Clover

Part of the journey is the ability to find a bit of sweetness, something unknown.
From here, I can see the cabin hiding in the trees.

Friday's Random Thoughts...

I am hungry for manicotti or Irish stew. I have a manicotti recipe.

My back is very stiff this morning. I'm hunched over like a fairy tale witch.

I hate the running of the bulls.

After standing in Deep Creek this week, I want to find the road that takes me to the creek up past that.

I really need a pickup.

Fourth of July

"We must always separate the War from the Warrior and be never failing in our support for our Men and Women of the Armed Forces." ~ American Veterans Traveling Tribute website

Twenty-some years ago, I started wearing my first POW MIA bracelet bearing the name of Richard Mallon, CPT, Air Force. My mom had been wearing a bracelet with his name on it for years. Two months before I graduated from high school, it was announced that his remains had been repatriated. I requested a new bracelet, this one bearing the name of another name from Oregon, Bennie Dexter, TSGT, Air Force. To date, he has not been returned home. I think of him often, of him and his family, of how it must feel to really never know.

I had a chance encounter last week with a man whose son recently returned from Iraq, having been injured while trying to carry one of his friends to safety. It sounds like it has been a long, painful process for his son. As the man was leaving, I told him I was glad his son came home and wished him a full recovery. The man said things were going well and his son would be fine. He paused, then commented that it wasn't like when he came home from Viet Nam, came home to being called a baby-killer and worse.

Yesterday, I stood in a crowd of veterans as they came together to escort the Traveling Tribute down to Tulelake, where it will be for the weekend. This weekend, the weekend to celebrate freedom, something we wouldn't have if not for the men and women who have stood up and done a task that for so many is just too hard, involving too much sacrifice.

Every veteran has a story to tell.

Friday's Random Thoughts...

It's hard to get a morning workout in when the kitten wants lap time. Maybe she needs one of those lap-shaped pillows.

Woke up with a little headache this morning. The skunk that passed by outside isn't helping that at all.

The burger recipe on NPR this morning made me hungry for a good bbq burger.

I love my camera.

July

On the mornings when the air is soft like a worn cotton t-shirt, I seek you.
The scent of honeysuckle and roses drifts lazily on the breeze,
reminding me of a best friend or beloved, something safe and gentle, familiar.
The grass is cool and damp, kissing bare toes.

I am here, with intention, honor, and truth in my heart.

Friday's Random Thoughts...

Lots of loss this week. It's horrific to see and hear the vultures circling, taking shots, when people are in grief.

Yet, if there is a lesson, it is always say what needs to be said to the people you love, because tomorrow is not a guarantee. I love you. You mean the world to me. You make my world a better place to be. Always say these things. Never assume the other person knows. Say it even if it drives them crazy. Because there are no guarantees, and some day, all those words will be a comfort. Never leave someone wondering how you feel about them.

I have a little project to do this morning. I really want to get it done so I can have some playtime this afternoon. Yet, numbers are involved, which always makes projects take longer than necessary. Especially if it involves percentages.

It's bbq and picnic weather. That is fantastic.

I cannot believe it is almost July.

Current state....

 

Sometimes I hold my breath, wondering where this life is going.

Everywhere I look, all the stories I read, the message is the same:

We are all hanging on by a thread.

But at least we are hanging on. Speaking out. Hoping.
Someone has to be listening.