RubyTuesday#6 - Heads or Tails #25

Make Time for Small Reflections
Scroll down for Heads or Tails ...
Morning Musings, a Meme & More is in the next post
and Monday Motivator at Sacred Ruminations

My favorite chair at the Mable Dodge House
in Taos, New Mexico

Click for others participating this week,
(and meet RubyMissBug, Ruby Tuesday's new Mascot)

This is my 25th ...

Hosted by Skittles at Head or Tails

Click for info about how to play
This week's prompt is:
HEADS - Shake






Click for others participating in HoTs this week.
Next week's theme/prompt is:
HEADS *OR* TAILS - Black *OR* White

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"Action is eloquence." William Shakespeare

Morning Musings ... a meme, and more ...

After publishing my Monday Motivator at Sacred Ruminations earlier this morning, I decided to skip Fun Monday this week.
Alison of RDH Mom is today's host. Clicking on the links here will take you there in case you'd like to participate ... but somehow photographing and/or writing about the state of my closets seemed overwhelming to me ... probably because I'm spending enough time trying to declutter & simplify my surroundings and 'blogging' is a way to 'escape' for a while.

I found this recently at Lightening's A-Z of Me ... who was tagged a little while back by Sharon to do this meme ... saved it in my 'drafts' folder and decided to pull it out today ... just because.

Attached or single? Single (except for Molly & Ms. Kitty) ... and happy

Best Friend? Several ... Carol, Jackie, Marlene to name a few

Cake or Pie? Neither ... but I do enjoy a delightful crème brûlée from time to time

Day of Choice? Now that I'm happily retired, methinks I love them all for different reasons, but for the last few years I taught ... I loved Friday's because that was the day we had uninterrupted sustained silent reading for 30 minutes in each class ;--)

Essential Item? Hmmm ... hard to choose just one ... my morning coffee ... my journal & mechanical pencil ... my laptop.

Flavor of ice cream? Mint chocolate chip

Gummy Bears or Worms? Neither ... I much prefer crunchy snacks to sweets

Hometown? I was born & raised in a small suburb of Los Angeles, but prefer to be 'a nonny mouse' ... so that's as close as I'll come on this one

Indulgences? soaking in a hot bath ...

January or July? January ... we get fewer visitors here at the beach in the winter

Kids? I didn't raise any of my own, but spent 5 years as a Playground Director & 34 years as an Educator

Last Movie I saw in a Theatre? Good question ... I'm not sure I can even remember, but it might have been the original Pirates of the Caribbean film with Johnny Depp & Orlando Bloom. I just don't go to movies any more and only occasionally watch them at home.

Middle Name? Helen

Number of Siblings? I'm the youngest of 3 kids

Oranges or Apples? apples ... Gala or Fuji preferably

Phobia or Fear? I can't think of any phobias ... and I try to keep 'fear' to a minimum by examining & releasing whatever arises ... as often as needed ;--)

Quote? Ah ... there are so many, but the one I used with students most often is: "If you think you can or think you can't, you're right." ... attributed to Henry Ford

Reason to Smile? Oh so many ... living near the ocean, being retired, the company of Molly & Ms. Kitty, and comments on my posts (to name a few)

Season? Spring - I'm optimistic & hopeful for the most part.

Tag five more Ah ... I prefer to 'invite' rather than tag ... so if this appeals to you let me know so that I can read YOUR responses when you share.

Unknown fact about me? I'm stumped ... but if I think of something, I'll add it later

Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? I'm sticking with Lightening's response here: "Let me guess, this was composed by a Vegetarian?"

Xrays or Ultrasound? Ultrasound (when given the option)

Your favorite food? Lightening added this: "Do I have to pick only one? No? Good." Methinks I'll leave it and go from here as she did ... just because: I enjoy Italian, Mexican, and Japanese foods when eating out. Around home, the simpler the preparation ... the better.

Zodiac? Pisces for me.

Thanks to Mary of Mary's Writing Nook for this 'kewl' animated award! I need to learn to do this thing myself. In the meantime ...
I would like to present all of my friends with this animated friends button. Right click and "save as." Since blogger doesn't like animated graphics, upload it to Photobucket, copy and paste the HTML code that's provided there to place it on your blog.

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"I think of life itself now as a wonderful play that I've written for myself, and so my purpose is to have the utmost fun playing my part." Shirley MacLaine

UnconsciousMutterings#24 and more ...

Make Time for Small Reflections

Scroll down for Unconscious Mutterings

Camera Critters #27 and Smiley Saturday #21 are in yesterday's post. Sunrise-Sunset #4 and BYBS #20 are at Sacred Ruminations.

Have you created YOUR Peace Globe yet?

As Mimi Lenox says ...
"If words are powerful ... then this matters."
Clicking on the logo above (or at the top of my sidebar) will take you to information about how to get YOUR Peace Globe to decorate & share between now and November 6th in the 5th Launch of Dona Nobis Pacem. We're counting down ...

My new Peace Globes for November's Blog Blast post (#4, 5, & 6) are in my sidebar along with my first two (previously published in June) and I've sent them to Mimi to publish as well. If you need help adding 'text' to the graphics available from Mimi's blog, I'm willing to assist as time permits. I invite everyone to participate and to visit others too.

Click Peace Globe Gallery graphic below
to see Globes others have created.

I'm participating for the 24th time today.
How about you?

What comes to YOUR mind?

If you'd like to play here, copy and paste the clues in comments along with your responses ... or post on your blog and let me know so I can visit ;--)

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Hearing :: Listening
   
2. Aggression :: wastes time & energy and gets one nowhere at all
   
3. Charged :: batteries
   
4. Traveler :: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffennegger (an intriguing read and amazing 1st novel)
   
5. Hydrate :: it's why I carry water with me wherever I go
   
6. Detox :: cleanse the body of 'toxins'
   
7. Qualify :: moderate or modify
   
8. Prison :: Break, TV series
   
9. Frontal :: lobe
   
10. Pep talk :: motivational words
    

Your Turn: I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Hearing ::
2. Aggression ::
3. Charged ::
4. Traveler ::
5. Hydrate ::
6. Detox ::
7. Qualify ::
8. Prison ::
9. Frontal ::
10. Pep talk ::

Click for others 'muttering' today.
Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"On this shrunken globe, men can no longer live as strangers." ~Adlai E. Stevenson

CameraCritters#27 - SmileySaturday#21- and more

Make Room for Small Reflections
HF#77 is below this post and
Photo Hunt #23 at Sacred Ruminations

I'm saddened to learn of the death of Paul Newman just now on Good Morning America. Apparently he died of cancer yesterday at the age of 83 after undergoing chemotherapy last August. "Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all."
You can read more details in the statement issued by Robert Forrester of Newman's Own Foundation earlier this morning.

This is my 27thMisty Dawn started the meme and explains the rules here:

This won't make sense to those missed last week's Camera Critters (and the associated 'hue & cry' in comments from visitors on Ms. Kitty's behalf). However ... rest assured ... Ms. Kitty RULEZ the front yard (and a good portion of the entire block) ... just because.

Reminder: You can 'click' on the image
to 'biggify' for better viewing

Click for others participating in Camera Critters this week.

This is my 21st

I'm smiling today because ...

1. Last night I enjoyed a delightful visit over dinner with an long time friend I've not seen for a few years ... catching up with one another & making plans get together again early next year.

2. Many blogging friends shared 'light-hearted' & humorous posts this past week. In case you missed them (and if you're in need of a chuckle or two) ... here are links:

Frivolous Friday at the Cafe at the End of the Universe
Intended Puns shared by Bobbie at Almost There
Another Blonde Joke shared by Jan at the Prytz Family
13 Quotes about Computers by Gattina at Writer Cramps
Witty Wednesday at Ms Cellania

3. I've continued to create and share a variety of graphics, logos, & awards generated with Photoshop Elements ... learning as I go. It's been great fun. Currently I'm experimenting with 'animated' gifs ... just because.

4. Sassy Mama Bear also shared 13 Ways to say I Love You & this Blogthing, and I've decided to include it here ... just because.

You Are an "A-OK"

Your life philosophy can be summed up as, "Whatever will be, will be." Your greatest wish is to live each day a little better than the next. You are naturally calm and stable. Some people would call you a rock. You feel one with the world. You are a spiritual person, though no one who knows you would guess it. These each seem to 'fit' for me somehow.

What Hand Gesture Are You?

Your turn (should you so choose) to share either in comments below or on your own blog). Just let me know so that I can read your results too, okay?

Click for others participating in Smiley Saturday this week.

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint on it and he'll have to touch it to be sure." ~Murphy's Law

HF#77 Creating and Sharing New Awards/Graphics

Make Time for Small Reflections
See also SkyWatch#12/HF#76 at Sacred Ruminations

Experimenting with
Photoshop Elements ... I've
created a few

logos & awards
starting with the one above.
What fun! See a few ...

Fun Monday logos
followed by 'Motivators'
for my other blog.

























Weekend Whimsies and
Friday Fun followed by my
Whimsical We'nesday
































next two T-13s ...
finally two new awards
in dif'rent versions,





shared previously
here and here as I asked for
feedback from readers.









Setting up a post
in Blogger like this with text
and graphics is most











challenging but with
persistence I've pulled it off
(sort of) ... and if you

leave me feedback in

'comments' you are welcome to
snag whatever's here

to use if you'd like ...
and/or pass them on to your
'bloggy buddies' too.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Finally, on another topic ...
Vixen blessed me with
this delightful 'friends' award
and I'd like to share

it specifically
with the 20 'followers'
of Small Reflections.

I appreciate
you keeping 'tabs' on what I
create & share here.

Thank You All!

Click for Sky Watch #13 and Haiku Friday #76 at Sacred Ruminations

For others participating in Haiku Friday this week go to A Mommy Story.

(To see my previous Haikus, click on the Haiku Friday label below this post or in the sidebar under About Me where you'll find a 'directory' of my Haikus on both blogs).

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open." ~John Barrymore

T-13#41-- PSE6 Photo Collage - Ladybugs

Make Time for Small Reflections
Whimsical Wednesday is in the next post.
13 Photos of Ladybugs from Flickzzz

Collaged by storyteller using Photoshop Elements 6
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

For easy access, I’ve listed more T-13 links along with the Thursday Thirteen Blogroll at My Blog Rolls.

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on." Bob Newhart

Whimsical Wednesday #6 ... just because

Make Time for Small Reflections
I'm almost wordless at Sacred Ruminations finally.

I've had fun putting my developing PSE6 skills & knowledge to work creating 'graphics' to use as new, original logos & awards. You may have noticed I've modified my 'Granny avatar' a bit in my Profile (see sidebar) ... removing the patches, adding a bright yellow background, a small 'cheery' bird, and my 'storyteller' handle (ever so discreetly). I'm experimenting still with creating an 'animated gif file' but am not happy with the results just yet.

I'd like to take this opportunity
to pass along this newly created award ...

... to the following blogging friends who took time to provide feedback on different versions of some new awards I created & shared in Unconscious Mutterings & more and Sunrise-Sunset/BYBS on Sunday. If I missed anyone, please let me know so I can acknowledge your supportive encouragement here:

Thanks to ...

Betty of Betty's This and That
Joyce of Mom's Musings
Karen of Journey to Authenticity
Kitten of Kitten's Homeschool
Lisa of Lisa's Chaos
Mary of Mary's Writing Nook
Sandy of Momisodes
SwampAngel65 of A Florida Journal

I'm blessed to have encountered each of you
and appreciate your enthusiastic support.

Mama Zen 'tagged' me on Monday for the 'Six Quirky Things' meme ... and since it's been quite a while since I've done this one, I figured I'd give it a go (though I'm not sure what 'quirks' remain to share). Regardless ... here goes nothing:

1. I am (and have always been) an early riser. I awaken (w/o an alarm) and am up & moving by 4 to 4:30 most mornings. As a result, I'm headed upstairs for bed around 8:30 or 9 most evenings, though now that I'm happily retired ... I'm not usually asleep until 9:30 or 10pm.

2. I start the day brewing coffee from freshly ground beans ... no matter where I am. I bring my own coffee pot & beans with me when I travel ... just because. I wrote of my 'morning routine' in Haiku Friday -Volume 3. Occasionally I enjoy visiting Starbucks with friends where my favorite afternoon beverage is a decaf Caramel Machiato.

3. Although I've written in journals for decades, I seldom shared anything I wrote with anyone ... ever ... until I started blogging eleven months ago. I've made a gradual shift from writing by hand with a mechanical pencil to composing at the computer. I seldom 'plan ahead' ... so I'm often creating posts each morning while enjoying coffee laced with half & half. Methinks if I tried to create them ahead of time I'd spin my wheels ... dumping draft after draft ... and end up writing them at the last minute anyway because I'm a bit 'obsessive' ... and very much a 'perfectionist' ... seeking to let both of those characteristics go. That said, this post has been 'in the works' and held in my 'drafts folder' since last Friday (when I answered the Friday Fun questions initially & published them with my Haiku ... but removed them within minutes just because). Methinks Maggie of Maggie's Mind might have been the only visitor who saw the brief glimpse. When I finished creating it last night, I thought about 'scheduling' it for automatic publishing but didn't ... and here I am at 5am ... revising & editing yet again. Sigh!

4. I enjoy eating 'breakfast foods' for 'dinner' ... cereal & fruit or Canadian Bacon with eggs & waffles.

5. Although I own more pairs of shoes than I'd care to acknowledge, I'm almost always 'barefoot' whenever I'm at home.

6. Yup ... it's no wonder I have trouble with Autumn (or Fall) ... check out the results of this Blogthing!

You Belong in Spring

Optimistic, lively, and almost always happy with the world... I do try to see the glass half full on a regular basis ... even in 'troubled' timez. You can truly appreciate the blooming nature of spring. YES ... this is definitely true of me ... especially since I've retired and my 'allergies' have faded significantly for whatever reason, but this was not always so. Whether you're planting flowers or dyeing Easter eggs, spring is definitely your season! ... and it's a good thing I live near the beach in Southern California where it's 'Spring-like' often ... no matter what!

What Season Are You?
Somehow I'm just not surprised in the least!

If you're so inclined, I invite you to play along to see what season YOU are ... and to share either in comments below or on your own blog ... leaving a link if you do so I can read your results.

Belatedly (for the first time) I'm answering

Kiki's Friday Fun Questions
(even though it's Wednesday today)

1. What different blog formats have you used (i.e. Blogger, LiveJournal, WordPress, your own HTML, etc.? Which did you like the best? Alas ... I've used ONLY Blogger thus far and have no immediate plans to move to a different platform.

2. How did you get into blogging? After attending a week-long Writers Retreat in Taos, New Mexico during the summer of 2007, a gal I met there called and 'introduced' me to the Blogosphere for the first time. How long have you had a blog? Since October 22, 2007. I'll celebrate my 1st Blogoversary for this blog in 28 days (according to the 'count-down widget' in my sidebar) and in 29 days for Sacred Ruminations.

3. Why do you blog? For many reasons ... and I've shared previously in Why I Blog, so I won't attempt to answer further right now, but feel free to click the link if you're curious.

4. Do you have theme blog (i.e. crafting, cooking, deployment, pregnancy, etc.) or is it all in one? I don't actually have a 'theme' on either blog, but I tend to 'reflect' on both ... more seriously at Sacred Ruminations and more 'light-heartedly' here at Small Reflections.

5. Do you let it all hang out on your blog, or do you keep it light?
I suppose I'm a bit 'reserved' on both blogs because I'm basically a private person. I give thought to what I share, but am sometimes surprised at what 'slips out' unexpectedly (as with in Friday's Haiku).

6. What is your favorite thing about your blog? I love what I've learned through blogging and the many friends I've encountered in the Blogosphere. What has it given you? A forum to share with others and to explore new things for myself.

Your turn (should you so choose) to share either in comments below or on your own blog). Just let me know so that I can read your answers too, okay?

1. What different blog formats have you used (i.e. Blogger, LiveJournal, WordPress, your own HTML, etc.? Which did you like the best?
2. How did you get into blogging? How long have you had a blog?
3. Why do you blog?
4. Do you have theme blog (i.e. crafting, cooking, deployment, pregnancy, etc.) or is it all in one?
5. Do you let it all hang out on your blog, or do you keep it light?
6. What is your favorite thing about your blog? What has it given you?

I'm reminded of the questions in the Blog Survey I shared a while back. If you didn't see it (or have time to respond back then) and if time permits today, perhaps you'll check the survey out and participate now (or sometime soon)? I've added the questions here just because. Clicking on the 'Blog Survey' link above will take you to my answers.

1. How many blogs do you comment on each week?
2. Do you comment on the same blogs routinely?
3. Do you comment just to comment are do you comment with the expectations that the blog owner will visit your blog as well?
4. How would you like the blog owner to respond to your comment, if at all?
5. How many comments would you say you got (on average) in your last 5 posts?
6. Do you respond to your comments?
7. How do you respond, within that post or via email or some other way?
8. [If you don't respond to comments] Why not?

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why." Bernard Baruch