6:30 a.m., it is a beautiful dark rainey morning. After being poked and prodded and used as a sleeping cushion all night long by Shiva, I decide my night of unrestful sleep is over, and get up to enjoy the morning darkness.
J.R. is sleeping soundly, so I quitely crawl out of bed, grab my robe, and leave the bedroom. Angel, the demon kitty, is waiting as usual outside the bedroom door to greet me and walk me into the kitchen.
My, what a beautiful morning. This is the best time of morning, in my opinion. Everything and everyone still sleeping, no sounds anywhere, except those of a few cars passing on the road in front of the house. I love living in the country.
Angel makes a mad dash for the back door, wanting to start her usual inside, outside thing she does every morning. As I open the door to let her out the wind rushing in and surrounds my face with its cool morning chill. I love this feeling. This is going to be a great morning.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Summertime
I'm sitting in the sunroom, sipping a cup of herbal jasmine tea, on a cool and overcast late April afternoon. The rain the last few days has been good. It’s cleaned the air to a sweet, intoxicating perfume (I just can’t be outside enough right now!) and is giving our lawn & veggies & flowers a run through Mother Nature’s Natural And Most Effective Sprinkler And Irrigation System a.k.a. MNNAMESAIS (For those of you that need acronyms). As I savor this hot, familiar nectar, my eyes cast out beyond the glass confines and take in the splendid views, of which I will never tire.
The field behind us is coming into being, shedding its winter coat and springing forth in grandeur. The Timothy Grass is starting to rise, searching for gentle breezes and the summer sun, it’s soothing carousel of greens make a beautiful backdrop.
The "park" is awakening. This is an area of my neighbor's property that is undeveloped and natural. There are tons of trees and is residence to many wonderful creatures that choose to call it home. We even have some Hawks nesting there, and have the last few summers. The paths are mowed to allow access for "All creatures, great and small." Welcome back, Mr. Park, congratulations on surviving another harsh winter!
In the foreground, my pond. Built it with my own two hands, and the help of my Nieces’ husband Josh. You are a good man, Josh. We hand dug and removed every morsel of dirt to make that hole just right and once she was full of water, Josh & I made several trips to the local quarry and hand picked every single rock that surrounds her welcoming shores. It is in its first full year now and I am so proud. There are a few bullfrogs that have taken up residence. They’re kinda getting used to me, pretty cute little guys and gals in a frog sort of way, plus they are starting to find their "little froggie" voices to serenade us. It should be a grand symphony at its finest by the time summer rolls around.
I am going to put a pump in this year, maybe some goldfish and definitely some additional plants. I planted a small little Oak tree between it and the field last week (just before the rain, am I good or what?). Should be a nice addition and provide some excellent shade and set the tone when she gets bigger.
Speaking of trees, my eyes move away from the glorious life-giving pond and focus on my two soon-to-be-majestic Maple trees. My thoughts go back to those that have given me grief about planting them where I did, I respect their knowledge and concern, but that's a price I am willing to pay. I know maintenance is a bitch, but they grow fast and provide a great canopy and privacy. That's my reason and hopefully, my rationale will guide me safely through this. No negativity. Only positive. Aum. I do love these little babies, look at em’, they’re so cute, let em' grow!
My eyes trail from the Maples and fix on the pool. It is covered again, sadly. I had it opened for a while, poor little thing is eager for bodies of all shapes and sizes to enjoy the pleasures that lie within its concrete boundaries, but Nature says not quite yet. Little petals from our flowering Crab Apples are covering everything right now. Looks pretty, but Lord what a process to clean up.
The patio furniture is in place, minus the cushions, which makes it look like intricate iron statues placed carefully about my lanai. They are pretty, but will be glad when they are modestly covered with their cushions.
My eyes reconnect with the pool. A crooked little grin sets up shop at the corners of my mouth and then expands slowly to a smile. I ease back on the seat, get just right and close my eyes.
Spring forward to Swimming Season. My favorite time of the year. What do I love most about it? To feel the warmth of the concrete on my bare feet, the coolness of a drink in my hand, the evenings with my baby, holding hands and looking into her eyes, laying on a float, staring up at that golden orb in a perfectly blue sky, or star-filled extravaganza, feeling the coolness of the water and heat of the sun, listening to music emanating from the outdoor speakers (Not overbearing though, good neighbor policy!), sitting with friends and family, sharing conversations, talking about how good the tomatoes are looking and how the salsa bowl needs to be refilled, children laughing, the smells - various levels of sunscreen, burgers, dogs, brats or Portabellas grilling, and chlorine in the air, or perhaps all the above?
Yep. I think so, and many more that don’t come to mind right now. I also know that a huge factor, and probably the second most important to me, in looking forward to Swimming Season, is seeing the radiant joy that the pool has brought to so many people, young and old.
Second you say? You ask what the number one factor is that I look forward to each and every Swimming Season? The Pièce de résistance? The Butter on the Bread? The Gravy on the Taters? The Ultimate Thrill of the Swimming Season? Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Grandmas and Grandpas, Cousins and those that marry Cousins. Here it is! The well-timed cannon ball, when you can really surprise those unsuspecting victims! There is nothing better than stalking your prey, waiting for that just right moment, and then like a stealth fighter flying through the Afghanistan skies, you lock in on your target, head for the edge and at the last possible minute, scream “CANNONBALL!” There is nothing better. I love it. I do it every chance I get. I will do it again this year. The next victim could be you…
I was just about to hit the sparkling blue water, poised for the best one yet, when I was shaken from my reverie, the Sun's come out and I must get to work. It's still April. There is plenty to be done today. Gotta move some stumps into the Secret Garden and a few thousand other things!
By the way, just forget what I was saying about that cannonball thing. I don’t do it every chance I get.
Copyright April, 2010, "Summertime" by JR McIntire
The field behind us is coming into being, shedding its winter coat and springing forth in grandeur. The Timothy Grass is starting to rise, searching for gentle breezes and the summer sun, it’s soothing carousel of greens make a beautiful backdrop.
The "park" is awakening. This is an area of my neighbor's property that is undeveloped and natural. There are tons of trees and is residence to many wonderful creatures that choose to call it home. We even have some Hawks nesting there, and have the last few summers. The paths are mowed to allow access for "All creatures, great and small." Welcome back, Mr. Park, congratulations on surviving another harsh winter!
In the foreground, my pond. Built it with my own two hands, and the help of my Nieces’ husband Josh. You are a good man, Josh. We hand dug and removed every morsel of dirt to make that hole just right and once she was full of water, Josh & I made several trips to the local quarry and hand picked every single rock that surrounds her welcoming shores. It is in its first full year now and I am so proud. There are a few bullfrogs that have taken up residence. They’re kinda getting used to me, pretty cute little guys and gals in a frog sort of way, plus they are starting to find their "little froggie" voices to serenade us. It should be a grand symphony at its finest by the time summer rolls around.
I am going to put a pump in this year, maybe some goldfish and definitely some additional plants. I planted a small little Oak tree between it and the field last week (just before the rain, am I good or what?). Should be a nice addition and provide some excellent shade and set the tone when she gets bigger.
Speaking of trees, my eyes move away from the glorious life-giving pond and focus on my two soon-to-be-majestic Maple trees. My thoughts go back to those that have given me grief about planting them where I did, I respect their knowledge and concern, but that's a price I am willing to pay. I know maintenance is a bitch, but they grow fast and provide a great canopy and privacy. That's my reason and hopefully, my rationale will guide me safely through this. No negativity. Only positive. Aum. I do love these little babies, look at em’, they’re so cute, let em' grow!
My eyes trail from the Maples and fix on the pool. It is covered again, sadly. I had it opened for a while, poor little thing is eager for bodies of all shapes and sizes to enjoy the pleasures that lie within its concrete boundaries, but Nature says not quite yet. Little petals from our flowering Crab Apples are covering everything right now. Looks pretty, but Lord what a process to clean up.
The patio furniture is in place, minus the cushions, which makes it look like intricate iron statues placed carefully about my lanai. They are pretty, but will be glad when they are modestly covered with their cushions.
My eyes reconnect with the pool. A crooked little grin sets up shop at the corners of my mouth and then expands slowly to a smile. I ease back on the seat, get just right and close my eyes.
Spring forward to Swimming Season. My favorite time of the year. What do I love most about it? To feel the warmth of the concrete on my bare feet, the coolness of a drink in my hand, the evenings with my baby, holding hands and looking into her eyes, laying on a float, staring up at that golden orb in a perfectly blue sky, or star-filled extravaganza, feeling the coolness of the water and heat of the sun, listening to music emanating from the outdoor speakers (Not overbearing though, good neighbor policy!), sitting with friends and family, sharing conversations, talking about how good the tomatoes are looking and how the salsa bowl needs to be refilled, children laughing, the smells - various levels of sunscreen, burgers, dogs, brats or Portabellas grilling, and chlorine in the air, or perhaps all the above?
Yep. I think so, and many more that don’t come to mind right now. I also know that a huge factor, and probably the second most important to me, in looking forward to Swimming Season, is seeing the radiant joy that the pool has brought to so many people, young and old.
Second you say? You ask what the number one factor is that I look forward to each and every Swimming Season? The Pièce de résistance? The Butter on the Bread? The Gravy on the Taters? The Ultimate Thrill of the Swimming Season? Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Grandmas and Grandpas, Cousins and those that marry Cousins. Here it is! The well-timed cannon ball, when you can really surprise those unsuspecting victims! There is nothing better than stalking your prey, waiting for that just right moment, and then like a stealth fighter flying through the Afghanistan skies, you lock in on your target, head for the edge and at the last possible minute, scream “CANNONBALL!” There is nothing better. I love it. I do it every chance I get. I will do it again this year. The next victim could be you…
I was just about to hit the sparkling blue water, poised for the best one yet, when I was shaken from my reverie, the Sun's come out and I must get to work. It's still April. There is plenty to be done today. Gotta move some stumps into the Secret Garden and a few thousand other things!
By the way, just forget what I was saying about that cannonball thing. I don’t do it every chance I get.
Copyright April, 2010, "Summertime" by JR McIntire
Friday, January 1, 2010
Reading with a Conscience
Do you love to read? Do you love a good bargain? Do you love companies that are socially and morally responsible? Then check out BetterWorldBooks.com
. This is a company that I love doing business with. It was started by three friends from the University of Notre Dame who started selling books online to make some extra money, and transpired to a company that has raised over 7.5 million dollars for global literacy.
. This is a company that I love doing business with. It was started by three friends from the University of Notre Dame who started selling books online to make some extra money, and transpired to a company that has raised over 7.5 million dollars for global literacy. 
I was told about this company from a friend who has a gregarious love of the written word! He told me that I had to check them out. He ranted and raved about how in addition to selling new titles, BetterWorldBooks.com supports book drives and collects used books from over 1800 colleges and 2000 libraries from around this great country of ours. I was sold.
supports book drives and collects used books from over 1800 colleges and 2000 libraries from around this great country of ours. I was sold. I immediately went online to check them out. I was deliciously surprised. I am drawn to companies that are trying to make a difference. Companies with a conscience, that’s the key to a better America and becoming a more responsible world partner. BetterWorldBooks.comis such a company. My first order was a completely positive experience and the overall shopping experience was first rate. Plus, all books are available for free shipping within the United States and only $3.97 worldwide!
is such a company. My first order was a completely positive experience and the overall shopping experience was first rate. Plus, all books are available for free shipping within the United States and only $3.97 worldwide! I highly recommend this wonderful company. I would suggest them to anyone that adores books, no hesitation. Let me close with a quote that I dearly love, that captures the essence of the written word.
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ~Charles W. Eliot
Stretching your Academic Dollars
Any college student, current or an alumni, who has ever experienced the sticker shock of visiting your campus book store to purchase books for your upcoming classes, will appreciate this recently discovered website I came across. It’s called www.ecampus.com
and it has the largest selection of college textbooks at a truly significant savings! It is fiscal salvation for those of us trying to make those dollars stretch in Academia.
and it has the largest selection of college textbooks at a truly significant savings! It is fiscal salvation for those of us trying to make those dollars stretch in Academia. www.ecampus.com offers many great alternatives, such as a wide variety of new and used textbooks, textbook rental and a really cool feature called etextbooks. These are cheaper than print books and you can download them instantly with no special reader required. This is a perfect way to go “green” and help preserve our limited natural resources. One other thing, www.ecampus.com will also buy your used textbooks!
offers many great alternatives, such as a wide variety of new and used textbooks, textbook rental and a really cool feature called etextbooks. These are cheaper than print books and you can download them instantly with no special reader required. This is a perfect way to go “green” and help preserve our limited natural resources. One other thing, www.ecampus.com will also buy your used textbooks! www.ecampus.com sells collegiate merchandise such as hats, sweatshirts and sportswear from all the major colleges and universities throughout this great land, and even offer a wide variety of supplies to provide the tools you need to help ensure your journey towards your degree is a successful one.
sells collegiate merchandise such as hats, sweatshirts and sportswear from all the major colleges and universities throughout this great land, and even offer a wide variety of supplies to provide the tools you need to help ensure your journey towards your degree is a successful one.I am currently enrolled online with a local university working on my Masters and have two grandchildren that will be attending college within the next four years! With the rising costs of tuition and supplies, it is reassuring to know that there is a site like www.ecampus.com out there to help save us all some money.
out there to help save us all some money. I hope this will give you an alternative option and help you save some money. I would like to stress again just how important saving for an education is in today’s society. Tuition and expenses continue to grow and the cost of an education is reaching forever skyward. Make frugal, but wise choices when it comes to spending your hard earned educational dollars.
Looking for a book? Find it here and Save up to 50% at eCampus.com!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
THE TRUTH ABOUT HYPNOSIS!
You are getting sleepy, very, very sleepy…
The clearest transition between the original concepts of hypnosis, developed in the 18th Century by Franz Anton Mesmer is modern therapeutic hypnosis represented by Surgeon James Braid. Braid coined the term hypnosis in 1843. The term refers to Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, because most forms of mesmerism at that time involved the production of an apparently sleep-like condition.
I have always been curious about the applications of hypnotic therapy and the benefits derived from these processes and recently purchased a book through a wonderful website called DeepTranceNow.com entitled Hypnosis for Change by Josie Hadley and Carol Staudacher. This is a must read for those curious about the field or the professional hypnotherapist.
Topics such as weight loss, quitting smoking, stress reduction, pain control and improving self-esteem are well covered in the book and lend to some very interesting reading and sound insight into this intriguing field of study.
I felt it was my civic responsibility to bring this informative book to the forefront in your quest for knowledge and also highly recommend visiting DeepTranceNow.com for all things hypnotic. I wish you good reading. Change your mind, experience hypnosis.
The clearest transition between the original concepts of hypnosis, developed in the 18th Century by Franz Anton Mesmer is modern therapeutic hypnosis represented by Surgeon James Braid. Braid coined the term hypnosis in 1843. The term refers to Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, because most forms of mesmerism at that time involved the production of an apparently sleep-like condition.
I have always been curious about the applications of hypnotic therapy and the benefits derived from these processes and recently purchased a book through a wonderful website called DeepTranceNow.com entitled Hypnosis for Change by Josie Hadley and Carol Staudacher. This is a must read for those curious about the field or the professional hypnotherapist.
Topics such as weight loss, quitting smoking, stress reduction, pain control and improving self-esteem are well covered in the book and lend to some very interesting reading and sound insight into this intriguing field of study.
I felt it was my civic responsibility to bring this informative book to the forefront in your quest for knowledge and also highly recommend visiting DeepTranceNow.com for all things hypnotic. I wish you good reading. Change your mind, experience hypnosis.
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