What did you do today?
I made these weido things.

My version of a crèche?
All that’s missing is LBJ.*

Perhaps my life is quite interesting after all! hee-hee.

*Little Baby Jesus

I was told by one friend, that I have an interesting life. I really don’t. I have a good life and am very lucky to be able to spend the day however I like.

I think the reason she thought I lived an interesting life was because of the Facebook contests I hold. I ask silly questions and hold these contests for no other reason than to have fun. Plus, I enjoy sending out cool prizes to the winners.

I stole the idea from Bo – the Eat More Kale guy. Bo hasn’t held a contests in a while, but he used to; they were fun — and, I copied him.

Contest time is probably more fun for me, than for those who play. I like thinking up questions for people who know me, yet may be surprised to know “that” about me. (That is what makes my life seem interesting.)

More than anything – I like the randomness of contest time. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and I do my best to make them so people have to just plain guess.

I have questions like… What am I cooking? What crafty thing am I up to now, Who snores louder, me, Ken or Boze? I like multiple choice and true or false questions, two truths and a lie style of questions. Basically harmless, yet hopefully fun questions.

The prizes are simple too – everyone gets something different. Most of the prizes depend on my mood. Also, certain prizes are chosen after I pick the winner. They usually depend on whether I need to mail them, or walk it across the street. (Postage matters!)

Some people told me they don’t play, because they aren’t sure of the answers. I also notice that most past winners don’t enter. All I can say to that is — you can’t win if you don’t play. I set up the contests so they truly are a guessing game. It’s rare that any one already knows the answers.

Here is a bloggy bonus contest –
True or False: The next contest I hold, I will “unfriend” anyone who doesn’t play!

Here’s a hint…You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch! Hee-hee.

Language warning…

As anyone who reads this knows, I like Facebook. Still, for me… Facebook has to be fun. It is not the place, for me to get news or even change the world. I also don’t like to debate, voice my outrage or defend my stance on the FB platform.

I don’t sign petitions, click on “What famous Disney Star are you?” and for the most part, I scroll as fast as I can away from the daily politics, especially the ones coming out of the states.

Of course every once in a while, I can’t hold back.

There are times, I’m compelled to say #tRumpyoufucker! I mean it too. What a fucker!

Remember Lenny Bruce? In 1966, he was arrested for saying nine words on stage. They were: ass, balls, cocksucker, cunt, fuck, motherfucker, piss, shit, tits.

George Carlin’ did an entire routine with the last seven of those words. The ones you weren’t to say on TV.

Today, despite the U.S. constitution and the first amendment — the CDC has been told to ban the use of these seven words…vulnerable, fetus, transgender, evidence-based, entitled, diverse and  science-based.

First they came for (fill in the blank)_________. We have to say — not today fuckers!

My friend Lauren, who is a shaker and mover threw down the gauntlet by saying, “This vulnerable fetus could grow up to be a healthy transgender adult if it is allowed the evidence-based prenatal care to which it is entitled. Diverse science-based studies have shown this outcome repeatedly.”

I really do wish I was more articulate — the only words I can think of now are, tRump you, ass, balls, cocksucker, cunt, fuck, motherfucker, piss, shit, tits. Bite me!

It’s the time of year I start thinking about a new motto to carry me through the next year. (I do like little sayings, bumper sticker philosophy, and quotes.)

It’s also around this time of year, I start to wonder what the heck this years motto was, and did it live up to my expectations or did I totally forget it and move on to something else?

I am happy to say, the motto I set for 2017 was “Back to Better.” After some serious head trauma that wreak havoc on my health – I am happy to say that as of this writing… I am back to better. So… Yay!

I have a few ideas in the running for the next year. I’m close to choosing, but still have time, so we’ll see where I’d like to go, what I’d like to see and how I’d like to act in 2018.

I’m not rushing into anything.

I did get some inspiration from a book Scott Kelly wrote. He’s the astronaut who spent a year in space at the ISS. He will now spend, the rest of his life, being a test subject for NASA.

I’m surprised by my curiosity of all things space right now. I blame and/or give credit to Chris Hadfield for this. Actually my interest is not just space, but the astronaut life.

I can tell you without any doubt – I do NOT have the right stuff for that job.

There are times an astronaut needs to wear a diaper when they work. I felt I needed a diaper just reading about some of the adventures astronauts encounter everyday. Whew!

That being said, some of the best advice I’ve ever heard came from Scott Kelly in his book, Endurance. Kelly is a super macho, jet fighter pilot, a fix it kind of, can do, type of guy.

His good advice? He said – “Most problems we face in life do not require rocket science. But, if one does…. Get a rocket scientist to help you figure it out.”

Simply – ask for help when you need it, from someone qualified.

Ken has always said, most things in life do not matter one little bit. The trick is to find out what does matter and pay good attention to it.

Basically – if you need the help of a rocket scientist — find one!
If you need help from a head injury — find Monica Cleland!

Today rambles has turned into a bit of a rant.

Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of qigong teachers being interviewed and PBS is showing “Qigong Flow”. They are offering the Complete Qigong DVD library as a gift when you donate to the public TV station.

Now, my first reaction to this was “main stream qigong” Yay!

However, I am disappointed by all the bliss ninny crap, that is presented along with the information.

The man speaks well about the art of Qigong. I agree with a lot of what he says. Simple movement and breath awareness are good things.

But, what makes me crazy is how the “package” sold.

First off …… the setting of the practice is outside in a “magical” place. There is old growth forest, high mountain water falls, pretty steams of water running, and out of nowhere – flutes and gongs provide spacey music. Then of course there is the hypnotic way the instructor speaks; super slow and sickly sweet, add the uniform of a silky robes and of course… bare feet!

Then the guy says, HE took over 7,000 basic moves and created this simple form for “regular” folks. Lucky for us he has taken “all that knowledge,” and created a DVD that is now perfect for everyone!

Now, I don’t begrudge the guy making a living. I’ve sold the art too. I actually made a good living teaching the practice. Qigong is an extraordinary healing art. I know for a fact that raising your hands can change your life….

BUT… it’s not magic! So, why do we have to make it sound so fucking mystical, ancient, and weird?

It isn’t rocket surgery!

Here’s a fun tension relieving exercise you can try right now in your own home. All you have to do to change negative energy into positive is …. Hit delete after spilling your heart on a page!

P.S. We teach what we need to learn!

They’re going to the polls in Alabama today.

They’re choosing either a racist, child molester, or a democrat.

I can’t believe we need to sit and wonder for the outcome.

But we do.
________________

Black votes matter!

“Some practices are measured not by the miles we put in or the number of reps we complete, but by the mental muscle it takes simply to show up.”

I have no idea who said this. I found it in my notes. It’s a good reminder. Those words help as I’m doing my best to learn something new, and man-oh-man… learning is hard!

I find I must show up each day, and want to or not — I need to put in the time. So, pretty or not, I paint at least one picture every day.

I’ve had two lessons in watercolour painting now, and as in almost everything in life, I’m not a natural. Learning is frustrating to say the least, and I am so not a fan of my results.

Alas, I’m only a month or so into this 10 year practice. And because I’ve given 10 years of practice to several other arts – I know I will get better… if I keep showing up.

Practice doesn’t make perfect — it makes easier.

I was reminded the other day when I showed a friend how to spin wool. I warned her, it would be hard. I have the memory of learning to spin, and cussing my way through broken bulky, uneven, sloppy, and unusable yarn.

Sure enough, she struggled. I did not take it for granted, when I could step in and help.

I learned to spin as part of rehab when I hurt my leg in 1992. My friend Doe got me going. I cussed in frustration for a long time, both because learning to spin is hard AND my leg didn’t work so well.

I’m not an expert spinner these days, not by a long shot, but, after 25 years of practice, I can make some nice yarn. The Louet wheel I’ve used for all those years, has some nice bells and whistles, plus, it was part of a barter deal I made for tai chi lessons. A good score all around.

The other day, I bought a new spinning wheel. Not because I need one, but because I could not pass up a pretty fantastic deal. It’s a double peddle Ashford Joy. In comparison to the Louet – it’s a bit of a sports car. It spins wool like butter and has different bells and whistles than the Louet.

More than the fancy dancy new wheel though, the pay off has been in time. I can spin fairly well today, no matter the wheel. That’s because I continued to practice.

So, I have great hope, that one day, maybe in a mere 10 years… I’ll be able to paint a pretty picture without too much frustration.

“I’m gonna start a business of evangelical religion, mega-vitamins, and bowel function and I’m gonna make a killing.” —Mika S

P.S. Mika also offered to write doctors notes for those interested in attending the “illegal use of magical qi” class.

Salute!

From the comfort of our home, if I stand on the deck and look east, I can see the day break during the winter months. In the evening, I turn towards the west and watch the sun set. If I were to leave the house and walk for 5 minutes, I’d have a “better” view.

When we were looking for a house in Sechelt, a view and a shop, were the only real criteria we gave our realtor. I’m happy to say, he listened and we got both, as well as, a nice house.

I used to wrap up in the mornings, and head out to a practice spot, (that is now a housing development), I would made it a point to put myself in the way of beauty, and witness the sunrise in full glory.

When I was in New Mexico, dealing with dad the last few years of his life, I went out every morning to what I called, “Thechurchoftheholysunrise”. I have a zillion photos. Each one prettier than the last.

Today, I admit to being lazy. I stay in bed in the mornings. I read, peruse Facebook, and write, instead of going outside. I still love watching the day break, but these days, I count on Becky to bundle up and capture the sunrise with her camera for me!

Becky has a talent with her camera. Her photos at Sunshine Coast Trails, bring me delight every day.

Now, while I admit to being a bit lazy in the mornings, I’m learning some things are better left to the experts!

Besides, it’s cold out there!

This morning, I poured another cuppa coffee and whispered a small thanks to Becky for catching what I won’t.