Friday: Frozen and Frenzy

“Nothing is as tedious as the limping days,
When snowdrifts yearly cover all the ways,
And ennui, sour fruit of incurious gloom,
Assumes control of fate’s immortal loom” 
― Charles Baudelaire, Paris Spleen

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It was snowing most the day, big beautiful flakes that blanketed the roof tops and lawns in a shimmering veil of gossamer. OK, enough BS. It was a bloody cold and yucky day! I was so cold and crazed that I sat under the covers with a cup of tea and my ipad on my lap until well past noon. 

I was going stir crazy. I found myself playing the piano. Guess what? I don’t know how to play piano, that’s how bored I was. I washed dishes, cleaned the kitchen, paid some bills and went upstairs and tackled the craft room. Now, that’s a project! I can spend hours just sorting brushes and markers. But, I did stumble upon another stash of long lost watercolors that I’d forgotten about.



My craft room will never be neat or complete. It’s a work in progress, with no beginning and no end. Any artist will tell you that there will always be another project and you can never have enough art supplies.



Well, even though I was crazy and bored, I have to admit, the snow was beautiful. And, this being Texas, it won’t last too long. 



This is the view from my front door. That’s as far as I went. I didn’t even go out to get the mail. Maybe tomorrow?



I like this idea. Now, where’s my hair dryer?

Thankful Thursday:So Much To Be Thankful For

“You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you” 

Sarah Ban Breathnack, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy

I have found that finding at least one thing to be thankful everyday makes each day a blessing. But, I am thankful for so many things that it’s impossible to list them all. Family, friends, my home, my art, writing, music, dancing, walking, Zumba, the Square, great food and Black Russians. The list goes on. 

I stopped to visit my friend Della this afternoon. She asked, “So how are you going? Really?” I told her I was doing fine, but she knows the real me, as do most my friends. I smile on the outside, even when I’m not so happy on the inside. But one thing is true, I am grateful for each and every day and thankful for all the wonderful people in my life.   I also said that writing and blogging everyday has helped me share my blessings with so many people, and that is what makes me smile at the end of the day.

http://youtu.be/yoygmylt2iM

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” 
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

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Wednesday started out with big fluffy flakes of snow. Another one of those stay in your jammies all morning kinda days. But, schools, transportation and businesses were all back up and running. By 2pm, the sun was glowing, melting away all the ice and snow. A long sunshiny walk also melted away my cabin fever. It was beautiful!

To add to the beauty outside, my friend Gaby said I should stop by and she would touch up my hair and add a few more highlights. Now, I could feel beautiful on the inside. I very rarely pamper myself…who am I kidding…I never pampered myself. So, I went over to Gaby’s and she worked her magic on my hair again. 

When you feel pretty on the outside, it certainly makes you feel pretty on the inside. 



First you have to feel silly and goofy!



Then, you get to feel beautiful. Thanks, Gaby!

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” 

― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

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Yes, refuse to give anyone the power to make you feel like you are not beautiful, smart, or important. You are! It took me a while to figure it out.



Tuesday Tips From Toni: Don’t Go Stir Crazy

Craziness is what makes the world round, without crazy, there wouldnt be passion.

~Wes Campton

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Another iced-in day here in north Texas. Yes, they close down the entire world here. Of course, the neighbor kids all love another snow day. They go out and play and enjoy the ice, while us old folks sit inside with a cup of hot tea, still in their Jammies till noon. OK, that was just me.

But, it warmed up later in the afternoon. I was going stir crazy, so I bundled up and went out for a long walk. Yes, I’m crazy! So, here’s my tip for Tuesday.

When the going gets tough and cold, the tough go out for a walk, listen to books on tape, and cook a lot of comfort food, just in case they get snowed-in for a week.



The ducks in the pond were enjoying the day, and so did I. Good to be outside.



I made a whole bunch of eggplant parmesan, pasta and salad. Enough to feed a small army or just me for a month. I’m prepared! 

The forecast for tomorrow is more snow. Oh no! Another stir crazy day!



Montage Monday: A Week in a Peek

“So when you’re cold
From the inside out
And don’t know what to do,
Remember love and friendship,
And warmth will come to you.”
― Stephen Cosgrove, Gnome from Nome
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It’s unusually cold here in north Texas. The Sunday night forecast for Monday was bleak and scary. School and municipal closings for Monday flashed on the TV during the Oscars.

So, this morning, when I heard the sleet pelting at my window panes, I pulled up the covers, rolled over and stayed in bed till noon. No walk, no Zumba, no plans, no nothin’. McKinney was closed for the day. The forecast looks the same for tomorrow. Yikes!

Here’s my week in a peek.

Sunday Sermon: Sharing and Caring…Right Place…Right Time

“I don’t want to live in the kind of world where we don’t look out for each other. Not just the people that are close to us, but anybody who needs a helping hand. I cant change the way anybody else thinks, or what they choose to do, but I can do my bit.”
― Charles de Lint
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“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25
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Today is the first Sunday in Lent. From as far back as I can remember, Lent meant a time of fasting, reflection, renewal and giving up something. But, for the past few years, I’ve decided NOT to give up something, but rather, try and Give more of myself and my time.

Here’s one of my sharing and caring moments. It is one of those “in the right place at the right time” kinda stories.

Friday afternoon, I was going to stop and visit my friend Lynne who was working on a big sewing project with Jill. I thought, “Oh man, I keep forgetting to stop at St. Gabriel’s to pick up that form to send to Joe’s parish priest in Chicago. I’ll just pop in the office. They’re open till 4.” Half way there I thought, “Oh forget it. I’ll just go Monday.” But, I kept driving. I’d been procrastinating long enough.

I pulled into the parking lot and parked behind a small U-Haul truck. There were several cars, so I figured someone would be there. When I walked inside, there was a young couple roaming around. By young, I mean, barely old enough to vote young. They were holding hands, and the girl looked about seven or eight months pregnant. They asked me if I knew where the office was. I wasn’t sure myself, so I said, “Well, let’s walk around and take a look.”

When we got to the parish office door, it was dark and locked up. A small sign read, Friday 9 till noon. Oops! It was after 3 pm. The website said till 4, so I figured I’d just come back Monday. I asked them what they were looking for, and just assumed that they wanted to get married or wanted to talk to a priest.

Well, the poor kids said that they were on their way to Oklahoma and they ran out of money. They needed gas and were hoping someone at the church could help them out. They said they saw some cars across the lot at the recreation building, so they walked over. Of course, it’s natural to think that maybe they were just scamming, but then again, what if they were truly desperate.

While I watched them walk out the door, hand in hand, I reached into my purse to see how much cash I had. I found a five and three singles. Well. that isn’t going to help much. Then, I remembered the emergency $20 that I keep in the little side zippered pocket. Ah, now here’s an emergency if I ever saw one.

I walked across the lot and found them talking to one of the Knights of Columbus volunteers who was setting up for the Friday fish fry. Basically, he told the couple that the office was closed and, “Sorry, I can’t help you. They’ll be back Monday.” I walked over, handed the young man the folded up cash, and said, “This might not get you very far, but I hope it helps.” They both smiled and said “Thanks,”

Walking back to my car, I thought…”Whatever you do for the least of my brothers…” And I was right when I had guessed that the U-Haul truck was theirs. Poor kids. They followed right behind me and thanked me again. I watched as the young man helped the soon-to-be mom into her seat in the truck and closed the door behind her.

I know it sounds corny, but I felt like I was in the right place at the right time for a reason. What if I was a few minutes earlier or later, or maybe decided not to go after all? Hmmm? Makes you think?

“I don’t want to live in the kind of world where we don’t look out for each other. Not just the people that are close to us, but anybody who needs a helping hand. I cant change the way anybody else thinks, or what they choose to do, but I can do my bit.”
― Charles de Lint

Saturday: Sometimes It’s the Little Things

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”
—The 14th Dalai Lama
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A kind word, a small act of kindness, or a passing smile may not seem like much, but sometimes it can brighten up someone’s day. I know, I know, you already think I’m goofy, but I like to do little random acts of kindness whenever I can. I guess I’m just my mother’s daughter. I’ve learned from the master. Also, I don’t share these things with you because I’m looking for recognition or praise. I’m genuinely sharing some ideas with you, hoping that it may inspire you to give it a try. Maybe you already do, and I’d love to hear about it.

Yesterday started out being a dark, gloomy, misty morning. I waited until the rain stopped later in the afternoon before I bundled up for my walk. It was still misting, but I put up my hood and ventured out for over an hour.

I was about five blocks away when I noticed the mail lady making her appointed rounds. It was pretty chilly out. I gave her a wave and thought, “That must be a tedious, lonely, thankless job.” I remember meeting Miss Penny when I first moved in. She was very nice when I stopped to ask her something about forwarding my mail.

When I got home from my walk and checked my mail box, it was still empty. I thought, “Hmm? What can I do for Miss Penny?” So, I ran into the house, grabbed a Dr. Pepper from the fridge, took the last mini cupcake that I was saving for my late afternoon tea time, and scurried back out to the mail box.

I left a note saying, “Miss Penny, I saw you while I was out walking and thought you could use a treat.” Here is what I found later when I got my mail.

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”

I think Miss Penny felt appreciated and perhaps this made her day a little brighter.

Friday: Friends Who Play Together Stay Together and Throw Clay at Each Other

“It is a happy talent to know how to play.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
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You know what’s even more fun than playing all day? Well, I’ll tell you. It’s playing with your good friends, sharing food, ideas, chatting, and learning new things.

Yesterday was a fun play day for me. It started out with an exhilarating Zumba class with Diane, a long walk in the chilly afternoon, dinner with my friend, Lynne, and a fun clay class in the evening with friends.

(L to R) Wendolin, Sherry, instructor Laura, Terree and Lynne.
Several girlfriends met at SPARC, a fantastic artist facility that offers pottery and many other art classes in the historic district of McKinney. Laura Canfield guided us through several clay hand building, glazing, carving, and playing with clay techniques. We are all artists, but none of us experienced in clay or pottery. It’s always fun to create something new and broaden our horizons. And no, we really didn’t throw clay at each other. Maybe next time.

What I love about the art community in McKinney is that so many talented people offer to share their talents and experience with others. We learn so much from each other, but most importantly, we have so much fun. We have become good friends.

Here are some of our playing with clay photos. Thanks Laura.

My 3 tiles on the left and Sherry’s trees on the right.

We all worked on some larger projects. I forgot to take pictures of them all, but here is the cross I made. It has to dry and be fired. Now, how to glaze???

“It is a happy talent to know how to play.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Theme Song Thursday: Do Not Pass Me By

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.
~Carl Sandburg
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Routines and regiments are a good thing. If you have something to look forward to EVERY day, then life won’t pass you by, so I try to keep busy.

I love Tuesday and Thursday. Those are my Zumba days at the YMCA. Of course, I missed last Tuesday because my upper crown of my tooth popped out and I spent most the day at the dentist. Today, jumped put of bed, looking forward to an exhilarating class, and it was. Sometimes I take a quick video, but then the music makes me move and I end up bouncing and jumping around, then my camera work isn’t too steady.

After Zumba, I came home, went for a long chilly walk, made some cupcakes. I’m going to a fun “PLAY WITH CLAY” class at SPARC with Laura Canfield. That’s not what it’s called, but that’s what I call it.

There are so many things I want to do and learn. I don’t want life to pass me by. I want to be running along side of it.

Cupcakes for clay class.

Don’t let life pass you by, no matter how fast it’s zipping past.

Wednesday:Words of Wisdom~ Ashes to Ashes

Without peace, all other dreams vanish and are reduced to ashes.
~Jawaharial Nehru
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I did something I haven’t done in quite a few years. I went to 5 o’clock Mass for Ash Wednesday. Going to church on Sunday has been very uplifting, but today I needed a little something extra. When I called Mom this morning, she asked me, “Why do we put ashes on our foreheads?” So, I looked it up on Google. There were a lot of explanations, but basically it’s to remind us we came from ashes, we return to ashes. There’s a lot more, but that’s my take on it.

When I arrived at St. Gabriel’s, I assumed it wouldn’t be very crowded at 5 pm because everyone would be at work. It was packed, even more than on Sunday, many familiar faces. I knelt down with my usual prayer in my head. “Thank you Lord for you strength, and getting me through each day.”

The strange part, well, maybe not strange as much as emotional part was that I also prayed, “I’m still in pain, still angry, I can’t forgive. PLEASE change my heart.” I used those words. “Change my heart.” Then the opening song started. I grabbed my pamphlet, turned to the opening song, and started to sing along. The song was, “Change our Hearts.” I didn’t see that coming.

Tears started streaming down my face. A sign? You know that old saying, “If you’re looking for a sign, this is it.” The signs are always there, it’s just hard to see when your eyes are full of tears. Anyway, I just kept singing, wiping away my tears in between stanzas. I was singing. I was happy. I was sad. Mass continued with dispensing of ashes, Communion, and more singing. I went home feeling stronger. It was a good day!

Rory Cooney
Refrain:

Change our hearts this time,

your word says it can be.

Change our minds this time,

your life could make us free.

We are the people your call sets apart.

Lord, this time change our hearts.

Verse 1.

Brought by your hand to the edge of our dreams,

one foot in paradise, one in the waste.

Drawn by your promises, still we are lured

by the shadows and the chains we leave behind. But …

Refrain

Verse 2.

Now as we watch you stretch out your hands,

offering abundances, fullness of joy,

your milk and honey seem distant, unreal,

when we have bread and water in our hands. But …

Refrain

Verse 3.

Show us the way that leads to your side,

over the mountains and sands of the soul.

Be for us manna, water from stone,

light which says we never walk alone. And …

Refrain

Without peace, all other dreams vanish and are reduced to ashes.
~Jawaharial Nehru