life safari - Wednesday the 22nd

Happy Birthday Trish !!!

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful ...

that I am alive and well this morning

to have friends

for Precious

for a new day

for health

for a job that supplies me a paycheck

a roof over my head

a car to get me where I wish to be

the promise of a new day and,

the Grace of God

for AA and Weight Watchers

for changes in my actions, thoughts and ways of behaving

for second and third and fourth chances (and beyond)

for God's Mercy

for art and my artist friends

for my intellectual and P.H.D. friends - who love the college drop-out anyway

for the peace I feel about myself and my place in the world today

for romantic love. Even when it isn't reciprocated quite as strongly

that I do not expect anyone to feel just as I feel

for this day of life and the desire to live it, love it and learn more

thank YOU

life safari 01-20-09

What a historic day in America ! I wish I could curl up under the covers and stay home and watch it all today.

It is payday, that's exciting too. A bit less considering the new President gets sworn in today.

I am Grateful and Thankful that/for...

to be an American by birth and choice

I have been filling out health insurance forms the past three evenings and, I can tell you, it looks bleak. If you want health insurance, don't have any health issues ! My goodness, after three days of looking over my past 5 years (one wants past 10 years) of medical records, I should be on disability ! But, I have too many means to qualify there. It just puts me in a tough spot, psychologically

Today is a new day, I've given into the doom (last night) and today I will come out ready to fill out forms tonight - screw 'em !

Life is a real mixed bag of stuff. Now, I feel a sense of urgency about traveling. I feel that I had better get with it now while I'm physically sound (sort of) for, later, perhaps, not so much

What a juggling act life is

Today, I am perplexed by it all

that, I don't have to try and figure it out alone. I think I'll turn it over and have a pleasant day

And you?

for Precious and her company

for the people I love and that reciprocate that love

for God's Grace and Mercy

Thank YOU

life safari - Monday of Inauguration Week

It is a party atmosphere in the country, especially in the District.
And, for good reason ! We as Americans have a new President and 4 years to work on things that have gone way wrong.

I am glad that there is a feeling of hope today in our Nation and most people. Some people are distraught at the change. To this I say, you've had your 8 years to the chagrine of others, now let us have these 4 years and try and not muddy the waters. Some real exciting things may just happen that will make you happy too.

I am Grateful and Thankful, today for...

Change
Change in me
Change in "the Guard"
Change in the Air
Change in _________. You fill in the blank.
Praise God and God Bless... our exiting President, our New President, our Nation and Peoples

Thank YOU

life safari - Saturday

This carved tree is in the front entrance of the National Zoo, Washington D.C.

What a wonderful day I've had thus far. I went to an early meeting and then got a fantastic haircut. My hair stylist is very good. She has a huge client base and for very good reason. She's also a wonderful woman !

I plan to see a movie at 4:00 then attend a Speaker meeting tonight at Lambda. I am getting out and "doing" these days and it feels good.

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

It was much warmer today. It is getting overcast and may rain tomorrow

I feel full. I feel satisfied being me for the first time in my life. It is as though, all those loose ends that I could not bring together have fallen into place

I really like and appreciate my new hair cut

I cherish my friends, family and cat

being in a place of acceptance and freedom from the oppression of doubt and fear

for the feelings I have for other's who are in pain. I pray for other people. I have had miracles worked in my life so I know that prayers work. I feel so good that, today I care for other's

the feelings of not being in chains to my selfish desires any longer

that I have this Precious cat in my life and a wonderful friend in Rosie, my hair dresser's Golden Retriever

the love of some outstanding people and to be able to honestly reciprocate with my love

I have an awesome life today

the Grace of God

Thank YOU

life safari 01-16-09

What a beautiful, however, very cold morning !

this summer, no doubt I will miss this weather. How soon I forget the opressive heat and humidity ! even as I don't care for cold weather

I have had a wonderful week. Hearing from two friends that shared lots of years and "stuff" with me - much of it while still drinking -because of this, I have been able to shed that deep sense of sadness and loss I have been carrying. I have everything to be happy, joyous and free (spirited) about.

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...
Grace and Mercy given to me. I will be ever so humble and remember how that moment feels.
this, will aid me in extending the same Grace and Mercy to others

for the gifts of friendship and love - I may not have realized what it takes to "love" before this week but, I guarantee you, I definately know now. Better late than never !

that I have been working toward this change for 11 years through AA and recently, on a Spiritual level. It took getting involved on a religious basis for me to grasp that Spiritual level.

That the AA program is not a "one size fits all" - we all have a different path to the same ending:
stay sober and clean, try and make reforms with the guidelines, have a sense of conscience
awareness and be brave = a sober, clean better life.

for the simplicity of AA that I made so difficult for so long because I was just not able to put it all together at the same time.

the awareness that it was not ME who finally got me where I am internally today - it took a couple of villages for me

and the knowledge that there is more to do now

gratitude that I feel more equipted to go forward from here

Precious. One of many gifts my Lord has Graced me with

The Blessing of happiness today - Friends (all of yous) to walk through my jouney in life with me

Thank YOU

life safari -Thurs. 01-15-09

Oh, Good Morning, all !

I am very happy to say that, I did hear from one of my friends which I had lost contact with. What a joyful experience ! I am please that she seemed as happy to hear my voice as I was to hear hers. Thank absolutely made my day.

I will just pick up and begin corresponding with my other friend that I lost contact with the past year. I did talk to her by phone and she told me that we are still, as always friends in her mind and that the miles between us have simply seperated us. I will not allow that to be from now on. I intend to correspond with her again on a regular basis. I miss her terribly !
But, there is a solution. All I have to do is get off my A_ _ and stay in touch.

Today, I am Blessed and truly Grateful and Thankful...

for life - another day to make my life in this world count for something good and genuine
for God's Grace
for Precious
that joy has replaced that pain and sadness that I felt at the beginning of the week (and beyond)
for getting done what I said I would do this year- a good physical check-up. My first appt. is this morning toward that end
for the gorgeous blue, clear skies lately. What a beautiful string of days we have had of late
for the cheerfulness I feel and..
the joy of life I am experiencing.
The Lord has Blessed my life and I have begun to let go and let God
and, it works !
Thank YOU

life safari - Sunday - 01/11/09

Yes, dAAve, right you are.
It's just talk.
However, I am in need of a vacation - desperately !

I am Grateful and Thankful...

that I can turn a switch and get heat and cool in the house - what luxury I am Blessed to enjoy
I am sleeping indoors - I'm not out in the elements and prey for wild animals
I am fortunate to have a few friends - I haven't run them ALL OFF -yet
for the remorse and guilt for the ones I apparently have run off - I miss them
I have gotten in touch with two of the above - my efforts of reconciliation are ignored thus far
that the two above are really BIG losses
that although I buried the memory of these two losses for a time, I believe it has weighed heavily on my inner feelings of discomfort/saddness
perhaps I just need a vacation from myself
I can just imagine how Precious must feel. Perhaps she would enjoy some time to love me from afar (?)
Well, since she is unable to talk, I will never know. Although the two can talk, they choose to be silent
I will never shut the door on anyone again

life safari 01-09-09

Well, this evening, I had an "Update" on my Norton software and - my computer is operating better than it has for weeks ! ABOUT TIME !!!! I was so close to throwing the thing out in the yard - so many times the past few weeks. Now, this is what I'm talk'n about.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

that it is the WEEKEND (finally)
that I lost a bit more weight this past week
a friend of mine has lost quite a bit of weight in past weeks -his medical picture is looking better
that we had mild temperatures today BUT, we're in for a drastic change REAL soon (in the morning) BOO !
I may enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace with Precious this weekend. She enjoys the fireplace as much as I
that I don't live an apartment or townhouse - fires seem to strike these often
it seems that my leak in my bathroom is repaired. I now have a lot more closet space available
that I have never seen the criminal's faces who murdered a person as I am hearing a man on the news explain (he is moving and not showing his face on the news)He was also shot at
that if it gets much more dangerous in Houston and my neighborhood, I will sell out and move
part of me wants very much to move - Africa perhaps ? I could see myself living and working in the bush. This is a new thing for me. To allow myself to even dream of what I wanted very strongly a few years ago.
I think I'll keep that thought open to possibility and prayer
God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari 01-08-09

I feel wonderful this morning ! It is going to warm up later today, that makes me very happy.

The low 70's are the best temperatures.

It is Thursday, almost the weekend. I treasure the weekends, I can putz about with no time limitations and enjoy staying up until I decide to go to sleep.

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I had a wonderful morning prayer and devotion time this day
now I feel ready for the challenges of the world
perhaps today I will be able to put together meekness, humility and brotherly love in all my minutes of life - in every situation
especially in traffic !
I'm ready, willing and I feel able
Precious. We had a nice "us time" this morning before getting up
the sunshine and warmer temperatures
God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari 01-07-09

Have enjoyed a nice leisurely morning for a change. no rushing around to get breakfast, shower and downtown. of course, I have had feelings of shame, doubt and selfishness around this decision. Only because I have not stayed home like this for a while.

I devoted most of the morning to devotions, reading and prayer. Something I give short-thrift too often any more. But, had I gotten up earlier, I could have done it all and still gone downtown.

I was a bit tired this morning when I first woke up so, that is why my decision to lounge longer.

I'll forgive myself. Perhaps tomorrow I'll feel like awaking earlier. And, perhaps it will be warmer tomorrow.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for God's Grace -it's not earned. It is given. There is nothing I can do to "earn" it (although, I still try)

for Precious and her sweet cat-personality and her love toward me. She is a delight in my life

that I must end this desire to "take care of" other's in my life. I need to take care of me and not give away so much to where I don't have for myself down the line. This issue has been causing me great internal struggle for awhile.

for the bagel and cream cheese I just ate. Now I feel better able to do more moving around

I now feel the walls of the house closing in on me and must get my day started.

I have a birthday card to get and send, better get on it.

to be alive and well today. I also have a desire to stay this way so have made a commitment to have a complete physical. Should have called and made appointments today. I still can and will after my shower.

that writing and talking to other's helps me get things worked out in my mind and also, getting things done.

that I have company in friends and loved ones-I am not alone

Thank YOU

life safari 1-4-09

This is my Sponsor's favorite poem.

So beautiful ! He read it to me this morning and I had to get a copy of it for myself.

Thought I'd share it.

That cold front is moving in here - drat ! I was enjoying the tropical air. But,

I am Grateful and Thankful...

I had success with not getting upset in traffic yesterday

I walked a little ways today. Little but, a start

I made a couple of calls today to people whom I love and have not talked to lately

I, I, I, I, what is wrong with this picture !

AA meetings, work and church are high on my list of "to do's" with regularity

my eating is under control and that includes when I eat out at restaurants - that's BIG !

for my precious cat

that I am going to begin traveling this year. I have stayed home because of my cat. She didn't do well the only time I boarded her for a trip. I am going to find a good place or have someone come to the house and...

I'm going to travel this year. A REAL vacation.

I will pray for Precious' safety and health while I am gone and turn it over to the Lord and accept that whatever happens is as things are supposed to be

I am excited about making changes in my life this year. I am going to be sooooo present in my own life in 2009 !

And, present in YOUR lives in 2009, so there !

I love you all

Thank YOU Lord

life safari 01-03-09

Happy New Year !!!!!

I had a delightful end to 2008 with friends and loved ones and an inspired beginning of 2009 with friends and loved ones. So, I have been nurtured from both years. I'd say that is the best of all endings and beginnings. Thank you all who made me know that I am loved and pertinent in your lives.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for joining Weight Watchers (again)
for some modest loss of weight but more importantly, I am not stuffing food into my mouth with impunity
for friends and loved ones
for Precious
for AA and the meetings that I have been attending
for St. Anne Catholic Church and the Masses and Priests there
that I am trying to change some things that cause me to become very upset and rant and rave
that my neighbor's across the street got their lost parrot back. I prayed for them to find that bird when it got out. It was found in Sugar Land. It landed on a man's head and would not budge until he got it food and water. One of the girls went on-line and the person contacted them that he had the parrot - I am so happy for them !
that the above was a wonderful surprise after all these days and cold weather after the parrot got out. We all were concerned the worst would happen and alas, the best happened !
that it has taught me to never give up
that seeing a car spinning out of control on 59 this morning showed me how easy things happen with speed and carelessness. Thank God it all turned out without anyone being hit by the car. The woman driving fought the spin and gained control. Also, those who saw it happen slowed down. The best thing - hardly anyone on the road at the time.
I am going to slow down and learn to not get upset in traffic
that is what gets me ranting and raving.
that I can change my behavior if I will apply myself and use what I know to end this madness
the knowledge that I can only control my behavior and what I think about other's behavior
I can only control my car and what I do with it
Thank YOU

life safari 12-29-08

HUG YOUR PET !

Oh my gosh, Mike M. call me !!!!! I must pay extra for texting and don't know your cell Number-please call me !!

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

My former boss, Mike M commented and perhaps we'll connect via phone SOON !!! He put up with alot of my sassiness. He's a good Man !! Call me

people who love me in spite of my character defects (as above)

people come back into our lives after time apart - for instance-Mike and Mary

God's Grace

Precious and her wonderful companionship

I am so pleased with the holidays this year. It was calm, serene, loving and full of good will and good cheer

my friend Mary accompanying me to Libert, TX yesterday to visit Miss Beulah's grave

that, because I am sober and clean I have friends today. Thanks to AA, I have made changes over the years and have become a better person. Now with my HIgher Power in my life too, I am making even more progress to become a better person

the journey. the life safari. the company on my life safari - thank you all !

Trish is getting out and seems to be getting over her grief from her losses of late. Big losses and one after the other. God Bless !

Nagar and her new friendship. What a wonderful young woman, wife and mother

to be alive and well. In a fellowship of friends and family

Thank YOU

life safari 12-24-08

Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas everybody !!

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I am sober, clean and smoke-free another day
that I have awesome friends/loved ones
Scott, what a beautiful sentiment - if Trish reads that Blog, she will be so appreciative of your sending Chester to round up Lucie and escort her to the Rainbow Bridge - such a sweet, sweet man !
that although I would rather not work, I am so Blessed to have a job !
some of the new and devastating sadness of losing Lucie is easing for Trish - Thank YOU, Lord
for Precious. She is my "special" gift of love from God
God's Grace and salvation
thank YOU

life safari 12-21-08

Sunday-I slept fitfully last night. This morning, I woke up knowing the sadness of death. The loss of Lucie and what it must feel like for Trish this morning.
I desperately want to help her carry the burden of a heavy heart.
The joy of Lucie's life is what we all want to think of and remember. And, remember we will. But, there is the emptiness of her space in the room. We'll remember that as well and, we will feel the normal sadness it creates.

As always, the daily happenings of what I see around me with other animals, the ones whose lives were not spared - my reaction is to hug Precious and hold her especially close and rub her ears longer, talk to her and assure her of how much I love her and fee Blessed to have her in my life ! And, I am Blessed.
She does her best to nurture me too. She gets on my chest and kneads the fat under my chin. That spot belongs to her.
I just watched her root under a towel in the chair piled with clean clothes. That's what cats do.
I just love her little cat - self. Her cat wisdom and love.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful for the blessing of Precious in my life !
Thank YOU

life safari 12-20-08

December 20, 2008.

Lucie Herrera has expired.

She was lovingly and peacefully put to sleep after living a great life with Trish and Rosie.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to have known this precious Golden Retriever for some years

that I was in the position to bid her a loving farewell today prior to her peaceful death

I was not aware today would be her day to be called away

I feel that she was ready, however. She looked tired. She put up such a galant fight !

Kidney disease was her demise

She was well loved and well tended to

humans wish to be treated with as much love and respect

I will keep Lucie, Trish and Rosie in my prayers. Precious will too.

We'll see you again, Lucie. Every time a pet is loved beyond measure, you'll be there.

God speed and God Bless. I'll miss your little mug

I'm going to hug Precious real close. Really, really, closely.

life safari 12-19-08

Well, what a surprise (very pleasant) to think that today was Thursday and find out that it is actually - FRIDAY !!!!! And, payday !!!!!

I am Grateful and Thankful for...
getting back to my prayers and devotions this morning
for fun that costs no $$$$ - FACEBOOK and BLOG
for friends that are part of my family. MY personal FAMILY
that Sunday will be the day my leak is fixed (after two dry runs)
for Precious and her love and catness
for my home
that I was given special Christmas gifts from very nice customers
one very generous
oh, and a bit of a bonus from Ampco - thank you so much. It was very sweet and thoughtful
for this day and the fact that I am alive and well and able to count my Blessings today
for my sobriety
that I am clean
I do not smoke any more and haven't for some time now
God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari 12-17-08

Oh, I really like this photo. I took it at Brazos Bend State Park. I was hanging out there alot at the time of this photo. I camped there almost every weekend. Tent camped - hard on the back but, oh so much fun ! My favorite time was eevening around a huge campfire. I would sit in front of the fire for hours. A picture on Scott's Blog this morning reminded me of this period in my life.

It is a period of a younger me. The last time I camped out I could barely get up from the bedroll, it took forever to get the kinks out of my back to walk. I rather hated the cold shower in winter and hot shower in summer which is standard issue in a campground. So, for now, I treasure the good times. The earlier times. I fancy having a pop-up camper one day. When I am retired and after I've toured parts of the over-seas lands I wish to visit - I will pull a pop-up and see the U.S. of A. Base out of home and travel. That's my dream anyway.

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

I got back to some prayer and devotions after too long away
that Precious and I are well and together another day
for my friends and loved ones whom I love and respect
that I pray for those that I love. I pray for Blessings and safety. Health and happiness.
I am alive. I'm sober, clean and smoke-free
although my computer is challenging me with it's operating glitches, it is functioning enough to do what I desire(knock wood it continues)
for wonderful memories of things I have done in my life, people whom I have known, and the love I have received
My hope is that, through the crazy periods of my life, some of the love I intended to give other's came through the cloud of my misguided actions, fears, illness
for the people in my life today
God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari 12-16-08

Good morning. Went to the Podiatrist. Had the toe taken care of - pretty much a painless procedure these days. I was well pleased. I went ahead and had the ends of the toenail taken out - roots killed. It assures there will be no more ingrown toe nail on that toe.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to have a warm enough coat for this frigid weather
that I was reminded just now that I am trying to run this dog and pony shoe - I need to Let Go and Let God run it.
for the warmth of being in the house
that Precious is warm and safe with me
that I have friends and family that I love and they love me
to have a job right now. Times are really getting tough
for now, the family's business is holding. It had not occured to me but, if the auto industry fails, their company may fail as well. They buy many, many truck chassises from auto industry
my health
my computer is still acting up. I may throw it out in the yard before it is over
for the Christmas season and what it stands for. Merry Christmas everybody !!!
I want to remember that it is about LOVE, PEACE and GIVING -not getting
God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari 12-15-08

Wow, only 10 more days until Christmas.

It is again, cold and miserable for me in Houston. I like the cold but my skin does not. I was in pain all weekend because of the splits in my finger tips from our last cold weather.

The neighbor's parrot from across the street is out -loose. It's a shame. Chastity looked all around the trees in the neighborhood yesterday.

I opened a Face Book page and got it set up and working but I am having a real problem with the spot.
I keep getting my work on the page interupted with a message that I have a wrong adress for the spot. It makes no sense. I am in the spot. Have a page. I go to the page and keep getting interupted with this stupid message. I have followed their message suggestions regarding how to fix this interuption - not once but several times. I am receiving it still. It makes it impossible to work on my page. It's certainly no fun at all. I do not know what else to do except drop the page.
I contacted Peoplepc but they tell me to contact Facebook. I do not know how to contact them.

I am about fed up with this mess.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to be sober, clean and smoke-free
I have an appt. with a Podiatrist tomorrow to fix my ingrown toe nail
to be alive but I wish my fingers and toe were not ill
I am thankful that my other programs on the computer are not messed up like the FACEBOOK thing
for any advice for the problem I am having with facebook
I'm a bit down about the facebook problem. I enjoyed setting it up but now it's no fun to try and use it because of the persistant problem
that I am now, not in a very good mood. I am Grateful that I can say how I am feeling
thank YOU