Droopy

Aside from feeling droopy and hot (still being without air conditioning), today was wonderful. This picture of Gabby so portrays the level of energy I had as I got through the day. It's hilarious how she lies down to drink!

She's my BFF's sweetheart of a cat. When I first saw Gabby, I was astounded by the amount of girth she had. And it seemed no matter how hard I tried, I could not get a shot that captured the full extent of her rotundness, LOL.

As I think on it, she very much reminds me of the 3-toed sloth, but mostly because she, like they, only move when necessary :)

Darkness shall not overcome

I woke up in the middle of the night feeling warm, and figured my inside air conditioning unit must've froze ... when actually, my unit was STOLEN! Aside from mine, thieves took several other outside air units within my targeted area.

I started to despair about my level of comfort, of my safety, and just all the fearful flights of fancy my imagination could fashion.

I have a stun gun on hand now so I could coax myself toward feelings of control and security.

Prior to the discovery of the theft, I took a glimpse at the dark side of thoughts, toying with how easy it could be to give into grim musings. News of the theft could've easily fueled such musings, but fortunately by then, such thoughts dissipated.

Darkness shall not overcome the inherent spark of light ... it shall never be so.

Unfurling mystery

Unfurling Mystery

I release fear and uncertainty
into the winds of change,

Accepting overflowing assurance
beyond measure, beyond range.

I await my life's calling
made known and sure,

Keeping my senses open,
discerning and pure.

The question of how and when,
the mystery unfurls,

The right place, the right time,
patience checked, and my hope whirls.

~Lita

From hundreds of photos to edit, this one called to me today ... and then before I knew it, the poetry I wrote (which I didn't plan on writing) took a completely different tone and direction than the one I intended. Such is the way of things, I suppose :)

I got 3 DVD's to watch throughout the week, one being Atonement. It didn't offer the fix I hoped it would, but I sure love watching Keira in action. She's so beautiful and talented, and I adore her accent.

I deserve it

There have been way too many times in the past where I'd feel guilty for splurging on a pedicure, but not anymore :)

I go to relax, feel pampered and get that one-on-one care. This time, however, I was a tad aggravated because my attendant's attention seemed to be everywhere except on my feet. Argh! ... But I still tipped him 20% (I usually tip more when I'm pleased), because although his service was lacking, he still spent a good deal of time on me.

Pricey but worth it

A favorite breakfast place I used to frequent, and I'd get my favored window seat:

Although it's pricey, it's so worth it, as they offer ambience and specialty foods -- like their fruit bread, of which they provide two varieties. Since it's sweetness is subtle and because our trips are few, I indulge (It hasn't adversely affected my feeling of wellness >knock on wood<) ... Mmmmm ... It's served warm, and if you look closely, you can see the effects of the steam on the dish:

Upon arrival of this place, I'm too focused on eating and rushing to get our table, that I overlook the menu holder, that is, until we leave. It's a great eyecatcher and lure to onlookers from the street:

Best Friends Forever

Me, my BFF and her daughter.

This was a fun shoot and was taken on an air mattress that was hard to get into position for prior to the camera's self timer release. Also, it was a challenge to get a shot where we were all looking at the camera at the same time, eyes open, with matching arms, legs and feet.

This was the last photo of the bunch and turned out pretty good ... uh, except the look on my face. Soooo, I cut and pasted my face from one of the out take pictures. It actually looked natural and would look more natural still, had I not removed the slight bags from my eyes. Once I realized I wanted my bags back (they added gleam to my smile, LOL), it was too late to bring them back without having to restart the editing process. Oh well; it never hurts to take years off the face either :)

Privileged encounters

When I'm feeling blue, and have the presence of mind to bring that song, My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music to the forefront of my thoughts, I am lifted. One of my favorite things, and favorite all-time butterflies is the Malachite. I've seen these farm-raised, but never wild and free like this.

Time stood still as it came out of nowhere, gracing me with it's enchanting beauty and dance. I liken this privileged and special encounter to that of seeing a unicorn, as I was held no less spellbound .......