YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS, LORD

'The Promise’ Song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyX-uriW3qk)

When you get to a point in your life; where you know you want to move forward, but you don’t which road to take … and you’re afraid you’ll take the wrong road … those are the scariest moments.

I’m at that point.

And it seems that Elohim will be expecting more of me in the coming New Year, than He did the past three years.

My thought this morning was, “You can’t be serious, Lord!’.

I’m not fool: I know that when Elohim is insistent that I do something (and it appears that He has been, lately – and probably through the New Year), I also know that there are areas in my life, that He’s going to be shining a light on with the message that it’s time to get my house in order.

I really did not want to do this, this morning. Last time I had been at this particular fellowship, it did not end well – the previous pastor’s son had slid into his father’s place as pastor, and he was throwing his weight around: his ego was out of control, and easily bruised. Basically, he was becoming a full-fledged tyrant: and yu’all know how I feel about, and deal with tyrants. Bob was my main concern in that fracas.

Things, then, did not end well. At all.

But … when Elohim wants something done, it gets done; one way or the other 

As soon as I walked into the foyer, I noticed that things had changed. Significantly.

Attitudes were more subdued. 

Attendance was noticeably smaller. 

A scent of humbleness was in the air.

God's Will be done ...

Jr. was arrogantly argumentative; a bully.

Covid had humbled the family & congregation, despite the masks, shots, and boosters: covid is indiscriminate in how – and who – it strikes.

I was welcomed. Sincerely, and warmly by those who remembered me.

I was sorry to hear about the deaths; and the struggle for life the other family members went through – I would never wish suffering or death on anyone; no matter how rotten they treated me, or mine.

I know the pastor and his entire family had masked up - and got the jab followed up by boosters. I know this, because I know them: they would have taken every safeguard. But, covid will not be denied it's pound of flesh. Covid was designed to be a destroyer.

And everyone there, who knew Bob and I was a couple, were sad to hear of Bob’s absence in my life.

By the time fellowship wrapped up, healing for all parties concerned, had taken place.

I really was glad I went.

I was thankful Elohei went before me and prepared the way.

I am grateful for Elohim’s mercy, and Yeshua’s grace.

So, there was a healing that took place this morning on several levels, in several lives – and that’s usually how healing happens: it comes in the doing of what you’d rather avoid. But, growth does not happen by avoiding certain circumstances or painful experiences.

Burying the hatchet must be Elohim's Pan for 2022.

'Joy In The Journey’ Song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfW61yKyirY)

Either Elohim’s going to be blessing me big time … or He’s getting ready to punch my ‘Come Home!’ Ticket. Either way, I need to be ready to face Him with full confidence to receive the crown he had laid away for me.

And I think I am ready – but apparently, there are things, that He thinks need to be settled. So, he’s doing it. His way Seriously 😉

HELL EMBRACED BY LEAVENWORTH-WA

Leavenworth embracing Krampus; a mythic Hellish German demon that terrifies, abuses, and eats children.

Well ... that's it.

Leavenworth is officially scratched off my "To Do" List. 

F.O.R.E.V.E.R.

I will always cherish the belated Honeymoon Vaca my loving husband whisked me away to September 9^th, 2014 – and I was hoping to do a Solo Lobo trip sometime in 2022; but I'm washing my hands of that beautiful little place. I won't be going back.

If they want to embrace this Hellish nonsense ... I can find somewhere else to spend my time. And my $$$$.

Leavenworth is a beautiful town tucked into our beautiful Cascade Mountain Range; and the town used to celebrate the beauty of Christmas in the Winter time. That some asinine city official decided to give way to prancing and dancing demons shows where the heart of Leavenworth lies.

America’s War on Children is running full throttle under the demonic leadership operating out of DC.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/the-war-on-christmas-rebranding-even-krampus-stirs-up-leavenworth/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=owned_echobox_f&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR22fVZWstW4abrKeIjc9LryvL_DtcqT_qr8AJY1nY4aFSHgdrODte-DoYM#Echobox=1639840064

FLYING SNAKES

‘Silver Bells’

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0HB0dhSyHA)

Before I left the house for my lunch date in town, I texted my granddaughter and her husband a Happy Anniversary message: their second.

Downtown parking was hard to find, but we both managed to find a spare space and zipped into it after several passes around the block 😉

‘Remember/Christmas’ song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TisqJTlSQgs)

We enjoyed a nice, relaxed 2-hour lunch, in which several topics were touched on … but mostly we talked about our lives in the moment. My friend wants to retire – but it doesn’t look like that will happen any time soon. Children were discussed, and Grandchildren were bragged about, and ooohed and awwwed over; and when I was asked if Alyna stays in touch with me (my friend remembers Alyna from 4 years to graduation time: my friend only knows about my grandson in conversation) … I said, “not much: we text on occasion, but that’s about it. And I don’t know anything about Azariah, at all – nothing is shared when I ask. I miss them – but, they have to miss me too. And want to spend time with me: right now, that is not happening. Bob's death changed everything.”

This is confusing to my friend because my friend knew how close Alyna and I were: and knows how excited I was about Azariah coming into our lives so unexpectantly. My friend knows, that next to Bob, my grandkids are the stars in my life.

It is confusing to me also; but this is how my life has turned out. I don’t like that – but, I’ve made peace with what is.

So, our thoughts and convo gravitated towards more in the moment topics: my summer daytrip adventures, my planned 2022 road trips out-of-State, covid madness, and the recent tornado that struck the USA. These are ‘safe topics’ that don’t squelch the Holiday Spirit.

As soon as Chinook Pass opens up for safe travel … I’ll be locking the house and heading into the great wide open 😉

My friend said, “that will probably be around the time rattlesnakes are out of hibernation and active – and some don’t have rattles.” I figured the time right, but ...

Rattlesnakes without a tail rattle? That, was news to me!

I knew that rattlesnakes go underground, and slip into a hibernating type of Winter mode: and I know that they slither back above ground in the Spring when the weather warms up … and are a serious concern in the Summer months; and I always assumed their tails were rattle activated.

I’m still interested in gravitating towards ‘The Center Of The Universe’; it intrigues me. I hope I do not bring a hitch-hiking creepy crawler back home with me.

It will be a long trip, but worthwhile.

The obamanites are already screaming 'climate change!' when speaking about the recent Kansas tornado cluster.

Flying snakes entered the convo ... there are a LOT of venomous snakes in the Midwest region: it’s a concerning thought!

Rattle-less Rattlesnakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/science-and-education/are-rattlesnakes-evolving-to-rattle-less-or-losing-their-rattles/

Rattlesnake facts: https://www.livescience.com/43683-rattlesnake.html

There is actually a snake that does fly … but it lives in Asia.

Snakes in Your Car: https://altdriver.com/country/snake-got-in-car/

Flying snakes (especially venomous snakes) was not anything I had even considered when thinking about hurricanes and tornadoes. But obviously my friend thinks about it: I’d rather those things had not been said!

I hope I do not have nightmares tonight ☹

Obviously, we were overthinking.

When my friend went back to the job site, I left downtown behind and drove home via Olympia Way – and smiled when I caught sight of Nutty Narrows Bridge: Bob always glanced at the little squirrel bridge suspended between trees flanking the street - he was the first to point it out to me, shortly after we were married in 1974; and it has become habit to me too, to glance at it in passing, over the years.

The Nutty Narrows Bridge has the titles of “World’s Narrowest Bridge”, and “World’s Narrowest Animal Crossing”: it is decorated for seasonal holidays 😉

I also noticed a chain link fence surrounding the Campus Towers Sign; with torn up ground … and no tall building. That made me sad because Bob’s grandmother has lived there after she became a widow in the 1981. I could not find any information about demolition concerning the building – but the fence is present, the ground looks like a construction site, and that tall building was not seen.

Christmas Tree & Electricized Snowflakes on Nutty Narrows Bridge; Olympia Way & 18th Avenue junction.

Nutty Narrows Bridge – the Campus Towers Building, also in the pic, may have been demolished.

The iconic 'Nutty' the Squirrel – Longview's lovable Mascot, wearing a santa hat.

I came home and got comfy: pj’s on … and Christmas lights lit 😊

And received an incoming text: lunch with my friend is now a scheduled ‘thing’ 😉

‘Wish You The Merriest’

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BthDnxNd7Zk)

JOY

Joy resonates in my life – it always has since I was saved in 1965: joy is Elohei’s grace in my life.

No matter what life throws at me, I always have a laugh in me that buoys my spirit with feelings of pleasure and happiness; no matter what. Joy has been my saving grace – that emotion that makes life worth living in the moment because it recaps our internal center; feelings of comfort, gratitude, and worth.

Joy is what has carried me through all the seasons of my life. I was thinking about that this morning on my drive over Delameter to Castle Rock for exercise class. As I drove, three songs came over the airwaves that added holiday ambiance … and a text message, too, that led to making a lunch date tomorrow with a friend 😉

Tom Petty: ‘It’s Christmas Again’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESv6nBWCSu4)

Bing Crosby & David Bowie Christmas Song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9kfdEyV3RQ)

James Taylor: ‘Deck The Halls’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D23FudHtecQ)

A joy filled text – tomorrow with be a joyous get together.

Leaving Castle Rock an hour later, I decided to drive over Hazel Dell Road to Keenager’s – I’m glad I did both 😊

Driving over Hazel Dell Road, I laughed when I saw that Charlie Brown and Snoopy has been exchanged for a fat and fluffy snowman in the hallmark farm truck that has been parked in the upper end of a farm field near the roadway. Someone else has been bitten by the Joy Bug 😉

I was still smiling with Holiday Spirit when I came upon road work a bit further on down the road.

Hazel Dell Road joy-filled humor.

Hazel Dell road work.

I burst out laughing when I got to Keeneger’s, and saw the table piece Judy had set in the center of {my} table (I have sat at this table for as long as I have come here – everyone dubbed it “Val’s Table”; 😊) … the table piece is appropriate. I don’t dress like a Plain Jane anymore. I laughed because I do have a red leather purse. I do have black ankle boots, a pair of fur trimmed boots (though not zebra print), cheetah print ankle boots, and snake skin flat shoes; I have a black {fur} sweater, a black fur hat, a red bead necklace, and I have been known to wear funky eyewear: and I am wearing makeup more frequently.

Judy was pleased with herself to have “represented” me so well 😉

Appropriate ... I'm becoming a clothes horse; LOL. Diane in background.

All the tables (about 12 of them) had a different table piece, and she told me she got them at a thrift store in Vancouver. I now have that address in my address book, and will be checking it out next time I get that way. I love dinking around in thrift stores, and now I have all the time in the world to do that.

Our guest speaker this afternoon was Andrew; I was glad to hear him, again. His message was timely, to the point, and it spoke to my spirit on several levels.

Andrew didn’t speak specifically on joy – but Joy was the underlying emotion.

I was glad I decided to go today.

I always like Andrew's message.

On my way back home via Coal Creek Road, I joyously shouted ‘Hallelujah!’ when I drove past the turnout where abandoned vehicles and campers have been torched by pyromaniacs. It has now been cleaned up and blocked off.

Bitching and forcing the city officials to do something about the crime wave out this end of Longview had finally paid off.

I’ve been pretty vocal over the months with city official shaming … I am not the only voice that has been heard, but I do feel a strong sense of validation concerning this recent activity; this is a bit too close to where I live. That the blatant criminal/arsonist activity has been allowed to happen for months without city intervention, is beyond ridiculous.

I don’t like to be a bitch – but if that is what it takes to light a fire under city officials' lazy butts, I can stand on the pitcher’s mound and wind up 😉

Thank the Lord! Bitching has finally got the City minions to shut this crime-ridden area down.

Thank You Yeshua! The arsons were too close to home.

Yesterday was rough.

Today was a joyous recoup.

And tonight was relaxing 😊

Cheese Spread & Ritz; the work on the MOD Sock Monkey Lapghan.

CHEESE SPREAD RECIPE: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/12/cheese-spread-recipe.html

INSLEEZE SAYS UNVACCINATED ARE DOMESTIC TERRORISTS

Governor Jay Inslee says unvaccinated Washingtonians are domestic terrorists. It’s a ridiculous insult that shows just how simple-minded our governor is when facing anyone who doesn’t bend to his will.

It’s the latest divisive comment from the power-hungry governor who hates being disobeyed.

https://mynorthwest.com/3269333/rantz-gov-inslee-stoops-to-new-low-says-covid-unvaccinated-are-domestic-terrorists/

WIDOWHOOD RECAP

Original Post: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2018_12_15_archive.html

Bob has been residing at his new address for past 3 years.

I don’t begrudge him that … and I’d be there with him, if it was my time: I’m ready, with ticket in hand, and as soon as Yeshua gives the Call – I’m outta here.

In the meantime, I wait.

A lot has happened in that span of time.

I’ve learned that it is possible to survive heartbreak.

It is possible to live with the constant burn of heartache.

It is possible to feel acute loss, grief, joy, and happiness … all at the same time. I no longer feel like a weirdo when all those emotions play with my emotions – I don’t care if people “don’t get it”: I get it. And that’s all that matters to me anymore. I don’t try to explain myself. I don’t apologize. I don’t go the extra mile to make other people feel comfortable. I have a right to feel – and to process – those emotions. I have the right to process them without pharmaceutical, or third-party-intervention.

I’m doing better this time this year than I was, this time last year; and this time next year, I’ll be doing a lot better that I am this year.

I am healing, and healing of this nature takes time. I was married to Bob for 44 years; I figure by 2040 (according to data on recovery from a severe life-altering trauma), I should be certified A-Oaky by anyone’s standards.

Bob and I had always been a Team: 2 together, against the World. We started out life together like that … and we ended our life together, like that. We prayed together to get through those 106 days. I prayed for Bob; Bob asked the chaplains that came by to see him, to pray for me – we were a Team. Together, and separately. I saw what that insidious illness was doing to Bob’s body (his body was failing, but his spirit was unbreakable). Bob saw what his imminent leaving was doing to me (I was rejoicing with him; but my heart was breaking).

As a Team, We both wanted his spirit to be free.

As a Team, We both wanted him to stay with me.

Elohei had the final word – Bob went Home beyond the clouds.

When the “We” became ‘Me’, it was a hard adjustment. On my end.

It's still a hard adjustment. I’m glad Bob’s address is where we both long to be … but man! I miss my man.

I don’t feel numb anymore; I’ve made friends with the feeling of missingness.

I don’t feel hot anger towards candy scott or ron cook anymore; neither of them has a conscious, so anger is wasted on them. They both believe in karma … so, I can stand aside and let karma deal with them.

The sadness lifted when Bob’s address changed in a heartbeat; Bob is enjoying a new body – one that will never again fail him. No more pain.

Jealousy was short-lived, and I rejoice, even if tears do occasionally run down my face; because I know Bob is more alive today, than he ever was when I knew him here, on Earth. And when I eventually join Bob beyond the clouds, we’ll be a Team again. A different kind of ‘team’, but together again, just the same 😉

Moving through my new life Solo Lobo doesn’t seem frightening anymore; I love and am loved in a different way now – Elohim has blessed me with good friends who don’t let me be alone, very much. I am thankful they are part of my new life’s journey.

I regained the boldness I had before I merged my life with Bob’s life. I need that boldness to carry me forward. I need that boldness to continue living in the house my husband provided for me (and Elohim apparently insists I keep, according to the promise I made to Bob). I need that boldness to face my husband’s killers when they cannot be avoided. I need that boldness to continue living a life that no longer has a place for me in it (mother/grandmother). I need that boldness to sink roots in a city I do not want to live in, and find a way to make it my Home.

I do not mourn. Bob’s presence, like Elohei’s presence, surrounds me – I’ve learned to live with the knowledge of him even if I cannot see him: I feel him. I know he, like Yeshua, walks with me. Yes, I feel a missingness of his actual physical presence, but I do not mourn as the world mourns … as those with no hope.

I am still getting used to a life of widowhood. It is strange, and most of the time (praise The Lord) I feel kinda aloof from it: I am still me, and becoming more and more Me as time moves forward.

Though I did go through a period of reliving memories in the early stages of widowhood (which I think was normal; and a healthy way of healing), I refuse to cloak myself in despair or become a maven mourner. Bob would not want me to do that, and our Faith forbids it.

I refuse to get lost in the depths of depression and break like a fragile object, when I would much rather put all my energies into rejoicing that my husband now has a much better life in a much better place.

I am happy for him, and that makes me happy ;-)

MOD CHRISTMAS CHEVRONS LAPGHAN PATTERN

MOD Christmas Chevrons Lapghan & Freeform Holiday Pillows crocheted in the round around pillow forms (no pattern for pillows).

Today I finished the Christmas Lapghan, that I started working on December 1st. This is my own design – if there is another, I am unaware of it; I designed this one while watching Hallmark movies to “feel a groove mood” for Christmas. Widowhood sucks ☹

The finished Lapghan measures 42-inches wide, and 48-inches long. This is not a full sized afghan ... just a shortie, meant to be laid over your lap and knees for warmth.

Here is the pattern for the lapghan: you can use any color combo you wish – I used White, Paddy Green, & Burgundy. This pattern uses simple sc throughout, and makes up real nice; and quick ;-) If you find it difficult to keep the increases and decreases straight in line, use a different colored length of yarn as a marker and carry it up the pattern, moving it up as you work it up: you will need 13 ‘markers’.

Chevrons marked by yarn markers at 3-sc increases pattern intervals.

RIPPLE LAPGHAN PATTERN

Materials: Worsted weight yarn in colors of choice – 11 ounces White, and about equal amount of Paddy Green & Burgundy; Size G hook; tapestry needle; scissors.

PATTERN: With White, ch 238.

Row 1: 1 sc in 2^nd ch from hook, 1 sc in each of next 6 ch, *3 sc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 7 ch, skip 2 ch, 1 sc I each of next 7 sc; repeat from * and end last repeat with 1 sc in each of 6 ch, skip 1 ch, 1 sc in last ch.

Row 2: Turn – skip first st, *1 sc in back loop of each of 7 sts, 3 sc in back loop of next st, 1 sc in back loop of each next 7 sts, skip 2 sts; repeat from * and end last repeat with 1 sc in back loop of each next 6 sts, skip 1 st, 1 sc in back loop of last st. Drop White & attach Paddy Green; ch 1, turn. DO NOT CUT YARN … you will carry MC yarn up the backside of lapghan as you work it and pick it up to be worked with each alternating MC stripe. Attach new color. When changing colors, always draw the new color through the last loop on hook before turning work.

Carry yarns up the back of work.

Repeat Rows 1 & 2; drop Paddy Green & attach Burgundy; ch 1, turn.

Repeat Rows 1 & 2; drop Burgundy & attach White; ch 1, turn.

Repeat the alternate stripes process of yarn changes (2 R White – 2 Rows Green – 2 Rows Burgundy) until lapghan measures 48-inches in length from start.

Finished MOD Christmas Chevrons Lapghan.

There will be 23 ct. White stripes; and 22 ct. EA of Green and Burgundy … with White being the ending stripe. Cut White, and tie off. Neatly weave in loose ends.