Happy Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day, which you either enjoy or endure depending on your romantic circumstances.  Either way, I think you will get a kick out of this newspaper ad for the 99 Cents store.  It was too big for me to scan completely but I'm sure you'll get the concept from what is here.  Clever and funny but just stating the obvious, I hope.  :-) 

Happy Valentine's Day.  Whatever you do today, I hope you have a bit of chocolate.

Movie Review - "Sound City"

Last night we went downtown to the Film Bar and saw the movie "Sound City."  This isn't the kind of show I typically like but I have to say I loved it!

 

The main character is the Neve Soundboard used to record hundreds of albums, many which went on to be top sellers.  If you are fifty-plus years old, you will recognize every artist and musical period covered in this film.  It is a fun trip down memory lane!  Plus it is directed by one of its stars, Dave Grohl, who is so talented and sexy.

I recommend this movie to anyone who loves music and appreciates the uniqueness/imperfection of live performance.

Storytelling Sunday - February

When i was growing up, my family had a tradition of each member giving a handmade gift, as well as a storebought gift, to everyone at Christmas.  The handmade gifts were always the most anticipated and we opened them first on Christmas morning.  One year my sister gave me this "bank" - she must have been in about second grade (7 or 8 years old.)  She decorated a jar with some glitter, gift wrap cut-outs, and Mod Podge.  I have kept this jar in my underwear drawer with emergency cash in it ever since, which is about forty years!  It is a treasured possesion that I know I will keep forever.

Sian, who is a gifted storyteller and a sweet, creative soul, has a series titled "Storytelling Sunday" on the first Sunday of each month.  Please visit her blog to read about other treasured items and the story (there's always a story!) behind them.  I am off to read about other precious picks right now!

An Anniversary Celebration

Last fall one day my fifteen-year-old step-daughter asked if she could make cupcakes.  She explained that it was her friendship anniversary with her best friend (from first grade!)  The cupcakes were delicious and the girls enjoyed a fun celebration with small gifts, stories recalled from their past, and a renewed appreciation for their bond as friends.

 

 

That experience made me wonder why friendship anniversaries aren't honored more often.  I have known my best friend, KayLynn, for 25 years this month.  Since neither of us is likely to ever have a silver wedding anniversary, I proposed that we have our own friendship anniversary celebration.  Skip the cupcakes - we headed to the beach and the spa in Monterey, California for the weekend of January 18th!

 

 

 

The weather was gorgeous, our room had an ocean view and balcony, and we had a wonderful time.  I think my step-daughter and her BFF are on to something great - why shouldn't we celebrate all kinds of relationships and anniversaries?!  Not to take anything away from the traditional wedding anniversary, but there is certainly room in our lives for the recognition of other happy occaisions, whatever those happen to be.  

Healing Time

One thing I've noticed as I have gotten older is that my body takes longer to heal than it used to.  This seems to be true for just about everything:  cuts and scratches, bumps and bruises, colds and the flu.  I'm dealing with the latter right now and there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight after three full days of aching misery.

The facts are that as our bodies age, our cells take longer to regenerate.  Also, the immune system in an older person isn't as strong as the one found in younger people.  I recently read that the flu shot and other immunizations don't work as well in older bodies, like mine.  So it's not just a figment of my imagination that I am sick longer (when I come down with something) than I have been in the past.

This isn't the best news I could hear right now but it does make sense.  As our bodies change, we need to change how we care for ourselves.  I've never given much thought to preventing illness but after this past weekend in bed, I believe I will be motivated enough to make more of an attempt to stay healthy once I get back on my feet. 

What is one thing you do to keep yourself feeling well and avoid getting sick?

The Difference A Week Makes

Last week I was in Monterey, California, enjoying the beach, sunshine and incredible views.  Being in such a beautiful place made me feel on top of the world.

 



I couldn't get enough of that gorgeous place and all the life it supports. 

 

 

Fast forward to this weekend - I am stuck in bed with that flu, the one that is making all the headlines.  I assure you that it is real and it is every bit as bad as the press claims it is.  And there is nothing I can do for it but rest and drink plenty of fluids.

 



I know that this is life - the eb and flow, ups and downs.  I am surrending to the inertia I need to heal just like I surrendered to the warm embrace of Mother Nature on the Pacific coast last week. 

I hope you are enjoying a healthy and happy weekend.  Remember to wash your hands often, avoid touching your face with your hands (I'm a big offender of this), and take good care of yourself to keep your immune system strong.

Home

I realize there are many definitions of home, both physically and emotionally.  It is a powerful word.  

 

 

 

I'm not sure why but I have always felt most at home in-between destinations.  I love being on an airplane, a train, driving in a car - anything that equals movement between here and there.

 

 

And I need this feeling periodically.  I need to feel in-between, up in the air, on the road.  The gypsy in me desires those arches between here and there.  And in those lapses in which I am neither where I was or will be, I find myself.  I feel at home.

 

 

Have you ever felt this peace in transitions?  I would love to know if anyone else finds themselves at home in those spaces between destinations.