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October 28 Fall Splendor 2009It has been awhile since I slowed down long enough to take in the beauty that Mother Nature unselfishly bestows upon us at this time of the season. Although I did not spend a long time taking in the magnificent colors that are offered, her beauty took my breath away and as always renewed my inner spirit.The colors this year are absolutely stunning! My next trek with her will be on a day that it is not raining. I am looking forward to this soon. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
 Part2:
We had a few sunny days and I managed to get out and take a few more photos with the sunshine. Again, I hope you enjoy them.
 Until next time....Keep Smiling.
 ~Paula~
P.S. I am unable to access my music files @ Fileden for some reason. So until I can find a new storage file for all my music, you will just have to listen to what I can find. LOL. October 07 Watterson Lowe In Loving memory of My Grandmother whom
passed away just shy of her 100th birthday.
I shall always remember how wise and kind you were.
Happy Birthday, Dear, Dear Lady.
I LOVE YOU.
 Until next time....Keep Smiling.
 ~Paula~ September 25 Hangin' On................ But made it through yet another work week!
Until Next Time....Keep Smiling.
 ~Paula~
September 06 Yes, I Have Been Away From My Space; However.....Part 2 Well, it has been awhile....once again....since I have been able to get here and write what's on my mind. Sometimes LIFE throws a "curve ball" at you and it takes longer than anticipated to get back "on course". Have been working alot; howver, please understand, I am NOT complaining about being employed. In this economic crisi.s.I feel blessed to at least have a job to go to! ! Yes, there are times when I throw my hands up and shake my head as to what else is going to be thrown my way to "hurdle" over. I have always been strong but I feel as if GOD is testing my strength to it's limit. Enough about that. I am also aware that there are millions of people out there who are really going through more than I shall ever see in my lifetime.
I did get away for a few hours on Saturday...with my two best friends...Deb and Deb...and we just took ourselves to look at cars. Nothing special..but thank goodness for the time away from home and to friends who listen and console you and give you hugs, etc., etc. I am aware I am NOT alone facing some "hurdles" but at times..it does get me down but I manage to pull myself right back up. Life goes on. I remember what my friend, Willba (Mud Treasure) said when we were in Las Vegas at the MSN NOT supported Convention 3 years ago..."It's not a problem, just an inconvenience"...referring to her health (cancer). To this day..I try to live by her beautiful wording and positive thoughts.
 "Should I buy this one...or perhaps a Lamborghini"?
Please do not mistake this entry as "poor, poor pitiful PJ". It is merely what is on my mind and to update those that visit me that I am alive and well (physically).
And with that said, my friends, I shall p-o-o-f.
Until next time....Keep smiling.
 August 16 Yes, I Have Been Away From My Space; However..... This is to inform all of my friends that have sent me messages and emails wondering if I am well..the answer is yes. My computer has been on the blink and I think I finally have it back. Yipppeeeeeee. My health is fine and I have just been working long hours the same as everyone else, I suppose. My family on my side has been going through some difficult times..both healthwise and other personal reasons, but I am trying to stay positive that all will work itself out for the best. Sometimes this is difficult to do.
The summer is just about over and I have not had a vacation this year. This is the second year without being on my beloved ocean front and it does cause me to become saddened. However, I will not give up hope that soon my situation will change and I will be able to get away again.
I so appreciate the notes and emails from my friends...Bill and Romeo (Robert), and a few others asking about me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is wonderful knowing that people I have become friends with here on Spaces..actually do care about others. Again..Thank you.
I will post something new soon but in the meantime..I shall leave a couple of "Romeo's" beautiful ANGELS that he sent. May God Bless all my Friends always.
Until next time..Keep Smiling.
July 06 Just A Gorgeous Sunday I certainly hope all had a safe and happy 4th. I celebrated my 20th year of sobriety on this day. Yes, 20 years ago on the 4th of July. I chose a date to quit that I would remember. I am blessed, indeed. Sunday was, in my opinion, the "perfect" day. A mix of sun and clouds, low humidity, a light wispy NW breeze, and temperatures around 80 - 82 degrees. Just lovely!
Spent most of the day on the deck and walking the property. It's been awhile since I posted a new entry. Since that last entry..we have added another "tier" to the Northern Water Garden. We have one on the East side..one on the West side...and now the one on the Northern hillside. When sitting on the deck... water in "BOSE" surround sound. Just awesome!! Truly.
At any rate..hope all is well..enjoy the few photos. I have NOT forgotten you all. Just been extremely busy with life.
Until next time...Keep Smiling.
 ~Paula~
P.S.
Yes, PAUL...more flower photos. LOL. June 07 A Project...From Start to Finish As most of my loyal followers are aware...Mr. "PJ" and myself were self-employed for many years in designing and and installing landscaping. We had to semi-retire ( if you choose to use this phrase ) simply because of all the physical labor that had taken it's toll on our bodies. We still do a few projects from time to time for customers of 20 plus years. A recent one was designed and all phases of the challenge were completed to satisfaction. It was not an easy task on some of it as it involved 3 pond liners for the terraced water garden plus an arched bridge to cross over in a small space. We had never attempted to design a bridge..so this was the first. We only used a shovel, leveler, wheelbarrow, and our hands.In the end..it turned out lovely thanks to Mr. "PJ" and his brilliant wood carving talents. Underwater lights were also added and the view from his deck looking down is spectacular!
 The owner added KOI and at first they "jumped" out during their feeding frenzies, so we decided to stretch a thin net over it and cover the edges with the landscape rock from one's view. It solved the problem. Believe it or not this gentleman which we've known for years whistles as he descends his deck stairs and the KOI know it's feeding time. LOL..True story, folks.
 At any rate..thought I'd share these images with you all and you may be able to see how much physical labor was involved.. It took us 7 weeks to complete due to working over there after our regular jobs and on/off some weekends. A barren piece of ground turned into beauty.
 Oh yes, the gentleman's name is Cory..hence the pun on the album name.
Until next time..Keep Smiling.
 ~Paula~
May 31 Thank You All....I wish to thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes and the visits plus a few emails from some. I have been MIA since the previous entry was posted, as some of you are aware if you stopped by here again looking for a new posting. Here is the long story ...condensed...of what has happened since the 19th. My birthday was wonderful; however 2 days afterwards, I began to have severe pain . Let's just remember that it was Memorial day weekend and I wasn't able to get any help until Tuesday the 26th. A couple of my teeth broke and unfortunately infection set in. So. as soon as my dentist could see me for an emergency visit on that Tuesday..my jaw was as big as a golfball. Yes, folks, I am not exaggerating. To make a long story short...took antibiotics and 800 mg. Ibuprofen. I have a very low tolerance to any medications..hence only the Ibuprofen. He extracted 3 of the teeth and wanted to take the 4th one, for which I said no to. Came home and went to work the next day for a double shift. ( Wrong decision on my part.) Relapsed...due to allergic reaction to a specific antibiotic. He called in a new RX plus pain meds and I started them immediately. Only took 1 of the pain meds as they completely knocked me out. Here it is Sunday evening, the 31st of May, and I am finally beginning to heal. It will be a slow process (duh) because of the amount of infection that returned. So, in a nut shell and in this case a "NUT CASE" (me) I am happy to report that today has been the best day since my birthday!!
O.K. enough about me and my absence. I do want to thank all who was aware that I had not been here to post a new entry or post a new album..LOL..Yep, me and photos. Go figure. So, as an end to this pitiful story I say this..THANK GOODNESS FOR YOGURT and ICE CREAM! I will be so thrilled when I get to eat solid food again. LOL. Yes I am very hungry but grateful I am finally recovering from excruciating pain.
I am posting a new album with some photos I have taken prior to and during my absence. Some are better than others, as usual, but they bring me pleasure. Hope you enjoy. HAPPY JUNE.
Until next time...Keep Smiling.
 ~Paula~
April 25 LUNCH HOUR with NATURE I thought it was past time to post a new entry. I have been working and have had little if no time to do so. This past Tuesday was a double shift at work and it was a most gorgeous day out. I decided not only to get away for lunch, but to get outside and forget about the second shift I would be working. I headed to the nearby Park and got lost in the sights and sounds of Mother Nature for an hour. Needless to say....I returned to work rejuvenated and smiling. I hope you all enjoy my walk as much as I did.
 Until next time....Keep Smiling.
~Paula~ April 08 Thinking.... I am unfolding gently beneath
your loving touch Becoming
I let wholeness breath my petals free
Awareness
Sweet fragrant Spirit touching
senses into life
Wisdom
Giving beauty back to the universe
Knowing Each petal, sweet miracle of life Oneness We are hues of color, yet one in Spirits blossom Ellie LeJeune
   ~Paula~ March 08 MAGIC...... **Latest ALBUM added**..
March 21, 2009..."Family Day" @ Family Tree Nursery.
"MOST OF THE SHADOWS OF THIS LIFE ARE CAUSED BY STANDING IN ONE'S OWN SUNSHINE."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
      March 04 FLOWER, LAWN, and Garden Show 2009 The 2009 Flower, Lawn, and Garden Show this year was not exceptional. Was only there for less than an hour. There were some new booths like the candles, air chairs, and also the stainless steel and other kind of metal PALM TREES!!!! The photos are not that great but the colors, smells, and feelings of Spring are just around the corner now. Hope you enjoy. See you all soon.
 ~Paula~ January 17 Spikey Fingers Hi all. I have been very busy at work and lots of never-ending "changes" there to deal with; hence no blogging. Thank you, each and everyone, that have taken time to private message me or shoot an email this way to check on me. It is very much appreciated. (You know who you are.) Yes, the Winter gets to me. NO..I am not on a spiraling "pitfall". LOL. I just look forward to the warmer climates. The last entry was NOT meant as a "help, I am feeling depressed" entry. It was simply my writing as to what I was feeling. I write the entries with my thoughts and keyboard. Whatever shows up is ME. They are not notes I keep. So, saying that..I bid you all a good morning/night. Again..THANK YOU.
This is Hoar Frost. Hoar frost occurs when water vapor touches a very cold surface and freezes on it instantly.This can happen to leaves and branches of plants, and will cover them with ice crystals that look like spikey fingers. This typically happens when the ground is much colder than the air. Pretty cool!
 Until next time..Keep smiling and stay warm.
 ~*~Paula~*~
January 04 The Week Ahead...Go For It Well, it's that time again..yes indeed...the week is amongst us once again. Where does the time go? I must say that within the last few weeks I have experienced "cabin fever" or "SADD" from lack of sunshine and warmth, even though we had a few days of high temp's. I just get so tired of the dreary , gray days in winter. I am certain that most who live in this type of climate must experience this feeling as well, at one time or another.
 My mind tries to focus on Palm Trees, Sand, Ocean Breezes, and the Sounds of the incoming Surf, Seagulls...not to mention the glorious Sunshine!!! I was born and raised on the oceanfront and apparently never appreciated what I do not have now. Pftttttttt....growing up is no fun....LOL... All reality hits and slaps you in the face. One day it just "stings" you HARD. I suppose that is part of the reason for our memory banks. Ahhhhhhhhhh..the memories of childhood. (Winks). The "good ole days"..we all have them.
 Hope your week ahead is good to you all.
Until next time...Keep Smiling.
-crop20SMALLER.jpg) January 01 A Cat's Diary ( Miss Mattie..passed August 3, 2007 )
Day 983 of my captivity.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................
Until next time..Keep Smiling. Happy 2009! ~Paula~
November 24 The Seasons Will Pass From Bitter To Better **December 28, 2008...Thinking of my Father. Hence the song playing. It should have been titled "FATHER and DAUGHTER".
There comes a point in your life when you realize
who matters, who never did, who won't anymore... and who always will.  I LOVE you, Dad.
This is my Palm Tree. I always have ocean thoughts within me.
  *More photos added December 18, 2008*
**ICE and SNOW Day here..Dec.16, 2008. A few more photos will be added shortly. It is FRIGID out and I plan to stay inside and play with the photos.**
* Added a few new photos to above album, December 15, 2008*
**Since the "screw-up" of Spaces last Tuesday..this may be my last entry. Prior to MSN "updating", it was F-U-N and simple to navigate to my Friend's sites. Now..It's more troublesome and aggravating. I don't look for AGGRAVATION while trying to have fun. Thank you all for the prior visits and comments on my amateur photos. The photo albums will continue, as this gives me pleasure. Have a great weekend all. **
P.S.
If I do decide to NOT pay MSN monthly, I will NOT leave without all of you being told prior.
On a slate-gray morning between cold rains, a gang of Robins passed through. These were not the cheery Robins of Spring, whose arrival my Mother always announced with something like a song in her voice.
No, these were the late Fall migrants---harbingers of worse days to come----driven south toward Texas by a wave of brutal weather across the Plains.
Hasty and purposeful, a rapacious mob, they fanned out in remnants of Summer's garden and in the leafless Crab-Apple trees, wolfing down what seeds and shrunken fruits they could find---fuel for the next leg of their journey. Bugs are absent. And a Robin's choice entree, the earthworm, is asleep deep in the chilled ground.
For the red-breasted travelers, but also for creatures that stay to endure the hard season through, this is the time for provisioning.
Robins have a reputation for being fiercely territorial. And I've seen it reported that when they arrive in their Southern wintering grounds, they descend sometimes by the thousands and their disputatious racket can keep folks there awake at night.
But the ones in our backyard had no time for squabbling. Their earnest hunting and gathering occupied them entirely. The resident squirrels also were hard at work, collecting walnuts and hickory nuts from under the backyard trees and carrying them off to be hidden in some secret cache.
Most of an afternoon this important activity went on. Then, as the light began to fail, the Robins perched a moment all together in the branches of a tree just outside the window.
And in the next instant, as if by unspoken agreement, they were gone.
That's how the golden Autumn passes, overtaken by a sudden freeze. That;s how so many of life's changes happen, in an unexpected rush. So nos the bitter season is upon us, all the more bitter for the anxiety and pain that is currently abroad in what, months ago, was the richest and most privileged land on Earth.
Begins now what Shakespeare's Richard lll, and John Steinbeck after him, called "the winter of our discontent." But, Spring will come. We kmow it, just as we know that, in time and under new and wiser leadership, this resourceful nation will recover from its present trials and find its way again.
There will be that morning--as sudden and unexpected as the first frost---when a spot of pale blue will be spied in the lawn. A brave violet, open before its time. The branches of the Maples will have purple buds, swollen to the size of popped corn.
And across the more than 50 April's since my childhood years in the house of my memory, I will hear my Mother's song again: "Come see! It's the first Robin."
And we'll have made it through once more.
Until next time...Keep Smiling.
~*~Paula~*~
November 20 Gobble...Gobble..and Then SomeFOR ALL OF YOU THAT DON'T GET A CHANCE TO HUNT DOWN YOUR THANKSGIVING TURKEY . THIS IS YOUR CHANCE. YOU DON'T EVEN NEED A HUNTING LICENSE!
November 13 Eureka Springs, Arkansas As some of you may or may not be aware, I have been without my internet since last week. It was not MSN's fault as it was in the router that the cable company provides me for high speed. Well, I am finally back!!! (Just in case anyone missed me.)
This past weekend Mr. "PJ" and I took a weekend get away to Eureka Springs, AR. Believe it or not, Mr. "PJ" was the 5th caller at a radio station he listens to and won two tickets to the 61st Ozark Folk Festival there plus one night accommodations ( Worth $300.00). Neither one of us had ever been there, even though it's only a 4 - 4 1/2 hr. drive. We stayed an extra night. He went to listen to his music and I went shopping and photographing! Eureka Springs is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains untouched by time and the stresses of the modern world. It's soothing atmosphere and VICTORIAN aura have drawn visitors since before the close of the 19th Century. Eureka Springs is a place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the pleasures of a different time. THE NEW ORLEANS HOTEL and SPA where we stayed is in the National Register of Historic Places.
Hopefully you ALL will have a nice, relaxing weekend. it is to turn much colder here this weekend. stay warm
Until next time...Keep Smiling.
~*~Paula~*~ November 01 Michael Burks Blues Oh, yeah, was listening to Public Radio in car and heard an awesome Blues Guitarist. I will have to research. His name is Michael Burks. He is playing for you now if you have your speakers on. LOL. Love his sound. My Saturday was mostly me ( PJ ) playing b-u-m. I was relaxing after the intense work week. This morning when I awoke I pulled back the drapes, rubbed my eyes, and looked again. F-O-G. Yes, we had the most beautiful week of temperatures and sun shine. Last night was Halloween and it was 70 degrees! At any rate, the photos are not the best, but shall post them anyway. More later.
SUNDAY MORNING..November 2, 2008
It is amazing to me that no matter how many times you see the same tree, it never looks the same. This morning while having my coffee on the bench facing my water garden..I looked up at the almost bare redbud to see one heart shaped leaf, just hanging on for dear life. Nature...what a lovely, mysterious Lady, indeed. Lady! I also added more to the above album.
Until next time..Keep Smiling.
~Paula~
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