1339. SO, HERE'S WHAT STIMULATED INTUITION TO PEN YESTERDAY'S POST

Yesterday, knowing that preparations to welcome house guests had been completed, I was resting while reading a memoir to be discussed by one of my book clubs in March, when the content of the author's story provoked a compelling need within me to express personal thoughts, so taking my stylus in hand, insights began to march out of my mind, one leading to the next, as has become my habit, suggesting why my desire to rest bowed to a deeper (intuitive) need to examine a personal strength, which I'd made certain to bequeath to my sons many years before I'd consciously worked to develop that specific strength, myself.

Can you name that personal strength?
Hint:  You'll find it highlighted in yesterday's post ...

That's all for today, because tis time to shift gears and ready myself to offer treasured friends (who are due to arrive from the airport in their rent-a-car, momentarily) the warmth of my smile, followed by wrapping them within a great big, welcoming, glad-to-see-you hug ...

See small portion of guest room, appointed with every nicety, enticing loved ones to return ...
Having created a welcoming environment, I often feel gratified to hear that time spent in our home feels as swell to the hearts of our guests as is true of my heart, which swells with pleasure over my good fortune to embrace a bevy of loved ones, again and again ... BTW, this photo must be distorted, because the four poster bed does not appear to be spacious, though queen sized it most certainly is.

Doll sitting on stool at the foot of the bed is the woman who swallowed a fly ... I don't know why she swallowed that fly ... perhaps she'll ... Geez ... Though it's true that tthe refrain of that ditty is far from sweet, children laugh to hear it sung while little hands, reaching curiously into the doll's large frowning mouth, draw forth, first the fly, then the bird, the cat, the horse and the cow.

As to the 'message' printed upon the small white pillow, centered on the bed, the letters spell out:  IMAGINE.  Soon as my eyes spied that pillow, I knew it was mine—Why?  Because historically speaking, imaginative thinking, punctuated with a sense of humor, saves the day, time and again, most especially when some aspect of life feels too troubling to bear until visions of change for the better dance out ofthe intuitive portion of my mind, filling the air with a step by step plan, which being based in insight, conceives of an outcome that eventually proves positive to everyone involved  ... and thus has this post made reference to mustering patience, knowing that monumental changes in everyday life tend to unfold as slowly as molasses saunters toward the lid when the jar in which it's contained has been turned upside down ...

1338 WHAT STIMULATED MY POWER OF INTUITION TO PEN THIS PARTICULAR POST, TODAY?

What if Stranger Danger is not lurking behind a tree at the park, in the school yard or half way around the world?

What if this terrorist lurks closer to home-sweet-home than we know?

What if a terror-struck child, who has experienced reason to swallow the development of the self assertive portion of his or her voice can't ask for help?

If home sweet home is to provide each beloved child with safe haven from harm then what must parents teach children to develop in addition to well mannered social skills?

A self assertive voice.
As a self assertive voice is the direct opposite of docile obedience (born of fear of parental anger, which, in retrospect, proves to have been over reactive), that creates a dilemma for every parent and child to work through, together, and since the child is a rookie at the game of creating a harmonic life while the parent is a seasoned player at working through strife, guess which one of the two is responsible for consciously guiding both toward developing a mutually respectful relationship, where the concept of teamwork is valued, upheld and enjoyed by the family as a whole, meaning that leadership is accountable for modeling self control ...

If only the spirit of Socrates had swooped down to whisper that fact into my parents' ears, I may have developed a self assertive voice to save myself from the terrorist in our midst ... but that was not to be.

If that information, concerning a team-like attitude,  had been mine when Barry was a babe in my arms it's likely that I'd have sought a manner of speaking that would have channeled our spirits to sidestep power struggles, which naturally ensued when the independent nature of my precious, first born child turned two, and as my conscious quest to deepen my sense of self awareness did not get underway until Barry was an adult, I feel thankful for the fact that my think tank was openly attentive (rather than defensively closed minded) when a neighbor invited me to attend bi-monthly parenting sessions, under the auspices of The Family Education Assoc., where I listened to social workers offer constructive instruction to parents, concerning disciplining children with a compassionate sense of positive focus intact.

Thank goodness, my brain did more than listen with my ears.  Thank goodness, my brain had eagerly absorbed every healthy morsel of information, which encouraged my leadership skills to develop, little by little, session by session, as The Pied Piper, within me, continued to develop.

As common sense suggests that most parents would find it helpful to know how I learned to detour away from power struggling with Barry's independent spirit before he turned three, I feel eager to return to those days of yesteryear, before Barry turned two, suggesting that at the start of the first story (which will be penned as soon as time allows), you'll watch my innate power of intuition direct my parental responsibility to make certain that all of my offspring would grow up feeling so well nourished, safe and healthy while being nurtured under my wing as to demonstrate the depth of my love and respect for each one's unique individuality, resulting in all of my sons developing into three of my best friends.  And if your inquisitive nature wonders what caused my power of intuition to filter my need to discipline my sons respectfully into my conscious mind, the answer to that riddle will become obvious as parenting story number one unfolds.  On the other hand, I'd counted both of my parents amongst my best friends, so I'd assumed that the same would hold true for my children and me ... which is why power struggling with two year old Barry came as such a huge surprise!

When time allows, I plan to whisk you back to the winter of 1971, because by that time, my beloved, first born son had been listening to the word 'NO' flying out of his mother's mouth more frequently than I'd been consciously aware ... and as little monkey-faces copy everything they see and hear, reminding us that the apple doth not fall far from the tree, guess which word my precious, two year old child began to favor above all others ... except for 'cookie'!

BTW ... As story telling demands much more concentration than penning insights, which flow intuitively out of my mind as though all on their own, please muster plenty of patience for this reason:  I can't say when the time will feel wholly natural for this story (which part of me feels eager to write, right now) to flow effortlessly out of my memory bank.  So between now and then, every post that shows up on your screen will be one that has filtered from the intuitive portion of my mind into my conscious awareness, as is true of the post that you're reading, right now ...

And speaking of 'now', tis time to ready myself for whatever my busy, winter calendar suggests has been planned for today in readiness to warmly welcome house guests, whose arrival, tomorrow, will
extend over two weeks ... the first of which will be with us and the second will be spent with mutual friends, who have enjoyed owning a winter desert retreat for quite a few years, where they reside until Spring breezes thaw their primary home from frigid temperatures, laced with ice, sleet and
snow.  As you shall see, installing a revolving door between February and April makes perfectly good sense ...

1338. A DIZZYING TIME OF THE YEAR

Tis the season when the warmth of our home welcomes loved ones, who fly in to escape icy blasts of wind, sleet and snow, and while we truly feel eager to embrace family and friends as one plane departs in time for the next to land, my head spins like a top, making me feel a bit more ditzy as each birthday, which has been my good fortune to celebrate, adds up!

And having clarified why the installation of a revolving door is under consideration, I'll look forward to posting whenever a head-spinning day, spent running around with house guests, offers this inn keeper free time to sit down, relax and write ...

Your dizzied friend,
Annie—human welcome wagon

1337 A HEARTFELT CHANGE IN PLANS

The date of our party is in flux.  Why?
My sister is already engaged on that weekend, and
Since I envision this party as creating sensations of
Heartfelt connection, all around
I've consciously chosen to adopt an attitude modeling
The peaceable manner by which one goes with the flow
Why?  Because I've decided to enjoy
Every aspect of this celebration, suggesting that
Once the guest list has been completed and
Brainstorming toward a mutually accommodating date
Has taken place, I, being one of two guests of honor
Plan to feel fancy free to fully appreciate this fact:
Our kids are hosting this shindig with
Hearts filled with joy, offering testament to
The generosity of spirit that guides our family toward
Respecting each other's personal needs
On the other hand, that's not to say that
Frustration never rises as plan-making progresses ...
What I am saying is this:  After decades of practice
It's become our habit to make good use of time out to
Calm naturally reactive sensations of frustration before
We reconvene with positive attitudes focused upon
Brainstorming toward a plan that truly considers
Each person's needs, and with thoughts of brainstorming till
Conflict resolution is in the bag, you can see why
It's fitting for me to pen this post on Valentine's Day, highlighting
The fact that lasting love and flexibility go hand in hand
As you come to understand the inner workings of my mind
You'll become aware of this fact, time and again:
Whenever my smarts remind my heart to
Feel wholly aglow with gratitude, my mind, being
Unpolluted by dark pools of frustration, feels as clear as
A brook, babbling insights merrily along, and with hopes that
Today's bright light of insight offers your heart reason to
Feel aglow with a happily flexible sense of
Open minded gratitude, too, let's give thanks for
Having gained the emotional maturity to
Acknowledge this fact:  In the absence of flexibility
A closed minded attitude can stick pins into
A heartfelt plan, designed to sprinkle a mutually enriching
Harmonic love fest, all around, and now that this post has offered
More than enough food for thought on a day designated to
Embrace the value of loving less defensively, more generously
Tis time to slip into my bright red blouse and ready myself before
Our friends pick us up to enjoy the ballet ...

1951 Sisters


1966 Maid of Honor and Bride


Carried over the threshold of wedded life

2015

We cancelled our restaurant reservation when

Celina, Steven and Ravi stopped by to surprise us with

Dinner , BBQ'd on our patio on our 49th anniversary

As you can see

The warm glow of heartfelt affection offered

A natural sense of joy reason to sparkle forth, spontaneously ... 

1336 PARTY TIME!

Where does the time go?
Barry, Marie, Steven, Celina and David are hosting a 50th anniversary party for us, and along with enjoying winter visitors, compiling our guest list (gathering contact info, which tends to change as life evolves) has usurped more of my waking hours than I can believe.

As compiling any guest list can get out of hand, this has been far from easy for me, and that's especially true, because everyone (except for me) wants to hold the party in April, before the desert sun blasts heat so hot as to roast our guests on a spit, suggesting that invitations must be mailed, quite soon.  In fact,  Steven has threatened to hold Ravi hostage until I send him the completed list.  Thank goodness, he's kidding, because otherwise, I'd have to storm the Bastille, and throwing a fit is not my style :)
And now that you know why penning posts has been placed on a back burner, it's back to the guest list for me ...

1335 FALL/WINTER PICTORIAL, REFLECTS HEARTFELT TRADITIONS AND SURPRISES

2015 FALL FESTIVITIES:
As you know, Will and I spent many a year longing for the magical laughter of children, and happily, the love potion, blending positive focus with plenty of patience, has blessed our family with heartfelt change for the better, delighting us, all.

Imagine eyes sparkling, spirits smiling as October's Pumpkin Days of Fall danced into view

Imagine Steven and Ravi enjoying the pumpkin patch, together

Imagine Tony ( and Ray) making Jack O'Lanterns with Barry and Marie

Imagine a Jack o'Lantern party with friends

Imagine Trick or Treat as sung by The Cradle Rockers

David, as the 'tanpire', who, (as the story goes) lays in a tanning bed instead of a coffin when the sun shines bright in hopes of enjoying his mortal sweetheart's company during the day

Ray and Tony enjoying their stash when two pairs of little legs felt too tired to ring even one more bell

Beware the big bad, Bigwheel gang (Steven, black vest, Barry, black jacket)

Imagine the Black Cat demanding treats ... or else!

Imagine hearts smiling as Ravi's first birthday enticed (David) Barry, Marie, Tony and Ray to fly in—Imagine all of us wearing Star Wars Jammies that night—Ravi, too!

Imagine Ravi enjoying sleepovers with all of us while  we blew up junior aero beds

Imagine Tony, Ravi and Ray enjoying breakfast, together, at Gramma and Grampa's

Imagine three munchkins playing before dressing for Ravi's birthday party

Party time!

Imagine hearts feeling thankful as November's Festivities filled tummies with homemade goodies:

Imagine Pilgrims and Native Americans

Imagine Ravi giving thanks for finger food, at last!   LOL!

Good to the last bite!  (Just kidding!)

Imagine our family enjoying our very own sweet pumpkin pie for dessert

Imagine December blending a host of holiday surprises, delighting generational connectedness—Imagine menorah, Barry brought from Israel, my Grandma Ella's Shabbat candlesticks, and

Menorah made for us by Tony

Real Men make gingerbread houses and fry Latkes at Pre School

Cousins email photos back and forth

Imagine my smile reminiscing over the plan, conjured up by 

Steven and one of his high school buddies, which delighted 250 of their nearest and dearest in a way that drew exclamations of surprise from family and friends, suggesting that while observing their parents work responsibly and play fancifully, our sons grew up to emulate those values—suggesting why each one needs no encouragement to recapture the fascinating realm of childhood discovery while raising families of their own.  As to Steven's plan:  Weeks before the newest episode of Star Wars was shown, nationwide, our son and his friend rented out a state-of-the-art, stadium-seating theater and emailed 250 tickets to family and friends for the opening weekend, Saturday afternoon showing.  By the time the lights darkened, every seat was filled with people they enjoyed.  Ever walk into a theater and see every seat occupied by people you know?  That event, followed by their Star War's party, offered everyone a day of indescribable fun!

Will, Angie and Mack and my nephew and niece, who chose aisle seats so we'd not catch their colds

Vader (Steven) entering our row, walking past two of his high school buds

Our cousins chose seats behind us, and Marie's extended family sat behind them

A trio of brothers (Barry had to miss the fun)

And in this way was a Star Wars kind of day enjoyed, all around

Now, imagine my smile reminiscing over the mischievous surprise, cooked up for Marie's b/d

Imagine me sitting in our car next to Will, who is driving from the desert to the coast

Imagine me, cell phone in hand, texting Marie:
Let's Facetime, tonight, so we can celebrate a part of your birthday, together

Imagine Marie texting back:  Great!  Wish you were here!

Imagine us parking our car curbside in front of Barry's new home, late afternoon, Dec. 22nd

Imagine me Facetiming with Marie, Barry, Trent and Corey, while approaching their front door

Imagine Will texting Barry to open the front door

Imagine Barry, who was in on our plan, getting up from the couch to open the door

Imagine we three tiptoeing behind the couch, where Marie and the boys are Face timing with us

Imagine me tapping Marie on the shoulder

Imagine Marie turning around—imagine her shouts of surprise (as she leaps to her feet) while
We three are laughing and singing Happy Birthday

Imagine five year old Trent shouting and jumping up and down

Imagine four year old Corey looking scared out of his wits until the adults calm down

Imagine Barry, laughing, eyes beaming happiness

Imagine Marie, who insists she's not mushy like we are—tearing up

Imagine everyone hugging each other

Imagine David ringing their door bell

Imagine the house filling will Marie's extended family

Imagine a surprise dinner catered by an Italian restaurant

Imagine all of us going to see Star Wars—again
(Imagine Marie reaching for my hand, several times over the next few days)

Imagine us staying to enjoy a Snoopy kind of Christmas on the coast

Imagine Marie's sister nearing the birth of her first child

Imagine me watching Barry's delight while he assembled toys for the boys that
He'd loved at their age

Imagine Xmas day, late afternoon, still Snoopified, at a nearby restaurant

While Marie, Ravi and Steven enjoy festivities  in the desert with family and friends

Imagine grateful hearts hoping that the New Year will offer our family as many wondrous, blended occasions with those we love as had been our good fortune to enjoy during 2015

If you ask how all of us came to set a high value on familial connectedness, over the years

The answer to that question will clarify for you in stories that I'm eager to write

PS

Imagine my computer guru (who, as of late, has rescued me from the clutches of the black screen, about once a month) arriving to examine my computer, after which I was told to brace myself, because it's finally obvious that my hard drive has been dying a slow death

Imagine new computer, ordered, suggesting change for the better is on its way ...

And on that up note, my smile suggests it's time to pick up Ravi for our Thursday playdate

Hooray!

1334 WINTER MERRY-GO-ROUND

Where does the time go?

As is true, every winter, it's our pleasure to welcome so many dear snow bird friends, who flock to the desert to escape icy flurries of snow, that our daily merry go round, inclusive of dinners, does not slow down until early spring.  Thank goodness our Phoenix friends don't think we fell off the planet, because they, too, experience this annual migration when so many well-loved family and friends flock to bask 'neath the warmth of the sun that our minds feel too dizzied to think clearly without a calendar in sight, and knowing our good fortune, we wouldn't have it any other way ... though here it is Wednesday, and I just realized that my computer guru has not yet called back, and as that's not like her, and I know her father to be quite ill, guess what I plan to do right after publishing today's post ... stop my mind from spinning so fast so as to dial her number to ask if everything is okay, at least for now!

PS instant update:
My guru's dad is still holding his own, and she's coming over, this afternoon!

Now ... I'll call Barry and ask to FaceTime, tonight (after we enjoy dinner with friends, who flew in from Taiwan), in hopes of enjoying his 47th birthday, together, this evening.  47?  How is that possible when his mom, whose spirit is buoyed by loving interconnection, feels younger than springtime?  And on that up beat note, let's hope my guru does not find reason to suggest that my five year old hard drive (which has been extra crotchety as of late) is so far past its prime as to have worn itself down and fallen asleep, for all time ...