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.
Thursday, October 09, 2014
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.
Monday, August 04, 2014
Meditation Monday: The Rain
Kamál (Perfection), 4 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Monday, August 4, 2014 3:24 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Beautiful raindrops
descend from dark angry clouds
melting desert sand.
As I look out my front door on this rainy Monday, I see light as the sun attempts to break through the charcoal gray clouds. I watch people walk past my door; they are dressed as if they think the rain has stopped for the day. I suspect we will get a few more raindrops before sunset.
Beautiful raindrops
carried to earth by angels
blessing the desert.
The dark gray cloud appear to be angry, but that is an illusion. We associate darkness with human anger, so when it is cloudy we think the charcoal clouds indicate anger. We are putting our human emotion into the clouds when neither the clouds nor nature is angry. Rain is a natural phenomenon, it is a gift from nature to the desert.
Beautiful raindrops
some call them the tears of God
baptizing the Earth.
In the desert rain causes flash flooding, dangerous to anyone stranded in low areas or walking down dry riverbeds. Flash floods are a natural phenomenon we must beware of and try to avoid. On days like this, I think about the homeless who are living in the drainage tunnels that were constructed to prevent flash floods from devastating part of the city. The homeless living in those tunnels are endanger during rainy weather because of the possibility of flash floods.
Beautiful raindrops
both a blessing and a curse
to desert cities.
Beautiful raindrops
descend from dark angry clouds
melting desert sand.
As I look out my front door on this rainy Monday, I see light as the sun attempts to break through the charcoal gray clouds. I watch people walk past my door; they are dressed as if they think the rain has stopped for the day. I suspect we will get a few more raindrops before sunset.
Beautiful raindrops
carried to earth by angels
blessing the desert.
The dark gray cloud appear to be angry, but that is an illusion. We associate darkness with human anger, so when it is cloudy we think the charcoal clouds indicate anger. We are putting our human emotion into the clouds when neither the clouds nor nature is angry. Rain is a natural phenomenon, it is a gift from nature to the desert.
Beautiful raindrops
some call them the tears of God
baptizing the Earth.
In the desert rain causes flash flooding, dangerous to anyone stranded in low areas or walking down dry riverbeds. Flash floods are a natural phenomenon we must beware of and try to avoid. On days like this, I think about the homeless who are living in the drainage tunnels that were constructed to prevent flash floods from devastating part of the city. The homeless living in those tunnels are endanger during rainy weather because of the possibility of flash floods.
Beautiful raindrops
both a blessing and a curse
to desert cities.
Sunday, August 03, 2014
Supplication Sunday: On the First of Five Sundays in August
Jamál (Beauty), 3 Kamál (Perfection), 171 BE - Sunday, August 3, 2014 about 7:14 am Pacific Daylight Time
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I give thanks for the rooster I heard crowing this morning,
for the cloudy skies that foretell rain,
for the cool summer temperature
that encourages me
to open my apartment door
so that I can listen
to the mysterious neighborhood noises.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I praise the beauty
of a cloudy morning in Las Vegas
by writing poetry
and giving thanks to the Lord
for four more summer Sundays.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I inhale the beauty of dawn
before I whisper
a prayer of thanksgiving and praise
to the Creator of the Universe.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I give thanks for the rooster I heard crowing this morning,
for the cloudy skies that foretell rain,
for the cool summer temperature
that encourages me
to open my apartment door
so that I can listen
to the mysterious neighborhood noises.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I praise the beauty
of a cloudy morning in Las Vegas
by writing poetry
and giving thanks to the Lord
for four more summer Sundays.
On the first of five Sundays in August,
I inhale the beauty of dawn
before I whisper
a prayer of thanksgiving and praise
to the Creator of the Universe.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Thankful Thursday: July 31, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 19 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Thursday, July 31, 2014 about 11:38 am Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that there are five Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in August because it means more weekend fun.
02. ...for the family pack of frozen farm raised catfish I purchased today because now I have have fish every Friday or Saturday in August.
03. ...that we have received several inches of rain this month because it helps with the drought conditions.
04. ...for The Long Healing Prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah because when I say or read that prayer all my worries and fears disappear.
05. ...that I received an encouraging postcard yesterday. The postcard was from The Story Mistress and Story Master at writing.com. The message on the front read Life is better when you;re writing.
06. ...for English muffins because they taste delicious with peanut butter and jelly.
07. ...that I have to walk to the alley to take the trash out because it gives me exercise.
08. ...for ground chicken because it makes nice chicken burger sandwiches with hot sauce, onions, and cheese.
09. ...that I have a working air condition in the apartment to cool my living quarter in summer and warm them in winter.
10. ...for the prayers of gratitude revealed by The Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha because when I read or say them they help me meditate.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...that there are five Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in August because it means more weekend fun.
02. ...for the family pack of frozen farm raised catfish I purchased today because now I have have fish every Friday or Saturday in August.
03. ...that we have received several inches of rain this month because it helps with the drought conditions.
04. ...for The Long Healing Prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah because when I say or read that prayer all my worries and fears disappear.
05. ...that I received an encouraging postcard yesterday. The postcard was from The Story Mistress and Story Master at writing.com. The message on the front read Life is better when you;re writing.
06. ...for English muffins because they taste delicious with peanut butter and jelly.
07. ...that I have to walk to the alley to take the trash out because it gives me exercise.
08. ...for ground chicken because it makes nice chicken burger sandwiches with hot sauce, onions, and cheese.
09. ...that I have a working air condition in the apartment to cool my living quarter in summer and warm them in winter.
10. ...for the prayers of gratitude revealed by The Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha because when I read or say them they help me meditate.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Midweek Reflections or Weird Wednesday
‘Idál (Justice), 18 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 30, 2014 about 11:11 am Pacific Daylight Time
According to Dictionary.com there are several intriguing and thought provoking definitions of weird. One of the definitions gives fantastic or bizarre, while the other definitions have to do with the supernatural, uncanny, unearthly, fate, or destiny. Today's entry concerns the unusual, fantastic, or bizarre rather then the other definitions.
Anyone who has every read any of my bogs knows that I am a creative person. I write poetry, short stories, and novels in addition to cooking creative and unusual recipes. Since I eat my own cooking, I must do a good job with the unusual recipes because none of them have made me sick or put me in the hospital. Today I am making celery soup with celery, Italian dressing, chicken stock, filtered water, and hot sauce. When the soup is finished I will eat it over cold cereal.
The celery soup over dry cereal is my unusual or weird action for this week. I like to do something out of the ordinary at least once a week because it keeps me young and gets me out of the rut I sometimes find myself descending into. This week I am also changing the Midweek Reflections theme to Weird Wednesday so that I can blog each week about whatever action I take to get myself out of my rut.
I got the weird Wednesday idea when I realized that I am tired of the Midweeks Reflections theme and all of the other Wednesday themes I have used in this blog. I found myself in a writing and transformation rut, I was not making progress and needed something to jump start the process again. Prayer and meditation worked fine, but I needed something to stretch my wings and change my attitude. Therefore, I decided to do something weird, which was eating cereal with my homemade soup instead of crackers or bread.
According to Dictionary.com there are several intriguing and thought provoking definitions of weird. One of the definitions gives fantastic or bizarre, while the other definitions have to do with the supernatural, uncanny, unearthly, fate, or destiny. Today's entry concerns the unusual, fantastic, or bizarre rather then the other definitions.
Anyone who has every read any of my bogs knows that I am a creative person. I write poetry, short stories, and novels in addition to cooking creative and unusual recipes. Since I eat my own cooking, I must do a good job with the unusual recipes because none of them have made me sick or put me in the hospital. Today I am making celery soup with celery, Italian dressing, chicken stock, filtered water, and hot sauce. When the soup is finished I will eat it over cold cereal.
The celery soup over dry cereal is my unusual or weird action for this week. I like to do something out of the ordinary at least once a week because it keeps me young and gets me out of the rut I sometimes find myself descending into. This week I am also changing the Midweek Reflections theme to Weird Wednesday so that I can blog each week about whatever action I take to get myself out of my rut.
I got the weird Wednesday idea when I realized that I am tired of the Midweeks Reflections theme and all of the other Wednesday themes I have used in this blog. I found myself in a writing and transformation rut, I was not making progress and needed something to jump start the process again. Prayer and meditation worked fine, but I needed something to stretch my wings and change my attitude. Therefore, I decided to do something weird, which was eating cereal with my homemade soup instead of crackers or bread.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Monsoon Season in Las Vegas
Kamál (Perfection), 16 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Monday, July 28, 2014 about 7:35 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It's monsoon season in Las Vegas with high temperatures and high humidity. The rain makes it feel cooler, but before the rain comes the humidity makes the temperature unconformable. I enjoy the rain as long as I don't have to drive in it. I have to drive with my window down because the door on the driver's side doesn't open from the inside. Driving in the rain with the window down is an interesting experience.
I have three appointments next week. One appointment on Monday at 9:00 am and two on Wednesday. The first appointment on Wednesday is at 9:30 am and it is across town, while the second it at 4:00 pm. I hope it isn't raining when I go for my appointments. I guess I should check my windshield wipers to see if they need blades.
It's monsoon season in Las Vegas with high temperatures and high humidity. The rain makes it feel cooler, but before the rain comes the humidity makes the temperature unconformable. I enjoy the rain as long as I don't have to drive in it. I have to drive with my window down because the door on the driver's side doesn't open from the inside. Driving in the rain with the window down is an interesting experience.
I have three appointments next week. One appointment on Monday at 9:00 am and two on Wednesday. The first appointment on Wednesday is at 9:30 am and it is across town, while the second it at 4:00 pm. I hope it isn't raining when I go for my appointments. I guess I should check my windshield wipers to see if they need blades.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Supplication Sunday: Prayers Resonate
Jamál (Beauty), 15 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Sunday, July 27, 2014 about 4:20 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Prayers resonate
ascend from the contrite soul
to the throne of God.
I have Remembrance of God, a book of scriptures, resting beside my keyboard. It is there because sometimes I have to stop in the middle of whatever I am working on to say a prayer or read a scripture verse. When I am stuck for a word or do not know where a story or blog entry is headed, I stop to say a prayer or read a scripture. Prayer also helps when I find my mind wandering and am unable to focus.
Prayers resonate:
smoke rising from a campfire
merging with white clouds.
Remembrance of God is on the left side of my keyboard. On my right side, and sitting on a wooden T.V. stand, is a cup of coffee or tea. Sometimes I have a container of soda or bottle of water on stand instead. The refreshment I have there depends on how I feel and what I am working on at the time. These two things, the book and the refreshment help me write.
Prayers resonate:
music reverberating
across mind and soul.
Prayers resonate
ascend from the contrite soul
to the throne of God.
I have Remembrance of God, a book of scriptures, resting beside my keyboard. It is there because sometimes I have to stop in the middle of whatever I am working on to say a prayer or read a scripture verse. When I am stuck for a word or do not know where a story or blog entry is headed, I stop to say a prayer or read a scripture. Prayer also helps when I find my mind wandering and am unable to focus.
Prayers resonate:
smoke rising from a campfire
merging with white clouds.
Remembrance of God is on the left side of my keyboard. On my right side, and sitting on a wooden T.V. stand, is a cup of coffee or tea. Sometimes I have a container of soda or bottle of water on stand instead. The refreshment I have there depends on how I feel and what I am working on at the time. These two things, the book and the refreshment help me write.
Prayers resonate:
music reverberating
across mind and soul.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Fruitful Friday: Prayer
Istiqlál (Independence), 13 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Friday, July 25, 2014 about 3:50 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Prayer produces
abundance, a fruitful life,
and a tranquil mind.
I have a prayer book in the glove compartment of my car, so that before I back out of my parking place I can say a prayer of protection. I also carry a small book of scriptures in my purse so that I have something to read while I am waiting in my doctor's office. The title of the book is The Power of Divine Assistance, which contains verse from the sacred writings of the Baha'i Faith.
Bring down blood pressure
read from the sacred scriptures
while you are waiting.
Prayer produces
abundance, a fruitful life,
and a tranquil mind.
I have a prayer book in the glove compartment of my car, so that before I back out of my parking place I can say a prayer of protection. I also carry a small book of scriptures in my purse so that I have something to read while I am waiting in my doctor's office. The title of the book is The Power of Divine Assistance, which contains verse from the sacred writings of the Baha'i Faith.
Bring down blood pressure
read from the sacred scriptures
while you are waiting.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Thankful Thursday: July 24, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Thursday, July 24, 2014 about 12:09 pm Pacific Daylight Time
This afternoon I am thankful...
1. ...that I have not fallen asleep on my keyboard. I am sleepy so there is the possibility of me falling asleep and drooling on my keyboard, which is not good for the keyboard or the computer.
2. ...for the fresh carafe of coffee I made this morning because now I can get another cup of iced coffee to wake me up.
3 ...that the exterminator came this morning because now I do not have to worry about roaches for another week or so.
4. ...for the two chicken thighs I have marinating in the refrigerator. I put them in a marinade of apple juice and roasted red pepper Italian dressing yesterday. I can have chicken with salad tomorrow after I return from the blood test at the doctor's office.
5. ...that I have an air conditioner in this apartment that works because the temperature outside is 106 degrees.
6. ...for ice cubes trays, ice cubes, and a freezer that works because I do not have to purchase ice when I want to make iced coffee or tea.
7. ...that we have 12 mph wind here in Las Vegas today because I can look out my window and watch the palm fronds waving in the breeze.
8. ...for bottled water because when I go to the doctor's office or the store I can take a cold bottle of water with me. There is nothing like a sip of iced water on a hot day to refresh and raise a my spirits when I am driving around in 106 or 107 degree temperatures.
9. ...that I have several bottle of juice in the refrigerator because I can drink apple, orange, or cranberry juice when I want to without having to go to the store to purchase it on a hot Las Vegas afternoon.
10. ...for wooden slatted Venetian blinds at my windows because they do not melt when the sun shines through the windows.
This afternoon I am thankful...
1. ...that I have not fallen asleep on my keyboard. I am sleepy so there is the possibility of me falling asleep and drooling on my keyboard, which is not good for the keyboard or the computer.
2. ...for the fresh carafe of coffee I made this morning because now I can get another cup of iced coffee to wake me up.
3 ...that the exterminator came this morning because now I do not have to worry about roaches for another week or so.
4. ...for the two chicken thighs I have marinating in the refrigerator. I put them in a marinade of apple juice and roasted red pepper Italian dressing yesterday. I can have chicken with salad tomorrow after I return from the blood test at the doctor's office.
5. ...that I have an air conditioner in this apartment that works because the temperature outside is 106 degrees.
6. ...for ice cubes trays, ice cubes, and a freezer that works because I do not have to purchase ice when I want to make iced coffee or tea.
7. ...that we have 12 mph wind here in Las Vegas today because I can look out my window and watch the palm fronds waving in the breeze.
8. ...for bottled water because when I go to the doctor's office or the store I can take a cold bottle of water with me. There is nothing like a sip of iced water on a hot day to refresh and raise a my spirits when I am driving around in 106 or 107 degree temperatures.
9. ...that I have several bottle of juice in the refrigerator because I can drink apple, orange, or cranberry juice when I want to without having to go to the store to purchase it on a hot Las Vegas afternoon.
10. ...for wooden slatted Venetian blinds at my windows because they do not melt when the sun shines through the windows.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Midweek Reflictions: Contemplating Iced Coffee
‘Idál (Justice), 11 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 23, 2014 about 1:52 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Because I went to the doctor's office for a blood test, I didn't have hat coffee this morning. I drink water before leaving the house instead of coffee. The phlebotomist and the doctor were both out of the office, they won't be back until Friday. Therefore, I have to go aback across town on Friday to get a blood test.
I was hungry when I returned home, so I made myself a turkey burger sandwich on sourdough bread with horseradish mustard and I had a glass of iced black English tea. After I finished the tea, I decided I want coffee, but it was getting too warm to have hot coffee. I brewed myself a carafe of coffee, put ice cubes in a glass and poured the hot coffee over the ice cubes.
contemplating iced coffee
a sip of cold rich liquid
satisfies my coffee lover's soul
while keeping me cool
in triple digit Las Vegas.
Because I went to the doctor's office for a blood test, I didn't have hat coffee this morning. I drink water before leaving the house instead of coffee. The phlebotomist and the doctor were both out of the office, they won't be back until Friday. Therefore, I have to go aback across town on Friday to get a blood test.
I was hungry when I returned home, so I made myself a turkey burger sandwich on sourdough bread with horseradish mustard and I had a glass of iced black English tea. After I finished the tea, I decided I want coffee, but it was getting too warm to have hot coffee. I brewed myself a carafe of coffee, put ice cubes in a glass and poured the hot coffee over the ice cubes.
contemplating iced coffee
a sip of cold rich liquid
satisfies my coffee lover's soul
while keeping me cool
in triple digit Las Vegas.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Tribulation Tuesday: Technical Difficulties
Fiḍál (Grace), 10 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Tuesday, July 22, 2014 about 5:17 pm Pacific Daylight Time
All right, to some technical difficulties may not seem like something that could cause unhappiness because it is something one learns to expect when dealing with computers. However, the technical difficulties I am referring to have nothing to do with computers. The technical difficulties I am talking about are moments or hours of depression and fantasizing about worst case scenarios, things that might happen but never occur.
In my case these technical difficulties cause me to procrastinate and worry. Procrastination causes stress because eventually I have to do the jobs I have put off. Worry causes stress because it lets my imagination run wild while rehashing everything I think I have to worry about. The stress causes me to lose stuff because I lay it down and forget what I laid it. The stress also cause fear because I forget words that I should know and I scar myself.
I know that some of what I just wrote does not make sense. I am not worried about making sense right now because the only thing I want to do is write. Writing helps alleviate stress. Prayer helps alleviate stress. I have to find my prayer book because I laid it down and cannot remember where I put it. I am experiencing technical difficulties today. I have experienced technical difficulties all week and I am putting a stop to it right now.
After I finish this entry I will say my noon prayer and then wash my lunch dishes. Once I accomplish those things, I will get back on line because I have more writing waiting and surveys to complete. I need to earn a little more money this month so I can replace the money I have to transfer from the savings to the checking so that I could get a little gas in my car.
All right, to some technical difficulties may not seem like something that could cause unhappiness because it is something one learns to expect when dealing with computers. However, the technical difficulties I am referring to have nothing to do with computers. The technical difficulties I am talking about are moments or hours of depression and fantasizing about worst case scenarios, things that might happen but never occur.
In my case these technical difficulties cause me to procrastinate and worry. Procrastination causes stress because eventually I have to do the jobs I have put off. Worry causes stress because it lets my imagination run wild while rehashing everything I think I have to worry about. The stress causes me to lose stuff because I lay it down and forget what I laid it. The stress also cause fear because I forget words that I should know and I scar myself.
I know that some of what I just wrote does not make sense. I am not worried about making sense right now because the only thing I want to do is write. Writing helps alleviate stress. Prayer helps alleviate stress. I have to find my prayer book because I laid it down and cannot remember where I put it. I am experiencing technical difficulties today. I have experienced technical difficulties all week and I am putting a stop to it right now.
After I finish this entry I will say my noon prayer and then wash my lunch dishes. Once I accomplish those things, I will get back on line because I have more writing waiting and surveys to complete. I need to earn a little more money this month so I can replace the money I have to transfer from the savings to the checking so that I could get a little gas in my car.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Meditation Monday: Swimming And Holding My Breath
Fiḍál (Grace), 10 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Monday, July 21, 2014 about 8:22 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I feel as if I've been swimming under water and holding my breath. I surface so that I can take a breath, I look around, and I find myself in an unfamiliar location. I don't recognize my surroundings or anything else. Where am I? I close my eyes, I take a deep breath, I open my eyes again, but I still can't recognize the terrain.That's the way I've felt lately. I know I'm doing something wrong, but tell myself I don't know what. The truth is that I do know what I'm doing wrong, I simply don't want to admit it either to myself or in writing.
What have I been doing wrong? When I get up in the morning, I take my first medication and then I sit down and the computer and get on-line. After I've been on-line a while I say my prayers, but that is the wrong order. I have to switch things around. I have to take my thyroid tablet the first thing of a morning; however, I don't have to get on-line until after I say my prayers and meditate on a verse of scripture.
"All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath."
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I feel as if I've been swimming under water and holding my breath. I surface so that I can take a breath, I look around, and I find myself in an unfamiliar location. I don't recognize my surroundings or anything else. Where am I? I close my eyes, I take a deep breath, I open my eyes again, but I still can't recognize the terrain.That's the way I've felt lately. I know I'm doing something wrong, but tell myself I don't know what. The truth is that I do know what I'm doing wrong, I simply don't want to admit it either to myself or in writing.
I cannot go on
My attitude has to change
Or nothing else will
What have I been doing wrong? When I get up in the morning, I take my first medication and then I sit down and the computer and get on-line. After I've been on-line a while I say my prayers, but that is the wrong order. I have to switch things around. I have to take my thyroid tablet the first thing of a morning; however, I don't have to get on-line until after I say my prayers and meditate on a verse of scripture.
One step at a time
In the morning on small change
That is all I need
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Serenity Saturday: The Calmness of a Sunday Afternoon
Jamál (Beauty), 8 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Sunday, July 20, 2014 about 2:11 pm Pacific Daylight Time
On this calm afternoon, I remember the Sunday's I spent with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Frank. In the morning we would god to church, which consisted of attending Sunday School and then church services afterwards. After church we would go to my grandparents' house and eat dinner.
Sunday dinner consisted of southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed peas or spinach, soda or iced tea, and some type of desert. Grandma usually made a pie of some kind. I always liked Grandma Mary's rhubarb pie hot with a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes it was home made ice cream and sometimes store bought. I liked the homemade ice cream better.
Serene Sundays
bring back childhood memories
and a joyful smile.
As I think back over to the days of my youth, I remember the serene days were those spent with my grandparents or sitting calming observing nature in all its beauty. I have not been to a park in a long time, I think I need to go on a afternoon picnic, sit in the shade of a tree, and watch the birds flying from branch to branch.
Serene Sundays
morning prayers are intoned
alleviates stress.
On this calm afternoon, I remember the Sunday's I spent with Grandma Mary and Grandpa Frank. In the morning we would god to church, which consisted of attending Sunday School and then church services afterwards. After church we would go to my grandparents' house and eat dinner.
Sunday dinner consisted of southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed peas or spinach, soda or iced tea, and some type of desert. Grandma usually made a pie of some kind. I always liked Grandma Mary's rhubarb pie hot with a scoop of ice cream. Sometimes it was home made ice cream and sometimes store bought. I liked the homemade ice cream better.
Serene Sundays
bring back childhood memories
and a joyful smile.
As I think back over to the days of my youth, I remember the serene days were those spent with my grandparents or sitting calming observing nature in all its beauty. I have not been to a park in a long time, I think I need to go on a afternoon picnic, sit in the shade of a tree, and watch the birds flying from branch to branch.
Serene Sundays
morning prayers are intoned
alleviates stress.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Summery Saturday: Thought on Today's Theme
Jalál (Glory), 7 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Saturday, July 19, 2014 about 7:20 pm Pacific Daylight Time
As Saturday draws to an end my thoughts go to the theme I chose for the day. I don't like it any more because it doesn't have a spiritual context. This is a blog about transformation and other spiritual subjects, I would like a Saturday theme that is closer to the theme of this blog. I am satisfied with only two themes (1) Meditation Monday (2) Thankful Thursday.
I went through several daily theme ideas for this blog, but very few of them satisfy me. I am again changing the daily themes for this blog and I can't seem to think of any that I like. Serenity Saturday sound good and I like the sound of it. Now all I have to day is come up with some thoughts of the subject. Perhaps I should consider answering the question What does serenity mean to me? or How do I achieve serenity? I need to sit down with my prayer book and say some prayers on this subject.
I like the sound of Serenity Saturday, now all I have to day is come up with a subject for each entry. Right now it could be Sleepy Saturday because I'm about to fall asleep on my keyboard, which wouldn't be a good idea because it would be an uncomfortable way to take a nap.
As Saturday draws to an end my thoughts go to the theme I chose for the day. I don't like it any more because it doesn't have a spiritual context. This is a blog about transformation and other spiritual subjects, I would like a Saturday theme that is closer to the theme of this blog. I am satisfied with only two themes (1) Meditation Monday (2) Thankful Thursday.
I went through several daily theme ideas for this blog, but very few of them satisfy me. I am again changing the daily themes for this blog and I can't seem to think of any that I like. Serenity Saturday sound good and I like the sound of it. Now all I have to day is come up with some thoughts of the subject. Perhaps I should consider answering the question What does serenity mean to me? or How do I achieve serenity? I need to sit down with my prayer book and say some prayers on this subject.
I like the sound of Serenity Saturday, now all I have to day is come up with a subject for each entry. Right now it could be Sleepy Saturday because I'm about to fall asleep on my keyboard, which wouldn't be a good idea because it would be an uncomfortable way to take a nap.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Foodie Friday: Don't start the day without coffee
Istiqlál (Independence), 6 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Friday, July 18, 2014 about 9:03 am Pacific Daylight Time
Don't start the day without coffee. Don't go back to bed, until after you've made a fresh carafe of coffee, if you get up at 1:30 am because you wake up and can't go back sleep. Those are my lessons and advice on the third Friday of July 2014. I had planned to make a Funny Friday enter this morning, but I couldn't remember encountering anything funny this week.
I got up at 1:30 am this morning because I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I responded to the blog prompts on writing.com, posted it, and then took my thyroid medication. I felt sleepy so I went back to the love seat (I don't have a bed to sleep in) and dozed off. I got up at 6:30, took my other morning med, made coffee, and then started to review on writing.com. I should have waited until after the coffee brewed before doing the first review because it wasn't up to my normal review quality.
Now that I've had a couple of cups of coffee, I will warm the roasted whole chicken I purchased at Smith's Food & Drug Store yesterday. I also purchased a small container of coleslaw which I will have with the chicken. I had a couple of coupons that needed to be used before July 20, so when I went to the store to get my medication I purchased a few other things and used the coupons I need to use before Sunday.
Now that I've had one or two cups of iced coffee I'm focusing, so now I can eat breakfast and plan the rest of my day. I think I will warm the chicken up in the pepper sauce I had left over from the chicken breast I cooked yesterday. So far this week I've eaten only chicken or fish, maybe it's time I purchased a small lean piece of beef to add variety to my diet. I also need to get some type of fresh vegetable because all I have in the house is canned green bean, corn, and carrots. I think I purchase some celery or green salad makings the next time I go to the grocery store.
Don't start the day without coffee. Don't go back to bed, until after you've made a fresh carafe of coffee, if you get up at 1:30 am because you wake up and can't go back sleep. Those are my lessons and advice on the third Friday of July 2014. I had planned to make a Funny Friday enter this morning, but I couldn't remember encountering anything funny this week.
I got up at 1:30 am this morning because I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I responded to the blog prompts on writing.com, posted it, and then took my thyroid medication. I felt sleepy so I went back to the love seat (I don't have a bed to sleep in) and dozed off. I got up at 6:30, took my other morning med, made coffee, and then started to review on writing.com. I should have waited until after the coffee brewed before doing the first review because it wasn't up to my normal review quality.
Now that I've had a couple of cups of coffee, I will warm the roasted whole chicken I purchased at Smith's Food & Drug Store yesterday. I also purchased a small container of coleslaw which I will have with the chicken. I had a couple of coupons that needed to be used before July 20, so when I went to the store to get my medication I purchased a few other things and used the coupons I need to use before Sunday.
Now that I've had one or two cups of iced coffee I'm focusing, so now I can eat breakfast and plan the rest of my day. I think I will warm the chicken up in the pepper sauce I had left over from the chicken breast I cooked yesterday. So far this week I've eaten only chicken or fish, maybe it's time I purchased a small lean piece of beef to add variety to my diet. I also need to get some type of fresh vegetable because all I have in the house is canned green bean, corn, and carrots. I think I purchase some celery or green salad makings the next time I go to the grocery store.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Midweek Reflections on a Long Day
‘Idál (Justice), 4 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 16, 2014 about 6:52 pm Pacific Daylight Time
In late afternoon
the sun cast long dark shadow
weariness sets in.
It's been a long day, which grows shorter as the month passes. In the middle of July, I listen to the air conditioner as it cools the hot afternoon. I'm tired, but there isn't any use going to sleep because I'm not sleepy. I don't get sleepy until about 10:30 or 11:00 pm. Then I go to be for a short night's sleep.
Day in and day out
I wonder what my life would
be like if I had a pet.
Perhaps I'm lonely. Living alone after so many years of living in the same house with my mother. I have to get used to doing everything by myself. I don't mind the work, but it would be nice to have someone to talk to about so many things. I would like to discuss my memories of growing up in Oklahoma.
Loneliness enhanced
by the long summer days that
pass in increments.
Writing helps alleviate the loneliness. Housework help alleviate the loneliness, I now understand why my grandmother did housework in the middle of the night when she couldn't sleep. Maybe I should try doing housework when I can't sleep instead of writing.
In late afternoon
the sun cast long dark shadow
weariness sets in.
It's been a long day, which grows shorter as the month passes. In the middle of July, I listen to the air conditioner as it cools the hot afternoon. I'm tired, but there isn't any use going to sleep because I'm not sleepy. I don't get sleepy until about 10:30 or 11:00 pm. Then I go to be for a short night's sleep.
Day in and day out
I wonder what my life would
be like if I had a pet.
Perhaps I'm lonely. Living alone after so many years of living in the same house with my mother. I have to get used to doing everything by myself. I don't mind the work, but it would be nice to have someone to talk to about so many things. I would like to discuss my memories of growing up in Oklahoma.
Loneliness enhanced
by the long summer days that
pass in increments.
Writing helps alleviate the loneliness. Housework help alleviate the loneliness, I now understand why my grandmother did housework in the middle of the night when she couldn't sleep. Maybe I should try doing housework when I can't sleep instead of writing.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Transformation Tuesday: I am in the process of transformation
Fiḍál (Grace), 3 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Tuesday, July 15, 2014 about 2:43 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It's transformation Tuesday and I'm in the process of transforming my cluttered studio apartment into an uncluttered studio apartment. I want to do it without assistance from friends or family to prove to myself that I can do it. It was going fairly well, not perfect, until the exterminator came and I had to remove stuff from cabinets.
I am now rearranging cabinets as I put kitchen stuff away. It's going slowly because I work in the kitchen for a while and then sit down at the computer to work on-line for a little while. This is the way I multitask; I know I could get the kitchen rearranged if I kept at it all day. I also know that for me working at one task for an extended period of time is next to impossible.
I decided to moved the canned good from the cabinets under the kitchen counter to one over it. This way I do not have to bend down when I want a can of vegetables. It's also easier to see what kind of vegetable I have. It also gives me more room under the counter for my pots and pans, which I don't want to store in the stove.
It's transformation Tuesday and I'm in the process of transforming my cluttered studio apartment into an uncluttered studio apartment. I want to do it without assistance from friends or family to prove to myself that I can do it. It was going fairly well, not perfect, until the exterminator came and I had to remove stuff from cabinets.
I am now rearranging cabinets as I put kitchen stuff away. It's going slowly because I work in the kitchen for a while and then sit down at the computer to work on-line for a little while. This is the way I multitask; I know I could get the kitchen rearranged if I kept at it all day. I also know that for me working at one task for an extended period of time is next to impossible.
I decided to moved the canned good from the cabinets under the kitchen counter to one over it. This way I do not have to bend down when I want a can of vegetables. It's also easier to see what kind of vegetable I have. It also gives me more room under the counter for my pots and pans, which I don't want to store in the stove.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Sundry Sunday: What's on My Mind on Sunday, July 13, 2014
Jamál (Beauty), 1 Kalimát (Words), 171 BE - Sunday, July 13, 2014 about 5:45 am Pacific Daylight Time
Middle of July
temperatures are rising high
a busy week planned.
I have a grief counseling group meeting on Wednesday at 4:00 pm. I had a dream about the meeting last night or early this morning. In the dream, I arrived at the meeting place, but found that it was being held in a different room. I went in and took a seat at the head of a huge rectangular table. Normally we sit at a small round table and even when we have a square or rectangular table, I do not sit at the head.One of the other members came in with a large container of hot chicken. I had forgotten that each of us was supposed to bring something to eat.
What did I forget?
Was it something important?
Was it about food?
Because of t his dream, I wonder if I forgot something. Am I supposed to take something to the next meeting? At the last meeting, I mentioned writing a poem about dementia, perhaps I am supposed to take a copy of that. I will have to see if I can get the other computer and the printer to cooperate so that I can print off a copy.
Middle of July
temperatures are rising high
a busy week planned.
I have a grief counseling group meeting on Wednesday at 4:00 pm. I had a dream about the meeting last night or early this morning. In the dream, I arrived at the meeting place, but found that it was being held in a different room. I went in and took a seat at the head of a huge rectangular table. Normally we sit at a small round table and even when we have a square or rectangular table, I do not sit at the head.One of the other members came in with a large container of hot chicken. I had forgotten that each of us was supposed to bring something to eat.
What did I forget?
Was it something important?
Was it about food?
Because of t his dream, I wonder if I forgot something. Am I supposed to take something to the next meeting? At the last meeting, I mentioned writing a poem about dementia, perhaps I am supposed to take a copy of that. I will have to see if I can get the other computer and the printer to cooperate so that I can print off a copy.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Thoughs on A Friday Afternoon
Istiqlál (Independence), 18 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Friday, July 11, 2014 about 5:07 pm Pacific Daylight Time
It is summer
the days are getting shorter,
but they are still long hot days.
My thoughts on this Friday afternoon are scattered. I still have a lot of work to do to put all the dishes back in the cabinets. I have not received the battery for my new upgraded modem, so I did not hook it up today. I expect the battery will come Saturday, at least I hope it comes Saturday otherwise I will have to wait until Monday to call Cox Communications to see why I have not received the battery as yet.
Patience
is a virtue I am short of
on this summer afternoon.
I am not sure what is causing my impatience. I feel as if time is moving slowly, but the days are speeding past. I know that does not make sense. I feel as if something has changed and my life is about to take a new turn. I have had any of the dreams that indicate something is about to change; however, I feel as if the air is charged with electricity. I also feel a bit depressed and I do not have a reason for the depression.
Prayer
and the scent of almonds
and vanilla
I know where the scent of almonds and vanilla originated. I opened the contain of deodorant I purchased the other day and it smells like almonds and vanilla. Normally, I do not purchase perfumed deodorant, but I decided to buy something different this time. I like the scent so I may continue purchasing deodorant with some type of aroma.
It is summer
the days are getting shorter,
but they are still long hot days.
My thoughts on this Friday afternoon are scattered. I still have a lot of work to do to put all the dishes back in the cabinets. I have not received the battery for my new upgraded modem, so I did not hook it up today. I expect the battery will come Saturday, at least I hope it comes Saturday otherwise I will have to wait until Monday to call Cox Communications to see why I have not received the battery as yet.
Patience
is a virtue I am short of
on this summer afternoon.
I am not sure what is causing my impatience. I feel as if time is moving slowly, but the days are speeding past. I know that does not make sense. I feel as if something has changed and my life is about to take a new turn. I have had any of the dreams that indicate something is about to change; however, I feel as if the air is charged with electricity. I also feel a bit depressed and I do not have a reason for the depression.
Prayer
and the scent of almonds
and vanilla
I know where the scent of almonds and vanilla originated. I opened the contain of deodorant I purchased the other day and it smells like almonds and vanilla. Normally, I do not purchase perfumed deodorant, but I decided to buy something different this time. I like the scent so I may continue purchasing deodorant with some type of aroma.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Thursday Thoughts: The Exterminator Came Today
Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Thursday, July 10, 2014 about 4:49 pm Pacific Daylight Time
The exterminator came today and sprayed for bugs. I had to take everything out of the cabinets so that they man could spray up there and now I have to wash all the dishes before I put them away. Since I have problems standing for more then five or ten minutes at a time it is going to take a while to get everything put back where it belongs. When I was taking the dishes down, I realized that I have too many dishes for just one person. Therefore, as I put them up I will decided what I want to keep and what I want to give away.
It is going to take me all weekend to wash out the cupboards and the dishes so that I can put them away. At least I can get everything rearranged so that it is easier for me to get. I think I will move the canned goods to a higher cabinet so that it is easier for me to reach and to see what type of canned vegetables I have. Stooping down or sitting on a step stool every time I want to open a can is difficult. When I put the cans in the cabinets below the sink I did not think about how difficult it would be to get them. I think I will put the dishes I do not use very often in the low cupboards.
The exterminator came today and sprayed for bugs. I had to take everything out of the cabinets so that they man could spray up there and now I have to wash all the dishes before I put them away. Since I have problems standing for more then five or ten minutes at a time it is going to take a while to get everything put back where it belongs. When I was taking the dishes down, I realized that I have too many dishes for just one person. Therefore, as I put them up I will decided what I want to keep and what I want to give away.
It is going to take me all weekend to wash out the cupboards and the dishes so that I can put them away. At least I can get everything rearranged so that it is easier for me to get. I think I will move the canned goods to a higher cabinet so that it is easier for me to reach and to see what type of canned vegetables I have. Stooping down or sitting on a step stool every time I want to open a can is difficult. When I put the cans in the cabinets below the sink I did not think about how difficult it would be to get them. I think I will put the dishes I do not use very often in the low cupboards.
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
I Think I'm becoming a Hermit
‘Idál (Justice), 16 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 9, 2014 about 5:51 pm Pacific Daylight Time
I think I'm becoming a hermit. I go out only when I absolutely have to and sometimes I even talk myself out of going out then. It didn't bother me until this afternoon, in fact I didn't even consider it a possibility until today. This morning I picked up my senior commodities and went to the grocery store. When I returned home, instead of getting ready to go to the Commemoration of the Martyrdom of The Bab, I changed into my house skirt and blouse. I made some blog entries and then at noon I said the Tablet of Visitation.
At the grocery store, I purchased a small container of deodorant because when I took my bath this morning I found out I was out. I specifically purchased the deodorant so that I could go out, but instead I remained home. I'll have to make more of an effort to get out because I don't think I like being a recluse. Sometimes I don't enjoy being around people, but that doesn't mean I enjoy being a hermit or a recluse.
I know, that despite opinions to the contrary, living in seclusion is not good for a person's spiritual development. On the journey of transformation an individual needs to interact with the rest of humanity because some of the soul's attributes can only be developed during those interactions. I have to make more of a effort to get out of my studio apartment and my shell.
I think I'm becoming a hermit. I go out only when I absolutely have to and sometimes I even talk myself out of going out then. It didn't bother me until this afternoon, in fact I didn't even consider it a possibility until today. This morning I picked up my senior commodities and went to the grocery store. When I returned home, instead of getting ready to go to the Commemoration of the Martyrdom of The Bab, I changed into my house skirt and blouse. I made some blog entries and then at noon I said the Tablet of Visitation.
At the grocery store, I purchased a small container of deodorant because when I took my bath this morning I found out I was out. I specifically purchased the deodorant so that I could go out, but instead I remained home. I'll have to make more of an effort to get out because I don't think I like being a recluse. Sometimes I don't enjoy being around people, but that doesn't mean I enjoy being a hermit or a recluse.
I know, that despite opinions to the contrary, living in seclusion is not good for a person's spiritual development. On the journey of transformation an individual needs to interact with the rest of humanity because some of the soul's attributes can only be developed during those interactions. I have to make more of a effort to get out of my studio apartment and my shell.
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
On a Beautiful Tuesday morning
Fiḍál (Grace), 15 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Tuesday, July 8, 2014 about 10:23 am Pacific Daylight Time
morning prayers said,
the Venetian blinds opened
white fish for breakfast
beautiful Tuesday
the sun concealed behind clouds
will it rain today
blog entries composed
flash fiction story to write
crystal water fall
i am moving on
i am learning to let go
Tuesday morning work
morning prayers said,
the Venetian blinds opened
white fish for breakfast
beautiful Tuesday
the sun concealed behind clouds
will it rain today
blog entries composed
flash fiction story to write
crystal water fall
i am moving on
i am learning to let go
Tuesday morning work
Monday, July 07, 2014
Makeup (Catchup) Monday: Attempting to Catch up on some work
Kamál (Perfection), 14 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Monday, July 7, 2014 about 11:44 am Pacific Daylight Time
It's catchupmakeup Monday,
so I'm eating barbecued chicken
with sweet peas for lunch
and attempting to get the back load
under control.
I feel as if I'm behind on everything, but I don't think that's an accurate statement or feeling. For sometime now I've felt as if I was walking in a fog. I'm not sure what is causing the problem, but it's put me behind on everything. I have to attempt to get caught up this week. I know I can't get everything I want to accomplish in one day or one week; however I can get something done.
Don't focus on the big picture,
rather look at a small space,
at one box,
at one file folder,
get something accomplished
get the trash
taken out to the alley.
I find myself looking at the big picture. I look at everything I have to accomplish and because frustrated. I have to learn to narrow my focus to one small space or one item at a time. The only way to get anything done is in small sections. Say a prayer of assistance and then get to work washing dishes, sweeping the floor, or sorting laundry.
It's catchup
so I'm eating barbecued chicken
with sweet peas for lunch
and attempting to get the back load
under control.
I feel as if I'm behind on everything, but I don't think that's an accurate statement or feeling. For sometime now I've felt as if I was walking in a fog. I'm not sure what is causing the problem, but it's put me behind on everything. I have to attempt to get caught up this week. I know I can't get everything I want to accomplish in one day or one week; however I can get something done.
Don't focus on the big picture,
rather look at a small space,
at one box,
at one file folder,
get something accomplished
get the trash
taken out to the alley.
I find myself looking at the big picture. I look at everything I have to accomplish and because frustrated. I have to learn to narrow my focus to one small space or one item at a time. The only way to get anything done is in small sections. Say a prayer of assistance and then get to work washing dishes, sweeping the floor, or sorting laundry.
Sunday, July 06, 2014
Sundry Sunday: Sunshine, Blue Skies, and White Clouds
Jamál (Beauty), 13 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Sunday, July 6, 2014 about 12:18 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Good morning all! It is another beautiful Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas with bright sunshine, blue skies, and a random white cloud or two floating by. The neighbors are awake and playing pleasant music.
a blue sky Sunday
a warm day in Las Vegas
no dogs are barking
I just finished an entry in my writing.com blog. It took me longer then usual because part of the prompt required me picking out my two favorite blog post of the past week. All the responses to this weeks prompts were either poetry or thought provoking. When I encounter thougth provoking responses I have difficulty deciding which blog entry I like best.
a blue sky Sunday
the sun casting deep dark shadows
it is warm outside.
I have a flash fiction story to finish today. I also have a poem to write about moving on, but I cannot seem to get it started. I think I mentioned this issue before either in this blog or my other one. Perhaps I should try writing the poem while listening to music.
a blue sky Sunday
white clouds float past my window
no birds are singing
Good morning all! It is another beautiful Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas with bright sunshine, blue skies, and a random white cloud or two floating by. The neighbors are awake and playing pleasant music.
a blue sky Sunday
a warm day in Las Vegas
no dogs are barking
I just finished an entry in my writing.com blog. It took me longer then usual because part of the prompt required me picking out my two favorite blog post of the past week. All the responses to this weeks prompts were either poetry or thought provoking. When I encounter thougth provoking responses I have difficulty deciding which blog entry I like best.
a blue sky Sunday
the sun casting deep dark shadows
it is warm outside.
I have a flash fiction story to finish today. I also have a poem to write about moving on, but I cannot seem to get it started. I think I mentioned this issue before either in this blog or my other one. Perhaps I should try writing the poem while listening to music.
a blue sky Sunday
white clouds float past my window
no birds are singing
Friday, July 04, 2014
Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July
Istiqlál (Independence), 12 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Friday, July 4, 2014 about 11:17 am Pacific Daylight Time
Have a safe
and Happy Fourth of July
while celebrating America's birthday
and don't for get to say
The Prayer for America today.
Have a Happy Fourth of July
while listening to patriotic songs
such as Yankee Doodle Dandy,
America the Beautiful,
or The Star Spangled Banner
while watching
red, white, and blue fireworks
decorate the night sky.
Have a safe
and Happy Fourth of July
while celebrating America's birthday
and don't for get to say
The Prayer for America today.
Have a Happy Fourth of July
while listening to patriotic songs
such as Yankee Doodle Dandy,
America the Beautiful,
or The Star Spangled Banner
while watching
red, white, and blue fireworks
decorate the night sky.
Thursday, July 03, 2014
Thankful Thursday: July 3, 2014
Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Thursday, July 3, 2014 about 5:56 pm Pacific Daylight Time
Today I am thankful...
01. ...for Canada Dry Ginger Ale because it was my Grandma Mary's favorite and every time I drink it I remember Grandma.
02. ...that I can purchase Ginger Ale in 16 oz. bottles because they are easier for me to carry, store, and drink.
03. ...for fireworks on the 4th of July because it brings back memories from my childhood.
04. ...that I can purchase individual watermelons because they are easier for me to carry, store, and eat.
05. ...for English Black tea because it makes good hot tea and iced tea.
06. ...that I have a container in the bathroom to keep an extra roll of toilet paper because then I know when to go to the store to purchase more. I live in a studio apartment and their is not a very much storage that I can reach easily.
07. ...for the news-feed on writing.com because it reminds me to post my weekly goals update.
08. ...that tomorrow (Friday) is the 4th of July because I do not have to worry about going anywhere except to the alley to take out the trash.
09. ...for Dijon mustard because it taste good on hot dogs which is another 4th of July treat.
10. ...that I have a Facebook account because I can wish my brothers a Happy 4th of July without worrying that they will not be home when I call them.
Today I am thankful...
01. ...for Canada Dry Ginger Ale because it was my Grandma Mary's favorite and every time I drink it I remember Grandma.
02. ...that I can purchase Ginger Ale in 16 oz. bottles because they are easier for me to carry, store, and drink.
03. ...for fireworks on the 4th of July because it brings back memories from my childhood.
04. ...that I can purchase individual watermelons because they are easier for me to carry, store, and eat.
05. ...for English Black tea because it makes good hot tea and iced tea.
06. ...that I have a container in the bathroom to keep an extra roll of toilet paper because then I know when to go to the store to purchase more. I live in a studio apartment and their is not a very much storage that I can reach easily.
07. ...for the news-feed on writing.com because it reminds me to post my weekly goals update.
08. ...that tomorrow (Friday) is the 4th of July because I do not have to worry about going anywhere except to the alley to take out the trash.
09. ...for Dijon mustard because it taste good on hot dogs which is another 4th of July treat.
10. ...that I have a Facebook account because I can wish my brothers a Happy 4th of July without worrying that they will not be home when I call them.
Wednesday, July 02, 2014
Midweek Reflects or The Hump Day Chronicles: Wednesday, July 2, 2014
‘Idál (Justice), 10 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Wednesday, July 2, 2014 about 10:01 am Pacific Daylight Time
I thought up the title The Hump Day Chronicles this morning when I made an entry in Welcome to My Weird Life on writing.com. In that journal, I put a few of the things I accomplished early this morning. Since then I accomplished several more things including checking my bank account to see if the Cox Communications payment had came in. The account revealed that the bank was processing that draft. Therefore, the only thing I have to worry about is paying the power bill.
It has been an interesting and productive morning. I finished the breakfast dishes and washed out the electric fry pan. I still have to go out after today's mail, but I think I will wait until I go to my group meeting this afternoon. I have to finish a short story, do some reviews, and decide whether I will go to the laundromat tomorrow or shopping after I get out of the doctor's office at 8:00 am.
I have to stop at the bank tomorrow morning to pay the rent, so I may just as well get $20.00 in quarters for the washing machines. It won't take that much; however, if I get $20.00 then I will not have to go back to the bank for laundry money in July.
Speaking of laundry money, I had an unusual dream about money last night. I dreamed I found a $10.00 roll of quarters in my purse. I know it was quarters because the coins were too big for nickles, dimes, or pennies. I have not dreamed about finding money since I moved into this studio apartment. I do not know what the dream means, but I consider it a good sign since it is the first time I have had a dream like that this year.
I thought up the title The Hump Day Chronicles this morning when I made an entry in Welcome to My Weird Life on writing.com. In that journal, I put a few of the things I accomplished early this morning. Since then I accomplished several more things including checking my bank account to see if the Cox Communications payment had came in. The account revealed that the bank was processing that draft. Therefore, the only thing I have to worry about is paying the power bill.
It has been an interesting and productive morning. I finished the breakfast dishes and washed out the electric fry pan. I still have to go out after today's mail, but I think I will wait until I go to my group meeting this afternoon. I have to finish a short story, do some reviews, and decide whether I will go to the laundromat tomorrow or shopping after I get out of the doctor's office at 8:00 am.
I have to stop at the bank tomorrow morning to pay the rent, so I may just as well get $20.00 in quarters for the washing machines. It won't take that much; however, if I get $20.00 then I will not have to go back to the bank for laundry money in July.
Speaking of laundry money, I had an unusual dream about money last night. I dreamed I found a $10.00 roll of quarters in my purse. I know it was quarters because the coins were too big for nickles, dimes, or pennies. I have not dreamed about finding money since I moved into this studio apartment. I do not know what the dream means, but I consider it a good sign since it is the first time I have had a dream like that this year.
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
Tuesday Ten: Reasons to Take an Afternoon Nap
Fiḍál (Grace), 9 Raḥmat (Mercy), 171 BE - Tuesday, July 1, 2014 - about 2:03 pm Pacific Daylight Time
01. My eyelids are heavy and want to close as I compose a blog entry, story, or poem.
02. I am yawning while I type these words into my blog document.
03. It is 106 degrees Fahrenheit here in Las Vegas, so there is no reason for me to go outside until it cools down.
04. If I get too sleepy there is a good chance I will go to sleep where I am sitting. If I do that then it is possible I will drool on my keyboard.
05. It is not a good idea to go to sleep sitting up in a kitchen chair because it is possible for me to fall out of the chair. (This happen a couple of times when I was living in the house on Bracken).
06. An afternoon nap is a good reason to put off going outside for the mail.
07. People who take naps in the afternoon can stay up until midnight without any problems.
08. Naps encourage dreaming and dreaming encourages my muse.
09. A nap is a pleasant and acceptable reason to procrastinate.
10. People who take naps are better rested and happier.
01. My eyelids are heavy and want to close as I compose a blog entry, story, or poem.
02. I am yawning while I type these words into my blog document.
03. It is 106 degrees Fahrenheit here in Las Vegas, so there is no reason for me to go outside until it cools down.
04. If I get too sleepy there is a good chance I will go to sleep where I am sitting. If I do that then it is possible I will drool on my keyboard.
05. It is not a good idea to go to sleep sitting up in a kitchen chair because it is possible for me to fall out of the chair. (This happen a couple of times when I was living in the house on Bracken).
06. An afternoon nap is a good reason to put off going outside for the mail.
07. People who take naps in the afternoon can stay up until midnight without any problems.
08. Naps encourage dreaming and dreaming encourages my muse.
09. A nap is a pleasant and acceptable reason to procrastinate.
10. People who take naps are better rested and happier.
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