Step Back or I Swear The Mouse Gets It!!!!!

My Lion says a few months back, "The company trip this year is Disney World. So you're finally going to get to see it!"

 I begin to get twitchy. Any time I'm going some place where every one exclaims, "Oh! You're going to love it," I begin to obsess. I hate feeling like a party-pooper. I don't want to be the only one in the entire known universe who dislikes a spot that everyone else adores. It's too much pressure!

So, yeah, here I am at 56 years old, looking at my first trip to Disney and praying, "Please let me like it...please let me like it....please!" But, I know I hate rides and I don't find amusement parks at all amusing. And crowds?! OMG, I detest crowds.  It's not looking too good...

Michael says, "It's early in the year so it shouldn't be too hot or too crowded. And, there's lots to see and do there besides the rides. You'll be all right; we'll have fun. I'm looking forward to seeing it with you. I haven't been in years."

I begin my research and figure I'd really like to see Epcot and the Animal Kingdom. Michael says, "Great, but we'll begin with the Magic Kingdom because that's where it all started." We set off on our big adventure. Right away Michael surprises me by upgrading our flight to Business Class. I've never flown First Class before, so even though it was only two hours, wow, what a difference being in a seat that was built for an adult and being offered a complimentary cookie can do to cheer up a ride, huh?!

We get there and right away we have lots to do because we have to meet and greet the company guests and connect with all the folks you need to/want to see. We have a great time catching up with everyone at the opening reception. Then we turn in early to get ready for my first time in Disney.

On the advice of  our daughter who is a major Disney fan, we got me a, "It's My First Visit," button so that I could get free treats along the way and be fussed over by the crew members.  We set of into the hot morning. Yeah, no winter anywhere in the United States this year means that Florida is way hotter, earlier...but hey, it's Disney, right?!

Regardless of any worries I had about being there, that morning when I got my first glimpse of the Castle, well, I admit I began to smile big and look forward to my day for the first time.

A short time later, the whole experience turned as dark and menacing as Maleficent turning into the fire breathing dragon in Sleeping Beauty.  (By the way, she is my all time favorite bad girl!)

There were people rushing and pushing EVERYWHERE! Did I tell you I hate crowds? I wanted to stop in the tunnel through the castle to enjoy the beautiful wall mosaics but you simply couldn't...it was like being caught in a white water rapid....you get carried along and if you want to stop to look at anything, you get bumped into, or sighed at, and stepped on, and.....holy crap!!!  The people were rushing and running like the whole place was going to dissolve at any moment!

Once inside the park, the lines of people waiting to do anything including use the bathrooms were unbelievable! I got momentarily excited when I saw Pluto, who is my favorite old Disney character and said to My Lion, "Oh, I want to get my picture taken with him!" Only to see that it would take about 45 minutes to make it up there to have my 30 seconds of fame with the mutt! SIGH...

I never did see that damned mouse! Not once! Oh, I'm sure he was there some place cowering, or buried in the masses of people, mangled, maimed, twisted in the wreckage, but I can't say that for certain. This topiary of the beloved rodent was the only version I saw!  If I had seen The Mouse, I would have held him hostage in front of me as I screamed, "Back off and step back, or I swear on Walt Disney, I'll hurt him!  One more shove and the Mouse gets it!!!!!"

Even though I didn't get my photo op with Pluto, this topiary by HGTV allowed me to at least take a picture of the pooch of my dreams.

When we dragged back to the hotel, we ran into one of the guys who reports to Michael. His four year old had her face buried in his chest, in that grumpy sleep you can sense from a kid post melt-down. His nine year old was standing quietly next to him with a vacant look on her sweet face. We asked how their day had gone, Adam replied, "This is supposed to be the happiest place on earth and I asked my wife, 'Does it look like there is one happy parent in this whole place?!' the lines were unbelievable and most of the things the girls wanted to do, the wait times were just way too long. We're going go take a bit of a rest." He limped off...

Yeah, that's how it was for the entire time, because as it turns out, our company trip to Disney happened to be, get ready for it, during SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you freaking kidding me?!!!!!

So no one could have cared less about my first time button...well, that's a bit of a fib, two Disney members welcomed me which I really appreciated. But for the most part, my being there for the first time wasn't a priority because any employee of the parks was simply happy if they got through their shift alive! 

 I finished my first day, exceedingly frustrated and not very happy with the Happiest Place On Earth and then I got to thinking, "Shame on me! We're here because of all of Michael's hard work. He's here to congratulate those people who work for and with him for all they've done to contribute to a successful year. We're on our vacation thanks to things he's done and the generosity of his company.  I need to snap the hell out of it!"

And that's when I decided to stop acting like a three year old whose balloon had just popped.  Instead, I started to search out things that were worth remembering and experiencing about my first visit to Disney World.  Things like:
This view from our balcony that I got to see each morning. Beautiful, huh?

The Swan And Dolphin really are quite lovely and the staff welcoming and accommodating. The restaurants and amenities are top notch. We had some fabulous dinners and totally laughed with and enjoyed the company who joined us.

We took in some night life and walked around in the cool and pleasant evenings that were a welcome change from the hot temps of the days in the parks.

I had a great time laughing with Rebecca and Hilary. Becky works with Michael and her BFF, Hilary, is starting with the company in a few days. It was great to be able to give her the 411 on some of the people and tell her some of my experiences. And, it was fabulous to see her realize that, while she did take a risk to change her employers, she chose a great company as her new adventure.  Having the chance to see what great people make up FDLIC, was a terrific first impression.

And thanks to those long wait times in the parks, we had lots of time reconnecting with  friends who we don't get to see as often as we'd like, like Shaun who is Michael's boss and his wife, Kelly. Oh, and if you're ever going on vacation, you need to take Kelly as she's one of those women who does thorough research prior to going any place and knows so much stuff that will make you trip easier, more fun, and informed!  I'm certain she was a Sherpa Guide in a previous life or two.

So yeah, I didn't get to see everything I hoped in terms of  classic Disney, and I couldn't find souvenirs of characters I like...but I did get the chance to see sites like these orchids dangling like confetti from the trees.

And, see flowers I've not seen before growing in profusion.... tell me, aren't they more beautiful than any Disney Princess you may see?

And, where else than Disney can you find a street performer who hundreds must have walked past as she clung to a tree, moving sloth-like. I was thoroughly mesmerized...


...when this 'vine' began moving off the tree and then slowly onto the path where people began to gather.


I think she is the thing I will remember most about my trip.  Isn't she beautiful and look at that makeup!!!!

I also learned that Disney, thank goodness hasn't completely gone over to the dark side of Political Correctness...
...and just had to have a photo with Brer Rabbit!  Yep, we don't even allow children to know those old folk tales any longer...no longer considered correct...but I love him and the Tar Baby and all the lessons we learned from that fable.  It's a shame we've stopped allowing fairy tales and fables to teach as well as entertain.


I enjoyed Epcot and the International Village.  The views were glorious and the crowds much less thick.


Thanks to Disney, I got to visit England once more...


And, visited romantic Italy with my beloved...


I enjoyed beautiful animals, real...

...and beautifully imagined.

And, although I looked high and low for a Jock to take home, I didn't find him as he's only a 'minor' character and well, I guess the old Scot isn't in high demand.  FASH!



But, I did find this great Scot in the topiary garden and the trip wasn't a complete loss!

Because, even though there is a lot that I can't say I loved, there was a great deal to be happy to have experienced.  And, the best moment was being there to applaud My Lion as he was inducted into FDLIC's new President's Club.  I'm so proud of him for all he's accomplished in his career.

 And, yes, you know me by now...I did it.  Of course I did...I mean really what else would one wear to an important award dinner in Disney World?  Silver Sequence Minnie Ears are just the right touch.  Don't you agree?

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Has Seen Disney World And Came Home To These Scotties!

Blog Love For Mother

By now you know that Sarah, at Cottage Garden Studio is one of my favorite stops. And, she's shared some love with me that's actually a good exercise, too!

The idea here is to answer a list of questions using only one word! Oh, now you know that's a hard challenge for me! But, I am up to it...so here they are:

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Silver
3. Your mother? Died
4. Your father? Died
5. Your favorite food? All
6. Your dream last night? Odd
7.Your favorite drink? Water
8. Your dream/goal? Alive
9. What room are you in? Study
10. Your hobby? Living
11. Your fear? Crowds
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren't? Skinny
15. Muffins? Pumpkin
16. Wish list item? Wealth
17. Where did you grow up? Baltimore
18. Last thing you did? Typed
19. What are you wearing? PJs
20. Your TV? Big
21. Your pets? Scotties
22. Friends? Fabulous
23. Your life? Complex
24. Your mood? Content
25. Missing someone? Evan
26. Vehicle? Santa Fe
27. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
28. Your favorite store? Amazon
29. Your favorite color? Purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? Minutes
31. Last time you cried? Morning
32. Your best friend? Michael
33. One place that I go to over and over? Bed
34. One person who emails me regularly? Hmmm....
35. Favorite place to eat? Chipolte Grill

Now, I'm to pass this award along to six of my Over The Top blog loves so here they are:

Cinner
Pissy
Ribbon
Tessa
Robin
Joanna

Cut and paste these questions to your post and I'll be looking forward to learning more about you through these very terse, insightful words of yours! Have fun!

Now, here's an unexpected treat thanks to my friend Mel at From Clutter to Shine:

I saw this award on her blog, I thought, "Brava! So very perfect!!" I have always loved Mel's way of telling her truth and helping us all learn from her bravery of sharing it. I admire how much she is able to teach me through her posts and her insights. I've been blessed with her thoughts on some situations off-blog and I have benefited from her investment in conversations.

So, when I read that she has passed this along to me because she feels the same way about my writing? I am really honored. Thank you Mel. Very much, indeed!

As honest bloggers we:

* Speak our truth from the heart and tell it like it is
* Share openly and honestly our true feelings without fear of judgement, Blame or shame.
* We write to share our achievements so others can also share our joy.
* We write about our bad times too, knowing that the love and support of others is around us and perhaps heal another’s pain in the process..
*We are human beings will real feelings and emotions and REFUSE to hide behind a mask.
* We dare to be different
* We are Free Spirits
* We realize that by spilling out, we lighten our load.
* We acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses and don't see them in terms of success or failure.
* We laugh together and cry together
* We are all following our own journey in our own unique way
* Above all else, we may lie on the floor, screaming and kicking, or feel like life is collapsing around us once in a while….but at the end of the day, we drag ourselves up, dust ourselves off and rise to fight another day.

For we are Warrior Women and we write not to please others, stroke our own egos or be judged, we blog because we care! Our blogs are our therapy, and through sharing SHIfT HAPPENS!

If what I do here at Your Mother knows makes an honest difference to your day? I am happy to be part of the good moments I hope it holds for you and yours.

Thanks for the love Sarah & Mel!

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly

Bits & Pieces

I have housework to do today. Other than laundry and odds and pieces that ask for my attention, I need to do some blog 'house work,' and take care of some details like thanking some lovely bloggers. And share things that have come about because of friendships that are being formed via our blogs.

Let's start with that first picture. Those are my new salt and pepper shakers that I got via e-Bay. Aren't they cute?! They're vintage, in great shape, and I'm so very pleased with them. I lost an auction last year on a very similar set. They're not easy to come by and not always in good condition. This set is in terrific shape; just the right amount of predictable wear. What is really a nice bit of synchronicity is that the seller lives in Emmitsburg, Maryland which is where Michael was born and raised. So, perhaps it was meant to be.

Why do I show them here? Well, I wouldn't have these gems if it hadn't been for a follower, Suzie of Cat In The Moon. After enjoying the post about my kitchen, she happened to see a set of these at an antiques show, and looked on eBay to see if she could find something like them to share with me. She most certainly did, sent me the link, and all good wishes that they would come to my kitchen, "As I know they'll feel immediately at home there!"

Here they are, Suzie, what do you think? Thanks for your keen eye and having fun in my kitchen even if it's from afar!

Over the weekend, I was gifted with two awards. This first one was given to me twice. First by Sarah, of Cottage Garden Studio and then seconded by Barb at A Bird In My Hand.

The designer of this award is a woman named Ces. She explains: "I designed this award to celebrate art in the blogs and to honor the value of friendship, sisterhood, sharing and caring. It is to be awarded to the gifted, accomplished, eloquent and talented blogger whose friendship and influence inspire us to do our best. That I named it after Bella Sinclair is because she epitomizes all of these things. She is an inspiration to many of us."

Here's the thing- I don't know Ces and I don't know Bella. But, I'm very happy to be counted among those who are defined by her lovely words. I really don't 'know' Sarah or Barb in real time, at any rate. But, we are becoming friends as I follow their blogs and I am learning about them as individuals and as writers. I'm learning about their trials and celebrations. I am learning that we are all more alike than different. I am learning a great many things from writing and following other blogs.

Sarah & Barb...thank you for thinking so very highly of me and my work here by including me in this award.

And, while I don't always forward these awards on, I do want to share this one with Toni, whose newest blog, The Weight of Me is now a favorite because she's pursuing her writing with the same gusto as she does her visual arts. But, mostly because she feels like my sister. And I love her.

Late last evening, I noted that Beverly of Bunny's Girl gave me this award! Now, to be honest, neither of us follow each of our blogs daily. Beverly and I are fellow wishers in Wishcasting Wednesday. When I go to visit with her each week, I spend some time going back through her writings and I suspect she may do that here. The award is nice, but what she said about me is the true award, " Holly is always so very supportive of all who take part in Wishcasting Wednesday. Thanks for your special thoughts." Thanks, Bev...I really do take a lot of time to help fellow wisher get their wishes!

I'm now supposed to reveal seven bits of stuff about me in accepting this MeMe Award:

1.) I wonder if there's anything new I can tell you that you don't already know because of all I leave here?

2.) There's no veggie I won't eat. I like them all, in various levels of liking...but I can't think of one I won't eat.

3.) Losing weight is hard work. It's work. But, it's work worth doing.

4.) I'm currently blogging through The Artist's Way.

5.) I'm an excellent cook. And, I always like to have people stop by for dinner.

6.) I'm attempting to get back into my water colors.

7.) I'm way too hard on myself.

So there you have it. Seven bits of me.

I owe a thank you to a dog and his mom. I wish I had a picture of what she sent to us, but alas, Rory & Fiona completely enjoyed the home made dog treats that Michelle made for them. And, she even tucked in a wee treat for me; a lavender pillow! My favorite scent! How did you know, Meesh?

Chester is good friends with my two highlanders. And, they spend quite a bit of fun time chatting on Facebook. For my money, it should really be called Dogbook. Rory gets way more action on his page than I do on mine! Of course he has his own page! Doesn't everyone's dog?

Chester is the most delicious chocolate lab. Rory calls him Big Brownie. If you want some dog fun, make sure you visit with him over at his very own blog, For The Love of Chester. Tell him Rory's Mommer sent you.

Okay, now this last shot? What in the world am I doing showing an apron?

Not too long ago, on a trip to take care of some business for Michael's father, I got an email on my phone, which brightened up considerably, what was a stressful visit. And, I need to thank Lisa of Diary of A Not So Glamorous Housewife. She had a give away over at her blog of an apron that she fabricated. She's a great seamstress. And, I love her blog because she's droll, witty, and real.

I was the winner! I'm telling you that, just recently, I was thinking that I really should invest in an apron because I end up with more stuff on my clothes when I'm at the stove. And, Lisa's give away made that possible.

I'm a bit late in thanking everyone. But, truth is, it's never too late to thank someone for a kindness. With that, the timer just buzzed on the washer so I must fly. Hope you all have a smooth and productive week!

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly

A Good Witch or A Bad Witch?

How cute is this? I tell you, some of these awards are enough to make me giggle for most of the day. This is one of them. And, I am quite pleased to have it bestowed on me by Dreamwriter over on her blog, Spiritual Expression. Thank you, Dreamy Writer! I admire your frank and open way of discussing so much of life's mystery as well as the mundane.

This award is relatively new. And, when I went to visit with The Domestic Witch, I found a woman of mirth and daily magick. A fun little spot to lurk about in. She crafted this award to honor:

For Achievement in Magical Housecrafting

The rules are simple enough~

If you've been bestowed The Domestic Witch Blog Award:
~ Pass the award on to 3 blogs about Domestic Witchery that you really enjoy.
~ Include the award in your blog post.
~ Link the nominees within your post.
~ Don't forget to mention the person who gave you the award.
~ Let your chosen winners know that they received The Domestic Witch Blog Award by commenting on their blog.

Hmm, three out of many...three out of many...three, the power of three:

Sarah: Cottage Garden Studio

Sara: Momma Craft

Cinner: Things About Who, What, When, Where, and Why

While these three writers express ideas in her unique voice and are quite different one from the other, the common bond for me is that they all nurture, support, wonder, and share. There's an openness and a kindness about them that makes the reader feel honored, safe, and comforted.

In our increasingly complex world, places like those they have crafted are necessary and true gifts. And, I'm most grateful for the daily rounds that take me to visit with all of them.

Turning a house into a home truly is the work of magick and heart. I work at that every day. It's nice to be recognized for those efforts. You all are most welcome at my home anytime. Just park your broom and come on in to sit a spell.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka Domestic Witch

Awards & Other Gifts

a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhselWV7tpwt5vSLv_M6JUvBTbPc3ZlnbTDid791KQNRlniOauCNafPwVI8v9EBVziiaj7UM20TRgR-wGAwRUVp1J8D00wcHAJ8wuroTuDbbqS6LkGZLwBN84Cv1HprU7e2HwvWcvRvljMY/s1600-h/29.jpg">I am one of those people who can't function if everything isn't in its place or category. Files have to line up...papers must be in a specific location so that I can put my hands on them when I need to...I know, I don't act like it wanting to be all wild and free about my life, but when it comes to my work space and other things,well, "Order in the kingdom," cries The Queen! But, if you read the post where I shared my crafting room with you, you already know that.

So, as I was considering changes to my blog, to keep it fresh and interesting, I began to fash over my badges and other items...and I thought, what happens to them if they're lost??? I couldn't handle that. I've decided to do this post as a means of keeping them all tucked safely in one spot. And, should I be lucky to have others, well, I'll simply add them to this post and they can safely play nice with the others already here.

There's a date on this post, but actually it's an on-going work in progress.

I started the post with the artwork by Sema who created this for me after she read my post about my garden. I love that piece created because of something I wrote! Amazing. I know it's not an award, but trust me, that piece plus the mandala! Those are two of my favs.

Then, just the other day, a new friend, Janet, who writes a fun blog, "Are we there yet?" surprised me with this cool award...
It's for blogs that go great with morning coffee! I like that very much since I sit here every morning going from spot to spot with my mug in hand. So thanks Janet, I'm happy to come by and drink a cuppa with you!

Tell me this isn't a cutie?
This one was gifted to me by Dreamwriter over at Spiritual Expressions and as I said on the post about this award, I like her way of considering life from the magickal to the mundane. She has a direct, earthy way of writing that is all her.

I think this award is quite adorable.

This one is given to me twice, first by Sarah of Cottage Garden Studio and then by Barb at A Bird In My Hand. It's quite a lovely award. Thank you to both for such a growing honor!

And this one is from my Wishcasting Wednesday colleague, Beverly at Bunny's Girl. I truly appreciate the power of our combined wishes.

When I was new to blogging, I was gifted to meet an amazingly creative blogger, Toni of Seaweed And Gardenias. A brief period of time later, she quickly became a friend. Isn't it amazing how that can happen over the Internet? What I was not prepared for however, is the open and generous nature of this woman! That's truly a gift. Toni, a visual artist, also loves words and she's quite fond of people who she feels write well. So, she created this award...

...to honor those of us whose only gift to you is the stories we tell. This one? This one made me cry. Toni, thank you for recognizing writing as art. She's now started a new blog where she concentrates solely on her writing. Visit her at The Weight of Me.

Speaking of artists, Sarah of Cottage Garden Studio created this award to honor bloggers who nurture and support others. I was one of the lucky recipients in its inaugural gifting.

Sarah, is quite a wonderful artist full of whimsy and fun. And, now she's getting into photography and is showing quite a skill with that tool as well. Thank you Sarah, for not only creating this award, the thought that went into it, but finding my work here worthy of such an award.

Okay, this one? This one is special because it thoroughly makes me laugh! This one was created by Mr. Author who runs things over at Life With Dogs.

This blog that more or less tries to tell the stories of three wild canines, a crazy cat, and the two Humans who attempt to live with them, is one of my first stops in the morning. It's irreverent, hysterical, and down-right tweaked most days. And, I couldn't think of anything better than being one of the Friday Five. Each week, the guy who runs the asylum and Nigel the dog, pick out five recipients that they enjoy reading and award the hydrant! Better than an Oscar for me, and my Scotties say it's easier to aim at! What an honor, so thanks Mr. Author!

I used to see this badge on lots of blogs I visited and I loved it as it made me happy whenever I saw it. And, I never thought it would be mine until, until, until, Mel of from clutter to shine decided that she wanted to let me know that she finds life here at Your Mother Knows to be sweet and fun!

If you want to read about interesting topics that you wouldn't normally consider on your own, I highly recommend Miss Mel. She has this great organic, kind, earthy way about her writing. It makes you feel as though you are sitting down for a visit with a friend to puzzle out some of the answers to life's big questions. Thank you very much, Mel!

Sarah, gifted me with this award as well. It's to honor those of us who attempt to set the world ablaze with passion and love of others. I think I attempt that here and those of you who leave your messages inspire me to keep finding ways to make us all love our lives more.

And, to find ways to help all of us share our unique light with others.

This one? Everybody loves this one! Is it the colors? Is it that it says clearly that the person who receives it is perceived as creative? All of that, I think. I really love this one.

More than that, I love that it was given to me by Sarah, Sema & Toni! I am in good company, indeed.

This sweet award is one that is self explanatory, and wonderful. Given to me by Samantha of The Everyday Witch who reminds us that magick exists all around us, but it's on us to look closely to find it.

Later still, Sarah shared it with me and so did Cinner, my blog friend from up north in Canada. Cinner, is a sweet and charming soul who writes Things About Who, What When, Where & Why for her own amusement, sharing the days of her life and reminding all of us when you read it, that we are so much more alike than we are different when it comes to living...

And, I encounter more creative arts when I visit with Soulbrush whose delightful blog is a potpourri of all sorts of artwork of her fabrication, snippets of her world, pictures of her loved ones and pets...and all from across the pond in London. I love visiting with her to see what angles

and visions have captured her imagination to share with us. She found my blog while following Toni, and they share so much in common as visual artists. I was delighted that she found her time here "lovely!"

But, in all honesty, while I am good with the idea that you all find inspiration here, please trust me when I say...

...that my readers inspire me every day. With their insights, their comments, the sharing, the open and honest nature of the things that are told. The blogs that they all create. We are remarkable. All of us. Really.

This one? This last one is what started it all. This one was given to me by Toni. My very first badge. I was thrilled. I still am when I look at it. And, if you'd like to read the info that I was asked to share with you upon receiving it, well, here you go!

Thank you. All of you. For those that have awarded these to me. For Sema who has actually created artwork because of words that I've shared. For all of you who come to read regularly or drift by for an occasional lurk.

I know I've told you that I do this for myself for a wide variety of reasons. But, the truth is, I had no idea how important it would become for me, and the sense of connection and creative spark I would gain because of all of you.

That said, if there's a badge here that really tickles you fancy and you would like to have on your blog, PLEASE HELP YOURSELF! I am delighted to have you pick one out and tell everyone that over at Your Mother Knows But Won't Tell You, you can come away with a pretty any time you'd like! Oh, except for Mental Ducks To Mental Swans and the Gold Hydrant; those, the creators confer as they see fit. Have a ball with any and all of the rest!

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly

How You See Me

I'm not certain what it is about these brightly fanciful tags. For me, the colors for sure and the creativity that goes into making them. I think they're fascinating to see along the perimeter of so many blogs. Lately I've been gifted by a few. All are wonderful. I'm grateful.

This one, the Burning Bright Award, has been forwarded to me by Sarah of Cottage Garden Studio: "Holly- Because she illuminates everyone around her." I can't say that I feel I do that most days...but I do attempt to lighten our lives with things to consider and ways to set us free from the traps that hold our bright spirits down.

The award was created by a blogger named Jenn of Barefoot In The Sand. And, I don't know her that well, although I have visited her blog for a lurky a time or two. I love what she has to say about why she created this award: "You can never extinguish the Light that Shines brightly within all of us. If there is Hope, there is Light, if there is a Dream, that same Light will lead the way, and this Award I created this evening reflects that Creative Spark, that Light we all hold within us, but there are certain people who come to mind that Shine So Brightly that you can't help notice the Warmth that illuminates in all they do, and in what they represent and just who they are."

Beautiful, isn't it? So, I couldn't think of two more creative sparks who make my world better because of what their creative efforts do for the quality of my day. I am sending this along to:

Toni, Seaweed And Gardenias: Because her creative spark ignites my desire to create. And, because of the generosity of spirit that she so freely shares with every other creative person she encounters.

Beth, Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Taken: Because most days her images make my eyes go soft and I turn inward for a moment of contemplation and joy. But, because I am a writer, and find it all the more rare that someone who has such a great creative eye, can also write words that thrill me. There may be better writers; perhaps better shooters...but I doubt that any of them can share their hearts, spirit, and smiles the way that Beth does.


Okay, so now onto someone else who sent something fun! Doesn't this photo simply make you smile? Especially at this time of year when the delights of a carnelian watermelon oozing its sweet goodness seems so tantalizingly close? I'm to use this as a prompt to tell you six things that I think are sweet and in random order-
* Livy
* Michael and thanks to him, my children, Evan & Melissa
* Laura
* My gardens & home
* My Scotties, Rory & Fiona
* My Life IS Really, Really Sweet

This delight is thanks to Mel of From Clutter To Shine. I love visiting her blog where I am likely to encounter a wide variety of musings on things that I would not know otherwise- like the benefits and life decisions of home schooling your children. And, the differences in educational philosophy that need to be considered these days.

Or, how about the notion of Free Range Children? Now, that's an attention catcher, no?

So why me? I'm honored to hear: "Well, what can I say about Holly that hasn't already been said? She is, truly, Queen of the Universe and my ever-loving Crone...Not a day goes by that she doesn't challenge my grey matter and prompt me to search the corners for the Shadows lurking there..." Mel, if I am able to do and be that for you, then I consider my efforts more than worth it. Thank you.

And, finally, while I am old enough to be a card carrying member of The Red Hat Society or a life time member of the Silly Handshake Association, I'm not much of a joiner. Never have been. I think I was a Brownie once; for a day; maybe a week. Get my point?

But, every once in awhile, I'm struck by the premise that a certain group stands for, and hopes for others. To that end, Mel, has created a new badge: The Sisterhood of The Purple Bicycle. Now, I know you think I joined because of the color...not true. Although, I can't think of another color that is better suited. And, I know you'd like me to award it to you, but I can't do that. The Sisterhood can't be awarded. Nope. You have to decide to be part of it for yourself. You have to want it and make it happen.

"It occurs to me," explains Mel, "That we are all on a similar sort of journey. Naturally, what we do and where we go and how we choose to get there is different, but in essence, our destination looks much the same. We are reclaiming, we are celebrating, we are rediscovering. We chafe against our boundaries, we are challenging our restrictions - some self-imposed, some societal, we seek to take back what was lost or taken from us along the way. We explore with our words, with our art, with our spiritual path - we take on 'challenges' and projects to stretch and push ourselves further toward that destination. And we share it all with each other. The triumphs, the doubts, the disappointments, the memories, the revelations and the Joy. We gather the bones and, together, are singing them to life in a glorious song of celebration.

"And because of this, I think we should be shouting it from the highest rooftops, yodelling from the loftiest peaks that we, in all our strivings, in all our efforts to define and re-define Who We Are - are part of a bigger picture, we are all interconnected; a community of women whose spirits may have been battered and bruised, but are intact and gaining strength with every step. We are still casting about in the Shadows, unearthing and bringing to Light long-forgotten things, but we take strength from each other as we move forward, as beautiful works-in-progress. I, for one, feel Blessed to be journeying alongside you all; to be hacking my way through the forest, knowing that somewhere, just off to my left and right and slightly ahead or behind, is another warrior soul doing the same."

Now, this I can be a member of...this I am happy to share that I belong and I invite you to do the same. Become part of the sisterhood of women who want more, bigger, better, from their lives and are not afraid of the effort and energy it takes to manifest it. Magick is hard work, but so worth it.

Don't you agree?

So, Mel, thanks for this one. It's there with pride. And, I hope more will join as it goes forward to spread its joy and support among all of us who want to be more than we are today. Sisters of A Better Way...

Namaste' Till Next Time,

Holly