peer pressure

I tried it.... I tried being semi-old, older, of the senior age.  At least that's how I've been feeling lately.  I've always highlighted my hair until the last year or so, when I let all the natural grey/silver shine on through.  And boy did it shine!  And I liked it.  I actually loved the color....  Until  I would see myself in print, then I would wonder who that OLD person was.  Seriously.  I could not believe I looked like my grandmother! 

A few weeks ago, I ran into an old  friend.  I said, "hi, Deb!"  She returned the "hi," and then about five seconds later, goes, "OH!  Nancy!  I didn't recognize you!"  It was a hard pill to swallow. 

I didn't mind being of the senior generation.  I didn't mind being 58.  I didn't even mind the grey.  So why did it bother me so when someone I've known for 25 years, didn't recognize me.....? 

Today I got my hair colored, again.... Peer pressure....  It happens to the best of us....  But I don't feel so old, and that's an okay thing. 

shameful

I've never been one to exercise.... it's shameful, I know.... and it's even harder to admit to people. But it is what it is. I blame my parents! I like to walk and stroll and garden, but I don't "exercise." Until recently. I've gone two whole weeks of walking every day. I'm so proud of myself. Okay, so it's only around the block, but it's a BIG block and it takes about 15 minutes of power walking. But this morning, I was still in bed when my neighbor/friend/walking partner stopped to wait for me. Still in bed! On a babysitting day! Crap.

It DOES upset me. See, I'm one of those people that will find any reason not to do this.... Oh, I don't mind walking, but to do it for exercise.... nahhhh.... and once I find one excuse not to do it, there will be another and another.

So, today, as soon as I'm awake, I'll have to walk around the block on my own. In the rain. By myself... I can't let this beat me. Please please help me stay on track. Send me an email, a comment on my blog, write on my facebook account, anything to keep me on track.

Later.... Nancy

tagged....

Farmchick, from Fresh From The Farm, has tagged me to share seven random, and weird, facts about myself. This ought to be fun!

1. I love organizing things! Anything that requires details! Parties. Paper work. Committees.


2. Okay, if you get grossed out by gross things.... skip to number three! Seriously. I'm not kidding you. Last chance.... Go, now! Please! Okay.... hope you won't regret sticking around.... Here ya go.... I love crawfish. I love sucking the "contents" (I'll leave it to your imagination here....) out of crawfish. I love eating the white layer of fat lining the cavity. I love eating the little piece of meat behind the eyeball. To me, eating crawfish is the ultimate treat! Okay, you can continue to number three.


3. I find way too much joy in simple things. Like finding shapes in clouds; seeing a bald eagle for the zillionth time; finding a rusty old fishing lure on the beach; seeing a float plane fly overhead.


4. I've eaten an authentic German dinner in a castle, in Germany, AND came this close to having snuff (yes, snuff! like in tobacco) flung in my nostrils. Some kind of German custom I guess. My saving grace was I was pregnant!


5. I was about 28 when I got my driver's license. Never drove prior.


6. I love to dance. With or without a partner. Singing AND dancing together is even better. (Neither of which I do well, I might add.....)


7. I love almost all types of music but the music that digs deep into my soul is piano music; boogie woogie, honky tonk, bluesy, piano music.

There you have it! Now, according to the rules, I'm to tag 7 other people. I hope they don't mind....

Beehind Thyme
Kathy's Cottage
Pretty Petals
Bailiwick Designs
Modern Country
Mabel's House
Folded Gingham

Here's the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So there you have it. It's a beautiful day in our neighborhood. Gives you the hope that spring is around the bend. Have a great weekend! Nancy

changing the animal world

One of my weaknesses is the unconditional love and affection we get from our animal friends. And what do we give in return? Often times neglect and abuse. It's this type of story that turns my stomach. If there's a news broadcast on about dog fighting, abusive owners, abandoned dogs, I have to put my fingers in my ears and do the ya da ya da la la la song. Don't even show me a stranded dog on an ice flow or one that has fallen through the ice and is struggling to stay afloat. I don't want to see it and I don't want to hear it.

Our own Sadie came from the pound, horribly abused. We didn't recognize abuse during our visits, nor were the employees aware of it. If I could describe the look we saw in her eyes, it was death, a blackness that just tore at the strings of your heart. Today, over a year later, she still has symptoms of abuse and we wonder if she'll ever heal completely. It breaks our heart to think that someone could have been so abusive towards such a sweet thing. But she's come a long ways in the past year and we know, without a doubt, that she's happy and content in her new life.

As an animal lover, I feel there's so much more I should be doing. But how do you choose from all the organizations out there that need our help? How can I spread my limited resources for the good of many? This week I've found a couple new sites that need some help.

Previously I've mentioned about my sister's rescue attempts. They've now rescued over 700 dogs and cats! In just over a year's time. Rescued Paws is a non-profit corporation in the State of Washington, with a 501(c)3 designation from the I.R.S. Most important, they are a no-kill organization. Rescued Paws is run entirely by volunteers; volunteers who work long, hard hours, seven days a week. They do not have a physical location where they board the animals; the animals are fostered in real homes with real people until they find their forever home. All donations are used for the care and treatment of the animals. If you ever have an extra $15, you might consider helping them out. They accept PayPal.

Recently I found a site that gives us yet another opportunity to help our precious animal community. The Animal Rescue Site provides food for unwanted animals in shelters. Each "click" on the purple "Click Here To give--it's FREE" button provides food and care for rescued animals. Funding for the food and care is paid for by site sponsors. It doesn't get much simpler than a click and it doesn't cost you a dime. Please make this a regular visit.

I also just found A Place to Bark and, like so many rescues, Bernie needs our help. Like Rescued Paws, Bernie runs and operates a no-kill facility and is dependent upon donations from the community so she can continue helping these poor little guys. She's presently trying to qualify for a $50,000 grant and needs volume of people to help. So why not take a minute to check out her story and if so inclined, give a $10 donation (PayPal) to help her realize her dream.

It's been on my mind a lot lately, how I can help more dogs and cats. There's just so many opportunities; how do you pick and choose? My mission this year is to start using more products that aren't tested on animals. Here's a few products that I've switched to: Mary Kay for beauty products, The Body Shop for body lotions, Paul Mitchell for shampoo. As the need arises, I'll search out other products to use.

If you're in search of a cause, or just have a kind heart, why not check out these links and do your good deed for the day.

"What I do, you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can do small things, with great love and together we can do something wonderful." --Mother Teresa

eight random things about myself....

I've been tagged by Joey from The Village Voice to share eight random things about myself. Thanks so much, Joey! Let's see.... according to the rules, I'm to link to the person who tagged me (Joey), post the rules (name 8 things you didn't know about me), and link to 8 other special bloggers. I know right now this isn't going to be so easy. First, it's hard talking about myself in such an intimate manner and secondly, I really have such a non-exciting life. But here goes....

1. I'm really not copying Joey's list, but could.... I, too, normally let my husband get up first to make coffee (also Starbucks but we prefer Christmas Blend this time of year). I stretch my legs out, taking up as much of the bed as I can, then fall back asleep for 15 minutes until I hear the beep of brewed coffee. Ahhhh, life can be so good!
2. I hate standing in lines. But if I must, there better be a National Enquirer magazine near by to ridicule. Mind you, I would never, ever, think (or admit to) of actually buying one of these periodicals.... except when I travel. Then I'll buy one for quick entertainment and easy reading. Otherwise I'm embarrassed to be associated with them in any form. My mom, however, bought it every single week. Go figure.
3. I'm more than squeamish at the sight of blood. My kids grew up knowing they better never hurt themselves to the point of drawing blood because..... chances weren't good that they would get medical attention. Okay, so that's not entirely true, but blood does make me practically pass out. Even when I go to the doctor's office and have blood work done, I wiggle and jiggle and hum songs; anything to take my mind off what's happening to my arm.
4. When I was little, I used to hide cookies and candy under my bed. I'd like to say I outgrew that trait, but sadly I didn't. I still hide candy although in my defense, my children know where I keep it and help themselves. What they don't know is where I keep the GOOD stuff! ;)
5. I love to fish and I love to eat fish, but I can't stand to see them killed. You will always find me looking the other way and otherwise occupying my mind with thoughts and noises when this happens.
6. One of my favorite past times is walking the rocky beaches, looking for fishing lures that have gotten snagged and broken from the line. The thrill of finding one is almost as good as catching the fish!
7. My glasses are trifocals. And I hate them. I will always hate them.
8. I love to sing. Even when I don't know the words. I'm not a good singer; I do not have a good voice. But I love to sing. It makes me feel good.

If you're interested in other random things about myself, you can visit a previous blog where I shared some scary things about myself. As far as tagging eight other bloggers.... I suspect most people have been tagged many times over so if you don't want to participate, that's fine. And if I didn't tag you and you want to participate, consider yourself tagged!

Simply Blissful
Splendid Things
Daisy Bouquet
Time With Shelby
Nature Trail
My Cozy Home
Hydrangea Home

So there you have it! Happy Thanksgiving!

what we tell ourselves

I used to be a really miserable and unhappy person.... That's a hard statement to admit to. But I have proof! My mom wrote a short entry in her medical book that has stayed with me my entire life. I've read it over and over so many times and it still saddens me when I think about it. It says, "Nancy is such an unhappy person. She never smiles." Keep in mind this was written when I was just an infant! Yet, today, I'm still an unhappy person. At least outwardly unhappy. I might be having a good time; I might be happy; I just don't show it. But these few words have never escaped me and are proof how words can hurt a child indefinitely.

I grew up in a terribly alcoholic and dysfunctional family. Another hard statement to admit to. My mom was an ugly, sloppy drunk and my dad was a mean drunk. I have few good memories of my home life. Perhaps this is why I don't show my happiness better.

I met my husband when I was 16 and after only a few short weeks, he joined the Army. Our actual time spent together was usually at a party on the weekends or on the phone. We really didn't have much in common. He was out to have a good time and I was looking for a life neatly wrapped with a white picket fence. I received an engagement ring one summer day, delivered by one of his army mates on leave. This was my escape. We got married a couple days after I turned 19 and stayed married for 22 years before calling it quits.

Okay, so where am I going with this? We all bring baggage with us. It might be emotional abuse; physical abuse; alcoholism; drugs; disappointments. Maybe we're looking for something. A brighter future. A perfect world. Mine was an attentive husband, who didn't drink. My cute cottage home had a white picket fence around it. The sun always shone! I was going to live happily ever after.... Okay, so that didn't happen.

Then I read a short little book--The Precious Present--by Spencer Johnson, MD. The jacket cover says, ".... it is a profound message that can help you be happy with yourself and your life forever." It goes on to say, "For all of us, the difficult problems of everyday life often appear complicated and insurmountable. But the solutions are usually surprisingly simple--when we find them."

The Precious Present is about living in the present. So often we live in the past and we let our regrets, disappointments, and less than perfect world pound us into the ground. And when we aren't living in the past, we're worrying about the future. Am I right? I've been to my share of counselors over the years and the only thing I learned was this. Throw all your "should haves" out the window. With "should haves" come regrets and disappointments. They shatter our less than perfect world. Learn to live your life one day at a time. Don't worry about the past but, rather, learn from it. Don't worry about your future because when you do, you aren't living today.

The book is about a young boy listening to an old man talk about this precious present. "It is a present because it is a gift," the contented man explained. "And it is precious because anyone who receives such a present is happy forever." The story goes on to tell how the boy wondered about this present. Was it a bicycle? Would he get it for Christmas? Over the years, the young boy would return to the old man and ask about this present that could provide happiness forever. He would ask the old man to simply give him the present so he would be happy. The old man simply said, "Only you have the power to make yourself happy, only you." For you see, the precious present isn't something someone can give you. It is a gift you give yourself. The story continues with the boy searching his entire life for this perfect present until he finally "gets" it.

The book ends with the young boy now an old man and one day a little girl came to visit:

She liked to listen to "the old man," as she called him.
It was fun to be with him.
There was something special about him.
But she didn't know what it was.
One day, the little girl began to really listen to the old man.
Somehow she sensed something important in his calm voice.
He seemed very happy.

The little girl couldn't understand why.
"How could someone so old," she wondered, "be so happy?"
She asked
and the old man told her why.

Then all of a sudden, the little girl jumped up
and squealed with delight!
As the girl ran off to play,
the old man smiled.
For he heard what she had said...
"Wow!" she exclaimed.
I hope someday someone gives me...
the precious present....

It's never easy to live in the present but yet the most important thing we can do for ourselves. Today I'm grateful for this book and wish I could give it to each and every one of you as a gift. It's a book I will keep forever. It takes all of five minutes to read yet can change a person's life. We don't have to live our lives being unhappy or miserable. We can continue our journeys looking for the perfect world, but it doesn't exist. The most we can hope for is a life filled with contentment. And today, I am grateful for my precious present.

TAG, you're it!

I've been tagged by Lazylol from the UK. I don't know anyone international so this is exciting. I have to say, I've visited many British blogs but.... honestly... half the time I don't know what they're talking about! They speak a whole different language than we do... I apologize, in advance, for insulting anyone, but I suspect we have words that are as equally confusing. Okay, so I don't exactly know the rules but I think I'm supposed to share eight things about myself. I have to say that I have a very boring life, just ask my son. He's always telling me so, so it must be true! Growing up wasn't much better. But here goes. Eight things.....

1. I didn't really think I was afraid of bugs until yesterday.... A lady came to the nursery, holding a mason jar with a half eaten leaf, this 3" long black, slimy thing the thickness of a pen, and all kinds of unmentionables in the jar.... She wanted to know what kind of caterpillar it was. Besides BUTT UGLY???? I asked????? She kept trying to hand the jar over to me of which I finally took and holding it at arm's length, she goes, "you really don't like looking at it do you?" Ya think? I was ready to pass out. Honest to goodness, I was ready to throw up; my legs were weak; and I was light headed. I didn't know until that moment that bugs bothered me....

2. Which leads me into my second fearful item. I am, without a doubt, terrified of snakes. There's no question about it. I don't want to see a picture in a magazine or a snake on tv; I don't want to hear the grass move or see it slithering away. I hate snakes. It goes back to my childhood. I used to be tomboyish and remember even letting a little garden snake slither over my white tennies. One day I recall telling my mom about a snake I saw behind the garage and she said, "do not go back there!" So what did I do???? I went behind the garage.... The snake moved. I ran. And it wasn't until later that I noticed I had a big hole, the size of a quarter, in the side of my leg. It wasn't bleeding. It was just this big hole. Evidently when I ran, I ran into a pointy branch that cut a hunk out of my leg. I didn't cry. My mom thought it would turn out okay if we just let it be.... To this day I have an upside down heart scar on my leg that no one... no one..... is allowed to touch. It doesn't hurt. It just gives me the willies.

3. Since I'm on a roll of scary things, how about I'm afraid of being alone. I'm 55 and afraid of being alone. Mostly at night. Again, this goes back to my childhood. We lived along the railroad tracks. Well, originally it was the trolley car (does that date me or what?!). But we had "hobos" that walked up and down the tracks. We also had "peeping toms." One night when I was about 8, I went into my bedroom and heard the bedroom window opening (or possibly closing), and I ran so fast back into the living room and hid behind my mom who was sitting on the couch. Our dad was in the veteran's hospital at the time and it was just my mom and us four kids. My oldest sister, Georgia, put on my dad's overcoat and hat and with a bat in one hand and a fake, deep voice, scoped the rest of the house out to make sure no one had come inside. Today, I am still afraid of the dark. Of being in the house, at night, alone. Of shadows. Of strange noises. BUT, I no longer take a knife to bed with me when my husband is away. Yes, I am a scaredy cat...

4. I love crawfish! We used to catch them as a child and my mom would cook them in a large canner. She added pickling spices is all, I believe, and they were finger licking good. Gross as it might seem, I'll even suck the guts out, eat the fat in the stomach, and eat the meat behind the eyeball. Sad but true!

5. I love playing games: Scrabble, Mexican dominoes, dice, cards, Yatzee. I don't know cribbage or chess and really don't have any desire to learn them.

6. I was married for 21 years but it just didn't work out. We have two children, Tracy and Bucky. We've been divorced for 15 years. I've been remarried to my perfect soul mate and best friend for 12 years now. But, Soapy (my ex) and I are still friends. He's been our realtor, he gives us King crab and venison, I give him zucchini bread and cookies. We even spend holidays and other important events together like the kids' birthdays. It hasn't always been this way but it's a good place to be. My kids didn't ask for a broken home but I think they would agree that we're all in better places, happier places, and that's worth something. Is it strange spending Thanksgiving with your ex? Yea, a little, but it works for us.

7. This is probably no secret but I love chocolate. I love candy. I love sweets. I I had to give it up tomorrow, I don't know if I could.... Give me Junior Mints, peanut butter cups, or chocolate covered cherries and I'm one happy camper.

8. I believe in Santa.

So there you have it. The good, the bad, and the ugly! Now I'm supposed to tag other people. It gets hard at this point because I'm sure everyone has already been tagged more than once but here's a couple I'm hoping hasn't been tagged recently.

Tracy at Simply Blissful
Connie at Notes from a Cottage Garden
Deb at Homespun Living

a blog is a blog

An interesting aspect about blogland is you can be whoever you want and no one would know the difference. But are we being true to ourselves and true to our readers in portraying ourselves? Are we showing our readers the person we want to be or our true selves?


I've got a new favorite blog--Equus Villa. Julie had an interesting blog the other day and has challenged other bloggers to (1) tell each other what we love to see on a blog and (2) to write more about ourselves. And the comments she received from readers were great as well. I think both are great ideas and plan on doing that. So here goes....

About me. Julie thinks it's odd if we don't post photos of ourselves. This is really stepping out on a limb for me because I do not have my picture taken. I hate pictures of myself. I do not take good pictures. I try to avoid having my picture taken at all times. In fact, I'm the one WITH the camera to ensure my picture is not taken! But here goes.... This one's for you, Julie!


My picture. A self-portrait.... because I don't have any pictures of myself!



More about me. I'm 55 years old and retired from the State of Alaska for almost two years now. Retirement is good, now.... but two years ago it wasn't. It was a mental problem for me. I was 53 years old and had worked for the same department for 30 years... in the same building... with the same people.... When I walked out the doors for the last time, it was worse than getting a divorce. For the next several months I didn't know what to do with myself. I was lost. I was depressed. My routine was gone and I hadn't replaced it with anything new yet. And if you're a structured person, routine is important! So I did the only natural and normal thing.... I returned to work! That lasted all of three months but it was an important three months because I got my head straight on what I wanted to do with my life. And work was not it! I came to the conclusion that, yes, I was young, but not too young to be retired.

If you're getting ready to retire, my advice to you is to listen to your own heart. I had so much good advice from people on how retirement should work, and I tried to live my retirement their way, and it just didn't work. It made me miserable. But as soon as I developed a new routine, for me, that worked, for me, life was good.

My daily agenda. So what do I do all day? Here's how most days fold out:

1. Wake up anywhere after 4:00 a.m.; get up somewhere between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.


2. Grab a cup of coffee.


3. Turn the computer on; read email, visit blogs. (Hope I beat my sister to that first email of the day!)


4. Take Sadie for a ride. This is most important because in the short time we've had her, she's figured out our routine and makes sure we keep on it! If we try to deviate from the routine -- like not take a shower or not take her for her ride, she bites my butt! She just keeps nibbling at it until I do what she wants. This is most annoying because I can't get her to stop. If I use my arms to push her away, she grabs my shirt sleeve or nibbles on my hand to guide me. She can be a royal pain in the butt some times. But a funny one.


5. Run errands to Home Depot, Fred Meyer, etc.


6. Sweep up dog hair....


7. Play with Sadie.


8. Go for a ride. Look for deer. Enjoy the view.


9. Give Sadie treats.


10. Work outside in the yard or clean house or just sit and read.


11. Throw the ball for Sadie.


12. Give Sadie more treats.


13. Go to bed at 9:00 p.mish.

Do you see a theme here? Sadie.... she's the center of our world most days. That's how she wants it, and that's how it is!


My puppy dog. This is Sadie; she's a pound puppy. We found her last October and have loved her to pieces. She has issues, some she may never outgrow. But we continue working with her every day, loving her more for the issues she has to overcome. It would appear she was badly abused.... But she's a happy dog and always has a smile on her face. She wants nothing more than to chase after a ball and eat treats.


My days are actually quite full. I'm not out saving the world or doing much volunteer work right now, but one day. For now I work part-time at a landscape nursery. I use the word "work" loosely, as this is where I go to have fun, get my fingernails dirty.


My hubby. Is it weird that I put our dog first in my profile? Before my husband???? Oops.... Mike would understand and most likely do the same! We've been married 12 years and they've been the best 12 years of my life. He is my soul mate, my best friend, my lover, my partner. We talk, laugh together, support each other unconditionally. I love spending time with my husband, especially if I can beat him at Mexican dominoes!


Are you bored yet? This is why I don't put more "about me" on my blog because I don't want it to be boring.

I will say one more thing today. I have two children, from my previous marriage of 22 years. Tracy (32) and Bucky (23). They are the best kids a mother could ever hope for. Great kids. Wonderful kids! Kind, compassionate, creative, caring, ambitious kids. They love family, love their spouses/significant other. And, they love me.... :)

I hope you enjoyed this post today. Maybe tomorrow I'll continue on this avenue until I have no more readership! Seriously, though, my life is very simple. I enjoy the simple things in life--the little bird, the flowers, family time. I'm not a complicated person and what you see is generally what you get. I would do anything for my family, my friends, or my neighbors. With that said, I'm going to make my sweetie pancakes for breakfast and get my day going!

diamonds and a much deserved vacation

Let's see.... Today we went for a short ride and saw three deer! No, I didn't have my camera with me.... The other day we went for a short ride (to the same area) and saw four deer! Again.... no camera.... It seems when I take my camera, I don't see any. Tough luck.

My sweet husband surprised me with this diamond necklace a couple days ago. I know the picture doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea.

And this darling card. Isn't it so cute?! We've been married 12 years and it was only a couple months ago that I received my first diamond earrings. He seems to be on a roll now! Should I stop him???? Tell him, "no!" it's too extravagant???? Nahhhhhh, I think not! I never much cared for diamonds, but not long ago, while watching a commercial on tv, it hit me.... diamonds ARE romance AND I wanted some! But I could say that knowing I would probably never get any.... they are pretty expensive after all.... and I'm more of an amber person than a diamond lady. But I'll tell you--I'm getting used to being a diamond lady real quick! So what was the occasion for being thanked? For putting up with his daughter for the last nine months....

I might get one more post in before heading on vacation Friday. And, no, I'm not taking my laptop with me. We're going to Sedona. Yes, Sedona, Arizona, in the summer. And, yes, we realize most sane people go to Arizona in the cold of winter, but not us! What you have to understand is, when we made these travel arrangements, we were climbing to our record breaking 200 inches of snow! We were so tired of winter, the cold, the snow, that we just wanted to go somewhere sunny and warm. Sunny and warm it will be! It's predicted to be 98 on Friday. Even though we aren't sun seekers, we are excited to see Sedona as have heard it's gorgeous.

cha ching cherry!

And that would be the name of the polish I have on my toes today! Cha Ching Cherry! It's funny because I'm not a vibrant person. I don't necessarily want to stand out in a crowd. I don't wear loud clothes. I'm not a loud talker. I don't wear kinky hair styles. I have conservative taste in people, clothes, food, art, hair, makeup, etc. Yet.... when it comes to my toes, they love to scream LOOK AT ME!!!! And they get painted bright and cheery so you can't help but notice them! Why is that? Why do I have the nerve to put myself "out there" when it comes to my toes, but no other aspect of my life? Why do I allow myself to be vulnerable to what others might think in this one area of my life? And why would I put this information out on the Internet for everyone to know?! I don't know that either. AND would I allow my fingernails to be painted that same, vibrant color....? Absolutely not! This is definitely a piece of my puzzle.

It shouldn't surprise me though that I love bright red nail polish because I love geranium red, rose red, fuchsia red; and I love vintage red in table coverings, aprons, and hankies.

And sweet, red cherries.
And red, luscious raspberries.
And red, sweet watermelon.

But it doesn't really matter if I'm not a red kinda person in all areas of my life all of the time because as long as I have my red hankies and red vintage tablecloths and sweet red watermelon, life is good....

what kind of flower are you

I'm a daisy.... my daughter's favorite flower.... It says, about me: "You are just a sweet person. When a friend needs a shoulder to cry on, you are happy to offer yours with a box of tissues as well. Once in awhile, you wish you could be a little more dramatic but then sensibility sets back in and you know that you are perfect the way you are."

It's funny because this is so true. I do wish I could be more dramatic at times but the realization is that I am not.... so why not be content with who I am instead of wishing I was someone different.... better....

Personally, my favorite flower is the peony. I wonder what that says about a person....

What kind of flower are you?