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| Happy birthday, baby girl. You're 22 years old today. Please know, I love you more than words can say. If you need us, we are here for you. Always. xo |
Showing posts with label Jessica Covoloskie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jessica Covoloskie. Show all posts
29 June 2019
Happy Birthday, Jessica
29 June 2018
Happy Birthday, Jessica
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| Jessica: I was camping/hiking on your birthday, these were for you. |
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| Happy birthday, baby girl. I will always love you. |
29 June 2017
29 June 2014
11 May 2014
Mother's Day
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| My mommy. She is beautiful, she is brave and I love her. |
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| My son with my mom. |
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| My daughter, Jessica (1 year old, 1998). I love you, I miss you, and I hope you are safe. |
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| My son, James, is my little ray of sunshine, I'm so proud of you. |
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| My Honey's mom, she loves her son. |
13 May 2013
Mother's Day
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| My son, James. I love him to the moon and back. |
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| My mommy. James bought an iced coffee for her. |
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| Flowers from my son. |
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| Flowers from my son. |
A song for my daughter, Jessica.
[Pause the music --->
then play the video]
"Twinkle Twinkle" by Jewel
===
22 April 2013
I Love You Jessica
[Pause the MUSIC --->
Then play the video]
Then play the video]
You could be happy and I won't know,
But you weren't happy the day I watched you go…
…Do the things that you always wanted to,
Without me there to hold you back, don't think, just do…
…More than anything I want to see you, girl,
Take a glorious bite out of the whole world.
-partial lyrics "You Could Be Happy", Snow Patrol
29 June 2012
Happy Birthday Jessica
Happy Birthday Sis. We love you.
[Pause the MUSIC, on the right --->
Then play the video].
"To Show You My Love"
by Mike Schmid
I wanted to write you a song
A song you could sing forever
And I wanted to rhyme
And to bend phrase and time
Into something clever
But you deserve something better
If I could make all the mountains spell your name
And all the old streetcars dance in the rain
And promise to hold you for all my days
It wouldn't be enough
To show you my love
I wanted to write you a verse
Of all of the things that I love in you
Of your beautiful smile
And the truth in your eyes
And the way you always knew
That you deserved something better
If I could make all the mountains spell your name
And all the old streetcars dance in the rain
And promise to hold you for all my days
It wouldn't be enough
To show you my love
And when I'm ugly
I know you love me
And you know all of me
And I wouldn't wish that on anyone
If I could make all the mountains spell your name
And all the old streetcars dance in the rain
And promise to hold you for all my days
It wouldn't be enough
To show you my love
[Pause the MUSIC, on the right --->
Then play the video].
"To Show You My Love"
by Mike Schmid
I wanted to write you a song
A song you could sing forever
And I wanted to rhyme
And to bend phrase and time
Into something clever
But you deserve something better
If I could make all the mountains spell your name
And all the old streetcars dance in the rain
And promise to hold you for all my days
It wouldn't be enough
To show you my love
I wanted to write you a verse
Of all of the things that I love in you
Of your beautiful smile
And the truth in your eyes
And the way you always knew
That you deserved something better
If I could make all the mountains spell your name
And all the old streetcars dance in the rain
And promise to hold you for all my days
It wouldn't be enough
To show you my love
And when I'm ugly
I know you love me
And you know all of me
And I wouldn't wish that on anyone
If I could make all the mountains spell your name
And all the old streetcars dance in the rain
And promise to hold you for all my days
It wouldn't be enough
To show you my love
05 June 2012
Family Photos
I was able to scan a handful of family photos recently. Half of my family seems so far away in Hawaii. The other half of my family is scattered about, and I really don't know much about them. I really treasure these photos.
[Click any photo to see a larger version]
My Great-Grandpa, Frank Morris with my mom, Marie Green. Fishing near Claypool, AZ.
My dad, Frank Morris. My dad shares the same name as his Grandfather. I was 6 weeks old. 1969.
Me, 2 years old, in Groton, CT.
My paternal Grandfather, Loyd Morris. Mar 1969.
My mom, Marie Green, and I. Easter Sunday. 1969. This would have been inside my Great Grandparents (Bessie & Frank Morris) trailer in Claypool, AZ..
My paternal Grandfather, Loyd Morris. Mar 1969.
George Morris and Frank Morris. If I didn't know better, I would swear that's my dad, he and his Uncle George look very similar.
The little photo at the top left is me. I'm not sure what I was doing, running, dancing, spinning. It immediately reminded me of a photo I took of my daughter dancing. We seem to have kindred toddler hearts for dancing and happiness.
[Click any photo to see a larger version]
My Great-Grandpa, Frank Morris with my mom, Marie Green. Fishing near Claypool, AZ.
My dad, Frank Morris. My dad shares the same name as his Grandfather. I was 6 weeks old. 1969.
Me, 2 years old, in Groton, CT.
My paternal Grandfather, Loyd Morris. Mar 1969.
My mom, Marie Green, and I. Easter Sunday. 1969. This would have been inside my Great Grandparents (Bessie & Frank Morris) trailer in Claypool, AZ..
My paternal Grandfather, Loyd Morris. Mar 1969.
George Morris and Frank Morris. If I didn't know better, I would swear that's my dad, he and his Uncle George look very similar.
The little photo at the top left is me. I'm not sure what I was doing, running, dancing, spinning. It immediately reminded me of a photo I took of my daughter dancing. We seem to have kindred toddler hearts for dancing and happiness.
17 March 2012
Hiking: Thunderbird Park
[Click any photo to see a larger version]
I met my daughter and her father at Thunderbird Park today. We hiked a short 1.5 miles. It was a nice hike and nice to see my baby.
Views from the trail. The weatherman calls for rain and wind tonight.
Jessica.
One of Jessica's drawings, a bluejay.
Another of Jessica's drawings. She must have her Grandma Marie's artistic talent. It skipped a generation because I can't even write neatly.
An unfair shot. She's watching her dog, Uno, while eating a cheesy-poof at the top of the mountain -- 1,674' elevation.
I met my daughter and her father at Thunderbird Park today. We hiked a short 1.5 miles. It was a nice hike and nice to see my baby.
Views from the trail. The weatherman calls for rain and wind tonight.
Jessica.
One of Jessica's drawings, a bluejay.
Another of Jessica's drawings. She must have her Grandma Marie's artistic talent. It skipped a generation because I can't even write neatly.
An unfair shot. She's watching her dog, Uno, while eating a cheesy-poof at the top of the mountain -- 1,674' elevation.
12 November 2011
Hiking: Thunderbird Park
I met my daughter and her father at Thunderbird Park today. I didn't have my GPS with me to map the tracks, but we hiked about four miles. It was overcast but warm-ish, it was a good day for a hike.
[Click on photos to view a larger image]
Looking at Pinnacle Peak Rd/59th Avenue.
Cloudy skies.
I tried a few times to get her to stand in the Y of that tree, but she wasn't having it.
Horse and rider sharing a snack.
Jessica taking a break from hiking and sketching the scenery. My mom is a natural-born artist. I can't even write neatly. I think both of my children inherited some of my mom's talent for art and writing.
Jessica. A piece of my heart sitting there.
Jessica's dog, Uno, a Miniature Pincher. Uno is a good dog, not as spastic as this photo makes him look.
Jessica, onward and upward. She was quite the little trooper on this hike.
One of the peaks in the distance has an American flag on top. And, this was the area that Jessica was looking at while she was sketching.
Views from the trail.
At home, the clouds looked like a big fan as the sun set.
"A tired dog is a good dog." -Me.
[Click on photos to view a larger image]
Looking at Pinnacle Peak Rd/59th Avenue.
Cloudy skies.
I tried a few times to get her to stand in the Y of that tree, but she wasn't having it.
Horse and rider sharing a snack.
Jessica taking a break from hiking and sketching the scenery. My mom is a natural-born artist. I can't even write neatly. I think both of my children inherited some of my mom's talent for art and writing.
Jessica. A piece of my heart sitting there.
Jessica's dog, Uno, a Miniature Pincher. Uno is a good dog, not as spastic as this photo makes him look.
Jessica, onward and upward. She was quite the little trooper on this hike.
One of the peaks in the distance has an American flag on top. And, this was the area that Jessica was looking at while she was sketching.
Views from the trail.
At home, the clouds looked like a big fan as the sun set.
"A tired dog is a good dog." -Me.
29 June 2011
08 May 2011
Mother's Day Surprises
Happy Mother's Day to all... to mom's with kids of all ages, dogs, cats, and everything else that needed to be nurtured.
My mom can make Orchid plants bloom in the hot, dry desert. I don't know how she does it. Over the years I've bought her so many Orchid plants that she's pretty much got all she can handle. To be practical, this year I bought her a new pooper scooper for the horse barn. If you knew my mom, you'd know that's a perfect gift.
My son, who is very busy with college, studying for finals, sent me a very cute card. I love him, he knows how to make me smile.
My daughter, who lives with her father, is my little person I don't talk about much. I don't like to tell the story or to try to explain how this came to be.
Today I received some current pictures of my daughter. This makes me smile and weep all at the same time.
She likes dogs.
She likes to hike.
She is beautiful.
I wish I could sit on her bed and have her tell me all about the items I see on her mirror.
This morning, I wrote about Jessica, I titled it "If".
I won't share the entire document, it's far too personal. Here is a short portion of how it begins:
I love my children madly, it's an honor to be their mom, they are the best thing that ever happened to me.
My mom can make Orchid plants bloom in the hot, dry desert. I don't know how she does it. Over the years I've bought her so many Orchid plants that she's pretty much got all she can handle. To be practical, this year I bought her a new pooper scooper for the horse barn. If you knew my mom, you'd know that's a perfect gift.
My son, who is very busy with college, studying for finals, sent me a very cute card. I love him, he knows how to make me smile.
My daughter, who lives with her father, is my little person I don't talk about much. I don't like to tell the story or to try to explain how this came to be.
Today I received some current pictures of my daughter. This makes me smile and weep all at the same time.
She likes dogs.
She likes to hike.
She is beautiful.
I wish I could sit on her bed and have her tell me all about the items I see on her mirror.
This morning, I wrote about Jessica, I titled it "If".
I won't share the entire document, it's far too personal. Here is a short portion of how it begins:
In the Fall of 1996, I walked in to a clinic for a free pregnancy test.
As I sat on the crinkly paper that covered the examination table, I looked at my toes, the posters on the clinic walls, and I looked up towards the heavens and sighed. Waiting for the results of the blood test, I thought of the possibilities. I knew one thing: If I was pregnant, I could do this.
The nurse walked in to the room and beamed: “CONGRATULATIONS!”. It didn’t matter to her if this was good news or bad news, her voice was full of cheer.
If you could have seen me smile.
I love my children madly, it's an honor to be their mom, they are the best thing that ever happened to me.
24 April 2011
Inspiration
The first video makes me laugh. If I could only get this to work on most of the adults in my life ;)
[Pause the MUSIC, on the right ---> Then play the video].
===
A good song with happy, dancing muppets = joy :)
If what I am is what's in me
Then I'll stay strong - that's who I'll be
and I will always be the best
"me" that I can be.
There's only one me, I am it
have a dream I'll follow it
It's up to me to try.
Oh! I'm a keep my head up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna quit
I'll be getting stronger.
And nothing's gonna bring me down (no!)
Never gonna stop, gotta go.
Because I know
I'll keep getting stronger.
And what I am is thoughtful
what I am is musical
what I am is smart
and what I am is brave
what I am is helpful
what I am is special
There's nothing I can't achieve.
Because in myself I believe in oh...
Gonna keep our heads up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna quit
Just keep getting stronger.
And nothing's gonna bring us down (no!)
Never give it up, gotta go.
Because I know
I'll keep getting stronger.
What I am is super
what I am is proud
what I am is friendly
what I am is grouchy
what you are is magical
what you are is special
There's nothing I can't achieve.
Because in myself I believe in oh...
Gonna hold my head up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna stop
I'll be getting stronger.
Nothing's gonna bring me down (no!)
Never give it up gotta go, oh... yeah...
I'll keep getting strong--er.
===
This is touching. I am the queen of post-it notes, I frequently use them to share loving words with My Honey, so their use in this video is special to me. One of my New Years Resolutions was to try to learn sign language in the year 2011. I think I've just been reminded to learn.
===
"Love Come" - simply beautiful.
Love come light up the shadows
Let the beauty of you enter in
For I have hungered for a tender touch
A long and lonely time
I've seen much more than I want to
So much anger so much pain
A line is drawn and lives are torn apart
The wounds too hard to heal
Love has taken me in lifted my load
And in this empty space a wonder grows
A dream of some kind of peace I could hold up as true
I never knew anything about love before you
You call and I come running
I can sense the flood before it breaks
And I'd do anything to dry your tears
To let you know you're safe
Love has taken me in lifted my load
And in this empty place a wonder grows
A dream of some kind of peace
I could hold up as true
I never know anything about love before you
Love come light up the shadows
Let me drink the beauty of you in
For I have hungered for a tender touch
A long and lonely time
===
A very special song.
For my son: I love you, and I am so proud of you. You will always be my best friend, the one who makes me smile the biggest, hugs me the hardest, and inspires me.
For my daughter: I remember you as a baby - the softness of your hair, the blue-gray color of your eyes, how you loved to dance. I love you and I miss you. I will not pretend to understand, or even like, God's plan for our lives but I pray each day that He surrounds you body, heart and soul with my love.
===
Lastly, this is amazing. It's worth watching through to the end.
[Pause the MUSIC, on the right ---> Then play the video].
===
A good song with happy, dancing muppets = joy :)
If what I am is what's in me
Then I'll stay strong - that's who I'll be
and I will always be the best
"me" that I can be.
There's only one me, I am it
have a dream I'll follow it
It's up to me to try.
Oh! I'm a keep my head up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna quit
I'll be getting stronger.
And nothing's gonna bring me down (no!)
Never gonna stop, gotta go.
Because I know
I'll keep getting stronger.
And what I am is thoughtful
what I am is musical
what I am is smart
and what I am is brave
what I am is helpful
what I am is special
There's nothing I can't achieve.
Because in myself I believe in oh...
Gonna keep our heads up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna quit
Just keep getting stronger.
And nothing's gonna bring us down (no!)
Never give it up, gotta go.
Because I know
I'll keep getting stronger.
What I am is super
what I am is proud
what I am is friendly
what I am is grouchy
what you are is magical
what you are is special
There's nothing I can't achieve.
Because in myself I believe in oh...
Gonna hold my head up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna stop
I'll be getting stronger.
Nothing's gonna bring me down (no!)
Never give it up gotta go, oh... yeah...
I'll keep getting strong--er.
===
This is touching. I am the queen of post-it notes, I frequently use them to share loving words with My Honey, so their use in this video is special to me. One of my New Years Resolutions was to try to learn sign language in the year 2011. I think I've just been reminded to learn.
===
"Love Come" - simply beautiful.
Love come light up the shadows
Let the beauty of you enter in
For I have hungered for a tender touch
A long and lonely time
I've seen much more than I want to
So much anger so much pain
A line is drawn and lives are torn apart
The wounds too hard to heal
Love has taken me in lifted my load
And in this empty space a wonder grows
A dream of some kind of peace I could hold up as true
I never knew anything about love before you
You call and I come running
I can sense the flood before it breaks
And I'd do anything to dry your tears
To let you know you're safe
Love has taken me in lifted my load
And in this empty place a wonder grows
A dream of some kind of peace
I could hold up as true
I never know anything about love before you
Love come light up the shadows
Let me drink the beauty of you in
For I have hungered for a tender touch
A long and lonely time
===
A very special song.
For my son: I love you, and I am so proud of you. You will always be my best friend, the one who makes me smile the biggest, hugs me the hardest, and inspires me.
For my daughter: I remember you as a baby - the softness of your hair, the blue-gray color of your eyes, how you loved to dance. I love you and I miss you. I will not pretend to understand, or even like, God's plan for our lives but I pray each day that He surrounds you body, heart and soul with my love.
===
Lastly, this is amazing. It's worth watching through to the end.
25 November 2010
99 Things I Am Thankful For
1. God. I really struggled with what to call God. Man gives Him many names. Call him what you like, I believe in Him, I pray to Him, I talk to Him, I place hope in Him, and I am thankful to Him.
2. My children. James and Jessica. I love you both so much it makes my heart hurt. James, I'm so proud of my little man. Jessica, I pray for you everyday. I pray for many things but mostly that God protects you in all ways and that you could feel your mothers love embracing you each day.
3. My "step-monsters". Glenn and Alexa. I love you both more than you can imagine. I know you thought I was evil for making you brush your teeth and clean your room, but it was out of love, I swear.
4. My Honey. I am fortunate to have the love of a good and faithful man.
5. My dog. Cierra is seven years old, the best furry companion I could ask for. I treasure her every day.
6. My health. I am very fortunate to have good health.
7. My friends. All of my life, my friends have been few in numbers. What I lack in quantity, I make up for in quality.
8. My acquaintances. In my recent past, I would not have separated them from friends, but they are different, and I treasure them just the same.
9. My mom. My mom is golden, a real and pure treasure not to be taken for granted, and I cherish her.
10. My Honey's family. My Hon is one of seven siblings.
11. USA. I am thankful to be born in to the United States. How different life would be had I been born elsewhere.
12. The internet. Deep down, I have a love-hate relationship with the world wide web. But really, it has opened up whole new worlds for me.
13. My camera. Because I love to photograph my world. From the tallest tree to the smallest bug, I want to photograph them all.
14. My senses: hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste. How fortunate I am that I have all five, and they all still work correctly at 42 years of age.
15. Dyslexia. I have dyslexia. I embrace it, because frankly: it is what it is.
16. Music. We have a very large music collection. Music can make my soul soar, or it can bring me to tears. Music can make me smile, make me dance, and make me think.
17. My neighborhood. Sure, I wish my house was a little bigger, or my garage was a little less crowded, but overall, I love where I live, I have a great view of the mountains.
18. Ex-husband #1. With you I have a wonderful son, he's smart, motivated, driven and very clever. You know he didn't get any of that from either one of us.
19. Ex-husband #2. You used to say "what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger". Yes, you were right about that. I love your kids and your family, they are still a much-loved part of my life.
20. A mistake I call BS. Knowing him was heaven and hell. I found the strength to walk away from hell and in to the open arms of heaven. I now live in love and I am grateful for that every day.
21. Clarity. A recent situation left me dazed and confused. I'd been lied to and lied about. Thanks to clarity, I see that I live in the light of truth while the other persons life was built on lies.
22. Sunshine. It can be 30 degrees or 120 degrees. I revel in the sunshine and its warmth.
23. I was recently asked if I would trade lives with anyone. My answer: no. My life was built on the paths I have chosen to take, I am thankful I had the opportunity to chose each path that has brought me to where I am today.
24. Living debt free. I don't need a fancy house, fancy car or fancy furniture. I have a roof over my head, I have everything I need under that roof, and my Honey and I live debt free.
25. Friends in foreign countries. Norbert in Romaina. Silke in Germany. Linda in China. Hanna in Germany. Mustafa and Cuma from Turkey.
26. My cousins. I have no siblings, all of my cousins are cool and I'm proud to call them my family.
27. Wool socks.
28. My new necklaces. My Honey bought two necklaces for me, they are beautiful, sturdy, and I love them.
29. Fleece. Ahhh, fleece.
30. Being comfortable in my own skin.
31. Mountaintops. I may huff and puff getting there, but once I'm there, I'm thrilled to have a seat and a snack, and a good look around.
32. Water. I am grateful to live where water is clean and plentiful for basic survival, but also for rivers and lakes.
33. That I have the audacity to skinny dip.
34. Wildlife. I am fond of all the wild things.
35. Traveling. I love to travel, I would travel the world if I could. In the meantime, I am grateful for the places I have been to.
36. Four seasons. I don't live in an area that has four seasons, but I have traveled enough to see them all and while I value being warm, I appreciate the Fall colors and I like snow.
37. Sunrises and sunsets. I may forgo four seasons, but I live in an area with the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
38. Rain and rainbows.
39. Cloudy days, I often see shapes in the clouds - love it.
40. M&M's. Yum.
41. Sharp knives in my kitchen, I don't think there is a single greater necessity in the kitchen than a good, sharp knife.
42. Books and magazines. Reading takes me to new places and introduces me to new people, and I appreciate good photography in magazines.
43. My BBQ grill. That might sound silly but I have a large grill plumed in to the natural gas in the house, I love it and use it frequently.
44. Nail polish. I paint my own fingernails and toenails. Because I can.
45. Heart shaped rocks. I find them when hiking. Sometimes I carry them home and other times I photograph them and leave them there.
46. A full moon. I always look skyward to check the phases of the moon.
47. My tattoos. Each one has special meaning to me.
48. Harley-Davidson. One cool Harley has taken me thousands of miles and I have treasured every safe ride, every time my hair blows in the wind, every neat thing I have seen, and every person I have met on rides.
49. Those who I've lost to this world. While I grieve deeply at the loss of family and friends who no longer walk this earth, it reminds me to live my life to its fullest.
50. Sunflowers. I love all flowers, even flowering weeds, but my favorite is the sunflower.
51. Mud. I like to play in the mud.
52. A long warm shower. To wash off the mud.
53. Chocolate. Yum.
54. Bacon. So good yet so bad.
55. Scissors. Without them I couldn't cut the pesky tags off my clothes.
56. Giving of myself. Sometimes I have the opportunity to share my time, my voice, my ability to listen and show compassion, or do a favor for someone.
57. Thrift stores. Yes, I shop at thrift stores. You'd be amazed at the treasures one can find there.
58. Donations. I frequently weed out things I don't need or don't wear and take it with me to the thrift store. I believe in living lightly.
59. Little treasures. I have a soft, feminine handkerchief that belonged to my great grandmother. I remember as a child she put a handful of coins in it and gave it to me. I treasured the handkerchief more than the change.
60. My Honey's collectibles. I am happy to share his art and artifacts from his travels to foreign countries such as Africa, Germany and beyond.
61. Netflix. I've watched dozens of movies that I missed over the years.
62. Fritos scoops and hot bean dip.
63. The Second Amendment and ... "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed".
64. Cats. I don't currently have one as a pet, but I've always liked cats. And ferrets. And fish. And chickens. And...
65. Candles.
66. A cold coca-cola over ice.
67. A hot bubble bath.
68. My iPod. I guarantee you that no matter what size iPod you gave to me, I could fill it to capacity with music.
69. Other people's websites, blogs, and various internet sites. It is a window to someone else's world and I am grateful to each person who lets me view their world.
70. I have two favorite types of shoes 1) flip flops and...
71. 2) cowboy boots.
72. Men's Ribbed Tank Tops. Also known as a "wife beater". I wear them almost daily, they are cottony, soft, comfy.
73. My mom's horses. My mom has owned several of the most beautiful, white Arabians I have ever laid eyes on. To this day she continues to take in retired horses who live the rest of their lives in peace with her.
74. Ice cream. I eat my ice cream out of the container, holding it with a kitchen towel, and eating my ice cream with a fork. True story.
75. My favorite baseball cap. I actually have more than one fav, but each one serves a slightly different purpose. Ditto with my wool and fleece caps.
76. Down-filled pillows. I have the softest pillows.
77. Semi-secret places to hike. I've been on some lesser known trails and they each have their charms.
78. My recipe book. I find recipes that sound good, or that I think I'd like to try, while some recipes are necessities. I use recipes like suggestions, I usually follow the directions loosely and do my own thing.
79. My quilt. My dear friend Janice made a quilt for me. It is perfect in every way. I will treasure it always.
80. My dogs down-filled dog bed. Like me, my girl appreciates the softness of down.
81. Google translate. With GT I can translate just about any text.
82. Being open-minded. Being so gives me the ability to love it all without judgement.
83. My kitchen timer. It's reminded me of many things I may have forgotten about.
84. Never to have stepped on a land mine. (Thanks to my son for this one).
85. Dr. Oz TV show. I watch very little TV, but I like Dr. Oz, it's very informative. I also like PBS.
86. My favorite rocking patio chair on the back patio. My Honey, Cierra and I share time sitting in the morning sunshine in that chair.
87. My houseplants. They brighten my day, everyday.
88. The chance to fly: on the back of my favorite Harley and in airplanes and helicopters.
89. Geocaching. A little game of hide and seek I sometimes play while hiking.
90. The ability to say "no" to shopping on Black Friday.
91. My hummingbird feeders. In lieu of real flowering plants, they've been a treat for the little hummers who come every day for a snack.
92. My new earrings, they go along with the new necklaces my Honey bought for me. I never buy new jewelry for myself, this is a once and a lifetime treat for me.
93. Control Z - a little keyboard trick that undoes what I just did. It's saved me many times.
94. Knowing that less is more. I love my simple life.
95. The remote control for the ceiling fan.
96. Swimming, it does a body good.
97. Incense.
98. My son following his 7th grade Orchestra teachers instructions to teach his mom what he learned in class that day. I successfully made his violin sound like fingernails on a chalkboard.
99. I am thankful my list is done - hurray!
2. My children. James and Jessica. I love you both so much it makes my heart hurt. James, I'm so proud of my little man. Jessica, I pray for you everyday. I pray for many things but mostly that God protects you in all ways and that you could feel your mothers love embracing you each day.
3. My "step-monsters". Glenn and Alexa. I love you both more than you can imagine. I know you thought I was evil for making you brush your teeth and clean your room, but it was out of love, I swear.
4. My Honey. I am fortunate to have the love of a good and faithful man.
5. My dog. Cierra is seven years old, the best furry companion I could ask for. I treasure her every day.
6. My health. I am very fortunate to have good health.
7. My friends. All of my life, my friends have been few in numbers. What I lack in quantity, I make up for in quality.
8. My acquaintances. In my recent past, I would not have separated them from friends, but they are different, and I treasure them just the same.
9. My mom. My mom is golden, a real and pure treasure not to be taken for granted, and I cherish her.
10. My Honey's family. My Hon is one of seven siblings.
11. USA. I am thankful to be born in to the United States. How different life would be had I been born elsewhere.
12. The internet. Deep down, I have a love-hate relationship with the world wide web. But really, it has opened up whole new worlds for me.
13. My camera. Because I love to photograph my world. From the tallest tree to the smallest bug, I want to photograph them all.
14. My senses: hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste. How fortunate I am that I have all five, and they all still work correctly at 42 years of age.
15. Dyslexia. I have dyslexia. I embrace it, because frankly: it is what it is.
16. Music. We have a very large music collection. Music can make my soul soar, or it can bring me to tears. Music can make me smile, make me dance, and make me think.
17. My neighborhood. Sure, I wish my house was a little bigger, or my garage was a little less crowded, but overall, I love where I live, I have a great view of the mountains.
18. Ex-husband #1. With you I have a wonderful son, he's smart, motivated, driven and very clever. You know he didn't get any of that from either one of us.
19. Ex-husband #2. You used to say "what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger". Yes, you were right about that. I love your kids and your family, they are still a much-loved part of my life.
20. A mistake I call BS. Knowing him was heaven and hell. I found the strength to walk away from hell and in to the open arms of heaven. I now live in love and I am grateful for that every day.
21. Clarity. A recent situation left me dazed and confused. I'd been lied to and lied about. Thanks to clarity, I see that I live in the light of truth while the other persons life was built on lies.
22. Sunshine. It can be 30 degrees or 120 degrees. I revel in the sunshine and its warmth.
23. I was recently asked if I would trade lives with anyone. My answer: no. My life was built on the paths I have chosen to take, I am thankful I had the opportunity to chose each path that has brought me to where I am today.
24. Living debt free. I don't need a fancy house, fancy car or fancy furniture. I have a roof over my head, I have everything I need under that roof, and my Honey and I live debt free.
25. Friends in foreign countries. Norbert in Romaina. Silke in Germany. Linda in China. Hanna in Germany. Mustafa and Cuma from Turkey.
26. My cousins. I have no siblings, all of my cousins are cool and I'm proud to call them my family.
27. Wool socks.
28. My new necklaces. My Honey bought two necklaces for me, they are beautiful, sturdy, and I love them.
29. Fleece. Ahhh, fleece.
30. Being comfortable in my own skin.
31. Mountaintops. I may huff and puff getting there, but once I'm there, I'm thrilled to have a seat and a snack, and a good look around.
32. Water. I am grateful to live where water is clean and plentiful for basic survival, but also for rivers and lakes.
33. That I have the audacity to skinny dip.
34. Wildlife. I am fond of all the wild things.
35. Traveling. I love to travel, I would travel the world if I could. In the meantime, I am grateful for the places I have been to.
36. Four seasons. I don't live in an area that has four seasons, but I have traveled enough to see them all and while I value being warm, I appreciate the Fall colors and I like snow.
37. Sunrises and sunsets. I may forgo four seasons, but I live in an area with the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
38. Rain and rainbows.
39. Cloudy days, I often see shapes in the clouds - love it.
40. M&M's. Yum.
41. Sharp knives in my kitchen, I don't think there is a single greater necessity in the kitchen than a good, sharp knife.
42. Books and magazines. Reading takes me to new places and introduces me to new people, and I appreciate good photography in magazines.
43. My BBQ grill. That might sound silly but I have a large grill plumed in to the natural gas in the house, I love it and use it frequently.
44. Nail polish. I paint my own fingernails and toenails. Because I can.
45. Heart shaped rocks. I find them when hiking. Sometimes I carry them home and other times I photograph them and leave them there.
46. A full moon. I always look skyward to check the phases of the moon.
47. My tattoos. Each one has special meaning to me.
48. Harley-Davidson. One cool Harley has taken me thousands of miles and I have treasured every safe ride, every time my hair blows in the wind, every neat thing I have seen, and every person I have met on rides.
49. Those who I've lost to this world. While I grieve deeply at the loss of family and friends who no longer walk this earth, it reminds me to live my life to its fullest.
50. Sunflowers. I love all flowers, even flowering weeds, but my favorite is the sunflower.
51. Mud. I like to play in the mud.
52. A long warm shower. To wash off the mud.
53. Chocolate. Yum.
54. Bacon. So good yet so bad.
55. Scissors. Without them I couldn't cut the pesky tags off my clothes.
56. Giving of myself. Sometimes I have the opportunity to share my time, my voice, my ability to listen and show compassion, or do a favor for someone.
57. Thrift stores. Yes, I shop at thrift stores. You'd be amazed at the treasures one can find there.
58. Donations. I frequently weed out things I don't need or don't wear and take it with me to the thrift store. I believe in living lightly.
59. Little treasures. I have a soft, feminine handkerchief that belonged to my great grandmother. I remember as a child she put a handful of coins in it and gave it to me. I treasured the handkerchief more than the change.
60. My Honey's collectibles. I am happy to share his art and artifacts from his travels to foreign countries such as Africa, Germany and beyond.
61. Netflix. I've watched dozens of movies that I missed over the years.
62. Fritos scoops and hot bean dip.
63. The Second Amendment and ... "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed".
64. Cats. I don't currently have one as a pet, but I've always liked cats. And ferrets. And fish. And chickens. And...
65. Candles.
66. A cold coca-cola over ice.
67. A hot bubble bath.
68. My iPod. I guarantee you that no matter what size iPod you gave to me, I could fill it to capacity with music.
69. Other people's websites, blogs, and various internet sites. It is a window to someone else's world and I am grateful to each person who lets me view their world.
70. I have two favorite types of shoes 1) flip flops and...
71. 2) cowboy boots.
72. Men's Ribbed Tank Tops. Also known as a "wife beater". I wear them almost daily, they are cottony, soft, comfy.
73. My mom's horses. My mom has owned several of the most beautiful, white Arabians I have ever laid eyes on. To this day she continues to take in retired horses who live the rest of their lives in peace with her.
74. Ice cream. I eat my ice cream out of the container, holding it with a kitchen towel, and eating my ice cream with a fork. True story.
75. My favorite baseball cap. I actually have more than one fav, but each one serves a slightly different purpose. Ditto with my wool and fleece caps.
76. Down-filled pillows. I have the softest pillows.
77. Semi-secret places to hike. I've been on some lesser known trails and they each have their charms.
78. My recipe book. I find recipes that sound good, or that I think I'd like to try, while some recipes are necessities. I use recipes like suggestions, I usually follow the directions loosely and do my own thing.
79. My quilt. My dear friend Janice made a quilt for me. It is perfect in every way. I will treasure it always.
80. My dogs down-filled dog bed. Like me, my girl appreciates the softness of down.
81. Google translate. With GT I can translate just about any text.
82. Being open-minded. Being so gives me the ability to love it all without judgement.
83. My kitchen timer. It's reminded me of many things I may have forgotten about.
84. Never to have stepped on a land mine. (Thanks to my son for this one).
85. Dr. Oz TV show. I watch very little TV, but I like Dr. Oz, it's very informative. I also like PBS.
86. My favorite rocking patio chair on the back patio. My Honey, Cierra and I share time sitting in the morning sunshine in that chair.
87. My houseplants. They brighten my day, everyday.
88. The chance to fly: on the back of my favorite Harley and in airplanes and helicopters.
89. Geocaching. A little game of hide and seek I sometimes play while hiking.
90. The ability to say "no" to shopping on Black Friday.
91. My hummingbird feeders. In lieu of real flowering plants, they've been a treat for the little hummers who come every day for a snack.
92. My new earrings, they go along with the new necklaces my Honey bought for me. I never buy new jewelry for myself, this is a once and a lifetime treat for me.
93. Control Z - a little keyboard trick that undoes what I just did. It's saved me many times.
94. Knowing that less is more. I love my simple life.
95. The remote control for the ceiling fan.
96. Swimming, it does a body good.
97. Incense.
98. My son following his 7th grade Orchestra teachers instructions to teach his mom what he learned in class that day. I successfully made his violin sound like fingernails on a chalkboard.
99. I am thankful my list is done - hurray!
17 October 2010
Once Upon A Time
For my daughter:
[Pause the MUSIC, on the right ---> Then play the video].
I love you. I miss you. I think of you. I pray for you.
"Once upon a time a girl with moonlight in her eyes,
Put her hand in mine and said she loved me so,
But that was once upon a time, very long ago."
[Pause the MUSIC, on the right ---> Then play the video].
I love you. I miss you. I think of you. I pray for you.
"Once upon a time a girl with moonlight in her eyes,
Put her hand in mine and said she loved me so,
But that was once upon a time, very long ago."
29 June 2010
02 January 2010
A Look Back At 2009
2009 was a fairly slow, seemingly uneventful year. But this is a whine-free zone, so after looking through my 2009 photos, I saw a lot of reasons to be thankful for a good year:
January:
2009 New Years Eve Day Sunrise hike with James.
Cierra and I share the new year sunshine on our face after hiking White Peak.
On a ride with My Honey.
My Honey.
My grass sure was green last January. Cierra is lovin' the soft winter grass.
February:
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to fly in Firebird One.
One of Firebird One's pilots.
Geocaching with James.
Geocaching at Lake Pleasant I seem to have lost my marbles...
...and then James found my marbles (in the upper right hand corner - see?).
March:
My Honey is demonstrating how Cierra and I should "foos".
I photographed clouds from my back yard.
I photographed my happy girl in my back yard.
Hiking with James at Bartlett Reservoir. This is a photo is titled "Y? Because I said so!".
Hiking at Bartlett Reservoir.
Hiking with James and Cierra at Spur Cross Conservation Area (Cave Creek).
April:
On April 1st my little boy turned 17 years old. (James is 4 in this photo).
Frankie's Alaskan crew came through on their way to Alaska.
I hiked the Black Canyon Trail with Mr. Bosseh-Pants to find some geocaches.
I hiked Spur Cross Conversation Area (Cave Creek) and found...
...spring flowers and bugs.
I got out of bed early one morning only to be replaced by my dog.
N350SB got a new paint job (she was solid black before). She has special meaning to me, she's the second helicopter I've flown.
May:
Hiking with Cierra, Eastwing Mountain.
I lost two friends May 22, 2009 in a helicopter accident. The loss of Mike Gauchat and Donna Cullum still stings me. I continue to hold them near and dear to my thoughts and my prayers.
"High Flight", a poem I left at the accident site. It was found by Mike's close friend and read at the memorial service.
My friend Janice made this quilt for me. I will treasure her and the quilt always.
June:
I am bewildered at how tall my son is.
My baby girl turned 12 years old. I love you and I miss you Sis.
July:
I found her living by my back door. While beautiful, she's also venomous, I smushed her.
I took Cierra through an automated car wash, she LOVED it.
August:
I scanned some photos from my baby book. This is my mom and my dad, and me.
My mom and me.
My cousins from Hawaii.
September:
Frankie's Alaskan crew came through on their way to Bisbee, AZ for the Winter.
We brought home a foster dog, his name is Charge.
My Honey and I rode to Madera Canyon (Tucson) to see my son.
My Honey and I rode with Eric to Wickenburg. We were about to be come overtaken by a giant UFO shaped cloud. Luckily, we rode super fast. Ride movie here: Wickenburg
My friend Marc gave me a ride on our friend Mikey's bike. The twisty roads up Yarnell hill are always fun. We rode to Jerome, AZ.
October:
I may or may not have turned 41.
I took Cierra to the park to play on the playground. Kids love this. Most parents are horrified that my 50lb GSD might eat their precious children. Some things simply make me snicker on the inside.
Sunset in Cave Creek, AZ. My mom was very sick and I stayed with her for two weeks to do her horse chores.
I fed the horses...
...and I fed the tortoise. And the cats, wild birds, wild rabbits, etc.
November:
I drove out to Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant.
I took Cierra to see a friends boat.
Cierra LOVED the boat. But, she's easy, she loves everything outdoors. Like her momma.
Cierra and I hiking Westwing Mountain.
Cierra with Charge at a dog fashion show. We were at the event to promote Charge as an adoptable dog.
I hiked Indian Mesa (Lake Pleasant) and ate lunch on the edge.
December:
I photographed this leaf while hiking at SPCA (Cave Creek).
My girl was cold, and discovered she likes sleeping under a blanket.
My mom.
My friend Bill gave me a ride to meet James in the East Valley.
I went hiking with my son.
He found a way to make me feel even smaller.
Cierra likes to carry rocks while she hikes.
James beat me at Scrabble more times than I care to count.
I went to a geocaching event and I won a couple of small items.
I went on a New Years Eve Day hike with Mr. Bosseh-Pants. We also found several geocaches.
Sayonara to 2009. If I did all those things with limited resources (no job, no car, no cash, and no whining) then my possibilities for 2010 are without boundaries. I hope that 2010 brings much love, joy, and contentment to all.
January:
2009 New Years Eve Day Sunrise hike with James.
Cierra and I share the new year sunshine on our face after hiking White Peak.
On a ride with My Honey.
My Honey.
My grass sure was green last January. Cierra is lovin' the soft winter grass.
February:
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to fly in Firebird One.
One of Firebird One's pilots.
Geocaching with James.
Geocaching at Lake Pleasant I seem to have lost my marbles...
...and then James found my marbles (in the upper right hand corner - see?).
March:
My Honey is demonstrating how Cierra and I should "foos".
I photographed clouds from my back yard.
I photographed my happy girl in my back yard.
Hiking with James at Bartlett Reservoir. This is a photo is titled "Y? Because I said so!".
Hiking at Bartlett Reservoir.
Hiking with James and Cierra at Spur Cross Conservation Area (Cave Creek).
April:
On April 1st my little boy turned 17 years old. (James is 4 in this photo).
Frankie's Alaskan crew came through on their way to Alaska.
I hiked the Black Canyon Trail with Mr. Bosseh-Pants to find some geocaches.
I hiked Spur Cross Conversation Area (Cave Creek) and found...
...spring flowers and bugs.
I got out of bed early one morning only to be replaced by my dog.
N350SB got a new paint job (she was solid black before). She has special meaning to me, she's the second helicopter I've flown.
May:
Hiking with Cierra, Eastwing Mountain.
I lost two friends May 22, 2009 in a helicopter accident. The loss of Mike Gauchat and Donna Cullum still stings me. I continue to hold them near and dear to my thoughts and my prayers.
"High Flight", a poem I left at the accident site. It was found by Mike's close friend and read at the memorial service.
My friend Janice made this quilt for me. I will treasure her and the quilt always.
June:
I am bewildered at how tall my son is.
My baby girl turned 12 years old. I love you and I miss you Sis.
July:
I found her living by my back door. While beautiful, she's also venomous, I smushed her.
I took Cierra through an automated car wash, she LOVED it.
August:
I scanned some photos from my baby book. This is my mom and my dad, and me.
My mom and me.
My cousins from Hawaii.
September:
Frankie's Alaskan crew came through on their way to Bisbee, AZ for the Winter.
We brought home a foster dog, his name is Charge.
My Honey and I rode to Madera Canyon (Tucson) to see my son.
My Honey and I rode with Eric to Wickenburg. We were about to be come overtaken by a giant UFO shaped cloud. Luckily, we rode super fast. Ride movie here: Wickenburg
My friend Marc gave me a ride on our friend Mikey's bike. The twisty roads up Yarnell hill are always fun. We rode to Jerome, AZ.
October:
I may or may not have turned 41.
I took Cierra to the park to play on the playground. Kids love this. Most parents are horrified that my 50lb GSD might eat their precious children. Some things simply make me snicker on the inside.
Sunset in Cave Creek, AZ. My mom was very sick and I stayed with her for two weeks to do her horse chores.
I fed the horses...
...and I fed the tortoise. And the cats, wild birds, wild rabbits, etc.
November:
I drove out to Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant.
I took Cierra to see a friends boat.
Cierra LOVED the boat. But, she's easy, she loves everything outdoors. Like her momma.
Cierra and I hiking Westwing Mountain.
Cierra with Charge at a dog fashion show. We were at the event to promote Charge as an adoptable dog.
I hiked Indian Mesa (Lake Pleasant) and ate lunch on the edge.
December:
I photographed this leaf while hiking at SPCA (Cave Creek).
My girl was cold, and discovered she likes sleeping under a blanket.
My mom.
My friend Bill gave me a ride to meet James in the East Valley.
I went hiking with my son.
He found a way to make me feel even smaller.
Cierra likes to carry rocks while she hikes.
James beat me at Scrabble more times than I care to count.
I went to a geocaching event and I won a couple of small items.
I went on a New Years Eve Day hike with Mr. Bosseh-Pants. We also found several geocaches.
Sayonara to 2009. If I did all those things with limited resources (no job, no car, no cash, and no whining) then my possibilities for 2010 are without boundaries. I hope that 2010 brings much love, joy, and contentment to all.