The Journey 10-06-1999

Memories tumbled with time
Emotions intertwined
Where yesterdays abound
Lost love forever found
Curving, tangled days
Younger, carefree ways

So many paths to choose
And where to leave these blues
That they could not be found
Nor turn my head around
Walking thru the haze
My heart my soul ablaze

Softened thru the years
Remembering - bitter tears
Accepting my own path
Thru joy, hope or wrath
Older - head is bowed
Learning life out loud

I Wish 7-18-1999

I wish I could spark a fire in your eyes
I wish I could see the truth through the lies
I wish I could be the best part of you
I wish I was sure that you love me too
I wish I could have had just one more chance
I wish we could have a reason to dance

Whispers 7/18/1999

Pooh prefers honey and I prefer you
When I need someone to whisper to
I can rant and rave and carry on
Laugh or cry till the hurts all gone
Or just sit quiet and wait for a hug
A moment in time warmed with love
Pooh prefers honey and I prefer you
When I need someone to whisper to

Submissive 7/15/1999

I didn't take time, I didn't take care
I didn't notice you weren't standing there
I didn't call, I didn't write
I didn't growl, I didn't bite

I didn't take time, I didn't take care

I didn't not love you when you weren't there

I didn't think, I didn't act

I didn't know if you'd come back

I didn't take time, I didn't take care

Now I can feel it, it's everywhere

I didn't remember how could I forget

Just how lonely a soul can get

Doors 4-18-2000

Doors that welcome, doors that warn

Doors that shelter from the storm

Doors to enter or return

Doors of life our lessons learned

Some with flowers growing near

Others locked, unwelcome here

Some you knock or ring a bell

Some there is no way in hell

Some are weathered, some are new

Some I held open for you

Doors of exit, doors of yore

Doors to open ever more

Doors of sorrow, doors of glee

Doors still standing tauntingly

A Friend Is A Friend 12-29-1999

Being a friend is not a spectator sport
It's laughing and crying, mutual support

It's the ups and the downs, it's shadows and light
It's the person you know that will hold on tight

A friend is a friend and ever will be
A friend is a friend a reflection of me

Menopausal Moments 2-10-2000

Menopausal moments, it's hot in here! 
Hormones taunting, "the end is near" 
Hot flashes that seem to last for days 
My Mother confirms, I'm in that stage 

Gravity is working on this body of mine
Aging daily like a dry sweet wine 
My joints are cracking, my muscles ache
The joys of womanhood, the masquerade 

I'm still just a kid, and always will be
But you can't tell just by looking at me
My hair is graying, but not my heart
The hell with nature, I'll end where I start

Empty Nest 8/1/2000

An empty nest
I must confess
Is quieter you see
We're all alone
This place, our home
Just my husband and me

November Rain 7-17-1999

The storm clouds come and shadow me
I long for shelter a safe place to be
I struggle I try I run out of breath
Peace come quickly bring me death

Just then it rains and cleanses my heart
The wonder the joy a new day to start
The storm passes quickly the thunder fades
I hold you and whisper "I'll love you always"

Enchanted 8-02-2000

Just beyond the stars, my spirit waits for you
Above the horizon, where the light beams thru
As I wait and wonder, how long it might be
I bask in the light of the love that set me free

Looking at the colours, enchanted by the shine
I thank God above, he put your heart in mine

The Journey 10-06-1999

Memories tumbled with time
Emotions intertwined
Where yesterdays abound
Lost love forever found
Curving, tangled days
Younger, carefree ways

So many paths to choose
And where to leave these blues
That they could not be found
Nor turn my head around
Walking thru the haze
My heart my soul ablaze

Softened thru the years
Remembering - bitter tears
Accepting my own path
Thru joy, hope or wrath
Older - head is bowed
Learning life out loud

Poster please

A long, long time ago (April of 2016) we went on a road trip to see my granddaughter in a figure skating competition. The road trip included me (Doodle Bug the Aunt or ant), my hubby Mark, his niece Summer, her daughter Autumn (AKA Jelly Bean) and my BFF, Marilyn. We had some "slug bug" shenanigans and in general the conversation moved at about 35 LPH (laughs per hour). I had an idea to take the highlights of conversations that day and make it into a poster or book. After some conversation on the down low her Mother suggested Autumn needed art for her walls.

The first concept

Had to "tool up" for the occasion.

Do not be afraid of a blank piece of paper. 

Just start somewhere and make changes as you go. 

That's me with the pencil. You know, the Ant. 

:)

I take whatever time I need. No need to rush.

Step back and enjoy the progress made so far.

A closer look and slug bug!

On the road trip, Autumn started calling me doodle bug and I called her jelly bean.

Started to come together.

Added "secret messages" that glow in the dark on the white frame.

Let the watercolors relax for a few days then framed it up.

Invited Autumn and her Mom over for some root beer and . . .

It was a great day.

<3

Be a donor of kindness

We are all God's children. Our souls (like love) has no gender, no race, no rage. Be a donor and mentor of kindness. One can make a difference. Love is kind (and comes in all colors). 

HUGS (Humans Utilizing Gifts Successfully).

The Tree of Me

The tree of me has many rings
Each has seen a million things
From my very first sprout
Through the seasons of drought
The rings show my age
As each turns a page

In a season of growth
Up or down I did both
My reach to branch out
The root of my doubts
The wind and the rain
The winters the pain

The growth the scars
Sometimes bazaar
The colors the clouds
Growing out loud
Dancing with glee
The tree of me

Fare Whether

Feathers of a bird, stay with the herd Tarred and feathered, we stick together Lions and tigers and swears, oh my Our flight paths criss and cross in the sky The bulls, the lambs the great I am The poets, the jocks, the river swam United divided, prodded and poked 2017, choked or stoked

Love Is Kind

Walking toward the dark side
A slow path, I'm petrified

No appointments no meds
It's all in my head

The pain is superficial
Diagnosis is official

A drink of this a puff of that
Time to go, grab my hat

Constant pain, scattered stress
Love is kind, life's a mess

Hard to breathe, can't keep up
Aches and pains piling up

Take a pill and another
Take a nap text from brother

Sleep and sleep and sleep some more
Toss and turn to doggie snores

Left or right which way to go
Dark or light I just don't know

H. U. G. S. for Pete's Sake

Love is kind. Politics CAN be too. It's about WE the people so the less us, them, they, the more H. U.G. S. (Humans Utilizing Gifts Successfully) we can share. Why are we so polarized? Why do we continue to post such inflammatory political "stuff" on social media? What purpose does it serve. Who is our target? Our cousin? Sister? Brother? Mother? Father? Aunt? Uncle? Neighbor? Pastor? The tree of "me" expands to all branches it seems. It's like we are all being held back for the sake of. . . . . well, for Pete's sake I have no idea! 

Once again I would like to ask that you do your civic duty and vote for a candidate not a party. We are all in this boat together. If everyone leans to the left or the right, we all get see sick.  What do you see? I see people who are not only listening to what they want to hear but they believe all of it too without question. 

In the land of the free, we can continue to post unkind words, share untruths, continue to stay unmoved or open minded.  We can also choose to actively listen with a compassionate ear and a thirst to really appreciate that America is and has always been a melting pot. We really don't have one way to live because we are all uniquely American. And that is just one of the best things I can think of about America. Maybe there is more to know and appreciate in others. 

Ask questions! More hugs, less smug. 

If you are a parent and your kid wants to go "out", chances are there will be questions. Many, many questions. Why would you just say, sure you are a member of the family and we all do the same things so sure, go do whatever that is you are going to do. Yes candidates are older but they may not all have the same maturity, ideas, philosophy, values, or experiences. It may be the best person isn't flushed out because we fail to ask questions so we don't see the best candidate. 

Do you choose to dive again and again into murky water? I would much prefer a flowing stream to a stagnant pool. Healthier for all of our friends and relatives. Kids too. Big kids, little kids, kids not yet born. You know, we the people.

How great would it be for all (including our kids, the kids kids) to have a working government? To be the United States of America. To lead and govern with purpose, peace and prosperity? 

#Love Thy Neighbor #LoveThyNAYbor

 #HugsNOTSmug

All I am saying. . . Is give P's a chance.

#Purpose #Peace #Prosperity

Ice Ice Baby

A ribbon or bow, her hair done just so

Sugar and spice ~ no it's Sweet Pea on ice

She skates to the line, it's her turn to shine

She sets up to start her skating is art

The music is peppy, just like Jess E

She glides and she spins, we watch with a grin

Her arms stretched wide as she silently glides

As the music ends, she bows to both ends

The crowd shows their joy by throwing stuffed toys

She scoops them all up, our sweet buttercup

We stand as we cheer, wave as she skates near

Results should come soon 

She's over the moon!

Jess E's fast pace has earned her a first place

She's our number one and skating is fun

Jessica #LikeABoss yo!

~ Our Daily Bread ~

To vote or not to vote should never be a question! If you are eligible and don't vote you are agreeing to be lead blindly into your immediate future which has the potential to adversely affect you and yours for years to come. Your vote is your voice. I have an issue with those that pick the letter by a candidate such as "R" or "D" and believe that they are somehow voting. If you vote a straight ticket, why? That is supporting a party not a candidate. You should vote for the candidate that best serves you and your family. We need political diversity not clones who promote a single vision and platform. Voting should be more of a buffet rather than the "blue" plate or "red" eye special. Just selecting bread you have a choice of wheat, white, rye, potato, yeast, buckwheat, cornbread, banana, biscuits, sourdough, soda, and so on. Maybe your family is gluten free. Would you purchase bread based on its brand or the contents?

I personally think Donald is a washed up TV star, carnival barker and snake oil salesman who has obviously mastered his craft especially with the uneducated. I have no idea how his adjectives plan to "make America great again". I thought putting people in office that would have the fortitude to hold 45 in check on all spectrum's was our best choice in the 2016 election cycle. Since his election he has put his wealth and greed ahead of all else including the FBI building (Story here). He has been campaigning since his 2nd day in office and golfing at his properties  bringing in thousands of dollars to pad his pockets even more. Republicans have to date not stepped up to call him out. As of June 16, 2019 he has been on the grounds of his golf courses or played golf elsewhere 198 times at a cost of who knows what. What we do know is the activity is also lining his pockets. He is very good at lining his pockets. Golf? Not so much. He cheats which is no real surprise.

Click here for Trump's Current Golf Count 

or why he is Nicknamed Pele

The new Trump International Hotel has seen many CEO's, lobbyists, and other interest groups wearing their company brand on their shirts

just hanging out in the lobby for hours if not all day. People with foreign interest reserving rooms for multiple nights. This is against the Emoluments Clause and is yet another investigation waiting to happen. Unfortunately the breaking of the Emoluments Clause has not had any consequence. The same is true for the Hatch Act.

Hatch Act

Income from the hotel was $40 million in 2016 if he didn't cheat on his financial disclosure report. 

Even the demise of Khashoggi, the journalist that was murdered in Istanbul, Turkey; Trump seems to be covering for the Saudis. And beyond all of that I still think he has no idea what he should be doing even though he has been in the office too long! It was predictable that he wouldn't change (be Presidential) Because he constantly transforms (based on the immediate feedback at his rallies) it is not possible to know where he stands or if he will set sail on yet another uncharted course upon first gust. This disturbs me greatly. A vote for him was a mystery meal at best. No idea what you are ordering, or if it meets your nutritional needs. Will it cause any gastrointestinal consequences such as acid reflux, bloating, or rashes.

In this next election cycle let's vote for candidates that are best prepared to break bread and serve. Donald Trump? He has proven to have an empty core with no compass, emotion or belief of his own. He just follows whatever way the wind blows at the moment and pretends to be a leader by schmoozing the people he is with; no matter their belief. A chameleon for mostly whites and that one black supporter he pointed out at a rally by saying "Look at my African-American over here".

Hillary? Trump is still talking about her. She is not running and no, when she did she was not a perfect choice either but, she got more votes than Trump but lost the 2016 election. She has been studied, investigated, deposed, blamed and that cycle repeats and continues to this day. And even as she is microscopically scrutinized, she has continued to serve the public. She has a history of working for and with people. As additional candidates step up, take the time to listen. If you are hungry to get things done, maybe the buffet would be the best choice. 
Please study carefully and make your selection. Your table is being made ready. #Vote2020 

He has had two years to show us the health plan and we got nothing. He promised a wall that Mexico would pay for, also not going to happen. His administration has treated immigrant children so inhumanely it is horrific to me what the long term effects might be. The answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind ~ and war with Iran is a possibility.

Your slip is showing

Sugar and spice and everything nice
Even little girls know to fight
Boys AND girls each have minds
Fashion designers, know the times


Girls can dream as big as boys
There's no need for separate toys
Boy or girl, big or small
Promote to dream, encourage all

http://thetab.com/us/udel/2016/09/29/the-best-young-feminists-1001

To protect and serve

Cop Humor

16 hrs · 

As I was watching the news outlets covering the shooting in Dallas, I noticed something significant but not surprising; When The shots rang out, all those protesters ran, and ran quickly away from the sound of the shots, screaming, crying and trampling over each other.

I saw a reporter run to the shots, undoubtedly to get a story. Who else ran towards the shots? Every law enforcement officer in the area!!!

The reporter ran to get the story, but will remain a safe distance from harm. The officers will run and continue to run towards the shots in an effort to neutralize or stop the threat, to save and protect all those people, who were there protesting against the police. Who sacrificed their lives tonight while protecting the protestor's? So far, FOUR police officers killed! There are several reports of police officers shielding protestor's from gunfire with their own bodies!

God bless our police officers. May these officers rest in peace

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
As we mourn the loss of officers in Dallas, I have to ask why we praise the police for doing their job. That is not to say that I don't back the blue I do! After events involving police I often see a post praising the police for rushing toward the danger. In other words, doing their job. Yes the police will be running toward the danger and that is part of their duty to protect and serve. Yes their job is more dangerous than mine but it should in no way elevate any police officer above that of any citizen. We should all be on a level playing field and over and over we are painfully aware that we are not.

Similarly this is how often times a sports figure who is on the wrong side of the law is not held to the same standard as an average citizen no matter what crime is alleged. The punishment if any is a slap on the wrist rather than the standard of due process. A bad actor is a bad actor. It does not and should not be attached to the occupation of the individual nor should a victim be further victimized or have additional harm done or be minimized based on any previous criminal record.

I believe any officer who exhibits going above and beyond should be individually recognized and all police officers are required to live by the same laws of the land. It is also my belief that the best way we can support our officers is to stop instigating and agitating to make it a black or white issue when it is black AND white or more often lately black and blue.

I was fondled by a policeman who lived next door when I was younger so I know not all "cops" are good. I had a very cool family oriented neighbor who was a cop so I know all cops aren't bad. I have black friends and coworkers who are loving caring people so I know not all blacks are bad. We have obviously taught ourselves and others to paint with a broad brush. This leaves no way to include details. We live in a world of color not black and white. And each color has a different hue. There are shades of red, blue, green, purple. The world is a rainbow of color. Let's work actively to live together, out loud in the open instead of hiding or retreating to our box. Talk with your neighbor, meet someone new at your church, start a group or club that promotes kindness, love and understanding. Neighbor to neighbor, heart to heart make your part of the world a better place.

I am white but I am so much more than the color of my skin. We all are.

Love is kind. 

Use your voice, your gifts, your talents to move us to higher ground.

With kindness and in love, stand up.

H. U. G. S. (Humans Utilizing Gifts Successfully)

Dallas, Texas, Twelve officers, Five killed

This is not the world God made. No. This is the world we made. We. That we is all inclusive for every adult and impacts every child including the unborn. Left, right. Black, white. People of all neighborhoods, backgrounds, ages, races, religions and occupations. We. You and me. People.

From the bad actors to the people who fanned the flames, spread untruths of their own, infected others with talking points of the left or the right, talk radio, cable news and even those who sat quietly while a wave of rage grew stronger. The good of all was replaced by an infectious epidemic. A lack of mutual respect, support and compassion, concern or regard for anyone who does not look like we do, talk like we do, worship like we do and on and on.

This is not the world God made. No. This is the world we made. We. And if we have any chance of living in harmony we must fix it. We.

We need not blame or shame. We need not pit one against another. None of these things will change the current political and social climate. We are now experiencing in excruciating escalating egregious episodes of an us and them. Realize they are us and we are them. We need to listen to one another, be respectful, speak calmly in love and truth. We need to call out those who continue to spread hate in any form. We need to step up and speak out against people and practices that tear us apart. We are fully responsible to make this world a better place.

Thoughts and prayers have rang hollow for too long now. Please be the hands and feet. Don't turn a blind eye to your neighbor. Help who you can when you can. Celebrate our differences with open minds and open hearts.

Love is kind. Use your voice, your gifts, your talents to move the we to higher ground. With kindness and in love, stand up.

So many are counting on us to do the right thing. Please join me.

H. U. G. S. ( Humans Utilizing Gifts Successfully )


https://www.yahoo.com/news/three-officer-fatally-shot-during-000000452.html

Abortion ~ A leap of faith ~ Words matter

https://www.snopes.com/photos/medical/12weekfetus.asp

It is likely you have seen this photo that claims to be that of a 12 week fetus."However, this image isn't a photograph of a real fetus. It's a picture of a hand-painted resin doll crafted by artist Donna Lee and sold through the One Tiny Life organization for the stated purpose of using them in schools and pregnancy centers to educate prospective mothers:" 

Pro choice allows the woman the right to choose what is best for her, her partner, and her family. 

Legal safe abortion. Why would anything less be acceptable to you?


This is a controversial topic because there are so many (many well meaning) people who have been lead to believe THEIR faith elevates them to a superior spiritual authority to dictate over any and everyone in the matter of pregnancy. The only conclusion for them based on their faith of choice is a pregnancy leading to childbirth. So regardless of the faith or lack thereof of the living breathing person who should ultimately be the best to decide what is or is not best for them and their circumstance, the people who believe any abortion is murder would remain steadfast in their belief under any circumstance or with very little latitude. Most would be fine to have a young girl who had been impregnated by a father, step-father, brother, other family member, friend or stranger against her will to be further traumatized by continuing the pregnancy to term. Imagine that child having to bear a child. Maybe consider the mother who finds that HER pregnancy is complicated by known genetic birth defects. She would also be denied the option to terminate the pregnancy. Imagine the anguish of that mother and her family waiting for weeks or months only to have a still birth after laboring possibly for days. The rape victim that can barely care for them self or has mental deficiencies that make them unable to comprehend pregnancy at all much less become a parent. 

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/  

With the ruling today I am seeing some who are clearly blinded by what they believe is misguided joy of the ruling because they have no true understanding of pro choice. And in this instance the final two sentences makes their opinion final as well so they are consciously choosing to continue to have no understanding.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

This was posted on Facebook: 

"I try to stay away from politics on FB But today I just have to say how sad I am that I see people CHEERING on the news that they are now able to murder unborn babies more easily. It is a sad sad day. I am always amazed at what human beings will do to other human beings...the born and the unborn.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

So no more discussion. No open mind. No open heart. Without accepting anything further, there is also no room for discussion or compassion for the mother who has to make such a decision. Verdict has been rendered. They do not need or want any information that does not fit in their box where they have come to their conclusion on the matter of abortion.

Their conclusion is just that. Their conclusion. They can live with a grand daughter or daughter being raped and not having ALL of the choices that are legally available to her.


The statement of no conversation was their choice. Again their choice not to have any input from opposing views. See the irony in that? I too am amazed at what human beings will do to other human beings.

Pro choice does not. Repeat. Does not as stated above celebrate that woman are , "able to murder unborn babies more easily".  In fact the decision to terminate a pregnancy is so personal I do not understand how anyone not in the medical field has any business weighing in on such a personal decision.  Why they have the right to choose for any woman or why they are compelled to embrace and support the politicians that make faith based laws to reinforce their belief and impede a woman's right to choose is one of those hot button issues.

I am certain that politics led this person to that inconceivable conclusion. Politics should have no say or merit in family planning. Family planning should be done family by family in love with truth and support from medical doctors, specialist and any other resources necessary. Each and every woman should have a right to choose what is best for them in their circumstance. A woman should have the right to choose to carry to term or terminate a pregnancy in addition that same choice should fall to a spouse or other family member if the woman is incapacitated. 

Marlise Muñoz, a paramedic and mother of a toddler, collapsed Nov. 26 at her Haltom City home from a possible pulmonary embolism. Because she was 14 weeks pregnant, the hospital refused to remove her from life support, citing state law that protects the life of an unborn child despite a patient’s end-of-life wishes.

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20140126-fort-worth-hospital-withdraws-life-support-for-pregnant-brain-dead-woman.ece 

I can appreciate the concern that a "baby" is being murdered because that is such a horrendous statement and elicits a powerful emotional response. Much like saying let's go club baby seals! In my observation, pro life tends to exaggerate what an abortion is, why it is done and how. The pro life version is that all of the restrictions are in place to ensure the health of the woman. I think we can truthfully say that is really just a ploy to make a legal, safe abortion less accessible. 

My faith and my compassion lean toward the living. The ones that have drawn a breath. How does your faith give you authority to make such a personal and often heartbreaking decision for strangers? Whatever your belief, if you must speak on this subject, please speak truthfully with kindness and love. Realize the impact of your religion on others who may not share your version of faith and may come from a circumstance you can't imagine. I was told my grandmother would douche with bleach after sex to prevent pregnancy. Before safe and legal abortions, woman have done unimaginable things to prevent pregnancy. And they made those choices knowing an abortion could cost them their life!. Why would anything less than a safe legal abortion be acceptable to you?

I have had spontaneous abortions but as we all know, we call it a miscarriage if it is not a scheduled event. Sometimes the body chooses to abort and sometimes the woman chooses based on her life circumstance.  Did you imagine that child having to bear a child. I could have been that child. Me. I really think that would have led to suicide. How much more damage would that have done to my relationship with the mother who failed to protect me? Sexual abuse is not a choice. Birth defects are not a choice. Please make an effort to be compassionate for the living. Love is kind.

The below is from http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/life/

God (Yahweh) as the Source and Sustainer of Life. According to Genesis 2:7, "the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." This "breath of life" does not distinguish human beings from other animals, nor perhaps even plant life, as can be seen in Genesis 1:29-30. When God declared his judgment against Noah's generation, all creation in which there was the "breath of life" would suffer the destruction of the flood ( Gen 6:17 ; Genesis 7:15 Genesis 7:21-23 ). The breath of life distinguishes the living from the dead, not human beings from animals ( Eccl 3:18-19 ). Consistently throughout Scripture God is portrayed as the giver of life, which distinguishes living organisms from inanimate things ( Rom 4:17 ).