I'm almost not ready for Christmas

     Ho!  Ho!  Ho!  Christmas is coming an' I am soooo ready for the fun.  Oh... what?  No, no; I'm not Santa Claus.  Sorry; I didn't mean to confuse you.  I'm just in a jolly holiday spirit an' thought I'd borrow Santa's famous line.  Is my voice getting that deep?  hahahaha.  I guess you couldn't see me when I called out, "Ho!  Ho!  Ho!"  I can un'erstan' how you might've gotten me mixed up with Ol' Saint Nick, but no... it's jus' me... Yaya.

     Are you ready for Christmas?  Am I ready?  Nah!  Well, I guess I am an' I'm not.  I'm as anxious as a kid an' pro'lly twice as annoying in my anticipation.  But there are still so many things to take care of.  We don't even have our tree up, yet.  No decorations.  Hardly any 'uh the shopping is done.  I haven't been blogging as much as I'd like to.  An' on top 'uh alla' that, I dunno' where to start in my efforts to get ready.

     Oh!  My!  Goodness!  Lookie there.  Your house looks so fine, all decorated up for the holidays.  Don'tcha' wanna' come on over here an' give me some pointers?  On the plus side, I do think we will be warm this winter.  Last year, we hadda' deal with an Attitude from the forces of nature, so you might say we were climate-ally challenged.  However, I married the right dude 'cause my good hubby-buddy has been a reg'lar 'Mr. Fix-it' an' I think Ol' Man Winter is gonna' have a hard time pushing snow into our house, this year.  In fact, I think even the cold is gonna' have a hard time finding a path into our house, this year.

     Now, about that request for you to come on over an' help me decorate... how soon do ya' think I can expect you to be here?  Shall I make us some hot cocoa an' store-bought homemade cookies?  I'm really good at making those.  At least, I know how to put 'em on my own plate or in my cookie jar.  I tell the grandies they're homemade oreos.  I'm not sure they still b'lieve me, but they've learned to keep it to themselves so as not to hurt my feelings.


     Now, as they say in that one commercial... I'll leave the light on for you.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

~ Yaya

Who is your best friend?

     Who is your best friend?  Do you have a best friend?  I do.  I used to think I was like the third thumb in most groups; never quite fit in with anyone else, ya' know?  There were times when I felt so lonely 'cause I truly felt like a nut in a world full of hammers an' nails.  Not much worth there.

     For awhile, I convinced myself that my best friend was my good hubby-buddy.  An' he certainly is my dearest an' closest companion.  I was even s'prised when I realized that he is not the very best friend I ever had.  Now, you may be thinking that I'm gonna' go off on some kinda' preaching thing an' tell you that my best friend is Jesus, but you'd be wrong.

     Don't get me wrong.  I am a Christian an' I do love my Heavenly Father an' Jesus very much.  In fact, it was through that closeness with my Heavenly Father that I began to know the importance of knowing who your best friend is an' truly an' sincerely knowing your best friend's heart.

      I've learned in my long life that having a best friend begins at home.  If you can't be friends with yourself an' appreciate your own fine qualities you'll find that all other friendships fall short of feeling complete.  My personal feeling is that you must first make friends with yourself before you can truly embrace the love an' friendship that anyone else can offer.  I really hope that we can all learn to love ourselves so's we can sincerely love each other.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Are you Following Dear Crissy?

     Are you Following Dear Crissy?  If not, you're missing out on a great opportunity.  Check out Crissy's amazing giveaway.  Have you entered?  'Course, I'm hoping jus' a little more strongly that I will win the free Kindle Fire from Dear Crissy than I am for you to win it.  That's not to say I wouldn't be thrilled if you won, but you know... I'd sure love one 'uh those awesome Kindle Fires.

     Will you be entering to win the Kindle Fire?  Leave a message an' lemme' know if one of us is gonna' win, k?

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya
Photo Credit:  Amazon

How Embarrassing!

     Well, that's embarrassing.  I must've done this drawing wrong.  Now, I'm gonna' hafta' go back an' see how I can do it better the next time.  I'm sorry that I did not post properly so someone coulda' won the prize.  Please bear with me.  I haven't done so many contests, so I kinda' in foreign territory here.

     I'm not allowed to run another contest for awhile, but hopefully, I'll be able to learn a little more before the next time so's someone will actually win the prize.

     I hope you all are doing well.  Are you ready for the holidays?  No?  Me, neither.  We sure did enjoy walking around our small town for Halloween, though.  I was amazed at how many kids were out an' about.  I think there must have been at least 200 kids going from door to door.

     You may not think that is so many, if you live in a big city.  But consider this; I live in a town of fewer than 200 people, according to the last census.  If there were more than 200 kids, uhm... where do the adults live?  Jus' wondering...

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Image Credit: Morguefile.com   http://mrg.bz/HPCqaw

Is the world really getting smaller?

     Do you blog?  Do you Tweet?  Facebook?  Digg, etc?  I'm realizing that life has become one round of learning an' keeping in touch.  There's a saying that 'The world is getting smaller.'  When I was a kid, I thought that meant that parts of the earth were disappearing an' maybe traveling to new an' exciting planets.  When I studied 'bout the 'Dust Bowl' years I was even more convinced that the world was getting smaller... literally.  After all, if that much dust was being relocated didn't that mean that it hadda' have someplace else to go?  Surely, the state of South Dakota was not simply relocating to say, Kansas, right?

     Kids comprehend things differently, but I think I was especially vulnerable to getting comments like that confused.  Since I traveled around so much, I seldom finished any school year within the same state.  That much moving carries with it a whole set of circumstances that make learning very difficult.  Today, we meet many more people than in the past an' we are able to stay in touch more easily.  Or, so I'm told, anyway.  At the same time, our lives have become more transparent because of the internet an' social networks.

     You may have noticed that I've been peeking my nose around corners in summa' the different places like Facebook an' Twitter.  This is where you will get a glimpse of my 'Shy Attacks.'  I like to think I am a very outgoing person, but in truth, I tend to be quite shy in crowds of more than, oh, say... three people.  If you happen to see me peeking around a corner at some big function like Facebook or one 'uh those famous party places like Twitter, then please don't hesitate to come an' take my hand.  I promise you I will be forever grateful for any ways you can show me around.  An' in case you haven't guessed by now, I may be in the room on summa' those sites, but believe me... I have no clue what I'm doing there.

     So if you see a little red-haired girl in a Little Red Wagon who looks especially confused, please stop an' lemme' know if I'm among friends.  Although the world is supposedly getting smaller, it's still a very big marble an' I have a habit of getting lost in small buildings.  You can imagine how lost I am in this great big world.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya          Don't forget to enter the drawing for a free copy of MyMemoriesSuite.com.  The rules are in the previous post.

Planet With Stars Photo Credit: xedos4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Shy Lady Looking Behind Card Photo Credit:

A Gift and a Giveaway

Now, look at this

     I'm here!  I'm here!  An' look what I have.  Here; lemme' set it down so's you can see inside the box.  There!  Whaddya' think of THAT?!?  Wouldn't you like one of those?  Well, guess what?  I have one to give away an' you could be the lucky winner.  First, though, I think I'd like to show it off a little on accounta' I'm really proud of what I've been doing.

     I dunno' if you realize it or not, but I have never tried using any of the software for making a scrapbook, before.  That is, I've checked out summa' the things that s'posedly lemme' do pictures an' all, but I've never had much luck with any of 'em.  It's been like trying to learn a foreign language, whenever I go into those programs, ya' know?  My brain just wouldn't wrap around what needed to be done to make my pictures at least 'Keepable,' ya' know?  To say the least, it has been very frustrating, beyond belief.  An' jus' for the record, tears have no effect on making software programs listen to reason.  Jus' thought you might like to know...

     Recently, I was invited to try a whole new kinda' scrapbook software to see if I would like it.  An' ya' know what?  I DO like it!  I'm still playing with this amazing software, but I wanna' give the software away, too.

     In fact, I wanna' show you how much fun I've been having with it.  Lookie here:  First, take a look at me flying around in my Little Red Wagon.  Don't I look like I'm having so much fun?  I am!
      I'm not exactly sure how to use this new Blogger page.  The nice thing is that even though Blogger is confusing to me, the My Memories digital scrapbooking software program was pretty easy to use, even for me.  My pages turned out pretty nice, don'tcha' think?  Up on the left, that's me, flying in my Little Red Wagon. Next is one 'uh the bats we hadda' evict.  There in the center is my Foyer, my Dining Room an' my Living Room an' over to the right is another shot of my Living Room an' still another shot of my Foyer.  Can you b'lieve it?!?  We have a FOYER!  I never in my whoooole life thought I would have a foyer. 

I was able to write notes on or next to the pictures an' I re-sized an' moved the pictures all around the place before finally deciding to accept the arrangements I did.  I really love this program.

     This is my house an' it's hiding secrets.  See the guy with the big, scary teeth?  That's the kinda' secrets my house is hiding.  I can tell you, I do not like secrets with teeth.


     Now, here's how you can own your very own My Memory Suite software:  The first thing you wanna' do is go to the MyMemories.com website an' check out all the awesome scrapbooking papers an' outstanding designers there.  Next, come back here an', in an email to me (yayashome [at] gmail [dot] come), lemme' know which is your favorite designer.  Just one more step an' you'll be entered to win your very own My Memories Suite 2 software program.  In the comments to this post, lemme' know that you emailed me so's I can be sure to enter your name in the drawing.

Here are some more pictures of my house.  I did this all by myself.

     Be sure to comment in this post that you sent an email to me.  That way, if for some reason I did not get your email, I can let you know.  I will be watching for your email an' hoping like EVERYTHING that you are the winner.  Oh, yeah; I almost forgot to tell you when the drawing will  be held.  Guess when? HALLOWEEN ! ! !  How cool is that?

     Okay; just to be sure I said it right, here's the rules:
1)   Go to MyMemories.com an' check out the cool papers an' the amazing designers
2)   Send me an email at yayashome [at] gmail [dot] com to lemme' know who your favorite designer is
3)   Come back here an' in the comment section of this post, tell me that you emailed me.  Do not post your favorites in the comments; only tell me that you emailed me an' if you'd like to say anything else.
4)  Tell your friends, tell your family... tell EVERYBODY 'cause guess what?  I also have a coupon for anyone who reads my blog.  Wait a minute!  Wait a minute!  Here's exactly what you can have:
We want to reward you - This is the best part!

As a special for all of my readers,you can have your very own Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!)  Use this coupon:  STMMMS25902 code an' that's all there is to it.  Be sure to check back often an' see how things are going.  But always comment in this post for the MyMemories.com drawing.  Okie-dokie?

     Wait!  Wait!  One more thing!  If you'd like to earn some extra entries for the drawing here's how you can:
1)  Become a Follower on the My Memories Blog
2)  Like My Memories Suite on Facebook
3)  Follow My Memories Suite on Twitter
4)  Check out my Halloween page an' +1 me on that page at the top of the page

     In your email, tell me who your favorite designer is an' what else you did from this last list.   Whilst you’re there, if you are anxious to get started with your own My Memories Suite fun, grab this coupon for your Big discounts an’ start shopping:  STMMMS25902

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

a

An EARTHQUAKE in the midwest?!?

"Ground's nervous.  Got milk?'

If I were living in California, I could un'erstan' yesterday's news.  I even 'Get It' that in the area of the New Madrid fault, tremors were felt in the recent past.  The land shakes in places such as Japan an' it's not a real shocker.  That's not to say I am lacking in compassion.  I'm only stating that some areas tend to get what I sometimes call "Nervous Jitters" on a somewhat regular basis.  Naturally, when reports of nervous jitters come from those a'ready jittery states an' countries, it does take a bit of the edge off the 'surprise factor,' .

     I live in the Dakotas; an area where we've learned  to trust the stability of things an' kinda' expect 'em to sit still an' remain calm.  Nothing nervous around here... usually.  Yesterday, that changed in the blink of an eye.  No injuries or damage of any kind, but all at once, there was a loud 'BOOM!'  Evidently, the ground became frightened because it began to tremble an' shake.  Not for long, to be sure.  Still, it makes a person a little uneasy to know that solid ground is showing signs of fear.  It also makes me wonder what I'm s'posed to do with alla' this quivering that has begun in my tummy an' seems to be extending throughout my whole being.  Any suggestions for making the land feel calm?  I wonder if a nice glass of milk poured over the 'epicenter' would ease the tension?

"Hmmmm; this doesn't seem to belong here ..."

    Until the next calm, keep a hug on.
 ~ Yaya

Are You Blog-Busy?

     Are you really busy with your blog?  Believe it or not, even though you may not see me around, I have been so busy with my blog.  That is to say, I've been researching ways to do a better job.  In the process I'm learning so much about so many different things.  P'rhaps you a'ready know 'bout things like Facebook an' Twitter an' such, but even though I've had a presence on those social sites, I haven't really known quite what I was s'posed to do with 'em until lately.  No; I still dunno what I'm s'posed to do... not really.  But if you happen to see me on Facebook or Twitter or something else I haven't pro'lly heard about yet, maybe you could reach a hand out for me an' offer a bit of assistance?

     I've had a little more activity on those two social sites than I've had in the past.  To be sure, I'm confused.  In fact, I used to think I was confused about a lotta' things.  By comparison to my current state of mind, I'd say that any sense of frustration in the past was pretty much genius in disguise.  If you squint an' look real hard you might even notice the sparkle in my eyes.  That's pride.  Yeah; I know... pride goes before a fall.  However, I've been struggling to learn all I can.  I will learn what I need to know.  I know I will.  As they say, "Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise... "

     Well, the creek did rise, but I know that Heavenly Father helps those who help themselves.  Still, it sure wouln't hurt my feelings if you kept me in your prayers.  In awhile, when I've begun to un'nerstan' a little more of what I'm trying to learn, I'll invite you in for a peek.  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised... an' maybe even a little proud of my efforts, eh?

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.


 ~ Yaya

I Ain't Down, Yet!

     It is unbelievably hazy, outside.  The weather can't seem to decide whether to rain, shine or roll over an' die.  To mention the humidity is basically to almost admit defeat, myself.  However, since I don't easily give up, I can still peek through an' realize the sun is tryin' it's best to work it's way through the many barriers that would, otherwise, keep it from doin' it's job.

     I haven't quite re-established my new schedule, since finally acquiring my new... NEW computer.  I am back, though, an' I WILL get my groove on.  Don't give up on me 'cause I'll keep tryin' to get back to what I enjoy... blogging an' visiting with you all.

     Now, 'bout that hot, hazy, humid weather I mentioned ~ ~ ~ I LOVE me some beautiful days like today!

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Doin' the Two-Step 'Un-Dance'

     If you are in the same category with me you may recall the days when you thought of a project an' set out to accomplish it... successfully.  Lately, I've noticed that it only takes two steps to save time.  Here's how it goes:

     Preparation:  grow old.
     Step One:  Think of a project.  P'rhaps you jus' wanna' mail a letter.
     Step Two:  Take two steps an' your project is effectively forgotten.  The time you save is now available so you can think of a new project.

     If I were younger I might remember to finish my various tasks.  I have heard it said that, after a while, a person goes into a second childhood.  That is not quite correct.  Actually, a person starts doin' the 'Two-Step Un-Dance' before the second childhood phase kicks in.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

I'm HOME!!! I'm finally an' really HOME!

     How have you been?  It's been so long since I last visited with you that I can't help wondering if you've forgotten what I look like.  Or sound like.  If you'll recall from our last visit I had finally received my new computer.  At last word, I was trying to figure out all the ins an' outs an' what-fors about making it respond as I felt it should.  Finally, I talked with my techie-dude an' the consensus was that I should return what essentially turned out to be not such a great deal, after all.  I could go into a long, drawn-out story an' tell you all the nasties, the bads an' the uglies, but it wouldn't really do either of us any good to travel down that road, would it?  Instead, lemme' jus' say I am glad to finally have acquired a new... an' working computer.  It makes all the difference in the world to touch a key an' have it respond as it's s'posed to.

     I wanna' apologize to those of you whom I was writing to an' the correspondences jus' stopped all of a sudden.  I really had no control an' I do hope you can unnerstan' an' forgive.  I've thought about you all so much.  Boy!  One thing I have learned is that, having had a computer before, life without that kinda' access leaves a whole lot to the imagination.  Unfortunately, everything has suffered, as a result.  Well, not quite everything.  I did have an extended visit from summa' my kids an' I was able to spend some great times with them.  Remind me to tell you 'bout the awesome new vehicle my good hubby-buddy bought me.  For now, I'm gonna' try an' catch up on alla' the 'puter-related stuff I've been missing out on.  I am SO! happy to be back online!!!  An' I surely hope that's you I see peeking around the door to see if I'm home 'cause I have missed you all soooooo much.  Welcome back to my house.

      An' 'til the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Yaya Can't Blog ! ! !

     Yaya comes sneaking in, dragging her new computer behind her.  She wonders if anyone will notice her return, embarrassed that it has been so long since she last posted on her blog.  She turns to make sure that her new computer is still following.  There have been waaaaaaay too many pro'lems with computers, of late, so she isn't taking any chances that this one might get away.  Yaya checks the chain and lock that hold the 'puter onto the Little Red Wagon; still secure.  After placing the long-awaited 'puter on her desk, Yaya settles in to begin blogging.

     ::Tap.  Tap.  Tap.  Tap-tappity, tap::

     ::Undo::

     ::Tappity-tap.  Tap. Tap::

     ::Undo::

     Yaya looks long an' hard at her new toy an' wonders if this new computer was ever taught anything 'bout blogging.  It seems apparent that either there was no training in the 'puter factory or, she has been away from Bloggy World for far too long an' may have forgotten all that she thought she knew 'bout posting on her blog.

     In a last-ditch effort, Yaya puts her arm up in the air an' waves an excited an' friendly greeting, on the off-chance that summa' her blogging friends might notice she has returned.  Yaya hopes they all know how much she has missed being here.

     She sends a silent wish for everyone to Keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

PS ~ I haven't been able to figure out how to post pictures, yet.  Sorry.

Trading On the Black Market

     Have you ever considered how the Black Market got started? It’s something that truly tickles the imagination. I’ve wondered. In fact, I’m curious about a good many things in life an’ when I’m curious I like to quell my fascination by researching until I’m satisfied that I know the why’s, wherefore’s an’ how’s come’s.

     Quite surprisingly the Black Market has been around a lot longer than you may have thought. In fact, it goes alla’ way back to knights an’ castles an’ the pirates of the time. Oh,yeah; we’ve always had pirates. At least, that’s my opinion.

     In the days of the Round Table an’ jousting they looked a little different than the image you might have grown to accept as normal Pirate attire; it’s true. For instance, I don’t believe your common scoundrel would have included an eye patch. In point of fact, all scoundrels don’t, even today, wear eye patches. But for the sake of argument let’s say those good ol’ boys from days of yore had decided to wear eye patches. Wanna’ know what they’d look like? Picture, if you can, a big burly guy in a tin suit with a target on his eye. Yup! That’s what I think the eye patch would act as; a target.

     See? The Black Market started alla’ way back in Medieval Times, when nomadic mercenaries wandered the countryside to sell their services to the highest bidder. Okay; maybe you think I’m using literary license by calling ‘em pirates. Then again, you may change your mind as you read on. As they traversed from town to town an’ castle to castle these men developed some very hard an’ strict lifestyles, fighting when necessary an’ winning in whatever ways they could. Naturally, there weren’t many servants traveling with ‘em (p’rhaps none?), so some jobs were left for later as more prudent choices were made. Such was the case with suits of armor. When there was a choice between hunting for food or polishing the armor, it was common practice to opt for the hunting, over polishing. As a result, armor often developed a blackish hue an’ these knights soon came to be known as Black Knights.

     Sometimes, these nomads would arrive where there was a festival taking place an’ would join in the fun. The locals were many times softened by their relatively easier lifestyles. When it was time for jousting matches the traveling knights could easily win the bout. The prize consisted of the winner being awarded the weapons an’ armor that belonged to the loser. There really was no good reason for a nomad knight to keep more than one set of armor, so immediately following the match, the knight in black armor would sell the owner his own armor back. The markets that followed jousting matches soon became known as Black Markets.

     Now, I ask you… does that not sound like piracy to you?

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

A Tidbit of Curious Enlightenment

     Well, that went well, din't it?  I believe I mentioned that I was gonna' try an' post on Sunday, Wednesday an' Friday, as my newly hoped-for schedule.  If I remember correctly, I said that last Thursday.  Unless you are seeing' somethin' here that I'm not, I promptly missed posting on Friday an' again, on Sunday.  So here I am on Tuesday... off-schedule... an' begging your forgiveness for breaking my own new rule.  Having messed up that schedule so thoroughly, I think it is time for another readjustment.  I do hope you will unnerstan' that I am gonna' hafta' plan for posting on my blog on Fridays an' Mondays.  Hopefully, I'll keep this schedule a little better than the last one.  Please stand by for a tidbit of curious enlightenment, following this very sincere apology.  Thank you all for visiting an' keeping me in your prayers.  I so appreciate each an' every one of you.

Armored and Ready for Battle?



     Despite his armor, the nine-banded armadillo has jousted with highway traffic… and lost… so many times that he’s earned the name Hillbilly Speed Bump.

     I hope you enjoyed this tidbit of curious enlightenment.  I surely like learning such interesting facts.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Am I Still Welcome Here?

     Hello, my friends.  I've been gone much longer than I ever thought I would be.  Illness an' computer Attitude have been constant companions, I'm afraid.  I was hoping to have a new computer, by now, but life has a way of taunting a person with such desires.  So, I'm still working on getting that long-awaited computer, but I am feeling a little better than I was.  After having some long-term an' very uncomfortable reactions of the Not Fun type, I'm at least down to where my discomfort is somethin' I can live with.  'Course, my good hubby-buddy might say otherwise... I think he's gettin' tired of all the whine without cheese.  haha

     Thank you all for stopping by an' lending your support.  Hopefully, I'm back to stay, although I'm beginning to realize that one is never truly in control.  My new goal is to post on Sunday, Wednesday an' Friday.  I'm so looking forward to bein' back.  Thank you all, again, for your kind thoughts an' loving concern.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Six of One Thing or Half-A-Dozen of Another

     I'm sure you all must think that I've dropped off the end of the world.  Unfortunately, illness continues an' I feel like a skeleton in the blogging community.  But worse than that is the fact that my computer croaked and I'm having to borrow any time I get on the computer.  It seems that if it isn't six of one thing goin' wrong, it's half-a-dozen of another.  If you will just bear with me a couple more weeks, I'm pretty sure I will be getting a new computer an' hopefully, I'll be well by then.  I only have a few minutes on the computer, today.  If you have commented or emailed me please understand that I am unable to reply until I can get my new computer.  I value each an' every one of you an' hope you won't forget me whilst I cannot be around very much.  I am, of course, also unable to read any blogs or comment, but I will be back soon.  Don't forget me 'cause I sure have not forgotten you.  Thanks for unnerstanding.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Eyeballs Frozen to the Snow Drifts

     Is it still Winter where you are?  It is here.  In fact, it is snowing, even as I type.  This morning when I woke up the snow was coming down so hard that I was sure we would be buried by noon.  Fortunately, I can still tip-toe an' reach my eyeballs just above the line of the toppest snow.  Sorta'.  Actually, if I'm not careful, my eyelashes rest on the top of the drifts an' I'm afraid they might freeze there.  I don't want that to happen 'cause then, a car could come sliding down the driveway an' not see me an' my eyeballs an' I might wind up with tire tracks in my hair.  Talk about a bad hair day!

     So, I'm gonna' hide out here, in my office.  If you want me jus' walk right across the top 'uh the snow an' tap on my second-floor window.  I'm sure I'll be able to let you in... the window, that is.  Who knows?  Maybe it will keep snowing an' you will be trapped here with me.  Then, we can have a grand party an' stay awake all night watching summa' my videos on accounta' I don't have TV piped in.

  We can sit in front of the heater, downstairs, an' not be able to see out.  It could almost be like sittin' in front of a fireplace - - - if we squint.  Okie-dokie?  We'll put our cookies an' milk on top of the heater an' chat all night an' laugh 'bout how the snow has pro'lly trapped lotsa' folks.  When its all over we can go back to growing old an' plan on tellin' 'bout our adventure to our grandies.  Are ya' in?  I'll be watchin' for you.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

It's a Sick, Sick World!

     So, it turns out that I jus' kept gettin' sicker an' sicker until I din't even wanna' be around me, anymore.  One morning, I woke up an' decided enough was enough.  That's when I figured it was time to approach those persons of great medical knowledge again an' see if we could calculate the pro'lem.  Naturally, I had a'ready taken my concerns to the Big Brains, but it turns out that I was havin' a challenge that had escaped their notice.

     As it happens, my life has been a medical mystery at every turn.  I am very thankful to say that the most recent mystery has been solved an' I am on the mend.  A simple adjustment in my medication has done wonders to make things better.  I'm feeling considerably better than I have been.

     I'm so sorry for bein' gone from my blog for so long.  I've missed you all very much.  I'm glad to be back.  An' I am so grateful for each an' every one of you.  Your words of kindness an' best wishes have helped me more than you know.  Thank you.  Thank you.  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

     I'll be back in a couple of days to begin blogging anew.  In the meantime, I need jus' a little more time to finish healing.  I am better than I was, but not quite up to snuff.  I do hope you unnerstan'.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on. 

 ~ Yaya

A Peek Into Absence

     Pardon my absence.  Sickness is a funny thing; I thought I was all better, but it seems that whatever I've been fighting has a bit of a stronger fight in it than I have had.  Tomorrow, I'll have a friendly little visit with a person of great medical knowledge.  He will pro'lly tell me that I have perfected ten ways of lazy an' I can get back to life as we know it... whatever that is.

     Until then, I do hope you will unnerstan' an' bear with me.  Bein' lazy does have its advantages, I s'pose.  I mean, on the one hand, I've spent a lotta' time catching up on lost sleep.  However, I've fallen waaaaay behind on 'most everything that I shoulda' been doin', instead of sleeping.

     Someone asked to see a picture of my stained-glass window, so I kept trying 'til I think I got a rather nice picture of it.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  As soon as I can, I'll be back to posting on a more regular basis.  I've missed you all an' wish I could visit with each an' every one of you.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Orphans Without Borders

     When I was a kid we moved around so much that, in my mind, security became an issue. I was never sure if we would be in the same place, from one week to the next. That's not to say that security was lacking. Rather, it was jus' one child's perspective. I remember thinking, more than once, that if I wanted a friend in my new school, then I'd best speak up 'cause if I din't I may not get another chance. In fact, I did attend one school for exactly four days; a very memorable four days, in point of fact. But that's somethin' to be shared at another time.

     As the only girl in a family with lotsa' boys, I always hoped there would be a girl my age in whichever area we were moving to. Strangely, girls my age or any other age seemed to be scarce, no matter where we lived. 'Course, that left me with only two choices; play alone or be a tomboy. If you've ever met me, I'm sure you won't hafta' ask which I chose. I've never been one to miss an opportunity to climb a tree, whether alone or with others.

     Unfortunately, bein' the new kid also meant that I was met with my share of resistance from those who were a'ready established, so to speak. Naturally, I found new an' interesting methods to smooth the transition. I recall once in the fourth grade I actually carried a picture of myself around an' told other students that it was a picture of my twin who lived with an aunt. Curiously, that little stretch of the imagination was accepted without the least hesitation. Evidently, blacking out one tooth an' one eye being blackened in the picture was enough to make me look like my mini-me. Go figure.

     I'm not sure if that incident was what sparked my curiosity about orphans, but I do find that my interest in a story is heightened when I learn that orphans are involved. Even more so, when the account is true. As a result, I have read extensively about orphans, orphanages an' children who rode Orphan Trains. I jus' never tire of reading 'bout children who reign triumphant over the most devastating of circumstances.

     One 'uh my favorite stories from someone who actually was a rider on an Orphan Train tells about a small boy. He an' his companions were told that they would line-up on the platform an' families would choose which children they wanted to take home with 'em. Apparently, the orders were a little less than clear. The children did, in fact, line-up. Then, the word was given that families could step forward an' speak with the children. When the go-ahead was given, this little boy leaped from the platform an' headed straight to a farmer who happened to be there jus' for curiosity's sake. It had never occurred to the farmer that he might be goin' home that day with a small child. However, the little guy wrapped his tiny arms around the farmer's leg an' declared, "I choose you!"

     That farmer later shared how surprised an' honored he felt that he had been chosen. He further shared his efforts at teaching the boy a bit of responsibility. Upon telling the child that a certain cow was his, to look after an' care for, the child promptly insisted upon bein' lifted up to ride the animal. From that day on an' for many more to come, wherever the farmer went, the child - - - an' the cow, tagged along, with the boy riding high on 'His' pet.

     I think about the many circumstances that bring us to where we are an' can't help but wonder how some people ever survive. It makes me wanna' do the very best I can at whatever I do, since mine has been a life filled with opportunities an' blessings. I would feel nuthin' less than ashamed if I did not use the many good experiences in my life to achieve all that I could. Knowing how others have suffered an' struggled, I can only hope that I never take my good life for granted, but always feel grateful for what I have.

     May life bring you all the good that can be had an' all the love to enjoy it.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

This is where I thrive

     I love my home.



Doesn't this look cozy?  There is a Breakfast Nook hidden behind that counter.




This woodstove is a dream of mine.  If we ever hafta' move, it will break my heart to leave this stove behind.





This is the wrong angle.  That is tucked into a little corner section an' it is one 'uh my favorite places to sit an' chat with my good hubby-buddy.  He gets to sit on the miniature church pew.



Studying is so peaceful at my English Double-Desk.  It sets jus' below my stained glass window.  Aaaaah!  Ain't life grand?

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Streetwalker? Be Careful What You Say!

     I have made some incredible friends in Bloggy Land an' on the internet, in general.  So many of you have found your own place in my heart.  We have, as a world-wide neighborhood, built an alliance that rivals any I've ever heard about. An' to think, I could never have met most of you, without the invention of blogs.  Thank you all for opening your worlds an' your hearts to me.

::A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FROM ALL OF US TO WHOEVER INVENTED BLOGS::

::Hip!  Hip!  Hooray!!!  Thank you, dear Blog Inventer::

     Like you, I have been privy to closely-guarded thoughts an' feelings.  With friendship comes an ever increasing sense of trust.  It is amazing to me that  this community can be so open an' loving.  We are indeed blessed to have the camaraderie that we share.

     Then, there is the dark-side of our world.  Some people hide their private lives in the anonymity of lovely words.  Until one day, those words are spoken that make both parties uncomfortable.  P'rhaps it has to do with political views.  Maybe religion steps up to drive a wedge of misunderstanding.  Or one person's past might be considered less-than-acceptable to the other an' when the truth comes out, there is suddenly a sense of uneasiness or embarrassment. Without understanding between the two, this sense of uncertainty could eventually separate people who had previously developed such affection an' devotion for each other.

     I always hope that I will never find myself in any of the aforementioned situations. If I do, however, I like to think that I have an open mind; that no one's history can plant the seed of judgement in my heart.  Again, I like to think that my reaction would be one of love an' acceptance for someone else's political views, religious persuasions or professional preference.  Prejudice is indeed a tough challenge for us all.  Are you beginning to get a feel for where this conversation is going?

     Naturally, we all hafta' face the demons of decision, eventually.  I faced one of my demons jus' two days ago, when a dear friend announced in casual conversation that she had chosen a profession that din't necessarily meet with my endorsement.

     She said, "I was a street walker for over ten years, the little blue shorts and all that.  My favorite job ever!!!"

     Talk about a Sucker-Punch!  How do you respond to that?  How would you?  Would this friendship suddenly become unacceptable?  Could you write back an' show real concern, while maintaining the close relationship that you have built-up, over time?  Or, would the knowledge of your friend's past profession be the wedge to guide your thoughts?  Would you read, delete an' walk away?  As you can see, I had many choices; many uncomfortable choices.  P'rhaps you would have felt differently, but I found myself swamped in thoughts of pure consternation; 'How do I react?  What is my responsibility in this conversation?  What if I choose to keep quiet?  Would my lack of response cause hurt feelings?  It was not an easy night for me.

     Highlighted below is a small part of our conversation, after the initial shocking declaration:
          [My words are highlighted in pink.  Hers are in yellow].

     Remember, she jus' finished saying, "I was a street walker for over ten years, the little blue shorts and all that.  My favorite job ever!!!"

     "Now, THAT sounds like a job you could really enjoy.  Not necessarily the healthiest job in the world or even, the safest.  But there is definitely a certain degree of fun involved.  Talk about loyalty to your job!  Whoa!  I only hope you don't tell [your hubby] that That was your favorite job.  I can't even imagine how that would destroy a man's ego.  Oh, vay!

     Being a street walker in the past is one thing, but that would definitely lose its appeal, over time, if you ask me.  I mean, picture it: sixteen kids, dirty dishes, dirty clothes an' sixteen guys waiting to 'Please' you?  Uuuuumm; thank you very much, but alla' my pleasures are running around, askin' for attention.  haha.  Nope!  Nope!  That would never work for me.  Nope!  I think I'll keep what I've got; thank you very much."

     "I am rolling!!!!  I was a city letter carrier with the blue uniform for the postal service!!!!!!!!!!!!  I do not think I would enjoy being an actual STREET WALKER!!!  It was my favorite job with the postal service.  To be outside and one on one with the customers.  Many days, my lunch break was spent sweeping the snow off someone's porch or helping them weed their flowers, or just talking in the shade with a cold drink of water."
      "I can't believe that!!!   You really can roll with the punches, you picked up that ball and carried it for a touch down.  I am still laughing!!!!!!  You are very wrong, though, I do not think I would enjoy that job at all!!!!  What would you do on your day off, stand up for a while????  Nope, don't think I could ever do that job!!!"

     My friend's next words let me know that I had failed neither her, nor myself.  "You did very well with your response.  Non-judgmental, supportive, and took it in stride as if I had told you I worked at Wal Mart.  You are a true, loving person...you made God proud."

     Being the sports addict that you all know I am, I soon sent a reply.  "I forgot to add that I don't think it can be considered a proper touchdown if I try to sink that football into the basket when I get it to the goal post.  I am still rolling on the floor in laughter."

     Which game did you say we are watching?  Football or basketball?

Note: I jus' received this update from my friend an' I'm passing it on to you:  "Street walker is my name for it, it wasn't a widely used term.  Someone asked me what I did one time, and I said I was a city carrier.   They asked, like Typhoid Mary?  I laughed and told them I was a street walker, instead of doing the males, I did the mail."

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.         

 ~ Yaya