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 😉

SOMETHING TO PONDER

I jetted off 21 “Happy Thanksgiving!”s before my feet hit the floor this morning – and received 14 replying texts (2 granddaughters, included - thank You, Yeshua 😊) …

… 3 phone calls from friends, and 2 “I love you” texts (AM & PM) … which included a ferried Thanksgiving Supper from Mr. Complication 😉

Bonnie Raitt – ‘Thing Called Love’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krF6LpUXODc)

I am being courted.

I’ve never been courted before.

Bob and I just fell into an easy relationship – that involved dating from our first “hello” to “let’s get married” (a four months perios of time); but there was no courting: we got married in a fever. It was like we had always been a couple, and there was no need to get to know each other (that happened after we were married 😉). I know that sounds weird – but it's truth. From the get-go, it was like our hearts spoke to each other: "Oh, there you are!"

But this … what is developing now … is different. It’s unfamiliar territory.

I'm actively being pursued.

It's not uncomfortable; it's just different.

That’s something to ponder.

While I ponder {Val's Courtship}, I’m going to work off the holiday calories of that welcome turkey supper delivered to my front door, by Mr. Complication 😊

Use common sense - and know what your body can do, before exercising.

Philippians ~ Chapter 4/Thursday Bible Study

This is the last Chapter of this Book; next week we will begin the Book of Colossians.

In this last chapter of Philippians, Paul’s central thought is simple: only in Christ are real unity and joy possible. With *Yeshua Ha’Mashiach as our example of humility and service, we can enjoy a oneness of purpose, attitude, goal, and labor – a truth which Paul illustrates from his own life, and one the Philippians desperately need to hear.

Within their own ranks, fellow workers in the Church at Philippi were at serious odds … hindering the work in proclaiming new life in Christ. Because of this, Paul exhorts that Church to “stand fast” – “be of one mind” – rejoice int eh Lord always” – “in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be known, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds”.

The Church = Body of Believers at Philippi was the first Church the Apostle Paul founded in Macedonia.

**********

Philippians ~ Chapter 4/Thursday Bible Study

Ehortation to Unity & Joy

“My brethren, I love you and long for you. You are my joy and my crown. But stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I beg **Euodoia, and I beg ***Syntyche, to be reconciled to each other, with the Lord’s help. I ask you, too, my true companions (friends, buddies, mates, associates), to help these women. They both have worked hard, helping me spread the Gospel, assisted by ****Clement and other fellow-workers whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the *****Lord always! Let me repeat it: Rejoice! (vv. 1 – 4)

The Secret of the Peace of God

Let your forbearance (patience, self-control, tolerance, mercy) be known to all men. The Lord is near (close, at hand, coming)! So do not worry about anything. No matter what the circumstances, pray to #Elohim – entreat (plead, appeal, beg, pray, ask, urge) Him, and give thanks (cheer, appreciation/gratitude, acknowledgment/recognition, credit). Tell Him what you need. And the peace of ##Elohei Ha’Elohim, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ. (vv. 5 – 7)

Holy Thoughts Produce Holy Living

And as for the rest, brethren, you should thing these things … whatsoever is true (correct, right, real, genuine – honest, valid – endorsed = approved, sincere - upright), honorable (moral, noble, good, proper, fair, righteous – blameless), just (correct, impartial – fair = balanced, evenhanded), pure (clean, wholesome, higher), lovable (pleasant – agreeable = nice, friendly - gracious, cordial – good natured, warm, easy going), or of good report (significant, high opinion): in short, if there is anything excellent (first-rate, superb – fine = great, admirable – very good, highly regarded = trustworthy) and worthy of praise (credible, fine, approved), think about that. And do these things that you have learned from me and have accepted, that you have heard me speak about and seen me do. Practice (exercise, drill, habit, custom, routine) them and the God of peace will be with you. (vv. 8 – 9)

Paul’s Gratitude Because of the ###Saint’s Concern for Him

It has made me very happy in the Lord to find that now, at length, your concern for me has blossomed forth again. I mean, of course, that you were interested in me – but you had no occasion () to show it until now. And even now I am not saying that I am in actual need (), for I have learned to be content no matter what my circumstances may be. I know how to live in poverty and I know how to live in prosperity. I have had experience under any and all conditions, of having enough and of going hungry – of living in plenty and of living n poverty. I can do anything through Christ, Who gives me strength.

Still, I think that you did the right thing to share my hardships with me. And you Philippians know that in the beginning of my *#Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, yours was the only church that went into partnership with me in the matter of giving and receiving. Even when I was in Thessalonica you twice sent help to meet my needs. It is really not the gifts that I crave, but I do look for fruit that may be out to your credit (praise, recognition, standing, status).

I now have all that I need, and more than that. I am quite contented, having received from **#Epaphroditus (eph-aph-roh-die-tus) the gifts you sent. They are like sweet-smelling incense, like a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to Elohim.

My God will, in return, supply all your needs out of His glorious riches, through Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. May glory be to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen.

Greet all the saints in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. All the brethren here with me send you their greeting. All the Christians here – especially the Believers of Caesar’s household, wish to be remembered to you.

The grace of our Lord, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, be with you all! Amen!” (vv. 10 – 23)

*Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.

Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.

**Euodoia (yee-oh-dee-ah): a member of the congregation at Philippi, who disagreed with another woman on an unknown subject – to such an extent, that Paul asked them to “agree in the Lord”. Both women had worked closely with Paul, and were perhaps charter members (aka, a founding member) of the congregation at Philippi. Possibly they were deaconesses (a woman chosen to assist in the ministry of The Church/to encourage the pastor/to serve the Lord by performing acts of charity and hospitality, and assistance for those of The Church, particularly women, assisting in the visitation and ministry to the sick and needy/to bring about unity, stability, and purpose to the ministry); and possibly they held some of the worship services in their homes.

***Syntyche (sin-tee-chee): a woman who was prominent in the congregation at Philippi – she was urged by Paul to settle her feud with Euodoia, also in the Philippian Church. She was probably a well-to-do deaconess. Her disagreement with Euodoia had grown to the point where it threatened to split the Philippian Church.

****Clement (Cleh-ment): a co-worker and friend of Paul, Clement was one of the Christians who lived at Philippi. Nothing more is known of this man, but what Paul writes in his letter to Philippi.

*****Lord Jesus Christ (in Greek: Kyrios Iēsous Christos) = the most formal title for Jesus (Yeshua). It occurs often in the New Testament letters.

The word “Lord” has a wide range of uses; it can be a simple respectful “Sir” or a more formal, “Master.” But the New Testament also uses “Lord” of God. The word “Christ” is the anglicized form of the Greek word meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah.” “Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us that Jesus is both the promised Messiah and our God.

#Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾĚlōhīm: [(eloˈ(h)im]) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.

##Elohei Ha’Elohim (Hebrew word: אֱלֹהֵי הָאֱלֹהִים) = God of gods; above all gods.

###Saint = In its most basic sense, a saint is a “holy one,” someone who is set apart for Elohim’s special purposes. As a result, every follower of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach is a Saint. In most of his letters, the Apostle Paul refers to the recipients as saints, including the church at Corinth, where there were significant moral and theological problems! The New Covenant writers draw their use of the word saints (“holy ones”) from the Old Covenant (e.g., Exod 31:13; Lev 11:45, 19:2; Dan 7:18, 27). Particularly important is Exodus 19:5-6, where Elohim refers to Israel as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” 1 Peter 2:9 applies this same language to believers: “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

*#Gospel = teaching or revelation of Christ.

**#Epaphroditus (eph-aph-roh-die-tus): a Christian believer in Philippi – he was sent by his home congregation to carry collected money for Paul during the Apostle’s imprisonment in Rome. He stayed with Paul, helping until he took seriously ill and nearly died; recovering, he asked to return home to Philippi. Paul sent his Philippian epistle back with him, and referred to the faithful messenger in glowing terms as “my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier.”

**Philippians 3: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/11/philippians-chapter-3thursday-bible.html