Saturday Summary: Days of Drama

Jalal (Glory), 7 Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Saturday, May 23, 2015 9:42 am Pacific Daylight Time

An exciting week
Not what I was wishing for
The drama is past

Except for a barking dog and cooing pigeons, it's quiet in my neighborhood this morning. After all the drama of the last two or three days this is a relief. Beginning on Wednesday evening and extending through Friday afternoon the drama level was higher then I've witnessed. Most of the chaos concerned neighbors shouting, yelling, and cussing each other out either on the street or in their apartments with their windows open.

On Friday afternoon we had a bit more excitement. The police blocked the Eastern entrance to my alley off. They also block the Fremont entrance to 21st street off. I don't know what was going on. I don't know who or what they were looking for. I just happy the excitement is over with for a little while.

Despite all the drama and excitement, I accomplished a few things this week. I wrote two short stories and finished a poem. I also managed to pick up my medication and make some blog entries. I didn't get everything done I wanted to do, but that's all right because no one ever accomplishes everything they want done in a week's time.

Midweek Reflections on Socks and Laundry

Idal (Justice), 4 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Wednesday, May 20, 2015 8:44 am Pacific Daylight Time

I washed my socks out
today in the bathroom sink
using laundry detergent.

It is unusual for me to wash my socks out using laundry detergent because normally I use either shampoo or dish washing liquid. When I returned home from the laundromat yesterday, I brought the open jug of laundry detergent into the house. Usually I leave the detergent in the car because I don't have a washer or dryer in my apartment and it's easier to keep the laundry soap in the car rather then find a place to store it in my studio apartment.

As I washed my socks
I contemplated the metaphor
of laundry and the meaning of life.

I didn't take my dirty socks to the laundromat because I usually lose one in either the washer or the dryer. When I wrung my wet socks out, after the second rinse, I noticed that I had five socks. Since I wear two socks at a time, this meas I am missing a sock. I guess it doesn't matter where I wash my socks because I'm probably going to end up with missing a sock.

Where do lost socks go
when you lose them in the wash?
Do monsters eat them?

Since I only managed to do half the laundry yesterday, I'll have to do laundry again this month. I'll plan another trip to the laundromat next week sometime. Of course, I could change my mind and go on Thursday of Friday of this week.

Meditation Monday: Meditation on the Rain

Kamal (Perfection), 2 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Monday, May 18, 2015 about 2:03 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Echoes of thunder
Lightning and cold drops of rain
Monday afternoon

On this rainy Monday afternoon I am thankful that the electricity did not go out. I realized, when I saw the flashes of lightning and heard the echoes of thunder, that my flashlights do not have batteries.

Afternoon shower
On a cloudy day in May
Strange thoughts come to mind

What happens if the electricity goes out while I am washing dishes? Even if the flashlight had batteries, it would be out of my reach when I am at the sink. My flashlight is always on my computer desk.

Spiritual Sunday: Sunday Prayers

Jamal (Beauty), 1 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur), 172 BE - Sunday, May 17, 2015 about 1:02 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Sunday prayers said
White clouds sail across blue sky
Sun casting shadows.

Morning's slow passage
A breeze blew through the pine tree
Sparrows songs echo.

Ate watermelon
With my coffee for breakfast
Time for noon prayers.

What do angels eat?
A cold sweet watermelon
Afternoon wind whispering.

Memories return
Church service and Sunday school
Grandpa and Grandma.

Sunday prayers said
Dish washing meditation
Afternoon's passage.

Thankful Thursday: The Second Thankful Thursday in May 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 17 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Thursday, May 14, 2015 4:10 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Today I am thankful...

01. ...for my sense of humor because without it I would be a very boring and depressed person. My sense of humor helps me through my depression by by chasing the away the dark clouds hiding the joys of life or at least by turning my tears into hysterical peals of laughter.

02. ...that I can always find something on Facebook to make me laugh. When I find something I think is funny I repost it so that I can share the laughs. It is a well know fact that laughter increases person lifespan.

03. ...for the five ballpoint pens I received when I went to the food bank yesterday. Now I do not have to look all over my apartment for a pen that works when I need to take a message or write down a poetry or story idea.

04. ...that the prescription I picked up today did not cost me anything. This means that I still have $5.00 in my purse for gas or something else.

05. ...for the silence and the tranquility that is pervading my apartment and mind this afternoon. It is nice to write without disturbing music echoing from next door.

06. ...that I rode one of those electric carts through the store when I went shopping this morning. I enjoyed driving the little cart and sit was much easier then driving a car.

07. ...for the rain we received in Las Vegas late last night and early this morning because it cooled the temperatures down enough that I do no have to use the air conditioning today.

08. ...that the wind is blowing and keeping the temperatures cool here in Las Vegas.

09. ...for the tomatoes I received when I went to the food bank on Wednesday, May 13, because I can now have tomatoes in my chicken salad.

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

Tuesday's Topic: Contemplating This Afternoon's Doctor's Appointment

Fiḍal (Grace), 15 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 9:33 am Pacific Daylight Time

What will my doctor say
when I visit him today?

What did my blood test reveal
about my health
and the say I feel?

Sometime I feel good,
sometimes depressed,
and sometimes I don't know
exactly how I feel?

I feel
better when I write,
when I meditate,
when I pray,
and when eat a balanced meal.

The songs of birds
improve my mood
and my morning coffee
makes me smile.

Taking my medication
as directed
improves the way
my body works.

As I write theses lines
I wonder
what did my blood test reveal
about the way I feel
and what will my doctor say
when I visit him today?

Meditation Monday: Monday Morning Miracles

Kamal (Perfection), 14 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Monday, May 11, 2015 about 8:21 am Pacific Daylight Time

Monday miracle
I woke up without pain
and got out of bed.

It is a beautiful Monday morning here in Las Vegas. I have consumed two or three cups of coffee, ate a small container of yogurt, and written approximately 650 words in response to blog prompts from three writing.com blog groups. I have changed my mind twice about going to the supermarket later today. At this moment I have no intentions of going because I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon, so I can stop at the supermarket after I leave the doctor's office.

Monday miracle
at dawn I heard a rooster crow
and birds sing.

It is a miraculous Monday morning here in Las Vegas or at least in my neighborhood. The sun cast dark shadows across the sidewalk and streets while birds walk-hop on the ground searching for food. The sky is blue with wisps of ghost clouds flowing either from west to east or from east to west. A tranquil feeling permeates the atmosphere along Sunrise Avenue while two or three streets over dog bark.

Monday miracle
the city wakes up, stretches,
yawn, and goes to work.

 

Spiritual Sunday: Mama taught me how to pray - A Mother's Day Poem

Jamal (Beauty), 13 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Sunday, May 10, 2015 7:20 an Pacific Daylight Time

Mama taught me how to pray,
"Now I lay me down to sleep,"
I said this prayer every night,
I knew my soul the Lord would keep.

Today she walks in paradise,
With my grandmother by her side,
They were always the best of friends
In God's garden they now abide.

Mama taught me how to pray,
So on this Mother's Day I write,
About the prayer she taught me
To say before I slept each night.

Foodie Friday: Cranberry Apple Juice Ginger Ale

Istiqlal (Independence), 11 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Friday, May 8, 2015 about 1:51 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I picked up my senior commodities today. In one of the bags was a 2 qt. jug of apple juice. I have an 11.5 fluid oz. bottle of concentrated cranberry juice. According to the direction on the cranberry juice, I need to mix the cranberry juice with 35 fluid oz. of water. I will mix the concentrated cranberry juice with apple juice instead of water, which means I may have to add slightly more apple juice then I would water. I will taste it once I have to juice mixed to see. I have mixed apple juice with the concentrated cranberry juice before and then I had to add a little more apple juice to make it taste right for me. Another way to do it is make the cranberry apple juice and then when I go to drink it mix it with ginger ale. This combination tastes good as well.

Thankful Thursday: The first thankful Thursday in May 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 10 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Thursday, May 7, 2015 about 6:09 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I am thankful for
pine limbs dancing in the wind
sun casts long shadows

I am thankful that I was able to take an afternoon nap while I listened to the wind blowing through my neighborhood.

I am thankful for
the one-half sub sandwich in
refrigerator.

I am thankful that I have a coupon for a free dozens eggs. I will get them when I go to pick up my eye drop prescription on Friday.

I am thankful for
the cranberry juice I have
waiting in the fridge.

I am thankful that I was able to purchase a new water filter for my pitcher when I went to the store last week.

I am thankful for
scrambled eggs with bacon
and a green salad.

I am thankful that I have turkey bacon in the refrigerator waiting for me to fix it for breakfast.

I am thankful for
the sound of the wind blowing
through the neighborhood palm trees.

I am thankful that I did not have to turn the cool air on today.

Midweek Reflections on a New Filter for My Brita Pitcher

Idal (Justice), 9 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Wednesday, May 6, 2015 about 9:12 am Pacific Daylight Time

I finally purchased a new filter for my Brita® pitcher. I had a checkout coupon for $2.50 off a three pack so when I went to the store on Saturday, May 2. I used the coupon when I purchased a 3-pack of new filters. The new filters I purchased on Saturday are different from the ones the company used to have. I purchased the new and improved filters which eliminates soaking the filter before putting it in the pitcher. This helps in two ways. First it is a time saver because I can put the filter in the pitcher immediately. Second it lets me use the container I was soaking the filter in for something else. In this case, making own salad dress or hotcakes because the container I used to soak the filter in was the one I also used to mix those foods. Another thing I noticed about the new filter is no black flakes in the pitcher. When I used the old filter I always noticed black flake in the water reservoir after putting water in it. Even though I have not used this new filter very long, I like it better then the old filter already.

Meditation Monday: A Tranquil Mind

Kamal (Perfection), 7 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Monday, May 4, 2015 about 12:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I listen to the sparrows of morning
intoning their praise to dawn,
singing their joy for another day of life
and happiness.

I intone my prayers on rising
in the first light of day,
my praise joining the sparrow
melody.

Tranquil thoughts embrace my mind,
as I begin a new day
and a new week.

The birds are not blue because
today is Monday,
they are happy
that a new day has dawned
nor do they worry
about what tomorrow will bring.


I inhale the fragrance of morning,
I place the day
and the week in God's hands knowing
that it the way
to achieve a tranquil mind.

Saturday Summary: It was a very good week

Jalal (Glory), 5 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Saturday, May 2, 2015 about 1:09 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It was a very good week
for for writing romantic stories,
making blog entries,
and listening to the ice cream truck
every afternoon.

It was a very good week
for listening to the birds singing
in the trees across the street,
for waiting for the post man
to deliver the mail,
and for cleaning out
the refrigerator.

It was a very good week
for breaking dishes
(I only broke one),
for taking afternoon naps,
and washing dishes.

It was a very good week
for celebrating the beginning
of a new month.

Thankful Thursday: The Last Thankful Thursday in April 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 3 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Thursday, April 30, 2015 about 5:40 pm Pacific Daylight Time

On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am grateful
for fresh brewed coffee.

On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am thankful
for naps on a warm spring afternoons.

On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am grateful
for paid surveys sent to my e-mail accounts.

On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am thankful
for friends who deliver food to my home.

On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am grateful
that I have a working air conditioner in my apartment.

On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am thankful
that I have plenty of food in the refrigerator and freezer
so that I do not have to go grocery shopping
on the first day of the month.

On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am grateful
for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah.

On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am thankful
that I have a membership to AAA.


On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am grateful
for writing.com.

On the last thankful Thursday in April
I am thankful
that I have a membership to AARP.

Tuesday's Topic: A warm Afternoon in Las Vegas

Fiḍal (Grace), 1 Jamál (Beauty), 172 BE - Tuesday, April 28, 2015 about 2:09 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It's turning into a warm afternoon here in Las Vegas. The temperature at 1:56 pm was 84 degrees Fahrenheit and expected to get up to 86 degrees about 5:00 pm. This means I'm going to have to close the door and turn the air on in a few minutes. All though considering the commotion I'm hearing from outside, I should get up and close the door now. I don't know what's going on, but a police car just drove past.

I closed the door and stuffed a bath towel along with the long whatever you call it into the inch or half inch space between the bottom of the door and the floor to keep the cool air in. I also made myself a tall iced coffee with some water ice cubes. I would rather make my coffee with frozen coffee cubes, however, since this is the first day I've made iced coffee this year, I don't have any coffee frozen. I'll put the rest of the coffee from the carafe into trays after its cooled.

This is the first really warm day we've had this year. I turned the air from hot to cool in early March, so that I could see it the unit worked or not. It worked fine then, but since we haven't had any triple digits yet I don't know how well it will work this summer. It worked fine last summer and the only issue I had was the power bill. Of course, that's the main issue I always have in late spring and early summer. I can only hope and pray that we don't get any triple digits until August.

Meditation Monday: Poem Written on the Seventh Day of Ridvan

Kamal (Perfection), 19 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Monday, April 27, 2015 about 2:13 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I open my prayer book
I inhale the words of the God's Glory,
I meditate
upon the revealed word
and contemplate
the Divine Springtime.

I wonder
what it was like
to walk in the Garden of Ridvan
and listen
to the melody
of the Nightingale
of Paradise.

Saturday Summary: Summarizing the Week of April 19 to April 25, 2015

Jalal (Glory), 17 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Saturday, April 25, 2015 about 4:01 pm Pacific Standard Time

I received the official news that there will be no Municipal General Election in Las Vegas because all the races were decided in the primaries. This means that I have all of June free to either work or look for another place to live. I also received my new triple A card through the mail.

I tried Gatorade again. I used to drink it several years ago, but stop for some reason. I'm not sure why I stopped drinking it because I've always like it. On Tuesday or Wednesday I purchased a box containing several 12 oz. bottles. I placed the bottles on the first shelf of my refrigerator when I clean it out on Wednesday or Thursday. Now I can take a cold bottle of Gatorade out of the fridge and drink it.

I wrote a number of blog entries, but I haven't worked on a story. I haven't written a story in two week. I suspect the problem was depression because I couldn't focus on anything except items less then 300 word. I'm not depressed today, but I don't know how long that will last. I think I will push myself to write at least one story in this coming week

Foodie Friday: Pasta, Chicken, and Canned Vegetable

Istiqlal (Independence), 16 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Friday, April 24, 2015 about 11:50 am Pacific Daylight Time

I decided to have pasta, chicken, and canned vegetables this weekend. I'm staying in my apartment (unless someone calls and offers to take me out Saturday or Sunday) to get some housework finished before the exterminator comes on Monday. I want something that is quick, easy, and tasty to worm up for my lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. I cooked the pasta yesterday and I'm cooking the chicken today. Once the chicken is done then I will mix it with the pasta and then mix in the canned vegetables.

Pasta, Chicken, and Canned Vegetables

Step 1: Cook one bag of pasta (you chose the size and the type).
Step 2: Cook chicken legs and thighs with their skins on (breast pieces if you prefer or you can use a whole cut up chicken).
Step 3: When chicken is done then remove skin from chicken and the chicken from the bones.
Step 4: Throw the skin and bones away because it is unwise for you to eat the skin and for your pets to eat the chicken bones.
Step 5: Divide pasta into two containers before mixing in the chicken.
Step 6: Mix half the chicken in one container of pasta and the other half of the chicken in the other.
Step 7: Put one container of the chicken-pasta mix in the refrigerator or freezer (this depends on the way your family feels about leftover and how creative you are with the recipe).
Step 8: Open the cans of vegetables you want to put with the first container of chicken and pasta. I'm having sweet peas, corn, green beans, and green salsa.
Step 9: Season with whatever seasoning you want when you heat it up to eat.

Cook's Note: If you would prefer rice with this dish then cook the rice instead of the pasta. This recipe can be made in one day if you don't mind spending the entire day in the kitchen.

Thankful Thursday: The Fourth Thankful Thursday in April 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 15 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Thursday, April 23, 2015 about 8:37 am Pacific Daylight Time

On the fourth Thankful Thursday in April 2015 I am thankful...

01. ...for the bird singing in the pine tree across the street.

02. ...that Baha'u'llah declared in mission in the Garden of Ridvan in April of 1863.

03. ...for yogurt to put on my cereal of a morning instead of milk.

04. ...that the temperature at 8:20 this morning was a brisk 66 degrees Fahrenheit.

05. ...for the rooster that crows at dawn every morning no matter what type of weather we are experiencing here in Las Vegas.

06. ...that I have room on the top shelf of my refrigerator for my water, juice, soda, and sports drinks. I do not have bend down and reach into the lower shelves to get a cold refreshing bottle of juice.

07. ...for the gentle 8mph wind we are experiencing in Las Vegas today.

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

09. ...for the security screen on my outside entrance because I can have my door open and still have the screen locked with two locks.

10. ...that I am not irritated by neighbors honking their car horns for no reason at all hours of the day or night.

Midweek Reflection: Earth Day 2015

Idal (Justice), 14 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Wednesday, April 22, 2015 about 10:35 am Pacific Daylight Time

White clouds race across blue sky,
as the wind shapes
and reshapes
them into
images of beauty
to decorate Earth Day 2015.

A cloud child sits
playing with a cloud toy,
while cloud dragon
is transform
while pursuing
a piece of spaghetti
or is it confetti
celebrating Earth Day 2015.

Tuesday's Topic: Litter in The Street

Fiḍal (Grace), 13 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Tuesday, April 21, 2015 about 6:14 pm Pacific Daylight Time

On non-windy days
litter hugs the curbs remains
where people throw it.

The wind is blowing again. The wind speed is about 14 mph, which means that both the regular litter and stuff from the palm trees are blowing down the street. Sometimes the dead palm frown lay in the middle of the street waiting for cars to run over them. The noise this makes is weird and frightening, especially in the middle of the night. I sleep next to a window so I hear every noise that anything or anyone makes outside. When a car runs over the palm frowns it wakes me up.

Litter in the street
blows down Sunrise Avenue
on a windy day.

 

 

Meditation Monday: My Methods of Meditation

Kamal (Perfection), 12 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Monday, April 20, 2015 about 7:14 am Pacific Daylight Time

Meditation Monday
I woke up giving thanks for
another beautiful day.

My normal method of meditation consists of sitting on the couch with a crocheted throw over my head. Sometimes I close my eyes and count my breath, but at other times I leave my eyes open while focusing on one of the spaces between the crochet pattern. This method I can use anytime of day or year. Recently I began a walking form of meditation after I get up and before I begin my workday.

My walking meditation
is a tranquil beginning
to another day.

This meditation exercise consist of a five minute walk between my door and my electric range. I do not go outside that early in the morning because I would have to get dressed and walk east or west on Sunrise Avenue in the dark. When I do my walking meditation I .either focus on walking, I repeat scripture verses I have memorized, or chant. It depends on how I feel and whether or not I have issues with my knees that morning. If my knees are stiff it is easier for me to focus on a scripture verse or chanting then on the act of walking. When my knees are stiff or painful my mind focuses on the pain rather then the act of walking.

Saturday Summary: Take Action

Jalal (Glory), 10 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Saturday, April 18, 2015 about 3:44 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Take action!
Move forward through your fear,
even when the voice
of your fear shouts
"It will do no good!"

This has been a week of ebb and flow negativity. A week of focusing and unfocusing on the fears that creep into my mind unbidden. This has been a week of prayer and taking action. Sometimes the only actions I have taken is to write or do surveys. I am waiting for a check that will take care of one financial issue for a little bit, but the check has not come. If the check does not come by Monday, I do not know what I am going to do because I have to deposit it to take care of a bill.

Take action!
Pray and work,
work and pray
do not allow the voice of fear
to paralyze
either your thoughts
or your actions.

I discovered the following quote by Richie Norton: “To escape fear, you have to go through it, not around.” As I read the thought I realized that I needed to take that advice. I have to go through my fear. I have to confront my fear and go through it because if I do anything else I can't find a solution to my problems.

Midweek Reflections on Chirping birds, wind, and writing

Idal (Justice), 7 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Wednesday, April 15, 2015 about 2:37 pm Pacific Daylight Time

A baby bird chirps
As wind blows the pine tree limbs
Rock-a-by baby

Last night the wind raged through Las Vegas. In some sections of town it knocked down trees and power lines. It did not do much damage on Sunrise Avenue. At least it did not do any noticeable damage. It did not knock the bird's nest out of the pine tree across the street. It did knock some dead palm fronds off the local palm trees, but I do not see many laying in the street so someone must have moved any that may cause difficulty for traffic.

Last night's horrid sound
Gave a momentary fright
While I sit and typed

I will continue to write and type as long as I have electricity and an internet connection. There is no use getting frightened when I can come up with a plausible reason especially when I have no intention of going out in the middle of the night to investigate. Since the electricity did not go off, the internet did no go down, and the roof did not fall in I continued working. I do not panic unless I have something to panic about.

I need batteries
Without electricity
My only illumination is my cellphone

 

Spiritual Sunday: The Second Sunday in April

Jamal (Beauty), 4 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Sunday, April 12, 2015 about 12:26 pm Pacific Daylight Time

On the second Sunday in April,
I contemplate
the coming week
and wonder
what blessings are in store for me.

At 11:56 am the temperature in Las Vegas was 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a predicted high of 88 degrees. Tomorrow's predicted high is supposed to be 87 degrees, but after that the temperature is supposed to go down into the low 80s or high 70s. I will keep a close eye on the temperature today because if it does get up to 88 degree I will have to turn on the cool air. If I turn on the air then I have to close the door and I do not like to have my door closed because I cannot see what is going on in my neighborhood.

On the second Sunday in April,
I listen to the neighborhood children
shouting joyfully
while I nibble on fresh vegetables
for my noonday snack.

It is about 12:41 pm Pacific Daylight Time, the sky is partly covered with thin clouds. The wind is not blowing today so neither the limbs of the trees nor the litter in the street is moving. People walking past my apartment are dressed for a warm spring afternoon. The dogs and the cats are in doors. The birds are silent, but then the birds are always silent in the afternoon. I think that is because they bless the morning with their songs.

On the second Sunday in April,
I intone my noonday prayer
and then listen to a Harley-Davidson echo
through the neighborhood.

Foodie Friday: Tuna Whatever AKA Tuna Casserole

Istiqlal (Independence), 2 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Friday, April 10, 2015 about 1:06 pm Pacific Standard Time

Blogger's Note: I am a creative cook! I am a senior citizen surviving on a fixed income. I create my recipes with what I have in my house, which meas I do not always fix a recipe of any type in the way one expects. Today my lunch and possible dinner is a version of tuna casserole called Tuna Whatever.

Tuna Whatever

1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can of tuna in water
2 cups of cooked macaroni or pasta
3 or 4 dashes of Mrs. Dashes Southwest Chipotle seasoning blend or whatever type of seasoning you want

Open the can of soup and then dump it in a sauce pan, electric skillet, or microwavable casserole dish. Measure in one can of water followed by the can of tuna and the seasoning of your choice. Heat this mixture either on top of the stove, in the electric skillet, or in the microwave. After this mixture is hot then add the 2 cups of pasta and anything else you think it needs. If you want to add cheese to it go right ahead; I no longer use cheese in my recipes because my doctor took it off my diet. I cut out the cheese because it is too difficult to figure out the amount of cheese I can eat on my diet. It is much easier measuring milk and cutting it down to a level my body can deal with.

Thankful Thursday: April 9, 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 1 Jalál (Glory), 172 BE - Thursday, April 9, 2015 about 1:10 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Today I am thankful...

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

02. ...for the birds singing in the pine tree across the street.

03. ...that I decided to clean out the refrigerator this afternoon.

04. ...for the beautiful white clouds decorating the blue sky.

05. ...that I was able to request money from two survey accounts within two weeks.

06. ...for the frozen oriental vegetables I had in the freezer because I am making them for lunch.

07. ...that the temperature at 12:56 pm was 68 degrees Fahrenheit in Las Vegas.

08. ...for spellcheckers because sometimes my fingers forget how to spell a word.

09. ...that I started my spring cleaning by deleting some items from my e-mail inbox.

10. ...for the beautiful of this early April afternoon.

Midweek Reflections: Overcoming Roadblocks

Idal (Justice), 19 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Wednesday, April 8, 2015 about 9:19 am Pacific Daylight Time

One of the writing.com weekly newsletters for this week was titled Overcoming Road blocks. It discussed the roadblocks the editor was having in accessing the internet. In it she encouraged the readers to find ways to overcome the roadblocks they were encountering in their writing and their life. It got me to thinking about the roadblocks confronting me.

Some of the roadblocks I encountered recently were financial and physical. In order to overcome the financial roadblock, I worked thirteen hours yesterday. I enjoyed the job, but as a results I came home with back pain from sitting in an ergonomically inappropriate chair. When I returned home between 8:00 and 8:30 pm I was exhausted and in pain, specifically back pain. Even though I had difficulty focusing, I logged onto writing.com because I had two things I had to finish before 9:00 pm PDT.

I logged on, finished the writing I has to do, and then logged off. My back still hurt, but instead of taking pain medication (which has some side effects I don't like) I went to bed. It turns out I didn't need the pain medication to sleep. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep immediately and did not wake up before the alarm went off this morning. This is unusual because I usually wake up two or three times during the night.

The money I receive from the thirteen hours of work will help pay my internet bill. I need the internet connection so that I can do surveys to make money to deal with other bills I have to pay. I made some money last month with surveys that helped pay some bills and purchase some much needed personal items. I still have the power company to deal with and some other bills to pay before the end of April.

I am placing the financial and other roadblocks in God's hands, so that I can focus on earning more money to pay the bills. I have to place my worries in a higher power because worry distracts me and removes my focus from writing or earning money to worrying about bills. If I focus on doing surveys and other things to earn money then I can focus on both earning the money and writing.

Overcome roadblocks
Place the roadblocks in God's hands
Work without worry

 

Spiritual Sunday: Prayer-Poem at the Beginning of a New Week

Jamal (Beauty), 16 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Sunday, April 5, 2015 about 3:44 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Beloved,

At the beginning of a new week,
I ask your assistance
in finding the light
as I advance through the fog
and darkness
of this time in history.

Help me to
move forward
one step at a time
as I advance
one day at a time
toward the goal
at the end of the week.

Form: Free verse.

Saturday Summary: The Week of March 29 to April 4, 2015

Jalal (Glory), 15 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Saturday, April 4, 2015 about 12:12 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It is the end of an interesting and exciting week for someone. Was it such a week for me? I went to the optometrist on Thursday and then I went to the grocery store. It doesn't sound exciting, but it was because I learned something. I have a problem with dry eyes so I use an over-the-counter eye drop in addition to the prescription eye drops because I have glaucoma. I also have thyroid disease. After discussing the dry eyes with my doctor he came to the conclusion that I am sleeping with my eyes open. He suggested another over the counter drops to put in my eyes after I put the glaucoma eye drops.

The next exciting thing that occurred on Thursday was that I went to a different supermarket. Before I left for the eye doctor Thursday morning, I decided that I would go to the grocery store after the appointment. I like to plan my trips so that I can do at least two things while I am out. I left the optometrist's office and headed for the grocery store. I decided on a different supermarket this time because the one I normally go to was out of my way. Going to a different grocery store or supermarket is exciting because the aisle arrangements are different. It is always an adventure finding the items on my grocery list (when I take a grocery list) in a new store.

The third exciting thing to happen was earning money from two different survey groups. This will come in handy because I have to purchase two over-the-counter eye drops this week. In addition I have to purchase a package of Depends© which is the only type of disposable undergarment I will wear when I leave the house. Fortunately, I have coupons for all three of the items I need to purchase. Now the only thing to do is figure out where I can get them for the least money without the coupons. I will use the coupons, but I don't want to spend any more money then I have to.

Thankful Thursday: A Thankful Thursday Afternoon

Istijlal (Majesty), 13 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Thursday, April 2, 2015 about 5:51 pm Pacific Daylight Time.

On Thankful Thursday
I went to see my optometrist;
I am thankful
that I could drive myself
to his office and back home again.

On the first Thankful Thursday
in April 2015
I am thankful
that I did not have to turn
the cool air on today.

On the first Thankful Thursday
in National Poetry Month
I am thankful
for hot or cold vanilla coffee.

On this Thankful Thursday afternoon
I am thankful
for the wind
blowing through
the pine tree across
the street.

On Thankful Thursday
I am thankful
for the cut okra
I purchased today
and the swai
I have in the freezer
because I cook them
for lunch on Good Friday.

On Thankful Thursday
I am thankful
that I can hear
my neighbor's music
echoing through the walls.

On Thankful Thursday
I am thankful
that I live in
Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tuesday's Topic: March Wind

Fiḍal (Grace), 11 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Tuesday, March 31, 2015 about 12:50 pm Pacific Daylight Time

The wind is blowing today. According to the weather report the wind speed is expected to be between 25 to 30 mph with temperatures in the high 80s or low 90s. Right now the temperature is around 87 degrees with a partly cloudy sky.

March wind dancing
across Las Vegas valley
temperatures rising

I turned the cool air on yesterday afternoon and again just a few minutes ago. I only use the air when I have to because of the power bills. I have placed the situation in God's hands so now I can focus on increasing my income and finding a another place to live. I do not know if it will be cheaper or not; however, it will be senior housing so I should be able to get some type of break on the rent.

March wind is dancing
at twenty-five miles per hour
along Sunrise Avenue

I thought that when March came in roaring it was supposed to go out bleating, but this year it came in roaring and its going out roaring. On the bright side the temperatures are supposed to descend into the low 80s or high 70s for the next five or six day. This will be nice especially on Thursday when I have an appointment with my optometrist. I have to remember to tell him that my mother had age related macular degeneration, I do not remember if I told him about that or not.

Meditation Monday: The Word of God is the True Miracle

Kamal (Perfection), 10 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Monday, March 30, 2015 about 12:30 pm Pacific Daylight Time

The word of God is the true miracle because it transforms the individual. Reading and meditating on God's Holy Word pulls the individual out of the darkness of selfishness of personal desires and brings that person into the light of benevolent caring, unselfish kindness, and selflessness.

Reading and meditating on God's word
has expanded my own horizon and concept
of family to take in the planet and all of humanity.

I am a happier person when I place my cares and troubles in God's hands. I can relax knowing that no matter what happens in my life everything will turn out for the best. I know that, despite everything, God wants the best for both me and the rest of the human race because God created us out of love.

The word of God is the true miracle and the messenger who brings that word to humanity speaks with the voice of God. The only way for any human being to know God is through his messengers who come to us in each age with the words that give our souls eternal life. As I read God's holy words I feel the holy spirit flowing through the words and speaking directly to my soul.

Saturday Summary: A Warm March Afternoon

Jalal (Glory), 8 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Saturday, March 28, 2015 about 1:55 pm Pacific Daylight Time

The weather is getting warmer, soon I will have to start closing the door and turning on the cool air. Today, at 12:56 pm, the temperature was 85 degrees and rising. It does not feel like that in this apartment. According to the online weather report I checked it is supposed to get up to 90 degrees today. I do not know it it will or not. I have accomplished all my writing and reviewing goals today, so I will log out and turn the computer off. I am going out this evening and have to start getting ready. I also have some housework to do this afternoon.

beautiful March day
sunny with warm temperatures
a nice Saturday

Thankful Thursday: March 26, 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 6 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Thursday, March 26, 2015 about 2:21 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Today I am thankful...

01. ...that I cannot afford fast food because then I would eat it instead of fixing my food at home.

02. ...for the beautiful partly cloudy and sunshiny day we are experiencing at present.

03. ...that I was able to purchase some Swai when I went to the store this morning. I can have fish and vegetables on Friday.

04. ...for the green salad I have in the refrigerator because I can fix it with a turkey patty for lunch and dinner today.

05. ...that the birds are singing in the pine tree across the street.

06. ...for the pears I have in the kitchen because I can have them for a snack this afternoon for for breakfast on Friday.

07. ...that I can talk to Baha'u'llah whenever I wish by just addressing Him in my thoughts.

08. ...for the dream I had about Mom last night; this is the second night in a row I have dreamed about Mom.

09. ...that I can keep my door open this afternoon.

10. ...for the ability to access the scriptures of the Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abd'l-Baha online.

Tuesday's Topic: A Busy Tuesday Morning

Fiḍal (Grace), 4 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Tuesday, March 24, 2015 about 12:26 pm Pacific Daylight Time

It's been a busy Tuesday morning. I made some video post on Poet999's Thoughts about Writing and Other Stuff and wrote a poem. I also responded to some blog prompts on writing.com. Between all this, I took the frozen chicken sausages out of the freezer, cooked them, and then fixed the egg plant I had in the crisper for lunch. This afternoon I think I will eat the fruit or salad I have in the refrigerator. I also have to see what I have in the refrigerator before I go to the grocery store either Wednesday or Thursday.

This afternoon I have to take the trash to the alley and get the mail. I'm not looking forward to doing either, but it has to be done. It isn't that I don't want to do it, it's just that I would rather sit at the computer and write then take the trash out. I don't expect to have anything in the mail box today; all though, I could be surprised. Perhaps I should take a nap or walk around inside my apartment for five minutes. The walk through my apartment sounds good because I can walk and recite prayers, scripture verses, or just think about the romance story I need to finish before Friday.

Spiritual Sunday: Sunday Morning in Las Vegas

Jamal (Beauty), 2 Bahá (Splendour), 172 BE - Sunday, March 22, 2015 about 10:02 am Pacific Daylight Time

A bird intoning
Gratitude and thanksgiving
For another day of life

It is Sunday morning here in Las Vegas. I have recited my morning prayers. I have finished my breakfast, but have not finished off the carafe of coffee. I also responded to a blog prompt from one of the writing.com blog groups. I plan on attending a spiritual service at the Baha'i Center this afternoon. Right now I am sitting at my computer listening to a bird sing, sipping a cup of hot coffee, and trying to decide if it is worth taking the trash to the alley just to see if the tire on my car is flat. Fortunately, a friend is picking me up and taking me to the spiritual service this afternoon.

Sunday decisions
are easier when sipping
a hot cup of joe.

My sinuses are clogged this morning, but I am not closing the door. It is too nice a day to have the door closed. It is too nice a day to worry about whether of not my tire is flat. It is too nice a day It is too nice a day to do anything except read the scriptures, compose poetry, and socialize. I will deal with the car and the tire on Monday morning when I to focus on mundane things like tires, trash, and going to the grocery store or dealing with other business matters.

On Sunday morning
my neighborhood moves slowly
the birds are singing.

Not Foodie Friday or Funny Friday Because It's I need a set of New Tires Friday

Istiqlal (Independence),19 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Friday, March 20, 2015 about 1:52 pm Pacific Daylight Time

This is Friday the day I normally make a food entry, but not today. Today is neither Foodie Friday nor Funny Friday (all though it started out as Funny Friday), instead it is I need a new set of tires Friday. I left the house this morning about 10:00 am. I went to have the air in the tires checked and it was fine. I then went to the grocery store to purchase some food and use a couple of coupons. When I returned home the front tire on the passenger side was low.

I have known for a couple of months that I would need to get at least two new tires this year. I was hoping I could put it off for another couple of three months. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible. I will have to get tires before I can drive it again. I am not sure where the money will come from because every penny I have is already spent before I get it. I have a job coming up next month that might give me the money for a couple of tires. The job is not far from where I live so I may end u p walking to it unless I can find a ride. I need to call paratransit to see how early their rides start of a morning. In the mean time the car will just have to sit where it is until I get the money for the tires.

Thankful Thursday: March 19, 2015 Somewhere in Las Vegas

Istijlal (Majesty), 18 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Thursday, March 19, 2015 about 10:48 am Pacific Daylight Time

This morning I am thankful...

01. ...for the two pears I ate for breakfast. I got the pears on Monday, March 16, when I picked up some free food at a food bank.

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

03. ...for the beautiful spring-like weather we are experiencing in Las Vegas today.

04. ...that I still have six coupons in the "Bunches of Savings" packet that I received from Smith's Food and Drug Store in late January or early February. I have until April 19 to use the coupons.

05. ...for the singing of the birds I hear every morning when I open my door at or before dawn.

06. ...that I received "Recipe and Coupons" packet from Smith's Food and Drug store yesterday. I contains twelve coupons for me to use by May 31.

07. ...for turkey burgers because they taste as good as ground beef (when I put mustard or hot pepper sauce) on them.

08. ...that I received my sample ballot in the mail yesterday so that I can mark who I am voting for before early voting starts in March 21.

09. ...for angel-berry desert recipe I received in the mail yesterday, with the coupons. I can adapt that recipe to the diet the doctor put me on.

10. ...that I can download coupons to my Smith's loyalty for other items that I do not have paper coupons for.

Midweek Reflections: Holiday, Holy Days, Days of Celebration, Days of Commemoration, etc.

Idal (Justice), 17 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Wednesday, March 18, 2015 about 8:36 am Pacific Daylight Time

The Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere occurs at 3:45 pm Pacific Daylight Time on Friday, March 20.
Naw-Ruz, the first day of the Baha'i year of B.E., begins at sunset on Friday, March 20. and ends at sunset on Saturday, March 21.
The Twelve Days of Ridvan began at sunset on Monday, April 20, and end at sunset on Saturday, May 2.
Good Friday, occurs on Friday, April 3.
Easter occurs on Sunday, April 5,
Earth Day occurs on Wednesday, April 22.

I am sure there are other interesting celebrations occurring between Thursday, March 19, and Sunday, May 3, but these are the only ones that interest me at this time. The holiday and holy days I will celebrate are Naw-Ruz and the Twelve Days of Ridvan. On the other days, I will write a blog entry about some aspect of them. The entry may concern a memory form childhood, an observation of the way someone celebrates the day, or I may write a poem and/or story about that specific day. This morning I am not sure about the approach I will take in any of those blog entries. Nor have I decided to which blog I will post the entry. The only thing I am sure about is that I will post an entry about the day or the celebration.

Tuesday's Topic: Happy St. Patrick's Day

Fiḍal (Grace), 16 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Tuesday, March 17, 2015 about 1:12 pm Pacific Daylight Time

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone whether you are Irish or not. I am of Irish descent. I am of Scottish descent. I am of English descent. I am of German descent. According to family rumors, which I heard when I was a child, there is even Native American in the family line. What do these family lines mean? They mean that I had some very brave and intriguing ancestors.

My ancestors came to America to find something. Perhaps it was freedom, a better standard of living, or adventure. I do not know much about my family history. In fact the only thing I have is a story that my Grandma Darbe (my father's mother) told. She said that four brothers came to America from Ireland. When they arrived at Ellis Island each brother spelled his last name differently.

Spiritual Sunday: The Ides of March

Jamal (Beauty), 14 Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Sunday, March 15, 2015 about 11:45 am Pacific Daylight Time

The ides of March,
the middle of March,
the days have passed slowly,
but the month passage of the month
was swift.

I listen to the Unity Prayer which was revealed by Baha'u'llah. Then I listen to spiritual music, gospel music, from the Baha'i Faith. I smile as I listen to the music, to the prayers, and the scriptures set to music.

On the Ides of March,
I contemplate the way that music,
especially spiritual
or devotional
music fills the spaces in my life,
my soul,
and my memory.

I listen to people singing, worshiping, and intoning the scriptures. As I listen to music and the scriptures my mood lightens and I realize the reason that angels can fly. It is the music of faith that provide the wind for angels to ascend and fly between heaven and earth.

It is the Ides of March,
the third month of 2015
is half over
I discover that happiness
and tears are companions
in this nether world of matter.

I cry. I listen. I pray. I reflect. I laugh. I smile. My soul is being washed of the dark dross that hides the reflected light of God's Glory. I have worries, but I have to place those in the hands of God because there are a great many problems in my life that I cannot solve without the help of God and His Glory.

Saturday Summary: I Need New Tires

Jalal (Glory), 13 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Saturday, March 14, 2015 about 3:20 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I went to Discount Tires this week to have air put in my tires. The young man who aired the tires also inspected the tires and informed me that there were cracks in the sides, which means I will have to purchase tires sometime withing the next two or three months. I already knew I would have to get tires this year because I had the two front tires fixed last year and have had to watch the air in the tires this year.

I will get the tires at Discount Tires because that is where I always purchase new tires. I had planned on November or December, but the cracks in the sides have changes that. Since I cannot qualify for a credit card or a payday loan (I have tried both) I will have to figure out how to get the money. I suppose I could go into a depression over this, but that is not going to help me find a solution to the problem. Instead of going into a depression I am going to put the issue in God's hands.

Foodie Friday: Salad and Fruit on Friday the Thirteenth

Istiqlal (Independence),12 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Friday, March 13, 2015 about 9:44 am Pacific Daylight Time

Today is green or chicken salad and fruit day. I do not feel like fixing or eating anything else. I woke up this morning with an upset or queasy stomach. I suspect it may have been something I ate last night. I am not sure what caused the feeling, but I know it was not salad or fruit because I did not eat either of those items yesterday. After saying several prayers and drinking a couple of cups of coffee I feel better.

I purchased a couple of those small bagged salads and a fruit mixtures when I went to the grocery store the other day. I will have one of the salads and the fruit for a late breakfast or early lunch. If I finish that then latter today I might cook a turkey patty and eat that with the other salad, but I do not want to eat bread today. I think part of the reason I felt bad when I woke up was the amount of bread I ate yesterday.

Fruit and Green Salad

Step 1: Put the green salad in a salad dish.
Step 2: Place the fresh fruit over the green salad.
Step 3: If you want to add some type of salad dressing go ahead; however, this is unnecessary with this salad.

Thankful Thursday: March 12, 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 11 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Thursday, March 12, 2015 about 3:00 pm Pacific Day Light Time

This afternoon I am thankful...

01. ...for the grayish-white clouds that move across the beautiful blue sky.

02. ...that I still have an internet connect so that I can attempt to earn some money on line.

03. ...for the dark shadows cast by the sun as it moves across the sky.

04. ...that I had a package of okra in the freezer that I could fix as part of my lunch.

05. ...for the wind that blows through the pine and palm trees in my neighborhood.

06. ...that I received a letter from the election department informing me where I will work on Tuesday, April 7.

07. ...for the birds singing in the pine and palm trees.

08. ...that the ice cream truck drives through my neighborhood every day playing pleasant music..

09. ...for the cars that drive the right way down the one-way street I live on.

10. ...that some of the people in my neighborhood walk their dogs on leashes.

Midweek Reflections: Birds Singing Under a Cloudy Sky and I am Depressed

Idal (Justice), 10 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Wednesday, March 11, 2015 about 5:20 pm Pacific Daylight Time

The sun did not penetrate the could cover today. A bird is singing in the pine tree across the street. The bird obviously has something to sing about. I am not sure if I have anything to sing about. I am depressed. I may have a reason to be depressed or it could be the cloudy day. I can never tell at times like this because the clouds usually show up when I have something to be depressed about.

I am I depressed because I need to get some money into my bank account by Monday? Am I depressed because it is a cloudy day and I cannot feel the sun on my face? Am I depressed because I do not have enough money in my savings account to transfer to my checking account? Why am I depressed? Is the dreary day making my depression worse?

I wish I had an answer to all these questions. I want a job that will pay me money once or twice a month. I am semiretired which means I do not make enough to supplement the monthly check I have coming in. I am depressed. I am semiretired. I do not have to worry about food, but I have to worry about other things. I know one action I can take now to help me next month, but it will not give me any help this month. I will take that action tomorrow after I returned from the food bank.

Fortunately, I will work outside my house one day in April and one day in June. That helps a little, but not very much. I am thankful for what I have. I have enough food to eat. I can scrape enough money together once a month for gas in the car, but I have to be careful about driving the car because it uses gas, which I can only purchase once a month. Usually writing helps my depression, but this blog entry is not alleviating. I do not think it is making the problem worse, but it is not making it any better.

I am going to post this entry and then I will take my vitamin D tablet. After taking the vitamin I will say some prayers. After saying prayers, I will attempt to write a story or poem. I hope that one of those things helps my depression. I will be so glad to see the sunshine again.

Tuesday's Topic: Ten Days Until Spring

Fiḍal (Grace), 9 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Tuesday, March 10, 2015 about 11:06 am Pacific Daylight Time

On Friday, March 20, 2015, at 3:45 pm Pacific Daylight Time the sun crosses the celestial equator and spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere. The birds are already celebrating the new season by building nests, singing, and starting families. The oak tree in the courtyard of my apartment complex is celebrating the season as well. It is leafing out and its limbs are turning green with the new leafage.

I am looking forward to spring. I can but away my heavy winter sweaters and sweatshirts. I can begin making iced tea and iced coffee. I can have my door open for part of the day. I know eventually it will get too warm for me to have the door open all day, but I can open the door in the early morning and late evening. I love spring because it brings pleasant memories from my childhood. I can stop making soup or I can eat the soup cold because it is getting too warm for hot soup.

There are only two problems with hotter weather. First, the power bill will increase because I have to use the air conditioner to cool my apartment. Second, my car does not have a working air condition so I have to drive with the windows down to keep cool. I am sure other things will come up during the late spring and summer, but I will handle them as they come along. Right now I am looking forward to the arrival of spring.

Meditation Monday: Attempting to Pray and Meditate

Kamal (Perfection), 8 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 171 BE - Monday, March 9, 2015 11:31 am Pacific Daylight Time


I've been in a mental fog all morning because of the spring forward. This always happens when the clocks are moved forward or back and it takes me almost half a day to get over the fogginess. it is difficult to pray, meditate, or do anything else when I'm feeling like this. Unfortunately, I have to go to the store this afternoon to pick up a prescription. I will say a prayer of protection before I leave the house. I may also sit in my car and say another one when I leave the grocery store.

If I didn't have to pick up the prescription I would stay home, but if I don't pick it up today then I'll have to go to the store tomorrow. I don't know if the fogginess I'm feeling is causing me to worry. I'm worried about everything this morning, which isn't like me. I normally just worry about a few things, but not today. i'm tired, not sleepy, so I will go to the store to get the things I need. I need to just take a deep breath and put everything in God's hands. Today I'm having difficulty doing that and I'm not sure why. It could be just the foggy effect of the time change. Whatever it is I wish it would go away.

I will post this and then get ready to go. The postal carrier just left so I can stop at my mail box on the way to the car to see if I got any letters or bills. I will be alright as soon as I get used to the time change and getting up an hour earlier each morning.

Spiritual Sunday: Daylight Savings Time Meditation

Jamal (Beauty), 7 Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Sunday, March 8, 2015 2:10 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I look at the sun,
I look at the clock
and the clock reads
2:00 pm.

My mind tells me
it shouldn't be that late
it feels like only one o'clock.

Then I realize
we sprung forward this morning
my alarm went off
at 3:00 am
instead of four o'clock.

The birds are singing happily
because they aren't
attempting to save daylight time
they enjoy the sun
while its shines.

Saturday Summary: An Interesting Week in Las Vegas

Jalal (Glory), 6 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Saturday, March 7, 2015 about 12:50 pm Pacific Standard Time

It's been an interesting and somewhat stressful week here in Las Vegas. I managed to accomplish some of my goals, but not all of them. I got the refrigerator and the freezer reorganized. When I reorganized them Thursday and Friday, I thought I would make the job a week goal. However, after thinking about it, I have decided to stay with the monthly reorganization of both the refrigerator and the freezer.

I still have a lot of housework to do this month. Because I can only stand on my feet for a certain amount of time before I have to sit down it takes me longer to do housework then it used to. I think that is normal because I remember my mother and grandmother slowing in that area as they aged. I always said getting old wasn't for wimps. Anyway I can do some stuff like cleaning off the desk or the side stand next to the couch while I am sitting down.

This week I also managed to submit a story to a contest. The story was shorter then I wanted it, but I did submit it. This coming week I have to watch the word count to make sure any story I write is longer then 1,000 words. One of my weekly goals is to write a short story of 1,000 plus words each week. I can write between housework chores if I can pull myself away from the story, poem, or blog entry I am working on. Blog entries and poems usually are not a problem, but pulling myself away from a story is difficult because I want to finish it in one setting.

Midweek Reflections: On the three signs of old age

Idal (Justice), 3 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Wednesday, March 4, 2015 about 4:39 pm Pacific Standard Time

An Old Joke

What are the three signs of old age?
Lose of sight,
Lose of hearing,
And I can't remember the other one.

Author Unknown

OK, that joke may only be funny to those of us who have recently encountered a Senior Moment. My latest encounter with this phenomena was today when wrote a poem for a contest on writing.com. I thought I remembered the rules unfortunately I forgot the one about the rhyming poetry only. I can and will write another poem for the contest.

The poem I wrote today is called Under the Snow. It is about the coming of spring. I am not sure what the rhyming poem will be about. I could write one about spring. I could write on about the Senior Moment phenomena. I could write one about ear plug. I could write a poem about music pounding through the walls of my apartment, which is why I want ear plugs.

The contest ends on March 28 or March 31 (I have to check the closing date). I want to write the poem before March 16. The music is still pounding through the walls. The words are... words I do not use. They are distracting and upsetting. However, that is another post. As soon as I get the ear plugs I will write about the music I hear every day that I do not have ear plugs.

Tuesday's Topic: Day Light Savings Time

Fiḍal (Grace), 2 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Tuesday, March 3, 2015 about 12:20 pm Pacific Standard Time

It is that time of year again when the clock jump ahead one hour and I spends the next seven days in a haze. It takes a little while for the human body and mind to get used to the new clock settings. In spring, my mind thinks that it should be earlier then the clock says. For about a week the both my mind and body make it make getting up at 4:00 am difficult when they think its 3:00 am. I have to get up early to take medication at least one hour before I eat my first breakfast.

My first breakfast usually consist of fruit or something light to go with my coffee. After that I can do housework, go online, or leave the house. There was a time, when I was much younger, that I could go without eating before leaving the house, but not any more. I have to have something, even if it is only a can of fruit or bowl of cereal before going out. The more I plan on doing while I am out of the house the bigger breakfast I have to eat.

Daylight savings time begins at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 8. and it ends at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 1. In November it will take me another seven days t o get used to the time change. I wonder if anyone has ever did a study on the effect of daylight savings time on the brain or body. If not, I think they should because I am sure that would be an interesting study and a good thing to know.

Meditation Monday: Silence, Tranquility, and Music

Kamal (Perfection), 1 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 171 BE - Monday, March 2, 2015 about 4:59 pm Pacific Standard Time

Silence encourages meditation and prayer. The house is never noise free, but sometimes the neighbors music stops pounding through the walls and the house becomes tranquil. At these times my mind feels the tranquility that accompanies the absence of modern music. I know that the music I listened to as a teenager and young adult was just as loud and distracting as that played by young adults today. I know that sometimes my parents and grandparents or their friends would shake their heads when I payed my music, but they never said anything to me about it. Therefore, I do not complain about the music I hear my neighbor play.

There are times during the day when I wish my neighbor would pick a different genre of music. I suspect my parents thought the same thing when I payed my music, but they never said anything. I know that my neighbor enjoys his music just as much I enjoyed and still enjoy mine. I accept all kinds of music because it reflects the culture and background of the individual.

As I write this the music has started again. The music is not as loud as before and this is the way the music goes all day. It starts, a song plays, it stops for a bit, and starts again at a lower volume. I think both my neighbor and I need to find jobs that get us out of the house during the day. I know that I need some time away from my apartment and I am sure he does as well.

Some of his music I enjoy listening to, but not all of it. There are some songs that are offensive; however, I am not the one playing the music. If it gets too offensive then I can t take a short walk to the alley. The problem with the offensive music is that it interferes with prayer and meditation. I have a blanket to put over my head so that I can cut down on visual distractions when I meditate. I think I need to purchase earplugs to cut down on auditory distractions.

Spiritual Sunday: A Day of Food, Fun, and Fellowship

Jamal (Beauty), 4 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há), 171 BE - Sunday, March 1, 2015 about 4:03 pm Pacific Standard Time

I spend the morning out talking with friends and eating. I enjoyed the relaxation and the fellowship. We laughed. We ate. We caught up on our life events. I came home, spent some time online, and then I went out with another friend. We laughed. We got food to bring home. I am tired. I have enough food to last me a two or three days. This is good because I am going to attempt to stop snacking.

My goal for the next nineteen days is to cut down on the snacks. This means that instead of spreading my meals over the day I have to sit down, consume the main course, and then have my desert then. I cannot eat between meals. This will be a bit difficult because I am used to snacking whenever I feel that I am hunger. I can have water or coffee between meals, but any other liquids such as juice, hot tea, or soda I have to have with my meal.

I should be able to give up the snacks for nineteen days without any difficulty, but I could be wrong. As I wrote, I am used to snacking. I usually do most of my between meal eating when I am at the computer. When I feel like I want a snack I will have to either ignore the feel or find something to distract me. I know that one thing I can do iw get up from the computer and do housework. I can also take a walk outside or pick up my prayer book and read a prayer.
 

Saturday Summary: At the End of a Hectic Week

Jalal (Glory), 3 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há), 171 BE - Saturday, February 28, 2015 about 8:02 am Pacific Standard Time

The last week in February 2015 was a weird and hectic week. I believe part of the problem concerns the way I go about accomplishing my goals I establish. My housework goals need to bee more concrete, while I need to set a time limit on I know this because of what happened yesterday. I did some port housekeeping and editing in one of my books. I spent a couple of hours (I think) working on the same items and I got so mentally tired at the end that I could not think. When I do this type of work I have to set a time limit so that I have a break between editing sessions.

As for the housework, I am going to follow my mother's example on that. Mom always set a time limit on each task. If she did not get a task finished, such as cleaning out the cupboards, in the time allotted then she would continue the task either later in the day or the next day. Another thing Mom did is list the housekeeping chores she wanted to accomplish or had accomplished during the day (usually before she went to work). Mom always knew what she had finished and what she had to work on the next day or after she got off work. I should have known when she stopped doing this (after she officially retired) that something was wrong

Midweek Reflections: Sometime Miracles Happen

Idal (Justice), 19 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Wednesday, February 25, 2015 about 5:18 pm Pacific Standard Time

I experienced a miracle today. Yesterday I wrote a shopping list so that I could go to the supermarket today when I went to deposit a check in the bank. This morning I went to get my Senior commodities allotment. I got the food and came home, took it out of my pushcart, and then did some writing before checking the mail. I had not seen the postal deliver person, but I checked the mailbox anyway.

The check I was expecting arrived, so I came back into the house and got ready to go to the store. I thought I had everything in my purse I needed so I took my pushcart and went to the car. Come to find out, I had almost everything in my purse that I needed. I did not have the grocery list. When I put the check in my purse I neglected to put the grocery list in as well.

I went to the bank, deposited the check, and went to t he supermarket. I purchased several items and then came home. Once here I checked the grocery list to see what I had forgotten. I did not forget anything. I purchased every item on the list and then some. Since I purchased all the items on my list I do not have to go back to the supermarket tomorrow for anything.

Tuesday's Topic: A Windy Tuesday in Las Vegas

Fiḍal (Grace), 18 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Tuesday, February 24, 2015 about 4:20 pm Pacific Time

Sunday and Monday it rained. Today the wind is blowing. I have been cold for three days, two days because of the rain and one day because of the wind. It is warmer today then the past two days, but now there is a windchill factor. I have not turned the my air conditioning unit on all month because most of the days it was two warm for the heat and not hot enough for the cool air. Even though it was cooler (it felt cold to me) I did not turn the heat on because of the electric bill. I am hoping and praying I can avoid using it until the end of March.

On April 20 or 21 I will turn the unit on long enough to switch from warm air to cool air. I will then turn it back off so that I can enjoy opening my door. I like to have my door open because I can see who passes by my house and I hear the birds singing. The birds have been singing all month so they must think it is spring. I even hear birds sing yesterday when it was so cold out. I am thankful it is not snowing here in Las Vegas because I am not sure I could stand being cooped up in my apartment.

I do not go out much, but I can get out when I want to. If it snowed I would not be about to leave my apartment when I wanted to. The problem is not staying inside but not being able to leave when I want to.

Spiritual Sunday: A Cloudy Sunday

Jamal (Beauty), 16 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Sunday, February 22, 2015 about 11:24 am Pacific Standard Time

Gray-white clouds cover
the beautiful Sunday blue sky
and conceal morning's bright sun.

I give thanks for the cloud cover
and the patches of blue
peeking through.

Breakfast-brunch consumes,
dishes waiting for hot soapy water
and the leftover hotcake batter
waiting for me to decide
if I want an egg
or a spicy chicken patty
to accompany the hotcakes
for an afternoon snack.

I give thanks for the birds
singing in the pine tree
across the street
and for the pigeons
that walk past my front stoop.

A cloudy Sunday morning
is becoming
a cloudy Sunday afternoon.

I give thanks
for a day of rest
and a cup of
hot black coffee.

Saturday Summary: The Weather in Las Vegas, Nevada

Jalal (Glory), 15 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Saturday, February 21, 2015 about 1:23 Pacific Standard Time

There are seven more day in February 2015. There are twenty-seven days until the vernal equinox when winter is transformed into spring. It sounds like spring here in Las Vegas because the birds are singing. It feels like spring with temperatures ranging from the low fifties to the low seventies, but it is still winter. Even this late in the season the temperature could still turn frigid. I am prepared for almost anything.

I have not yet washed and put away my winter sweaters or blankets. I am not sure where I will store them since I do not have a lot of storage in this studio apartment. The storage I do have is out of my reach even with my step stool. I cannot store them in the cart I use to transport my groceries from my car to my apartment. I have three plastic storage containers that I could use, but I have to go through the stuff in them to see what the items are and then I have to figure out what to do with them. This means I will be doing the spring cleaning, which I started this week, until summer solstice arrives.

It takes me so long to do spring cleaning because I have to do it in sections. I clean little bit and then I write a bit. That way I get some writing and cleaning accomplished each day. That may not be the wash one should do it, but that works for me. It takes me longer to get the work accomplish that all right because I like alone. It also may take longer because I do not have anyone to help. There are advantages to doing your housework without someone to assist.

It is 67 degrees with a few scatter clouds. The high today is expected to be 72 degrees. The weather is nice and warm in the afternoons. In the morning the weather is nice and cool. I have not had the warm air on all month. I will turn the cool air on around March 20. which is the date of the vernal equinox this year. Now the only thing to figure out is whether or not I need to get a filter for the central air unit and then how to put it in the unit.

Foodie Friday: Grocery Shopping Memories

Istiqlal (Independence), 14 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Friday, February 20, 2015 about 3:57 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went grocery shopping today. As usual, it wore me out. I remember going grocery shopping with my grandparents and I do not remember them getting worn out from just walking down an aisle in a grocery store. I know that I am not in that good of health, but I do no think I should be this tired after purchasing food. I have to be doing something different then my grandparent to get this tired.

One thing that my grandmother always did, which I do not always do, is make a grocery list. Grandma would make the list the day before and then check it the day she went to make sure she had written down everything she needed or wanted. Another thing my grandparent did was to start at one side of the grocery store then work their way to the other side by going down each aisle. I am a bit more haphazard in my approach to grocery shopping. In fact, I sometimes find myself returning to an aisle because I thought of something that I needed. I have to go grocery shopping again next week, so I will try my grandparents method. I might not get as tired and I could get everything I want in one trip.

Thankful Thursday: February 19, 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 13 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Thursday, February 19, 2015 about 3:16 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

01. ... that the exterminator came to put traps out in the kitchen for the mouse I saw running through my apartment.

02. ...for coffee because it tastes wonderful while I am composing a blog entry.

03. ...that the February/March 2015 issue of The AARP Magazine arrived today.

04. ...for the bird that has been singing in the pine tree all day.

05. ...that there are beautiful thin white clouds sailing across the blue sky.

06. ..
.for beautiful warm and not hot weather we are experiencing in Las Vegas.
07. ...that I can have my door open so that I can look outside and watch the clouds sailing across the sky.

08. ...for the vegetables I have in the refrigerator to eat as a snack rather then eating sweets.

09. ...that I still have five bottles of ginger ale in the refrigerator to drink with my apple juice.

10. ...for the card I received through the mail today from a friend.

Midweek Reflections: On the Singing of Birds

Idal (Justice), 12 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 about 5:28 pm Pacific Standard Time

Every morning when I open the door I hear the birds singing. They must think it is spring because they sound so happy. The weather has been nice. It's been so nice that I have not turned the warm air on all month. It is not warm enough to turn the cool air on, so the unit remains off. I suppose I will have to figure out how to put a filter in it this year. I am not looking forward to that, but perhaps if I purchase the filter then the rental agent will send their maintenance person to change it for me.

The birds stop singing after school lets out and the neighborhood children begin to play and make noises. I do not think the birds care for the noise the children make in the late afternoon or early evening. I, on the other hand, enjoy listening to the kids play and make happy noises. It takes my mind off the lonely feeling I sometimes get living by myself. All though I am not as alone as I thought I was.

I had an encounter with a mouse this morning. It was a bit of a shock because I did not think about a mouse or mice getting into my apartment. I knew there were mice in the desert, but I did not think about them getting into my apartment. Now every time I see a shadow out of the corner of my eye I take another look to see if it was a mouse or just a shadow. I called the rental agent so I expect to hear from their exterminator soon.

Tuesday's Topic: Rearranging the Freezer

Fiḍal (Grace), 11 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Tuesday, February 17, 2015 about 12:25 pm Pacific Standard Time

Every time I go grocery shopping, I have to rearrange the freezer two or three days later. I do not rearrange it the day I put the items away because I procrastinate. I could give another more logical or illogical reason, but the truth is that I procrastinate when it comes to rearranging the stuff in the freezer. I probably have the rearrange the lower part of the refrigerator as well, but that will h ave to wait a couple more days or a couple more trips to the grocery store.

I have to remove some chicken pieces from their original containers and put them in the Tupperware® meat keepers I have in the freezer. I also have to remove the toaster waffles from their containers and put them in one of the Tupperware® containers I keep in the freezer. My freezer isn't very large so I have to make sure everything is organized so that I can find it when I want something. This means I have to reorganize or rearrange the freezer every couple of weeks or so. Sometimes its a bit inconvenient, which is one of the reasons I don't do it immediately. The other reason is being tired after I get home from the grocery store.

Since I am planning to go to the grocery store either Wednesday or Thursday, I need to rearrange it today so that I can see if I need to purchase more frozen fruit or something like that. After I rearrange the freezer I will take the trash to the alley and I will not have to make two trips.

Meditation Monday: Growing Miracles - A Poem

Kamal (Perfection), 10 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Monday, February 16, 2015 about 12:15 pm Pacific Standard Time

Out of difficulties grow miracles.

Jean de la Bruyere

Valentine's Day is over
and a new week has begun.

The Monday blues
has come and gone
now it is time for a little fun.

I smile because I know
that difficulties grow miracles
that bloom from the stem of faith;
all that is necessary
is to open your mind to
the possibilities.

A mornng spent in prayer
produces a joyful afternoon.

I am not alone
because I have the Lord
and the revealed word.

Spiritual Sunday: Sunday Thoughts about Mood

Jamal (Beauty), 9 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Sunday, February 15, 2015 about 11:55 am Pacific Standard Time

I woke up in a good mood. I recited a prayer and intoned God's Most Great Name. I took my medication, I made a carafe of coffee and then I went to writing.com to do some work before eating breakfast. I have to wait about an hour after taking my medication before I can eat. I did some writing and a review before I started breakfast. Sometime after I took my medication and before I ate breakfast my mood began to change. It began to descend into depression.

I fixed breakfast and then I went to YouTube. I listened to Hank Williams Sr singing "I Saw the Light". Next I listed to a couple of Baha'i videos that had some of the prayer set to music. My mood lightened, but then my mood always gets better when I listen to spiritual music. I am in a better mood now so I heated up the soup I have been eating all weekend. I will finish it off today.

As long as I take some time to meditate and pray then my mood will stay positive. That is good because now I am not feeling very well physically. I am not sure what is causing the problem, so I am going to take a break in a few minutes to say the Long Healing prayer. I will not go to the ER or one of the clinics unless I absolutely have to so. If I am still feeling this way tomorrow then I will call one of my doctors to see if I can get an appointment.

Saturday Summary: Happy Valentine's Day

Jalal (Glory), 8 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Saturday, February 14, 2015 about 2:49 pm Pacific Standard Time

I guess it's a Happy Valentine's Day. For someone it's a Happy Valentine's Day. I'm in a mullygrubbing mood today, which means I'm an bit depressed and wanting to collywabble. I think part of the reason for my mood is Valentine's Day. Today is the day for couples to celebrate their togetherness and I am alone.

Being alone on Valentine's Day is no fun. All the couples in the neighborhood are out somewhere doing couple things to celebrate the day and their togetherness. It's been a long time since I had someone to help me celebrate Valentine's Day. It's been a long time since I celebrated Valentine's Day. I'm not in a relationship. I don't even have a secret admire (at least not one that I know about). Sometimes my horoscope mentions my love life and a relationship, but I think that is just wishful thinking on the part of the horoscope.

I haven't received chocolates or roses from anyone in years. I think the thing I miss most about not being part of a couple is the lack of sharing. I don't have anyone to share a carafe of coffee. The only one I have to make breakfast or any other meal for is myself. I like my cooking and I like cooking for myself, but once in a while it would be nice to cook for someone else. It would be nice to have someone to cook for me.

Thankful Thursday: What Am I Thankful for Today?

Istijlal (Majesty), 6 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Thursday, February 12, 2015 about 3:23 pm Pacific Standard Time

Normally, I list the things I am thankful for in numerical order. I do not feel like making a list like that today, therefor I will try something a bit different.

I am thankful for
homemade chicken apple soup
tomato garlic spice

I am thankful for
the pine tree across the street
partly cloudy sky

I am thankful for
the police cars that drive passed
afternoon sunshine

I am thankful for
the birds singing in palm trees
hot English black tea

I am thankful for
the sound of children playing
afternoon shadows

I am thankful for
the bright afternoon sunshine
gourmet candy corn

I am thankful for
the sound of the neighbors dog
music through the walls

I am thankful for
the perfume of late winter
the scent of clean clothes

I am thankful for
sound of Harley-Davidson
music to my ears

I am thankful for
pigeons walking past my door
and the new neighbors

Midweek Reflections: On Late Winter in Las Vegas

Idal (Justice), 5 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Wednesday, February 11, 2015 about 4:50 pm Pacific Standard Time

It doesn't feel like winter in Las Vegas. The temperature today was in the low seventies with scattered clouds. When I went to the grocery store about 10:30 am I wore a light sweater over my dress. I don't think I needed the sweater outside, but I did in the grocery store. It gets a bit nippy in the store especially in the frozen food department. I purchased some frozen berries to go with my breakfast or to eat as a snack.

I looked for some fresh okra or frozen okra, but the store I went to didn't have either. I will have to go to another store further south on Maryland Parkway to get the frozen okra. Maybe I will check at the Mexican supermarket to see if they have fresh okra. I prefer fresh okra, but the fresh frozen works just as well when frying and it's a bit cheaper then the fresh okra. I don't think I will go tomorrow, but you never know.

It is late winter here in Las Vegas, but it feels like early spring or fall. That is why I thought about purchasing okra. When I eat fried okra it reminds me of Oklahoma. My grandfather always planted okra in his garden. My grandmother would fix fried okra as long as we could pick it. I don't remember her canning the okra so I don't purchase canned okra. I can fix the fresh or fresh frozen okra easier, even when I don't fry it, then the canned okra.

I am enjoying the springlike weather here. I just hope it doesn't suddenly get cold because I h ave not turned on the warm air in about seven or eight days. I like it when I don't have to turn on the warm or cold air because I can have the door open most of the day without it getting either too hot or too cold in my apartment.

Meditation Monday: Meditation on Sunset

Kamal (Perfection), 3 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Monday, February 9, 2015 about Sunset Pacific Standard Time

The sunset behind Mount Charleston,
one day ends
as another begins
without fan-fair
or noisy celebration.

As the sunsets
the sky is transformed
from deep blue,
to pale blue,
to off white,
and then to black;
the sky is transformed peacefully
and calmly
from day
into night.

As the sunsets
behind Mount Charleston
the street lights come on
driving darkness outside
their pools of light,
shifts change,
people go home to rest,
but Las Vegas never sleeps.

Spiritual Sunday: A Beautiful Sunday Afternoon

Jamal (Beauty), 2 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Sunday, February 8, 2015 about 12:13 pm Pacific Standard Time

It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in Las Vegas. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the sky is a cloudless blue. It sort of reminds me of Sunday in Oklahoma. I remember when Grandpa Frank and Grandma Mary took us to church on Sunday morning and then in the afternoon we would play outdoors. Grandma always fixed fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed peas or spinach, and homemade apple or cherry pie with ice cream for desert. I loved Grandma's creamed spinach and homemade pies.

I remember that on Sunday morning we would attend Sunday school classes and then church services. I enjoyed singing in the choir. Grandpa Frank always smiled when he saw one of my siblings or me singing. This morning, I was on YouTube listening to different renditions of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". The memory of singing that song came back and I had to smile because I know that my singing voice could never do justice to it, but I like to sing it anyway. I always sing it enthusiastically, which may have been one of the reason I made the choir.

I have not been back to Blackwell, Oklahoma since I left years ago. I used to want to go back and visit, but now I am not sure. I would compare the city the way it is now with the way I remember it. I know if I did that I would be disappointed because the city, like myself, has changed. I am 68 years old and I no longer practice the same religion I did when I was in Blackwell. I still enjoy hearing the songs I sang in church, but I am no longer Southern Baptist.

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.