life safari - Thanksgiving Day

Try not to eat too much turkey and end up like this today.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

good books that hold my interest. I am now reading The Shack by William P. Young
for friends who call and E-mail "Happy Thanksgiving wishes" thank you
another day of life
that it is a mild weather - day
for fellowship with family
for a wonderful story about life in dAAve's post this morning
for God's Grace
for Precious and her companionship
that I am sober, clean, smoke-free - most of all, I am alive and well and able to sit up and take nourishment
I have no idea what my sister's menu is today but I look forward to whatever it is
to still be a bit shy about my spiritual worship - I just can not seem to feel at ease as I did in the past
perhaps I still have too many questions and doubts
there was a time that I would never say or admit this out loud
I also know that when I stop thinking about it all so much, I will come to a natural and pleasing conclusion
I tell myself - "have faith" and "let go and Let God"

life safari 11-26-08

Thank you Lord for the beauties of Nature all around me. I feel closest to God when I am enjoying the sights and sounds of the living things - animals, birds, plants, flowers...

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I am alive to see and hear the beauty right in my own yard
to be sober, clean and smoke-free another day
another day without some unwelcome chaos
that Precious is in my life
that all of you that read this are in my life - well, we all know of one exception (the chaos I refered to)
the day off tomorrow and possibly Friday too
to sit at the dinner table with my family tomorrow and enjoy their company and good food
for the Grace of God - I am coming out of one more "dry" periods of spirituality
I may have finally put to rest my doubts regarding my beliefs
the knowledge that no one can go through my trials for me
for this beautiful weather
to be alive and well
thank YOU

life safari 11-25-08

Boy, I wish I was on this road right now. A vacation would be a welcome reprieve about now.

Happy Tuesday everyone ! M/S has given me a nice gift - they will have no meetings this week -yahoo !!!! No late nights. That's almost as good as a vacation. Or, at least it will suffice for now.

I am Grateful and Thankful for...

my life as it is today - it needs tweaking, but all is well
Precious and I are well and have each other's company
the relatively "cold" temperatures are nice. It warms up nicely during the afternoon
a relaxing morning
another day of being sober, clean and smoke-free
Thanksgiving day with my sister and brother-in-law
that I am not sad about anything today (as opposed to the recent past)
that it is a beautiful, clear and bright day
that I truly like The Secret Life of Bees - a great read !
thank YOU

life safari 11-21-08

my nose feels t h i s big

Friday -yeah !! I only wish I felt better physically. Had to breathe through my mouth last night and woke up very dry at 6:00 am.

Couldn't go back to sleep for knowledge of needing to wrap some pipes outside. So, around 8:30, I got wrapped up and got the pipes wrapped up nice and warm.

I would really like to stay home today but am not able to do so.

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

getting the pipes wrapped

that this cold will run it's course - eventually

to have reading material at work that I can enjoy

that Friday's are relatively slow

for Precious

many other things I am grateful for which I am not listing here today

life safari 11-20-08

Another beautiful day (somewhat foggy) and, it's payday. Hopefully the boss will remember to go pick up our checks.

I seem to have been in a place of fantasy for awhile. Although friends and loved ones tried to shed light on the issues, I would have none of it. Now, upon digging into research on my own, I find that what they were trying to tell me, is in fact, what I have discovered in my research.

The subject has to do with the Bible and religion. I have many questions for my Sponsor and now have ears to hear what he has to say. Unlike in times past.

Now, I get to find a place where I can be comfortable - in my own skin, in the manner in which I want to worship, and begin anew - with eyes and heart open to new ways of thinking and living.

It amazes me how silly (sheepish) I feel regarding these matters. However, I am not going to dwell on this point. I am going to ask, listen, dig, read as much as possible, as I have done, and carve out a space for myself that is comfortable and workable.

I feel like a new person this morning. Last evening I felt like I had been hit with a frying pan.
(good to have a hard head sometimes).

It is Thursday and a good day to be alive !

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for the love and patience of my friends/loved ones
for work and paydays
that Precious is an awesome cat and lives with me
for an awakening that sets me on a new path
to realize that it's all about The Love

life safari 11-19-08

Well, too bad that the fanatic and highly ill mikey is back on the scene.

I have reported his discremenitory and lewd blogs to the powers that be of blogs and internet.

He is actually being watched and monitored now, so, he may be off the line very soon - Praise God.

For this, I am very Grateful and Thankful.

Also, just found out that a friend from the past was found deceased a week or so ago.

So sorry my friend ! Her passing has been very hard on one of my other friends and I hold both in my heart and prayers.

I am most Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I am alive and well today

Precious is too

I am thinking ahead about my own arrangements for my day of passing

I finally got someone at the funeral home to get off of high-center and look into my inquiry

this beautiful weather-wow, it makes being alive so rich and refreshing

for the home I have and the beauty of the atrium area - such as it is

I say this because a friend has a much prettier setup at her home and I tend to wish that is what I have - rather, I am Blessed to have what I have and appreciate it

Thank YOU God for the Blessings of my home and set-up

I sometimes want what I do not have and forget that I have something other's wish they had

I am Blessed to have anything - what I have is very special to me at this very moment

today, I am going to hang onto this feeling of Gratitude for the Blessings I have right here, right now

Thanks Be to God

Amen

life safari 11-18-08

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCOTT !!!!!

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful...

for this absolutely fantastic day in Houston

for my sobriety and my friend's, Scott W

for Precious

that the dark mood of last night has left me

for God's Grace

thank YOU

life safari 11-17-08

I heard a news report just a few moments ago and it just had me in tears on my knees.
A horse, someones pet was found dead from being struck between the eyes with a sledge hammer. I am absolutely stricken with grief. How can man be so cruel to animals. How can man be so cruel to man. What sort of person or persons can do this type of cruelty? Animals, I reason, can't talk back, can be tied up and restrained to have this hell visited upon them. But, right after that thought comes to mind that the same things are done to people too - every day some place in this world. How truly tragic and sad. God forgive us - mankind-mancruel

tonight, I am Grateful and Thankful...

that seeing a stray cat at the Post Office on my way home, I am so happy and grateful that Precious is safe and sound

I held her to me tightly and kissed her as I always do when I see animals running loose. I'm so glad she is safe !

that I do not miss drinking

that Jack is in remission. He has a cancer scan Dec. 2nd. I am praying that he will be cancer-free and remain so - it is a Miracle that he is in remission after his condition from radiation

I am doing well on my diet and exercise routine this week

that there are plenty of non-fattening crunchy foods I can eat to dull hunger

that I am not or do I know any cruel people

for the pleasure of friendship. Mary, a friend has come back into my life and I am enjoying our times together

for a social weekend

for having 11 years sober and clean today

that I celebrated with friends and family at the noon meeting

that I am moved to pray for man's cruelty to cease

for God's Grace

thank YOU

Saturday, Nov. 15th, 2008 I am (and a friend) going to a Punk Rock concert.

My hair dresser and some of her friends had a very famous band called MyDolls. They actually toured and got on radio and many other accolades before they stopped playing in 1986.

I was not aware of Trish until just a bit later. My best friend back when knew Trish and went to her gigs. There is another band member whom I know and, again, much later met.

Now, the two are playing at the Noise and Smoke fate Saturday night @ Notsuoh/

Dean's. The MyDolls go on stage at 11:00 pm. Mary and I will be there, I hope you will join us Saturday Night.

This morning, I am Grateful and Thankful...

just to be alive another day

to have eyes and ears to see and hear the beautiful birds that visit in the atrium

that I have a job

that God gave me the company of Precious

apparently Lucy is hanging in there and is still giving her love to clients at Wavelength Salon

that I got up and at 'em early this morning

for the Grace of God

Thank YOU

life safari 11-12-08

Good morning. Houston has been getting some daily rain - we have needed some.

I don't know why or when I decided this but 12 is my favorite number. It's even, it's nice and big - soothing to my eyes. It sounds good when said -twelve - nice !

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

to be alive another day
that I am healthy
I am sober, clean and smoke-free
I live with a cat that is the most Precious thing that owns me
to have plans for the weekend - something out of the ordinary
to be able to feel pain for a friend as she faces the impending death of a beloved pet
that I have been privileged to know Lucy - a wonderful Golden Retriever
We will still have our Rosie, Lucy's pal. Rosie went through some hairy physical trials in the past as well (another awesome Golden Retriever)
the Grace of God - without which I am toast
thank YOU

I would like to mention :
Houston lost our little 2 year old elephant at the Houston Zoo Sunday. It was unexpected, fast and very devastating to all the Zoo personnel
One of many elephants we have lost to herpesvirus in our history - very unfortunate. Not a "sexual" cause of the virus. As a matter of fact, humans carry this virus in our body. No one knows what sets it off.

You were well loved and will be greatly missed, Mac !

life safari - 11-9-08

What a nice day and evening this is.

The weather today was as perfect as it can be for this time of year here in H-Town.

A friend from my recent past called and we got together today after church. We laughed and talked and had a wonderful time. I have not laughed that much or that loud in a very long time !

She has recently remodeled her home. She did the work herself and it is absolutely beautiful ! Mary is her name and she rewired her home, laid new floors, laid new tile and many other things. It is a nice thing to know that if you have the will, are willing to read books and get in and TRY (yes, she was stumped a time or two), one can get it done and save that money to hire it out.
She has a beautiful back yard. Her home backs up to a cooling lake from a sugar mill off of Oyster Creek. Her landscaping, gardens and laid stone walkways she also put in herself.
To top all this off - she shed 65 pounds in the process !

So, I have a good example of a woman who tried, did and I can give it a shot too. She has lit a fire under me. And, I have neighbors who will gladly give me a hand if I need help.

So, in the near future I will get this flooring up and start with that task. I will probably hire a couple of men who are eagar for work that wait outside Home Depot. I'm certain they will be more than happy to earn some wages and I can spare having my back and sciatic nerve irritated.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for the Grace of God
for Precious - my sweet, loving cat
that Mary called, I responded and we are renewing our friendship after many years
for her openness to accompany me to a 80's Punk Rock concert next Saturday night
the affection that Lucy (a fine Golden Retriever) bestowed on me when I went to my haircutter's salon for my haircuts. Lucy is gravely ill with kidney disease. She is a loving, and very loved girl !
that I am at such peace at this moment. Laughter is indeed the best medicine
I intend to do more of that and a lot of it !
I feel so good I may even get up on the dance floor Saturday night and bounce around (dance)
Thank YOU
Trish, Lucy, Rosie - you are all in my heart and prayers !
I love you and I am sad

life safari

Oh Boy ! AAAAAHHHHHH. I have finally begun breathing again today.

I am excited and happy about the future. I am very happy that I did get involved in the election. I was not interested really in any of the four people running and was not going to vote.

But, when Colin Powell endorsed Obama, I said, O.K., that's my candidate. I happen to have much respect for Powell. I would have voted for him had he run.

It looks to me as though the nation is in giddy happiness and daring to dream of peace, equality and brotherhood.

I am happy, joyous and free today !

Praise God and Thank YOU

life safari-Tuesday

Happy Tuesday !

I am Grateful and Thankful to be:

alive and well

to have a faith and trust in the Lord

to live with a very special cat

able to see and listen to the birds that come to feed and play

sober, clean and smoke-free another day

for the elections to soon be over

to have a movie to watch tonight - I have had enough of the election

in a country where I may worship as I choose

Thank YOU

life safari 11-3-08

Wow, this day is a perfect weather happening in H-Town today. And, with the time change back to standard time (of which my body clock runs best on), I am filled with gratitude and happiness !

Well, yesterday at the outdoor Rosary service (at the cemetery), my worst fears came true - I blubbered off and on through the entire service. Oh well, I stuck it out, didn't leave and in the end met some very nice folks and had lovely chats before the service. Priests went to all of our grave sites and blessed the graves - (and the people, of course). Since there were far more people that came than expected, the Priests had their hands full. I bet there were 100-150 people at the service. Standing room only. But a day like today - very pretty with a nice breeze on occasion.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful...

that I decided to participate in the All Souls service yesterday
to be able to cry when I feel sad or overwhelmingly joyful
what a gift to my spirit to not feel I want to hide my emotions today
for the "community" yesterday at the service
also for the sense of aloneness with my feelings of loss that I feel for my departed loved ones
I miss them all terribly. I believe we never say goodbye for the 'last' time but, I do miss them here and now. And yes, I tend to cry about that
and that is just o.k. today
God's Grace Precious
the visitation by the doves and blue jay on the atrium this morning. The jay acually nabbed a baby lizard for his nest
one less for Precious to hunt but,
All Is Well With Our Souls This Day
thank YOU

All Soul's Day 2008

Happy Sunday, beautiful weather here in Houston this morning.

Last year at this time, I had, for the first time participated in "the Day of the Dead" at church.
I posted a poster of my deceased loved ones in one of our chapels and it was a most freeing and satisfying experience. Also, their names were listed in a book for prayers by members of the church who devote time exclusively to that end. Last year the chapel was filled with photos. This year, sadly, very few are participating. I wonder why. However, I didn't either. Perhaps once is enough.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I had a wonderful lunch with my friend Sonny yesterday
I signed up to celebrate my AA birthday at Lambda on Nov. 22nd
had a wonderful experience before Mass yesterday, one that I had not expected
I am so glad, however, for the experience (above)
I cried, as usual, a few times during Mass
you know, I don't even get ashamed or feel "funny" over it any longer. I am very sensitive and have always been. Yes, I tried all my life to hide that fact from other's - no longer
I actually like being as sensitive as I am today
was able to extend myself to someone whom I do not know but is living in "survival" mode
for the love of God - He gave me Precious (and much more)
I get to honor the memory and death of my parents today
that along with my parents, I will be honoring and thinking of the rest of my deceased family and friends
Thank YOU

life safari 10-31-08

Well, it's Friday. This is my least favorite "hollowday" so,excuse my not in the mood of it.

I tried twice to post yesterday but just couldn't get in the mood. All this election business and smear -type talk has just saturated me lately. I, too look forward to it all being over. We've lived this stuff for almost the entire year ! Good gosh, I dread the next election -over-kill.

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I can take my mind off of the political scene with All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day this weekend

Precious is out in the atrium enjoying this wonderful weather day

although I am years from losing several people I love, I am missing them very much right now

It seems that I get melancoly around this time each year. I begin thinking of those whom are no longer with me. Those whom gathered to eat together at the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables.

This is one reason I had such a difficult time posting yesterday - putting these feelings into words is difficult

it is my intention to go to a Rosary service Sunday for All Soul's Day, honoring my deceased parents

I will be eternally grateful if I can get through the service without blubbering through it all

I have my doubts

I am going to try-I can always leave if I am unable to make it

Thank YOU

God's Grace

Photo above - my parents in better times

life safari 10-29-08

I wish I had not opened an E-mail from a friend.

I had a morbid curiosty regarding the smear campaign inclosed in the E-mail - I regret reading it.

Not only am I sick of friends who claim to be so very pious and "good", I am disappointed that they are so ignorant and shallow. It is these very people that fuel the desires of the "skin-head" killers among us.

I am sad today that these so-called "friends" of mine continue to send this Hate-Monger mail after I asked them to pass me by on all political subjects PERIOD.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful...

to be working toward a more peacable and loving kathy
to be genuinely saddened by the kind of lies and half-truths - smears and defaming things that people use in the name of being "Republican."
that yes, I am standing up. I DO want CHANGE and, a lot of it !
that although something I wrote yesterday was misunderstood, I know what I meant and I was not complaining
And, I am not complaining now, now I am stating my disappointment and shock
Precious
God's Grace
Thank YOU

and, no more of this HATE-MONGER mail - you know who you are

life safari 10-28-08

Wow, already it's Tuesday ! Was a bit "nippy" this morning. But, it sure beats the heat of this summer - especially when I had no power after Ike.

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

a new contact on my Blog. Welcome and thank you for writing Peek-A-Boo Street !
I have much to to research and will not get all the articles printed this morning. I am reading up on WWI and the resultant condition of the Middle East (BBC has a very unbiased outlook)
I read some of the articles at work yesterday - it opened my eyes to much
the desire to be more open minded/open hearted regarding peoples who are different than I
for the life I have with Precious in it-I love to watch her in cold weather. She fluffs up like a bird and lays on her little hands(paws)
I will trade any trips for a longer life with my Precious girl
the fact that all the "Hate-Mongers" out there do not faze me-I love my "delete" button !
I pray for peace. Just a day of World Peace. And, if we can do it for a day, it can be done longer
I work on "dropping the rock" every day. Some situations I fail at it but, I now re-group and remember the bigger picture
God's Grace and Salvation
thank YOU

life safari 10-27-08

Monday. What a beautiful weather day in H-town.

I am heartened by a response from a friend regarding my blog yesterday. Thank you, dAAve.
Have no fear that I am staying sober and clean. The last months of my drinking almost killed me. And what I am really in touch with is that, I might have killed someone else.

I am completely understanding on the point that our celebrating at birthday nights can inspire other's. But, I have truly run out of things to say up there. The past two years - especially last year - I thanked AA and God for my sobriety and the life I have today. No more than that can I really say. AA led me (after many, many years) to a Spiritual awareness. Then, after some years, I needed something more than Spirituality. That need was for a religion. I set out to add to a rudimentary beginning in the Catholic faith. Now, a few years later, I worship and lead a life as a Catholic. My journey in becoming a Catholic Christian is not what anyone wants to hear at an AA birthday night celebration. And, that is my story today. So, my inspiration has a pretty limited audience, I suspect.
I don't believe I need to appear so people can see me-as if to prove that I am still sober and clean. Some people will believe whatever they want and make up whatever they want to believe with or without any facts. What has that got to do with me?

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for this Fall day. What a beauty !!
for friends and family
for Precious who knows me and loves me anyway
for Frank who knows me and loves me anyway
for dAAve and his up-lifting words and support
God's Grace
my life today after a period of dryness and strife
to KNOW that God performed a miracle in my life the other day
and, to know that that was absolutely NOT the first or only Miracle
thank YOU

life safari 10-26-08

Well, Sunday evening and the close of another weekend. Once again, it has passed too soon.

This Friday will be the end of October. Where has this year gone? I will celebrate 11 years sober and clean November 17th. I am happy about the fact that I am still sober and clean and now too, smoke -free.

I do not think I will be celebrating at Lambda Center this go round. I am not attending meetings there much - actually, hardly at all. My AA friends most likely will feel that I am making a wrong decision on this. I can not help what they will think. I do not want to lose the few friends and family I have from AA either. They mean very much to me. I do, however find that when I go to Lambda, I feel discontent and wonder why I went. I go to see the few folks that I love. That is where they hang out. It is just not my hang out any more. I find more solace and peace in church and have for some time now.

The above is difficult. I have needed to say it for some time, however. I guess there is never a good time to risk losing friendships after several years. My hope and wish is that I will not, of course. The path I have been on for nearly a year is one I have wanted to be on for many years but was too afraid I would not want it after I got into it.

With all that aside, I have been honest and have told my truth. I only trust that my friends will accept my truth and support me and love me. Even if it is not the path they want me to follow.

I only ask: love me where I am and for whom I am. And stay in touch as we do through our blogs.

Friday evening had a beautiful experience at the Villa de Matel Chapel. It was a Taize' Prayer Service and the chapel was absolutely stunningly beautiful ! The grounds, the Mother House, they have a Villa Grotto, it is very serene there.

I will include a photo or two at the end if they will transfer.

I have been over-whelmed with emotion of late. I will be going to a Rosary for All Souls Day at the cemetary where my parents are both buried and I am already crying when I think about it.

These devotional experiences are exactly the reason I am so happy to be a Catholic. It is a beautiful religion (to me) and I can not keep a from tearing up even at regular Mass. The words to songs, the words we say in our Mass, the thought of why we are there and what we are celebrating - just an over-whelming of emotions to me.

Not that I mind. I feel deeply any more. I am not ashamed for tears to stream down my face any more. There was a time I did mind. I was a "closet cryer."

Well, I guess I have rattled on enough. I just needed to get some things out in the open.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for God's Grace

for Precious

for friends and family

to be sober, clean and smoke-free

for the experiences of new things

for the courage to speak out and risk being hurt or rejected

for voting my conscience

for the All Souls Celebration and walking through my fears to attend and participate

Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again

thank YOU