Portland, Oregon in the Holiday Seasons

While sitting behind a computer part of the day, working, getting eye strain and wanting to be finished...my mind wandered to the stormy weather we have been having. Thunder and lightning... with bouts of sunshine peeking through the clouds and downpours.

It used to be a tradition with my younger boys when we lived near Tigard, Oregon.. while I worked and attended college; to drop everything and have a fun adventure day in Portland during the Autumn season. We would park in the Beaverton area near the main Light rail terminal and jump aboard for some spontaneous fun. We would sometimes "surf ride" in the isle or stand in the connecting part of the cars for a 'twistier' ride. You learn to make your own fun with simple things~ My son Jess learned and mimicked the announcements on the overhead...including the Spanish parts!

Sometimes we would get off in the tunnels and go hit the Zoo for a couple hours, then back on the Rail to find fun in Pioneer square. A lot of the times they will have canopies set up with some kind of event going on. We would make our way to the Pioneer mall after hitting the ice cream parlor ( or the specialty candy store...depending on the mood). Around that time the city would have decorated their tree lined streets with tiny white lights...such a warm  magical ambiance it would bring.

We always, hit the Light rail and meandered to the Chinese district so I could stock up on oriental soaps, sticks, and trinkets for the kids. The shop owners were so entertaining to converse with.

Back on the rail, as we headed to the Lloyd center Mall. Three stories of shops and a nice ice skating rink in the middle. I tried once to skate-it didn't turn out well. But at least I tried! My boys favorite store at that time was the Halloween Costume shop. My family is full of goofballs, including me. So I will leave it to your imagination how that went! Ha..yes...pretty much!!!!

When we tired of that, we would head back to the Burnside bridge and Riverwalk area to eat at Kell's Irish Pub. ( Kids ate there during day hours) Best Irish food around. The ceiling was plastered with quarters wrapped in paper money. The servers would take the donations ( to be given to the children's hospital....whoop and holler and throw it at the ceiling and it would "magically" stick. A fun way to help others. After a long day..and it was usually dusk by then..all the lights in the streets would sparkle and tell us it was time to return home.

We would ride the Rail home quietly reflecting on the good time we just shared. Before I drove home, I would jump into Trader Joes, next to where we parked, and bought a few items to bring back for snacking later on. My boys would usually pass out on the way home. I would build a fire in the wood fireplace and we would watch a scary or comedy movie on tv until their bedtime.

My grown kids have great memories of our spontaneous adventures while I was a single mother. Life was very hard for me those days. But I made sure they had home cooked meals, hugs, smiles, a safe place to fall when they needed it, a good roof over their heads and plenty of laughter and adventures.

That's important in life, no matter what crap is handed to you..

You just need to step back out of the roughness and find ways to keep smiling and create fun moments to break up the same old stuff you deal with every day. Being positive can turn things around. You need to persevere to find your happy flow. 

Portland Oregon-New lighted bridge

                                                        Portland Lightrail in Autumn

                                                   Pioneer Square in December

                                      The Max ( Lightrail ) tunnel to the Zoo and V. Memorial

             Lloyd Center and Mall. We never really bought much here. Just looked around and goofed on different things-it's a family art! ha~

                                        It's fun to watch the pro skaters practice

           Portland Union Train Station. Took off from here many times for other adventures and travels. I love my trains!

The Pittock Mansion, Portland. I never got the chance, all the years living near, to go visit and hit the trails around there. It is definitely on my list of to-do! Maybe this Fall???!!!... Hmmmmm

                                                          
                                                       Keep Smiling- Peace Out my friends~

HOLIDAY SEASON IS BLOWING..The Fires Out!

     Oh my word...Autumn is right around the corner...and so are the Holiday's. Where did our summer go?
     In my state of Oregon...we were met with hard skies of smoke and choke. Luckily, I live on the coast, so it didn't hang around very long. But my heart goes out to those who suffered so much longer and lost their homes to the fires. To top that unfortunately, we had natural disasters all around our great country. Thinking we all need a break....a soft distraction...something simple and fun to think about or look forward too. The changing of the season~
     One of my son's and his fiancé, took me to a place called Hobby Lobby. Now I know many of you are going "So what?"  Well....I've never been, yet alone have heard of the place, lol..I know, right?? Such an out of touch creature, I am.
     I draw much inspiration from such places. Yes, I do buy some things. But mostly, with cell camera in hand, I snap pics of different items thinking in my head " I can do that myself for a fraction of the cost!"  Even though I'm able to get what I want, I always want the best kind of deal no matter what it is. I think it's in my DNA.
      I pretty much had to work and pay for my own school clothes growing up. My mother made us some when we were really young. And I thank her for trying...but oh my word-there was no one in the house to guide me with fashion, or to even know how to apply make-up. I did get a few pointers from an older girl who lived down the street. There was that relief in my youth.. ha! When your a young girl, you need guidance for those kinds of things, trust me.
     Anyway, I digress...I will share a few examples of what I can do myself in regards to crafty items. I think you will agree with me. Have some fun this season.... find your own creative bone. Save a few bucks for yourself or to donate to help others who have suffered through a tragedy this year.

     I love a classic-vintage-rustic-whimsical look. Wait, there's a name for that...Eclectic!

 

And I can paint and draw..so something like this will be fun. You could create any picture really.

Go now, and fill your hearts with positive thoughts. Thoughts that make you forget the speed bumps so far this year. Look forward.

Keep Smiling

~PEACE OUT~ my friends

 

SUMMER BY THE OCEAN 2017..I'M BACK !

Yes, I know, it's been over a year since I blogged last~
My attentions have been rolling down a whole new path. Let me tell you, there were times that I wasn't sure if I was coming or going...
I was taking on way too much, my health fought back in a negative way...and I have had to make some hard decisions. All of this, I'm sure will make for some interesting blogging down the road. But for now...I'm glad to be back, focused and will try and post new at least once a week.
I will say that I still take long walks, hikes and I still do run a little.( although that has slowed down to spare my joints)

Today was no different. I had an abundance of energy and no where to release it. So what do I do? I tie up the Nikes and shuffle off to the beach. My Ipod music as always... blaring in my ears, so I can let my mind go crazy with thoughts. Seems like this is the way I get promptings, knowing's and inspirations to the issues in my life. I usually know how to problem solve my conundrums. But I had a rough night last night....and a rough time this morning. I needed to push myself extremely hard to feel normal. Normal enough to think "my stuff" through.
I stay positive and keep the peace that I have woven around my heart.
I try to stay out of my own way.
I'm working on a new chapter in my life, as some of my past issues have been laid to rest. I've changed my thinking on some things...softened my heart to see things in a sweeter way. Someone new in my life has helped me grow in a special way. I am eternally grateful for this gift. A gift I didn't know I needed to receive.
 I guess you would call it a blessing- I am ~
Peace out my friends.
Until next week
Keep Smiling~

The Soul of a Buffalo-Tatanka

     My sister and I have always had a deep respect and love for the buffalo. They are a soulful breed that airs to the side of wild intentions. You can see deep into their hearts through the eyes, and see the resilient stance of their ancestors of long ago; having to fight for life across the plains as we humans slaughtered them for food. We wore their coats to keep us warm and many other ways for our benefit. They sustained us for a very long time.
 But I am glad I can still travel to 'mid-states', and go see them in herds... being protected... so they can survive us humans. I believe in being a caretaker to our planets living things.
      There is just something so strong and majestic, yet soft and peaceful about the Bison, when they are just trying to exist.
My hope is to see some on my trip to various states this June and July. I'm hoping for the opportunity to capture some good photo's with my camera. There are some here in Oregon. But they are raised for food. They are different. It's not the same kind of spirit within them~ but still beautiful nonetheless...
     It's like- you can go see horses in captivity..well, just about anywhere...but there are a few small herds that are wild and protected...so far....
There is something different in the hearts of animals that can still roam the earth with a free flowing soul. There is something so different behind their eye's.
 Maybe some see it- maybe some don't.... I do~
     I hope us as "humans", can keep a part of our "free flowing souls" from completely getting overshadowed by everyday drudgery. We need to remind ourselves that we must live to the fullest of our potentials...meaning keeping our joy and positive-ness in our hearts, so when people see us...really look into our eye's, they strive to want what we have. They can see that we have a purpose behind our eye's. They can see into our souls and know that we can breath outside of this worlds boundaries. To say we are happy-and really mean it!
    
The last time someone asked you how you were...and you replied "I'm fine"....did you mean it? Or was it the casual thing to say?...Or if you asked someone how they were and they answered...how they really were...did you roll your eye's because you were only asking to be polite or because you were 'roboting' the question and your thinking in your head..."I really don't want to hear this???"
     Either way, I think we need to be more like the Tatanka..yes I said buffalo...and stand by each other in strength and fellowship. Protect each other, stand together and support the 'herd'! Our instincts should be as sharp as theirs.
Let us strive to live in peace on this earth together...while we are here.
                                                      

                                                                    ~ Peace out~

Spring-gagagagagaga!

So happy spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner. Enjoying the nice warm sunshine when it decides to peek out during the day. I have met a nice friend that is interning for Land Management here at the Y. lighthouse in Newport. She is a sweet young lady with a lot of light inside her as well. I'm hoping to do a family walk there this week, with the family and friends that are going to descend upon me, this my birthday week. Yes, that's right...I will now be able to qualify for a senior discount haha..But hey, I'm keeping young and in shape. She is going to give us the private royal tour! I shall blog and post pictures if the weather cooperates!
I'm also getting golf lessons from a PGA tour master as a gift. He will be teaching a lefty too boot! He is happy though, and prefers that I am new to the sport and haven't developed any "bad habits". What he doesn't know is how much of a goofball I really am!!!!!
I can laugh at myself on a dime- it doesn't take much. I can usually make others laugh with me...if they possess a funny bone of any size~ Not sure if I will take pictures of that, as I will be busy trying to look like I'm getting it all down..haha. We shall see.
I am also trying, albeit slowly, to learn old Hebrew. Written and spoken. It's been a desire of mine for decades. What better way to keep my mind sharp and in tact. I am also having a missionary come over and teach me some sign language. He is a doll for taking time out of his work to educate me. I get free lessons, and hopefully I will be given the chance to communicate with anyone who uses sign language down the road. Share some love and smiles.
I think that no matter how hard or trying life can be at times, you need to stay positive. You need to find new ways to improve your life. I like to connect that with finding ways to help other people. Sometimes just sharing a kind smile when someone is having a crap day will do them a world of good. I know it has for me in the past..
I also believe in being a bit of a goofball. Not the annoying kind, but a happy-make you giggle kind..at the appropriate time of course. I would like to keep being that little fun spark in the lives that are put in front of me. Because frankly, it helps keep me in a good mood too!!!!!!!!  WIN-WIN, right?!
So go on out there in your part of the world and make it a fun productive day. For you, for everyone in your path. 
Remember:

 

~PEACE OUT~

Spring is here and so comes 420~

Here I am sitting at my son's table, eating gourmet jelly beans a day after Easter!
How have you all been?
Me, I've had a rough two weeks with being ill and sore from a couple of medical procedures-YIKES! But nevertheless, I'm up and trucking around the Newport area soaking up some much needed sunshine and fresh sea air. I craved jelly beans so badly over the weekend. I even sent one of my kids out to hunt some down for me...to no avail. Funny how you get cravings for something and it  turns into a quest in order to satisfy your weakness. I was bedridden at the time, so I was unable to go "find" any for myself...until today.
I did however enjoy watching my so-far small deck garden begin to grow shoots of various kinds. I've forgotten some of what I planted, so I'm sure it will be a nice surprise when they bloom. My thoughts and actions have been more focused on getting things done for others and getting my vacay all in order for June. I can't wait~
I was thinking about what made me happy in life...some of the little things, like when I was a wee one.....

 

Playing with the dollhouse my grandmother gave my mother, then passed it down to me. ( I have since  passed it to my 10 year old granddaughter)

Then when I was a young lady, just like most, I guess, I loved talking to my friends on the phone. Making plans to get together and do all kinds of fun adventures. Usually taking off for the weekend to go exploring~

Yes- that is a rotary phone on the end of that cord...haha..I'm dating myself here...'Twas in the mid-eighties.....

Anyhow, here I am, coming up on my birthday again. It's a funny thing that my son's always remember the date: 4/20!!!

For you that are unaware, it's a police code for "weed". Their grandfather was a Seattle police officer and taught them many codes and etc. This is a substance I am truly allergic too~ go figure.

But in my book- whatever it takes to be remembered on my birthday...I can laugh about it! For it truly is the 'fun' and simple things in life that makes us flow in life.

 

Now, I just love to travel when I can. Therefore, I am taking a month off and running away to different states to see family and friends this summer...and do a little self exploring on my own.

This will be the first time I am off by myself without nobody in tow~ Kind of exhilarating for myself. This trip had started from going to one state and visiting one friend and his wife- to, three states and a whole mess of beautiful wonderful fun family and friend's time. All I can think about now is ...

SWEET!

I can rock this!!!

Enjoy life, enjoy spring. Time to start walking and taking it all in again..

Peace, smile and think only positive things~

Namaste'

Life~

I really like stairs. Stairs of all kinds. That might seem a little bit odd, your thinking. But if you really think about it, you use stair to go "up" to get somewhere new. To make it to another level-right?
My life to me, has been like climbing stairs. I've always seemed to be climbing with some sort of effort to get higher than where I was. Sometimes, I felt like I was pushed down those stairs because I chose the wrong route and there was nothing really to hang on to but a simple rough board that splinters...

 I would have to get back up; clean my wounds and find my strength to grab hold of the, 'hopefully' new path and pull harder to go forward again. Have you ever felt like that?

  My faith has gotten me through some rough times. The railing that was offered to me was usually at first the plain cold steal bar. It was made to be uncomfortable and cold while I was hanging on tight to get one step closer to the top. If I focused on my journey, and struggled to keep on God's path for myself; the railing slowly became more smooth and sometimes a bit ornate. Quite nice to hold onto, in fact. I felt a little more secure and started to enjoy the climb.

 

Even so....sometimes, I would get tired out from traipsing up and just stay where I was. I'd ponder what life should have been or could of been had I tried out another avenue...or if there was something just really wrong with the way I was doing things (imagine that-ha-common sense right?)....how exhausting, how unproductive-ugh!

But I suppose, everyone needs a rest now and again. Since I was a single mother, I had no one to lean on and help steady me, or catch me when I fell. A person can obtain a lot of bumps and bruises doing it alone. Unfortunately, I obtained a lot of  physical and emotional scar's 'when' I was married. But I am a strong soul, and strive to be at peace and happy-and forgiveness was the first step to begin my upward journey-the right stairs~

I had to try a few different ways up, a few different styles..to get it right. And that's ok! It's called "growth". The staircase that works for me is one in a sacred place. I had to first learn how to get out of my own way....that was the hard part..HA!

But the way I chose has been very freeing and beautiful ( yes, even when times get rough, I can still find the calm in the storms that I sometimes have to weather through)

It's full of amazing learning and adventures...and promptings of a spiritual kind. The view is bright and the rail is smooth and strong.

 I can be kind of a knucklehead sometimes, still, but not like before. I know to stay within the bounds of good kind living. I now believe I'm worth it!!!! So are you!!!!~

 I've let go of things that were knocking me down those stairs. I know I have family, friends and 'Him' to hold me up and walk beside me as needed....One step at a time..

What staircase are you walking up these days? Are you enjoying the climb? Or is it time to choose another one...one that suit's you better to where you want to end up being, once you've hit the top?~

I am quite content on the one I have chosen. Maybe we can meet at the top. I will be the one who will be standing there with a big bright smile and my arms wide open~

Peace out~

 

Ps. Health tip of the week....Eat more at home. Eat real foods...reduce the processed items you put in your mouth. Your body will heal inside out.

Herbs and spices are important too. Helps lower inflammation in your tissues...among other naturally wonderful things.

I will also be gone for a couple weeks-important life need be's~

I shall return ;)