HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ME!!!

First things first. Early this morning I received a phone call from my friend, Shelia. Her long-time companion, Maya, transitioned today. Shelia was sobbing on the phone and asked if I could come out and take care of the house and dogs where she is pet-sitting and I told her I certainly could and I'd be there directly.

This was the first thing I saw as I walked through the door to go into the house. I'm "suffering" through being in this palatial estate. My feelings are "somebody has to do it!!!" So I'm muddling through. Shelia has gone back to her home to be with the family. Her partner, Chris, called and said Jared, the grandson, is still pretty upset about it and Betty, Chris' Mom, has been very upset by it as well. For all of us, Maya was part of the family for nearly 15 years, a Tankersley through and through, meaning she knew she was a princess and expected to be treated as one. Rest in peace sweet baby!!! I know you're playing with Sedona and Inca, having shed that old, cumbersome body for the light, playful one.

As I came into the house from the pool area, this beautiful wall is just inside the door. There's beautiful stone fireplaces in every room, including the bathroom. Gosh this is so hard!!!! I get to live in the lap of luxury for the entire month of January.

Tonight is New Year's Eve. As I reflect on the past year, I am ever so grateful for having had the opportunity to really enjoy my first complete year of retirement exactly as I had envisioned, living and traveling in my own "home on wheels". I traveled through and stayed in Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Massachusetts, Maine, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Alabama and back to Tennessee. Not too bad for the first year!!!

Shelia and I were supposed to do a ceremony tonight, but we've now postponed it until tomorrow. Tonight I'll be thinking about my goals for this New Year, offering up prayers for my loved ones and sending gratitude to all of you who've opened your hearts and homes to me this year!!! If today was the last day I had to be on this Earth, there would be no regrets whatsoever, only a sense of having lived my best life (this is what Oprah speaks about)!!! As I said to my friend, Magnolia, I love living large in the world, the entire world!!! This coming year will be no exception!!! I wish all of you the joy of following your Spirit, the expansiveness of keeping your heart open, the courage of walking your talk, and the enthusiasm to continue to seek the magic and miracles in every moment!!!!!

THE NEVER ENDING CHRISTMAS!!!

For most of you, Christmas came and went. For me, I'm still celebrating! I have a wonderful ex-mother-in-law who invited me over for Christmas dinner on Monday. Here she is with her beautiful Christmas tree and her companion, Tinker Bell, the sweetest Rat Terrier. You can't see the star at the top of the tree, but it's a beautiful stainglass-looking star that Tish says is even older than her children who are my age, 60.

Although her son and I divorced in the mid-70's, she and I still continue to get together throughout the year. For dinner she made ham, deviled eggs, two types of congealed salads, one with black cherries and one with mandarin oranges, chili, a swiss cheese bread, chili cashews, ranch oyster crackers, stuffed celery with homemade pimento cheese, olives, homemade guacamole salad with chips, and, a delicious drink with cranberry juice, ginger ale and orange juice. For dessert I had my choice of cheese cake, pecan pie or cherry pie. I had the cheese cake. Tish is a remarkable cook even though she lost her sense of taste over twenty years ago.

For every holiday, Tish decorates her table appropriately. So the table looked so festive. You can see how very colorful it was. She also gave me a beautiful blouse in hues of blues. I'm going to wear it tonight when we get together for dinner and the movie, War Horse.

Speaking of movies, I've been to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and also the new Sherlock Holmes movie. Both of them are really good. I read the book for the first movie and they changed the ending a little, but Daniel Craig is so good as the journalist and Rooney Mara gives an amazing performance as the girl. I've watched both the Swedish version (sub-titled) and this one, and the lead actress in both does such an incredible job playing the part of a young woman with a difficult past trying to make her way in the world when it seems as if the whole world is against her. The new Sherlock Holmes movie was really good, in fact, I believe I enjoyed it even more than the first. I still love the interaction between Robert Downey, Jr., and Jude Law. What made this one a little more interesting was a piece I heard on NPR about the actor playing the role of Prof. Moriarty, Jarrod Harris. He happens to be the son of Richard Harris, A Man Called Horse, and played Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies. Go see them both, you won't be disappointed.

See you at the movies!!!! Until then...

"THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG..."

WOW!!!!Has it really been over a week since I last posted. What a really great week!!! This picture to the left was the living room/bedroom where I spent two nights. This is Shelia and Chris' home decorated for the coming event. They also had a beautiful white tree, which you can see a little of, however, it was much more beautiful than this little snippet shows.

I came back from Mentone to help facilitate the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra on Wednesday night. Shelia and I had invited the Mentone 8 for a reunion/Christmas gathering in Beth's home next door to Shelia's. This is the group of women who all traveled from Memphis to Mentone to participate in Edwene Gaines' October workshop and firewalk. It's me on the far left, Judy, Sally (behind), Beth (in front), Marty (behind), Shelia and Deliece. Our friend, Kim, could not make it, but she was definitely there in spirit. We'd each brought a little dish to share and after the chant we did a little Santa giveaway while we ate and drank. Deliece made a drink called "Winter Solstice" which had pear nectar infused with rosemary, and Grand Marnier liquor. She poured it in the glass with a sprig of rosemary. It was quite delicious!

I spent Christmas Eve with my friend, Bev's, family in Southaven. Bev wasn't able to come home but the dinner was awesome. We had finger foods, but they were delectable. We had stuffed mushrooms, shrimp stuffed filo cups, ham sandwiches with swiss and a mustard poppy seed dressing, two kinds of cranberry sauce, two cheese trays, ambrosia and miniature fudge brownies with a peppermint frosting.

I spent part of the day with my friend, Deliece, having Bailey's and coffee and ham and cheese omelets. Later I headed for a pet-sitting job where I open my gifts and spent the rest of the day in my pj's vegging in front of the telly. It felt so good to finally be taking a chill pill after so much traveling. So color me out of here!!! Back to being a vegetable!!! Hope all of you had a joy-filled Christmas and are preparing for the celebration to bring in the New Year and all that holds for each of us!!!!!

THE BEAUTY AROUND ME!!!

My last night at Magnolia's we had a sunset beyond description. It looked like the hills were on fire!!! This picture gives you an idea of how awe -inspiring it was. As my friend, Lynn, would say, "C, it's glorious!!!" It's now two days later and I can still feel the gloriousness of watching this beautiful unfoldment of an event that occurs every evening.

I am once again with my dear friends, Cathy and Ted at Heartwood. Today, the weather hit in the low 60's so we decided to drive over to Lake Guntersville and the RV Park they've bought into. It's sits right on the lake and has everything to offer, including a youth activity center, both indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, shuffle board, miniature golf and an activity center where they play bingo, bunco and many games. There was a table of 4 women and 1 man getting ready to play cutthroat "Hand and Foot". Mom, do you know what this means? I had a great conversaton with them and they told me anytime I want to come and play, that they are there nearly every day. So, I'm filing that away for the next time I'm up this way. I believe next year I can make that happen, bring my camper up here!!! Any takers on a road trip????

Here's the happy couple standing in front of my Christmas tree. OK, maybe it's not my tree, but I'm sure if I had one it would be this beautiful. This was taken in the lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park. We decided to stop in and have a bite to eat for lunch.

The picture above was taken while standing on the deck at the lodge looking out to Lake Guntersville. Just to the right of this picture, about 5 miles from the lodge is where they have their RV site.

I've so enjoyed being here. We've relaxed every evening, I've had time in the morning, and before going to bed, to read, and, Cathy and I have had some good in-depth conversations about working on our "stuff". Ted continues to support both of us by being there in a multitude of small ways, not the least of which is making "Ted bread" for me while I'm here. I did get to help with this endeavor by coming by their house, when I first arrived on the mountain, by coming by and stirring the "starter" for him.

Hope all of you are moving toward the holidays with ease and joy!!!

LI!!!FE DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER

I've spent the past several days with my friend, Magnolia Rose Butterfly. She's a freak!!!! We have had such a special time together relaxing, listening to music, eating, drinking and just making Merry!!!

When I first met Maggie she was called Sherrie. Then she walked on fire with me and she became Magnolia Rose Butterfly. She is an earth mother and loves being outdoors with plants and flowers, or indoors cooking up one of her many wonderful recipes. People in Mentone, Chattanooga, St. Elmo, Valleyhead and other places in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee call on her to "magnoliatize" their homes and offices. She does all of it with great love.

Last night, we had a beautiful sunset and were able to sit in the rocking chairs with our toddies enjoying. Our friend, Robert, came by. I was so happy to see him again. He had gotten seriously ill with heart problems about two years ago and was not expected to live. Doesn't he look great!!!! Had a fun evening consulting the Osho Zen Tarot and the I Ching. For me personally, my question was whether or not it was in my Highest and Best Interest to pursue the El Camino. I got a resounding yes, and for those of you who know my power number, the message was the number 4 hexagram in the I Ching. It also confirmed for me to seek the wisdom and advice from those who have gone before me.

Off for now. Having a party tonight!!!!! Yahoo!!!!!

THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!!!

I arrived in Mentone just as Maggie was getting back from the store, perfect timing. about 3:45 pm on Satuday afternoon,.

This morning she and I went for a little drive and came across this building and I just had to take a picture of it. You know how people will name their homesteads, their houses, their cars, etc., and usually the names are something like "Sugar Shack", or "Roy's Cabin", or "Browwzing", well, you get the picture. This particular farm is called "Wormahootaboo Farm". Pretty funny!!! I'd love to hear the story behind this one!!!

This evening as I was sitting in the living room, I looked out the window to see this amazing sunset. As it progressed towards being totally set, the upper part of the sky turned grey and the horizon burst forth in a dazzling display of shades of orange and pink.

With this display of beauty before me, I selected a card from the Osho Zen Tarot deck. So, Coley, this one is for you: 2 of Water, Friendliness:

"The branches of these two flowering trees are intertwined...It is as if heaven and earth are bridged by love. But they stand individually, each rooted in the soil in their own connection with the earth. In this way they represent the essence of true friends...Their is no urgency about their connection, no neediness, no desire to change the other into something else....It is the birth of a love that is truly unconditional, without expectations or demands."

To all of you I send my love!!!!!

"I'VE GOT MY EYES ON YOU!"

The first time I spoke to the man my twin was planning on spending several weeks with, I found him to be communicative, friendly, easy to talk to, and I enjoyed our conversation.

I recently said to this same man "I've got my eyes on you". The expression seemed to confuse him and he asked "what does that mean?" and I said "it means I'm watching you". He then wished me a safe journey and before I could continue the conversation, his phone went dead.

The words were spoken with no malice, nor anger, nor even deep seriousness. However, my words have been construed as a mark against his integrity, and, as of this moment, he has had no further contact with her.

So, I have spent the better part of two days delving into my role in this situation. What I know to be true of me is that having been her twin for 60 years now, there is a part of me that is protective of her, and I know she feels the same towards me. Were I simply a sister, and not a twin, I believe I would still feel a sense of protectiveness, as I do with all of my sisters. Is this a bad thing...no, I don't believe it is. Does my "watching him" mean I question his integrity, not in the slightest. For me, it simply means "I've got her back!!!!" My sister has been through alot over the past year or more. I know she is somewhat fragile right now (my words, not hers) and my concern for her is only to be available should she need me for anything. I also know she is totally capable of taking care of herself and has never needed me to take care of her, but she knows I'm here for her and I know she is there for me.

My twin feels as if she has been put in the middle. For that I am sorry!!! Would I change anything, probably not. Would I do anything to make the situation better, if I could, yes. However this unfolds, I know in my heart this, too, shall pass and everything is in Divine order. I love my twin and wish for her the greatest happiness and the deepest love in every moment!!!!

BRRRRRRR!!!!

How beautiful are the trees when they are covered in snow and ice. This was what New Mexico looked like when I left this morning. I actually got up at 7 a.m. to see about the road conditions. I learned that I-40 was closed at Clines Corner, the direction I was headed in.

About 30 minutes later the weatherman reported the expressway opened again, but for people to wait since there was a long backup of tractor-trailers, and to give them a chance to clear out. So I waited until 9:30 am to leave.

I drove for the first two hours with snow falling, however, the roads were perfect. The traffic moved along at a good speed and I made it to Tucumcari by about 12 noon. The snow apparently had been quite heavy compared to what we had gotten in Albuquerque. Aren't the trees beautiful though!!!

Unfortunately I did not get to meet Steve. He has been stranded in Nevada and probably won't be in until at least Monday evening, barring any unforeseen bad weather heading his way. Having spent the past three weeks with Coley, it was a bittersweet moment this morning as I was leaving.

I know she's disappointed not to be spending time with Steve, but I'm sure it will happen!!!

How's this for a change in landscape. Once I crossed over into Texas, absolutely no snow at all. These are some windmills around Windorado, Texas. In case you can't see them, they are the little white lines in the far distance, please use your imagination!!!!

And, finally, this cross I've seen several times. At night you can see it for miles. It's lit up and I believe it's a 19 story cross at Groom, Texas.

I landed at the Motel 6 about 7pm, ate a bite and now, as soon as I finish this, I'll be headed to bed and I hope a really good night's sleep.

My friends in Missouri said they are supposed to get freezing rain over night, so please hold me in your prayers for an easy, safe journey tomorrow.

Blessings to all!!!!

SPA DAY!!!!

Yesterday, Coley, Calleen and I enjoyed an afternoon of facials. Calleen has created a number of special treatments from all natural ingredients such as coconut oil, almond butter, essential oils, well, you get the picture.

After cleansing our faces, we scrubbed them with a sugar scrub made out of brown sugar, sugar, honey and another ingredient I'm not sure about.

Moving on though, we then did a mask with bentonite clay which you see here. This was incredibly nice, it got really tight and my pores looked amazing afterwards. Then we cleaned this off, and used witch hazel as an astringent followed by a moisturizer and a cucumber eye gel. We felt great afterwards. Calleen is going to copy the recipes for Coley and I so we can create our own facial products. Shelia, you and I just might be doing this in January, so get ready!!!

Last night we went over to Kitty and Chuck's for a pot-luck dinner. It was supposed to be for my last night here, however, the weather is not cooperating. We had snow last night and part of I-40 has been closed just east of Albuquerque. It has also kept Steve from being able to get back home to meet Coley. This is the guy she met on-line and they are supposed to spend this month together, so she's really disappointed it hasn't happened yet.

Here's a picture of Kitty, far left, with Coley, me, and Calleen. We had a wonderful evening, along with Georgia, Pete, and Chuck eating homemade chili, cornbread, salad, and pretzel salad,with a wonderful peach cobbler for dessert. The snow started about 10pm and was so beautiful.

We got up this morning and everything was covered with white. It's not mostly melted as the temperature continues to rise. If it keeps clear I will probably leave sometime either tomorrow or Monday morning for sure, headed for Missouri. Keep your fingers crossed. LTA!!!!

WHAT WAS I THINKING?????

As I said yesterday, we went to Georgia and Pete's last night to celebrate Calleen's birthday, her 64th! Here she is with her cake and cupcakes, grinning through her wine-induced stupor. Boy, did we have a good time!!!

This is Pete trying to get the wrapper off his cupcake. For dinner Georgia made a scrumptious guacamole and turkey with green chili "burrchiladas" as we were calling them. She had a cream sauce over the top with more cheese and green chilis. It was sooooooo good!!!!!

Doesn't Coley look like a deer caught in the headlights. By this time, we had already consumed several drinks, and we were all devouring the cupcakes.

And, finally, here's Georgia trying to lick the frosting off her chin. Wish my camera picked up the little things like the blue frosting on her upper lip, but you can see the frosting still on her fingertips. After we ate, we got up and started dancing. I think we danced for about 3-4 hours, and this morning Coley, Calleen and I are feeling are age and then some. Calleen and I could hardly sleep last night for the muscle cramps taking place in our feet and legs. Boy, did we have fun!!!!

Today I'm treating Coley and I to manicures and a little time of relaxation. See you in the funny papers!!!!

LAND OF ENCHANTMENT!!!

If you've never been to the southwest, you have never seen the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun goes down.

As I sat in my truck waiting on my twin to finish her shopping, I looked out to see one of the most beautiful skies I've seen in a long time. This picture really does express the blues, yellows, and pinks of the moment.

Today is Calleen's and Alpha's birthday. So if you're reading this, please offer up a blessing for both of them. Whether or not you know them, your prayer/blessing/love sends a vibration out into our world and joins with all the other prayers/blessings/love being offered by millions of souls around the globe.

Today I'm taking the opportunity to stay in my pajamas. I had a wonderful prayer session with my dear friend, Cathy, and got to feel the power of love joined with tears.

Later this evening we will be going over to another friend of Coley's, Georgia. She's invited us to dinner to celebrate Calleen's birthday. I've heard through the grapevine we're having turkey and green chili enchiladas. Hmmmmmm good!!!!!

Heard they had snow in Memphis yesterday. What a surprise for that area. We very seldom get snow this early in the season. Today the streets are clear there, but they still have snow on the ground.

Our weather here is in the low 60's, with clear blue skies. Hope all of you are experiencing beautiful days and relaxing nights. Peace be with each of you!!!!

ANOTHER ADVENTURE!!!

We left our hotel on Sunday morning headed for the Royal Gorge in Colorado. Of course, one of the reasons we stayed in Colorado Springs was so we'd have a much easier day on Sunday. NOT!!!!

Here's Coley with the Royal Gorge bridge in the background. The gorge is 1178 feet deep and 1000 feet across. At the very bottom of the gorge the Arkansas River flows through.

With the entry fee, we were able to ride the tram across the gorge which was really thrilling. Shelia, I could hear you in my mind going "OK, Corky, you're going to have to help me through this, look how far down it is!!!!!" The guy running the tram said someone had recently jumped off the bridge. It takes about 8 seconds to hit bottom---- what a longggggggg 8 seconds that would be, something like bull riding where it takes 8 seconds in order to have a qualifying ride, a very longggggg 8 seconds.

This picture gives you a little idea of the depth of the gorge. The river is pictured, but just to the left of the river is the train track. They have a train that takes you through the gorge and can be accessed at Canyon City. The train is $12.00 and access to the Royal Gorge is $25.00 per person in the high season, and in the off season, buy one and get the other ticket half off. Coley and I were also able to get the "senior" discount. Feels funny still to ask for the senior discount, on dinners, movies, attractions, etc., but I'm getting better at it.

I will say, however, there are times when I ask for a senior price and the clerk looks at me in wonder and says "Really?" No brag, just fact.

After we left the gorge, we headed for Albuquerque on the 285 highway. It was a much more beautiful ride coming through the mountains, but it took us much longer than if we had returned to I-25. But here's a picture of "Camel Rock" Coley took with my "fisheye" feature. I thought it turned out so cool looking.

Calleen, Coley's friend who lives in Paradise Hills (our old neighborhood we grew up in) was making dinner for us and had invited Kitty and Chuck, also friends of Coley's. Dinner was scheduled for 6pm and Coley and I pulled up, right behind Chuck and Kitty, at exactly 6pm. Great timing, but Coley and I thought we would be there long before we actually arrived.

We had a terrific meal of beef and chicken enchiladas, with Spanish rice and chili rellenos. Kitty made homemade quacamole with chips. Exactly the kind of meal I was hungry for. We had a delightful evening socializing and Calleen's home is so beautiful. I'll try to put pictures up of her home on the next post.

Hasta luego!!!!

MOVIN' ON DOWN THE ROAD!!!

Bright and early, well, maybe not so early (7am) we pulled away from my Mom's house. If you look very close you can see my mother standing in her door watching us leave. A bittersweet moment.

I wanted to add a picture of this pine tree. This was the tree Mom planted in honor of our baby sister, Lisa, who passed away in 2000. So the tree is now 11 years old and is quite a beautiful tree.

Our family had a wonderful gathering over the holiday. By this morning we were all headed in different directions. Mike and Hollie to Washington; Jeff and Jacque to Alaska; Jenny and Larry to Ohio; Sandy and Tom to Delaware; Sherri and Steve to Iowa; and Coley and I to New Mexico.

Our last day together, we had Richard connect the Wii so we could bowl. We spent several hours bowling, 4 at a time. I was in competition with my brother, Mike, and my brother-in-law, Tom. Had a really fun time challenging them to beat me. Mike did, Tom did not, but there's always the next time. Sherri and I played two different games of 3-hole golf. So very different on the Wii game than it is walking an actual course. Later that evening, seven of us sat down to play Oh, Hell. It's a card game that lasted about two hours, but we all love playing cards and being together, so we had a good time. Sandy was the big winner in that game.

I decided before I left Wyoming to stop in Colorado to spend the night. The drive from my mother's to Albuquerque is about 850 miles. That's about a 13 hour drive give or take an hour or so. Not much of a challenge for me, but since Coley and I managed to do about 1600 miles in two days, I just wasn't up for that long a drive.

Here's Coley with the mustang in front of the visitor center in Ft. Collins, Colorado. The drive was fairly easy, not too much ice on the highway and the day turned out to be clear, blue skies all the way. We did hit high winds once we got into Colorado, but it wasn't any problem.

Yes, that's me. Also at the visitor center, all bundled up for the cooler temperatures. We arrived in Colorado Springs about 2:30 pm and checked into a Super 8 Motel. After dropping off our bags, we headed to the local Applebees for dinner and later drove to the theatre to see the new release, Hugo.

This is a really good film by Martin Scorsese (sp?) about a little boy who becomes an orphan while helping his uncle tend to the clocks in the train station.

I was surprised to see that part of the story is about the real life story of how movies began when the Lumere (sp?) brothers made the first picture of a moving train and the people in the theatre really thought they were going to be hit when the train began moving towards them. The film is in 3d and is really worth seeing. Sir Ben Kingsley has the primary role along with the young boy who plays the orphan. Coley had not seen any of the 3d pictures that have come out in the last year and a half, since she's in Costa Rica.

In the morning we head for Albuq. I'll be there for several days.

Hope all of you survived your encounter with the turkey. Judy, I think you are in Memphis helping your mother through her surgery. I send you both well-wishes, you, too, Lynn. Love to all!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Today I celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with all of my brothers, sisters, and my Mom and step-father. For my brothers and sisters, this is the first Thanksgiving we've been together as one since 1966. So for me, this is an especially blessed day.

Coley and I left New Orleans on Friday, Nov. 18th and arrived in O'Fallon, Mo. about 6pm that evening. My friends, Jim and Elizabeth, had taco salad prepared for us for dinner and the next morning, Jim got up at 5am to make breakfast before we left.

As we got further into northern Iowa, we started to see some snow on the ground and this picture shows the beauty and the bleakness of the season.

We continued on to Kadoka, South Dakota where we met up with my sister, Jenny and her husband, Larry, as they drove in from Ohio. Kadoka sits in the Badlands,which we didn't get

drive through due to the road conditions.

We did, however, make it to Mt. Rushmore, seen on the left. This picture was taken from the opposite side of the monument where you can see a really great profile of George Washington. See how brilliantly blue the sky was and the snow still on the ground. You'll be happy to know my truck did very well. I was so happy I had the four-season tires put on before I left Memphis.

This was my first time to be in South Dakota. It's a rugged, wide-open spaces State. The roads spread out in front of you for miles, and I was so thankful there was very little traffic around us. Even though the road crews had been out, there was still some icy patches on the highway. At one point I told Coley, "I'm going in", referring to moving across from lane to the next in order to pass a car, and then "I'm moving out" to get back into the right hand lane. I felt like a commando and Coley said "were you holding your breath?". Believe me, I was. Pretty scary traveling through

areas I'm unfamiliar with. But we did just fine.

Here is a picture of Devils Tower in Wyoming. This was taken with my Toycam feature. Turned out to be a really pretty picture.

We finally made it to Mom's house in Sheridan, Wyoming. My brother, Jeff, seen here in the foreground, with his fiance', Jackie. She's going to fit in with this family just fine. She's got a great sense of humor, likes playing games, and is easy on the eyes. We are all very happy for Jeff. His first wife, Jane, passed away several years ago and he's been alone since then. So welcome to the family, Jackie!!!

So, that's all the news that is news here in Wyoming. Hope all of you out there are celebrating your blessings with those you love!!!!

OH HIGH HOLY CRAP!!!!

2 of Fire, POSSIBILITIES and,

II, INNER VOICE and,

HIGH and HOLY weekend.

All messages Shelia and I received for our 11-11-11 weekend.

Each message guided us to remember each of those vibrations - everything possible when we remember to listen to our inner voice and reach for the Highest and Holiest thought/feeling/emotion.

The picture on the left was taken in our living room with (again what's my fav Fx feature?!!!!) symmetricam. Isn't it interesting there appears to be something like a sword in the middle of two hearts. HMMMMM!!!! Love the magic and miracles occurring when I get out of my own way!!!

Our last morning, I got up a little before Shelia, made coffee, took some to her as I woke her for our final day, and, I headed out to the dock to see the sun as it peeked through the clouds. Coley, I was transported back to Costa Rica and us spending every morning on our porch, drinking coffee and usually ending with a game of some sort. Are you still not going to play FARKLE with me?!

At this moment, I am sitting at my Little Buddy's (Beverly) table in New Orleans. Just got here in time to make Taco Salad for our dinner while she gets her nails done. I'll be here for a few days!!!

Thanks for the well-wishes to have a joyful, safe, sweet and easy trip. I certainly did!!!!

11-11-11 CEREMONY DAY!!!

My friend, Shelia, and I drove to Hot Springs, Arkansas to celebrate, with ceremony, this auspicious day. We started out by becoming so engrossed in what we were doing in the truck (talking, drawing an Osho Zen Tarot card, etc) we completely missed Forest City (our pit-stop). We literally time shifted ourselves practically to Little Rock in no time at all.

Just east of the I-30 Junction, we saw a sign "Toltec Archaeological Mounds" and we decided to go. Neither of us had been and what a good place to do ceremony. It turned out we set our intention at exactly 11:11am in my truck by lighting a candle. We did pass this sign and both of us thought "really, Toltec Baptist". Something just doesn't ring right with that?????

We finally made it to the condos. Here we are standing on our deck with the water in the background. Too cool!!!!!

We got checked in , dropped off our stuff and headed to Lake Ouachita State Park for our official ceremony. We had all the accoutrement, candles, crystals, lottery ticket, affirmations, etc. We had the most beautiful day, the weather was perfect and the place we found had no other people there, so we could chant and sing and offer up prayers undisturbed.

As we got up to leave,Shelia and I both got tickled. We started to laugh and for Shelia, she laughed so hard tears ran down her leg. We got back to my truck and we had to do a little "rearranging" of her clothes in order for her to sit on my front seat. "Unh, unh, girlfriend, none of that on my new truck seat!!!

Here's a picture of the lake area with the sun going down in the west. It was so much more beautiful than this pictures shows, but I hope you get a little idea.

One other thing, Shelia and I wrote down many of the "messages" we got today and two drop-ins were Inca, Shelia's dog who passed recently and my Mom, Effie. I've never seen the word "Effie" ever on any highway signs until today. So thanks, Mom, for checking into my day. Loved having you here with me!!!

HAPPY 11-11-11 DAY TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!

GOIN' TO THE DOGS!!!

Spent this past week with my friend, Joan and her two companions Bella (in the front) and Taz (behind Bella). These two are really sweet dogs in need of a good haircut. They are the same dogs you see on the Cesar dog food packaging. This is the West Highland White Terrier.

I think Bella really took to me. Every time I got up from the couch to go somewhere in the house, she was right behind me checking out everything I was doing. She loves to watch the water flush down the toilet. Elva, do these look like Henry Higgins?

Joan and I had a great time relaxing, eating and watching television. Joan has Tivo which means she can record programs and when we played them back we could delete the commercials. Ain't technology grand!!! God how I love not having to watch commercials!!!!

Today, just about an hour ago, I arrived at one of my pet-sitting houses. I'll only be here for a couple of days but these two are my favorite clients.

The one in the front is Ceiligh (pronounced KayLee) and Rufus is in the back. They are Cairn Terriers. I've been sitting with them for quite a few years and I've watched them both go up and down in weight. Ceiligh is really small right now, she's had some health issues lately.

I finally got my camper put up for the winter and I'll be moving from place to place over the next couple of months. So for now, stay warm and stay well!!! I send each of you love!!!

VISITS FROM FRIENDS!!!

Friday evening I had a delightful time with my friend, D, pictured here in my symmetricam shot of her. Isn't it interesting the central piece of the picture looks like a candle coming up through the center of her body. She brought me some delicious brownies and she and I went for a long walk, strolling along the waterfront solving the problems of the world. Then we came back to reality! This was her first time at my camper, and she loved it!!! I mean, what's not to love!!!

Lacy came for a return visit on Saturday. She also brought two pumpkins for us to carve. Here's Lacy beginning our fire. Believe it or not, this was my first fire at the campsite. For the most part, I've been pretty much a home-body, staying inside and not really venturing outside to do things like cook out or sit outside by the fire, but we did last night. The temperature got down to about 50 degrees, so it was pretty chilly. Below are our two pumpkins. Lacy did the cat and I did the face. They looked so awesome lit up last night!!!

As we were sitting around this beautiful fire, my neighbor from behind me came over and brought some fried dill pickles for us to taste. Then, a few minutes later, he brought us a piece of deer jerky he had made himself. Not too bad, if you like jerky. Later his wife stopped by to tell us about her knee replacement. WHEW!!! what a talker!!

How about this for a great camp fire!!! I took this with a feature FX camera that makes the picture look like an old-fashioned polaroid. Lacy really knows how to make a great fire.

Once it got too cold to sit outside any further, Lacy and I came in and started playing Sequence. We played until midnight, way past my bedtime, but we had a great time!

AN END TO A SEASON!!!

This time of the year is one of my favorites. When the trees begin to display an array of colors that dazzle and enliven the spirit. For a brief time I am in awe of the majesty and splendor of God's handiwork.

My journey into the New England part of the country gave me no glimpses of the ever-changing hues of autumn, and believe me the fall colors are a sight to behold. I hope all of you can make that journey some day!!!

As I was puttering around yesterday, I happened to look across the lane and there was this gorgeous tree. I wish I had the type of camera that captures more completely the true essence of the color. But you all know exactly what I'm talking about.

It's in those moments we glimpse the power of something greater that we are, and we are in awe!!!

I'm winding down now, my stay is coming to an end here. I accomplished quite a bit around my camper, many things packed and ready to go. I have decided to take my truck, rather than renting a car. The idea of putting all that money into a car I'll have to give back in 30 days made me rethink the idea of taking my truck. Now, I've decided to put "all terrain" tires, replace all 4, on instead. It's an even trade for the price of the car. Carolyn and Glynn are going to do the tune-up and get it road ready for me. I told Coley and she was actually excited. I guess a part of me thought she'd much prefer the comfort of a smaller vehicle. But not!!! So we are both even more excited about our journey!!! I pick her up in New Orleans on November 17th and we leave bright and early the next morning for Missouri, our first "pit" stop.

Traveling from there to the badlands of South Dakota and finally into Wyoming.

More about that as we get closer. Today is Friday. All you working stiffs, yahoooooo, Friday!!!!!

To all, have a GREAT weekend, find the beauty around you!!!

A TIME OF REFLECTION!!!

Sometime in the middle of the night, I woke up and realized I had been writing my blog in my dream state. What I was writing was a comparison of where I was at this time last year, and where I am now.

Last year, at exactly this time of the month, I was in Costa Rica experiencing my life as a retired person. I had arrived at the end of the rainy season and discovered I didn't know squat about humidity, even though I had lived in Memphis for 40 years. Trust me, the humidity here is nothing compared to the humidity at the equator. I thought I was going to die!!!

Fortunately, I did not die and I did learn how to do absolutely nothing for about 5 months. Once I learned the rhythm of doing nothing, I felt really relaxed and moved through the days and weeks with an easy grace. My twin and I learned how to live together and to move through our days in a flowing ease, each living individually and also communally, as if we had danced this dance many times before.

Now, one year later, I'm living in my camper, finally back at Sardis Lake in Mississippi. What I learned a year ago has served me well. I've found myself living for days without leaving my comfortable surroundings within my beautiful Sunnybrook. The picture to the left was taken on my way back to the campsite. This was at Como, Mississippi. The feeling is exquisitely serene, much like what I feel as I awaken each morning to begin my new day.

I won't be returning to Costa Rica this winter, but I will be putting my camper up for a few months and "bunking" with friends until sometime in February or March. I know I will miss having my own space and my own solitude, but I am looking forward to being in the company of dear friends and my loving family. I believe I'll be experiencing many pajama days in the days and weeks to come.

Anyone want to join me? Come on over, wear your favorite pj's and be prepared to kick back!!!

Might even entertain having some "denial" time, so look out Memphis, here I come!!!!

CLEARING OUT!!!

This morning I woke up to the sound of rain and thunder. I immediately checked my closet to see if the new roof had taken care of the leak, and, yes, there was no water coming into my camper. YAHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Once I came out to the living room, I reheated some leftover coffee and sat down at my dining room table to read for a little while. Then I looked out the window and noticed my neighbors from Texas, Bill and Debbi, had already left for home. They had come up for the Ole Miss football games, and yesterday they played the Arkansas Razorbacks. Unfortunately Ole Miss lost, but before the game I got to hear the music of "Dixie" played quite a few times. I'm sure that was for the benefit of the Arkansas fans who were also here at the campground. So, boohoo, no more "Dixie" tunes (thank God!!!). Almost all of the people, who were here for the weekend, loaded up and left. I'm completely by myself in this part of the park, however, there are a few campers further away. I love the quiet and the solitude.

The picture above is of one part of my head with the clothes rack behind me. I took it while I was driving back to the lake. I know, not a good idea, taking pictures while I'm driving. But, I wanted to post one of the symmetricam pictures of me since I've posted one of most of my friends and family.

What do you see in the picture? I see several creatures, the one on the top looks almost like the character in the Wiley Coyote cartoons, the guy who was always trying to "get that varmit!" with his six-shooters. He had a long mustache and long bushy eyebrows. Then there's another critter with a big grin, big ears and what look like horns coming out of the top of his head. These are great pictures for kids to look at and let their imaginations run wild. Hope you enjoy them!!!

Stay well, do good things and be kind to each other!!!!