What If Nothing Is What It Seems?

Have you noticed how certain everyone is about what they think, what they believe? How do you feel about that? Are you open to new ideas or are you unwilling to crack that door even 1/8 of inch? What if?

What the heck are you talking about, Lynda? Well, I don't know for sure, but I have seen a change in myself lately. I used to be 100% about what is "right" and how things should be. Life has done an amazing number on me and I know I am now more open. Open to possibilities, open to differences, open to be WRONG (gasp!), open to new experiences, open to others having control, and open to being open.

Now, don't get me wrong - I haven't been a close-minded biddy, but have had a strong sense of what is "right" for a goodly portion of my life. Then, I realized, what I thought was "right" was how I was raised, or what I did, or my family did... who am I to say this is right for others?

We need boundaries, we need a game plan, a pattern to start our lives. The problem is, we can close our boundaries, set the game up so that only we are the "winners," and never alter the pattern to fit life.

Life is so much different than how we begin it...boundaries keep us on course when we're younger and growing - helps us not venture into self-destructive choices, game plans - making choices - do you want what's under the box, or what Carol Merrill is hiding behind Door #3? Choosing one or the other will affect everything else going forward. That's where the "planning" part comes in. We learn to consider options, weigh them out, anticipate the outcome, and move forward. Thus, the pattern alters as we go. If we are open to the changes, the outcome can be something amazing.

So, what am I saying? I'm saying perhaps there ISN'T one spiritual belief that is right, perhaps there are people who make this world a better place by not having a conventional job and family, perhaps it's good to swim against the tide or stand up for something. Perhaps it's good to just sit down and be quiet. Perhaps those who go with the, "it is what it is" idea are on to something.

While I find myself falling into my old ruts often, I am finding myself being "in the moment" more and more lately. It's a good place to be. I cannot manipulate everything to work as I want to - nope, it just doesn't work for me - and believe me, I have spent decades trying. Now, when I go with the flow, it seems the flow is delivering me closer to where I have wanted to end up all along.

So, is nothing what it seems? or is everything what it is? Perception. I am releasing, letting go, letting God, and enjoying life in the now.

Tomorrow will take care of itself.

Why I Don't Have Vacation

I can't begin to tell you how much I love my brother and sister-in-law. Once again, they are taking our daughter on vacation with them.

My husband and I had planned to take a really nice vacation this year, but my company laid me off after 24 years. It's okay - I know it's not personal - they consolidated from 16 to 4 business centers in the United States. I couldn't have transferred if I had been offered a move.

God is good, of course, and I didn't get one, but two, job offers even before I left. I took the one I really, really wanted and I love it! The company I work for now does contract work for my previous employer, so I still interact with old friends and get to keep in touch with them more than if I had ventured in another direction.

While there is some resentment - it hurts to be let go after such a long time - I am grateful that I can keep in touch with my previous coworkers. As you can imagine, after 24 years, it's not just work anymore, it's family. Dysfunctional, but family.

And now, I am building a new group of friends with whom I intend to ride out the rest of my working life. It's such a big difference to move from a very large corporation to a small, one-owner company. I like it. I highly recommend it.

So, there's a snippet of my work life. What does that have to do with my brother...oh yeah, changing jobs altered my vacation time. I have gone from 5 (yes FIVE) weeks of vacation to having to work a year before getting any.

My brother, his wife, and daughter are taking our daughter with them to New Braunfels, TX to hang out on the river, tubing the rapids, and lounging in the pool. They even let her bring a friend her own age along.

We had big plans to go to Maine and Nova Scotia - big change from Houston - in July. I got laid off in April. Hopefully, next year will be the year.

Seven is Enough (For Now)

I got tagged by Wep of WepRuminations to share 7 little known things about myself. Being pretty much an open book, I'm going to have to think about that for a minute.

Since you've made your way to this line, know that a minute has passed and I have come up with the following:

1. I have ridden an elephant.

2. I have worked in a haunted house as a witch.

3. I watched the filming of "Terms of Endearment" and went to the premier.

4. I cannot choose a favorite book.

5. I miss my grandmother more than I can say.

6. Monty Python and The Holy Grail still cracks me up!

7. I would love to learn to cut gems. (And I would like to know what happens to the gems that get cut wrong.)

I am not going to tag anyone in particular, but if you want to list your seven things, I would love to read them.

My EYE-con

Oh yeah, I have an eye-con (aka icon)... do you see it? Up there (where you usually see an orange "B" for Blogger), on the tab... it's my blue eye .

And I did it myself.

I hadn't messed around with code in a long time, so it was fun.

It's way too late... off to sleep!

Saucy iPod!

Oh yeah, that's right... you could have the chance to win this iPod, too! Go visit The Secret Is In The Sauce and give it a whirl!

Even if you don't want the iPod, don't pass up the opportunity to join this community.

First Lines Answered

And the answers are as follows:

1. When he was thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

I read this in high school and found it to be irresistible - even though I had already seen the movie and it may be one of the most perfect movies ever made.

2. Marley was dead, to begin with.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

If I had to choose one of the best books ever written, I would choose this one. It sneaks up on you. If you think about it, it encompasses all of life - we have the power, we make our own choices, we are part of the interconnected web of life and all our movements and choices effect everything else.

3. I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest.
Pilgrim At Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard

And she won the Pulitzer for this work. Deserved! If you haven't read it, take the time to enjoy this treasure.

4. "Holy One, I wonder if any man born into the world was blessed with every virtue by your Father in heaven."
Ramayana retold by William Buck

The epic tale of India - it is as rich and complex as all of India. I love Hanuman, the Son of Air, a provider of courage,hope, knowledge, intellect and devotion.

5. Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

How could I not fall under the spell of Harry and all the other Wizards? I have been around this sun almost 50 times and enjoyed this series as much as any reader who has taken his 10th trip. The final book was worth the wait.

6. Anyone who watches even the slightest amount of TV is familiar with the scene: An agent knocks on the door of some seemingly ordinary home or office.
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

This author has the ability to have me spewing beverages or choking with laughter over and over again. Oh man, I love that!

7. Millions upon millions of years ago, when the continents were already formed and the principal features of the earth had been decided, there existed, then as now, one aspect of the world that dwarfed all others.
Hawaii by James Michener

I am tickled at how many people thought they knew this book, but couldn't quite get it. A couple of people swore this was a Carl Sagan work - I guess the "millions upon millions" did it. My theory is your first Michener novel is always your favorite Michener novel. Hawaii was my first and I am so glad it was.

8. When Augustus came out on the porch the blue pigs were eating a rattlesnake-not a very big one.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

Another book/movie combo that was just about perfect. I am not one to choose a western as my first choice to read. I have to thank my mom for pretty much making me read this one - thanks, Mom!

9. Where's Papa going with that ax?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Miss Miller in 2nd grade read this to the class and my love of reading was cinched for all eternity. That was "some pig!"

10. For months the great pleasure excursion to Europe and the Holy Land was chatted about in the newspapers everywhere in America and discussed at countless firesides.
The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

Oh yes, wit, wisdom, and sarcasm. Mark Twain is informative and a first rate smart ass - what a fun read!

11. The seller of lightning rods arrived just ahead of the storm.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

Dark and spooky and loaded with adventure - just what a young reader loves - I am glad I read this at a young age.

If you choose to do this, too, please let me know - I would love to see your choices!

The First Line

I saw this meme somewhere, sometime, and I can't remember when or where, or even if it's exactly the same as this, but... list the first line to 10 of your favorite books. Already I am varying and listing 11. Can you tell from which books come the following lines? If so, let me know!

1. When he was thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.

2. Marley was dead, to begin with.

3. I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest.

4. "Holy One, I wonder if any man born into the world was blessed with every virtue by your Father in heaven."

5. Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.

6. Anyone who watches even the slightest amount of TV is familiar with the scene: An agent knocks on the door of some seemingly ordinary home or office.

7. Millions upon millions of years ago, when the continents were already formed and the principal features of the earth had been decided, there existed, then as now, one aspect of the world that dwarfed all others.

8. When Augustus came out on the porch the blue pigs were eating a rattlesnake-not a very big one.

9. Where's Papa going with that ax?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.

10. For months the great pleasure excursion to Europe and the Holy Land was chatted about in the newspapers everywhere in America and discussed at countless firesides.

11. The seller of lightning rods arrived just ahead of the storm.


There are so many more books that I love that I am wanting to pull others out and put more in, so I'll just stop and stick with these. I'm looking forward to your list as well.

Lyrics

Two little songs that I really love,

April come she will

When streams are ripe and swelled with rain;

May, she will stay,

Resting in my arms again.

June, shell change her tune,

In restless walks shell prowl the night;

July, she will fly

And give no warning to her flight.

August, die she must,

The autumn winds blow chilly and cold;

September Ill remember

A love once new has now grown old.

And:

Well the sun is surely sinking down

But the moon is slowly rising

So this old world must still be spinning round

And I still love you

(chorus)

So close your eyes

You can close your eyes, its all right

I dont know no love songs

And I cant sing the blues anymore

But I can sing this song

And you can sing this song

When Im gone

It wont be long before another day

We gonna have a good time

And no ones gonna take that time away

You can stay as long as you like.

Simple and pretty...know who performs these?

Toothpaste Troubles & Being SAUCY

Have you seen how many choices of toothpaste there are now? and the flavors? They sound like air fresheners...These are some of the choices from Crest alone:

Citrus Clean Mint, Pure Peppermint Fresh, Mint + Green Tea Extract (eewww!), Lemon Ice, and Vanilla Mint.

And don't get me started on the tops of the toothpastes - flip-tops, pumps, BIG caps, etc...

If that weren't enough, you can actually get hard liquor and wine-flavored toothpastes coming in selections such as:

Bourbon, Whiskey, Jigger Bourbon, Wellington Whiskey, Champagne, and California Wines. If that's too much for you, you can choose Creme de Menthe, Amaretto, or Anisette.

I don't know about you, but I always thought you brushed your teeth AFTER drinking to hide the hideous smell. Of course, if you want to embrace your alcoholic tendencies, this would be a sure-fire way to "go there."

Exploring around online, I found this quote:

"Forget toothpaste. Now it’s time to put some flavor in your life with Breath Palette. You didn’t realize you needed this, but you must be getting bored with that same old minty taste in your mouth after every brushing, so now work some Indian Curry flavor around that pie hole. "

Pie hole! For the love of Pete.

Not only Indian Curry, you can select Monkey Banana, Sweet Salt, and Darjeeling Tea. Or, Pumpkin Pudding, Bitter Chocolate, Caramel, and Cola.

Look, I am open to trying new things, but some things should just be what they're supposed to be. For me, it will be a plain, old tube of REGULAR flavored Crest or Colgate. With a normal-sized top that just screws off.

My husband will continue to squeeze it at the top and I'll straighten it back out when I use it, but when we get in bed and breathe in each other's direction, we'll smell CLEAN... not like we just ate pumpkin pudding with a shot of jigger bourbon.

Oh, and finally, thanks to all have visited me via The Secret Is In The Sauce! I am currently listed as a "Saucy" blog - I am so honored!

One thing I do know...if we ever get a SITS-flavored toothpaste, I'll give it a whirl!

(side note: If you have a blog and haven't visited The Secret Is In The Sauce, you might as well go on over, join, and enjoy the fun)

"When You Are Engulfed In Flames"

David Sedaris has done it again. He's compiled another collection of essays in his new book, When You Are Engulfed In Flames. I wasn't into the book for five minutes before I started to spew iced tea. My husband kept looking at me and asking just what I was reading.

I think he may have thought I was into devil worship or something of the sort due to the cover. Look it up - you'll see what I mean. Anyway, it makes perfect sense once you know.

It's entirely possible that David Sedaris is in my top five writers list and that's a hard list to crack, especially since I feel like have read more books than most people give a passing thought about. I digress, naturally, but I am past that now and just want to go on record that I will never, ever consider thrift store pants and if I ever meet a Mrs. Peacock, I am going to keep my distance.

I've only read a third of the book - this is one I want to savor because who knows then the next one will appear? Trust me, I am NOT a savorer - I am a devourer... this is not easy.

Go on, really check out this book - and if humorous writing appeals to you (this is not for kids or preteens, of course), give Sedaris a whirl.

One Word

Do you enjoying writing just for the joy of writing? You might like to try the One Word site.

Each day, they give you one word and one minute to write. Once done, you can read the writings of others. This isn't blog-specific, of course - just something fun online.

Do you have some sites you like more than others or that you find yourself visiting most often? Why not share your favorites?

Here are a few of mine:
Whole Wheat Radio - enjoy an eclectic collection of music - you can request songs and watch your selections move up the list. You can even call in and leave a little sound bite that will play on the air. Big fun!
The Official Time - not too exciting, but sometimes you just need to know EXACTLY what time it is!
Pogo - Play a few games
Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About - Yep, it's just what it says - and is pretty darn hilarious!
How I Met My Wife - I love cleverly written pieces and this one just tickles my vocabulary bone - may it will tickle yours, too.

There are many, many more, of course, but I would love to see what sites reel you in!

She's Still Here (Except When She's Not)

Well, to bring you up to date, our darling child called at about 10:25pm last evening to let us know, "some guy hit me" and would I come to Sonic and talk to him for her.

At first, I thought she meant some guy hit her, hit her, but she meant he hit her.... with his car! Oh great, 16 and the first accident.

All I could see was smoke shooting out of Jerry's ears and all he can think about is our insurance rates are going up.

Thank God, no one was hurt, though.

The accident was basically nothing...our car is exactly like it was when she got in it - just fine. The other guy's is scuffed, but he's being a big baby about it all. His '93 Nissan's new paint job is scuffed.

I happen to believe my child that she was in the right. Long story and not necessary. Trust me, I am not one to up and believe the tale of a teen, but I do this one.

Anyway, he filed a claim. We're contesting. Farmer's can deal with this.

Oh, and for an update on the boy/Holly story... Holly doesn't know our daughter likes said boy, but she is STILL flirting - can you believe it?? Holly should just feel the vibes of "off limits" because our kid likes the same boy.

Whew! it's exhausting!

There Is A Teenager In My House!

We thought 14 was tough. People said, "Oh, yes, 14 is a difficult age - just wait, it gets better." Then, she turned 15. It wasn't 14, but I am not sure "better" is the right word. Now, she's 16 - 4 months into being 16.

Oh yeah, there's drama 24-7. Highs and lows of possible relationships. It's not fair that her friends don't keep getting "hurt" and she does. But, don't try and offer a reason or solution, what could we possibly know?

Yesterday, I watched my child go from the mountain top to the valley - all because a boy she thinks she likes, according to a third party who wasn't present, told my child that he put his arm around Holly. Holly?!?

This set off a flurry of text messages trying to fish for information without giving any up.

They need the very best of cell phones to send text messages. Actually call?? Mom! No!

And do they leave voice messages if they happen to call? No, because, "they'll see I called and will call back."

So, mass quantities of tears were flowing from our daughter's bedroom. She's swearing off boys forever.

Unless.....Holly is lying....text text text......

Pandora

Here I am at work listening to Pandora on my computer. By the way, have you tried Pandora? It takes a while to find your perfect combination.

If you're not familiar with this site, it's like your own radio station. I have selected various artists to create stations. Say you choose Hall & Oates, they create a Hall & Oates radio station and it plays songs of that type. It doesn't mean you'll get only H & O tunes. So, you create numerous "stations" and select Quick Mix. Pandora then plays random selections from each of your stations.

It takes a while to find that perfect combo.

So, where was I? Oh yeah, at work! It's possible I should be DOING something. I'm on it.

One Cool Thing

I have been doing a little reflection and realize I have done some pretty cool things in my life. This won't be a complete listing, but I am going to try and list some every now and then to share. I am hoping you'll share some, too.

No, this isn't a meme - just some recountings.

I think one of the coolest things I have ever done is spend 2 weeks with an Amish family. Now, for a Texas gal, this is big. I was an exchange student (via AFS) within the United States my senior year of high school. For anyone who wants to know when that was, it was wayyyyyyyyy back in 1977. My exchange was from Houston, Texas to Jefferson, Ohio. Culture shock enough right there from the coastal plains of Texas (and the 4th largest city in the US) to a agricultural small, small town in Ohio. Most of my Ohio friends parents were dairy farmers, however, I was fortunate to stay with a local attorney, so I was in town, not on a farm.

Anyway, I am digressing.... part of the exchange included a mini-exchange within my time there. Amazingly, I got to stay with an Amish family in a neighboring Ohio town. I was accompanied by a foreign exchange student, Esme, from New Zealand.

While the Amish do not regularly participate in this process, especially since they have the Little House On The Prairie, one-room schoolhouse, through the eigth grade type of program, Esme and I were singularly blessed.

We were not SUPPOSED to stay with a strict Amish family, but were assigned to a family whose father had left the Amish lifestyle to fight in WWII many years ago. The remainder of his family were still Amish and they allowed us to live with them and learn of their lifestyle.

We stayed in their home, went to school, cooked, helped with some farming chores, and rode around in buggies.

School was eye-opening and amazing - these kids were getting a superior education. And all the things that seem "weird" to us non-Amish people had reasons and purposes that you just don't know if you just don't know.

Curtains hung in the windows in different directions to let people know if a girl of marriage age was living there. Hat brims are different sizes to let people know if the men have officially joined the church. Buttons are "nasty" and are never used. Photos are graven images, thus not allowed. I could go on and on.

But, isn't that cool?

You Gotta Go

I have to refer you to Minnesota Matron and her post about Satan's Familiar. While the post is worth it on its own, do NOT miss the video - worth every second of it.

The Matron cracks me up consistently. While I don't need anymore cracking at my age, I sure do enjoy a daily dose of the ha-ha-ha's!

Changing Lanes

Have you noticed how lately people just change lanes whenever they want? I have been noticing how people turn on the blinker and start heading their vehicle into my lane and assume I am going to let them in. And, they get ANGRY if I don’t. Sorry, bud, but I have been waiting in this lane a LONG time and I just don’t want to drive my little VW Bug behind your Chevy Crew Cab Diesel right now.

Traffic rants are passé, I know, but bad manners are getting my goat lately. I heard Barry McGuire once say, “If something gets your goat, you’ve got a goat to get.” Wise words from Mr. “Eve Of Destruction” don’t you think? I guess I have a goat.

Speaking of which…Barry turned Christian many, many years ago and was one of the front-runners of “Jesus Music” more commonly known as Contemporary Christian Music today. So, what has happened to the pioneers of that new sound?

Here are some I remember quite fondly:

Dogwood
Reba Rambo
Larry Norman (deceased)
Keith Green
Pat Terry Group
John Michael Talbot
2nd Chapter of Acts
Evie
DeGarmo & Key
The Archers
Dallas Holm
Andrae Crouch
Phil Keaggy
Chuck Girard

These are just few, but never do I hear their music on my local Christian station, which, by the way, is very large and award-winning. I do remember when this station played these artists. I wonder why Christian stations no longer play “older” music. A little retro is a good thing. Think about the oldies stations in your area – aren’t they thriving? Or have some of the overly zealous religious (and I mean RELIGIOUS types) found some dirt on these people? If that’s so, I think I would be royally pissed.

Now, I know there are a lot of strict, fundamental activist types out here in blog-land and I welcome that, however, I think it is this sector of religion that does so much more detriment to their own cause than anyone else.

So, why not stay in your lane until we wave you into ours…don’t drive your agenda into my lane until I slow down and let you pass me up.

And all you Christian radio stations out there… throw us bone with some of our older tunes. I sure would like to hear Dogwood or Pat Terry on my radio once in a while.

It's Time For A Mosaic!

Found at The Scholastic Scribe and originally from If Mom Says OK here a fun meme for the summer. You can do this, too! Take a look at mine and when you've given it a good going-over, check beneath it for how you can do this, too!

• Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
• Using only the first page, pick an image.
• Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into this Mosaic Maker. Follow the instructions, and presto! You have a synopsis of Who. You. Are
• Your questions, our answers; click on Our Mosaic to see the snaps Up Close & Personal!

Your questions, my answers; click on my mosaic to see the snaps up close and personal!

1. What is your first name? Lynda
2. What is your favorite food? Avocado
3. What high school did you go to? Spring Woods
4. What is your favorite color? BlueGreen
5. Who is your celebrity crush? James Taylor
6. Favorite drink? Big Red
7. Dream vacation? Iceland
8. Favorite dessert? Cupcakes
9. What you want to be when you grow up? An Artist
10. What do you love most in life? Love
11. One Word to describe you? Determined
12. Your (blog) name? Art On A Limb

If you choose to create your own personal mosaic, leave a comment so that we can find our way to you! Enjoy - hope you have as much fun as I did.... and if you knew me better, you would see this is really ME :-)

credits:
1. Lynda Barry Autographed Promo Postcard, 2. Tomatoe, Avacado & Cucumber Salad, 3. posaga, 4. summer wharf colours, 5. ben taylor's foot, 6. Gizmo, 7. Puffin (Fratercula arctica), 8. Poodle Cupcakes, 9. Little Artist, 10. Love XOXO, 11. Little Zhen Zhen is a very determined little panda climber!, 12. Out on a Limb II

Matt??

And here we go! Thanks to Gary at the Potter's Blog, I found this video. I absolutely love it. How does it make YOU feel?

Another Manic Monday

I accidentally discovered Manic Monday and love it! Here are my answers to the questions... why not play along yourself? Click here and play!

Who would you like to see on a new banknote (dollar bill, etc.)?

Let's do the dollars like the state quarters, but this time, let's start with Hawaii...I think a colorful Hula Dancer would be great on the first one. Then, on to Alaska and an Eskimo, etc...

If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be?

I would definitely be a bird (owl or puffin) or a seeing-eye dog.

If you owned your own restaurant, what would you call it?

It would be called BIG O's Why, you ask? Just to make people ask for a Big-O strawberry drink, a Big-O bowl of gumbo, a Big-O order of fries, or whatever it is we choose to serve!

The Holiday is Over

Another Independence Day has come and gone. The United States is 232 years old. Relatively young as far as the world is concerned, isn't it. Okay, digressing here... not what I really meant to post about.

The "holiday" was really being kid-free for a week. Our daughter went to church camp, then came home, spent one night, and went to her grandmother's house.

I can't begin to tell you how many naps I took. This mother-business wears you out! It felt so good to be worry-free and at ease. I think I needed to recharge my batteries.

Maybe that's what grandmothers are REALLY for!

Lazy Blogger Needs Chinese Hair

Thanks to the SITS site, I have become lazy creating my own posts.

Yep, first, it's the Featured Blogger, then people who comment on her fabulous site, then the ones commenting on the commenter's own blog, and so on, and so on.

Wow, now I feel like I have entered a Breck Shampoo commercial and that would be completely ridiculous. Have you ever noticed how the majority of shampoo models all have that perfectly straight and shiny hair? You have no idea how jealous I am of you straight, shiny-haired people.

Oh, I know some of you are thinking you'd give anything to have curly hair. Ha! You just THINK that. It's a curse.

I know, I know, we need to embrace who we are and what we have and celebrate our fortunes. Some people don't have hair at all, but once in a while... I want to believe that fairy godmother or genie will come to me and ask me my greatest desire. Chinese hair. Thick, black, shiny, straight, straight hair.

My life probably would've been completely different if I had Chinese hair. Now, don't get me wrong, I would still want the husband and child I have now, but imagine the altered possibilities of high school and college.

That was a reallllllllly long time ago, though. Back when straight-haired girls used a "real" flat iron - on the ironing board! and rolled their hair with orange juice cans (how did they sleep with those things?).

I always used the pink rollers, Dippity-Do, and pink curl tape. My curls would be tame until I walked out my front door into that ever-present Houston humidity. You know what that meant? Boing! Willy-nilly, do-as-I-please curls.

And there she'd go... the girl with shiny Chinese hair pulled in a ponytail swinging from side-to-side.

That's it... I am going surfing again!

My Bucket List

I just found myself on Confessions of An Apron Queen and she wants to know what our bucket lists are... she is also having a contest for the participants. Why not pop over and play along?

Here is the beginning of mine. I am sure it will grow and I will post updates as I go:

• See puffins
• Travel Europe and the Mediterranean
• Own a first edition copy of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
• See my daughter finish college and have a happy, stable grown-up life
• Wear a bathing suit without cringing
• Grow really, really, really old (but healthy) with my husband
• newly added item: I want James Taylor to sing a song to me, just for me (live)

Here's your link: