FrIday Fun

un-named post - Now named Steve

I was gone all day today...away from my computer...couldn't even check email..

I wanted to post something new, because I didn't want to leave you all feeling sad...or at the very least contemplative again today after yesterdays post.

So this is my un-named post just to top the other one..

Have a nice day

Thoughts and Meanderings

I stopped by my friend Vinny's website this morning. He posted a lovely tribute to a friend who recently passed away. It got me to thinking.

It got me to thinking about how blessed we are to be on this earth for whatever given time we have. My parents both passed at and early age, Mom was 53. Dad was 69 and my sister was only 29 when she passed away. I've had a a lot of heartache to deal with over the years. Each time I lost someone close to me, I would question God, The Universe. It's taken some time, but I do truly believe what I wrote in my comment to Vinny:

"We often ask ourselves why this happens...but in my heart I know for sure that the ultimate plan included this. Angels are sent to this earth to touch and enrich our lives...then they are called on to an even greater good. This is the case with your beautiful friend as well. I am sure."

As I was typing that out..it dawned on me that these were not mere words of comfort..although I hope they are..but this is what I do truly believe. I have been given some harsh lessons over the years and believe I have arrived at a place in my heart and head where I believe. I believe in those words..and I find can find comfort in loss, knowing that it is exactly as it should be at any given time.

This revelation has been working in positive ways for me in many situations in my life now. Daily struggles or events. Relationships old and new. I am open to whatever comes my way and I finally realize that its not always the best idea to "force" an outcome. There is indeed a bigger picture and I feel that I am able to finally understand and embrace that.



HUGS! and smiles today!

You Go Girl!

Kitchen Concert - Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy

I think my friends and I wore down the grooves on this record in the summer of 1973.

God I love Zeppelin!

Enjoy The Crunge and go directly to Dancin' Days, just like on the album.







Have a great weekend!!

Vacation Slide Show

Time to settle in and watch my vacation slideshow. OOOOO's and AHHHHH's appreciated..

You should be able to click on any of the photos for a larger view...

Gotta start somewhere

I think I'll start with a few pictures.....

We all know it's not a trip to New York without sampling the cuisine. Here I am enjoying a dirty water dog with sauerkraut and mustard..OH YUMM-O. We had just spent 4 hours at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art. One of my favorite places in all the world. When I viewed Van Gogh's "Wheat Field with Cypresses, 1889" I actually started to cry. I find it most amazing to actually be standing in front of a Van Gogh a Renoir, Manet, Monet. Picasso..etc. And not just one of each....many pieces..to me it is the most amazing experience..I'm still blown away...Oh and the Hot Dog was really good too...

After the Met, we walked down 5th Avenue to Central Park. I really like this picture of The Pond. I like the contrast of nature vs the skyscrapers.

This building caught my eye... I found this on the web:

"Hearst Tower in Midtown Manhattan has achieved official "green" status--the first office building in New York City to be recognized by the USGBC for high environmental performance both on its exterior (core and shell) and interior fit-out and systems". Pretty Cool!!

This is Wollman Rink. I actually saw my first ever rock concert here in July of 1972. We saw Don McClean - American Pie. Bill Withers opened for him. It will always be remembered as my first...therefore it's special like no other. This season the city has a little amusement park there. Rides and games for the kiddies. It made me happy to see the smiling people there. That spot has really good Karma!

This impressive sculpture by José de Creeft was unveiled in 1959 and overlooks the Conservatory Water.
Features Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Dormouse and the Cheshire Cat. It's magical!!

Ok, this is starting to feel like someones vacation slide show...I won't show you all 50 pictures...lol...so i will end for tonight...I will try to put a web album together soon,so those of you who actually want to view the photos can..

We had a wonderful trip!!

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll love ya....tomorrow

It's only a day away...

If all goes according to plan (and it should) Hubs and I will be off tomorrow to celebrate our 20 year wedding anniversary in New York City...THE City...Skyscrapers and everything. 20 years (and they said it wouldn't last!!)

The weather is supposed to be good...cooler temps and certainly lower humidity than here. We don't have an agenda..we plan on walking through the park..going to a museum or 2 and just being free. On Friday we'll pick up a car and drive out to NJ to visit friends and go antiquing. We'll be home Sunday evening.

I'm fairly psyched as is he...we love NY. So I'll be out of the bloop (short for blog-loop) till next week.

HUGS!!

Kitchen Concerts- Neil Young

There is something about hearing Neil Young that utterly transforms me back into a 17 year old girl. He sings with his heart and he jams like no other. This kitchen concert is really an At Work concert today. I should be working but I am listening to these songs. All of which can be found on Neil's awesome compilation record "Decade"...Enjoy..I am!

I Am A Child

Tell Me Why

Cortez The Killer

Friday Puzzler - Jigsaw

Have a great weekend!!!!

HUGS!!

Kitchen Concerts- Donovan & The Allman Bros Band

I have another blog Kitchen Concerts...perhaps you have visited it at some point. I haven't posted there in quite some time and I thought I would incorporate that blog with this blog. So that being said, I will occasionally post a Kitchen Concert here. Songs that I love, from albums that I treasure or have yet to own. I'll share a brief thought and the tune.

Yesterday on XM Deep Tracks - my absolute favorite radio station - played 2 songs back to back. Mountain Jam off Eat A Peach by the Allman Brothers Band followed by the studio version of The Grateful Dead's Scarlet Begonias from Mars Hotel. Two of my most favorite albums of all time.

I emailed my friend Vinny from The Big Leather Couch because I know what an aficionado he is of music (as are most you you dear readers, one of the reasons I love you all). We got to corresponding about Mountain Jam. I mentioned my love for the song and how it was derived or should I say inspired by Donovan's There is a Mountain. To my utmost surprise, Vinny said he did not know that..so I thought I would share MY tutelage as it were with Vinny and y'all.

So here is...Donovan's There Is A Mountain followed by Mountain Jam.

Ok let me be honest here..

It may not even be that I have a block..it really could be that I am feeling extremely lazy. I don't even want to think! I could blame it on the weather..it has just suddenly turned summer here with no hope of a respite from the heat and humidity until Novemeber..ACK!

or..it could be that my life is somewhat quiet and relaxed at the moment. I'm afraid to say that though because when I have disclosed a serene patch in the past... it usually is ended quickly by high drama. I hate to jinx the tranquility.

Oh I know..I know...my husband and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary next week in NYC. I am really excited about going back North. I grew up a mere 15 miles from Manhattan and it is one of my favorite places on earth. We have no real agenda there except to enjoy our city. Go to a museum or 2. Walk around in Central Park. Eat some good food. Enjoy each other. But again I have been remiss in talking about it because...when I do, something comes along to jinx it. Last year our Cali trip got canceled..and that really bummed me out. I am trying to be optimistic..but I am afraid...ok not too afraid, but still. If you think you know me at all....I am usually a fairly sunshiny and optimistic person...so the feeling of pessimism doesn't sit well with me.

Well that's all I can think of today...thanks to all of you loyal readers for stopping my blog. I appreciate you all immensely.

HUGS!!

Bloggers Block

It happens to the best of us. Life gets busy and Blogger takes a back seat. Then when I have a moment to finally post something. I can't think of a thing.

I'll figure something out..

HUGS!