Fun Monday #3 Memorable Moments & More

Southern Doll is hosting Fun Monday today!

She writes: "My girlfriends and I all have Bucket Lists. ... But what is the point of the list, if you don't actually work to check things off of it?
So here's what I want to know: What have you done in your life that was worth doing? I want to know the moments in your life that you hope will be the ones to pass through your mind when your time comes. ... I want to know all the moments, big and small, that make life sweet! If you don't already have a running list of these in your mind, you should! These moments help you remember how much your life is worth living, and we all deserve to enjoy it."

Actually I don't have a 'Bucket List' ... but here's MY list (for today) of 'memorable moments' in my life to date ... in no particular order ;--)

I'm grateful for my friends and family.

1. Although my sister is (and has been) 'on the road' with her husband for most of the last few years since they retired, our cell phone conversations keep us 'connected' and close. She calls when she's 'walking a mall' so we can 'shop' together ... driving down the highway ... settled into a new campground ... taking in amazing sights she wants to share ... turning in for the evening ... and/or making plans for the next few days. It's not the same as 'being' together, but it's certainly 'good enough' for now. This image reminds me of the 'swing' in our back yard as kids ... and that triggers a 'host' of family memories ;--)

2. Monday was 'Retired Gals' lunch ... (2nd Monday of each month for the past 7 years)... and 7 of my friends gathered to 'catch up' with one another. Little did I know decades ago when I entered the field of 'education' that I'd encounter such wonderful people and enjoy their company years after we no longer 'worked' together.

3. Yesterday I joined with 11 of my Red Hat Sisters at a local college theater where we all enjoyed an excellent performance of 'Gypsy' ... and afterwards visited over dinner at a nearby restaurant ... making for a wonderful Sunday afternoon & evening of fellowship.

4. Fur-friends like Molly & Ms. Kitty currently ... (Ralph, Charly, Zonker, Clyde, and Jesse in the past) ... fill my life with joyful experiences and memories.

* * * * *

I'm grateful for the 'serendipitous'
way my life unfolded

5. The 5 years I worked as a 'playground director' as I attended college ...(studying History and Literature)... introduced me to the joys & challenges of interacting with children of all ages and led me to the 'classroom' initially.

6. Although I didn't 'intend' to become a teacher, I have fond memories of my 34 years as an educator ... way too many to attempt to enumerate here ... but it's 'reassuring' to realize I've encouraged (and assisted with) the learning process of many kids & their families.

* * * * *

I'm delighted to be Happily Retired currently

7. Attending the Taos Writers Retreat last summer ...(and the Maui Writer's Conference in the Fall of 2001)... remain vividly life-altering experiences. I met wonderful people ... gained inspiration & self-confidence ... and here I am BLOGGING ;--)

8. Reading opened up me up to the larger world. Writing encouraged me to explore my inner 'territories' ... and each has generated 'memorable' moments I can revisit at will.

9. Gardening relaxes and inspires me. I'm grateful for my yard and the opportunity to cultivate this hobby in recent years. It's been fun to share flower photos on each of my blogs.

* * * * *

As I create this list for my 3rd Fun Monday, I realize it's the small things that come to mind most readily this morning ... but putting words to page doesn't do any of these experiences 'justice' ... nor does this post begin to convey the depth of feelings generated by today's challenge. I'm reminded of my list of
101 Things About Me created for my '101st Post' and realize it's just not possible to fully 'capture or convey' the essence of these moments here, but perhaps some of what I've shared will 'resonate' with similar events from your own life and/or cause you to check out some of the links I've provided over time in the About Me section of my sidebar where more 'details' exist. I've opted to focus on 'pleasurable memories' today ... but I'm vividly aware of the truth in these words ..."Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember." Seneca

* * * * *

Don't forget to check with participants of:
today too ;--)

Thought for Today
"To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for it's prime function of looking forward." Margaret Fairless Barber

CameraCritters#1 & UnconsciousMutterings#2

Misty Dawn started the meme and explains the rules here:

Introductory Information

Week 1 Participants (last week)
Week2 Participants (this week)

"Peek-a-boo ... I see you!"
Here's 'Molly'

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm playing for the 2nd time today.
How about you?

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

1. Questioning :: Everything ... just because ;--)
   
2. Immunity :: Security (from disease, legal prosecution, elimination, etc.)
   
3. Online dating :: Not for me (Been there, done that ... decades ago before it was 'popular' and commercial)
   
4. Calcium :: Supplements
   
5. Dressing :: Newman's Own Basalmic Vinegrette
   
6. Bucket :: List (Have YOU made yours?)
   
7. Stain :: Remover
   
8. Advanced :: Beginner
   
9. Dramatic :: Theatrical
   
10. Self-medication :: Oceanside walks in the early mornings and late afternoons

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 ;--)

1. Questioning ::
2. Immunity ::
3. Online dating ::
4. Calcium ::
5. Dressing ::
6. Bucket ::
7. Stain ::
8. Advanced ::
9. Dramatic ::
10. Self-medication ::

(Other participants "muttering' this week)

If you decide to PLAY today, I'm offering this new award ... shared by Ornery's Wife on her 1st Blogoversary at Thoughts from Miller Manor ... created especially for her by Nap Warden and offered to to others to enjoy and pass along to our thoughtful commentators, so I've 'snagged' a copy to share with all who pass this way and leave me 'thoughtful' comments too ;--)

If you need (or would like) a HUG ... I shared yesterday at Sacred Ruminations.

Thought for Today
"You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self. Don't turn away from possible futures before you're certain you don't have anything to learn from them." Richard Bach

Saturday - Things 'n Stuph

I'm at it again ... sharing some Saturday

Hopefully I'll manage to
visit blogs today and view
posts I've missed while busily
'living life' quite happily.

I hope you will check out this
morning's other post ... Don't miss
getting HUGGED delightfully!
Video clip and a free

'thank you' I have shared for those
who leave 'thoughtful' comments. Prose
and/or poetic will do
I'd just like to hear from YOU!!!

Here ... there ... and everywhere ;--)

* * * * * * *

Next a 'Blogthing' that you might
enjoy testing out. Delight
me by sharing results in
comments or on your blog when

next you publish a new post.
Leave a link so I (as host)
can return to see what you're
up to 'blogging' and refer

others your way as I've done
previously ... link-love's fun ;--)

* * * * * * *

You've Changed 44% in 10 Years

You've done a good job changing with the times, but deep down, you're still the same person. You're clothes, job, and friends may have changed some - but it hasn't changed you.

How Much Have You Changed in 10 Years?

Please remember how much I
enjoy comments ... then check my
other blog post. Make MY day ...
then take time for weekend PLAY!

Thought for Today
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." George Bernard Shaw

Haiku Friday #31 - A Little Linky-Love

Today I will share
information I have found
in the Blogsphere

hoping that some of
it will be of interest
to my visitors ;--)

* * * * *

When you click upon
the graphic below you'll find
poems I've composed

within posts this month
other than Haiku ... these rhyme
with a clear 'meter' ...

April is the month
set aside to acknowledge
poetry ... Haiku

and all other kinds.
Poets dot org suggests ... 'put
poems in pockets'

as a way to bring
attention to poetry.
Click the logo to

find the source and more
ideas you might enjoy ...
several more are here.

* * * * *

Did you know there is
a new malady named BADD?
According to Phyl ...

Blogger Attention
Deficit Disorder may
be affecting YOU

or someone you know.

Then at Mama Zen's I learned
about this new meme.

started by Sheila
who asks others to publish
'green' dreams on their blogs.

* * * * *

Amy of Memoirs
of a Mommy started this
link-love idea!

Visit her and read
all about it ... then share the
button with your friends.

I have more but I'll
save some for another day
because I know you're

eager to move on
and read other's Haiku posts
but before you go

take a moment to
leave a comment and perhaps
you might like to read

Volume 32
'Musings of my Mind' and more
links of interest ;--)

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

For a Mr. Linky to other Haiku Fridays
go to A Mommy Story or
Playgroups are no Place for Children.

To see more previous Haikus,
click on the Haiku Friday label below this post
or in the sidebar under About Me.

Thought for Today
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." Plato

Thursday Thirteen #20 - Imaginative Masterpieces

(Thanks to Jenn of Enjoying the Ride for the nifty T-13 graphic)

13 Masterpieces of World Literature
as imagined by Gyles Brandreth
in 'The Joy of Lex'

1. OF MICE AND ME - the autobiography of Walt Disney

2. THE FORESIGHT SAGA - The remarkable story of precognition by a man who is able to predict not only the invention of television and paperbacks, but that he will clean up on the royalties he earns from both. Ironically, he dies before his prophecies are fulfilled (26 volumes).

3. GONE WITH THE WING - The true story of a World War II Air Force amputee. A companion volume 'REACH FOR THE STY', autobiography of a pig breeder who become a Battle of Britain pilot, but yearns for his old life. "A rattling yarn of muck and bullets" says The Pig Breeder's Gazette.

4. GRIME AND PUNISHMENT - The prison memoirs of a chimney sweep.

5. THE TALE OF PETER RABBI - The most delightful of Beatrix Potter's stories, loved by children of all lands, especially Israel.

6. ENEMA - Arguably Jane Austen's finest novel. "Purgative" (New York Times).

7. MADAME OVARY - The powerful story of a French woman's struggle to become the first female gynecologist. She fails, and becomes the first female steeplejack instead.

8. OF HUMAN BANDAGE - The life of Florence Nightingale. "Had me in stitches." (New Yorker).

9. LORD OF THE RUNGS - The ultimate handbook for social climbers.

10. AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY WAYS - Eighty novel methods of circumnavigating the globe. "Some such as 'skateboard across the Sahara' and 'hang-glide over the Himalayas' are a bit far-fetched, but on the whole I enjoyed this book immensely" (Thor Heyerdahl).

11. SWISH FAMILY ROBINSON - The biography of the effete family which dominated an artistic community in the 1930s.

12. EIGHTEEN NINETY-FOUR - Orwell's famous 'utopian' novel, unique in being set in the past.

13. THE LUNCHPACK OF NOTRE DAME - Victor Hugo's startling tale of a group of insane gourmets who decide to eat themselves to death within the sacred precinct of Notre Dame. With recipes.

In case you missed them
I shared awards in these three recent posts:
One Single Impression (WW) with Awards
Fun Monday/Meme Monday & Awards
T-13 Modified Meme & Awards

(For other posts with awards, click on the 'award' label
here at Small Reflections and also at
Sacred Ruminations)

You might find something
I left for YOU!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Get the Thursday Thirteeen code here!

For easy access, I’ve listed more T-13 links along with the
Thursday Thirteen Blogroll to the bottom of my sidebar.

Thought for Today
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." Mark Twain

OneSingle Impression (WW) with Awards

ALMOST

The prompt for Week 7 is
'Glory'

first 'black' regiment's
his'try shared within this film
1863

story based upon
letters of one Robert Shaw,
Colonel ... Civil War

Wikipedia
documents the actual
events at this link

For other's participating this week in:
Wordless Wednesday
One Single Impression
and for
my other Week 7 OSI post at SacredRuminations

* * * * * * *

Finally ... I'm

sharing AWARDS with gratitude!

Thanks to Phyl from Scrappy n Happy in Ohio

for sharing this special 'new' award
with me and others recently.

I shared it last Sunday with the following bloggers
at Sacred Ruminations:
Andrée at meeyauw's Barton Daily Photo
Joyce at Mom's Musings
Lucy at Diamonds in the Sky and Lucy Creates
Karen at Journey to Authenticity
Mama Zen at The Zen of Motherhood
Greatfullivin of Gratitude Journal
Mother of Invention at Spilling Out!
MPJ at A Room of Mama's Own
Sandy Carlson at Writing in Faith
Yertle at Smile, Play, Dream
Yolanda at Perfectly Imperfect

and today I'd like to
pass it along to all 'virtual' friends listed on my
recently updated Blogroll!

* * * * * * *

Phyl also shared this new link-love award

with me (and others) recently

I'm sharing it with
all who visit here regularly
and to anyone who leaves me a comment today!

* * * * * * *

In case you missed them
I also shared awards in these two recent posts:
Fun Monday/Meme Monday & Awards
T-13 Modified Meme & Awards

(For other posts with awards, click on the 'award' label
here at Small Reflections and also at
Sacred Ruminations)

You might find something
I left for YOU!

Thought for Today
"Anyone who believe you can't change history has never tried to write his memoirs." David Ben Gurion

Heads AND Tails #2 - Tip of the Iceberg

Hosted by Skittles at Head or Tails

Click for info about how to play

This week's prompt for 'Heads' is 'tip'
and for Tails, anything that rhymes with 'tip' ...
so for my 2nd time playing ... I've decided to do BOTH today
just because ;--)

HEADS

Have you read this excellent book?

Perhaps this skeleton is tip-toeing so as not to be discovered,
but I can't help but wonder ... just who it's sneaking up on?

This dancer (in colorful socks) seems
to be trying to stand on tip-toes w/o ballet shoes ...
in 'sneakers' no less!

Helpful moving hints are tips ;--)

The tips of these rocks seem to touch the sky .

TAILS
(words that rhyme with 'tip')

Thinking about words that rhyme
with the 'prompt' this morning I'm
considering quite a few
in this poem. Which one to do?

Zip clip slip blip yip dip drip
sip flip grip lip nip ... tulip
rip trip chip hip also gyp
variant forms they permit
but I think I'll go with ... SHIP!

Tall Ship


Cargo Ship



Viking Ship



Sunken Ship


Pirate Ship


Click to find others playing this week.

Thought for Today
"Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just doesn't taste good." Lucia Capocchione

Fun Monday #2 - Double Nickel Challenge

Nekked Lizard Adventures is

this week's Fun Monday,
and I hope it's okay
to borrow this
graphic ;--)

They're calling it THE DOUBLE NICKEL 5&5 FUN MONDAY Challenge. The rules are simple: FIVE PICTURES - FIVE WORDS PER PICTURE. Any 5 (FIVE) pictures, any subject, and any 5 (FIVE) words to describe and/or explain each picture. CAN YOU DO IT???

This is my 2nd Fun Monday and
I'm giving it my best shot ;--)

Why is this fence here?

Start with your LEFT foot!

It's MY mouse, not yours!

Isn't someone gonna rescue me?

I love you ... marry me!

(Photos from Flickzzz)

Click for more participants this week.

Thought for Today
"Lots of people talk to animals .... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem." Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh

Meme Monday #6

Flashback

In case you missed them previously, check out these memes and take your pick as a tag from me today ... (or not): Meme of Fours (modified or otherwise), Kind Fives, Make a Wish and/or Message in a Bottle, and/or any of the memes in last Monday's post. Remember to leave a link back to my blog(s) so I can see your posts once they're published and feel free to select any of the awards from my T-13 post last week to enjoy and/or share with others.

Announcement
I wish to express my gratitude for these
Awards recently bestowed upon
Small Reflections

1. Thanks to Mary of Mary's Writing Nook for this wonderful 'friendship' award!

I'd like to share it with the following bloggers:

1. Joy (The Joy of Six)
2. Sandy (Momisodes)
3. Lucy (Lucy Creates and Diamonds in the Sky)
4. Betty of Betty's This and That
5. Karen (Journey to Authenticity)
6. Yertle (Smile, Play, Dream)
7. Joyce (Mom's Musings)
8. MPJ (A Room of Mama's Own)
9. Hootin' Anni
10. Mo (Gratitude Journal)
11. Eve (Adamswife's)
12. Phyl of Scrappy and Happy in Ohio
13. Tina at Tina's Odds and Ends

2. Betty of Betty's This and That shared this new 'beagle' award last week. I'd like to share it with all those who read and comment regularly here. I appreciate you all so very much!


3. Greatfullivin of Gratitude Journal designated Small Reflections as a 'Blog of Distinction' with this new award and I'll be designating recipients later, but at the moment ... I need to publish this and get myself moving because today is 'Retired Gals Lunch' and I'm looking forward to meeting up with my 'real world' friends in a couple of hours and have things to do first.


To those of you who have given me other awards that I've not yet shared, I'm truly grateful and promise that I'll publish and distribute them soon. Please bear with me while I live my life ;--)

It's Retired Gals lunch today!

A Final Thought for Today
"Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality." Alfred Painter