Bear Lake Musings in the Muddy Water of Life

NaNoWriMo is underway

2011-11-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

I attended my first Nano write-in this weekend. We met from 10-2am at a local Starbucks. It was great fun, lots of people showed up and there were wall to wall computer screens glowing in the restaurant. It was wonderful to meet all the Lubbock Nano's! I wrote 1500+ words that night and 2,000 during the day. I'm working on my historical fiction/time travel story of the Revolutionary War. It's actually coming along quiet well! I am looking forward to the rest of the month and the meetings with the other locals.

Next Monday is the first meeting of our writer's group, Masked Writer's. I am so excited. We will be meeting at 7pm at Divine Wine. I have no idea how many will show up, it just might be me and Trace. That's OK, at least that's a start. I feel like things are really on the move with my writing and publishing career. Now just to get my health in line.

Did I mention that I love writing and drawing and grandkids and dogs and writing and drawing and grandkids and life and.......

Haboob in Lubbock

2011-10-18T20:11:00.000-06:00

My oh my! What happened yesterday looked like the scene out of Hildago when the huge dirt storm was rolling in! That is exactly what happened here! There I was, sitting on my bed, writing and it went from sunny to pitch black, then orange! I heard the wind hit the house and looked out the window. The top of the carport was lifting up on it's steel frames. I had no idea if it was a tornado or what. I happened to be home alone, (with the dogs) and no phone.

the swing before the top blew off

the alley as the storm was beginning

the wall of dirt blowing into town. Benny said, "run BoBo! It's going to get us!"
he's 5.

Anxiety - It makes the World Go Round

2011-10-04T18:09:00.000-06:00

Anxiety seems to be an epidemic in our society today. Maybe because I have it, I notice more people with the same symptoms. We are constantly bombarded with bad news, economic troubles, civil unrest, etc. They are very legitimate concerns but it is about to kill me. I know I need to be prepared, but how do I prepare for everyone? I don't know. How do I make a plan to keep my grown children and grandchildren safe? I don't know. How will we be in contact if the grid goes down? I don't know.

Today has been especially tense for me. There is a threat of civil unrest to begin in ernest Oct. 10th. I called my children, called my Mom (scared her to death) and called my sister and brother. If this threat is serious (and I think it is) we need to be prepared. We need to be ready. This could be the revolution that takes down our country unless we patriots fight back and take back our Constitution and our Country. After discussions of ammo, guns, food, how to track our kids, what if's, I lost it. I sent my husband out to the store, took anti-anxiety meds, put on jazz and turned off the news. I need normal. I need to hug my grandkids across the country, I need to hug my grandkids here in Lubbock. I might even need my Mom.

I have always wanted to live out in the mountains, self-sufficient, off the grid. That is not practical for us now, but it might be something we NEED to do in the very near future. We need to grow our own food, have our own water supply and power. Raise animals. Make our own fuel and libations! I wish I had magical powers to transport my family and friends to a compound in the mountains, safe from all the crazies and weirdness that is going on right now. But I know that would not make our world safe for our children. God has placed us here for a reason and like Ester, we are put here for such a time as this. I am very grateful He has also provided me with meds!!

Book Schedule

2011-09-27T01:01:00.001-06:00

OK, here's the deal, the book goes to production in Oct., I have a list of things to do during this time to get ready for the eventual release. Tate is very good about sending me newsletters to inform me what to do next. In Nov. it will leave production and go to an illustrator. I will get to comment and talk to her about my vision for the illustrations and I am so looking forward to that! Then it will be several months before the book goes to proofs. So by summer, Alexander Graham Cracker Goes to the Moon will be out - hopefully with a press release, book signings, web page, e book and the 2nd of the series sent in for publication. It's tenative title is Alexander Graham Cracker and the Bear of Spring.

There are several self publishing projects on the table this fall, one is MJ's book of poetry, Women of Faith Bible Study Series and a children's book, One little beaver.

Things are looking up and I am very excited. Send light, good thoughts, prayers and blessings this way. I love you all.

New Book!

2011-08-15T21:07:00.002-06:00

I just signed a contract with Tate Publishing for my book Alexander Graham Cracker Goes to the Moon! So very excited!!

It's OVER!

2010-11-24T23:14:00.001-07:00

66,000 words!!!!! Plus two more novels in the series...Thank you Wanda!!

New Novel, New Banner

2010-10-23T22:40:00.000-06:00

It's NaNoWriMo TIME AGAIN!!!

2010-10-23T20:13:00.000-06:00

Yep, it's that time again!! I can't wait!! This year Wanda and I are writing buddies and will be working on a spy novel, "Ice Man" We have ten days to get our notes organized, outlines synced and the coffee brewing!! Where is my espresso maker??

Lubbock Lake Historic Site

2010-08-10T19:44:00.001-06:00

Well, who knew. Yep, Lubbock -flat as a pancake, dry as the desert, a place that needs to post signs to tell which way for the water to run - had a lake. Of course there are small "playas" around town with fountains in them; I don't think that really counts as a lake. But out on the edge of town is a depression in the ground - a big depression - surrounded by high hills and bluffs that once was an ancient lake. This is where we went today with the boys. It is now an official archaeological site. They have uncovered mammoth bones, a short-nosed bear, a giant armadillo, bison, arrowheads, etc. The center was very interesting. Looking at the site from an areal photo, it looks as if the site was an ancient meteor crater. We took the archaeological trail and only walked it halfway. It was 97 degrees outside.

Jacob being trampled by a Mammoth

Benny on the baby Mammoth's trunk

Mommo and the boys

BoBo and the boys...Guess what they are doing?

Elvis the Gentle Chihuahua

2010-08-05T22:13:00.000-06:00

Sometimes Chihuahua's aren't the surly, snarkey beings as reputed. Elvis is one of the exceptions, he has always been an overly friendly, "Mr. not-listening." He is a lovey, hugger and loves with his whole body. He doesn't lick but caresses you with his face. I love it. I've never had a dog that hugs or lays his head on my shoulder the way he does.

But recently he has turned his attention to Momma Jean. He knows she is having problems and is very attuned to her emotions. When she was extremely sad last week about not being able to walk most of the time, she went to bed early and cried. Elvis was in the bed with her, loving on her, trying to absorb all the sadness and fill her up with love. Every night when we go to bed, he walks beside the walker or the wheelchair (whichever we are using that evening) and hops on her bed - in spite of the two HUGE cats sitting on the bed threatening to crush him with one paw - and patiently waits for her to get into bed. This is a task in itself, but finally she is safely cocooned in the blankets and pillows and tucked in tight - there's Elvis, hugging her face with his, wagging his little stub tail and in return getting soft little pets. We kiss her goodnight and turn out the lights. Elvis stays for a moment longer and gives his love and protection before hopping off the bed and letting the cats have their domain.

Elvis is truly an exceptional dog.

Sisters

2010-07-31T22:21:00.000-06:00

If sisters were flowers, I'd still pick you. I'd let the sun shine so you'd never be blue. I'd show the world how beautifully you grew, with bright bold colors and strength through and through.

I love you, Spike!

Meditations

2010-07-31T10:11:00.001-06:00

I meditated today. Finally. Yep, it was great. I sat on the backyard swing, in the shade, chihuahua's on my lap, prayer beads in my hand, mantra beside me in case I forget how to say it...and it was wonderful. I haven't received my answer yet, but it may be coming. The breeze is cool (for now) and the doves are cooing. If you tune out the drone of the lawnmowers, it's very nice. Not Colorado-sitting by the rushing river and moutain view nice-but nice for West Texas.

Wanda and I are on a voyage of discovery. We are checking in with each other nightly to (1) see how many words we wrote during the day, (2) progress on our walking, (3) meditation and any insights gained during that time. We are posting a new blog to follow, Springs in the Desert. I'll try to have it up by tonight. Journey with us on our voyage of self-discovery, friendship, spirituality, life and love. We have some interesting and profound times ahead.

Friends

2010-07-28T00:25:00.000-06:00

Agatha Christi and Hercule Poirot

You are looking at a true friend in this picture. Wanda is the Hercule Poirot to my Agatha Christi. Who else but a true friend would dress like a man, including stuffing so we could make the perfect Halloween couple? This is a woman who was there whenever I needed her.

I had three adopted "special needs" children. My son is autistic, Wanda was there to help me when he needed to be placed into care and it was very difficult for me to do so. She was also my "respite" care when I needed a break. Her sons were close in age to my son. She listened and learned how to deal with his unique problems. I truly do not think she will ever know how indebted to her I am for saving me when I thought I was drowning. Caring for children who are handicapped is very draining, even though I was married - my husband at the time was gone on business trips most of the time. Wanda was the person I leaned on for support and help.

She is the one person I love to go get coffee with, bounce off new writing ideas, dream with, plot with, be a partner in crime, travel, impulsivity, life, laughter and love. Thank you, Wanda for being such a wonderful friend. People like you only come along rarely in a lifetime. I love you.

PS Only a true friend would give you a pig!!

2010-07-27T17:36:00.001-06:00

Thoughts from a GrandMa's Heart

A grandkid's hug makes you feel worthwhile

You loose the blues and begin to smile.

You hear the voice say, "I love you"

and you quickly answer, "I love you, too."

Yes, those little arms are very dear;

they pep you up and bring you cheer!

SJW 1992

Days

If you want a life with sunlight

Then you'll have to make it shine.

It's how you look at what you are

That makes your days and mine!

It's true some days can cast a shade:

But shade is not all bad,

for there we think and understand

and reflect on what we've had.

The days can come and soon be gone:

You're breathless from the pace,

And feel a sense of joy - or pain

as though you've run a race!

We stand in awe of slow, slow, days.

We may savor their every hour.

But each day is precious beyond our words,

and filled with immeasurable power!

SJW 1992

2010-07-27T17:26:00.000-06:00

August Clouds

The August clouds are lovely;

they float there in the sky

They seem to say,"We're passing, folks,

--just really passing by!"

Those rains will come next month, you know,

Right now...enjoy that sky -

Those lovely, fluffy, August clouds,

While they are passing by!

We are like those clouds, I think,

So let us really try,

To see the beauty in us all,

While we are passing by!

By Sophie Jean Wilson, 1994

Chihuahua Momma

2010-07-18T14:07:00.000-06:00

Chihuahua Momma taking a break with the babies

Al came to live at our house today

2010-07-15T21:11:00.001-06:00

Al came to live at our house today. I do not like him very much. He steals our thoughts away. He is the thief that is taking over Momma Jean's thoughts and moving them out. He makes her sad, anxious, and dependent on others. He is taking away her dignity and wonderful way with words. Today she cried because she is losing her ability to walk. It has happened rapidly and within the last few days. It has made her sad--all of us sad--and worried about her falling. She was presented with her new "transport" wheelchair, "Blue" and got to try it out when she went to the dentist. The look on her face when she saw the chair was not a happy camper. She is probably not going to be happy about taking the chair with her tomorrow when she goes on the bus to her Alzheimer's group. I don't like Al very much.

Helplessness

2010-01-23T01:09:00.001-07:00

It's been a week and a day and still the devestating images keep coming. I want to be there and help. I want to wipe their faces and provide comfort. I want to make everything better and take away the fear and nightmares, the images no child should see.

I have six adopted children and lately the desire for a baby has been stronger than ever. But now I'm a grandma, 8 grandkids and another one this spring. Do I have the stamina to do this all over again? My heart says yes but my body says, "are you crazy?" but I can't help that desir
e, longing to hold a little one. I looked seriously at the prospect of caring for a deaf child or one with disabilities. Three of my other children had/have disabilities, I can do that again.

I know this is an emotional response, but is it God sent? I will know more as time passes and the children are readied for adoption. All I can do for now is pray for them.

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Location:Pecan Ct,Longmont,United States

Old Movies

2009-12-02T00:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight we watched old home movies. Not the VHS kind, the old, lug out the projector, find the 8mm reel to reel and a place on the wall to watch these silent oldies but goodies.

We watched flickering images from the 50's forward and even saw flags flying at half mast over the Texas Capitol for JFK. In these wonderful films we are eternally young, our beloved family members are still here and life was simple.

I can't wait to get these made for Christmas. I have a warm glow in my heart tonight and plan on dreaming about my childhood.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Epherma

2009-12-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

I just added the app to write to my blog when I'm away from the computer. This is kinda nice!

Tomorrow is our daughters birthday. Jessica will be 23. I have no idea what to do for her bd. Thursday Kat and I will be driving back to Texas to pick up little Alex. We have worked so hard to get Christmas stuff up so he will be suprised.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2009-10-06T14:16:00.001-06:00

What Germs???

Check out this entry I found on Pandora 3rd annual Poster Contest.

2009-10-03T14:25:00.001-06:00

Submit entry

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Check out this entry I found on Pandora 3rd annual Poster Contest.

2009-10-03T14:21:00.001-06:00

Submit entry

Contest details

Posted using ShareThis

Check out this entry I found on Pandora 3rd annual Poster Contest.

2009-10-03T14:20:00.001-06:00

Submit entry

Contest details

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Monkey Jammies and Deadlines

2009-09-30T21:38:00.007-06:00

Baby Gray Reed. Alex eating bear mountain apples

Our first really cold night is here and I dug out the flannel monkey jammies and matching monkey house shoes...which by the way, are useless when running down the road chasing a wayward chihuahua whose initials are ELVIS...We are supposed to be down to freezing for the next three nights! It is wonderful to have cold weather again but it is very WINDY outside and I had to secure the trash cans and take down the wind chimes. The ancient cottonwood by our house sounds awesome when the wind blows like it is doing tonight.

So deadlines are looming...some I've set for myself, some set by others, and some set by nature. I guess we always have to face deadlines of some sort. The weather is forcing me to gather the remaining veggies and bring them inside. I guess I'll leave the pumpkin outside. Alex and I planted a garden when he was here in the spring. The giant pumpkin vine grew alongside the house and bloomed it's little heart out. It produced one pumpkin that looks like a lopsided, deflated ball, and one about the size of a tennis ball. This is our first adventure with pumpkins and our Charlie Brown pumpkin is trying to turn orange. I guess it's okay to have frost on the pumpkins! Let's see, the garden total is: 2 cucumbers, two squash, one acorn squash, a handful of beans and peas...the tomatoes want to stay green. The onions grew a little but not much. I think I would have done better shopping at the farmer's market. The herb garden, lettuce and spinach were fabulous!

It is Wednesday and by Friday I need to have an illustration done for the word, "Infinite." The page is still blank. (but so is my mind!) The studio project is moving much slower than anticipated. But I did find a new use for the Hoosier Cabinet and will post pictures of the studio later.

Alexander Graham Cracker is slowly getting outlined and his little character is coming to life in my mind, getting the image on the page is another matter. While drawing tonight I had a chihuahua on my neck (back of the couch), one beside me crunching his dog bone treats and the others whining to go outside. It's like having 4 two year olds. When I got ready to ink the drawing, they attacked me and I ruined the drawing. Ugh! That's what I get for not drawing at the desk.

My mind is turning to babies lately and we have a new great nephew. His name is Danridge Gray Koenig Reed. He was born very early and weighed about 2.5 lbs. He will have to grow into his name! Mandy and Gray are doing fine. Thank God.

I'm glad I'm snug in the house with monkey jammies, chihuahuas, artwork and soft jazz playing to the background of a very windy night. I'm thankful for our newest family member and the changing seasons.

Getting Ready - Again!

2009-09-28T16:57:00.004-06:00

The time is coming up for the Annual NaNoWriMo. I participated last year and wrote over 4,000 words on my novel. This year we are going to try to finish!!! I want that gold halo over my name at the end of the month! Update: Ok, I'm a blonde...what can I say? I posted the participant tag from last year!!!

New E Book - Urban Woman's Guide Surviving the 2nd Revolution

2009-03-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

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NaNoWriMo

2008-10-31T00:33:00.003-07:00

I am anxiously awaiting the begining of the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer's Month) begining Nov. 1st. I acutally think I am more excited about this than the turnout of the election. (Not really, but it is at least a little more interesting at this point in time) OK, I'll admit, I am a Republican, voting for McCain/Pailin - love Pailin and hope they can pull it out. I am afraid of Obama and think he is a socialist. (let's see if I get feedback on this!)

I have been anxiously reviewing the story outlines of current and back story of Chihuahua Capers, making sure all the elements are in place for Sat. night's first marathon writing session. I might be a zombi at work on Sunday morning. I think I'll be coveting those day's off during the week when I work weekends, first to get extra sleep and second to add to the word count on the novel. The offical word count for the month will be 50,000 words...ugh, I hope I make it!

Since I don't work tomorrow until 4:00, I shall spend the day getting the studio (art and office) set up, story boards on the walls and outlines and notes organized for Sat. writing. Wish me luck, it's gonna be a great time!

I'll report on my progress.

2008-10-28T22:53:00.001-07:00

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Very Cool Banner Site

2008-10-28T22:37:00.003-07:00

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strange feelings

2008-10-26T23:03:00.002-07:00

Tonight I probably shouldn't even be writing...I feel very vulnerable...very insecure. I worry about my dad, about my children and granchildren...Should I mention that worrying is my hobby?? I know it does no good. I know that the Bible says it does not add one minute to your life...it takes away... but how do I stop? It seems I am drowining in a pool of worry. Kids, finance, jobs, bills, future, present, parents, health...it never ends. I think sometimes I long for the kingdom of heaven for the peace of knowledge, not worry.

Newest Grandson

2008-10-26T00:15:00.009-06:00

I had the most wonderful surprise this Monday. My middle daughter, who has been estranged for awhile, contacted me. Not only was I shocked to hear from her, she had a little boy born on
Aug. 26th, (my birthday). I knew about little Alex from the other children and they had kept the info about the birth from me as long as possible because they knew I would be so upset..and they were right. But now I have pictures of this precious little soul! Thank you Kat for sharing him with me. I can't wait to see him in person. He looks just like you.

NaNoWriMo

2008-10-25T23:53:00.003-06:00

In case you don't know what that acronym stands for (and it took me awhile to figure out!) It is National Novel Writer's Month. It is one of those strange events that takes place every year for a month. We are encouraged to work on our novel and write 50,000 words. You know, damn the torpedoes, plunge ahead...I tried to participate last year but didn't do so well. This year, I am a bit more organized. I have my Chihuahua Caper's notes organized, outlines posted on the wall, character's developed and am ready to get started. I hope I get to place the "won" sticker on my web page for getting the required number of words!

There is something about fall that jump starts my creative juices, both writing and artistic. I love my job because that also helps. I spent about 8 hours this past week "touch up painting" a frame that ended up looking fabulous. This weekend I am organizing my studio - such as it is - and getting ready to get the main computer hooked into the web. Our daughter Jessica moved out this week and that gave me an extra room for office/studio space. James is moving into the other space so I need to be creative with guest room accommodations.

Fall has been so beautiful this year! The leaves have been amazing and the storms coming in and dumping snow on the mountain tops have left us with beautiful vistas and cool days and cold nights. We already have had several freezing nights and I forgot to cover the flower boxes. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and certainly to Christmas. This will be the first year the boy's and any of the other grand kids that want to come are invited! I bought wooden snowmen that have places for lights. I'll paint them and add names to the scarves then line all 8 up in the front
flower bed. I guess on Thanksgiving we will start putting up the outdoor lights, that will take a couple of days and we want to get it done before the snows come. I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS with the grand kids!!!!

I'll try to post my newest drawing in pastels of aspens and some newer photos of the beautiful leaves.

Feel the peace of the changing seasons. Take time to breath in the aroma of the fall. Did you know you smell the snow??

Love ya!

East Texas Adventure

2008-10-14T23:42:00.011-06:00

Lefty and Spike (I have the diamond in my nose)
T

This is the outline of my new tattoo.

Spike getting the same tattoo on her back- only much larger

Granny's Sunset Picture

It has been a while since I posted a new blog and there has been a world of changes in our family! I took a short, 4 month, move to Houston to be near my Dad and Granny. I ended up renting the property next to my sister and working with her in the logging business. That is something I never thought I would be able to say - "I'm a logger..." We had a wonderful time together. My commute to work was a walk through the woods carrying my coffee.

The house I rented had a very curvy long drive up to the top of the hill, had not been occupied for 4 years and contained very large spiders. We got in there and started cleaning up and found a body imprint in blood on the hallway carpet, blood spatter in the bathroom and bullet holes in the walls in the back. There had been a shooting in the house and then the renters moved away during the night. We ripped out all the carpet and bleached the house from top to bottom! I think the worse thing I saw was the bloody handprint in the hall closet. The house was haunted and I experienced several "sightings" while I stayed there.

While staining the floors in the back bedroom I was facing the closet and inspecting the floor. In my peripheral vision I saw a man about the size of my husband standing in the hall, still looking at the floor I asked Trace if the spots on the floor of the bedroom were blood or stain. He didn't respond. When I looked up the man vanished like mist. I didn't feel scared or threatened, just a sense of sadness, I walked outside to find Trace (he was rooting out a family of possums from the well house) and asked him if he had been in the house. I already knew the answer.

Spike and I put crosses up over all the doors, angels in various places and prayed for the spirits to be at peace. I still couldn't stay in the house alone at night. The front room was very oppressing and scary. There was also an apparition of an elderly couple in the kitchen and dining room. Both times were late at night and both times it was a happy experience. I believe they are the ones that built the house in the 50's and they liked the improvements I was making to the house and all the laughter and fun that went on there.

In spite of all the weird stuff that went on there and having a next door neighbor walk over to introduce himself while carrying a shotgun, I enjoyed staying there. The house was like living in a tree house. The woods totally surrounded the home and the hill continued up behind the house. It sat in the middle of 5 acres and was absolutely peaceful. Spike and I put a bridge up on the trail heads so we wouldn't slip and we ran "fairy" lights through the woods. Now this was a precaution because the trail was steep and slippery with pine straw. We did not take into account Dawg. Dawg is Spikes big ol' girl that lives outside and brings wildlife to the house. She has even been known to upchuck a squirrel on the carpet!! Dawg liked to play chase with the Chihuahuas and of course when we walked the trail the dogs would run back and forth. That is when the "tragedy" happened. Spike and I were headed over to her house and got to the really steep part of the trail and BOOM! Dawg ran though like a black bullet, cutting Spike down at the knees. I ran to her and all she could say was, "Dawg...whoosh....ow...Dawg...whoose...ow" Yep, she broke her ankle just like I did! She has to copy everything I do! Same leg, same spiral break, same surgery with plates and screws, right under her tattoo. The surgeon did a great job matching the tattoo edges up! Well, I had my ankle tattooed to try to cover the ugly scar so now we really match.

Before Spike had the unfortunate accident we got to go on a trail ride. Yep, I actually strapped on my neck brace and rode Miss Dotty West. Spike saddled up Hank Williams and we went on a 12 mile ride though the national forest. It was sooo much fun!! Miss Dot is now officially out to pasture since then. We wore her out, after all she is about 30 years old. Several things happened out there, I got a new nickname - Brokeneck Lefty, Miss Dot and I jumped a creek (surprised me!), and Spike and I walked sorta funny for a couple of days.

While I was there, Granny became much worse and passed away. Trace actually got to help take care of her in ICU at the local hospital. At the time she passed, there was a beautiful rainbow on the lake. The sunset and her picture is at the top of the blog. Her funeral was held in Austin and she is buried next to Grandpa.

I ended up packing up my things and going back to Colorado. The kids were not taking care of the house and I needed to be there. I missed the mountains and the weather and my little home. I do miss being around my parents and living next to Spike. I'm glad I was there to be with Granny during her last times and I loved visiting with Mom and Dad in the mornings and having coffee with them. I wonder if we could get them all to move up here and live on a communal ranch???

Starry Starry Night

2008-02-08T10:59:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkvLq0TYiwI

Please click on the link above to watch an amazing video with Don McLean singing "Starry, Starry Night" illustrated with Vincent Van Gough's paintings. It is just amazing. I will try to find out how to post the video without having to go to uTube to view this--I just am not that computer savy when it comes to those things! :-)

Fabulous Friends

2008-02-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

I cannot belive what happened today! I received a strange phone call this afternoon from a foreign person asking if we had a "staw unwrapping" course. OK, I know this is strange, but I took it seriously at first-just thinking it was someone who didn't understand English and needed an ENSL (English as a second language class). It turned out to be a wonderful friend from long ago and from a lifetime far, far way!! Sheryl and John had been wonderful friends to my "x" and I for a long time...our daughters were 3 or4 and now are almost 30! We stayed in touch for awhile but gradually lost touch over the years. Sheryl has always stayed in my mind as good friends always do...we even talked about her and John a couple of weeks ago. (John was always "elegant" when I asked him how he was doing...cracked me up!) Sheryl and I did the "foster parent" thing for special needs children, our girls played together, and we shared our talents for the arts. She was my best friend for so long. I have always held to the belief that people are placed in our lives for special reasons and for special seasons. Sheryl was there for me during a special season in my life. Tonight we had such a wonderful, long conversation about my life - so much has change since we've been in touch. Tomorrow will be all about her and John and her girls and new grandchildren.
It was such an amazing blessing to have her call and distract me from another bad diagnosis from the doctor. I no longer belive in coincidence, I think everything is serindipty. G0d sent her and John to me for joy and to distract me from the idea of breast cancer and strokes...I desperately needed a distraction and joy in my life. Thank you John and Sheryl for being there for me. I love you both so much...and you have brought such joy into my life that I desprately needed. Thank you for letting God use you as a medium.
Trace is still in Lubbock, working...thank you God. He is there for the grandkids and even for AaBi while she is still suffering from seizures.
I know that I am constantly amazed at the chessboard of life. I am thankful for His blessings and for wonderful friends like John and Sheryl. I cannot wait to share their pictures with you and to see them face to face soon.
I love you guys, I can't wait to see your grandchild and your children...I can't wait to hug your neck and feel the warm glow of your friendship!

Celebration Day for Nicholas Gage Camp!!

2008-01-29T19:15:00.001-07:00

Today is a day of celebration for our grandson, his Daddy, Tommy, and Tom (PawPaw) and Theresa (Nana) and of course us, Nicky's aunts and uncles and cousins. Today in court, Tommy received rightful custody of his son. Now we know he will be safe, happy and well cared for. This is a day we have been praying for and are so happy that it has finally happened!

MomMo, BoBo, Clyr, Gage, Benny and Jacob at Christmas '07

BoBo and Gage

Auntie AaBi with our precious Gage

The proud Grandpa's...BoBo, PawPaw and Gage

We Love You Nicholas Gage Camp!!!

Congratulations Tommy!!!

Rosie Divine attacking the Dragon Vaccum

2008-01-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

Nicholas Gage with PawPaw

2008-01-27T23:31:00.001-07:00

Clyr with her MomMo blanket

2008-01-21T14:16:00.001-07:00

Whenever we have a new baby in the family, I crochet them a “MomMo Blanket” It is a design I made up and I use babycloud yarn. The colors vary with the baby and each one is a special gift. This is Clyr with her blanket when I saw her at Christmas. She is MomMo’s chubalub!

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Mom and Granny Red

2007-12-02T03:49:00.001-07:00

Granny is 93 and just recently went into a nursing home. Mom and Spike go to visit her everyday and she looks forward to seeing them. She has some very interesting stories about the sheep farmers that live in the room with her! (There isn't anyone there that we can see) Spike makes her beautiful soft blankets and pillowcases and I am making her a soft bed shawl to keep warm. She has her angels hanging in the window and they just finished decorating her room for Christmas.

Grandma and Nicky Gage

2007-12-02T03:43:00.001-07:00

How Cute am I??? I look like my Grandma and she loves me lots!!

I'm Too Cute and I know how to use it!!

2007-12-02T03:40:00.001-07:00

Father and Son

2007-12-02T03:24:00.001-07:00

Tommy and Gage taking some time out!

"I don't want to leave Grandma and Grandpa Camp"

2007-12-02T03:21:00.001-07:00

Gage is such a beautiful baby! He is pulling up and trying to stand and even walk. I got to be with him for a bit during Thanksgiving this year and it was sucha blessing. I rocked him and fed him a bottle. Tommy is such a great Dad to him. Tom and Theresa are wonderful grandparents to our sweet little boy, too. I am so grateful to them for sharing all the pictures and stories about him. I don't feel so far away from this snuggle bear, plus we have become so close to them and his Auntie Kate! I also like it that Gage gets to see his cousins and other Aunts and Uncles. He is a very loved and cherished little boy.

Hi MomMo and BoBo

2007-12-02T03:18:00.001-07:00

Gage looks so much like his Daddy! He is so handsome. I was so suprised to see him crawling when we were there at Thanksgiving. I tried to video but was so excited I only got the last part!

50 and trying to meet goals!

2007-08-27T23:25:00.000-06:00

These pictures aren't in order but they should be "walking dogs 1-4"

Then my fabulous writing companions, Trace, Max, Mutts, and Rosie

Boulder Falls Our secret writing place above 8,000 ft.

I turned 50 this week and realized I had not met the goals that I had set up so long ago. I wanted to be published by a traditional publisher (I'm not counting articles in the papers or magazines) with my children's stories and a novel well on the way. I do have the traditional "novel under the bed" -the one you write while learning what you're supposed to do, so that's a good thing, I did self-publish a series of children's Bible story tapes that were sold at Barnes and Noble, I did progress in the artist-author-speaker-guild member-genre at that time. So those are all positive things. But now I reached a milestone and do not have a children's book published by a traditional author, haven't illustrated many books or manuscripts except my own, haven't shown art in a gallery since the 80's and I don't know what happened. I have not been idle. I have been writing my fingers to the bone! I have several fantastic children stories, sketches, (not many paintings) several outlines for a great novel series, and my husband and I are working on a young adult series now. In fact we drove to the mountain and worked on the story line while I picked wild mountain raspberries and panned for gold. Of course all of that was during breaks.

Since Sunday, I have reset my goals, adjusted my attitude, will have surgery next week on my neck, begun multi media graphic classes at college and tried to give up saying I just want to stay home and bake bread, cookies and brownies and be an old hippie!

I must say it is getting a little easier to put your heart out in a manuscript or illustration and then be crushed by rejection. It seems like everything I put out this year was rejected, at least the grandkids love it! That makes it worth everything!

I am blessed to live in such a wonderful, beautiful area that is extremely inspiring for the creative person. The Rocky Mountains seem to stir those creative juices and make that tingling feeling in the end of the fingers that makes you know it's time to work!

Time, kids, dogs, pain, and where it all goes

2007-08-09T01:25:00.000-06:00

AaBi and Roy Benny & Jacob in the window BoBo fishing

Jacob fishing & Continental Divide

I understand that is a very weird title, but so much has happened since my last post. To bring you up to date, our little bitty baby is now up to 15 lbs. and so healthy and happy! Thank you God for answering prayers. Our other little granddaughter, Clyr is growing fast and now saying MaMa and Dada. We had a visit over the 4th of July from the boys, AaBi and Roy. We tried so hard to go camping but something came up all week and "we still didn't get to go camping!" That ended up being the motto for our entire week! It was chaotic, the house looked like it threw-up, and the 4th became a day to try to forget! Our son, Jon, was involved in the Kansas floods and had to flee as his house became submerged, he arrived here on the fourth with what he could put in his car and a dog and cat. Thankfully he works at WalMart and was able to transfer to Colorado. So at the present he is living with us until he can get back on his feet. So at one point during this chaotic week we had six adults, two children, and six animals living in our small home. The blessing was having two bathrooms - and the washer ran non-stop! Benny, our littlest grandson ate some meds and spent two days at the emergency room, the transmission went out on the kids car so they ended up staying a couple of days longer, our air-conditioner went out; the list is just to long to continue...plus I want to forget part of it!

But all-in-all, we had a wonderful time together and finally at the end of the week we managed to get to the mountains and go fishing, geocaching, and even had a bear encounter. I will add some pictures on a new blog tomorrow and expand on our bear encounter (and snake).

The time just flew by and I really wasn't ready for them all to leave, I seem to never get enough hugs and love from the kids. I desperately miss living by them and watching the boys grow up. If I had my way (see MomMo's Cobb house story) we would all live together on a working communal farm. Can you tell I grew up in the 60's??? HaHa!

I have been in a lot of pain recently, so part of the time they were here, I was a bit crabby. I'll admit it. (Does that make you laugh, AaBi?) I am having surgery on my cervical spine in Sept. so I am in a soft neck brace to stop further damage and support my neck. The doctor is going to fuse two vertebra together and try to fix another vertebra that is pressing on my spinal column and causing extreme pain in my neck, head, arm and even leg. I have had so many tests and MRI's that I am just ready to get this over with. The good news is...they did find a brain when I had a brain MRI and there wasn't a stroke! This is actually forcing me to use the headset at work when I answer the phone and my Blue tooth device with my cell phone. The scary thing is if I fall, had a wreck, or somehow damaged my neck further (before surgery) I could become paralyzed. I pray my angels are working overtime to help me not be so klutzy! My good friend from work (who's job I took over) had the very same problem and her surgery was on the 6Th of August. She is doing well. I do believe our work (station, ergonomically disastrous desk, lack of headphones and hundreds of calls a day contributed to this problem!) is responsible for where we are today. I am now a headset advocate for everyone at the college. I tell them they do not want to be a little old lady like me someday. Right now they are young and can cradle that phone and type or write when calls come into their department, but it will get you!!!

My 50th birthday is in a couple of weeks and I know I have been blogging about mortality and how fast time goes. Live each day to the fullest and be full of joy. Life is too short not to enjoy yourself. Laugh every day!

MomMo's Cobb House Part 1

2007-06-18T09:57:00.000-06:00

I decided to write a story about one of my dreams and include all the people in my family because that is how I would love for this to happen. So what I'll do is begin the story and write installments until it is finished. Don't worry, it's a short story anyway! Just please remember this is a rough draft and will not be edited, this is just like I am writing it in a journal.

The early morning sun shone brightly as it peeked above the ridge and the meadowlarks serenaded the group on BoBo's mountain. Brightly colored tents formed semi-circles around two campfires and a cooking area set up under the huge cottonwoods. BoBo was already out in the cool morning air being followed by two Chihuahua's, Mutts and Rosie, and two labs, Bo and Mocha. Rosie saw MomMo head out of the tent and went to help her put the coffee on the camp stove. Mutts supervised BoBo, Mocha and Bo stir up the campfires. The two labs were helping by bringing BoBo sticks to put on the fires then they took off to check out the early morning wildlife at the creek and get a drink of water.

The smell of brewing coffee and frying bacon caused a stirring in some of the tents and a little red headed boy popped out of the nearest tent. Jacob rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and smiled a lopsided snaggeltooth grin, "Hi MomMo and BoBo."

"Good morning baby! Did you have sweet dreams?"

Jacob nodded sleepily and stumbled toward his MomMo's arms. She pulled her lanky first born grandson into her lap. No matter how big they get they are never too old for MomMo hugs. He snuggled his head against her chest listening to her heart beat and her voice as she talked with BoBo.

"MomMo? Is it today?...are we making the house today?"

MomMo hugged him tight, "Yes, this is it! We will get started today and we are going to do it all together!"

Max, an older Alaskan Malamute ambled across the camping area and nudged Jacob's feet. "Uncle Jon must be awake, or he just let Max out so he could sleep longer!"

The entire Wilson clan had gathered for an old fashioned barn raising of sorts - in this case a Cobb house building. They were camping on the mountain property with all the grandchildren, grown kids and spouses, cousins, everyone's dogs, solar showers, porta-potties...It felt like a hippie gathering from the 60's! All we needed were tie-died clothes and tambourines

The coffee and bacon did the trick and everyone began to gather under the "kitchen" tent and around the picnic tables. The girls were helping scramble eggs while the guys corralled the kids to get them fed.

Installment One:

To be continued ...

Poetry Break

2007-05-13T16:35:00.001-06:00

Here are a few of my favorite poems and why I love them so...
The first one is entitled "When I'm an Old Lady"

When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,

And bring so much happiness...just as they did.

I want to pay back all the joy they've provided,

Returning each deed. Oh, they'll be so excited!