The List

Yesterday I was doin' what lots of women do on Christmas Eve, goin' through the list, makin' sure things were wrapped, food was in the fridg, and there was enough shrimp for the old cat, cause when I do the math, it's cheaper than that canned stuff he won't eat, so what the heck...it's Christmas. I had a mental check list and I was givin' it the once...and then twice over. I guess I'd gotten a little snappish in the process, cause I heard Buck mumble something about "just gittin' out of my way till it was over." I felt bad, and that's when Miss Universe gave me a little shoulder tap. Thought I'd share with you this morning...this glorious day of promise. Merry Christmas to all, and I hope you don't have to run out....Love Lurlene

The shorter the stem...the longer the shot

I have never been much of a beer drinker, but I try to blend in. I learned early on just how much one of those pilsners will hold...I can hostess all night with only one refill.  Short stem = long shot. 
Friday is just around the corner.

It's that season again, and I have to say, it's a mixed bag.  I"ll be sharin' some naughty...and some nice thoughts on the season.  

I like Christmas, I do, I just don't like the hype...brings out the "Mean" in me...so bare with me as I ride this wave of comfort and joy, highs and lows.   

I'll be posting some cards inspired by Christmas Advertisements of old 'cause the crap they pass off for good advertisement today is nothing more than soft porn if you ask me.  

I'm already a little behind 'cause that's what Christmas is all about

This years best...may look a little different...and that's okay

There is an illness of a sort that goes around this time of year.  I had it last night...it's not about over eating...however, that could contribute.  It's more about over doing, over thinking and yep, maybe over achieving.

I laid in the bed unable to sleep, feeling that I was already behind.  My mind wouldn't stop spinning as I wondered where I put the lights and how I would get the leaves raked, and the floors polished.  I wondered how I would get shopping done, and cookies baked, cards addressed and secret Santas ready.

I was over-whelmed.   I could have continued to wrestle with prep and circumstance, but thankfully I tuned to Miss Universe...who reminded me to just go with spirit...Simplify.

Each year is different...my best this year may look just a little different from last year...but it will be my best...and that's all that really matters. 

I feel better already. 

What's a Glossie?

http://glossi.com/teenalurlene/62252-two-bit-tiaras?sb=teenalurlene
Well that was fun on a rainy Saturday.

And now you know..."the rest of the story"

In your face...

Its been hard to have the time to sit down and put something together for the Book of Lurlene...things float through but the "sit down time" to pull them all together has narrowed.

But with the wind blowin hard today, it reminded me of how much I used to love to wrap up and go stand in it. Once Mr C. had to pull me off the porch during a hurricane, but there is something about wind and how standing against it makes me feel stronger and I'm sure...at times...foolish. 

Cold front headed our way...even the leaves are "leavin".

Bad mood risin'

Bad moods are ugly "sobs".  I think I'd rather have a cold come on me than a bad mood. Even this card ticked me off...reminded me of Nancy Reagan's famous campaign, "Just say no".

Hell, I can't even say no to a "tater tot".

So when I started work on the Word this morning...I was like....Really? Then Miss Universe, in her infinite wisdom...pulled back the veil..."not at the anger...knot head...at "Yourself". Throw a little love on you."
Feeling much better now.

The Big Bang...

What happens when a flaming extrovert teams up with a smouldering introvert?  Most of the time...lots of talk and very little action.

VerDell and I have built the Taj Mahal a zillion times over and then torn it down again.  We've started a dozen businesses...in our head...only to decided we'd rather be friends.

Seems like when my "Lets just DO IT" collides with her...abundance of caution and meticulous planning...there's usually a need for clean-up on isle 3.  

But all that aside...we're good together.. we excite one another, learn from one another and in general just make a better product.  We're "safer" together.

Oh.... we have had to learn over and over again that working with one another involves compromise and understanding, tempering and tweaking, give and "steal".  But this weekend...we pulled it off.  We finally got it all together and put it in one place......after thirty years of planning and dreaming and fretting and fuming. 

It was indeed good to be "Queen for a Day".  Thank you sweet friend for all you did...now go...sleep for the next three days.  You've earned it!! 

Go, Be, and Do

Lord knows I am far from perfect, but that doesn't keep me for piddlin' around..and frettin'.... tryin' to get there. I remember one time when I almost didn't go some place because I didn't have what I "thought" was the perfect outfit.
 I fretted over it for days...had basically thrown in the towel, when I heard that bossy little voice inside my head, "Honey, no one is going to remember your dress, but they'll never forget your presence....GO....make a memory...make it fun! Best accessory ever!
Free advice from the offices of "Go-Be-and Do"

Bully for you!

Dag-nabbit!  Another month has gone by and I didn't post, I didn't share, I didn't keep up with two blogs and three photo assignments.  I didn't journal or paint or finish those tiaras.

So here I am beating up on myself.

Listening to all that's going on in my head right now, I realize that I wouldn't tolerate  this type of bullying from anyone else...so why do I fight that little voice in my head? 

Truth be told...I did a boat-load of stuff.

So I'm putting down the dukes, there will be no more of this...today.

First day...

Every day, in its own way is the proverbial “first day of school”. I have never believed that an opportunity passes us by, instead, like most visitors; it knocks and if the door doesn’t open, tries again later.
On this first day…and for each that follows,
Look, listen, and keep a pencil (camera, paintbrush, or laptop) handy.

Blessings for all who are attempting something new.  

Inch by inch...you get there...once you start

I write... and sometimes, even when I think I know what I'm going to say, something very different often bubbles up. I think this is true of most artistic adventures, whether you are putting a brush to canvas, a needle to fabric, pointing a camera, or simply trying to direct your journey in the art of living. The eyes adjust...and step by step the journey unfolds. Inspired today by another's words. 
 

Pass the Catch-up...

I'm sorry...

I used to write two blogs and try and entertain my extended group of family and friends on Facebook with cryptic messages about life and what’s going on, but you can tell things have gotten a little hectic as one thing will  inevitably suffer at the expense of another.   

Looks like August was one of those months.  So for those who don’t “DO” Facebook…I apologize…I appreciate your love and concern.  

 Now,  Here’s what you missed.

 Flash Cards!

Those blinding moments of insight...that have probably been obvious to others forever.
Yes, change is inevitable...and also a challenge.

 











I suppose change is like the death of one thing and the birth of another and so the stages you see here should offer no surprises.  
Ahhhh, Magical Thinking (AKA Denial) 










VerDell made a wonderful contribution to the cause as I was trying to explain just how life was affecting me....A state of pre-dread...in anticipation of what was to come.  With her usual wit and flare she added, "Could be worse, you could be like me...in a constant stage of Dread-Lock!"
Gotta Love her.

But in the end there is always only one thing to do..."Get over it!"  Acceptance is, in its own way, a form of  habit-forming.  Not to say I won't still try to push that square peg, but you know how it is, what with all that kicking and screamin' going on. 

So there you go.  You're all caught up...some of the dialogue is missing, but I bet you can read between the lines.  

I'll try and do a little better in the future.  

                    

No Race Today...

I am impatient, impetuous

I always have been

I rush

I hurry

I worry

There is something slightly frantic about me

I’m always early

Impulsive

Tomorrow… isn’t now

 “Be patient” stings like a reprimand

I know I am racing

It is who I am.

Until….

 I started hearing a calmer, reassuring voice

          There is time

          There will be enough 

          You will be enough

Permission to slow down bestowed…not demanded.

Word

Peace of Pizza

For what ever reason, I am in binge mode.  I open my refrigerator door and the temptations abound.  I have never cared for breakfast, mainly because I don’t care for breakfast food.  Short of  Eggs Benedict or a hash brown ‘tater casserole, I could care less than nothing for the renowned “Most important meal of the day”. 

I always wake dreaming of last nights left-overs, be they cold pizza or a slice of cheese cake, it matters not.  Food should not languish on the middle shelf until it takes on a dull sheen or a furry coat, it should not be forgotten as the fresher move to the front.  It should be consumed either during the night (if it’s loud and unrelenting) or first thing in the morning. 

Why beat myself up all day…whoever  made up the classic American breakfast, must have never had left over pizza.  

Peace.

Twisted Kenny

I don't think this one needs any words.
I'm gonna leave it to ya'll to use your powers of visualization, 

Feel'in better?


Thought so!

Note:  Kenny Rogers in no way, shape or form had any knowledge of this posting, nor did he approve of twisting his lyrics or associating with the likes of Mean Lurlene. 

Editor Wanted

I am guilty of it, scripting, planning, setting a stage, you name it, I've imagined it...perfectly. 

Reality is,  life is filled with monkey wrenches and glitches, egos and temperments.

Rules change, scripts have to be re-written, edits have to be made.

The show must go on. Cut what you have to, save what you can.  Editing is an art.

Be creative.

The Difference

For me… 

Fear feels like anger

Grief feels like silence

Concern feels like hyperactivity

or worse..helplessness

Somedays I can’t put my finger on it

Somedays I am just “different”

Emotion creates a strange amalgam. 

I am so grateful for all my dear friends who understand the change in my voice

and my eyes.

They don't ask me for words....they know better

They know...the difference.  

Love you all...near and far.