update*

Thank you so much, for your thoughts and prayers. My sons biopsy was clear. Thank God. It has been such a long and emotional week. My son ended up having surgery today. He is in a lot of pain, but we will be okay. It looks like it will be a long night, but we are home together... it will be okay.
Happy tears.
I'm so grateful.
Thank you angels, from the bottom of my heart.
: )

hey life

My mind is all over the place today. My son has to go to the doctors office, for a small surgical procedure. He is so very nervous. He is 14. Of course his is nervous. I have gently looked him in the eye, and explained to him, that all his emotions are valid. Most of all, I showed him how much we love him. So many hugs! : ) The doctor says, he isn't worried "your will be fine".
Dad will go in with him, I will wait. Exhaling and waiting... Praying that this will be over soon... without too much pain, with good test results. Oh the ups and downs of life. Hey life, please lay off of my kid and pick on me today. I can take it, I'm a big girl. : ) I did say, please. : )
Would you say a few prayers for us? It would mean the world to me.
Peace~

sunday

i hope your Sunday, has been filled with love.
One love~

my soul

My soul filled with extra love, when I saw this photograph.
A lovely sigh, for the life that finds it's way, through the lens ; )

Happy weekend, my friends.

"The subject matter is so much more important than the photographer."
Gordon Parks

beautiful caution

At the wedding, I set the sexy silver shoes in a dark hallway. My flash blew through the shot; caught the caution tape on the stairs, and came through, like a sexy charm. Oh, I love a city wedding, as much as I do, a country wedding. And silver shoes? Bliss~ let the photos begin.
Don't forget to stop by Se'lah's place, to share a few jewels ; )

One love~
; )

through photographs

Today I have been invited, to do a sweet interview through photographs, with the beautiful Liz, over at be present, be here. It would mean the world to me, if you stopped over and said hello. It is a most lovely spot, to come visit, just as you are... I love that ; )
Peace

citrus colors and smiling

Yesterday was quite a day... up, down, up, down. Yes, the roller coaster of life arrived at my door, bright and early. The nerve, right?! Wink ; )
I was so happy to get a email this morning (bon jour!) that was filled with love. Don't you love it, when women wrap you in their arms, with words? I dig that ; )

I have 600 photos to go through, of the most lovely wedding. The wedding was filled with kisses, love, silver shoes, family and the cutest lifesaver candies, on every table. Bliss~

Citrus colors, smiling, gerbera daisies, for a tuesday afternoon...
So lovely.

Happy Tuesday!

Peace~

sunday

“Oh soul,
you worry too much.
You have seen your own strength.
You have seen your own beauty.
You have seen your golden wings.
Of anything less,
why do you worry?
You are in truth
the soul, of the soul, of the soul.”
Rumi

I am hoping your Sunday, is easy going and filled with beautiful, poetry ; )
Peace~

white majolica

I found these most beautiful, white roses, last night. They looked somewhat out of place, with all the full american beauties, and deep sun kissed, sunflowers. These roses have an almost, paper like, look to them. The kind of stationary you write love letters on, to your friend or lover; a type of crepe paper, you twist around a gift. I couldn't pass these sweet flowers up, especially since I remembered that today is the anniversary, of this little blog. ; )

I have a full day and weekend ahead, but I can't help but dilly dallie, over all the good, soul aperture has brought to my life. We laugh together and cry together on these blogs. At times, we fall apart silently, and walk toward the computer with hesitation to write our thoughts. And just when we do... the comment comes along, that reminds us we aren't alone. Many have gone through this or that, before us and survived, just fine. ; )

Alright now, a bit of my truth, is in order here ~ We have heard and felt some of the stories, where some bloggers, have made some of us feel, like we are back in the high school, lunch room. Not cool enough for the cliques, and feeling a bit left out. Oh well, that's life- the good and the bad. I was never included in the cliques or at the cool table. And at the age of 40, I sure in the hell ain't trying to fit in now. : ) I see the beautiful gems in this blog world, and those are the souls, I choose to focus on. I am in contact with some of you daily, and look forward, to those I have yet to "meet".

On with the good~ : )

We read through the tear stained posts, about how cancer has robbed us. How our children don't see eye to eye with us anymore and how the friend we grew up with, recognizes us when off of drugs, but not when on the drugs...
But we smile at the photos of daughters getting married, and grandma getting her first computer. Oh yeah, that's what's up. : )

You have often reminded me to, take as long as I need to grieve... and I have. Let me rephrase that, I try my best. : )

We are survivors of life, no matter what country we blog from, or what language we speak. ; )

Survival, ah yes, survival. We are all survivors of one thing or another, and although the shit we have gone through, didn't feel good while it was happening, we are stronger and better, for having gone through it : ) We have survived. I dig that!

We are poets without knowing it, and artist who are silenced, no more. We are all so different, but have been brought together by sharing parts of our daily life. For that, I am so grateful.
I thank you for every single word, you have taken the time to read, or write over here ; )

I hope you and enjoy the white majolica roses, as much as I do.

One love~

question

Isn't this photo absolutely beautiful?? I sound like a proud mumma, don't I? My daughter, took this photo. She is going through the most beautiful part of photography~ the seeing part. Catching the details, the light, the beauty... She is 13, and she takes my breath away.

I was wondering if you could help me, with a photography question. The other day, I went to load a few pictures on line( to be printed) and the crop box that was on the site, was cutting the sides and tops of my photos off.
What am I doing wrong? Should I have left more space, when shooting the photo? Is my file, too big? Did this ever happen, to any of you? It has me curious, as to how I can solve, this mystery. Maybe, you can help. ; )

It's pouring rain here today. It makes for the most wonderful, lazy reading day.

How are you?

Peace~
photo and editing by J.M

string of natural light and the intention to write

This string of natural light, set my mood for the day. I could have followed in it's beautiful, path, all morning. Swoon~

I always wanted to be a writer. I am still not convinced, I am a writer. What I am convinced of, is that I might have shared a connection, with a few of you writers out there, this morning. ; )My sheer intention was to get up, write and edit, a handful of recipes...
woke up at the crack of dawn ready to write
turned on computer
sat in front of computer began working
decided to visit a few of you
still no recipes
bought a few songs from i tunes
headed on over to amazon, not still not convinced a kindle isn't, sacreligious ; ) bet it's good to take along, while traveling though.
began writing a recipe on perogies/Pierogies
grandma could make a heck of a good perogie
coffee would be nice
made coffee
cleaned up kitchen
made grocery list
miles wants to go outside
walk miles
talk to neighbor "those damned kids played ding dong ditch on me last night, i almost caught the chubby one!" What's ding dong ditch?, i ask. neighbor looks at me, with disgust : ) lol
headed for longer walk
took picture of beautiful light
head back to meet tree specialist
asked tree guy- what exactly do you mean, my trees are not happy
call hubby tell him how much trees are gonna cost to get trimmed and become happy
"well the damn trees look happy to me, ecstatic if your asking me! And for that price, the trees better laugh all day and be able to get their party on, all night!"
look at perogie story and curser flashing beside it
poland!- that would be good to include in the perogie story
bounce ball and dance to the soundtrack of "west side story"
is that the mailman I hear?? Oh yes, I love mail!
stack bills, next to computer
oh yes perogie story- the country of poland
oohh i should show you all, the path of light i found- load pic to blogger ; )
first born enters the kitchen "mom can you make me breakfast?"
Bwoy don ya see ya mumma worken- gwan and get ya some cereal and out dis kitchen!

Oh... life is good; )
Happy day, my friends.

dancing with life

We went hiking as a family this past weekend. It's been forever, since I have done this. I appreciated becoming reacquainted, with my old friends~ nature and fresh air. ; ) As we hiked higher, it seemed as though I became smaller, with each step closer, I took toward the trees and the sky.
It was important for me to notice that, the more (they will be there tomorrow) problems, I left by the wayside, the more air I was gifted to my lungs. Which ultimately led, to me being able to be more present, in the moment. I dig that. ; )
Let me tell you, it was so much harder going up the hills, then it was coming down. ; ) I think I did okay~ for a girly, girl who lives in the city. ; )
Along the way, I spotted so many different lights and shadows, dancing with life... It was the most beautiful dance, I have witnessed in quite some time. Yes, it was.

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

; )

Sunday waves

I walked along the water this morning; it's sexy, slow, and beautiful waves, touching my feet, reminding me~ it's Sunday, walk slower... So, I did. ; )

and counting

I have been cleaning my bedroom closets out. AND it has come to my attention, I have over 300 books! And counting! OH MY! I am getting so sidetracked, from cleaning and organizing, because I am surrounded by a blanket of~ lovely, sad, happy and unexpected words.
I need to reel this love of mine in, and have a giveaway, next week ; )
I will gather some books to share with you, my dear friends~ stay tuned.

“This bridge will only take you halfway there, to those mysterious lands you long to see. Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fair, and moonlit woods where unicorns run free. So come and walk awhile with me and share the twisting trails and wonderous worlds Ive known. But this bridge will only take you halfway there. The last few steps you have to take alone.”
Shel Silverstein

; )

everything beautiful

The other night, I sat and enjoyed Jamaican meat patties and red stripe beers, with the love of my life. We were seated at a horrible table, way too close to the street curb. It was okay though. I laughed until I cried, as my husband threw his napkin on the ground and demonstrated how he had to struggle picking up things, the day he tried to wear his cousins cool( but tight as hell) pants, in high school. I can honestly say, I almost choked when the waiter picked my husbands napkin- saying "I will get that, for you sir". ; )

We shook our heads at the disbelief, of some of the things going on in the news; tried to add the years mama, daddy or granddaddy have been gone now. "Yes, baby, it has been that long."
As the streets fell silent, and our conversations drifted... A young man with the most beautiful dreads in his hair (bliss~) set a chair on an old crooked top porch, of a house that appeared to be on it's last legs. This young man, began to play a cello...
It was the most gorgeous sound, that almost brought me to tears. This young man, painted my sky; handed sheer beauty and hope to this home. Each note was a kind, handwritten letter. His song reminded me of everything beautiful, I had ever seen or felt.
Praise to the Most High~
One love~

good

There are times when I buy a loaf of fresh bread, for sandwiches. I remove the middle of the bread, so the sandwich fillings, are the star of the show. I remove the excess bread; add olive oil and fresh herbs and toast the bread in the oven. I use the yummy bits for bread soup, or grilled vegetable salads. I remember my grandmother, doing this. She was a woman who wasted nothing. As a child I would watch her cook and she would always say to me, "waste not, want not". How true and sincerely sweet. ; )

"Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."
Desmond Tutu

concrete and flower petals

I couldn't help but notice the beauty, that placed itself on my path, as I made my way home from the train.
Concrete and flower petals, make me swoon.
Church bells chiming, remind me that love is real.
Rum raisin, ice cream is home.
I ran into an old friend, I grew up with. I instantly remembered that his childhood was a difficult one. His eyes, not easily meeting mine. He had the same shy smile, as he did when we were kids. Less teeth, less hope. Still, no less of a man. The streets got to be too much, for my childhood friend. As the we said our goodbyes, I hugged him and didn't want to let go. I really didn't. He told me he would see me soon, one day. All I could do is hold back the tears and turn and head home. I pray for him. Although I don't know him the same, I love him the same. Yes I do.
For the rest of the way home, I tried to make sense of life. Silly me, right? : ) As I rounded the corner, I could see my house. The welcome home flag, blowing in the wind. The little lights (that took us forever to install) lining the walk way; the neighbor watering his grass. Hi Sam. Hey there, Christina!
I thought about the shit that I was complaining about, this morning before I left for work. It seems the farthest away, from important, to me now. I find that feeling to be, utterly beautiful and freeing ; )

One love~

meringue and charcoal grills

If you got a chance to read my post below, you know that I was in a BBQ rib, cook off. I was the only woman, in the competition. There were 40 men- who I thought were cute, but HUGE trash talkers. ; ) OMGoodness!

When I arrived at the competition, some of the trash talking, got quite ugly. I walked past one of the competitors to get my cooler and he slammed his grill lid and told me to "move away from his grill!" WOW!- the tension really got to some of these competitors. I kept going in the rain, and didn't let the words that were flying, get to me. When the last few minutes (on the clock) were called. I brought my fire up and started saucing. OMG~ I got the most beautiful color on my ribs, I have ever seen. I like darker, stickier, fall off the bone, what's in that sauce girl, kind of rib...

Apparently, so did the judges. I won! ; ) It was the meringue, that topped my day. ; )

The judges said, it was the first time, they didn't have a competitors ribs to photograph after judging, because of the ribs being "eaten up." ..... Sweet!
When my name was announced, I jumped up and down. I got a lot of big, burly, hugs. I love that. There were even a few competitors, that wouldn't shake my hand. I teased them by asking them where they were competing next... so I could sign up and we could cook together again. lmao

Thank you so much, for the thoughts and prayers. You all are the kindest. xo

I can't wait to get my trophy. You think they would mind putting "Women Rock" on it?? ; )

Now to find out who took photos, since I was kind of busy, grilling.

Peace~

cute trash talkers

I am competing in a bbq rib off today. Hmm... never been much of the competing type, but my family wants me to give it a whirl, so I am in. Oh man, these other chefs that are competing- they are talking the tallest sh*it, I have heard in a long time. lmao All men! I'm the, lone girl! : ) I'm sure they are just joking when they say- they are going to beat me, and then make me scrub their grills! These are some, bad boy, chefs! Wow! Huh! I'm not worried, I have been trained by the toughest drill sergeants, in my little, cooking world ; ) Starting with, my grandmama! God rest, her soul.
Say a little thought or prayer for me, would you? Gotta run, I'm gonna go make a sign that says- Rib Princess. Too much? Nah, I'm gonna cook em, in da ground! Just because these cuties, talked so much trash. ; )
Oh... sweet summer days.

One love~

i am~ inspired

i am~ a~
grateful person
mama
lover
granddaughter
niece
cousin
friend
culinary chef
lover of mornings
child of God
loner
bookworm
light and shadow~ seeker
butterfly follower
what's wrong?~ asker
photographer
crier of crocodile tears
brave
simple girl
hold your hand while i listen gal
not so brave
poet
hold your head up proud~reminder
rasta girl~ hello ja
survivor
tickled when people send me letters addressed to "soul"
list maker
dreamer
dread watcher
in love
student of life
we gwan always get through it ~ believer
; )
This list was inspired by noddy boom and the lovely Gillian at indigo blue. Let me know if you post a list. I would love to come visit you. ; )
Happy weekend!

the gift of "creative geography" in santa fe

a photo of my daughter giving me a gift that made my heart thump ; ) ~

I have been daydreaming, of the sweetest gift, I am giving myself. Have you heard about the art and photography retreat, that will take place in Santa Fe New Mexico? Tara and Madelyn have invited us to come together for, "creative geography" in Santa Fe, New Mexico. And the teachers?? Bliss~ Can't wait to meet her. And more Bliss~ You are my heart, Leau.
Check out the info here.
Just the thought of this trip, makes me smile. Time to start gladly, saving my pennies. I want to paint my camera lens, with the sky of Santa Fe. I SO hope, I get to meet some of you there. That thought alone, warms my heart.
One love~

a hill of memories

I have always been fascinated by the steep hill, that twist through these houses, and ultimately leads to this church. I can't tell you how many times (when I was little) I dirtied my knees as I slipped, running to service, following the beat of a steel band. Same untamed curls, different thoughts, head in the clouds : ) Sometimes when I sit at the top of this hill: my lens through the fence, the sun tenderly taking my by the hand and heart...
I am reminded of~
the village that raised me
the words that are gifted to me daily
i am never to old to have my head in the sweetest of clouds
the poet I adore~
hope
the smile that warms my face, each time I read your comments.
Peace
; )

lazy summer days and rambling dreams

please click on photo to say hi to the sweetest lady bug I ever met. He was quite the diva as he posed for me. ; ) The kids said he was a boy, so I'm going with it. : )

The summer seems to be going, a bit quick for me. It seemed just the other day, I was packing our school bins away. This week, I am going over, fall curriculum. Eh naw!
I am grateful for the lazy summer days, I have created. Yesterday afternoon, I fell asleep reading, The House On Mango Street. I truly, adore this book.

Oh, how I would love to put story to paper, one day. I keep this dream so close to my heart. At times I wonder if I am using my heart as a shield, to hide this dream of mine.

There is something about knowing that summer will come to an end- I am often reminded by the seasons coming and going, that time waits, for no one.

As I get older, I embrace the idea of doing things for me, and sharing with those who want to be involved. Leaving the approval of others aside (knit pickers- lol) for the moment. Ya know, letting the words flow, and hitting the shutter button, for the love of it.

Not that I could make a living at my art, but for those few and far jobs in between, where I take a bit of crap and turn into what others want me to be. I really freak out, inside. When I don't recognize me or my work, I want to burst into tears. "Can- you- dig- it?????" I love that scene in the movie "The Warriors." ; ) Just that scene. lol

For me, it can be a thin and loud line, when it comes to the medium I love and making it my job. That's always been such an interesting path for me. Not afraid to admit, I stand on this path at the fork in the road, wanting to just pull out a lawn chair and eat an ice cream sundae, with extra chocolate on top. ; ) Wanna join me? : ) We can deal with all the decision making, a different day. : )
Peace~

"When you leave you must remember to come back for the others. A circle, understand? You will always be Esperanza. You will always be Mango Street. You can't erase what you know. You can't forget who you are."
From the book~ On Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros

; )

light and shadows

The wonders of light, always amazes me. It seems as though I have traveled at light speed this weekend, getting it all done.
There was a moment today, when I caught a glimpse of the light and it's beautiful shadows, dancing across my skin, as I drove through a tunnel.
It was a gentle reminder, to take a moment and enjoy all the sweet and simple beauty, that danced to get my attention, on this Sunday.
So I did ; )
Peace~