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.
Monday, September 29, 2014
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.
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