I suppose after what I said yesterday you won't be surprised to know that I'm also into Numerology - Numerology is any study of the purported mystical relationship between a count or measurement and life.
I am a Master Life Path 11 which is also explained as a heightened 2. You can figure out your life path here.
Individuals with the Life Path number 11 are very intuitive, in fact it is the most intuitive of all numbers. They are sensitive and have a great understanding of others, and can sense a great deal about what is going on behind the scenes. For example, they will pick up on people's relationships and health without being told anything. They are here to use their gifts of intuition, and sensitivity to help others.
Life path of 11 has the qualities of the number two magnified. If you have this number you are spiritually aware, a visionary, inspiring, charismatic, inventive, a dreamer, idealistic, and a deep thinker, and you rely on faith rather than logic to deal with the life and all it has to offer.
The challenge for Elevens is to not be overwhelmed by their gifts. Fears and phobias would be the downside of this number. They may also seem at times indecisive, impractical, nervous, and moody.
The number 11 life path is concerned with spiritual illumination. Often a number 11 will have an instinctive understanding of metaphysical matters. Because Elevens are also twos, , they have the strength to finish what they start. 11 is also a good number for forming partnerships … you work and play well with others. You are likely to marry young and be committed and faithful for your entire life.
Below are some key points you might want to take into consideration to help you on your path …
An 11 may appear to lead a life of extremes. It is really a search for balance in all areas of life. 11s are avant-garde and visionary individuals who make great students, psychics, mystics, healers, teachers, writers, musicians and artists.
You probably like habit and routine, it gives you a foundation from which you can explore. You might not be a leader, but you are a visionary and a very talented idea person. Your ability to quickly and accurately analyze a situation is a real strength in the business world. You are a perfectionist, but you usually measure up.
An unhappy 11 will find themselves always dreaming of big schemes, but never taking practical action to pursue those goals. This means the 11 is stuck in the "visionary" stage of enlightenment, and probably needs to address fear issues.
An 11/2 can be your own worst enemy. You're driven to perfection, but sometimes that just means you're on a carousel that won't stop. Learn to call it a day and don't get caught in self-blame.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Coming Clean
I believe in God,
I was taught that. I can recite that. It brings me comfort and warmth. I believe it in my heart of hearts. I can give you the Lord's Prayer too, if you'd like but, you'll think what you want and I'll know what I know. I need to discuss something...I'm really tired of being afraid. I'm really tired of judgement and perception, opinion and holding back so, at the risk of losing everything, I'm coming clean.
I believe in God. I believe in miracles. I believe that God puts people here on Earth to do his work. I believe in Angels. I believe in God's Kingdom. And I believe that God speaks to me in a voice I can hear. I also believe he speaks to you. I believe you can hear him just like I do, if you want to listen.
I've been working a lot these last few years on listening. You know that little voice that says, "Go back for your cup of coffee." and you ignore it, thinking it's just coffee so you don't go back. Then a few miles down the road and the guy driving behind you is talking on his phone, doesn't see you slowing to turn left and he hits you from behind. If you would have went back for coffee...you would't have been there for him to hit. It's those type things I'm learning to listen to.
I hear voices. I have for a long time. Sometimes with those voices, I'd smell something - like cologne or one super special visitor I have - he smells like gun oil and he's my favorite. But these voices, they tell me things when I'm with people or they explain things to me. Sometimes they bring me a deep understanding or a knowing. Say we're together and we're talking about your daughter who is getting married and you're very nervous/anxious about this guy she's chosen, well the more we're talking and I'm listening to you but, this voice says to me "He loves her! He loves her with all of his heart and his soul. He would never hurt her. He will cherish her all of his days!" Not only do you hear that but, you can feel this all encompassing warmth surround you like a hug from your loving father and you almost start to cry. How do you know this? You've never met them. Those things happen to me all the time. Sometimes these voices speak out loud to me. You may not hear them but, they still make me turn and look to find no one there. They're that real.
I asked this voice one time, "How much time do I have with my mom?"
The voice responded, "83".
I asked the voice, "83? 83 what? 83 days? 83 months? August 3rd? 83 what?".
Again the voice responded "83".
I knew not to ask the voice again for it had changed tone and like a child with their father, I knew my line of questioning was not going to be tolerated any longer. I'm waiting to see what he meant by "83"
I have a hard time in large groups of people - like concerts, crowded restaurants, oddly - church. I have a hard time with all of the noise. For me, it's 200 people trying to talk to me all at once and I can't sort out all of the voices. I don't know who's trying to talk to whom. The only thing I leave with is a splitting headache!I'm what is called a sensitive. I absorb the mood. If you're sad, I'll be sad. If you're elated, I'll be elated. If you're bitter and crabby, I will be too. I have to be very careful not to absorb and it's very hard. So I choose to keep my circle a little small. I've had a very tough time finding a church that is lifting for me. We have been with our church for some time and I recently realized that when leaving church on Sunday morning, I'd feel totally drained. It's because I was taking in all of everyone else's burdens. I need to find a new church family. I need to start experimenting with that very soon.
I hear voices. I talk to spirits but, right now I'm more at peace than I've ever been in my entire life. Call it conscience. Call me crazy. Call me a fruitcake. Call me a nutjob. Chances are - if you feel I have secluded myself from you, it's because I already knew you couldn't accept this from me and you'd rather call me names than to understand me. I'm sorry you feel that way. I came clean and how you deal with the rest, is up to you.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Quotes
I love quotes.
I don't normally use them in conversation (do I?) but, I like to share them, I find inspiration in them, they help to explain how I feel or sometimes they have the words I need when I need them. I wanted to share some of my favorites.
"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." — Marilyn Monroe
I don't normally use them in conversation (do I?) but, I like to share them, I find inspiration in them, they help to explain how I feel or sometimes they have the words I need when I need them. I wanted to share some of my favorites.
"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." — Marilyn Monroe
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." — Oscar Wilde
“You get a little moody sometimes but I think that's because you like to read. People that like to read are always a little fucked up.” ― Pat Conroy, The Prince of Tides
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." — Mark Twain
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt." — Abraham Lincoln
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." — C.S. Lewis
"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." — Marilyn Monroe
“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears." — John Lennon
"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way." ~C.S. Lewis,
"The things that make me different are the things that make me." — A.A. Milne
"He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." — Benjamin Franklin
"Never make excuses. Your friends don't need them and your foes won't believe them." — John Wooden
"The person who really wants to do something finds a way; the other person finds an excuse. " ~Author Unknown
"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins." ~Bob Moawad
"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me." ~Author unknown
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." ~Jimmy Johnson
"Promise only what you can deliver. Then deliver more than you promise." ~Author Unknown
"The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle." ~Author Unknown
“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” Oscar Wilde
"When you hold a grudge, you want someone else’s sorrow to reflect your level of hurt but the two rarely meet.” ― Steve Maraboli
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” ― Dr. Seuss
“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss
“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ― Mark Twain
“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt,
“You get a little moody sometimes but I think that's because you like to read. People that like to read are always a little fucked up.” ― Pat Conroy, The Prince of Tides
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." — Mark Twain
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt." — Abraham Lincoln
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." — C.S. Lewis
"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." — Marilyn Monroe
“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears." — John Lennon
"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way." ~C.S. Lewis,
"The things that make me different are the things that make me." — A.A. Milne
"He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." — Benjamin Franklin
"Never make excuses. Your friends don't need them and your foes won't believe them." — John Wooden
"The person who really wants to do something finds a way; the other person finds an excuse. " ~Author Unknown
"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins." ~Bob Moawad
"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it's me." ~Author unknown
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." ~Jimmy Johnson
"Promise only what you can deliver. Then deliver more than you promise." ~Author Unknown
"The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle." ~Author Unknown
“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” Oscar Wilde
"When you hold a grudge, you want someone else’s sorrow to reflect your level of hurt but the two rarely meet.” ― Steve Maraboli
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” ― Dr. Seuss
“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss
“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ― Mark Twain
“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt,
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Time
Time is such a strange concept. I was just thinking about today for example. Today is my 15 year anniversary of employment. I was thinking 'Wow! 15 years' --> 'I was completely vested in my company's pension plan when I was only 33' --> '33 that was 5 years ago so much has happened here as a company in 5 years' --> 'all of the issues that have cropped up and resolved in that spans of time.' --> 'Time. Wow. It's quite a concept. I should blog about time.'
I think back to the times in life where I had the opportunity to grow or to change and at that time this 'thing' was so major, such a large part of my life but, now to look back on that time or that growth and in this light, it really wasn't much of a big of a deal...if I remember it at all!
I look at my Jacob, about to turn 6. The time before his birthday is always a giant reflection for me. I remember like it was yesterday, the excitement of getting our child, all of the preparations we were absorbed in, and our close relationship with our lawyer (that doesn't quite fit into a birthplan, does it?). Trying to have everything finished in time. We spent part of Thanksgiving with his biological family that year...and I think of what time has done to that relationship. I think about Jaocb as a little tiny baby and how much he's grown and changed since then. I remember reading book after book after book to him, and now he's reading to me.
I think about my parents. My dad, 12 years gone now and my mom stuck in a time long since gone. My sisters, my brother - I won't share their ages with you but, I do think ahead to the time when I'll be an orphan and/or an only child. I want to enjoy the time I have with my family (I'm not saying that I don't now). I'm saying, no matter the family, isn't there always room for improvement?
We've celebrated quite a few 'years', this year. 40, 38, 15, 10, 9, 6, 5, and only one (Jeremy, Me, a work milestone, years together, years married, Jacob's birthday, Gotcha Day, having Kelsey, and Kelsey's first birthday). The time between our years seems to get shorter and shorter with more, and less 'firsts'. It's hard to keep track of the things that are most important when there are so many things that I don't want to lose.
This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important, because
I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes,
this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place something
that I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain, not loss;
good not evil; success not failure;
in order that I shall not regret
the price I paid for it. ~Author Unknown
I think back to the times in life where I had the opportunity to grow or to change and at that time this 'thing' was so major, such a large part of my life but, now to look back on that time or that growth and in this light, it really wasn't much of a big of a deal...if I remember it at all!
I look at my Jacob, about to turn 6. The time before his birthday is always a giant reflection for me. I remember like it was yesterday, the excitement of getting our child, all of the preparations we were absorbed in, and our close relationship with our lawyer (that doesn't quite fit into a birthplan, does it?). Trying to have everything finished in time. We spent part of Thanksgiving with his biological family that year...and I think of what time has done to that relationship. I think about Jaocb as a little tiny baby and how much he's grown and changed since then. I remember reading book after book after book to him, and now he's reading to me.
I think about my parents. My dad, 12 years gone now and my mom stuck in a time long since gone. My sisters, my brother - I won't share their ages with you but, I do think ahead to the time when I'll be an orphan and/or an only child. I want to enjoy the time I have with my family (I'm not saying that I don't now). I'm saying, no matter the family, isn't there always room for improvement?
We've celebrated quite a few 'years', this year. 40, 38, 15, 10, 9, 6, 5, and only one (Jeremy, Me, a work milestone, years together, years married, Jacob's birthday, Gotcha Day, having Kelsey, and Kelsey's first birthday). The time between our years seems to get shorter and shorter with more, and less 'firsts'. It's hard to keep track of the things that are most important when there are so many things that I don't want to lose.
This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important, because
I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes,
this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place something
that I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain, not loss;
good not evil; success not failure;
in order that I shall not regret
the price I paid for it. ~Author Unknown
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
$36.82
I've raved about the prices at Aldi I don't know how many times and I'm sorry but, I can't help it. I have to rave again.
I ran in tonight only to pick up my Thanksgiving turkey but, it's never that simple. I always need more.
I picked up:
a little over 19 lb Butterball brand turkey
1 gallon of milk
4 boxes of turkey stuffing (because I haven't found a recipe for stuffing yet that I like)
2 bags of frozen green beans
1 large bag of round tortilla chips
1 loaf of whole grain white bread
1 large can of French fried onions
1 jar of peanut butter (16 oz)
1- 12 oz block of Colby cheese
All or the amazing price of $36.82!
I ran in tonight only to pick up my Thanksgiving turkey but, it's never that simple. I always need more.
I picked up:
a little over 19 lb Butterball brand turkey
1 gallon of milk
4 boxes of turkey stuffing (because I haven't found a recipe for stuffing yet that I like)
2 bags of frozen green beans
1 large bag of round tortilla chips
1 loaf of whole grain white bread
1 large can of French fried onions
1 jar of peanut butter (16 oz)
1- 12 oz block of Colby cheese
All or the amazing price of $36.82!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Perfect...?
My sister sent this to me today. It rings true for me...most days... and it is certainly something that I need to remember everyday. I thought I'd share it here because as hectic and crazy as life does get we all can use a reminder now and then to appreciate what we do have rather than looking at what everyone else has and thinking we need that too.
“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and
the two of you will never be perfect.
But if he can make you laugh at least
once, causes you to think twice, and if
he admits to being human and making
mistakes, hold onto him and give him
the most you can. He isn’t going to
quote poetry, he’s not thinking about
you every moment, but he will give you
a part of him that he knows you
could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t
change him, and don’t expect for more than
he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when
he makes you happy, yell when he
makes you mad, and miss him when
he’s not there. Love hard when there is
love to be had. Because perfect guys
don’t exist, but there’s always one guy
that is perfect for you.” ― Bob Marley
Monday, November 14, 2011
Parent/Teacher Conferences
We had conferences last week. I brought home Jacob's very first report card!
Jacob got an excellent report. He's doing VERY well in school. He knows all of his letters uppercase and lowercase. He gets a little stuck on the sounders - those vowels are tricky! He's counting to 100. And his coloring is within the lines. All the things a mom could ask for!
Jacob gets along very well with all of his classmates. He's a very good helper. He listens and follows directions but, sometimes has a tough time coming in from recess.
Tonight, after supper, he read a book to me. My little kindergartener can read! I was such a proud mom.
Sometimes, I think all of the trials he puts me through are simply the result of 7 hours in school where he has to be so good for so long. I guess, if he's going to be bullheaded and belligerant, I'd rather he be that way at home!
Especially when he can read to me! :)
Jacob got an excellent report. He's doing VERY well in school. He knows all of his letters uppercase and lowercase. He gets a little stuck on the sounders - those vowels are tricky! He's counting to 100. And his coloring is within the lines. All the things a mom could ask for!
Jacob gets along very well with all of his classmates. He's a very good helper. He listens and follows directions but, sometimes has a tough time coming in from recess.
Tonight, after supper, he read a book to me. My little kindergartener can read! I was such a proud mom.
Sometimes, I think all of the trials he puts me through are simply the result of 7 hours in school where he has to be so good for so long. I guess, if he's going to be bullheaded and belligerant, I'd rather he be that way at home!
Especially when he can read to me! :)
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Take 5
Let me first say that I do realize that I missed 2 days here and well, I have 3 posts in my head and if I'm willing to sit down here and post 3 in a row then well...I believe I should be forgiven for not sitting down to write over the weekend.
Back to my story.
Saturday, Jacob and I had a date with his biological grandparents for lunch. As we were getting ready to go, I got into a texting conversation with Jeremy's sister and before we left, we had a birthday party to attend that afternoon. I shuffled my schedule a bit - no big deal.
On the way to lunch, I decided that I needed coffee! I mean NEEDED (you'll understand come the next post). I know there is a Biggby Coffee on the way and I planned to stop there but, I was so lost in my thoughts that I had forgotten coffee until Jacob says "Mom? You missed the coffee." and I said "Shit!". I tried to take the next left and go in the back but, traffic wouldn't allow it - why the hell was there so much traffic? I couldn't make the turn so, McDonald's it is!
If you haven't tried it, McDonald's has a WONDERFUL version of Peppermint Mocha!
We go down the road a little further and I turn into McDonald's...and the line for the drive-thru is wrapped around the whole building. And that's with the new two line system! Yeah, no coffee for me.
I'm out of time and places to stop. We head over to Grandma & Grandpa's new house, sans the coffee. I figured I'd stop at the next McDonald's on the way to Grandma Great's (Jeremy's Grandma) before the party. No problem.
We're heading to Grandma-Great's and we pull off the freeway to McDonald's on the next exit and there are orange cones in the drive thru lane and a sign on the order box "Closed this weekend due to equipment maintenance." Are You Shitting ME!?! That's 3!
So, I said to myself, "Self. There is another McDonald's on Grandma's corner. Try that." We get into the drive-thru and there are cars behind us so I can't get out. Guess What!?! I see a sign on the drive-thru menu "We apologize our McCafe Specialty beverage machine is under maintenance." I order soft drinks for Jacob and I when Jeremy calls. I explain the whole mess to my laughing husband who says, "Just go to Starbucks, it's right next door. You deserve it." to which I responded, "I'm already on the way and I'm getting me one of them BIG summinabitches too!" which thankfully we did as in all my haste at the last decaffeinated McDonald's, I didn't get straws for our sodas.
But, damn! That was one delicious giant coffee! And I savored every last drop!
Back to my story.
Saturday, Jacob and I had a date with his biological grandparents for lunch. As we were getting ready to go, I got into a texting conversation with Jeremy's sister and before we left, we had a birthday party to attend that afternoon. I shuffled my schedule a bit - no big deal.
On the way to lunch, I decided that I needed coffee! I mean NEEDED (you'll understand come the next post). I know there is a Biggby Coffee on the way and I planned to stop there but, I was so lost in my thoughts that I had forgotten coffee until Jacob says "Mom? You missed the coffee." and I said "Shit!". I tried to take the next left and go in the back but, traffic wouldn't allow it - why the hell was there so much traffic? I couldn't make the turn so, McDonald's it is!
If you haven't tried it, McDonald's has a WONDERFUL version of Peppermint Mocha!
We go down the road a little further and I turn into McDonald's...and the line for the drive-thru is wrapped around the whole building. And that's with the new two line system! Yeah, no coffee for me.
I'm out of time and places to stop. We head over to Grandma & Grandpa's new house, sans the coffee. I figured I'd stop at the next McDonald's on the way to Grandma Great's (Jeremy's Grandma) before the party. No problem.
We're heading to Grandma-Great's and we pull off the freeway to McDonald's on the next exit and there are orange cones in the drive thru lane and a sign on the order box "Closed this weekend due to equipment maintenance." Are You Shitting ME!?! That's 3!
So, I said to myself, "Self. There is another McDonald's on Grandma's corner. Try that." We get into the drive-thru and there are cars behind us so I can't get out. Guess What!?! I see a sign on the drive-thru menu "We apologize our McCafe Specialty beverage machine is under maintenance." I order soft drinks for Jacob and I when Jeremy calls. I explain the whole mess to my laughing husband who says, "Just go to Starbucks, it's right next door. You deserve it." to which I responded, "I'm already on the way and I'm getting me one of them BIG summinabitches too!" which thankfully we did as in all my haste at the last decaffeinated McDonald's, I didn't get straws for our sodas.
But, damn! That was one delicious giant coffee! And I savored every last drop!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Veteran's Day: 2011
The Soldier
It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.
By Charles M. Province, copyright 1970, 2010
It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.
By Charles M. Province, copyright 1970, 2010
Thursday, November 10, 2011
November 10, 1975
I was a little more than two years old then but, having grown up in Northern Michigan in a lakeside town, the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald is not something we will ever forget.
She was built in River Rouge over by Detroit. She had hauled taconite pellets from near Duluth, MN back to Detroit for 17 years setting numerous records. On this night, she was doing just the same when she was caught in the storm - the worst storm in 3 decades, they say. She was mighty and we were so proud. In her time, at 729 feet she was the longest freighter on the Great Lakes. The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the best-known disasters in the history of Great Lakes shipping.
It's fitting now, that I'm sitting here thinking about the "Mighty Fitz" as it's snowing here to beat all heck! It was snowing so hard on my way home from work that I could barely see. Could you imagine being out in icy Lake Superior on such a snowy night - with the wind and the waves and no hope of safely making it to land? Or even the shelter of Whitefish Bay?
Yet 29 men, 29 souls braved that November storm to do their jobs. And 29 men lost their lives when "The Pride of the American Flag" slipped into the icy blue water. 36 years in their watery graves. Their bodies were never recovered. Though the legend is full of theories, no one truly knows what happened to bring her down.
I had the chance to visit Whitefish Point to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum a few years ago. They have a lifeboat from the Fitz and that boat - it's dented and beat. It's difficult to comprehend that the water caused such damage to that metal boat. I remember standing on the deck there looking out over the water and thinking of that beautiful ship, and the night she and her 29 men came to lay in their icy grave.
In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed,
in the "Maritime Sailors' Cathedral."
The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times
for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
of the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee."
"Superior," they said, "never gives up her dead
when the gales of November come early!" ~ Gordon Lightfoot
She was built in River Rouge over by Detroit. She had hauled taconite pellets from near Duluth, MN back to Detroit for 17 years setting numerous records. On this night, she was doing just the same when she was caught in the storm - the worst storm in 3 decades, they say. She was mighty and we were so proud. In her time, at 729 feet she was the longest freighter on the Great Lakes. The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the best-known disasters in the history of Great Lakes shipping.
It's fitting now, that I'm sitting here thinking about the "Mighty Fitz" as it's snowing here to beat all heck! It was snowing so hard on my way home from work that I could barely see. Could you imagine being out in icy Lake Superior on such a snowy night - with the wind and the waves and no hope of safely making it to land? Or even the shelter of Whitefish Bay?
Yet 29 men, 29 souls braved that November storm to do their jobs. And 29 men lost their lives when "The Pride of the American Flag" slipped into the icy blue water. 36 years in their watery graves. Their bodies were never recovered. Though the legend is full of theories, no one truly knows what happened to bring her down.
I had the chance to visit Whitefish Point to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum a few years ago. They have a lifeboat from the Fitz and that boat - it's dented and beat. It's difficult to comprehend that the water caused such damage to that metal boat. I remember standing on the deck there looking out over the water and thinking of that beautiful ship, and the night she and her 29 men came to lay in their icy grave.
In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed,
in the "Maritime Sailors' Cathedral."
The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times
for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
of the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee."
"Superior," they said, "never gives up her dead
when the gales of November come early!" ~ Gordon Lightfoot
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Going Primitive...
For Christmas that is. I decided today that I'm going to re-vamp my Christmas decorations. Which means, my husband is going to want to kill me but, hey...is that anything new!?!
It all started with the wreath I posted a few days ago. I started thinking about my Christmas stockings and then my ornaments - well some of them, and the rest of the stuff I have. And well...I'm pushing 40 here - shouldn't I have my own Christmas decorations that I love instead of cast-offs from my mother?
I have a bunch of ornaments that I do LOVE! They're homemade gifts from my niece and nephew (Karen) and they fit PERFECTLY with the direction I want to go. My sisters seemed to know way back when, in giving me these, what I was going to like one day! I also have a collection from my sister, Gloria that are very natural or nature themed. Thankfully, they will fit right in.
But, the best are a box of old 1940's/1950's Mercury Glass ornaments that belonged to my parents. Those will look so pretty with my home made ornaments and just the right touch of "store bought". I'm thinking of ornaments made from thread spools and tea cloths. And buttons! With simple things like stars and hearts and popcorn strings, painted things that just look old. Sadly, it means changing to white lights but, I think it'd be OK.
Jeremy - it won't be that expensive. I could make most of what I need. I can sew. I could sew new stockings for us. I could sew a new tree skirt. Luckily, we're in Craft Fair Season and I can get some ideas too. As for my old Christmas stuff - we can write that off when we donate it with the Halloween stuff I just purged. Okay?
I can't wait to sort out what I have and bring in the new pulled together theme. I can't wait to share the progress with you! And yes, I'll post plenty of pictures.
It all started with the wreath I posted a few days ago. I started thinking about my Christmas stockings and then my ornaments - well some of them, and the rest of the stuff I have. And well...I'm pushing 40 here - shouldn't I have my own Christmas decorations that I love instead of cast-offs from my mother?
I have a bunch of ornaments that I do LOVE! They're homemade gifts from my niece and nephew (Karen) and they fit PERFECTLY with the direction I want to go. My sisters seemed to know way back when, in giving me these, what I was going to like one day! I also have a collection from my sister, Gloria that are very natural or nature themed. Thankfully, they will fit right in.
But, the best are a box of old 1940's/1950's Mercury Glass ornaments that belonged to my parents. Those will look so pretty with my home made ornaments and just the right touch of "store bought". I'm thinking of ornaments made from thread spools and tea cloths. And buttons! With simple things like stars and hearts and popcorn strings, painted things that just look old. Sadly, it means changing to white lights but, I think it'd be OK.
Jeremy - it won't be that expensive. I could make most of what I need. I can sew. I could sew new stockings for us. I could sew a new tree skirt. Luckily, we're in Craft Fair Season and I can get some ideas too. As for my old Christmas stuff - we can write that off when we donate it with the Halloween stuff I just purged. Okay?
I can't wait to sort out what I have and bring in the new pulled together theme. I can't wait to share the progress with you! And yes, I'll post plenty of pictures.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The last supper...
I was out of my original material today and out of things to share so I'm opting for a prompt today.
If you knew that whatever you ate next would be your last meal, what would you want it to be?
At first I thought of my local favorite - The Grill House a grill your own steakhouse where I typically choose to go for my birthday or our anniversary because I'm such a creature of habit. I know what I like there and I know I'll like it every time. Jeremy and I typically split a steak and we enjoy each other's company while hanging out in the grill room over drinks and garlic toast while he grills our steak to a perfect medium rare. They serve a salad - and it's wonderful! I love the vinaigrette they use. You also get a baked potato with cheese, butter, sour cream and fresh chives (it's a help yourself type deal so you can really heap the toppings on and I LOVE fresh chives!) as well as a delicious bowl of BBQ baked beans.
The more I thought of it, the more I realized I don't want my last meal to be a boring old steak.
Here in Allegan, we also have a little drive up - place your order - eat in the car - type restaurant called Corky's. They're only open April - October and they have the best burgers and chili fries that I wait for all winter long. They also have home made root beer. Yep, that's it...that's what I'd want. A cheeseburger with ketchup and relish with an order of chili cheese fries. I love how the grease from the burger turns the wax paper translucent and it's all soaked into the bun.
And on the way home, we'd have to stop at Bubba's Sports Bar and get an order of deep fried pickles. Garlic-y pickle spears dipped in a spicy batter, deep fried to a perfect golden with homemade buttermilk ranch to dip them in! YUM!
That'd do it. I'd die happy - or at least my stomach would!
If you knew that whatever you ate next would be your last meal, what would you want it to be?
At first I thought of my local favorite - The Grill House a grill your own steakhouse where I typically choose to go for my birthday or our anniversary because I'm such a creature of habit. I know what I like there and I know I'll like it every time. Jeremy and I typically split a steak and we enjoy each other's company while hanging out in the grill room over drinks and garlic toast while he grills our steak to a perfect medium rare. They serve a salad - and it's wonderful! I love the vinaigrette they use. You also get a baked potato with cheese, butter, sour cream and fresh chives (it's a help yourself type deal so you can really heap the toppings on and I LOVE fresh chives!) as well as a delicious bowl of BBQ baked beans.
The more I thought of it, the more I realized I don't want my last meal to be a boring old steak.
Here in Allegan, we also have a little drive up - place your order - eat in the car - type restaurant called Corky's. They're only open April - October and they have the best burgers and chili fries that I wait for all winter long. They also have home made root beer. Yep, that's it...that's what I'd want. A cheeseburger with ketchup and relish with an order of chili cheese fries. I love how the grease from the burger turns the wax paper translucent and it's all soaked into the bun.
And on the way home, we'd have to stop at Bubba's Sports Bar and get an order of deep fried pickles. Garlic-y pickle spears dipped in a spicy batter, deep fried to a perfect golden with homemade buttermilk ranch to dip them in! YUM!
That'd do it. I'd die happy - or at least my stomach would!
Monday, November 7, 2011
A little hint...
Hey Santa?
It's a Rag Wreath. Isn't it beautiful? Made with high quality homespun fabrics.
You can find them at the Rag Wreath Boutique on Etsy. She has so many beautiful designs for the Holidays and everyday. I'd like to hang one over my fireplace for Christmas. I just need to choose the size and color.
It's a Rag Wreath. Isn't it beautiful? Made with high quality homespun fabrics.
You can find them at the Rag Wreath Boutique on Etsy. She has so many beautiful designs for the Holidays and everyday. I'd like to hang one over my fireplace for Christmas. I just need to choose the size and color.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Footprints in the Sand
You may know this, you may not. Footprints in the Sand has always been my favorite story or legend, I guess you could call it. Since I was a child always. I believed in it like any child would believe in their father, because I believe any father would (or at least try to) carry their child through the toughest times of their lives. Kind of a funny belief coming from the child of a father with MS. I mean my earthy father couldn't carry me very well so, I trusted my Heavenly Father to that task...I guess parochial school did its job!
For as long as I can remember, I've had a father/child relationship with my Lord. I spoke to him freely as a best friend rather than a powerful being. I took this verse to heart -
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
Sure, I grew up, became an opinionated adult and I've been angry with my Lord and I mean ANGRY! Just like I've had other disagreements in my life, I've had them with the Lord and I've told him exactly what I thought of Him and his little plan for me too. And eventually, like a daughter does with her Father, I took a little time away and I saw the Light...that my Father was right. He'd always been right. I just wasn't trusting in Him.
You may have seen it, maybe not but, I wear this cross pendant everyday. I rarely take it off.
What you may not know is that I don't wear it for the status. I'm not a perfect Christian - in fact I'm far from it. I certainly make my share of mistakes - I swear like a sailor, I'm often selfish and spoiled and well...we won't go into that laundry list. I don't wear it so you'll think I'm religious. I don't wear it because it was a gift from my husband. I don't wear it to show the world my faith. I wear it to remind ME of my faith. To remind ME that even when my life isn't what I want it to be, my life where my Father is leading ME and even when I feel I'm walking my road alone, my Father is carrying ME safely to where I need to be. To remind ME that I do have a Father that loves and cares for ME and that he is really the one who is in control of this show. Not ME.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
2 Saturdays in October
We cheated this year and bought our apples rather than pick them. Time just got away from us and finding time to get to the actual orchard to do it ourselves was out of the question. On the left are Nothern Spies for baking and the right are Honeycrisps for eating. I bought them at the Farmer's Market, the next best thing to straight from the orchard.
And some Acorn Squash.
Freshly baked apple crisp.
We also had some friends invite us out for a hayride/bonfire. Jacob's FIRST hayride! They did pinatas and had hot apple cider. After the 3rd time around and I could see my breath - that was enough hayride. What a great time we had!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Reflections in the leaves
I love fall. I love the cooler temps, sweatshirts, sweaters, falling leaves, the crispness in the air. I love the color in the trees, the warmth of candles, and the perfect excuse to eat pumpkin pie every chance I get!
With all of these things that I love at this time of year, I can't help but think of the memories of loss as well as the chances I've had to create new beginnings. I guess that is why fall is so important to me - remembering my losses and the opportunities I've been given, and what I've learned from both the losses and my successes. The thing that make each of us who we are.
I just finished reading Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith (which was a great book) and in it, was a poem or a quote by Robert Browning Hamilton ~
"I walked a mile with Pleasure,
She chatted all the way,
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er word said she
But, oh, the things I learned from her
When Sorrow walked with me!"
Sure we remember the fun times we've had and the joy in them but, think for a minute about the tough things you've been through and what you learned from them. Had I not buried my sister (her funeral was November 1). I wouldn't understand how important it is to tell someone how you feel about them at every opportunity because you might never see them again.
Had my Dad not suffered with Multiple Sclerosis all of my life and most of his, I might not have learned compassion for others and to do the things you love to do while you can because they can be stolen from you - no matter how healthy you are.
Had I been able to bear a biological child, I would have missed the opportunity to have the sweetest, most adorable son on the planet. And it terrifies me to think of the life he could have had without me.
Had I had the ideal parent, I might not have learned to love and appreciate every. single. moment. with my child. I wouldn't have learned to take the time to appreciate the joy in my child when we do things together.
Had my parents not divorced when I was so young I might not have learned what it takes to make my marriage as happy and as solid as it is.
Had I not wasted 6 years in an awful relationship, I wouldn't have learned what I wanted the relationship with my life partner to be like...
"I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er word said she
But, oh, the things I learned from her
When Sorrow walked with me!"
With all of these things that I love at this time of year, I can't help but think of the memories of loss as well as the chances I've had to create new beginnings. I guess that is why fall is so important to me - remembering my losses and the opportunities I've been given, and what I've learned from both the losses and my successes. The thing that make each of us who we are.
I just finished reading Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith (which was a great book) and in it, was a poem or a quote by Robert Browning Hamilton ~
"I walked a mile with Pleasure,
She chatted all the way,
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er word said she
But, oh, the things I learned from her
When Sorrow walked with me!"
Sure we remember the fun times we've had and the joy in them but, think for a minute about the tough things you've been through and what you learned from them. Had I not buried my sister (her funeral was November 1). I wouldn't understand how important it is to tell someone how you feel about them at every opportunity because you might never see them again.
Had my Dad not suffered with Multiple Sclerosis all of my life and most of his, I might not have learned compassion for others and to do the things you love to do while you can because they can be stolen from you - no matter how healthy you are.
Had I been able to bear a biological child, I would have missed the opportunity to have the sweetest, most adorable son on the planet. And it terrifies me to think of the life he could have had without me.
Had I had the ideal parent, I might not have learned to love and appreciate every. single. moment. with my child. I wouldn't have learned to take the time to appreciate the joy in my child when we do things together.
Had my parents not divorced when I was so young I might not have learned what it takes to make my marriage as happy and as solid as it is.
Had I not wasted 6 years in an awful relationship, I wouldn't have learned what I wanted the relationship with my life partner to be like...
"I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er word said she
But, oh, the things I learned from her
When Sorrow walked with me!"
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Beware: A Viking bearing Brussels Sprouts
I was in the Farmer's Market one afternoon when I saw this funky looking stick thing and I thought to myself "Self? What is that?" Upon closer inspection, I realized they were Brussels Sprouts - on a stick!
And yes, the correct term is Brussels Sprouts named for the city in Belgium. I'm not sure if they're grown on a stick and I don't care because I don't like the word stalk.
Why my child wanted his picture taken with the Brussels Sprouts is beyond me...that said, so is the Viking Helmet.
Take just one more...
Did you know they grew on a stick like this? Me neither.
Oh right, you probably don't like Brussels Sprouts. Jacob doesn't either. But, I do - except for these. This stick (well not the stick itself, I know better that to eat that - I meant the sprouts ON the stick) wasn't very good - terribly bitter. I'm told they didn't get enough water. But, everything is better with Bacon! I'll try that recipe again someday - with frozen Brussels sprouts.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
NaBloPoMo...
is the abbreviation for National Blog Posting Month which just so happens to be in November. And though I have known about NaBloPoMo for a few years, this is the first time I will actually participate in the festivities. Yay!
The theme is blogging for blogging's sake. I'll use some of my own stuff and BlogHer.com will also be providing daily prompts which I'm sure I'll take advantage of especially when I get bored of posting about things I've cooked, pictures of my adorable kid and other senseless drivel.
I have opened the site to allow comments - you do not need to register on my site. But, please if you are deeply moved enough to comment, leave your name so I'll know who you are! You may also subscribe by email and the little pointy eared elves behind the scenes at blogger will send my lovely postings to your email every night while you sleep snugly in your warm beds.
So find a comfy seat, a nice warm cup of coffee, tea, cocoa, or whatever your pleasure and we'll see you here every day, for the next 30 days.
The theme is blogging for blogging's sake. I'll use some of my own stuff and BlogHer.com will also be providing daily prompts which I'm sure I'll take advantage of especially when I get bored of posting about things I've cooked, pictures of my adorable kid and other senseless drivel.
I have opened the site to allow comments - you do not need to register on my site. But, please if you are deeply moved enough to comment, leave your name so I'll know who you are! You may also subscribe by email and the little pointy eared elves behind the scenes at blogger will send my lovely postings to your email every night while you sleep snugly in your warm beds.
So find a comfy seat, a nice warm cup of coffee, tea, cocoa, or whatever your pleasure and we'll see you here every day, for the next 30 days.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Happy Halloween 2011!
Jeremy dressed as Dr. Howie Feldersnatch and the other guy is Kyle, one of Jeremy's employees that dressed up as Jeremy for Halloween. He even shaved his head! By the way, Kyle won "The Best Costume"
We also helped out at Jacob's school for Halloween again this year. Aren't these spider hats the cutest!?!
Daddy dressed up as Mark McGwire for the school party.
And they painted T-shirts at the party.
And had a snack...
After school, we took the cutest Sheriff's Deputy in history to see the Allegan County Sheriff. Jacob is in Sheriff Koops office. The hat he's wearing was on the shelf there...see the ballcap? That was Jacob's hat - he traded! Sheriff Koops wasn't in the office today but, we had some friends that were so happy to see JJ.
We got to see the dog.
Had a little meeting with the Sergeant, the Lieutenant, and the K-9 Handler.
Tried on another hat...
Kicked back and took a little "snooze" at the Undersheriff's desk...
Caught up on a couple of emails...
All in all...it was a good time!
A HUGE thank you to the Allegan County Sheriff's Department for their hospitality and Allegan City Police for all of their help in putting this costume together. Happy Halloween!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)