I stepped out onto the front porch this evening and was met with the most beautiful sound. A gentle breeze seemed to add to that which played Mother Nature's music just for me. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about; rain. Beautiful, gentle, sweet-smellling rain.
We've been having so much wind lately that I alost forgot how amazing it is to just be able to stand still and listen... to the quiet. There's something about being able to listen, without the intrusion of loud noises. I feel as if it really is a little piece of Heaven.
Do you ever feel that way? Does the rain bring out special emotions that you can only feel when the gentle droplets are falling? I always feel as if Mother Nature is paying me a special visit, just me, when the rain and wind are so soft upon the leaves and grass. I can feel the touch of her gentle hug. I hope she knows how much I appreciate these visits.
Its as though she is seeking a place to sit and be quiet for awhile. Well, she's always welcome to come and sit with me. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Traveling Through Life On His Head
I like kids. Do you like kids? Don't you just love the way they can go into a group of other children and, just as natural as you please, start talking? Gone are the inhibitions that they'll develop later on. Oh, yeah. You know the ones; too shy to speak, worry that someone might think this or that, does my shirt have milk on it?
I wonder why it is that we learn those fears as we grow older? I've pondered this subject quite a bit, actually and I think it just may have something to do with the years of trying to find our places in life. It seems that at about fifth grade, things begin to change. At least, that's about when they started changing for me.
Maybe everyone has a nemesis in their lives, just like that girl I told you about yesterday? I hope not, but there must be some reason why so many of us begin to shrink inside ourselves.
I have one grandie who is a true and natural comic. You never know what he's gonna' come up with. The other day, he sort of tumbled down the stairs and when he reached the bottom, he just bounced up and grinned sheepishly, saying, "I wasn't watching where I was going!"
Another time, while playing air-shooting with Mama and big brother, he suddenly announced that he had been shot in the bum. One of his most interesting habits, in my opinion, is spending most of his time on his head. Yep! He watches TV on his head, visits with others while on his head and does way more things on his head than a lot of people can do in an upright position.
He also has a funny little habit of going up the stairs doing somersaults. You heard me right. He goes UP the stairs that way. I used to hang upside-down a lot when I was growing up. Maybe I affected him, even before he was a thought in Mama or Daddy's minds? At any rate, he makes it look like so much fun that I even wanna' play. I hate to tell you what the results of THAT would be. *sigh*
Oh, to be a child, again. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
I wonder why it is that we learn those fears as we grow older? I've pondered this subject quite a bit, actually and I think it just may have something to do with the years of trying to find our places in life. It seems that at about fifth grade, things begin to change. At least, that's about when they started changing for me.
Maybe everyone has a nemesis in their lives, just like that girl I told you about yesterday? I hope not, but there must be some reason why so many of us begin to shrink inside ourselves.
I have one grandie who is a true and natural comic. You never know what he's gonna' come up with. The other day, he sort of tumbled down the stairs and when he reached the bottom, he just bounced up and grinned sheepishly, saying, "I wasn't watching where I was going!"
Another time, while playing air-shooting with Mama and big brother, he suddenly announced that he had been shot in the bum. One of his most interesting habits, in my opinion, is spending most of his time on his head. Yep! He watches TV on his head, visits with others while on his head and does way more things on his head than a lot of people can do in an upright position.
He also has a funny little habit of going up the stairs doing somersaults. You heard me right. He goes UP the stairs that way. I used to hang upside-down a lot when I was growing up. Maybe I affected him, even before he was a thought in Mama or Daddy's minds? At any rate, he makes it look like so much fun that I even wanna' play. I hate to tell you what the results of THAT would be. *sigh*
Oh, to be a child, again. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Two Volcanic Explosions
When I was in Kindergarten (I sort of hate that word. It just always feels wrong, somehow, ya' know?), I lived in Alaska, before Alaska was a state. While I was there, we were blessed with a middle-of-the-day volcano, prompting those in charge to hustle everyone home as quickly as possible.
There we were, just before noon, and the sky was as black as midnight. Everywhere, mama's hung out of doors, calling for their offspring. And children of all sizes ran from this new and frightening terror which we had no previous experience with and no emotion which we could reference for recall.
After a year or so, we moved away from Alaska, the proud owners of a full jar of volcanic ash. That was my personal badge of honor; my shining star. No matter where I lived after that, I was the only person in my next class who had lived in Alaska. And as my crowning jewel, I had experienced something that no one else in any of my classes could even comprehend; a volcano.
Its amazing how much mileage I got out of that little jar of Proof. Volcanic Ash, carried in a jar, creates the most remarkable sense of prestige. At least, it did in my mind. I was oh, so important, when I told my story of unbelievable fear and danger. As far as I was concerned, no one else was as important as I was.
Then came the day when my bubble burst. Fifth grade and I was the new kid. Being the new kid was something of a way of life for me. Ours was a military family and that's the way things were; transfers. Since I was almost always the new kid, I had grown rather accustomed to the notoriety of my position. That is, until that awful day when it all started to come down around my ears.
Just two days earlier, wearing my brother's hand-me-down blue jeans, I had given a report which included the horrors of surviving a volcano, as told by a very creative fifth-grader. I was in my element. Other students still viewed me as the new kid and I had the added benefit of being very nearly as famous and brave as Superman, himself. Yep! My very active imagination had created a real super-hero.
Then came a knock at the classroom door and the school principal walked in. With him was one of the prettiest, prissiest, blonde-haired girls I had ever seen. She wore many crinolines under her showcase skirt and the way she held her arms, bent at the elbows, with her hands hanging limp, told me she wouldn't know what to do if someone handed her a bucket and told her to play in the dirt.
Did I mention that I had blonde hair at that age? Yeah, that was previous to the red hair that started showing up about a year later. And as if that wasn't enough, she was being introduced as the new girl. But the nightmare didn't end there. Nope! It just kept getting better all the time.
My traitorous teacher, whom I had adored only moments earlier, was introducing this intruder with MY NAME. My WHOLE name. How dare she! And wouldn't you know it? She was coming to us from that beautiful land up north... Alaska.
What I found interesting was that the teacher kept looking at me and smiling, as though she thought this was wonderful news. She seemed to feel that I should be charmed by this total intrusion into my world. What was she... NUTS?!?
Just as the volcano had erupted, years earlier, so began my temper. By recess, there was a full-blown explosion.
You'll be proud to learn that in my entire school career, I was never in a fight with anyone. Well, except for that one time when a very pretty, prissy girl moved into MY school, using MY name and stealing MY personal Land of Fame. I don't think I have ever gotten over that treacherous act. I wonder what ever became of that girl?
Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
There we were, just before noon, and the sky was as black as midnight. Everywhere, mama's hung out of doors, calling for their offspring. And children of all sizes ran from this new and frightening terror which we had no previous experience with and no emotion which we could reference for recall.
After a year or so, we moved away from Alaska, the proud owners of a full jar of volcanic ash. That was my personal badge of honor; my shining star. No matter where I lived after that, I was the only person in my next class who had lived in Alaska. And as my crowning jewel, I had experienced something that no one else in any of my classes could even comprehend; a volcano.
Its amazing how much mileage I got out of that little jar of Proof. Volcanic Ash, carried in a jar, creates the most remarkable sense of prestige. At least, it did in my mind. I was oh, so important, when I told my story of unbelievable fear and danger. As far as I was concerned, no one else was as important as I was.
Then came the day when my bubble burst. Fifth grade and I was the new kid. Being the new kid was something of a way of life for me. Ours was a military family and that's the way things were; transfers. Since I was almost always the new kid, I had grown rather accustomed to the notoriety of my position. That is, until that awful day when it all started to come down around my ears.
Just two days earlier, wearing my brother's hand-me-down blue jeans, I had given a report which included the horrors of surviving a volcano, as told by a very creative fifth-grader. I was in my element. Other students still viewed me as the new kid and I had the added benefit of being very nearly as famous and brave as Superman, himself. Yep! My very active imagination had created a real super-hero.
Then came a knock at the classroom door and the school principal walked in. With him was one of the prettiest, prissiest, blonde-haired girls I had ever seen. She wore many crinolines under her showcase skirt and the way she held her arms, bent at the elbows, with her hands hanging limp, told me she wouldn't know what to do if someone handed her a bucket and told her to play in the dirt.
Did I mention that I had blonde hair at that age? Yeah, that was previous to the red hair that started showing up about a year later. And as if that wasn't enough, she was being introduced as the new girl. But the nightmare didn't end there. Nope! It just kept getting better all the time.
My traitorous teacher, whom I had adored only moments earlier, was introducing this intruder with MY NAME. My WHOLE name. How dare she! And wouldn't you know it? She was coming to us from that beautiful land up north... Alaska.
What I found interesting was that the teacher kept looking at me and smiling, as though she thought this was wonderful news. She seemed to feel that I should be charmed by this total intrusion into my world. What was she... NUTS?!?
Just as the volcano had erupted, years earlier, so began my temper. By recess, there was a full-blown explosion.
You'll be proud to learn that in my entire school career, I was never in a fight with anyone. Well, except for that one time when a very pretty, prissy girl moved into MY school, using MY name and stealing MY personal Land of Fame. I don't think I have ever gotten over that treacherous act. I wonder what ever became of that girl?
Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Hippity-Hoppin' 'Cross Kansas
Have you been following Donna Aviles on her blog while she's hippity-hoppin' 'cross Kansas? What a time she's having. I had to chuckle the other night when I read about possible tornadoes and baseball-sized hail. Coming from Delaware, that must be quite a shock to her.
Donna does seem to be enjoying her time in Kansas, though. The stories and pictures she has posted on her blog have been a lot of fun to read. I especially enjoyed the fact that, after years of visiting schools and sharing her knowledge of Orphan Trains and Baby Trains, she met a young man named Eli who was able to answer a question that no one has ever been able to answer, before. Sounds to me as if Eli is a pretty smart kid. Go, Eli!
After reading all the fun posts from her first week in Kansas, I'm looking forward to learning what other kinds of fun Donna can find. For sure, she's gonna' wanna' have a nice, loooooooong rest, when she gets back home. She'll certainly deserve it, after all the hard work and effort of this trip. Hang in there, Donna. You're doin' a great job.
If you haven't found your way to Donna's Orphan Train History site, already, I do hope you'll take a few minutes to run on over there and check it out and become a follower. Its well-worth the reading time. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Donna does seem to be enjoying her time in Kansas, though. The stories and pictures she has posted on her blog have been a lot of fun to read. I especially enjoyed the fact that, after years of visiting schools and sharing her knowledge of Orphan Trains and Baby Trains, she met a young man named Eli who was able to answer a question that no one has ever been able to answer, before. Sounds to me as if Eli is a pretty smart kid. Go, Eli!
After reading all the fun posts from her first week in Kansas, I'm looking forward to learning what other kinds of fun Donna can find. For sure, she's gonna' wanna' have a nice, loooooooong rest, when she gets back home. She'll certainly deserve it, after all the hard work and effort of this trip. Hang in there, Donna. You're doin' a great job.
If you haven't found your way to Donna's Orphan Train History site, already, I do hope you'll take a few minutes to run on over there and check it out and become a follower. Its well-worth the reading time. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Saturday, April 24, 2010
... And the rest of him, hungry.
Do you like to read? I loooooove to read; kids' books, westerns, Christian Romance, history, science... you name it. Years ago, I was a Librarian and my favorite job was when I could spend time in the childrens' section of the library. I always enjoyed checking the books in and out for people, kids in particular, because I could kind of keep up with what everyone was reading.
I don't recall if I've told you about this before, but one of my favorite authors, back then, was a man by the name of Jack kent. Among other books, he wrote one called Round Robin. There was a constant waiting list of about thirty people who wanted to read this book. I kept thinking that I would have my chance to check the book out, if I was just willing to wait long enough.
Well, lemme' tell you something about books and kids. When kids find one that they like, its right next to impossible to squeeze into the waiting line to have a look. Finally, I had to add my name to the waiting list so I would eventually have a chance to read the book, myself.
This book is out of print, but you just might be able to find it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, if you want to read it. There's also the slimmest chance that you might find a copy to read, by checking into Inter-Library Loan.
Just to give you an idea as to why Round Robin was so popular, here's the first sentence: "In the beginning, Round Robin was just like all the other baby robins; most of him Head and the rest of him, Hungry."
See what I mean? Now, I ask you, could you resist reading a book that starts out like that? I do hope you will do some research and find this book. I truly believe it's something you might enjoy. Happy reading and happy blogging. And 'til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
I don't recall if I've told you about this before, but one of my favorite authors, back then, was a man by the name of Jack kent. Among other books, he wrote one called Round Robin. There was a constant waiting list of about thirty people who wanted to read this book. I kept thinking that I would have my chance to check the book out, if I was just willing to wait long enough.
Well, lemme' tell you something about books and kids. When kids find one that they like, its right next to impossible to squeeze into the waiting line to have a look. Finally, I had to add my name to the waiting list so I would eventually have a chance to read the book, myself.
This book is out of print, but you just might be able to find it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, if you want to read it. There's also the slimmest chance that you might find a copy to read, by checking into Inter-Library Loan.
Just to give you an idea as to why Round Robin was so popular, here's the first sentence: "In the beginning, Round Robin was just like all the other baby robins; most of him Head and the rest of him, Hungry."
See what I mean? Now, I ask you, could you resist reading a book that starts out like that? I do hope you will do some research and find this book. I truly believe it's something you might enjoy. Happy reading and happy blogging. And 'til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Hooky Day or Crook-ey Day?
Now, here's my question for you; Have you had your Hooky Day? Did you enjoy it or did you have life-long consequences, something like Oliver experienced as a result of his Hooky Day?
To be really honest, it was at this point in the story that my heart completely embraced Oliver and his little brother, Edward. After all, Oliver was not a Crook. I felt that his punishment far exceeded the crime, in this instance. Especially when you take into account the innocence with which Hooky Day was originally approached.
Nope! That was one Hooky Day that poor Oliver must have regretted for the rest of his life. I can only hope that teachers are more understanding, today than Oliver's teacher was with him. I know that some of you are teachers and I am happy to report that I have only heard good things about you. On behalf of every person who ever learned from a teacher... Thank you. Keep up the good work. We do appreciate all that you do.
Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Sunday, April 18, 2010
It MIGHT Have Worked...
I'm here! I'm here! Let's see if I can remember the basics of blogging. I can't believe how incredibly busy a person can be. I did create a game and I truly hope that you will enjoy it. I love making these games, but my greatest joy comes when others actually play and enjoy the final results.
And finally, here's the game... I hope:
So, I'm gonna' make a wild stab at posting this game and see if I can remember how its done. Now, don't you sit on the other side of this blog and laugh at my efforts, y'hear? You be sure and tell me if what I post really does look something like a word game. I'm gonna' feel mighty funny if I'm on this side of my blog, thinking that I have posted a game when, in fact, there is nothing more than a scramble of letters to confuse the eye. So, help me out, k?
And finally, here's the game... I hope:
Yay! I think. Did it work? Did it work? Are you able to see the game? Did I remember how to upload a picture so you can see it? I can't believe it! I've been so busy and MIA from my blog so much that I wasn't sure if I would remember how things were done.
Now, remember; you can't sit on the other side of the bloggy world and laugh on accounta' I did it funny. You gotta' tell me if I messed up, k? K? So, go ahead and play the game and lemme' know what you think. And don't keep it a secret if it looks like something that's not uuuuhhhnmnm, playable.
And 'til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!
I'm so sorry for the delay in posting a game. I have been working all night and just haven't had a chance to post a game, but again, I will try later today. I do hope you are haven't a most pleasant day. I look forward to squeezing in some time to visit your blog and reading your most recent post.
Although I don't always get to post, you can be sure you are on my mind. I've come to consider my blogging home as just another room in my home, where I can relax, kick-back and enjoy good times with good friends. I do hope to see you again, soon. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Although I don't always get to post, you can be sure you are on my mind. I've come to consider my blogging home as just another room in my home, where I can relax, kick-back and enjoy good times with good friends. I do hope to see you again, soon. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Friday, April 16, 2010
No game,after all
I'm afraid I have to apologize, tonight. I said I would post a game, but then, we wound up going out of town two times, in opposite directions. So, I have been away most of the day and I just haven't been able to create a game. Tomorrow, I will try, try, try my best to find enough time to make a game and post it.
For now, though, since I haven't had more than a few minutes worth of sleep, all day, I'm gonna' take my tired little self off to catch some shut-eye. I'm sure that's what I see in the distance, trying to escape; a bucket of shut-eye. I do hope you all understand. Sometimes, burning the candle at both ends and in the middle tends to leave a whole lot to the imagination.
Hopefully, I'll see you tomorrow. 'Til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
For now, though, since I haven't had more than a few minutes worth of sleep, all day, I'm gonna' take my tired little self off to catch some shut-eye. I'm sure that's what I see in the distance, trying to escape; a bucket of shut-eye. I do hope you all understand. Sometimes, burning the candle at both ends and in the middle tends to leave a whole lot to the imagination.
Hopefully, I'll see you tomorrow. 'Til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Yay! Tax Day Is Over And We Have A Winner!
Did'ja' ever think this day would finally arrive? April 16th; the day after Tax Day. We should have some kind of celebration to mark this time, each year. You know, sort of a We Survived Tax Day celebration. I mean, think about it; every year, there are thousands of people who are thankful that the US Post Office keeps some of its stations open until midnight. At least, that's how it seems to me. Otherwise, why would there be so many who stand in line at the Post Office so late, right?
I imagine there will be some who, due to the stress of Tax Day, will also find it necessary to miss work or school; college students, children of taxpayers, you get the idea. All in all, I believe that most American adults dread this particular day in the year. On the other hand, there are some who have been looking forward with a great deal of anticipation to Tax Day, 2010.
That's right; anxiously awaiting Tax Day to learn the results of our drawing. Well, the final outcome has been decided and I am happy to say that we do, indeed, have a winner. Thank you all for sharing in the fun. I have contacted the winner for her mailing address and these wonderful books will be mailed out by the author, Donna N. Aviles, soon.
Congratulations goes to Sharon Mayhew for winning the drawing. I know you are gonna' enjoy these books very much, Sharon. I'm into my third time reading them, myself. It is remarkable what some of these children who traveled on the Orphan Trains had to endure. Donna's books, 'FLY LITTLE BIRD, FLY,' 'BEYOND THE ORPHAN TRAIN' and 'PEANUT BUTTER FOR CUPCAKES' can be found at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and many other book stores. Or, you can order them directily from Donna, here. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Since I didn't want anyone to feel left out of the celebration, I will be posting a word puzzle, using some of the information from the books, tomorrow. I do hope you will all be here to enjoy it. I certainly enjoy creating these puzzles and I hope you have as much fun as I do.
Again, I want to thank everyone who participated and invite you back tomorrow for the game. Until then, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
I imagine there will be some who, due to the stress of Tax Day, will also find it necessary to miss work or school; college students, children of taxpayers, you get the idea. All in all, I believe that most American adults dread this particular day in the year. On the other hand, there are some who have been looking forward with a great deal of anticipation to Tax Day, 2010.
That's right; anxiously awaiting Tax Day to learn the results of our drawing. Well, the final outcome has been decided and I am happy to say that we do, indeed, have a winner. Thank you all for sharing in the fun. I have contacted the winner for her mailing address and these wonderful books will be mailed out by the author, Donna N. Aviles, soon.
Congratulations goes to Sharon Mayhew for winning the drawing. I know you are gonna' enjoy these books very much, Sharon. I'm into my third time reading them, myself. It is remarkable what some of these children who traveled on the Orphan Trains had to endure. Donna's books, 'FLY LITTLE BIRD, FLY,' 'BEYOND THE ORPHAN TRAIN' and 'PEANUT BUTTER FOR CUPCAKES' can be found at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and many other book stores. Or, you can order them directily from Donna, here. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Since I didn't want anyone to feel left out of the celebration, I will be posting a word puzzle, using some of the information from the books, tomorrow. I do hope you will all be here to enjoy it. I certainly enjoy creating these puzzles and I hope you have as much fun as I do.
Again, I want to thank everyone who participated and invite you back tomorrow for the game. Until then, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Thursday, April 15, 2010
LAST CHANCE!
My, how time flies when you're having fun. Can you believe that its already the fifteenth of April and the day that someone will win all three books written by Donna Aviles? These are some great books. Donna's grampa' and some 150,000 to 200,000 more children silently hid away in a seventy-five-year block of history, keeping their secret from almost all of us.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to lose your parents, your home and everything familiar to you? Can you further imagine being told that you would be going to live with strangers, to be picked out in a line-up of children and, basically, hope for the best?
That's exactly what happened to Oliver and Edward Nordmark and thousands of other children, as well. To win the books that tell how one family's lives were changed by a trip on an Orphan Train, be sure to go to Donna's blog and Become A Follower. Of course, I'll want you to follow on my site, too. Then, comment on my March 18th post so I can be sure and include you in the drawing.
These are the books by Donna Nordmark Aviles:
1) FLY LITTLE BIRD, FLY!
2) BEYOND THE ORPHAN TRAIN
3) PEANUT BUTTER FOR CUPCAKES
One lucky winner will soon own all three of these outstanding books. They are very well written and both my good hubby-buddy and I were excited with each turn of the page. I hope you will be among those trying for this prize. The deadline is midnight, tonight.
Good luck and good reading. And 'til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Can you imagine what it must have been like to lose your parents, your home and everything familiar to you? Can you further imagine being told that you would be going to live with strangers, to be picked out in a line-up of children and, basically, hope for the best?
That's exactly what happened to Oliver and Edward Nordmark and thousands of other children, as well. To win the books that tell how one family's lives were changed by a trip on an Orphan Train, be sure to go to Donna's blog and Become A Follower. Of course, I'll want you to follow on my site, too. Then, comment on my March 18th post so I can be sure and include you in the drawing.
These are the books by Donna Nordmark Aviles:
1) FLY LITTLE BIRD, FLY!
2) BEYOND THE ORPHAN TRAIN
3) PEANUT BUTTER FOR CUPCAKES
One lucky winner will soon own all three of these outstanding books. They are very well written and both my good hubby-buddy and I were excited with each turn of the page. I hope you will be among those trying for this prize. The deadline is midnight, tonight.
Good luck and good reading. And 'til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Monday, April 12, 2010
Who Knew?
A long time ago, I witnessed something that both surprised and amused me. In truth, I was so shocked by how things turned out that I still chuckle over it, years later. I only wish I had been carrying a camera because I'm sure it would have won a prize on America's Funniest Home Videos.
Okay, here's what happened. We owned a little African Basenji Dog that had been adopted by second son when he was fifteen. Those two were inseparable. When second son left the country to be a Foreign-exchange Student, Stranger the dog sort of became my dog. She followed me everywhere. If I was in the living room and went to another room, Stranger was right by my side. I was pleased that she had adjusted so well to our son's absence.
At the end of the school year, we decided to take Stranger with us to the airport when we picked second son up. It was a small-town airport and Stranger jumped out of the car and began investigating the new surroundings. Her smile told us that she was enjoying this new adventure, but we waited anxiously for her to realize that second son had come home. We didn't have to wait for long.
Suddenly, Stranger froze in her tracks. Two feet to her left, stood second son. We were sure she could see him out of the corner of her eye. Still, she just stood. Second son stepped closer. Stranger moved away just as far... several times.
Finally, second son reached down and picked Stranger up, ready for the warm greeting he fully expected from her. Instead of a warm welcome, though, Stranger began looking around; up, down, around... any direction, as long as she wasn't looking at second son. I couldn't believe how extreme her efforts were to ignore second son. For fifteen minutes, she was determined not to see him. I kid you not.
Until that very moment, I did not know that animals would react in such a way. Stranger made second son jump through so many hoops that evening, before she would finally give in and allow him to pet her. Have you ever seen a dog act this way? I've seen some pretty bizarre behavior, but this truly was the most curious reaction I have ever seen from a pet. Have you ever seen anything like this? Do tell.
Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Okay, here's what happened. We owned a little African Basenji Dog that had been adopted by second son when he was fifteen. Those two were inseparable. When second son left the country to be a Foreign-exchange Student, Stranger the dog sort of became my dog. She followed me everywhere. If I was in the living room and went to another room, Stranger was right by my side. I was pleased that she had adjusted so well to our son's absence.
At the end of the school year, we decided to take Stranger with us to the airport when we picked second son up. It was a small-town airport and Stranger jumped out of the car and began investigating the new surroundings. Her smile told us that she was enjoying this new adventure, but we waited anxiously for her to realize that second son had come home. We didn't have to wait for long.
Suddenly, Stranger froze in her tracks. Two feet to her left, stood second son. We were sure she could see him out of the corner of her eye. Still, she just stood. Second son stepped closer. Stranger moved away just as far... several times.
Finally, second son reached down and picked Stranger up, ready for the warm greeting he fully expected from her. Instead of a warm welcome, though, Stranger began looking around; up, down, around... any direction, as long as she wasn't looking at second son. I couldn't believe how extreme her efforts were to ignore second son. For fifteen minutes, she was determined not to see him. I kid you not.
Until that very moment, I did not know that animals would react in such a way. Stranger made second son jump through so many hoops that evening, before she would finally give in and allow him to pet her. Have you ever seen a dog act this way? I've seen some pretty bizarre behavior, but this truly was the most curious reaction I have ever seen from a pet. Have you ever seen anything like this? Do tell.
Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Sunday, April 11, 2010
No Hours To Trade, I Guess
Something in me feels a little bit wicked. After yesterday's post, I learned that I'm not the only person who would do well with more hours in the day. In fact, the comments I received would indicate that this is a subject of some interest. I almost feel ashamed for bringing this subject up... almost. Several people commented and it just made me feel so good.
Andrea and Andrea were very supportive. Dazee Dreamer must have misunderstood my request, though. Either that, or I misunderstood her evil laugh. Can you imagine? She thought it would be fun to give me her icky, rotton spare hours. Shame, shame, Dazee Dreamer. Now, if you wanna' take my icky, rotton hours, well... you know. Mwahahahahaha
Amy Tate says she works something like I do. I'm so sorry, Amy. Its kind of an affliction, isn't it? Yes, I too am very thankful for those down times. Else, I would never survive the days when I'm running around like a chicken with his head cut off.
Tonya seems to be working on her Master's Degree in procrastination... same as me. By the way, Tonya, are we in the same gene-pool? Maybe we're twins and don't realize it?
And Karen, I feel so badly. You just don't realize what you're asking when you ask me for energy. All I can say is, "You poor thing. Your energy level must have run below empty for you to be asking for some from me. Last time I checked, my energy guage was about three feet below ground level."
I love it when you all leave comments. I just feel the love. I haven't figured out how to acquire any extra time, but I sure have figured out that a person can meet some great people in the blogging world. What a super place to meet and become friends. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Andrea and Andrea were very supportive. Dazee Dreamer must have misunderstood my request, though. Either that, or I misunderstood her evil laugh. Can you imagine? She thought it would be fun to give me her icky, rotton spare hours. Shame, shame, Dazee Dreamer. Now, if you wanna' take my icky, rotton hours, well... you know. Mwahahahahaha
Amy Tate says she works something like I do. I'm so sorry, Amy. Its kind of an affliction, isn't it? Yes, I too am very thankful for those down times. Else, I would never survive the days when I'm running around like a chicken with his head cut off.
Tonya seems to be working on her Master's Degree in procrastination... same as me. By the way, Tonya, are we in the same gene-pool? Maybe we're twins and don't realize it?
And Karen, I feel so badly. You just don't realize what you're asking when you ask me for energy. All I can say is, "You poor thing. Your energy level must have run below empty for you to be asking for some from me. Last time I checked, my energy guage was about three feet below ground level."
I love it when you all leave comments. I just feel the love. I haven't figured out how to acquire any extra time, but I sure have figured out that a person can meet some great people in the blogging world. What a super place to meet and become friends. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Your Hours Can Be My Hours
I am a crisis survivor. I know this because, whenever things reach crises level, I seem to accomplish a lot more in a lot less time than usual. Take, for instance, the last few days; approximately fifty-four projects (give or take 197) and I was still only issued twenty-four hours in each of my days.
Yes, I know they are the same twenty-four hours that everyone is issued, but everyone else is a lot more organized than I am, so I needed more hours. If any of you happen to have some of your hours left over and you don't really need them (you know who you are), please don't be shy. My mailbox is magical and can expand to hold all that any of you send.
I'm sure I can put all of your extra hours to good use and still be pleading for more. Thank you so much for sharing. And in case you're wondering, I did manage to get all my projects done, but don't let that stop you from sharing your hours with me. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Yes, I know they are the same twenty-four hours that everyone is issued, but everyone else is a lot more organized than I am, so I needed more hours. If any of you happen to have some of your hours left over and you don't really need them (you know who you are), please don't be shy. My mailbox is magical and can expand to hold all that any of you send.
I'm sure I can put all of your extra hours to good use and still be pleading for more. Thank you so much for sharing. And in case you're wondering, I did manage to get all my projects done, but don't let that stop you from sharing your hours with me. Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Back in the day...
Do you ever wonder about your spouse's past? Do you sometimes wish you knew more about him or her? On occasion, I am blessed to hear some of the stories from my good hubby-buddies life, before I was his Significant Other. I enjoy these times, as he had some interesting adventures and his storytelling talents can be quite entertaining. Some of my favorites have to do with his time spent in the military.
Now, you have to understand that when I met my good hubby-buddy, he looked to be about twelve years old, so its difficult for me to imagine what he must have looked like at eighteen. I've seen a couple of pictures of him in his uniform and I'm here to tell you, I wouldn't have let him out of the back yard, much less into the military. But someone must have believed him when he said he was old enough because he spent four years in the Navy and several more years as a civilian, before I even met him.
As I listen to him talk about the days aboard ship, I often wonder if there were others like him who didn't look old enough to be out of middle school. The night I met him, I convinced myself that he had to be at least eighteen years old because the church party we were attending was for those who were eighteen and older. In my heart, though, I was pretty sure he had sort of crashed the party. I'm happy to report that I later learned that he was thinking the same of me.
You know, I sort of miss those days when I didn't look my age. *sigh* Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Now, you have to understand that when I met my good hubby-buddy, he looked to be about twelve years old, so its difficult for me to imagine what he must have looked like at eighteen. I've seen a couple of pictures of him in his uniform and I'm here to tell you, I wouldn't have let him out of the back yard, much less into the military. But someone must have believed him when he said he was old enough because he spent four years in the Navy and several more years as a civilian, before I even met him.
As I listen to him talk about the days aboard ship, I often wonder if there were others like him who didn't look old enough to be out of middle school. The night I met him, I convinced myself that he had to be at least eighteen years old because the church party we were attending was for those who were eighteen and older. In my heart, though, I was pretty sure he had sort of crashed the party. I'm happy to report that I later learned that he was thinking the same of me.
You know, I sort of miss those days when I didn't look my age. *sigh* Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
And driving, and driving, and driving...
Don't you just hate it when you can't find the time to sit down and write a few words on your blog, for days-on-end? We've been in and out of town several times in the last few days for different reasons; all of them related in one way or another to Easter. And I do hope all of you had a very nice Easter weekend. Thank you for your good wishes. I would have liked to say a few words in return, but I just couldn't seem to find the time to jump onto my blog.
Today, we made yet another trip out of town, planning to be home in only a short time. We've made this trip before and, as on-board navigator, it is my distinct and particular duty to make sure that my side of the car travels to the same destination as does my driver hubby-buddy's side of the car. It took me a few years to get this task down to the finite science that it is, but I am now so adept at doing my job that I can actually do it with my eyes closed and have even been known to snooze while navigating, on occasion.
Naturally, my good hubby-buddy is quite amazed and impressed by such talent, but I simply take it in stride... usually. Well, today was a little different than other trips we've made. Today, we took a short-cut. You've heard of those, right? They make the trip shorter and save time? Or, so the story goes.
Fortunately, I enjoy my job as navigator. In fact, I might even go so far as to say I look forward to those few times when travel becomes necessary. I have gotten quite good at navigating with my eyes closed and I often feel more refreshed when I return home. I wonder why that is?
I've learned, though, that even good things can be overdone, our short-cut being one of them. It added an extra six hours to our travel time and, as pleasant as the view with my eyes closed is, I was finally forced to admit that the pictures were starting to show re-runs and boredom was setting in.
I'm pretty sure my good hubby-buddy is in agreement with me that the next time we are tempted to take a short-cut, it would be smarter to cancel the trip, altogether. A word to the wise: if what you've been doing is working... don't change it. The improvements may not be as ideal as you had hoped. And 'til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Today, we made yet another trip out of town, planning to be home in only a short time. We've made this trip before and, as on-board navigator, it is my distinct and particular duty to make sure that my side of the car travels to the same destination as does my driver hubby-buddy's side of the car. It took me a few years to get this task down to the finite science that it is, but I am now so adept at doing my job that I can actually do it with my eyes closed and have even been known to snooze while navigating, on occasion.
Naturally, my good hubby-buddy is quite amazed and impressed by such talent, but I simply take it in stride... usually. Well, today was a little different than other trips we've made. Today, we took a short-cut. You've heard of those, right? They make the trip shorter and save time? Or, so the story goes.
Fortunately, I enjoy my job as navigator. In fact, I might even go so far as to say I look forward to those few times when travel becomes necessary. I have gotten quite good at navigating with my eyes closed and I often feel more refreshed when I return home. I wonder why that is?
I've learned, though, that even good things can be overdone, our short-cut being one of them. It added an extra six hours to our travel time and, as pleasant as the view with my eyes closed is, I was finally forced to admit that the pictures were starting to show re-runs and boredom was setting in.
I'm pretty sure my good hubby-buddy is in agreement with me that the next time we are tempted to take a short-cut, it would be smarter to cancel the trip, altogether. A word to the wise: if what you've been doing is working... don't change it. The improvements may not be as ideal as you had hoped. And 'til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Friday, April 2, 2010
Seven Year Old Goes To Prison!
Have you entered my drawing? Maybe I need to put some kind of a link on the side to keep you all updated. Now, if I can only figure out how to do that, I'll set up a picture or sumpin' er' other over there on the side. The drawing goes until Tax Day; April 15th, at midnight. For a full break-down, go to this link.
The prize is a full set of the books written by Donna Aviles. The titles of those books are:
1) FLY LITTLE BIRD, FLY
2) BEYOND THE ORPHAN TRAIN
3) PEANUT BUTTER FOR CUPCAKES These books tell the true story of Oliver Nordmark, who was an actual rider on one of America's Orphan Trains. Donna Nordmark Aviles, Oliver's granddaughter and the author, takes us from when Oliver, at seven years of age, was sent to prison. Prison! At seven years old! We see Oliver and his brother, Edward, snatched from their home and placed in a very strict orphanage... after Oliver spends time in prison, of course.
If you haven't read these books, you truly don't know what you are missing. For your chance to win, here are the rules:
1) Be a follower on my blog
2) Be a follower on Donna's blog3) Get one more person to follow on Donna's blog
4) VERY IMPORTANT! Let me know on the post where I first mentioned the drawing that you have done those three things so I will be able to see all of the entries in one place.
For seventy-five years, children were shipped by train to points unknown within the United States. That so much history could have been buried and forgotten is beyond comprehension. Donna Aviles does a good job of bringing us up-to-date on this hidden time in our history. She is fairly new in Bloglandia, so let's give her a great big welcome by sending lots of followers her way, shall we? And 'til the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Thursday, April 1, 2010
What Day Are You Ready For?
Are you ready for Easter? Last year, about this time, I seem to recall that Easter showed up and I wasn't quite ready. Well, now I've had a whole year to prepare. Twelve long months since Easter last year. I'm sure you'd like to know how things are going, so I don't wanna' keep you waiting for the results. Not good.
Have you ever noticed how holidays just keep comin' 'round, month after month after year? It seems to me that we no more than celebrate one holiday and another is just waiting in line to jump on the bandwagon. It starts with the New Year, ringing out the old and ringing in the new. Next, Valentine's Day is ready and waiting to spread the joy of love. With March, there's that wonderful day of green; St. Paddy's Day. Then comes Easter and every single month, it seems, another holiday jumps in to cause still more chaos.
Oh, don't get me wrong. I love holidays. They keep life interesting and exciting. But they also tend to keep me a little bit on the disorganized side. How do so many people manage to stay on top of everything?
I have a friend who decorates for everything. Its so cool to see her house all decorated for every single occasion. But that's not all. She has a calendar that she keeps current to tell what day it is. Sound familiar? No, no. Not that kind of a calendar. Her calendar tells her when its National Cotton Candy Day, for instance. Did you even know there was a National Cotton Candy Day? No? Me, neither.
Do you know what today is? April Fool's Day? Yes, you're right. But do you know what else is celebrated on the 1st of April? International Tatting Day! Do you know how to tat? I've tried to learn and, every once in awhile, I pull out my Tatting Shuttle and have another go at it. So far, nothing has changed; I still don't know how to tat.
And I don't know how my friend is so up-to-date on every single event. Did you know there are at least two events for every day of the year? I'm still trying to catch up on Christmas, 1975 and here it is, Easter, 2010! How do you keep up? Or, are you in the same boat I'm in? Please tell. Its almost Easter and I'm still not ready.
Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
Have you ever noticed how holidays just keep comin' 'round, month after month after year? It seems to me that we no more than celebrate one holiday and another is just waiting in line to jump on the bandwagon. It starts with the New Year, ringing out the old and ringing in the new. Next, Valentine's Day is ready and waiting to spread the joy of love. With March, there's that wonderful day of green; St. Paddy's Day. Then comes Easter and every single month, it seems, another holiday jumps in to cause still more chaos.
Oh, don't get me wrong. I love holidays. They keep life interesting and exciting. But they also tend to keep me a little bit on the disorganized side. How do so many people manage to stay on top of everything?
I have a friend who decorates for everything. Its so cool to see her house all decorated for every single occasion. But that's not all. She has a calendar that she keeps current to tell what day it is. Sound familiar? No, no. Not that kind of a calendar. Her calendar tells her when its National Cotton Candy Day, for instance. Did you even know there was a National Cotton Candy Day? No? Me, neither.
Do you know what today is? April Fool's Day? Yes, you're right. But do you know what else is celebrated on the 1st of April? International Tatting Day! Do you know how to tat? I've tried to learn and, every once in awhile, I pull out my Tatting Shuttle and have another go at it. So far, nothing has changed; I still don't know how to tat.
And I don't know how my friend is so up-to-date on every single event. Did you know there are at least two events for every day of the year? I'm still trying to catch up on Christmas, 1975 and here it is, Easter, 2010! How do you keep up? Or, are you in the same boat I'm in? Please tell. Its almost Easter and I'm still not ready.
Until the next time, keep a hug on.
~ Yaya
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