Books-n-Birds and a Poem and a Dance

 ~~~

I added an update to THIS POST

The beautiful blue sky and songbirds as we head out for some blood work. So wonderfully uplifting.

The video below and the poem are from the Katherine Center newsletter I get. She always includes such great stuff, maybe one day I'll actually read one of her books! I'm so bad about that.

[POEM] A Suit or a Suitcase by Maggie Smith

You ask what I’ll miss about this life. Everything but cruelty, I think.

But you want one specific thing, so here—I’ll miss my body. I’ll miss

its companionship, how it’s traveled with me, never leaving me—& by me,

I mean my mind. My soul? My self? I don’t know what to call it, and besides,

my body hasn’t traveled with me. I’ve traveled inside it. Do I wear it

or does it carry me? Is the body a suit or a suitcase? Bear with me here.

I’ve always thought of who I am as being concentrated in my head & chest,

as if there’s a waterline at my ribcage & contrary to their density, thoughts

& feelings stay afloat. You asked what I’ll miss about this life, and now

I’m way down a rabbit hole, wondering if I could breathe deeply enough

to redistribute my mind more evenly throughout my body—or soul rather

than mind? Or self? I don’t even know what to call the me of me. I imagine

filling my body completely, filling it, every inch, to the skin. Shh. Listen.

Ideas are whispering in my wrists and all along the slopes of my calves.

When you lay your head on my thigh, when you kiss the backs of my knees, listen.

I’m trying to tell you what I’ll miss— everything but cruelty, but mostly this.

~~~~~ ~~~~~

You can find the link for this poem, which was in the email newsletter HERE, and the link for the one I placed here on the blog HERE #31  and more of her poems HERE under a search for poems by Maggie Smith. Just reading poetry or going to the Poetry Foundation always reminds me of Michelle in NYC. I still think of her so often. Her mark, left behind. Her many marks left on my heart.

~~~~~~

LINK

~~~~~

~~~~~

I'm still going through and packing up some of the children's books. I'm reading everyone before packing it up or putting it back to be considered at another time. This has been a long and winding trip down memory lane, for sure.

Some of the books in this round:

When Light Turns Into Night

The Summer Night

The Comet and You

LINK

This is such a wonderful storytelling of "Barn Dance", but it is longer than I normally place here (26.29 minutes). That being said, I found it so engaging how the music and story were woven together. Below is a link for a much shorter version.

Link to shorter reading

LINK

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I read this book (above) to my children. Each page has the little crease made by a thumb and a forefinger making sure only one page is turned. For some that would look like wear and tear, but for me it looks like love.

LINK

The book, "Dawn" has the most beautiful watercolors. I've read other books of Uri Schulevitz's, but this is the only one I have (since college!!).

*NOTE: I've decided that I am a children's book snob. Most videos I search for and listen to, just do not do justice to the books in my heart! As a petty example, I read this one much slower, letting the words land softly, slowly while allowing the eye to hold the illustration, allowing it to sink in deeper. I think back to my storytelling-children's literature (or whatever it was called) class in college. All of these years, I've used ideas and techniques I learned in that course. Too bad there is no way to let the instructor know that.

One of these days, I'll actually dig out the photos of my mom and the many authors and illustrators who graced the bookstore where she worked for so many years. I keep finding autographed copies, which is so cool.

Above: Barn Dance, autographed

Below: The Comet and You, autographed

~~~❤️~~~

Something else I've noticed is how many Charlotte Zolotow books I've had. When searching for links, I notice that there are many more of her books that I had at one time. but no longer do. I know this is influence from my mom that grew into a shared appreciation. I can still hear mama in my head telling what she loved about a particular book or the illustrations. How lucky am I to have those memories.

The two books below were written by Charlotte Zolotow's daughter, Crescent Dragonwagon.

I thought of Emrie on the hill while reading "When Light Turns Into Night"

May you read for love

May you read for connection

May you read for learning and inspiration

xo

Photographs by NAE ©2023

Moved In and Moving On

Now begins, the good, old regular living and all that it entails!

↔

         

I Lived To Tell About It | War & Pierce | Playing For Change | Live Outside

↔

I do still have some boxes or storage tubs to go through,

but we are mostly in and living through our days.

That means I've now been buried in taking care of some adult financial decisions that I have either just found out about or have procrastinated on for as long as possible!

I'm not great at this stuff.

I get through (in my own way), but it is hard.

Anyway, I sought some advice (help) and took a first step and

keep telling myself I can do this.

A multitude of small change retirement accounts to figure out and manage.

Social Security, not time yet - but when and how?
Will I ever be able to retire and when (70yr?)?
What about medical?  Okay, Medi-care at 65.

Maybe I should have posted a MONEY song video!

haha 

↔

Treated myself to something silly to inspire me along my new journey

↔

In 14 months, I've had 3 eye surgeries (the last one went fine, 

with two bad episodes of pain, like the first one had)...

gone through this move and a few wild family events.

I'm tired and lighter and ready to finish off these remaining things

(even if I know some of them are really ongoing tasks). 

↔

I read at Hazel's and Grace's and Dee's and Jude's and and and
So many of you going/gone through similar things.
I feel connected.
I feel grateful for these connections.


↔

Work seed pods

Mama Rose

A new home gift

↔

The seasons they are a changing.
May you (and me too) roll with all of the changes we encounter.
xo

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2019

Blooming and Packing

Bloom on the Mama Rose

Today was spent writing, preparing packages for mailing and working on a new weaving.

New Blooms

 J. told me he was walking out back when something just barely caught the corner of his eye...he very slightly turned his head and POOF one of the first mystery bulbs of the season opened up!  How cool is that?!

I took a break and stepped outside upon hearing the cries of my hawk.

The clouds really caught my eye.

I took many more photos than just these, trying to capture what I saw.

 

Then my eye fell on this old thing-a-ma-jig.

You met it here a long time ago.

I'll look for that post later and edit.

UPDATE:  Here is the link
for the goofy item above!!

Anyway, most of the color has faded from so much sun over the years.

I am heartily considering tossing it into the garbage.

It barely looked like cool art or anything of any purpose when I first made it.

Now, well now it is just faded and ugly.

That is, of course, until I looked at this photo 

with our beautiful blue sky in the background! 

I could almost like it again.  Haha

UPDATE: My eye is almost completely healed, only a bit red.

I still have to use the artificial tears (which I keep calling 'liquid tears'!) -

but the dry eyes is not new and an easy thing to adress.

I also am still wearing my "fly" glasses (given to me in the hospital) 

over my regular glasses.

They provide great coverage, were free and cheap to replace.  

I did some research, so I'd be ready or in case I want to order extras now.

In case you want it too, here is the link to Solar Shield.

However you do it, wear your sunglasses!!

And with your sunglasses firmly in place,

may you always remember to look up at the clouds,

listen for the birds,

and watch for the flowers to burst into bloom...

it's that time of year after all!

xoSage

Photos by NAE ©2018 

All Storms Shall Pass

...and there may be yet another storm on the horizon!

It rained during the night.

Today was filled with beautiful skies and cool air. Cold to us :)

I've been looking over some old writing.  There is a small collection of personal writing.  This is one of them.  It began as an assignment in my Child Psychology course, back in

August of 2003.  I'll tell you more after you read about An Early Memory...    

͒

An Early Memory

           There I am, standing next to my older sister.  I am three years old, she is almost seven.  I feel little next to her.  I feel the difference in our ages.  Of course, I am younger and smaller as well.  And I know it.  I sense it.  Anyway, there we are side-by-side in the dining room of our apartment in California.  We’ve heard the phone ring, gleefully interrupting whatever it is we were doing.  We’ve raced over to answer it, knowing the call would be for us.  It is Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM and our birth father is making the weekly court-ordered phone call to us from New York City.

As usual, my sister speaks to him first.  I alternately look up into her animated face and stare at the black rotary dial phone sitting on one of the two corner cupboards in the room.  I stare at the phone, as if by doing so I may magically be able to see this distant father on the other end of the line.  The hardwood floors feel gritty scraping against the soles of my shoes as I wiggle back and forth, back and forth.  I am happily anticipating my turn.  My breathing comes in short shallow flutters.  I am waiting.  It feels like a very long time to this very small girl.  It feels like forever.  Waiting.  Waiting.  Waiting.

Then, all at once, it is my turn!  Hi Daddy!  I proclaim loudly.  I smell my sister’s warm breath in the just vacated receiver.  I taste my own breath as I swallow some of my excitement.  The phone feels heavy in my small hand.  My birth father responds to my greeting in his barely recognizable voice.  He shares a few more meaningless words.  My wiggling slows and I try to think of something to say.  I am only three.  I don’t know what to say.  After all there really isn’t anything to say to the man on the other end of the line.  He moved out of my life when I was just ten months old and we’ve had practically no contact since.  No contact to build a relationship.  No contact until this briefly adhered to directive from the courts.

And just like that, my turn is over and I hang up the phone.  I feel unfulfilled and sad.  After all, I feel he’s not really my daddy.  He is my sister’s daddy.  I don’t even know him.  As I frequently tell my mother, I don’t got no daddy.  I am three years old.

 ↔

This particular instructor was not particularly strong, or well prepared.  The class was filled with young college and some High School students.  I felt old.  I felt out numbered in the work ethic department.   Anyway, when our books had not come in, she assigned this paper.  We were told to write about one of our earliest memories, as told through our 5 senses.  My first response (in my head) was I don't remember that far back!  Then, lo and behold, this popped out!  The next week, some of those younger students scribbled on their notepads as the instructor walked around, checking off if you had completed the task.  She did not read our writings.  Nevertheless, it has been one of my favorite pieces of writing ever since.  I was grateful for the assignment.  Usually I let the writing stand on its own, leaving the background information out.  But, this time I wanted to record that here.

⟴

Update:  I returned to the doctor and he removed the last of the stitches.

Movin' through the storm

He was going to just remove the last knot, but when he snipped it ➙

the whole thing came right out!

I'm glad there is nothing left in my eye and I am hoping nothing 'grows back' 

(as this condition can).

Let's all cross our fingers for good luck, okay?!!

It struck me...as he remarked in an astonished voice, that he couldn't believe that I could feel this minute knot...it occurred to me that:

I'm that patient he must talk about at dinner parties!

Oh my.

⦽

I've almost finished my first XX's.

I plan on making two sets.

I worked on some needed to get done paperwork.

And I am still posting and reading others' posts.

Still off FB.

Tomorrow I'll be at work.

⥴

May your storms move through quickly and

the aftermath be brilliant.

xo 

Photos by NAE ©2018 

Saying Goodbye

Why is it so hard to say goodbye to certain old belongings?

I've been cleaning out old books that I no longer need.

Some are so easy to let go of, some are impossible (like my mama's old books), and 

some are somewhere in between.

This stack of 'art' books are like that.

Most of them were bought or gifted to me back in the first decade of the 2000's.

It was a time of both highs and lows for me.

It was a time of Giant Creative Thinking!

Notice I say "thinking" not "doing" ~ although there was some of that too.

But now looking back, I think it was a time of seeing myself in new ways, finding new sources of enjoyment and expression.  Finding my community (we've all been speaking of).

So, when I think of letting these books go, it is like letting budding me go.
In addition to that, I am only half-way content with the idea that
all the money I spent back then served its purpose.
I let go of all my quilting magazines a while back.
The time is now for the books.
These books are like new.

I humor myself with the idea that I could gift them to someone else,
who may find pleasure with them.
So here they are.  If you want one, just let me know :)
You could gift them too ;)

Threaded Together -  The Pink Ribbon Quilt Project
https://www.amazon.com/Threaded-Together-Ribbon-Quilt-Project/dp/0965047512/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1517815020&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Threaded+Together%3A+The+Pink+Ribbon+Quilt+Project+by+n%2Fa+published+by+Crafter%27s+Choice+Book+Club

Al-pha-bet-i-ca Lynne Perrella (2006)
https://www.amazon.com/Alphabetica-Z-Creativity-Collage-Artists/dp/1592531768/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1592531768&pd_rd_r=M9PAF67X9A5X0AMY7609&pd_rd_w=uMXxN&pd_rd_wg=6Ae2X&psc=1&refRID=M9PAF67X9A5X0AMY7609

Tags Reinvented (2004)
https://www.amazon.com/Tags-Reinvented-Erikia-Ghumm/dp/1892127474/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519698945&sr=1-1&keywords=Tags+reinvented

Hippie Crafts (2004)
https://www.amazon.com/Hippie-Crafts-Creating-Using-Groovy/dp/1579906036/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519699287&sr=1-1&keywords=Hippie+Crafts

Grids to Stitch (2006)
https://www.amazon.com/Grids-Stitch-No-Jan-Beaney/dp/0954601467/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519699452&sr=1-1&keywords=Grids+to+Stitch

The Photo Transfer Handbook (2006)
https://www.amazon.com/Photo-Transfer-Handbook-Print-Stitch/dp/B001O1MTOY/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519699563&sr=1-2&keywords=The+Photo+Transfer+Handbook

1000 Artist Trading Cards (2007)
https://www.amazon.com/000-Artist-Trading-Cards-Innovative/dp/1592533345/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519699662&sr=1-1&keywords=1000+Artist+Trading+Cards

Exploring Textile Arts (2002)
https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Textile-Editors-Creative-Publishing/dp/1589230485/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1519700064&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Exploring+Textile+Arts

Fabric Dying for Beginners (2003)
https://www.amazon.com/Fabric-Dyeing-Beginners-Vimala-McClure/dp/1574328131/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519700218&sr=1-6&keywords=Fabric+Dying+for+Beginners

Felt Wee Folks (2003)
https://www.amazon.com/Felt-Wee-Folk-Enchanting-Projects/dp/1571201939/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1519696159&sr=8-2&keywords=Felt+Wee+Folks

Very Easy Crazy Patchwork (2007) - Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Very-Crazy-Patchwork-Betty-Barnden/dp/0762106719/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519698552&sr=1-1&keywords=Very+Easy+Crazy+Patchwork

One quilt - One Moment, Quilts That Change Lives (2000)
https://www.amazon.com/One-Quilt-Moment-Quilts-Change/dp/B000AMNP2I/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519701276&sr=1-1&keywords=One+quilt+-+One+Moment%2C+Quilts+That+Change+Lives

The Creative Entrepreneur (2008)
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Entrepreneur-Visual-Guidebook-Business/dp/1592534597/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519696362&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Creative+Entrepreneur

Blogging for Bliss (2009)
https://www.amazon.com/Blogging-Bliss-Crafting-Crafters-Creatives/dp/1600595111/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519696608&sr=1-1&keywords=Blogging+for+Bliss

The Happy Book (2009)

https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Book-Rachel-Kempster/dp/1402226527/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519696726&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Happy+Book

Organizing Your Craft Space (2006)
https://www.amazon.com/Organizing-Your-Craft-Space-Packham/dp/1402716028/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519696831&sr=1-1&keywords=Organizing+Your+Craft+Space

House Beautiful Art (2001)
https://www.amazon.com/House-Beautiful-Art-Decorating-Home/dp/1588160238/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519697090&sr=1-1&keywords=House+Beautiful+Art

Art Quilts A Celebration (2005)
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Quilts-Celebration-Stunning-Contemporary/dp/1579907113/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519697212&sr=1-1&keywords=Art+Quilts+A+Celebration

Creative Quilting The Journal Quilt Project (2006)
https://www.amazon.com/Karey-Patterson-Bresenhan-2006-10-16-Paperback/dp/B002G9HIWQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519697373&sr=1-4&keywords=Creative+Quilting+The+Journal+Quilt+Project

They all held such inspirational ideas/photographs and were so fun to look through.
My next step will be to donate them (any that are left).
I don't have it in me to try and sell them.

You can copy and paste links if you want to know more,
creating links was too eye-consuming!

I return to the doctor tomorrow.  Yay!
There is a storm coming in.
It looks soothing.
It looks like a soft watercolor painting.

May all of your gatherings and letting goes be smooth and
all of your storms be gentle enough.
xo

Photos by NAE ©2018

How We Visit - Where We Go

I spent a long time through last week over at Deb's place, reading all 26 of her ABC posts in one fell swoop!  I'd read some of them here and there, but one night I took the time to read from A-Z and leave comments.  What a delight!  When I got to "T"...I thought of this video clip for "C".  It is one of my all time favorites, sometimes just flashing into my mind for no  particular reason!

           

Then as I lay falling asleep, I kept thinking of more 'words' that hold meaning for me.  Such an interesting exercise.  I have always loved alliteration.  J. expresses the opposite view. Haha  As a teacher of young children, it speaks to me, so her posts or comments that strung many letter words together in a sentence were so fun for me!  The book that inspired her, in part, is one of my long-time favorites.  I had even emailed her about it, before I read the connection!!

I was able to go through all of those posts, post myself and read other favorite blogs because I've had more free time lately as I have spent the last week off of FB.  I have been feeling overwhelmed with the news of the world, our world, my world...and I thought to narrow down my world view.  It is an experiment.  So far, there are a few things I miss (but so far not enough to check in over there).  Among other 'friends', I miss chatting daily with:

Deb  

Dee 

Michelle

Valerianna

They all post fun, funny, interesting, thought-provoking and sometimes outrageous things!

I enjoy that. 

I read their "friends'" comments and have my circle widen.

I treasure that.

I've learned a lot, heard some great music, seen some beautiful artwork 

and laughed at many memes, cartoons or jokes.

I like that.

I miss that.

I miss the ability to keep up with local happenings and people I know.  But here is the truth, my truth.  Nothing changes if I don't find out the local happenings and not one of my 'friends' has reached out to me to say "Hey, I haven't seen you on FB lately...read your post saying you wouldn't be here...you ok...whatcha up to?"  Or anything of the sort.  People are into their own lives with those around them daily.  It has been quiet.  I like quiet, but that does sorta make one wonder what is real...what is true.  Ya know?  And my truth is only one of those local people reached out to me about my recent eye surgery. Once.  I can say that here.  Only my "cloth people" come here. At least that is how it seems.  (Haha Just misspelled that 'seams'!!)  In all of my blogging years family or long time friends come here barely.  I see this as my sacred space, which is an extension of Jude's spirit cloth world/community. I am so grateful for this community.  Every time I try to express that...well it is hard to do.  Folks over at Hazel's and Hazel herself help with this expression.

YOU are all my people, my circle, my tribe and you are so important to me!

As long as I am talking about 'visiting' and 'people'...

Yesterday I went to the Emergency Room.  This is a First for me in my 58 years, but my eye starting acting up again on Friday.  This has been not only uncomfortable/painful, but so disappointing.  Anyway, after talking to the 'after hours advice nurse' (covering her own butt) - who really knew nothing about something so specific & made a comment that made me worry more...I went to my local urgent care...who sent me to the less local ER.

We got there to an almost empty waiting room!  What a relief!  I thought it would be packed with flu patients!  I was nervous and not too hopeful, after all this is a specialty.  But, I still had it in me to notice & wonder...

What on earth is a "Cough Station"?!  From the fliers and trash can below, I got a bit more information.  But, I much preferred sitting there wondering at the ridiculousness of it!  I supposed if I needed to cough, I would go stand near the pillar?!! 

My vitals were taken upon check-in and information gathered (or questions merely asked).  Questions asked again in the first "little room"...then again in the next "little room"...and then yet again by the ER doctor.  I knew in my heart that I would get no answers.  The doctor was very nice and she made the phone call to the ophthalmologist on call...mine happened to be on call this weekend!  This was the first bit of 'good' news.  But, there is nothing much to do until I try to get in for an appointment on Monday. There may be yet another stitch in there to be removed.  I'll find out more when I go in.  But right now I am uncomfortable and grumpy.  If I knew there was more stitch(es) in there, I woulda saved myself one hundred bucks by NOT going into the ER!  Ugh.  I'm trying hard not to be super mad about all of this.

But, of course considering everything...it could be worse.  I can cover those charges, I can stand the pain level, I can see.  I've just had another lay low weekend and I would like it is I felt better.  2018 has already felt long.  But, for two ER patients there when I was getting past the pain may not be as easy.  A man and a young woman, both with injured hands.  I could feel the tension in the man's back and shoulders as he cradled his hand and shifted his weight.  I could feel the pain the young woman was going through as the tears silently fell down her cheeks, sitting twisted in her chair.  In my own discomfort, I had to look away.  

My people watching skills aren't always easy on me!

They didn't even open their cool toolbox...so onward to next week!

Meanwhile, things move, grow and thrive around here.  This is good.  This brings me joy.

It turns out this hummingbird loves our Aloe Vera plant!

This plant was given to us by our neighbor.  it was not doing well at that time.  

It was small and in a pot...then it fell over and moved itself into the ground.

Now it is thriving!

The same neighbor gave J. this cactus.  It looked awful!

He re-potted it and watered it and loved it anyway.

It is so much healthier now...and even has a little bloom!

Look at that!  

·♥·  Tiny bits of joy!   ·♥·

The roses around here were recently pruned back.

Now they all have gorgeous new leaves and some buds!

This one is on Mama's Rose!  Isn't she a beauty?!

 May you all feel well (enough) and surrounded by people who care.

May you all have time and presence of mind to notice, ponder and find joy!

xo

Photos by NAE ©2018

Valentine's Day ~ Living with Heart

Valentine's Day, just another day really,

especially when you try to live with heart everyday.

Here's some recent happenings with heart...and more!

 

 I finally finished this little medicine bag!

I actually began it years ago after buying the yearn in New York. 

You can read about that here.

This finished bag is not the one I started.  I cut that one off the loom back here.

 

I thought about that quote I had posted:

Today I thought of this quote posted over at Henrietta's place,  

8 1/2 x 11: Thread Reading

Wisdom

Mom always says, "never cut a knot, always untie it. If you can't figure out how to untie a knot, you'll never figure out how to solve your problems."

 

The yarn had become quite tangled going back and forth in my car.

So I wound the ball once the bag was done.

 

￫ Living with Perseverance ￩ 

 

Typical of me and I can't believe it...

but after all of this time, I am undecided if the bag was meant for me or someone else.

 

We'll see.

 

Plus there is enough yarn left to work with another medicine bag.

 

It sure is nice to have this one completed after so long.

 

￫ Living with Heart ￩ 

Overheard in a school lobby:

Elderly lady speaking with office manager, suddenly proclaims, 

"Everyone loves R. ~ you want a cannoli?"

R. responds, "Oh that is sweet, you don't have to do that!"

To which the elderly lady replies, hand to her mouth in a secretive whisper,

"They don't cost that much, otherwise I wouldn't offer."

 

￫ Living with Humor ￩

Today I went back to the doctor for the last post-op appointment.

He said all looks well and cut the stitch out of my eye!

Now I feel like the healing can wrap up.

It has been awful feeling that stitch in my eye since January 4th.  

I'm so glad it is out.

￫ Living with Gratitude ￩

Overheard in the doctor's waiting room:

Elder lady in fuzzy leopard print vest, tells a story she'd seen on TV:

A man sees an elder lady trying to cross the street.  he puts his hand on her back and offers his help, to which the elder lady turns around and maces him!

The woman is laughing so hard that she barely gets this story out.

Her middle age companion, in black velvet bell-bottoms laughs herself while responding,

"Oh and that hurts so much!"

After just a moment's pause, the elder woman says in a shocked voice, 

"How do you Know that?"

The story on a punk rock event follows.

￫ Living with Laughter ￩

Overheard in the doctor's waiting room:

An elderly blue-jean clad lady comes in and carefully sits down in a chair.

A jean overshirt reaches down to her shaky hand, 

fingers bent with age. She arranges herself.

She bends over and slowly ties her tennis shoe.

Sitting back up, she picks up her blue-jean purse and checks the zippers, 

placing it on her lap.

She shifts her weight, settling in. 

As I am being led in, I hear her ask in a strong, bold voice, 

"Where is the nearest drinking fountain?"

The assistant tells her and then sensing it is too far, offers her a cup of water.

In a voice filled with appreciation, she "Yes, thank you".

￫ Living with Confidence & Appreciation ￩ 

← ↑ → ↓

 May you 'live with' many things that fill you, make you laugh 

and keep your heart tender,

Nancy

Photo by NAE ©2018

Further Update

UPDATE

 Aren't these glasses fly?!

These are the "fit over my regular glasses" glasses from the hospital.

They are nice and dark and cover a lot!

Today, I was able to wash my hair for the fist time since the surgery!

Yay!  It is the little things, isn't it?

  

While home this past week, I was able to see the sunlight in places I usually don't.

I was so taken with the string of "moons" falling down the wall.

Spreading out on the fan as well.

I took many, many photos.

Just enjoying the moment.

We were able to go out walk-about today.

Well, sorta.  We went for a block walk, looking for the owl tree.

I saw a photo by a neighbor of this tree.

And in this tree, there lives an owl!

So, we went looking to see if we could find it.

But, alas it was not home.

We'll look another day.

When we returned the moons had floated onto the TV stand.

 

Photo by NAE ©2018

 In between the resting, healing, grocery shopping and now a short walk...
in between I've been cleaning out and shredding every piece of paper 
I can lay my hands on!!!  But, I'll save that rant for another day!

May you find the small delights in life wherever you look...
and shred what you don't like, want or need!

Take care,

Nancy

Surgery Update

Hello all.

For those of you who haven't seen my updates on FB...

just a quick post to say...

doctors said all "went well" and I am now in he healing process.

The surgery was  NOT fun.

The healing is NOT fun, but it is coming along, bit by bit

I will not post photos 

(yes, I have 'em as it is the only way I can track the changes)

I will not post details (it was way worse than I was expecting)

I'm just glad it is done and hopefully I will never need to do this again!

Oh yes, and please wear your sunglasses! Protect your eyes!

Here is something silly to look at until I can go walk about again.
Maybe he needs sunglasses!

Photo by NAE ©2017

May you all be well, heal well and move past anything icky very quickly!
Take care now, ya hear!
 
Here is the link to the eye condition: pterygium