Istijlal (Majesty), 2 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Wednesday, December 31, 2014 about 5:46 pm Pacific Standard Time
It is after sunset on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 and in about seven hours a New Gregorian Year will begin in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am sitting at my computer writing this entry while planning the spinach and collard greens soup I will fix tomorrow. I have already cooked the pigs feet for the soup, which I will finish tomorrow.
I cooked two pigs feet with some spices. Tomorrow I will add the spinach, collard greens, and sweet peppers, but I am not sure what else I will add. I may not add anything else or a may add some frozen okra or what ever else I have in the freezer. Along with the soup I am planning on fixing a green salad with some type of dressing. I do not know what type of dressing yet because I want to wait until tomorrow to see how the soup taste before I decide on the salad dressing.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
Monday Meditation: A Poem
Kamal (Perfection), 18 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Monday, December 29, 2014 about 4:54 pm Pacific Standard Time
Reading a poem
does not drive away winter's chill,
but it warms the cold nights of the soul.
Writing a poem
does not comfort the body,
but it describes the bone chilling
loneliness of the soul.
Reading a poem
does not drive away winter's chill,
but it warms the cold nights of the soul.
Writing a poem
does not comfort the body,
but it describes the bone chilling
loneliness of the soul.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Year End Thoughts
Jalal (Glory), 16 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Saturday, December 27, 2014 about 3:50 pm Pacific Standard Time
Four more days in 2014 and it it time to consider the lessons learned. What lessons did you learn this year? Did your faith increase or decrease? Normally we look at the increase or decrease in profits at the end of the year, but today I want to look at the increase or decrease in faith.
Faith
the evidence of things unseen
and the ability to move forward
through a dense fog while staying
on our chosen path.
Faith is important because it sustains an individual in difficult times and gives hope that the situation will get better. Faith is all that has kept me moving through 2014 because a fog seemed to surround me. I did not know how I was going to survive, but I did. I found help when I needed it. I still need help, however, I know that if I look and ask the help will come.
Four more days in 2014 and it it time to consider the lessons learned. What lessons did you learn this year? Did your faith increase or decrease? Normally we look at the increase or decrease in profits at the end of the year, but today I want to look at the increase or decrease in faith.
Faith
the evidence of things unseen
and the ability to move forward
through a dense fog while staying
on our chosen path.
Faith is important because it sustains an individual in difficult times and gives hope that the situation will get better. Faith is all that has kept me moving through 2014 because a fog seemed to surround me. I did not know how I was going to survive, but I did. I found help when I needed it. I still need help, however, I know that if I look and ask the help will come.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Christmas Day 2014
Istijlal (Majesty), 14 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Thursday, December 25, 2014 about 1:56 pm Pacific Standard Time
On Christmas Day
I made coffee from freshly ground bean
and sipped it from my favorite cup
while composing blog post
for my writing.com blog.
On Christmas Day
I made gingerbread pancakes
for breakfast.
On Christmas Day
I contemplated my Christmas Eve birthday
and turning 68 years young.
On Christmas Day
I fixed homemade spinach soup
for dinner.
On Christmas Day
I intoned God's Most Great Name
and smiled.
On Christmas Day
I made coffee from freshly ground bean
and sipped it from my favorite cup
while composing blog post
for my writing.com blog.
On Christmas Day
I made gingerbread pancakes
for breakfast.
On Christmas Day
I contemplated my Christmas Eve birthday
and turning 68 years young.
On Christmas Day
I fixed homemade spinach soup
for dinner.
On Christmas Day
I intoned God's Most Great Name
and smiled.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Eight Day and Counting
Fiḍal (Grace), 12 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 23, 2014 about 4:49 pm Pacific Standard Time
Eight days left in 2014. Eight days to review the years and set new goals for 2015. One of my goals for 2015 concerns the low phosphorus, low protein, and low potassium diet I am attempting to follow. I say attempting because sometimes I am successful and sometimes I fail following the diet. The problem I have is that I get some of my food from food banks, which means some of the items are high in either protein, potassium, or phosphorus. Unfortunately, most of the contents list protein and/or potassium, but not phosphorus. This means I have to look up the phosphorus content on the internet or take a wild guess and hope my guess comes close to being right.
I have three handouts my doctor gave me that list the protein, potassium, and phosphorous in fresh foods, but not in canned or prepared foods. Some of the canned foods list the potassium count, but not the phosphorus count. It is difficult to find the phosphorus count. I have almost cut beef out, I still eat a little beef when I fix some soups or stews, but not very much.
I have taken to making my own soups and stew, most of the time. Sometimes I get canned stew or canned beef with the food I pick up at the food banks. I usually use that when I fix soup because I can regulate my portions better. The coming year will be interesting when it comes to finding a way to stay on my diet, while getting enough to eat.
Eight days left in 2014. Eight days to review the years and set new goals for 2015. One of my goals for 2015 concerns the low phosphorus, low protein, and low potassium diet I am attempting to follow. I say attempting because sometimes I am successful and sometimes I fail following the diet. The problem I have is that I get some of my food from food banks, which means some of the items are high in either protein, potassium, or phosphorus. Unfortunately, most of the contents list protein and/or potassium, but not phosphorus. This means I have to look up the phosphorus content on the internet or take a wild guess and hope my guess comes close to being right.
I have three handouts my doctor gave me that list the protein, potassium, and phosphorous in fresh foods, but not in canned or prepared foods. Some of the canned foods list the potassium count, but not the phosphorus count. It is difficult to find the phosphorus count. I have almost cut beef out, I still eat a little beef when I fix some soups or stews, but not very much.
I have taken to making my own soups and stew, most of the time. Sometimes I get canned stew or canned beef with the food I pick up at the food banks. I usually use that when I fix soup because I can regulate my portions better. The coming year will be interesting when it comes to finding a way to stay on my diet, while getting enough to eat.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Sunday Morning Meditation: Sunday, December 21, 2014
Jamal (Beauty), 10 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Sunday, December 21, 2014 about 9:47 am Pacific Time
On the next to the last Sunday in 2014, I contemplate the numerous blessings I have received I have received more blessing then I can count on the fingers of one or two hands. I have survived in a studio apartment for eleven months.
I have enough food in the house to last the rest of the week. I can afford to pay for my medication. I have an internet connection. I have electricity. I can purchase more food or coffee when I go the the store this afternoon to pick up my prescription.
I am going to purchase some more fresh vegetables and some chicken breast to go in the soup I am making for Christmas Even and Christmas. I will make soup for New Year's Day as well. I like soup in winter and it is easier for me to each my fresh vegetables cooked then to eat them raw.
On the next to the last Sunday in 2014, I contemplate the numerous blessings I have received I have received more blessing then I can count on the fingers of one or two hands. I have survived in a studio apartment for eleven months.
I have enough food in the house to last the rest of the week. I can afford to pay for my medication. I have an internet connection. I have electricity. I can purchase more food or coffee when I go the the store this afternoon to pick up my prescription.
I am going to purchase some more fresh vegetables and some chicken breast to go in the soup I am making for Christmas Even and Christmas. I will make soup for New Year's Day as well. I like soup in winter and it is easier for me to each my fresh vegetables cooked then to eat them raw.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Is it the season or my age?
Istiqlal (Independence), 7 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Thursday, December 18, 2014 about 6:56 pm Pacific Standard Time
I feel rushed. I feel as if I do not have time to do anything. Is it the season of the year? Is it my age? I am not sure which one causes me to feel rushed. It could be that I have spend the last three days running all over Las Vegas, which put me behind (even farther) at home. I remained home today, but I still did not get everything accomplished that I needed to get done.
Tomorrow, Friday, I will be out of the house all afternoon because I have to have someone take me to Boulder City so that I can drive my sister's truck into Las Vegas. My sister will be in Sunrise Hospital for I do not know how long. Tomorrow I will go to the hospital, pick up the keys to the truck, and drive it back into Las Vegas. Then I will see if I have to go to Searchlight on Saturday to take care of her house there.
I feel rushed. I feel as if I do not have time to do anything. Is it the season of the year? Is it my age? I am not sure which one causes me to feel rushed. It could be that I have spend the last three days running all over Las Vegas, which put me behind (even farther) at home. I remained home today, but I still did not get everything accomplished that I needed to get done.
Tomorrow, Friday, I will be out of the house all afternoon because I have to have someone take me to Boulder City so that I can drive my sister's truck into Las Vegas. My sister will be in Sunrise Hospital for I do not know how long. Tomorrow I will go to the hospital, pick up the keys to the truck, and drive it back into Las Vegas. Then I will see if I have to go to Searchlight on Saturday to take care of her house there.
I feel rushed
pushed to the limits
of my daily schedule.
I just need to trust in God that everything I have to do will get done. After I have the necessary stuff accomplished then I can do anything else I have time to accomplish or work on. I am going to post this now, so that I can go back to doing something else.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Shorter Days and Longer Nights
'Idal (Justice), 5 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 16, 2014 about 5:43 pm Pacific Standard Time
Shorter days fly by
Longer night tiptoe to dawn
The temperature drops
I feel rushed as the short days fly past and descend into evening. I have so much to do, so what did I do today? I spent the entire day in the car driving across Las Vegas and not getting anything accomplished in the house. Do I feel guilty? No! I am relaxed and unworried. I have things to do tomorrow which will take me out of the house, so I probably will not get back home until after dark.
Night driving stressful
But sometimes I enjoy it
I worry too much
It is past sunset here in Las Vegas. I am tired from my from my drive across the city. My back hurts because I was in the car so long. I enjoyed my day away from my apartment despite the pain and not accomplishing much. I will get the dishes washed tonight. I will get the trash ready to carry out in the morning. I will write. I will not go to bed until about 10:30 or 11:00 pm.
Sunset a new day
The weariness moves on
The pain melts away
Shorter days fly by
Longer night tiptoe to dawn
The temperature drops
I feel rushed as the short days fly past and descend into evening. I have so much to do, so what did I do today? I spent the entire day in the car driving across Las Vegas and not getting anything accomplished in the house. Do I feel guilty? No! I am relaxed and unworried. I have things to do tomorrow which will take me out of the house, so I probably will not get back home until after dark.
Night driving stressful
But sometimes I enjoy it
I worry too much
It is past sunset here in Las Vegas. I am tired from my from my drive across the city. My back hurts because I was in the car so long. I enjoyed my day away from my apartment despite the pain and not accomplishing much. I will get the dishes washed tonight. I will get the trash ready to carry out in the morning. I will write. I will not go to bed until about 10:30 or 11:00 pm.
Sunset a new day
The weariness moves on
The pain melts away
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Sunday Supplication: December 14, 2014
Jamal (Beauty), 2 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Sunday, December 14, 2014 about 4:38 pm Pacific Standard Time
I give thanks
for all the blessing
I have received.
I give thanks
for the beauty of this day
and the cloudless sky.
I give thanks
for the warm hoodie
I wear when I leave the house.
I give thanks
for the shelf of music CDs
and for the CD player
I just purchased.
I give thanks
for the tests that
I encounter everyday.
For everything
I give thanks.
I give thanks
for all the blessing
I have received.
I give thanks
for the beauty of this day
and the cloudless sky.
I give thanks
for the warm hoodie
I wear when I leave the house.
I give thanks
for the shelf of music CDs
and for the CD player
I just purchased.
I give thanks
for the tests that
I encounter everyday.
For everything
I give thanks.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
I went to the Laundromat on Friday
Jalal (Glory), 2 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Saturday, December 13, 2014 about 10:45 am Pacific Standard Time
I went to the laundromat on Friday morning after I picked up my eye drop prescription at Smith's Food & Drug store. I knew rain weather report called for rain, but it was my understanding that the rain would not arrive until late afternoon. I figured I would have time to pick up my prescription and finish the laundry before the rains started.
I was wrong! I picked up my prescription and then went to the laundromat. I arrived at the laundromat before the rains started. I put clothes into one triple load machine and blankets in another. Then I went to the change machine to get $5.00 in quarters. Next I put one load of clothes into a single load washer. While the clothes were washing I went next door to Money Tree to get a new card from them because I lost my old one in the move.
I went back to the laundromat without getting wet because it rained. I relaxed a little while I waited for the clothes to finish washing. I took the clothes out of the washers and put them in dryers. Just as the clothes finished drying (about 1:30 pm) it begin to rain. When the clothes were dry, I put them into my push cart, covered them with a couple of sheets, and took them to the car.
After loading the clothes into my car, I drove home in the rain. I unloaded the clothes from the car and put them back into my cart. I pushed the clothes to my apartment, while it was still raining. It did not stop raining until after I got the clothes into the house. Fortunately, the blankets did not get wet. The sheet that did get wet I hung over furniture to dry. I do not have a drying rack in my studio apartment because I do not have room for one.
I am glad I can stay home today and recover from yesterday. I am eating hot homemade chicken soup. I am drinking hot tea or hot coffee. I cannot warm up the apple juice because my microwave throws a breaker when I use it and I do not have a kettle to heat the apple juice on the stove. I do not want hot apple juice anyway. I would rather drink hot coffee, tea, or water to warm up.
I went to the laundromat on Friday morning after I picked up my eye drop prescription at Smith's Food & Drug store. I knew rain weather report called for rain, but it was my understanding that the rain would not arrive until late afternoon. I figured I would have time to pick up my prescription and finish the laundry before the rains started.
I was wrong! I picked up my prescription and then went to the laundromat. I arrived at the laundromat before the rains started. I put clothes into one triple load machine and blankets in another. Then I went to the change machine to get $5.00 in quarters. Next I put one load of clothes into a single load washer. While the clothes were washing I went next door to Money Tree to get a new card from them because I lost my old one in the move.
I went back to the laundromat without getting wet because it rained. I relaxed a little while I waited for the clothes to finish washing. I took the clothes out of the washers and put them in dryers. Just as the clothes finished drying (about 1:30 pm) it begin to rain. When the clothes were dry, I put them into my push cart, covered them with a couple of sheets, and took them to the car.
After loading the clothes into my car, I drove home in the rain. I unloaded the clothes from the car and put them back into my cart. I pushed the clothes to my apartment, while it was still raining. It did not stop raining until after I got the clothes into the house. Fortunately, the blankets did not get wet. The sheet that did get wet I hung over furniture to dry. I do not have a drying rack in my studio apartment because I do not have room for one.
I am glad I can stay home today and recover from yesterday. I am eating hot homemade chicken soup. I am drinking hot tea or hot coffee. I cannot warm up the apple juice because my microwave throws a breaker when I use it and I do not have a kettle to heat the apple juice on the stove. I do not want hot apple juice anyway. I would rather drink hot coffee, tea, or water to warm up.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Thankful Thursday: December 11, 2014
Istijlal (Majesty), 19 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Thursday, December 11, 2014 about 11:59 am Pacific Standard Time
I am on day 72 of my 95-Day Gratitude Challenge, which I have listed on Facebook and kept a separate journal on writing.com. I have struggled with writing, keeping the journal, and doing housework for the past 72 days. I do not think the housework issue has anything to do with the difficulty I have at finding things to be thankful for, but I could be wrong.
I am thankful for
cloudy skies in December
and cold autumn rain.
I have 23 days left in this 95-day Gratitude Challenge. I am going to finish the challenge and the entries in my writing.com journal Welcome to My Weird Life. One of the issues I am facing is making entries in this blog, Poet999 - A Butterfly Emerges from her Cocoon. I cannot do daily entries so I have attempted every other day entries, which seems difficult as well. I am pushing myself, but I don't think I'm pushing myself hard enough.
I am grateful for
a rooster's call at first light
the birds are singing.
This is catch up day because I have spent the last three days running around the city. On Tuesday and Wednesday I had doctors appointments, while on Monday I did grocery shopping. On Friday I have to do laundry and pick up a prescription. I'm not sure what else I will have to do that day, but I know something will come up.
I am on day 72 of my 95-Day Gratitude Challenge, which I have listed on Facebook and kept a separate journal on writing.com. I have struggled with writing, keeping the journal, and doing housework for the past 72 days. I do not think the housework issue has anything to do with the difficulty I have at finding things to be thankful for, but I could be wrong.
I am thankful for
cloudy skies in December
and cold autumn rain.
I have 23 days left in this 95-day Gratitude Challenge. I am going to finish the challenge and the entries in my writing.com journal Welcome to My Weird Life. One of the issues I am facing is making entries in this blog, Poet999 - A Butterfly Emerges from her Cocoon. I cannot do daily entries so I have attempted every other day entries, which seems difficult as well. I am pushing myself, but I don't think I'm pushing myself hard enough.
I am grateful for
a rooster's call at first light
the birds are singing.
This is catch up day because I have spent the last three days running around the city. On Tuesday and Wednesday I had doctors appointments, while on Monday I did grocery shopping. On Friday I have to do laundry and pick up a prescription. I'm not sure what else I will have to do that day, but I know something will come up.
Monday, December 08, 2014
Take it in the Ear Day
Kamal (Perfection), 16 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Monday, December 8, 2014 about 11:54 am Pacific Standard Time
This is Take It In the Ear Day it is one of those days that is celebrated for no particular reason. No one know who created this day or the reason it was created. I live alone, so I can understand why it was created and by whom. It was created by someone who lived alone and did not have a pet. That person did not have anyone to talk to so he or she created Take it in the Ear Day in order to find someone t o talk to. That may not be the reason, but it sounds good to me. At least it would sound good to me if I said it aloud.
When you live alone then saying things aloud means you are talking to yourself. That is not a good idea when you live in a studio apartment and the walls are thin. You can hear everything through the walls or all most everything, so it is not a good idea to talk to yourself when you live alone in an apartment with thin walls.
This is Take It In the Ear Day it is one of those days that is celebrated for no particular reason. No one know who created this day or the reason it was created. I live alone, so I can understand why it was created and by whom. It was created by someone who lived alone and did not have a pet. That person did not have anyone to talk to so he or she created Take it in the Ear Day in order to find someone t o talk to. That may not be the reason, but it sounds good to me. At least it would sound good to me if I said it aloud.
When you live alone then saying things aloud means you are talking to yourself. That is not a good idea when you live in a studio apartment and the walls are thin. You can hear everything through the walls or all most everything, so it is not a good idea to talk to yourself when you live alone in an apartment with thin walls.
Sunday, December 07, 2014
A Stressful Time of Year
Jamal (Beauty), 15 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Sunday, December 7, 2014 about 2:01 pm Pacific Standard Time
Is December just a stressful time of year? I don't remember last December being this rushed or stressful, but then last year I still lived in the house instead of an apartment. I wonder if that could have anything to do with the stress. It could be that I feel the financial crunch more this year then last year.
I don't do Christmas shopping so the only financial issues I have are paying bills that are not holiday related. I feel rushed and when I feel rushed then I stress. Sometimes I just want to give up, but I know that I can't. perhaps the problem today is the need to fax some information on Monday or Tuesday, but the person I need to talk to hasn't called me back.
I think I'll get offline for a little while and do some housework to see if that relieves the stress I'm feeling. I'll also say some prayer because prayer always helps when I'm feeling stressed. I don't know what else to do at this point. I have to do something about the stress because it is interfering with my creativity.
Is December just a stressful time of year? I don't remember last December being this rushed or stressful, but then last year I still lived in the house instead of an apartment. I wonder if that could have anything to do with the stress. It could be that I feel the financial crunch more this year then last year.
I don't do Christmas shopping so the only financial issues I have are paying bills that are not holiday related. I feel rushed and when I feel rushed then I stress. Sometimes I just want to give up, but I know that I can't. perhaps the problem today is the need to fax some information on Monday or Tuesday, but the person I need to talk to hasn't called me back.
I think I'll get offline for a little while and do some housework to see if that relieves the stress I'm feeling. I'll also say some prayer because prayer always helps when I'm feeling stressed. I don't know what else to do at this point. I have to do something about the stress because it is interfering with my creativity.
Friday, December 05, 2014
A Cloudy Friday in Las Vegas
Istiqlal (Independence), 13 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Friday, December 5, 2014 about 10:46 am Pacific Standard Time.
It is a cloudy 56 degrees here in Las Vegas. I think my mood has something to do with the cloudy and dreary look of the day. I am feeling down, however, the birds are singing and chattering in the trees. The joy of the birds contrast the look and feel of Friday, December 5.
I have the front door open so that I can hear the birds. I hope they can brighten my mood because something has to otherwise I will not accomplish anything today. All morning I have felt gray and depressed, which is the way the clouds look. I am tired of feeling down because I do not think I have a reason to be depressed..
I am going to take the trash out as soon as the postman comes. Perhaps the walk to the alley and back will cheer me up. I have a lot to do today and this weekend, I cannot afford to be depressed because I will not accomplishing anything. I am posting this before it becomes a rant.
It is a cloudy 56 degrees here in Las Vegas. I think my mood has something to do with the cloudy and dreary look of the day. I am feeling down, however, the birds are singing and chattering in the trees. The joy of the birds contrast the look and feel of Friday, December 5.
I have the front door open so that I can hear the birds. I hope they can brighten my mood because something has to otherwise I will not accomplish anything today. All morning I have felt gray and depressed, which is the way the clouds look. I am tired of feeling down because I do not think I have a reason to be depressed..
I am going to take the trash out as soon as the postman comes. Perhaps the walk to the alley and back will cheer me up. I have a lot to do today and this weekend, I cannot afford to be depressed because I will not accomplishing anything. I am posting this before it becomes a rant.
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
Happy Tuesday
Fiḍal (Grace), 10 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 2, 2014 about 11:38 am Pacific Standard Time
It is a happy Tuesday
waiting for the postman to come
looking forward to reading
the mail.
It is a happy Tuesday
reviewing on writing.com
and considering the next chapter
of Mark of the Blue Wolf.
It is a happy Tuesday
saying prayers,
intoning the revealed word,
meditating on the beauty
of a cloudy day.
It is a happy Tuesday
looking forward
to taking out the trash
and then checking
my mail box
to see if I received anything
besides bills I need to pay.
It is a happy Tuesday
waiting for the postman to come
looking forward to reading
the mail.
It is a happy Tuesday
reviewing on writing.com
and considering the next chapter
of Mark of the Blue Wolf.
It is a happy Tuesday
saying prayers,
intoning the revealed word,
meditating on the beauty
of a cloudy day.
It is a happy Tuesday
looking forward
to taking out the trash
and then checking
my mail box
to see if I received anything
besides bills I need to pay.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
On the Last Day of November 2014
Jamal (Beauty), 8 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Sunday, November 30, 2014 about 4:31 pm Pacific Standard Time.
November 30
the last day of
National Novel Writing Month,
I am a winner
because I completed the challenge
and wrote 51,108 word
and 30 chapters
of my novel
The Mark of the Blue Wolf.
I am a winner
because I took up the gauntlet
and charged forward
writing, writing, writing,
in the month of November.
November 30
the last day of
National Novel Writing Month,
I am a winner
because I completed the challenge
and wrote 51,108 word
and 30 chapters
of my novel
The Mark of the Blue Wolf.
I am a winner
because I took up the gauntlet
and charged forward
writing, writing, writing,
in the month of November.
Friday, November 28, 2014
My Favorite Black Friday Activity
Istiqlal (Independence), 6 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Friday, November 28, 2014 about 9:55 am Pacific Standard Time
My favorite Black Friday activity is to stay home and eat Thanksgiving leftover. I am blessed today to have leftovers because I ate Thanksgiving dinner at a neighbor's home. I brought a plate home with me yesterday, so I could have leftovers today.
On Black Friday
pumpkin pie makes a good breakfast,
with a cup of hot coffee.
I will warm the turkey and dressing over for lunch with the rest of the leftovers. I still have a piece of apple pie, so I may eat it either for supper or breakfast on Saturday morning. I would rather eat leftovers on Black Friday then go shopping. In fact, I am not leaving the house to go to the mall or the grocery store today because I do not like to shop on Black Friday.
On Black Friday
the malls are crowded
with Christmas shoppers
and the city streets are jammed
with drivers going to and from various stores.
My favorite Black Friday activity is to stay home and eat Thanksgiving leftover. I am blessed today to have leftovers because I ate Thanksgiving dinner at a neighbor's home. I brought a plate home with me yesterday, so I could have leftovers today.
On Black Friday
pumpkin pie makes a good breakfast,
with a cup of hot coffee.
I will warm the turkey and dressing over for lunch with the rest of the leftovers. I still have a piece of apple pie, so I may eat it either for supper or breakfast on Saturday morning. I would rather eat leftovers on Black Friday then go shopping. In fact, I am not leaving the house to go to the mall or the grocery store today because I do not like to shop on Black Friday.
On Black Friday
the malls are crowded
with Christmas shoppers
and the city streets are jammed
with drivers going to and from various stores.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Tuesday Technical Difficulties: November 25, 2014
Fiḍal (Grace), 3 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Tuesday, November 25, 2014 about 9:23 am Pacific Standard Time
My printer will not work without a cartridge. I thought I had both a colored cartridge and a black and white cartridge, but I was wrong. I have cartridges I have for the printer is a color cartridge and a photo printing cartridge. Neither of these is going to solve my printer problem because I need to replace the black and white cartridge. I may have to replace the colored one as well.
Fortunately, I have enough money in the bank to purchase one, perhaps two cartridges, for the printer. I ope that solves the problem because I have to scan something in and e-mail it. I suppose if it does not solve my problem I will have to find someplace that will let me scan and e-mail the item or call the 800 number to see if they have a fax number I can fax the information to. At least the technical difficulties I am confronting today are those that I can solve.
My printer will not work without a cartridge. I thought I had both a colored cartridge and a black and white cartridge, but I was wrong. I have cartridges I have for the printer is a color cartridge and a photo printing cartridge. Neither of these is going to solve my printer problem because I need to replace the black and white cartridge. I may have to replace the colored one as well.
Fortunately, I have enough money in the bank to purchase one, perhaps two cartridges, for the printer. I ope that solves the problem because I have to scan something in and e-mail it. I suppose if it does not solve my problem I will have to find someplace that will let me scan and e-mail the item or call the 800 number to see if they have a fax number I can fax the information to. At least the technical difficulties I am confronting today are those that I can solve.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Time to change from cool air the warm air on
Kamal (Perfection), 2 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Monday, November 24, 2014 about 4:16 pm Pacific Standard Time
It's time to change from cool air to warm air. I turn the air unit on long enough to change the settings. Now I have to decide if I want to keep the warm air set at 70 degrees or lower it to 68 or 69 degrees. I do not use the unit at night because it bothers my sinuses to have the air on all night. It also causes the power bill to go up if I keep the air on all night.
I do not plan to use the unit at all until after Thanksgiving. I may change my mind if it gets too cold especially of a morning. I may have to turn it on so that I can take a bath without getting too cold. On the other hand, I may just go to one of the stores and purchase a small heater for the bathroom. I can live with the rest of the house being cool because I put on sweaters and long sleeved sweat shirts during the day. At night I have a flannel night gown which is warm.
This is Las Vegas so, most of the time, it does not get that cold during the day. Nights are when it gets really cold so I have to have blankets and long sleeved nightgowns or pajamas to wear. Perhaps I will get me a new pair of pajamas, the only thing I have left from my old pajamas are the shirts. I lost the bottoms in the move or I packed them and they are stored in my sister's garage.
It's time to change from cool air to warm air. I turn the air unit on long enough to change the settings. Now I have to decide if I want to keep the warm air set at 70 degrees or lower it to 68 or 69 degrees. I do not use the unit at night because it bothers my sinuses to have the air on all night. It also causes the power bill to go up if I keep the air on all night.
I do not plan to use the unit at all until after Thanksgiving. I may change my mind if it gets too cold especially of a morning. I may have to turn it on so that I can take a bath without getting too cold. On the other hand, I may just go to one of the stores and purchase a small heater for the bathroom. I can live with the rest of the house being cool because I put on sweaters and long sleeved sweat shirts during the day. At night I have a flannel night gown which is warm.
This is Las Vegas so, most of the time, it does not get that cold during the day. Nights are when it gets really cold so I have to have blankets and long sleeved nightgowns or pajamas to wear. Perhaps I will get me a new pair of pajamas, the only thing I have left from my old pajamas are the shirts. I lost the bottoms in the move or I packed them and they are stored in my sister's garage.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Sunday Supplications: Thanksgiving Week Begins
Jamal (Beauty), 1 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Sunday, November 23, 2014 about 5:18 am Pacific Standard Time
It is Sunday of Thanksgiving week 2014 the temperature in Las Vegas at 4:56 am was 56 degrees Fahrenheit. A cold front moved into the area sometime Saturday evening, so the weather forecast for today is windy and cooler. The high for today is expected to be 63 degrees and the low 49. At 6:00 am the temperature is supposed to drop to 48 degrees.
a chilly Sunday
with wind caressing palm fronds
grateful for coffee
Today is a hot coffee and soup day, which means I will finish off the celery soup I made. I have to go to the store on Monday to get more ingredients for soup or some canned soup. The problem with canned soup is the salt and potassium content. I think I will stick to making my own soup because I have some control over the potassium and salt content.
a windy Sunday
look at the wind chill factor
I give thanks for soup
It is Sunday of Thanksgiving week 2014 the temperature in Las Vegas at 4:56 am was 56 degrees Fahrenheit. A cold front moved into the area sometime Saturday evening, so the weather forecast for today is windy and cooler. The high for today is expected to be 63 degrees and the low 49. At 6:00 am the temperature is supposed to drop to 48 degrees.
a chilly Sunday
with wind caressing palm fronds
grateful for coffee
Today is a hot coffee and soup day, which means I will finish off the celery soup I made. I have to go to the store on Monday to get more ingredients for soup or some canned soup. The problem with canned soup is the salt and potassium content. I think I will stick to making my own soup because I have some control over the potassium and salt content.
a windy Sunday
look at the wind chill factor
I give thanks for soup
Thursday, November 20, 2014
One Week Until Thanksgiving
Istijlal (Majesty), 17 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Thursday, November 20, 2014 about 2:54 pm Pacific Standard Time
This will be my second Thanksgiving without Mom. The memories of sharing a Thanksgiving meals come back bring tears to my eyes and a smile to my lips. I miss Mama. I miss drinking coffee with her in the morning. I miss hearing her chant God's Most Great Name. I miss eating pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce with her at Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is one week away,
what is there to write or say
except the memories of yesterday.
This will be my second Thanksgiving without Mom. The memories of sharing a Thanksgiving meals come back bring tears to my eyes and a smile to my lips. I miss Mama. I miss drinking coffee with her in the morning. I miss hearing her chant God's Most Great Name. I miss eating pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce with her at Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is one week away
I let go of the tears,
while keeping the smile.
I think I will bake a pumpkin pie either Saturday or Sunday, I have to check to see if I have a cookie tin or something to sit the pie on in the oven in case it over flows or something like that. I don't clean ovens very well so I have to be careful when I bake.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
A Chilly Tuesday Morning in Las Vegas
Fiḍal (Grace), 15 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Tuesday, November 18, 2014 about 10:07 am Pacific Standard Time
It is a chilly Tuesday morning in Las Vegas. The temperature at 9:56 am was 56 degrees Fahrenheit with scattered clouds and a wind chill factor of 56 degrees. The temperature is supposed to get up to 57 degrees by 11:00 am. It is autumn in Las Vegas. It is autumn in the desert.
I ate vegetable soup for breakfast this morning. I still have some of the vegetables left over so I can have them with some type of meat for lunch unless I decide to fix the T.V. dinner I have in the freezer. I need something warm to eat because that is the only way to keep warm.
The temperature has not descended below 50 degrees while I have been awake I have not turned on the warm air. I think the temperature got down to 46 degrees early this morning, but I was asleep so it did not matter. I do not like to sleep with the air on because it stuffs me up and causes me to wake up when I cough. I can always put more quilts on the bed if the cold wakes me up.
It is a chilly Tuesday morning in Las Vegas. The temperature at 9:56 am was 56 degrees Fahrenheit with scattered clouds and a wind chill factor of 56 degrees. The temperature is supposed to get up to 57 degrees by 11:00 am. It is autumn in Las Vegas. It is autumn in the desert.
I ate vegetable soup for breakfast this morning. I still have some of the vegetables left over so I can have them with some type of meat for lunch unless I decide to fix the T.V. dinner I have in the freezer. I need something warm to eat because that is the only way to keep warm.
The temperature has not descended below 50 degrees while I have been awake I have not turned on the warm air. I think the temperature got down to 46 degrees early this morning, but I was asleep so it did not matter. I do not like to sleep with the air on because it stuffs me up and causes me to wake up when I cough. I can always put more quilts on the bed if the cold wakes me up.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
November Haibun
Jamal (Beauty), 13 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Sunday, November 16, 2014 about 7:15 am Pacific Standard Time
It's typical November Sunday morning with bright sunshine and scattered clouds. I look out my window and notice a slight breeze ruffling the palm fronds. I know the day will warm as the sun rises higher in the sky, therefore, I will wait until around noon to take out the trash.
I made one carafe of coffee this morning. It's almost gone because I used some of it on my cold cereal instead of milk. Normally I make only one carafe of coffee a day, but this morning I will make another because it warms me and brings back memories of my childhood.
chilly November
ghost clouds float across the sky
sun cast dark shadows
It's typical November Sunday morning with bright sunshine and scattered clouds. I look out my window and notice a slight breeze ruffling the palm fronds. I know the day will warm as the sun rises higher in the sky, therefore, I will wait until around noon to take out the trash.
a chilly morning
the middle of November
hot cup of coffee
I made one carafe of coffee this morning. It's almost gone because I used some of it on my cold cereal instead of milk. Normally I make only one carafe of coffee a day, but this morning I will make another because it warms me and brings back memories of my childhood.
Grandpa drink coffee
he brewed a pot every day
sometimes more then one
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Thankful Thursday: November 13, 2014
Istijlal (Majesty), 10 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Thursday, November 13, 2014 about 1:55 pm Pacific Standard Time
It is Thankful Thursday and it is Peanut Butter Lover's Month, a wonderful combination since I have two small jars of peanut butter in the house.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...for the loaf sandwich bread because I can have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
02. ...for the jar of grape jelly have sitting on the shelf in my kitchen because my favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich is made with grape jelly.
03. ...for the two unopened jars of peanut butter I have because I can stay home this weekend without worrying about running out of peanut butter.
04. ...for the coffee I have in the Tupperware© canister because I can have a cup of hot coffee with my peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich.
05. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn today.
06. ...that I was able to pay the power bill this month without asking someone for help.
07. ...that the weather is not too hot or too cold because that means that I do not have to turn the central air unit on.
08. ...that I was able to fill up the gas tank of my car this month. Normally I just keep the tank half full because that is all the gas I can afford to purchase.
09. ...that I have a bowl of mixed fruit and Jell-o© salad in the refrigerator for snacks this weekend.
10. ...for the two slices of cake I received today when I picked up my food bags because now I can have cake and coffee for breakfast.
It is Thankful Thursday and it is Peanut Butter Lover's Month, a wonderful combination since I have two small jars of peanut butter in the house.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...for the loaf sandwich bread because I can have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
02. ...for the jar of grape jelly have sitting on the shelf in my kitchen because my favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich is made with grape jelly.
03. ...for the two unopened jars of peanut butter I have because I can stay home this weekend without worrying about running out of peanut butter.
04. ...for the coffee I have in the Tupperware© canister because I can have a cup of hot coffee with my peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich.
05. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn today.
06. ...that I was able to pay the power bill this month without asking someone for help.
07. ...that the weather is not too hot or too cold because that means that I do not have to turn the central air unit on.
08. ...that I was able to fill up the gas tank of my car this month. Normally I just keep the tank half full because that is all the gas I can afford to purchase.
09. ...that I have a bowl of mixed fruit and Jell-o© salad in the refrigerator for snacks this weekend.
10. ...for the two slices of cake I received today when I picked up my food bags because now I can have cake and coffee for breakfast.
Sunday, November 09, 2014
Sunday Afternoon Thoughts on the Blahs
Jamal (Beauty), 6 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Sunday, November 9, 2014 about 12:56 pm Pacific Standard Time
Blahs refers to boring stuff. I think I have the blahs this afternoon, which means all I want to do is play solitaire games. I have other things to do and to write besides an entry on the blahs. Perhaps I should say I have a case of the blahs.
The problem I am facing at t his moment is finding something to write about. I open a document and sit looking at a blank screen. My mind is also blank, which may explain why I am having difficulty spelling simple words.
Last week I got behind on my post. I got behind on my e-mail. I got behind on the surveys I do. I did not get behind on my NaNoWriMo novel. I did not get behind on my writing,com reviews. I need a schedule that I can work by; however, I there is a good possibility that it will get messed up sometime during the week.
I am trying too hard to compose this blog entry. Therefore, I wish everyone happy NaNoWriMo.
Blahs refers to boring stuff. I think I have the blahs this afternoon, which means all I want to do is play solitaire games. I have other things to do and to write besides an entry on the blahs. Perhaps I should say I have a case of the blahs.
The problem I am facing at t his moment is finding something to write about. I open a document and sit looking at a blank screen. My mind is also blank, which may explain why I am having difficulty spelling simple words.
Last week I got behind on my post. I got behind on my e-mail. I got behind on the surveys I do. I did not get behind on my NaNoWriMo novel. I did not get behind on my writing,com reviews. I need a schedule that I can work by; however, I there is a good possibility that it will get messed up sometime during the week.
I am trying too hard to compose this blog entry. Therefore, I wish everyone happy NaNoWriMo.
Friday, November 07, 2014
Foodie Friday: Whatever You Call It Soup
Istiqlal (Independence), 4 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Friday, November 7, 2014 about 12:36 pm Pacific Standard Time
I made
Whatever You Call It soup today
I put in all the leftovers
instead of throwing them away.
I put
all the leftovers
in the electric frying pan,
let them simmer,
and then added
a dash or two of hot pepper sauce.
I will eat the soup this weekend
so that on Monday
I can start from scratch
cooking new leftovers
for another batch.
I made
Whatever You Call It soup today
I put in all the leftovers
instead of throwing them away.
I put
all the leftovers
in the electric frying pan,
let them simmer,
and then added
a dash or two of hot pepper sauce.
I will eat the soup this weekend
so that on Monday
I can start from scratch
cooking new leftovers
for another batch.
Sunday, November 02, 2014
November Poem: Daylight Savings Time Ends for 2014
Jamal (Beauty), 18 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Sunday, November 2, 2014 about 6:39 pm Pacific Standard Time
extra hour of sleep
end of daylight savings time
for 2014
This is Day 32 of my 95-Day gratitude challenge and one of the things I am grateful is automatic time updates. I do not have to change the time on my computer or cellphone. That means I only have to deal with the microwave clock and the clock in the stove. I will change the clock on the stove sometime today and check to see if I have to change the clock on the microwave. Sometimes I do not spring the microwave clock forward so I do not have to change it back in November.
do sparrows observe
daylight savings time in song
they have their own time
It is November with shorter days, longer nights, and cooler temperatures. These things added to the change in time make the first week of November a bit hectic and confusing. Confusion comes with moving the clock back an hour because I think it should be later then what the clock reads.
morning temperatures
descend into the sixties
I need a sweater
extra hour of sleep
end of daylight savings time
for 2014
This is Day 32 of my 95-Day gratitude challenge and one of the things I am grateful is automatic time updates. I do not have to change the time on my computer or cellphone. That means I only have to deal with the microwave clock and the clock in the stove. I will change the clock on the stove sometime today and check to see if I have to change the clock on the microwave. Sometimes I do not spring the microwave clock forward so I do not have to change it back in November.
do sparrows observe
daylight savings time in song
they have their own time
It is November with shorter days, longer nights, and cooler temperatures. These things added to the change in time make the first week of November a bit hectic and confusing. Confusion comes with moving the clock back an hour because I think it should be later then what the clock reads.
morning temperatures
descend into the sixties
I need a sweater
Friday, October 31, 2014
On the Eve of National Novel Writing Month
Istiqlal (Independence), 16 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Friday, October 31, 2014 about 8:56 am Pacific Daylight Time
On Saturday, November 1, National Novel Writing Month begins, I am participating in this adventure in writing. The working title for my 2014 novel is Mark of the Blue Wolf with an expected word count of 50,000 plus. I am storing my novel in my port at writing.com and intend to print out a copy of each day's work. I have to purchase a cartridge for my printer because I think the black and white cartridge in the printer is empty.
On November 1, I have to go the bank to deposit my check so I will purchase a printer cartridge while I am out. I suppose I should purchase a color cartridge as well; just in case its the color cartridge that is out of ink. I pray that the problem with the printer is the empty cartridges and not something more complicated or expensive to repair.
I also need to get some healthy snacks, but I am not sure what I want. I am on a low potassium, phosphorus, and protein diet so it is difficult to buy things that I can eat. Needless to say I read the labels on everything, so it takes me longer then normal to grocery shop. I have found that many items do not list the potassium or phosphorus levels the contain, which means I also have to check websites for those contents. Grocery shopping has become both an adventure and exercise. It is wonderful when I can get two thing accomplished at the same time in one store.
On Saturday, November 1, National Novel Writing Month begins, I am participating in this adventure in writing. The working title for my 2014 novel is Mark of the Blue Wolf with an expected word count of 50,000 plus. I am storing my novel in my port at writing.com and intend to print out a copy of each day's work. I have to purchase a cartridge for my printer because I think the black and white cartridge in the printer is empty.
On November 1, I have to go the bank to deposit my check so I will purchase a printer cartridge while I am out. I suppose I should purchase a color cartridge as well; just in case its the color cartridge that is out of ink. I pray that the problem with the printer is the empty cartridges and not something more complicated or expensive to repair.
I also need to get some healthy snacks, but I am not sure what I want. I am on a low potassium, phosphorus, and protein diet so it is difficult to buy things that I can eat. Needless to say I read the labels on everything, so it takes me longer then normal to grocery shop. I have found that many items do not list the potassium or phosphorus levels the contain, which means I also have to check websites for those contents. Grocery shopping has become both an adventure and exercise. It is wonderful when I can get two thing accomplished at the same time in one store.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Midweek Reflections: Meditation at the Laundromat
'Idal (Justice), 14 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Wednesday, October 29, 2014 about 1:22 pm Pacific Daylight Time
My mind is silent
focused on the moment,
the job at hand
while all around people
minding their own dirty clothes
put presorted clothes
into top loaders.
In another aisle
the front loaders
now empty
wait for multiple loads
of unsorted clothes.
I watch,
my chosen machine,
waiting
for the single load
of a single woman
to go through the wash cycle.
My mind is silent
focused on the moment,
the job at hand
while all around people
minding their own dirty clothes
put presorted clothes
into top loaders.
In another aisle
the front loaders
now empty
wait for multiple loads
of unsorted clothes.
I watch,
my chosen machine,
waiting
for the single load
of a single woman
to go through the wash cycle.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Tired Tuesday: Resting up after ten days of driving across Las Vegas
Fiḍal (Grace), 13 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Tuesday, October 28, 2014 about 10:15 am Pacific Daylight Time
For eight of the past ten days I have worked between 7 and 8 hours, while the other two days I drove all over Las Vegas taking care of business. I am tired! I am not sleepy, therefor, lying down or taking a nap will do no good. Since I have writing project to do and housework I am going to remain home today to accomplish some of the things I had to put off.
On Wednesday, October 29, I have to wash one load of clothes and do some grocery shopping. I am not sure what I will purchase at the grocery store. I may wait until tomorrow and make my grocery list while I am doing laundry. I have at least two loads of laundry to do, but I will do only one load. The second load contains winter blankets that I have to wash before Thanksgiving, Tomorrow I will wash and dry clothes for work because that is all I desperately need at present.
I will wash two dresses, a blouse or two, a pair of slacks, and some socks. That will get me through the rest of the workweek. I can was another load of clothes on Wednesday or Thursday of next week because I have to work on Tuesday. I hope after Tuesday, November 4, I can get back to my regular blogging schedule.
For eight of the past ten days I have worked between 7 and 8 hours, while the other two days I drove all over Las Vegas taking care of business. I am tired! I am not sleepy, therefor, lying down or taking a nap will do no good. Since I have writing project to do and housework I am going to remain home today to accomplish some of the things I had to put off.
On Wednesday, October 29, I have to wash one load of clothes and do some grocery shopping. I am not sure what I will purchase at the grocery store. I may wait until tomorrow and make my grocery list while I am doing laundry. I have at least two loads of laundry to do, but I will do only one load. The second load contains winter blankets that I have to wash before Thanksgiving, Tomorrow I will wash and dry clothes for work because that is all I desperately need at present.
I will wash two dresses, a blouse or two, a pair of slacks, and some socks. That will get me through the rest of the workweek. I can was another load of clothes on Wednesday or Thursday of next week because I have to work on Tuesday. I hope after Tuesday, November 4, I can get back to my regular blogging schedule.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Waking up on Friday morning
Istiqlal (Independence), 9 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Friday, October 24, 2014 about 6:30 am Pacific Daylight Time
It's Friday morning, I can hear my joints creaking as I walk from my computer to the coffeemaker. I pour myself another cup of wake up you have places to go and people to see. Wake up you can't drive when you're sleepy. I'm not sure that another cup of coffee will help me wake up this morning. I'm tired from five days of working the early voting polls in Clark County Nevada.
I can't decide whether to go back to bed or eat breakfast. I want to stretch and yawn, but I don't want to go to sleep. I'm not sure whether I could go to sleep if I laid down for a few minutes. I stretch and yawn, but it doesn't wake me up. After I finish stretching and yawning, I want to stretch and yawn some more. I doze off in the middle of a sentence; fortunately, I haven't fell out off my chair or laid my head on the keyboard.
I have to drive across town on business, but I need to wake up some more before I get into my car. I need to purchase gas so I'll have to stop at the grocery store or the bank to get money for gas. I need to stop at the grocery store for another container of coffee and something else I forgot when I went to the store on Tuesday or Wednesday.
I'm behind on a writing projects and I need to finish both of them today. I don't have the energy to make my self do anything except sit at the keyboard and doze. If I attempt to lye down then I can't fall asleep because I know I have a lot of work to do. I can't do the work properly if I'm half asleep while I'm doing it. I think I cook myself a couple of eggs and a ground turkey burger to see if that helps me wake up on this beautiful Friday morning.
It's Friday morning, I can hear my joints creaking as I walk from my computer to the coffeemaker. I pour myself another cup of wake up you have places to go and people to see. Wake up you can't drive when you're sleepy. I'm not sure that another cup of coffee will help me wake up this morning. I'm tired from five days of working the early voting polls in Clark County Nevada.
I can't decide whether to go back to bed or eat breakfast. I want to stretch and yawn, but I don't want to go to sleep. I'm not sure whether I could go to sleep if I laid down for a few minutes. I stretch and yawn, but it doesn't wake me up. After I finish stretching and yawning, I want to stretch and yawn some more. I doze off in the middle of a sentence; fortunately, I haven't fell out off my chair or laid my head on the keyboard.
I have to drive across town on business, but I need to wake up some more before I get into my car. I need to purchase gas so I'll have to stop at the grocery store or the bank to get money for gas. I need to stop at the grocery store for another container of coffee and something else I forgot when I went to the store on Tuesday or Wednesday.
I'm behind on a writing projects and I need to finish both of them today. I don't have the energy to make my self do anything except sit at the keyboard and doze. If I attempt to lye down then I can't fall asleep because I know I have a lot of work to do. I can't do the work properly if I'm half asleep while I'm doing it. I think I cook myself a couple of eggs and a ground turkey burger to see if that helps me wake up on this beautiful Friday morning.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
A Long Weary Day
Jamal (Beauty), 4 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Sunday, October 19, 2014 about 2:47 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I don't know why I'm attempting to write this except that I'm hoping it keeps me awake. I'm tired! My eye are falling as sleep on their own. I don't want to lay down now because I have too much writing and other work to catch up. I've almost finish catching up on the writing. I don't think I'm going any where this afternoon because I'm in no condition to drive. I'm too tired to drive anywhere today. Walking around helps a little but no all that much. I don't want to brew another carafe of coffee, so I will drink the iced apple tea I have in t he refrigerator. I'm tired and falling asleep at the keyboard. I didn't rest very well last night. I have to rest better tonight because I have to go to work on Monday morning.
I don't know why I'm attempting to write this except that I'm hoping it keeps me awake. I'm tired! My eye are falling as sleep on their own. I don't want to lay down now because I have too much writing and other work to catch up. I've almost finish catching up on the writing. I don't think I'm going any where this afternoon because I'm in no condition to drive. I'm too tired to drive anywhere today. Walking around helps a little but no all that much. I don't want to brew another carafe of coffee, so I will drink the iced apple tea I have in t he refrigerator. I'm tired and falling asleep at the keyboard. I didn't rest very well last night. I have to rest better tonight because I have to go to work on Monday morning.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Sunday Services
Jamal (Beauty), 16 Mashíyyat (Will), 171 BE - Sunday, October 12, 2014 about 5:58 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I had an inspiring afternoon at the Baha'i Center when I attended the monthly spiritual service. The theme this month was death, which I found intriguing. I begin the following poem.
I had an inspiring afternoon at the Baha'i Center when I attended the monthly spiritual service. The theme this month was death, which I found intriguing. I begin the following poem.
The cage is broken
the bird is freed from matter
flies to paradise.
I think I am finally getting out of my shell. I plan to attend the spiritual service in November because I enjoyed myself today. I always enjoy going to Baha'i Feast, Holy Days, and spiritual services. I brought home the program containing several readings from the Baha'i scriptures. I think I will meditate on one of them before going to sleep tonight.
Thursday, October 09, 2014
Thankful Thursday: Day 11 of my 95-Day Gratitude Challenge
Istijlal (Majesty), 13 Mashíyyat (Will), 171 BE - Thursday, October 9, 2014 about 12:17 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I have made an entry everyday for eleven days in one of my writing.com journals and listed two things I am thankful for an Facebook each day. I have managed to find several things to give thanks for, so in this Thankful Thursday entry I am going to list some of those things.
I am thankful...
01. ...that I was able to get my printer working again. The problem was simple, but I did not find that out until I decided to move the printer from the computer it was supposed to be attached to. When I moved it, I found out that the person who moved the computer and sit it up in my new apartment did not connect the printer to the computer.
02. ...for the apple tea I made by mixing half a jug of apple juice with the tea I brewed on Tuesday. Mixing the apple juice with the tea gives both the apple juice and the tea a new flavor. I like the two mixed because it encourages me to drink the apple juice.
03. ...for the bird that sings in the tree across the street from my apartment. Since the first day of Autumn, when the temperatures here in Las Vegas began getting cooler, the bird has sing. I think it is a sparrow, but I am not sure because I have never seen the bird.
04. ...for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha because they relieve the stress I feel when my life appears to get out of hand.
05. ...that I have only enough dishes for one person to use because it encourages me to keep the dishes washed and put away in the cupboard. I have a small amount of storage and cabinet space so I have to keep them neat with my cookware easily accessible.
06. ...for the space I have on the other computer desk because now I can put some of the things that are taking up room on my kitchen counter on that desk. I have to cover the computer up with a table clothe because I do not have any sheets.
07. ...for the cooler weather we are experiencing in Las Vegas. It is cool enough that I do not have to turn the air on until mid afternoon or later. Sometimes I do not have to turn it on at all.
08. ...for the rooster that crows every morning at first light. It does not matter how late dawn comes because that rooster knows when to crow.
09. ...for the ground turkey patties I purchase in the store. I have begun to like them better then beef patties. The turkey patties taste just as good as the beef patties especially when I put cheese and hot sauce on them.
10. ,,,that the calender I received from writing.com for my anniversary has prompts on it because I can use the prompt when my muse is being stubborn about finding a subject for me to write about.
I have made an entry everyday for eleven days in one of my writing.com journals and listed two things I am thankful for an Facebook each day. I have managed to find several things to give thanks for, so in this Thankful Thursday entry I am going to list some of those things.
I am thankful...
01. ...that I was able to get my printer working again. The problem was simple, but I did not find that out until I decided to move the printer from the computer it was supposed to be attached to. When I moved it, I found out that the person who moved the computer and sit it up in my new apartment did not connect the printer to the computer.
02. ...for the apple tea I made by mixing half a jug of apple juice with the tea I brewed on Tuesday. Mixing the apple juice with the tea gives both the apple juice and the tea a new flavor. I like the two mixed because it encourages me to drink the apple juice.
03. ...for the bird that sings in the tree across the street from my apartment. Since the first day of Autumn, when the temperatures here in Las Vegas began getting cooler, the bird has sing. I think it is a sparrow, but I am not sure because I have never seen the bird.
04. ...for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha because they relieve the stress I feel when my life appears to get out of hand.
05. ...that I have only enough dishes for one person to use because it encourages me to keep the dishes washed and put away in the cupboard. I have a small amount of storage and cabinet space so I have to keep them neat with my cookware easily accessible.
06. ...for the space I have on the other computer desk because now I can put some of the things that are taking up room on my kitchen counter on that desk. I have to cover the computer up with a table clothe because I do not have any sheets.
07. ...for the cooler weather we are experiencing in Las Vegas. It is cool enough that I do not have to turn the air on until mid afternoon or later. Sometimes I do not have to turn it on at all.
08. ...for the rooster that crows every morning at first light. It does not matter how late dawn comes because that rooster knows when to crow.
09. ...for the ground turkey patties I purchase in the store. I have begun to like them better then beef patties. The turkey patties taste just as good as the beef patties especially when I put cheese and hot sauce on them.
10. ,,,that the calender I received from writing.com for my anniversary has prompts on it because I can use the prompt when my muse is being stubborn about finding a subject for me to write about.
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Midweek Reflections: Technology is Wonderful When it Works
'Idal (Justice), 12 Mashíyyat (Will), 171 BE - Wednesday, October 8, 2014 about 2:18 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Technology is wonderful when it works and sometimes the only thing keeping it from working is connecting it properly. I haven't been able to use my printer since I moved into my studio apartment. I didn't know the reason until I decided to move it from the desk with the old computer to the computer I use to get online.
What was the reason I couldn't use it? The printer was connected to the power, but not to the computer. I disconnected the power cord from the printer, moved the printer, and then realized I was missing a connection. The cord that is supposed to connect the printer to the computer was laying on my old desk waiting to be plugged into the printer and the computer. I figured out the problem after I moved the printer and I wasn't going to move it back to the old desk. This explains why I had an extra cord laying around.
Since I don't use the other computer to get online and plan to download everything on it to a portable back-up drive (I know that isn't the name of the piece of equipment I'll use, but I can't think of the name right now), there isn't any use moving the printer back to the other desk. I am happy, at least for now, so I will post this and get on with my writing or housekeeping.
Technology is wonderful when it works and sometimes the only thing keeping it from working is connecting it properly. I haven't been able to use my printer since I moved into my studio apartment. I didn't know the reason until I decided to move it from the desk with the old computer to the computer I use to get online.
What was the reason I couldn't use it? The printer was connected to the power, but not to the computer. I disconnected the power cord from the printer, moved the printer, and then realized I was missing a connection. The cord that is supposed to connect the printer to the computer was laying on my old desk waiting to be plugged into the printer and the computer. I figured out the problem after I moved the printer and I wasn't going to move it back to the old desk. This explains why I had an extra cord laying around.
Since I don't use the other computer to get online and plan to download everything on it to a portable back-up drive (I know that isn't the name of the piece of equipment I'll use, but I can't think of the name right now), there isn't any use moving the printer back to the other desk. I am happy, at least for now, so I will post this and get on with my writing or housekeeping.
Saturday, October 04, 2014
Saturday Morning Contemplations on Coffee and other necessities
Jalal (Glory), 8 Mashíyyat (Will), 171 BE - Saturday, October 4, 2014 about 5:37 am Pacific Daylight Time
It's still dark outside, which makes having the front door open interesting. I can see lights in the apartments across the street coming on. I can hear the rooster in the next block announcing the approach of first light. I can hear the noise from I95 echoing through the neighborhood. Listening to these noise comforts me as I sip my Saturday morning coffee.
This morning my coffee is a bit stronger then normal. That is because I lost count of the number of tablespoons I put into the coffee maker's basket when I brewed the coffee. I did not add water after the coffee was brewed for two reasons. (1) If I add more water the coffee will be too weak and drink coffee that is too weak is worse then drinking coffee that is too strong. (2) If I made the coffee stronger then normal it means that I needed to drink strong coffee this morning.
An open front door
necessary to for my muse
wake up before dawn.
Watching the arrival of dawn is necessary. Dawn, even on a rainy day, brightens the morning and send positive vibrations through every living creature. I think that is why roosters crow because they want everyone to experience the joy of watching the dawn of a new and fresh day. My attitude always improves when I can experience the arrival of dawn. That is why I like to wake up early and, even on the coldest days, open my front door.
It's still dark outside, which makes having the front door open interesting. I can see lights in the apartments across the street coming on. I can hear the rooster in the next block announcing the approach of first light. I can hear the noise from I95 echoing through the neighborhood. Listening to these noise comforts me as I sip my Saturday morning coffee.
This morning my coffee is a bit stronger then normal. That is because I lost count of the number of tablespoons I put into the coffee maker's basket when I brewed the coffee. I did not add water after the coffee was brewed for two reasons. (1) If I add more water the coffee will be too weak and drink coffee that is too weak is worse then drinking coffee that is too strong. (2) If I made the coffee stronger then normal it means that I needed to drink strong coffee this morning.
An open front door
necessary to for my muse
wake up before dawn.
Watching the arrival of dawn is necessary. Dawn, even on a rainy day, brightens the morning and send positive vibrations through every living creature. I think that is why roosters crow because they want everyone to experience the joy of watching the dawn of a new and fresh day. My attitude always improves when I can experience the arrival of dawn. That is why I like to wake up early and, even on the coldest days, open my front door.
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Midweek Reflections: Day 3 of my 95-Day Gratitude Challenge
'Idal (Justice), 5 Mashíyyat (Will), 171 BE - Wednesday, October 1, 2014 about 12:52 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today's gratitude challenge activity is a bit of a challenge (I couldn't resist that) because I decided to change the format for today. Today I'm writing an alphabetical list of everything I am grateful for. I have A, B, C, and D completed. I am searching for an E, but I can't seem to think of one at the moment. Eventually I will find an E word or an E items to list. Then I can get on with the rest of the list.
I don't feel I should go out of alphabetical order on this. If I do then I'll just have to go back and put in the E item. Writing this list is like writing a poem when I can't find the perfect word or the right word to complete the thought of a line or stanza. It can be frustrating, so I think I will get away from the writing for a few minutes and do something else. I may not get back online until after 5:30 pm because I have a grief counselling group meeting at 4:00 pm. I'm excited to tell them about my newest project which is the 95-day Gratitude Challenge.
Today's gratitude challenge activity is a bit of a challenge (I couldn't resist that) because I decided to change the format for today. Today I'm writing an alphabetical list of everything I am grateful for. I have A, B, C, and D completed. I am searching for an E, but I can't seem to think of one at the moment. Eventually I will find an E word or an E items to list. Then I can get on with the rest of the list.
I don't feel I should go out of alphabetical order on this. If I do then I'll just have to go back and put in the E item. Writing this list is like writing a poem when I can't find the perfect word or the right word to complete the thought of a line or stanza. It can be frustrating, so I think I will get away from the writing for a few minutes and do something else. I may not get back online until after 5:30 pm because I have a grief counselling group meeting at 4:00 pm. I'm excited to tell them about my newest project which is the 95-day Gratitude Challenge.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Meditation Monday: Day 1 of 95-Day Gratitude Challenge
Kamal (Perfection), 3 Mashíyyat (Will), 171 BE - Monday, September 29, 2014 about 4:40 pm Pacific Daylight Time
This is the first day of my 95-day Gratitude Challenge and I am blessed. This is the third day in a row I have not had to turn on the cool air the keep my computer and myself cool. I found the food list for my low potassium, low protein, and low phosphorus diet. I was able to meditate for five minutes this morning without falling asleep or my mind going into fantasy mode.
It is a beautiful day with the birds singing and the police car lights flashing. I do not know why there are so many black and white unites in this neighborhood on a Monday afternoon. Normally all you see is a police car driving down the street on its normal rounds of the neighborhood. However, there are uniformed officers and I think there may be an officer without a regular uniform out there, but I am not sure.
It is a beautiful day to have my front door open to let in the fresh air and see what is going on without having to get up form the computer to open the door or look out the window. I have encountered so many blessing today that I cannot list them all. Therefore, I will bring this entry to a close and go on to something else.
This is the first day of my 95-day Gratitude Challenge and I am blessed. This is the third day in a row I have not had to turn on the cool air the keep my computer and myself cool. I found the food list for my low potassium, low protein, and low phosphorus diet. I was able to meditate for five minutes this morning without falling asleep or my mind going into fantasy mode.
It is a beautiful day with the birds singing and the police car lights flashing. I do not know why there are so many black and white unites in this neighborhood on a Monday afternoon. Normally all you see is a police car driving down the street on its normal rounds of the neighborhood. However, there are uniformed officers and I think there may be an officer without a regular uniform out there, but I am not sure.
It is a beautiful day to have my front door open to let in the fresh air and see what is going on without having to get up form the computer to open the door or look out the window. I have encountered so many blessing today that I cannot list them all. Therefore, I will bring this entry to a close and go on to something else.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
To Subscribe or Not to Subscribe That is the Question
Jalal (Glory), 1 Mashíyyat (Will), 171 BE - Saturday, September 27, 2014 about 1:28 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Do I want to subscribe to a daily newspaper? This is the question I have asked myself over the past few days. The question arose when I went into the grocery store last Saturday to purchase some much needed items. When I went into the store a couple of guys from the local paper were selling subscriptions. I said I had to think about it because I did not have the money in my checking account.
I went back into the store yesterday to pick up two prescriptions and buy some bread and turkey burgers. I had the money in my account this time because I transferred some cash from my savings to my checking for the prescriptions. I purchase the prescriptions and then took my SNAP to purchase the turkey burgers and some think bagels for a turkey burger sandwich. Before I go back into the store this coming week, I have to decide whether or not I want to have the local newspaper delivered to my front door.
There are advantages and disadvantages to taking a local newspaper. One of the disadvantages is the cost. This is a special offer to get subscriptions so the subscription cost will increase after six weeks. Can I afford the increase in cost? Another disadvantage is that I live in an apartment, which means there is no recycling. The newspaper would go into the dumpster with the rest of the trash and then into a landfill. That, in itself. os a good reason not to take a daily paper.
One of the advantage is that I would have something to read with my coffee of a morning. Another is the Sunday comics, which I always enjoy reading. Do these advantages outweigh the disadvantages? I can access the comics online. I can drink my coffee while I am reading the comics or reviewing on writing.com. I can get the local, national, and international news online. Is there any other reason for me to subscribe to a newspaper that is not online?
Do I want to subscribe to a daily newspaper? This is the question I have asked myself over the past few days. The question arose when I went into the grocery store last Saturday to purchase some much needed items. When I went into the store a couple of guys from the local paper were selling subscriptions. I said I had to think about it because I did not have the money in my checking account.
I went back into the store yesterday to pick up two prescriptions and buy some bread and turkey burgers. I had the money in my account this time because I transferred some cash from my savings to my checking for the prescriptions. I purchase the prescriptions and then took my SNAP to purchase the turkey burgers and some think bagels for a turkey burger sandwich. Before I go back into the store this coming week, I have to decide whether or not I want to have the local newspaper delivered to my front door.
There are advantages and disadvantages to taking a local newspaper. One of the disadvantages is the cost. This is a special offer to get subscriptions so the subscription cost will increase after six weeks. Can I afford the increase in cost? Another disadvantage is that I live in an apartment, which means there is no recycling. The newspaper would go into the dumpster with the rest of the trash and then into a landfill. That, in itself. os a good reason not to take a daily paper.
One of the advantage is that I would have something to read with my coffee of a morning. Another is the Sunday comics, which I always enjoy reading. Do these advantages outweigh the disadvantages? I can access the comics online. I can drink my coffee while I am reading the comics or reviewing on writing.com. I can get the local, national, and international news online. Is there any other reason for me to subscribe to a newspaper that is not online?
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Thankful Thursday: Gratitude List for September 25, 2014
Istijlal (Majesty), 18 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Thursday, September 25, 2014 about 6:13 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that I have an Internet connection even if it does go freaky on me sometimes and goes down when I am in the middle of a project.
02. ...for coffee because it is helpful to sip coffee while I am composing a blog entry or writing a poem.
03. ...that I can increase the screen magnification to 125% so that it is easier to read the stories I review and to see what I am writing.
04. ...for the ability to save my online work so that I do not lose everything when my Internet connection cut out for no reason.
05. ...that it is fall and the temperatures are cooling down here in Las Vegas.
06. ...for the picture of 'Abdu'l-Baha that sits next to my computer keyboard because I have something to meditation on while I am waiting for my Internet connection to reestablish when it cut out.
07. ...that this is Thursday and I can find ten things to be thankful for because gratitude helps alleviate depression.
08. ...for spell checkers because my fingers sometimes forget how to spell the word I am typing.
09. ...that I have a premium membership to writing.com that gives me a larger portfolio.
10. ...for English back tea because it makes the best hot and iced tea.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that I have an Internet connection even if it does go freaky on me sometimes and goes down when I am in the middle of a project.
02. ...for coffee because it is helpful to sip coffee while I am composing a blog entry or writing a poem.
03. ...that I can increase the screen magnification to 125% so that it is easier to read the stories I review and to see what I am writing.
04. ...for the ability to save my online work so that I do not lose everything when my Internet connection cut out for no reason.
05. ...that it is fall and the temperatures are cooling down here in Las Vegas.
06. ...for the picture of 'Abdu'l-Baha that sits next to my computer keyboard because I have something to meditation on while I am waiting for my Internet connection to reestablish when it cut out.
07. ...that this is Thursday and I can find ten things to be thankful for because gratitude helps alleviate depression.
08. ...for spell checkers because my fingers sometimes forget how to spell the word I am typing.
09. ...that I have a premium membership to writing.com that gives me a larger portfolio.
10. ...for English back tea because it makes the best hot and iced tea.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Midweek Reflections: Autumn in Las Vegas
Idal (Justice), 17 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Wednesday, September 24, 2014 about 9:35 am Pacific Daylight Time
It is autumn in Las Vegas and everywhere else in the Northern Hemisphere. This meas double digit temperatures instead of triple digit (I hope). I checked the seven day weather forecast on one of the local television stations to see what I could expect for the rest of September. It indicated temperatures in the high 90s for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. For the rest of September the temperatures we can expect temperatures in the mid 80s.
Low temperatures means I do not have to have the cool air on as much. I can go out in the afternoon without wondering how warm I will be without air conditioning in my car. The auto air conditioner does not work properly and it is too expensive to fix so I have deal with roasting temperatures if I drive on summer afternoons.
I do not know what winter will be like this year. I hope it is mild without too many cold or freezing nights. I do not worry about the temperature unless it gets down to 32 degrees, which is rare here in Las Vegas. At least it used to be rare, but how it is during global warming is anybody's guess.
It is autumn in Las Vegas and everywhere else in the Northern Hemisphere. This meas double digit temperatures instead of triple digit (I hope). I checked the seven day weather forecast on one of the local television stations to see what I could expect for the rest of September. It indicated temperatures in the high 90s for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. For the rest of September the temperatures we can expect temperatures in the mid 80s.
Low temperatures means I do not have to have the cool air on as much. I can go out in the afternoon without wondering how warm I will be without air conditioning in my car. The auto air conditioner does not work properly and it is too expensive to fix so I have deal with roasting temperatures if I drive on summer afternoons.
I do not know what winter will be like this year. I hope it is mild without too many cold or freezing nights. I do not worry about the temperature unless it gets down to 32 degrees, which is rare here in Las Vegas. At least it used to be rare, but how it is during global warming is anybody's guess.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Meditation Monday: Practicing the Sacred
Kamal (Perfection), 15 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Monday, September 22, 2014 about 7:57 am Pacific Time
This morning in the predawn hours I opened my front door and I looked into the darkness. I listened to the voice of the the city mumbling to itself. I watched the morning advance form darkness to light, from night to day. I thought how pleasant and cool morning is before the sun rises above Sunrise Mountain.
As I inhaled the morning coolness, I recited a prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah. Waiting for the neighborhood rooster to crow, I meditated upon the sound of Las Vegas. The voice of the city is never still, no matter what time of day I open my door to look out and listen the voices is always mumbling or whispering about something. The voice is never quiet. Las Vegas is never still. Las Vegas never sleeps. Las Vegas does not take the time to practice a refreshing ten minutes of sacred time.
As I listened to the city, I realized that sometimes I follow Las Vegas' example. Sometimes I rush through my morning without stopping to breath in the sacred. However, this morning was different because I took the time to pray. I took the time to meditate. I took the time to listen to the still small voice of my muse. Now I am taking the time to listen to a bird chirping in the cool late summer air of Las Vegas.
I pause my writing to listen to the bird. I look out my open front door and I see the deep shadows cast by the rising sun as it ascends over one of the cities the never sleeps. I take a deep breath and then I pick up my copy of Remembrance of God, which lays next to my computer keyboard. I open the book and I read a paragraph about meditating upon the verses revealed by God. I smile and then return to my writing knowing that the day will progress smoothly because I have taken time to practice the sacred.
Just as you wouldn't leave the house without taking a shower, you shouldn't start the day without at least 10 minutes of sacred practice: prayer, meditation, inspirational reading.
Marianne Williamson
This morning in the predawn hours I opened my front door and I looked into the darkness. I listened to the voice of the the city mumbling to itself. I watched the morning advance form darkness to light, from night to day. I thought how pleasant and cool morning is before the sun rises above Sunrise Mountain.
As I inhaled the morning coolness, I recited a prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah. Waiting for the neighborhood rooster to crow, I meditated upon the sound of Las Vegas. The voice of the city is never still, no matter what time of day I open my door to look out and listen the voices is always mumbling or whispering about something. The voice is never quiet. Las Vegas is never still. Las Vegas never sleeps. Las Vegas does not take the time to practice a refreshing ten minutes of sacred time.
As I listened to the city, I realized that sometimes I follow Las Vegas' example. Sometimes I rush through my morning without stopping to breath in the sacred. However, this morning was different because I took the time to pray. I took the time to meditate. I took the time to listen to the still small voice of my muse. Now I am taking the time to listen to a bird chirping in the cool late summer air of Las Vegas.
I pause my writing to listen to the bird. I look out my open front door and I see the deep shadows cast by the rising sun as it ascends over one of the cities the never sleeps. I take a deep breath and then I pick up my copy of Remembrance of God, which lays next to my computer keyboard. I open the book and I read a paragraph about meditating upon the verses revealed by God. I smile and then return to my writing knowing that the day will progress smoothly because I have taken time to practice the sacred.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Saturday Morning Shopping
Jalal (Glory), 13 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Saturday, September 20, 2014 about 12:50 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I went shopping this morning. I stopped at two stores and then came back home. I went to Walgreen's because I had a $25.00 gift card I earned from doing surveys. When I requested the gift card I knew what I was going to purchase and knew that the package would cost between $19.00 and $22.00.
The item I purchased, Walgreen's disposable protective underwear, cost $21.99. This meant that I could purchase one more small item, so I bought the Nice 8" Coffee Filters for $1.69. This brought my total up to $25.60, but since I had $3.00 cash in my purse it did not matter.
My next stop was Smith's Food and Drug Store for coffee, bread, and peanut butter. I also bought Hostess Twenkies©, a couple of packages of turkey franks, honey barbecue sauce, and some horseradish mustard. These were the only things I purchased at Smith's, but since I had enough on the debit card I use to purchase food I did not worry about the price. However, before I go to the store again next Friday or Saturday I will have to check the balance on that card.
I think I like going to the store on Saturday morning rather then on Friday because there are fewer people shopping. The only thing I have to contend with in the stores on Saturday are the employees restocking the shelves. I don't mind dealing with shelves being restocked because the employees are nice and helpful. At least at the Smith's and Walgreen's I go to.
I went shopping this morning. I stopped at two stores and then came back home. I went to Walgreen's because I had a $25.00 gift card I earned from doing surveys. When I requested the gift card I knew what I was going to purchase and knew that the package would cost between $19.00 and $22.00.
The item I purchased, Walgreen's disposable protective underwear, cost $21.99. This meant that I could purchase one more small item, so I bought the Nice 8" Coffee Filters for $1.69. This brought my total up to $25.60, but since I had $3.00 cash in my purse it did not matter.
My next stop was Smith's Food and Drug Store for coffee, bread, and peanut butter. I also bought Hostess Twenkies©, a couple of packages of turkey franks, honey barbecue sauce, and some horseradish mustard. These were the only things I purchased at Smith's, but since I had enough on the debit card I use to purchase food I did not worry about the price. However, before I go to the store again next Friday or Saturday I will have to check the balance on that card.
I think I like going to the store on Saturday morning rather then on Friday because there are fewer people shopping. The only thing I have to contend with in the stores on Saturday are the employees restocking the shelves. I don't mind dealing with shelves being restocked because the employees are nice and helpful. At least at the Smith's and Walgreen's I go to.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Thankful Thursday: Today, Thursday September 18, I am Thankful for
Istijlal (Majesty), 11 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Thursday, September 18, 2014 about 4:43 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
01. ...for the scent of vinegar which reminds me of my Grandmother. When Grandma cooked beans she would put a tablespoon of white vinegar in the beans because it made them "less gasses" (this was Grandma Mary's term).
02. ...for the scent of pine needles because it reminds me of the fresh clean pine scented cleaner Grandma Mary always used to mop her floors.
03. ...for the sound of the ice cream truck because it reminds me of my childhood in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
04. ...for the scent of cinnamon because it reminds me of the way Grandma Mary made milk toast. She always put cinnamon on the milk toast before serving it to us for breakfast.
05< ...for the scent of orange peel because it reminds me of fresh squeezed orange juice.
06. ...for the sound of a rooster crowing because it reminds me of the chickens that my grandparents kept so that we could have fresh eggs for breakfast every morning.
07. ...for the scent of mothballs because it reminds me of autumn and Mama unpacking our winter clothes and sweaters.
08. ...the scent of roses because it reminds me of my Mother's favorite flower. Mama loved red roses.
09. ...the scent of pencil erasers because it reminds me of going to grade school in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
10. ...the scent of cut grass because it reminds me of Grandpa Frank mowing the lawn with a push lawnmower.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...for the scent of vinegar which reminds me of my Grandmother. When Grandma cooked beans she would put a tablespoon of white vinegar in the beans because it made them "less gasses" (this was Grandma Mary's term).
02. ...for the scent of pine needles because it reminds me of the fresh clean pine scented cleaner Grandma Mary always used to mop her floors.
03. ...for the sound of the ice cream truck because it reminds me of my childhood in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
04. ...for the scent of cinnamon because it reminds me of the way Grandma Mary made milk toast. She always put cinnamon on the milk toast before serving it to us for breakfast.
05< ...for the scent of orange peel because it reminds me of fresh squeezed orange juice.
06. ...for the sound of a rooster crowing because it reminds me of the chickens that my grandparents kept so that we could have fresh eggs for breakfast every morning.
07. ...for the scent of mothballs because it reminds me of autumn and Mama unpacking our winter clothes and sweaters.
08. ...the scent of roses because it reminds me of my Mother's favorite flower. Mama loved red roses.
09. ...the scent of pencil erasers because it reminds me of going to grade school in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
10. ...the scent of cut grass because it reminds me of Grandpa Frank mowing the lawn with a push lawnmower.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Tribulation/Transformation Tuesday: Afternoon Thoughts About...
Fiḍal (Grace), 9 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Tuesday, September 16, 2014 about 1:10 pm Pacific Daylight Time
If I had composed this entry this morning I would have written about tribulation or depression, but this afternoon my attitude and mood are completely transformed. This change did not come quickly, I had to get offline, fix me something to eat, and say some prayers before my mood changed. I had a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast; however, that did not change my depression.
I fixed a chicken breast with pasta for lunch. When I cooked the chicken breast I put some hot pepper sauce on it and when the chicken was done, I took some pasta with corn, carrots, and celery out of the freezer. I cut up the chicken breast and then added the frozen pasta . After heating that up in the microwave I ate it. When I finished my lunch, I said some prayers and took a short nap.
I have to fix me something a little more substantial then peanut butter sandwiches and coffee for breakfast on Wednesday morning. I have some of the chicken pasta left which I may keep until morning. Otherwise I will fix a hot cake (I have enough pancake batter mixed in the refrigerator for one hot cake) with a turkey sausage patty and apple or orange juice.It is amazing what a prayer, a nap, and food can do. This afternoon I am smiling and feeling positive.
If I had composed this entry this morning I would have written about tribulation or depression, but this afternoon my attitude and mood are completely transformed. This change did not come quickly, I had to get offline, fix me something to eat, and say some prayers before my mood changed. I had a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast; however, that did not change my depression.
I fixed a chicken breast with pasta for lunch. When I cooked the chicken breast I put some hot pepper sauce on it and when the chicken was done, I took some pasta with corn, carrots, and celery out of the freezer. I cut up the chicken breast and then added the frozen pasta . After heating that up in the microwave I ate it. When I finished my lunch, I said some prayers and took a short nap.
I have to fix me something a little more substantial then peanut butter sandwiches and coffee for breakfast on Wednesday morning. I have some of the chicken pasta left which I may keep until morning. Otherwise I will fix a hot cake (I have enough pancake batter mixed in the refrigerator for one hot cake) with a turkey sausage patty and apple or orange juice.It is amazing what a prayer, a nap, and food can do. This afternoon I am smiling and feeling positive.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Supplication Sunday: Word is a Prayer
Jamal (Beauty), 7 ‘Izzat (Migh), 171 BE - Sunday, September 14, 2014 about 1:15 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Dear Lord,
Please help me to perform my daily chores with an attitude of prayer, thanks giving, and praise.
Please help me worship you as I perform my daily labors with joy.
So Be It
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this beautiful late summer day. I look out my window and see the sun reflecting off the apartment building across the street. I watch the palm fronds and smile because they look as if they are hands raised in prayer and thanksgiving.
Thank you for the blessing of hearing a rooster crow every morning at first light. He intones his gratitude for another day of joy and happiness. I am grateful for the beauty of this Sunday and for the sunshine that enlightens my life everyday of the year.
Thank you for another day of life. Thank you for another chance to worship you through my daily labors. Thank you for all that you have given me. Thank you for the chance to proclaim my gratitude through all eternity.
So Be It
Work is a prayer
performed in the attitude
of joy, praise, and gratitude.
Dear Lord,
Please help me to perform my daily chores with an attitude of prayer, thanks giving, and praise.
Please help me worship you as I perform my daily labors with joy.
So Be It
A poem is a prayer
inscribed in stanza and line
by the poet's soul.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this beautiful late summer day. I look out my window and see the sun reflecting off the apartment building across the street. I watch the palm fronds and smile because they look as if they are hands raised in prayer and thanksgiving.
Thank you for the blessing of hearing a rooster crow every morning at first light. He intones his gratitude for another day of joy and happiness. I am grateful for the beauty of this Sunday and for the sunshine that enlightens my life everyday of the year.
Thank you for another day of life. Thank you for another chance to worship you through my daily labors. Thank you for all that you have given me. Thank you for the chance to proclaim my gratitude through all eternity.
So Be It
Friday, September 12, 2014
Foodie Friday: Grocery Shopping
Istiqlal (Independence), 5 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Friday, September 12, 2014 about 2:52 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I went to the grocery store this morning because I needed coffee and peanut butter. I ran out of peanut butter on Saturday, September 6, but decided not to go to the store until I ran out of coffee or it was Friday. I ran out of coffee yesterday so I went grocery shopping today.
A trip to the grocery store sound boring; however, rather then being boring it is an adventure. It is an adventure because Smith's Food & Drug store (my favorite supermarket) is in the process of changing the arrangement and location of the products on the shelf. This means I have to look for the items I want instead of going to the aisle where the used to be located. Some people find this upsetting, but I enjoy the hunt.
As I wrote, I went in for coffee and peanut butter. I also purchased three cans of soup, some turkey sausage, eggs, hot sauce, three 12-packs of ginger ale, and some yogurt. I intended to purchase only one 12-pack of ginger ale, but the store had three for a specific amount of money. Three 12-packs of soda sounds like a lot for one person, but in my case it is wonderful.
When I picked up my senior commodities on Wednesday, September 10, I received more apple juice. I am tired of drinking apple juice without it being mixed with something else. Apple juice is not my favorite fruit juice, so I can just drink so much of it before I have to switch to something else. If I mix the juice with ginger ale it changes the taste of the apple juice enough to give me a different drink. I will drink more apple juice this way.
I went to the grocery store this morning because I needed coffee and peanut butter. I ran out of peanut butter on Saturday, September 6, but decided not to go to the store until I ran out of coffee or it was Friday. I ran out of coffee yesterday so I went grocery shopping today.
A trip to the grocery store sound boring; however, rather then being boring it is an adventure. It is an adventure because Smith's Food & Drug store (my favorite supermarket) is in the process of changing the arrangement and location of the products on the shelf. This means I have to look for the items I want instead of going to the aisle where the used to be located. Some people find this upsetting, but I enjoy the hunt.
As I wrote, I went in for coffee and peanut butter. I also purchased three cans of soup, some turkey sausage, eggs, hot sauce, three 12-packs of ginger ale, and some yogurt. I intended to purchase only one 12-pack of ginger ale, but the store had three for a specific amount of money. Three 12-packs of soda sounds like a lot for one person, but in my case it is wonderful.
When I picked up my senior commodities on Wednesday, September 10, I received more apple juice. I am tired of drinking apple juice without it being mixed with something else. Apple juice is not my favorite fruit juice, so I can just drink so much of it before I have to switch to something else. If I mix the juice with ginger ale it changes the taste of the apple juice enough to give me a different drink. I will drink more apple juice this way.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Thankful Thursday: September Gratitude
Istijlal (Majesty), 4 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Thursday, September 11, 2014 about 6:16 am Pacific Daylight Time
This morning I am thankful...
01. ...for the loud and unidentified noise that woke my out of a sound sleep at 2:30 am because I was able to get my medication taken before my cellphone alarm went off at 4:00 am. I still do not know what made the noise, but it sounded like some sort. It did not sound like a car alarm and it sounded as if it came from inside my apartment.
02. ...that I received two containers of milk when I picked up my senior food allotment yesterday. I have Ovaltine© on the shelf above the sink so I can cup of chocolate milk when I fix my breakfast.
03. ...for the rooster that crows every morning at first light. The sound of a rooster is pleasant and reminds me of my childhood in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
04. ...that the cars going the wrong way on Sunrise Avenue have not hit anyone. Sunrise is a one way street, but for some reason many of the people who drive on it think is a two way street.
05. ...for the prayers and scriptures revealed by Baha'u'llah because they inspire me to write poetry.
06. ...that I received a can of sliced peaches in my senior food allotment yesterday because I can have peaches on my cereal this morning.
07. ...for the sparrows singing in the pine trees across the street. Their voices reverberate through the neighborhood every morning around dawn.
08. ...that no one gets hit when cars speed down Sunrise Avenue at 30 or 35 miles per hour. The speed limit on this residential street is 25 miles per hour.
09. ...for the cooler weather we have experienced in Las Vegas over the last few days. I enjoy the feeling of the cool mornings on my bare arms.
10. ...that most of the neighbors walk their dogs on leashes when they walk them through the neighborhood.
This morning I am thankful...
01. ...for the loud and unidentified noise that woke my out of a sound sleep at 2:30 am because I was able to get my medication taken before my cellphone alarm went off at 4:00 am. I still do not know what made the noise, but it sounded like some sort. It did not sound like a car alarm and it sounded as if it came from inside my apartment.
02. ...that I received two containers of milk when I picked up my senior food allotment yesterday. I have Ovaltine© on the shelf above the sink so I can cup of chocolate milk when I fix my breakfast.
03. ...for the rooster that crows every morning at first light. The sound of a rooster is pleasant and reminds me of my childhood in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
04. ...that the cars going the wrong way on Sunrise Avenue have not hit anyone. Sunrise is a one way street, but for some reason many of the people who drive on it think is a two way street.
05. ...for the prayers and scriptures revealed by Baha'u'llah because they inspire me to write poetry.
06. ...that I received a can of sliced peaches in my senior food allotment yesterday because I can have peaches on my cereal this morning.
07. ...for the sparrows singing in the pine trees across the street. Their voices reverberate through the neighborhood every morning around dawn.
08. ...that no one gets hit when cars speed down Sunrise Avenue at 30 or 35 miles per hour. The speed limit on this residential street is 25 miles per hour.
09. ...for the cooler weather we have experienced in Las Vegas over the last few days. I enjoy the feeling of the cool mornings on my bare arms.
10. ...that most of the neighbors walk their dogs on leashes when they walk them through the neighborhood.
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Tribulation Tuesday: I suppose I should cut down on the coffee
Fiḍal (Grace), 2 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Tuesday, September 9, 2014 about 5:50 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I suppose I should cut down on the coffee, not it it would help me sleep because how much coffee I drink has very little effect on the way I sleep. I would sleep better if I have a real bed, rather then a love seat, to sleep on. All though, that might not make much difference because when I did have a real bed to sleep in my back hurt so bad that I couldn't sleep.
I would like a bed or at least a recliner to sleep on rather then a love seat. I think the biggest share of my problems would be solved by a good night's sleep. It's been a long time since I have a restful night's sleep. I've tried drinking coffee only in the morning and then switching to tea in the afternoon, but that doesn't seem to help. In fact, I think the tea causes me more sleep problems then the coffee.
I suppose I should cut down on the coffee and drink it only in the morning. I could switch to juice or water in the afternoon. I've been drinking iced coffee most of the summer anyway. If I drink hot coffee it makes me too hot, while cold coffee cools me down. After I finish the coffee I have in my cup, I'll switch to water because I have to get up at 4:00 am on Wednesday morning. I have a class at 8:30 am so I need to have time to take my thyroid medication an hour before I eat. I can take the medication and then get ready for my class.
I suppose I should cut down on the coffee, not it it would help me sleep because how much coffee I drink has very little effect on the way I sleep. I would sleep better if I have a real bed, rather then a love seat, to sleep on. All though, that might not make much difference because when I did have a real bed to sleep in my back hurt so bad that I couldn't sleep.
I would like a bed or at least a recliner to sleep on rather then a love seat. I think the biggest share of my problems would be solved by a good night's sleep. It's been a long time since I have a restful night's sleep. I've tried drinking coffee only in the morning and then switching to tea in the afternoon, but that doesn't seem to help. In fact, I think the tea causes me more sleep problems then the coffee.
I suppose I should cut down on the coffee and drink it only in the morning. I could switch to juice or water in the afternoon. I've been drinking iced coffee most of the summer anyway. If I drink hot coffee it makes me too hot, while cold coffee cools me down. After I finish the coffee I have in my cup, I'll switch to water because I have to get up at 4:00 am on Wednesday morning. I have a class at 8:30 am so I need to have time to take my thyroid medication an hour before I eat. I can take the medication and then get ready for my class.
Monday, September 08, 2014
Meditation Monday: Alone on a Rainy Day
Kamal (Perfection), 1 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Monday, September 8, 2014 about 3:36 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It is raining in Las Vegas. I look out my front window and watch the raindrops his the black asphalt of Sunrise Avenue. The rain transforms the street into a shiny ebony ribbon.
Rain is a necessary danger in the desert. It waters the plants and animals, while threatening them with flash food. There is a flash food watch in effect for parts of Las Vegas and Clark County.
I don't mind being alone on a rainy day because I'm not lonely. I can look out the window and envision the angels carrying raindrop to the ground.
Las Vegas rain
clears the air of summer
and foretells autumn's arrival.
Each raindrop
carried by an angel
to the thirsty desert soil.
Rain is a necessary danger in the desert. It waters the plants and animals, while threatening them with flash food. There is a flash food watch in effect for parts of Las Vegas and Clark County.
I am alone
watching the rain
and listening to my refrigerator.
I don't mind being alone on a rainy day because I'm not lonely. I can look out the window and envision the angels carrying raindrop to the ground.
Humidity
sweltering and making
me think temperatures are higher.
Friday, September 05, 2014
Friday Afternoon Thoughts
Istiqlal (Independence), 17 Asma (Names), 171 BE - Friday, September 5, 2014 about 7:07 pm Pacific Time
I received a new pair of athletic through the mail this morning. After I found a pair of clean sock, I put them on. The shoes are comfortable and my feet feel good for once. In fact, my feet feel so good that I am considering writing a sonnet to my new shoes.
That is a good start, but I think I will have to do a little rewriting because that line does not have the rhythm of a Shakespearean Sonnet, which I have to write by Sunday, September 7. I had planned to use another subject, but that is not working out. Maybe I am trying too hard. When I get off life I will say some extra prayers for the issues I am having with this sonnet. I always have problems settling a a theme when I write challenge poem.
That sounds better and the rhythm flows smoother then the first line. I think I will keep that line and work on the sonnet from there. The rhyme scheme of this sonnet is a. b. a. b... c. d. c. d... e. f. e. f... g. g. All I have to do is write 14 lines, which will be easy once I come up with the theme. After I finish the sonnet then I have to write a sestina and a double (mirror) acrostic. I am having trouble because I cannot come up with a subject that strikes my interest. However, I should have that problem solved tonight or tomorrow.
I received a new pair of athletic through the mail this morning. After I found a pair of clean sock, I put them on. The shoes are comfortable and my feet feel good for once. In fact, my feet feel so good that I am considering writing a sonnet to my new shoes.
In my new running shoe I walk on air
That is a good start, but I think I will have to do a little rewriting because that line does not have the rhythm of a Shakespearean Sonnet, which I have to write by Sunday, September 7. I had planned to use another subject, but that is not working out. Maybe I am trying too hard. When I get off life I will say some extra prayers for the issues I am having with this sonnet. I always have problems settling a a theme when I write challenge poem.
I put on a new pair of running shoes
That sounds better and the rhythm flows smoother then the first line. I think I will keep that line and work on the sonnet from there. The rhyme scheme of this sonnet is a. b. a. b... c. d. c. d... e. f. e. f... g. g. All I have to do is write 14 lines, which will be easy once I come up with the theme. After I finish the sonnet then I have to write a sestina and a double (mirror) acrostic. I am having trouble because I cannot come up with a subject that strikes my interest. However, I should have that problem solved tonight or tomorrow.
Thursday, September 04, 2014
Thankful Thursday: The First Thankful Thursday in September
Istijlal (Majesty), 16 Asma (Names), 171 BE - Thursday, September 4, 2014 about 3:53 pm Pacific Daylight Time
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I pause
to whisper a prayer,
to give thanks for another day
of life.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I am thankful
for the leather medicine bag
a friend made for me
before he passed
into the heavenly abode.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I give thanks
that I have my Mother's
pink prayer beads
to use
when I intone God's Most Great Name.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I realize
that I have a great deal
to be thankful for.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I give thanks
that the breaks on my car work;
that I have spinach cooking
in the electric skillet;
and that I wrote my first
Steampunk poem yesterday.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I am grateful
for the rooster
that crows every morning;
for the birds
singing in the pine trees;
for the palm tress
waving their fronds;
for the beautiful
Las Vegas sunshine;
and for the picture of 'Abdu'l-Baha
that is next to my keyboard.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I pause
to whisper a prayer,
to give thanks for another day
of life.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I am thankful
for the leather medicine bag
a friend made for me
before he passed
into the heavenly abode.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I give thanks
that I have my Mother's
pink prayer beads
to use
when I intone God's Most Great Name.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I realize
that I have a great deal
to be thankful for.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I give thanks
that the breaks on my car work;
that I have spinach cooking
in the electric skillet;
and that I wrote my first
Steampunk poem yesterday.
On the first thankful Thursday in September,
I am grateful
for the rooster
that crows every morning;
for the birds
singing in the pine trees;
for the palm tress
waving their fronds;
for the beautiful
Las Vegas sunshine;
and for the picture of 'Abdu'l-Baha
that is next to my keyboard.
Wednesday, September 03, 2014
Midweek Reflections: Melancholy Wednesday
'Idal (Justice), 15 Asma (Names), 171 BE - Wednesday, September 3, 2014 about 8:15 am Pacific Daylight Time
Melancholy Wednesday
shadows descend on my mind:
Do I want to cry?
I listed to the echoes of the Republic Service trash collection trucks reverberating though the neighborhood. The trucks drive down the alleys or through the streets stopping at every trash receptacle or dumpster, depending on whether there are apartment building or residential houses. Their presence does not lighten my mood or bring me joy.
Melancholy Wednesday
Metro helicopter flying over
my neighborhood.
Metro helicopter just flew above this neighborhood. The copter was not looking for anyone in his neighborhood because they flew too high and too fast to see anything of interest. The blades of the helicopter cutting through the warm morning air does not lighten my mood.
Melancholy Wednesday
prayer and God's Most Great Name intoned
I smile as I listen
to the neighborhood noises.
The only thing that lightens my mood this morning is prayer and coffee. I am guaranteed to smile when I pray and then have my morning cup of hot or iced java. It looks like it is going to be a nice day after all.
Melancholy Wednesday
shadows descend on my mind:
Do I want to cry?
I listed to the echoes of the Republic Service trash collection trucks reverberating though the neighborhood. The trucks drive down the alleys or through the streets stopping at every trash receptacle or dumpster, depending on whether there are apartment building or residential houses. Their presence does not lighten my mood or bring me joy.
Melancholy Wednesday
Metro helicopter flying over
my neighborhood.
Metro helicopter just flew above this neighborhood. The copter was not looking for anyone in his neighborhood because they flew too high and too fast to see anything of interest. The blades of the helicopter cutting through the warm morning air does not lighten my mood.
Melancholy Wednesday
prayer and God's Most Great Name intoned
I smile as I listen
to the neighborhood noises.
The only thing that lightens my mood this morning is prayer and coffee. I am guaranteed to smile when I pray and then have my morning cup of hot or iced java. It looks like it is going to be a nice day after all.
Monday, September 01, 2014
Monday Meditation: No You-er Then You
Kamal (Perfection), 13 Asma (Names), 171 BE - Monday, September 1, 2014 about 9:25 am Pacific Daylight Time
A human being,
an individual,
unique,
sometimes absurd,
sometimes weird,
sometimes terrified beyond words,
sometimes completely fearless,
trusting in God,
writing poetry,
proclaiming Baha'u'llah,
praying,
singing,
laughing,
crying,
etc.
I am a unique human being! I enjoy drinking both hot and iced coffee. I put coffee on my dry cereal instead of milk. I have memorized prayers revealed by The Bah, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. On the left side of my keyboard is Remembrance of God and on the right side sitting on a wooden television stand is my coffee.
There is no one, not a single other individual human being, that is me-er then me. I write poetry. I write short stories. I write novels. I am a member of writing.com. I am a member of Facebook. I am Prosperous Snow because "Prosperous" is the meaning of my middle name and "Snow" is the meaning of my first name. I have an intriguing and sometimes weird sense of humor.
"Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!"
Dr. Seuss
No Me-er The Me
with apologizes to Dr. Seuss
A human being,
an individual,
unique,
sometimes absurd,
sometimes weird,
sometimes terrified beyond words,
sometimes completely fearless,
trusting in God,
writing poetry,
proclaiming Baha'u'llah,
praying,
singing,
laughing,
crying,
etc.
I am a unique human being! I enjoy drinking both hot and iced coffee. I put coffee on my dry cereal instead of milk. I have memorized prayers revealed by The Bah, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. On the left side of my keyboard is Remembrance of God and on the right side sitting on a wooden television stand is my coffee.
There is no one, not a single other individual human being, that is me-er then me. I write poetry. I write short stories. I write novels. I am a member of writing.com. I am a member of Facebook. I am Prosperous Snow because "Prosperous" is the meaning of my middle name and "Snow" is the meaning of my first name. I have an intriguing and sometimes weird sense of humor.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Saturday Review: I am changing the way I purchase paper towels and toilet paper
Jalál (Glory), 11 Asmá’ (Names), 171 BE - Saturday, August 30, 2014 about 10:27 am Pacific Daylight Time
I used to be one of those people who purchased only national or name brand toilet paper and paper towels. If I had coupons I would use coupons, but I would always buy a name brand, but not any more. For the second time in two or three months, I downloaded e-coupons to my shopper's card for both paper towels and toilet paper. When I got to the supermarket and looked at the prices, I decided it was cheaper to purchase the store brand without a coupon then it was to purchase the name brand with a coupon.
I purchased a package containing three rolls of paper towels, a 4-roll package of toilet paper, and one box of facial tissue for less then $4.00 without coupons. I am no longer going to download coupons to my shopper's card for either paper towels or toilet paper because I will not use them. I will get to the store, look at the prices, and decide to purchase the store brand instead of the national brand.
I might use paper coupons for these items, but only if I think the savings is worth the hassle of clipping the coupons, carrying them to the store, and comparing the prices. Otherwise I will continue to purchase the store or some other generic brand of paper towels and toilet paper. Why spend a lot of money for something you are just going to flesh down the drain or throw in the dumpster?
I used to be one of those people who purchased only national or name brand toilet paper and paper towels. If I had coupons I would use coupons, but I would always buy a name brand, but not any more. For the second time in two or three months, I downloaded e-coupons to my shopper's card for both paper towels and toilet paper. When I got to the supermarket and looked at the prices, I decided it was cheaper to purchase the store brand without a coupon then it was to purchase the name brand with a coupon.
I purchased a package containing three rolls of paper towels, a 4-roll package of toilet paper, and one box of facial tissue for less then $4.00 without coupons. I am no longer going to download coupons to my shopper's card for either paper towels or toilet paper because I will not use them. I will get to the store, look at the prices, and decide to purchase the store brand instead of the national brand.
I might use paper coupons for these items, but only if I think the savings is worth the hassle of clipping the coupons, carrying them to the store, and comparing the prices. Otherwise I will continue to purchase the store or some other generic brand of paper towels and toilet paper. Why spend a lot of money for something you are just going to flesh down the drain or throw in the dumpster?
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Thankful Thursday: The Last Thankful Thursday in August 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 9 Asmá’ (Names), 171 BE - Thursday, August 28, 2014 about 5:39 am Pacific Daylight Time
On the last Thankful Thursday in August 2014, I am thankful...
01. ...for spellcheckers because this morning my fingers don't want to spell the words properly. They keep missing letters in the middle of the word.
02. ...that on Wednesday, August 27, I went to the full service gas station after I stopped at the bank instead of going to the grocery store before getting gas. After the attendant put gas in my car, he checked the tires and the one on the front passenger side was flat. The gas station attendant put air in the tire, then I went to American Discount Tires (where I purchased my tires) to have them see what caused the problem and got the tire fixed.
03. ...for the rooster that crows every morning at first light because hearing him greet the new day is inspiring.
04. ...that I had a $2.00 off coupon for a box of Depends© that I could use when I went to Smiths Food & Drug store yesterday.
05. ...for the blessing of living in an apartment with thin walls. I can hear the neighbors music, their dog bark when it gets upset, and smell the food they are cooking, It is inspiring to live in such a close neighborhood.
06. ...that I have a push cart with wheels so that I can bring my groceries in from my car. I can also use the cart for taking laundry to the car and boxes to the dumpsters in the alley.
07. ...for Folger© black silk coffee the smoothest and best tasting coffee I have ever consumed.
08. ...that I can sit at my computer each morning and look out my front door. It is inspiring to watch the sky turn from silken black to pale blue and then to sapphire.
09. ...for the Brita© pitcher because I do not have to purchase bottled water to either drink or use to make coffee at home.
10. ...that I had a $1.50 off coupon for a Brita© filter for my pitcher. I purchased the new filter and will put it in the pitcher on September 1.
On the last Thankful Thursday in August 2014, I am thankful...
01. ...for spellcheckers because this morning my fingers don't want to spell the words properly. They keep missing letters in the middle of the word.
02. ...that on Wednesday, August 27, I went to the full service gas station after I stopped at the bank instead of going to the grocery store before getting gas. After the attendant put gas in my car, he checked the tires and the one on the front passenger side was flat. The gas station attendant put air in the tire, then I went to American Discount Tires (where I purchased my tires) to have them see what caused the problem and got the tire fixed.
03. ...for the rooster that crows every morning at first light because hearing him greet the new day is inspiring.
04. ...that I had a $2.00 off coupon for a box of Depends© that I could use when I went to Smiths Food & Drug store yesterday.
05. ...for the blessing of living in an apartment with thin walls. I can hear the neighbors music, their dog bark when it gets upset, and smell the food they are cooking, It is inspiring to live in such a close neighborhood.
06. ...that I have a push cart with wheels so that I can bring my groceries in from my car. I can also use the cart for taking laundry to the car and boxes to the dumpsters in the alley.
07. ...for Folger© black silk coffee the smoothest and best tasting coffee I have ever consumed.
08. ...that I can sit at my computer each morning and look out my front door. It is inspiring to watch the sky turn from silken black to pale blue and then to sapphire.
09. ...for the Brita© pitcher because I do not have to purchase bottled water to either drink or use to make coffee at home.
10. ...that I had a $1.50 off coupon for a Brita© filter for my pitcher. I purchased the new filter and will put it in the pitcher on September 1.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
It's Time for a Nap
Fiḍál (Grace), 7 Asmá’ (Names), 171 BE - Tuesday, August 26, 2014 about 12:29 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It is time. I have fought against it for so long and I cannot fight it any more. I have to take a nap. I have no choice I am yawning. My eyes are closing and I am I am attempting to write in my sleep. I can write in my sleep, but the sentences sound weird and do not make sense. I just wrote the following sentence.
It is time. I have fought against it for so long and I cannot fight it any more. I have to take a nap. I have no choice I am yawning. My eyes are closing and I am I am attempting to write in my sleep. I can write in my sleep, but the sentences sound weird and do not make sense. I just wrote the following sentence.
My eyes are closing and I cannot find a person...
I do not know what I meant by I cannot find a person. What person did I mean? I do not know because I dozed off right before I wrote it and then woke up to find that weird sentence. I do not know if I will be able to sleep when I sit down on the love seat. Sometime I get so sleepy at the keyboard that I have to get off the computer, but then when I start to take a nap I cannot doze off.
I will attempt to nap, but if I find I cannot sleep then I will either get back on the computer or do some more work in the kitchen. I still have some items to find room for in the cupboards. I am also waiting for FedEx© to pick up a package, so I guess I better open the door slightly so I can hear the delivery person when the truck arrives.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Meditation Monday: Prayer, Meditation, Forgiveness
Kamál (Perfection), 6 Asmá’ (Names), 171 BE - Monday, August 25, 2014 about 6:26 am Pacific Daylight Time
I deepen my experience of God through prayer, meditation, and forgiveness.
Marianne Williamson
I discovered that beautiful quote on the Psychology Today website in an article by Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D. titled Here, There, and Everywhere, which was published on June 8, 2012.
That quote inspired me to write the following poem.
I empty my mind,
I intone God's Most Great Name,
and then read the quote.
Mind and spirit calmed
I feel the words echoing
my spirit's bird song.
I forgive myself,
and I forgive others too:
inhale forgiveness.
I breathe in and out
meditation's exercise:
exhale forgiveness.
I intone God's praise
reciting revealed prayers:
faith's tranquility.
That quote inspired me to write the following poem.
I empty my mind,
I intone God's Most Great Name,
and then read the quote.
Mind and spirit calmed
I feel the words echoing
my spirit's bird song.
I forgive myself,
and I forgive others too:
inhale forgiveness.
I breathe in and out
meditation's exercise:
exhale forgiveness.
I intone God's praise
reciting revealed prayers:
faith's tranquility.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Supplication Sunday: Prayer for Dealing Childhood Memories of Buillying
Jamál (Beauty), 5 Asmá’ (Names), 171 BE - Sunday, August 24, 2014 about 6:39 am Pacific Daylight Time
Dear Lord,
Please help me
deal with the childhood memories
of being bullied
because I wore glasses.
Please help me
spread the message that,
even at 67,
the hurt remains
a thick jagged line
of fibrous tissue
across my soul.
Amen.
Dear Lord,
Please help me
deal with the childhood memories
of being bullied
because I wore glasses.
Please help me
spread the message that,
even at 67,
the hurt remains
a thick jagged line
of fibrous tissue
across my soul.
Amen.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Writing it Out on Friday
Istiqlál (Independence), 3 Asmá’ (Names), 171 BE - Friday, August 22, 2014 about 3:01 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It's Friday afternoon, I'm depressed and I want to cry. I want to sit down on my love seat and cry until the depression goes away, but I know that crying won't help. Crying will only make the depression worse, so instead of crying I'm going to write. After I finish writing, I'll put the dishes I just wash away and then was the electric fry pan.
Writing helps alleviate the depression. At least it does when I spell the words properly and don't have to click the spell check every five seconds to find the proper spelling. Writing makes me happy. I always smile when I write, even if what I'm writing is nonsense or ranting. I know I can't write all the time because I have housework to do. I also have to find a way to increase my income, but sometime the surveys make me depressed because I think I could be using my time better.
Writing out the depression
one sentence at a time
this butterfly comes out of her cocoon
while overcoming the depression.
That's a good start to a poem. I have to write an acrostic poem. I have to write a mirror acrostic poem because that is the one type of acrostic poem I have not been able to master. I suppose once I've master it someone will come up with a new type of acrostic. I'll deal with that possibility when the time comes. Depression might be a good theme for an acrostic poem.
It's Friday afternoon, I'm depressed and I want to cry. I want to sit down on my love seat and cry until the depression goes away, but I know that crying won't help. Crying will only make the depression worse, so instead of crying I'm going to write. After I finish writing, I'll put the dishes I just wash away and then was the electric fry pan.
Writing helps alleviate the depression. At least it does when I spell the words properly and don't have to click the spell check every five seconds to find the proper spelling. Writing makes me happy. I always smile when I write, even if what I'm writing is nonsense or ranting. I know I can't write all the time because I have housework to do. I also have to find a way to increase my income, but sometime the surveys make me depressed because I think I could be using my time better.
Writing out the depression
one sentence at a time
this butterfly comes out of her cocoon
while overcoming the depression.
That's a good start to a poem. I have to write an acrostic poem. I have to write a mirror acrostic poem because that is the one type of acrostic poem I have not been able to master. I suppose once I've master it someone will come up with a new type of acrostic. I'll deal with that possibility when the time comes. Depression might be a good theme for an acrostic poem.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Thankful Thursday: August 21, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 2 Asmá’ (Names), 171 BE - Thursday, August 21, 2014 about 12:48 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that I was able to transfer money from my Opinions Outpost account to my PayPal account and then to my checking account.
02, ...for the coffee maker I used to make coffee every morning because fresh brewed coffee tastes better then instant coffee.
03. ...that I heard a sparrow sing this morning when I opened my front door. I love living in a neighborhood where I can hear the birds singing in the pine, oak, or palm trees.
04. ...for peanut butter sandwiches on white bread because it brings back memories of my childhood and my Grandmother Mary's peanut butter sandwiches.
05. ...that I was able to accept two video ads for Poet 999's Thoughts about Writing and Other Stuff. I accepted on ad yesterday and another today.
06. ...for the partly cloudy sky I see when I look out my window. The white clouds move slowly across the blue sky sometimes hiding the sun.
07. ...that I found my copy of The Book of Forms: A Handbook of Poetics by Lewis Turco because I have a poem to write for a monthly contest on writing.com. This month I am going to attempt a form poem instead of free verse and I need to chose the form I am going to use.
08. ...for the book Remembrance of God: A Selection of Baha'i Prayers and Holy Writing which I placed next to my computer keyboard. If I have trouble thinking of something to write I can say a prayer and I will find a theme or subject.
09. ...that today is Thankful Thursday because I needed to find something to be Thankful for this week. Writing a Thankful Thursday gratitude list is always encouraging and inspiring.
10. ...for writing.com and a place to keep some of my creative works.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that I was able to transfer money from my Opinions Outpost account to my PayPal account and then to my checking account.
02, ...for the coffee maker I used to make coffee every morning because fresh brewed coffee tastes better then instant coffee.
03. ...that I heard a sparrow sing this morning when I opened my front door. I love living in a neighborhood where I can hear the birds singing in the pine, oak, or palm trees.
04. ...for peanut butter sandwiches on white bread because it brings back memories of my childhood and my Grandmother Mary's peanut butter sandwiches.
05. ...that I was able to accept two video ads for Poet 999's Thoughts about Writing and Other Stuff. I accepted on ad yesterday and another today.
06. ...for the partly cloudy sky I see when I look out my window. The white clouds move slowly across the blue sky sometimes hiding the sun.
07. ...that I found my copy of The Book of Forms: A Handbook of Poetics by Lewis Turco because I have a poem to write for a monthly contest on writing.com. This month I am going to attempt a form poem instead of free verse and I need to chose the form I am going to use.
08. ...for the book Remembrance of God: A Selection of Baha'i Prayers and Holy Writing which I placed next to my computer keyboard. If I have trouble thinking of something to write I can say a prayer and I will find a theme or subject.
09. ...that today is Thankful Thursday because I needed to find something to be Thankful for this week. Writing a Thankful Thursday gratitude list is always encouraging and inspiring.
10. ...for writing.com and a place to keep some of my creative works.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Tribulation Tuesday: Tuesday Afternoon Depression
Fiḍál (Grace), 19 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 about 3:17 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It's a depressing Tuesday afternoon. I think I should say it's Tuesday afternoon and I'm depressed. I don't know why I'm depressed so I'm going to focus on writing instead of the depression. Writing usually helps me overcome the desire to cry on my keyboard, which would short out the keyboard. Since I'm depress I will ramble instead of focusing on one subject.
It's Tuesday afternoon, I'm depressed. Depression is part of the tribulation I deal with on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. The time period of my depression depends on a number of things and sometimes I don't know what triggers the depression. At other times I suspect the depression is caused by my negative thoughts or whatever I ate for lunch or dinner. Composing this blog entry helps alleviate the depression because it refocuses my thought.
There was a time when I wasn't as open about the depression as today. I don't think hiding the problems helps. I think hiding the problem just makes the depression worse because if I hide it, if I don't admit it exists, I can't ask for help. If I hide it I can't go to my friends and say "I'm depressed! Can we talk about it?" I think this entry has come to an end because I'm not depressed any more. Writing about it has helped. Writing about it always helps.
It's a depressing Tuesday afternoon. I think I should say it's Tuesday afternoon and I'm depressed. I don't know why I'm depressed so I'm going to focus on writing instead of the depression. Writing usually helps me overcome the desire to cry on my keyboard, which would short out the keyboard. Since I'm depress I will ramble instead of focusing on one subject.
It's Tuesday afternoon, I'm depressed. Depression is part of the tribulation I deal with on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. The time period of my depression depends on a number of things and sometimes I don't know what triggers the depression. At other times I suspect the depression is caused by my negative thoughts or whatever I ate for lunch or dinner. Composing this blog entry helps alleviate the depression because it refocuses my thought.
There was a time when I wasn't as open about the depression as today. I don't think hiding the problems helps. I think hiding the problem just makes the depression worse because if I hide it, if I don't admit it exists, I can't ask for help. If I hide it I can't go to my friends and say "I'm depressed! Can we talk about it?" I think this entry has come to an end because I'm not depressed any more. Writing about it has helped. Writing about it always helps.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Meditation Monday: Trust in God
Kamál (Perfection), 18 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Monday, August 18, 2014 about 8:35 am Pacific Daylight Time
Patience, sometimes I have it and sometimes I don't, I have found is something that is necessary when I place my problems in God's hands. I used to think I was patient, but lately I do not see that virtue in myself especially when I do not have control of a situation. While I may not have control of a situation, I know that God does.
Today
I place my impatience
and all of my problems
in God's hands.
My impatience is a test I have to face. It is a vice I have to replace with the virtue of patience. I have found that tests and difficulties are made worse by impatience. Impatience is looking too closely at the problem without raising my eyes to look beyond my present condition. If I look beyond the test I am facing, I will find the solution by looking outside myself. When I place a problem in God's hands then I am looking beyond my helplessness and relying on strength that is outside my own weaknesses.
I take a deep breath,
I place the problem in God's hands,
I take whatever action I can
knowing that the situation
will turn out according to God's plan.
"Be patient under all conditions, and put your whole trust and confidence in God."
Baha'u'llah, Remembrance of God, page 1
Patience, sometimes I have it and sometimes I don't, I have found is something that is necessary when I place my problems in God's hands. I used to think I was patient, but lately I do not see that virtue in myself especially when I do not have control of a situation. While I may not have control of a situation, I know that God does.
Today
I place my impatience
and all of my problems
in God's hands.
My impatience is a test I have to face. It is a vice I have to replace with the virtue of patience. I have found that tests and difficulties are made worse by impatience. Impatience is looking too closely at the problem without raising my eyes to look beyond my present condition. If I look beyond the test I am facing, I will find the solution by looking outside myself. When I place a problem in God's hands then I am looking beyond my helplessness and relying on strength that is outside my own weaknesses.
I take a deep breath,
I place the problem in God's hands,
I take whatever action I can
knowing that the situation
will turn out according to God's plan.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Saturday Review: An Interesting Week
Jalál (Glory), 16 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Saturday, August 16, 2014 about 6:45 pm Pacific Daylight Time
At the end of an interesting week, I contemplate my accomplishments. I have not accomplished as much as I wanted to, but that is normal. I did get some things accomplished and I am going to get more accomplished this week end. On Friday I went to Smith's Food & Drug store to purchase some food. I specifically went to purchase eggs and fully cooked turkey breakfast sausages. I also purchased a package of frozen turkey burgers, which are quite tasty when you put hot pepper sauce on them.
At the end of an interesting week, I am attempting to think of ways to eat dry cereal. I think I will try something creative with the cereal on Sunday. Fix me an egg, a sausage, and a bowl of cereal with applesauce instead of milk. I do not care much for milk on cereal anymore. Maybe I will try coffee on my cereal instead of applesauce or milk and see how that tastes.
At the end of an interesting week I am looking for creative ways to eat cereal. I do not care to eat cereal for breakfast, but I do like cereal. Perhaps I will use it as a snack tomorrow instead of having crackers and cheese. I quit eating sugar on my cereal years ago and I am now on the way to cutting out milk on my cereal. My mother ate dry cereal without milk or anything on it for breakfast, but I have not tried that yet. Perhaps tomorrow with my sausage and eggs.
At the end of an interesting week, I contemplate my accomplishments. I have not accomplished as much as I wanted to, but that is normal. I did get some things accomplished and I am going to get more accomplished this week end. On Friday I went to Smith's Food & Drug store to purchase some food. I specifically went to purchase eggs and fully cooked turkey breakfast sausages. I also purchased a package of frozen turkey burgers, which are quite tasty when you put hot pepper sauce on them.
At the end of an interesting week, I am attempting to think of ways to eat dry cereal. I think I will try something creative with the cereal on Sunday. Fix me an egg, a sausage, and a bowl of cereal with applesauce instead of milk. I do not care much for milk on cereal anymore. Maybe I will try coffee on my cereal instead of applesauce or milk and see how that tastes.
At the end of an interesting week I am looking for creative ways to eat cereal. I do not care to eat cereal for breakfast, but I do like cereal. Perhaps I will use it as a snack tomorrow instead of having crackers and cheese. I quit eating sugar on my cereal years ago and I am now on the way to cutting out milk on my cereal. My mother ate dry cereal without milk or anything on it for breakfast, but I have not tried that yet. Perhaps tomorrow with my sausage and eggs.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Thankful Thursday: What do I have to give thanks for?
Istijlál (Majesty), 14 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Thursday, August 14, 2014 about 3:27 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It is August 14, 2014. It is the second Thankful Thursday in August, with two more to go. It is one of those days when I wonder what I have to be thankful for. I have been going in and out of depression for a few days now, so it is important for me to find something to give thanks for. Since it is Thankful Thursday, I need to find ten things to put on my gratitude list.
On Thursday, August 14, 2014, I am Thankful...
01. ...for Tabasco© Sauce my favorite brand of hot pepper sauce.
02, ...that Tabasco© Sauce comes in several different flavors because I am a creative cook who likes to experiment with different flavors of hop pepper sauce.
03. ...for frozen pieces of chicken I purchase in the store because I do not have to deal with preparing whole chicken when I cook.
04. ...that it rained last weekend because the rain made me smile, which helped to alive my depression.
05. ...for the bottle vinegar I had on the shelf because I was able to clean my coffeemaker out before I made tea this afternoon.
06. ...that I have several bags of English black tea in a canister because that is my favorite flavor to use for hot and iced tea with.
07. ...for the cans of apple sauce I get with my Senior Commodities allotment because I can eat apple sauce for desert when I do not have anything else in the house.
08. ...that I still have some catfish in the freezer because I can thaw one out for my breakfast tomorrow.
09. ...for the warm beauty of an August afternoon.
10. ...that my cellphone has a calculator.
It is August 14, 2014. It is the second Thankful Thursday in August, with two more to go. It is one of those days when I wonder what I have to be thankful for. I have been going in and out of depression for a few days now, so it is important for me to find something to give thanks for. Since it is Thankful Thursday, I need to find ten things to put on my gratitude list.
On Thursday, August 14, 2014, I am Thankful...
01. ...for Tabasco© Sauce my favorite brand of hot pepper sauce.
02, ...that Tabasco© Sauce comes in several different flavors because I am a creative cook who likes to experiment with different flavors of hop pepper sauce.
03. ...for frozen pieces of chicken I purchase in the store because I do not have to deal with preparing whole chicken when I cook.
04. ...that it rained last weekend because the rain made me smile, which helped to alive my depression.
05. ...for the bottle vinegar I had on the shelf because I was able to clean my coffeemaker out before I made tea this afternoon.
06. ...that I have several bags of English black tea in a canister because that is my favorite flavor to use for hot and iced tea with.
07. ...for the cans of apple sauce I get with my Senior Commodities allotment because I can eat apple sauce for desert when I do not have anything else in the house.
08. ...that I still have some catfish in the freezer because I can thaw one out for my breakfast tomorrow.
09. ...for the warm beauty of an August afternoon.
10. ...that my cellphone has a calculator.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Midweek Reflections: Keeping Depression at Bay
‘Idál (Justice), 13 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Wednesday, August 13, 2014 about 6:56 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It's Wednesday afternoon and I'm depressed. I'm not sure why I'm depressed, but one reason may be that I haven't been making any entries in my Pen & Paper Journal. I haven't made an entry in that journal in a couple of months, so today I started a an entry. I haven't finished it yet because I wrote half a paragraph and fell asleep before I finished it. I'll finish that entry this evening.
The weird thing is that this morning I felt find. No depression even though it was cloudy and looked rainy. I was find until this afternoon and the depression hit me like a bolt of lightning. I wanted to cry, I'm past the tears stage now. As long as I write, the depression doesn't bother me and appears to go away entirely. It doesn't bother me as long as I write; however, I can't write all the time because I have housework and laundry to do. I'm considering going to the laundromat on Friday morning before I go to the grocery store for some food stuff and other supplies.
I may not go to the grocery store until Saturday. I haven't been out of the house all week, so that could be one reason I'm depressed. The only thing I've did outside the house is take the trash to the alley and then walk back to the apartment. I usually try to take the trash early in the morning, but maybe I need to do it closer to noon so that I can get more sunshine.
I'll finish the letter to Baha'u'llah I started in my Pen & Paper Journal, maybe that will reveal why I'm depressed. Not that I would write the reason for my depression in a blog entry. Writing why I'm depressed is too personal right now and I can't get up the courage to write about it online, which is the reason I keep a Pen & Paper Journal. I think this is the most I've ever written about my depression online. I might try this again later in the week.
It's Wednesday afternoon and I'm depressed. I'm not sure why I'm depressed, but one reason may be that I haven't been making any entries in my Pen & Paper Journal. I haven't made an entry in that journal in a couple of months, so today I started a an entry. I haven't finished it yet because I wrote half a paragraph and fell asleep before I finished it. I'll finish that entry this evening.
The weird thing is that this morning I felt find. No depression even though it was cloudy and looked rainy. I was find until this afternoon and the depression hit me like a bolt of lightning. I wanted to cry, I'm past the tears stage now. As long as I write, the depression doesn't bother me and appears to go away entirely. It doesn't bother me as long as I write; however, I can't write all the time because I have housework and laundry to do. I'm considering going to the laundromat on Friday morning before I go to the grocery store for some food stuff and other supplies.
I may not go to the grocery store until Saturday. I haven't been out of the house all week, so that could be one reason I'm depressed. The only thing I've did outside the house is take the trash to the alley and then walk back to the apartment. I usually try to take the trash early in the morning, but maybe I need to do it closer to noon so that I can get more sunshine.
I'll finish the letter to Baha'u'llah I started in my Pen & Paper Journal, maybe that will reveal why I'm depressed. Not that I would write the reason for my depression in a blog entry. Writing why I'm depressed is too personal right now and I can't get up the courage to write about it online, which is the reason I keep a Pen & Paper Journal. I think this is the most I've ever written about my depression online. I might try this again later in the week.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Tribulation Tuesday: The way I deal with tribulation
Fiḍál (Grace), 12 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Tuesday, August 12, 2014 about 11:13 am Pacific Daylight Time
He who puts his trust in God, God will suffice him,
He who fears God, God will send him relief,
Baha'u'llah
Tribulations,
tests, and difficulties
build muscles on the soul.
My way of dealing with tests, difficulties, and tribulations is to write, pray, and turn to Baha'u'llah. I do not know any other way to deal with the difficulties of life except through prayer, placing everything in God's hands, talking or writing letters to Baha'u'llah, and writing blog entries, stories, or poem. If I could not do these things then I am not sure how I would deal with the changes and chances of daily life.
Prayer
reciting or reading
the revealed words of Baha'u'llah.
I remember that before I became a Baha'i I was always looking for the right words to use when I prayed, but now all I have to do is open my prayerbook to find the right prayer. When I pray I used the prayer from my prayerbook. Sometime I write a letter to Baha'u'llah in my pen and paper journal because that helps me focus on the issues at hand. Sometimes I address Baha'u'llah in my thoughts and this helps as well. I also write poems about what is happening to me or how I feel. The poem help me deal with tribulations and difficulties as well.
Poems
need just the right words
to express faith.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Meditation Monday: An Afternoon Nap
Kamál (Perfection), 11 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Monday, August 11, 2014 about 5:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Sleep is the best meditation.
Dalai Lama
I just woke from an afternoon nap refreshed and contented. I know I'm contented because I feel a smile on my lips. I know I'm refreshed because my mind feels tranquil and my body invigorated. I'm listening to the neighbor's music as I write this and it's refreshing background music for my muse.
An afternoon nap
taking less then one hour
a beautiful day.
I still have a lot to do, but I will get what I can get done today and not worry about the rest. That's how I feel right now. That's how I always feel after I wake up from my afternoon meditation. If I want to meditate without going to sleep then I have to focus on something that keeps me away. I don't always know what that is because if I focus on counting my breath then sometimes I go t o sleep.
An afternoon nap
splendid way to meditate
wake happy refreshed.
My intuition works better when I meditate, pray, and nap, but until I read the quote by the Dalai Lama I didn't think of a nap as meditation. I resisted taking a nap because I thought I didn't have time even though I had time to meditate. Now that I know sleep is good meditation I can take a nap without worrying because I'm sleeping and meditating at the same time.
Saturday, August 09, 2014
Serenity Saturday: Meditation Upon Change
Jalál (Glory), 9 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Saturday, August 9, 2014 about 5:58 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I find that stress and change go hand-in-hand because I want to resist the change instead of accepting it. Change, growth, evolution, transformation, whatever you want to call it is a part of life. It cannot be avoided nor can my resistance to it stop the process. The only thing that resistance does is create stress, sorrow, and fear. In my case, it sometimes causes panic attacks.
Spontaneous change
comes from studying God's word
meditation and prayer.
This afternoon, I am feeling serene, peaceful, and happy. That was not the case yesterday or this morning. I was tense and fearful, but I did not know why. I said some prayers and intoned God's Most Great name, which calmed me down and cause me to refocus away from the stress and the fear. I still do not know why I was afraid, however, I suspect I was building up to a panic attack.
Natural changes
evolutions of the soul
meditation and prayer.
I have felt tense ever since I moved into this studio apartment. I know that it is a big change from a three bedroom and two bath house. I have one bathroom, one closet, and a small living area composed of a kitchen and living room combined. It is crowded because I have not went through everything I brought with me. I have not went through it because I do not want to make decisions on what I have to get rid of and what I have to keep.
Writing the problem
accepting spontaneous
and natural changes.
I feel as if I can now get on with my life and make the necessary changes in my crowded living area. The less crowded my space the more serene my life will become. Serenity encourages peace and discourages panic attacks. Serenity encourages a positive attitude which helps me make decisions.
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them;
that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow
naturally forward in whatever way they like.”
Lao Tzu
I find that stress and change go hand-in-hand because I want to resist the change instead of accepting it. Change, growth, evolution, transformation, whatever you want to call it is a part of life. It cannot be avoided nor can my resistance to it stop the process. The only thing that resistance does is create stress, sorrow, and fear. In my case, it sometimes causes panic attacks.
Spontaneous change
comes from studying God's word
meditation and prayer.
This afternoon, I am feeling serene, peaceful, and happy. That was not the case yesterday or this morning. I was tense and fearful, but I did not know why. I said some prayers and intoned God's Most Great name, which calmed me down and cause me to refocus away from the stress and the fear. I still do not know why I was afraid, however, I suspect I was building up to a panic attack.
Natural changes
evolutions of the soul
meditation and prayer.
I have felt tense ever since I moved into this studio apartment. I know that it is a big change from a three bedroom and two bath house. I have one bathroom, one closet, and a small living area composed of a kitchen and living room combined. It is crowded because I have not went through everything I brought with me. I have not went through it because I do not want to make decisions on what I have to get rid of and what I have to keep.
Writing the problem
accepting spontaneous
and natural changes.
I feel as if I can now get on with my life and make the necessary changes in my crowded living area. The less crowded my space the more serene my life will become. Serenity encourages peace and discourages panic attacks. Serenity encourages a positive attitude which helps me make decisions.
Thursday, August 07, 2014
Thankful Thursday: My Gratitude List on the First Thankful Thursday in August 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 7 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Thursday, August 7, 2014 about 6:43 am Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that I have two large plastic covered coffee mugs because I can put iced coffee in one and ice water in the other. I can then sit them on the wooden television stand that is placed next to my computer.
02. ...for the cool morning temperatures that allows me to have my front door open while I am working at the computer this morning. I can look out my front door and watch the morning shadow lengthen as the sun rises above Sunrise Mountain.
03. ...that I had some coffee left over from yesterday because I did not have to wait for coffee to brew before I fixed my first container of iced coffee.
04. ...for the weird noises I hear in this neighborhood before the sun comes up. I know they are only weird because I could not see what was making them, but they encourage my muse and make me think of ideas for poems and stories.
05. ...that I can hear a young bird chirping in one of the pine, oak, or palm trees growing in this neighborhood.
06. ...for the rain we received over the weekend. Listening to the rain and the thunder was a pleasant and cooling experience.
07. ...that is it monsoon season in Las Vegas, which means we can expect some more cooling rain and thunder storms before the end of August.
08. ...for the two containers of milk I got with my senior commodities allotment yesterday. I can now have some Ovaltine© in regular milk instead of making dry milk to drink with the Ovaltine©.
09. ...that I have cheese in the refrigerator because I can make a grilled cheese sandwich with English muffins today.
10. ...for the dry cereal I have because I can open a can of apples sauce to dump over my cereal. I do not care much for cereal and milk anymore.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that I have two large plastic covered coffee mugs because I can put iced coffee in one and ice water in the other. I can then sit them on the wooden television stand that is placed next to my computer.
02. ...for the cool morning temperatures that allows me to have my front door open while I am working at the computer this morning. I can look out my front door and watch the morning shadow lengthen as the sun rises above Sunrise Mountain.
03. ...that I had some coffee left over from yesterday because I did not have to wait for coffee to brew before I fixed my first container of iced coffee.
04. ...for the weird noises I hear in this neighborhood before the sun comes up. I know they are only weird because I could not see what was making them, but they encourage my muse and make me think of ideas for poems and stories.
05. ...that I can hear a young bird chirping in one of the pine, oak, or palm trees growing in this neighborhood.
06. ...for the rain we received over the weekend. Listening to the rain and the thunder was a pleasant and cooling experience.
07. ...that is it monsoon season in Las Vegas, which means we can expect some more cooling rain and thunder storms before the end of August.
08. ...for the two containers of milk I got with my senior commodities allotment yesterday. I can now have some Ovaltine© in regular milk instead of making dry milk to drink with the Ovaltine©.
09. ...that I have cheese in the refrigerator because I can make a grilled cheese sandwich with English muffins today.
10. ...for the dry cereal I have because I can open a can of apples sauce to dump over my cereal. I do not care much for cereal and milk anymore.
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Midweek Reflections: A weary Wednesday evening
It's Wednesday, August 6, 2014, somewhere around 8:04 Pacific Daylight Time. I'm tired. I don't want to think anymore today. I don't want to write anymore today, if I have to think about what I'm writing. I can write if I don't have to think.
It's a weary Wednesday evening
I don't want to sleep,
I don't want to play games,
I don't want to do much of anything.
I still have to put the laundry back in the laundry-grocery cart because I picked up my senior commodities allotment for August. I used the cart to roll the two bags of food into the house because they were too heavy for me to carry in. It was a good thing I had the cart because the handles on one of the bags broke when I took it out of the cart. If I had carried the bags into the house, I would have had food all over the court yard and a broken container of milk.
It's a weary Wednesday evening
I don't want to sleep,
I don't want to play games,
I don't want to do much of anything.
I still have to put the laundry back in the laundry-grocery cart because I picked up my senior commodities allotment for August. I used the cart to roll the two bags of food into the house because they were too heavy for me to carry in. It was a good thing I had the cart because the handles on one of the bags broke when I took it out of the cart. If I had carried the bags into the house, I would have had food all over the court yard and a broken container of milk.
Tuesday, August 05, 2014
Tribulation Tuesday: Reconsidering Breakfast
Fiḍál (Grace), 5 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Tuesday, August 5, 2014 about 11:03 am Pacific Daylight Time
This morning, I got up about 4:30 am, took my thyroid medication, said a prayer, responded to some blog prompts on writing.com, and did a couple of reviews. It was a nice cool morning, so I had the door open while I was doing all this. After I finished writing and reviewing, I got off line and fixed me breakfast. By the time I finish breakfast it had warmed up so I closed the door and turned on the air conditioner.
After breakfast I got online again because I have a couple writing projects to finish on writing.com. I am so tired that even my arms are tired. I am not sure what is causing the problem, but it is possible the breakfast I at caused the issue. This is not the first time I have encountered this issue, so I think it must be something I am eating for breakfast, but I do not know what.
I think I will change my breakfast menu from hot cakes and jelly or English muffins and cream cheese to fruit or chicken. I do not seem to have this problem when I eat fruit and chicken for breakfast. Tomorrow I have an appointment at 9:30 am so I'll fix a piece of chicken or fish tonight so that I have something quick to fix for breakfast in the morning.
I am so tired that I can hardly keep my eyes open and I have a lot more work to do before going to bed tonight. However, since I am so sleepy I will post this and then get off line for a short nap. I do not want to sleep very long, maybe five or ten minutes because, as I wrote, I have a lot of work to complete today.
This morning, I got up about 4:30 am, took my thyroid medication, said a prayer, responded to some blog prompts on writing.com, and did a couple of reviews. It was a nice cool morning, so I had the door open while I was doing all this. After I finished writing and reviewing, I got off line and fixed me breakfast. By the time I finish breakfast it had warmed up so I closed the door and turned on the air conditioner.
After breakfast I got online again because I have a couple writing projects to finish on writing.com. I am so tired that even my arms are tired. I am not sure what is causing the problem, but it is possible the breakfast I at caused the issue. This is not the first time I have encountered this issue, so I think it must be something I am eating for breakfast, but I do not know what.
I think I will change my breakfast menu from hot cakes and jelly or English muffins and cream cheese to fruit or chicken. I do not seem to have this problem when I eat fruit and chicken for breakfast. Tomorrow I have an appointment at 9:30 am so I'll fix a piece of chicken or fish tonight so that I have something quick to fix for breakfast in the morning.
I am so tired that I can hardly keep my eyes open and I have a lot more work to do before going to bed tonight. However, since I am so sleepy I will post this and then get off line for a short nap. I do not want to sleep very long, maybe five or ten minutes because, as I wrote, I have a lot of work to complete today.
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