While ordinarily that is my motto during the school year to help get me through it all . . . . currently it's my motto because it is *STILL* raining! I have no idea how many inches we've received in the past two days ~ but it's been quite a bit as it has rained fairly consistently for most of that time.  I'm about to go buy some flippers, floaties, and snokle tubes *LOL*!   I was listening to one of my Led Zepplin CDs earlier and "When the Levee Breaks" came on . . . I was like, "Umm. . . no . . . I really don't want to hear that one right now!"  (I live less than 3 blocks away from a levee  ~ *wink*)   

On the up side ~ it's still nice 'n cool out!

In other news: I'm going to go see "Mamma Mia" again this afternoon w/ both daughters and one of my eldest daughter's best friends (who's in visiting from California)! So that'll be fun ~ *Love* this movie. We're not planning on *dressing up* this time (due to the rain) but we'll have lots of fun anyway!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!

Namaste, "M"

in rushing, raging ringlets . . . .

It has been a very hot ~ very ,very, very *dry* Summer here! But I believe we got our Summer's quota of rain in about 12 hrs. time last night . . . *~*Wow*~* . . . what an incredible storm!  At one point (one of the *many* times the storm woke me up) I looked out the window and could not see across the street because the rain was so heavy! The street looked like a river and my back yard like a lake!!

The pets were all going nuts. Peaches (the dog) ended up spending most of the night under my daughter's bed - and Isis (my little kitty-girl) came running - and meowing desperately - into my room, jumped up on my bed ,and nuzzled into my arm (poor thing - she was so scared). The other two cats oscilated between being really hyper and being scared-y-cats . . . . no one really slept much!!

One of the best things about the storm 'tho (aside from getting MUCH needed moisture to all the plants!) is that it hasn't gotten out of the 80's today,  We'd had several weeks of 100+ temps, so it's been really nice to have it cooler - although it's been a very gray and dreary day out.

Hmmm think I'll turn in early w/ a good book this evening and catch up on the sleep I missed out on last night (*grin*)!

Namaste, "M"

My younger daughter and I went to see this movie together this afternoon . . . oh-my-gosh it was *~*~*Fabulous*~*~*!! 

It is such a *feel-good* movie (start to finish).  And the female friendships in it are sooooo wonderful (such a "woman-strong" movie!).   The costumes, scenery (filmed on an isle in Greece), and of course *music* are just incredible! (even taking into consideration the fact that Pierce Brosnan is not much of a singer *wink* - his character roll is really neat 'tho).  It was quite insirational, too, in that Meryl Streep, Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley), and Christine Baranski (Martha-May Whovier) are all so lively, fun, attractive and agile (I want to age that well and have that much fun doing so!).

It was one of those *just what I needed at just the right time* sort of a thing ~~~ I was verrrry depressed this morning ( won't go there right now --- don't feel like coming down off this cloud just yet --- it was something having to do w/ school --- but I'm going opt for the Scarlett O'Hara attitude right now and cray about that tomorrow!) and the movie was the perfect pick-me-up and changed my whole line of thought!!

It was also very special to see it w/ my daughter as it is so much about a mother-daughter relationship and I intend to go back (ASAP) and see it again w/ my other daughter, too!  Plus I intend to own it as soon as it comes out on DVD (It'll be one of my fave "feel-good" movies, I'm sure!).

Well, I'm off to go play in my journals and be all *female-y* 'n such while I'm still in this great maood.

Namaste, "M"

I've changed the background to a more 'Summery' look.   I used one of the offered backgrounds as I have *no clue* how to customize (and would probably never figure it out anyway . . . I'm not good w/ computer-stuff  *at all*!!) but I really do like this one - it's cheery!

I also changed my avatar / profile picture from the Maxfield Parrish print to this lovely faery by Brian Froud.  I love Froud's work to begin with (yes, "Labyrinth" is one of my fave movies!), but I especially like this paticular character for the colors he used (usually he uses much darker - browns 'n greens - colors) and the fact that she just seems to be *aging w/ flair*.  Look at how beautiful her face is, how young and yet ageless she appears - so jovial and yet mischeivious and wise!

I am trying to learn to age gracefully . . . it's an ongoing process (about the time I start coming to terms w/ one thing, something else I need to "get use to" presents itself!).   While I have *finally* accepted (and even truly like) my silver-white hair, I'm still trying to come to terms w/ some of the other changes age is bringing about  ~~  remember the Little Golden-book story about the saggy-baggy elephant?!?  (*yikes*) and not being able to read much of anything w/o my glasses anymore . . . among other things . . . *sigh* .      Sometimes I catch myself singing the first line from the Rolling Stones song "Mother's Little Helper" that says ~~  "What a drag it is getting old . . . " and then I try to remind myself of the very wise words a friend of mine says, "beats the alternative" . . . . soooooo I've put this lovely faery out here as a reminder to myself ~~~ *Age w/ flair* and be glad!

Namaste, "M"

I was going to entitle this "Ode to the Lug of my Life" but opted against an attempt at waxing poetic *LOL* ..........  But the "Lug" of my Life - my dear, sweet, wonderful, *enormous* kitty Phineas Phirst - has captured my heart in such a way that poetry would be befitting!  I do dearly love this cat!!!  And while I do not wish to be unfair to our two other kitties and our pound puppy [I do truly love all our animals] Phin holds a very special place in my heart and there is undoubtedly an incredible bond between us.   I'm so very greatful for the love he gives and even moreso that he *allows* me to effuse mine, as well (although somewhat begrudgingly at times - he is a cat, afterall, and must keep up appearences - there are other animals about . . . ).    He will pretend to pull away (while purring loudly) when I love on him - but will come and nudge my hand when I stop!!  I Luv it!

He tends to identify more with our dog than the other kitties - he comes running to the door to greet me when I come home.   He *talks* to me (hence his name - Phineas which means "loudmouth" *wink*).   He comes when I call him (regardless of where he is or what he was up to!).   He plays fetch (breifly - lasts about 3 to 4 throws - but he does bring the toy back for more!).    And he will look where I point (really!!).  He knows what I'm saying to him more often than not.  And he gets jealous if I pet one of the other animals too much LOL!

He has saved me from lonliness ...............I love this cat!!!

*Mmm I WAS going to try to upload one of my pictures from my "fur babies" gallery - but it will not let me!! grrrr*  (ok - at least I'm going to save this before attempting to post!!!)

Namaste, "M"