“Listen To People Who Know More Than You Do. Then Do It Your Own Way.”

One shot.

There are things in life that you get one chance at. Whether you miss that shot, mess it up, remember it differently with time, or look back and smile, some things.... only offer themselves... ONCE. That first kiss, a first impression, a final we love you, or a visit to let someone know in person that the moment matters. Sometimes, that once in a lifetime moment is especially impactful because of the challenges that come with it. Thing is, when you look back at those moments, and have to face that you missed them, because it was ... difficult... will you be okay with the changes that came with that choice? If you take the chance and it doesn't go quite as hoped, will you at least find comfort in knowing you tried? Whatever your thoughts, just remember, not all once in a lifetime shots, come with a full color brochure. Sometimes, those moments head your way with a subtle smile, a twisted conversation, and even silent heartache. Pay attention, and notice the little things because well... they might be the only sign you get before one of those life changing "one shot" moments.

hahaha Okay... I grumbled.. now for the more uplifting stuff. Grumble, complain... then feed the mind and body with healthy happy using some fresh bananas and blueberries in some blueberry banana Cheerios. Cool, refreshing, and healthy.

Now THAT looks like a baseball game I would pay to watch but it is nice to know I can watch it on YouTube. Thank you "60 Minutes" for introducing me to it.

We live in a world of options. I don't always understand those options but, we definitely live in a world full of them. Here are a couple of today's rather entertaining .... options.

Old dogs CAN learn new tricks!

It's fun. When we're young we get shoved in many directions by those who are supposed to be "teaching" us. We don't realize just how broken most of those folks are and to be fair, they usually don't have a clue either. As we grow and experience life, we get shoved around by reality and forced to play by certain rules because well, things don't slow down long enough in many cases to realize there are other options. Here's where I giggle and say again... broken humans creating broken humans. But, if we're lucky... there comes a point where we can take a breath, look around, see just how twisty things, situations, and people really are.... and begin to rethink how we want to navigate our way through the chaos. That's where I'm at. It's messy. I make mistakes. I wander around clueless a lot. I flop onto the floor and just wait for things to give me less of a headache. I try new things. I laugh and cross some things off my try, or try again, lists. And sometimes... I squeal like a hyper six year old and giggle bounce trying to show anyone who will pay attention my most recent accomplishment... even if sometimes it seems MUCH bigger to me than it would to ANYONE else. hahaha The important part here is that I'm learning a LOT about who I am, who I was sort of forced to pretend to be, and how the actual me can function more smoothly in the world of twisty humans. I'm beginning to understand glitches, adjust my priorities, find new ways of seeking the options I want, and having plenty of fun in the process. I really wish I could have done this when my brain and body were a bit more... cooperative but hey... take it when ya get it right? heh Anyway... I've shared. I hope you're having some fun in the little glimmery moments of life. Laters.

haha Okay, I won't lie, I bought this because my curiosity was sparked by a soda called Curiosity Cola. It's actually pretty good so, no regrets. haha

The many faces of loss

I always get so grumbly with humans that think loss is a simple thing. A death, job change, relationship end, and many other forms of loss can have lasting, and often hidden (even to the one dealing with it) effects. So many people focus on the short term handling of the loss, or the lingering obvious issues and seem to think they know how the person should or shouldn't be acting. It's complete ridiculousness. NOBODY has ANY right to tell ANYONE how they should feel, or how the loss impacts them in their own realities. EVERY SINGLE CREATURE deals with each loss in their own ways. Some of the effects can be dealt with quickly and easily, some make permanent changes and will never be fully understood. NEVER.... EVER... let ANYONE tell you that you are somehow broken, or messed up, for how a loss impacts your own thoughts. Those who are trying to help will usually offer support, reassurance, patience, and space. If the person you think is there to help is pressuring you, making you feel like something is wrong with you, or is irritated by how things are effecting you... they are clearly NOT as helpful as they want to believe they are. If someone doesn't understand and is a bit inconvenienced because of your handling of a loss, that... is completely understandable... BUT... if they allow that to become an attitude towards you... THEY are the ones with a problem... NOT YOU! This human experience does not come with complete and foolproof instructions. We each have to figure things out in our own ways, no matter how many others try to tell us they have all the answers. So, if you're out there, and you're dealing with something, and you're feeling a bit beaten.... just remember.... you got this. There are those of us out there that understand it's complicated, it takes time, and USUALLY it's a lot more messy than anyone cares to admit. Just keep picking at it. You'll get where you need to be with it, if you really want to. Believe. ... Much love.

DANGER PLANTS!

As everything poofs back into life I am reminded of the battle I had in "my" little piece of the planet. When people speak of poisonous plants... I often heard about giant hogweed and parsnip. What I encountered was a plant that didn't quite fit those descriptions but packed more of a punch than either ever has for me. That plant was hemlock. Now I know.... giant hogweed, parsnip, and most definitely hemlock.... AVOID AT ALL COSTS! If you find them in your yard or somewhere you need to clear... COVER EVERYTHING. Mask, goggles, long sleeves, full pants... gloves, the works. Those plants are seriously NO JOKE. I was lucky and only had a rash on my arm but I won't lie, it was not a nice one, and it stuck around much longer than expected. That was from what seemed like a very quick bump when putting it in the bag to go out. With more research I've learned what all three are capable of and honestly... I don't plan to take ANY chances should they pop up again. I'll be covered head to toe and I'll be burning whatever bits of the base I can't dig out. NOT FUN!

Never too old to learn.

Today I learned that you can smell a mint plant by basically giving it a grab n stroke. I also learned what one version of a wormwood plant looks like and that Modelo Negra is at least acceptable as long as ya don't let it sit too long. To be fair though, I'm not really a beer person so all of them struggle to impress me completely. I also learned that the mint plant I chose SHOULD help eliminate the regrowth of some of the danger plants in the one section of my yard. This, was VERY pleasing information. I also learned that chicken and waffles, as goofy as it sounds, can be an enjoyable combination. Yes, today... was very educational. lol

RAWR!

I hope all you humans are having some fun today. Me? Oh, I got to do a yard chore that required the use of a sledgehammer so yes... I am doing quite well today. When one can use a sledgehammer to be productive, it's good mental and physical health... as long as you don't hit yourself that is. hahaha