(43-319) White Feathers

On Thursday morning I was working in my office, and I thought of my Uncle Harry (Jackie's father.)  I wanted to text Jackie to see how he was doing, because he has Leukemia and was recently admitted to the hospital; and all of a sudden I saw white feathers drifting in front of my face.  I'm pretty sure that I said out loud, "What's with all of these feathers," but then I think that I immediately forgot about it.(Almost like it hadn't happened.)  Then, a minute later I saw a single, white feather float in front of my face and I KNOW that this time I said out loud "What's with the feathers?"  I grabbed the feather, because I wanted to have proof of the occurence.  My friend Kathy and I were the only ones in our office at this time, so I asked her if she was seeing feathers; and I probably don't have to tell you that her response included something to the effect of "Are you nuts?"  I told her that I'd seen some feathers and I showed her the one that I grabbed.  Neither one of us knew what to make of it, but I immediately thought ANGEL - and texted Jackie to check on her dad.

I put the feather in my wallet while I anxiously awaited Jackie's response.  All she said was that he was depressed, but that's OK; at least he's still with us.  I didn't tell her anything about the feathers, because quite honestly, I didn't know what to make of it.  Of course I thought that my mom had paid me a visit, and leaving a few feathers was her way of letting me know that she was there.  Interestingly enough, at his swim meet that night, Nicky swam better than he ever had.  He took first place for breast stroke, first place for butterfly and his lane took third place in their medley relay.  Was there an angel watching over him? 

Wanting to know a little bit more about the significance of seeing white feathers, I did a little research.  YES, research; and I found the following "possible" explanations:
KGBabswers states:  "According to spiritualists a white feather falling on you may mean that you have been visited by an angel."  "Some people believe that when you receive a white feather it's actually the angels letting you know that they are with you, surrounding you with love. Be safe!"

According to the " Symbolic meanings blog by Avia Venefica" It is commonly thought in most cultures that feathers are symbols of higher thought, spiritual progression. The line of thought here is that birds were considered divine creatures in primitive/ancient cultures because they are creatures of the sky (heaven) and therefore closer to God.
When you find feathers upon your path it could be taken to mean that you are on a higher spiritual path (whether you accept it or not), and it may be a sign of encouragement as you philosophically travel on this path.
Finding feathers on your path is also symbolic of having a lighter outlook on life or a particularly situation. When we see feathers in our midst it is considered a message that we need to lighten up, not take things too seriously, and try to find the joy in our situation."

Wikipedia states that a white feather can either be "a sign of cowardice,or pacifism and in the United States, of extraordinary bravery and excellence in combat marksmanship. In religion, a white feather has been interpreted as a message card of peace from angels."

If I had seen the feather in my home or some place where there were pillows or blankets, I'm sure that I wouldn't be giving the feathers a second thought. But in my office?  I find that peculiar.  Nonetheless, as Freud said "sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."  So what do I think?  I think that people choose to believe whatever they find comforting.  I like the idea of believing that my Mom paid me a visit.  Maybe she was there to  reassure me that now was not my Uncle's time.  Perhaps she was their to look in on me because now is NOT my time.  Maybe she popped by to reassure me that she's always with me; or because she wanted to join me for the kid's swim meet.  Or maybe it was just a fluke, but I don't think so.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-312) Where The Ride Takes You...

Even though I am the Queen of INDECISION when it comes to trivial, insignificant things, (like what to have for dinner), when it comes to big life decisions, I can handle them without any hesitation whatsoever.  I'm pretty sure that I've acknowledged this a time or six before, but I just thought that I'd mention it again, in case you'd forgotten or by some chance were a new Rider. Anyway, I'm actually a little surprised at myself, because when it came to making the decision to blog every day plus one for a year, there were so many things that I didn't consider.  I apologize, because it's definitely likely that I've mentioned this before, but as I couldn't find evidence of where, in my archive; I'm just gonna forge ahead at the risk of being redundant.

I suppose that I can say that I thought that the end would justify the means and that no matter what I'd have to do to get the blog done every day, it would be worth it. And I can say that I do believe this is true; BUT, perhaps I should have considered the time commitment a little bit more before plunging right in. I might have thought of how I was going to have to fit writing "The Ride" into each and every day, regardless of if I had to be somewhere, was going to come home late, didn't feel well, didn't have anything important or interesting to share, etc. etc. etc. In the past 312 days, I've managed to write a blog while I was in Las Vegas, Laughlin, and California. I got up extra early, so I could write a post the day that I was going to Disneyland, I've written while at Michelle' M's for a couple of barbecues, from the lake, while at the drive-in, and even from my friend Mari's house during a scrapbooking crop. I've blogged while at the Dentist's office and the Orthodontist's and next weekend I'll have to find a way to blog and publish while I'm camping in Payson. Truly, these were obstacles that I hadn't considered; but I'm proud to say that  I've overcome.

I guess it's true, if something was easy, every one would do it. And at least I can say that I rose to the challenge. I honored my commitment and I am a better person (and hopefully, a better writer) because of it. I have learned a lot about myself, and about others. I've gained insight, perspective, and appreciation. I may never be a paid writer, but knowing that there are people who enjoy what I share, is payment enough.
As always, I thank you for the time that you take when joining me on "The Bumpy Ride." And I'm really looking forward to sharing my next 54 days with you.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-308) Yogurtology

I usually consider myself to be someone who's in the know,.  I'm attune to new trends and stores and all things pop culture-ish.  But I swear, I must have been under a rock for a hot minute, because it seems like I just blinked my eyes and all of a sudden there were frozen yogurt shops EVERYWHERE.  I liken it to the coffeehouse boom that Arizona enjoyed, prior to Starbucks arrival.  And I say this because even though people flocked to the independent, coffee houses, and everyone had their own personal favorite;  AND the private coffee houses products were typically better than Starbucks; they still managed to put em all outta b'ness.  But that's not really here or there.

Last Sunday I had taken my kids to a birthday party, and while I was there, my friend Lesa G told me about this new frozen yogurt store that she's in love with.  We were in the process of making plans to get together before she leaves for Michigan for the summer and she suggested that we go to Yogurtology.  I figured that if Lesa thought it was fabulous, I should try it out, and we scheduled a time to go.  THEN, on Friday night when I went to the movies, I noticed that Maggie Moos (which had been across the street from the theater,) had closed down, and in its place, there was now (YUP,) a frozen yogurt shop.  Additionally, Lisa B mentioned that a friend of hers was opening a frozen yogurt shop not far from her house.  On Saturday night when my friend Arlene came over, she too started talking about this new frozen yogurt place that she'd been going to; and I realized very quickly that although frozen yogurt is not a new thing; the self-serve frozen yogurt shop with a toppings bar,  IS the new craze.

Anxious to see what all the fuss was about, I met Lesa at Yogurtology yesterday, and after a couple of samples; I was a convert.  Now ya know I love my Culver's frozen custard (probably a lil too much,) but the frozen yogurt was a totally different story.  It was cold and refreshing and although they offered everything from cream puffs, to Baklava, to giant marshmallows and every kinda chocolate candy, and Ghiradelli sauces,  it was the fresh fruit that I was interested in, and I just can't say that at Culver's.

Yogurtology offers twelve flavors a day.  According to Lesa they have a few standard flavors and then they alternate the others.  They always give you one size cup, and you decide how much you want, and then pay by the ounce.  Per Lesa's recommendation I tasted the Berry Bliss (which is a blackberry berry for anyone who may have been concerned about my strawberry allergy.)  I also tried the Lemon (Meringue, I think it was) and the Golden cupcake batter.  I decided that the three tasted great together, so I added a lil bit of each to my cup.  For a topping I chose fresh blueberries (because I LOVE blueberries and lemon together) and I threw in (OK not threw in, but gently placed) a couple of blackberries to go along with the berry bliss.  In a word, it was heavenly.  Darn that devil, Lesa G for introducing me to Yogurtology.  I actually couldn't get it off my mind today, and longed for the cool, fruity flavors; but alas, it's not that close to my house - which is probably really, a good thing.

I'm now interested in trying the shop that Arlene's been to, but I'm also hesitant to try something else since Yogurtology was SO good.  I popped onto the Yogurtology website to see if they had any info that I might share with you.  Yogurtology uses three words to describe their concept, "Simple, Clean, and Delicious."  They claim to be yogurt for yogurt connoisseurs, and even though I certainly wouldn't qualify as a connoisseur at this point, I certainly did enjoy it; and honestly, I can't wait to have it again.
Till next time...
Queen of Everything

(43-143) Tree Trimming 101

Busy, Busy, Busy!! Yes, I know YOU KNOW.  BUT, I'm proud to say that in order to alleviate me from some of the many things that I still have yet to do; I'm taking a big, (say it with me,) "HUGE," leap of faith; and I'm letting my kids decorate our Christmas tree.   Now this may be no big deal to some of you; but for me, being the OK, I'll say it, control freak, that I tend to be; being as anal as I'm prone to being with things of this nature; allowing the kids to decorate the tree is a tremendous accomplishment for me.

I conducted a brief tree trimming 101 with the kids, while we were on our way back from dinner; and I think that they have a good understanding of what I expect.  Not to sound like the Navidad Nazi; but I do come from a long line (OK, one good solid generation) of tree decorating divas.  When I was growing up, our trees were nothing short of perfection; and despite the fact that we have a MUCH smaller tree than what I had as a kid; I always take great pride in having a splendid, spectacle.

I'm sitting in our family room typing my blog; while the kids are decorating the tree.  They asked if they could watch "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town;" because they are absolutely in love with it now; and they're singing "Put one foot in front of the other;" as they happily (and carefully) adorn our tree.

Kelsie took a break for a moment and asked if she could give me the present that she bought for me at the school, Santa shop; because it's something that we should put on the tree; so I said sure.  I opened her gift and found a BEAUTIFUL glass angel ornament.  Kelsie explained that she chose this ornament because I'm her angel.  Aww, either she's the best brown noser ever; or I'm one LUCKY mama.  (I'll go with I'm one LUCKY mama.)

The finished product :)

From where I'm sitting, the tree is looking lovely.  I have really high hopes that the kids are going to do me proud; as they do with EVERYTHING that they try; and you know what; even if they don't do it exactly like I would have; that's OK, as long as they are happy with it, that's really all that matters.

Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING