Somewhere over the Rainbows

What would be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow?

Mean people Suck

I can still my son, his turquoise hair in dreads, strolling down the road a big rottweiler dog in tow, wearing his t-shirt emblazoned with Mean People Suck. This boy, my first son, is the complete opposite of mean people. Brandon is a kind, loving person. Brandon reminds me of his uncle Roger, which in my opinion, is one of the highest compliments any person can receive.

One of the cutest little boys ever, with white blonde hair, short little bowed legs & an infectious smile & giggle which were all very endearing. From the time Brandon was little he wanted to be on the go. He was my little guy that had to be carried around in a backpack while I was doing my jobs. He didn’t want to be left alone ever. He always wanted to be where the action was. When he was just a little toddler, probably around eighteen months, my brother-in-law Dave was watching Brandon play & he said “That kid doesn’t let anything stop him. If there’s an obstacle in his way he just puts it in four-wheel drive & keeps on going”.

From the time Brandon was young he lived full throttle. He loved playing outside with his buddies. I don’t remember any toys Brandon ever really played with. It was always sports. Soccer, football, baseball & basketball were the favorite pastime of the cul-de-sac gang. Brandon is an excellent athlete! Anything he tries he does well. It was always a pleasure to watch him play.

I have been told before that Brandon is a lot like me. Well, of course I think of that as such a compliment to me. Kind, loving, Brandon, then my brain goes to all of my weaknesses. Is Brandon my mirror there as well? Can a person be too laid back? Too easy going? Is being content a fault?

I have actually been pondering these questions quite a bit lately. Ever since my brother said “Women are never satisfied”. I suggested that not being satisfied was a personality trait not a gender issue. In your opinion which would you rather be always striving for excellence, ungrateful & discontent, never happy with the status quo or to be grateful, content & lack ambition? Would you rather ere on the side of driven or lazy?

Driven, ambitious, lazy, laid back whatever your style always remember to just be kind, like my Brandon, because, well … you know… mean people, they suck.

Picture this

I hate myself in pictures! Always have. I don’t know if my idea of what I look like is so superior to anything that I see reflected back or if I just really am not photogenic. Marci, so kindly I might add, posted this picture of me from mom’s funeral & every time I see it I think “who is that old, wrinkly, dark haired woman”? Oh, yeah it’s me.

In my mind I am blonde, beautiful & usually 10 pounds lighter. How do you picture yourself?

Dream on

In my Alchemist class they teach you to reach for your dreams, to visualize and create them. I love this concept & I think that it can happen. My problem … I don’t know what my dreams are. I don’t even remember the dreams I have at night! Have I become so realistic, tired, boring or old that I no longer have dreams? Is the status quo so comfortable that I don’t strive for more?

As a child I wanted to be a ballerina. As a teen I thought I was possibly going to be a famous fashion designer or a world renowned chef. In high school it was a physical therapist. I always was certain that whatever my future occupation I would be rich & famous. Is prosperity the dream?

My dreams may have not been fulfilled in the manner I had envisioned when I was younger but I can tell you that I still have a point that would make most ballerinas envious (thank you dad for my high arches). I can make a mean Halloween costume. I may not be a famous fashion designer but my sewing can bring a smile to a grandchild. Cooking & baking bring me joy. I definitely make nothing gourmet but I accept any grilled cheese sandwich challenge out there.

Why dream when you love what you have?

It’s Autumn Time

I love this time of year! Everything from cool nights & mornings, colorful changing scenery, bounteous harvests, bright orange pumpkins & savory dishes baking are just a few of my favorites.

I am thankful to finally be able to bake whatever I want without overheating the entire house. Usually on Sundays when I make dinner rolls I save a little dough to make cinnamon rolls. They are one of my favorite treats & they smell so good. I shared a few with Angie’s family & I guess Christian scolded her. He declared: “Mom, don’t ever bring cinnamon rolls home from grandmas again! Dad is going to get too fat to play sports with me!”

I think of fall as the heralding of the holidays & spending more time with family. Fall is definitely my favorite season. What is yours? Why?