Resolutions-- or NOT!

Funny word.  Sounds like REVOLUTION (and may even cause inner, personal ones sometimes) but is truly an unrelated word, except in its pattern of derivation from verb to noun.  Both words seem to trip over some linguistic root and end up with a random euphemic change: REVOLT/ REVOLVE--REVOLUTION; (so, do revolutionists turn constantly in circles?) RESOLVE--RESOLUTION.  According to ordinary phonics patterns, the word logically should become resolve+tion=resolv(drop the "e")tion/sion-- RESOLVSION, but our tongues have problems doing that, so, hey--let's use that "u" and "v" interchangeable thing, and voila; we have RESOLUTION, much easier to say.  Only now, we've added an extra syllable, and discreetly disguised from whence it derived--so that one needs to have more experience with language than they otherwise should in order to recognize that the words are related.  (So, which language group does the interchangeable "u" and "v" come from?)  If we apply back-formation for the noun RESOLUTION, logical choices for the original verb become RESULT or RESOLUTE--both very useful words, and even thematically applicable: we do, after all, wish for results from our resolutions and often become resolute (for awhile, anyway) in keeping them.  But, resolute is an adjective, not a verb--although it does stem from the same original Latin root, and result, of course, remains a noun, and seems to have no connection.   And, now that we've got that sorted out, how is the resolution of your photos when you go to print them from the computer related to New Years?  Or those resolutions that get voted on to become laws--are they someone's New Year's resolutions on steroids?  How confusing (and thrilling!) language is.  Don't you think?

That said, do you have a habit of using the change of the calendar as a motivational chance to help you make a positive change in your life, or habits, or goal-setting?  If it works for you--I say, resolutely march on, my friends!  Ignore the cynics and naysayers who may mock you for your naivete or idealism, and proudly strive toward a better you in whatever way works.  If New Year's Resolutions are ideas having only grazed your consciousness back in your elementary school days when prim and intimidating, but smiley and encouraging, Mrs. Teacher sunnily introduced it as the writing assignment for the first day back after Christmas break, and your sugar-dazed, sleep-deprived consciousness tried its best to ignore it then, so you've made a habit of ignoring it every year since; then I say, hey--you've grown up now, maturity has outgrown over-indulgence of Christmas sweets, and under-indulgence of ample slumber, so maybe, this is the year.  Give it a try.  Strive for a better you, and resolve to make a change or accomplish a goal. Couldn't hurt--much.

Now that you've been etymologically edified and sardonically motivated, enjoy this variety of random New Year's Resolution lists I've come up with:

5 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS I MAY HAVE MADE--sometime in the past

1.  I will not procrastinate.
2.  I will become a published author before the end of the year.
3.  I will write letters to my family and friends more often.
4.  I will have a girlfriend this year.
5.  I will stop "just getting by" and get the grades I know I can get.

7 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS I HAVE NEVER MADE--nor likely ever will make

1.  I will eat less chocolate this year.
2.  I will take up running for my health.
3.  I will wear a tie to work more often.
4.  I won't spend money on travel this year.
5.  I will stop being a "snoopy father." 
6.  I won't allow myself to become emotionally connected to my students.
7.  I will go shopping more often--just for fun.  

4 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS I'D HAVE NO PROBLEM KEEPING--but have never made

1.  I will soak in a hot springs at least 5 times this year.
2.  I will let everyone know how brilliant and creative my kids are.
3.  I will keep my mind healthy by playing card games and doing word puzzles.
4.  I will embrace ethnic diversity by eating international cuisine as often as I can.

3 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS (each) MY FAMILY WOULD LIKELY NEVER MAKE

   the Princess:

1. I will wear monochromatic outfits in matching, subdued colors, and NO hats.
2. I will refrain from referencing any favorite movies, novels, plays, TV shows, or songs in my daily interaction with those around me.
3. I will be sure to make it to bed by midnight, no matter what I want to or have to do. 

 the Boy:

1. I will refrain from using my computer for at least two hours of my awake time each day.
2. I will launder, fold, and put away my clothes as often as (Dad deems) necessary.
3. I will be sure to make it to bed by midnight, no matter what I want to or have to do.

the Bride:

1. I will check out and read only one book at a time from the library every week.
2. I will only bake cookies, or scones, or brownies, on special occasions.  
3. I will not sing along with the radio or CD's when I drive in the car.

 6 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS I SHOULD MAKE THIS YEAR--but probably won't

1. I will make use of my new snowshoes this winter, and our (not so new) canoe this summer.
2. I will finish (after several years) re-making the flower gardens in the front of the house.
3. I will commit to spending "just the right amount of time" writing on my blog and various other creative pieces
4. I will sort through the heaps of "stuff" strategically stored in the house, and get rid of what we  really don't need, and neatly organize the rest.
5. I will be sure to make it to bed by midnight, no matter what I want to or have to do.
6. I will not procrastinate.

 But, no matter how you choose to commemorate or celebrate or calculate it, we are resolute in wishing you a New Year effervescing with energy, entertainment, edification, and enjoyment! 

Sensical Tour--Part V: TOUCH

"Oh, what a touching scene!"  "You should get in touch with your feminine side. . . "  "We'll leave nothing untouched in our search for answers."   We've burdened the word with heavy expectations, using it in multiple ways with a variety of meanings.  Even though it nearly always seems to appear last in the list of senses, it is clearly deemed a very important sense.  You've probably heard of or read research results that prove how vital the sense of touch is to humans: the severe social, emotional, or mental disabilities that occur in young children who have been deprived of human touch as they develop; the amazing benefits of touch in patients healing from illness or disease.  Can anyone quote the statistics on the number of nerve sensors in the varying parts of the human body?  It's staggering information, further validating how very important the sense of touch truly is. Anyway, for the final leg of this hyper-extended "sensical tour," pique your neural acuity, as I invite you to "get in touch" with the goings-on in our lives.

*****tingly warmth and bubbling relaxation of the "healing waters" found in a variety of natural hot springs in nearby-ish regions is a frequent source of neural splendor for us.  ++Always love the scenic grandeur of the Canadian Rockies, so reveled in two wonderful days soaking in two different hot springs in British Columbia just a few hours north of us after dropping Malina at the train to return to MN from her spring break in March, and as my week off began.  Enjoyed a tasty Japanese lunch in Banff too; and the beautiful, sunshiny day with pure blue skies prompted us to drive further west on a highway we hadn't been on before.  Incredible frozen blue waterfalls across the valley were an awesome and unique sight to behold.   ++In our long weekend in October, we soaked at two more springs in Montana that we hadn't been to before, and another one we've done a couple times before.  White Sulphur Springs in central Montana has super murals of local scenery and nature painted on the walls along the soaking pool and toasty, silky waters.  Aaaahhh!  One of the only two spots you can "swim" in Yellowstone National Park is near the North entrance by Gardiner, MT.  Where the steamy, sulphurous waters of the Boiling River flow out of Mammoth Hot Springs and splash down the rocks mixing together with the icy pure water of the Gardiner River, they create warm, soothing, bubbly comfort.  Our morning soak in this delightful natural spot was a wondrous beginning to our day's trek through Yellowstone and its highlights.  Got to love God's gifts of the sensory wonders and warmth of natural hot springs, and so often amid such scenic marvels!

*****overwhelming, goose-bumpy contentment is the best I can do to describe the parental "feeling" of having all of us home together during the kids' break from college.  Princess has been home since a day before Thanksgiving, and we drove to Bozeman and retrieved the son last weekend.  Both will go back in early January, but I'll will savor the warmth and completeness of familyhood for the few weeks we're all together.  A few favorite meals, a couple movies, and whatever extended-family events we can fit in over Christmas are all the plans we have for now--but even if it's just ordinary life-stuff, the "rightness" of being together is cozy and joyous and "touching."

*****wintry wetness, and fingertip numbness during our church's "live nativity" with Christmas caroling before the town's annual "Night of Lights" Christmas season celebration the first Friday in December.  We've participated in this for several years now, and the beautiful bride and a couple other musicians always play their guitars while whoever else sings all the traditional Christmas songs; kids from church are costumed as Mary and Joseph, shepherds and wisemen, and gathered around a stable; we offer hot cocoa and hand out cards declaring Christ as the "Reason for the Season" to all the passing-by revelers.  Very cool opportunity for witnessing, and a fun tradition.  Weather is always a questionable factor however; this year wasn't terribly cold--just quite wet, with flaky moist snow falling most of the time we were caroling--resulting in some rather soggy songbooks--and even after so many years, we've still found no solution for the frosty fingertips of the guitarists.  Just has become a sacrifice they're willing to endure.  What a festive chance to start the joyous Christmas season off with the proper perspective!

*****more wintry wetness--along with evergreen prickles, uphill out-of-breathness, and the warm, homey contentment of a tasty Mom-made dinner were feelings accompanying our annual Christmas-tree retrieval trip to my parents' mountain ranch.  Bride, princess and I tramped around on the hillside near Dad's house for three or four hours, necks craned upward, scanning the forested landscape, searching for a peek of that ideal conical shape--tall enough but not too tall,  perfect fullness, bright soft greenness--but when we hadn't made a final decision as dark approached, we decided to retrace and chose an "almost" consideration from earlier.  Ended up needing to use the headlights as I bundled it up to tie to the cartop.  Narrower than usual, and perhaps missing a branch or two from some angles--it now looks as grand as ever once we finally got it colorfully illumined and decorously ornamentalized.  And, in fact, we even appreciate the little extra space in our living room that the "narrowness" allows.  And, while the evergreen reminds us of God's eternal love and the eternal life we have from Him, and the lights cause us to remember that our Christmas-born Savior came to be the "Light of the World," the tree is NOT the focal point of Christmas.  All praises to Him who we celebrate in this joyous season!

*****draggy, trance-like mornings, unavoidable afternoon drowsiness, and sleep deprivation-induced headachiness are feelings I've experienced a bit too frequently this past couple weeks; getting to bed at a time that would allow me to feel "well rested" is often too rare of an occurrence and becomes even further demoted in priority when other important tasks, or chances to visit with my college-kids (who happen to operate on a quite inverted sleep schedule while on vacation) are vying for attention.  Creating and composing our Christmas newsletter and photo card was the task that competed for my late-night time this past week, but I did finally complete them to my perhaps a bit perfectionistic standard of acceptability.  Actually sent them via attachments on an email to any of the folks we have e-addresses for.  Always feel a bit guilty when choose this less-personal and non-traditional mode of delivery, but certainly keeps them more timely, and saves a bunch on postage and paper.  Plus, it makes them easier to view/read in most cases, as they appear bigger on the computer screen than when printed on to paper.  So, I ask for forgiveness and post them digitally anyway.  Again, connecting with family and friends is only a secondary benefit of Christmas, and I need to be reminded of that when I start to "fuss" over it so dramatically.  But,  I do so love sharing and connecting with family and friends from across the country and around the world whenever and however I can.  

Well, now that you've gotten "back in touch" with our lives, maybe my "touchy-feely" post has worn itself out; so guess I'll call my "sensical tour" complete, and publish this piece before it gets delayed again.  (Only took  an entire year to finish the series!)   May your life effervesce with "touching" moments and be filled with "feel-good" times.  A very blessed Christmas to you and all your loved ones! 

    

Doubly Interrupted "Sensical Tour" -Part IV: TASTE

November 27, 2012 
So, delinquency reigns rampantly supreme in the realm of scheduled blogging for me!  Not sure WHY I'm unable to keep up the momentum for doing this somewhat regularly. . . Genetics? Habits? Life?  Play?  You name it. . . guess I can come up with an endless roster of usable excuses--but, at any rate, here I am again; attempting again to progress and persist and persevere--maybe even, preserve: history, sentiments, emotions, etc.  I do still embrace the "spirit of the cause" even if the execution of it has proven problematic for me.  Bear with my erraticity, again--my eccentricity, as always, and enjoy our lives from my point-of-view.

June-July ??, 2012
Wow--again, have experienced some DELAY issues.  And started this post several weeks ago--but never got around to completing or publishing it.  Just not a routine kind-of-guy, so have difficulty jostling or ordering "all ducks in a row" in order to allow this "project" to reach fruition.  Lots going on in the past few weeks--and I'm sure the news will work its way in to my reports.  But for now, will give you the bit that I started sometime in late May, and add to it to make a completed post.  So, we had sniffed around a bit, and were scheduled to taste our way onward. . . 

late-May 2012  (Taste--Sense Tour-continued. . . )
Seems hard to separate taste from smell, doesn't it?  Don't scientists say that something like 85 percent of what we perceive as taste is actually smell?   The taste buds on your tongue only detect salt, sweet, sour, and bitter--or something like that.  Will have to do some more recent research rather than rely on my memory from long-ago lessons. . . (See side-bar link for more information on tastebuds.)  Anyhow, perhaps I'll expand the definition of "taste" in this section, just to spice-up my reporting a bit.  Nonetheless, cleanse that sophisticated palate of yours and embark with me on a journey through the flavorful moments of life.

****know the kids are enjoying their "taste of freedom" as college terms ended for them in recent times: the son a couple weeks ago, and the daughter's last day of classes was yesterday; now a couple of study days and three days of finals and freshman year is over for her as well.  Seems she has experienced quite a vast variety of new "tastes" this year: from sweet success to bitter disappointment,  with a populated continuum between.  An alluring array of creative opportunities for fun times with creative new friends sometimes may have won out over time spent on classwork preparations or studies. And the academic rigor required for her to achieve the results that she's accustomed to may have presented a few challenging and humbling moments, but she endured admirably, and now tastes respectable victory at the finish line.  Am sure the life-lessons learned along the way will prepare her palate for more sweet success as she continues on.  (Okay--so now, of course-- the princess has been done with college stuff for several weeks, and is indeed relishing in a less-stress schedule at home with us parental peoples.)  And--now again, she's been back to Carleton for fall term, and is home again for winter break until New Years.  We parents are definitely relishing in having her home for awhile!

****the sweetness of reconnecting with several friends still lingers on our mental palates.  A wonderful evening visiting and dining on superbly tasty Indian cuisine with CA friend in MN the night before moving daughter out of her dorm (in June; now, continuing on in November) --and again in September, after moving daughter into her "Interest House," we dined again with our same dear friend, this time partaking of nostalgic Japanese food.  Yum!  Also, the next afternoon, we met up with her at her house to do a "tasting party" of the varieties of all natural Minnesota maple syrups that she sells at "Farmer's Markets" on weekends.  The sap for the syrup is harvested from trees growing on friend's dear late grandmother's farm--so a cool connection for her, and the syrups are all quite tasty--naturally infused with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, blueberry, bourbon. . . we liked the cinnamon the best and bought a few bottles as gifts for dear bride's dear aunties that we were having dinner with that same evening.  Got one for ourselves too, and in fact--just used it on waffles for our leisurely vacation morning breakfast with the princess this past weekend. Tasty!  

****And, more "sweet reunions" with friends during our travels in June include: breakfasting at a Milwaukee area Perkins with Japan friends, and seeing two of their three boys for the first time since they visited us in Montana when all of our kids were toddlers; a generous overnight stay with a college roommate (and his wife) who is a Pastor in the Queens area of NYC--treated us to a flavorful pizza from a nearby seemingly genuine Italian run pizzeria, and a late night "city lights-viewing" tour; a delectable home-cooked late lunch with another couple we knew in Japan and their five charming children in the St. Louis area --such sweet, caring friends and so fun catching up, strolling along seeing the sights near their little country farm; welcoming hospitality for an overnight stay with Japanese friend (her American husband was away on business) in Leavenworth, KS--kids especially enjoyed singing karaoke with her late into the night, and she gave us an interesting tour of the military base there the next morning before we headed out toward Montana.  Always so good physically connecting when possible to fuel the flames of friendship!

****Tasting the "high life" in New York City was great fun for all of us for parts of three days in June.  The bride, the princess and I flew there from Milwaukee-- after moving her out of the dorm in MN.  Son met us in NYC one afternoon after having spent a week or so with college friends near the Boston area.  The impetus that lured our rural-ish Montana family to NYC was attending a Broadway production of "Newsies" --one of the princess's favorite Disney movies based on the historical events of the newsboys' strike in 1899. We were enraptured by the superbly energetic performance, lively dancing, and compelling personal story, and were thrilled to read a couple days later that it won two coveted Tony Awards!  Besides Broadway, we did as many "must do" New York touristy things as we could manage.  Used the trusty subway system, and lots of walking to experience: Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, huge "old" cathedrals, Staten Island Ferry, Chinatown (incredibly tasty dinner!), Times Square (unbelievably chaotic and unceasing parade of EVERY imaginable piece of humanity), and witnessed ancient China in an awesome museum exhibition of the centuries-old Terra Cotta Warriors, and exhilarated with the action (and cost) of watching The Avengers in a multi-storied cinema on Times Square, only a few blocks removed from the locale where the movie's packed-action happens.  Wow!  We left thinking there was still plenty that we'd like to see and do--if we have another chance to make it back to NYC. 

****As always, FAMILY continues to season our lives--homey, comfortable flavors; nostalgic, enticing essences that "spice up" our comings and goings and be-ings.  Our dinner with the bride's three sets of uncles and aunts in MN in September was, of course, quite delicious food prepared by hostess aunt, but metaphorically, a sumptuous feast for the soul as well.  Uncles shared memories of their and their dear sisters' (bride's Mom and Aunt--now both with Jesus) early life, growing up as MN farm kids during Depression and war years.  Even found old family photos to share and copy for us.  We feel remarkably blessed having such loving family caring for us, even from far away, and truly God's gracious gift having them so nearby for darling daughter while away at college.  One Uncle continues to generously volunteer as our "transportation officer" getting her to and from the train depot for all break-time travel.  Another savorous family event was attending our nephew's wedding in IL in June--circuitously en route back home after "doing NY."  It was another expertly choreographed outdoor celebration, creatively decorated and tailored for the bridal couple. It was truly special to be able to share the joyful day with family and especially our nephew and his lovely bride, a native Illinoisan.  Enjoy connecting with my folks and siblings and some aunts, uncles and Grandma when we can, sharing a meal or simply a bit of precious visiting.  Of course, always feels  there's not quite time to spend with everyone that we'd like to--but so thankful for the moments we can relish in the glorious flavors of family!

Well, now that you've had a taste of the moments that've flavored our lives these past months, perhaps it's time to publish this post.  Thanks for partaking--and let me know you were here, some way or another.  Maybe response and input will help motivate me to remain more faithful and final in my postings.  We can always hope.  Pray you're savoring the delicious moments of your life and giving praise to the Creator for His bounteous blessings bestowed on you.  Happy December, and "bon appetit!"  

"Sensical Tour"-Part III: SMELL

"The nose knows."  So they say to tout the importance of scent in human lives.  Whether you agree or disagree with the level of importance the sense of smell plays in our lives, we all can certainly recall  those super-scented moments we've experienced.  So, clear your sinuses, and let's "sniff around" a little to get a whiff of the odors and aromas that have wafted about in our recent moments.

***pungent and earthy essence of newly mowed lawns; acrid, chemical nostril-assaults of weed sprays; fresh, airy scents of rain; fragrant and sweet aromas of lilacs and blooming crab-apple trees; the harsh, mechanical odors emitting from the gas-powered engines of mowers and weed-eaters: oh, the varied smells of spring!  Enjoyed the 10 day span of mostly-sunny days we had about a week ago!  YES!

***the somewhat less-than-fresh scent floating from the slightly less-than-tidy apartment of our collegiate son and his roommates on our quick visit last weekend soon dissipated in the revel of being together with family, and was certainly out-scented by the flavorful aromas of the dinner we cooked for them that evening: juicy roast beef, zingy stir-fried Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, and nutty steamed rice, with a zesty key lime pie for dessert.  Good to "check-in" and "catch-up" with him for a bit.  He completed his third year admirably, conquering the "hardest class" in both of his majors this past semester.  He is on-schedule to graduate next spring with double majors of Mathematics and Computer Science.  He is not taking summer classes this summer--for the first time--and, after a couple weeks of "vacationing" back East with friends, hopes to land a job and stay in Bozeman for the summer.

***more floral fragrances--some pleasantly sweet, others slightly stinky--always fill my hours at my spring/summer job at the greenhouses; along with caustic chemical smells; musty, earthy soil scents, and always tasty pot-luck lunch entrees at our Open House on the last weekend in April.  Blessed to be enjoying the flower-filled, play-in-the-water-and-dirt days of my 19th season there with the caring owners and friendly, fun co-workers.  Busy Mothers' Day weekend, and a few after-school hours last week.  Will be there all day most every day after school is out in June.

***woodsy forest freshness, inviting fried-spuddy goodness or fresh-baked bready-heaven, and muddy, ranch-animal naturalness are the comforting, homey olfactory cues that greet us on our occasional visits to my parents mountain ranch.  Always a renewing blessing to spend time with Mom and Dad, enjoy Mom's tasty meals, and accompany Dad in caring for his cows and horses when I can.  We try to find time for a peaceful stroll along the "crick," and often enjoy watching a movie with Mom and Dad.  Sometimes, we luck out and get to see other family people too--brothers, sisters, aunties, etc.  I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating: What a blessing family is!

***imagining the artsy aromas the creative princess has encountered this term in MN: sawdusty, paint, and inky scents of theatre sets or the grease-paint perfume of theatre make-up, as she acted a small, feisty role in her first college production, The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail; and when she helped out as an "extra" playing one of several jurors in the performances of a Greek tragedy.  Also, varied culinary scents of the dining hall during her work-study lunch shifts three times a week, and the green barkiness as she basks in the spring sunshine, composing poetry below her favorite poetic tree on campus.

 

***luscious, sweet aromas of freshly-baked desserts still frequently waft from our kitchen, as the lovely bride nearly always keeps tasty--often chocolatey--treats around for pleasurable consumption: recently a new recipe of chocolate-coconut biscotti, and a run of chocolate frosted Rice-Krispie bars satisfied our desserty desires. Yum!

So, I say, "All hail to the mighty nose!"  And may your days too be awash in aromatic awareness.  And remember: "If your nose runs and your feet smell, then you're built upside-down." 

A "Sensical" Tour: Part II: SOUND

Over the past months--since before my negligence--I have reveled in a number of auditory events that hint at memorable moments of our lives.  Tune in now; listen with a sensitive ear, and enjoy the euphonic melodies of our momentous months.

**rhythmic clickety-clack and haunting whoooo-hoooo of  arriving and departing Amtrak trains as they carried the princess home and away for her winter and spring breaks from college.  About a 24-hour ride for her, so she's really ready to be off when she arrives, but always a blessing to have her home--even if the six weeks (between Thanksgiving and New Years) or the eight days (mid-March) rush by way too quickly.  Actually, in March, the train brought both the kids home to us, as the son flew from Bozeman to MN during his spring break, spent a day with his sister meeting her friends and seeing her college, and then accompanied her back home on the train.  Good time for them to be able to spend some sibling time together.  He was only home about a day before we needed to drive him back to Bozeman to get back to classes.

**gentle, whispery breaths and squirmy baby gurgles of our five-day-old great-nephew as he lay contentedly sleeping or wiggled peacefully in my arms during our late-February visit with him, and his lovely Mommy and Daddy.   My sister is the first of us siblings to become a grandparent and she declares her grandson is the "prettiest baby in the world."  The beautiful bride and I were also very enthralled and charmed with his full head of curly black hair, sweet round cherub face, and sparkly dark eyes.  Have only seen a couple photos in the past several weeks, but he seems to be holding on to that angelic image.

**garbled and rushed, nearly-overlapping airport announcements --spoken in an amazing variety of accents-- repeating tirelessly over static-filled PA systems, on our couple extended weekend treks out for family celebrations.  Treasured time with brother and his charming new bride at their wedding in a historic chapel nestled against the saguaro-sprinkled foothills of the Sonoran Desert in January.  Pleasant preparatory moments, a simple, special ceremony, followed by flavorful Fiesta cuisine among the rustling trees and twittering birds on the "veranda" of a Mexican retaurant, and a bit of desert sight-seeing the next day with brother and his bride, her sister, and our sister made it a memorable whirlwind winter weekend visit for us.   And pleasant, relaxing family time with bride's dad and brother in CA in mid-April; enjoyed more tasty Mexican dining, gorgeous rose-filled tour of friends' nursery, and necessary time at the beach while helping celebrate Dad's 80th birthday; even skyped both kids so we could all sing Happy Birthday together from three time-zones.  The flip-slap-shuffle of playing-cards during a couple nights of fun family card games (all of which I came in last place) and the grinding whir of the automatic juicer as I prepared superbly tasty fresh-squeezed juice from the backyard citrus trees all contributed joyful moments to our festive family weekend.

**gentle mews, insistent mewling, contented rumbling purrs all resonate daily from our home as we continue to enjoy and cater to our three furry feline friends: calm, quiet creamy-chocolate colorpoint, K' Zool; attitudinal and demanding, but very loyal and loving soft-silvery grey Sakura; and our active, playful tom, fiery-orange tiger-striped Phoenix.  Can't really imagine our days without their needy, but comforting and cuddly company.

So, friends, keep listening.  Bask in the happy harmonies and beautiful beats of your life as "time marches on."   

A "Sensical Tour" of Life--Part 1

Okay--so I fell off the wagon and my so-clever plan of posting here regularly took a severe tumble amid the comings and goings and celebrations and vacations between Christmas and Easter; kids home (twice) and gone again, and planning and laziness all vied for priority ranking, and. . .   but I still like the idea of keeping my "creative juices" flowing on a regular basis, so am hoping to get back into the habit.  Need to tweak my MO in such a way that writing and publishing my entries is a less-time-consuming process than previously, yet still keep my pieces creative and informative.  Again, wish me the best.  And do somehow let me know if you are really visiting "my world in words."  Time spent composing and publishing feels more valuable if I know people are seeing it, even if not experiencing life-changing moments from the encounter.  You can always at least click a "reaction button" at the bottom, or make a comment, or respond to the "poll questions" that will randomly be available in the right sidebar. 

Anyway, so before the interruption/hiatus, I had begun to compose an entry that I spent ample time on, and thought a worthy "musing."   Of course, it is now a bit outdated, but I am publishing it anyway, as my thoughts and ideas are still valid and viable.  I will even continue with the theme, in further posts with more timely information.  

So--"Back in the Saddle" again!  And, with no further ado. . .   


(Composed in January 2012--quite tardily published.)

Think back to the mid to upper grade language lesson on various literary elements, and the vocabulary list that included the valuable word "imagery." For those of you who don't suppress those kinds of memories, you'll remember that imagery is a writing technique that uses words and ideas that appeal to the senses. If you're the type that chose to disremember ancient lessons from language class, maybe you found elementary science lessons more interesting or applicable, and you will at least recall that the five basic senses are: seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling (touching).

So, paying homage to third-grade science lessons and adolescent English class, and an attempt at creatively letting you in on recent goings-on in our household, I present to you--in respectable ninth-grade English class "imagery-illustrating assignment" fashion--a "sensical tour" of recent moments of our lives. (Or, maybe, it's "nonsensical;" you decide.)

SIGHT:

**Never tire of the sparkle and glow and wonder of Christmas regalia: rainbow arrays of brilliance draped or dangling here and there; delicate, wispy-haired angels or finely tatted snowflakes hanging about; artfully designed and carefully crafted Nativity figures of several different ethnic perspectives displayed around the home. . . And despite that yesterday was the last day of Christmas, our decorations still proclaim the Wonder of the season at our house--and likely to remain for awhile before we find the time and inspiration to pack them away.

**Do, however, tire a bit of the post-Christmas and post-"kids-are-home-and-gone-again" clutter: now empty or near-empty chocolate boxes, lids ajar--crinkly brown wax-paper cradles randomly pinched half-in/half-out--not so decorously strewn around; glittery, rope-handled gift bags, purposefully scrunched colorful tissue-paper partially escaping, creeping out from their temporary location under the tree; a no-longer-orderly sorted stack of DVD's available for whimsical vacation viewing toppled across the floor near the TV; the last bit of dusty, sugary crumbs captured under ribbon-secured holiday plastic wrap on cheerful paper plates--tiny, sweet reminders of friends' sweet giving spirit; crumpled papers scrawled with Russian script, computer code, or mathematic formulas--now unimportant as bags were reloaded before returning to college--lie in forgotten clusters in cluttered corners; a heap of "needed-but- wouldn't-fit in the bag" miscellany--favorite must-share-with-friends movies, must-have quirky-fashion clothing or costumery pieces, too-late found books--waits in the middle of the floor to be packaged for mailing off to MN. Hmmm. . . sounds like I ought to be ordering the place up a bit rather than "imagery-izing" away at the computer, doesn't it? Have I mentioned the disuse of the descriptor "organized" when referring to me?

**Remain in awe of the scenic wonder as we trek about Montana for kid-retrieval or kid-return journeys to Bozeman: got to gasp at the brilliance of blue skies aglow with glorious sunshine during the winter in Montana; "amber fields" dotted with contentedly munching Angus cattle backdropped with silhouetted, snow-frosted mountains painted a dusky mauve by the nearly-set sun; wandering rivers artistically carving winding patterns across the prairie, some winter-esquely ornamented with lacy ice sculptures, others shimmering like luminescent ribbons aflutter across the twilit valley. Praise Him, our generous Creator!

SOUND:  (my "sensical tour" was interrupted here back then; will continue from here in the next posts)  HAPPY READING!