I'm just The "Lone Ranger"!

. . .that's what my mother would always exclaim. And I would be obliged to contemplate what she meant for a few brief moments. You know, obviously, she's "alone"--Dad is already gone, she's living in a "mother-in-law's suite in her son's house--not really alone but yet "alone" on her side of the house, yada, yada. And that was about the extent that the analysis went. Mother had a way of using "double entendres" and along with them, many or most times they always were a bit "funny" or "tongue in cheek". But, today as I pondered her four infamous words, a new understanding clearly unmasked itself to me (well...at least to me anyways...). The "mask" that my mother wore of the Lone Ranger--(like most people do in some form or another) was the way to hide the pain of that "aloneness", yet verbalize it too. She joked about it--the outward expression was heard. Even though there was no advertly open confession of pain; however, this experience belonged to her and this was the manner in which she was able to cope with the heartache. My mother was a gentle woman and the way in which she comported herself and "dealt" with issues in her life---well--who couldn't be proud of this "lady". What a truly wonderful example she was. I miss her dearly. SO, this Thanksgiving I shall intentionally point my thoughts to remembering her positive eccentricities and all her delightful little quirks --and I will cry --and I will laugh. Most of all I will long for the moment when I can be with her again! I don't think she will greet me saying "I'm just the Lone Ranger"-- for I think that where she is-- she is NOT ALONE and for now--that is sufficient enough to make my heart sing!

Just a CUP of Coffee!

It's a "glass cup" that I purchased at my favorite thrift store--for seventy five cents. But I like the way it looks and the balance of it when you hold it. So now--- for that first cup of coffee in the morning---ahhh! There's nothing like it, and especially in a "favorite" cup--come to think of it---my mother had a thing for "cups" too! But that's a story for another time.

MY weekend--GIRLS NIGHT OUT--etc

Yep, sometimes that word MY has to come to the surface and be heard. This past weekend was that kind of weekend. I was invited by one of MY most intelligent friends, Anne, and her also intelligent, brilliant, mother, Loretta, to White Christmas at the Aronoff Center--(Broadway comes to Cincinnati). (It was MY first time at the Aronoff believe it or not!) And to top off the evening we stopped on our way home at "The Works" (a converted fire house--now restaurant) in Loveland. Anne had been telling me that their Creme Brule was to die for and yep, read MY lips-- Anne was RIGHT! We were truly a lovely and harmonious trio of feminitiy as we celebrated our Saturday GIRLS OUT NIGHT --it sincerely made MY heart sing. Loretta definitely reminds me of Dorothy (MY mother-in-law) and it was fun getting to know her a tad more! With the recent passing of MY mother, being with a mother-daughter duo, made it even more special. A great weekend most definitely---top it off with a weeeeee bit of sewing--what more could a girl want?

CURTAINS FOR KENDRA

My daughter Kendra posted this picture (you have to click on the picture to get a better idea of the fabric detail)--her new IKEA desk on her blog a while ago soon after she started her master's studies. I love her simplistic style. She's been talking about curtains for her HUGE windows and so she picked out a few choices. I just ordered the larger simple linen stripe for the window and the smaller linen print for a "pillow" or what? --suggestions? ....can't wait to see it all together!

SUPPER

. . .has to be healthy, quick, try to please my 16 year old son (humph)--this is one of my favorite combos--fresh asparagus (the thinnest and freshest you can find) --spray your pan with olive oil and overload with slices of garlic cloves. Saute garlic until its' brown and crispy--then add asparagus--baked (or in our case) "microwaved" sweet potatoes -- broiled lean chops "a la Kentworth style"-- which means layered in pepper. Not too much can surpass this quick tasty treat as the unavoidable cool weather calls and brightly lit orange pumpkins adorn our porches awaiting festively dressed beggers.

a PICTURE is WORTH

This was totally accidental but I love it. It's the window of THE MERCANTILE ANTIQUE MALL in OLD MILFORD, (where Pear Mcgee resides). The reflection is a lovely place to eat called 20 Brix. If you've never been to Milford, perhaps this gives you a small "taste". Can you find nemo?

God must love PINK!

My mother planted this bush quite some time ago so she could sit on her porch and have some privacy--it' has grown over the years and now almost hides--now-- my front porch. Just a day or two ago it's leaves went from monochromatic shades of green to THIS!! What a magnificant way to greet each new fall day as I leave for ordinary places!

My Mother: Elizabeth Eurilda 1917 - 2009

Your passing brings profound sadness
Yet now I think I understand you more
You, my mother,

Longing for the friendship and companionship of me, her daughter
My turn now,

Seeing my own daughters as you must have seen me
Your strengths--once hidden --now obvious
Whatever weakness--now insignificant, meaningless
I have had the extreme joy of knowing you
Being with you
Feeling your love
You are not replaceable; there will never be anyone exactly like you
There is no replica, no substitute,
No one could ever “fill that hole” as you would so aptly say
How I would love to see you now, to feel your hand on mine
To hear your voice call my name,--just one more time
The same way you would leave a room
You left

Quietly, quickly,

No one watching
Now your history remains,
Your actions
A gentle reminder
Nudging, prodding
Stirring my soul
Reach higher
Be better,
Seeing life

As through your eyes
Appreciating

Reasons To Sing

As I was trying to fall asleep last night, my mind seemed stuck on all the bothersome items on my "list" (which I've been trying to rid my brain from keeping so efficiently)...I fought with myself and finally gave up --got out of bed -- and chatted with one of my best friends on facebook--she just "happened" to be up late. (I don't believe in conincidence.) On my way back to bed, I was hoping I was finally sleepy enough to fall right to sleep---(I wish)..."how can one possibly snore through an apnea machine?"---(erggggh!--my hubby)--but then for some reason my mind went to thinking of my daughters and good grief, all of a sudden I realized I was smiling and my heart was happy...who is so fortunate to have two wonderful and beautiful daughters like me? That's the last thing I remember thinking about.

monster quiche piece

This simple Zucchini Quiche is the best I've had in eons. As I savored each delectable bite, I thought to myself, "if this kind of quiche was served in a local restaurant, it is definitely something I'd make sure to come back for --again and again!" I used my biggest pie dish and was glad I did because it baked up montrously (it did take a bit longer than the recipe indicated) but the inside was magnifique! It was well worth the extra time it took! This recipe calls for 8 eggs, two smallish zucchini, swiss cheese, montery jack cheese, green onion, fresh garlic, milk, salt and (for us) lots of pepper. My husband contemplated a few drops of tobasco sauce on his piece. "Real" bacon was sprinkled on top (not pictured). The bacon was baked at the same temperature as the quiche on a broiling pan at the same time the quiche was baking. The less mess and fuss, the better, and it's a good economy dish too! YUM!! It's amazing how something as simple as this quiche can make my heart sing!

Psezz; No. 2

"Love Handles"

--the fabric straps are adorned with hearts--

pieces

Pictured Above: --say hello to "Sunny Disposition" --"Psezz; No. 1"

("psezz" is pronounced "pieces")

Written Below: --song performed by Michael and Stormie Omartian over a decade ago. It's message has been playing over and over again in my mind for over a month or so.

pieces, pieces

so many pieces to my life

scattered all around

and some of them are gone

and i know that i can't ever

put them back together again

pieces, pieces

so many pieces to my life

a puzzle left unfinished

jumbled and unwhole

who can really ever

put them all together again

in a vision like a daydream

through your mind

i saw Jesus coming closer

holding all my hopes combined

He spoke with great compassion

as He put one hand on me

and in the other hand He held

what i could never see

He said pieces, pieces

I have all the pieces to your life

a thousand tiny fragments

of every single day

I can put them all together

and ther're never be another one who can

He said pieces, pieces

I have all the pieces to your life

in My hand I hold the pieces

of every single day

I can put them all together

so they'll never fall away

I can put them all together

and there'll never be another one who can

The Key Ingredient

"The key ingredient in being in contact with reality is attention to what feels most true at the present moment."--Soul Without Shame is a book that deals with your "inner crtique". This seemingly simple statement bears quite a bit of weight in the author's premise. So far, this book has been very helpful to me and I find myself amazed that someone else has shared the same type of struggles that I do. I've experienced some hefty "epiphany moments" with this author. But the thought that rings so loud and clear above all the rest of even this author's suggestions are --using two of the author's words: "most true". To me, that can only be one thing, His presence, the presence of God. Add to that a few words of encouragement from my mother years and years ago..."Practice in His Presence!"---now that's what I call reality's key ingredient.

Cards, For Me?!!

What are the chances that one would receive (on the same day) two cards from two dear friends for two totoally unrelated reasons? (And it's not even my birthday!) WOW. That just really makes my heart sing! Thanks.

Thanks Neighbor!

Coming home from a long day at work, I was surprised to find this little bundle at my doorstep. Homegrown Tomatoes! YUM! I looked around to try and spy the bearer of these delightful taste treats, but there were no guilty parties to be found. Should I walk next door and "thank" my neighbors? ( I think I might know who left them.) But what if they didn't leave them? What a quandry, I wasn't sure what to do. But in the meantime, I rustled up this tasty sandwich, partnered with turkey bacon and lettuce--and a few celerly sticks on the side. There's is nothing like the taste of fresh garden tomatoes, is there? But I still haven't found out who to properly "thank"! But in the meantime, "Thanks God for sending those thoughtful neighbors my way!"

MY "M.U.T."

Did you ever try to capture the essense of your beloved companion in one snapshot? Hard to do isn't it? Let's be realistic, no one looks at your pet the way you do and no one sees their captivating personality the way you only do. BUT, here is my attempt to do just that. Let me introduce you to MY M.U.T. --that stands for Mollie Tulip Underwood. In this snapshot I was asking her where one of my now-married children were. She immediately perked up and cocked her head to the side and flashed me her beautiful smile. Isn't she gorgeous? Mollie Tulip is the puppy of a rescued boxer (obviously Mollie's father was not a boxer) named Daisy--who has been evaluated to be "companion quality"--you know the kind of dog that could help the blind. I've never had Mollie evaluated but I bet she would be an awesome companion dog too. My words seems feeble trying to describe who she really is. She is sooo smart. We can let her outside and she knows the boundaries of our yard and rarely goes beyond. She catches her favorite ball with her front two paws (honest!) and fetches and fetches and fetches. On command she sits, stays, crawls, plays dead, talks, speaks and gives kisses to whomever you tell her, and knows her "family" by name. I'm so thankful for Mollie, Thanks God! Mollie makes my heart sing just knowing she will be there to greet me when I get home each day!

Mailbox Memorial --Thanks Dad!

Backing out of the driveway this morning I stopped just long enough to take a longer than usual look at my mailbox . . . "yep I thought . . . it's about time to update that!" But then I remembered that it was this mail box that my father (who passed over ten years ago) had fashioned himself and put into place . . .so this is my attempt to memorialize a bit of his handiwork. I came home on my lunch hour and grabbed a few pics. When I showed them to my brother, he mentioned how he had painted the mailbox at one time, trying to preserve it's existance. He also pointed out how the circular discs below the mailbox were signage scrap from Swallens, where Dad used to work. I always wondered where my dad got the idea to use the metal stand that the mailbox sits on . . . I always liked the way it looked . . . don't they call that "repurposing" now? Dad was always a unique kind of guy anyway. Fond memories poured throughout my mind as we talked. Anyway, my lovely "first" daughter, whom I sure wants to remain nameless, (the expert blogger-- www.azphalt.blogspot.com) keeps reminding me to keep blogging "short" . . . so that's my cue to end here and just say--HERE'S THE MAILBOX!