Snow Snow Snow

Shovel your way out

The traffic will be crazy today, as all those with no winter driving experiance will be out. There will be drivers in a hurry, and the drivers that just don’t seem to care.  Your safety, and thier safety is the least of thier worries at this time.  These drivers are on a mission,” to get there in record time.” 

The mail carriers are out there alright.  After all thier jobs are to deliver no matter what the weather is like.  There are those who deliver parcels, and the transport drivers who bring us the goods we need.  These are the dedicated people who never stop no matter what the weather may through at them.  The people who have to man the malls at opening time, the coffee shop workers, and the other retail workers who make thier way out into the cold so we can do our thing, no matter what it maybe. 

So, next time the cold winds blow, and you are snuggled up all nice and warm inside your home, think about all those who had to go out on a day like this.

Warm and cumfy

    Early in the morning, late at night, or just any old time of the day.    We go to businesses expecting to be treated like we are valued customers.     Well, I really hate to burst your bubble, but it is not always the norm.     Like most of us we have bad days, and good days, and so it is the same for the people dealing with the public.      Or you may get that one hard to deal with customer, who expects the whole package, even if it does not come with the product.     So, there are several sides to the smile.      

       Are you one of those “no smilers”, one of those I need more than I should get people?          I have run into both of these kinds of people at one time or  another.    It is best to bite your tongue, and smile your face off.    Be polite as well.    The fluff will fly if the customer or server gets hot under the collar.            But, there are alot of things you can find in the service area, that sells the buyer short.     The dress that you bought, and god for bid you did not try it on, silly on your behalf.   The shoes that felt good while trying them on at the store, and once you wear them for ten minutes they feel like they are going to choke your feet to death.    Now you must take them back to the store and get the right size. :-O      What is the reason you are returning these?      This question can turn the even mildest mannered person into a blubbering idiot in seconds.       In your mind you are saying this is too small, but from your mouth comes the words, I, I, I, gulp, they are too small.    “Then another question.”       Do you want a larger size?      The deal breaker question that gets you out of the hot seat.    You sheepishly smile, and say Yes, and the deal is done.     The service clerk smiles as you walk away.   

     Then after all that fun at the store, you decide to go into a drive through coffee shop..    Well, this is going to be fun, the line up is six cars long, and it would seem to you that the line is not moving well at all.    You wish you could back up and go into the coffee shop, but the guy behind you is now pulled in tight, and you have no way out.  “You are committed.”         The line moves slowly, and finally after twenty minutes it is your turn to order.   “Yahoo!”      But, there is no hello may I take your order, just dead air.    You patiently wait,  and the time comes, oh boy!!!   You order your coffee, double cream, no sugar, and one sour cream donut.    Okay this seems easy, right, NOT.   

    You drive to the window, take your order, and park to have a sip of the coffee, and a bite of the donut.    “Oh Boy”.     The coffee you have is black, just black, and the donut is choclate glaze.

      Since you are out of the drive through, the only thing to do is go inside to see the clerk/server.     The place is busy, and the line up long, at this point you wish you could drink black coffee, and eat  chocolate glaze donut.     But, you ordered this, and paid for it, you want the right order.      The server at the counter has had a busy time and is still polite, and says she will refill your order, but by this time you are really stressed.   The department store exchange, and the long lines at the coffee shop, the wrong order,  are making you feel not so understanding at this time.     You are turning into one of those “no smilers.”  :-O    Your smile is upside down, and you are ready for the worst.     Not taking in the kind words spoken by the clerk you ask what is wrong with the person who filled my order?    The server (dawned with the brightest smile)  pleasently says she will refill the order for you.   The pleasent look on the servers face is like a beam of light that  turns your once frown upside down into a SMILE.         Your order is filled, and you are on your way as the servers wishes you a happy day..

    The power of a smile is endless.  It can take a stressfull day, and make it okay.  

    ”Have you worn your smile today?”    

   I spent a wonderful weekend in Toronto.      My reason for being there was to take a training course.     I am not a city dweller, and I will likely never be one.    I am a counrty girl, and love the wide open spaces, so being in City of Toronto was big culture shock for me.     I love to watch people, and also to photograph them.    The movement  of thier bodies as they walk and the difference in cultures fascinates me.      I found that everyone was going somewhere, and seemed to be in a hurry.        Eyes straight ahead and concentrating on where they were headed.    “There are so many people.”  

     I loved the structure of the older buildings as they blended in with the new.    My shutter button was very busy, and I ended up with some very beautiful shots. 

            This weekend just happened to be Halloween, and that was a treat to see.      Many, many people dressed in costume, and out  for a night of fun.

I really did enjoy the way each person showed off  thier  creative side, displayed in thier atire.  

    Even with all the fun of that night, and the good times I had, I could not help feeling sorry for the countless number of homeless people I came across.    Those that carried thier belongings were the worst.  but the ones sitting on the corner pan handling  did not sadden me as much.

        They too were down on thier luck, but not near as much as the ones I seen coming out of the allies in the morning cold.       We are very lucky, the majority of us, and I never take the fact that I have a bed to sleep in, warm clothes on my back,  food on my table, and a place to live.      “I am very blessed, and did share my good fortune when asked, and always will.          I am not a sucker, as some may think.        I am just a person with a heart that feels for everyone.      I would appreciate  a hand out if I was the one who was homeless.     And would be very thankful. 

    “ Do you need to be told to help others? “   ” Or are you one of the giving few? “    Share  what we  all  have and let someone out there know someone cares.     :-) 

     Have you ever been standing by, or talking to someone, and there was just that one little thing that does not seem to be right? 

     “This is embarrassing! “

    Would you tell  someone you are talking to that they have a “booger” hanging from a hair in their nose?    Would you let them know that every time they took a breath the “booger” would wave in the air?      ”NO,”   ”Not the waving part.”  ” Too graphic, and funny.” :-0     Or would you just stand there and try to contain the giggle that is welling up inside of you, each time the “booger” moved?    Would  you give them some kind of a sign to  let them know that they had this thing in their nose?    

        How about that piece of food stuck in the tooth, the zipper of the pants that has been left open or fell down, the split in the back of the pants, the buttons that have popped open  on the blouse, the dress that got tucked in the panty  hose, after a trip to the washroom,  the toilet paper stuck to the shoe, the dirt that was on the bench that is now on the butt of the pants, the big black dirt smudge on the face.  The amount of time these things happen is countless.   

     Some people find it hard to let the person know a problem exists.    I will try to give some tricks to help the shy to point out an existing problem.          You could rub the side of your nose, and then the point in the direction of the booger,  “you are flying low,” works for the zipper,  ”I see you are  just bustin’ out today,”  for the blouse open  ,  you can pick your tooth,  for the food in the tooth,  “does it feel cool back there,” or “nice color of underware you have,” (only done with a friend.)

     But, the straight forward way is the best.    No matter which way you look at it, the moment can be uncomfortable,  not only for you but the person you are helping out. 

    So, the next time you see someone with a life’s little embarrassing moment,  “be kind, give them a sign.”

    ” Have you given someone a helping hand out of their life’s little embarrassing moment lately?”    

    Today it is darn cold outside.   I have no idea what I will do when the snow comes,   ”Likely freeze to death.”

    But, all kidding aside,  ”I am freezing.”   My nose is so red it looks like  the nose on Santa’s lead reindear.   “ Heck,”   just put me outside for a couple minutes and I will be ready to go.     And my hands are cold, I am surprised that there aren’t icicles hanging off the ends of them.   They say cold hands, warm heart.    Well, my heart sure isn’t keeping me warm right now, and if I were to place my icy hands anywhere near my heart,  I’m sure it would be game over for me. :-0    ” I wonder what cold feet means?”    I have a really nice knee- high pair of wool blend, hand knitted socks,  and I must tell you they keep my frozen feet nice and comfortable.  ” I have to say thanks to my Mom for the greatest pair of socks ever. “      “Thanks!”  And my feet thank you too. 

   There are other parts of me that are just as cold, and well, the butt and love handles.   I would love to loose the love handles, but I would rather not freeze them off. :-0            Talking about giving the hubby a real wake up call,  just snuggle in there, and watch him try to get away.        The whole time I giggle to myself, and slyly ask him, ” what  is wrong honey? ”    “See,”  the cold can be fun.    

  I would rather not live in the cold,  but here I am and I must make the best of it.   When I go out in the snow, I am the one in the full snow suit.    The mitts, the hat, and the boots, and all matching in color, of course, “I would not want to be out of style.”     Have you ever been at this point of the game, and have to go to tinkle/pee?   I have and it is a real pain to not disrobe everything just to do your duty.  That over with I will head outside to see normal people dressed down somewhat from how I am dressed.   I feel like the cold one here, “heck I am!”    I am so tightly bundled, that when I walk I waddle.   Arms staight out, and my feet shuffling along.    ”Heck, if  I were to fall over I would never get up.    I lay there  in the cold snow, YELLING!!!, ” I have fallen, and can’t get up, someone HELP ME.” And of course, the hubby is just spliting a side laughing so hard he could pee his pants.  “Ya.”     I guess this is pay back for the cold butt snuggle.     “Darn.”  “Where is good help when you need it? “ 

 The fun in the winter snow is not so much for me. As you see this would be the color of me in no time. ” Frozen,”  and a nice shade of blue. 

    To all those who love the snow, I take my hat off to you, and I must let you know, ” I won’t be there, so don’t wait for me to show up.”     All kidding aside,  snow is fun to many that I have met along the way. To all the children that love the snow, and adults too.  

     To all the forts contructed out of mounds of snow, and to all the snowmen built by little hands, the hills for sliding on, and of course the snow fights, the skiing,( not my favorite sport. There is something about plummeting down a hill at a great  amount of speed, that does not appeal much to me. :-O)  and to those that love the winter. I say, ” have a wonderful time, and I will see you in the spring.”

” Do you have a fancy for the winter, and when was the last time you went out to play in the snow? “     

     The days are getting shorter, and the temperature has dropped  to lower digits.          The skies are dark right now as the chance of rain is very inevitable.    At least on thing we are thankful for is that the rain is not snow, yet.   The sun comes up later in the morning, and goes to bed earlier.  “What’s up with that?” ;-[   ” I don’t get to do that.”   :-0

    The trees, and plants are showing off thier colors.     Colors of  fire reds, golds, oranges, browns, and yellows.  The country side is painted by wonderful colors, brilliant, and bold.

   The leaves cover the ground, and you can smell the cool dampness, and earthy smell they  give off at this time of the year.    The  flowering  weed plants  a blaze with color, stand tall in the winds, and spread their seeds on the wings of the wind.   In the spring we will see new plants growing beneath the piles of  moldy leaves.    Nature is such a beautiful thing,  it renews then dies only to be replaced by new again.   A cycle that even the human population can atest to, rebirth, and renew.

The beauty around us is endless, and I will never tire of the changing seasons, and the gifts each  season has to share with us.  The splender of this planet is endless.    All we have to do is look, and soak up the amazing beauty.    Go for a walk with the family, or that special freind,  play in the newly raked pile of leaves,  and let your senses soak in all the beauty around you.. 

    Take a drive with your pet, and let them feel the wind in their  face as you both enjoy the day.

This is a  photo,  I took with my digital camera, the photo looks like it is a painting,  but  it is not.    It is a photo, and a pretty good one if I may say so.   ”Realy”  :-)

I love taking photos of many different things, and sharing then with others.    I hope you will take your camera on your next walk in the park or in the woods, and see what you can capture on your journey.  :-0

” When was the last time you went out for a walk in the park or the woods, and did you take your camera with you to capture that perfect shop?”       

   It is a time to join together with  family, and friends , to share our food, and thoughts.    To me, it is the day to give thanks for all the days past, the foods we have before us, and the love of all those who have gathered together on this day.   “To celebrate life.”

We start with a warm, lovingly prepared breakfast.                                      

 Dinner will follow later on this day, when all our guests start to arrive.   It is the time  in which the calm is cherished. The time to rest, and prepare a menu fit  for a king, or queen.  The menu is a combination of the talents of several cooks. Each preparing a delight to tingle the pallet of every guest.  :-0

The basic menu will include, the traditonal turkey,  ham, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes,  green string beans, corn, sweet garlic carrots, stuffing, and gravy.  The desert part of the menu is the best, as the guests who attend will surprise us with the treats they have prepared.  Our desert menu contains, pumpkin pie, choclate cream pie, and cherry cheese cake,  later, to be served with coffee, and tea. 

   We do our prep, and place the turkey in the oven, along with the ham.  It is time for us to relax. 

” The Door Bell Rings. “  

  People start to trickle into your home.  As the door opens, your guests are greeted by the aromas that fill our home. The smells tend to make the odd tummy growl with the anticipation of the meal soon to be served.    Some gather here, some gather there, and the sounds of laughter, and conversation fill this once silent house.   As our last guests arrive, and the time grows near to serve the feast, the kitchen, which is the hub of this event becomes busy. The turkey carved by the hands of the eldest, while others handling the rest.

  Son, and Father working together, for one goal, to feed the family.  The table set with loving hands, ours will be a buffet style meal as we have more guests then expected.  But, we welcome them into our home, and will not let them leave hungry.

We gather round, heads bowed in silence, as the head of this family  gives thanks in prayer for the food that we are about to recieve.  Our bounty lay before us.    With the thanks given it is the long awaited time to “EAT.”         With plates in hand we crowd the room, and fill our plates one, by one.

Once the food is on the plates, and everyone will set themselves at the tables, the silence has once again filled the house.  Everyone consuming the delights upon thier plates..  The silence heard at this time is the greatest announcement of  how pleased everyone is,  with the foods prepared with love, and care.

Our tummys filled, and relaxing around the tables, we join in conversations of every nature.   The events of the past week are milled over and commented on by all.   

With our dinner is done, and the tables cleared.   Our team of dish washers finish up, and the day comes to an end.   We have enjoyed the love and time we have shared.  This has been a most wonderful day. A day of thanks, and family gathering. 

   A time to share your fortune with those who have less than us.   A time to give to  food banks, the  salvation army, and organizations that cater to the homeless, and those without.    Give, and  you will feel a warmth inside greater than any before..      Our world  needs our help all the time. ” Please Give.” 

 ”Have you given of yourself, to help others lately? “   It will make you feel good inside.   

To all other countries,  I wish you  a very “Happy Thanksgiving,”  on your day of celebration. 

The beauty of the dew collecting in low lying areas is quite captivating. The cool dampness, and beautiful colors of golds, reds, and purples that accent the green fields, are one morning delight, that shows us the seasons are changing.  I see the lights of vehicles on the highway, as they cut through the thick fog.  I could not stop  the urge to capture this morning event on film.

The morning rush has begun, as drivers pass by on their way to work or back home.  I wonder if they see the beauty of the fields along the roads they travel?  The dew that makes the petals of each plant shine in the rays of the morning light.  Fall is upon us, the leaves on the trees change colors  and  fall to the ground.   We take pleasure in  frolicking  in the mounds of leaves we have just raked.     I enjoy all the beauty nature has to share with us at this time of the year.  

   Queen Anne’s Lace,  Golden Rods, and many other flowering plants that add color to our surroundings.   These are also the plants that make some of us sneeze, and wheeze.

But, the splendid beauty they give us is well worth sneeze, and wheeze  for me.  Winter will join us soon, and all the colors we see now will be blanketed in white cold snow.  

I’m not, a cold person, and find that a warm place is best for me.   Till the white of winter comes, I will partake of the dew in the morning light, and the many colors our plants display for us each day..

I will ride the rail of life into a tunnel of dense fog, and come out on the other side,  knowing the beauty I have seen. The great gifts that nature has bestowed upon us.

So, on your next journey down  your roads to where ever.  Look at the morning dew, and see the beauty within the fog.

” Have you noticed the beauty in the fog, while you travel down lifes highways? “  

  I had such an occurrence, just this past evening.  I don’t often have wake ups like this, but when I do, my mind is in a tizzy, and my body is just, “well, not wanting to co-operate with the mind.”   I laid there wondering what was going on, all kinds of things ran through my mind. :-0 

 Is there someone in the house, if there was the dogs would be barking  and  having the poor misguided fool  as a  mid-night snack.  But, there was no barking, at least not in this house.  Where could the dog barking be coming from?   I then could hear another bark, this time of a much smaller dog. I then heard the faint muffled sound of a voice, the voice of a man, or was it  just someone in distress?   I couldn’t quite figure it out. 

 What was going on, was my sleepy mind playing tricks  on me?  “I didn’t understand.”   My mind still filled with the foggy sense of sleep, I tried harder to focus. 

 I was stalling, trying not to have to climb out of my warm cosy bed.  

  Reluctantly, I pulled my body to a standing position. ” I  tried to move my feet, but darn, they were asleep.”  “Come on,”  I tried to talk my  sleepy feet into joining the rest of me for a walk.   Finally the signals from the brain to feet got through, and I was on the move.  

  I slowly cracked the door, and peeked through the crack. ” Nothing!”   I opened the door wider, and ventured onto the landing.  There were no noises, nothing.   “What was going on?”   I ventured to the downstairs, nothing there.   “Was I dreaming?”   “Or was there some other reason for by being awaken by the sounds I heard?”   Will I ever know what was going on?

  I have been awaken by other sounds before, those of people fighting.  I know not why, but weeks after the awakening I had, I was told of fight a friend was in, and that they were okay.   This may seem freaky to most people,  but to me I just acccept it, and wait to hear from who ever is connected to this.

  ” Now you maybe thinking this girl is loon. But, have you ever  listened to the person inside you. ” Your gut feelings.”  The ones that tell you to be aware.  Mine warn me, and I listen to them all the time.

So, if there is that dream, that seems too real, or that feeling about something, or some place that just nibbles at your stomach. Then  maybe you should listen to your inner self.   

” Have you ever been awaken by something you can’t explain?” :-) 

Have you ever met that one person, who seems to find delight in putting down others. When anyone talks about the plight of another, this person will cut that person down, and stomp on every word they say.   They are out there, and I have had the chance o meeting such a person. 

I do not understand why these particular individuals have a negative response to everything said around them.  To voice your own opinion is our given right.  “We have Freedom of Speech”.   But, to  just be negative all the time is not a good way to live.   The amount of stress your heart goes through must be a very large burden to carry around each day.   We may have many negative things that have happened in our lives that make us sour.   But, do we spend our lives spreading negativity?    ”I would think not!”     Life is too short, and there are too many Happy ways to live your life.    Being grumpy all the time is not anyway  to live.

   I often wonder if these grumpy people have lost the ability to be thankful  for all the blessings they have.

   We have our families, our health, our ability to take care of ourselves, our pets, and countless other items.   We must just look hard enough, and want to have happiness as a part of our lives.   We make our lives the way they are, and to expend all that energy on negativity, is just a waste of time.   I really feel sad for those who have chosen a negative life style.

  We have so many things around us to be happy about, the sun in the morning, the stars, and moon at night. The flowers that bloom in the spring, the changing of the seasons, friendly neighbours, those that just say, ” Hello” when passing by.  There are countless things be happy about. 

So, the next time you encounter that grumpy person, just flash them your best smile, and say, “  Hello and  how are you on this fabulous day?”

Pass around the love, maybe it will  change one life along the way.

” Have you brightened anyones life lately?”