... and it HIT me!

Today, I went to the new house with the intentions of puttering around: to hang a jingle bell wreath on the door, set my Nessie to watch over the house, and put up the Christmas tree. When I arrived, I pulled into the driveway and just sat there, looking at the house, and it hit me: this is mine; its MINE! With each of the little touches that get added, it feels more and more as if its mine. Of course, that also means I'm in for the whole nine yards of repairs, replacing appliances and general maintenance every day.

I started lining the kitchen cupboards. When I took one of the boards down, I discovered that the last guy who'd painted didn't remove the shelves, and there's a line where the shelf is. Which means I can't adjust the shelves without having that visible. So, I had to paint a bit inside as well. One thing leads to another...... *grin*



So the tree is up........








and hung a new ornament
to signify buying my first home.
(It's dated, of course!)






And Nessie watches over the house.

Norway's legendary nisse, the elf who symbolizes Christmas to generations of Norwegians, was born of ancient folk beliefs. Most Norwegians have their own ideas about how nissen looks and acts, but he is generally thought of as a short, stocky fellow with a long, gray beard and a red knitted cap. He usually wears dark knickers and a shirt and vest or a sweater, and his eyes always twinkle with mischief.



As a girl growing up, we always had a Nessie watching over the house, but he was around all year, and I always thought it was for good luck, and keeping the bad stuff away!

No matter what you believe ... there's still something magical about Christmas. May you and your family be blessed this Holiday Season and in the new year to come!

Holiday HUGS to everyone!

Tall, Dark and Loaded

Every once in a while, you have one of those days where everything comes together and gels. And for me, I've had two days like that this week. I've been able to cross things off my "to do" list twice! For me, that's the best feeling in the world! There has always been a part of me who gets the best feeling from accomplishing things. Wonder where that came from...... Now the only thing left to do is sort through all the health insurance paperwork I've received back after the surgery -- never a fun chore! The aftermath of all that is knowing how much I owe. :/

On a side note, grades were posted for my classes: a 90 and a 91. Not my best work, as I missed a few assignments when I was out with my surgery; but I worked hard afterward to make up what was missed. (a score of 82 on my presentation was good for me; I am terrible standing up in front of strangers speaking on something I'm not an expert on!!)

Work on the house is coming along .... painting is usually something I enjoy doing. However, the 14ft ceilings are difficult, and I'll need to be doing some touchup to the ceiling in places. Ugh! Today, I ended up at work later that usual, so there wasn't much time left to do a whole lot over there, so I did a really good sweep job of the scraps n stuff that happen when work is being done. Then swept the back patio because being outdoors in MY BACKYARD sounded so good to me. Of course, it was an above average day at 72 degrees, so that just added to the whole experience. Am anxious to get past the painting part and on to some of the other fun things!

I hope all of you are ready for Christmas;
and that Santa slips something terrific into your stocking!
I thought about wishing for "Tall, Dark and Loaded" in my stocking,
but with my luck.... well, I don't want to think about what that could be!

HUGS to everyone!

Prayers for Sale!

There's a sign on the fence that reads:
Prayers for Sale!
A old woman tending her garden
looks up when a young
woman who appears new in town asks:

• How much do you charge?
• Is it more if you're in need than if you're wanting a favor?
• Do sinners pay more than the righteous?
• What if the Lord doesn't answer back?
• Do you get your money back?

In this world, we've learned that we need to pay for things; we've learned that certain conditions or restrictions may apply; and we expect to get a refund if it doesn't work.

But prayer doesn't work that way. Prayers are simple, free, and can be prayed by anyone. When you look up prayer in Wikipedia, or Google, you get "a reverent petition to a deity". There are many different types of religions. But prayer is something they all have in common. There may be different "rules" or ways, preferred methods; but the one thing they all share is someone's need to be heard. All of us long to connect with someone who can identify with our circumstances and share in our day-to-day life. Prayer can be just that.

This is also the title of the latest book I am reading. It's a warm short story about a woman living in a small Colorado mining town. As I was reading, I found the questions the young woman asked brought up some additional thoughts.

Just think if you had to pay for prayers. Could you afford the ones you need? Would you be more cautious about what you prayed for? Saving up for the bigger things and stop praying for the little things? What about prayers for others? If we had to pay for prayers, would we pray for the needs of those around us in our lives? What if we had to pay more because we'd done something wrong? And the last thought about getting our money back if our prayer isn't answered .... how would we know our prayer wasn't answered? After all, as Garth Brooks sings: "just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care ... Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

May all your prayers be answered
and your wishes fulfilled this Holiday Season!

HUGS to everyone!

Holiday Spirits

When I sat down at my computer tonight, I realized that I haven't been blogging as often. That's because of a few reasons:
The season, for one. Christmas can be a stressful time of year for everyone, and its no different for those who work retail. In fact, I might dare to add that it can be even more stressful, because who wants to go back out into the crowds to do your own shopping after you've spent the day in a store, trying to help cranky customers? Tis just one of the things that becomes a fact of life if you're in retail.
The second reason: I bought a house! We closed on December 8th, and I've been busy trying to do things over there while still trying to live a semi-normal life in the apartment. Many things are packed, but some aren't, because we're still trying to "exist" as best we can. Besides, who wants stuff in the way when you're going to paint all the walls and trim? Best to leave things be, and paint the rooms empty. We accomplished a lot over the weekend; my aunt and uncle came to help on Sunday, so we did a major portion of the painting. We went back today to see how it turned out, and its pretty good! Love the colors, hate the smell. :)
School is winding down. Last week was my final for one class, Tuesday (tomorrow) is my final for my second class. Luckily, neither of the classes had tests as a final, but papers to write. And here I sit blogging rather than working on my paper... shame on me! {grin}
To tell you the truth, I plan to turn on some Christmas tunes and wrap a few gifts, just to feel like I'm getting some spirit! Otherwise, I'd be crawling into bed and snoozing, as I still need a bit of extra rest. I'm not quite back to 100%, but its getting there. If you haven't been feeling in the Christmas spirit lately, find a CD of tunes and play them, sing along even! It couldn't hurt, and it might be just the thing you need!

Holiday HUGS to everyone!!

Homeownership!

Thursday was a RED LETTER DAY! I signed all the paperwork to purchase my home!!! Most of the papers were reiterations about all the things we've gone over and signed before, only this time it was final. The oddities that stand out in my mind are (a) I had to sign my full name .. been so long since I've signed it that way, I had to concentrate on the task! and (b) it all had to be signed with the same color ink, so my Realtor and I shared a pen! haha So that makes it official.... I am in debt up to my eyeballs and then some! Hurry up January ... 2040 ?? lol .

I'll officially get keys on Tuesday, and then the fun... err... work begins!

Home Owning HUGS to everyone!

Back to Reality

Tomorrow marks the big day: back to my real job. Being at home for three weeks has been ... Strange. Glorious. Boring. Relaxing. Uptight. When you're busy working at a job, you continually think, fantasize even, how nice it would be to have three weeks off to do nothing. But the reality is this: you're so used to being busy with a job, you don't know how to do nothing.

Now I realize that a vacation isn't the same as recuperating. But its still the same effect: there's nothing to do when you're accustomed to always doing. It takes a lot of effort to stay in bed, sleep in. While you think it would be SO luxurious to do it, your body has other plans. Being used to waking up at 4:30 am, my eyes went ZING every single morning. And there I would be ... wide awake and wondering what to do. Being in the recup mode, however, made it so that I could convince myself that I truly needed the rest, to go back to sleep. I'd flip on the news, roll over and get comfy, and doze in and out while the morning news played its way through my mind.

Afternoons were harder. I would get all set in my mind to get something done, and I would get started. Sometimes even finish what I'd started out to do! But reality meant facing up to the fact that my body needed a little more rest and I would lay down with a good book. Sometimes in the chaise lounge down at the pool for some time in the sun. (One of the benefits of living in the Valley of the Sun -- even in November, the temps are up in the 80s!)

Monday is my first day back at work. And I'm a little apprehensive about it. So many things can change in the blink of an eye in any given workplace, and my store is no exception. Will things be where I left them? Will people be in their same positions? Will anyone have left? It's been just over three weeks since I walked out of there; it feels like I've been gone forever.

The only thing I know for certain is this: Once I'm back in the swing of things, it will only be a day or two before it feels like I was never gone. Why does it happen that way?

I know that I'll be tired after the first couple of days back to work. In the meantime, I'm still trying to prep and pack and make logical decisions that go along with purchasing a home. Everything in the apartment is so topsy turvy, its a wonder I can find shoes to wear! We've disassembled the day bed, the entertainment center, the things we aren't currently using, and the things we don't think we'll need in the next 30 days.

In the meantime, I'm just forging through each day and taking what comes with a smile. Or a grin-and-bear-it kind of grin. It seems so odd to be into the Holiday Season and doing nothing that adds to the holiday spirit here at home. Hopefully, we'll close on the house early enough to be able to get the tree up and enjoy it a little bit!

Holiday HUGS to everyone!

Thanksgiving Day 2009

Every day, in every way, we should be thankful for the people in our lives who love us, and for all the wonderful things we each have in our lives. This year, I'm especially thankful to have my surgery behind me, and a new home ahead of me. Today, my son and I elected to stay here and get ready for the move. Thankfully, its not as stressful of a move as it was to load truck and relocate across country!!

We disassembled the overly heavy entertainment center; yesterday I disassembled the daybed. So many boxes are packed, and yet so many still need to be packed. It's uncertain when the closing date will be, and then we'll be able to determine when the big move will happen. I'm excited and have collected a large bunch of paint samples to hang on walls and see what's what. Am thinking some shades of plum/lavender for my room and blue/grey in his room. The rest of the house... well, we'll just take it one day at a time :)

To all my good friends and family out there: Thank you for being a part of my life. Whether its for a reason, a season or a lifetime, I treasure the moments! and I love you all!

Thankful HUGS to everyone!

Better and Better

It's 9am, the sun is shining, and I best be getting my butt out of bed. It's a glorious 60 degrees, and its time I get moving into the day. I slide into some pants and a tshirt, grab my mp3 player and a bottle of water, and dash over to the local park. I get out of the car and begin a few stretches (and find I'm absolutely stiff from Monday's walk!) and set out along the loop around the park. Its a great day for getting moving and doesn't take long to get heated up and moving quickly, feet stepping in time to some rock tunes playing in my ear. Nothing untoward happens, I don't get suddenly stiffened up or so tired out that I need to take a break. In fact, its going so well, I take an extra loop around the pond before heading home!

When I get home, I realize that I would ~love~ to take a dip in the hot tub, soak away all the aches, but can't until I'm cleared from the doctor. Which is Monday. *sigh* I settle in for some time with homework, but my mind isn't focusing all that well on it. So I opt for finding a book to read, and it hits me: lets go read in a chair by the pool!! the sun feels warm beating down on me; I have a bottle of water nearby to quench my thirst; and a little bit of baby oil to slather on over the dry skin I've had since stay in the hospital. It felt so heavenly, before I knew it, an hour and a half went by!! Which meant time for lunch! and back at the homework.

I'm having a real struggle getting back to focusing on school. I'm not sure if it was being behind, or the fact that what I read, I'm not retaining (which, of course, could be due to lack of interest). Or quite possibly the fact that I have to do a presentation, which I dislike with great intensity. I keep thinking that its part of college, because they're prepping 20somethings to go forth into the world of work and BE somebody. Well hell, at my age, I'm just happy to be who I am!!

So in the meantime, I do what I can, push a little too hard at some things; but if I don't push, I won't be ready for returning to work, where a great deal of what I do is physical; nor would I be ready for the Holiday Shopping Season; or last, ready for moving yet again!!

Every day in every way, I'm getting better and better! Hope you are too!

HUGS to everyone!

An Ode to Junque

Everyone has junk. And we all seem to have junque as well.

What is the difference between junk and junque you ask?

Junque: Seemingly useless or out-of-date items with a certain je ne sais quoi.

Junk: trash or debris: the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up

It's amazing what one accumulates in a lifetime -- both junk and junque. How do we learn to tell the difference? One woman's junk is another woman's junque! Growing up, my mother always had a junk drawer. Her version of a junk drawer was stuff that didn't fall into any other category and usually included a small hammer, stapler, tape, miscellaneous nails, the odd outlet adapter-- well, you get the picture. By the way, my junk drawer is pretty much the same. However, I have two of them: one of my own junque! and one that the rest of the family can browse through!

I came to this topic because today I spent helping my son separate junk from junque before packing for another move. Yes, I know, he's too old for me to be helping that way! But the last time we moved, he waited til the last minute to pack, and I am CERTAIN we moved more than one box of just JUNK! (in fact, I think we ended up moving two bags of garbage!!) One of the things we came across was an old Sony Walkman, from the 80s. And while it still worked, lets be realistic, will we ever use it again?? (Off to Goodwill it goes!)

One of the hardest things is to separate the junk from the junque. I've learned to ask myself three questions when it comes to parting with things. Have I used this in the last 12 months? Do I see a need for it in the next 6 months? Does it have any important memory attached to it? When it comes to the memory part, that pile tends to grow more than any others, and I may have to sort through some of that stuff twice, just to be certain.

Having junque isn't such a bad thing; sometimes its a little doo-dad that brings back a flood of memories that we want to hold on to. Take my son's Harley Davidson boots. He wore those for years it seems. They're shot, but he hates parting with them. So I suggested we cut the logo off the side, and we could glue that to the garage wall. Just another way to stay connected without keeping a whole pair of boots hanging around.  Don't know if it will work, or be the same, but eh, worth a shot! (be gone, smelly boots!!)

No matter whether you have junk or junque (or both like me!), its good to know the difference and to be strong enough to rid yourself of the junk. Whether voluntary simplicity is the foundation of your life, or a concept you're just beginning to make a stand with, it all starts with your junk, errrr, junque! 

HUGS to everyone!

Beautiful Days...

Fall is a wonderful time of year; I love the lingering heat of the day topped off with nights cool enough to snuggle under blankets. This is a glorious time for being off work for two more weeks, and today I took advantage of it.

I jumped out of bed -- well, ok, I rolled -- and got myself dressed; hollered for Brian and made him take a walk with me over at the park. It was my goal to push myself just a bit, and I didn't want to do it out there alone my first time. So off we went in the morning sunshine, both of us wearing headphones since we don't appreciate each others' music!, grabbing bottles of water and heading around the loop I usually walk. There is one part in the first third of my walk where the path is an "S" curve, and that is normally the portion I jog through, since I'm warmed up but not tired out yet at that point. I have to wonder what he thought when zooom there goes Mom off on a jog (yeah yeah, it was slow, he could have walked fast and kept up!) I ended up walking the entire loop I was used to doing BS (before surgery), but I have to admit, my legs were a little rubbery by the time I got done! Tis my plan to do the same again tomorrow :)

In other news, I heard from my mortgage company and my realtor today. Looks like I should have the appraisal by the end of the week. My home owners insurance is set up to take over when escrow closes. And there must be paperwork somewhere linking me to being a homeowner, because I'm getting junk mail related to new home buying! I'm well on my way, and totally excited and ready to get started on making it ~mine~ !

HUGS to everyone!

Gratitude is the Attitude

Google's definition of gratitude: a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. In this month of Thanksgiving, let's take a look at gratitude. It's so easy to think about the things that are wrong in our lives. But what about the things that are right? Are we sufficiently grateful, or even aware of them? A writer I admire, Sarah Ban Breathnach, suggests a gratitude journal to help us focus on the good things in our lives. Writing down the good things is a way to force ourselves to find something good each and every day. And why not? There are always good and bad; they go hand in hand. Like they used to tell us waaay back when in grade school to "find the silver lining." Here are some thoughts about gratitude:

"Gratitude is the heart's memory." -French Proverb

"As time passes and you fill your journal with blessings, an inner shift in your reality will occur. Soon you will be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling. As you focus on the abundance rather than on the lack in your life, you will be designing a wonderful new blueprint for the future. This sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work, transforming your dreams into reality."- Sarah Ban Breathnach

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant,
to enact gratitude is generous and noble,
but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.
~~ Johannes A. Gaertner

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.

~~Henry Ward Beecher

Take a look around. Start today. Look for the good things we have in our lives; for the family and friends who enrich our lives. Begin this day to explore and integrate this beautiful, life-affirming principle into your life, and the miracle you have been seeking will unfold to your wonder and amazement.

Grateful HUGS to each of my wonderful friends!!

Friday, no 13th here

Usually I am a cautious person; aware of the date and the implications ... but today passed right on by me without incident. But perhaps that's due to my napping the day away! Had trouble sleeping last night; ended getting up in the middle of it all and taking a couple aspirin (I'm a *fan* of Excedrin Back and Body!). So I slept in. By the time I got up and had some breakfast and started the day with a shower, I was ready to climb back into a warm cozy bed, as it was chilly here today. I resisted, and packed two boxes of kitchen things and removed the contact paper from the top shelves of the cabinets. Then I called my best friend and we caught up on the phone for about an hour or so. I also took a walk about the complex here, two laps! Then it was lunchtime -- and wouldn't you know it, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, I was out like a light!

Next thing I know, my phone is ringing and I jumped up right away to grab it -- and whoa! dizzzzzzzy! Forgot that I don't "transition" as fast as I used to! Wasn't anything about the house, darn it, but a reminder that I have a hair appointment tomorrow at 10:30am. That will feel SO nice, as its been a while, and a little spoiling tomorrow will be a good thing :)

Guess its time for a little laundry sorting, to get a head start on the day tomorrow. Maybe a quick walk around the complex again, and then into bed for a good night's sleep.

HUGS to everyone!

Updated Update

It's Thursday, right? (checks what the computer calendar says, and I'm right! whew!) I'm a week post-op and recup'ing nicely, in my opinion. However. There are moments when things just seem to slip away from me. I am not one to usually get more than 8 hours sleep; any more than that and I get rather lethargic and just want to sleep more. I know that I need more rest and relaxation for a while (I must, I get tired out easily if I do an *outing*), but I'm having a hard time staying, or is it keeping? some focus,which doesn't make me a very happy camper. Thank goodness for my chat pals who keep me chattering, especially my Prof, who has put up with some rather loopy discussions with me :) {yeah, yeah, I've said a few things you might call being loopy, but i do love ya, ya know!}

Schoolwork has been another issue; I am a week behind, yet sitting for more than an hour at the desk (and actually concentrating), I tire out, lose focus, forget what I've read. Good thing its about libraries and not technical terms of a new subject matter! But every day, I try a little harder.

After a good, long afternoon nap, it was library night; so we drove over and checked out a few books and a movie or two. Then we stopped at Walmart for some TP, forgot about getting that, and ended up grabbing a few things for supper today and tomorrow. {where is my head at? ack!}

I'm getting more and more excited about being a home-owner! and each day is one step closer. I've already begun to look at some "how-to" books, so I can start with some fixer-upper things right away. Bri and I were debating what the first piece we'd need to purchase in the category of "hand tools" would be: He said broom. I wasn't even thinking that, but yes, excellent! Second up then would be either ladder, or shovel. However, my own mind was thinking paint supplies! Before I move in, I'd like to personalize the bedroom part of the house :) Ah well, one step at a time. First things we need are a refrigerator and washer/dryer!

That's all the news from here.... HUGS to everyone!

When life is too much....

what's your "downtime" of choice? Lately, things seem more hectic than they should. Ok, maybe my defenses are down just a little bit, as well. But I'm trying to find that perfect balance, of what to do that would work wonders for restoring a little more balance in my life. Of course, there's always reading. But lately, my brain cells are in short demand for long concentrations, making it difficult to get a whole lot of my normal reading done. So, I'm reading Robert Fulghum's "All I Really Need to Know..." and there are some good inspirations in there.

Being that its fall, I know that if I were back in Ohio, days would be spent mowing and raking before winter sets in. And I have come to the conclusion that speed and efficiency do not always increase the quality of life. Take for example, the noisy engine of a power mower (not to mention the vibrations that come up through the handle). How can thinking be accomplished with that distraction? Fulghum tells of the Amish community who believe that things that do not serve the community, the family, or the individual well should be avoided. People can't sing together over the noise of engines. I'd take that thought one step further and add that when our own soul feels empty, a little bit of time with some hand tools, rather than power tools, might feed us as well.

Pushing leaves with mechanical air
is not the same as
hearing the wind blow through the trees.
-Fulghum

Take some time to feed your own soul!
HUGS to everyone!

sleep is good!

after days in an unfamiliar place, with vampires sucking blood in the night, men in white coats who poke and prod even when you're trying to sleep, it was SO good to get a full 5 hours' sleep without waking up!! i did roam the floor a little bit to stretch out the muscles, then went back to bed to read, and had a million and one ideas to write here in my blog. And now it's the end of the day, and my mind is tired, my body is tired; i happened to make it through the day without a nap! Which hopefully means i will sleep again all night :) it's been good to be here, surrounded by family, but i'll be glad to be home again, too. and back in my own bed. with familiar routines and places. Thanks to all of you who called and wished me well today! My boss, Dean; my daughter, Tanya; my bff Mel; my great true friend, John; and even my realtor called me today :) It was a good day; i put down the first portion of my down payment on my house.

hopefully, i will have brilliant thoughts come back to me that i will convey here when i am back on my own computer, in my house, in my world. HUGS to everyone!

Back to reality...

There's nothing like something life changing that makes one think about who they are, where they've been and where they're going. Life for me was like that these past 5 days. What started as a simple operation turned into a bigger deal than expected. What should have been a 3 day stay turned into 5. ugh. But I am happy to report that all went well and I should be back in the swing of things in the next couple of days.

Thanks to my daughter, Tanya, who took Terrific care of me every single day. And to my friends who sent messages and good wishes, especially John and Melanie -- your notes made my days worthwhile. I love you all!

HUGS to everyone... its great to be back!

The Lady Behind the Desk

*rant* Today I went for my blood draw to be typed and cross matched, all this lovely stuff that needs to be done pre-op. No biggie, I've had it done loads of times. And today was no different. Except when it came to the interaction with the Lady Behind the Desk.

I was informed that I need to pay my deductible IN ADVANCE. I said, excuse me, but I didn't bring $1000 with me. She said "Just wait, I'll call your doctor and see if this is ~emergent~." Um, excuse me again, but would I go through with all of this if is wasn't a medical necessity?? (Of course, my doctor said yes, its emergent.) But what would they do? reschedule this two days before hand? WTF is up with that?

Then the Lady Behind the Desk asked, well, more like demanded, that I pay half the deductible today. Um, I think not. Well, how much can you pay? A couple hundred. She's not satisfied with my answer. I said Look, I'm not trying to get out of paying what's rightfully mine to pay, I just want to set up a payment plan. The Lady Behind the Desk did not look pleased.

I have to say that I was not all that impressed with a huge hospital who tends to cater to those on "financial assistance" already. Why is it that a white woman who comes in wanting to set up a payment plan gets dissed and badgered for payment, while the brown woman who wasn't born in this country gets preferential interpreters and no money exchanges hands?? Now, I'm not trying to be prejudiced in any way, but I am feeling rather discriminated against, and that's wrong.

You can be sure when filling out the "How did we do?" questionnaire, they will hear about this. I have already begun writing a letter of complaint. I realize that a hospital system wants to get paid, but I have insurance that pays 80%. So it's not like they're getting nothing against this about to be incurred expense. For the sake of argument, a $10,000 and they will get $8,000 right off the bat. I just want the right to be able to make a few payments on the balance. It's how I've always done it. It's how Chandler Regional did it just last year for me. If I had a choice, I'd be back at Chandler Regional again, too.

This patient is smarter and wiser now. Never again will I grace the halls of Banner Desert, or any other Banner Health organization. And the Lady Behind the Desk won't have put the squeeze on my checkbook again.

Upcoming week...

For those of you who follow this, I'm having some surgery on Wednesday, and will be recuperating at my Aunt's house, so I'll be away for a while. But I'll leave you with this:

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Much love and HUGS! See you in a week!

All about love

Have you ever picked up a book, or looked online at quotes, under the heading of LOVE? Most often, you find little wisdoms that look good on paper, might have a little tongue in cheek humor about them, but are they really about love??? I'm currently reading Robert Fulghum's book called "True Love" and its full of amazing stories of love. They're not your typical 'fairy tale' love stories, nor are they graphic sexual epilogues. Instead, you have to read between the lines to get the meaning of the "tingly" parts. Many times, the greatest loves of our lives aren't the ones we marry, or our high school sweethearts. It could be the friend who's known you forever; or a person you see everyday-- because its where you buy your Starbucks.

In the book is a short list of some really great quotes about love:

The opposite of love is not hate;
its indifference.

The game of love is never called
on account of darkness or rain.

Most of us need love the most
when we're the most unloveable.

If you concentrate on giving love,
your task will seem small
but the results large;
if you concentrate on getting love,
your task will seem large
and the results small.

Some say God is love;
some say love is God;
I say love is holy.

One of the most amazing loves of my life was extremely brief; and yet it still goes on. We met in a chat room, and there was instant "chemistry"; we became friends. Chats turned to phone calls, and one day out of the blue, he called and said "I want to take you to dinner." He was going to be in town, so I arranged to meet him in Zville. Normally, I'm a shy person; when we met, it was hugs at first sight, then a little bit of awkward chit chat. But dinner was super; it was so much fun to finally meet and talk face to face; it was as if we had known each other forever. And even though we're further apart, geographically speaking, and the time we spend chatting is less (we both have busy lives), when we take the time, its as if time stood still and we pick up right where we left off. This wonderful man accepted me as I am, treated me like a queen, and showed me what true love is about; he will never be forgotten. And I never miss an opportunity to tell him I love him.

True love may not be the stuff in fairy tales, but it can be just as wonderful if you open yourself, and your heart. Nobody knows or will ever know everything they need to know about love. Its elusiveness is part of what makes love seductive. One can only obey the great law of the heart that says "As long as you live, love one another and take the consequences."

HUGS and LOVE to everyone!

When things come together

The past week has been a whirlwind! One week ago, I looked at a house-- in a good neighborhood, great location-- on a whim. Things looked pretty good, and I decided to make an offer, see how it flies. And fly it did! Tuesday, my offer was accepted; I signed the first in a long wave of forms to be filed, and my home inspection is scheduled for Friday. If you had asked me 10 days ago how close I was to buying my very first home, I would have told you that I'm not anywhere near it! It's amazing how when the time is right, it all falls into place so simply.

I know that there are some folks out there who wonder if things will ever be right and fall into place; I have been one of those kind of individuals from time to time. But persistence is the key. There were times I was ready to give up. But some wise words came to me: "Something enticingly wonderful. It deserves endless persistence, and things will be going well. Grace in an empty garden. Starting with only little. Things will eventually turn out well, though."

I didn't give up; and it has paid off. Prof, you are right, this has been an incredible personal journey of mine. It began in June 2004 with a move; but I really feel the journey truly started on Feb 14, 2005, when I started a new position in a brand new store. That became the point in my life where I was able to let go of what was, and embrace what is. Every step I've taken, every person who's touched my life -- so many of you that I actually had the pleasure of meeting in person even! -- you're all a part of this! Prof, with all your wisdoms and your pestering, thank you! John, for loving me even on my worst days, thank you! To all the others I am proud to call 'friend', thank you too! Sometimes, its the little things that are said, the emails that are sent, that give a person just what they need.

And if you're doubting what you can or can't do... just do it! Yes, I know, that's Nike's line, but it applies to each of us. Don't give up your dreams, ever! MrBig, your picket worked wonders ... and I shall plant it in my new home in just the right spot. :)

HUGS and luvins to everyone!

Life, Part Two

Life after 50 ..... Is there? Nobody warns you about old age, it just creeps up on you and makes tracks across your face. It's terribly rude and inconsiderate. The next thing you know, your body sags, your vision fails, and you wrench your back picking up a book! When we're young, we envision ourselves being fit and lean in the middle of a race against time!! At this stage in life, we become a Maintenance Woman. It becomes top priority. We do things differently now. When I was younger, I took a multivitamin and thought nothing of washing it down with a Coke and doing my own daily things. Now, I take more than just a multivitamin, and each one says "take with a full glass of water". I can do those OK, but the ones that are for taking at bedtime with a full glass of water.... um, nope! unless "bedtime" is now like 7pm... and lets face it, some days, it could very well be that!!! Life is full of transitions — changes in careers, the beginning and ending of relationships, living in new locations, coping with the loss of loved ones — to name just a few. Now that I've reached 50, I know I have a few more years before I become "elderly" ;) And while there are many options at this stage in life to explore new things, new ideals, to start new relationships, travel the world, or exploring in my own backyard, the one thing I notice is that there aren't many guidelines for how to make this transition. Check your local library: There are all kinds of self help books for loads of specific life changes (such as divorce, new parenthood, single parenting) and there are bunches of others related to the elderly side of life. But what about us who are entering our 50's, a whole new phase of life? This is a time full of new opportunities and responsibilities, but it also takes investments of time, money and energy to find out what those phases will be; to discover new goals, develop new life plans, learn new skills, or find our new passions in life. What is noticeably absent are the helps and supports to manage and succeed in this stage life. With new opportunities and responsibilities come the requisite investments of time, money and energy necessary to discover their goals and passions, develop new life plans, learn new skills, and find a balance of purpose and meaning.

So what do you do to find these new adventures? What are the key elements?

• Stay healthy; watch what you eat
• Be more open minded; try new things!
• Live outside the box; do something you've never done before
• Try something with a little bit of risk: white water rafting? sky diving?
• Get out and meet new people
• Travel
• Awaken the "kid" in you: laugh, have fun, be spontaneous and silly!!

It ain't easy being fifty.... but I"m not the only one, see what else turned 50.... Crayola's 64-count box, The Peace Sign, Gibson Guitar's Flying V, and Legos. (the above were from 2008, but they seemed noteworthy mentions!) Famous women who turned 50 in 2009:

• Actress Linda Blair most famous for her role as the possessed in ‘The Exorcist’ Deborah Meaden, multi-millionaire business woman Marcia Mitzman Gaven, actress Academy award winning actress Emma Thompson Kerry Kennedy, daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy and human rights activist Olympic gold-medal pairs skater Tai Babilonia Entertainer Marie Osmond Sarah Ferguson, Dutchess of York Former prosecutor and legal commentator Nancy Grace Paula Poundstone, Comedienne

and last but not least, Barbie!! And with one last thought .....

turning 50 is a little like paddling a canoe down a stream, and hearing a waterfall ahead.... there's no turning back!!!!!

50 HUGS for everyone!

School, half way mark, & wikis

We are more than halfway through this semester of classes ... where has the time gone?? I look back over the four years I was in Ohio and my son was in classes --- why wasn't I taking them at the time as well? Even if it had only been just for fun??? *shakes her head* I must be... well, lets just say that I'm glad I know better now!

One of my class assignments is to choose a library magazine and write a 'wiki entry' all about it. Check it out, my very own "wiki" type page here about Computers in Libraries . As you can see, I've only just begun to get the hang of it, but now I can go gung ho! and get some more data. Gathering the data is harder than making the entry!!

I'm amazed at the different things to be learned, always something new every day. As always, in reading quotes, I find things that touch me. "If you've never failed, you've never lived." Don't know who said it, but it says a lot. Failure is never a bad thing, it means you tried. (and probably learned something!) Its nearly the same as what I tell people who want to know if its ok to ask a dumb question: "The only dumb question is the question that never gets asked or answered."

(And forgive me if this blog isn't as well thought out as ones previous. My mind is having a hard time staying focused, as I am anxiously awaiting word on acceptance of an offer on a house!)

crossed-finger *HUGS* to everyone!

Life and Roller Coaster Rides

First there's the long climb up, up, up! then whooosh to the bottom in a drop, only to climb up again, and drop another time. Its exhilarating. Its frustrating, and can sometimes be depressing. While that's not the case in a real roller coaster ride, that's how life has been feeling lately. I started to do some house hunting a couple months back, and wasn't very serious at first. As I became more serious, and contacting realtors, I found that in spite of what I ~do~ have, there are many things I don't have, or can't qualify for, or get caught in the trippy little rules they have with some of the housing here. So while a roller coaster ride can be entertaining, looking to purchase a home is anything but!

Since 1997, I have told myself over and over "I will own my own home by the time I'm 50". Well, that number is here, and by golly if I'm not going to make it come true before I turn 51!!! One of my favorite store managers used to say "location, location, location" and that's so VERY true in the real estate market. Where the house is located is sometimes more important than the actual features of the home. I looked at some gorgeous homes that are 20 miles from work. That may not seem far to some of you, and I used to drive that on a daily basis. But here, it isn't get on a freeway and zip along those 20 miles. So much of it is in town that its more like a 40-minute commute. Which isn't all that bad either, if you don't mind your own company. But. Well. I just wanted something more in town.

The first home that I found, I was all excited about. Turns out it was a "short sale" and there were already five offers ahead of me. So, fat chance on that one. The next few that I found that I thought I would like always had a reason I couldn't do it. Conventional home sales needed 10-20% cash down. (and I certainly don't have 10k or more just sitting in the bank doing nothing!) There was always some sort of reason that it wouldn't work out for me. Each time I looked, I was looking at higher and higher priced homes. Looking much higher, and I would be pricing myself right out of the home market. Everyone keeps saying "Be patient". But that's not always an easy thing.

The first home I visited photographed well. The outside was great, the inside was cute! It was only 2 miles from work, and everything else fell into place as well. So I grabbed my son and headed out for a cruise. And while I had been in the neighborhood before, I sat there in front of the house, looking at the neighbors, and listening to the sounds. And knew this wasn't the home for me. Living across from a mobile home park wasn't for me. My son resorted to using slang to describe what he was seeing; and I could only imagine what it would be like on a hot Friday night.........

When I got home from work on Tuesday, I opened my email and there was a home that fit: location, price, and size. What luck! It was fresh on the market so I dashed an email off to my realtor, and he responded quickly. We arranged to meet there and visit the house the next day after work. There had already been several people interested in the home.... *sigh* Another home I would probably be outbid on.

At the last minute, my Realtor says "there's another around the corner; while we're here, lets take a look." Hey, I'm game, what have I got to lose? So we zip around the corner, and woo hoo! a cute house from the front! and its 3BR not 2BR. Is this a sign? Then we go inside, and *sigh* its so empty, echoing as we tried to converse. But I looked around, and even though I liked the other one better. As I left my realtor, I said this one would work, but I liked the first one better. It only took me about 5 minutes later in the car to realize that my preference for the first was due to the fact that it was decorated, felt homey already. But that the blank walls, the stuff not finished was left for~me~ to make it homey!!! So I called him right away and said let's go with the second one. We met today to write up the offer!!! I was so excited last night, I dreamed about landscaping the back yard, and boy was I tired when I woke up! lol

Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me please!!! *HUGS*

Do you believe in signs?

Are you a believer of signs? It's a question I've often asked of myself. And for many years (when I was younger and less learned?) I would have said "No, there aren't signs in things." But I am wondering now as I get older just how much there is that we truly don't understand. I know that when events line up in perfect timing, in looking back, you can see indications of signs we might have missed at the time. Like moving to Arizona for me. I had been ready a year before I actually moved. I packed, made plans, and it wasn't the right timing. Then in a flurry, it happened quick and was a really great move for me .... timing!

Once I arrived in Arizona, I started reading up on local history, people and events. The Native Americans here are a fascinating culture; they see signs in things, animals, planets and the sun. I've done some casual reading and became curious about a person's "animal totem". When I'm out walking, I often see different things: dragonfly, hawk, lizard, rabbit. If I come home and look up the 'meaning', its interesting to note how seeing something can relate to life (If it sounds like I'm talking strange, well, it is 'strange', but only in that we don't know about it; I know I never studied anything like it. So bear with me.) Lately, I've seen lots of dragonflies, and know that its in my 'animal totem'. In Native American circles, (and Asian as well) the dragonfly carries symbolic meaning.

The dragonfly has a beautiful, jewel-like coloring. The bright colors take time to develop, reflecting the idea that with maturity our own true colors come forth. Structures in their shells scatter and refract light, making them look iridescent green and blue. This ability to reflect and refract light and color has caused it to be associated with magic and mysticism. Dragonfly's magic is the power of light and all that has ever been associated with it. In Japan, dragonflies represent new light and joy. Dragonflies remind us that we are light and can reflect the light in powerful ways if we choose to do so. Life is never quite the way it appears, but is always filled with light and color.

I found a web page that has some 'dragonfly' messages on it: You are the quite messenger and harbinger of order, leaving in your wake the well thought out systems of filing codes and protocols that only you fully understand. Your nature is basically utilitarian and you know that efficiency is only achieved by repetition, attention to detail, and discipline. You love to see how many things you can do quickly and well and at all times you can bring your spot light vision and superb mind to the given matter at hand. You love routine, and believe you and others function better within them. (I laughed when I read this, because it is SO true about me and routine!)

And as most of you know, I work retail. Which means I am not much of a shopper. I know what I want, pick it up and get the heck out of the store, not wanting to go back to do *gasp* ShoPPing! But Tuesday I passed by the jewelry counter and stopped to give Janice some info, and glanced into the case and there were these pretty dragonfly earrings.
* blink * blink * blink *
I didn't pause for a moment, I had to have them!
What timing! What a sign!
I bought them then and there on the spot and slipped them into my ears.
I don't know if I can honestly say I felt something different, but I know that I zoomed through my work, and the day went by pleasantly.

Even more pleasant when I went home and logged in that I found a house for sale that could work! (see how that played out on the blog for 10/22.) And as pieces are falling, I wonder if they are falling into place? It has made me stop and wonder: was it related to the dragonfly and its signs??? I searched and found "The dragonfly is the essence of change, renewal, wisdom and enlightenment. Dragonflies represent transformation..." Could this mean there really are signs? In my heart, I say YES!

What animals are in your totem???

HUGS to everyone!

Trains

There are certain times of the morning when I try to avoid being on the road. I usually try and leave my house before 5:20 am so I don't get caught waiting for the morning train. It doesn't travel the tracks every day, but its never specific days either. (I'm wondering now if it rolls through every third day or something.) Today, however, I went a different way to work, as I wanted to drive by a house for sale. After driving past, I turned the corner to head to work. Up ahead, I could see the train track arms just beginning to lower, the red flashing lights start flashing. And quick as a wink, I turn left, and try and beat the train to the next stop. *sigh* I didn't.

So I sat there behind a car as the train crossed in front of me, quite slowly.

Then it stopped.

With train cars blocking the roadway.

The red flashing lights just keep on blinking.

As I wondered how long this would take, the train reversed direction.

It was backing the way it had just come.

The train's engine begins to whine and creak

as it attempted to push those cars backwards.

And it stopped .... Unable to go further? I wondered.


It rolled forward again, coming to a stop in the same place as before. And began the process of backing up yet again. The train's engine creaks and whines, and it is unable to completely push the cars backwards enough for the train to clear the crossing.


By this time, I'd had enough, and made a u-turn, I didn't want to be late for work! As I zoomed over to the next street and turned, I glanced down the tracks as I crossed them, and saw that front headlight still shining, and still in the same spot.


And of course, I wondered all day at work just how long the rest of the cars waited there for the train to finish what it was attempting to do.... Some days, you just have to make a decision!

HUGS to everyone!

Waiting......

W a i t i n g . . . . How much of our time is spent or wasted on waiting?

It's the little wait times that can be maddening, like waiting for nails to dry or to be called into a doctor's appointment. It could be waiting in line for something pleasant, like a movie or dinner; or something mundane like the post office, or the bank. Or worse, waiting for a plane or waiting for traffic to move. There's not enough time in any of those to actually accomplish anything else.... or is there?

With all the new on-the-go phone apps these days, why not take a minute to browse a new topic? Me, I'd be looking up photography things, but maybe you have an interest in a hobby you haven't tried. Or perhaps you could get one of those small notebooks and begin writing down thoughts, or writing poetry, or even writing notes about the people you see in line around you! There is always crochet or tatting; or one of those easy to read essays that are only a few short pages. You could try an mp3 player, or ipod with different podcasts, an audio book, perhaps some different genre of music you haven't enjoyed before.

Have you ever had an appointment across town, and ended up being there earlier than you expected? Why not drop into a card shop and browse a bit; you might even buy something for one of those birthdays, holidays or special occasions coming up. How productive that would be, saving you a trip to a store at the last minute, because you've been too busy?

Pretend you're a famous person, incognito. Keep a pair of outrageous dark sunglasses,or ones with wild vintage frames in your purse for some of life's boring moments. Feel mysterious, inscrutable. Watch the others in line: are they curious about who might be "behind those Foster Grants" ??

Finding something to do with your waiting time can help a person feel more productive!

All these little diversions work like a charm.

They must; someone took the time to think them up!

Oh look, it's my turn next at the teller.........

Long time no blog!

It's been a while since I've taken time to blog. It seems as if I have a hard time deciding which way to utilize my creative streak: writing? or photos? Lately, photos have been winning out. I was laughing with my friend bill the other day, explaining how I always make sure I have my camera first, then my wallet... to me, my camera is like an American Express card: Don't leave home without it! cuz you never know what you'll see on the roads!


School is going well, although some of it can be boring. We've been covering computer hardware in one class for the last two weeks. Classes must be geared for a little bit younger set, most of them were just babies when the first computers came out, broke down and we tore them apart for fun. My other class is more about libraries and how they function different from a patron standpoint vs a librarian standpoint, specifically lately, search engines such as Google or the academic kind. All in all, its a good thing!

I'm also in the process of house hunting. What a chore! I'm not liking it one little bit. As a single income, of course, funds are limited. And I'd like something in town for the time being, what with school and all. If I got way on the outskirts, I would become lazy and not want to drive all that way twice a week for classes. So... I'm still hunting.

This morning I went for an early walk, and parts of it turned into a jog -- that must be related to the cool hi-60s temps; I'm never much of a jogging type person! But I love being out in the early morning, watching the other folks who are morning people like me. There was a group on one hill doing some very vigorous calisthenics; another group that seemed more theatrical in that they seemed to be posing for photos and rehearsing some sort of choreographed type thing. (I was way across the park and by the time I got around to that side, they were done!); and yet another group who seemed to be "practicing samurai warriors". Some in long skirt looking things, with a long stick in their hands, brandishing it in arcs up over their heads as they marched down one side of the hill. Interesting sight!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was performed by a local theater production here in town. Two of my fellow Walmartians were in the production. Steve, as always did a fine job as Pontifer. And Mark --- BRAVO! on your execution of Pharoah, Elvis style!! Nothing like watching a co-worker strut his stuff on stage!

That pretty much sums up the little things going on in this corner of the world!

HUGS to everyone!

Writer's block...

Wiki says: "Writer's block is a condition in which an author loses the ability to produce new work. It can be trivial, a temporary difficulty in dealing with the task in hand. At the other extreme, some "blocked" writers have been unable to work for years on end. Writer's block may have many causes... A writer may run out of inspiration, or something more serious like physical illness or depression, financial pressures", etc.

Why did I write that for you, readers? Because someone pointed out to me that I haven't been writing as much as lately. And I asked myself "Why?" Well, part of it has to do with being busy with school, and work, and real life, too. School is back, but without as much vengeance or intensity as the math class I just completed. (That one pushed my limits, and I find I'm looking for that again!) While my current classes are interesting, they're a little slow paced. Or maybe I'm just the A-type who thrives on a million and one things going on. I know that I had an issue with changing my life after being on the go all the time when I had six kids to shuffle from activity to meeting to school to friends. It took a little while to adjust to it. I figured I'd adjust in August after math ended. So now, I tend to hunt for things to keep me busy!

Besides the actual busy things in life, I have a few other issues that I'm trying to deal with in my own way. Sometimes life takes funny paths and sometimes the little things keep nagging at you, until you do something about them. I'm still at the "being nagged" stage, and haven't done anything about the issues. Suffice it to say that "this too shall pass".

However, I am pushing through some of it, and making sure I get myself out and feed my need for taking pictures. Wednesday, I left work early and walked downtown Chandler and took a few shots, like these boots on display (link here to see more). It was a beautiful morning for taking photos.

I'll get the writing bug back soon, I'm sure; most days, I don't feel right if I'm not writing! Aren't you lucky? haha

HUGS to everyone!

School, week 4

We're well out of the starting gate and gearing up for the first stretch. So far, library sciences has been very interesting! I have two classes for this. One is about Libraries, including the history of libraries and a librarian's role in today's libraries. So far, we've had to visit library websites and compare and contrast them; there are four types of libraries: public, academic, special and K-12. While they each do the same thing, which is provide access to knowledge, they do it in different styles, depending on the patron they're serving. Did you know the Library of Congress has webcasts? I watched Stevie Wonder on Saturday :) And the historical photos section: I found some pix of old Dayton Ohio buildings, many of them I have taken pix of myself :) I also found pix entitled "Potato workers near East Grand Forks, MN" from 1937. On my mother's side, the family has been raising 'taters for over a century now! Talk about interesting stuff!!

The other is about information technology. There's a world of differences in how libraries run now, than they did 30 years ago - no more card catalogs! Everything is automated. Our first project was a scavenger hunt: visit a library and take pix of the different technologies .... right up my alley! Our second project is finding a library technology we haven't used, use it, and write a paper about how that went for us.

School sure isn't what it used to be, no studying and memorizing facts and figures, its more of a hands on approach. And I'm rather liking it :)

HUGS to everyone!

IYA, roller skating, and truck stops

This being Int'l Year of Astronomy, Friday evening I headed over to the local park at dusk to see what the local amateur astronomy night was like. There were three large telescopes set up for viewing, focused on Jupiter. I was able to watch it go from bright white to an orange shade in about half an hour's time. Interesting stuff :) The local Astronomy club (EVAC) sets up out there once a month and shares their interest in the stars with the local public. Sadly, as evening rolled into dark, the clouds rolled in as well.


Saturday was get up and drive to Tucson, normally about 2 hours away; I decided to take the back road dubbed the Pinal Pioneer Parkway. Added about 30 minutes to the drive, but it was scenic. We saw the Tom Mix monument and gorgeous mountain scenery (pix). Lucky for me, it was a semi cloudy day, and I got to take a LOT of pictures.



My granddaughter's 7th birthday was a roller skating party. So,,, I donned a pair of skates and spent most of the time skating with Bree and friends. It was a lot of fun, I'd forgotten how much I enjoy a turn around the track! ((But ... my thigh muscles let me know I did something out of ordinary when I creaked my way out of bed this morning--- and headed straight into the hot tub with a book and a diet coke to wake myself up! A verrrrrrry nice thing to do in the wee Sunday morning hours!))

Leaving at 9pm, in the dark, wasn't optimum, but ... that's how it worked out. We drove straight toward a thunderstorm, caught in two different showers, but the lightning part had blown away from the freeway by the time we reached it. After intense driving like that at night, I needed a break and pulled into a truckstop. When I got out of the car, I felt something bump my leg, and looked down and around the car, and saw nothing. We pulled out and headed up the road. Not more than a minute into it, I realized it was my cell phone I'd felt; we turned around and went back with no luck, it was gone. Called the service, suspended my phone, and had to get up and go get a new one this morning. I was able to "upgrade" to a new phone, for a total of only $60. Ok, would have been nice NOT to have to spend that. :/ ahh well, trials and tribulations of technological life. I drive alone too often not to have one. :(

After all that, I've still got the usual chores I'm dashing to get done: laundry, housecleaning, and the general stuff of getting organized for the week. But, I've busied myself right out of a nap, so I should sleep very well tonight! Hope everyone else's weekend was fab!

HUGS to everyone!

Soul Food

This morning I headed over to the library to take some pix for my scavenger hunt homework. Lucky me, it started raining! So I sat in the car and just listened. and did some free writing, just letting whatever words came to mind translate to paper:

pitter patter

rhythmic

thunder as a backdrop to the music of the raindrops

summer rain

gently falling

puddles form

louder cacophony of sounds as it rains harder,

then softens again

breeze caressing senses

rivulets sliding down the window pane

fresh smelling air

with undertones of wet earth

rain renewing Mother Earth

When was the last time you fed your soul?

HUGS to everyone!

Sunrise and the Elvis Chapel

This morning, I jumped out of bed, grabbed my cameras, hopped in the car and raced eastward. I was dying to get some sunrise pix of the mountains today. I was about a half hour late; however, the cloud cover gave me just that little bit of extra time to be able to get in a few good shots. (see them here at smugmug) There was no destination in mind, other than east. I didn't have a clue, a road map, and once on the road, realized I didn't have my cellphone either! oops!

I stopped and filled up for gas before I turned off the main roads; there were a few bikers just finishing up a break, or morning coffee, so I headed the way they did, and turned on Mountain View Road. It was just what I needed! As I was nearing the end of my excursion, I stumbled across the Superstition Mountain Museum (of course, at 7am, it was closed!). But there I found this cute old chapel, and of course, snapped a few pix. When I got home and looked it up, its a famous chapel!

• The Elvis Presley Chapel is a movie memorabilia museum showing the movies that were filmed at Apacheland. Survivor of two fires, one in 1969 and one in 2004, which decimated Apacheland Movie Ranch, the Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel was donated to the Superstition Mountain Museum by Sue and Ed Birmingham.
• The chapel was taken down piece by piece, nail by nail, has been reconstructed on the museum ground. The Apacheland Movie Ranch Museum is a special museum of western motion pictures and television that were filmed there over a 45 year period, including “Charro,” which starred Elvis Presley. Among some of the better known motion pictures filmed at Apacheland were: The Ballad of Cable Hogue, Arizona Raiders ,The Haunted, The Gambler II and Blind Justice. Television series included Have Gun Will Travel, and Wanted Dead or Alive.
• It will also serve, as it has since it was first constructed, as a wedding chapel and reservations are being taken.

Just goes to show, you never know what you're going to find in out of the way places...
have camera will travel!

"Love Me Tender" HUGS to everyone!