GOLD cards & Mutterings

Unconscious Mutterings says-
Free association is described as a "psychonanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.

That's an admirable goal, but for the purposes of this excercise, we're just hoping to have a little fun with the technique. Each week I'll post ten words to which you can respond to with the first thing that comes to mind.

1. Crankiness ::
is so Hard to tolerate, just put on your big girl panties and get a @#&* GrIP!

2. Backpack ::
My Sons backpack upsets me every school year! It weighs more than he does and I worry so that he will have back problems one day.

3. Clone ::
If I had a clone, she would be the one driving all over town doing mindless errands

4. High ground ::
Where I want to be The NEXT time my cesspool backsup

5. Dreams ::
In my head are like full length action movies, if I would just wake and write them down, I would be Lulu Spielberg

6. Lovingly ::
I so enjoy lovingly stroking my husbands hair till he falls off to sleep.
7. Mistake ::
Why is it some spinless people would rather blame someone else before admitting they made a mistake?

8. Carson ::
One of my favorite tonight show moments was when Jimmy Stewart sat next to Jonny Carson and read a heartfelt lovely poem about his dog who had just died. SO sweet and sad. I think cArson teared up too.

9. Errand ::
I HAVE my big girl panties on BUT errands seem to BE my life and they make me cranky

10. Dozen ::
Why is it that Every time I buy a dozen eggs, I only end up with 11? Even though I always check them in the store,There always seems to be one that is stuck to the carton.

Visit Unconscious Mutterings. for more free associations

A while back Two special bloggers presented me GOlD CArDS!
Genuine Jen from
Jenshumbleopinion

And Diane from forgetfulone

These two bloggers have been wonderful cyber friends and both write very warm,informative blogs! Thanks so much for thinking of me girls! I also hope we will be blogging friends forever!
hope everyone will check them out.

Massage my ass please

As I mentioned in my Friday fill in, I was looking very forward to redeeming my massage gift certificate tonight! It was a very thoughtful mothers day gift from my husband and youngest son. I had so enjoyed my last massage at my usual spa/nail salon.
Well, the last masseuse went back to korea so Tonight I was to receive my hour long massage from Teresa. I find it very amusing, that each Korean technician adopts an american name which has No correlation to their given names.
The massage room was the same, the same dim lighting, the same aromatic candles, the same heated table with soft comfortable blankets. I noticed the music was different. The last Korean girl, "Gina" played soft asian sounding music with sound effects of water trickling and windchimes blowing. Tonight, it was more along the lines of the soundtrack to deliverance. too much banjo strummin and a bit too up tempo. I tried to zone out the tunes and the image of that kid in that disturbing movie and tried to relax and focus on the warm creams, hot towels and the deep tissue massaging. I was really in the zone till Teresa lowered the blankets and began rubbing my ass.

She must have felt the tension in my buttocks, because in broken english she asked me a question, that I didn't quite catch but caught the gist of, she asked- Mass aj glooose?? Well, I must say I was not really sure of my answer! I am not an ass massage virgin mind you, my husbands full body massages are amazing and include much ass massaging. However, in all my platonic massage experiences- I have had the most discreet sessions. They've never even viewed my butt never mind kneading it like a giant ball of playdough. So, I lifted my stomach from the bed, turned my head toward her and in my best classy long island accent I asked "WHAWT???" I finally understood she was asking- Massage Glutes?? Before I could reply she tried explaining that "women especially need their Asses ( well she said Glutes) massaged." Apparently men may have tension headaches but we carry all our stress in our asses. I must change the subject a minute for my story to progress...
Age is an amazing thing! On the one hand you have MoRe wrinkles, MoRe sagging and mORe gray hair on the other hand is the absolute best part of aging- LESS inhibitions! Ten years ago when I walked my (much better looking) Ass into a fancy salon for my very first massage, tonight's Ass masssage situation would have made me VErY uncomfortable, embarrassed and it would have probably turned me off to the whole massage scene! BUT, being nearly FORTY nine yrs. old instead of thirty nine uptight years old, I replied to Teresa- "Sure, it feels great!" And it did feel great, but I found my mind drifting to WHAT Teresa may suggest when I rolled over onto my back?? Do we women ALSO carry too much stress in our Boobs?? Tension returned to my Ass as I pondered my defense! Tension also returned as I remembered Once when I was getting a manicure... Teresa Asked if my breasts were 'REAL'? I had thought it was such an odd question and I had the other korean girls laughing when I asked them if that was what she had just asked! She had then strangely admired and complimented my generous (stress?)-FULL bosom!
Now, here she was a bit uncomfortably close for.. well, um comfort.
The Discreet rollover.
The shoulder massaging.
The head massaging.
The face massaging.
and wait... What is this??? She is massaging INSIDE my ears! Weird Chick? YES, but thankfully, she stayed away from the girls, and my left jab! ( my idea for the most effective defense!)

Now PLEASE, Please tell me.... Have you ever had a massage AND if so... Did it include your ass?
I am just so curious if I just had a really thorough massage tonight or Will my Ass be featured on Utube Or Teresas bedroom wall tomorrow?
(didn't this post just SCREAM for a barry white tune? hope you're listening!)

Do I have to?

sunday scribblings prompts us to ask- Do I have to?

Do I have to wish your wishes on my birthday cake?
Do I have to pray each day that you stay okay?
Do I have to encourage, nurture and guide?
Do I have to hope for your happiness in every way?

Do I have to hold you always close to my heart?
Do I have to cajole you to smile when you're feeling blue?
Do I have to savor your inner desires & inner self?
Do I have to dream to escape worrying about you?

Do I have to ache when you're feeling saddness or pain?
Do I have to forgive if you've moved me to seethe?
Do I have to love you as I do- with all of my heart?
Yes I have to my 3 sons, alike needing to breathe.
♥♥♥

friday fill ins

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to -OH so many lucrative opportunites come to mind, but One thing I would Have to do first is go to The Dakota on Dec. 8, 1980 and Warn Poor John Lennon

2. Give me - Chocolate Ice cream or give me Vanilla, when It comes to ice cream, I'm not too choosy!.

3. I am listening to Judge Judy ream someone .

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking sweet thoughts.

5. I'll always be SHORT and I'll always be MOM

6. My idea of a good time includes crack and an orgy ONLY KIDDING!! my real answer-music & dancing.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to eating the delicious ravioli dinner I've got simmering then soaking in the hot tub with my favorite wine and man , tomorrow my plans include working most of the day then FInALLY using my mothers day gift certificate for a full hour body massage,followed by an easy take out dinner and MORe hot tubbing and Sunday, I want to Sleep late, EAt whatever the hell I please ( hershey bars included) sunbathe, read and RElax!

visit more fill ins

13 reasons JULY was awful

13 reasons why July has been the worst month.

1. My husbands company went out of business
2. They only gave him less than 2 days notice
3. When he went to cash his last paycheck, they had no funds available
4. I went through a health scare that took several tests and weeks before I knew I was okay
5. My cesspool backed up into my salon
6. My husband broke a rib
7. I broke my pinky toe
8. My middle son needed MORE toe surgery
9. We only got to the beach once
10. My dog hurt his toe
11. Another Fender bender
12. yeast infection!
13. Humidity + STress level = Bad temperments!

This is my 16th TT- visit Thurs. 13! for more

3 word Wednesday

TheThree word wednesday words are-

Gamble
Omitted
Temporary

It may be temporary but mention 'Gamble' and I become insane!
Thank god they've omitted casinos from any nearby town or lane
I can resist vices like alcohol, crack and pills
It's craps, roulette and slot machines, that give me crazy thrills!

Unconscious Mutterings.

This morning my husband and I set out shopping for a carpet. I can't believe how much time and energy I can put in to making the 'perfect' purchase. I should have my head examined. It is thundering and lightening, downpouring ridiculously, and we are driving all over long island for this damn perfect carpet. Do I go for the perfect size or the perfect color? Being a typical woman, How do I not go for a great deal? After tons of internet and catalog and now store shopping.. this is what it comes down to- perfect size vs. perfect color ( I CAN NOT have both) and both vs. the best price!
I couldn't wait to come home to a hot cup of tea and a dry set of clothes. Now that I've had both... I've made my insane but as always ambiguous choice... I am going for the perfect size which comes at a better price than the perfect color ( which I adore) This is for my salon... If you read a few posts back you know.. I am in desperate need of redecorating my salon. I totally fell in love with -

this carpet but it is a few inches too long and would mean having to have those few inches go under a wall unit, which would look weird and may make the wall unit off balance. So I went for size AND for a better price and went with this one -
As you can see by me writing about all this, I am still battling indecisiveness!
So now I am contemplating buying the first one anyway and using it in my house! What do you think of an area rug over a wall to wall rug?? I know it's done all the time, but I've never done that. (it may make vacuuming a bitch)
In the meantime.. I am happy to have an Unconscious muttering to take my mind Off the rugs until tomorrow, when i guarantee you I WILL make my husband totally Crazy! haha

1. Memory ::
Oh how I wish my memory would work

2. Original ::
My original brain seems to loose a little bit more space each year

3. Exclusively ::
I'm glad that I'm POSITIVe that I am exclusively the only wife my husband has.

4. Listings ::
I should begin listing all of life's events so I don't have to rely on this rotten brain

5. Bucket ::
Should I kick the bucket unexpectedly, I don't think my family would Know how to find ANYthING!

6. Knight ::
I woke up this morning to find my knight in cutoff t-shirt armor, had already cleaned the bathroom!

7. Dusty ::
He apparently didn't realize the dusty livingroom could have used the same attention

8. Choice ::
If I had a choice I would rather bleach the toilet bowl over dusting 5 thousand nicknacks too

9. Sunlight ::
The way it's raining right now, it feels like the world will never see sunlight again

10. Change of plans ::
We were going to go out to dinner, but all this rain has made us change our plans and opt for a pizza delivery.

Please visit Unconscious Mutterings for more word associations!

I'm going Home

(volume up, if you'd like to hear related music)




My solace is my home. No matter where I've been in my life, Home's the place I can't wait to get back to.
No matter how comfortable I am in someone's else's home, Walking into my own, always makes me take that cleansing breath and feel immediately more at ease. Maybe that is why I am a little bit of a 'homebody'. I'd choose relaxing on my messy cushioned couch, with my family, a good book,music, movie, notebook or board game over many much more exciting activities away. Part of the reason I find such solace in my home is because my loved ones live here too. My husband, my 3 sons and my 2 dogs. They are all a makeup of what my home means to me. My sweet husband has frequently melted me when he tells me that his drives home from work are so frustrating, because he too has such a strong desire to get home to our home quickly, he just can't wait to walk in the door and see everyone and be back in his solace haven.
Of course we all need some solace away from our loved ones too. On beautiful days, which lately we've had many of, I find that solace in my solitude outside in my backyard. The peaceful surroundings of tall trees which block out my neighbors yards, and the beauty of many different flowers, birds and butterflies ( can u see one in the righthand picture?).... allow me to get in tune with my inner thoughts, feelings and memories.
What a sweet word "home" is. It has always been a Word that brings my heart instant warmth. From my favorite line at the end of the wizard of oz- "There's no place like home" to Broadway's Beauty, Belle singing "my hearts far, far away, home is too". Remember when Diana Ross sang "When I think of home I think of a place with love overflowing."? That old song really moved me too. I feel, If You're lucky enough to have love overflowing at your home, how could it not be a soothing retreat, a peaceful harbor, Your sanctuary for ultimate solace. here are some pictures of my outdoor retreat.



(even my pets like my happy place!)

To find more solace.. hop over here

Friday fill in 82

1. I believe whatever doesn't kill you Better be able to run fast, If you've tried to kill me....well, RUN... us italians believe in revenge!

2. If you're good at something, Don't brag about it, but ..Pass it on, especially to a child.

3. Why so Self centered?? Let's all try to be more considerate of one another

4. Something is out there, it's Those Darn RAbbits! They are eating my vegetable garden

5. If my life were a sitcom, it would be titled... Where's Lucy? Oh yeah she's at the &%$#ing grocery store again, if you can't find her there check the torture chamber aka.... the laundry room okay that was my first reaction but I don't like sounding so hostile.... how about As the salon chair turns

6. Sitting on my back porch [if you don't have one, use your imagination] I see rabbits and squirrels and birds ( OH MY!) I also see all the beautiful Leyland cypress trees and perennials that my husband is obsessively planting each year, it really looks amazing and is so inviting and peaceful, My favorite spot!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to catching up on blog reading tomorrow my plans include Relaxing at the beach and Sunday, I want to Clean my house ( and probably will need to go back to the grocery store!)!

13 PERKS OF BEING OVER 50

Since I only have ONE more year until I hit the Big FiVe O
I've already searched the web for some of the advantages....


1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

2. No one expects you to run--anywhere.

3. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.

4. Things you buy now won't wear out.

5. You can live without sex but not your glasses.

6. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

7. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.

8. You sing along with elevator music.

9. Your eyes won't get much worse.

10. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.

11. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.

12. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.

13. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

This is my 15th TT- visit Thurs. 13! for more

yulk!

TheThree word wednesday words are-

avoid
class
sticky

Early one morning I awoke to a sticky situation
A foul toxic smell caused me to avoid inhalation
An inch of dirty water in my salon is what I found
The Cesspool had backed up and erupted to higher ground
Ruining carpets, furniture, decorations and walls
frantically I woke and evacuated my family then made phone calls
to cesspool pumpers, insurance men & restoration crews
(Who surprisingly DIDN'T arrive clad in biohazard suits!)
A few young dudes in gloves, T-shirts and only shorts to cover their booties
Spent 6 long hours ripping rugs,cleaning puddles and contaminated doodie!
They left large bulky dryers & sanitizers buzzing for nearly a week
So, No work for me which sent my finances Literally up shits creek!
I guess There was no way for me to tell my funky sewage story without sounding quite crass
But with it's necessary renovations, I hope at least my new salon will have a bit more class

Mr. C.

This week sunday scribblings asks us "Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever seen one?"

Many may answer these questions with- "There are NO such things as ghosts"! I, myself USED to feel that way too. I want to tell you a true story, A story that permanently Changed my feelings. After you read my story, The ABC's of why I believe, you most likely will still not believe in ghosts. I really think that unless you personally witness, as I have, an unexplainable, mysterious phenomenon; you are never quite open enough or brave enough to fully believe that GHOSTS Really, REalLY DO exist....

It all began one quiet friday spring morning in 1990. I had only Two little boys back then. They were playing together nicely as I did all my morning chores around the house. The phone rang, it was my dear friend Ann, she was very upset and having a difficult time trying to talk to me through her tears. I said "Ann, What is it? what's wrong?" She finally managed to say " Diana is talking to my father". Diana is Ann's daughter who at this time was only 3 years old. Diana had never been able to meet Ann's father before. You see... He had died a few years before she was ever born.
Ann begged me to come over right away, because her daughters bizarre behavior was 'just freaking her out". I packed up the boys quickly and drove the 30 minutes to where she used to live. When we arrived, things had calmed down. Ann wasn't crying and Diana was busy playing. My kids settled in with Diana and her toys and Ann explained what had occurred that morning right before she called me. She didn't have to explain for too long, because after a few minutes of chatting, Ann's father returned to the house and I witnessed first hand, covered in chills, why my sweet friend was feeling so ruffled.

Diana walked into her bedroom and started laughing and said "oh mommy, that silly man is back, He keeps saying he is going to get my nose!" (The game Ann had witnessed her father play with cute little kids her whole life) Diana continued, " He is so funny mommy"! Ann started getting upset but she said "Diana, tell me what the man looks like." MY goosebumps elevated to new heights as I listened to this sweet little girl describe Ann's father to a tee! Like the sweet thing she was,knowing it may not be nice, she shyly said
'He's got a big nose mommy!' Ann asked about his hair color and she replied it's black and curly like Aunt Lu's. I said to Ann... Do you have a picture of your dad handy? Show it to Diana. She ran to her bedroom to find a picture. I uncomfortably stayed in the pink & lavender frilly room with only Diana and the ghost of my dear friends father. Diana was still giggling and speaking to him, AND listening as well! I bravely lifted my hand and Waved towards the spot it appeared he was in and interjected with " Hi Mr. C. How have you been?" (pretty stupid question, don't you think?) When her Mom showed her the photograph, and asked " Does he look like this honey?" Dianas beautiful face came alive, her eyebrows raised with excited recognition and she replied, (with the innocent honesty of an angel),..."THAT'S THE MAN MOMMY, THERE HE IS! RIGHT THERE"! Don't YOU see him?" and she extended her outstretched arm and pointed finger towards the corner of the room.
All of a sudden Dianas happy face grew serious as if she was straining to hear him better. Ann asked "What's wrong ?" (I was just frozen silent with paralyzing astonishment)
Diana very slowly and seriously said,
"he wants you to know the baby is with him and he is taking care of her." Ann began tearing again and said 'WHAT, WHAT DID HE SAY?" Diana said, "he wants you to stop crying Mommy and to know the baby is safe. It's okay". I was a little confused until I remembered that Ann had told me that her first cousin had given birth to a still born baby girl the very week before. Ann's first cousin, whose godfather was.. Mr. C. He was trying to let the family know that the baby of the goddaughter he adored, was with him and being cared for. This had to be the reason for his visit.

My emotional sweet friend tried to gather herself and as she held on to me for (wobbly) support, Through her tears she told her father.... "I love you Daddy, go to the light, Go to the light!" ( later she told me, she remembered seeing something on tv about spirits needing to return to the light! At the time she watched it she had thought it was ridiculous)
Diana happily resumed playing with my kids for the day and never, ever mentioned seeing her grandfather again.

As much as I adore and love my friend Ann, I must say... I don't really know if that eerie days occurrences would have been quite as convincing and powerful if she would have only told me about them. I truly had to experience it with my own eyes to know....A.) Three year olds Could never be that accurately imaginative
B.) Especially when that three year old wasn't aware of the baby's death, Or of her grandfathers image and IS NOT Meryl Streep.. and finally C.) in the immortal words of the lovable cowardly lion....
Yes, I do believe in ghosts, I do, I do, I do, I do!!

(this is my son who was also 3 at the time of the occurance, I don't know why it's here,
he kind of looks like HE'S just seen a ghost! (If you turn up the volume, you will hear the song Ghost)

Friday Fill-In #81

1. If I could be a fly on the wall I would -- Listen quietly while watching out for swatters

2. Jealousy is--a great window, but an ugly and utterly unproductive feeling !

3. When I see a shooting star my wish would be that -- Others see it too so someone believes I actually saw one

4. I'd rather be on the beach than _in the never ending laundry room any day!

5. Certain songs when I hear them make me wanna Dance the night away! .

6. If time were in a bottle -- I would put the cork in tight and never let it be sipped away .

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to Finding new chairs for my salon on the web tomorrow my plans include sitting under my gazebo in the morning & sipping coffee with my husband while doing the morning cryptogram, then working my butt off all day. and Sunday, I want to _Totally relax all day while sipping WAY more coffee in the morn, then sipping up some sun in the afternoon then sipping my favorite Wine in the eve!! ( all this sipping is making me thirsty)

Stressed O U T

TheThree word wednesday words are-
history
narrow
spent



If I look back on the history of my adult life
It seems I've spent a wide amount of time
stressing over too many worries.
The big worries, like the health of my children and
my husband and my family and friends.
Or the smaller ones, like How do I pay these $#@* bills?
The stressFREE moments ARE there,
but it seems for only a narrow margin of the time.
Lately we are going through a series of stresses,
I keep telling myself, I've handled so many problems in
my lifetime, I CAN handle these too. Some days it's easier to convince
yourself. Some days it's just hopelessly impossible.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Intimidated ::
often! But NOT deterred


2. Brush ::
Your hair before coming to me please...KNots are time consuming!


3. Masquerade ::
yourself as anything you want but when you look in the mirror you should like who you see


4. Procedure ::
If only I could begin the procedure of daily exercising


5. Tattoos ::
are too permanent for me. I can't even decide which pair of underwear to wear each day... If I ever got a tattoo... I would be sorry a short time afterward.


6. Square ::
I am really into square jewelry this year. Especially antique squares!


7. Tuck ::
I really miss the bedtime ritual of tucking in my kids.


8. Boyfriend ::
I once had a boyfriend who I thought I liked but everytime I kissed him I got nauseous.


9. Badass ::
He WAS a badass M.F., in a rough fraternity, tattoos too! haha


10. Thousand ::
I wonder what the world will be like in a thousand years?

Visit Unconscious Mutterings for more word associations!

my oldest friend

The song playing always brings her to mind.
I recently ran into my oldest childhood friend at the Italian market. My friend Linda only lives about 10 minutes from me. We still email occasionally.
We have only intentionally met up a couple of times for a lunch in the past 20 years. I still send her a birthday card each year.
Yet, We were not only inseparable as children we were also blood sisters. Remember that Pre-HIV ritual that kids would partake in to confirm their bond of sisterhood? Linda and I met when we were in Kindergarden. Mrs. Woods' class. We didn't get friendly outside of school until the 2nd grade, when Our moms began working together and discovered their girls were in the same Class. ( Mrs. Masucci's class!) We quickly became best friends as did our Moms. Each weekend I would sleep over at her house. She had the 'fun' neighborhood, full of kids around our age. Looking forward to each weekend helped me get through some difficult times in my own family life. In high school, I began living with her and her parents. My own Mom was going through some tough times and this arrangement made everyone happy. I don't know how it happened, but when I decided two years later that I wanted to move back home to my Moms home, everything fell apart. Linda's mom freaked out... calling me ( at only 16 years old) ' A fair weather friend'. ( They had had two deaths in their extended family). I was heart broken to lose my '2nd family' and more heartbroken to know that Linda was not suppose to talk to me. Even though she tried to respect her Moms wishes... In school during lunch period, we just had to sit together and chat and try thinking of ways to make our families bond again. As a grown woman, When I looked back on this entire situation years later... I realized her Mom was going through her own traumatic difficulties which I know affected how she looked at the simple, harmless request of a child.

( I have a vivid painful memory of receiving the card I sent her for mothers day ripped into many pieces and mailed back to me, MY mother declared her insane) The trauma of her rejection added so much to what I was already going through at that time. Linda, being an only child, was devastated by our forced separation. It is so unfortunate that we couldn't find a way to remain close friends. We went our separate ways only a few minutes down the same avenue. Each time I run into her my heart fills with warmth and it fills with a mournfulness over the wonderful times we missed out on in each other's lives and the lives of our children.
I don't think we could ever be as close as we were as kids (for too many reasons too complicated to discuss) but like she said to my son at that market recently about her oldest friend....." It doesn't matter how many years pass, each time we see each other I still feel like we're best friends". I love you too Linda and I feel the same way about you. ♥


If this sounds familiar I am reusing a story I wrote a few months back because it fit so well with the sunday scribblings prompt
Often when you've read about my childhood, you may remember...... Linda in the stories

I just came from Dianes blog where I found this great meme called Friday Fill-Ins
they give you part of a sentence and guess what? You FILL IN your answers! Great Fill in for thinking on my own! I LOVE it!
so here are this weeks....

1. Oh, I can't wait until I have a .... winning lottery ticket!

2. SKim Plus Milk..... is the first thing I see when I open my refrigerator.

3. I never leave home without My clothes on

4. If I were a condiment, I would be Ketchup__because _My husband is horse radish. .

5. ___ DISTRACTED DRIVERS is really high up on my list of pet peeves.

6. The last thing I thought of before I went to bed was what day is tomorrow? Do I need to set the clock?.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to going to bed_, tomorrow my plans include working all day and collapsing at night_____ and Sunday, I want to Wake up real late and find out that #1 came true !

we need Marty Feldman eyes

Today while innocently out driving down my local, ever busier avenue, I couldn't help but notice HOW utterly distracted EVERYONE driving seems to be, ESPECIALLY the people driving BeHIND me! As everyone is going 60 mph, and everyone is starting to brake for the upcoming red light, I glance in my rear view mirror. MORE and more often, the driver behind me is tailgating at that speed, hasn't slowed enough for the upcoming red light and their heads are down looking at WHO the hell knows what! texting? dialing? zipping their pants?? Their eyes can't be on the road behind THEM, when they're not even On the Terrified motorist in FrOnT of them... ME! Two separate times today, I quickly moved to the left lane to give this type of distracted driver more stopping distance AND insuring that if he rear ends Someone, it won't be me! Don't you think this is putting a whole new spin on the task of 'defensive driving'? I find myself missing the days when most people were ONLY hot footed, impatient drivers. (like I still am!). Compared to these distracted speeder types, we are safer drivers! Remember how it used to be?
the red light turned green and Whewwwww the guy in front of you floored it. NOW... we need to beep to remind him to get his head out of his ass whatever he is busy with and just #$%@ MOVE!!
Please pacify me and take notice next time you are on the road.. Anytime you see a driver s l o w l y moving along, Or doing something dangerous or stupid... Peek in at him. Guaranteed his eyes or ears or hands are busy with another agenda. Driving is secondary.
Is there NO one in a hurry anymore, except me? I would like to get off the damn road and GO HOME to do the things these morons prefer to do in their Cars. Email and text friends, make important calls, drink my coffee, eat lunch and put on lipstick. Or like the moron I saw today, I prefer reading my newspaper at home, NOT while it's on the steering wheel and I'm going 55! Is NO one worried about safety out there?? Maybe, I am becoming an old cranky woman? Am I alone on these observations? Do these people who occupy these roads with me KNOW how distracted and inconsiderate and DANGEROUS they are??
In a few months I will have the very scary and very undesirable job of teaching my youngest child to drive. GONE are the days when we advised our kids to "keep your eyes on the road" Now we need to teach them as impossible as it may sound to accomplish... "Keep your LEFT eye on the road ahead of you as at the same time you Keep your RIGHT eye on your rear view mirror, making sure the texting, speeding fool behind you doesn't get you from behind!" The only person who comes to mind who could probably have actually pulled off this trick was Marty Feldman! Who knew being cockeyed could have its advantages? Like the above pictures depict... distractions= disaster. If my rant has helped anyone take a better look at their driving, I am happy I ranted!

singing a mourning song

( click to enlarge photo, Do you know what kind of bird she is??)



If you are very sensitive and your heart breaks easily... You may not want to read this post.

Yesterday Morning as usual, I sat outside, quietly having my morning coffee. I noticed a bird fluttering down near where my dog was standing and The silence of the morning was instantly broken. I jumped up to see what was going on. My dog was trying to paw and nudge a baby bird. The birds poor mother was franticly screeching and swooping. I screamed for Cosmo to stop. He backed away from the poor little bird. Sadly, It was too late, he was gone. I assumed he must have fallen from his nest but I later observed that the nest is not near where the poor little bird died so I know he didn't fall. Maybe he was just beginning to learn to fly and fluttered downward Unaware that there was a schnoodle standing by and waiting for any kind of excitement. Cosmo has been standing in this area for many hours each day. There are baby rabbits living in between my section of fence and my neighbors. It appears that these neighbors have a berm in their back yard against the fence, making a perfect habitat for nesting animals ( Happy it's rabbits and not rats, I wish they would clean up their yard.)
The poor mother bird did NOT stop screeching, She nervously flew down to inspect her baby. Then she flew on top of the playhouse above her poor baby and screeched. She flew back and forth all day. In between digging for worms for her babies and her nest, she flew the shortcut to the playhouse. It was so apparent that she was mourning. It is So apparent that she is screaming with grief, that I cried along with her. I feel so sorry for her. This morning she was there again. Back and forth and to the exact spot he had died.
At one point this morning, she and several of her friends were screeching and swooping down near cosmo. I really believed they had a plan to gang up and peck the heck out of him. This may be an inappropriate feeling but I wish they would have found the courage to at least give him one slap with their wing. ( I am still so angry at him.)
I know it's an innate instinct for a dog, especially one with terrier blood, to 'hunt' for animals. he is really a gentle dog and the way he wags his tail waiting by the fence hoping these bunnies will appear, shows me he wants to play with them NOT eat them. I guess you could say this was a circumstance of the cruel but natural order of nature.
I know he wasn't trying to hurt that poor baby bird. He wanted to play with it. It doesn't make her grief any less. This morning I captured some pictures of her. I wish I knew what type of bird she is. I wish i could ease her pain, I wish I could help her protect her other babies. I hear her screeching so loudly any time a squirrel is near the nest. I really really am so sorry she lost her little one. I just know tomorrow morning, she will return to her babies last spot and she will break my heart again.



(to the right of cosmo is where the baby landed. To his left is the fence that cradles baby rabbits.
He doesn't leave this spot )

vistit 3 word wednesday here

thankyou thankyou!

Gee.. If not for blogging, My life would have been Awardless! NOW I can proudly display two more, sweet, complimentary,
Lovely Awards on my blogging mantel! Thanks so much Sweet Jen! AND Sweet Diane ! If i help 'make your day' even a pinch better, Ooooh that makes me feel Like a successful blogger for sure! Thanks so much. This really lifted my spirits.


hello?? excuse me, Yes you, If you're reading my blog today and have EVER left a comment... YOU have made MY day!
Please accept this blogging award from my mantel to yours!

kissed by kismet

The sunday scribblings prompt this week is Chance Encounter ( volume up to hear 'our song')


As he made his way into an empty desk, He had no idea that his future soul mate was sitting a few desks in front of him.
Even though the Beauty School classroom was predominantly female, SHE caught his eye.
The next evening, He made a point of sitting next to her and sharing small talk with her. Soon, It became apparent that the attraction was mutual. Each day the talks grew more and more intimate. Each day the magnetism grew more and more intense. But WAS this just a chance encounter? A young man who hardly ever even went to get a haircut. A young artistic man, who was considering an education in fine arts. With just A casual suggestion from his then current girlfriends hairstyling dad, "why not try cutting hair?" This young man on a sheer whim made a detour and he entered another world... her world. Chance encounter? Or was his Destiny calling him and pulling him towards her?
He believes wholeheartedly in Destiny. Over thirty years later, He feels it in his heart each time she looks at him. If he hadn't attended that school, she WOULD have crossed his path somewhere at sometime. They WOULD have felt the same sparks, They would have made the same connection. No chance encounter here my friends. We are destined to the ones we love.

withdrawn

indifferent
reason
pour

I could pour my heart out into this vast cyber space
God knows the many reasons my heart needs unburdening this week
You may respond indifferent, You may respond with grace
solitude summons me silencing my habitual need to speak

Visit 3 word wednesday here

Visions of Dog teeth

A few days ago I had to take Cosmo to the vet for his yearly check. Cosmo is a very Vocal little pooch and as he sat on my lap for 20 minutes in the waiting room, He was 'speaking' to everyone in the room ( and in the building next door!). At one point he actually said the words Mawwwmmaw Mawwmmaw Mawwmmaw . ( That's Schnoodle for MAMMA!)
I found Sitting for 20 minutes Trying to hold and quiet a Noisy VERBAL schnoodle quite tense. The tension I felt was small in comparison to what I felt shortly before Dr. Rosen finally (thankfully) called for us. A couple walked in With TWO pitbulls, ONe was on a leash, but the puppy pitbull WASN'T. (puppy, my ass! He was intimidating and LARgE!) There is a HUge sign on the door to the Veterinarians office.. NO DOgs permitted without a Leash. I am a stickler for rules. And despite being a dog lover, I am actually frightened ( with good reason) of strange dogs. I get very perturbed by people who break rules and walk into a business and 'take over'. This Bull was running all over jumping up on people and licking legs left and right. Forcing everyone to calm their own dogs down. I was waiting for the receptionist to intervene but she looked intimidated by these people in general. I am not sure if everyone felt as annoyed (and scared) as I did, but Not everyone shares the Vision that came flooding back to me as I sat gripping my yappy guy and trembling in fear.
When I was a very little girl, my neighbors dog had puppies. My friend Billy asked me to come over and see them. What little girl could resist a basket full of puppies? I ran right over. Billys dog lay in the middle of a large dogbed and her puppies encircled her. He kept reaching down, picking up a pup and handing it to me. After a few pups, I saw one behind the Mom that was THE cutest of all, I reached down myself to pick him up. I was smiling from ear to ear! In one blurry second the Mawwmaw dog Leapt forward and BIT me right in the Open smiling mouth!! My baby tooth, blood and gum were hanging out of my mouth. Billy started screaming. I was screaming! I dropped the puppy (thankfully he landed in the soft bed). My memory of the rest of that day is erased. I assume My gum was stitched up and I know I eventually mended fine. I have no (visible) scars from that traumatic day. As a 'get well' gift and I'm sure a "hope I don't get sued gift" Billys parents gave me the little puppy that had taken my breath and tooth away. I named him Mr. Chips chocolate chip cookies, but settled on Mr. Chips for short.
It's funny that it only takes an encounter with an intimidating dog to bring back that bittersweet memory, and visualize it as if it were yesterday.


Speaking of getting BIT... Have you seen this adorable video
on Utube yet? If not.. Please take 56 seconds and watch it..

See More Visions at sunday scribblings

Thurs.13 QUOTES (#14)

Every Morning I do my local papers Cryptoquote puzzle. But Here are
13 cryptoquote solutions from a favorite cryptogram book that I've solved and enjoyed reading.

1. When choosing between two evils, I always like to take the one I've never tried before- Mae West
2. I moved to NY for my health, I'm paranoid and NY was the only place my fears were justified- Anita Weiss
3.The second day of a diet is always easier than the first. By the second day you're off it.- Jackie Gleason
4.Children have never been very good at listening to-their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them-James Baldwin
5.Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.-Ann Landers
6.Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing.-Phyllis Diller
7.We can't all be heros because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.-Will Rogers
8.I'd like to come back as an oyster. Then I'd only have to be good from September until April.-Gracie Allen
9.I figure when my husband comes home from work, if the kids are still alive, then I've done my job.-Roseanne
10.When you reach for the stars,you may not quite get one,but you won't come up with a handful of mud either-Leo Burnett
11.Okay, so god made man first, but doesn't everyone make a rough draft before they make a masterpiece?-Courtney Huston
12.The advantage of having a bad memory is that, several times over, one enjoys the same good things for the first time.-Friedrich Nietzsche

13. I was so sad to hear of George Carlins passing. In his loving memory, One of my favorite George Carlin Quotes-
When driving, anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anybody going faster than you is a moron!

Visit Thurs.13 for more!

How do you laugh?

The 3 word wednesday words are
Rumor
Shake
Spontaneous
This is what popped into my head-



I wish I could say it’s a deceptive rumor
But Alas it happens to be genuinely true
When I’m amused by hilarious humor
My body Quietly shakes my face turns a red hue
Not too attractive but I will honestly report
my laugh is a spontaneous sporadic SNORT

Nearly 28 and counting

<--Our wedding day- 10/26/1980


June 15,2008- we are both sweaty and pooped (me- no makeup!) at the end of Fathers Day, but I like the pic anyway!



No matter what I have to go through in my life
there is one thing I can depend on. The unconditional
love and tremendous support I receive from my husband.
We have been through many difficult bumps in the almost
28 years we have been married. There were times when
we both felt we just couldn't take another beating. Life
sometimes has a way of making you feel like that. Like
it's round 12 and You just can't keep fighting, can't keep
trying to get back up from every stressful punch. We've discussed
how typical it would have been, to be crushed to a point where we
would have given up on each other through all the knockouts.
Instead, somehow we persevered and our marriage actually grew stronger
in spite of the upsetting difficulties. When he was at his lowest and even
HE felt, many women would have said Adious Baby,
I hung in there and made sure he got back on his feet.
Whenever I am having 'one of those days' where I could so easily
lose it and require a straight jacket, His intuitiveness 'picks up' on those
feelings instantly and He intervenes with various loving gestures..
ALL which seem, Just like THE magic potion required for bringing me
back to a normal pulse. Back to handling whatever situation is at hand
that I need to deal with. I've had younger women ask me what I think is the
secret ( if you want to call it that) to a long lasting happy marriage.
Besides the obvious - really loving a person. I would say it has to do with
3 C's-
consideration, communication and camaraderie. Being Considerate enough
to put your spouses feelings and needs above your own. Caring for their emotional upsets
and caring to make their life happy. Communicating EVery
feeling you need to express. Caring to want to hear their feelings.
Bouncing thoughts off each other. Never going to bed angry or
without first resolving problems between you.
Camaraderie- actually enjoying each others company. Enjoying some similar interests.
Working together as a team to raise the children. Wanting to spend time together.

I am not sure how 28 years have passed by already. It feels like a blur.
I am hoping we will be able to go the entire distance. I am hoping
we don't get hit below the belt too often.!
In the meantime...
I am confident that as I face another worrisome bout in my life.. He is
still my cornerman, ready to catch me. With him in my corner, I just can't fall.
♥ ♥

Happy Endings

A man goes into a massage parlor.....
NEVER MiND.. I am NOT going this route
(but can you believe Wikipedia does?)

(volume up! Even David Cook is happy)
When I think of Happy Endings what really comes to mind are all the films I love. Surprise endings are great but I am a sucker for the 'I saw that one coming" Happy Ending. Even my favorite books are usually just that, due to an ending that leaves me comfortable knowing " ahhh, everything is okay now ". I wonder if this tells a lot about my personality? Maybe, it's because I am a worrier by nature? Maybe, because I am typically a pessimist, that I desire the optimistic outcome? Maybe, it's me hoping for an idealistic, romantic world? Several films that have ended tragically and unpredictably ('the departed 'comes to mind ) Leave me quite pissed off quite frankly! I was SO sure Leonardo DiCaprio would not only get the bad guys, but he'd get the girl, the career, the happy ending! Their ending really had me angry!
But take films (that i love) like 'return to me"... OH, HOW I love it when Minnie Driver and David Duchovny live happily ever after! She also lives happily ever after again in Good Will Hunting!
Or take "its a wonderful life"... it wouldn't be too wonderful If George Bailey would have killed himself and left Mary to raise all those kids alone!
Don't We all wish for happy endings to our own life story and the life stories of our loved ones?
The end of life's journey is inevitable, but How wonderful and happy that ending could be, If we've lived life to it's fullest, haven't battled any horrible illnesses, or injuries
and have given and received much love and happiness along the way.
That surely would be a lifetime movie I would truly enjoy watching ♥

Let's find out if we are on our way to a happy ending...
Take Oprahs Happiness Quiz
I scored a 57 which happily means I am happy! I hope you share your score with me.
( if you are finding this post nauseatingly bubbly... Don't worry about your score, That doesn't necessarily mean you are an unhappy miserable sourpuss)


for more Happy Endings visit Sunday Scribblings!

13 amusing thoughts

13 random/amusing thoughts i received in an email...(thanks Anna)


ONE- Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home, and when he grows up, he'll never be able to merge his car onto the freeway.

TWO-The cost of living hasn't affected its popularity.(thank goodness!)

THREE- I used to be indecisive. Now, I'm not so sure.

FOUR- I had amnesia once --- or twice.

FIVE- I am neither for nor against apathy.

SIX-Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone.

SEVEN-One nice thing about egotists... they don't talk about other people.

EIGHT- They told me I was gullible and I believed them.

NINE- All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.

TEN- How can there be self-help groups ?

ELEVEN- What is a "free" gift? Aren't all gifts free?

TWELVE- Protons have mass? I didn't even know they were Catholic.

THIRTEEN- My weight is perfect for my height... which varies.

for more Thursday thirteens go here

3 word Wednesday

TheThree word wednesday words are-
Frequent
Open
Someday


If only Someday I could give in to life’s temptations
Open my mind and set my pesky conscience free
Think Oh just think about the crazy possibilities and
How much more interesting and frequent my blog posts would be!

Trust the voice within

The sunday scribblings prompt is Guide. I have had very little computer time lately. I decided to write exactly the first thoughts that came to mind, since my mind has also been a bit busy lately.
I hope to catch up on all my favorite blogs soon, I miss visiting you.

(turn up your volume for title song)

What 'guide' quickly brought to mind, Is how I have always felt we all have our own little guide living inside of each of us.
It's that little inner voice, Our conscience.. The Jiminy Cricket in all of us.
It feels like, as long as I can remember it has been speaking to me. Even though, due to various circumstances, I've had an extreme lack of parental guidance, I seemed to have been born with an innate sense of right and wrong. It's Clear. It's trustful, It's often difficult to fight. There were times I tried to be a bad girl, there were times I succeeded, Yet the guilt that haunted me was not worth the fun of the rebellion.
The inner voice is triumphant. I need to follow it's guidance, trust it's integrity. It's a value, a style I am just comfortable with.
I know it's in each of us, but there are some who can fight it without the consequence of remorse. What a much more peaceful world it would be If Every one would only surrender to their own inner ethical voice, if everyone could take a cue from a fairy tale...
"And always let your conscience be your guide"

unexpected

Nothing like the last second to respond to a prompt!
It gave me time to think about several UNEXPECTED things
that have happened this week!

One morning my husband had to call our plumber back. His wife answered with an abrupt 'HELLO'?? My husband asked if he could please speak to Ron. Then my husband over heard her say " Hey Shithead, it's for you! Why didn't you answer the phone? I had to get off the TUR-LIT to answer it!"
My husband found it difficult to hold in the laugher and not say "hey shithead" when Ron came to the phone! ( talk about appropriate nicknames!!)

Two our UNexpected surprise, we got an electronic peppermill in the mail from a loved one for no occasion, other than that they know my husband loves pepper.

Three UNEXPECTED EXTRA pounds- NO Comment!

Four the first time, I tried Panera Breads Turkey chickpea Chili and it was Unexpectedly DELICIOUS!

Five times after I got home from Panera, I UNexpectedly needed to R..U... N... to the bathroom!

it's SIX minutes to my midnight deadline for the Writers Island prompt.... and I've unexpectedly given out way to much information.

SEVEN unexpected adorable geese were in the middle of a busy road tonight. I had to stop my car and wait behind other cars for quite a while, for them to decide to cross.
After they crossed and I proceeded I realized why they were taking so long. One poor little guy had apparently been a hit and run victim. The other 7 weren't just crossing, they were in mourning. Unexpected tears welled up in my eyes and I haven't been able to stop thinking of their poor sad hearts.

writers island

13 Fathers DAy gift ideas

Sick of giving your dad a new tie each year?
Or a more apropos question would be-
Is your dad sick of getting a new tie each year??
Here are some alternate suggestions

1- A Dvd of an old tv series he liked ( the honeymooners is on dvd!)
2- A Cd of a band he HAD on lp and never bought on c.d..
3- A Gift Certificate to his favorite restaurant (this is good,'cause he may bring you along)
4- A Hand made coupon Giving him Car washes, or yard work from YoU!
5-An Ipod with all his favorites ALL ready loaded!
6- A new Book or a favorite classic
7-A caddy to hold all of his remotes
8-Lottery Scratch off tickets!
9-Bake his favorite cookies or cake
10-A gift certificate to his usual barber
11-a subscription to a magazine you think he'd be interested in
12-A nose hair trimmer! Or... a buzzer for his neck hair
13-A cool shirt to go with All those ties or a tie organizer!

Happy Fathers Day!
This was my 12th Thursday Thirteen already!
for more TT go here

children

the 3 word wednesday words are - change, dizzy, key


Each Key Stage spins into another
I've grown dizzy watching you grow
Each Change you make my heart is unchanged
It deeply treasures each stage as we go.

Got a few minutes?

Okay... It must be cyclical with me...
I again need to rant about things that have pissed me off this week!
The first thing, that I was hesitant to write about( sparing feelings crap) but feeling crazed tonight, I thought... What the Fuck!( If you don't like this expletive, leave now.. Im sure I will be re-using it because it's my favorite fucking expletive..)
People touching my stuff! My adult son had a few buddies over. They decided to go on my computer to look at.. who knows what!
I came home an hour later, no one is home. I go to use MY computer( key-fucking word MY) and MOST of my BOOKMARKS are deleted!! Yes.. just think about this one moment for my sake please... Imagine how YOU would feel... pretty enraged, NO?? YES I was beyond LIVID. At first I just couldn't understand... WHY?? why would ANYONE just delete something of someone else's?? I've been bookmarking on this computer for 4 years! So I call my son who asks his friend who used the computer and the friend said "OH did I? I was trying to delete the history of what we were looking at". (wonder what that was??) I can't even get into all I felt and what I said. BUT, even enraged, I am such a mush that when they came back and He looked so upset and felt SO awful, and he IS usually such a nice guy... I had to forgive him, even though It took 2 glasses of vino to calm down. All week, I've been so frustrated.. need to quickly go to library web site...OH NOT there! school district website... OH NOT there... All the blogs I visit... .. gone!
Some frequently visited blogs are on my google reader, but the ones I don't visit as often... Who the hell remembers their addresses?
I can't remember my own these days! I am always typing the wrong password into blogger! Even writing this has stirred up the hot temper in me that I felt last week. What really angered me further, was when my son (ring leader) said... What's the big deal really?? I mean so just type things in when you need them and bookmark them again. HE almost lost his head. He should thank god I had already had the wine.

My second rant involves what else... GAS As I am getting a fill up yesterday..(full serve at hess is self serve price)- I notice in my side-view mirror, a customer running towards my gas tank. Apparently when you have a pocket of air in there, the gas doesn't automatically stop... It just OVERFLOWS and POURS out of the tank! This nice guy saw it and ran to stop it, the two foreign speaking attendants didn't. When they came over and my pump said 59.25. These two generous souls said ... No worry Lady... No give us 25 cent. I said to them ARE YOU kidding me?? 25 cents? There has to be at least 2 gallons on the ground. "No, no, it not much." Then another attendant appeared explaining my tank had air and Blah Blah Blah. Like that's my fucking problem? Am I suppose to burp the tank each week? Even at 4.25 a gallon, It just wasn't worth my time to try and speak Pakistani and communicate my outrage about their unjust customer relations.

rant #3.. ARe you actually still with me? You are a kind soul.
The other day, some moron in my salon went on and on about how much she can't stand it, when she sees someone nursing their baby in public. I just don't get people like this... Especially a woman! My god, she had breasts.. what Does she think they were put there for?? besides that...
It was very hard to maintain professionalism, while cutting her hair straight, AND try to give her a (former) nursing mothers point of view. Then just this morning, I am reading one of those Dear whoever advice columns in my newspaper.... And some Asshole mother-in-law, is complaining about her daughter in-law nursing in front of company. She wants her to stay in a bedroom during parties and family events till she's done nursing.( this sometimes takes an hour, you know?) I keep fearing I have Alzheimer's, so please tell me.. Where are we living? What kind of society frowns on the simplistic beauty of a mother nurturing her baby, the way nature intended?
All this bullshit, brought back to mind similar scenes when I was a nursing mother. Once while visiting close friends, His very uptight mother popped in unexpectedly. I was sitting at their kitchen table very discreetly nursing my son. She came in all happy to see us and made small chit/chat and then she realized what I was doing.. as quick as my bookmarks deleted.... She got all weird and embarrassed and said she had to leave!! She LEFT her son's home because an unrestrained Breast was in the room!! How fucked up is that? My poor friend felt awful, and tried to apologize for her oddness. One of my all time favorite anti-breast feeding statements? My sisters friend, who said... "yeah, if he was a girl I would have nursed him, But you know , he is a boy"
It's been like 25 years since I heard that line, but I still don't know what the fuck she was talking about! I guess she is thinking of it as something sexual? And she would only do something sexual with... Her daughter??
If anyone understands this .. Please enlighten me.
I DO think it's nice to be considerate when near people feeling uncomfortable in the presence of the Dreaded Lactating breast... Nursing moms should try their best to be discreet. But geeez people... Its a breast. It's got an important job to do, Moms don't need your hangups making child rearing any harder than it already is.
I've got more to rant about, but I doubt anyone is listening anymore.. this is a bit long winded.. and long winded blog posts piss me off too, so I better just say..
thanks for listening to whatever you were able to bear. This REALLY felt like BLOGGING!
I feel better now.

Thurs. 13 #11~ Pasta & Broccoli Rabe

13 EASY steps to making a Delicious pasta dish!

ingredients- 1 bunch of broccoli Rabe
1 lb. of your favorite pasta
1 can of cannellini beans (white kidney beans)
3-4 cloves of garlic
Olive Oil/ chicken broth/ S&P
Grated Cheese
Sun dried tomatoes (optional) ( I love them in this recipe!)
Sausage (optional) If you have left over cheese and parsley sausage, YUM
cut it up and use it in this recipe!

STEP #1-Put up a large pot of Water to boil (for the pasta)

STEP#2- Cut off and discard large stems from Broccoli Rabe, Cut up remaining leaves into approx. 2" pieces


STEP#3-Put Broccoli Rabe into large pot and rinse rinse rinse.

Then add water to cover Broccoli and bring to boil

STEP#4- simmer for about 5 min.
(when Im not in a hurry, I wait to boil pasta water, So I can use this same Pot for that)

STEP#5-Meanwhile, cut up your garlic and sun-dried tomatoes


In another pot, fry garlic in about 5 TBSP. of olive oil (on med. low) till soft and golden

STEP#6-Drain the broccoli Rabe well ..



Add it to the golden garlic and toss and simmer a few minutes.

STEP#7-Add the cannellini beans,
S & P to taste


STEP#8-Add 1/2 can of chicken broth, saving the rest in case you need it later when pasta is tossed

STEP#9-By now your pot of water should be boiling... Add your favorite pasta, and time it till 'al dente'


STEP#10-While pasta is cooking, you can now add the sun-dried tomatoes and/or pre-cooked sausage to the broccoli Rabe

STEP#11-DRain Pasta and Toss with the Broccoli Rabe mixture. If it is too dry and a little more chicken broth ( i microwave it in a glass measuring cup, so it doesn't cool off the pasta.)

STEP#12-Taste and if needed add more S &P and a few tsp.'s of Loccatelli grated cheese ( put this on the table to add more!)

STEP#13-Serve and ENJOY!!








for more Thursday thirteens go here

3 WW

TheThree word wednesday words are-
deny
smile
uncomfortable

Here's what I came up with-

I deny while trying to breathe and hold it all in
as I go through my summer clothes trunk.
I swear out loud with an uncomfortable smile
"These shorts from last year must have shrunk!"

Jayna's Angel Bag

Today I received a very special gift. It truly lifted my spirits and made me smile from ear to ear. My fabulously creative cyber friend Sherrie sent me one of her sweet Jayna's Angel Bags!


These whimsical, adorable tote bags are Sherrie's loving tribute to her dear friends sweet baby girl Jayna, who sadly passed away 1 year ago today, tragically at only 9 months old.
Along with my enchanting tote bag, Giggles also enclosed this heavenly hand painted note card!

Leave it to Giggles to place her art work in such a fanciful hand decorated Envelope!



When I started blogging two years ago, If anyone would have told me, that I, suspicious,mistrusting (paranoid!?) Lulu, would befriend a total stranger from Canada, I would have said you're &@#! crazy!! Now, I can't imagine my life without my cyber soul sister!
Today, my son was diagnosed with Psoriasis. According to the pamphlet, 4.5 million adults in the U.S. have it. Even though I Of course know this isn't a serious or right now too difficult problem, I was feeling very upset. I guess this week, it's just been one thing after another. You know how that happens? Three kids times AT LEAST 3 problems each, Husband times AT LEAST Double that, and my own stupid problems. So this Skin disease thing, and reading TOO much information in this freaking pamphlet had me really feeling down.
Then... I read Sherries blog, Realized that today Is the One year anniversary of her sweet little friends passing. Read about the everyday battle little Jayna's parents are going through with their disabled son. Perspective... It is amazing how it affects us. I am now weeping tears of relief..... I am so grateful for this Psoriasis.
My cyber soul sister has a way of always doing this. Sometimes it's with her direct words of wisdom for what's ailing me... Other times, Just like an angel... she is a messenger, through provoking words and whimsical brush strokes, who truly lifts my spirits and enlightens my heart. ♥
thanks Sher xox

Book Meme

A new blog for me, that I've been really enjoying is Amaretto girls blog.
She recently emailed me and asked me to do her Book meme. Thanks for tagging me! I also want to thank you for linking your readers to the definition of Meme.. I had always thought it was pronounced MEM like in memo. I was surprised to see Wikipedia actually covers this word!

Now the rules of a book meme are as follows:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people, and acknowledge who tagged you.


My book club and I are reading "the senators Wife" by Sue Miller... It is right here on my desk...
Page 123- sentence 6- Then he mentioned the campaign, his campaign for reelection, which had already begun.
7- When she came to this passage, Delia smiled bitterly.
8-So this was what lay under it all-under the wooing, under the regret.

I am not too crazy for this book. It is interesting enough, I want to finish it. But I feel like not much has truly happened. I had originally thought it would be about corruption in the senate. Or, Scandalous, seductive, sexy senator shenanigans! I've been more entertained & shocked by REAL life former N.Y. Senator Spitzer, I guess he is a tough act for a fiction writer to follow!
I am hoping the ending will surprise me and make it worth the read.

I am not tagging anyone in particular, Instead I invite anyone who is interested to please do the book meme!

Curve #2

She stared at her reflection. Never had she felt so complete.
She stared at her shoes in the mirror. Able to now view her feet!
She felt the stirring of life inside her. Tears welled up from within
She traced the curve of her swelling miracle. blissfully waiting for life to begin

I wasn't happy with my last' Curve' post..
so I tried again.
thanks SS