HomeSpunHealers

It’s Labor Day. The unofficial end of Summer.  Time to pack up all those white shorts, dresses, and slacks, because who would dare break the “no white after Labor Day” rule? :)  I wonder who came up with that rule anyway? I also wonder why we are so obedient to adhere to it?  I wonder too what terrible thing would happen if we all paraded around in white shorts next week?  Are we that afraid of what people would say?  I also read somewhere that Labor Day also means packing away all those summer time purses we have been carrying around.

Labor Day is also when all the swimming pools offically close.  In other words, Summer is over ya’ll, and you get one good day to send it off in style.  There will be families and friends all over the country cooking out today and doing it up right.  My family is celebrating a little differently this year.  The guys are all going fishing. Woo Hoo! So, I get a break from cooking. *laughs*  If you want a hot dog around here today, you better bring your own.

I am not sad that Summer is over.  Even though this Summer hasn’t been so bad, and the heat hasn’t been unbearable, it’s still my least favorite season of the year. So, good bye to Summer. Good bye to bugs and all those flying stinging creatures. Good bye to all critters that slither and hop.  And good bye to sweat and high electricity bills due to air conditioning.  Sounds like reason enough to celebrate.

I am ready for Fall.  For some reason, I have a hankering to do something that I swore off years ago. I want to go camping.  Of course, I want to go camping in the Fall, when the air at night is crisp, and the days are mild.  I want to take my grandchildren with me.  I want to show them how to build a campfire, and roast marshmellows. I want to tell ghost stories at night.  And take them fishing during the day.  I want to show them how it is to just “rough it” for a couple of days without a TV, radio, or all of their computer games.  That will be a real challenge for them. The challenge for me will be getting back up off that ground once I lay down at night. *laughs*

I spent some time online the other night trying to figure out just how many calories it takes to maintain this beautiful queen size figure of mine.  Ladies, I was shocked!  I can’t believe that I consume that many calories in a day.  But I must be packing them in somewhere because here I sit just as big and beautiful as ever. Sooooo, I am going to try to start keeping a log again of what I eat every day for awhile.  I am going to try and stay somewhere between 1500 and 2000 calories a day. AND…walk at least 3 times a week. 

Did I lose any weight in the past week? Uh…no.  The numbers on the scale are steady and holding. (Damned lying scales! *laughs*)   Did I tell you that I have a scale that talks? You tap it with your foot, and it says “I’m ready!”  Then you hop on, then it clears it’s throat, and broadcasts your weight to everyone within shouting distance.  Ok, it doesn’t clear it’s throat, but it sure does broadcast your business. *laughs* 

Have a great week everyone! Until next time, I remain….

Abundantly Yours,

Rita

The past week has been a rather emotional one for me.  The past two days I could barely function, but managed to get what needed to be done accomplished between being holed up in my room, and some deeply mournful crying jags. (The kind where you put your face in a pillow so that no one can hear you wailing.)  I am missing my sister who was killed in a head on collision 2 years ago.  The ache in my heart just won’t go away.  Thank heavens, these feelings only come in occasional waves now. Who could live like this on a daily basis and for so very long?  I understand there are seven stages in the grieving process.  I have no idea where I am on that chart.  I don’t know that I will ever “get over it”, or that there will ever be a day that I do not think of her or miss her. I just have to continue to learn how to live differently.

There was something about her death that made me feel instantly very old.  I  am not sure whether that was due to the fact that my entire childhood, and everything in the past had her in it, or whether it was because my “mirror” had been ripped from me.  She and I were only 15 months apart in age,and we looked a great deal alike.  We were both a bit vain about our appearance, and took a great deal of pride in looking our best when in public.  Incidentally, I remember going to visit her one time, we had decided to go out to eat, and just as we were getting ready to step out the door to get in the car, she looked me up and down, and said “Wait a minute, let me put on some make up. There is no way you are going to leave here looking better than me!” *laughs*  There was a healthy rivilary between us that way, but the truth is, we loved showing each other off.  We were very proud of each other.

I think part of the instant aging that I feel is that she and I were raised as a “pair.”  Basically, because we were so close in age. It was like having a twin. Until we were older, we were even dressed alike most of the time. We remained very close throughout her life.  There was always “Rita and Judy.” Now, it’s like a part of me is missing.  I feel it in a very real way.   

Too, I know my sister and I had soul ties.  Something much deeper than just being blood relatives. She was one of the very few people that I knew I could lay my soul bare in front of and knew that she would not judge me, and that love would always be present. No matter what.  I could expose the Sinner or the Saint in me, and she loved me all the same.   I am grateful to have known that kind of love.  I am grateful to have had that kind of relationship with my sister. I miss her more than words can say.   

Speaking of aging…I have been trying to erase the signs of aging that all of the trauma has written across my face.  I have found something that is working well for me, and so I will share it here with all of you. It’s called “Derma Wand.”  (Of course, you might be able to get it on Ebay cheaper.) It’s a hand held device that uses electricity to stimulate your skin.   If you watch TV, then I am sure you have seen it advertised and wondered if it works. I have gotten many compliments since I started using it and I can tell the difference my own self.  So yeah, it works!  Maybe one day I will settle into being alright with lines and wrinkles, but today is not the day!

I am still taking my morning walks.  I gave myself a break over the weekend, but Monday I plan to hit the pavement walking as soon as I get home from work.  It’s just good for me on so many levels. Besides the physical health benefits, it’s caused me to realize just how busy my mind is.  It just goes on and on and on. And mostly about stuff that’s not even important.  So walking is also becoming a type of meditation for me.  A way to still my busy mind. 

To keep you posted…I have lost the 7 pounds that I gained while on vacation. Woo hoo!  I don’t care if it was water weight, or not, as long as it’s GONE! :)  Now, I need to get on with losing some of that “virgin fat” that Deb spoke of. *laughs*

Until next time, I trust all of you will have a great week that is blessed in every way!

Rita

P.S. Special thanks to Ellen Besso of Midlife Maze who taught me how to put links inside of my words.

Last week, while standing at the back door where I work,and seeing a coworker to her car, I saw a shooting star.  How rare to see one, and how quickly one must have a wish prepared!  I wished the first thing that popped into mind.  Fortunately, it was an unselfish wish, since it might be another decade before I see another shooting star, and I needed this wish to be widespread. 

 Even so, sometimes we need to be a bit more selfish, realizing that we are worthy of having our own personal wishes come true, and well worth the time it takes to craft those wishes.  A wish must be born first in your imagination before the Universe ever takes notice.  We should never grow so old that we don’t dare to dream, or fail to make wishes.  So, today, we are going to make room for some wishcrafting. A fertile place for your wishes to take root and grow, and a place to share your wishes with others who want to see them manifested in your life. 

As for me, I wish the Universe would give me joy equal to all the sorrow that I have ever known.  I wish to be delightfully surprised every day of my life.  I wish for friends that have time for tea.  I wish for a tide of creative people to come rolling into my life that are willing to share their knowledge and skill with me.  I wish for healing in the lives of those who are depressed, hurting, addicted, or physically sick.  I wish to always have enough money to share with those not in a position to help theirselves.  I wish for more ideas and talent.  I wish for 35 more years with my husband.  I wish to be surrounded by love always.  Finally, I wish that you had some wishes of your own. Please share them here.

(The road where I take my morning walks.)

I have been talking about taking a morning walk for quite some time.  Evidentally, it takes a very long time for an idea of mine to perculate into any real sustained motivation.  At least, it perculates. At least, it finally comes into fruitation.  I have walked every morning now for three days at the time of this writing.  (Of course, this post is being written ahead of time,and hopefully, I will have walked a good many more days at the time of it’s posting.)

I can’t say that I woke up one morning bubbling over with joy at the thought that I was going to begin this morning walk ritual.  In fact, I wasn’t happy about it at all. I was more like a spoiled lazy child who went screaming and kicking the whole way.  I didn’t want to do it.  I could think of a million other things I would rather be doing. Like: sitting on my big caboose, in the air conditioning, watching TV, or working on this website, or sending out emails to all of my lovely family and friends.  Still, somehow, the woman in me snatched the rebellious lazy child in me, by the ear, and took her for a walk.  I made myself do it.   And I have been making myself do it every day since.

Oh, I have had many reasons in the past as to why I should not walk this country road.  Isn’t that how it always is when we don’t really relish doing something?  Excuses start coming out the woodwork.  I told myself that I needed better walking shoes before I could begin such a routine. I needed a cane to help support the knee that I blew out last year at this time.  I envisioned rabid animals, or vicious dogs, or some crazed lunatic passing by in a vehicle trying to attack me while I walked on a country back road.

So, what did I do?  I bought better walking shoes.  I armed myself with a big stick to use either as a cane or a flogging weapon. I put my cell phone in my pocket, and my sunglasses on my face, and headed on out the door.  And though I still don’t like the walk, I feel empowered and proud.

The rebellious lazy inner child doesn’t kick and scream nearly as much now.  The fear is disappearing too.  And with every step, I am getting stronger both inside and out. 

 (Our ship “Fascination” docked beside the “Legend.”)

I got home on Saturday after vacationing aboard the Carnival ship “Fascination.”  I want to share a few cruise tips with you.  Things that you might find helpful in the event that you should decide that you also want to take a cruise sometime in the future. 

Cost: The first thing to keep in mind is that the price varies depending on the cruise line, time of year, and your vacation destination.  Shop around and find the best deal.

Clothes to pack: Again, I packed way too many clothes for this cruise.  Basically, you are only going to need a change of clothes for each day.  Keep it casual. Shorts and shirts suffice, and maybe one nice casual outfit, and one dressy outfit for Captain’s night. Oh, and don’t forget your bathing suit!  Pajamas? Who needs them? Sleep in the buff. *laughs* Unless, of course, you are sharing a room with children or someone else of the same gender. Then, by all means, bring your pj’s. I am sure your room mate would appreciate it.

Shoes: Flip flops or sandals work well while onboard. You would be wise to wear tennis shoes for better support during the onshore excursions. In fact, depending on the excursion you choose, many will not allow open toe shoes.  You will also need dress shoes to go with your dressy outfit.

Personal items: The ship will provide you with shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and a razor. Be sure to bring your own tooth brush, and hair conditioner.  (My hair simply won’t behave without hair conditioner.) You will also need to bring your hair dryer, hair brush, styling gel, or hair spray, deodorant, sunscreen, and any feminine products you might need. (Just in case!)

Packing your suitcase:  There is an iron on the ship, but unless you want to wait in line for one, it’s best to “roll” your clothes versus “folding” them. Folding your clothes leaves creases and your clothes are more likely to come out wrinkled. However, if you roll your clothes, your clothes will come out virtually wrinkle free.

Laundry: You can do laundry on the ship, but who wants to spend an hour or two doing laundry on their vacation when you could be having more fun doing something else?  The ship will provide this service for a small fee, and you won’t even have to go near the laundry room. Better yet, pack enough clothes that your dirty laundry can wait until you get home.

Swimming: No need to pack beach towels. The ship provides those also.

Onshore Excursions: You can prepay for an excursion of the ships choice, or you can be adventerous, get off the ship, and find your own way around. Trust me, there are taxis, and tour guides waiting at the dock for tourists who are looking for a better deal.  I have gone both routes and was equally satisfied either way.

Going onshore: In Key West, we found a free shuttle service that took us into town, and back.  In Cozumel, there was a means of transportation for all of those who preferred not to walk the long pier up to Customs. They only ask for a tip.

Food: For all of you dieters out there: BEWARE! *laughs*  You are much stronger person than I am if you can resist all the temptation placed in front of you all day long.  There is food and more food, and all kinds of food imaginable.  Of course, there are lots of healthy choices available at all times as well.

Exercise: The ship is equipped with a gym, a deck where power walks take place in the morning, all kinds of exercise classes, if you are so inclined, and a couple of swimming pools too.  Depending on your exercise regimen, you might find that the walking you are going to do, getting from one place to the other on the ship, might exceed the amount of exercise that you do in a normal day at home anyway. *laughs*  (And since you are going to be eating more than you normally do- Be glad of it! )

Activities: There is something for everyone on board: games, contests, gambling, karaoke, dancing, shows, etc.  If you are bored while on the ship, then it’s because you’re asleep in your cabin. *laughs*

Getting off the ship to go home:  By all means, hail a Porter to help you carry your luggage. That simple act alone will move you from the back of the line, to the front, and through Customs very quickly.  It’s well worth the tip!

Interested in booking a cruise, or checking on some prices? Then I strongly recommend, Pam Boyette. A travel agent who has helped me find some unbelieveable good deals on cruises.  You can reach her through email by putting in the subject line: “Your best deal on a cruise, plz.”   Her email addy is: pamboyette@usa.net .  Tell her that Rita in North Carolina sent you.  And no, I don’t get a fee for putting in a good word for her.  She always gave me a fair shake, and so I want to pass that along to you.

I will close this entry by leaving you with a few pictures from my cruise vacation:

 (The Fantastic Four. Andy, Rita, Deb,and Jim.)

 (Rita and Andy by the Coconut Tree.)

 (A beautiful sunrise. So glad I didn’t miss it!)

 (Sunset in Cozumel,Mexico. There was something so spiritual about watching this sunset. I wasn’t the only one that felt it. When the sun finally dropped out of sight, people actually gave it applause.)

 (This man played bag pipes at Sunset every night while we were at Deerfield Beach,Fla. Another experience that I really treasure.)

(Key West, Florida)

 (Key West,Florida)

 (Key West,Florida)

(Key West,Florida)

(The crystal blue water at the port of Cozumel,Mexico.)

(Mexican Dances and Festivals are held here.)