Quietly Come and Gone

Just the way I prefer my Birthdays.... to come and go quietly. I so dreaded turning 40 last year, but I survived and I'm grateful. My B-day was a relatively good one. The sun was shining bright. A day that looked to be warm, but was deceiving. It was chilly as it usually is since it falls in the middle of January. And here I sit now looking out the window two days later at the beautiful ice and snow covered roofs and street and trees. The ice storm of 2007 is upon us here in Oklahoma. Safe and warm in my home with my family makes me feel thankful. I treated myself on my B-day to a much needed trip to the Salon to see Lori. Oh, what would I do without her! She fixed me right up with new highlights and a cut to brighten me up and make me feel brand new. She always knows just what to do and say to make every trip I make to see her worth while. I also got a nice, long nap in later in the afternoon. Nothing like a good nap to pep ya right up. On our Birthdays, we usually get to pick a restaurant of our choice but it didn't work that way. R brought home Chinese takeout which was fine with me. The boys weren't too thrilled about it but they survived. They gave me sweet cards that made me go "aaawwwww". They also got me a SOFT, pink sweater vest that I really liked and will enjoy wearing I'm sure. A bakery did an outstanding job on my B-day cake. It literally was to die for and soooooo awesome looking that I didn't even want to cut into it. But of course the boys wouldn't even think of that so I was forced to indulge. It was so good!!!! Chocolate, four layers separated by chocolate mousse and chocolate fudge on the ouside, YUM. The edible ribbon decoration on the outsides and the top looked better than they tasted. But it accented the cake and made it simply beautiful. Here, see for yourself!



I was not thrilled that the cake pretty much sabbatoged all the good I've been accomplishing since the beginning of the year trying to exercise daily and eat right (which went right out the window). But I didn't let it get me down, but just went right back to getting my butt back into the workout room and on the elipitical trainer for my daily 45 minute, 3 & 1/2 mile workout. I'm proud of the committment I've made and how good it's making me feel. Now, to just keep it up..... and to get rid of the rest of that cake! So all in all it was a good day even though what I didn't get what I really wanted which was, hhhmmmm..... maybe to be tied up and teased, tormented and given my 41 Birthday spankings properly, smiles. Believe me, I, as always thought about that alot. But this is something that would have been completely and utterly over the top had I gotten this for Birthday. You can be assured that I have the wesite where I found it safely bookmarked and maybe I'll get it one of these days if I'm lucky!




As well, I also ran across some other interesting information about my Birthday on this website http://www.paulsadowski.com/birthday.asp.

11 January 1966
Your date of conception was on or about 20 April 1965 which was a Tuesday.
You were born on a Tuesdayunder the astrological sign Capricorn.
Your Life path number is 7.

The information about my life path number, I found to be pretty much right on in regards to who and what I am.

A Life Path 7 person is a peaceful and affectionate soul. But you guard your connection to people carefully. It's easy for you to detect deception and recognize insincere people, and you avoid them. You aren't one to have a wide circle of friends, but once you accept someone as a friend, it's for life. It's as if you must get to know someone a lot better before you allow the wall surrounding you to be penetrated. Chances are you are a very charming and refined individual with great poise and a quick wit. Nonetheless, there is an exclusiveness about you. You probably aren't a very social person. Your reserve is often taken to be aloofness, but actually, it's not that at all. It is merely a cover up for your basic feeling of insecurity. There's no rush, It takes time for you to warm up to new friends. Clubs and organizations hold little interest for you; you are not a joiner.
You actually like being alone and away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In many ways, you would have fit in better in much earlier times when the pace of life was less hectic. You need a good deal of quiet time to be with your own inner thoughts and dreams. You dislike crowds, noise, distractions, and confusion.
The overwhelming strength of the number 7 is reflected in the depth of thinking that is shown; you will garner knowledge from practically every source that you find. Intellectual, scientific, and studious, you don't accept a premise until you have dissected the subject and arrived at your own independent conclusion.
This is a very spiritual number and it often denotes a sort of spiritual wisdom that becomes apparent at a fairly early age. A built in inner guide providing a strong sense of intuition may set you up as being a law unto yourself. Whatever spiritual position you take, whether traditional or bizarre, you will cling to it with fervor. Once you have decided an issue, it is almost impossible to get you to revisit the question. Adaptability is not your style, and change for you is a rarity.
You rely heavily on your experiences and your intuition, rather than accepting advice from someone. Your hunches usually prove to be very accurate, and knowing this, you follow the directions they seem to guide.
In the most negative use of the 7 energies, you can become very pessimistic, lackadaisical, quarrelsome, and secretive. A Life Path 7 individual who is not living life fully and gaining through experiences, is a hard person to live with because of a serious lack of consideration for others. There is such a negative attitude. Indeed, operating on the negative side of the 7 can produce a very selfish and spoiled individual and living with one can be a challenge. This may be why some 7s actually prefer living alone. If you have any of the negative traits they are very difficult to get rid of because you tend to feel that the world really does owe you a living or that in some way you are not being fairly treated.
Fortunately, the negative 7 is not the typical 7, at least not without some mitigating positive traits. This number is one that seems to have some major shifts from highs to lows. Stability in feelings may be elusive for you.

Hopefully 41 won't be so too bad if I can only figure out how to slow down how quickly the years continue to pass me by.

An Affirmation Of Sorts

Well, the New Year has begun. I can't believe how fast the past year flew by. And it's the time for resolutions... a time to look back on the past and also into the future and ask myself what changes I want or need to make the BEST of the New Year. I resolve to work on ME. Both inside and out. Making the most of who I am, believing in myself, appreciating the one I see in the mirror every day. The New Year will be a season of rebirth and celebration of life, love, peace and happiness.

Many years back, my Aunt gave me a plaque that hangs on my wall. I resolve to read it every day in hopes of seeing myself in a different light.

The Woman in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggles for self

And you think you are queen for a day,

Just go to the mirror and look at yourself

and see what that woman will say.

For it isn't your father or mother or man in your life

Whose judgement upon you must pass,

The woman whose verdict counts most in your life

is the one staring back from the glass.

She's the woman who counts---never mind the rest

For she's with you clear up to the end.

And you've passed your most difficult, dangerous test

If the woman in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life

And get pats on the back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

If you've cheated the one in the glass.

~Anon. , Boston, Mass. ~

Relieved

Yes indeed I'm feeling so relieved that Christmas and the holidays are nearly over. I could not get into the Christmas spirit this year. I managed to get our tree inside the house decorated... all except the Angel that goes on top. It's still in a box somewhere up in the attic and we never did get back up there to rummage through the many boxes to find it. So needless to say it looked pretty, but definitely incomplete. And thats about all the decorating that I did. And there weren't alot of presents under the tree this year either. The boys made shopping for them a difficult task when they didn't have alot on their lists except of course for a few very expensive things. EVERYTHING has gotten so hi-tech. It's so hard to keep it all straight with so many different gaming systems, games that go with each one, ipods, electronic gadgets of all kinds. What happened to all the fun, simple games that we used to have as kids. All those that didn't take chargers, batteries and 1 inch thick operating and installation directions. No wonder so many people have resorted to buying gift cards for people. It's just craziness! But now that it's all said and done, I think that for the most part the boys had a pretty good Christmas. I know that I'll regret later not making it more memorable for them. They are growing up so fast. I wish I could just keep them my little boys forever. This world of ours they are forced to face every day, the challenges they have in store keep me holding my breathe in wonder of what the future holds for them.

We went to New Mexico and spent Christmas with my family though and had a very nice time. I so needed to see and spend time with my mom, dad and big sis. I have the BEST family and don't know what I would do without them. They always make me laugh with their silly antics and stories. I tried my best to remember some of them so that I can share them here later. Smiles, such great memories.

My Grandmother, my Dad's mom passed away a little over a week before Christmas. Perhaps thats why I was feeling a little blue and disheartened. She was a wonderful and very spiritual woman. Kind, loving and warm. She was no doubt a religious woman which at times irritated me to no end. Never failed you would begin visiting with her and she would begin preaching and quoting the bible. I would listen for as long as I could handle it but would sadly end up tuning her out. I know she meant well and I think she was very lonely and turned to the Gospel for peace and comfort. She lost her husband, my Grandfather... one very special man in 1979 of lung cancer. I was 13 when he passed and so often regret not having had the chance to have known him longer. If I could have had more time with him.... so many things I would have wanted to ask him and learn about him. But my Grandmother passed at the age of 87. She lost her will to live long ago and sadly was ready to die. Which I can see why. She was living in a nursing home and really had nothing there to live for. Her health began to deteriorate a few years ago. She made it clear long ago that if her health became bad that she did not want to be taken to a hospital or kept alive. That really makes me sad. I loved her alot and spent alot of time with her while I was growing up. She left me with alot of wonderful memories. So many of her spending time in her garden, tending to all of her beautiful roses and loving the outside and nature. I want to thank her for being a wonderful Grandmother to me. Her guidance instilled much of the peace and good sprit in me. I'll miss her dearly, but know that she is now completely at peace. I'm also very thankful that I (and the boys) took the time to go and visit here several months ago. Even though she didn't appear to know who we were. I'll never forget here beautiful, blue eyes. Bless her.

And soon, a New Year and a new journey will begin for each of us. For all of you, I wish you much love, peace and happiness. Until next time....
Brightest Blessings,

Just Peeking In

Looks around and dusts off the cobwebs that have begun to form around here. Thought I'd better take the time to stop in here and leave a lil update on whats been going on with me the past couple months. Just in case anyone was wondering. I have missed all my blogger buddies and see that I have ALOT of catching up to do! Especially with Tim, Michael and Buffalo. You guys truely are Certified Blogoholics! :o)

Yes, I'm still alive and kicking.... but the kicking part not so much. I've been moving kinda slow, but getting around pretty well. I was involved in a car accident a little over a month ago. A sixteen year old Highschool girl hit me from behind while I was stopped at a stop light on the way to pick my son up from school. She said, " I wasn't even paying attention". Nice huh? I think these kids shouldn't get their licenses until they are 18 in my honest opinion. Totalled our car. Pretty much turned the Accord into an Accordian. And of course my back and neck were hurt. I've been going to Physical Therapy three times a week trying to get relief from some of the pain. Sadly, we were forced to file a lawsuit for the accident since the Insurance Co. refuses to compensate us for the damages like they should. So we'll see how that goes. As well, I had foot surgery shortly after that to have a bone spur removed from the top of my foot. I had some bone and cartlidge floating around in there and it had to be removed. It went pretty well. Wasn't too bad at all and it's feeling better every day and hopefully will be good as new soon. I put that off way too long and I'm glad that I finally got it fixed. Gonna have to dust off all those sexy shoes I have in my closet that have been hiding too.

But this is why I've not been around here much. It really made me wish that I had a laptop so that I could have been kept up to speed with all of you. I've been doing lots of just laying around and, well enjoying the pain and muscle relaxors prescribed by the Doctors, smiles. So trying to blog would most likely have been a disaster in itself since i'm not very good at it to begin with.

And here it is, November... almost Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner. I can't believe how quickly the holiday's have rolled around again. Time to drag all the "stuff" down again from the attic and begin the yearly holiday decorating ritual. With little ones still at home it's something that must be done. I know if i didn't, I would regret it later on. As for shopping, well.... that shouldn't be too terribly difficult since funds are running low around here. We can never seem to get caught up. Being broke really sucks! I may soon find myself in the market for a job. I've not worked out of the home since the boys were born. Lord, it's been over 12 years and the thought of going back to work scares the crap outta me! Even though I know it will be a good thing for me to get out, meet new people, make new friends and earn my keep and feel a little independant. I don't know what I want to do. Well, i do... Something fun, I know that. I don't want to have a job that I dread going to everyday. I feel so outta the loop, feeling like I've been stuck inside of a shell for such a very long time. I need a little push and words of encouragement to help me along in this venture. So, we shall see. I get nervous and worry just thinking about it.

Other than that, life around here has been pretty mundane. I do what I do. Daily chores around the house, watching Nascar on the weekends (lol, sad I've become a nascar junkie), cheuffering the boys to school and all their school and other outside activities keeps me pretty busy. They are growing up so fast. Toooo fast. One 9 and the other 12. Boys! Never a dull moment in their waking hours. And they both enjoy their time on the computer playing an online game "Runescape" with the rest of their friends. So this also cuts into the time I'm able to spend online. And when I am online it's usually spent at PSPR. A PSP (thats Paint Shop Pro for those who don't know) Runboard Forum Group that I help Asst. Manage. I love the time that I get to spend there and the friends that I've made as well. I consider them my family. I really do love them all to pieces and I'm thankful to have found them to help keep me sane and creative too. Some of them are even opening their own sites here at Blogger which I think is very cool, yeahhhh! I wish them all the very best of luck. I find it amazing and very special all the online friends I've made. That includes all of YOU here at blogger too who I've come to know and love. I've not forgotten you. Never will. And I thank you for boosting my sprits, making me laugh and think and cry with your posts, be them serious or silly, on those crappy days when nothing seems to go right. I may not reply regularly, but I am still peeking in and trying my best to keep up reading.

So there you have it. Where I've been and basically what I've been doing. Take care and have a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving! Catcha later.
Love & Peace,

A Day To Remember

Can you believe that today marks the fifth anniversary of the horrific events that happened in the United States on September 11th, 2001? I hope you'll never forget. I know that I never will. It saddens me still deeply and I can't even imagine how difficult it must be to cope for those who lost their loved ones, family & friends. Peace be with you all on this day.

Brave and Free
By Julie Yahnke, age 11

September 11th, here we are again,
When we lost so many women and men.
The Twin Towers came crashing down,
and the crash was heard the world 'round.

Fire and ashes and broken lives,
The weapons they brought were box-cutters and knives.
They took airplanes into buildings and ground.
And the crashes were heard the world 'round.

We rose in great numbers to help and to cry.
Why, why, should so many die?
Yet we are stronger than they will ever be;
We are the home of the brave, and the land of the free.

For all our lifetime we will fight
For what is good and what is right;
Let the shouts of love for our country resound.
And let it be heard the world 'round.


This website, is a most powerful and beautiful reminder and I hope you'll take a moment to view it.

http://www.fdnylodd.com/BloodofHeroes.html

The Truth Be Told

I've spent alot of time thinking this past week about myself and this problem that I have. Not just one problem, but a number of them. It's really difficult for me to find the words, much less express them in writing when it comes to talking about me, things that I've experienced, not experienced, thoughts, feelings, dreams. Why?

For quite some time I've suffered feelings of worthlessness, low self esteem and not much in the way of self confidence. I struggle with believing in myself. It would be so nice to be able to remove some of the doubts that I have about myself, maybe change some of the things that are stopping me from making the most out of my life. I would much rather.... and find it much easier to give priority to other peoples needs and happiness.

Both my parents always instilled goodness in me. They always encouraged me and did their very best to lead me down the right path. I've always been a kind of quiet, shy person and never wanted to be put in the spotlight. I've always been more of a follower than a leader. Often times believing most anything someone would tell me. I guess I'm also a bit gullible. I've always had a tendancy to take things that were said to or about me to heart. Some of the things, most of the bad.... I have a difficult time letting go of. People, both children and adults can be so mean with their words. I beat myself up alot over things that have hurt me and wish that I could just let it go.

I've never been one to brag or be selfish or conceited because it never seemed like the right thing to do. Over time I suppose I've come to not like myself and believe that I don't deserve happiness in my life. Not such a good thing because my self esteem has suffered and my self worth has been forgotten. Now, I'm beginning to realize that first and foremost I need to learn to love, value, respect and take care of myself. Hopefully this will make me more responsible and more at peace with myself so that I can love and help others to the very best of my ability.

So I'm on a hunt... searching for that which I lost sight of, my worth, confidence and innate value. I know it's there, I just need to recover it. Wish me luck.

Peace & be well,

The History of Labor Day

When my 12 year old son asked me earlier in the day "What exactly is Labor Day"? I wasn't completly happy with the answer I had for him so took it upon myself to do a bit of google search to find out exactly how it came about and what it means. I know... I should remember this from school, so spank me! ;o) Of course two weeks into the the new school year, the boys are just happy to get a day out of school. And if you must know... It's true that mom is more excited about school starting back than they are.

Anyways, I just thought I'd share it with you what I learned about Labor Day.

Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

So... It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

To all of my wonderful, hardworking friends here and there that I've come to know and Love.....Take care and have fantastic, laid back and safe Labor Day weekend! You deserve it. :o)

The Sturgis Experience

Really hard to believe that Summer is almost over and the kids will be starting back to school next week. I've been kept busy though, so I can't complain about that.

It's been a few weeks now since I was last here and see that I've been instructed to post... so guess I'd better, huh?

Just arrived home a few days ago. We went to Sturgis, South Dakota (our third year now) for the 66th Annual Bike Rally. If you've never been, this place is legendary. And once again it was a great big party!

Alot of the bikers that go there ride their bikes and spend the week "roughing it". Not us. That's just not my idea of fun. It's about a 16 hour drive from where we live here in Oklahoma to Sturgis, so we trailer our bike and golf cart in our RV (toy hauler) travel trailer. The golf cart, new this year... we used to cruise around the campground & get silly. And I must must say that it gets reallllly crazy around there every night. Smiles, just imagine.

Our trip included the following Not-So-Good things:
- intermittant air conditioner not working in the truck on the way to Sturgis.
- a dead battery
- generator for the RV went on the fritz
- flat tire on the RV (blowout on the interstate) which ripped the fender off and twisted the hell out of it.
- me attempting to read the map and getting us lost a few times.
- another flat/blowout on the trailer on the interstate on the return home that caused even more damage.
- The price of Diesel gas averaged about $3.39 the entire trip, sighhhhhh.
-hubby got a speeding ticket on the way home
- i got a speeding ticket on the way to pick up the boys at my parents house.

Other than that.... we had a great time once we got there. Lots of sex, partying, and rock-n-roll! We went on a few great rides on the bike even though it was hotter than hell. At our RV campground, they had 4 concerts a day for 5 days that included: Sammy Hagar, Nickelback, Keith Urban, Big & Rich, REO Speedwagon, Steve Miller Band, Joe Cocker, Shooter Jennings, The Black Crowes, Foghat, .38 Special, Steppenwolf, CheapTrick, Live, Gin Blossoms, Georgia Satellites, Cross Canadian Ragweed, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Gregg Rolie (Santana). Whew, i think i gottem all.
We didn't see them all since they started early in the afternoons when we were out riding, but we did get to see quite a few and that was awesome!

So yeah, we had a really good time. Much needed time away together. And there were 5 other couples there as well who we knew who camped around us. They all got plenty of pics. which I'm pretty positive that I would be very embarassed to share if I were to see them. Our camera had to be sent in Canon before we left to be fixed, sighs. But we did take our old camera so hopefully we'll get a few decent pics.

If you've never been, South Dakota really is beautiful country. And there's nothing like seeing hundereds and thousands of Harley Davidsons barreling through the ponderosa pine covered mountains and Black Hills. MT. Rushmore and Crazy Horse both continue to amaze me. And I can't forget to mention all the scantily clad women (and men) traipsing around everywhere. Ohhh, my... but thats another post! Another year gone by and I didn't get that tat or piercing I've been wanting. Guess I'm just too chicken even though I'm quite confident I would enjoy the pain. I also think it would be cool to get my own bike and learn to ride well enough to do the Sturgis thing on my riding my own. Perhaps, one of these days.

It always feel good to get back home though. I wish you all could have come along with and made it an even more memorable time. I've got lots of blogs to catch up on so guess I'd better get busy. Peace & be well my friends, until next time....

I discovered...

....tonight what "Punishment" from Blogger is for not posting for so long. That would be to EAT it! I kid you not, I finally finished the post that I had been working on for what seemed like forever. Updating all of my blogger buddies, at least those of you who can still muster up the nerve to stop by here to see what I've been up to, if anything. Which really isn't alot, but seemed like alot after the long essay that I created. Sighssssss. That's right, after hearing all those stories out there from others saying that Blogger "ate" their post. I said, oh that will never happen to meeeeee. And sure enough it did. So until I find the time once again to release my mad blogger brain endorphins that are boiling over.... ughhhh. I will attempt to post again what I had previously posted.

I do want all my blogger friends to know that I've not forgotten about you and I am still reading your Blogs. Even if i don't always post a comment doesn't mean that I don't still love you. Long story short, Summer has been crazy. Lots going on and never enough hours in the day to post here as much as I would like. Especially when I have to share my computer time with two little boys. But school starts back at the end of August and I'm looking forward to having more time to hang out around here.

The Michael has been after me to get in here and post and I promised Him that I would.... or else. But I think that Blogger has punished me enough this time around for my absence. Growls... Thanks alot.

So before I sign off, I'm going to skip my original thoughts and come back to them. And list 6 weird things about myself. I believe it was Tim who tagged me a while back and I haven't forgotten but have had a hard time thinking of 6, even though I know there are probably loads more. Anyways, here goes:

1. I will NOT fly on a plane unless I'm wearing jeans or pants. I have this phobia that if something happens and the plane catches on fire that I don't want my bare legs exposed. So I never wear shorts, dresses, hose or skirts when I fly. :o)

2. I am basically a right handed person in just about everything that I do. Except shooting pool. I shoot left handed and cannot shoot worth a damn right handed no matter how hard I try. It just doesn't feel right. :o)

3. I cannot put on mascara without opening my mouth. Never fails, if I try to put it on with my mouth shut it ends up on my face and not on my eyelashes. Guess this goes with when I was little and would color. I always colored with my mouth open or my tongue sticking out. When my mom would ask me why I did that I would tell her it made me color pretty. :o)

4. I have to have a huggy pillow when I sleep. One besides the one that my head is on. Preferably on my left side. I don't know what I would do without my body pillow and when I go to a hotel I always make sure to get extra pillows to hug on and wrap my legs around. :o)

5. I like bananas, but I do not like ones with bruises on them. They gross me out and if I peel one and it has bruises on it I will throw it away. When I was little I got in bad trouble from my mom when she discovered an entire bunch of bananas in the trash that I had thrown away because they had bruises on them. :o)

6. I'm not what you call a "Neat Freak" and don't mind a bit of clutter. But my clutter must be organized or it makes me nuts. Hehee... does that make sense. Weird I know. :o)

Well, thats what I was able to come up with. Now I'm crossing my fingers that Blogger will not eat my post before I get it saved and published. Take care, until next time....
Hugs,

Happy Mother's Day

History of Mother's Day

On the second Sunday in May, American children of all ages treat their mothers to something special. It is the one day out of the year when children, young and old, remember their mothers and express their appreciation for everything their mothers have done for them. It is a day for showing your love and respect for a very important woman in your life.

England was one of the first countries to set aside a day to recognize mothers. In the eighteenth century when many people worked as household servants for the rich, "Mothering Sunday" (the fourth Sunday of Lent), was reserved for them to return home to be with their mothers. Though this custom stopped when the Industrial Revolution altered the working and living patterns of the people, one Sunday for Mothers was established as a holiday in the twentieth century.

Mother's Day in the United States was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe who wrote the words to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". She hoped it would become a day dedicated to peace and organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston for several years. Although other people began to organize meetings in their own hometowns as well, the idea really didn't catch on until the year 1907.

The establishment of Mother's Day was due largely to the perseverance and love of one daughter, Anna Jarvis. Anna's mother had provided strength and support as the family made their home in West Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where her father served as a minister. Anna's mother also had wanted to find ways to heal the wounds left by the Civil War and hoped that mothers would bring their children together in peace. As a girl, Anna had helped her mother take care of her garden, mostly filled with white carnations, her mother's favorite flower.

When Mrs. Jarvis died on May 5, 1905, Anna was determined to honor her. Two years after her mother's death. she asked the minister at her church in West Virginia to give a sermon in her mother's memory. On the same Sunday in Philadelphia, their minister honored Mrs. Jarvis and all mothers with a special Mother's Day service. Anna Jarvis began writing to congressmen, asking them to set aside a day to honor mothers. In 1910, the governor of West Virginia proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day; and a year later, every state celebrated it. In the United States, Mother's Day did not become an official holiday until 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother's Day a national holiday.

On Mother's Day morning, some American children follow the tradition of serving their mothers breakfast in bed. Other children will give their mothers gifts which they have made themselves, or bought in stores. Adults give their mothers red carnations, the official Mother's Day flower. If their mothers are deceased, they may bring white carnations to their grave sites. This is the busiest day of the year for American restaurants. On her special day, family members do not want Mom to cook dinner!

Happy Mother's Day to every Mom and to all the Mother's we've lost.

Life Of Fear

Feeling my life all tattered and torn.
Wishing some days that I'd never been born.
Fear, an emotion that I know all too well.
It plagues me and haunts me inside of my shell.

I can't see to tame it and it grows bigger each day.
Worn and tired... so why do i stay?
Threats and blame lie heavily on my heart,
sadly convincing me that I must play a part.

Afraid to speak thinking silence is golden.
In fear of what may happen next,
when another huge piece of me is stripped
and stolen.

Tears build inside as I remember what's been said.
Eventually spilling out soaking the pillow beneath my head.
I cover my head trying to escape all the pain.
If only tears could wash away fears like rain.

But the tears keep falling and my body begins to shake.
I'm scared and afraid of every move that I make.
Alone in the darkness....left lying in fear
wondering how much more
of this hell I'll continue to take.

Faceless Friends

We sit and we type and we stare at our screens

We all have to wonder, what this possibly means

~

With our mouse we roam, through sites in a maze

Looking for something or someone as we sit in a daze

~

We chat with each other, we type all our woes

Small groups we do form and gang up on our foes

~

We wait for somebody, to type out our name

We want recognition but it is always the same

~

We give kisses and hugs, and sometimes flirt

In IM's we chat deeply and reveal why we hurt

~

We do form friendships - but - why we don't know

But some of these friendships will flourish and grow

~

Why is it on screens, we can be so bold

Telling our secrets that have never been told

~

Why is it we share, the thoughts in our mind

With those we can't see as though we were blind

~

The answer is simple, it is as clear as a bell

We all have our problems and need someone to tell

~

We can't tell real people, but tell someone we must

So we turn to the 'puter' and to those we can trust

~

Even though it is crazy, the truth still remains

They are *Friends Without Faces* with odd little names

Peace and be well all my Blogger friends :o)

A Day To Remember

The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was a United States Government complex located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and the target of the Oklahoma City bombing.

The federal building was constructed in 1977 at a cost of $14.5 million, and was named for federal judge Alfred P. Murrah, an Oklahoma native. By the 1990s the building contained regional offices for the Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and other agencies.

On the morning of April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh parked a rented Ryder truck with explosives in front of the complex and, at 9:02am, a massive explosion occurred which sheared the entire north side of the building, killing 168 people.

Following an investigation and recovery of victims' bodies, the surviving structure was demolished with explosives on May 23, 1995. The Water Resources Board and Athenian Building were heavily damaged and later destroyed. The site later became home to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. (excerpted from oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org)

This was the first major attack of terrorism in the United States. Of the 168 people murdered, 19 were children. These 168 chairs stand as a poignant reminder of each life lost, articulated as the absence felt by family members and friends. The chairs are placed in nine rows, representing the nine floors of the building. The chairs are placed according to the floor on which those killed worked or were visiting.

The symbolic chairs are designed in two sizes, the smaller size representing the absence of 19 children. Each chair is crafted of bronze and stone; its glass base is etched with the name of the victim. By day, the chairs seem to float above their translucent bases. By night the glass bases illuminate as beacons of hope. The walls behind the chairs were left with the original scars from the explosion, as a visual reminder of the horrible violence.

This is a poignant reminder of lives lost. It is a day that I will never forget. Not only was this a day of tragedy but also a day and a time of goodness, caring, compassion felt throughout the country. I'm proud to be an Oklahoman.

Love & Peace, Gina

That's it, i'm done....

Sorry to say this.... but this will be my last day to post.

Things have been a bit tough around here for me lately and I realize that life is getting shorter and shorter every day. I want to take time and smell the roses. So I am going to quit posting here at Blogger and travel full time with a biker gang to see the country, and enjoy life while I still can. Yes, you can say that i'm very jealous and envious of Buffalo http://buffalospath.com/, such a free spirit for taking hold of His dreams and venturing out to explore our great Country and all that lies within. A journey of discovery. Yep, I've decided this what I want to do too.

~Don't worry about me. I really will be fine. They all seem like really nice, down to earth and full of life people~

It has been nice getting to know so many of you here in blogland, but it's time to say goodbye. Peace and be well my friends.

A photo of my biker gang is below.
(And NO you can't come with me !!)

There's just enough for me.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and I get to rest on Sunday


Gotcha!! LOL But I have to say sorry that you're stuck with me. For the time being anyways.

Until next time... Hugs to all,

A hundred things about gina

I thought this was a great idea. I'm fairly new to blogging and still trying to get the hang of expressing myself through writing. But, I have seen this list on many people's blogs, and agree that it's gives an honest insight into one's personality. So, I've decideded to try it myself. Here's my list. Hope you enjoy!

100 Things You Might Not Know About Me
(In no particuliar order)

1. i'm a certified PSPholic (that's Paint Shop Pro). It's my friend, hobby and creative outlet.
2. my middle name is Marie.
3. i love margarita's (on the rocks please).
4. i broke my arm when i was 12 at a skateboard park.
5. i have been to Hawaii twice.
6. i gratuated from High School early.
7. i wish i could be more open with my feelings.
8. i had a stomach ulcer when i was 5 (worried too much).
9. i lived with my parents until the time i got married at 20 yrs. old.
10. i've been married 18 years.
11. i have two boys who like to drive me nutz.
12. i've lived in TX, KS, NM and OK.
13. i've been to the Bahamas more times than i can count.
13. i don't have any tatoos.
14. i have my ears pierced... once in one ear, twice in the other.
15. i've thought about having my nipples pierced.
16. i worked waiting tables to pay my way thru Jr. College.
17. i wish that i would have continued my College Education.
18. i'm not really a girly girl, but more of a t-shirt and Levi's kind of a girl.
19. i have one sister who is 4 years older than i am.
20. i have parents who have never been divorced... married 45 years.
21. i have vacationed in Mexico many times.
22. i love the mountains.
23. i wish that i knew more about computers.
24. i hope my children grow up to be loving, respectful, kind caring adults.
25. i dream of visiting Ireland one day.
26. i've become a die hard NASCAR fan.
27. i have highlights in my hair.
28. i always wished i'd had beautiful black hair like my Mother's.
29. i have bad memories of my 2nd grade teacher whacking me over the head with a ruler.
30. i love Harley's
31. i would love to learn to ride and have my own Harley.
32. i think alot about sex.
33. i've thought about having sex on a Harley.
34. i enjoy reading when i find the time.
35. i often wonder if i'm a "Desprate Housewife".
36. i love the smell of lavender.
37. i love the smell of puppy breathe.
38. i think horses are beautiful animals.
39. i love the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean.
40. i have been para sailing and it awesome.
41. i've been hot airballooning twice.
43. i would love to learn to skydive one day.
44. i think that i need a makeover.
45. i would love to get back into kickboxing... so much fun.
46. i wish i'd gotten the opportunity to have known my Grandfather who died when my Mother was little.
47. i have so many great childhood memories.
48. i wish that i would have applied myself more to studying and learning when i was a child in school.
49. i am shy
50. i played the coronet in Jr. High.
51. i would love to know how to play the piano.
52. i love to be spanked.
53. i'm very open-minded when it comes to sex.
54. i am equally turned on by both men and women.
55. i am a procrastinator, ugghhh.
56. i love all the seasons.
57. i would love to experience riding in or driving a Nascar one day.
58. i'm a thrill seeker.
59. i have been to Las Vegas more times than i can count.
60. i got married in Las Vegas.
61. i just love to watch people.
62. i enjoy doing laundry, but don't like to iron.
63. i'm on a bowling league.
64. i love my online friends.
65. i enjoy snorkeling in the ocean.
66. The thought of scuba diving scares the crap outta me.
67. i enjoy art and poetry.
68. Creme brulee is one of my favorite desserts.
69. i was so happy when they invented Cremebrulee coffee creamer
70. i don't like to clean windows.
71. i got sick off the side of hot airballoon because i had too many screwdrivers the night before, lol.
72. i think it would be awesome to win the lottery or hit a big jackpot even though i'm not much of a gambler.
73. i would love to make love in the rain.
74. i was on the back of a motorcycle once in the rain and that was NOT a fun experience.
75. i had sex on a football field once, thats until the mosquitos decided to join us.
75. i often times think that i think entirely too much.
76. i enjoy reading erotica
77. i remember finding my Dad's Playboy magazines when i was young and thinking then how beautiful women are.
78. i love to please... i am very submissive.
79. i just love babies.
80. i don't really have a favorite color, but love all of them.
81. i've been to Sturgis, SD twice to the annual Bike Fest.... awesome time!
82. i've been on a cruise twice... could take it or leave it.
83. i have stayed in alot of fantastic Resorts.
84. i'm thankful for all the traveling i've been able to do.
85. i wish that i were more confident.
86. i would love to be a talented/famous Artist, Painter or Musician.
87. i don't have alot of self control.
88. i'm glad that i can have dreams that no one can take away from me.
89. Would love to be able to live out some of my dreams.
90. i have alot of naughty daydreams.
92. i've experienced Swinging and enjoyed it alot.
93. i love sunshine, flowers and birds.
94. there's something i really love about strong hands
95. i wish i were a better blogger.
96. i enjoy masturbation
97. i think it would be cool to be a Bartender.
98. i still worry too much

99. i like to think of myself as a spiritual person, not a religious one.
100. i believe that all good things come to an end.

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your day wherever you may be. Peace and be well until next time...Hugs,

Luck O The Irish to Ya!

Even though i'm not Irish.... well, i may have a wee bit of irish blood in me, i just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very Happy St. Patrick's Day. Peace, be well, good luck and all that stuff!

A few Irish sayings to share with you:

May you always have Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain, Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you, Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!

May you be in Heaven a half hour
before the Devil knows you're dead!

When Irish eyes are smiling, Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter You can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy All the world is bright and gay
When Irish eyes are smiling Sure, they steal your heart away.

May your blessings outnumber The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you Wherever you go.

There are many good reasons for drinking,
One has just entered my head.

If a man doesn't drink when he's living,
How in the hell can he drink when he's dead?

May the best day of your past
Be the worst day of your future.

I'm looking over a four leaf clover
That I overlooked before One leaf is sunshine,
the second is rain, Third is the roses that grow in the lane.
No need explaining the one remaining Is somebody I adore.
I'm looking over a four leaf clover That I overlooked before.

May you live to be a hundred years
With one extra year to repent.

May those who love us, love us And those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts And if he can't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles So we will know them by their limping!

As you slide down the banister of life,
May the splinters never point in the wrong direction!

May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all Of Ireland's faith and pride.
May God bless us with happiness
May love and faith abide.

Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter
Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after.
Poems and songs with pipes and drums
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes.
That's the Irish for you!

There's a dear little plant that grows in our isle,
'Twas St. Patrick himself, sure, that sets it;
And the sun of his labor with pleasure did smile,
And with dew from his eye often wet it.
It grows through the bog, through the brake,
through the mireland, And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland.

May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.

May you have: A world of wishes at your command
God and his angels close at hand
Friends and family their love impart,
And Irish blessings in you heart.

May God grant you many years to live,
For sure he must be knowing
The earth has angels all too few
And Heaven is overflowing.

These things I warmly wish to you
-Someone to love
Some work to do
A bit o' sun A bit o' cheer
And a guardian angel always near.

Here's to a long life and a merry one
A quick death and an easy one
A pretty girl and an honest one
A cold beer and another one!

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

O Ireland isn't it grand
you look like a bride in her rich adornin?
And with all the pent up love of my heart
I bid you the top o' the mornin!

Cost Of A Child

I came across this, and found it too sweet not to share. :o)

Subject: Cost of a Child
Something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way and it's nice. The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That DOESN'T even touch college tuition. But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into: $8,896.66 a year, $741.38 a month, or $171.08 a week. That's a mere $24.24 a day - just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is "don't have children if you want to be rich." Actually, it is just the opposite. What do you get for your $160,140?

~Naming rights--- First, middle, and last!
~Glimpses of God every day.
~Giggles under the covers every night.
~More love than your heart can hold.
~Butterfly kisses and Velcro (or barnacle) hugs.
~Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
~A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
~A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
~Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.
~ For $160,140, you never have to grow up.
~ You get to: finger-paint, carve pumpkins, play hide-and-seek, catch lightning bugs and never stop believing in Santa Claus.
~You have an excuse to: keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh, watching Saturday morning cartoons, going to Disney movies, and wishing on a star.
~You get to: frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets, collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck.

~You get to be a hero just for: retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, taking the training wheels off a bike, removing a splinter, filling a wading pool, coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.
~You get a front row seat to history to witness the: first step, first word, first bra, first date, and first time behind the wheel.
~ You get to be immortal.
~You get another branch added to your family tree and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren.
~ You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.
~In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God.
~You have all the power to: heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, So . . one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren.

Have a great week and until next time Peace and Be Well,

Free To A Good Home

URGENT: a home is needed for this dog

My neighbor has a puppy he's giving away (FREE!). It's a Dachshund, it's house broken, and it's great with kids. He's giving it away because his wife says the dog "stares" at her when she is undressing, and that gives her the 'Heebie Jeebies'. I think she is just weird ! If you're interested, or know someone who is, let me know. Here's a picture of the dog. See picture below....
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Valentine Blues

THESE ARE ENTRIES TO A WASHINGTON POST COMPETITION ASKING FOR A RHYME WITH THE MOST ROMANTIC FIRST LINE, BUT THE LEAST ROMANTIC SECOND LINE:

~ Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss,
But I only slept with you, because I was pissed.

~I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother.

~ Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head.

~ Of loving beauty you float with grace.
If only you could hide your face.

~Kind, intelligent, loving and hot.
This describes everything you are not.

~ I want to feel your sweet embrace,
But don't take that paper bag off of your face.

~ I love your smile, your face, and your eyes.
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!

~ My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you really screwed up my life.

~I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.

~My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?

~My feelings for you no words can tell
Except for maybe "Go To Hell."

~ What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day! Having been the day that my husband and I met, you would think it would be a special day for us. But it wasn't. It pretty much sucked. And NOT in a good way. I wonder how much longer our 18 yr. marriage can continue down this very bumpy path. It's not looking good. I'm tired and i'm numb and at times i really don't even care. Such a sad way to live. If only....

I appologize for not blogging regularly or as often as i probably should. I say every day that i'm going to be a good girl and blog something but what I always have planned to discuss or talk about here always seems so depressing and not very blogworthy. And other times my head is so full of thoughts that I want to share that i'm afraid if I sit down and start, that I may not stop. So instead of sounding whiny, cause I know people don't like reading whiny blogs, for the meantime... i'll keep my thoughts to myself and continue reading all of the many blogs that i've come to know and love. The ones that always seem to lift my spirits in one way or another and make me smile. Thank You. And if something wonderful and creative and feel good happens to creep into my naughty mind. I promise to share.

Until next time... Peace, be well and enjoy the rest of your week wherever you may be.
Hugs,

A Wanting Silence

A Wanting Silence

By, Gina

Lost in thoughts, the air warm and delicious around me.

Closing my eyes caught up in the swirling darkness.

Sitting quietly watching you from afar.

Imagining your strong hands coming up from behind and touching me.

I shiver as a chill runs throughout my body and I look into your wanting, radiant eyes.

So piercing and intense.

Taking in a deep breath my thoughts drift.

The heat of your hands against my flesh.

I hunger.

A soft moan making you aware of my lonliness, my wanting.

Then feeling your lips on the back of my neck.

Seducing my imagination.

Loving the feel of your slightly unshaven skin against my cheek.

Silence.

Your mouth so enticing as I turn my head wanting you.

My skin now tingling.

You allow my lips to devour the sweetness of your own.

Lips against lips our wet tongues caress each other in their own embrace.

Long, wet and insistent

So hot now. I burn for you.

A wanting silence.

Needing to feel your power, I feel your strength increasing.

The heat of the moment increasing.

Buttons slipping out of their holes at the front of my dress.

Fingers now pinching my nipples hurtfully and deliciously.

Your breathing and soft moans driving my senses wild.

Silence.

I slip down upon the floor and kneel on my knees before you.

I look up into your fiery, burning eyes.

My hair tumbling down loosely over my shoulders and back.

I lean in close to you and take the leather of your belt between my

teeth and pull it loose with a slight turn of my head.

Your hands take hold of my head.

Guiding it as my mouth pulls at the fabric at the top of your jeans

above the button.

My mouth works to set it free.

I look up to you with luring eyes as my lips catch the zipper between them.

Teeth clenched I slowly drag it down to the bottom.

Wanting.

My hot eager mouth needing to have you inside.

Hungry to feel and taste your throbbing organ thats before me.

Licking my lips then licking the tip.

Teasing it with my hot breath before taking it inside.

My hair falling into my eyes, you gather it firmly in your hands.

Tongue pressing wantingly against every nerve within your organ.

You push into me and my mouth fully engulfs you.

Hungry.

My lips apply more pressure against your aching need.

Lapping and sucking my mouth moves against you.

Unable to control myself now as my head moves back and forth against you lost in rhythm.

Feeling it's strength increasing, the heat increasing.

Warm and delicious, enjoying you immensely in a wanting silence.

Stroking in and out I feel small tears

escape the corners of my eyes and trail down my cheeks.

Devouring you as my tongue presses into all the right spots.

Listening.

Holding onto your tight muscles.

Spellbound, my heart races as your moans become louder.

Wet lips moving back and forth.

Your fists clench tight in my hair.

My mouth bound to your organ as the excitement fills your body.

Your powerful voice telling me you will soon flood my mouth from the pleasure it's giving you.

Wonderously thirsty I open my eyes and the thoughts of a wanting silence slowly fade.