just a thot

“Maturity is the capacity to endure uncertainty.”

― John Finley

morning musings . , .

News Flash: it's cold outside (26.7 degrees) - not our first snow but definitely looks like winter is fast approaching - the 'gray' is back. I'm trying to grasp onto any 'fall' that is left on the ground (the crunch of leaves - even if they are all brown) but as I look at our trees, the leaves are gone so it's almost like it gives winter permission to move in.

Christmas music is playing in the background (can you hear it?) and I'm all snuggled in with my three dogs laying by my feet - you getting the Norman Rockwell visual? Working on Christmas for the family and ordering 'on-line' this year. I posted 'that' thought on facebook and got a rebuttal from a business owner that wasn't pretty! Oh well - I pretty much support the local businesses all year long - no worries.

Grandma and I are going to sneak away this afternoon to the show and see Breaking Dawn - crowds should be pretty small especially where it's snowing outside! Self-control! Pretty impressed how I've waited this long before racing to the theater! I'm pretty much a Twilight geek - I'm old, NOT DEAD!

These beautiful eggs are brought to you by chickens that live near the Tetons - aren't they beautiful - and delivered here in our little town! Bob picks them up on his way to school (supply your own egg cartons) - organic and delicious! Still trying to eat healthy - up a few pounds but holding steady!!!!

Let's make it a point to HAVE A GREAT DAY!

just a cup of comfort

Yummmmmm, can you smell it – comfort soup is cooking on the stove . . . .

It’s been a wild and crazy few weeks and nice to sit for a minute and take it all in. I remember a talk given not long ago by a wise and wonderful man who gave examples of many challenges he faced in his life and the life of his family – not easy challenges – from everyday things to actual death of a grandchild. He remembered something his mother said, “Come what may and love it!” Now, in theory, it would seem simple but to actually apply it to ones life is something all together different.

“Come what may and love it!”
My family had a few trials come along in the last little while and tried applying this sage-wise advice and you know what? It works! There’s always something good in everything you experience - you just have to look for it. Sometimes you don’t find it immediately but be patient, the answer WILL come. Our ‘emotional-selves’ always react immediately to a situation – but if you allow a little time to pass, things clear up and come into ***focus*** for what they really are – a teaching moment. Things happen for a reason and God teaches us lessons we need to learn in ways that only He can teach.

“Come what may and love it!”
Some lessons come in the form of jaw-dropping, paralyzing events and we wonder “why” or “how" could this happen”? I think the hardest thing to do is watch your own child suffer – I actually can’t think of anything more gut-wrenching. I would much rather take the pain of this life than watch my child(ren) be subjected to it. But, that’s not part of God’s plan – we’re here to learn and grow, make mistakes – correct mistakes and go on – head held high because we are His child.

The first thought that comes to mind, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10).

The future looks bright and full of possibilities.



Now, for a bowl of that soup - so good - just a cup of comfort.

i am thankful for . . .

(please scroll down and turn music off . . . i know, it's a pain - so sorry!)

j u s t a t h o t . . .

“It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.”

― Abraham Joshua Heschel

uggggg, daylight savings time

Disclaimer: I hate the word hate . . . just thought you should know:

Some people hate winter - I hate day light savings time . . . UNTIL I heard something on a television program the other day. They said that the lack of sunlight is, at times, good for us. We as a society try and rethink nature (prolonging daylight for an example) by creating something like day light savings time. When you think about it, NATURE is the wisest of all - there is a reason the sun doesn't stay around as long in the winter - nature has its reasons therefore it must be good for us.

Since I heard that explanation I have changed my mind and will ACCEPT less sun in the winter just knowing that it's good for us - for some reason.

Note: I just had to get a post in on 11/11/11 at 11:11 pm ! ! ! !

thank you veterans

"YOU" were blessed - "YOU" came home - some did not! I have "MY" freedom because of "YOU" . . .

Forever grateful to "YOU"

H u g s , B e r t a & f. a. m. i. l. y.

from fall to winter - just like that / self doubt

"fall get-away"



Our fall has been a little strange this year - went from 60 degree weather to 20-25 degree weather just like that! Pretty shocking to the system. I do have to confess something today in front of 'everyone' - for the first time since we moved to Idaho some 39 years ago, I do NOT want winter to come - I simply had too much fun walking and biking this summer. With the cold weather has come 5 lbs of unwanted baggage however, I am attacking it - go away, go away!

"nature's cathedral"

I have fallen off the blogging wagon and had to do some self-analysis to figure out why! Not sure I came up with a satisfactory answer but I think it comes pretty close! It all stems from 'self-doubt' - (((((conversation with myself: #1 - who cares what I have to say? #2 - who'll ever read all this journaling anyway? #3 - am I wasting a bunch of time & money? #4 - my life is boring, boring, boring !))))) I hate it when I do that - doubt myself! I'm pretty confident in most areas of my life but EVERY-ONCE-IN-AWHILE 'doubt's' ugly little head pops up. I decided to banish it from my life ONCE AGAIN - so here I am blogging.

"eyes to heaven"

I'm easily distracted as well - think I might be A.D.D. - have so many things that interest me but really can't focus on any of them so I wander from thing to thing. I have a remind myself to focus, focus, focus. I think it maybe why I keep so many lists - to keep me on track. Really, nothing wrong with that - just can't F.O.C.U.S. "Doctor, please give me your opinion on this matter!"

"fall at waters edge"

So many things have happened since I last wrote - "END OF WORLD" as noted in my daily planner (October 21st) - sure GLAD it didn't happen, we would have MISSED HALLOWEEN ! ! ! I was listening to Glen Beck's radio show one day when he commented on the event and I laughed and laughed! He thought the guy who predicted the END of the WORLD should have gone out in style by leaving a heap of clothing in the middle of a room (depicting the rapture) for someone to find ! ! ! Get it? How FUNNY is that?

"fall at north fork of the snake river"

We had our 3rd annual Halloween Carnival at church and it was SUCCESSFUL and FUN! The young men and young women organize and 'man' the booths for all the younger children and, as an added bonus, this year the special needs children/teens were invited to the carnival as well.

"swan valley delight"

The next day Grandma and I traveled over an hour to what we thought would be her hearing-aid fitting BUT, found out they totally LOST her impressions (molds) and would have to travel over an hour to have the impressions taken again! I was a little 'miffed' but got over it quickly because I always love getting out of town. We hooked up with Whit and kids briefly and headed to Costco for a little fun-time. The boys are getting so big and so fun - always love walking down the toy aisle with them - their faces are precious beyond belief when they see something they love - priceless.

"fall creek dreaming"

As you can see, Bob and I got out and took some photos of the fall colors - so beautiful this year - our area has some gorgeous colors and scenery. This season is one of my favorites and doesn't last long enough in my opinion. Now, we have to wait an entire year for it to return - maybe that's why I appreciate it so much!

celebration of a birth & parenting IS a HARD gig

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH goes out to Kandee-Lou - she's a BIG 38 years old today! I know she's feeling old right now - but I always tell anyone younger than myself . . . I'll gladly trade places with you?!? But, since that's not an option, I'll be happy where I am in my travel through this life.

Yes, I've been on sabatical from this blogging-business! However, I haven't received a single penney for staying away - go figure!

I'll return here TOMORROW and finish this blog post as my heart is very sad and heavy tonight with news I got earlier today from my son Cortney and his wife Ashley. Sorry, I hate when someone does that to me - but will explain tomorrow. I did text my son the following words, "parenting is a HARD gig."

Thank you all for putting up with me and my absence - but will be back tomorrow AFTER a nights rest - not sure it will be good, but will try.

Hugs!