NOT DANCING WITH MYSELF TONIGHT 😉

Tonight, was jammin’ time 😊

I dolled myself up … and hit the road 😉

Green outfit, green eye accent, and green mascara …

I was about 15 minutes late in arriving at the session, because I ran into town to grab a flavored coffee. As soon as I walked through the open door, I could hear Corrina, singing with J – I’d met Corrina last weekend, and invited her to join us: I sensed she’d have a great voice … and she does!

I’d left home hoping to see her with us tonight; I’m really glad she showed. I’d take pictures, but everyone has not consented to that, so I’m being respectful and keeping the phone in my purse when there ☹

While I was watching/listening to the band tease Corrina by playing the old rock and roll ‘Corrine, Corrina’ song, CM came over and joined me on the sidelines. When she heard why I was late, she offered to gift me with an espresso maker she doesn’t use (she’s only used it 4 times, so it’s practically new 😉). I am glad for the gifting.

Ray Peterson – ‘Corrine Corrina’ song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouanlAQ-QXg)

Then, a fella showed up that I’d not met yet – I’d heard members of the jam group talk of him, and he sounded intriguing (don’t get excited folks … Judah is about 24 years old – and I’m not interested in romantic intrigues: no matter what age). But it was fun to get to know him. He’s very personable, and keen to aid wherever he can be of service in the group. I could see that he's going to be a good asset if he keeps coming back.

I can’t tell yu’all how much I thoroughly enjoy these Thursday shindigs. I love music. I like live garage style bands. I like watching songs being created on the spot. I like that I am a permanent fixture with the Group. I like hearing, “Here’s comes the wild child now!” when I walk through the door. I like that I can be ME when I am with them 😊

I left around somewhere around 8 PM, because it was quite dark by then, and Ocean Beach Highway tends to fill with lunatic driver’s when the sun sets (I prefer being home before pitch-black-nightfall; that didn’t happen tonight) … and as I was nearing the end of Mill Creek Road, I happened to see a super-sized Cruise Ship, cruising up the Columbia River; so I turned onto Ocean Beach Highway – and quickly pulled over into the Oak Point turnout along, 2 shakes of a lamb’s tail away from where I’d caught sight of the hulking luxury liner.

Laughter and music echoing from the passing luxery liner, reached my ears in the Highlander, on the Oak Point turnout.

'American Harmony' Cruise Ship, heading up the Columbia River to Astoria-OR

I watched the huge ship pass, then I continued homeward – turning off at Germany Creek and driving over Eufaula Heights to Coal Creek, which ties into the small portion of Ocean Beach Highway very near my home. It’s a half hour longer that a straight drive from A to B … but I don’t have to deal with lunatic drivers, so it’s worth the extra distance, to me 😉

Germany Creek Rd. to Eufaula Heights Rd., via Stella Road - 16 mins.

Eufaula Heights Rd. to Coal Creek Rd.; 9 mins.

Coal Creek Road to Heron Pointe; 6 mins.

It was a funtastic night with friends.

It was great meeting Judah (interesting name for an interesting fella 😉).

I can’t wait until next Thursday!

ECCENTRICITY

Tonight, I drove to Kelso to visit with friends … and met a new friend 😊

But before actually getting to Kelso, I stopped at the Indy Diner for Supper. I’ve been very tired lately, so I decided to enrich my blood with a Liver & Onions supper – I like liver, and it’s a good source of iron.

I smiled when I saw my waitress: she had always waited on us, and her makeup was always so thick, it looked like she was wearing a halloween mask (and Bob said she looked like a girl in Bob’s high school class dubbed ‘scare’em’); that sounds cruel, I know, but seriously her makeup was so thick it seemed put on with a plastering spatula. But tonight, the makeup was not so thick … and I sent a mental message to Bob, of that fact, with a silent chuckle 😉

Supper here tonight.

The makeup has been scaled back.

Liver & Onions Meal - YUM!

Tonight, while visiting friends in Kelso, and talking with Sue (a widow, like me), I broke off midsentence and said, “here, I’ll show you his picture – and you will understand why my heart could never belong to anyone else.” And she did: she took a look, and said, “Oh my. He was one good-looking man!” And I smiled. He was. And for our brief 44 years together, he was all mine. Being able to freely talk about him, gives me joy.

I spent a very good and friendly two hours in Kelso before heading home. As I turned down the backroad, intending to take the looping route back home, I saw that the road I wanted had been closed for a portion of it and a detour was in place.

Cowlitz Gardens Road, Kelso-WA

N. Pacific Ave., closed.

Another pitfall along the route ...

When I got home, I received a phone call asking if I wanted to be part of a Fall Bazaar at Rosburg Hall the end of October – I said “Yes!”, and noted the details on the wall calendar. Then I immediately started taking mental inventory of what I had on hand … and what I’d have to quickly make up for new inventory 😉

And, I headed for the kitchen to sort through the various thermoses: coffee thermoses, and soup thermoses. Vendors sit through many hours between foot traffic, at Bazaars; coffee and soup are good satisfiers 😊

Opening the cupboard and sorting through the contents to find what I will be needing, I see that I haven’t completely culled all of my husband’s things; in the bedroom – atop his drawered valet, I’ve left his favorite pencil stubs where he left them the last time that he used them when designing things for me (like the birdhouse and bird feeder that hangs outside the livingroom window; and the garden boxes I replant every Spring); on the top shelf in the bedroom closet – and in the Highlander armrest-cubby, I’ve kept a couple of his favorite hats that weren’t frayed with continual use and laundering; in “his top drawer” of the bedroom dresser, I’ve hoarded scraps of paper with his scratchy handwriting on them (though these are fading to near indiscernible, as he preferred pencil over ballpoint ink); I’ve kept his thermal tops, and I will wear them every Winter until they literally all apart; photos bring me to him: looking at his snapshot face and form, memories vibrate with the sound of his voice, his laughter, the feel of him next to me, his zest for life – the recorded CD testimonial, and phone videos echo with his ability to find wonder and joy in every situation, and to easily laugh even in the midst of pain and hardship: these things relay to me, his enduring strength … on which my strength in the moment, at any given moment, pulls strongly on … and now these forlorn hospital mugs are staring me in the face as I take inventory of forgotten thermoses that will be put to use this Fall/Winter. Why did I hang into those plastic mugs – do I actually intend to use them, at some point? I stare at those things, and wonder at the strange eccentricity of my sentimentality.

Leftovers from a past life ...

BRIGHT & INTENSE

This is my 4^th September, without Bob.

As I dressed to spend the day away from home, my thoughts were redirected to last year’s colorful Fall leaves, and I laughed aloud – because dressed as I was, I represented every colorful leaf in last year’s leaf fall 😉

‘Spectrum’ Post: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/10/spectrum.html)

I broke out my last new mascara color to match my blouse, today.

'Auburn' Eyebrow Gel, & 'Burgundy' mascara.

I spent the day with friends – new friends; friends I made this year. Friends who never knew Bob. Friends that only know Bob by what I share about my life with Bob … and some only know Bob through his recorded testimony, by which they hear in his own words about his life.

As I forge ahead in this journey, I am not walking alone; not only do I have a “great heavenly host surrounding” me … but I have the very real, very present presence of friends spread over two counties, who have opened their lives to meld with mine. No matter where I am, at any given time – I am surrounded by the spirit of these people I share this journey with: whether alone in my home or the highlander; or actually sharing face-to-face time.

I am also constantly and continually, surrounded by the love my husband showered on me – the essence of Bob is in the confidence his love imbued me with; the love I steadily pull on as I am learning to take care of myself in all the areas my husband took care of me for the 44 years we shared together. I don’t mean that Bob treated me like an over-grown-baby, because he didn’t … what I do mean, is that he tempered my life in areas it needed balance: now, I am learning to find that balance, solo lobo. I am leaning into confidence without a verbal backup agreement. I am learning to trust the decisions I make – I can trust those decisions because Bob trusted my decisions while he walked this Earth with me; and he told me he trusted me to get on with living after he was gone. My husband, in his final days on Earth, was positively instilling me with the confidence I would need to move forward after I was pushed into this New Life of mine unwillingly.

I didn’t know then … and I wouldn’t feel the full effects of his wise instillment, until recently … it turns out (and Bob instinctively knew – and impressed on me) that I can survive the worst life has to offer: and I can still find parts of life to love and to be thankful for.

I am learning in the waning of 2022, to value every minute – and every person – I’m afforded.

I have learned these past 48 months (can it really be that short of a period of time, when it seems like forever???) that uncharted beauty of an unfolding new life comes with the tragedy of ending an older part of continuing life. The love and devotion my friends show me … and the strength I’ve found within myself … are painfully beautiful.

Love and loss, pain and beauty. Never one without the other. Always bright and intense.

9-11 ~ NEVER FORGET

Never forget what real racist hatred is capable of.

islam is a cultic religion that continually spews hatred – and acts on it at every opportunity.

America – on September 11^th, 2001, America was strategically, and methodically attacked … and 8 short years later, a rabid muslim named barak hussain obama was ushered into the Oval Office to spew his racial hatred for 8 long, torturous years: and he hasn’t shut up, yet! The demonrats have catapulted that demon in the flesh to god status, and are following his perverted agenda to the letter ☹

HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL (continued) ~ Shabbat

As I posted yesterday, I went to the Highlander Festival after breakfast, (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/09/vallerina-shabbat.html); it was okay … but I won’t be going back.

Even the bagpipes – which I love to hear – couldn’t lure me back 😉

I did have fun walking around looking at the Clan Names represented (I was disappointed not to have found Bob’s lineage represented: Goodrich & Bean), kinda makes me wonder if they’ve all died out, now ☹

Bob's Grandmother, Myrtle Goodrich-Smalley's Family Crest: Myrtle drew this Clan Crest freehand.

Lion = Royal Arms.

'Bean' Family Crest: Myrtle drew this Clan Crest freehand.

{{The first recorded use of the Lion Rampant as an emblem in Scotland was by Alexander II in 1222. The emblem occupied the shield of the royal coat of arms of the ancient Kingdom of Scotland which was used by the King of Scots until 1603. It traditionally symbolizes courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valor, because historically the lion has been regarded as the "king of beasts".

The ancient Pictish-Scottish name Bean comes from the Gaelic word Beathan or betha which means life.

The Bean motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus, the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Touch not the catt bot a targe
Motto Translation: Touch not the cat without a shield.}}

There were a lot of kilts worn by both males and females.

There were many people in period costumes.

There was the Scottish Guard, from Fort Vancouver.

There were vender booths standing on every patch of ground, available.

There was a live band, playing ethnic music.

There were games, contests, and competitions 😉

There were bagpipes 😊

There was a very scary moment … and the primary reason I will not be returning next year.

All this was happening under an amber hued smoke cloud – and I was told this morning, that the wildfires are still rampaging today.

WILDFIRES still aflame: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/kalama-fire-level-3-evacuations-cowlitz-county/283-2b7d01dd-263f-470d-be45-391338beb93e

Wildfire smoke was thick and strong. A yellow haze ruled the Day.

The Queen's 'Courtyard' digs.

Weight Toss Highland Game.

The Weight Toss is a Scottish Highland Game: a contest using 28- to 56-pound weights, thrown in a manner similar to throwing a discus.

And of course, the PNW's favorite 'draw' is Bigfoot ...

I've never seen a Tam in this color combo, before ...

Scottish Beret Tam is a type of hat that is typically worn by Scottish men. They are made from wool; and have a distinctive shape, that sets them apart from other types of hats. Scottish Beret Tams are usually worn with a kilt, and they are viewed as part of traditional Scottish dress.

Watching the little lads and lassies doing their dances was a poignant moment for me; Bob’s grandmother Myrtle taught our daughter (and her two cousins) how to do the Scottish Highland Fling dance – and she sewed each of the girls a little kilted set, even buying them little black ballet slippers to go with the outfits.

The Highland Fling lad & lassies dancers.

In moments like this one, I really miss the little girl my daughter was. But she isn’t little anymore, and the fun-loving girl she used to be has been gone for decades. I have to live in the present, now.

So, I turned my attentions to other activities …

Northwest Scots Guard, in uniform; & Caber Toss Pole.

The Caber Toss is a traditional Scottish athletic event in which competitors toss a large tapered pole called a "caber" (/ˈkeɪbər/); The length can be anything between 16-22 feet, and the weight can vary from 100-180 pounds.

THIS is what I came for - I love the sound of bagpipes ...

Clan & Banner Parade, with Queen of Scots – 'Bloody Mary' Court.

The dresses are pretty - the History, is not.

Getting out of the parking area was not as easy as getting into it – and it was such a tense moment, that it literally scared me out of returning next year.

The dangerous parking situation scared me off a repeat visit.

I’ve always wanted to check the festival out, and now I have. I am content without a return visit.

When I got home … I was whisked away, to enjoy a special Shabbat evening with friends 😊

'VALLERINA’ ~ Shabbat

Today, was a busy restful day; that sounds contradictory, but it’s true just the same 😊

It started out with breakfast, up Spruce Creek – but first coffee: but on my way there, I pulled over at that busy construction site about one block from my home; and said to the two weekend workers, “I drive past here every day, so today I decided to stop and ask you a question – I gotta ask because it’s driving me crazy not knowing: what is going in, here?” The head guy started laughing, and said, “Well, we don’t want you to go crazy (hahaha): a Mobile Home Park is going to be put here.” I asked, “Like Heron Pointe?” And he said, “Yep.”

We’ll see … contractors are like politicians – they only tell half the truth of a situation.

This gauzy blouse may not remain in my closet cache; I like it, but it looks out of place on my frame ...

All of me was 'Violet' colored today: makeup & clothing. The violet mascara actually {showed} :-)

Pulling over; and asking questions about this construction site.

First Pumpkin-Spice Latte of the Season ...

Breakfast, up Spruce Creek; I brought half home, and had it for Supper.

'Vallerina': guys – LOL!

Heading back home after breakfast, I stopped at Stella to watch the fishing boats in the river: as I got back in the Highlander, the Highland Festival was mentioned on the radio; so, I drove right past Heron Point, and didn’t park until I crossed the invisible border and parked at Tam O’Shanter Park 😉

Fishing boats up and down the Columbia River; Stella-WA

Zoomed in fishing boats off Willow Grove.

I only stayed an hour at the festival because wildfire smoke was so thick in the air that everything experienced out of doors was done under a heavy cloud of smoke that made it seem like you were looking at life through the lens of a pair of amber lensed sunglasses.

I had just walked through my front door at home, when the phone notified me that I had a missed call: so, I returned the call 😉

And was immediately glad I did!

I was being invited to a Messianic person’s house – oh boy!

The four of us enjoyed lively conversations, and a budding friendship (I was invited to a return visit 😊). I also found out at that cozy gathering, that the wildfire smoke was blowing into Kelso and Longview from Kalama.

Kelso from Kalama; 12 minutes.

Today was a great ending to the Shabbat; and a wonderful way to welcome the new week.

*Continued tomorrow.