SAGE!

Winds of Change Are Blowing!

2011-02-15T10:05:00.003-06:00

The winds of CHANGE are blowing and my life will never look the same as it does today!

This beautiful field of winter wheat in the Texas Panhandle is a monument to change of seasons, growth, temperature and rain and snow gauges! Even the sky colors change as the sun moves on its tilt!

This thistle is one of the most beautiful wild flowers in Texas! It is filled with tiny thorns below the gorgeous purple blossom. Thistles bloom spring and summer and I cut them with heavy gloves on and create gorgeous bouquets for my dinner table.

The swirl of the earth moving around the Universe - oh bring on the Changes and I will ride the chariot as I swim the flow of life!
Changes coming my way:
*love and romance!
*work
*book publication
*keynote speaking engagements
*finances
*facilitating women with their personal issues.
*wealth, health, love and perfect self expression!
Change - I welcome you!

Loved Ones on Valentines Day 2011

2011-02-13T08:50:00.006-06:00

January 2011, Christmas 2010 Catch UP!

2011-01-16T09:18:00.006-06:00

Molly, the only girl child of the youngest generation!
Holding her space and Christmas gifts at the family exchange party!

Jim Bob, aka as Boo Boo! Holding the certificate of quality of the beef steaks he had as a Glad Gift!

Justin wearing my Christmas hat and giving it a 2 thumbs up!

Joe Jr.s Texas red chili for our Christmas family gathering. OMG, it may have been the best he has ever prepared!

Denise, the niece, extraordinaire!

Sharon in all her splendor and patiently waiting to grab her gift!

Joan Michelle in her new velveteen jacket and reading glasses purchased in Shamrock!
Shopping extravaganza!

The Young Generation - Caden, Mathew, Molly and Aiden

This young buck wrapped in mink! OH does it get any better?

Camily and Jennifer, cousins and mothers of the young generation!
Simply Gorgeous!

Moi and Joan Michelle - ready with smiles and anticipation of our Christmas dinner!

Judith Ann had a grand bag of goodies in her Glad party bag! This fabulous hat on my head and a brilliant log starter for my fire place!

Merry Christmas 2010!
Happy New Year 2011!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-05T18:29:00.003-06:00

My Christmas Tree
Santa Claus is comin' to town!

Book Excerpt

2010-11-30T19:17:00.003-06:00

Do you celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is celebrated around the world in many different ways and customs. In many countries it is a public or national holiday and is commercial in nature with no religious overtones. In North and South America, United Kingdom and much of Europe, it is a widely celebrated holiday.

Christmas spending in the United States accounts for 40% of the annual sales for many retailers. Many holiday shoppers in the US hold out until the last minute for the best deal. Children still write letters to Santa Claus hoping for that one gift that will make or break their belief in Mr. Claus.

As a young child growing up in a family with 5 children, my parents strived to give each of us at least one fantasy gift. My mother loved Christmas and made the holidays as bright and beautiful as possible. We celebrated with outside decorations and lights, beautiful tree decorations and a major culinary production!

Mother would set the table with her pink china, silver and serving dishes she saved for special occasions. Her happiest Christmases were when all children and grandchildren had gathered in her home for the holiday. Food was and is a dynamic component of our family’s love for each other and Christmas created a joy of cooking and eating next to none.

Christmas dinner consisted of bone-in ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, home made yeast rolls, salad with Mother’s famous blue cheese salad dressing, and relish trays! Both my mother and father were excellent cooks and bakers. Mother made pie crust from scratch and Daddy made home made mincemeat for pies. She used real whipped cream to plop on top of the mincemeat, pecan and pumpkin pies. Her famous

Gifts came after the meal and as our family was so large, we drew names to offset the cost of buying for over 16 people! When I was younger the day was all about the gifts, today the gift is being with my family and the circle of love my mother so strongly relished in and passed on to her children.

My celebration of Christmas is so different today than when I was younger. I participate in my family’s annual gathering, usually at my brother’s home in Shamrock, Texas. Mother and Daddy are both dead so we all share the cooking now. We still draw names and relish knowing that one of the 3 gifts we have asked for will be in a beautifully wrapped package.

The commercial message of Christmas has a very loud voice. Those damn Hallmark advertisements should be banned from television. The message I hear, and forgive me if this is not the message, “there is something wrong with me if I am not with the one I love or don’t receive the gift of my dreams…..blah, blah, blah.”

I have been alone on Christmas day and because of the family tradition of being with those I love, those days are perhaps the loneliest I have ever spent. I vowed after several Christmases alone I would create my own traditions. Let no one fool you with “It’s just another day.” Alone, it is the loneliest day of the year!

My celebration is about Universal Love. I celebrate in a way that gives meaning to me on a personal level. I donate money in the names of friends and family to local charities. I send money to friends who struggle financially. I send seasonal cards with stamps praying to the Universe for peace and goodwill to all and a better year to come. On Christmas day I prepare dinner for my single friends who would be alone otherwise. Sharing this day with others gives me a sense of hope and that I am doing my part for humanity.

Whatever you do to celebrate Christmas, do it with joy and happiness. At the day's end when my dinner guests are gone, the dishes are done, the table and chairs have been reset, I feel joy and happiness of having shared this day with others. Alone is not a state of mind on Christmas Day.

Full MOON Desires!

2010-11-20T18:03:00.002-06:00

Full Moon Rising in a brilliant pink and blue horizon!

What is your full moon desire?

Full Moon Peeking Through the Trees ready for your Desire!

Full Moon Ritual

"Goddess Artemis, Goddess of the moon in all her glory, I call upon you this evening. On this night the moon shines bright. Such a thing of beauty to bestow upon my sight. I honor the moon in all its power, I show my respect for it in this witching hour. As the moon grows and dies, it is a reflection of every single life. Goddess Artemis I thank you for allowing me to appreciate this wonder as I carry in my heart the image of the maiden, crone, and mother."

Take a glass of wine or juice in your hand. Say, "I offer in respect this drink for you. As I drink it may you so drink it. As I taste it may you so taste it. As I say, so shall it be." Take a sip from your glass. Meditate and reflect now on the symbol of the full moon (look up at it if you have it in plain view). Reflect on the mysterious beauty of the moon. Reflect on life itself as it is reflected by the stages of the moon. As you reflect, sip from your glass. While you sip, state your Desire and ask the moon to bring it forth easily and effortlessly! It is done.

About

2010-11-19T16:33:00.006-06:00

Be Bold!
This is a picture of the Spanish Skirt Cliffs
in Palo Duro Canyon!
Your life can be this BOLD!

DABBLING IN DRAPERY!

2010-11-07T21:56:00.003-06:00

One million hugs and kisses to my sister, Joan, for designing and making my new drapes that are now hanging beautifully over the french doors to my patio!

And of course, hugs and kisses to Mark, my hero, who hung the rods with ease! (Mark must come by and let me get a picture of him for this blog!)

Check out the drapery mistress's hands!

Hung with care!

Ouch, these are hot tamale drapes!

After Picture of Miss Ooh La La!
The Drape Lady!

Bed Time for Flo and Dante

2010-11-04T20:26:00.003-05:00

The sun is setting and the cats will be getting ready for bed! Hurry, it's almost time to watch reruns of "Felix the Cat!"

Hey, I'm comin' in - but you gotta come and look at the idiot dog in the park. He's chasing his own tail!

Okay Dude, I've had my shower, brushed my teeth and I am ready to pop in the bed. Where is that Flo - she hides at bedtime.

I love the fish towel to sleep on - I dream about fish all night long!

Flo makes a great pillow, night night!

Rainy, Autumn Afternoon

2010-10-21T15:28:00.005-05:00

Autumn Afternoon

It is raining today in the Texas Panhandle, the sky is grey with patches of blue popping through. Throughout the afternoon, there have been loud claps of thunder, endless rain and cool temps requiring socks and layered teeshirts!

I have been writing and editing my book most of today and Dante and Flo have a variety of cat activities! At one point, I heard a cat cry but couldn't find the cat! I walked into the kitchen, following the cat cries and found Flo behind closed cabinet doors meowing and clawing on the inside! I suppose she had been there for almost 30 minutes!

Dante has been under the bed for at least 4 hours. He detests thunder, refuses to go out in the rain and treats Flo like a stepcat, which in fact she is, but don't tell Flo!

I hoped you enjoyed this visual picture of our Rainy, Autumn Afternoon!

A picture from my front porch.

Flo is begging to go out, she has meowed nonstop for seconds!

Flo on the front porch all puffed up from the cold, she now wants in!

Flo is happy now but she won't look at the camera!

I caught Dante unaware of the camera while he licking his chops, he is under the bed!

Dante, The Devil Cat!

Taos Center for the Arts $1500 Raffle WIN!

2010-10-04T09:41:00.009-05:00

I WON!

Every year I try to buy a raffle ticket for the TCA annual fund raiser and did so for their 2010 event. I support the TCA mission and the outrageous and delicious visual, performing and media arts TCA brings to Northern New Mexico. Rock on TCA!

I won the fabulous $1500 raffle prize donated by Mattress Mary from the Sleep Sanctuary of Taos ! Can you imagine my surprise when I heard the phone message from Ron Usherwood that I had won? I imagine my surprise was as big as Ron's and Brad Hockemyer when Mary drew my name as winner. Having lived in Taos from 1994 - 2005, I had personal and professional relationships with both Ron and Brad and now living in Amarillo, Texas, we were drawn together again with this big WIN!

Enjoy my blog and vicariously enjoy my shopping extravaganza with Mattress Mary and make plans to buy a ticket for TCA's 2011 fund raiser. YOU may be the big winner!

Mattress Mary and Moi!
Mary is a tall drink of water!

I was deciding on bedding for my master bedroom in Amarillo, so many choices with only so much space in my car to carry them all back!

I chose the red bedspread and beautiful shams for my master bedroom.
Do any of you recognized Carol Pelton's artwork on the walls. At one time Carol was married to Jim Wagner. The painting over my bed is a portrait of me that Carol painted in her tiny studio on Ledoux street in 1992!

More choices for my guest bedroom. Not only did I choose linens, I chose towels, shower curtain, lamps, and soaps! You may think it is easy to spend $1500 in a few hours! Try it!

I love this green comforter, shams and throw pillows for my guest bedroom! And the geico lamp is so much fun! Kathy Hall, Taos realtor and a BFF, recently visited me in Amarillo and her exact words were "The bed linens and bath towels are better than a Four Seasons Hotel!" I know why Kathy is such a successful Taos realtor!

Thank you TCA and Mattress Mary for my beautiful winnings!

TRI STATE FAIR AMARILLO 2010 EXTRAVAGANZA!

2010-09-20T09:36:00.006-05:00

Every year since 19?? whenever I am in Amarillo, I go to the Tri State Fair in Amarillo! This year I went with Elvin and Angela Lamb, may I just say,
"A good time was had by All!"

Entrance to the Spook House!

Elvin and Angela!

Lone Star snorting Hog! This hog snorted just like a pig!

Elvin loves games. This game has 24 squares of different colors and the object is to place your coin on a color and spin the wheel with the colors. If the wheel lands on your color you win. Elvin, bought $24.00 of coins and put them on each colored square! He won with banana yellow!

The colored game square prize! Angela, squealed with delight and soon thereafter the win, spotted a beautiful little girl and gifted her with the bear! Elvin is available for hire to be your host at the fair and insure a FUN time!

Angela and me after eating corndogs, curly fries and pretzels! Fat and Salt!
Yummy! A state of bliss!

Just one of the cute Potter County Sheriff's Department Deputies!

I found a herd of Potter County Sheriffs! I felt so safe! These are BIG guys!

Elvin and Deputy Cotton - he found this deputy so he could be just like me!

Elvin drinking sweet tea after a corndog and curly fries!

The ferris wheel we did not ride!

Elvin riding on the camel! He resembles Lawrence of Arabia!

Elvin climbing on board!

Lucille, the camel! She loved Elvin!
Happy 2010 Fair Night!

The Garden Party Pose!

2010-09-16T10:55:00.003-05:00

This fab picture was taken at a garden party!

Learning How to Use the Dashboard

2010-09-10T15:54:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I still have more to learn - I gotta find a blog designer! Any ideas

Hot Damn!
I just learned how to post 2 pictures on the same space on my blog!
I am so happy, I am gonna do it again!

Texas Panhandle Evenng Sky!

2010-09-01T20:40:00.002-05:00

Brilliant colors of the sun setting and the thunder storm clouds rolling into Amarillo!

Magnificent Clouds that brought tears to my eyes, the clouds were rollin' around and the sun just kept on setting.

One last shot of the beauty!

The entrance to my beautiful home - the begonias just keep on blooming!

Flo was outside watching me take pictures of the sky and she begged for her pic to be included! How could I resist?

Princess Party Posts!

2010-08-29T10:41:00.005-05:00

Issac and Judith go "toe to toe!"

Stephanie, Issac, Princess Christi and Edward
(small children in the background)
party guests with Guest of Honor!

Elmo was groovy with his red hair and black suspenders!
Elmo lives!

Brennan, Gabi, Michael
the small babes in action!

More guests with Princess Christina!

Judith and Issac - self portraits!

Danny, the sexy Guy!

The Princess Extraordinaire!

BFF!
Oh my, these babes are forever young!

Adios Princess Christina
Safe journey to California!

Art in the Making!

2010-08-22T19:49:00.003-05:00

Don't you love my new patio set! I am creating these funky pieces outside using resale shop jewelry treasures!

Getting ready includes taking earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc apart and having loads of fabulous jewels. The first piece I made is the "Dream" piece!

Okay, I got a little carried away with the treasures!
It looks great in living color!

A "C" jewel for my friend, Christina, who is returning to Palm Desert in a few days!
This is a treasure of love for her!

A cross I painted red and used tiny and large jewels to depict the vastness of Spirit!

So, which one do you like best?
And let me know what you want for your own piece!!
xo

Flo and Dante on Sunday Evening - Happy CATS!

2010-08-22T19:19:00.003-05:00

Saint Francis - Saint of Animals! He stands silently in my Garden and watches over Flo and Dante!

Flo - inching her way home!

Flo, in the rock garden - she loves this spot next door!

The King of the Kingdom!
Dante!
Laying in front of my Goddessdom Home!

Dante, having a drink after the outside adventure!

2010-08-17T16:07:00.002-05:00

Morning Sunrise! taken out my front door - angel wings spread wide open to capture the beauty of the Universe!

Family Party!

2010-07-14T19:40:00.005-05:00

Elvin and Angela leaving the family party, they have been married longer than any of us and are still madly in love!

The Elder Statemen - Joe in the Paradise Marine Shirt
Elvin in the usual blue western shirt!

More elders! Jim Bob, brother in law married to my sister, Joan.
Joseph, famous brother married to Judith Ann!

Joan, sister and beauty queen!

Judith Ann, married to Joe, behind her! Isn't she having fun!

Elvin Lamb, the true Elder of the family! Does he look like he will 70 on July 21? Of course he does not! He is married to Angela, my cousin!

Denise, my niece, and Angela, married to Elvin! Oh my Angela and I prepared the meal and she was the chef extraordinaire!

Family: Joan in black and white, Jennifer - daughter to Joe and Judith Ann, Camily - daughter to Jim Bob and Joan, and Sharon our sister!

Bekki, daughter to Joe and Judith Ann, Jennifer, Camily and can you see Denise in the background - enjoying old, I mean old, family photos!

June 2010 - Life Exploding on the SCENE!

2010-07-08T18:19:00.005-05:00

I spent my 62nd birthday with my friend, Dorla, who I have known for 40 years. Her husband, Irving, took me to dinner in Houston at the Hummingbird Bistro!

Dorla and me at the Starbucks at the corner of Southwest Freeway and Buffalo Speedway! This is OUR coffee spot in Houston!

I spent a week in Galveston at a fabulous beach house - below is a picture of the sunset over Galveston Bay!

A gorgeous hand painted window on the Strand in downtown Galveston!

Phyllis and Charles, owners of the house I rented for the week.
Wonderful couple, wonderful home!

Perfect Beach Getaway for MOI!

I moved from Pine Street to
Westcliff Parkway
(pics of new home coming soon!)

2010-03-31T20:08:00.003-05:00

Camily, my niece, tagged me with this fun script! So here goes!

The 3's of Me:

Three Names I Go By:
1. Judith
2. Judith Irene
3. Judy

Three Jobs I Have Had in My Life:
1. ride operator at Wonderland Amusement Park
2. Cocktail waitress, (one shift)
3. Gorgeous Woman

Three Places I Have Lived:

1. Amarillo, Texas
2. Durant, Oklahoma
3. Taos, New Mexico

Favorite Drinks:

1. Crystal light peach tea
2. Iced Tea
3. icy diet coke

Three TV Shows I Watch:

1. The Big Bang Theory
2. PBS Mystery Theater
3. Entertainment Tonight (am I embarrassed or what!)

Three Places I've been:

1. Aspen, CO
2. The Island of Majorca
3. New York City

Three of My Favorite Foods:

1. Blue Corn Shrimp Enchiladas from Orlando's in Taos
2. Fried Egg Sandwich
3. Lobster Bisque

Three Cars I Have Owned:

1. A Cadillac
2. A Honda Accord Coup
3. A Lincoln MKZ

Things I Hate Doing:

1. Going to work
2. Riding roller coasters
3. Going on a First Date

Three Places to Find Me on the Weekend:

1. In my flower gardens
2. Drinking coffee in bed in the morning
3. Movie Theater if the weather is cold, rainy or dreary

Three Movies I Have Seen in the Theater Recently

1. Crazy Heart
2. Up in the Air
3. It's Complicated

Three Places I Would Like to Visit:

1. Italy
2. Greece
3. Bali

Three people I tag to do this:

1. Christy
2. Cyndi
3. JJ

Taos and Kathy's Debut at 50!

2010-03-29T09:30:00.002-05:00

Kathy sang professionally for 10 years and after 25 years SHE debuted in Taos with her new band, Kathy and the Cruisers!
Rock & Roll!

Robert and Kathy

Robert and Moi!
My good friend of 20 years!
What fun we had dancing to Kathy's band!

Kathy! The STAR!

Kathy was groovin' to
"One More Bottle of Wine!"

CAPTAIN CABERET EVENT!

2010-03-10T19:20:00.007-06:00

Maggie and Charles, just drove in from Santa Fe, ready for dinner!

Joanie, Maggie, Charles at dinner!

Pattilou, the Queen!

Charles and Judith!

Joanie and Maggie checking out the event location, and it was oh so perfect!

The organist, Margaret, in her element! Oh, what a gift her private concert was for me!

Pattilou, Charles, Joanie - such beautiful people!

Pattilou and Sharon, my sissy!

Praising the Goddess on High!

Cha! Cha! Cha!

The Maestro! His Fine Self!

Maestro, Margaret and Stan!

Maestro and Flo - a relaxed artist after a fried egg sandwich with tomato and avocado!

Maggie in her splendor!
What a night to remember!

Shamrock Swap!

2010-03-09T20:07:00.004-06:00

And a River Runs Through!

Oh My Stars, where did it all come from?

Judith Ann bartering with one of the Swap Beauties!

Treasures everywhere! I wanted it all!

And Let the Swap Fun Begin!

And Who might this be in camos!

Judith Ann and Beckie giving swap orders!

The Shamrock Swap Beauties!

V A L E N T I N E C A T S !

2010-02-14T18:20:00.003-06:00

DANTE, THE KING!

MISS FLO, HIDING IN THE PILLOWS!

Ah, the massage was geeerrraaat!

PEEK A BOO!

MISS FLO IS FINISHING HER CPA CERTIFICATION!

Happy Valentine's Day!
Dante and Flo send these pics for your enjoyement!

SNOW CATS

2010-02-07T19:21:00.007-06:00

Miss Flo trotting across the snow filled back yard!

Miss Flo peering through the holes that were made as the snow melted and dripped from the roof!

Where is that darn mouse! - Dante wanted so badly to step in and just could not bring himself to take the risk!

DANTE, THE KING!

SNOW CATS!

January 30, 2010 - the full moon!

HOUSTON VISIT!

2010-01-28T08:37:00.006-06:00

Meet Dorla!
My BFF of 38 years!
Picture taken at the Houton airport upon arrival!

Lillie pads at The Green downtown Houston! January 22, 2010 and lillies in the water!

Dorla giving instructions to the waiter! Me First!

Gorgeous Me at Starbucks outside in the 80 degree weather! You gotta luv Houston in January!

Dorla and moi deciding on "The Slice" salad for dinner! Isn't she beautiful!

"THE SLICE"
served with Spanish blue cheese that is the best I have EVER put in my mouth! OMG!

THE REEF
downtown Houston, see the name of the restaurant at the top of the pic!

Debbie, Dorla's daughter, brought me a "Day at the Beach" in a box!
I swear, I didn't wear that sweater every day!

Dorla and Irving, husband of the decade! Outside The Reef - he said a very naughty word before I took this picture!
I love Irving!

Dorla relaxing in the indoor atrium. She designed the marble table for this space - simply fabulous inside her townhouse!

Debbie and Dorla hiding behind their place mats after a dinner of steaks and salad in Dorla's fab dining room! The only meal we ate at home!

THE END!

Six la la give away!

2010-01-27T20:40:00.001-06:00

http://6lalas.blogspot.com/2010/01/giveaway.html

Go to the above website and see the beautiful give away from the 6 la las!

xo
jfp

Kathy's Visit and Palo Duro Canyon

2010-01-17T17:59:00.004-06:00

Flags welcoming to the Palo Duro Canyon!
Kathy came to visit from Taos and I took her to Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo for a visit of this spectacular spot! A perfect day of 60 degrees and no wind!

Canyon Vistas - so beautiful!

WELCOME TO PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK

This is a called a "creek" in the Texas Panhandle - it was such a beautiful scene with the water flowing through and the sun beams bouncing off the water!

WOW! look at that view!

Kathy under the old cottonwood tree in the dead of winter!

ADIOS!

MKZ

2010-01-10T15:08:00.006-06:00

MKZ, I love my MKZ!

My MKZ beeps when I am backing up and I get tooooo close to an object! No more unsightly scratches on my bumper!

Interior for a Goddess!

The black chariot - rides like a floating gondole in Venice!

My Big Brother!

2009-12-24T19:04:00.011-06:00

Judith, Sharon, Joan, (sisters) Joe (brother!) Note Joe's excitement in having his picture taken with his sistas!

Tip, Joe's Best Friend
Note, Tip has his own special camouflage blanket that he sleeps on when he isn't pointing and fetching birds or riding with Joe in his pickup!

While the 14 people were opening gifts Joe was napping!

Dinner is served in wild kingdom!

Joseph preparing his plate!

The McQuay family gathering is coming to an end - Joe in his chair sitting quietly and contented! Ho! Ho! Ho!
I love my Big Brother!

BIG, TEXAS BIG

2009-12-16T20:02:00.008-06:00

My shadow! I stopped to fill the rental car with gas and the wind was blowing so hard my shadow jumped out in front of me and started running down the street! I chased it for a block and gave up. If you find my shadow give her hug!

Grain Elevators near Tulia, Texas!

The Texas Panhandle is flat and in the winter, brown. The only thing between the North Pole and the Panhandle is barb wire!!!!!!!!!!!

Yippee Cyyo, Yippee Cyya! Yep the name of the WTA&M Football Stadium is
BUFFALO STADIUM!

THE LONG HIGHWAY!

THIS WAS MY TRUSTEE RENTAL CAR!
CHEVY MALIBU - COLOR IT GREY!

A Day in Texas!

I drove to Lubbock today for a meeting and realizing I had my digital camera in my purse I decided to share some of the picuresque scenery on the return trip to Amarillo!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?

Head Cold!

2009-12-12T21:36:00.002-06:00

I have a head cold.
My nose is drippy, my head hurts, fever is floating around my eyes and face. I have a head cold! I've drunk hot water and lemon, eaten scrambled eggs and toast. I have a head cold. I taken aspirin, sucked cough drops and rubbed Vicks on my chest and my feet. I have a head cold. I have on my flannel pajamas with leopard print and red roses, my red wool socks and Grandma Irene's cotton undershirt. I am off to bed in a few minutes. I dashed to United Market Street late this afternoon for soup and when I saw these tiger lilies my Soul grabbed them right up. I feel better already.
I have a head cold!

Restraint of tongue, pen, email and texting............

2009-12-08T09:41:00.007-06:00

Have you ever wished you hadn't said it or sent it after the fact? OMGoddess, I have!

We all know the immediacy of engaging our tongue to form words that came from thoughts after feelings erupted the notion of "I just gotta say something!" Said it and immediately knew it shouldn't have been said.

What about email, text, twitting, Facebook - technology offers an immediate platform to say WTF we feel without thinking about the effect on the recipient. OMGoddess, I have written email and sent it and soon wished I hadn't. I'm not much of a texter - have Twitter account that is seldom used and Facebook mostly for recreation.

Technology just exaggerates my lack of restraint when my feelings are hurt, triggered, disappointed.................! So the platform of technology is NOT the problem. And if it isn't the problem, then what is?

Or perhaps I should say what is the solution! I am practicing restraint - restraint of tongue, pen, cell phone, email, and yeah, even land line - my fav therapist, MH, taught me "The response to a stimulus says nothing about the stimulus and everything about the response!" I practice not responding - I understand the stimulus is not about me. My response is about me.

So, I'm practicing restraint by breathing in before I respond, keeping a questionable email for 24 hours before making the final decision to hit Send, letting go of the need to defend myself - is that called being mature? not taking everything so damn personal (rule 62!) and last but not least - honoring my feelings without letting them control me!

Restraint!

WTF does 61 mean?

2009-12-04T08:38:00.005-06:00

I was invited by my friend, Issac, to speak to his Multicultural class he is taking to acquire his Masters in Counseling. My topic was Being Sixty! I had the opportunity to listen to Issac's group discuss concerns professional councelors may face with people 65 and over.

OMGoddess! What planet did these young people get off of? Who are these people they described as "older!" Where did that word "older" originate? Who is "older" and who isn't? My blood was boiling. I realized these young (35-50) students were siting statistics that were taken from pharmacuetical websites; government websites; university websites;....................researchers that substantiate statistics for their grant funding. Okay, perhaps a few points were accurate but most were myths about getting older.

You see, I ponder about the numbers of my age getting higher because they mean so little to me. Emotionally and physically I feel better today at 61 than I did at 41. The obvious changes are those that cause the most curiosity! Grey hair (which I love!) ;; a bit of weight gain ;; 1, well maybe 2 wrinkles around my eyes :: blah, blah, blah! The obscure changes are those that MATTER :: more love and tolerance of others :: eating pecan pie at Thanksgiving ;; nevering wear a pair of size 4 Cruel Girl Jeans again :: watching the snow geese in the late evening return to the lake :: never sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring :: knowing love is the key rather than money :: laughing :: smiling :: being happy rather than right :: elastic waist bands :: 7-8 hours of sleep a night :: giving and receiving :: minding my own business :: keeping my thoughts to mySelf :: talking rather than texting :: staying in touch with long time friends :: driving the speed limit (well maybe!) at least not having to be in front all the time! :: knowing the Universe does not put me center stage :: Spiritual life.

So I ask you, "What do you think 61 means?"

According to some I should be writing my epitaph and instead I am deciding if I will go to Taos to dance to Donnie Richmond and the Rifters at the Sagebrush on Dec 11 & 12! You can bet your sweet ass what I am going to choose!!!

Sassy, sexy and sixty - 0ne!

One with Goddess

2009-12-03T08:23:00.003-06:00

One With Goddess

I am one with Goddess every moment of every day. What does it mean to be one with Goddess? Is it a feeling in my heart? Is it an assurance deep within my soul? Perhaps it is an inner knowing that, regardless of appearances or circumstances, I am one with the peaceful, all-providing presence of Goddess .The word oneness implies a sense of belonging. I belong with Goddess. I am one with the spirit and pleasure of Goddess, the Spirit that is forever guiding me, encouraging me and sending me forth with assurance of never being alone! I am one with Goddess day and night. I know that Goddess and I are one and as I move into my day I bring forth happiness, joy, peace, prosperity and abundance.

She came to me and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Goddess is with you."

Thanksgiving Guests

2009-11-27T19:23:00.008-06:00

Ah, the fabulous hostess! I had such a grand time setting the table with the Friendly Village dishes, given to my grandmother and grandfather on their 50th wedding anniversary by my Mother, Irene McQuay! Meal preparation for my family and friends nourishes my soul!

Issac, who I adore!

A grand group of guests! Do you know anyone?

Angela Kay, my cousin, and Elvin Lamb, her husband! Elvin is a fascinating man, truly one could have a 24/7 conversation with him for 1 year and not hear it all!
Angela Kay is fascinating also - been married to Elvin for 46 years, has 2 children, helped Elvin farm for most of those 46 years, sews like a master seamstress (taught by my mother) and can prepare a 5 course meal in 30 minutes. She can drive tractors, combines, 4 wheelers, herd cattle, feed bottles to baby calves and wear Pradas!

Dow Kee, my good friend and compadre! He is a Professional Car Buyer and assisted me the day after Thanksgiving at the car lots. Those car sales Men treat me different with Dow than when I am alone. That's another blog!

Thanksgiving Dinner

2009-11-27T19:10:00.011-06:00

Pies provided by Angela Kay, The Village Bakery's best customer!

Tom carving turkey!

Mr. Butter Ball Turkey, he was moist, tender and enjoyed by all!

Thanksgiving Dinner 11/09

2009-11-27T18:54:00.008-06:00

HOME MADE PECAN BY MOI!
Just in case!

Home made cornbread dressing - it was okay, not wonderful, just okay!

And the table was set for all who would be there!

VAMP TOENAIL POLISH!

2009-11-23T19:46:00.002-06:00

YUMMY

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CRANBERRY & WALNUT COOKIES

2009-11-18T18:21:00.003-06:00

Flo in a shoebox - this box holds a very small pair of shoes, thus Flo fits in the box - she sat in the box about an hour! "Flo's got a new pair of shoes!"

2009-11-18T18:15:00.003-06:00

Flo and her rabbit - the rabbit was a gift from Hunter, next door neighbor, and Flo loves this rabbit.

Pictures

2009-11-17T21:23:00.000-06:00

Having fun now!

The Girl Cousins - Karen, Sharon, Angela, Joan, Judith holding Trixie (the sweetest dog in the world.) This was taken at my grandparents farm in Bokchito, Oklahoma - Thank God we moved to Texas!

About

2009-11-17T21:22:00.001-06:00

This picture is of my Grandmother Lillie and her son, Orville! They are standing in the middle of the chickens on Grandma's farm. She was an entrepreneur before the word was used in economics! I hated the chickens!

Karen, Sharon, Angela, Joan, Judith (me) and Trixie!
Angela is our cousin but is really our sister!
Weren't we the most beautiful children!
We were so happy!

As I am constantly under construction I have added a new About Me page with new photos of my childhood. My Grandmother, Lillie, was my mother's mother and she was a very gregarious and loving woman. Grandma made the best homemade yeast rolls ever put in the oven and then in our mouths. People came from miles around the eat her rolls!

I was born in Durant, Oklahoma in the Hayne Clinic and that was some uptown clinic. My mother had 3 of her children there, Joe, Joan and me. She spent the night after each birth which was unheard of 61 + years ago.

More about my mother, Irene. I loved her for her love and adoration of her 5 children and her grandchildren.

So, soak this in and come back in a few weeks for another peak into
About Me!

Moments

2009-11-16T21:24:00.000-06:00

The Salty Dog of Bushland, Texas - Elvin Lamb. He's an icon!

Books

2009-11-16T21:23:00.000-06:00

The Game of Life and How To Play It

Florence Scovel Shinn

The Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life

Emmett Fox

"Sooner or later you will have to put God first in your life. God must become the only thing that really matters. It must be the first thing. When that happens your life bcomes simpler, richer and infinitely more worthwhile."

Emmett Fox and Florence Scovel Shinn (Flo Sco) were New Thought teachers. Their teachings encouraged individuals to develop their own creative power and to personally understand what God is and then to relate that understanding in their own lives. Their teachings are spiritual in nature not religious.

http://emmetfox.net/ABOUT%20EMMET%20FOX.htm

http://florencescovelshinn.wwwhubs.com/

2009-11-16T14:21:00.000-06:00

PRACTICE MAKES PURRFECT!@

Texas Panhandle Beauty!

2009-11-16T08:34:00.002-06:00

WINTER WHEAT

TEXAS THISTLES!

Fine Wine

2009-10-19T20:04:00.003-05:00

We were standing by the wine cellar after our dinner and this pic was taken by our personal server, Danielle! My we are fine! just like the wine!

OK City Dining

2009-10-19T19:25:00.007-05:00

Joan and I at the dining extravaganza on Saturday evening - two beautiful women out on the town! Note - our blue eyes and red lips!
Joan and I had dinner at Nonna's, an upscale restaurant - this is one of the appetizers, crabstack, that we enjoyed rather than entrees! We also ate stuffed mushrooms with feta cheese, a beautiful salad and gnocci dumplings. Dessert - coconut cream pie! OMG it was a wonderful meal!

Flo found her spot!

2009-10-13T20:40:00.003-05:00

The Kitty Pals were sleeping side by side on the back of the leather couch and when I quietly walked up to take their photo, they woke up and stared at me! Dante is beginning to act like a parent - he scolds her, cleans her and even plays with her! Flo lives here!

Cats

2009-09-30T19:46:00.006-05:00

This tiny baby kitty was on my back patio last night. She is only about 5 weeks old and is so cute. I had to bring her in and let her stay the night, and every second she is in my house I am getting more attached. What am I to do with this baby kitty?
Baby Kitty is chasing Dante all over the house - he is so curious and will not get very close. She leaps at him and he swats at her and then he runs away. Oh my, what am I to do with the baby kitty? And, she can use a litter box successfully. Oh my?

blossoms!

2009-09-27T14:46:00.008-05:00

These blossoms are from beautiful potted plants on my front porch and front flowerbeds! I love Mother Earth and Nature!

peppers

2009-09-19T19:52:00.003-05:00

Hatch Peppers turn orange and red from the green color as they ripen - they make beautiful holiday decorations, as you can see!

So, I'm contemplating the color change of the peppers and liken it to the changes of my soul as I ripen and become more colorful in my age of sage. I love the color red, wear it, decorate with it, paint my toes with OPI 'Big Apple Red" and paint my lips with red dye also! Red is a most powerful color.

How?

2009-09-15T19:20:00.004-05:00

How does Mother Nature create the most spectacular beauty without a set director? This causes me to pause and realize the Universe is in control, I am not!

Home & Cat Pal

2009-09-13T20:03:00.008-05:00

Okee Dokee, I am still practicing so here are a few pics of my lovely home! and Guess Who!

2009-09-13T09:06:00.005-05:00

So, Sunday morning and I've meditated on God's will for me. How does one know? Perhaps the question is "how do I know?" I know a couple of things having asked this question in morning meditations for many years: 1) Do the next right action (could be pray for others or something as simple as 2) Practice the Presence of God, Spirit, Love, 3) Be mindful of the rights of others and stay out of their business 4) Be kind and above all, 5) keep praying!

I find God's will in the most usual of places :: a cosmos bud, Dante (my cat pal) his meow for attention; in silence, laughter and pleasure; in doing the right thing so that it becomes easier the next time, healthy living, letting the woman in a hurry go first in the check out when she has 20 items and I have 3 (this is a stretch for me!), washing my car and changing the oil in it..............hum, it must be time, and oh yeah, treating mySelf with respect and love.

Happy Sunday
xo

2009-09-11T20:11:00.000-05:00

Taos Mountain with Sunflowers - have you ever been there? I lived in Taos for 10 years and my Spirit misses it everyday! Can you hear the Taos Hum?

Oh My Goddess, I am blogging!

2009-09-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

So, tonight my niece, CMHT, tutored me in Blogsphere! Darlings I am blogging! More will be revealed!

I uploaded this picture just for the heck of it - from left to right - Karen, Sharon,Angela, Joan Michelle, Judith Irene and the 4 legged Trixie!

Jessica, Walmart Camera Goddess

2009-09-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

Services

2009-09-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

Under Construction....check back soon!