One Deep Breath - Reflections

Good people surround
A splash of hope dashing forth
Warmth. Smiles. Laughter.

I've GOT an address

OMG!!! I am so happy. Frida has contacted me with an address for mailing the parcel(s) to Afghanistan. They will go to an international relief organization is Kabul and from there will be flown to Herat and into the arms of our wonder woman. I am SO!!! excited that I'm doing a happy dance at my desk. Thank you, thank you, thank you, God.

Turlock to Santa Nella and Back

I drove out to Santa Nella today to visit mom and dad for the first time since mom's interment last month. Our weather has been windy, rainy, and icy cold. We expected all three but were gifted with clear blue skies and no wind. The rain had backed off for a couple of days so even the mud was no more. The little gold leaf is something I found in my pocket. Of course, I forgot flowers. I'm not good about these sorts of details. If Don had been there, the flowers would have been there too.

On the way to Santa Nella, we passed a small herd of Brahman cows and calves. I've never seen baby Brahmans before and of course the camera was out of sight. We stopped on the way back but by this time most of the herd had relocated and the babies were in a far corner curled up on the ground. However there was one pretty lady by the road and she posed very nicely. I am impressed with how pretty the females are. They are very different from the Gurneys and Jerseys around here.

Years ago I had noticed this barn whenever we passed this way to Hwy. 5. I always promised myself I would find this barn again and take pictures. Well, the day finally arrived. The barn seemed much brighter than before. The farmer was out working and told me they had painted it a few years ago to brighten it up. I don't think I'm the first person to take pictures of his barn since he didn't seem very surprised to see me clicking away.

Linda and her son David and I arrived home and settled on lunch at Bistro 234. Bistro is one of those place the reeks of atmosphere, serves good food, and in the end always disappoints me. I'm not picky but for me it is all in the details. I don't like it when the bill comes and I'm surprised by extra and unexpected charges. I also don't like it when all I get is an apology and a gee I'm sorry you didn't understand. I!!!! didn't understand? Hard to understand when the details of the extras aren't explained and no one else at the table heard them either. I had told Linda that Don and I had been there a couple of times and I always left feeling vaguely disappointed considering the dent the place always leaves in my pocketbook. Well, after a two year break, I've been reminded again that there is a reason I don't go here very often.


But even aside from the Bistro disappointment, I had a memorable day. I had a happy day. Brahman babies, Pepsi barns, clear crisp weather. What more could a girl ask for??

Sunday Scribbles - I Have An Idea

This topic is such excellent timing and allows me to once again send out the message of a request for wool good to send to Afghanistan children. I got the idea after reading Frida's account of her visit to an orphanage in Ghor.

Another idea I had this week was to keep a daily account of at least one thing that made me happy each day. At the end of the week I'll post the Good Things Report. The idea is to remind myself of the good things that happen on a daily basis and not get caught up in negative thoughts.

Short and sweet this week but Big Ideas. I'll see what else the week brings and perhaps add to this.

Good Things #1

Please click here for my first weekly

Good Things Report.

Hats for Kids

I have become quite a fan of Frida and would like to send her a shipment of hats, scarves, and mittens for the children she serves in Afghanistan. If you can donate to this endeavor, please write me for my mailing address. I hope to gather up enough to get a box out to her while there is still much cold weather need. Also, please feel free to link this request to your blog so we can get the word out. Thanks, Annie

One Deep Breath - Subtle Change

A dim inner light

A boost of friendly support

Inner light blossoms