The Aftermath–Good and Bad

It seems like just the other day that we went to Chicago for Lollapalooza.  Yet it has already been two weeks.  It was wonderful to get away for a few days and even better to be able to go somewhere where the weather was considerably cooler.  We did have to tend with a bit of humidity but that was just fine.  I truly think it was the first time this summer that we actually spent three entire days outside all day long.  For me that alone was the best thing of the whole long weekend. 

The whole event was a blast.  I will say though since we were there a few years back that the number of people attending seemed to grow considerably.  It was the 20th anniversary so that could have had something to do with it all.  It was sold out all weekend which meant that 300,000 total were present each day, not to count the few that managed to sneak in one way or another.  Despite the crowdedness it was still fun.  The first day was the best as many had not gotten off of work yet and it did not seem to be as hard to find a good spot to just relax and listen to music.  Also of course Muse played Friday evening.  I was bummed as they put Muse and Coldplay up against one another.  Yet in the end my loyalties won out and I was smack in the middle for the Muse concert.  As always they were great and I was not disappointed with my choice at all. 

The rest of the weekend was filled with acts like Flogging Molly, Foo Fighters, Manchester Orchestra, Celo Green, Foster the People, and so many more.  We stayed at the Hard Rock which was nice yet it was also where many of the bands stayed.  Needless to say it was much like grand central station there at times, especially in the evenings.  If I had been a mere 20 years younger I probably would have enjoyed it much more. 

The only downfall of the whole weekend was the morning we came home.  In our drive to the airport of course we were stuck in morning traffic.  I managed to leave my camera in the cabbie when we got out at the airport.  I realized it immediately and we called the Cabbie Co first thing.  Although we made valiant efforts, we did not retrieve it.  I was depressed for days as my camera had become a bit of an appendage for me.  I lost all my photos from the weekend as well as some family photos I had shot before we left.  I will say that I was a bit upset about the honesty of people after it was all over.  We called immediately after we exited.  The cabbie had told us that because of the traffic he would just go down to arrivals at the airport and get his next fare there.  It would have been so easy to retrieve the camera then.  And even if he decided otherwise reporting it found would have likewise been as easy.

Sometimes I feel like I give too much credit to others that I just assume they will do the right thing.  Although also I do not want to become so cynical that I don’t trust anyone and look suspiciously at any who may give me a funny feeling.  I know that we live in rough times these days. Because of that it can lend some to do things that in other situations they may not even consider doing.  I also know that I have to accept that there are some who will do such things despite right or wrong.  I just tell myself that for some reason of which I will never know that maybe he needed it more than I.  Maybe in some way the possession of my Nikon D80 will aid him in a way that it did not not aid me.  I miss the rabbit charm that hung from the handle of my camera case almost as much as the camera.  I had received it from a friend in Ireland.  It was hand made with green stones and a pewter bunny at the end.  It was my good luck charm or at least it was suppose to be.  Yet no use crying over spilt milk.  It is what it is…

 

Mother Moon

Musical Mondays - Earth Song

Devastation is everywhere these days it seems. From the recent earthquakes in Chile and New Zealand to the floods of Australia. And of course still fresh in our minds and hearts, the triple whammy in Japan. An 8.9 quake which really you might as well call a 9 which in turn triggered the tremendous tsunami, which in turn caused the potential for a catastrophic meltdown at the nuclear plant.  (touch any of the links above to go to Global Giving)

It seems to be a constant occurrence these days. Is Mother Nature attempting to gain our attention? I wonder sometimes. Man has lived on this wonderful planet for many years and in the course of that time how good have we been to that which we call our home.

The other night as I was flipping channels in an attempt to find something "worth" watching, I fell upon the series "Ax Men" As I watched one of the men explain how all the "good" trees were no longer available for harvesting so they had to go up to remote areas in British Columbia to gather their prey. No they did not call it prey yet that is how I felt it to be. These areas could only be accessed via river transport and required the men to stay isolated for months. I watched as magnificent trees who had graced their stance for hundreds of years were taken down.

Granted I do know that wood is somewhat essential for some things yet I also know that so much of it is wasted. I see building built only at a not so later date to be torn down to make way for another. I receive tons and tons of "junk" mail daily only to toss it in the trash. I do not know about any of you but it seems that we are telephone book poor in my area. On a yearly basis we receive at least 6 to 7 phone books. The excess can be found stacked high in the lobby of the post office as well as weathering away in the many driveways which many are dropped off in.

Each time I see such sights I can only think of the trees who have to give of themselves so that we can have too much excess. One phone book is fine with me and if I do not know a number, 411 always works just as well. As for the junk mail (catalogues, advertisements, and just plain nothing mail) keep it. I am ashamed of the number of catalogues that grace my doorstep. Although I enjoy browsing through them I would gladly do without so that a tree might live a bit longer.

Then there is the concern about the ground water. I do not know if many of you take notice to this topic, yet it is a serious issue. I truly believe it is more serious than many realize. Water... simple water which is pure and clean and absent of deterrents is not as readily available as some may think. Man's desire to dig into the earth so that he might have more oil and/or gas than another has caused much of the water supply to become tainted. Then there is the run off that comes from the many factories that are built alongside our beautiful lakes and streams.

The nuclear issue at hand in Japan is a wonderful example of this. Sea water flushed inside in an attempt to cool the nuclear reactors, only to be swept back out to sea. I am not a nuclear scientist, yet I would think that some form of radiation would accompany that sea water when it did return. What will such contaminants do to the abundant water life and vegetation that is to be ultimately supported by this said water. We can see some of this impact from last year's oil spill in the Gulf as well as the many others that have occurred over the past years.

And to think I have only covered water and trees. I know that it is man's venture to keep striving towards perfection and a better life and/or a better gadget. Yet when will the cost of such a venture be taken into consideration. When will we take the time to look at what is happening to the simple things that surround us because of the bigger things that are happening.

I am planting a garden this year in a hope of having my own vegetables that I know will not be sprayed with pesticides as well as injected with hormones and what not. Yet what about the particles that float on the wind and eventually settle somewhere. What about the contaminated ground water that I will water my garden with. Yes I have a better chance of having a cleaner crop yet will it be 100% safe? Unfortunately, no!! The days of such a way of life are gone.

It is my fear that in time this world that we call home will not be able to sustain the abuse that man keeps inflicting upon it. It is my fear that man will look past the little things that when looked upon individually are not much yet when piled upon one another is a mountain of destruction.

It is time that we take the time to do what is right. The earth is crying. I only wonder if there are enough of us who can still hear her.

Musical Mondays - Happy Pie Day

I have never been much of a cake person, unless of course you are talking about a traditional birthday cake with yummy butter cream frosting. Of course my favorite is a tres leche cake which I honestly believe I could eat until I was swelled up like a tick and would literally pop if someone touched me.

A wonderful friend of mine once had one made for my birthday and it completely blew me away. It was by far the biggest cake I had ever seen. When she presented it to me it actually brought tears to my eyes. First because I grew up in a home where birthdays and such were seldom celebrated and second when I took my first bite I actually thought I had went to cake heaven.

But cake is not what I wish to discuss today. Today it is all about Pie. I honesty will say that I am much more a pie person than a cake person. I cannot resist the wonderful taste of fresh homemade pastry crust out of the oven. When I was young I worked in a small restaurant that was known for its homemade pies. I often would help the cook prepare them on Saturdays and remember vividly how any leftover pie crust would be rolled out and carefully cut into smaller pieces and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar for treats. The only thing that made it better was the occasional leftover coconut cream filling that you could spread over the top and enjoy.

Speaking of coconut cream, this is by far my favorite kind of pie. Homemade of course. Warm cooked coconut pudding filled with lots of coconut. A meringue that is at least 3 inches high, then sprinkled with more coconut on top and browned just right. Makes my mouth water just to write about it. Of course there are so many other kinds of pie that are just as good.

I remember my grandma's fresh apple pie. She was always one of those women who believed in a nice thick pie, not a thin meager one. A trait she passed on to me as well. Plenty of fruit and/or filling was always present in any pie she prepared. Her apple pie was always served warm with a little milk poured over it. Once again yummy.

Yet it was her Lemon pie that moved me more than any. It was a treat that often she would make just for me. She knew how much as a child I loved it. Just the right tartness and plenty of meringue. There are still times when I feel her presence and the faint smell of Lemon pie is in the air. It always makes me smile.

I could go on talking about pie all day as there are not any flavors I can think of right off that do not make me smile and wish for a piece. Whether it be custard, peach, cherry, or rhubarb, it is all a wonderful thing. So happy Pie day.

Ok I will admit it is not actually pie day but pi day. Pi as some of you may know is the ratio of circumference to the diameter of a circle. Yet with my love of math (which lacks in all areas) I had to place some positive spin on things. Thus I figure if I placed it with pie which I love to eat and music which I love to listen to... it had to spruce it up somewhat.... So sit down with a nice cup of coffee or tea if you prefer and enjoy the musical interpretation of pi (or pie as I like to think of it). If a slice of pie is readily available enjoy it also.

Note to ponder: March 14th is also Albert Einstein's birthday.. How fitting don't you think. A man with a mind above all of us... So I lift my cup and fork to you as well Albert. Happy birthday... enjoy your day along the string of time that I am so sure you exist on.

Musical Mondays - Love Hurts

Love Hurts

But sometimes it's a good hurt

and I feel like I'm alive

Most of us do not associate something that does not necessarily feel good with something that makes us feel alive. Yet how many of us have had a moment when because we loved so much we hurt, because we cared so much we endured when at other times we may not.

I am a hopeless romantic and have always like to think that deep down in 99.9 % of all people there is some good. Because of this view there have been many times when I have had my feelings hurt and have learned lessons that if I had been a bit more guarded I may not have had to learn at such a cost. Yet still I am not sure if I would go back and change my ways.

There was a time in this world when we could think such ways for the most part and did not have to worry about whether or not someone would take advantage of one with such a gullible heart. Maybe it was how I grew up in a small rural Oklahoma town. Everyone knew everyone and although there were things about this that drove me nuts, it had good qualities also. People spoke to each other when they passed. If someone fell on hard times, others helped them out and gave them support and encouragement. People waved at one another even when they did not know each other. It was simple hospitality and manners.

Such things still happen today yet it is obvious that it is not as prevalent as in the past. Yes it is a sign of the times, something that when I was younger I swore I would not harp on as I grew older. "When I was young one, this is how things were." Yet here I am doing just that.

Love Sings

When it transcends the bad things

Have a heart and try me

Cause without love I won't survive.

Yet when one finds themselves giving expecting nothing in return sometimes the reward can be a blessing ten fold. Yes it is hard these days to step out on that edge, to trust enough to take a chance that it will not necessarily blow up in your face. We want to believe that most of the time we can act upon our desires to do good and that it will not be taken advantage of. Yet each day we see evidence that there are so many occurrences in the world where some have done so and paid the price.

I have had many an experience where I took the step of faith and wished that I had not done so. Yet I have also had some where I was blessed by the outcome. Although I have to say that the ways of old I think are a thing of the past and more than likely things will get worse before they get better, I still do not find that a good reason to harden my heart. If we all succumb to that mindset then the world very well will only become a worse place to live in.

Yet if occasionally we seize an opportunity to help someone who is in need, we comfort someone who is hurting or alone, or we simply sit and listen without judgment; we may be amazed at the blessing we receive in return. Not only from the experience alone yet also from the gift coming back to us in return. Karma is a real thing

Listening to the radio over the weekend, an old favorite came on. "Love Hurts" by Incubus. It reminded me that love is not always that wonderful magical sweet and sappy thing. Sometimes it does hurt but sometimes that hurt is a good thing. And when it is good it can be wonderful. Enjoy the week ahead and take the time to stop and be there for someone. The blessing will come back to you.

Musical Mondays - Mistakes

Is there something in your life that given the opportunity you would go back and change? Would you go back and completely avoid the situation and treat it as if it did not even exist therefore making it no longer a part of your life? Or maybe you would go back and still interact with the situation only this time around you would deal with it in a different manner, hoping that the choices you make this time would have a different affect on the outcome. 

I have always thought this kind of thought is folly. Of course there are things that after the fact we all would like to possibly go back and have a do over. But then just as I told my son the other day, hind sight is always 20/20. It is easy to look back on a situation and have the exact interpretation as to how we "should have" dealt with it. We seem to forget that we usually do not have all the details in the beginning like we do in the end. We also seem to forget that there are usually always circumstances that have a way of clouding our eyes or possibly making our sight a bit rose colored. 

Still we spend a lot of time pondering on the what ifs and if onlys. I have times in my past that I will have to be honest and say that I wish they could have been a bit more happier, and less hurtful. I have experiences that I wish I would not have had to endure in order to learn the lesson that I eventually gleaned from them. Yet I know also that without so many of these "times" I would not be where I am today. I would not have so many of the blessings that I have. 

One may say blessings… what can you be talking about. Well for instance, my first marriage was not the best. Yet if I had not experienced it, I would not have my three wonderful children and all the wonderful things they have brought to me. I could even go as far to say that I would not have the blessing of my grandchildren as well. 

I guess I always try and see the positive in things. It drives some a bit crazy. I have been accused of being one of those overly sappy kind of people who don't allow those with "real" problems to just have their issues. Yet I myself have had my fair share of hard times. I made the decision a long time ago ( I think I was 7) when my alcoholic father had me cornered in the dining room. Everyone else had made their escape and I remained. As I attempted also to leave he stopped me and told me to sit. I obeyed his command. As he sat there and attempted to intimidate me with his harsh words and stare I returned his glare. Even when he threw a knife which landed next to my ankle, I continued to stare at him. I remember vividly telling myself that I would be the only one who controlled my happiness. Now although I made that statement with as much conviction as any 7 year old could I still had years to learn it fully.

Life is not always fun. In fact many times it can be down right a pain in the ass. Yet it is what you make of it. It is what you do with what you have. So do I think I have made mistakes? Hell yea I am sure I have and I am sure I still will. Am I asking for a second chance? Only to be 20 some again so I could go out and act crazy and have twice the energy that I have now. 

I have choosen one of my favorite songs for today. "Same Mistake" by James Blunt. Although it may not go along exactly with the way I feel it always makes me think on the subject. Beautiful words from a beautiful voice. 

I think Sophia Loren put it best when she said "mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life."

Musical Mondays - Into The West

There are things through life that grasp us. They take hold of us in a manner that is hard to explain to those who do not have the wonder of experiencing them also.

To many these experiences are shared by many

yet to some they are shared by few.

In my opinion this makes the blessing even more special.

I have always been somewhat of a quiet person,
that is until of course you get to know me
 then some say I have a problem of not shutting up.
 This may be so, yet when it comes to myself and the life that surrounds me, I will admit that I do not share easily with those that I do not know well. I have become better at sharing my stories and such yet still the feeling that I may be looked upon as slightly daft lingers in the back of my mind.

I will say though that as I grow older in years,

this worry about what the others with differing opinions

may think of me grows less and less.

If only I would have known such wisdom

 when I was younger.

I would like to share some of myself with you today for Musical Mondays. Not that I do not share a little of myself with you each time I write,

it is just that today I may journey a bit deeper into the "real" me than I usually do.

I hold great belief and respect for that which the average man sometimes dismisses

due to lack of evidence or just the fear

that some may laugh at him because he claims to believe in something that most do not.

The Lord of the Rings is one of those things that touches me in such a manner. Yes I know it is a book written by Tolkien and it is said that it represents the world wars and such. Yet it is hard for me to believe that Tolkien being of the heritage and influence that he was did not have some feelings towards the unseen and that which is not fully known.

My favorite and perhaps most sad part of the story is when the time of man comes and the time of the elves and others comes to a close. Why is it that the two can't coincide together. The wisdom of the ones prior is so deep and so unlike the wisdom of man.

 Man wishes to build and grow and prosper

and does not seem to be satisfied or happy
 unless he does this.

Often in his quest
 he loses sight of what he may be damaging
in order to gain his prize.

Whereas the others
 think first of simplicity and the old ways.

Progress (or what is interpreted as such)
 is not always a good thing.

Take technology for instant.

We have become so consumed
 with possessing the latest gadgets to get us "connected"  

that we have forgotten the simply joys of life.

For some time I worried
about the fact that I did not "fit in".
 This is not longer a concern, at least not as big of one.
 I now count myself as blessed
to be able to still see the beauty of little things
 and the wisdom that many have to give us.

It can at times be a bit of a solitude life.

I am blessed beyond words to be able to live it.

I may not be in the fastest lane of life

but I most definitely am in
 one of the most scenic.

Today's song is "Into the West" by Annie Lennox. Annie has a way of putting such expression into any piece she presents and this is no exception.
 The lyrics can be found on my Musical Monday page.
Take a quiet moment to sit back.
 Close your eyes and simply experience.

Although it is a song which speaks of an end

it also speaks of another beginning.

Yet isn't that what each end really is;
 the beginning of something else.

Enjoy and remember:
it is still the simple little things
 that make this world keep turning.

A wish...

I can not help but be reminded at this time of year of those who are alone. While so many of us are happy and celebrating the season with family and friends there are those who are silent and alone in their solitude.

This Holiday season it is my wish that I be given the opportunity to reach out to one who is lonely.  I have been in this room before and know that it is not the place that one usually wants to reside in.  Yet there is something that keeps many from reaching out to any to end this fate.

Opportunities are with us daily.  Too often we chose to not take notice to them and shrug them off.  It is my wish that my eyes be open, that my heart be tender, and that my courage be strong. 

Even those who appear to be strong are sometimes weak. 

blessings

A Couple of Great Giveaways - Times Running Out To Enter

October may be over but there are still many a giveaway going on.  And some of them are not too shabby.  Of course I want all of you to know all the details on the really good ones so here are the latest ones I recently found.   Leathra over at Confessions of a Crafty Witch currently has two giveaways going on, both of which are about to close and a winner be   chosen, so if either of these interest you.. Jump on the links and enter.  The first is a cd of the music of SJ Tucker.  There are as always a few rules to the contest so hit the link and check them out.

The second is also from Leathra.  The winner will win a total of 3 bindrunes customed made for the winner.  For any of you who do not know what a bindrune is here is a brief explantion.  A bindrune is a talismen which combines different runes to obtain a specific quality.  It can be one's initials, or specific traits of the said runes to develop a desired result.

A couple of great opportunities to possibly win some great prizes.  Good luck to all of you

Getting Ready For #11 - And Loving Every Minute of It

I have always been a lover of music. From as far back as I can remember it was something that thrilled my soul. Early on it was classic country; Buck Owens, Conway Twitty and so on. My mother also introduced me to Dean Martin who I still swoon over to this day. He has a voice that is ageless and classic. Just the other day I was listening to my ipod when “An Evening in Roma” played. The song is as good today as it was in the 50’s. And yes I still get weak in the knees when I hear him.

Yet these days my taste in music has changed a bit. I listen to alternative and indie rock mostly yet my ipod contains a variety of music from classical to grunge to classic rock. All of it can make me smile; although my smile is never as large as when I’m listening to Muse. For the last 5 years they have been the band that moves me most. Being a tremendous Beatle fan myself I never really expected another band to come along and have such an impact on me. Yet when I first heard Matthew Bellamy’s voice and his skills at the guitar the rest was history.

Tonight I get the pleasure to see them in concert yet again. This will be my 11th time to see them and I can assure you not anywhere close to the last. In the last year I have seen them 3 times and each time was different and unique. They are a band that is consistently evolving into something more. I know that for many of my readers their music may not be what many have a taste for. Yet I am sure that all of you can relate with this fact.

I am sure that each of you has that one certain sound that when you hear it moves you in ways that nothing else can. It inspires you, lifts you and always seems to put a smile on your face. To some of us where music is a deep passion, this intense feeling may be even more. And to those of you who are this way you know exactly what I am speaking of. Well Muse is that to me. I am not sure why they have evolved me so. I only know that they have.

 

So tonight Vincent and I will be with friends enjoying a little slice of life. Yea I know I am a 40 some year old woman but you can be rest assured that I will be dancing up a storm and singing my heart out tonight. Maybe not as hard or loud as some but certainly I know as much as many….

A Little Twilight for You.. A Little Muse For Me

Muse - Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever): "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Original Motion Picture Soundtrack"


 
Sorry... the song was taken off of You Tube due to Copy right issues... but you can go to the MTV site and view the video... Have to say it is well worth it....

Resistance - Muse

A little taste of what I got to experience last night....

Resistance

MUSE

MySpace Music Videos

A Matter Of Mind......

Sometimes I believe that I am a young woman forever trapped in an aging body. Yet then again there are probably many who feel that way. Although there are times in my life when I have to stop and remind myself that I am 48 years old… Something that usually at the time when I do, it is the last thing on earth I really want to do. As every other part of my being is having the time of my life. I truly am not sure if I will ever get past that part of me…. No matter how old I become chronologically.

Yesterday my day started out somewhat as a downer. It looked as if we were not going to be able to go to the Muse concert as Vincent was not sure if he would make it home in time to drive down to Dallas in time. I had accepted the fact that it more than likely would not happen and as I ran my errands I turned my Muse music up to ease my disappointment. I have to say it did not help. It only made me want to see them more, yet really that did not surprise me. I was at the end of my errands and heading home when Vincent called and said he also was on his way home and we would be heading out as soon as he arrived. I was ecstatic

The concert was phenomenal. I did not think they could get any better after seeing them 7 times prior yet I was mistaken. They definitely have. They have always been a band that is fantastic live and this time was no different. Their light show, their stage format, everything was great. I managed to get a few photos yet my batteries died on me in my camera as I forgot to charge it before… Yet I have plenty of pictures and video from prior times. If you have not noticed I am somewhat of an overzealous Muse fan. Their music lit a fire in me some years back that is hard for me to explain. In some ways they really have been my Muse.

Yet I have to give kudos to where kudos are due. Although I love my boys in the band and yes Matthew Bellamy makes me wish I was ten years younger, my heart belonged to Vincent last night. He drove two hours to work yesterday morning (at 5 am) then two hours home. We then drove to Dallas and back…A three hour trip both ways. We arrived home about 1am in the morning. He was up again this morning at 5:30 am to yet again go to work. That is love guys… I do not know what I did to deserve this man, yet I am so glad that I have him. Those little silly things that are somewhat goofy to ask for yet they mean so much… He always seems to give them to me…

I think the thing that I love most about him is that he always allows me to be myself. No matter how silly that may be. Last night we both rocked out as only two old people could… Singing and dancing to every song Muse played. Looking forward with fingers crossed to the announcement of the lineup for Lollapalooza this year and hoping that once again Muse will headline and we can spend the day front and center like we did a couple years ago. Not even the rain could make us leave that day. Yea… we are a couple of old farts, at least some of the young ones that we meet at times think so. Yet we can rock out with the best of them and a bet better than many.

Like I said, I am not sure if I will ever really “act my age”. To me, any time I do so I feel so out of place. It is not a natural thing…Plus I am having too much fun not doing it. Like they say: Age is a matter of mind…. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

Top of The Morning To You All

First off let me say I wish all of you the best of luck on this wonderful St. Patty's Day morn... Hope the sun is shining where ever you are and if it's not, I hope it at least feels like it is.  May your fields be covered in clover with the wee folk dancing among it. 

You may wonder why  my spirits are so high?  Well first I just love St Patty's Day.  There is nothing better than a fine Irish holiday to give one a good excuse to chug a pint or two.  It seems that all the Irish blood I gained from my grandfather comes alive on this day.  My hair has a darker shade of red and the green in my eyes seems to sparkle a bit more... I may even be caught talking with a bit of the slang if you listen close. 

Yet there is a bit more that excites me at least this St. Patricks Day. Today is the day of the Muse concert I have been waiting so patiently for.  Tonight we head down to  see the boys.  I would be lieing out my butt if I said I wasn't just a tad bit excited.  Yes I admit it... I know that I am bit old.. Yes... old enough to be the lads mom but that doesn't seem to stop me any.  You would think I would have a little bit of class.  But alas no... when it comes to music and concerts...

I remember when my middle son agreed to go to the Green Day concert with Vince and I... goodness talk about an awakening for a son in regards to his mom... Once again hope your day is a good one... Not to sure about  my day but I can assure you my evening will be a kicker.... enjoy

What Makes Me Happy - You Really Think You Are Ready For This?

Faerwillow over at Serendipity was a dear and gave me this award.  Her blog is always uplifting and full of wonderful things.  With receipt of this award I am to offer up to my readers 10 things that make me really happy.  Have to say there are probably much more than 10 things, yet at the moment this seems to be the things that are on my mind the most..  And Away We Go............

The first thing that comes to my mind when you speak of happiness has got to be my grandbabies.  They are such a big part of my life as well as such a wealth of smiles, love, and laughter.  I still have not figured out the complete secret of being a grandparent yet I know that there is something incredibly special about it.  It give a feeling inside of you that is unique all to its own.  Plus I just love the simple ways of a child.  They are so open to the world and accepting without question.  They have yet to be mucked up by all the sinicism of the world.  It is refreshing and delightful to experience their bare truth of reality.

The second thing that makes me happy is my Vinnie.  Funny how I have truly been in love with this man since I was 7 years old.  I just wish I had had my pushy ways back when I was younger.  Maybe I would not had to have waited until I was 42 to have married him.  He has brought me more love in the last 5 and half years of being together than I think I have had in all the years before.  He truly is my soulmate and best friend.  My very own Captain Morgan... what else could a girl ask for. 

Music runs a close number three with of course Matthew Bellamy of Muse being at the forefront of that.  I mean really girls the boy believes in fairies.  Music has always been an important attribute to my life.  It inspires, lifts my spirits, makes me cry, and makes me want to dance like a crazed loon.  Yes, I can get down with my bad self, believe it or not.  I think I will have the same feelings as well as the same closet groupie fetishes til the day I die.  From George Harrison of the Beatles to Mattie.... I will "forever" love the boys in the band. 

Friends and family come in next.  Goodness where would we be without this one.  Over the last year I have realized the important of both of these groups.  Whether they are right next door to you or clear across the pond, they still mean as much to you and can have just as much influence and impact on your life.  A true friend is hard to find and sometimes impossible.  I feel that as of late I have been blessed with several.  And that can do nothing but make me happy.

Cooking is another thing that makes me happy.  Let me feed someone and that is my way of telling them I care.  Not sure why I am like that, I think I get it from my mother.  Although since she learned I can cook she doesn't cook for me as much.  Just ask my kids they will tell you that I love nothing more than to shove food down ones throat.  A little melodramatic there... although my daughter swears I fed them too much as kids... Always having cookies and cakes baked.  What can I say... it is one of my many ways of saying I love you.

Full moons and fairies.  Yea I know this is two things yet to me I tie them together often.  I have always loved to gaze at a full round moon as it rises in the sky at night.  To feel its energies pulsating from it.  I have forever been a moonchild and feel extremely close to her.  As for the fairies, the wee folk have always been dear to me.  It saddens me that people truly do not believe in them anymore yet I can understand why.  They represent something that is unseen to most and therefore can be unproven.  Ah to be caught in a world where you can not believe what you can not see.    Something that definitely does not make me smile....

Nature and all her glory of course makes me smile and tremendously happy.  From the strength and wisdom of a tall aged oak to the soft touch of a gentle breeze.  There are so many facets of this area that truly touch my soul.  I have learned so much from the out of doors.  It is what is truly real.  It holds so many secrets for us if we only but listen to her.  Its stories are ageless and offer to us the answers to so many of the questions we often ponder. 

My garden makes me happy.  Over the last several years I have planted and nurtured several flowers, trees, etc.  It is now coming to the stage where it is starting to shine.  It has been a wonderful experience for me to learn.  Although the feel of the earth under my feet or the touch of fresh soil excites me in a way that only another gardener can understand.  The excitement of that little green sprout peeking out of the ground or the first bud on a rose bush makes me beam... I thank my grandma and grandpa for this love of the earth as well as Thelma Pate, a woman who taught me the love of a beautiful flower at a very young age. 

My camera and my love of photography makes me smile.  It goes with me everywhere and has brought me a form of satisfaction I had not experienced before.  It has taught me creativity, uniqueness and the means to accept myself as an artist. 

Lastly what makes me Happy?  Me Myself and I.  I have learned to love myself and who and what I am.  I can laugh at my shortcomings and not be too hard on myself... I love life and all that it has to offer.  I guess in a way Life makes me happy.  Sure it has its pitfalls and such but there truly is always something positive to be gained from everything.  No matter how cliche that sounds.  I have learned to lean towards the positive side of all things and in the end all will be better for it.  Not to dwell on the negative or the trivial as it will only bog you down and keep you from enjoying the goodness that surrounds you.  Now I have to send this on to 10 more people.  First let me say that I am not necessarily a lover of question and answer things such as this yet this one has been a bit of a blessing to me.  It made me focus on a bunch of positive  things and also made me realize that there is much more than just 10 things... In saying this I pass this on to 10 people whom have inspired me with their stories, their teachings and their lives.  People whom have made me happy .  I hope you have as much fun doing this as I have had;  PS:  Lyon, Rue and Mary:  I would send this to you yet see you already had it sent to you.... All three of you have made me smile several times as well as lift my spirits and taught me much... blessing to you. 

So in no specific order:

Tracy from Witch Path to Take

Bridgett from Doug and; Boo Plus 2

Iris from Iris Awakened

Sugar and Spice from Sweet and Sour Witches

Nan from Ole Crows Nest

Dede from Brightest Blessings

Birgit from Swapping Howdies

Bella from Memoirs of A Crazy Witch

Linda from Old Baggs n Stuffed Shirts

Lucy from Secrets for Happyness

Love all of you and Faerwillow, thank you so much for sending this my way.... Blessings to all of you.