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#WeekendCoffeeShare Defining Moments
December 25, 2017
— 6 Comments
Arizona Inn
Arizona Inn
Arizona Inn
If we were having coffee this Christmas morning I would invite you to sit back and enjoy the fire in the wood stove and the candle lighting around the room. I am up early to enjoy this predawn time, as usual. I am in a good mood because I realize how wonderful defining this year of 2017 has been. I did not plan to do a major change this year, but I have certainly accomplished one. I sold my extra red estate and pared down the size of my possessions in order to fit into my condo. This has been extremely liberating and satisfying. I am left with much less stuff, which I love much more.
I am serving coffee, and an assortment of teas, including some iced green tea. We have celebrated all month, and today have no plans to go out or do anything. We are not giving gifts because we just spent months deleting items from our possessions, and are not in the mood to fill up our space with stuff again. We are truly sated.
I did go on a shopping spree this fall, all of which has upgraded our lifestyle. I did little frivolous spending. Most of the spree was spent on very practical home improvements. I wrapped up the spree by buying a new garage door opener last weekend, because mine was on it’s last breath, about to break forever. I was so happy to replace it before it caused a tragic inconvenience in my life. I continue to take a box to the Goodwill each week to fine tune my stuff, since editing is forever. I have new underwear, socks, wifi speakers, and Alexa can now answer the phone on speaker. I have one more planned expenditure with my real estate profits, a hot springs vacation in February. I have not traveled much since I started my job last May, so I am planning a reward for myself in California. I will spa down for a few days, then stay in Joshua Tree in an air bnb. I have already booked my favorite hot springs hotel, but there are many highly desirable air bnb rentals near the Joshua Tree National Park. The decision is part of the fun for me. Are you going anywhere this winter? Do you like planing, or like to take off and see what happens? I like a good accommodation reservation and lots of free time. That is the perfect combination for me.
My blogging is slowly becoming regular once more. I changed may schedule at work, and have started doing my writing before I go to my job. This is working a little better. I do appreciate the return of the weekend coffee share because I enjoy keeping up with the group and the writing you are doing. Please join us on the weekends to share happenings and feelings over digital beverages. Eclectic Ali is hosting this movable feast, which includes a diverse group of writers from around the globe. The party is always digitally delicious. Merry Christmas to all! Thanks for stopping by.
#Weekendcoffeeshare
Trading Time
December 8, 2017
— 1 Comment
firelight
Which parts of your own well being will you sacrifice
To rush ahead in a mad dash to spend, light, over-do
Partying till you can’t remember why you started
Celebrating by stretching the calendar beyond reason
Saying it is an obligation that comes with the season?
You can stay home with a hot cup of cheer on the mantle
Enjoying of the cozy pleasures of darkness with a candle
luminarias
luminarias
On The Rock
November 22, 2017
— 1 Comment
Mayflower
The ship was grounded on the shoals
The Pilgrims had not yet achieved their goals
The crowd was hungry, tired, depressed and sick
There was no welcoming party with a magic trick
To heal the suffering and recover moral fortitude
All the tribe had to offer was comfort and food
With great trepidation they approached the invaders
Dressed in high hats and collars of religious crusaders
#WeekendCoffeeShare Labor Day Edition
September 2, 2017
— 4 Comments
Halloween car
next load for Goodwill
If we were having coffee this weekend I would invite you to relax on this cloudy day with a long glass of iced tea. I am drinking white blueberry now because it is refreshing. The news cycle is anything but refreshing, so I hope you have some personal stories of good cheer. My own good news is that I will be working my regular shift processing and trimming weed on Labor Day. I love my job and feel very lucky to be allowed a lot of flexibility with my schedule. I hope I will not need to call on that flexibility to serve on a grand jury for up to six months, two days a week. I could work around it, but I sincerely do NOT want to do it. I don’t think I can be impartial.
love my job
labor of love
labor of love
love my job
I must report to the court on Wednesday morning to convince them I am not the person they want. The process involves hearing testimony from cops to decide if there is probable cause to indite for felonies. I have the absolute worst relationship with the TPD and do not believe cops because of the direct experience we have had in our neighborhood. I do not fear police brutality, but am totally afraid of police mendacity, which I think takes place all the time at all levels of authority. I just don’t trust them to have the public’s best interest at heart.
My writing is still sluggish in terms of productivity and on the dark side. I wrote a poem about piracy this week that I continue to examine myself to figure out the deeper meaning. I wrote about places I have been in the past, but changed the century. I think I need to try this device on longer pieces. I did a tea review because I am truly loving the white blueberry. I started telling true stories on Facebook live at my desk. I bought a piece of software called ecamm live that enhances the experience. For instance, you can create a scheduled livestream and notify your peeps when it will be live. I plan to do a few each week in a regular time slot. I have not fully examined or used all the cool features of the software. I have only done two stories, but am compiling ideas for the future. There is a Skype feature to do interviews. I think it will be a fun new tool to use.
Halloween will be extra fun this year because my car is “volcanic orange” with black details. When the weather cools down I have a large wardrobe that matches my car. I am still working diligently on trimming down my possessions in order to sell my lot with a barn full of extra junk in storage. I have made good progress in the garage, and some in the office. I have tossed an unbelievable amount of old and useless paperwork, some of which belonged to my long dead parents. There will be more discovery of my ridiculous hoarding when I excavate the barn, I am sure. The task of tidying is not so difficult if taken a little at a time. The process of discarding useless stuff is rewarding as well as revealing. I just need to remain diligent until it is all gone.
Can I offer you another glass of iced tea? Tell me how your muse is treating you these days. I sincerely hope none of the coffee sharers has been hit by Harvey. It is good to know Diana is dry enough in New Orleans to host the party this week. Join us on the weekends by reading, commenting, or submitting your own coffee share post. Thank you for stopping by this week.
#WeekendCoffeeShare
Take Care Of Yourself
August 16, 2017
— 3 Comments
Compassion fatigue is the stress of caring too much… The post Are You Suffering From Compassion Fatigue? Here’s What You Should Do About It appeared first on BayArt.
via Are You Suffering From Compassion Fatigue? Here’s What You Should Do About It — BayArt
Heritage Inn, Hospitality And History
June 27, 2017
— 1 Comment
rose garden
patio
patio
rose garden
The Heritage Inn in Snowflake, AZ is perfectly positioned in the middle of an historical neighborhood. Surrounded by restored buildings, the Inn stands out because of the flower gardens. The luscious rose collection welcomes guests at 161 Main Street. The ample shaded front porch is home to a couple of active humming bird feeders, vintage furniture, and charming outdoor art. One is instantly transported to a specific time. The decor throughout the inn reflects the historic legacy of this well restored home. Portraits of the original inhabitants and some traces of their story remind the visitor of the founding of this small town. We stayed in the Mary Maude Porter room, named for one of the first inhabitants of the home, which had been built in the 1890’s.
pioneer home
front porch of the inn
German baby for breakfast
Bob at breakfast
We went to Snowflake to escape the heat and go to a lavender farm that was having a festival. The heat followed us up the mountain, so the relief was not forthcoming from mother nature. We decided not to go out to the farm because it was just too hot to deliver what we wanted. Instead, we investigated the little town of Snowflake, then the adjacent town of Taylor, and checked in to the room a little early chill in the air conditioning. The weather was pleasant enough to take a stroll in the evening, and we walked around the museums and historic homes that were not open on Saturday. There is a good display in the small Heritage Park next to the inn that details the founding of the town and the families who developed area.
Our room had a French door that opened onto the patio, where a fountain decorated a lovely garden. Tables and chairs are placed for guests to use for relaxing, or for breakfast service. We chose to eat by the fountain in the morning, when the weather had cooled down a bit. Our fancy table setting and gourmet breakfast in the cool setting gave us what we had come to experience, a complete change of pace. When I travel I am looking or something different from day to day existence. The hosts of the Heritage Inn, JoAnne and Craig, give guests superior service in an elegant atmosphere of private, historical chic. We liked the feeling of elegant leisure, and plan to return when we know the weather will be cooler. Next time I will plan ahead and arrange to see the tour of the historical homes. The tiny town has much to offer the history buff, and the Heritage Inn offers superior accommodation from which to see it.
fountain patio
restored forge
history museum
#WeekendCoffeeShare Gourmet Staycation In Tucson
May 28, 2017
— 3 Comments
Coronet cinnamon rolls
eggs Florentine
poached eggs on grits
Coronet cocktails
If we were having coffee this week in Tucson I would point out to you how dead the city is now. Obviously people leave to escape the heat. The snowbirds, the students, and everyone who can afford to go elsewhere for the summer have left the city. The businesses cut hours and do what they can to stay in business when their regular customers are basically all gone. If you were here now I would recommend you spend the night in a resort for less than half the winter rate, or dine at one of our fancier restaurants offering a summer special. For those of us who stay all year, this is a time to take advantage of the off peak bargains and less crowded streets. Everything is air conditioned, so you will not melt.
Please sit down and let me pour you some iced tea from the extensive collection. I have place an order for new teas, arriving any day, so I am taking inventory of all the teas I need to use in the order they were purchased. I have so many flavors, but this is a basic pleasure in our lives, as well as a healthy way to consume herbs and water. I get really excited about the prospect of new teas I have not tried. Next week my collection will have expanded to about 40 choices. I am drinking a honey bush mango with a fruity taste. What is your favorite kind of tea? I probably have it on hand. I hope you like the Allman Brothers Band. I am playing a tribute until further notice. I will turn down the volume because I want to listen to your stories. What is happening in your life and writing this week? I had an average writing week. I took one day off (yesterday) and produced nothing of great note. I wrote anther tea review, and am starting to like that segment. Are you trying any new ideas in your writing?
Coronet retro decor
Coronet retro decor
The Coronet retro decor
The Coronet
We enjoyed a superb brunch downtown yesterday in the spirit of off-peak excursions. We went to the Coronet, a restaurant we really enjoy but seldom frequent. We like the decor in a restored historical property. The service is always excellent, but with fewer customers it is even better now. The real reason we go is for the innovative menu and bar choices. Yesterday’s brunch was a perfect example. Bob loved his eggs Florentine with gravlax. I had a wonderful dish of poached eggs over grits served with black beans. Bob’s Bloody Mary had fabulous garnishes, including a picked tomatillo. That is the item I plan to knock off and use at home. I had never thought of doing that, but am a huge fan of the tomatillo, a green fruit that is NOT a tomato. We not only had the restaurant almost to ourselves, but the entire 4th Avenue shopping district was empty. We spent some time in a used book store, where I managed to buy just a single book. On the way home we stopped for ice cream at our favorite parlor, The Screamery. We each had full punch cards for a free scoop. We loved our dessert then took home a pint of blueberry cheesecake. All in all, it was a superb little holiday with all the gourmet trimmings. I am in the minority but I honestly love summer in Tucson. The hot ghost town suits me perfectly. You may want to jump in the pool before you head out. Stay hydrated. Take an iced tea with you. By any measure it is hot outside. You may want to stop and get some ice cream.
book shopping
ice cream
This movable digital beverage drinking party is hosted each week by Emily at Nerd in the Brain. Please join writers from around the world for a chat and a digital drink each weekend. Read, write, comment and share.
#WeekendCoffeeShare
Frida And Diego At The Heard Museum
May 22, 2017
— 2 Comments
photo in exhibit
photo in exhibit
Frida and Leon Trotsky
In Arizona Frida Kahlo is a giant cultural icon, representing the art and rebellious spirit of the Mexican people. Her famous muralist husband, Diego Rivera, is less well known, or at least less of a modern figure here in the United States. He was very famous before they met, and she became famous after her death. They were highly influencial in the Mexican Revolution, Diego often painting large murals about the oppression of the masses. Frida had an affair with Leon Trotsky, who was in Mexico City after the Russians exiled him.
The prestigious Heard Museum is now showing an exhibit of their work, some original photos, and a wardrobe designed to show the way Frida distinctively dressed herself in indigenous hand woven garments. She changed classical art in Mexico by introducing the elements of folk art that she included in her clothing. She honored the colors, symbols, and methods used by Native Mexican tribes to bring new life and meaning to her paintings. Her political beliefs were expressed through her art.
This wonderful visiting exhibit is well worth the extra $7. It will be on display through 20 August. Prices go way down everything in the summer in Phoenix. The accommodations will be generously discounted when the heat rises. This makes it a perfect time for a bargain excision to the big city.
The permanent collection includes incredible Native American art. The book store and cafes are lovely. The gift shop is curated to offer the public super high quality work of Native artists. To look closely at the entire collection takes a few hours and some concentration. I am particularly fond of the kachina collection, full of detail and meaning. I recommend this museum to anyone of any age.
her wardrobe
exhibit at the Heard
the famous couple
#WeekendCoffeeShare Earth Day Edition
April 22, 2017
— 6 Comments
antique glider
If we were having coffee this morning I would invite you to sit in the antique glider that sits next to my desk (since last week when we spotted it at a yard sale), and chat with me while I take care of all my office and internet chores. We are taking off later this morning for a night in a tiny house on a farm in Patagonia, Arizona. Nothing could be earthier. There is no internet, which is fine since it is only an overnight trip. I am not constantly connected anyhow, but this will be a tiny earth house kind of disconnect. I am excited because it is a big time for the humming-bird migration, and Patagonia is right on the flight pattern. It will be a lovely place to take some photos. I will fill you in next weekend over coffee.
If you were in my office you would see that since taxes have been filed my excuses for the big pile of paper on the desk have vanished. The desk is clearing up, and I am tossing out old stray junk from the office closet as well. I am rounding up some books to take to the used book store while examining my own need to surround myself with cookbooks. I love to read them, but seldom actually follow any recipe. Ditto with all the yoga books in my library. I feel secure somehow owning them but never pull them off the shelf. I had the occasion to want a yoga book recently and it took me a while to locate it. That is just silly. If I trim down the total number of books and make sure they all give me great joy, as the Japanese tidy lady advises, I believe my whole life will improve. That is my next great task. I do own her detailed tidy book on kindle, but I am not following her recipe. I am starting with books and office clutter. I may discover my need to own all these rules and directions I do not obey. There must be some crazy thing going on there. I had some issues about buying the very chair in which you are gliding, but decided it was an asset and it does bring me joy. I hope it is bringing you some to sit in it while I type.
cookbooks
I am not in danger of becoming a minimalist any time soon. I think that is what Earth Day really should be, a celebration of using and owning less. I will consume a bunch of gasoline to go assume my minimalist tiny house on a farm lifestyle for a night. Then I will drive back to Tucson on Sunday where it will be time to start air conditioning the condo. It will be hot today while we are down south at a higher elevation chilling. I will check in at the library in Patagonia to use the internet and post my daily poem for #NaPoWriMo this afternoon. All this is making me realize how very high maintenance I still am.
I want to know how your life and writing projects are going this week. Fill your cup and then fill my ear with your stories. I look forward to hearing the news from this talented and diverse group of writers. Nerd in the Brain hosts this lavish party each weekend. This is where you go to submit your own coffee share post, or keep up with the news of others in this lively group. Thanks for visiting today, and happy Earth Day to you all.
#WeekendCoffeeShare
#NaPoWriMo Salsa Bunny Trail
April 16, 2017
— 2 Comments
smart bunny
fresh
The bunny is no fool who visits my house with loot
He can easily see that we eat salsa of every kind
But shun the chocolate candy, don’t even think it is cute
So he reached into his basket while reading my mind
He left us a batch of perfectly ripe tomatoes, ready to chop
For dessert he left us watermelons, then down the trail he hopped
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- #GloPoWriMo
I wish all the gentle readers a happy Easter Sunday. May the bunny grant your fondest wishes. Please join poets all over the world in April for #NaPoWriMo. Read, write, recite all month.
