Hunting

We prepared for our hunting trip on Wednesday, getting everything in order for Jessie to not have to worry about anything. We got all our camping gear out and ready, clothes, food, blankets and sleeping bags. We got up early on Thursday morning and ate our breakfast and finished preparing and loading all our equipment up.

We left the house at around 8:30 and headed out. We dropped Jessie at her work, stopped and fueled up, stopped at Bashas for last minute items, and then vamanos!!! Jonnie met up with us through Stockton pass and we kept on going. We finally got to Sunset loop and parked the truck, unloaded the buggy, and made sure everything was good to go, and Jonnie comes up to me and says, Mom, do you have my spare key? OMG!?!  Hahaa, he locked his keys in his truck. With the help of Mike and a little luck (and experience in breaking into his truck) Jonnie unlocked it. 

We finally headed out for the last 7 or 8 miles of rough roads. We finally made it to our campsite and unloaded. We set up our tents, made our beds, fixed the kitchen, made some sandwiches and went out scouting. It was so beautiful, cool weather and beautiful country. We saw some deer out here and it was so neat to see them. 

We saw deer track on the road and there were several places that we found that they were going through the barbwire fence. I thought they always jumped the fences, not go through them. But I was wrong.

We drove back to camp and I prepared dinner, corned beef with fried potatos, ranch beans and tortillas. (I cheated, I bought tortillas) We started our fire, drank hot cocoa and water, visited and went to bed about 7:00 as 4:00 comes early in the morning. 

The next morning we got up. I started coffee, warmed up some water for hot cocoa, and made breakfast, eggs and chorizo. Oooohhhhh, it smells so good to cook out in the mountains out in the open.We left camp about 5:00 and headed out. 

It was chilly and David drove like a crazy man to get up to where we were going. But it was fun. We saw glowing lights that were the eyes of a lone coyote. But that was all we saw on the drive. We got to the corner and were there about 5:30. It was still pretty dark. David and Jon headed out about 5:45 and left me there by myself. It was cool, but I was okay as I had all the jackets. 

Finally the sun started to light up the sky, and it was so neat to watch the mountains get that rosy hue from the first rays that peak over the mountain tops. Slowly it lightened up and the sun light started touching down on all the hills and mountaintops, slowly creeping towards me. There were birds chirping and scolding each other for trespassing. They were flying around me, I don't know what kind they were. There were also sparrows flying by as well.

It was a beautiful morning. I saw deer come up the hill and cross the fence to go water and then they came back. It was a doe with two fawns. A Durango came and dropped off a hunter about a quarter of a mile from where I was.

About 10:00 the guys showed back up. No luck. As we were getting finished resting, we see a young man come up out of the opposite side of where Jon and David hunted, with a really nice pretty 3 point buck. We helped him out, visited with him and gave him a ride. A very nice young man. He grew up in Willcox, but moved to San Diego, and just graduated from high school and is now living with his grandparents in New Mexico, to help them out. 

We went back to camp, rested again, and they decided to go back out again around 1:30. I stayed at camp, cleaned things up, dozed off, took pictures and talked to myself, as there was no one around. I am pretty good at talking to myself, especially nowadays, hahahaa.

As I was dozing, I heard a car, and it startled me, I was at that point that you jerk and flinch while you are dozing. I had woke myself up a couple times talking in my dozing dazed state of mind.They had stopped and it looked like they were glassing at me, but there was something behind me. I looked and saw these strange black glossy humps moving through the tall grass. I thought at first it was javalina, but it was turkeys. 

I ran and got my camera and took pictures. Two of them were tagged with red flags and I guess they have tracking devices on them. I was going to get closer but I was afraid that I was going to be attacked, they were all Tom turkeys. It was really neat, they were not afraid in the least of me being there. I went back to camp and I played with the fire, sticking small twigs in the coals that were left from the morning, and building a log cabin around, seeing how long it would take to reignite it. It only took about 4 to 5 minutes. A scary thought.

I cooked dinner and waited for the guys to come back. They finally met up with Uncle Frankie and Jeremy, and they had luck this time. Jeremy tagged out and so did David. We visited, and then they went on their way, they drove out from home rather than camping. We sat by the fire and went to bed early again, as the guys were a little tired.

We got up around 5:00 to 5:15. I started the fire and started breakfast. We left camp about 6:30 and headed out. The wind was blowing and it was chilly. The wind had blown all night too and we didn't get much sleep. We got to the area we were going to hunt, and it was so chilly. We hiked and then sat down and waited, glassed and I enjoyed the scenery.

We finally went back to the buggy as there was no luck here, and we met up with Uncle Frankie and Jeremy. As we were waiting, David glassed another canyon and found some deer. You could barely see them with the glasses. Frankie got his deer in that canyon and that was it. We went back to camp and ate some lunch, packed up and headed home.

It was a really good trip, so peaceful, the nights were lit up because of the moon, the weather was good, a little chilly, but better than being too hot. But, it is so good to be home too, sleeping on my bed, and staying warm. 

Bunny and dogs

Our Bunny is a female donkey. She was born on our property and raised here. Her mama is a BLM donkey and was very sweet. Bunny is sweet too, but just a little bit ornery as well. And very mischievous and you can see her thinking about things, very smart, maybe too smart. This is a picture of her the morning after she was born.

This weekend we had a young lady and her mom and dad come over so that we could help her with her horse. Her mom, Sabrina, had brought with her a small rat terrier on a leash. It is a very sweet dog, and very friendly, probably doesn't weigh anymore than 8 to 10 lbs. We don't have a problem with dogs much, but, donkeys do. They have some kind of vengeance for them. And chickens. And goats. And sheep.

After we helped her work with her horse, she went to put the horse up, and I turned Bunny loose, as we do so every weekend to wander around, eat weeds, pester the horses, and just have her used to being loose around people.

As Bunny came out of the arena, she eyeballed the dog immediately, and was just watching it. She went over to investigate and Sabrina had to pick it up, especially after I told her that Bunny was stalking her. She would not take her eyes off that little dog. Finally Sabrina walked down to where our round pen is to help put her daughters horse up, and Bunny started walking after her. She never once took her eyes off that dog. The faster Sabrina walked the faster Bunny walked.

I wasn't paying attention much and finally looked down to where there were putting the horse up and I just started laughing. We have a bench and a barrel next to each other and Sabrina was walking as fast as she could with her dog on the leash in circles around the bench with Bunny in pursuit. It was so comical, the faster Sabrina went the faster Bunny tried to catch up to her, not once taking her eyes off that dog.

David had to yell at her to pick up her dog, and I had to go fetch Bunny and put her up. Bunny would not leave her and that dog alone, no matter where Sabrina moved, Bunny was following. It was so funny, she never has stalked a dog before, and with our dogs, she does go after them, but they are all big dogs that run out there. She grew up with our dogs, but donkeys just don't like 'em.

This is Bunny now.

Can gardens

I am growing a pineapple plant in my kitchen. I Stumble occasionally and I found this article about growing a pineapple. It takes about 23 months it said to grow one. I am excited and hopeful that I can keep this going. I cut off the top, put it in water for about a couple of weeks and then planted it in a pot.The plant has doubled in size already, and I will have to repot it soon.

In that Stumbleing, I also found an article about growing your own celery in a can. So, guess what? YUP, I have started a celery plant, and little tiny leaves are growing out of the middle of it. I cut off the bottom of the celery and put it in a tin of water. When we come back from deerhunting, I will transplant it into a can. I am so excited. It says you can after it grows stalks, just cut them off as you need them and it will keep on growing. Change the potting soil about every three months, I think.

I also have two little carrottops growing and also will be planting an onion. I just hope that I don't give up and throw them out. I am hoping to start a fall garden, and will try to get radishes, onions, garlic, carrots and what ever else I can think of that might grow out side.

How to Bake a Cake

This is for FUN!!! For all you mom's (and dad's)

How to Bake a Cake

RECIPE BY D.L. WINKLER

Light oven. Grease pan. Crack nuts.

  Get out bowl, spoons, ingredients.

    Remove 18 blocks and 7 toy automobiles from kitchen table.

      Measure 2 cups flour onto piece of waxed paper.

        Get sifter out of cabinet.

          Remove Johnny’s hand from flour. Wash flour off him.

            Measure out 1 cup more flour to replace what is now on floor.

              Put flour, 2 ½ tsp. baking powder and ½ tsp. salt in sifter.

                Get dustpan and brush up pieces of bowl which Johnny has accident-

                  ally knocked off table.

                    Get another bowl. Sift ingredients.

                      With spoon work ¼ cup shortening against sides of bowl.

                        Answer doorbell.

                       Return to kitchen. Remove Johnny’s hands from bowl.

                     Wash shortening off him.

                   Add 1 cup granulated sugar gradually.

                 Answer telephone.

                 Return to kitchen. Remove Johnny’s hands from bowl.

                   Wash shortening and sugar off him.

                     Get out egg.

                       Answer doorbell.

   

                       Return to kitchen. Mop up floor.

                     Change Johnny’s shoes which are egg-y.

                   Get another egg. Beat.

                 Remove toy automobile from bowl.

               Add flour mixture alternately with egg, ¾ cup milk and 1 tsp. vanilla.

             Answer knock at back door.

             Remove Johnny’s hands from bowl.

               Wash shortening, sugar, flour, milk and vanilla off him.

                 Beat – (mixture).

                   Take up greased pan; find it has 1/4 –inch layer of salt in bottom.

                     Look for Johnny, who has disappeared.

                       Get another pan and grease it.

                         Answer telephone.

                         Return to kitchen and find Johnny – of all people.

                       Remove his hands from bowl.

                     Wash shortening,  etc., etc.,  etc.….. off  him.

                   Take up greased pan; find it has ¼ - inch layer of nutshells in it.

                 Head for Johnny who flees, knocking bowl off table.

               Wash kitchen floor.  Wash kitchen table.

             Wash kitchen walls.

           Wash dishes.

         Call up baker.

       Lie down.

Pumpkins, hayrides, farm animals and kids

Yesterday, we helped with my sister-in-laws annual Halloween festival for the kids at the school that she works for. The majority of the kids at the school are special needs, with disabilities ranging from mild to severe, mentally handicapped and autistic. 

She started doing this about 6 years ago, and we have helped out every year. She provides games for the kids to play, and the kids then get to go and pick out a pumpkin in the field next door. They also get to go on a hayride on our truck and trailer, that my husband drives. My part is giving the kids rides on our horses. The horses seem to know that these kids are special needs, as they seem to talk to them in their own ways.

Our donkey was jealous that she couldn't be more a part of the action, as she loves the attention, but she was petted and talked to through the panels. In our arena we have a large watering trough that has goldfish in it. Some of the fish are about 8 or 9 inches long now and the kids get so excited when they see them. Our goats have always been a hit with  these kids to see, hear, and touch and I brought one that just loves attention. This year we also have turkeys, and they even were able to see an egg that one of my hens had layed. 

It was so much fun watching how their eyes lit up and how they enjoyed these animals. Some would yell, laugh, giggle, others would just hold such a blank expression, yet you could see it in their eyes the joy. These kids are preschool on into about the 14 -15 year range. Many of them have participated over the years, and some of them we know personally. The progress that has been made is awesome with some of these kids. 

It was a busy but fulfilling day for me. The weather was good, and I received so much gratification seeing these kids be so excited and happy.

Camping

In just a few days we will be going deer hunting again. Its our only "vacation" that we ever leave town for more than a day. We will be gone about 3 or 4 days, depending on if the men tag out.

The place that we go is only about maybe 60 miles from home. The first 52 or so miles is paved and good dirt roads, easily traveling at between 50 and 65 miles per hour. The last 6 or 7 miles takes at least an hour, for you need a vehicle with clearance and sometimes 4WD. The country is beautiful, rugged and refreshing.

Its usually breezy, the wind plays in the grass and it shimmers in the sun. Grasshoppers jump and fly, wasps show up smelling our water, and bees smelling the sugary sweet of soda pop cans. The sky is so much bluer and clearer, with occasional clouds drifting. The mornings are crisp, sometimes to the point of really chilly, we have had our water frozen before. We once woke up to 8 inches of snow on top of us and our horses.

The country is rugged, with a lot of lava rock that rolls if you are not careful, a lot of cholla, yucca, and lechugilla cacti, that can really be mean. Its points will stab you and sometimes stay below your skin for weeks or months. Its better to be in shape and young for this country, but we continue to come here as it is beautiful. There are junipers and scrubby oaks that dot the landscape, water holes here and there that the cattle come to and hang out at.

There are rocky bluffs, caves and deep dark canyons. There is bear, lion, coyotes, javelina, and of course whitetail and mule deer. There are some natural springs around, and so many beautiful flowers, plants, bugs. There are turkeys and an occasional elk that have been reintroduced to the area.

The rancher mostly does his roundup before we arrive, but there has been times that they were rounding up during our hunt. I have seen these cowboys ride, and they are so different than the cowboys at a roping or rodeo. They are one with their horses, they are a different breed for sure. It always has amazed me at the ground they can cover on horseback, they seem to glide through these hills.

I look forward to these few days up there, sitting by the campfire, watching the flames dance around, grabbing up in the air, the popping of the wood, crackling, talking about the stories of the past years hunts. The occasional yip of a coyote floats across the stillness. There are so many stars out, having no interference from the city lights. Where we live we see our stars, as we are a little out of town, but there is still no comparison for a starry lit night in the country.

As the night continues on we count the number of jetliners crossing the sky, or even a satellite. There will be a full moon this year, I will be looking forward to it, the glow it casts out is uncomparable. Everything lights up and is so clear.

As morning comes, I love to start the fire up again, get our coffee brewing and just smelling food cooking on stove. It always seems to be so much more delicious out here in the clean fresh air, we all agree on that. I have cooked in dutch ovens over the fire when we have had a large gathering at our camp. I have made tortillas out here and all of the food is just so much tastier.

I think when you get away from all the technical electrical stuff, you have a tendency to just slow down and let your hair down. You can actually relax from the grind of work, and unwind. Its so nice to have no phones, not being tied down to our cells. Not listening to a radio or watching tv. Just let your mind go and dream.

But when it is time to come home, there is nothing like home sweet home, a good hot bath, and my bed.

Moments

Well, today is a gorgeous day. It rained a little last night and the morning was so fresh, breezy and cool. There were clouds scattered in the sky and birds were singing everywhere. 

How can a person be sad when looking at this amazing beauty put before us. How can you not stop, take a deep breath, and let yourself be filled with the purity of this moment, catching it, tasting it, before it leaves. Never to be seen again, it becomes a part of our past, a memory.  But knowing that moment and owning it makes the difference.

We all are faced with, it seems, mountains of problems in our lives. Bills upon bills,  our children's learning, college, work, maintenance on cars and homes, medical issues, the list goes on. It seems to consume us, trying to overtake our lives, we are becoming a prisoner to our problems. 

Even the smallest issues end up becoming a chore, like trying to figure out what to stir up for dinner, after a tiring day at work. But, we can change this, this feeling of incompleteness, of being a prisoner to our own problems. We can overcome it. After all, whats the worst that is going to happen? 

There is always tomorrow to do whatever. There is always a bowl of cereal or eggs for an easy fix for dinner. My fathers father always ate bread and milk for dinner (of course it was homemade bread). There are always enough moments in our day, to complete what NEEDS to be completed and what we want to complete. Most of the time, it is not urgent enough to worry about, except for when we put it off forever. 

I have realized that I don't have to fret anymore over what I thought HAD to be done, trying always to be make sure everything was always done, cleaned, filed, washed. I had become a prisoner to my own actions and thoughts, rather than enjoying moments in my life. 

Figuring this out has relaxed me in so many ways, I am not nearly as fretful as I used to be. I have watched so many people and the pressure they put on themselves over everything. They don't seem to enjoy the little things that are so important to our happiness. Our time is our time, and we need to slow down and enjoy it.

Now, I take the time to make sure that I am enjoying my life, rather than feeling as if I HAVE to do something. And it makes it easier and more fulfilling to get those things done that are chores or duties. My house is taken care of still, just not with the awful urgency that I put on myself to make sure that its clean. The same with my work, and everything else I do. I DON'T have to hurry up and get it done. The more I relax, the more I get done and the quality is better. 

And the best part is I can look at a bug, or a leaf, look at the clouds or watch a sunrise or sunset, and thoroughly enjoy it. I can tell a difference with the reactions of my family, my friends, others. Every moment. No rush anymore. Life is good, so much better with this thought.

A great place to check out.

I somehow found out about a person that does life coaching and stuff like that through email. For some reason, I decided to check it out, read what she had to offer, and was knocked off my rocker. A very inspirational and truths writings, how to just change your life. Her name is Barrie Davenport.

One of the things that I read ( only have received her emails for about a week or two) was "10 ways you may be fooling yourself". It was so right in what it told me. I realized that I have been sabotaging me for so long that it had become a habit. Following is a short list of what she said. It is not at all complete of what she wrote, so I will include her website: it is as follows: Liveboldandbloom.com   If you go to home, and then under resources, then go to archives, you can find this lesson. This one is from September 2012.

"The day that something or someone shines the bright light of truth on a belief or situation, and you awaken to that truth, can be Earth-shattering and life changing."  Barrie Davenport

These are beliefs that sabotage you. They are negative. And this is some of what she says to do to help fix you.
1. Believing your thoughts and feelings define reality.
       Challenge your negative thoughts.
2. Believing you are right and others are wrong.
        Acknowledge the your way isn't the only way and that you perceive things through a filter of your personal experience.
3. Accepting perceived limitations.
       We are capable of far, far more that we believe.
4. Believing you can control everything.
      The awakening often occurs only after an uncontrollable event rocks the world of the perfectionist or over-achiever.
5. Blaming others for your problems or mistakes.
     Always look at a problem or failure from the perspective of your personal responsibility and contribution.
6. Believing there are no alternatives.
       There is always another alternative or another way.
7. Accepting a bad relationship
      It is far less painful to determine what you need from the relationship, and if necessary seek counseling to help you navigate moving forward safely  or ending it.
8. Living beyond your means.
     Accept that debt is unacceptable to you. Shift your thinking to believe that being debt free is more fulfilling that having all the things you want to buy.
9. Looking for happiness outside of yourself.
      Happiness is achieved by finding joy and contentment in the present moment. 
10. Believing "it will never happen to me"
     Accepting that bad things can and will happen opens your heart to compassion for yourself and others.

I hope that you check it out, it is some good stuff.

As night comes.

As the daylight starts to fade with the oncoming night, you feel the coolness as the suns rays become fainter and thinner. A moment of stillness as the shadows gain their length and end up blending with each other.

All the birds are saying their good nights, settling in, cackling, squawking at each other, getting set in the limbs of the trees, the chickens and turkeys settling in on their roosts as well.  Everything becomes more quiet, the goats bleating less and less as they settle in their nooks they use. There is a noticeable change as day creatures become quiet, almost a complete silence, and then the night creatures start up.

Crickets, slowly, start chirping their songs. Quiet swishing of bat wings, as they fly around catching bugs and mosquitoes that come out at dusk, and the buzzing of flying night bugs and beetles. As the night settles in, in the distance you can hear the lonely yip of a coyote. If you are lucky, you can hear others reply or gather together and sing in jubilation over being together or over the unlucky fate of a rabbit. 

Quietly among the noise of leaves rustling in a cool gentle breeze, you may hear the barn owl hoot. Very soft, very low, very lonely. They glide through the night silently, wings spreading at least 4 or 5 feet, gliding through branches without ever making a sound. Once in  while you may hear a nighthawk whistle. 

Our cat wanders, calling, looking for  a mate or out hunting. Its more of a yowl, drawn out. We have a mocking bird that will sing occasionally during the night, a very beautiful song, a soothing melody. Roosters will crow off and on all night long as well, I know all is well when I hear them. Our doves sing all night as well, almost sounding as if someone is laughing hooo hooo hooo. 

The sounds are very soothing, soft mostly, other than when the coyotes come in close, and then with their singing, my dogs get very excited, knowing they are close at hand. They either bark or will sing with the coyotes. Once in a while, a siren is heard, and all the dogs in the area howl or yip at the noise, with our female donkey braying and closing this song.

The night sounds are soothing and soft, filling me with peace. 

Challenges

I have so many challenges. Is a challenge a goal? Can it be a fear you want to overcome? I have a lot of fears, some maybe more like insecurities. In an earlier blog, I had talked about challenges and some of those challenges I will and I am undertaking, are some of my fears. Following is a list, a start of what I am going to challenge myself, to make my self more complete. This is not a complete list, and probably should never be complete, always leaving room for improvement.

My fear of the dark.
My fear of heights.
My fear of water.
To walk across the street or walk in a restaurant without panicing someone will look at me.
To always look someone in the eye and always smile.
To do something for someone, without them knowing. (pay a bill, do their wash, clean their kitchen, etc.)
I am challenging myself to learn control of my emotions.
I challenge myself to express myself, without getting caught up in my emotions.
I challenge myself to be able to deal with those that are selfcentered and bullies without compromising whom I am.
I challenge myself to deal with those that feel I shouldn't be concerned for those things that do concern me.
I will not allow comments made make me feel inadequate or small or less of a person. I will take those comments and build something positive out of them

More Fun Challenges.

Make lap quilts.
Cook a new dish once a week.
Try a new desert.
Write a poem.

These are just some. I will try to write about ways that have worked for me to overcome and deal with these, making it happen.

Peace and Happiness

What is it that we are all looking for? Is it a big house? A new car? Being closer to the ocean? What about the next big newest most technological design of something or another? As we buy and work towards getting these items, does it really bring us any peace or happiness? 

I am not really a materialistic person, I try to use things until they wear out, I don't go to the store and just buy things on a whim, I ask myself do I want it or do I need it? There is such a big difference. As I have grown, I have realized that my inner peace can only come from me, being satisfied with whom I am, what I look like, knowing where I have come from, and using that to help shape me forward. That peace cannot come from items.

I have a new direction in my life.  I do know that I am living my life for me now, rather than always being on the back burner to everyone else. To me, in order to help others be happy, I have to find that happiness in me, cultivate it and bring it to the surface, a job that only I can do by knowing me.

I am not defined by the clothes that I wear, or by my weight, height, skin color, or much of anything material or physical. I am defined by my beliefs, my actions, my thoughts and my words. I cannot be defined by trying to keep up with the "Jones", or having the best of the best. I can be defined by being true to me.

I am a believer in God, and all that He brings to the table. In that, I have revamped my life to live with what is in my heart, that was put there sometime, somewhere, before this existence here. The fears and insecurities had put me in a place that I let be me for so long, and now, I am facing all of this. I am able to say and do things that I would have never thought to do, and it feels good. I am me.

When I am true to me, to whom I am inside, I feel so much peace and happiness, knowing that that is whom I am. And that peace, that happiness radiates out. It feels good. My peace and happiness comes from inside me, truly getting to know me. 

Changes

Its a funny thing when you want to better your life, your heart, your mentality, to be able to greet and overcome any adversity in your life, you seem to know all the things to do so. You even are able to think about how you are going to make those changes, and are overflowing with good advice for those that seek it, helping them to feel better and understand how to get to that same place.

The problem is that when we are faced with those changes, we become afraid of change. Its so much easier to stay in the same place, and never step out of those patterns that in the long run can harm us. We do the same thing over and over because its easy and goes with the flow, not disrupting our lives.

I have challenged myself now, to make a change in my life. One change at a time. One of those changes came in starting this blog. I have wanted to do so for a few years, but never had the courage to do so. I am loving every minute of this, and am grateful to share my thoughts, as it allows me to breathe, and to actually listen to my inner self.

If we challenge ourselves one challenge at a time, it is just one step closer to how and what we want to change to. One step. Small steps. They still get us closer. And, it is ok if we fall down, stumble or even feel as we have failed. There is always the next moment to get started, and always tomorrow. And without fails in our lives, we won't have the stamina or the courage to get back up and try again. 

I will make a short list of challenges that I want to take, of shortcomings in my life that I want to overcome, and will hopefully describe somewhat of how I dealt with them as they were accomplished or as I deal with them daily.

Dogs and things that fly

Usually my little dogs chase flies, as that's what is usually in our house, with all the large animals outside. The best ones are those big flies that fly like a bomber, slow and erratically. They try to bite them and once in a while are successful. They jump at them, bound and just spaz out.

Outside in the yard, Pacino keeps patrol of the yard, making sure the doves and grackels don't get too close. Pacino will sit under the swingset yapping and jumping to chase the doves off it, or sit at attention scanning the yard for any birds that might, on the slightest chance of provoking him into a charge, be walking in HIS grass. If he finds one, he charges it. He never gets close, but he thinks that he's doing a pretty good job. Ralfie used to watch the yard, but he has given it over to Pacino.

A couple of days ago, we were just getting ready to come in and he was with me, and he saw a butterfly that was just flitting around, up and down, no real direction but where the flitting took it. Pacino lunged at it, over and over, jumping into the air. He would lose track of it, and then be really spazzy about finding it again. Once he'd see it, it would start all over again, the jumping, the lunging, the spazziness that only you can find from a chihuahua. Maybe its just mine. :)

The butterfly won, flying high, leaving Pacino wondering and almost panicing, trying to find that butterfly.

Just do it!

Doesn't it always seem that we might complain because we just don't seem to have enough time, enough money, enough this or that, to try and get the things done, first that we have to, and second, that we want to. I know that I always put things aside, waiting for the right moment. 

I bet that right moment has come and gone a thousand times and I missed each and everyone of them. This blog is one of  the right moments and I am so glad that I started it, thanks to Jake and Rissa. I wouldn't have done it without them starting theirs. 

There are so many things that I wanted to get done before the end of this year, and  yet I have only accomplished maybe a handful. Why? Am I too lazy? Afraid? Nervous about it? Is the challenge too much? Is it outside my normal box? 

Today, my challenge to myself is to start doing it!!!  Take the plunge and get it done, no matter how small or large, if I can accomplish it, then it is one done. I am probably going to start with the small projects and take it one step at a time, without compromising everything else, but rather work it in as a blend.

I have so many craft ideas that I have gathered, along with my quilting ideas, cooking, painting, gardening, etc., so much, yet it leaves me spinning in circles, where do I start? I start now, today, preparing for what is going to be such a fun journey, carrying on what my grandmothers taught and showed me, and my grandfathers. 

Just DO IT!!!!   :)