Friday:) Friends, Feathers, and a Fiery Sunset

“Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul 
And sings the tune without the words 

And never stops at all.” 

― Emily Dickinson

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The first Friday of each month is my volunteer day over at Towne Creek. My morning starts out gathering art supplies and preparing a project. Then, I go to the store to shop for feast supplies. I always provide a fun lunch with snacks and dessert. Today, the plan was hot dogs, chips, pizza, chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream floats. While I was at the store, I texted Mr. Mike to see if he wanted any frozen pizzas on sale. He said sure. (He eats a lot of frozen pizza. I’m an enabler.)

I stopped by Papa Murphy’s Pizza next to Tom Thumb to say hi to Miss Karri, and then hugs and chats and laughing.

Walking through the parking lot, I found a lucky feather at my feet. A good sign. I like to think it’s someone up there saying, “Good job. Enjoy your day.”

I dropped off ten pizzas at Mr. Mike’s down the street. Hopefully that will last him a couple of weeks. When I got home, I was starving. I realized I hadn’t eaten a real meal since Wednesday, so I grabbed my left over burrito in the fridge and warmed it up in a pan. While it was heating, I finished gathering my art supplies. 

I do this all the time! I got so wrapped up with something else, and forgot the pan on the stove until my nose informed me something was burning.

Oh no! The good news is, I had more tortillas, so I scraped off the burnt part and warmed a new  tortilla, watching more carefully this time. I snarfed down my slightly singed lunch and scurried off to Towne Creek.

The ladies were happy to see me, and we worked on our project and I prepared our feast. Miss Eleanor played piano for a while, then we enjoyed ice cream floats and conversation. It was a good day.

I got home in time for my evening walk. My favorite part of the evening is capturing the fiery summer sunset.

Theme Song Thursday: Fourteen Feathers and a Penny

“It’s not enough to have the feathers. 

You must dare to fly!” 
― Cass van Krah

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I believe in lucky feathers and angels and pennies from heaven and the power of prayer and positive thinking. I believe that your own perceptions and beliefs are your reality. The mind is a powerful instrument and the soul its receptor.

When I went for my walk the other day, I noticed a feather in the grass in the park. Then another, and another. The feathers were a sign of good luck for me, but not so lucky for he bird or birds that obviously lost these feathers. The trail of feathers continued along my path. I had picked up the first couple, then decided to see how many I could find. Fourteen in all.

These may look a little rumpled, but I always wash them with antibacterial soap when I get home. 

Later that day, I went to the store, dropped off some groceries to a friend, had ice cream on the square with a new friend, visited with Miss Kathy and Miss Elizabeth at Sweet Spot Bakery, and took some canned  goods over to the Little Free Food Pantry. A long busy fun day. When I got back to my car, right there by my car door was a lucky penny. 

Fourteen feathers and a lucky penny. 

Here’s the theme song for today. The theme Song from Forrest Gump. FEATHER…

Friday:) Friends, Feathers, and Freshly Picked Lettuce

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.~Emily Dickinson
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Now that I’m back home, I’m back to my usual running around. I was doggie sitting, walking my usual route, and catching up with chores around the house. Last night, I met some new friends at Panera, joining a new writing group. They are children’s and young adult writers and illustrators. New group, new beginnings and challenges for me. 

Right from the writing group, I went over to the Lone Star VFW Hall, where another group of friends was meeting for karaoke night. I just walked in the place when Danny, the DJ said, “Toni, you’re up next. What ya singin’?” I said,” Bob and I will do our duet. Let’s Give them something to talk about.” The rest of the night, there was a lot more singing, dancing and laughing by all. A little drinking too, but my drink of choice was Diet Coke. (No drinkin’ and drivin’) Fun fun, night with friends.

Today, I did more morning walking, visited and with my friends Sandy and Larry. When I saw them working in their garage, it was a good time to take a break for us both. They missed me, being somewhat of a daily walking institution and visitor. They invited be to see their latest projects and the progress in their garden.

After a nice visit, I was sent home with a bag of freshly picked lettuce. I may have to stop by more often. The tomatoes will be ready in a few weeks.

Another fun find this week was a beautiful handpainted rock with feathers that I found by my front door when I came back from my Chicago trip. (Hmmm… lots of alliteration.) Perhaps the Fun Feather Fairy left it there to welcome me home? Thank you!

Good to be home…miss my family and friends, though.

Friday:) Friendly Skies, a Feather and a Penny

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” ― Rabindranath Tagore

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I walked this morning for about an hour and a half. It was hot and muggy, but walking is always my thinking time. While I was striding along, I saw a young woman on the other side of the road. I crossed the street, introduced myself, and started chatting. She didn’t live in the neighborhood, but was just walking while her daughter was at a dance lesson. With no particular agenda, I just walked her direction, so we walked down some streets I normally don’t travel. That’s when I found a lucky penny in the street. I haven’t found one in a while. “The road less traveled.”

Later, when I had lunch with my friend Diane, we walked out the door, and there on the sidewalk by my feet, was lucky feather.

When I got home, I was exhausted. I was up till almost 3 a.m. after painting a dozen wine glasses all night. I decided to take a leisurely lap around 4. When I woke up, it was already 6:45 and it would be getting dark soon. I almost talked myself out of my evening walk, but I really love to capture the evening skies and the sunset on my walks. Every evening is a work of art. I scrambled, put on my gym shoes, and ran out the door. Well worth the effor. THE FRIENDLY SKIES.

These are all from my one hour walk. The grand finale was the Harvest Moon in the night sky.

Now, you can see why I love my evening walks and THE FRIENDLY SKIES.

Friday:) Feathers, Flags, Friends, and a Fiery Sunset

“It’s not finding a feather or a penny that brings you luck. It’s keeping your eyes open for all God’s blessings.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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The first Friday of the month is always a busy day for me. I started with a steamy morning walk. Within the first few minutes, I was greeted by a lucky feather by my flag. Then, off to the store to buy some treats and snacks for my senior artist friends at Towne Creek.

I never know what I’m going to serve until I get to the store. I decided with hot dogs, chips, cookies, Blue Bell vanilla ice cream, and root beer.

We worked on various watercolor techniques, after I did a quick demo. 

These flowers were just sketched out with Crayola markers, spritzed with water, then outlined with a Sharpie.

Mr. Angel’s masterpieces.

Miss Bonnie’s turned out really nice.

Miss Nelma experimented with a few different techniques.

I got home around 7pm, did not pass go, and went for an evening walk before it got too dark. I took little Bella for a walk, then walked another forty minutes or so, capturing another amazing Texas sunset.

Yep! I like to keep my eyes open for all God’s special blessings. 

Wednesday:) What Wonders We See

“The small wonders, the simple nuances, are the sites that make your eyes see what the soul searches for.”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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“To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, 

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand 

And Eternity in an hour.” 

― William Blake, Auguries of Innocence

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That William Blake was a pretty perceptive dude. What you see is what you get, and if you see amazing things, you get amazing feelings in return. I always see or find the most amazing sites on my walks each day. Today, I saw a blue feather on the ground, then another nearby. They were so bright, I wasn’t sure if they were man-made feathers or from some freaky fluorescent bird. There was a white one a few feet away, too. But, to be honest, it was garbage day, and a windy day at that. So, maybe they flew out of someone’s trash. Or, more likely , a freaky fluorescent blue bird flew by.  I like that idea better. Makes for a better story. But, some lucky feathers were placed in my path, none the less.

  
Also, on my walk, I found a tiny rusty screw,(perhaps, saving someone from a flat tire.) the white feather and a shiny metal washer.

  
Very interesting, right? Stop shaking your head! It’s a lucky feather thing! 

This evening was our DAS support group at St. Gabriel’s. I like to get to church  a little early to enjoy a little quiet personal prayer time. It’s such a simple, unadorned, peaceful church. I especially love the crucifix with its natural rustic wooden features. The rows of white lilies were lined up like trumpets by the altar, proclaiming the resurrection. 

It’s the little things you see. The small wonders, the simple nuances, are the sites that make your eyes see what the soul searches for. Can you see the glow from the skylights above and the door? 

   
I was the only one there at that moment. Just me and my thoughts and prayers. The wonders that we see, if we only look.

Friday : Feathers, Friends, and a Fridge Full of Fast Food

A heart without dreams is like a bird without feathers.Suzy Kassem

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Friday again? Man… where did the week go ? Kickboxing class this morning was such a rush that I came home, grabbed my sunglasses, ND visor and went for a run. Did I say run? It actually was a joggle. That’s what I call my slow run, half jog and half jiggle wiggle. I only lasted about 20 minutes in the heat, but in my defense, I had to get home and shower  before my 11 o’clock dentist appointment. 

My appointment was quick, just adjusting a crown, and I was out in 18 minutes. Off to the square to visit friends at Sweet Spot Bakery, then lunch with Lynda at The Pantry. Awesome chicken fried chicken. Shoulda taken a picture. You’d be jealous. 

Stopped to run some errands on my way home , and found a lucky feather. A sign!

  
Did I mention I go out to eat a lot? Well, when I came home to put my doggie bag of chicken in the fridge, there wasn’t much room. Can you tell where I’ve been in the last few days?

  
You should see the freezer! Maybe another time. Everytime I open the jam- packed freezer full of leftovers, invariably something hard and frozen slides out and falls on my foot. 

It was a good day. Oooh! Not done yet. It’s Black Russian Friday. Yay !

  
  

Friday:Friends, Frustration, and a Feather

“Every writer is a frustrated actor who recites his lines in the hidden auditorium of his skull.”
― Rod Serling
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Frustration is a big part of life isn’t it? I’ve been trying to reduce stress by slowing down a little. The boxes and unpacking can wait. I’m trying to focus on positive things and spending time with friends.

My Friday started out on a bright note. I received a package from my friend Debbie in Chicago. When I opened it, it brought a smile to my face. “Home Sweet Home.” It’s true. Now, I’m in my new house.

After unpacking a few boxes, it was almost time to leave for Towne Creek, where I volunteer. But, I left a little earlier because I had a low tire pressure light on my car dashboard. I stopped at the dealer, as they said they use nitrogen in the tires. Last time this happened, it just took a few minutes, and it was done. This time, I waited twenty minutes before someone came out and said there was a nail in the tire, and the nail was in a place that wouldn’t allow repair. It needed to be replaced for about $180. What do you say? No, don’t fix it?

The tire wasn’t the only frustration. Not only was I going to be very late for my senior art group, BUT, I had ice cream and brownies to take to Towne Creek in the car, and an hour and a half later, I still didn’t have my car. Yikes! I walked out to the service area to talk to someone. Then, something made me smile for the second time. There, on the concrete floor in the middle of the service area, was a feather. Yep, a feather. Now, where did that come from? I took a breath and decided to be patient. Signs!

It all worked out. I got my car, the ice cream that was in an insulated bag wasn’t too mushy, and my seniors were happy to see me. We had tea, ice cream and brownies, then worked on a little painting.

So, being a frustrated actor, I recite the lines in the hidden auditorium of my skull…and here in my daily blog.

Theme Song Thursday: Feathers and Angels

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Psalm 91:4
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I found a feather today, no longer questioning or analyzing, just knowing that it is a sign. My signs are more frequent and more assuring. All good things to come, with patience and faith, I grow stronger every day. Faith, feathers, and friendship.

My faithful feather for today. From an angel? I think so.

I find refuge under His wings.

Friday: Friends of a Feather

“Birds of the same feathers flock together, and when they flock together they fly so high.”
― Cecil Thounaojam
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I keep finding feathers and pennies where ever I go. The universe, or my guardian angel is telling my that all is well. I know this, but the little reminders are helpful. Thank you universe.

I found this beautiful feather on one of my walk/runs yesterday. When the pent up anger and energy builds up, I am gifted with a feather or a penny to remind me that I am blessed, and that I am loved. Then a real bird comes to laugh with me and make me smile.

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I went shopping this morning, had lunch with my friend Zumba Karen, (not her real name), my friend Lynne with the baby called, (the baby is in school already), I went to Towne creek and shared the afternoon with my senior artist friends, went for a run, talked to my sister Jo, and sat to collapse.
Then, to make my evening complete, my son Joe called and we talked for almost an hour about his vacation and other such pleasantries. Life is good!

Towne creek artists hard at work.

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