Friday Firsts: A New Home For a New Start

“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.”
Maya Angelou quotes (American Poet, b.1928)
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A bitter-sweet day of old memories jumbled with new beginnings. I purchased my new home today. I can’t say that I did it all by myself, because my dear friend, Linda Grossman, (world’s best realtor) held my hand through every step of the process. She is amazing!

Everything went smoothly at the closing. We stopped at Mi Cocina for lunch and had a celebratory margarita. I normally don’t drink during the day, but this was a very special occasion.

CHEERS!
Here’s to you,
Here’s to me,
Life will be great,
Just wait and see.
~Me
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Now, here’s a funny story. You know how I’ve been finding my lucky feathers and pennies. Well, after our celebration, we walked back to Linda’s car in the parking garage, and there on the ground was a lucky feather…inside an enclosed parking garage…waiting just for me! That’s not all. Linda was amazed and said she never finds lucky feathers. We took a few steps, and there was another feather meant for her. It was a lucky day,

My lucky feather.

Linda’s lucky feather. If you believe, you receive.
Here’s the other exciting part….ta…ta…ta…da…! Drum roll please! My new house…

Theme Song Thursday

“So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.”
― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
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I’ve always loved to sing. I know I’m a terrible singer, but that’s never stopped me from belting out a tune. The Fifth Dimension was one of my all time favorite group in the seventies. “One Less Bell to Answer” was my favorite song. Someone special bought me the album our first Christmas together, and I played it a million times. Now, forty-four years later, it’s only a sad memory. I’m never going to sing that song ever again. This is the last time. Only happy songs for me.
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Last Sad Song
It’s gonna be the last sad song
That I will sing for you
What once was good is now all wrong
It’s time to start anew.
I loved this song when I was young
Back then the words weren’t sad
But time has altered how it’s sung
I’m tired of feeling bad.
So, now this is the last sad song
That I will sing for you.
I’m done!
~Me
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Seriously, tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life. I’ll have a new house, a new life and start singing only happy songs. Not to mention…dancin’ in the kitchen.

Montage Monday: happy St. Patrick’s Day Y’all!

A WISH FOR A FRIEND

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Y’all. (Combination Irish/Texas expression.) here’s another week in a peek. I already have a host of friends that never ends…so wishing the same for you!

Friday: Old Friends Who Aren’t That Old

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
Friday is always a good day to reminisce about old friends. I had the pleasure of visiting with some old friends this week. Well, they aren’t that old, but we’ve been friends for a very long time. We don’t often have the opportunity to all be in the same city at the same time. We had a lovely visit and a wonderful dinner. I present to you… The MORNING STARS… Deer Park Lanes Bowling team extraordinaire! (Back in the 90’s)

Wow, let me think, has it been twenty years? Our kids were little and in school and the highlight of our week was Wednesday bowling with the girls and a quick lunch, then off to the bus stop. Now, some of the girls are grandmas, and will be rushing off to bus stops again. Life is so fleeting, and the fleet seems to sail away all too quickly these days. Enjoy each moment and each friend!!!

OLD FRIENDS
I rejoice in the glow of friendship
I am blessed with their gifts of love
Beside me in joy or through hardship
A true blessing from God above.
(Me)
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Montage Monday: A Week in a Peek

Monday starts another week
The days go racing by
Each new dawn will be unique
Perhaps another try.
(Me)

Sentimental Sunday

My beautiful babies are grown men in their thirties, but this is how I see them in my heart.

Only three days to visit, hug and hold, but each minute etched in my heart. These are the best sons in the world! Really!

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SONS
My sons have been a blessing
Even though we’re far apart
Each moment we’re together
Is etched upon my heart
Toni

Friday Fulminations: Faith

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.
Mother Teresa
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Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into.
Mahatma Gandhi
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FAITH
Why does the sunlight darken my existence,
Challenging my being with complete resistance?
What used to bring joy to each and every day,
Now pierces my faith before it fades away.
The true strength of my soul is put to the test.
With a prayer and resolve, I will do my best.
Only time will tell what fate may have in store.
With complete surrender, I can do no more.
Toni Andrukaitis

Tuesday and Time

A couple of years ago, I had made a commitment to write a short poem everyday for a hundred days in a row. I love giving myself a challenge. I thought it would be difficult, but just like daily blogging, I found it exhilarating. The title of each day’s poem was so profound and creative. See for yourself. Here is the first poem…

DAY ONE

When time escapes its awful fate

The sand pours to the ground

Trees will fall as echoes call

But no one hears a sound.

Monday Montage: A week in a Peek

Another week flew by at “warp speed,” for all you sic-fi fans. So here’s a peek at my week. Thanks to all my friends out there, especially the ones I’ve never met in person, but are special friends, none the less.

Wednesday: Words of Wisdom

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
― Carl Bard

Photo courtesy of the fabulous photographer Seth Johnson. Sharing and pairing.
http://sethsnap.com/2013/08/11/your-story-then-now/

Shattered Past

Broken windows, shattered past
Those golden days that never last
When things were new, and life was good
The years flew by misunderstood
With panes all broken, and bricks now grey
The happy memories fade away
But time moves on, as people do
There’s still that chance to start anew.

Toni Andrukaitis