I Don't Want To Be 'JUST' The Big Sister Anymore!

 (Stamped Sister Rings by PureImpressions)

      I'm taking kind of a detour from my usual posts today to talk about a subject that I've been thinking about for a while. The subject of family, and where I fit in the family. I've thought about it before, with no solutions in my head as to what to do about it. But something happened yesterday that brought it all back up again!

      I got a phone call from my dad, which I told you about. But afterward I got a call from my sister. Dad had called her to tell her the good news about my doctor's appointment, and she called to say how happy she was for me. :-] ... But when I hung up the phone I started to pull apart bits and pieces of the conversation, and I realized....I'm still the big sister!! O_O

      Okay...here's where you go and get your cup of coffee. ^_^ ...

 (Hand Stamped Vintage Spoon by ForSuchATimeDesigns)

      Let me ask you...where are you in the family tree?!...I'm the oldest of my mother's children (eight in all). The 'big sister'. And that's what I've always been! ALWAYS! The one who plans everything like crazy. Who worries about everybody, as if I'm the second mother. The one who gets the phone calls when someone needs a shoulder to cry on, or some other kind of help!

      I'm also the one who none of my sisters and brothers really know....Not 'REALLY!', I mean!...I think the reason is because they 'have' thought of me as sort of a second mom. The 'go to' person...yes!...But also the social enemy of all things 'cool'! ^_^ More like the 'keeper-of-all-things-that-remind-them-of-HOME'!...

 (Colourful Forest and Lake Original Acrylic Painting by GiselleDenisFineArt)

      And that's not a bad thing! In fact, I've prided myself on being just that!...for years...'The-Keeper-Of-All-Things-Having-To-Do-With-HOME'!! :-) But now, as a 'Wug' girl into my fifties, I wanna be more than just the 'big sister'!!!...I wanna be the companion. The friend. The neighbor. The first phone call to share family funnies with. The one 'BEING helped for a change!!!

      It feels to me sometimes that my sisters and brothers think that no matter what goes on with me, or what is happening around me, that "Eh! She's got that!"...When in fact, there are times when I wish I had a big sister, with broad loving shoulders, for me to cry on!...Not that I'd use them much! LOL But I'm sure I would...maybe! ^_^ 

      So, as of today, I declare that 'I AM MOVING ON' from 'big sister' status!!!! ^_^ The 'Please-call-me-if-you-need-something' ship has now sailed!! LOL...

 (Original Museum Quality Open Edition print/ poster by falboart)

      And the 'Hey, Girl! ship has pulled into port! ^_^ Don't get me wrong, as long as I'm alive I know I'll be the big sister!...But from now on out, no one needs to weigh their words around me because they're afraid I'll be counseling them on the rights and wrongs of being in this family, etc...!...Even though they can expect a friendly nudge in the right direction from their true 'sister/friend'! ^_^

      If you're not the type of person who has ever noticed how your siblings respond to you, based on where you are in the family line, then this post will make no sense whatsoever!! LOL And you're probably not the oldest!! ^_^ The eldest sibling, in my experience, always notices!!! LOL

      So, no more outcast status for me! Call me 'Miss Moving On'!! ^_^

)

(Fine Art Giclee Print by susancasephotography)

      But still, YAY for sisterhood!! ^_^ Have a good day, Sisters and Brothers!! :-) ♥

)

      Bye Bye, "Big Sister"....I'll shed a tear for you, and remember you well.
 
Sisters

Sisters-on the family curve
sometimes just get on your nerve;
But, sisters will a purpose serve,
they will your life preserve.

Sisters-sometimes they're at war;
and sometimes they "do" go to far.
All sisters want to be the star-
not follow where you are!

Sisters-they don't care a bit!
When fighting they will never quit!
But, sisters, all your jokes they get;
and, when with you, they fit!

Sisters-are your family.
Sisters, see the things you see;
Sisters, knew the girl you'd be,
and set your spirit free.

Sisters-beside you they live;
and sometimes drain you, like a sieve;
But sisters, their last dime will give,
and will your bad forgive.

Sisters-no one else can knock;
and wow!-the memories they unlock.
A sisters smile can stop the clock-
'cause sisters "They Just Rock!"

Parents-with the seasons flow.
Boyfriends-they will come and go.
Brothers-by your side will grow.
But, sisters ease your woe;
and one shared heart you know.

Okay....So There's Good News!...And Bad News!

 (The Morning Light Nature Photography by susancasephotography)

      Yes, I'm back!! ^_^ And guess what?!...This morning I feel like talking! :-) For those of you not feeling like reading.....Sorry. But maybe you won't be sorry to read it if you're in the mood to also look at some items from Etsy! :-) I'll spatter them throughout this 'bad news, good news' post.

      GOOD NEWS: Our weather here in Massachusetts is gonna be over 50 degrees!! YAY!!! Maybe Spring 'is' gonna come!! ^_^ That's why I shared the header photo. It's Spring-y looking!!

      BAD NEWS: Tomorrow night, into Thursday morning, we have another winter storm coming! O_O Right now it appears that it will be more of a rain event, with an inch or two of snow at the end. But they're still watching the 'weather models'...whatever that means!...So, it's gonna be an hour by hour thing as the time for the storm gets closer. ...C'est la vie!

      I still have ways to make myself happy about the upcoming....PLEASE!!!!!...Spring. See! (below) :-) ... 

 (Personalized Stationery Set Assorted Floral Bouquets - Folded Cards & Note Cards by LuckyInkDesign)

 (Blue Striped Lavender Sachets by BailiwickStudio)

 (Crochet Hook Cozy Roll-Up Organizer by cozylittlecorner)

      Pretty flowers!.....Pretty colors!.....and reminders that, no matter what the weather, or the season, I can still CROCHET!!! ^_^

       GOOD NEWS:...Yes, there's more! ^_^ ...My appointment with the doctor yesterday went very well! :-) I'm in good health. My blood pressure was GREAT! :-) All of the hospital and transportation personnel were fabulously sweet and very professional! :-) And I lost weight!...a lot of weight!!

      BAD NEWS: That was my last appointment with this particular doctor. :-( She's going on leave for a while because of a personal medical issue. :-( ...I'm really sad about that. She's a great doctor.

      Also, while my weight loss was fabulous!...the doctor has planned another round of bloodwork for me...Just to make sure it's not associated with something bad! O_O ...*Go figure!...I lose weight, and it might be a 'bad' thing! LOL*

      Along these same lines of weight, and bad news associated with weight, hubby got on the scale too...'just for kicks'!...He already knew what he weighed. He went to the doctor in December.  He was very happy about what he weighed too!.....But..."Not so fast, buddy!"...He got on the scale and found out he had GAINED a significant amount of weight!! O_O YIKES!

      I felt so bad for him. You should've seen his poor, sad, disbelieving, disappointed face! O_O *sigh*...Oh well, now he has to come over to the dark side...of counting calories and low carbs, and lots of water, and regular meals, and light snacks, and less sugar......and....and...! Or he can go to the store and buy some 'fat pants'! LOL Back in my earlier life I did that!!!...and it worked for a while! :-)) ......His choice! I'm here for love and support...thick or thin...like he has done for me for years!!! ♥♥♥ ^_^

      

      GOOD NEWS: I have the most supportive and loving friends and family in the world!!!! ♥ I wish I could scoop them all up and give them a big group hug and kiss!!...but I can't! There's too many of them! :-))

      For a simple, albeit nerve-racking, visit to the doctor, what did I get?!...Lots of loving phone calls, including a phone call from one of my dear friends saying that she would be praying for me, and that everything would be okay. :-) ...Another phone call to say: "I Love You!...I just wanted you to know that before your appointment." (She also wanted me to know I was supported and loved, and that she was sure everything would be just fine!...*And she was right! ^_^*)

      After I was back home, my father called to say how happy he was for me that the visit prompted some good news. :-) Everybody in my camp, on my side, and sending good thoughts!! ♥♥♥ The truth is, even if it had been bad news I still would've been in a good state of mine, knowing that I am loved this much by so many people!! :-] ... F.Y.I., I love them all back too!!...Even more than they love me!...because I know that Jehovah God was behind all of their encouragement and love, which means he thinks they're pretty great too!!! ^_^

       I am very, very grateful!!!!!!!! :-)

Kind Spring (on Facebook)

      BAD NEWS:....Uhhhh...The post is done, and I don't have anything else to talk about! ^_^ ... THIS MORNING!!! LOL Have a great day, Everybody!! :-) And if there's someone in your life you haven't said 'Thank You' to for a while, try it today! It'll make you feel great! ^_^

I Am Thankful

I am thankful I can breathe
when I wake up every day;
I am thankful I have time
in which I can spend to pray.

I am thankful that my husband
is a good, hard-working man;
I am thankful I can write
with a steady flowing hand. 

I am thankful for my ears,
and the sunsets I can see.I am thankful for good friends,
who are always there for me;     

No Time To Talk!

(Black & White Prints, Set of 3 - by shlomitsart)

      It's a really quick post today, Y'all. I have all kinds of stuff going on, and I don't have time to talk! Imagine! Me!...no time to talk!!! ^_^ Anyway!!....I'll tell you the whole story tomorrow. For now...'Toodles!!' LOL And have a happy Monday!!

For all the Mondays

For all the Mondays that come around,
and all the Fall leaves gently falling down;
For all the wet soil, caked and brown,
and all the worms it must have drowned;

For all the honking, and chatty sound
from all the folks scurrying round the town;
For aching feet and hearts that pound;
and lists and nerves to be unwound;

For bags and keys that hit the ground,
when well-tired bodies fall in a mound;
For deals and prices that do astound,
and all well worth it, pound for pound;

For all the Mondays that come around,
and all the weekends gone with a frown;
For adjectives needed, not just a noun,
Much thanks to Mondays that come around.

Time To Spring Into Pancake Sunday Talk!

 (Wooden House Clock & Pencil Holder by WoodenWood)

      Don't worry. Even though I used the word 'talk' in the blog title for today, I'm not gonna talk your ear off. Promise! ^_^ In fact, I'm barely awake after 'springing our clock time an hour forward'!...for daylight savings time...Too bad I can't spring my body clock ahead an hour!! LOL

      Considering that the extra hour is a sure sign that Spring will actually be here soon!...at least, in our neck of the woods! (because some of you have 'been there/done that' with Spring already! ^_^)...I'm gonna share some Spring-looking items I found on Etsy!...At least they reminded 'me' of Spring! :-)

       Well, the pencil holder didn't remind me of Spring...

 (WoodenWood)

      It reminded me that the time has changed...because of an upcoming Spring! ^_^ ... As my mother would say: 'Same Difference'. :-))

      But the items below 'did indeed' remind me of Spring!...

 (White Daisy and Butterfly Real Flower Garden Necklace by enchantedplanet)

 (Set of 5 Teal and Coral Hair Ties by ElenasBows)

 (Mini Planters set of 4 by WindandWillowHome)

 (Red Shoes by ImeldaShoes)

 (Rare 1960s Red Milk Glass Vintage Daisy Brooch by JewelryQuestDesign)

      Flowers and Spring colors!...YAY!...Apparently Spring really is going to come this year! LOL...In the meantime, I'll be keeping calm and trying to get the vision of piles of snow and ice out of my head!!

      And just because it's Pancake Sunday, I'll let you know that no pancakes are on the table this morning...My choice. I wasn't in the mood...What I was in the mood for was a raisin bagel. So I had one!... ^_^ ...along with some green tea, with lemon and honey!

      Hopefully...barring any curbs jumping up to attack our car...or any other mishaps this morning...it's gonna be a great start to the beginning of the upcoming day of Spring! ^_^

('Good Day!' Print from original drawing by WittyWackyPrints)

      See!...Not too much talking, right?! ^_^

Change

Oh, I've been so hither thither,
up and down, all here and there.
I guess I'm trying to get a handle
on the changes everywhere.

The changes of the weather
and the times, and of me.
The changes to my schedule
and responsibility.

I'm not complaining...Well not much!
This change is good. I will adjust.
You may see me near the highway

with a sign: "Will Change Or Bust!"

Something Happened On The Way To The Date!

 (Vintage 1922 Looks Like Car Trouble 8 x 10 Instant Download Image by PixelHistory)

        We had our plans all set for a night of pizza and a long sleep. But something happened on the way to the date!...the brakes on the car completely gave way!!!! O_O And "No, I'm not kidding!!!"

      Hubby went off to the drug store, and to pick up a little something for lunch before he had to go back to work in the afternoon, and..."UH OH!!...THE CAR WON'T STOP!!!" O_O...He applied the brakes and....nothing!! O_O He had to steer the car into a curb in order to stop it!!...Phew!

      Thankfully, it stopped without hitting anything one or anything except the curb! And thankfully he wasn't up on one of the steep hills around here when the brakes went out, or else that would've been a very sad phone call!!! O_O As it was, hubby was panicked and nervous over 'what might have been'!...I was just thankful he was alright!!

      But now...once again...we have no car!! :-( He looked under the hood and apparently the master cylinder is leaking...or something!...He's been talking about what he was gonna do about our car situation for a while anyway, with the car needed more and more 'old age' repairs...Now?...There is no longer any question! Another vehicle has to be enlisted!!...Ugh!

      How?...From Where?...With what money?!...and with what time to do it?!...All questions to be answered after much prayer and wrangling of all brain cells together!...Ugh!...But I'm sure it will work itself out. Somehow it always does! :-]

      I' just gonna put it out of my mind for right now, and show you something pretty I saw on Etsy yesterday!...

 (Rustic Modern Oak Wood Cutting Board or Wooden Serving Tray by HardwoodHome)

      I've never used a cutting board, but I think that if I had seen this one...maybe I would have! :-) It has such pretty flowers on it!! ^_^ But then again, knowing me, I probably still wouldn't have used it, because I would've been afraid I'd get something caught in between the floral filigree!! Oh No!!! LOL...It probably would end up being a pretty decoration, instead of a cutting board! ^_^ Somewhere to look and enjoy more flowers! :-)

      Speaking of flowers! :-) ...

      This is my new lapel pin that I made yesterday! :-)
 

      I'm gonna make a boutonniere in the same color later today, and maybe list both of them in the Wuglyees shop.
 

      In the meantime I'll be trying to relax my mind, and think of leftover pizza, meatballs, and no car problems!!...*deep breath*...I don't know what world that would be in, where there's no date interruptions, and no car problems!...but it's not this one!! LOL
 

(Seatbelts Cotton T-Shirt by CenterMassDesigns)

     WHAT-EVER!!! :-)) Have a good weekend, Everybody! :-)

Let Go

Ever against the tide we row,
fighting our-self, with bent elbow.
(Releasing feelings, tucked inside,
hidden because of foolish pride.)

Fighting just to stay the course.
Using every ounce of force.
(Dreaded emotions pushing through,
trying to get the best of you.)

Waves of feelings swirling round.
Fighting hard to keep them down.
(They're  seeping out on every curve.
Letting them-takes lots of nerve.)

Open quick, your tight-clenched palm.
Feel the water's  quiet calm.
(Released emotions-held too long,
now are righting every wrong.)

Blue On 'Virtual' FridayDate Day!

 (8x12 Peaceful Evening at the Beach Landscape Photography Print by Lori411)

       All you have to do is look at that beautiful beach scene in the header photo and you will know what's on my mind this morning. :-) Friday...Virtual...Date...Day!!...I have been waiting for Friday to get here!!

       What do I plan to do today?! And where are hubby and I going on our date tonight?!...That's for us to know, and for you to find out! LOL...Sorry. My pre-school brain was hollering at me, and I just had to respond!! LOL...The truth is...I'm not sure where we're going! ^_^ I put my desire in the hat for somewhere warm though! Hubby is in control of bringing it all together. I'm sure he will!

      So, while I'm thinking of blue skies and blue water...instead of the 4 degrees we're having here in Massachusetts, and the hour of sleep I'm gonna lose this weekend (Daylight Savings Time)...let me give 'you' some blue to look at too!!...

 (4 Piece Vintage Style Czech Coin Blue Turquoise Tortoise Edge Bead Dangle Charm Drop Set by bountyofbeads)

 (Royal Blue Filigree Statement Earrings by cuppacoffee)

 (Northern Lights Long Labradorite Necklace in Sterling Silver by anatomi)

      And, of course, I even found flowers with blue in them! ^_^ ...

 (14x11 "Bouquet of Flowers" Acrylic Abstract Floral Still Life Painting by kerriblackmanfineart)

      Even some flowers of mine! ^_^ ...

 (Tiny Clutch Back Lapel Pin, 1 inch Powder Blue Crochet Flower by Wuglyees)

      I made a boutonniere and this lapel pin brooch yesterday. :-) They both are in the Wuglyees shop right now...

      Other than that...ummmm...I got nothing! LOL Of course, I could talk about some other stuff...like how blue I am over this winter weather!...but you probably don't wanna hear it. Trust me! It would just have you hanging around here longer than you should, and asking a bunch of questions whose answers won't be what you expect, or want to think about!! LOL So, off you go!! ^_^ And have a good day! ♥


 
Awake!

It feels good to be awake!
Eyes wide open. Brain cells too!
Now my mind and eyes need focus.
Let's go find something to do!

Inspiration: Are Your Arms And Legs Over-rated?!

 (Extra Long Black and White Striped Arm Warmers by Mellode)

      If you're wondering where I'm going with this, just hang in there with me for a few minutes. :-] And while you're hanging in there, enjoy the beautiful items I found on Etsy...starting with the gorgeous arm warmers in the header photo!

      Now, to my story......I woke up in a not so great feeling...just about to mentally spiral into a "Why Me?"...mood this morning. I still don't know why because I went to bed early; I didn't eat anything before bed that would be making me feel like this; And nothing bad has happened this morning! O_O But.......there I was, not even wanting to take a bath!...Meh!...But no worries...those of you who are thinking: 'EWWWW!', and who now have your nose 'squinched' up! LOL...I did bathe!!

       And I know myself well enough to know that I can't let my mind get too far away from me!...So I headed off to look for inspiration!...Some IT'S NOT THAT BAD!, you better get it together, Girl!...inspiration....And I found it too!!

      I saw that someone on Facebook had posted a video that completely put me in tears....and completely inspired me to feel better!!...But before I share it with you, let me ask you...Do you like your arms and legs?!

      Do you try to think up ways to show them off every day?!...

     

 (Dreamy Wedding Dress featuring Lace Arm Bands by Graceloveslace)

 (Brown Button Down Womens Leg Warmers by HairBowsPricessLove)

(Barefoot Sandals Leg Accessory by DesignsByLoure)

      ...Or do you hate your arms and legs, and you try to find ways to hide them?!...I'm in the 'show them off' camp....Not mine! O_O My arms and legs are cute, but they're strictly utilitarian! LOL...But I do crochet things to show off other people's arms and legs, hands and feet! ^_^...

 (Maroon Red, Gray, Yellow, and Black Crochet Fingerless Gloves by Wuglyees)

(Turquoise Blue Crochet Button Slippers by Wuglyees)

Just check out my stuff in my Wuglyees Etsy shop!

      But if you hate your arms and legs, think about what kind of person you would be if you didn't have any arms or legs!...Would you be a negative thinking blob on the couch...or a positive, productive, delightful person to be around?!...Look at the two videos below, and then tell me what you think!...

      After watching those videos, you still don't like your arms and legs...or whatever body part you have that you think is not that attractive!...WATCH THEM AGAIN!!! :-)) And have a mentally un-spiraled, and good, day! ^_^ ♥

How Can You Be So Positive

"How can you be so positive
with everything so bad?
When folks are so unkind
and all those doctors make you mad?"

"It's easy!" I assure them.
'Cuz one thing makes it okay.
I wake up every morning,
and I'm breathing every day!

When I can't move a muscle
and can barely lift my head,
I think of all the folks I've known
who now are gone, yes, dead!

No matter what my problem is,
and if I stand or lay,
I'm thankful that my mind still works
and I'm breathing every day!

So how am I so positive,
When things sometimes seem bleak?
It's easy, 'cuz my breathing
keeps on going every week!

Oh yes, I have a choice!
I can be miserable and whine;
Be mean to folks around me,
Be demanding and unkind.

But who would make that choice,
when there's a better way to be?
I mean, who's breathing every day
and writing poems?...ME!