Foodie Friday: February is National Canned Food Month

Istiqlal (Independence), 19 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Friday, February 6, 2015 about 3:29 pm Pacific Standard Time

In honor of canned food month I am posting a recipe for vegetable soup made with canned vegetable. When using canned vegetable drain the liquid off before using it in soup or any other recipe because this will cut down on the salt. A friend of mind said she also rinses the vegetables before using them because that helps cut the salt, since I have not tried this I cannot say how well it works, but it is worth a try.

1 can of green beans
1 can of corn
1 can of peas
1 can of mixed vegetables
1 can carrots
1 can potatoes
1 can beans
7 cups of water (that is one cups of water for each can of vegetables). If you want more water then go ahead and add it.
1 to 3 dashes of Tabasco® sauce for each can of vegetables (This depends on how "spicy hot" you want your soup.)
1/4 tsp. of Mrs. Dash® Original Salt-Free Seasoning Blend (If you prefer one of the other Mrs. Dash® blends then go ahead and use it instead.)

Mix all the ingredients into an electric skillet or soup pan and heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until it is hot and then serve it with your favorite crackers or put it over rice.

Thankful Thursday: The first Thankful Thursday in February 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 18 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Thursday, February 5, 2015 about 12:00 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

01. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn.

02, ...for the walnut and maple pancake mix a friend sent me for Christmas. I fixed myself two of the hotcakes this morning for breakfast with an egg. I have enough left over for breakfast on Friday or Saturday.

03. ...that I remembered to get a small bag of flour when I went grocery shopping yesterday. I can now fix fried eggplant properly. The last time I fixed it I did not have the flower to bread it so it did not turn out the way it should.

04. ...for the sale on Folgers' coffee that Smith's Food and Drug had yesterday. I was able to purchase a container of my favorite dark roast for less then normal when I went grocery shopping on Wednesday.

05. ...that I am now able to pay my rent online, which means I do not have to go to the bank or leave the house on the third of each month unless I want to.

06. ...for the check I received through the mail yesterday because it helped me purchase some much needed items.
07. ...that I was able get some snack items (candy and sweets) from one of the food pantries. I have enough to keep my sweet tooth happy for a while so I do not have to spend money on snack items.

08. ...for the jugs of apple juice I have in the refrigerator because now I do not have to purchase juice for a while. This means I can spend money on meat, vegetables, eggs, and other staples.

09. ...that I only have to have the warm air on for a little while in the morning to warm up the house a bit after I get up.

10. ...for the beautiful sunshiny afternoon because it will be warm when I take the trash to the alley.

Midweek Reflections: Handicapped Only Parking places

I don't get upset easily most of the time. However, today I saw something that really pissed me off. It was three young people (by young I mean somewhere in their early to middle twenties) parked in a handicapped only space and went into the grocery store. It was a man and two females. After he got out of the car he pulled his pants up so his butt crack would not show when he was walking into the store. One of the girls (I will not call them women because a woman would not let her man park where he did). All three walked into the store without difficulty.



It is difficult for me to walk, but I have not yet gotten a handicapped placard to put in my car so I do not park in handicapped only spaces. Those spaces are designated for people who have a hard time walking great distances. I know that there are some young people who have problems walking more then 200 yards without stopping to rest. If a person has a medical problem that prevents them from walking a long way then get a placard, but do not use those parking places unless you really need them. There are people who need them and if those spaces are used by healthy people then those who really need them have to either wait until a car moves struggle to walk into the store.

 

Tuesday's Topic: Rearranging Cabinets

Fiḍal (Grace), 16 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Tuesday, February 3, 2015 about Sunset Pacific Standard Time

I have to rearrange my Cabinets again. The last time I rearranged them I moved everything from the cabinets below the sink because it was difficult to get to t he canned goods. This time, when I wash them out, I will put the paper goods down there. The cabinets in the bathroom are difficult for me to reach without getting up on a stool so I am moving the paper towels and toilet paper to the cabinets below the sink. It is easier for me to bend down and get them then to climb on a stool and then reach above my head to retrieve those items.

I still have to find a place for my cookware, which is setting on top of the stove. I have no idea where I will put those items. If I leave them on top of the stove then I have to move them each time I want to cook something. This apartment is small, almost too small, but I cannot afford anything else. As it is I can barely afford this one without having difficulty paying some of the bills. I have to figure out how to do this, I know if I just work and pray then something will open up or the money will come. I have to increase my income and that is going slowly.

Meditation Monday: Groundhog Day

Kamal (Perfection), 15 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Monday, February 2, 2015 about 4:44 pm Pacific Standard Time

Punxsutawney Phil, the official prognosticator of spring, saw his shadow today. Another six weeks of winter with everything that goes with it. I am tired of winter! I am tired of the cold penetrating my bones. I am tired of wearing four or five layers of clothing just to keep warm. I am looking forward to spring and my shadow is looking forward to spring. I want to go outside, look up at Mount Charleston and smile because the mountain is not covered by snow.

the white mountain crest
glistens in sunsets gold rays
where is the green grass

I made soup again today because that is the only food that warms me up enough to get through the chilly desert days and cold nights. I will be glad when I can put my sweaters away (if I can find a place to store them in this apartment) and get out the few spring and summer clothes that I have. I thin my shadow and I will go clothes shopping at some of the second hand stores this spring to see if we can find something cool and comfortable to wear. I know that the arrival of spring means summer is coming, but I will deal with summer when it gets here.

six more cloudy weeks
filled with chilly rain and wind
I want warm weather

Spiritual Sunday: At the Beginning of a New Month

Jamal (Beauty), 14 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Sunday, February 1, 2015 about 2:32 pm Pacific Standard Time

At the beginning of a new month I sat in my studio apartment listening to the music echoing through the walls. The neighbor is playing his music, which is not spiritual or religious. I am considering getting earplugs so that I do not have to listen to it on Sunday. The music does not enhance or encourage a spiritual feeling. If I could afford something better then I would move, but living on a fixed income I am lucky to afford this place. As it is I am having difficulty paying the power bill.

That is enough complaining especially when it does not change my situation. The only thing I can do is pray and work. I can pray for my neighbor and I can work to increase my income. Eventually my situation will change, but it will not change as long as I continue to complain about it. At 68, I know that nothing stays the same. I know that God will open the way to a better life. I know that I am in this location and situation for a reason; I may not know the reason at this time, but God will reveal it to me as the days, the months, and the year advances.

At the beginning of a new month, I can feel a change approaching. I know that when I feel this way that something in my life has changed. Sometimes I do not know what that change is immediately. Sometimes I can see the change, but this time it is concealed from my eyes. I have to practice faith knowing that my situation is in God's hands and that God will take care of me.

Saturday Summary: At the End of a Good Week

alal (Glory), 13 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Saturday, January 31, 2015 about 2:02 pm Pacific Standard Time

The week of January 25 to 31 has been a good week. I created a new recipe which I posted yesterday. I have the To Do List for February 2015 completed. I still have an internet connection and electricity to my apartment. I my checking account was not overdrawn. I was able to pay for all the prescriptions I had filled. I was able to have my tag renewed and I have gas in the car. I have enough food in the house to last for a week or so. I have enough snacks to last a couple of weeks if I do not get depressed.

I ate chicken and rice today for lunch. This afternoon I am fixing the piece of beef I purchased at the supermarket. I put some sweet peppers and an orange in it. When the sweet peppers have cooked a while I will add a couple of apples and maybe a potato. Since I will not eat it today I may wait until I warm it up tomorrow or Monday to add the apples and the potatoes. I think I will add an onion as well, so I my put the onion in today instead of the other two items.

Foodie Friday: Eggplant and Apples

Istiqlal (Independence), 12 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Friday, January 30, 2015 about 1:42 pm Pacific Standard Time

Eggplant and Apples

1 medium to large eggplant sliced
2 medium to large apples (any type of apple) sliced or diced
1/4 to 1/2 cup broth (any type of broth)
1 or 2 small to medium green onions cut into small pieces
5 or 6 squirt vinaigrette dressing or marinade
3 or 4 dashes of green Tabasco® sauce

Mix all of the ingredients together in an electric skillet or a sauce pan. Put on low to medium heat and let it cooked until done. For those readers who are looking for an exact cooking time you will have to figure it out for yourselves. I fixed this by turning the electric skillet on low and then checking every few minutes to see if the food was ready to eat. I know that is not normally how one cooks, but that is the way I cook.

I will fix this dish again. When I do I know that the recipe will change because I never make anything exactly the same twice. I used chicken broth for this recipe, but the next time I may use beef broth or vegetable broth (I have to purchase vegetable broth the next time I go to the store). I do not know what kind of apples I used because they were given to me. The apples I used this time were yellow and red.

Thankful Thursday: The Last Thankful Thursday in January 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 11 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Thursday, January 29, 2015 about 12:37 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

01. ...that I found seven t-shirts that I can wear this summer. Three of the t-shirts have designs that Mama painted on them.

02. ...for the cloudy and nice late autumn day we are experiencing in Las Vegas.

03. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn.

04. ...for the pound of ground vanilla coffee I received when I picked up some free food yesterday because that means that, with the coffee I already hve, I do not have to worry about purchasing coffee for at least another month.

05. ...that I found two purple pajama tops which I can wear this summer to sleep in, with the two nightgowns I have this gives me four sleep items.

06. ...for cranberry apples juice. I make it by adding three cans of apple juices to one can of condensed cranberry juice.

07. ...that I received a jug of grapefruit juice when I picked up the free food yesterday because I can mix it with the apple juice I have in the refrigerator to make grapefruit apple juice.

08. ...for snack crackers because they make good snacks without adding anything to them.

09. ..
.that I was able to increase the points in several of my survey accounts this afternoon.

10. ...for ginger ale because I can add it to fruit juice.

Midweek Reflections: Sparkling Water

Idal (Justice), 10 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Wednesday, January 28, 2015 about 3:28 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went to a church this morning that gave away food. One of the things I received was a 1 liter bottle of Apricot & Peach Sparkling Water. I have not had any sparking water since before November 29, 2012. I did not know how much I missed the taste of fruit flavored water. I have a filter pitcher I use for water here at home and I keep small bottles of water in the refrigerator to take with me with I leave the house. I carry the small bottles with me because the large bottles are too heavy to carry in my purse.

The next time I go to the grocery store I will purchase some fruit flavored bottled water to drink at home. The 1 liter bottles are just the right size to sit on the wooden television stand beside my computer. I have to have some type of liquid to sip while I am working online. When I stop working to take a sip of water, juice, or coffee it gives me a chance to think about what I am working on or what I have to do next.

Tuesday's Topic: Getting Lost in the Supermarket Parking Lot

Fiḍal (Grace), 9 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Tuesday, January 27, 2015 about 4:33 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went to the supermarket today to pick up my eye drop prescription. I figured while I was in there I would purchase a few items to make stew. I got my prescription and my grocery item. I left the store to go to my car that is when I realized I forgot where I parked my car. I walked down the lanes in the parking lot looking for my car. I finally found it and then realized how I had forgotten where I parked it.

When I parked the car, I saw a shopping cart in another lane so I went over to get it. I got the cart and went into the store. Because I walked up a different lane to get into the store, I thought I parked in a different lane. I will be more careful from now on because it is scary to lose your car in a parking lot. True the experience brought back memories from my childhood. I remembered a grand uncle who was always losing his car. When he lost his car he went to the police station and the found it for him. That was a long time ago in a small town and in another state.

Meditation Monday: Never Give Up!

Kamal (Perfection), 8 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Monday, January 26, 2015 about 3:26 pm Pacific Standard Time

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Never give up! Never give up on anything because Harriet Beecher Stowe was right. At the point of giving up something is about to change. In this case the mini food chopper I ordered on November 1, 2014 arrived. I checked the website I ordered it from and the projected shipping date was December 1, 2014 by t he manufacturer. I have waited, waited, and waited for this items. I checked the website every week and it always showed the projected shipping date as December 1, but, as of yesterday, I had not received it. Today I was ready to contact the website by e-mail because it had taken so long to ship it.

The food chopper arrived today. The deliver man must have thought I was crazy because I was so happy to get the package. I opened the package, removed the food chopper, and now I am ready to use it. I have to pick up a prescription on Tuesday, so while I am in the store I will purchase some fresh vegetables. I have two sweet peppers in the refrigerator and all I need for a salad is some radishes, celery, onions, and maybe some carrots. I am looking forward to making my first salad with the food chopper. I might purchase a small piece of beef to make some beef stew with the vegetables.

Spiritual Sunday: Why do I title Sunday entries Spiritual Sunday?

Jamal (Beauty), 7 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Sunday, January 25, 2015 about 11:06 am Pacific Standard Time

Spiritual Sunday is a leftover from my childhood. Every Sunday Grandma Mary and Grandpa Frank would take us to church where we attended Sunday School. The church my grandparents attended was the First Southern Baptist Mission located in the Smelter Heights in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Every Sunday morning we would put on our best clothes, usually the new Easter dresses Mom or Grandpa bought us, and go to church.

At church we would listen to the preacher, singing in the choir, and attend Sunday school classes. In the classes we would learn Bible verses and hear stories take from the King James version of the Bible. Perhaps this is why today I prefer to read the King James version or translation of the Christian scriptures. In the Sunday school classes I remember memorizing the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23. I am sure we learned other scripture verses, but those are the only ones I remember today.

As I grew up, I began to realize that the spiritual feeling I got from "going to church" should be carried over the other six days of the week. I also began to realize that this did not always happen. Sometimes I did not feel the Sunday spirit carried over to the other six days. Sometimes I witnessed the way the people in church acted when they were not attending church services. As I grew up I began to understand that neither of these things should have an effect on the way I live my life. That I should live my live, no matter how other people live their lives, according to the scriptures, which meant treating everyone equally and as member of my family.

I will continue to title Sunday entries Spiritual Sunday. Sometimes the entries will be meditations on scripture verses from various scriptures. Sometimes I will write a prayer or supplication in the form of a poem or prose entry. Sometimes I will write about something that I encountered during the week which caused me to think about a scripture verse.

Saturday Summary: At the End of a long week

Jalal (Glory), 6 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Saturday, January 24, 2015 about 10:26 am Pacific Standard Time

At the end of a long week I still have an internet connection and electricity. I have made several blog entries without making any of them rants. I still have to have the tag for my car renewed, so I will go the the bank to deposit the check I received yesterday. After that I will have the car smog tested and then see if I have time to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles today or have to wait until Monday.

I finished the carafe of coffee I brewed this morning. I will wait until I get back to decide if I want to brew another carafe or clean the coffeemaker before brewing more coffee. Since I have not cleaned the coffeemaker in 2015 I need to clean it before making any more coffee or hot water for tea. I will take the trash to the alley on my way to the car. There are advantages of parking a car behind the apartment building. I do not have to make an extra trip to the alley on the days I have to leave the house.

The weather in Las Vegas has been nice. It is cool, but not so cold that I have to run the heat all day. It does get a bit chilly at night so I think I will have to rearrange the blankets on the loveseat I sleep on. I need to get a day bed or a recliner to sleep on. I think I would sleep better and be able to keep the cover over me at night. Between the pain and the cold air waking me up, I do not get much sleep. This morning it took a while for me to work the stiffness out of my right knee. I can walk better, so I think it is probably time for me to get ready to go to the bank.

Foodie Friday: Eating healthy on a fixed income

Istiqlal (Independence), 5 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Friday, January 23, 2015 about 8:43 am Pacific Standard Time

It is difficult to eat healthy on a fixed income. It is difficult to follow a special diet when you get most of your food from food banks which give you a lot of canned goods. One of my doctors put me on a low phosphorus, low protein, and low potassium diet. Most canned goods list only the protein content, while a few cans list the potassium content. I have not found any that list the phosphorus content. This means that I have to search food websites to see what the phosphorus content might be, if that ingredient list on the ingredient labels on the website.

I have three handouts, which my doctor gave me, listing some of the foods that contain the forbidden ingredients. The problem is that some foods can be low in phosphorus and high in potassium. This makes choosing healthy foods even more difficult then it already is. Sometimes I get very frustrated when it comes to figuring out the contents and then making the portions small enough so that I can eat the food. The good thing about labels is that they list the serving in a can and also how many cups a serving contains. This means that I can cut down the serving size to an amount that my body can handle. At least I can if the amount of phosphorus, protein, and potassium are listed on the label. If the amount of those ingredients are not listed then I have to pray that the food either does not contain the forbidden ingredient or that the amount is so small my body can handle it.

On a positive note, since I do live on a fixed income I can get a food stamp card. This allows me to purchase fresh fruits and vegetable which are listed on my diet. Because some of items are more expensive then others, I still have to watch what I spend. Since I am 68 and living alone, I purchase the fresh frozen vegetables as much as possible. This allows me to measure the serving sizes and gives me a larger variety of vegetables to use in my recipes. If I had children or a spouse and was living on a fixed income I do not know how I would handle it.

Thankful Thursday: Thoughts on Gratitude and Thankful Thursday

Istijlal (Majesty), 4 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Thursday, January 22, 2015 about 12:59 pm Pacific Standard Time

I am tired. I am weary. I am worried. I need to find something to be thankful for, but the only things I can think of are the things I have listed before. I know that one should always be thankful for what they have. Gratitude for what you have means you are ready to accept the blessing of receiving something to do not have. The problem is that I think there is something else I should be putting on my gratitude list. I am not sure what that something else is at this time. Maybe I am too close to t he situation or item to see it clearly.

Today I am thankful...

01. ...that I was unable to get the loan I applied for yesterday because now I know that I have to check my credit report to find out what it contains.

02. ...for the cooked chicken quarters I have in the freezer because I can make soup out of them with canned peas and green beans for lunch and dinner.

03. ...that I still have electricity to keep the refrigerator and the freezer running because I have several food items in them that would spoil if I had no electricity.

04. ...for freshly brewed hot coffee. Yes, I know I have listed this before, but this is one of the things I am thankful for everyday.

05. ...that I was able to purchase $5.00 in gas yesterday. If I am lucky the gas in the tank will last me the rest of the month or I will be able to earn enough money to get another $5.00 or $10.00 in gas.

06. ...for the canned vegetable I have in the cupboard above the sink because I can make vegetable soup for the rest of the month without worrying about something to eat.

07. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn.

08. ...for the beautiful warm January afternoon because the sun is shining and the warm air has not come on for the last few hours.

09. ...that I still have an internet connection so that I can attempt to earn some money online.

10. ...for the filter pitcher I have because I do not have to worry about using the bottleed water in the refrigerator. The bottle water is for me to carry when I leave the house.

Midweek Reflections: Credit Report and Other Stuff

Idal (Justice), 3 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Wednesday, January 21, 2015 about Sunset Pacific Standard Time

I am writing this sometime before or after sunset. I cannot seem to think because of a long and weary day. I spent the morning attempting to get a loan without success. I may find later that it was a good thing, but right now I am not sure. I have to call one of the companies that keeps track of credit to see what is going on. I thought I knew everything that was on my credit report, but I obviously do not. I will call the number on Thursday to get a credit report. At this point, I am lucky to write a blog entry much less deal with anyone about my lousy credit.

I do not seem to be worried, which is really weird because I normally worry about everything. I still need to get my tag renewed or give up the car. The advantage to giving up the car would be no more car insurance payments. The disadvantage would be getting around town. It is difficult for me to walk long distances and I have to walk several blocks to catch a bus. I have other bills besides the car tag and the car insurance; if I do no have a car then I would have some money for some of my bills. I will deal with this decision on Thursday or Friday. I have to get the tag on or before January 27, so I can make the decision this weekend if I cannot get the money from a family member before next Tuesday.

Tuesday's Topic: Depression on a Cloudy Tuesday Afternoon

Fiḍal (Grace), 2 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Tuesday, January 20, 2015 about 3:26 pm Pacific Standard Time

It is a cloudy Tuesday afternoon and I am depressed. I am not happy which means I need to take some type of action to solve the problems that may or may not be causing my depression. I have to find a dress clean dress or pair of slacks to wear when I go out on Wednesday. I have to attempt to find some help for my financial problems which are causing part of my depression. I am taking action on Wednesday morning to see if there is something someone can do to assist me in this issue.

I get the feeling there is a solution to my problem that I am not seeing. The only way to solve my problem is to take action of some type. The problem is that I am so low I believe or rather think that nothing I do will help. That may not be true. I need to take action instead of worrying. I am going to attempt to get a signature loan on Wednesday morning. I hope I can get it because I have to find a way to get my car tag next week.

I pray I am doing the right thing. I know that everything will eventually level out and I will be able to increase my income to pay for the signature loan. I have to keep an up beat attitude and avoid depression. Depression cause me to procrastinate, which does not help my situation. Procrastination only makes the situation worse. Procrastination is like clouds it only makes depression worse. Worrying works the same way as procrastination and clouds.

The only things that seem to help my depression is writing, praying, taking action, and sunshine. Since I suspect sunshine is a few days away the only other alternatives are prayer, writing, and taking action. I can deal with depression easier when I do one or all of those things. I wish everyone a happy Tuesday.

Meditation Monday: Taking the First Step

Kamal (Perfection), 1 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Monday, January 19, 2015 about 2:24 pm Pacific Standard Time

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

I contemplate the quote. I ask myself if I have taken the step of faith in accomplishing my goals and getting myself out of debt. The answer I receive is an ambiguous "Yes and No". I solved one problem by taking the step of faith. I figured out why I could not transfer money from a survey account to my PayPal account. I called technical support and with their assistance solved that problem. Then I transferred the money to my PayPal account and then to my bank account. That only solves part of the issues because the next step is more difficult.

I take a deep breath and begin to get everything together that I need to go to the loan department on Tuesday. It is possible the answer will be "No". It is also possible the answer will be "Yes", I do not know unless I ask. I have to take the step of faith and do something I have never attempted before. I have ask permission of five people for reference, I have all the document I need. and I have figured out how I will pay the money back. It is just a matter of picking up everything I need and walking out the front door on Tuesday morning.

I intone a prayer.

I put everything in God's hands.

What more is th ere for me to do.

Spiritual Sunday: I Know God Loves Me

Jamal (Beauty), 19 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Sunday, January 18, 2015 about 1:24 pm Pacific Standard Time

Yesterday someone left a flyer on my screen door that read "God Love's You" (in all capital letters). I looked at it and then meditated upon the message. I have thought about the message of and on for the past twenty-four hours. I picked up the flyer again today and read the message along with the scripture verse printed on the flyer. The scripture verse reads "but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (in all capital letters) Joshua 24:14. Today, as I read the message and the verse, I thought about how I serve the Lord.

I prayer everyday. I attempt to meditate either on the prayer I read or recite or just silencing my mind. The question is "How am I serving the Lord?" Do I volunteer my service outside my home? Do I help my neighbors without expecting something in return? I know that one way I serve the Lord is by writing and blogging. Then I ask myself "How do my blog entries serve the Lord?" Are my blog entries positive? Do I encourage my readers to attend spiritual services? Do I write about the spiritual services I attend?

It has been a while since I attended a spiritual service. I read the scriptures and prayers of my chosen spiritual path. I have even memorized some of the prayers that I read everyday. I stopped attending spiritual services when I became caregiver for my mother. My mother died on November 29, 2012 and it is now 2015. I know that I have attended some spiritual services since Mom died, but not vary many. I am not sure why I have not attended regularly, maybe because I just got out of the habit. If that is the case then I have to make the effort to get back into the habit of attending spiritual service.

Saturday Summary: January is a Stressful Month

Jalal (Glory), 18 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Saturday, January 17, 2015 about 2:17 pm Pacific Standard Time

January is always a stressful month because it is the beginning of the Gregorian year and everyone is either looking forward to the New Year or dreading it. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2015, is the end of the second full week with about 50 weeks to go in the year. It is still winter with spring several weeks away, which I am both looking forward to and dreading.

I am looking forward to spring because I will not have to turn the warm air on when I get up in the morning. I am dreading it because it means that I may have to turn the cool air on in the afternoon. It is more expensive to keep my apartment cool in the summer then it is warm in the winter. In winter I can leave the warm air off and put on layers of clothing to keep warm, but in spring and summer I have to use the cool air in the afternoon to keep my apartment and computers cool.

I am still having financial issues. I have to have my car tag renewed this month which will cost between $90.00 and $100.00. I also have to pay the power bill, the internet bill, and a couple of other on-going bills. Fortunately, I do not have to worry about food. I do have to worry about purchasing nonfood items that I need to use for cleaning and other things. I know that if I keep praying and working things will work out, but sometimes it is difficult to keep a positive mental attitude. Especially when my back is hurting the way it is t his afternoon. I think I will post this and go wash dishes or say a healing prayer to see if the pain in my back goes away.

Foodie Friday: Fish twice a week

Istiqlal (Independence), 17 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Friday, January 16, 2015 about 2:14 pm Pacific Standard Time

Cans of pink salmon
sit in my cupboard waiting
a new recipe.

My doctor told me
I could have fish twice a week
I thought fresh frozen.

Went to the food bank
where I received several cans
of tuna and pink salmon.

How do I prepare
them so that I do not get tired
of eating canned fish?

Thannkful Thursday: Rearranging the canned Good

Istijlal (Majesty), 16 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Thursday, January 15, 2015 about 3:28 pm Pacific Standard Time

This afternoon I am thankful...

1. ...that I moved the cups I drink out of from the cupboard to the desk where I keep the coffee and tea canisters.
2. ...for the extra room in the cupboard I acquired when I moved the cups and glasses I do not use to the top shelf of the cupboard.
3. ...that, after moving the cups and glasses, I had one extra in the cupboards above the sink to use for my canned vegetables and meats.
4. ...for the extra shelf in the refrigerator I acquired when I moved the canned fruit from the top and bottom shelf to the middle shelf.
5. ...that I found my missing storage container when I rearranged the canned fruit in the refrigerator.
6. ...for the box of snacks I found when I empties a plastic grocery bag of canned goods. I forgot about the box of snacks being in the grocery bag.
7. ...that I now have a plastic bag full of other plastic bags under the sink. I use the plastic bags as trash bags and now I do not have to go looking for a trash bag when I need one.
8. ...for the two cardboard large boxes I have in the house because now I have something to put the clothes that I take out of the closet. The clothes in the boxes I will give to Big Brothers and Big Sisters in a couple of months.
9. ...that I still have two empty cupboards under the sink that I can store something in as soon as I wash them out.
10. ...for apple juice because I can use it for so many different recipes.

Midwek reflections on Cooking Chicken

Istijlal (Majesty), 16 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Wednesday, January 14, 2015 about 5:36 pm Pacific Standard Time

I cooked chicken today. I had about eight pieces of frozen leg quarters I got at one of the food pantries a few days ago. I took them out of the freeze and cooked them all. It took me almost all day, but I have enough chicken to last me the rest of the month. I put most of the cooked chicken parts back into the freezer, but I kept a couple out to go with the vegetable stew I made this afternoon.

I used frozen vegetables so the stew was easier and quicker to cook then the chicken. I divided the soup into storage containers so that I can freeze some of it. I will have a leg quarter tomorrow and another one on Friday. The rest I will eat next week because I want to open a can of salmon this weekend to fix with a green salad. I don't get large amounts of chicken often, but when I do I like to have some of it with soup.

A Turkey Burger Afternoon

Kamal (Perfection), 13 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Monday, January 12, 2015 about 3:34 pm Pacific Standard Time

I have a package of turkey burgers in the freezer, which I opened when I got home about 11:30 am. I cooked two of them, ate it, and then had to go out again. I have the other one waiting for me to make a sandwich. I need the protein because I spent the morning driving all over Las Vegas. I still have to go out again tomorrow because I have to deposit a check.

I went to the food bank this morning where I received a box of canned goods. I have not checked everything, but I do know one of the cans is pink salmon. I think I will fix that in the morning with some eggs and maybe a green salad. I also got a bag of frozen chicken part which I put in the freezer when I returned home.

I have to reorganize my freezer either on Wednesday or Thursday. It depends on when I go to the bank with the check I received through the mail today. I should go to the bank in the morning after I transfer some money from my savings account. I have a bill that I need to pay ASAP, but I am not sure if I have enough money because I am expecting something else to come out of the account this week. I will fix the other turkey burger and then see how much money I have to work with for the rest of the month.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Jalal (Glory), 11 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Saturday, January 10, 2015 about Sunset Pacific standard Time

I'm online today, but I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to get online. It is January and I'm having financial problems. I need to pay my Internet provider, my power bill, and get the tag for my car renewed. I don't have enough money to deal with all three items. I might be able to handle one or two if the check I'm expecting comes this week. If it doesn't then I'll have to decide which is more important.

I would ordinarily say the car and the electricity, but without Internet access it is difficult for me to increase my income by even a few dollars. Catching a bus is also difficult for me, but I am able to get paratransit buses to my apartment so I can go to doctor's appointments. Those are expensive as well at least with a car the only thing I usually have to worry about is filling the gas tank up.

The problem is that everyone I know is in about the same fix I am. Short of money and little chance of increasing the income this month. Perhaps I will just let the Internet drop, but then I would have to go to the bank, grocery store, or power company to pay the bills. At least with an internet connection I can pay bill online and earl a little money online.

I think at this point the best thing I can do is pray. There could be a source of money I'm not seeing because I'm so worried about the finances. By praying and putting the situation in God's hands I may be able to see through this financial fog.

Thankful Thursday: January 8, 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 9 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Thursday, January 8, 2015 about 3:35 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

1. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn.
2. ...for homemade okra soup with hot spices.
3. ...that it was warm enough today to turn off the hot air and open the front door.
4. ...for hot coffee to go with my homemade soup.
5. ...that the birds were singling all morning and part of the afternoon.
6. ...for the beautiful blue sky I can see when I look out my front door.
7. ...that I can place all my worries in God's hands and know that everything will turn out for the best.
8. ...for music I hear from the neighbor's apartment because it makes me smile.
9. ...that the police drive up this street at regular intervals.
10. ...for the noise of Metro's helicopter flying over my neighborhood.

Tuesday List: Ten Things to do on Tuesday

Fiḍal (Grace), 7 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Tuesday, January 6, 2015 about 11:48 am Pacific Standard Time

1. Get out of bed and turn on the heat.
2. Say prayers while snuggling under covers.
3. Take medication before brewing coffee.
4. Make breakfast in toaster while coffee is brewing.
5. Say more prayers while staring blankly at computer screen.
6. Respond to blog prompts on writing.com.
7. Check clock on computer to figure out what time I have to start getting ready for doctor's appointment.
8. Start lunch so it is ready to eat before seeing doctor at 2:00 pm.
9. Keep an eye out for the postal delivery person because I am expecting important bills.
10. Stir soup to see if it is ready to eat before getting ready to see doctor.

2015 Off to a good start

Jamal (Beauty), 5 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Sunday, January 4, 2015 about 4:00 pm Pacific Standard Time

I have decided to forget the New Year's resolutions and make a To Do List instead. That way I can check off each item off as it is accomplished. I have worried and fretted over the past five or six days about my New Year's resolutions for 2015. I am procrastinating so rather then make the resolutions I am writing To Do List and then checking the items off as I accomplish them.

There are a few items on the list that will take a few weeks to complete, but at least I have a  plan and an approach to solving my some of my problems. I have to stop procrastinating. I have to stop worrying because worrying causes stress and stress causes me to forget things. It also causes me to avoid opening mail that I need to read immediately upon receiving it.

I will make another post later with some of the items on my To Do List. I finished the To Do List for dealing with the items in my writing.com port. I now have to work on doing something around the house. I know that I can do whatever I set my mind on, sometimes I have to force myself do what I need to do.

Twenty Fifteen is off to a good start. I have the momentum going and I have to keep up the effort in order to accomplish something. I also have to say prayers because I need spiritual help to make myself do things and to take action.

2015 Resolutions

Jalal (Glory), 4 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Saturday, January 3, 2015 about 4:33 Pacific Standard Time

It's three days into 2015, I'm still considering my New Year's resolutions. I know that most people usually make their resolutions on either December 31 or January 1, which is what I normally do. However, this year I'm a bit slow in creating them. The problem is that I don't feel like doing the normal New Year's resolutions this year.

I've been feeling for several months that there is a change in my life. I'm not sure what has changed, but I know something has change. I have the feeling that there is something different, something out of the ordinary occurring in my life, but I don't know what it is. Perhaps it has something to do with the 95-Day Gratitude Challenge that I completed today. I'm not sure what is different, what has changed, but I know something has changed.

I think I will focus on spiritual goals this year instead of material goals. In the past I've focused more on the material side of my human nature. However, I need to focus more on the spiritual especially now that I'm 68 years old. Things that used to worry me don't bother me any more and the things that once didn't bother me now seem important.

One of the things that is now important is my spiritual life. Another is ending procrastination, which has bothered me all my life. Perhaps the problem is that I know I don't have very many more years to live and the spiritual has become more important then the physical or material aspects of my human nature. This year I will make spiritual resolutions instead of material resolutions.

Friday Evening Thoughts

It's Friday, January 2, 2015 and I'm a bit tired. I was yawning a few minutes ago, but now I'm wide awake. I'm awake and I'm tired. I think it's because this is Friday and I have a lot to do this weekend. Tomorrow I'm going to eat leftover soup because I made a large batch on Thursday, January 1. I want to eat that up before I purchase canned soup at the store.

A chilly evening
with temperatures in the high forties.
Tonight in the low forties
or high thirties;
a cold desert night.

After Sunset on December 31, 2014

Istijlal (Majesty), 2 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Wednesday, December 31, 2014 about 5:46 pm Pacific Standard Time

It is after sunset on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 and in about seven hours a New Gregorian Year will begin in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am sitting at my computer writing this entry while planning the spinach and collard greens soup I will fix tomorrow. I have already cooked the pigs feet for the soup, which I will finish tomorrow.

I cooked two pigs feet with some spices. Tomorrow I will add the spinach, collard greens, and sweet peppers, but I am not sure what else I will add. I may not add anything else or a may add some frozen okra or what ever else I have in the freezer. Along with the soup I am planning on fixing a green salad with some type of dressing. I do not know what type of dressing yet because I want to wait until tomorrow to see how the soup taste before I decide on the salad dressing.

Monday Meditation: A Poem

Kamal (Perfection), 18 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Monday, December 29, 2014 about 4:54 pm Pacific Standard Time

Reading a poem
does not drive away winter's chill,
but it warms the cold nights of the soul.

Writing a poem
does not comfort the body,
but it describes the bone chilling
loneliness of  the soul.

Year End Thoughts

Jalal (Glory), 16 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Saturday, December 27, 2014 about 3:50 pm Pacific Standard Time

Four more days in 2014 and it it time to consider the lessons learned. What lessons did you learn this year? Did your faith increase or decrease? Normally we look at the increase or decrease in profits at the end of the year, but today I want to look at the increase or decrease in faith.

Faith
the evidence of things unseen
and the ability to move forward
through a dense fog while staying
on our chosen path.

Faith is important because it sustains an individual in difficult times and gives hope that the situation will get better. Faith is all that has kept me moving through 2014 because a fog seemed to surround me. I did not know how I was going to survive, but I did. I found help when I needed it. I still need help, however, I know that if I look and ask the help will come.

Christmas Day 2014

Istijlal (Majesty), 14 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Thursday, December 25, 2014 about 1:56 pm Pacific Standard Time

On Christmas Day
I made coffee from freshly ground bean
and sipped it from my favorite cup
while composing blog post
for my writing.com blog.

On Christmas Day
I made gingerbread pancakes
for breakfast.

On Christmas Day
I contemplated my Christmas Eve birthday
and turning 68 years young.

On Christmas Day
I fixed homemade spinach soup
for dinner.

On Christmas Day
I intoned God's Most Great Name
and smiled.

Eight Day and Counting

Fiḍal (Grace), 12 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 23, 2014 about 4:49 pm Pacific Standard Time

Eight days left in 2014. Eight days to review the years and set new goals for 2015. One of my goals for 2015 concerns the low phosphorus, low protein, and low potassium diet I am attempting to follow. I say attempting because sometimes I am successful and sometimes I fail following the diet. The problem I have is that I get some of my food from food banks, which means some of the items are high in either protein, potassium, or phosphorus. Unfortunately, most of the contents list protein and/or potassium, but not phosphorus. This means I have to look up the phosphorus content on the internet or take a wild guess and hope my guess comes close to being right.

I have three handouts my doctor gave me that list the protein, potassium, and phosphorous in fresh foods, but not in canned or prepared foods. Some of the canned foods list the potassium count, but not the phosphorus count. It is difficult to find the phosphorus count. I have almost cut beef out, I still eat a little beef when I fix some soups or stews, but not very much.

I have taken to making my own soups and stew, most of the time. Sometimes I get canned stew or canned beef with the food I pick up at the food banks. I usually use that when I fix soup because I can regulate my portions better. The coming year will be interesting when it comes to finding a way to stay on my diet, while getting enough to eat.

Sunday Morning Meditation: Sunday, December 21, 2014

Jamal (Beauty), 10 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Sunday, December 21, 2014 about 9:47 am Pacific Time

On the next to the last Sunday in 2014, I contemplate the numerous blessings I have received  I have received more blessing then I can count on the fingers of one or two hands. I have survived in a studio apartment for eleven months.

I have enough food in the house to last the rest of the week. I can afford to pay for my medication. I have an internet connection. I have electricity. I can purchase more food or coffee when I go the the store this afternoon to pick up my prescription.

I am going to purchase some more fresh vegetables and some chicken breast to go in the soup I am making for Christmas Even and Christmas. I will make soup for New Year's Day as well. I like soup in winter and it  is easier for me to each my fresh vegetables cooked then to eat them raw.

Is it the season or my age?

Istiqlal (Independence), 7 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Thursday, December 18, 2014 about 6:56 pm Pacific Standard Time

I feel rushed. I feel as if I do not have time to do anything. Is it the season of the year? Is it my age? I am not sure which one causes me to feel rushed. It could be that I have spend the last three days running all over Las Vegas, which put me behind (even farther) at home. I remained home today, but I still did not get everything accomplished that I needed to get done.

Tomorrow, Friday, I will be out of the house all afternoon because I have to have someone take me to Boulder City so that I can drive my sister's truck into Las Vegas. My sister will be in Sunrise Hospital for I do not  know how long. Tomorrow I will go to the hospital, pick up the keys to the truck, and drive it back into Las Vegas. Then I will see if I have to go to Searchlight on Saturday to take care of her house there.

I feel rushed

pushed to the limits

of my daily schedule.

I just need to trust in God that everything I have to do will get done. After I have the necessary stuff accomplished then I can do anything else I have time to accomplish or work on. I am going to post this now, so that I can go back to doing something else.

Shorter Days and Longer Nights

'Idal (Justice), 5 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 16, 2014 about 5:43 pm Pacific Standard Time

Shorter days fly by
Longer night tiptoe to dawn
The temperature drops

I feel rushed as the short days fly past and descend into evening. I have so much to do, so what did I do today? I spent the entire day in the car driving across Las Vegas and not getting anything accomplished in the house. Do I feel guilty? No! I am relaxed and unworried. I have things to do tomorrow which will take me out of the house, so I probably will not get back home until after dark.

Night driving stressful
But sometimes I enjoy it
I worry too much

It is past sunset here in Las Vegas. I am tired from my from my drive across the city. My back hurts because I was in the car so long. I enjoyed my day away from my apartment despite the pain and not  accomplishing much. I will get the dishes washed tonight. I will get the trash ready to carry out  in the morning. I will write. I will not  go to bed until about 10:30 or 11:00 pm.

Sunset a new day
The weariness moves on
The pain melts away

Sunday Supplication: December 14, 2014

Jamal (Beauty), 2 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Sunday, December 14, 2014 about 4:38 pm Pacific Standard Time

I give thanks
for all the blessing
I have received.

I give thanks
for the beauty of this day
and the cloudless sky.

I give thanks
for the warm hoodie
I wear when I leave the house.

I give thanks
for the shelf of music CDs
and for the CD player
I just purchased.

I give thanks
for the tests that
I encounter everyday.

For everything
I give thanks.

I went to the Laundromat on Friday

Jalal (Glory), 2 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Saturday, December 13, 2014 about 10:45 am Pacific Standard Time

I went to the laundromat on Friday morning after I picked up my eye drop prescription at Smith's Food & Drug store. I knew rain weather report called for rain, but it was my understanding that the rain would not arrive until late afternoon. I figured I would have time to pick up my prescription and finish the laundry before the rains started.

I was wrong! I picked up my prescription and then went to the laundromat. I arrived at the laundromat before the rains started. I put clothes into one triple load machine and blankets in another. Then I went to the change machine to get $5.00 in quarters. Next I put one load of clothes into a single load washer. While the clothes were washing I went next door to Money Tree to get a new card from them because I lost my old one in the move.

I went back to the laundromat without getting wet because it rained. I relaxed a little while I waited for the clothes to finish washing. I took the clothes out of the washers and put them in dryers. Just as the clothes finished drying (about 1:30 pm) it begin to rain. When the clothes were dry, I put them into my push cart, covered them with a couple of sheets, and took them to the car.

After loading the clothes into my car, I drove home in the rain. I unloaded the clothes from the car and put them back into my cart. I pushed the clothes to my apartment, while it was still raining. It did not stop raining until after I got the clothes into the house. Fortunately, the blankets did not get wet. The sheet that did get wet I hung over furniture to dry. I do not have a drying rack in my studio apartment because I do not have room for one.

I am glad I can stay home today and recover from yesterday. I am eating hot homemade chicken soup. I am drinking hot tea or hot coffee. I cannot warm up the apple juice because my microwave throws a breaker when I use it and I do not  have a kettle to heat the apple juice on the stove. I do not want hot apple juice anyway. I would rather drink hot coffee, tea, or water to warm up.

Thankful Thursday: December 11, 2014

Istijlal (Majesty), 19 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Thursday, December 11, 2014 about 11:59 am Pacific Standard Time

I am on day 72 of my 95-Day Gratitude Challenge, which I have listed on Facebook and kept a separate journal on writing.com. I have struggled with writing, keeping the journal, and doing housework for the past 72 days. I do not think the housework issue has anything to do with the difficulty I have at finding things to be thankful for, but I could be wrong.

I am thankful for
cloudy skies in December
and cold autumn rain.

I have 23 days left in this 95-day Gratitude Challenge. I am going to finish the challenge and the entries in my writing.com journal Welcome to My Weird Life. One of the issues I am facing is making entries in this blog, Poet999 - A Butterfly Emerges from her Cocoon. I cannot do daily entries so I have attempted every other day entries, which seems difficult as well. I am pushing myself, but I don't think I'm pushing myself hard enough.

I am grateful for
a rooster's call at first light
the birds are singing.

This is catch up day because I have spent the last three days running around the city. On Tuesday and Wednesday I had doctors appointments, while on Monday I did grocery shopping. On Friday I have to do laundry and pick up a prescription. I'm not sure what else I will have to do that day, but I know something will come up.

Take it in the Ear Day

Kamal (Perfection), 16 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Monday, December 8, 2014 about 11:54 am Pacific Standard Time

This is Take It In the Ear Day it is one of those days that is celebrated for no particular reason. No one know who created this day or the reason it was created. I live alone, so I can understand why it was created and by whom. It was created by someone who lived alone and did not have a pet. That person did not have anyone to talk to so he or she created Take it in the Ear Day in order to find someone t o talk to. That may not be the reason, but it sounds good to me. At least it would sound good to me if I said it  aloud.

When you live alone then saying things aloud means you are talking to yourself. That is not a good idea when you live in a studio apartment and the walls are thin. You can hear everything through the walls or all most everything, so it is not a good idea to talk to yourself when you live alone in an apartment with thin walls.

A Stressful Time of Year

Jamal (Beauty), 15 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Sunday, December 7, 2014 about 2:01 pm Pacific Standard Time

Is December just a stressful time of year? I don't remember last December being this rushed or stressful, but then last year I still lived in the house instead of an apartment. I wonder if that could have anything to do with the stress. It could be that I feel the financial crunch more this year then last year.

I don't do Christmas shopping so the only financial issues I have are paying bills that are not holiday related. I feel rushed and when I feel rushed then I stress. Sometimes I just want to give up, but I know that I can't. perhaps the problem today is the need to fax some information on Monday or Tuesday, but the person I need to talk to hasn't called me back.

I think I'll get offline for a little while and do some housework to see if that relieves the stress I'm feeling. I'll also say some prayer because prayer always helps when I'm feeling stressed. I don't know what else to do at this point. I have to do something about the stress because it is interfering with my creativity.

A Cloudy Friday in Las Vegas

Istiqlal (Independence), 13 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Friday, December 5, 2014 about 10:46 am Pacific Standard Time.

It is a cloudy 56 degrees here in Las Vegas. I think my mood has something to do with the cloudy and dreary look of the day. I am feeling down, however, the birds are singing and chattering in the trees. The joy of the birds contrast the look and feel of Friday, December 5.

I have the front door open so that I can hear the birds. I hope they can brighten my mood because something has to otherwise I will not accomplish anything today. All morning I have felt gray and depressed, which is the way the clouds look. I am tired of feeling down because I do not  think I have a reason to be depressed..

I am going to take the trash out  as soon as the postman comes. Perhaps the walk to the alley and back will cheer me up. I have a lot to do today and this weekend, I cannot afford to be depressed because I will not accomplishing anything. I am posting this before it becomes a rant.

Happy Tuesday

Fiḍal (Grace), 10 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 2, 2014 about 11:38 am Pacific Standard Time

It is a happy Tuesday
waiting for the postman to come
looking forward to reading
the mail.

It is a happy Tuesday
reviewing on writing.com
and considering the next chapter
of Mark of the Blue Wolf.

It is a happy Tuesday
saying prayers,
intoning the revealed word,
meditating on the beauty
of a cloudy day.

It is a happy Tuesday
looking forward
to taking out the trash
and then checking
my mail box
to see if I received anything
besides bills I need to pay.

On the Last Day of November 2014

Jamal (Beauty), 8 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Sunday, November 30, 2014 about 4:31 pm Pacific Standard Time.

November 30
the last day of
National Novel Writing Month,
I am a winner
because I completed the challenge
and wrote 51,108 word
and 30 chapters
of my novel
The Mark of the Blue Wolf.

I am a winner
because I took up the gauntlet
and charged forward
writing, writing, writing,
in the month of November.

My Favorite Black Friday Activity

Istiqlal (Independence), 6 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Friday, November 28, 2014 about 9:55 am Pacific Standard Time

My favorite Black Friday activity is to stay home and eat Thanksgiving leftover. I am blessed today to have leftovers because I ate Thanksgiving dinner at a neighbor's home. I brought a plate home with me yesterday, so I could have leftovers today.

On Black Friday
pumpkin pie makes a good breakfast,
with a cup of hot coffee.

I will warm the turkey and dressing over for lunch with the rest of the leftovers. I still have a piece of apple pie, so I may eat it either for supper or breakfast on Saturday morning. I would rather eat leftovers on Black Friday then go shopping. In fact, I am not leaving the house to go to the mall or the grocery store today because I do not like to shop on Black Friday.

On Black Friday
the malls are crowded
with Christmas shoppers
and the city streets are jammed
with drivers going to and from various stores.

Tuesday Technical Difficulties: November 25, 2014

Fiḍal (Grace), 3 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Tuesday, November 25, 2014 about 9:23 am Pacific Standard Time

My printer will not work without a cartridge. I thought I had both a colored cartridge and a black and white cartridge, but I was wrong. I have cartridges I have for the printer is a color cartridge and a photo printing cartridge. Neither of these is going to solve my printer problem because I need to replace the black and white cartridge. I may have to replace the colored one as well.

Fortunately, I have enough money in the bank to purchase one, perhaps two cartridges, for the printer. I ope that solves the problem because I have to scan something in and e-mail it. I suppose if it does not solve my problem I will have to find someplace that will let me scan and e-mail the  item or call the 800 number to see if they have a fax number I can fax the information to. At least the technical difficulties I am confronting today are those that I can solve.  

Time to change from cool air the warm air on

Kamal (Perfection), 2 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Monday, November 24, 2014 about 4:16 pm Pacific Standard Time

It's time to change from cool air to warm air. I turn the air unit on long enough to change the settings. Now I have to decide if I want to keep the warm air set at 70 degrees or lower it to 68 or 69 degrees. I do not use the unit at night because it bothers my sinuses to have the air on all night. It also causes the power bill to go up if I keep the air on all night.

I do not plan to use the unit at all until after Thanksgiving. I may change my mind if it gets too cold especially of a morning. I may have to turn it on so that I can take a bath without getting too cold. On the other hand, I may just go to one of the stores and purchase a small heater for the bathroom. I can live with the rest of the house being cool because I put on sweaters and long sleeved sweat shirts during the day. At night I have a flannel night gown which is warm.

This is Las Vegas so, most of the time, it does not get that cold during the day. Nights are when it gets really cold so I have to have blankets and long sleeved nightgowns or pajamas to wear. Perhaps I will get me a new pair of pajamas, the only thing I have left from my old pajamas are the shirts. I lost the bottoms in the move or I packed them and they are stored in my sister's garage.

Sunday Supplications: Thanksgiving Week Begins

Jamal (Beauty), 1 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Sunday, November 23, 2014 about 5:18 am Pacific Standard Time

It is Sunday of Thanksgiving week 2014 the temperature in Las Vegas at 4:56 am was 56 degrees Fahrenheit. A cold front moved into the area sometime Saturday evening, so the weather forecast for today is windy and cooler. The high for today is expected to be 63 degrees and the low 49. At 6:00 am the temperature is supposed to drop  to 48 degrees.

a chilly Sunday
with wind caressing palm fronds
grateful for coffee

Today is a hot coffee and soup day, which means I will finish off the celery soup I made. I have to go to the store on Monday to get more ingredients for soup or some canned soup. The problem with canned soup is the salt and potassium content.  I think I will stick  to making my own soup because I have some control over the potassium and salt content.

a windy Sunday
look at the wind chill factor
I give thanks for soup

One Week Until Thanksgiving

Istijlal (Majesty), 17 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Thursday, November 20, 2014 about 2:54 pm Pacific Standard Time

Thanksgiving is one week away,

what is there to write or say

except the memories of yesterday.

This will be my second Thanksgiving without Mom. The memories of sharing a Thanksgiving meals come back bring tears to my eyes and a smile to my lips. I miss Mama. I miss drinking coffee with her in the morning. I miss hearing her chant God's Most Great Name. I miss eating pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce with her at Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is one week away

I let go of the tears,

while keeping the smile.

I think I will bake a pumpkin pie either Saturday or Sunday, I have to check to see if I have a cookie tin or something to sit the pie on in the oven in case it over flows or something like that. I don't clean ovens very well so I have to be careful when I bake.

A Chilly Tuesday Morning in Las Vegas

Fiḍal (Grace), 15 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Tuesday, November 18, 2014 about 10:07 am Pacific Standard Time

It is a chilly Tuesday morning in Las Vegas. The temperature at 9:56 am was 56 degrees Fahrenheit with scattered clouds and a wind chill factor of 56 degrees. The temperature is supposed to get up to 57 degrees by 11:00 am. It is autumn in Las Vegas. It is autumn in the desert.

I ate vegetable soup for breakfast this morning. I still have some of the vegetables left over so I can have them with some type of meat for lunch unless I decide to fix the T.V. dinner I have in the freezer. I need something warm to eat because that is the only way to keep warm.

The temperature has not descended below 50 degrees while I have been awake I have not turned on the warm air. I think the temperature got down to 46 degrees early this morning, but I was asleep so it did not matter. I do not like to sleep with the air on because it stuffs me up and causes me to wake up when I cough. I can always put more quilts on the bed if the cold wakes me up.

November Haibun

Jamal (Beauty), 13 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Sunday, November 16, 2014 about 7:15 am Pacific Standard Time

chilly November

ghost clouds float across the sky

sun cast dark shadows

It's typical November Sunday morning with bright sunshine and scattered clouds. I look out my window and notice a slight breeze ruffling the palm fronds. I know the day will warm as the sun rises higher in the sky, therefore, I will wait until around noon to take out the trash.

a chilly morning

the middle of November

hot cup of coffee

I made one carafe of coffee this morning. It's almost gone because I used some of it on my cold cereal instead of milk. Normally I make only one carafe of coffee a day, but this morning I will make another because it warms me and brings back memories of my childhood.

Grandpa drink coffee

he brewed a pot every day

sometimes more then one

Thankful Thursday: November 13, 2014

Istijlal (Majesty), 10 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Thursday, November 13, 2014 about 1:55 pm Pacific Standard Time

It is Thankful Thursday and it is Peanut Butter Lover's Month, a wonderful combination since I have two small jars of peanut butter in the house.

Today I am thankful...

01. ...for the loaf sandwich bread because I can have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

02. ...for the jar of grape jelly have sitting on the shelf in my kitchen because my favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich is made with grape jelly.

03. ...for the two unopened jars of peanut butter I have because I can stay home this weekend without worrying about running out of peanut butter.

04. ...for the coffee I have in the Tupperware© canister because I can have a cup of hot coffee with my peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich.

05. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn today.

06. ...that I was able to pay the power bill this month without asking someone for help.

07. ...that the weather is not too hot or too cold because that means that I do not have to turn the central air unit on.

08. ...that I was able to fill up the gas tank of my car this month. Normally I just keep the tank half full because that is all the gas I can afford to purchase.

09. ...that I have a bowl of mixed fruit and Jell-o© salad in the refrigerator for snacks this weekend.

10. ...for the two slices of cake I  received today when I picked up my food bags because now I can have cake and coffee for breakfast.

Sunday Afternoon Thoughts on the Blahs

Jamal (Beauty), 6 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Sunday, November 9, 2014 about 12:56 pm Pacific Standard Time

Blahs refers to boring stuff. I think I have the blahs this afternoon, which means all I want to do is play solitaire games.  I have other things to do and to write besides an entry on the blahs. Perhaps I should say I have a case of the blahs.

The problem I am facing at t his moment is finding something to write about. I open a document and sit looking at a blank screen. My mind is also blank, which may explain why I am having difficulty spelling simple words.

Last week I got behind on my post. I got behind on my e-mail. I got behind on the surveys I do. I did not get behind on my NaNoWriMo novel. I did not get behind on my writing,com reviews. I need a schedule that I can work by; however, I there is a good possibility that it will get messed up sometime during the week.

I am trying too hard to compose this blog entry. Therefore, I wish everyone happy NaNoWriMo.

Foodie Friday: Whatever You Call It Soup

Istiqlal (Independence), 4 Qudrat (Power), 171 BE - Friday, November 7, 2014 about 12:36 pm Pacific Standard Time

I made
Whatever You Call It soup today
I put in all the leftovers
instead of throwing them away.

I put
all the leftovers
in the electric frying pan,
let them simmer,
and then added
a dash or two of hot pepper sauce.

I will eat the soup this weekend
so that on Monday
I can start from scratch
cooking new leftovers
for another batch.

November Poem: Daylight Savings Time Ends for 2014

Jamal (Beauty), 18 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Sunday, November 2, 2014 about 6:39 pm Pacific Standard Time

extra hour of sleep
end of daylight savings time
for 2014

This is Day 32 of my 95-Day gratitude challenge and one of the things I am grateful is automatic time updates. I do not have to change the time on my computer or cellphone. That means I only have to deal with the microwave clock and the clock in the stove. I will change the clock on the stove sometime today and check to see if I have to change the clock on the microwave. Sometimes I do not spring the microwave clock forward so I do not have to change it back in November.

do sparrows observe
daylight savings time in song
they have their own time

It is November with shorter days, longer nights, and cooler temperatures. These things added to the change in time make the first week of November a bit hectic and confusing. Confusion comes with moving the clock back an hour because I think it should be later then what the clock reads.

morning temperatures
descend into the sixties
I need a sweater

On the Eve of National Novel Writing Month

Istiqlal (Independence), 16 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Friday, October 31, 2014 about 8:56 am Pacific Daylight Time

On Saturday, November 1, National Novel Writing Month begins, I am participating in this adventure in writing. The working title for my 2014 novel is Mark of the Blue Wolf with an expected word count of 50,000 plus.  I am storing my novel in my port at writing.com and intend to print out a copy of each day's work. I have to purchase a cartridge for my printer because I think the black and white cartridge in the printer is empty.

On November 1, I have to go the bank to deposit my check so I will purchase a printer cartridge while I am out. I suppose I should purchase a color cartridge as well; just in case its the color cartridge that is out of ink. I pray that the problem with the printer is the empty cartridges and not something more complicated or expensive to repair.

I also need to get some healthy snacks, but I am not sure what I want. I am on a low potassium, phosphorus, and protein diet so it is difficult to buy things that I can eat. Needless to say I read the labels on everything, so it takes me longer then normal to grocery shop. I have found that many items do not list the potassium or phosphorus levels the contain, which means I also have to check websites for those contents. Grocery shopping has become both an adventure and exercise. It is wonderful when I can get two thing accomplished at the same time in one store.

Midweek Reflections: Meditation at the Laundromat

'Idal (Justice), 14 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Wednesday, October 29, 2014 about 1:22 pm Pacific Daylight Time

My mind is silent
focused on the moment,
the job at hand
while all around people
minding their own dirty clothes
put presorted clothes
into top loaders.

In another aisle
the front loaders
now empty
wait for multiple loads
of unsorted clothes.

I watch,
my chosen machine,
waiting
for the single load
of a single woman
to go through the wash cycle.

Tired Tuesday: Resting up after ten days of driving across Las Vegas

Fiḍal (Grace), 13 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Tuesday, October 28, 2014 about 10:15 am Pacific Daylight Time

For eight of the past ten days I have worked between 7 and 8 hours, while the other two days I drove all over Las Vegas taking care of business. I am tired! I am not sleepy, therefor, lying down or taking a nap  will do no good. Since I have writing project to do and housework I am going to remain home today to accomplish some of the things I had to put off.

On Wednesday, October 29, I have to wash one load of clothes and do some grocery shopping. I am not sure what I will purchase at the grocery store. I may wait until tomorrow and make my grocery list while I am doing laundry. I have at least two loads of laundry to do, but I will do only one load. The second load contains winter blankets that I have to wash before Thanksgiving, Tomorrow I will wash and dry clothes for work because that is all I desperately need at present.

I will wash two dresses, a blouse or two, a pair of slacks, and some socks. That will get me through the rest of the workweek. I can was another load of clothes on Wednesday or Thursday of next week because I have to work on Tuesday. I hope after Tuesday, November 4, I can get back to my regular blogging schedule.

Waking up on Friday morning

Istiqlal (Independence), 9 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Friday, October 24, 2014 about 6:30 am Pacific Daylight Time

It's Friday morning, I can hear my joints creaking as I walk from my computer to the coffeemaker. I pour myself another cup of wake up you have places to go and people to see. Wake up you can't drive when you're sleepy. I'm not sure that another cup of coffee will help me wake up this morning. I'm tired from five days of working the early voting polls in Clark County Nevada.

I can't decide whether to go back to bed or eat breakfast. I want to stretch and yawn, but I don't want to go to sleep. I'm not sure whether I could go to sleep if I laid down for a few minutes. I stretch and yawn, but it doesn't wake me up. After I finish stretching and yawning, I want to stretch and yawn some more. I doze off in the middle of a sentence; fortunately, I haven't fell out off my chair or laid my head on the keyboard.

I have to drive across town on business, but I need to wake up some more before I get into my car. I need to purchase gas so I'll have to stop at the grocery store or the bank to get money for gas. I need to stop at the grocery store for another container of coffee and something else I forgot when I went to the store on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I'm behind on a writing projects and I need to finish both of them today. I don't have the energy to make my self do anything except sit at the keyboard and doze. If I attempt to lye down then I can't fall asleep because I know I have a lot of work to do. I can't do the work properly if I'm half asleep while I'm doing it. I think I cook myself a couple of eggs and a ground turkey burger to see if that helps me wake up on this beautiful Friday morning.

A Long Weary Day

Jamal (Beauty), 4 'Ilm (Knowledge), 171 BE - Sunday, October 19, 2014 about 2:47 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I don't know why I'm attempting to write this except that I'm hoping it keeps me awake. I'm tired! My eye are falling as sleep on their own. I don't want to lay down now because I have too much writing and other work to catch up. I've almost finish catching up on the writing. I don't think I'm going any where this afternoon because I'm in no condition to drive. I'm too tired to drive anywhere today. Walking around helps a little but no all that much. I don't want to brew another carafe of coffee, so I will drink the iced apple tea I have in t he refrigerator. I'm tired and falling asleep at the keyboard. I didn't rest very well last night. I have to rest better tonight because I have to go to work on Monday morning.

Sunday Services

Jamal (Beauty), 16 Mashíyyat (Will), 171 BE - Sunday, October 12, 2014 about 5:58 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I had an inspiring afternoon at the Baha'i Center when I attended the monthly spiritual service. The theme this month was death, which I found intriguing. I begin the following poem.

The cage is broken

the bird is freed from matter

flies to paradise. 

I think I am finally getting out of my shell. I plan to attend the spiritual service in November because I enjoyed myself today. I always enjoy going to Baha'i Feast, Holy Days, and spiritual services. I brought home the program containing several readings from the Baha'i scriptures. I think I will meditate on one of them before going to sleep tonight.

Thankful Thursday: Day 11 of my 95-Day Gratitude Challenge

Istijlal (Majesty), 13 Mashíyyat (Will), 171 BE - Thursday, October 9, 2014 about 12:17 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I have made an entry everyday for eleven days in  one of my writing.com journals and listed two things I am thankful for an Facebook each day.  I have managed to find several things to give thanks for, so in this Thankful Thursday entry I am going to list some of those things.

I am thankful...

01. ...that I was able to get my printer working again. The problem was simple, but I did not find that out until I decided to move the printer from the computer it was supposed to be attached to. When I moved it, I found out that the person who moved the computer and sit it up in my new apartment did not connect the printer to the computer.

02. ...for the apple tea I made by mixing half a jug of apple juice with the tea I brewed on Tuesday. Mixing the apple juice with the tea gives both the apple juice and the tea a new flavor. I like the two mixed because it encourages me to drink the apple juice.

03. ...for the bird that sings in the tree across the street from my apartment. Since the first day of Autumn, when the temperatures here in Las Vegas began getting cooler, the bird has sing. I think it is a sparrow, but I am not sure because I have never seen the bird.

04. ...for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha because they relieve the stress I feel when my life appears to get out of hand.

05. ...that I have only enough dishes for one person to use because it encourages me to keep the dishes washed and put away in the cupboard. I have a small amount of storage and cabinet space so I have to keep them neat with my cookware easily accessible.

06. ...for the space I have on the other computer desk because now I can put some of the things that are taking up room on my kitchen counter on that desk. I have to cover the computer up with a table clothe because I do not have any sheets.

07. ...for the cooler weather we are experiencing in Las Vegas. It is cool enough that I do not have to turn the air on until mid afternoon  or later. Sometimes I do not have to turn it on at all.

08. ...for the rooster that crows every morning at first light. It does not matter how late dawn comes because that rooster knows when to crow.

09. ...for the ground turkey patties I purchase in the store. I have begun to like them better then beef patties. The turkey patties taste just as good as the beef patties especially when I put cheese and hot sauce on them.

10. ,,,that the calender I received from writing.com for my anniversary has prompts on it because I can use the prompt when my muse is being stubborn about finding a subject for me to write about.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Meditation Monday: Practicing the Sacred

Kamal (Perfection), 15 ‘Izzat (Might), 171 BE - Monday, September 22, 2014 about 7:57 am Pacific Time

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 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.

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.