Wordless Wednesday: A Park Picnic

Once Upon a Time

Forty-three years ago, today. Was I a fool? No, that's too harsh. I think it is more accurate to say that I was young, hopeful, and idealistic. I knew there was no such thing as a handsome prince on a white stallion coming my way, but I really hoped I had found true love. Ya know, the one. A car crash ended that dream.

So, what have I learned? A lot:
1. To depend on myself
2. To be open to some "prince" but to not seek him
3. To be thankful for my wonderful family who supported me through so much
4. To appreciate my brief time with my one and only husband who helped me  get real and toss the happily-ever-after marriage myth out of my system
5. To finally REALLY understand that happiness comes from within
6. And to...it needs to be said again...depend on myself

Confucius Say

After eating last night's birthday feast of Chinese food, I suspiciously eyed the traditional cookie, wondering if the fortune inside would be something prophetic for the coming year.

As it turns out, the little white piece of paper held very wise words that I now, being retired, actually have the time to put into practice.

I appreciate this reminder of what has become a mantra of sorts for me after all the years of stress and hustle when, too driven to step off life's ever-speeding treadmill, I didn't take time to delight in the riches all around me.

 I like to think that I am now making up for those lost moments, treasuring the present but also reflecting back to give the many positives in my life the warm mental smiles they never received when I was madly dashing about letting my watch and daily planner control my life. How did I get so caught up in that race without without a finish line?  

And so another birthday has come and gone after being properly celebrated with the warm wishes of family and friends. And Chinese food. Yes, another year gone well. Whew. I am pausing to enjoy it.



Janice in Wonderland

The sands of the present trickle slowly

Through the hourglass of time

Becoming memories of days gone by

Lived to the fullest.

Regrets, a few, are pushed aside

To watch the grains gently drift through space

And arrive peacefully at journey's end

When each moment touches the past.

Lingering sands yet to descend

Eagerly await their chance

To plummet to new adventures and happenings

In the often challenging wonderland of living.

janice

2010

Written for Magpie Tales

To Market, To Market

The farm market was as wonderful as always this morning; I am never disappointed.

I found some very delicious looking melons and loaded up on salad greens, since salads with lots of great veggies are a staple around my house.

Mmmm...that should be delicious for dinner tonight.

All I need to do is add a couple of my gorgeous Julia Child heirlooms.

The main treat of the outing, however, was to stock up on artichoke hummus, a local product made in Petaluma by The Hummus Guy.

Loaded with chick peas, sesame tahini, artichoke hearts and...oh yes...lots of garlic, it is "to die for", and my fridge is never without it.

Another successful day at the local farm market...

Forbidden

Temptation

Seductively calls my name

As the twilight calmly creeps forward

And envelopes me in deepening darkness.

Will I be strong

Or will I break,

Carelessly but successfully escaping

Willpower's too gentle grasp?

janice

2010

Written for Magpie Tales

Wordless Wednesday: A Sign of Irony