are you too old to dance?

I've mused for some time on the meaning, at least to me, of Thanksgiving. I hate the staid idea that it is the whole Indian and Pilgrim thing. I hate the idea that it ushers in the official beginning of shopping season. I am not sure I like the idea that it means winter is 'here'. I know for college students it heralds finals and winter break.

I spent the weekend with my husband's aunt, aged 92. Martha is still cognizant of what is around her, who her friends are, who visited last week, and how she feels about the current president.

She is at a time in her life where she is supposed to be making plans to die: when, where, and even how to dispose of her worldly goods. Instead, Martha made plans for dinner with friends, what to buy for x-mas, and decided not to give anything to her nephew when she dies. "He's a collector, I've seen your house, you don't need anything else." She's right, we don't.

I looked at the woman who once had a strong frame and constitution, the woman who told off color jokes all night, the woman who decorated her living room so there was plenty of room to dance in it. It made me realize, she is the embodiment of what I want to be when I grow up.

It is time for me to think about moving the sofa - getting rid of the extra chairs, and putting a stereo in the living room. If she can dance - why can't I?

Crater Lake Oregon

I thought they were spring flowers

I am the last person to be accused of having a green thumb. Some days I am mostly all thumbs complete with black or yellow ink.

There are a few plants in the front of the house that pre-date our ownership and seem to survive all things. This is one example of something that has survived despite my efforts to help it thrive.

Usually there are only flowers/blooms in the spring. Now in early September, I am being graced by colored beauty yet again. How did I get to be so lucky?

I guess nature doesn't follow the same calendar we set for ourselves, nor for it.

For now, I will enjoy what there is to enjoy and see what there is to see, taking it all as it comes.

unexpected beauty

My husband and friends of his find beauty in unexpected places and can always remember where they've found it! Me? Not so much. I am lucky to identify a carnation from a rose at the florist.

The guys used to go on 'photo safaris' looking for the perfect picture of beauty uninterupted.

I think I am lucky to have had the chance to see beauty through their eyes.

Consider Yourself ... lyrics from Oliver

I never was a huge fan of musical theatre. I might have been if I could carry a tune, but the bucket I carry a tune in has a whole in it. Oh well.

I have considered myself to be an observer of human nature for quite some time. I recently read a book called "Good Grief" by Lolly Winston that makes me realize that maybe I'm not as observant as I think. She writes about grief and depression in such a profound way it makes me wonder how much she's gone through in her own life.

For now, this is the most I can consider. My apologies to the lyricist and he should be thrilled he can't hear me singing along:

Consider yourself at home.
Consider yourlef one of the familhy.
We've taken to you so strong.
It's clear we're going to get along.
Consider yourself well in
Consider yourslef par to the furniture.
There isn't a lot to spare.
Who cares?..What ever we've goin we share!