Sunday, January 16, 2005

Hearty

The Mother's camelia bush is in full bloom.... during some of the coldest temps we've had in Alabama. (Yes, I know the people in the north are saying "Wah. Yeah, it gets really cold down there..." LOL!) Not supposed to bloom out until February, but it is all acolor right now. I am grateful for it's beauty in the DEAD of winter, because there is hardly any colorful vegetation around right now. :::sigh::: This is my least favorite time of year, but these flowers have really made me look forward to spring!

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Mindy Kitty

Hope's glam kitty cat...showing off her profile against the clear blue.

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Alex

Meet Alex, one of Hope's buddies.... is he gorgeous or what??!?!?!!

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Tinkerbell

Introducing Tinkerbell (Tink for short)... Hope and her mommy got a special Christmas gift this year from a neighbor....a little chihuahua pup. She is fiesty to be so little, and cute as a button!

Having your picture taken makes you sooooo tired.....

Taken in mommy's lap (entranced by the cellphone ringtone), to show how itty bitty she really is...

Monday, January 10, 2005

Departures

Last night, westbound on US 78, but still inside the city limits... I noticed all the planes departed, and a few departing. Made for a beautiful sunset, and an unbelievable longing to be on one of them---going anywhere. Have you ever hit that point in your year where you wish you were anywhere but where you are....doing anything but what you are doing? Well, it must be my time of year. I have that gnawing deep in my chest...I feel like my wheels are forever spinning...and spinning....and...

What's more... my horoscope:

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Your imagination is stirring up new recipes now, for what is normally just escapism or fantasy can take on a very real tone. In fact, it may be difficult for you to separate the fruits of your labors from the fruitloops of your own irrational fears and longings. Rely on friends and associates to give you the reality checks that you need for the next month.

Friends? Associates? Family? Reality check, anyone??? Unrequited wanting makes for a miserable Gator. <sigh> This too shall pass.....such is life. Fruitloops, anyone?

*Update on this entry.... Leave it to Conz to eat up those fruitloops for me. Her family is enduring a really hard time...my hard time is nothing next to this...absolutely nothing. Thanks for shaking me back to reality, Connie...I love you. I am praying for that precious child. C

Sunday, January 9, 2005

Hope

Hope, my goddaughter, modeling her new outfit... <sigh> she's getting big. She's getting older. She's talking about BOYFRIENDS and such. She's turning into a little knockout. Scarlett, are you SEEING this?

This child has had my heart since a crisp September day eight years ago. She taught me how to love. She taught me how to be a better person. She taught me humility. She taught me how to love someone more than myself. All that in a single breath. Thank you, Hope. I love you. "Tistie"

Saturday, January 8, 2005

Stuff of Legends

The Legend of Noccalula.... 

The Legend of Noccalula as written by Mathilde Bilbro says, "Long ago, on a mountain summit within sight and sound of a rushing waterfall, lived a great Indian Chief whose young daughter, Noccalula, was famed far and wide for her beauty and loveliness of character.

Many gallant braves sought the hand of Noccalula, but the girl's father favored only one: a rich chief of a powerful neighboring tribe, who had much to offer in exchange.

Noccalula vainly pleaded that her heart was already given to a young brave of her own tribe. But this young warrior, though noted for his skill and valor, possessed little in worldly goods.

The old chief refused to listen and ordered his daughter to make ready for the marriage he had arranged. The girl's lover was driven from the tribe, and a marriage agreement was made with the neighboring chief.

The wedding day came and a great fest was prepared. In silence Noccalula allowed herself to be arrayed in festive wedding robes.

Overcome with grief, she quietly slipped away from the merrymakers during the festivities. The soft rhythmical rush of waters called her. A moment later she stood poised upon the brink of the yawning chasm. One leap and her troubles were over.

Heartbroken, the remorseful father gave the great cataract his daughter's name, and since that day the falls has been called Noccalula."

Noccalula Falls---Gadsden, Alabama

P/S.... I surpassed the 15,000 hit mark today, and since that seems to be a monumental number here (kinda like hitting 40 yrs old??? hehe).... yay me!!