Out With The Old.....

Well it's that time again.
The time when an old year passes and a new one begins.
I've never been a person to make New Years resolutions but
I'm downright determined to make extra efforts in 2013.
Also, I'm fairly certain I will say sayonara to some sourness I've
been sucking on in 2012.

This past year has done well by me and most of my loved ones.
Really, how can any of us complain when we've been gifted
another year of life in this planet we're playing on?
I know that I've done my share of spitting sours and have no
reason for it considering how others suffer.
One only needs to think of the recent deaths of those children
and staff members at that school.
The horrific hurt their family and friends must feel.
Young lives not left to live on or have the chance to live at all.
I won't slide many sentences about it because it's been talked
about everywhere but I will state that it's still much on my mind grounds.
I vow to think off them when things seem shadowy for me.
If for no other reason than to realize we are indeed lucky to live
with the struggles we share, no one snuffed out our lives senselessly.
That's all I have to say about that.

I hope all of you had a happy Christmas and were able to indulge in
and enjoy many of your favorite things, I sure did.
A couple days before Jesus's Big Day, my Uncle hosted two parties
for family and friends.
The first was for our children and was a big success.
The second was for all of the adults and went wonderfully.
I'm hoping these parties become a tradition because they sure were
a blast for all who attended.
Thanks Uncle Tooker, take a bow you did dandily and we all appreciate it!

The next get together would find my Sis, her kids and my crew at our
Mother's house.
Though I envisioned an enormous explosion, it was a very nice night
and we all had an excellent evening.
The eruption would come from yours truly on Christmas day.
I'll get to that soonly but right now I want to focus on the piddly pride
I have over my efforts.
You see, for much of my life, having a happy relationship with my Mother
has not been my experience and recently I have been harbouring heaps
of harshness towards her.
Christmas Eve I didn't let it consume me and because of that, I enjoyed the
time spent with everyone.
Now why in the name of Nativity scenes was I not able to do that the
following evening?
I'm getting to it, got some praising I have to place here first.
Usually we have the traditional turkey dinner at Mom's but this year my Sister
asked if we could partake in Prime Rib that she so generously offered to
buy and prepare.
A big ole "Yay!" she got from me upon her request and from the waistlines of
everyone who enjoyed the feast.
Thank you Julie!, as always when you cook, it was pleasing perfection
to our pampered palates.

Christmas morning held some of my favorite moments.
We were hoping to be looking forward to the excited expressions on both
our Son's faces but the bow we ordered for Liam didn't arrive in time so
it was all on Aidn to deliver in excitement.
We did wrap a gag gift for our oldest though, a plastic kids bow.
Hubby Bub papered it all up in a big box like his Brother's was in and when he
opened it and we explained the situation, he sported smiles and took it swell.
Thank you Liam, I'm proud of how you reacted and you sure made us feel better.
Our youngest was also given a bow but the real kind, a not to shabby compound,
I might add.
He was so happy and excitable upon seeing it, dancing and bouncing about.
Those moments are ones we all enjoy, I'd say.
You'd think the memory of those moments would have stuck and been useful
later in the day,
I'd like to say that they did but I can't.
I plowed over any pleasantries with persistent pessimism. 
Almost there, please have patience with me.

After my Husband left for work the boys entertained themselves with
their new everythings and I headed back to the nest for a Seasons Greetings Siesta.
After lunch we would join the other branches in our bunch at the nursing home
to spend time with the family head, Memeness.
She is ninety now and I don't know how much of the time registers in her think tank
anymore but I sure do love being around her with everyone.
She started us all and I feel much pride and love over that.
Our Cousin even brought her little Teacup Chihuahua along and that kept
the kids entertained for much of the time.
Birthday cake was brought in to celebrate our Uncle's 66th birthday, he shares
it with Jesus you know.
I love that we all get to be with him on his big day, and hope he enjoyed his time
with us as much as we enjoyed ours, with him.

On to the tough typing....
After we left the nursing home it was time for the festive feast at our Cousin's place.
She has the perfect house to hold us all and lots of space for the kids to
bounce about in.
There was so much food and I couldn't wait to eat.
I must make mention of how the turkey was prepared.
A couple weeks ago on Facebook someone commented about deep fried turkey,
I replied that I had never had it and probably wouldn't be trying it because I wasn't
making the bird this year.
Well my thoughtful, kind Cousin saw those comments and decided to cook the
Christmas clucker that way.
I never imagined that it would taste so terrific, it's most certainly something I'm
hoping to have again in holidays to come.
There was also stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, perogies,
green bean casserole, gravy, buns, cheeses, pickles, olives and other things
that are surely skipping my mind.
I haven't even sentenced about the sweets that were set out, there was an
abundance of enticing edibles offered and I wish that I would have stayed to
shovel in some more.

Right before we all sat down to enjoy the delicious dinner, our youngest Son was
going wild in a rocking chair and though he was told to slow down, he ignored
everyone and ended up rocking over his three year old Cousin's toes.
I had heard people telling him to stop but my attention was held in the
conversation I was in.
Of course he was scolded by his Father and started to cry, that got me
right in his face.
Thinking back, I should have left it alone and let my Husband handle it.
Nope, not me, I can never let well enough alone and wait until later to deal
with things, black or white, now or never is most certainly me.
I was fuming that he had not listened.
Then his Brother threw himself into the situation and I discovered a
lie they had both been caught in.
My temper was brought to a boiling point.
It was one of those moments were a ton of everything gets unleashed and
hurt feelings are handed out.
Immediately afterward, my marvelous mood let guilt, shame and sadness step
in and there it stayed for the following two days.
Shortly after we ate I couldn't stop the eye leaks from flowing over what
had taken place and knew I couldn't stay and ruin everyone's Christmas.
Having loved ones see me like that and not being able to focus on anything
else even after they offered love and concern was just to hard to handle.
Sadly, I apologized and excused myself, leaving my Husband to answer
any questions about my absence.
I am not proud or happy with how I handled anything that night but find comfort
in the fact that I am willing to try and improve.
Well that's what Christmas included this year and I'm happy to state, it's good
to share more marvelous moments than miserable ones.
Overall it was all kinds of awesomeness and I'm grateful I was given the chance
to live it and enjoy my loved ones once again.

I must be getting busy now, it's our close friends anniversary today
and I have much preparation for the celebration!
Thanks for reading what's in the mind grounds and may the coming
New Year be filled with well health and happiness for you!
P.S I've included a few pictures and though Meme was a having
a short sleep, I'm still happy we snapped that shot.

Compound Coolness.....

That's what the think tank has been filled with since Wednesday night.
As I've mentioned in previous entries, we are arrowed into archery.
Wednesday night was my turn to shoot with our oldest Son and two
"firsts" took place.
1. Liam was "out  shot" by his old Mom.
2. I shot a compound bow!
Though I'm always happy when our children do well in anything, it
was nice to see improvement in my own efforts.
Though I am no Robin Hood I have hopes of being able to compete
in the future.
Until Wednesday, I was very much undecided on what kind of bow
I would buy when we are able to purchase one.
Now, there is no question about it.
I am going with a compound all the way! 

Before I slide anymore sentences here I just want to state that I am
in a well way today.
The last couple weeks have been hellish for me and I'm happy to have
a break from worry and woe.
I've now been clubbed by the Christmas Spirit and I'm glad it has a
hold on my heart.
This week I have spent time with three of my closest friends and it's
helped haul me from the hole I held myself in.
One gave me a ride home from the mall yesterday and I enjoyed having
a few minutes with her.
Just seeing her super smile and listening to what's being going on in her
world, did me dandily.
Another friend was kind enough to bring me to an ultra sound appointment
and came over for a few hours last Friday, we watched a movie and
feasted on Chinese food, always excellent to spend time with her.
Last night I had a long and lovely phone conversation with one of my
oldest friends.
We shared laughs, smiles, concern, questions, answers and a few frustrations.
I feel fabulously fortunate to have so many pleasant people in my life and
this morning finds me full of gratitude for them.
I'd also like to mention our first Christmas card this year.
Every year, faithfully, another old friend mails us seasonal sweet says.
I don't see this friend often and she never spells my name right even
after all these years but I love her anyway and it always pleases my
blood pumper to open that card.
Thank you to all of my friends and family, living life would be worthless
without all of you!

I'm sure everyone is aware of 12/12/12 that took place this week.
It held special meaning for me.
A friend/family member that I care completely about and have prayed
for constantly, turned forty two.
She wasn't certain that she would live to see it but she has and even though
I know she struggled with persistent, never ending pain, she sported a smile
and slung sunshine through cyberspace, words can't express how much
I love this woman.
If I could describe her in only one sentence so you all could understand
what I'm getting at, it would be, she lives life like taking a bull by the horns.
My one Christmas wish this year is that she is given many more years
to live out life in just that way.

Well this day is going on and I have things I need to do in it so I'll
leave the lines here and lay a couple pictures until my return.
In the one picture is our youngest "arrowing up".
In the second, a way back when pic of one of the friends I mentioned above.
Thanks for reading what's in the mind grounds and may this day deliver
decency to us all   :)

As Long As I'm Singing.....

That right there is a sure sign of whether things are good or bad with me.
If I'm singing, all is wonderful, if I'm not then you can be certain
I'm not in a well way and may need help getting back to beautiful again.
There aren't many positive things I can state about myself .
However, at the end of a few rough days, I can say that I am a person
who cares about people and I have no problem asking or offering help 
when needed.

I started this entry late last night and was to tired to type on so I'm
continuing it now.
Yesterday went well enough and we were happy to have some dinner
guests join us.
I didn't make anything extravagant, lasagna hamburger helper, mashed potatoes
(by request), steamed broccoli and beet & spinach salad.
We enjoyed the meal and each others company.
Today is the birthday of one of our guests from last night and I sure was
happy to be able to spend some time with her right before her big day.
Happy Birthday Space!, you helped brighten my day.

This morning I'm struggling my way out of a sad state.
Usually I don't dare offer an entry when I'm in such a low way but I've
been battling these emotions on and off for a few days and figured it was
time to due something about it.
My Sis helped me turn the light on and as always, I'm indebted to
her optimism.
To give you an idea of just how ugly I had become, here is what I posted
in cyberspace earlier.
"Moon Beam Gerene has the nails and hammer in hand and
is hard at work."
A friend asked what I was building?, I was so tempted to reply "I'm building the perfect beast" but didn't.
Maybe I should have, nah, this is a better way to get it out.
I was in fact in the middle of complete self crucifixion, hence the nails
and hammer crack.
Told ya I was ugly and that right there is proof of it!
In this moment I have my mind wrapped around something my Sis said
while we spoke on the phone.
"Come on Ger, you said this has been going on for three days, cheer up!,
we'll be there soon and we will have fun"
She's right, she's always right and I'm grateful to have her and so many
other smart, sweet, souls surround me.
Now why the hell am I swimming in sadness for?
I have more than I can use in life, always have what I need to survive and
am able to move freely.
Sometimes I believe I need a good slugging.
Tonight the boys and I will be making homemade pizza and then playing cards.
Today I am going to tend to some duties around here and go back to reading
The Spellman Files.
Maybe if motivation finds me I'll even get out on my bike. :)

Well I've done what I needed to do here so I'll leave you with a swell
song that has the same name as the title of this entry.
Thanks for reading what's been muddling around the mind grounds.
May this day deliver us kind and helpful to each other.
P.S Sorry there were no good links for the song on youtube. 

As Long As I'm Singing.....





.

One Month From Today.....

One month from today will mark another passing of Christmas on the calendar.
A sad day for some and for others a joyful time of year.
When Boxing Day comes along it means only one thing to me, five more
months until The May 2-4 weekend and the kick off of Summer.
That's right!, there is just no bad time to start thinking about the speedy season.
Though I haven't yet been clutched in Christmas's clench, I am looking forward
to being with all my loved ones on Jesus's big day.
I'm also anxious to give our Son's their gifts, I'd love to share what they are but
my oldest occasionally has eyes on my entries here so silent I must stay.
I will say, tonight we go pick up our youngest Son's gift and hopefully he'll be as
happy receiving it as we are to be giving it.

I've really nothing very exciting or life changing to tell you of but that suits me swelly.
I know that isn't a word but this is my blog and I'll toss about the letters, how I like.  :P
Things have been going fairly fine and I can't complain, sometimes I still do though.
Something took place this morning that I'd like to share with you.
It wasn't remarkable in any way but it's still sticking with me so I must pass
along it's pleasantries.
Who doesn't like sharing smiles?
As my two Son's and I were in the hustle and bustle of this morning, my oldest
told me of a book that will hopefully be chosen to read next, at school.
He started off by saying "Uhm ya, so Mom, the next book we may be reading is
Flowers For...." but he couldn't recall the last word.
I instantly knew what novel he referred to and he could tell that he held all
of my attention.
As some or more likely, most of you know, this is a well known work by
Daniel Keyes, later made into a marvelous movie.
Flowers For Algernon was indeed a wonderful read.
I won't get into the grit of it but I'll state that's it's always been a favorite of mine.
He asked me what it was about but I refused to offer him an ounce on any of it.
I'd rather build his excitement and offer continued interest when he starts reading it.
It was a nice moment and my youngest Son even joined in on the conversation
repeating his Brothers question and telling me again about the book his is reading with his class.
The Mouse And The Motorcycle, apparently another classic.
I'll have to give that one a look see, soon.
Ahhh a few moments we were all wonderful in!
That doesn't always happen when two or more very different souls take up
space with each other.
Anyway, what was I going to type on about next?
Oh ya, archery!
We arrowed up last night, well the two boys and I did, Hubby Bub will have his
turn to "shoot em up" on Wednesday.
It was a good night and even though I was "out shot" by our oldest Son, I enjoyed
the evening and love doing this with them.

A couple of emotional rain clouds have clobbered some of us since I last
slung sentences here but I'll not go into further mention of them because
I'm not about to dissect or destroy my decent mood.
I will state that I'm looking forward to many things in the next few weeks,
hopefully seeing or speaking with some of you.
My Sister is already planning Christmas Eve and I must admit that I'm also anxious
to be with everyone again.
Can't hardly wait for the Christmas chaos moments, those are like gravy to me.
Spending time with my Sons while Hubby goes hunting is also something I can't wait
to do, cooking, playing cards, eating popcorn and watching movies will hopefully
be enjoyed by us all.
Making Perogies for my Hubby Bub's trip is in my near future and I always
enjoy making him a meal to share with everyone.
As I have most times I type, music plays on in the background.
One song specifically strikes sunshine in me so I must end this entry by sharing
it with you, it could be my favorite from Mr Clapton.
Thank you for reading what's on my mind grounds and may kindness clobber
you when you least expect it! 

Leave The Light On.....

I constantly have to remind myself to do this when leaving unanswered
questions and truly trying thoughts in the think tank.
I'm having one of those days where if I linger to long in the mind grounds,
misery will make it's way in this day and I refuse to let that happen.
So, I'm choosing to do something more constructive instead.
Housework was also an option but I'm just not motivated enough for that
at the moment, laying lines here will help me get to the housework, later.  

This past weekend found our flock of families together at our Aunt
and Uncle's house.
Every year for the last several, my Sis and I collect our crews to spend
the weekend with our loved ones and help them decorate for Christmas.
It was a wonderful one and I'll remember it for some pretty good reasons.
First and foremost, I must make mention of all of our offspring's awesome behavior.
Take a bow, kids, you made good choices and because of that you'll get
praise from me!
It was fabulous being with everyone and our time together sped by way
to quickly for my liking.
Even the two hour car ride getting there was comical, chaotic but comical.
I know that I've went on about my Sis and her family before but it really does
deserve repeating here.

My Sis is one of those people who brightens any room just by being in
it but she's also always equipped with extra light bulbs.  :)
Her, my Brother-In-Law, Nephew and Niece were kind, considerate, funny
and very generous.
I was impressed with everyone this weekend and even our Sons were well
with each other.
That's not a frequent thing to find so you darn right I'm gonna compliment them for it.
Good job guys, Mommy noticed and I'm sure everyone else did too.

We returned to our hometown on Sunday morning with time to spare in attending
our youngest Son's hockey game.
They lost but it was wonderful that so many people came to watch him play.
My Step-Father was there along with my Sis and her crew, my Godchild,
two Cousins and our Uncle.
Afterwards we were all treated to lunch and though I was feeling fine when we left
the rink, soon things would slide sourly for me.
Never one to let selfishness shine I started in sternly on our youngest Son's
behavior after the game.
Aidn is a brick wall when it comes to arguing and was happy to go a round
or two with me.
I won't get into the ugly of it here but I will say that I was the one who ended
up getting stung by it.
At the restaurant it seemed like most everyone was angered with someone else.
It got to me and I refused to eat.
That's right folks, my forty-two years of experience in this planet we play on
looked like only two in a few short minutes.
I was miffed that so many of us were complaining, pissing and whining about this
or that woe when we were all being given a gracious gift.
I explained to my Sis why I was upset after everyone ate and I apologized for my
attitude but felt I had to take a stand.
The only one that it ended up affecting was me.
Yup, poor choices, I still make many of em but someday hope to make less.

Later that day we took our Son's and a Cousin to archery.
The two kids shot first then while my Hubby Bub brought the young ones home,
Liam and I stayed for the adult shoot.
We enjoyed it and though I'm not doing as well as I had hoped, patience I'm trying to
have with myself.
The best of this so far has being seeing my Son's take an interest in something that
was once a big part of my life.
I wasn't able to shoot a "bullseye" but I'm determined and get excited when
the kids arrow em.
Well I think this is wordly enough, for now so I'll leave these lines with a
few photos from our weekend away.
Thanks for reading what's in my mind grounds and may you be happy
and well in this day.
I am and thank the big guy along with those that love me, for it.

 

Forty-Two Is The New Twenty-Two......

Well it is, I'm just saying.
Actually I'm sporting a super smile while sliding sentences here in cyberspace.
This is a mighty fine way to empty the think tank so I'm gonna be an Author of
opportunity and offer up my thoughts on the titled subject.

As many of you know and wished me well for, yesterday was my forty-second
birthday and it went down in the book of my life as a beautiful one.
It didn't have material gifts but that's fine for me as I have more than
I use and need, always.
What my day did hold was heaps of happiness in the words and actions of others.
I know those are wishy, washy, willow words but that's just winded ole me.
From the kind comments, phone calls and all around well wishes to the wonderful
words my Sister offered me, right down to the delicious, time consuming dinner
my helpful Husband made, it was a marvelous day!
I love birthdays and can only recall one really bad one and that was my fault.
It's funny thinking back to that day, five year old little me ruined my own party
with bad behavior.
I've destroyed great days many times for that very same reason, somethings time
never changes, haha.
Anyway, we should all be celebrated in special ways on our big day and I sure was.
Thank you to all of you who had a hand in my happiness, I'm still holding on
to it today.

I'm well and in a wonderful way nestled cross legged in "the nest" this morning,
thinking about one of the best friends I ever had the pleasure of laughing, loving
and living with.
Pepe Gene was the first "best friend" in my  life and more than thirty-five years
later he still lives on in smiles, memories and the love he left us with.
Though the Big Guy came for him at the young age of fifty-four, thankfully he
left me many wonderful people to form friendships and fine feelings for.
My Father was also a very close friend to me as is my Aunt and Sister.
Add those together with the few handfuls of other related & unrelated folks
that I share a bond with and it amounts to me, one lucky soul.
I just answered the phone only to hear more birthday greetings from a  few
forgetful Fella's close to my  blood pumper.
I don't care when they wish me well, I'm just happy they bother to at all.

Well my oldest will be home for lunch soon and I want to fix him the homemade
soup I stirred up.
I'll leave you with one of the last family pictures Pepe Gene was ever in and
one of him and us kids shortly before his death, I'm the one sitting on the floor
and he's holding my Cousin Brandon.
I was the flower girl at  this wedding but wasn't in this shot, was probably
throwing a two year old tantrum somewhere.
I recall having a few that day.....hehehe, sorry Aunt Pam, must have been
maddening dealing with that on your "Bride Day".
P.S peeps, Pepe's the one with the bow tie.
Thanks for reading what's on my mind grounds and I hope this day is a
happy one for you all.

November Niceness.....

That's what's on my mind at the moment.
Though it's a nippy morning, I'm happy to be reporting from my nice warm nest.
I know it's been a few weeks since my last entry, I tend to do everything slower
in the cold snap of this season.
Wait until Winter hits, I may turn even more turtley.
Since I last left lines here many good moments have made their way into my life.
I'll share a few with you.
Our oldest Son spent time helping out at my Sisters and I was peacock proud
when she told me of how helpful he was, especially when she spoke of some
senior souls they spent time with. I'm always on my boys about kindness and
consideration and how it benefits everyone. God job Goose!
Our youngest is hugely happy to be playing hockey and continues to get extremely
excited for Saturday and Sunday skating times.
They won their game last week and it's always an awesome feeling seeing the
people I love happy.
Our Cousin came out of her surgery well and I was thankful for that most certainly
but being asked to spend time with her before and after was wonderful, indeed!
Seeing anyone I love suffer is tough stuff to swallow and always inspires me to
try harder at everything I do.
Of course I still stumble and frequently fall flat but I always bounce back.
Last night we went to see Meme and she was well enough at the start of our
visit but by the end of it we were both weepy.
She was in terrible pain and I could do nothing to stop it, man that hurts!
We emotionally expressed much love for each other and here I type, still touched
by those moments we shared.
Anyone who knows us can tell you how different we once felt, I love that my
blood pumper pounds proudly with pleasantries over my Memeness now.

Today marks the sixty-sixth birthday of a special to me soul.
Who just so happens to be a regular reader of my blog, thanks Crawdad!
I do hope this day is a dandily one for you, my friend.
One of my best buds who is also my Aunt and Godmother, turns sixty-six soon.
Hopefully I can do something sweetly for them both.
As for me?, I'll be forty-two next week.
It flies and it's gaining speed with each year, time is what I'm talking about
and I'm determined to spend it smiling more and eye leaking less.
I know, I know, for weepy willow me it's always an effort but definitely one
worth making.
There is something else I'm uppity over.
On Sunday, Hubby Bub, our Sons, our Cousin and myself will attempt archery.
This excites me because it's something I was once involved in.
I'm nervous though as it's a public shoot and I'm uncertain what to expect.
Have I mentioned that it's been over twenty-five years since my hands
have held a bow?, I can feel them shaking now and I never do well with
eyes of strangers on me.
It'll be fine, I know, just a bit trembling is me.

Well I think that's linely enough for now, my belly is making hunger sounds and will
no longer settle for the cold coffee I've been sipping on.
I'll add my first photo and a song.
It was one I loved back then and still sounds good after all these years.
I can't tell you how many times I played the "Control" album but I went
through two cassette tapes and an LP of it, that's love, man.
Thanks for reading what's on my mind and may this day find you in
a feeling good way!