~YESTERDAY~

Yes it was only yesterday:-) Well, not quite:( This picture was taken in 1993 and my daughter was home for Christmas from college. Helping her decorate the tree was her brother who was 14 years old. She is now 32 and he is 28...where have the years gone?? I tell ya, life happened and someone forgot to tell me. How can I have two grown children, I am a young, youthful gal:-) Well, gal is correct ^-^ I was looking thru some boxes of pics and wanted to share with ya. I passed by the ones of the kids when they were 4, 5 and 6..too painful!! This one was difficult enough!! Nah..I am not complaining. I am so "blessed" to be their mom and have the wonderful family & life I have:) I just wanna know how long I was in the coma????????????????
HUG LIFE, Marylou

~Wasn't It Just Easter??????????~

Okay, correct me if I am wrong but wasn't it just Easter??? I know Thanksgiving came early this year, we are still in the month of November with a whole week left and yesterday I saw cars toting their freshly purchased Christmas trees home!!! How are they gonna keep those puppies green till Christmas? Even in water my trees when bought during the first week of December dry, droop and drizzle by Christmas Eve and I like to keep her up till after New Years so by then I have that "Charlie Brown" tree syndrome:-( I digress, back to the issue at hand. I could have sworn I was just basting the Easter Ham and this past Thursday I had a Turkey in the oven. YIKES....time is going by and everyone forgot to tell me!!! I know, I am simply getting older...bawaaaaahhhaaaaaa....I don't mind aging, BUT God, please don't let me forget it:-) Well, I have made a list for DH today. Gotta get the Christmas lights up outside, pull my boxed Christmas decorations out of the black hole (the black hole is my name for our garage, once something is placed in there it is never to be found again) I imagine I should prepare the fireplace mantle for my clever new Christmas decor, uhuh, the same one I have used for the past 7 years or so:) Now, I am NOT complaining...I love Christmas. I just want to make sure it doesn't happen without ME!! Happy Holidays ya all!
Hug Life, Marylou
ps. I think I had better check my Zen manual for all this, there must be some chant or meditation I can incorporate for ENJOYING EACH DAY AS IT COMES ^-^

~HAPPY THANKSGIVING~

Not just this Thanksgiving day but every day I am thankful for the many gifts that surround me. The appreciation I hold for the beauty of our crisp blue skies, twinkling stars, cresting seas, curvaceous mountains AND the cherished love of our family and friends overwhelms me. These are my most precious and sacred gifts which I hold dear to my heart each and every new day God grants me. To all of you amazing, brave & generous gals in blogland I wish for you the most wonderful Thanksgiving Day:) Enjoy the turkey & gravy & pumpkin pie, BUT, RELISH with PASSION the loved ones you sit and share your meal with:)AND..........don't ever forget to:
Hug Life, Marylou

Giving Thanks

For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,
For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,
For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,
For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land,
For the cunning and strength of the workingman's hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendship that hope and affection have brought --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the homes that with purest affection are blest,
For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest,
For our country extending from sea unto sea;
The land that is known as the "Land of the Free" --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

~Author Unknown

~~~~~~~~

~ZEN KITTY~

Wavy Gravy once asked a Zen Roshi, "What happens after death?"
The Roshi replied, "I don't know."
Wavy protested, "But you're a Zen Master!"
"Yes," the Roshi admitted, "but I'm not a dead Zen Master."
Well, since most of what I have learned so far is 10 fold over and beyond my comprehension I resort to humor:-) Yes, my name is Marylou and I am addicted to humor!!

I have been learning about "sitting" (zazen) which is the meditative portion of ZEN, the most important. It involves the position of ones spine, breathing properly and being a contortionist:) JK.....Once you are in a "sitting" position on a cushion, legs crossed with your feet resting on your thighs, hands together with thumbs touching leveled at your navel, eyes open but sorta closed, it's not as simplistic as is sounds, you may begin:) If one cannot clear one's mind and center himself then ZEN is not really gonna work for ya....the analogy used in my book refers to "jumping monkeys"...YEP...apparently we all have "jumping monkeys" in our minds and we need to rid ourselves of them to find clarity. Anyone gotta bunch of bananas????? I am condensing here immensely and taking liberal license, but since it is MY blog I don't have any issues with that. I am having difficulties with clearing my mind...no snide remarks please, have gotten those from my loved ones and let me simply say this, they only said it one time!!!!! I am still on my path, trying to find my way ZEN style. I may have to make a few adjustments here and there and decide what works best for me. To be a complete ZEN student one must be very disciplined and this is an attribute lacking in my "being" so I have taken a few shortcuts here and there. I think as long as I stay on the path, Dharma, I may certainly choose which fork in the road to follow:) Now, go out there and free yourself of those darn monkeys, find clarity, be at peace with the world and don't forget to............HUG LIFE!!! Marylou

~FRIENDS~

Last night I had the pleasure of chatting with our dear friend Carole. So ladies here is the scoop:) She is doing well, her attitude is "fantabulous" and she is one strong woman!! She is having frequent physical therapy visits but considering what she has been thru this gal is moving forward. The computer is still difficult for her but she will return to blogging as soon as she can. She sends her love to all and thanks everyone for the kind messages and good wishes:)

We could have spoken for hours, two kindred pals with many seasons in common. She is the yin of my yang:-) Her engaging spirit and affable manner touches my heart.... The beauty of her words and gentle kindness left me in awe of this lady I call my comrade, buddy & pal.

I am so happy and I feel so blessed to be considered her friend so I leave you with this message:

"OF ALL THE BLOSSOMS IN LIFE'S GARDEN,
FRIENDSHIP IS THE MOST FRAGRANT"
Hug Life, Marylou:)

~RELAX~

I have been doing alot of nothing lately:) Don't ya just love when that happens?? Yesterday was nada, today was zip and tomorrow is I don't know:-) Well, the truth be told I have been up to something...now, please don't anyone get their panties in a knot on this one because I am a Christian gal. With much research I have learned one can be of faith and also delve in Zen! Yep...I have been listening to Gregorian Chants and reading about Zen. Trying to uncomplicate my life and make this process as basic as I can for myself and my family. I told DH he can come along for the ride or bear my rath......so........he has chosen wisely:-) I am only in the beginning stages of learning so I shall keep you all posted and current with my progress. Wish me luck with my journey into the realm of calmness, tranquility and placidity.
Peace and Hug Life, Zen style:) Marylou

~THANK YOU~

My son is home, safe and sound! I want to thank all of you who so givingly shared your prayers for him and his comrades. I can't begin to explain the relief I feel and I am so eternally grateful for the ANGELS he had surrounding him and his brothers as they fought this horrific inferno. I will certainly keep vigil for those still on duty, not only in Southern CA but for all those fine young men and women who are in some way serving a civic or national duty in our name.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND MAY YOU ALL ARRIVE HOME SAFELY:)
Hug life, Marylou

~What They Don't Tell You~

I received my first phone call from my son yesterday. He is safe and for that I am so grateful. Thank you for your circle of prayers:)

What you don't hear on the news......My son informed me that the generosity of people has been over whelming. The firefighters have been given plenty of food, water, along with love and appreciation...and all this from strangers. It is an amazing community that has embraced these brave men and women and the out pour of volunteers has been staggering. The victims (yes that is how I feel for the poor souls who lost their homes and precious belongings since it is being called arson) are also feeling this tremendous giving experience. They may have lost their homes but not their spirit and for that I am grateful. I am in awe of the constant kindness that surrounds the raging inferno, what a beautiful display of strength, faith & hope from those who have lost so much. I am PROUD that my son is able to be simply "one" of many who are able to participate in the saving and healing process. I am honored to be "human" today:) We can be such an incredible species and I certainly prefer our behavior when we act in this fashion. No hate, no wars, no disenchantment with each others faith, ethnicity or class. Life can be wonderful even after tragedy.

The fires are still burning so please keep everyone in your daily prayers. Thanks so very much:)

Hug Life......Marylou
PS...My son shook the hand of the President of the United States yesterday! He had his picture taken with him along with the rest of the crew and I will receive a copy and proudly display it in my home. My son shall never forget that moment as the President thanked him and each member of the Novato Fire Dept. individually for their service. I shall never forget the pride in my son's voice as he shared this moment with me via phone. OH...my, life is so GOOD:)

~I NEED YOUR PRAYERS~

I just received a call from my daughter-in-law telling me that my son is on his way to San Diego and the current devastating fires. I ask this for ALL the young men and women who will be fighting this wicked inferno, PLEASE keep them in your prayers. Thanks so very much! Marylou

A Fireman's Life
A fireman's life is one big surprise,
Usually he laughs, sometimes he cries.
There's always stress, toil and strife,
Hoping he's good enough to save just one life.

His wife understands, when he misses dinner,
If he runs out of church, don't think he's a sinner.
Answering a call, is tops on his list,
Regretting each one he's ever missed.

He tries and tries, but can't make us see,
The happiest men, still work for free.
Jumping from bed, fighting the cold,
Knowing what to do, without being told.

He rushes to the station, jumps on a truck.
Depending on skill, never on luck.
Putting his life on the line, for an unknown friend,
Hoping and praying, it won't be the end.
"The Bravest Men in the World", the title is fitting,
They all do their best, never come close to quitting.
Next time you see them, all their lights blinking,
Take just a minute, to think what they're thinking.

It's a hard job, so show them you care,
And help them out, with a little prayer.

-- Daniel S. Driscoll. --

~ANOTHER YEAR, THANK YOU GOD~

HI GOD, IT'S JUST ME AGAIN, MARYLOU.....:) I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER YEAR. IT IS SO THOUGHTFUL OF YOU TO SEND ME RAINBOWS, LUSH GREEN FORRESTS, BREATH TAKING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS, BEAUTIFUL OCEANS AND GLORIOUS ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANGES...I THINK YOUR BEST GIFT IS THE GIFT OF LIFE YOU HAVE BESTOWED UPON ME AND I THANK YOU SO MUCH! YES, THERE HAVE BEEN HARDSHIPS BUT THRU THOSE DIFFICULT TIMES YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME MUCH. I KNOW, WITH YOU BY MY SIDE I CAN DO ANYTHING:) THANKS AGAIN AND KNOW I THINK OF YOU EVERYDAY, EVERY HOUR, EVERY MOMENT!
HUGS, YOUR DAUGHTER, MARYLOU
PS...THANK YOU SWEET MARY, AKA ISABELLASCLOSET, FOR MAKING THIS BEAUTIFUL TAG:)

~CALLING ALL GIRLFRIENDS~

Calling All Girlfriends:) I have heard that Carole, from ScoundrelsRogues, is not feeling well. She had a rather difficult surgery and has been suffering with complications. I thought..... yeah..I had a lightbulb moment:)..... that we could all send her regular mail get well cards. If you write me from your blog I would be tickled pink to give you my snail mail addy. This way I can collect the cards for Carole, and when I have a nice amount I shall box them up all pretty for her with lots of tissue, glitter, sparklie thingies and all the goodies she loves. She is such a loving and caring gal and I am hoping this little gesture will let her know how much we all care. Thanks so much and feel free to email me with any questions:)
Now, go out there and HUG LIFE.......Marylou

~Happy Autumn~

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in,
and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch. Happy Fall!

I know this lovely verse has been floating around but I love it so much and simply felt a need to share with you. I don't think we can "hear" good words often enough:)
Hug Life, Marylou

~WHAT A GAL:-)~

Meet Egad! Yep, that is his name. My DEAR friend, Ellen sent him to me and I am so jazzed!! I collect vintage squirrels, new ones too:-) She so thoughtfully found this little guy for me, boxed him up and he arrived here on Saturday. DH was home and as I opened the box he said, "hey, he even has nuts":-) DH was referring to the salt and pepper shakers, I think??????

Anyhoo....I am amazed each day as I read someones blog, drop a note and they respond in kind.... but to receive a gift, just because, well, it is rather akin to "life is good" and reminds me there are many, many sweet & thoughtful peeps out there in this great big world of ours. Albeit we hear of the good, bad and ugly each day on the daily news please remember, the "good" stand out above the rest!! Thank you E...:-)
Hug Life, Marylou

~WE ARE WISE:-)~

"Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey wrod"

I saw this the other day and it reminded me how resourceful the human mind is and how very smart we are:) Read the above sentences and even though it looks like another language you will be amazed at how well you do. It also brings to mind the new world of texting and as I watch my kids, both adults now, text message all the time as though it was so easy "I don't get it":) Well, I tried and tried and WOWZA...I barely could send one sentence as it took me forever:) Think I will stick to the phone and simply dial:) Just some fun for today.......Happy Friday everyone and wishing you all a "fantabulous" week-end!
Hug Life, Marylou

~FOR AMY~

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength"

This blog entry is for Amy:) The little squirrel is singing praise in your name:) On a personal note I would like to say this...I admire you Amy!! Your courageous journey and your willingness to share with us your trials and tribulations has been amazing. I want you to know that thru YOU I feel an inner strength and have learned what the word COURAGE truly means. Thank you for showing us all what one can do when faced with adversity. Blessings to you and your family:) Sending much love and hugs your way, Marylou

~MY BEST FRIEND:)~

Seems like I have not blogged for a long time..well, it has been awhile. I am preparing for a trip I shall be making:) I am so jazzed...I will be leaving on Sept. 18th to visit my sister, Giovanna, who lives in Arizona. I have not seen her since last November so this will truly be a wonderful and much deserved visit for us both!! My DH will be holding down the fort here and I get to spend 10 delightful days with my best friend, pal, buddy, confidante, sister and all around most amazing gal I have ever known. Now, I am not just saying that because she is my sister:) Really, every life she has touched has been "blessed" by her loyalty, kindness and friendship. She has been a rock for me, a stabilizer and fabulous support thru my life and continues to hold me up when I sometimes fall. BUT..most importantly we shall be together for 10 glorious days which will include girl talk, laughing, reminiscing of "old times" and simply having a grand visit.

So, if ya don't hear from me for awhile please know I shall return with pics and hopefully fun stories:) Thanks for the nice emails asking about my whereabouts...it is nice to know you all care. I LOVE this blogland community:)
Ciao girls and please, don't forget to...........HUG LIFE........Marylou

~WEEK-END WIDOW~

I am a overtime widow this week-end:( Yep...my DH has been mandated to work on a project that must be completed by Labor Day so the house is still..quiet & serene:) Just me and my kitty, Sassy girl!! I have some lovely angelic music playing, I am sipping a delish Arnold Palmer (iced tea & lemonade) and I am truly enjoying the solitude. So, I have been totally checking out blogs:-) WOOHOO....there are so many beautiful blogs and talented ladies out there! I noticed many of you sweet gals love sea shells and ocean themes as I do so I took 2 pics for ya. One is of my seaglass I collect. The other is of pebbles and stones I have "borrowed" from the sea:) This is truly a tiny glimpse as I think my small cottage has more sea glass, sea shells and sea themed items than one petite bungalow can hold......but.......I love it as does DH...all I need now is the water around me and I would then be in sea heaven:-) Happy Labor Day to everyone, wishing you all a safe and fun holiday.........and ya know what I gotta say...yep, don't forget to HUG LIFE
Peace, Marylou
ps..Just a footnote, DH & I always take colored bottles with us on our beach jaunts and replace and restore the ocean. Makes us feel like we are giving back, not simply taking:-)

~REPRISE~

Awwwwwwww...yesterday my most special fella came over and took me to lunch. WOOHOO:-) The special fella is my son, Tony! We went to the most delightful Italian restaurant and dined on wild salmon over a bed of polenta...Can we all say YUMMMMMEEEEEEEE!! Tony not only took my mind off the last few silly days of drama he also took me to a fun second hand store where I found this BEAUTY, Gift From The Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh:-) I am gonna share some of the pics with ya cause they truly put a smile on my face. I love the ocean so for me this is very special...between Tony's visit, our divine lunch and my special find, life is good again:-) A big shout out goes to you all for your words of encouragement..this blogging community never ceases to amaze me. Your love and kind messages inspired me..YUP..I did it!! I smiled, grinned, greeted and almost mowed down every poor soul who crossed my path yesterday:-) Tony even asked me, "Mom, are you okay??? You seem rather extra happy:) I explained to him the previous days events and he smiled, put his head down, touched my hand and said....."Mom, I LOVE YOU"..awwwwwwwwwww, I tell ya, it just don't get much better than that!! Rock on ladies and PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO HUG LIFE!!! Marylou

~DRAMA~

I have a heavy load today!! Well, it happened!! I am an eBay seller and have been doing this for the past 8 years or so. I have been "blessed" with lovely customers as well as making many new friends:) Recently I had a customer purchase an item from me. While I was packaging the item I dropped it!! YEP...and it was breakable and it became damaged. I immediately refunded the customer in full explaining what had happened. This did not please her and she decided she wanted the item, no matter what!! Well, this would have been okay except I had tossed the item and no longer had it in my "hot little hands"......I tried to appease her to no avail. Even though she received a refund in full she was not happy and accused me of many devious actions I shall not go into. Problem is this...LIFE IN GENERAL IS TOUGH FOR ME RIGHT NOW...I have some personal issues I am trying to bravely deal with, therefore I have NO ROOM FOR DRAMA. I have reported the situation to eBay along with all the emails etc....I don't know what shall happen but it makes me sad because...I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO COMPASSION...WHERE DID IT GO??? HOW DID WE LOSE IT??? DOES ONE HUMAN WHO IS HURTING NOT COME TO THE AID OF ANOTHER??? I don't understand how as a society we simply seem to no longer CARE. We worry about our cars, our homes, our bank accounts but NOT OUR FELLOW MAN. YEAH...THINK ABOUT IT FOR A MOMENT OR TWO....WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE AT THE MALL, OR GROCERY STORE OR GAS STATION AND SOMEONE GAVE YOU A SMILE, A GOOD DAY OR A HELLO????? Well, I am not gonna give up...tomorrow when I go to do my errands I shall smile at every person I see:) I may even say "hi"...I may go as far as to say "hope ya have a good day"....if you hear of a woman arrested for "being too friendly" please come bail me out!! I have a feeling most folks will think I am "crazy".....such a sad commentary for us all!
Hug Life, Marylou

~CHERRY QUEEN:-)~

OH MY GOSH...........isn't she pretty?? Yep, that is my mom:) She was voted Cherry Queen of her small town when she was but 16 years old...maybe 18, sorry I don't remember. Better check with my sis G:-) Anyhoo...I am just delighted to have these fun pics to share. I am so PROUD of her, not only was she rather pretty but she was very smart. Funny, we don't think our parents are smart until we get older and then they become geniuses:-) Thanks for trippin' down memory lane with me.
Hug Life, Marylou