Looking for answers to life's questions

Archive for June, 2022

Little Gifts

These last few weeks have been so very interesting. Of course, that’s how my life goes. I’ve never been bored and always looking for the little gifts’ life leaves for us unexpectedly.

My son’s Orchid with 2 ft. of flowers!

One morning this week I went out for my walk before day officially broke and headed up my first short hill. At the top and to my right, I noticed a rather large black and white cat sitting on a mound of dirt. I have never seen this cat before. I approached more slowly wondering why it was out there. As I turned around to go back down the hill, I saw why cat was sitting there. Its job was to slow me down and pay close attention.

Moving along

So many rocks, so easy to hide

Two steps down the hill, I came to a complete halt. On the embankment opposite the cat was the most beautiful baby deer. It stopped and looked at me as well. I wondered if I could successfully get my phone out to photograph this never seen before bit of joy in time. The deer did not seem the slightest bit disturbed at my movements and I captured a few very shaky shots. As the deer move down the hill, so did I. I finally decided to move ahead of it as it was heading toward the larger street and I wanted it to move away from traffic however limited at that dusky hour. I was so blessed that morning to see this baby deer/elk so up close that the rest of the day I was floating on air. There are rewards for getting out of bed in the dark.

Deer/Elk nibbling

Deer/Elk? close

The next day I had plans to meet a blogging friend for dinner as they were passing through on an extended trip. They drove an hour each way to stop by. We have been corresponding by snail mail since she stopped blogging several years ago. Prior to leaving for dinner, I sent a text to my son. “I have a lizard in my house.” Now, I am not afraid of them and they eat bugs so I had no intention of bringing harm to this creature. It would starve in my place though. Along with my lack of speed and vision, I was not the one likely to catch this little critter. So, the kids came early to pick me up and quickly came up with a plan. The DIL found a clear plastic container that I had in the discard box. There was also had a small cardboard box (delivered by Amazon just moments before) as they approached from two sides. He lowered the clear container on it and scooted it into the cardboard box closing the lid quickly. She said they don’t see the clear container coming at them. Then she took it outside and placed it back in its own environment.

Very confused house guest.

Jan and I at dinner

So off to dinner we went to enjoy some lively conversation with some very nice people. Dinner for the great hunters was on me as my son had also put up a new ceiling fan earlier that day to give me better light in my sewing room. I don’t know what I’d do without these great kids. Hope I never have to find out.

Do you get gifts from nature on occasion?

From my heart to yours,

Marlene Herself.

Flat Funny

I don’t normally do re-blogs as you well know but today has to be an exception to the rule. Now that I think about it, If I need this and find it elsewhere, how can I not share it with you? You may need this today too. This blogger regularly posts some of the most hilarious things I’ve seen and I’ll look for any opportunity that leaves me smiling or even laughing out loud. Laughter is so energizing and healing that I’m always “In Search of it. ” 🙂 I may have to share a funny with you on occasion. Hope it helps you too.

https://bluebirdofbitterness.com/2022/06/08/strange-juxtapositions-8/#comment-145859

From my heart to yours,

Marlene Herself

Birthing

I was wondering (though I knew the answer deep down) why I was so tired all the time and feeling like someone had pulled my plug from the current?

In the last nine months, I have fixed up my home of seven years and put it on the market to sell. The house sold and there was more work. Packing, purging, making arrangements for a life that I could not see in my minds eye. Then there was a month-long trip to Germany during winter and Covid. Finally, there was the possibility of a new landing spot far from my friends and familiar surroundings.

The last three months have been about settling into a place I really didn’t want to be in but decided it was probably for the best and turning out better than I’d imagined. It has required new health care protocol, trying to make new friends, and deal with entirely different weather and living conditions.

In essence, I have given birth to a whole new life in the last nine months. A lot work went into creating it so it’s time to take a good look my life now and claim it.

Running in circles leaves no air for me.

I realized I had become habituated to eating what was cheap and easy. Is that who I am? A cheap, easy addict? So, I decided to take charge of this new life I’ve birthed and feed it properly. I’ve been gradually increasing the length and intensity of my walks as I’ve become slightly more acclimated to the altitude of 6300 ft. I fasted for a few days and then continued with a healthy low carb lifestyle for the duration.

The hardest part of this new life? Giving up being cheap and easy. The interesting part is the cough has quieted and my creative energy is returning after allowing myself extra resting time. The apartment is still more cluttered than I’d like but things are still on the move here. Mostly out the door. My new sofa and chair may arrive this month but I know better than to have expectations.

First project in the new sewing room. A gift

I finally found my essential sewing tools packed in odd places and am beginning to start sewing again. My very first projects were gifts, as it should be and I tried something new for fun. I’ve attended two card making classes at the Senior Center. Had a very good time but will not succumb to another expensive hobby.

Back shows embroidery stitching better

I have been able to cat/house sit for the kids three times since I’ve been here. Change of pace for me and a way to give back a bit for all they do to help me. Gracie is now an official curmudgeon and Sonar a tormenting toddler.

Have you ever given birth to a new idea, project or lifestyle? Were there labor pains in the process?

Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day. ~Alice Morse Earle

From my heart to yours,

Marlene Herself