DECISIONS

There was a lot going on today – and most of it was accomplished 😉

While the coffee was perking, and I was starting to dip into my face prep arsenal … I got a text from the dentist rescheduling my cleaning appointment. I okayed it, and continued putting my face in place 😉

The 'arsenal'. Hahaha

‘Gentle’ for browline, ‘Mic Drop’ lid color, ‘Groovy’ for upper eye liner and accent color, & ‘Turquoise’ for lower eye liner.

'Millennial Pink' Lash Primer (pumps up the lashes 😊), 'Auburn' Brow Gel, 'Glam Brown' Mascara, and 'Coral Ember' Creme Blush; 'Nude Intense' Lipstick & 'Coral Crave' Lipgloss.

'Hail Cherry' & 'Crystal Clear' nail polish ...

While I was reaching for my purse, I got a text telling me there was snow falling in the hills – and school bus drivers had been sent home: no school. So, I called a few people who live in the area I needed to be in this morning, and asked how the snow situation was there. I was told “snow is falling, but it’s not sticking.” So, I risked it, and kept the Tuesday Meet appointment.

Bring it on, world. LOL

Snow sticking in the hills ...

And I’m glad I did: the meeting was great 😊

The discussion was good; fast-paced, and productive. Everyone was in a good frame of mind, and I was able to teach and interact without disruption.

Questions considered during the Morning Meet: Do your present circumstances prevent you from being happy? Are you one of those who say, “I will be happy when … I find a partner, get married, get divorced, find a better job, make more money, have kids, my kids get older, I have more time, lose weight” … etc.?

Take a minute. Breathe. Relax. Consider that there are plenty of people in similar circumstances or even much worse off, yet they are happy. We all know people like that – people who, despite their current circumstances and situations, are happy and unflappable. Sometimes we are left scratching our heads and wondering why they are so self-composed when everything around them is total chaos.

They are unflappable because they have found the key to personal happiness, no matter what.

Happiness is an attitude, not something that is dictated by your circumstances. It is a choice you make in each and every moment about how to live your life. Leading a confident, loving, and happy life improves your relationships, career, self-image … and overall outlook on life.

So, the take-away today, is to realize that all of those factors that are holding you back from realizing your {happy place}, are just excuses to waylay you from attaining your pursuit of personal happiness. But the good news, is that those excuses can be turned into a rewarding and profitable self-examination to probe deep, and find out what is really going on in your life right now.

In reality, you are no different than anybody who is happy: no more and no less … you simply have not yet begun to take measures to change your attitude – and happy people have.

But it is never too late.

You are always one choice away from bringing about change 😊

Remember the people I posted about yesterday that had me laughing so hard – during yesterday’s Meeting? Well, they showed me a snippet video of the televised deer incident … and I was laughing all over again. Now, if I ever see this couple’s faces while in Toledo, I hope I do not burst out howling with laughter.

Lynn Chestnut/Deer Attack: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khKrd1RNy2U)

In small towns, people run into each other. And since I’ve seen their faces, I’ll recognize them when I see them – and remember the craziness of the decisions which led to the relayed stories told to me (and “proof” shown me, today) 😉

The local roadways stayed clear from ice and snow all day long (thank You, Yeshua!), and I was able to get e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. done (renew my Driver’s License, and schedule a car maintenance appointment) before the end of December!

I’m glad I decided to stop by both places on my way home 😊

Another 1st without Bob; Driver's License renewal - and I removed the Passport Feature.

I was also able to get the Highlander in to be serviced, Thursday morning. Praise God!

Now, if the snow seriously starts to fly and stick, I don’t have to leave the house unless absolutely necessary 😉

I finished Clive’s book last night around midnight; so tonight, I’m going to explore another book, that promises interesting reading …

New Read.

PAINFUL LAUGHTER

It was cold this morning; hot coffee was more than welcome this morning.

I still had yesterday’s fingernail polish on … and it looked nick-free, so I left it on this morning; and chose clothing, and makeup, that would work with it 😉

Totally Green Eye Palate, today - with 'Deep Green' Mascara; 'Coral Ember' Creme Blush, & 'Coral Crave' Lipgloss.

Lt. Green for browline, Green for lid and lower lash line; Dk. Green for upper lash line. 'Auburn' Brow Gel & 'Millennial Pink' Lash Primer - this is good stuff ;-)

I don’t think this blouse will go back into my closet; I like it, and it’s comfortable – but it’s too short. The shoes gotta go, too; they pinch the toes ☹

Ready to slay the Day.

My phone told me that snow was forecasted for Tuesday, or Thursday; and it felt like it was in the air, as I slid into of the driver’s seat this morning.

BRRR!

I listened to Christmas music all the way to my Monday Meeting … and really liked the Trans-Siberian Orchestra medley of Christmas tunes 😊

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – ‘Christmas Eve’: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHioIlbnS_A)

Parking the Highlander and stepping out to gather my meeting stuff … I felt ice in the drizzle; I was pretty certain it was snowing at the higher elevation of my immediate location.

I was glad the coffee pot had been switched on, inside the building 😉

I drank my coffee, and watched the dancing leaves in the Fallscape outside the windows, while waiting for everyone else to arrive.

Mr. Complication was there, too; and there was no complicated fallout from last night’s let down text. I’m glad our friendship remains intact.

Today’s discussion topic was joyful living – and how laughter can change the way one experiences life around them … and that led to two family members sharing two stories about country life, and a family friend they grew up around.

I was proud of the way everyone is embracing joy, and adding more laughter into their life experiences: it does make a big difference in perceived {view} in relation to immediate life unfolding. Hard times will still come down the pike and wind up at your front gate – but, those hard times don’t have to dump stress in your life if you can determine to allow laughter to soften the sharp edges 😉

After the meeting, while we were sitting around chit-chatting (relationship building), someone brought up seeing deer and elk … and that started the ball rolling with those afore mentioned people. Both stories involve the same crazy fella – and these two’s eyewitness accounts. #1 Story was about how this guy wanted to make sure he bagged a deer during hunting season; so, he dosed himself heavily with doe urine, and waited. In no time, he was scented by a big buck who physically attacked him and I’ll just let your imagination go where it will go with that (I was laughing so hard, my sides literally ached); those two said the guy was pretty roughed up: I marveled that he wasn’t mauled to death, and that he actually escaped and lived to talk about it. And he never did bag a deer that year. He never used doe urine again, either. #2 Story was about how this same guy rescued a male elk fawn, took it home, and raised it in a fenced pen to full size. When it was full size (they are roughly the same size as a horse – I’ve seen one up close and personal: they are H.U.G.E.), the guy decided he would ride it like a horse: he told his wife to film the event from the upstairs window of their home. So, he slaps a saddle on its back and climbs the fence to get on it – grabbing it by the horns as he settles into the saddle. The elk is not hep on this happening … it snorts, bucks, and in desperation – turns its head and spears the guy’s thigh with its horn prong. His wife screams – and he shouts: “Don’t stop filming! Don’t stop filming!” Eventually he’s off the elk, and his leg is tended to; and again, he lived to talk about it.

That’s country life. That’s why this country girl likes country life. County folk, who live off the beaten track, have to make their own entertainment … and some country folk are just crazy enough to take the “fun” to the {n^th limit} 😊

I couldn’t stop laughing as they were telling the stories. It is redneck comedy at its best – Jeff Foxworthy has nothing that can even come close.

Those two telling the stories say they have pictures and film of the elk riding event: I can’t wait to see it!

Painful laughter is great medicine for the soul.

Passing over Fall Creek Road, on my way home, it started snowing! A few days early, and more icy slush that actual snowflakes … but it was definitely snowing.

SNOW on Fall Creek Road!

I’m going to spend the evening with a lapghan spread across my lap to keep my toes warm – read some more chapters in Clive’s The Mayan Secrets – and hope tomorrow goes as good as today 😊

I am still laughing, just thinking on those hilarious deer and elk stories!

IT AIN’T ME ~Keep Searching

So ... Mr. Complication is on ice. Permanently.

This afternoon was the “let’s see where this thing goes” moment; we were going for a drive after Sunday Morning Service … so, I wore jeans and boots since it was raining; and I was reasonably sure we’d be in the country somewhere.

'Celery Ice' Green for eyebrow, Med. Gray for eyelid, Green for lower lash liner; Pink lash primer, Green Mascara, rose-tinted Creme Blush, Tinted Lip Balm & ‘Pink Quartz’ Lipgloss.

'Quest' for upper lash liner & eyelid accent color.

'Looking at the pale 'Millennial Pink' Lash Primer, I thought I looked like my favorite albino, Johnny Winter. LOL.

Johnny Winter –‘Please Come Home For Christmas’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Mv2-Iin5M)

Face in place ... 'Auburn' Brow Gel, Green Mascara, Rose-tinted Creme Blush, & Tinted Lip Balm.

And ... I wore the sinful color to Fellowship!

I had an enjoyable afternoon, but I knew an hour into the "getting to know you" phase of this afternoon, that whatever he thought was going to happen – wouldn't. He's a fun guy, and he does flatter me; but there was no spark happening on my end. ZIP. Nada.

The long and short of it is that I am not getting the same {message} he's {getting}.

Bob Dylan –‘It Ain’t Me Babe’ song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoagldK69U0)

So, I let him down as gently as I could ... and let him keep a sliver of his pride by shouldering the brunt of the let-down, WHILE nipping the guilt-tripping in the bud.

I admit I threw the Widow Card into the mix; I guess I did a little {guilting} myself ... but, I didn't want to hurt him, and I don't think Bob would mind 😉

I hope he meant what he said, because we will be in the same place, at the same time, tomorrow morning. He really is a nice guy. He's just not for me - or visa versa.

HE PERSUED ME, not the other way around – I've seen enough unhappy coupling to avoid getting trapped in one "just because". And I'm not one of those foggy widows who need a man in their life, to feel complete. I'm perfectly happy walking through this Life Solo Lobo, rather than getting snagged in a lopsided walk.

I do thank him for helping me to enjoy the Christmas Spirit this year, but that is not enough to build a lifetime relationship on - and that's what he wants. NO: Big N. Big O.

Friendship: that's all that interests me. Friendship is good. Friendship leaves me room to breathe. Friendship allows me to be me - without complications.

Dammit! Adulting is fricking HARD ☹

Now, I’m going to enjoy a tropical escape … and lose myself in Mayan intrigue in Guatemala 😉

My current favorite fella, and the novel is fast-paced intrigue.

Perfect companion for a race through a tropical jungle. LOL

FEELING A CHRISTMASSY MOOD 😊

Pentatonix – ‘We Need A Little Christmas’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuoueh0pwe8)

I woke up this morning thinking I needed to get some gray eyeshadow – I had worn three gray tops this past week with a plum-shade eyeshadow: that’s okay … but I wanted some gray. So, I decided to drive to Scappoose to buy some 😊

I buy 95% of my makeup in Scappoose (and 5% in Centralia) because I can’t find what I want locally. Scappoose and Centralia are closest to larger cities, so they stock more ritzy stuff – and as you have noticed, seeing the selfies I post here – I LIKE GLITZY COLOR: clothes, makeup, shoes, ect. (if I could find glitter hairspray, I’d use it!) I like color in my world.

Until the Fall of last year, I hadn’t worn makeup for at least 40 years; there were reasons for that, but those reasons no longer apply: so, I’m diving into the color pool with gusto, now. Makeup-wise. Clothes-wise. Shoes-wise. Granny’s stepping up her game, in her old age 😉

I put a pot of coffee on to perk – I like perked coffee (thank you Grandma Smalley for the perker pot!) while I washed and dried my hair.

Then I pulled some jeans on, and a thermal top – nothing fancy today. The weekend is when I relax everything … my mind, my body, my hair, my spirit. E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. I relax everything back to the bare basics on every level. My mind gets a rest from the world’s chaotic craziness. My body gets a rest from the weekday exercises. My hair gets a rest from the blow dryer, curling iron, and hairspray. My face gets a rest from the makeup routine. And my spirit gets refreshed. Getting back to basics is a 24-hour necessity.

On my way out the door, I got a text from Mr. Complication. He cares about me: I texted back I’d drive safe … and off I went.

Smiling. Mr. Complication is becoming a real complication. In a good way … I think (he’s upsetting what I thought was a ‘set’ situation in the saga of My Life to date). I like knowing that someone cares if I live or die. I like knowing that I am lovable {just the way I am}. I like knowing that someone actually spends time thinking about me (and lets me know it). Mr. Complication gets me out of my head; and puts my heart in a good place: he puts a smile on my face, and a lightness in my heart. I like that.

I listened to Christmas songs on the radio, as I drove to Scappoose, and back home again. And I didn’t shed one tear – or quickly change the station; my heart isn’t sad this season.

I bought my wanted gray eyeshadow; and then some! I gave into my Flamingo side, and bought every shade I didn’t yet have in my color cache.

I bought another Christmas Cactus.

I bought festive car fresheners.

I added a blue-hued New Year’s beverage indulgence to my cart …

I grabbed a festive jarred pillar candle – I haven’t had to use my inhaler for six month’s (since Mother’s Day), so I’m reasonably certain I can light this candle and enjoy the scent, without fear of dying when I do so.

I also grabbed a box of small candy canes on my way to the cashier, to make festive ice cubes with.

I was getting into the Christmassy vibe, big time 😊

I couldn't resist it - fire engine red petals, with fuchsia throat. Very festive looking.

This air freshener smells WONDERFUL!

New Life Change unfolding ... am I ready?

Granny's 'Flamingo' indulgence 😉

Pink lash primer - this should be interesting.

I am a 'sensitive' ... the first time using it, will be telling.

Extra Car Fresheners.

Segrem's is vodka - but I bought it anyway; I never could drink vodka without falling alseep, practically immediately (Bob didn't believe that until he witnessed it). But, I do like a blue colored colada ;-)

Candy Cane Ice Cubes; pulverized canes, 1.8 tsp to a 'cube'; the powdered candy cane bits take on a life of their own, when water fills the trays.

Another indulgence - SMELLS GREAT! Very piney ... and I'm trusting my asthma healing 😊

It’s been a while since I’ve felt even a teeny-weeny tinge of a Christmassy mood.

3¾ years; to be exact.

But Mr. Complication has changed all that 😉