I don't want to roam...

I want to go home. It doesn't mean I'm not going to be using my luggage anymore. Just that it's time to settle at long last. And that all efforts from this point on will be geared towards leaving the past behind and focussing on where I want my life to go. In that spirit: this is my last post here... and it comes at just the right time, courtesy of a beloved friend and a Fabulous new « acquisition ». Since there's always a soundtrack playing in her head, I thought I'd select a tune from the jukebox for her... this seemed perfect. My dear friend Turnbaby is finally home, and I'm not talking about the new abode. I know she is truly cherished and loved, at last. I couldn't wish a better present for her than that. Revel in the little things, giggle, be silly and christen every room if you haven't already! Babe... Happy Birthday (tomorrow)! Happy New Beginnings (now)! I love you (forever). Thank you for stepping in (in hot, hot shoes) when I needed you. Thank you for reminding me that a miserable but dutiful me isn't a good daughter or mommy. Thank you for giving me those damn fine gropes. And to the man who is man enough to make her so damn skippy happy: welcome to the family. I'm available for shoe tutorials *wink and giggle*. So my friends and dear readers, If you chose to follow me, you are welcome (whether you comment or not). There will still be hugs, smooches and gropes and I'll still love you more than my luggage.

Soldier - remember the ones we lost

Some people say, I'm a fighter Some people hate what I do I stand for my country I stand for you I got a family that loves me They respect what I do Try telling your child you're leaving Believe me it's a hard thing to do So, If I die don't judge me Cause, I will not judge you And If I die, please accept it Cause, I will die for you We have our reasons Rules, morals and beliefs I won't slander your opinion I'm just searching for peace So, If I die don't judge me Cause, I will not judge you And If I die, please accept it Cause, I will die for you Words and Music by Shawn Hlookoff... he makes me proud to be Canadian. Thank a soldier, Hug a veteran. Peace

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm... HOT

My lovely plumber -sans plumber's crack but with cute tushie, for those of you who like that kind of detail- fixed my hot water tank - shut up! it is not a metaphor, my hot water pressure was reduced to drip drip drip - and I look forward to a LONG HOT STEAMY shower... But until my honey can travel up and join me, I'll settle for a hot shower with strong water pressure ;-p! Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Paying respects... thanking the brave

To my American loved ones and friends... May you never forget what this Memorial weekend represents. My heartfelt thanks to the Brave men and women who stand for their country, no matter the cost. My thanks to Mr Trace Adkins and his label for allowing people such as myself to embed his message. Yours is a beautiful song, sir. Lest we forget. Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Yeah, I'm still alive

Sorry I haven't been around babes... I've had a very long week last week. I'll probably have another very long, well, a four day long week (which means I have to cram 5 days of work into 4 days) this week. This, combined with difficulties sleeping, has made me one very tired and cranky person lately. But over the weekend, I had the house to myself (ok, the dogs were constantly under foot, but what can I say... they keep hoping I'll drop food). I did some cleaning, cooking, mowing and attempted to catch up on my sleep. A very wonderful friend and kindred spirit that I've never actually "met" felt a disturbance in my lifeforce and sent me a little "how are you" e-mail. Thank you dear... your e-mail gave me energy. I listened to all manor of music as I went about doing my chores (I need an I-Pod for mowing, truly I do) and I ended up listening to some country music (Brad Paisley - he cracks me up, he does...), classic southern rock and some big band swing - Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Chick Webb and Tommy Dorsey. I pulled out some old Louis Armstrong too. This sent me in search of clips, because I not only wanted to hear his mastery, I wanted to see it, albeit it on a little screen. And I found this... This clip reminds me of my Chicklet, but not just because of the drum solo I can't wait to share with her. You see, I want her to take something from this clip. No matter what she chooses to do or be in life, may she show the same exhuberance and love of what she does that Mister Danny Barcelona exhibited as he played. Danny Barcelona, a self taught drummer (this will thrill Chicklet beyond words) became Louis Armstrong's drummer at the tail end of the 50s and was a part of his "All Stars" for about 15 years until the day Satchmo put the band to rest because of his failing health. You can tell, by watching him in that clip just how joyful his music makes him and all that passion he feels for his "job". I was telling someone that some of the best stories about music that can be written aren't about the front men or big name artists.. there's a ton of information out there for someone who might want to learn a thing or two about "the legends". The ones that intrigue me are the session musicians, the supporting players, the performers who spend their lives on stage, in small venues, just jammin'. The witnesses and "background" participants in music history, the stories they could tell just beg to come out if only we would listen. I'll be taking my daughter to the Montreal Jazz festival, but not to experience the big old (and expensive for someone on a tight budget) concerts... I want her to walk about and hear music coming from the street stages, the lesser known artists, the "working" musicians, who never give up the love of music just because they didn't "make it big" and who hold on to that hope. The artists who play for the pure joy. I know my friend Coco teaches music with that kind of passion. No matter what you do in life babies, find the things that bring you joy and go with the flow. Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

I need to be....

locked up in a room filled with bubble wrap. I could stomp it. I could hide in it. I could wrap myself in it (it has it's own handy-dandy airpockets), hop in a box and mail myself to Abu Dabi.. no wait, that's Odie... I could squeeze it and listen to the soothing popping sound. Or... I could just go to bed.

an angel...

I sat at the computer this morning with my Mother's Day Giant Mug of Coffee (aka Mommy's little helper) that my Chicklet had lovingly prepared for me as part of my Mother's Day breakfast in bed. I checked my e-mail and found this which I share with all of you. A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.' The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.' Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.' 'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.' 'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.' 'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore'. God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.' At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.' God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.' Thank your angel today, be she with you on Earth or watching over you in Heaven. Merci Maman... je t'aime. This was one of my Mother's favourite songs... "Les Roses Blanches". A song about a young boy's love for his mother, the roses he gave to her.. and his loss. Times of Joy and Love... My Chicklet will be a fine mother some day... and I'll know a grandmother's pride just like Mom.

distance

...has been making so many things difficult this week. Yesterday was my Dad's birthday... and distance prevented me from being with him. We'll have to catch up this weekend. I'm stuck in a place that doesn't feel like home... so very far from where my home truly is. And this will be my second Mother's Day without Mom. I'm a cranky blogger at the moment. Sorry guys.

Wordless Wednesday - healing

If you would...

Thanks to all for the wishes for a great weekend... we had a wondrous time. But if you would, I'd like to ask a favour. My Honey is undergoing surgery today and I'd appreciate the good thoughts and prayers (if you do that sort of thing) you might send his way. It's very difficult not being there to take care of him, he's shown me love the way no other has... he is home. I'll tell all y'all about the concert and other fun stuff when I can actually get my thoughts focused. Thanks babes! Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!