The CHICKS !

The Dixie Chicks have a documentary being released today called " Shut Up and Sing ". It chronicles their rise and fall over the course of the past few years. You'll remember that Natalie made a comment at one point about being ashamed the President was from Texas. She's not the only one who felt that way, but at the time she was the only one brave enough to say it aloud. BRAVO to the Dixie Chicks and a great big THANK YOU for having the courage to stand up for free speech in this country.

I've been struggling this week with balance. It's not always easy to achieve when you're so far out of it. I'm trying to keep everything in my world in perspective but I feel like I'm failing miserably. There is just NO GOOD REASON why I shouldn't be enjoying my life more. I just feel like I'm really out of balance inside and I'm struggling with how to bring myself back. I'll try acupuncture. It usually helps restore a sense of order to my chaotic insides. I am reading a book given me by George the other night, which while in some respects feels a bit over my head, in other respects feels very insightful and restorative on a level that really needs the lift. ( Thanks again, George * ) . I'm also trying to get enough sleep.

I'm off the next few days. I'm dreading a family get-together tomorrow, but am focusing today on detaching from some of the more negative feelings I have with regard to the whole evening. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the kids. Seems like it's been ages ...

Free Hugs Campaign. Inspiring Story! (music by sick puppies)

LOVE LOVE LOVE this !

Some Positive Notes

In spite of the growing number of dead in IRAQ ( 2782 today ) I thought I'd balance my last post with a few things that are of positive note. Always, there are many, many things to be grateful for and to feel hopeful about.

So ... in no particular order :

Dad came home Monday night* It's been a grueling month for him ( and all of us ) but I believe he has turned the corner and is doing great !

We saw the kids, if only briefly, over the weekend and they seem to be doing just wonderful !

Work has allowed me some time to care for my family during this transition.

Kelly is moving forward and has her first networking job !

I'll get some time in the next few days to catch up on letters and phone calls.

The weather has been perfect lately ... mild with some rain and sun and a bit of a breeze. I do love the fall weather ...

Since I've not heard otherwise, I am assuming my ultrasound was just fine and I'm as good as I can be !

I'm hopeful there will be changes in November by way of elections.

We have two pumpkins sitting on our front porch ... one a nice orange one and one white one, which is just too cool !

I just rediscovered my voodoo doll ...

We'll be seeing Gramps today ... he broke his wrist last Friday and needs to be fitted for a sling and have it cast on Friday. I'll post an update on him on PX later.

I woke up again this morning. That's always a miracle to me. And next to me was Kelly, whom I am so lucky to have. I drank good coffee, stumbled onto the driveway of my great house to get the paper, and realize that I have dozens of things to be grateful for before I really even begin my day !

Now, if there could only be PEACE in the world ....

WORRIES

In honor of my fellow blogger, blueness ... here are MY worries :
( in no particular order ...)

Fall is coming and leaves are falling all over the yard.
My Dad is STILL in the hospital after 6 days.
My Mom is a trooper, but this is beginning to wear on her .
I have an ultrasound tomorrow ( fingers crossed )
The kids look SO tired ... I hope they're sleeping enough.
My car has 167,000 miles on it.
My art-o-mat project is taking forever !
I need to make a dental appointment.
I don't have a lot of time lately.
We are operating at about two thirds our usual income.
I am dealing with two practicing alcoholics in my world and it's a drag.
I have an eight`inch pile that has developed on my desk.
My commute gets even longer in winter.
I will not be able to splurge AT ALL this Christmas.
I need a haircut.
My skin feels old.
I need some passion in my life.
I have committed to a " sleepover " for the kids this weekend, but I think my parents will need me more.
Our country is going to hell in a handbasket.
Elections have become ugly and unreliable.
My nephew could be drafted someday.
I haven't given Karri her gift yet. It's overdue.
I should have an offering to my " other " Kari, but I don't know what it would be.
I haven't heard from Tom and Claire since last week.
The dog needs allergy tests.
I haven't planted those dang bulbs yet.
The grass needs to be mowed.
I haven't called George in a week. I feel like a bad friend.
I see dust from where I'm sitting.

Ok. I could go on all night. I'm hoping that by doing this " mind dump " I can turn this worry of mine over to the Universe and be done with it ...

Wish me luck.

( BTW Blue, you aren't crazy OR alone ....)

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I don't think we always understand when people say "stop and smell the roses " . It's this metaphor for " slow down " ...but it can be very effective at putting things in a new perspective. I shot this rose a couple weeks ago in my front yard. I fed them one last time before fall settles in and they bloomed into these magnificent flowers. I have actually been taking time to really tend them ...to see that they have enough water, food and that they are fully and duly appreciated. And I have been rewarded ...

in other news ...

I've fallen off a bit this past couple weeks. Dad is back in the hospital after a nasty emergency surgery to remove a very sick gall bladder. We keep hoping he will see some improvement but so far his recovery is quite slow. Please keep praying for him and keeping the good, positive thoughts headed our direction. I worry as much about my Mom, too. Maybe ask your God to give a little " shout out " to her too.

We have spent hours at the hospital. It looks like he'll be there until at least Friday, maybe longer. We've seen many different nurses come and go, some have really touched our lives in a way that has made it just a little easier to cope. I have a great appreciation for the good ones. People who have a gentleness about them. People who remember they are dealing with fragile human beings. Fragile physically,emotionally and sometimes spiritually. It takes a special kind of person to be a GOOD nurse. Anyone could go through the motions ... anyone can fluff a pillow and change a bedpan ... the ones who have managed to keep their humanity have my undying gratitude and respect.

My other " family situation " is parked in neutral somewhere. It's probably for the best. Not much else I can say at the moment.

Kelly is working on a few projects, but is planning to look for something more regular with regard to employment. Also probably for the best. With some consistency we can budget and plan. Without anything consistent, it's almost impossible to plan responsibly and THAT makes me crazy ! Put some good energy out in the Universe for her, too.

I'll check back in soon. Off again today and headed up to the hospital !