quoting

"If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves."
- Thomas Edison

Summers fall and autumns call

in the eve, fall's beginning chill
the day still bent to summers will
but soon enough it will take the day
cooling, crisping in the breezy sway

another summer come and gone
festive days and nights of song
adventures new and some replayed
kinships kindled and kinships made

treasures all and every one
cherished, nourished in the sun
memories, moments, snapshots of mind
sifting, sorting, enjoying in kind

as quiet creeps into the land
a slower time slips the sand
seasons rhythms glide and soar
the sea blows kisses to the shore

some will come and some must stay
as not all, can walk this way
though I wish on stars bright shine
one just cant and won't leave my mind

fall will bring the candles out
the colored leaves will hang about
comforts from the hearth abound
holidays approach begins to sound

shorter days and longer nights
sparkle on the brilliant lights
time moves forward, time cary's on
still, a part will live in a moment gone

a place, a time, those visions clear
oceans of words whispered near
ancient mighty circles meet the swell
redwoods stand where I fell

future's bounty may not know
but ignited fire embers glow
light is not shut out like sound
no longer lost, found and bound

reasons that sense cannot see
sea, sage and music, always me
reflections, reminders, hidden deep
living in dreams as we sleep

grow and live in gardens kept
willows bend and willows wept
towards the light the branches reach
what is meant will find the beach

what must go will wash away
new beginnings will come to play
tears, need not meet the rain
spring and summer will return again

copywrite - jls- 2008

2 weeks in the pool and go Raiders!

So, every year since I have moved back here I have joined the annual "last man standing" football pool and every year I am out within the first week...so imagine my joy and surprise that I made it not only the first week this year but as of last night, the second week also! :) I am still standing!!!

It is a total of 50 players, I know that 13 went out the first week and I know at least two of my friends went out yesterday, so there is 15 less and I am pretty sure more than that must have gone out because there were a lot of close games yesterday that went against the odds. Though more likely that this is just some random streak of luck, there is an actual possibility I could end up in the top few and even win the pool, which seems utterly amazing, given my 5 year losing streak. This is second only to the glorious joy of the Raiders winning the game yesterday against Kansas City and even looking like a decent team a few times while doing so!

Rumors are rampant that Al Davis wants to fire Lane Kiffen, which is almost amusing being that most Raider fans would like to fire Al Davis! Lane Kiffen may not be dazzling me, but I hardly think he is the main issue at this point and firing him and bringing in someone new may cause us even more heartache, it takes a little time to mesh a new team and leaders. Yesterday's game was a good start, if they can build on that this season, and keep winning games and playing as a real team, wow this will be an exciting and happy season, if not then Raider fans are going to be very very cranky and Kiffen probably does need to find a new job.

I can't believe how much I missed football in the off-season and how happy I am to have it back! I watched 3 games yesterday, starting with the Raiders and hosting friends for a football brunch that was pretty tasty and lots of fun. I have to say the Seattle, Niner game was really entertaining, there were a few plays that had us all on the edge of our seats and at one point we realized we had made the same sound effects for a full 10 seconds as one of them played out. Giggles all around!

Perhaps the only drawback I can think of at the momet is that watching so much football we spent the bulk of the day inside and that seems a shame since the weather is absolutely perfect right now, clear, sunny and breezy, nicer than many of our true spring and summer days. I'll definitely be beach walkin' this afternoon! After so much travel, it is just nice and good to be home. :)

"...you were always on my mind..."

I really should be finishing my report and I am still unpacking from the weekend and re-packing to go back up again to the office tomorrow morning, but I don't want too much time to pass before noting how great the weekend was!

Camping Friday night was lots of fun, it was nice to see some of the people that we met up with that haven't been seen for a while and met some cool new friends as well. The best part for me was making a last minute executive decision to forgo the tent and sleep on the beach under the stars! The weather was beautiful and the night sky so clear. It has been years since I did that and it just felt wonderful. Wishing on the shooting stars, singing songs, chatting with friends, listening to the never-ending crash of the waves rolling in, it was glorious. I really need to sleep on the beach more often, especially since it is only a block away and I know plenty of spots that are both safe and a bit hidden from the beaten path. =o)


The Willie Nelson concert was so so so good! What an incredible performer, songwriter and musician he is!!! He played many of my favorite songs and was close enough to see us blowing kisses to him and blew a few kisses back to us! So freakin' cool! =o)


Spa day was great too and we spent the afternoon (after our appointments), just cruising state street, shopping, chatting and stopping to nibble here and there. We ended up stopping at the hitching post in buellton on the way home for dinner, had the scrumptious grilled artichokes and the always fabulous steak dinner, and as an added treat got to hang out and have a nice glass of wine with one of our friends there, who usually doesn't work on Sunday, but happened to last night. All just delightful.

No flippen way!

So while procrastinating today, (because I am still really struggling with a report I have due) I came across the following:

DEAR ABBY: I am writing about a change I have seen in church. I accept the loud guitar music and informal settings, although I do miss the traditional hymns and formal altars.

What I cannot get used to is the forced "friendly" greeting and handshaking. I attend church to meditate and worship with my family. I do not go to shake hands with strangers and give them a greeting dictated by a pastor.

I like people. I am naturally caring, outgoing and friendly. However, I believe that a greeting or handshake should come from my own heart.

I have mentioned this to friends and family from all faiths, ages and walks of life. None of them like this scheduled "greeting" either. Many say they head for the restroom at that time, turn their backs or just shake hands with the people they came with, come to church late to avoid it, or don't come at all. Others feel the practice is unsanitary.

I suggest that church leaders take an anonymous poll and ask how many in their congregations agree with me. What do you think, Abby? -- MINISTER'S DAUGHTER, CAYUCOS, CALIF.

DEAR DAUGHTER: Thank you for asking my opinion. Here it is: Something is wrong in our fragmented society if, for one moment in a house of God, people cannot find it in their hearts to reach out and make sure that everyone feels included and welcome. And for those who fear it is unsanitary -- bring small bottles of hand sanitizer.

Whoa!! I have no idea who this is, but you can bet that I'll be asking around!

quoting

Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong. - George Carlin

"...my hero's have always been cowboys..."

I get to see Willie Nelson in concert this coming weekend!! He is playing at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Saturday night. I bought the tickets months ago both because I love Willie and because it coincides with the birthday of one of my dearest friends, who is also a fan.

We've decided to make a full weekend of it, camping on Friday night, hiking and beaching Saturday, going to the concert in the evening, staying at a hotel on Saturday night and indulging in a spa day on Sunday, just delicious! :) The concert was great enough, everything else is just icing on the cake!

I am very much looking forward to all of it and feeling grateful that it all came together so easily. It should be grand fun! :)