After a while

A good friend passed this along to me and it means alot. Thought I would put it here for safe keeping.

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security,

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open,

With the grace of a woman,
Not the grief of a child

And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After awhile you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much

So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
In stead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers

And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth,
and you learn and learn...
With every good bye you learn.


Veronica Shoffstall 1971

Very Quickly ...Ruby Tuesday

I found this. I thought it was funny. Not sure why. I have weird humor. Its very......Twilight(as in Edward and Bella Twilight). You know......Very Perfect for Ruby Tuesday.

And no, I did not place it there myself. I found it like that. It was gone the next day. Very interesting.

Mellow Yellow Monday

I am posting quickly this morning because its week 2 of Band Camp. I was definetly off the blogging world last week and missed it.

This is K, with a perfect Sunset

Sunday Stealing

Funny blog that posts all those Meme's we are addicted to taking! Well here is this weeks and lasts. Check out the blog *clicky*


1. Who was your FIRST date? Ha! My teens asked me this the other day at practice. I had to really think. I mean I went on plenty of meet up dates to the movies and stuff. First date where I actually got picked up was probably with Steve B. in 9th grade. Could not tell you what we actually did though! We dated for a couple years off and on.

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love? No I do not. Not even sure where he is. Birmingham I think. I would totally talk to him too. We were never on bad terms.

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink? Vodka, Straight up! And I was too young to even mention

4. What was your FIRST job? Babysitting I think. Then when I was like 15 I was the Customer Service/Shipping and Recieving Expert(ha) at Montgomery Wards. I dont think they are even around anymore. They were big in AZ back in the day. That was a great job!

5. What was your FIRST car? Mazda Prodege.

6. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane? Arizona

7. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk? Hmm well I had some best friends when I was in K-2nd. Then we moved. I lost touch over the years. But yes, one, Sarah I recently connected with over Facebook. Crazy. 25 years later she looks the same.

8. Whose wedding did you attend the FIRST time? I believe it was my aunt and uncle's wedding when I was 5. But I do not remember it. The first one I remember was my step uncle(we are an american family)

9. Tell us about your FIRST roommate. I guess the only true roomate I have had is Celeste at Troy State. Wild. Yeah, that sums it up. But yeah, we had some fun!

10. If you had one wish, what would it be (other than more wishes)? For the changes in my life to smooth out. I am ready for the next chapter! I can't wait!

11. What is something you would learn if you had the chance? Sailing!

12. Did you marry the FIRST person you were in love with? nope

13. What were the first lessons you ever took and why?
Depend on yourself. Motivate yourself. Trust your instincts. DO NOT SETTLE! Why did I learn these lessons? Because the longer I go in this life the more I realize that people only look out for themselves and what benefits them. Its sad but true. So you better look out for yourself. Do what makes you happy. Don't look for people's approval. You will never get it. Stop trying. Be happy with yourself. STop waiting for others to make you happy. Stop waiting for people to do things for you. Do it yourself. Then when you have done all that, reach out and try to show the love, the generosity, the approval that maybe you never got.




1. Who was the last person of the opposite sex you lay in a bed with? Well my kids were in bed with me last night watching a movie. But somehow I think that is not what this question is asking.

2. Where was the last place you went out to eat? Misti and I went to Santa Fe last week

3. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed? Vodka and Cherry 7up

4. Which do you prefer - eyes or lips? Can't I have both. All though damn those eyes....

5. Medicine, fine arts, or law? fine arts

6. Best kind of pizza? R and R pizza in AZ.....I miss you

7. What is in store for your future? "OH the places I am going to go!"

8. Who was the last band you saw live? I saw one down in GS. But if we are talking about popular band......and this was a few years ago. But I actually think it was Big and Rich, Trace Adkins in AZ. Wow , I will have to think about it but I think that was the last concert I went to. Then again I did see Andre Bocelli in Rome. Holy Cow that was a highlight of my life!

9. Do you take care of your friends while they are sick? I guess if they were to call me and say they needed something ,yeah

10. How many songs are on your iPod? couple 100

11. Where is the last place you drove to? to the bottom of Wade's Gap to go for a run

12. Where did your last kiss take place? uh.......

13. What were you doing at 11:59 PM on Monday night? sleeping

14. Are you a quitter? I hope not

15. Who was the last person you had in your house? my dad.

15. What do you think about people who party a lot? I don't. Do what you want to do. Its not my life to live. Why worry about what other people do with theirs

16. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? no, it makes me want to have sex!

17. What was the last CD you purchased? Twilight

18. What are two bands or singers that you will always love? The Black Crowes, Aerosmith

19. Which of the seven deadly sins are you guilty of? "Lust", "Gluttony", "Greed", "Sloth", "Wrath", "Envy", and "Pride".
Well are we not all guilty of all of them at sometime in our life? Some more than others, some sins more than others. I am not sure which one I could say I do the most. Anger , hell yeah, Lust, You got it. I get down, sure. I think its just important that we recognize our behavior and try to change it when we are guilty of it. Its always a work in progress.


20. How is your last ex doing? who cares?


So there you have it. Another meaningful meme for you read on my blog. Sorry guys. I am brain dead for now.

I have to post this......

Hopefully by now , you have discovered PostSecret.......Its truly not a secret anymore. I love Sunday's now. I love reading everyone's deep dark secrets. I love seeing which ones I can relate too. This one is awesome...........

Can you read the fine print?

Check out more Secrets here

Damn....I don't want to waste another day of my life!

I've got just one thing to say.......

This one time at Band Camp! Thats where I am. I am missing my writing. Just not enough hours in the day, but I love this stuff. Its going to be a great season!

Fish Tales

The nieces are here for the weekend. Yeah, I have not seen them since November. Totally miss being around them more often. That is the worst thing about moving here from AZ. The kids have been playing nonstop. Jumping on the trampoline, slip and sliding, riding in the wagon while Rye pulls them with the tractor, and generally just running around the yard having a great time. We did take them fishing yesterday evening. Great time. But it is very hard for 3 adults to keep up with 4 kids and their poles. Of course I am no help because I refuse to touch a worm. So Chris and Dad's full time job was baiting hooks. Why? Because the kids were catching them that fast. We caught anywhere from 15-20 fish yesterday. It was crazy. Crazy Fun. Of course Chris killed one, it was a total accident. He took it off the hook , threw it back and it floated on top. I thought Rye was going to lose it. Tender heart that he is. About 5 minutes later the fish puffed up , jumped and went back to swimming. I am not kidding. He then died again, because I swear he was floating on top about 5 minutes later. Give it another few minutes, he puffed up , jumped, then swam away. This time for good. I swear. It was weird. We used up all the bait, quickly, and headed back.

We got back just and time to run over to Sunset Point and watch the sunset. The men(Dad and Chris) were preparing dinner, so I loaded them up to do something very boring. Or so I was informed. Children. That have not learned to embrace the Sunset factor.

Yep, I can see how a sunset like this is boring...........

So after that boring old sunset........we headed back to eat dinner, roast marshmallows, and play some flashlight tag.

The big kids had fun, the little ones were close to breaking point. It was so getting late and like 60 degrees out. Brrr.......Hello Fall...Not yet!

Then Lila totally reminded us that "Guys, its time to eat my birfday cake"! So Phoebe played happy bday on the piano, we sang, and Lila blew out her candles.....er her imaginary candles. Because I forgot those.....of course in my defense Mom always has candles and I figured we had some! Oh well who cares. The imaginary ones went out just fine!

Saturday 9...

Saturday 9: Heatwave
1. It’s July. How has the weather been where you are? The weather has been great! Today actually it has been very cool! 60 degrees tonight. Now that is winter to us Arizonians!!

2. What is the best way for you to beat the heat?Anything wet! Pool, sprinkler, water balloons
3. “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Do you buy that? Heck yeah......ask my hair! And I can definetly tell a differance from the South and the West.
4. Do you like hot tubs or saunas?Sure with good company!
5. What’s the hottest you’ve ever been? Hmm......what kind of question is this? There are so many kinds of HOT!
6. How many times do you hit the beach in the summer?As many as possible. I can not get enough. Is it time to retire there yet?
7. When you were a kid, what did you do in the summer? Beach, play in the yard, ride bikes all over the neighborhood with friends, swim. Alot of the same things as my kids do.
8. Surfing. Have you ever gotten on a surfboard? Body surf? I would love to learn how to surf.
9. What’s your favorite summer song?Any Jimmy Buffett song will do for Summer.

I realize this post is just some filler for now. I have lots of stories to tell. My nieces are here and my day has been filled with them. So I will post more later.

hmmmm....

No Thursday or Friday meme's for me my friends. I read them of course. Could not come up with a T13 or even fill in the Friday. I have officially entered Band Camp! My brain is there and so is my body for the most part. We are having some short practices this week before the long days start next week. Its great, it just makes me miss my Summer. I am going to have to run off for the weekends just so I can feel like its still there. I will be back, maybe doing some writing this weekend. Have stuff...in head.......

Watery Wednesday

I have been saving this pic for Watery Wednesday. I took it while sitting on my porch during a thunderstorm Sunday.

Goodnight Sun

~I believe in God, only I spell it Nature. ~Frank Lloyd Wright~

Summer interview with the kids

Interviews with the kids are great , they think it is hilarious and I love to add it to their scrapbooks. Now if you could get me to actually scrapbook.....I know I said I was gonna, Laura!
K is 5 year old girl, and R is 8 year old boy

What is the best thing about Summer?
K-Swimming
R-Baseball(I raised him right!)

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
K-Jump on the trampoline
R- Go to the Beach

What has been your favorite thing to play with this Summer?
K- Secret Agent Spies with Bubba
R- My friend J

You only have a month left of Summer, what do you want to do?
K- Pack it all and go to the Beach
R- Play video games *insert mom's sigh here*

What are you looking forward to, with the new school year?
K-I can't wait to meet my new teacher
R-Can't wait to see my friends at school, I hope one of them gets in my class!

Ruby Tuesday

I had to choose an old pic(well its not that old!). I have been organizing photos on the computer and thinking that I am going to get this trip scrapbooked. Ah hem! (Don't everyone call me at once to see if I am okay!) Yes, I said Scrapbook. Anyway....Think it is perfect for my first Ruby Tuesday entry! Know whats even better? I love how totally exhausted and ratty I look after walking all over southern Italy for 10 days. We made it to London only to have a 6 hour layover. Thats plenty of time to take the train in, run around, see Parliment, see the changing of the guards. Blah, Blah, Blah(I really do want to go back and have more than a few hours) It was very Chevy Chase at the Grand Canyon. Cool, next! Mind the Gap!

Small survey to fill out.

99 Things You Might Not Know About Me...
1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
2 long ones down my arm- broke it 3 times in a year and half. Reconstructive surgury

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
I am in transit at the moment....I got nothing

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
Yes, some at different times. Snore when I sleep on my back, grind my teeth when I am stresses, and talk alot.

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Rock, Alternative, Hip Hop, some country

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
12:46.....pm

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
A road trip

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
Places to go during the day, stores, etc.....I miss PHoenix

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
My kids oh and my camera....(its like one of my kids)

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
between 5'8 and 5'9

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
No, not to much

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
depends on where I am in the dark

12. WHAT COLOR UNDERWEAR ARE YOU WEARING?
I am not wearing underwear

13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
That the hokey pokey really is what its all about.......and I have been looking elsewhere

14. WHAT TYPE OF DEODORANT DO YOU USE?
Secret Clinical

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING?
Hope I will not be doing any proposing in the future

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
Coffee

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Hamburger or Sausage

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Penne Rustica

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
You mean of ALL TIME......Whoa.....Like Blue

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
The cracker

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
hmmmm....I am thinking

22. WHAT TYPE OF COLOGNE/PERFUME DO YOU WEAR?
Body by VS or Pink by VS

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
no

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
really, I just fell in love with Buckle

25. ANY SPECIAL TALENTS?
I got talents You don't even know about

26. FAVORITE MOVIE?
right now....Twilight

27. COKE OR PEPSI?
Coke

28. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE?
Black XTerra....my baby

29. PICK ANY LETTER FROM A TO Z:
Y

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
8

31. ANY PETS?
Mac

32. FAVORITE QUOTE?
"The secret is not to care"

33. FAVORITE PLACE?
Half Moon Bay, California

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
Yes, Mexico, Italy, London

35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
What....I have none!

36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
sure met alot of infamous people too!

37. FIRST JOB
babysitting

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
Yes

39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOULMATE?
I think we all just swirl around this universe and go in and out of each others lives. Sometimes for a short time, sometimes for forever.

40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
Sitting on the couch watching HP1

41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
Yes

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
my laugh, I kind of put everything in to it , you know?

43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
Yes

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
To sit on the beach, with a boat drink in hand, a few friends by my side, watching the sunset on the last 30 years!

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND THEIR NAMES?
got 2, R and K....Thats all folks, The factory is closed and there are no more workers!

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nope, I am an original

47. FAVORITE GAME?
duh...Baseball....Is there another game?

48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKE(D) ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
It being over

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
Me likey the Matrix

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Its kinda crazy and messy.....kind of like me

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey

52. ANY BAD HABITS?
I am sure there are some

53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
I try not to be, but gosh darn it , it gets the best of me at times

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely, look at all the fun things I would get to do

55. DID YOU HAVE A SANDBOX WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE?
yes

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Absolutely...and if you say no, you are lying

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
I yell and have it out, then I can usually get over it

58.WOULD YOU RATHER GAIN 58 POUNDS OR LOSE 58 POUNDS.
lose 58!

59. ARE YOU USING A DESKTOP OR A LAPTOP?
desk

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
My little ponies

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
maybe like 70

62.WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?
I was before that time.

63. Do you use sarcasm?
almost never

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
both

65. WHAT COLOR IS THE CARPET IN YOUR ROOM?
Hard wood

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
B, Breezy, Brick, Baby, B.B. Brickell, BryBry

67. FAVORITE SUPER POWER?
Cool question. I want the ability to fit into tight leather shorts, where a cape, and boots and look good going it!

68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Trueblood

69.WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH YOUR ENEMIES?
Let them go. Let them go completely out of your life!

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
I love moose tracks or cookie dough

71. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES?
Yes

72. DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER IN YOUR ROOM?
Nope

73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?
read

74. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE WHEN YOU ARE OLDER?
On the coast, I mean litterally walk out my door and my toes are in the sand. I can open the windows and hear waves crash.

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
I really don't care

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
nothing

77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
Coffee

78. LAST THING YOU ATE?
A popsicle

79. LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECEIVED?
not sure, I have not left the house to see

80. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Read, blog, scrapbook

81. SOMETHING TO HATE?
right now....this place

82. FAVORITE SEASON OF THE YEAR?
Summer

83. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY?
Starburst.....well any candy really

84. HAVE YOU EVER REALLY AND TRULY HAD A BEST FRIEND?
Yes

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
blonde/brown

86. EYE COLOR?
aqua....I am not kidding

87. SHOE SIZE?
9.5....You can not be this height with small feet people

88. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
Chipotle... Oh how I miss thee

89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Lulu's

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
Yes oh yes, oh yes

91. WATCH TV TODAY?
Nope

92. FAVORITE DAYS OF THE YEAR?
opening day of baseball, 4th of July, and Halloween

93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?
I play the piano miserably, and I used to play the flute.

94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?
Absolutely Neither! Give me a good Independent any day. I miss Nader

95. FAVORITE BAND?
JB and the Coral Reefers

96. LOOK UP, WHAT DO YOU SEE?
the ceiling

97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
dogfood

98. WOULD YOU EVER BE A HOUSEWIFE?
I think I am

99. WHAT BOOK OR SERIES ARE YOU READING?
Skin Trade by LKH

Macro Monday

This is my first stab at this. I often use my camera on the macro setting.......This shot looked great, then when I got it on my computer. Blah. Not as clear as I hoped. Still.....learning.

We have had so much rain in the last day , that I had to get out this morning and check out the blue babies! My dad's bushes are actually doing better , we thought we had lost them. They are finally producing fruit. Hoping for a late crop. Uncle R's plants are much more mature and were overflowing! Who knew picking blue berries could make you so happy! The kids were so excited and eating them almost as fast as I could pick them!

The one in my hand was the macro picture. It was huge. Rye grabbed it immediately and popped it in his mouth. Only to K's disapointment. I had to find her another XL Blueberry.

We ended up with quite a bit! I figure that is about 5$ worth. Ha! Who needs Walmart! Thats hand is K sneaking in to grab a bite. These will be gone by tomorrow. Good thing we have our own supply!

Mellow Yellow Monday

Turner Field~Atlanta, GA

Blue Monday

Atlanta's World of Coke

Recycling Rain

The kids and I have a little project going. We have rain collectors all over the porch. With all the plants and gardens around this place, we should be doing this and more.


After doing a little research I found out that :

• even though the earth is 2/3 water, only 3/10 of one percent is suitable for domestic use - and here we are dumping it on our plants!

Why? Because we are misinformed, don't care, or just plain lazy.

Well, I have been thinking alot about being more green lately and I decided to get the kids involved. You know what ? They had so much fun! We set up as many rain collectors as possible on the back porch. Plastic jugs, buckets ,empty coffee containers, and even opened up the coolers did the trick.

• an inch of rain off of a roof of a average size house can produce 5,000 gallons of rainwater.

Thats a TON of water!!!!

Now obviously I am not set up to collect huge amounts but we collected several gallons today. We watered all the plants in the house and are set up to water them again in a few days. I am thinking of looking into a rain barrel for my parents though. It really could come in handy for them.

Summer's Calling

Its still here .......Its still calling........School and Schedules can wait........Its saying "Come play with me"

We were treated this morning to a rainshower. The kids have taken to throwing caution to the wind and running out in it. K of course has to go get the bathing suit.

It makes the trampoline nice and slick.

I *heart* summer.......

Gotta go, I hear more rain. Got to set up more rain recyclers! Go Green!

The Friday 5

Holes!

1.Where can you go for a really good bagel, and how do you like yours?

Well no where around here. I miss a good bagel too. In AZ we would go to Einsteins or Brueggers, BUT if we were in North Phoenix.......Its got to be Chompies.....HELLO SWOON! I love this place....I miss this place. If I close my eyes I can smell this place. Its a Bagel factory, breakfast burrito making, cheesecake to die for, and carrot cake the size of your face LOVING PLACE! Sorry, got a little carried away....Do yourself a favor, if you are ever on Cactus/Tatum in Phoenix,AZ.....Stop in. Sit down. You will not regret it.

2.What is your favorite style of doughnut? I love , love, love sourcream donuts. I got hooked on these when I was a little girl. Its been a long time since I have had one too!

3.What’s your favorite flavor of Lifesavers? I have to say, that they all kinda taste the same. Especially after you eat a few. I really like the gummy ones!

4.What O-shaped breakfast cereals do you like? Honey Nut Cheerios!

5.How do you feel about onion rings, and where can you get some good ones? Well, I don't feel anything about onion rings. I have never eaten one. Don't plan to either.

Friday Fill ins

1. The last thing I ate was __toast___ and __coffee.

2. Milk and a roll of Hemp is something I recently bought.

3. When it rains, it _is nice to sit on the porch.

4. Kendal was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are good!

6. Every one needs a little extra comfort.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending the evening at home after a afternoon of swim team, tomorrow my plans are to be in Boaz at District Swim all day and Sunday, I want to not have an agenda (those really are the best sort of days)!

Thursday Thunks....This is a new one

1. Do you tend to have a guilty conscious? Nope....Well mostly no

2. Do you still have your wisdom teeth?No, got all 4 out about 7 years ago

3. Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy? Crunchy

4. Get up off your butt. Take 5 steps. Which leg did you start out on? Right

5. What color is your favorite kitchen utensil? hmmm...Silver I think

6. Did you watch the Michael Jackson memorial/funeral?Nope

7. Do you know anyone who graduated from high school this year? Yes, Several of my students did

8. White with black stripes or black with white stripes? Black with white stripes

9. If we were to call your 6th grade teacher, what would they say about you? She is the coolest!

10. Can you draw a perfect circle?yes actually

11. What was your favorite scratch & sniff sticker scent? strawberry

12. What does your sibling do for a living? She bids on jobs for a landscaping company out of California,Nevada, and AZ

13. How many light switches and electrical outlets are in the room that you are in right now? 1

14. Do you know sign language? some

15. Do you step on cracks in the sidewalk? I try not to. If running, I don't care

16. And the sheets on your bed look like....? a mess with the kids in them

17. What is something that everyone else has, but you don't? apparently the ability to act like everthing is okay! HA

Journey

I am very "surface level" when it comes to this blog. I believe it is because I never wanted it to feel to much like a diary. Just a way that I could document my life. Share photos and art. Sometimes it feels like lying because I leave out most of the turmoil in my life. We all do that though. We make like sunshine and rainbows when really we are standing under a rain cloud. I have been keeping to myself alot this week, trying to deal with things in my life. Trying to make decisions.....Trying to reason. I know I am down. I accept it. Sometimes you need to close the shutters and go inside. I am not ready to open them yet, but I did stumble across an amazing poem this morning referred from Gypsy Girl Guide Blog. Thank you Gypsy girl for giving me the words I did not know how to say.

The Journey

by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew what you had to do,

and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice—

though the whole house began to tremble and you felt the old tug at your ankles.

"Mend my life!"each voice cried. But you didn't stop.

You knew what you had to do,

though the wind pried with its stiff fingers at the very foundations,

though their melancholy was terrible.

It was already late enough, and a wild night,

and the road full of fallen branches and stones.

But little by little, as you left their voices behind,

the stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds,

and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own,

that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world,

determined to do the only thing you could do—

determined to save the only life you could save.

~

I know that I am on a journey. I know that I do not have all the answers yet and that it is alright not to. I also know that the answers will never come if I stray from who I am and never stop to listen to myself.

Wordless Wednesday

~ My girl~

I've come to realize.......

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size. . . is exactly the right size, but could someone just give them a little lift? I mean something a little more permanent than Vicky S?
2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . .is very satisfying but I do believe I would be happier with a few changes. Of course the job at the high school is unbelievable. Very satisfying. I love it!
3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . .I should not text!
4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . .to be at the beach again...
5. I’ve come that realize that I have lost. . .the ability to give a damn what people think of me. I like me!
6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . .women cry to other women. I don't know what to do with that. I just kind of stand there dumbfounded. WTH? If you want a shoulder to cry on, find someone else! (Not to sound insensitive....just not a cryer)
7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . .that I am glad I rarely am
8. I’ve come to realize that money...really is not everything....but I sure wish I had more of it
9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . .will never change.
10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . .be a little left of sane. That I will always be living slightly on the edge of normal....and that is perfectly fine with me!
11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . .and I will always let differences seperate us and I hate that
12. I’ve come to realize that my mom…and I will never have much of a relationship and its not all my fault!
13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . .is a piece of $%^& DONT buy a Blackberry
14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .I apparently had a lot to think about
15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . .I had a lot to think about too and I was quite unhappy about it
16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . .that its time for a change
17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . .will always believe he is right, that is just who he is.
18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . .I could care less about how many mafia war points everyone has
19. I’ve come to realize that today. . .is a good day because I do not technically have to do anything
20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . .I will be poolside watching swim team practice
21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . .Will be pretty much the same
22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . . go to school and get on with it!
.23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . .?
24. I’ve come to realize that life. . .is what you make it and not what others believe is right for you. You have to do what makes you happy and satisfied. No one else. Break free of all the restraints
25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . .I will pretty much be tied up with District Swim
26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . .is Aerosmith or the Black Crowes. That way I can scream the lyrics at the top of my lungs!
27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . .are scattered all over this country. The ones that are true.....I truly do miss!
28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . .Alot of things are changing and I can't wait to find out what lies ahead
29. I’ve come to realize that me exes. . .are simply that...exes...who cares
30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . .just shut up at times!
31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . .sushi
32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . .people that reform. People that dont see outside of the box. People that dont realize there is a whole world outside of this place.
33. I’ve come to realize my past. . .is past. Its all part of me, but I can break free and move on
34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . .are not really a part of my life
35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . of not a whole lot
36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . .is always evolving. From year to year, day to day. What I put into to day changes tomorrow. I am in control , no one else needs to have a opinion.

Watery Wednesday

Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN

Blue Monday

I almost forgot to post this! This was taken at Stone Mountain, GA this past week. What a excellent time. I really need to get my camera back on track though. I struggled with the settings all night. Always trying to get that perfect shot!