Where did the time go?

I can not believe how long it has been since I have been on here. I have come back from time to time to check in on your blogs and to think of all the fun I had before. Chris, you are a doll for checking in on me from time to time. I have had so much happen to me in the five and a half years since I stopped posting. I am kicking around the idea of having a go at this blogging thing again. But you know me, no promises right now.

Is This Lazarus???

 

Well, I feel like I might have been raised from the dead, but no it’s just me…the old lady who is having a hard time adjusting to all the recent changes in her life.  :P

 

 

I do believe I have been out taking some pictures.  Not quite sure I remember where and obviously I can’t find them in my files because I’m defaulting to the tried and true flower shot.

Retail is an entirely new kettle of fish for me.  It’s an alien world where people can be rude, demanding or just plain stupid and I need to smile through it all.  Where one day I work until 10:30 at night and the next I work at 9:00 in the morning.  Sometimes I work 28 hour weeks and the next 14 hours. I’m either standing all day in one place or running around like I’ve entered a marathon. Lifting, bending, shelving, sorting, cleaning and every so often talking to someone about a book I love.  It is a wonderful job, but much more physically demanding than I thought.

On top of the new job, there was  selling our house that we had rented out for the five years we have been here at my Mom’s place,   settling Mom in a new place (thank you Richard and Lisa for taking on the bulk of that responsibility), the holidays to get through, and now trying to find a new  house for us  in this less-than-perfect financial environment.  I also have health issues that I am dealing with and will be going into surgery this Tuesday to correct them. Blah, blah, blah…it all sounds so…what?  Weepy, tragic, normal?? 

 

I feel like these rocks…weathered and worn and sometimes dropped and broken…but still here!  I’m not down and out, I’m just still trying to get my footing.

I will be off work for a couple of weeks recovering and I hope to get my blogging life back to being a priority because I miss you all terribly.

It took some time…

 

before I was far enough away from this situation to feel comfortable enough to post these pictures.

This post isn’t about the pictures…it’s about the young man in the middle of this shot and his best friend. They were headed to our house to see Nicole one night. Traveling along one of the large irrigation canals and feeling young and immortal. Nothing that all young people haven’t done at one point or another in their lives.  No drugs, no alcohol…just young blood running through their veins and feeling alive.

 

The car went into the canal, flipped as it did and landed upside down. The windows were all up, the car was immediately full of water and these two special young men could have had their lives ended in that moment. Miraculously, they both found their way out of one of the back windows. That makes those moments they lived through sound so trivial…believe me, they lived lifetimes in those minutes. 

The boys walked, soaking wet  and thankful to be alive, to our house.  We got them into warm, dry clothes and then Greg and I went to find their car. It was the eeriest feeling.  It was dark and quiet as we stepped out of our truck when we saw where they went over the edge.  The car lights were still on and the only sound was the water rushing around the one tire that was breaking the surface. I cried and was so frightened. What if they hadn’t gotten out?  When would someone have found them? It’s too awful to think about.

 

We were along the canal for several hours.  First waiting for the sheriff’s deputy to get there, then the wrecker, then a second wrecker with a boom.  It was cold and somber.  Once we accepted we had only “things”  to worry about and that everything that was important was standing next to us wrapped in blankets, I couldn’t help but pull out my camera.

 

 

 

 

The car was a total loss but what mattered was that these young men were alive and would continue to be a part of our lives and their family’s lives for hopefully decades to come. 

Jorge and Tyler I love you and I can’t tell you how much I believe the world would have been such a  diminished place without you in it. You have a purpose and a reason for being and I’m glad I’ll get to see those things come to pass.

Three Reflections of Tree…

 

Kinda like the movie, The Three Faces of Eve, Kathy of Kathy Goes a Ramblin' had a fun idea on our outing in downtown Phoenix during her last visit.  She challenged Tracy of Life is a Road Trip and myself to take a picture of the same reflected palm tree.  The idea was then that we would each present the reflection with our own unique twist.  I got to pick the day that we would post our pictures and poor Tracy just went along with whatever Kathy and I were saying.  She’s a trooper that way.

Well these ladies are much more talented at post production shenanigans than I am, but I wanted to give it a try.  So here is my photo for your (hopeful) enjoyment.  Please be sure to go by Tracy’s and Kathy’s to see how warped…I mean individualistic…their interpretations are.

Get Out and Vote…

 

Today is an important day in the United States.  We need to get out and exercise our right to be involved in the selection process of our country’s leaders.  I do take that seriously, but you know how things go when Tracy and I get together…

We tried a new sandwich shop in our little corner of the world on Sunday.  They had great food and the signs were pretty entertaining too.

But I almost got myself in trouble…  Picture this:  it’s 2012 in a small town in Arizona.  Okay, that’s a bit much.  Here’s what really happened.  Tracy comes running ( I do mean running) back from the restroom and says I need to take my camera and check out the ladies’ room.

This is what greeted me upon my arrival.  On closer inspection…

We pretty much giggled like little girls (which we are at heart) and were plotting how to get into the men’s room to see what waited there.  That’s when calmer heads prevailed and we talked ourselves out of that little foray.  I’m sure some of my blogging friends have already patronized this establishment and that this is all old news to you, but it was a fun moment for us!!!

Disclaimer:  Okay, Tracy didn’t REALLY run, but she did walk quickly.  There were “no calmer heads” prevailing…we chickened out.

I DO really believe in and value our right to vote.

My name is Magpie and I approve this post.  :)

Dia de los Muertos…

 

While on my walk downtown with Tracy and Kathy, I passed a building with paintings inside.   I was  looking through the windows at these amazing paintings and did my best to capture their beauty through the glass.  I believe this building was part of the ASU campus and we didn’t stop to go inside.

I am fascinated with the tradition of Dia de los Muertos and found these works of art breathtaking.  I did do some post production effects to them, but feel I maintained the spirit and beauty of the artwork.

More than 500 years ago when Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is present day Mexico, they encountered the indigenous people practicing a ritual that had been happening for 3,000 years.  The Spanish conquerors tried to eradicate the practice believing it mocked death.  They were unsuccessful and then attempted to Christianize the tradition by moving it to November 1st – All Saints Day. 

The celebration had originally lasted for a month in what was the ninth month of the Aztec solar calendar – roughly August.  It was presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl.   

“Unlike the Spaniards, who viewed death as the end of life, the natives viewed it as the continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake.”

“In rural Mexico, people visit the cemetery where their loved ones are buried. They decorate gravesites with marigold flowers and candles. They bring toys for dead children and bottles of tequila to adults. They sit on picnic blankets next to gravesites and eat the favorite food of their loved ones.”
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/articles/dead-history.html#ixzz2AzvwTtTu

This artwork was powerful and beautifully done. The tradition of honoring our dead, touches my heart whether it’s done on Dia de los Muertos or Memorial Day.

Reflections with friends…

 

On Saturday the 20th, Kathy and Tracy joined me on an adventure to downtown Phoenix.  We rode the light rail ( a first for me) and had a wonderful time walking around downtown, taking pictures and visiting. You can see the most amazing things and people while strolling along.

I took some reflection shots that I especially liked and I want to share a few of them with you.

I am absolutely not good with building names or any of the history behind them.  Kathy is the expert on all those matters. She really is a well-spring of truly interesting facts.

 

 

It’s amazing I didn’t trip and fall because I was looking up so much of the time…well, there was this one time that if it hadn’t been a light post that I backed into, I would have fallen flat on my behind. 

 

This one is a favorite and was inspired by a shot that Tracy was taking of a long line of taxis waiting for…heck, I don’t know what.

 

Look, I’m not nearly as talented as these two with post production tweeking so the best I could do to “disguise” them was to add a sepia tint.  So they’ll have to forgive me for breaking that cardinal rule about not posting shots of each other. :) 

I always have such fun when we all get together and I do have lots of photos to post from this trip and then another one that Tracy joined me on…but it’s having the time to get the post on the computer. I’ll do better.  Things are beginning to level off at work and I’m learning how to use my down time more wisely. 

Now, I need to remind both Tracy and Kathy about something we have planned (Kathy’s idea) to do together on the 8th of November.  Okay, Girls, don’t forget. 

Do you love me….

 

                           warts and all???

I miss you guys!  I have a down day today and I’m playing with some pictures I took yesterday on a fantastic outing I had with Tracy and Ramblin’ Kathy.  I keep checking in with all of you whenever I can and leaving comments when I’m able.

But I just needed to let you know how much your blogs mean to me and how  much I value the friendships I’ve made during this whole blogging process.  I look at the world differently now and I know it’s because of all of you.  THANK YOU!!!

Bowing under the weight…

 

of that which sustains me.

I need to take a sabbatical and pull things back together.  Life is good!!  This is nothing bad, but I have so much happening right now that I need to step away from my blog for a time.  I will check in with all of you whenever I can and you should know that you bring me great joy with all your wonderful pictures and words.

 

I just can’t see the forest for the trees right now and I need to regroup.  Get my life sorted out and back on track.  Do you think I can come up with any more clichés?

 

There is a bright spot at the end of the tunnel and I will see you again soon.  Don’t you just love the sun hitting the oak leaves that have already turned and bring the promise of things to come.

As someone once said - “I’ll be back.”

Sunday morning breakfast…

 

Nicole made breakfast for me this morning…you will notice that the cell phone is never very far from her side.  It was a delicious breakfast of pancakes and bacon.  Love that bacon dipped in syrup…hmmm.

This is the reason she so kindly took over the responsibility of cooking…

My desk, therefore my life, is in a mess and needs attention asap.  They have bumped up my training schedule at work and I am working more hours.  I AM NOT complaining.  I’m very happy, but very tired and things are getting behind. If you look closely at this mess, you’ll see paystubs!!!  Yippee!!  Now, back to work…an maybe one more piece of bacon.  

Fly away home…

 

What a week this has been!  Starting the new job and then having company from out of town at the same time.  That means that our house becomes gathering place central.  With a family as large as my husband’s there can be anywhere from 6 to 12 extra people here at any given time.  Love his family and the time we were able to spend together, but I must say I’m happy to be back in my “regular” routine again.  I’ll be playing catch up with you all and see what I’ve been missing in your worlds this week. Happy Friday!

The Wisdom of the…

 

refrigerator magnet!!

This is a philosophy that I try to live my life by.  And I know you all know what joy has attacked recently…

See that little name tag with MY name on it???  I am so happy!  I can’t believe they are paying me to do this.

Another refrigerator magnet.  I had been spending a lot of time toward the bottom of the magnet lately, but that has all changed.  I work with some very nice people doing something that I love. Life is so good.  

In Honor of Patriot Day…

 

Tomorrow, 9/11, is Patriot Day.  It is also my 19th anniversary.  It is difficult to mix the sorrow and joy that comes with these two events.

This recently renovated memorial park in downtown Buckeye is a special place.

There is a beautiful black marble wall engraved with the names of all the veterans from the Buckeye Valley communities, benches to enjoy the shade of the huge tree that sits in the middle of the small park, and also bricks engraved with the names of some of those that made the park possible.

 

I found the construction of the sign fascinating.

Please take a moment tomorrow to remember those patriots who have given their lives through acts of heroism and sacrifices made in moments of terrorism. 

On this day…

 

thirty-three years ago God blessed me with the light of my life…my son, David.

If we only knew at the moment we’re given this gift all the joy and wonder that would fill our world, there would be a population explosion.

I had a living, breathing – yes, sometimes crying – doll.  We had so much fun together.  He held me up in times when I just knew I wasn’t going to make it through.

He’s icing Christmas cookies…put a little icing on, lick it off, and put a little more back on…singing Christmas carols the whole time.

See, I still had my doll to dress up. ;)  He loved Halloween and we always had such fun figuring out what he would be.  We never bought his costumes.  They were always homemade.

The first day of school and Grandma with us to see him on his way.

He grew up so fast…time just really flew by.

Pretty soon he was a big brother.  He loved his little sister, Nicole, so much.  Wasn’t much for babysitting, but loved her just the same.

Then sometime in the night someone came along and stole my little boy and replaced him with a grown man.   A man I’m proud to call my son.

He’s a father now himself and is much better at it than I was in the beginning.  I’ve learned so much from David about giving and loving and sacrificing.  Nicole has received the blessing of my experience gained from my time with David and I’d like to think he’s a better man because of all we’ve been through.

I love you, David…more than I can ever say.  You’re my little Kermie and always will be.

PS: Please excuse any typos…it had to be the tears in my eyes. 

When It Rains…

 

it pours!!  And boy did it!  Yesterday afternoon we had a storm cell move through that was very intense.

The pictures are lousy, but you’ll get the idea. It was so dark, that the lens needed to stay open long enough to catch all the movement from the wind and rain.

But unfortunately when storms like this move through, the winds can get to be quite dangerous.

The neighbor lost a mesquite tree in his pasture.  It came up roots and all.  Greg and I had just been saying we needed to trim this one so he could mow under it without getting stuck by the thorns. Guess we won’t have to be doing that now…time for the chain saw.   

PS:  It’s official…I was offered a job at Barnes and Noble and I have orientation on Friday!  Yippee!

Psst…Don’t Look Now…

 

but I think I have a JOB!!!  I’m so happy. I hate to say anything at this point, but I’m exploding with joy.  I had my second interview at Barnes and Noble and after passing a back ground check should (will) be offered a job.  I’m not worried about the back ground check and my son assures me if they’re going to that degree, then I can be pretty certain they’ll offer a job.

This is only one of three book cases that I have.  Not that I have issues with owning books are anything.  :)   I’m hoping that I’ll have a paycheck left to bring home.   I’m so happy!!!

Just a little touch of purple…

 

Had a really quiet weekend.  Spent some time with Annie at the Savers looking for used books.  Savers and Goodwill are two of my favorite places to find used books. I like the fun of the hunt and I like the programs that my money goes to support.  Sunday was a day spent with Greg and Nicole. Monday was just plain lazy. So no pictures taken, but I always have a flower shot to fall back on.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Just putting my head down…

 

and trying to carry on through the last of this summer’s heat.  I want so much to see beautiful flowers blooming and soft colors instead of this harsh desert sunlight.

Okay, I’ve had my rant.  Maybe I’ll see if Tracy is up for a day trip this weekend.  That should make us both feel better.