Sweetly Salvaging ~ For The Love Of Home ~ The Image-less Post

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">DISCLAIMER... LONG, RANTING VENT POST AHEAD WITH NO PRETTY PICTURES!!!  BUT ITS STILL CHEAPER THAN THERAPY!  So... I only expect the die-hard Storyline Supporters to wade thru this and it's more for ME than anyone else really!?  *Winks*</span></strong></em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>Well, Blogger still isn't allowing me to load Images at all as I write this, so I'll just start with the Storyline of the Post and see what happens later as far as adding Beautiful Images from the Event?  Otherwise, this will be the first Image-less Post on my Blog!  *Gasp!!! Heaven Forbid, right!?!?!*  I now realize, I have way too much to say and Share so I'm going thru intense Blogger Withdrawal!  *Winks*</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>  You see, I NEED to have some Blog Therapy right about now and I almost Titled this Post something entirely different, but when I thought about it, the Love of Home and Family IS what has been my Primary Life Focus, so it is an appropriate Title actually.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Keeping my Home and Family Together in spite of all the Madness and Medical Issues plaguing the members I'm Caregiving for has been a Tall Order though and I have no delusions about being overwhelmed and under resourced for doing it.  There are days when it would be easier to throw in the towel, if only I could FIND the towel... yeah, that's how out of order my housekeeping has become!  A Team of Merry Maids would be daunted by all the things that need to still be done!</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>Not that Resources haven't suddenly been made more available mind you, since my Breaking Point Episode back in October... but that too creates some Challenging dynamics and I'll tell you why.  I'm Grateful that they're finally sending Medical Staff to our Home to help with The Man's Medical Care and Needs so that I don't have to try to drag him around and transport him to a slew of Appointments almost daily.... BUT...    </em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Part of the Solution can also become part of the Problem... in that it also means that on any given day there are one to four different Home Visits from an Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist, Home Nurse or Evaluation Team Member.  *Whew!* </em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em> And that also makes me constantly Feel like my Caregiving and Housekeeping is under a Microscope and INTENSE Scrutiny with constant 'Constructive Criticism' by various Agency Reps.  There's always loads of  'Suggestions' for The Man's Needs, but only little ole' me to try to Implement them all some kinda way and still meet the rest of us at our Point of Need and make a House a Home for <u>all</u> of us, and AS IF I NEED even MORE to do!  *Ahem!* </em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em> It's not AS IF they're willing to pony up the Fifteen Thousand Plus dollars a Month it would cost them to hire Paid Caregivers to replace me anyway... but I'd be willing to pass the baton if they think my Unpaid Caregiving isn't up to their Standards 'cause I'm Tired, completely Overwhelmed and could certainly use the Break anytime.  I can't recall the last time I had a full Night's uninterrupted Sleep at Home in over Thirty Years actually of caring for someone with Medical Issues or Special Needes... so I'm overdue, though I have found I need far less Sleep than the Average person now with all this Practice and Experience. </em><br /><em></em> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>It's a full time Job just fitting in all those Home Visits around Doctor and Therapist Appointments for not only him, but the G-Kid Force's Medical needs as well, and is frankly a Logistic's Nightmare and quite exhausting.  The Calendar is so packed with Medical Scheduling for them all... either for Home Visits, Consultations or Away Visits, that I often don't know if I'm coming or going!  And... um, WHO are we seeing Today, for WHOM and WHY?  I barely remember and it's all becoming a blur... even when I'm staring blankly at a Calendar so overloaded with their Medical and/or Agency Scheduling, that making Sense of it is like reading Ancient Hyrogliphics and keeping on Track is akin to Caregiver Olympics which is wearing and Stressing me out <u>again already</u>! </em><br /> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>And Forget About the Alleged VA Respite Caregiver I'm supposed to receive and find Time to squeeze into the hectic Schedule for myself... because there are so many Conditions attached to that twelve hours a Month of Services that it has been virtually impossible to meet the Criteria for her Time here to Relieve me and Allegedly provide some Respite to this Madness.  </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>You see, the G-Kid Force are a disqualifying factor... so if they're on School Breaks I can't Schedule my Respite Caregiver anyway... so for the two weeks they were on Winter Break recently... no can do.   If they happen to come down Sick, either physically or emotionally, which is often and unpredicatable, I have to Cancel Respite Care.  If they're Home at all I can't Schedule her actually.   She is allowed to Assist with some light Home duties to Relieve me of the burden of doing it all.  But it can't involve anything but what The Veteran and his Spouse needs, not the entire Family... nothing to do with the Kids.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>So... she COULD help me with some laundry... but only our laundry... and though I sort Colors, I don't sort by Family Member.  Maybe I should, but if I've got to go to the Laundromat anyway to do hours of their laundry, it just seems silly and redundant to leave our paltry pile of laundry behind for the Respite Caregiver to help with.  Because I'm not REALLY getting a Laundry Respite and I'll still have a sh--load of laundry to do regardless. </em><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em>She COULD help with light housekeeping... but most of the damage control having to be run around here is G-Kid Related and not Veteran Related... The Man really isn't messy and he really doesn't do much anymore to make a mess anyway like Children.  I could easily keep things in Order if it were just he and I... but it's NOT.  Training The G-Force to behave Normally and be semi-organized and task-oriented is still a Work In Progress with loads of Intensive Therapy and Meds behind it.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>She COULD help with some light meals for The Man and Assistance he really needs doing daily tasks... only the ONE TIME she was here, he wouldn't eat for her or even let her Assist him, too Stubborn, Ornery and Proud.  *Le Sigh*  In fact, the ONE TIME she was here, he stayed in bed almost the entire time and only made an Appearance just before I came Home, apparently so I'd Assume he was on board for this Service, and even though she was a very nice Young Woman quite willing and able to Help in the Realm of what she's Allowed and Hired to do for us.  So we could hardly fill out the required Government form of what she'd done for him, except maybe make sure he didn't die in his sleep on her watch.  *LOL* </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>And I'm not really certain, until I call for the Service again now that the Kiddos are back in School, if she can be a Stand In for me when the never ending Home Visits take place?  So that I can actually use the Respite Service again or even at all... and receive my mere twelve hours, regardless that just about every day mid-week has someone else coming for Home Care Visits... and that Weekends are off the table coz The G-Force would be Home? </em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em> And it's That Season again... so the Kiddos have been Home Sick more than they've been in School lately, a steady and constant rotation of them catching something and 'Sharing' it... or having Mental Health Breaks that preclude being able to Educate them effectively.  Prince R had to be picked up This Morning from the School Nurse, so he lasted barely an Hour after the long Holiday was over.  </em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>And Princess T has been having major Anxiety Attacks and Mood Swings for days now, due to Grandpa's declining and Fragile Health, which justifyably scares her and makes her Act Up and Act Out as her Coping Mechanism.  She's Terrified he'll have to go Live at the Hospital again... and so is he frankly, so he hesitates to be Truthful to his Home Care Team.. and sometimes even to me, knowing they have to Write Up any Concerns and I'm Obligated to tell them of any Issues I'm Aware of.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>I'm also working on finding another Surgeon that <u>will</u> perform Princess T's necessary Surgery without having Custodial Arrangement Issues that would force us thru the prohibitive expense and wasted time of going thru Family Court again?  With the help of her Regular Pediatrician and Pulmonology Specialist, who are requesting another Referral because they are in Agreement it's ridiculous not to Honor me as the legit uncontested Guardian, since we have Raised them both since Birth, made ALL Medical decisions for over 13 years now... and have Insurance to get it done. Not to mention that the delay is causing suffering and further Medical Crisis for the Child.  They can't even do the Pathology on the tumor until it's OUT... and what if prolonged delay is a Game Changer on Treatment and Well-Being?  </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em> Yeah, we haven't been able to put that 'Issue' to bed either with the Alleged 'Expired' uncontested and Voluntary Guardianship dog and pony show and it's making me a nervous wreck.  Not AS IF any Alleged Guardianship Expiration means anyone is gonna come pick these Kiddos up and Raise them instead while providing 100% of their Financial Support 'til they're 18 mind you, so it's all just Bureaucracy and Bullsh-- at it's best.  Custodial G-Parents really still get the Shaft for doing the Right Thing rather than the Easy Thing.  And Involuntary Placement is still more highly regarded than Voluntary Placement when Non-Custodial Parents do the RIGHT THING without being Forced to by a Court and Law Enforcement!  It's Crazier and more messed up than they Allege our Daughter is actually... she was able to make Saner decisions than The System for their Well-Being!</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>  </em> <em>I'm Wondering however, just WHO I can get to provide Caregiving for The Man and The G-Son while I'm with her in the Hospital when that time finally comes?</em>   <em>Since I haven't been able to find a way to be two places at once yet... and The Son and his Girl can't take any more time off Work to fill in for me since they both have new jobs and live clear across the Valley anyway and have three Kids to juggle and Care for already.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>And speaking of the G-Son, I've had Good News and Bad News with him lately too.  Bad News first just to get it out of the way... he's on thin ice at the Boys And Girls Club because they're having difficulty dealing with his 'Issues', ie: Mental Health and Socialization being below par.   He will probably get kicked out by the Director eventually, the Awesome Teen Mentor, Bless his Heart, hasn't given up on him tho' and is the only reason he's still Welcome to go at all right now.   Well, it's not the first Youth Program he's been deep sixed from for being unwilling or unable to Conform, but we are running out of Respite Programs he Qualifies for, is Welcome being him at and Enjoys spending Time at because it Enriches him and gives me a break from him. </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>The Good News is Awesome tho'... and answer to prolonged Prayer... God after all is right on Time!  I've been Praying for that Perfect Mentor and Program who Accepts The G-Son for who he is unconditonally and isn't trying to 'fix' him, because frankly, he isn't broken... he's just differently Gifted and Divinely Endowed in his own peculiar way.   There is this Art and Science Center Ministry within walking distance from our Home, Founded by two Brilliant Professors.   The Young Prince is really into Science and Art so he Loves going there and kept coming Home with almost unbelievable Stories about how Jazzed and Excited the Professors were with him.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>Okay, so I Believe my Grandson is Brilliant and exceedingly Gifted, but most Educators have never been able to Reach, Stimulate or Educate him and I know a little bit of him can go a long way.  So, after a time most folks can't Cope and frankly don't want to either if they don't have to, even if they were Great out the Gate and had the best of Intentions.  So I was Guardedly Optomistic about his Stories, since I don't wanna get my Hopes up again only to have them dashed when a little bit of him goes a long way with some Mentor or Teacher and they finally Give Up, Give In or Give Out like all the others before them. </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em> I was just Happy he was Welcome there to do his 'Thing' with Art and Science so that he could be Academically fed and Stimulated in a Positive Way and feel Okay just being himself and have somewhere to go that he Enjoys... and meets him at his Point of Need beyond what I provide for him at Home.  Since I know the Kid is hungry and thirsty for knowledge beyond what I can provide, he just checks out in School and fails everything in spite of Testing at Genius level... go figure.  No, I don't have the Answers so I just Advocate for him blindly really based on Faith and Love that it will somehow be Okay in The End... and if it's not Okay, then it's not The End.   That Worked with The Son, so I already have a Strong Testimony in spite of naysayers of Kiddos with Extreme Special Needs turning out Okay and even being a Success Story Poster Child.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>So, anyway, this is where the Good News gets even Better.  The Professors ask for a Meeting... now normally that wouldn't be Good News for me since Meetings and my Grandchildren typically mean Bad News is coming and I'm being Reminded of how 'Special' they really are, and not in a good way.  *Smiles*   But The Young Prince tells me they want to validate everything he's been tellling me and talk about The Plan... Wow, we have a Plan, Excellent!!!  So I go to this Meeting, Guardedly Optomistic as usual... and these Professors tell me their background {VERY Impressive by the way} and verify everything Prince R has already told me that I thought was probably part Fantasy and Wishful Thinking on his part!!!   Good, I don't have to Patronize him, because he typically sees right thru that anyway.  *Winks*</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>They show me some of the things Prince R has already Invented... and some of the Computer Programs he's already designed and set up for them... and  how they've Challenged him even more because though entirely Self-Taught, they Believe him to be not only the Smartest Kid, but the smartest Human Being they've ever met!!!  *Blink Blink... yeah, they actually said that!  WOW!*   One of the Professors actually designed and helped build the Arizona Science Center and has an Impressive Resume' in Architecture, Inventing and Computer Programming... he's been doing it all for over Thirty Years and told me that my Grandson has surpassed some of his own knowledge, so it has blown him away that a Kid is this Smart and Naturally Gifted without being Coached by anyone!  And barely Encouraged or even Tolerated by most Educators up to now, that typically just end up viewing him as a Problem Child.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>They wanted me to be Okay with Prince R receiving a High Tech Computer Equipment for all that he has done and is doing on behalf of the Center as a Volunteer... because though he initially came as a Student, he has brought enough to the table to be considered a valuable Asset to the Center!  Prince R Loves to Mentor the other Children, Invent things for the Center and Build Programs for the Center to use.   The Professors want to help us Enroll him in High School for the Ace One Program during his Sophomore Year, which will provide Free College and earning of Degrees while he's also taking his High School Classes, if he Qualifies. *Fingers Crossed!*  </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>I have been sweating High School Enrollment for the Young Prince only because Jr. High has been so dismal a failure for him and I'm sick to death of being told Bad News about him almost every day by Educators and Administrators.   I often Wonder if they also tell the Physically Handicapped Kid's Parents or Guardians that their Kid is <u>still</u> Physically Handicapped every day?  Or the Retarded Kid's Parents or Guardians that their Kid is <u>still</u> Retarded every day?   </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>Of coarse they don't, I'm being facetious and just making my Point, but that's how I FEEL every time I'm reminded by an Educator or a School Panel that my Grandson is STILL Mentally Ill and behaves like he is.   Yeah, we know... he was Mentally Ill yesterday, today and probably tomorrow and beyond... we don't need Reminders thrown up in our Faces all the time, we Get It and Live It daily.  He's a Beautiful Mind... wrapped up in a Tormented Soul and Normal Looking Body... doing Life that way... it is how it is.   There is only Mainstream or Special Ed and he doesn't belong in either group really... but they have no group or Specially Funded Resources for the Brilliantly Gifted yet Mentally Ill Kids.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>I actually get Envious when I see the Resources the Special Ed Kids and their Families receive in Public Schools, only because I'd like at least that much designated for my Special Needs Kiddos.  But they don't Qualify because their Diagnosis and Disability Status is still that Gray Area, just like it was for their Mother and Uncle, some things remain the same and haven't had Positive Change. </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em> Maybe some day the Mentally Ill, and especially the High Functional folks with Mental Health Issues, will receive the same consideration as they're being Educated.  And more Social Compassion and Tolerance.   Just keeping it Real, it's very frustrating for Families and the Afflicted... we have no Magic Wands or Answers either... but the burden of the Bad News during the School Years keeps coming and threatens to bury you.  So it was refreshing to have Good News for a change and a Ray of Hope extended... I'll take that Hope and run with it!   Yes, I'm Sweetly Salvaging what we can for the Love of Home AND Family out of this Hot Mess that is Mi Vida Loca... and a Good Blog Rant always makes me Feel somewhat Better to just get it all off my chest and Released into the Universe where it can float around indefinitely for all I care, so long as its OFF ME!  *Winks*</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div></div>

Sweetly Salvaging ~ For The Love Of Home ~ The Image-less Post

      DISCLAIMER... LONG, RANTING VENT POST AHEAD WITH NO PRETTY PICTURES!!!  BUT ITS STILL CHEAPER THAN THERAPY!  So... I only expect the d...

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It Started With A Chinese Lantern Class...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMZK6EUqo_MVKDGjSW5yyWr_2rNWyx2aybT_mQbc7BC6v50QlINLyoPRLwrdug0uULjZE1Gx4uOI4HhFIgdrdfRKOiX0ALq3LxGCPIkZ2sXXMD0mgFVi1gDCGreeHQreCezt5NCD06CQ/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMZK6EUqo_MVKDGjSW5yyWr_2rNWyx2aybT_mQbc7BC6v50QlINLyoPRLwrdug0uULjZE1Gx4uOI4HhFIgdrdfRKOiX0ALq3LxGCPIkZ2sXXMD0mgFVi1gDCGreeHQreCezt5NCD06CQ/s640/028.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Okay, so it started with a simple Chinese Lantern Class that I managed to squeeze in to my hectic Schedule on a Friday Morning.  My Sweet Friend Pamela Invited me to visit her Shop and Encouraged me to Participate and Attend the Workshop so that I could have a Positive Release from unrelenting Stress and Caregiving Strain and Burnout.   And now I'm Jonesin' to take as many Workshops as I can find Respite Time and Resources for because when I'm Creating I no longer have the weight of heavier Issues consuming me.  Creativity is like Oxygen to me... especially when I'm suffocating from the Issues of Life sucking the Life and breath right out of me.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMwAWWmSRipzb_gdWeHmNFYi2od92qdRUgFLdvCYKK8siwMrRlnuFGa4YBmGWZ90048hA0PX_9I0nhhdkHeekLC0rxFUyjsZrq06w-PoLZL2qdG43ESf8EcJJUXr3cwAflx15Umk-eO0/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMwAWWmSRipzb_gdWeHmNFYi2od92qdRUgFLdvCYKK8siwMrRlnuFGa4YBmGWZ90048hA0PX_9I0nhhdkHeekLC0rxFUyjsZrq06w-PoLZL2qdG43ESf8EcJJUXr3cwAflx15Umk-eO0/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Sure, I still have the two Showrooms and Pickin' as temporary Escapes from my Reality... but I usually have a half dozen "Urgent" phone calls interrupting me from The Man and/or the G-Kid Force any time I sneak away to try to attend to Working my neglected Retail Spaces or replenishing dwindling Inventory even for just an Hour.  Sweating bullets since now I'm Rushing... which I HATE to Feel or be Rushed or forced into unrealistic time constraints to get things accomplished properly and not leave anyone alone for too long.  Either that or they're my Entourage when I'm Attempting to Style my Spaces or go on a Pick , which really doesn't constitute a Respite or any "Restorative Me Time" at all.  And still usually ends up with a hasty attempt since all three of them fade at the gate quickly and need to go Home prematurely.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTBFT6bGOqqQDacaAI_k1htWJgmLOVGzfZ7DML_9IpgW0n1Jq4kLDkh_c2ArtHu2LeHBTCs9agi_bC87uGpFDa5I_OzOuXxsdfyqHQdClHbzjI98cKfvWBINcBvSzezogaNvBvX_9Uzg/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTBFT6bGOqqQDacaAI_k1htWJgmLOVGzfZ7DML_9IpgW0n1Jq4kLDkh_c2ArtHu2LeHBTCs9agi_bC87uGpFDa5I_OzOuXxsdfyqHQdClHbzjI98cKfvWBINcBvSzezogaNvBvX_9Uzg/s640/032.JPG" width="574" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Sometimes it works out when I take any or all of them with me and they can be a Help rather than a hindrance or a distraction from getting any Work done... Sometimes.  And though the Beast Princess is already a diligent and compulsive Organizer and adept Stylist, her Separation Anxiety often kicks in to hyperdrive if she's not attached to me at the hip, which is stifling.  She also rarely gets along and plays well with others, especially big Brothers... and her and Grandpa fuss a lot at each other now because 'New Grandpa' is still an adjustment for The Force.  God Forgive me, but I can only take so much of their Intensity and their propensity to Drama and extreme Mood Swings... without it draining me or Setting me Off.  </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD73iVmWwsHZ-aJkNs6RZQMPmMG9pHl9ePyfYpFw2_9zmD8tYo0r8iQojCEA8BlGX6_jAQeU5zlJYi_hHv5cVKa52LqzZVXQaJagsJ6KWP8dYoUjmdrb0JaUPDYw5md_dcvFu0ntvhHU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD73iVmWwsHZ-aJkNs6RZQMPmMG9pHl9ePyfYpFw2_9zmD8tYo0r8iQojCEA8BlGX6_jAQeU5zlJYi_hHv5cVKa52LqzZVXQaJagsJ6KWP8dYoUjmdrb0JaUPDYw5md_dcvFu0ntvhHU/s640/005.JPG" width="564" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center"><em>And The Man is still recuperating from his Traumatic Brain Injury so any Outing for him is a Huge Deal and has to be short and sweet with lots of Patience.  In case you didn't already know, Patience doesn't happen to be one of my Divine Virtues.  *LOL*  And he feels Safer at Home in a Familiar place so is resistant to Outings or Socialization of any sort.  But we did manage to get him out for Veteran's Day so he could receive Public Acknowledgement for his Service to Country.  That always makes him Feel good to receive Sincere Appreciation from random people, especially since he Feels so betrayed by the Government with all the broken Promises.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m5-Svxo2XeRAemhljlUl1UbX978pnmrDFQ1O3xhMcBoz7KiNl7sN8TKSej6sixpsCHe5tNOm_SHzVDwzOr7PHHaqX2C64R6qjKdgo6uzYrHkjrR3ok2JGQmjJRDrl3j0skHE6i7Ziz8/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m5-Svxo2XeRAemhljlUl1UbX978pnmrDFQ1O3xhMcBoz7KiNl7sN8TKSej6sixpsCHe5tNOm_SHzVDwzOr7PHHaqX2C64R6qjKdgo6uzYrHkjrR3ok2JGQmjJRDrl3j0skHE6i7Ziz8/s640/031.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>We discovered that the Programs and Resources allegedly available to Disabled Veterans and their Families from the VA or from the Private Sector have so many disqualifying factors that we didn't Qualify for any of them.  So Help probably isn't coming... EVER... and I'm trying to wrap my Mind around that one and have somewhat of a Peace about it and what that might mean for the long haul if I go down in flames again trying to do it all with little or no Help?  That's daunting, so I'm trying to keep my head on straight and see what obscure Programs or Resources might exist for us? </em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCX-2KoRqQEhe051jkyLp4yYU6lHg1W_c7JqiHsxALwrVK-ySGWPnO9iIcvl36vEbeRTtMn7eL3tmd0-2cg7z1IKIV2HPgj7oL5m4v2Paz_xoajK34p4PKpprQuIeOpUC5WgX4v_ZXPw/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCX-2KoRqQEhe051jkyLp4yYU6lHg1W_c7JqiHsxALwrVK-ySGWPnO9iIcvl36vEbeRTtMn7eL3tmd0-2cg7z1IKIV2HPgj7oL5m4v2Paz_xoajK34p4PKpprQuIeOpUC5WgX4v_ZXPw/s640/030.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The VA Social Worker has put me in for 6 Hours of In-Home Respite Care every other week, and though we should Qualify for that earned benefit with The Man's long length of Service and 100% Service Connected Disability even before his TBI Disability from the Accident, it probably doesn't include Respite Care for the G-Kid Force. Shhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!  That will be our little Surprise the first time the VA Respite Caregiver shows up I guess and thinks its just an Old Soldier they're babysitting so I can have a Mental Health Break!?!  *LMAO* </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch1YgFVMawixsh9HK8dXyt9un-hIC1JNxqxxbDI9BKyhrM-a5gFtVfqLVCPCt7sygPr822E_Gn8nGzBS923VdIPmqu3EcDie7SRfr9xMu5NXUIdn26aRgX7mk0lEOUzp4dwyM_ioouPo/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch1YgFVMawixsh9HK8dXyt9un-hIC1JNxqxxbDI9BKyhrM-a5gFtVfqLVCPCt7sygPr822E_Gn8nGzBS923VdIPmqu3EcDie7SRfr9xMu5NXUIdn26aRgX7mk0lEOUzp4dwyM_ioouPo/s640/034.JPG" width="568" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>  Sure, they probably won't come back again for the other six hours I should get for the Month... or EVER... but I'm guardedly Optimistic I <u>might</u> get a one time six hour break if I hide the Kiddos in another room and tell them to wait 'til I'm down the road before they come out and Surprise the VA Respite Caregiver!?  It could work!?   Anyway, I'm desperate at this point, it will be... say... a Memory Lapse I had... yeah, that's it... that's what it was... that's my Story and I'm stickin' to it!!!  What?  Did I forget to mention I'm a Caregiver of THREE 'Special Needs Loved Ones'?  Ooops!!!  And, I know... I know... the Children were never Drafted or Enlisted since they came Disabled and are too Young  for sending off to War anyway you know... *I shall say all this with a Deadpan Wednesday Addams expression, whaddya think?*  They shouldda figured it out already with how relentless I've been about trying to get some Help!!!  I'm asking about and applying for every damn Program I can Google, I don't care anymore where the Help comes from!  *Smiles*</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVN2tqvv1vim0QnOwz0YwRGiLbZ5UKZtJ-XdKKzeEwQA_RXCT1YorpTfbPbkFRDus2xFf75jfyD7Cem8IbM1AuZGMdS5HX-I-ExmsGLkrn8WNpmse0Ouq98neVUdChmteI_t4TUdiqv0/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVN2tqvv1vim0QnOwz0YwRGiLbZ5UKZtJ-XdKKzeEwQA_RXCT1YorpTfbPbkFRDus2xFf75jfyD7Cem8IbM1AuZGMdS5HX-I-ExmsGLkrn8WNpmse0Ouq98neVUdChmteI_t4TUdiqv0/s640/035.JPG" width="580" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>I'm California Dreamin' about Living the Dream... and Escaping the Nightmare... even if in only six hour increments every other week, Maybe... if their In-Home Caregiver doesn't bail?</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpymg30fpuP4Hu7sEkfrx8IjU8UoKZicURlP982lps3m04RIyr8km-bbO_l4jXy5ahrBV5X_TRMUu9oxqEjqqOsPyZyfSWU65IR-D0URAczuXg9Csid_G7CReBb_NtYicF4cic4K_JxKg/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpymg30fpuP4Hu7sEkfrx8IjU8UoKZicURlP982lps3m04RIyr8km-bbO_l4jXy5ahrBV5X_TRMUu9oxqEjqqOsPyZyfSWU65IR-D0URAczuXg9Csid_G7CReBb_NtYicF4cic4K_JxKg/s640/036.JPG" width="578" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Since apparently you don't Qualify for any Respite Caregiver Stipend Income until you're a Destitute VA Spouse... so that you could actually afford to Hire someone to do what you can't do or need a break from every now and again.   Rather than relying upon the Charity of Volunteers or an existing Program the VA or your Insurance will actually pay for, which are in limited and in short supply.  But, they said if it gets to the point where The Man's care exceeds 100% of our total Income I COULD <u>perhaps</u> Qualify for a small stipend, no guarantees though and it would be <u>better</u> IF you don't own your own Home or have any Assets left to liquidate.  Yeah, that would be BETTER, huh, if we were Homeless, had zero income left and didn't have a pot left to piss in... NOT!!!!!!!   And BTW... they only Factor in Qualifying Income on a Vet and Spouse... if you're more than a Couple... say, you're still raising a Family of Dependants... that Qualifying Factor Figure doesn't increase one iota regardless of size of Family for the Program... WTF?!?   Guess they figure folks our Age shouldn't even still be raising Kids... and tho' I'm in Agreement with that opinion... we ARE... and we WILL BE for at least another Decade.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UeS7oO3m4taeqY_WjWlaiOJmTjuu856PBdYLwR7KAAhcleKev2m73tZWsBB50Dya1k9y3CmKSDCYKHuy-U4q9c1Je7AwcM5hyphenhyphenpig7VeFdmZOKDkrKvxQPbbrSqw_rLd5Au77W3YszGk/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UeS7oO3m4taeqY_WjWlaiOJmTjuu856PBdYLwR7KAAhcleKev2m73tZWsBB50Dya1k9y3CmKSDCYKHuy-U4q9c1Je7AwcM5hyphenhyphenpig7VeFdmZOKDkrKvxQPbbrSqw_rLd5Au77W3YszGk/s640/033.JPG" width="498" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>These are just some of the reasons why I HATE... ABHOR... AND CRINGE at Applying for any Assistance Programs... you really do have to be to a point of desperation and have thick skin before you want to go up against The System and have to hear what responses you'll get as to why you usually don't Qualify and won't be receiving any Help.  With a 'Good Luck with that and we Hope it all works out' tacked on gratuitously, lest you assume they don't Care.  But on a positive note I no longer have to schlepp The Man back and forth across the City to the VA Hospital three days a week for his OT, PT and RN Checks due to his still frail health... they finally Approved some Home Visits!  *Whew!*  Which is a good thing because he couldn't tolerate the long commute and long waits at the VA Hospital to be seen, he had too much Anxiety and too much Pain so we'd end up leaving without even being seen... and we had to scramble to get back Home in time to pick the G-Force up from School anyways.  But we still have to go for Specialist Appointments, of which there are still many... so I still spend way too much time in Hospitals and at Appointments for the Crew... and that Wheelchair is like a boat anchor and doesn't fit worth a damn in the back of a Jeep... I've hurt my back twice already schlepping it...  I SO wish my Truck hadn't been totalled in the wreck!</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTw-DUk7EtVtLhe9D3EWlS1802I5MIcc4d_zA_-z8X8bp6B-OtvGUy0rdqBinRuVQPc5dIvIxL000G-5onMtc-ZeiR_TfGm2hv2BCfnHkZVEDE38-M56qovcIthZ2ROzEZoB8wAYF8yB0/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTw-DUk7EtVtLhe9D3EWlS1802I5MIcc4d_zA_-z8X8bp6B-OtvGUy0rdqBinRuVQPc5dIvIxL000G-5onMtc-ZeiR_TfGm2hv2BCfnHkZVEDE38-M56qovcIthZ2ROzEZoB8wAYF8yB0/s640/012.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>And I must say Venting here in Blog Therapy is almost as good as being able to take Workshops and Classes as a Release of the Stress, Strain and Frustrations stacking up again.  Better this than landing up in Hospital and unraveling again so soon.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzcNfhl3DuGtuEVPGP_UGqBxKWWcsNE3M5Chd7su_E9qAkE5n_jENYYURrRZJD7UuDO5zVLBafsunhC4ERtHjOrZcS4ImhREnK6JEewTT7wizCora9N-xKOtvGDDbjeZ9Q5vaAOu2OCY/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzcNfhl3DuGtuEVPGP_UGqBxKWWcsNE3M5Chd7su_E9qAkE5n_jENYYURrRZJD7UuDO5zVLBafsunhC4ERtHjOrZcS4ImhREnK6JEewTT7wizCora9N-xKOtvGDDbjeZ9Q5vaAOu2OCY/s640/013.JPG" width="498" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>I'd rather take a Class... and if I can't swing a cool Workshop...</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_YJ2n1XYuf_LCsIfeYJAw_IsZ6tgyB2OMr6Kf-VBgjgTLdxlAMO58vP7SolL8h_ie8QJ7Z_Yq7fv4ragfRiNXKSwCESUhR0HUIhDqhyphenhyphen4X1qlcTQVoru6kW5YehmkpkAt3vUKhtOYWqQ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_YJ2n1XYuf_LCsIfeYJAw_IsZ6tgyB2OMr6Kf-VBgjgTLdxlAMO58vP7SolL8h_ie8QJ7Z_Yq7fv4ragfRiNXKSwCESUhR0HUIhDqhyphenhyphen4X1qlcTQVoru6kW5YehmkpkAt3vUKhtOYWqQ/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Why, a Two Dollar Make-And-take Card Class will do!  I'm not picky.  *Smiles*  Actually I REALLY like that Center Card, who doesn't want a Beautiful Day after all?</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaFtrusXrbh0SLuw4oxs_e_rmcOQU3TaHjbqfxRvCYfTtVIjTKpBwMMnUbH3V8gwdyfxyo2WdgWdxUvyyljPmIXfPalj3zA3Z0iSlVKkQex0LtPTCK9M5o2OduGtA_Gf3pEkvhykQpEE/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaFtrusXrbh0SLuw4oxs_e_rmcOQU3TaHjbqfxRvCYfTtVIjTKpBwMMnUbH3V8gwdyfxyo2WdgWdxUvyyljPmIXfPalj3zA3Z0iSlVKkQex0LtPTCK9M5o2OduGtA_Gf3pEkvhykQpEE/s640/014.JPG" width="616" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>We keep trying to have one anyway... and some days we even Succeed!!!</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GC3GHcDJ9bNtD0R_9-s-fTIPaDBEZ4Adan3hW2_9mUlhnkT4f6rde7pvEbPFd2FjtayqMY-SIKJvtrV_Rejj8SftFcaws_VNGXhTWWLwAoNVPGLIueQ5GBSWcWdULBvoQ8Q33Oajs44/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GC3GHcDJ9bNtD0R_9-s-fTIPaDBEZ4Adan3hW2_9mUlhnkT4f6rde7pvEbPFd2FjtayqMY-SIKJvtrV_Rejj8SftFcaws_VNGXhTWWLwAoNVPGLIueQ5GBSWcWdULBvoQ8Q33Oajs44/s640/024.JPG" width="526" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>And it started with a simple Chinese Lantern Class...</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian</em></div><br /></div>

It Started With A Chinese Lantern Class...

    Okay, so it started with a simple Chinese Lantern Class that I managed to squeeze in to my hectic Schedule on a Friday Morning.  My Swee...

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Autumn At Rust And Roses... And Feelings...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHCmWeoEt1-GU45vdIHttV-Y9-GwlZONZv-NoyT-1By8XnzKwEnjB9DkWKT49mjf4CMV_QIwF1HnMwcIMIciNVGks9_bbSECEFzrQKzHeRrZgaK2ExGb-U_ZN751kKZhUTVI2odLEiFzL/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHCmWeoEt1-GU45vdIHttV-Y9-GwlZONZv-NoyT-1By8XnzKwEnjB9DkWKT49mjf4CMV_QIwF1HnMwcIMIciNVGks9_bbSECEFzrQKzHeRrZgaK2ExGb-U_ZN751kKZhUTVI2odLEiFzL/s640/092.JPG" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #660000;">*<u>DISCLAIMER... BEWARE Long Post with a mixture of Light and Darkness!*</u></span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #660000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #660000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Another Fav Shop that has re-opened after the long, hot Summer is my Friend Shelly's Shop <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rust-and-Roses-Phoenix/224451874270241?ref=br_tf"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">RUST AND ROSES.</span></strong></a>   If like me you are a Lover of Architectural Salvage, Unique Antiquities, Vintage Industrial and Gypsy Chic then you simply must visit the Shop.</em></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjEPIVf_67EDimKDXDhXjdhMoNGLYyBzwgu4OoEV4EvBBoWBonPYbZjdsr5iTmNMSjEczOg0o_83P-XlBgJLCyJ0LXdFDPTJ-DUqH996nJ4wZFl-5Ka0cO527eHlgf5kjPW8U_z2k67TA/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjEPIVf_67EDimKDXDhXjdhMoNGLYyBzwgu4OoEV4EvBBoWBonPYbZjdsr5iTmNMSjEczOg0o_83P-XlBgJLCyJ0LXdFDPTJ-DUqH996nJ4wZFl-5Ka0cO527eHlgf5kjPW8U_z2k67TA/s640/073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Right now it's all decked out with an Autumn Vibe and the rich, warm Hues of Fall.  With some Interesting and Fanciful Halloween Inspired Elements to get your inner Goth Inspired for Halloween Decorating.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsSBMJJajE3M-PXAlQVEh6ncG0l2YGHdaYuZJOBna7pn3se9eYRW_1VtZKjpa05WW53NEQvmBxM-uAY2Q-2JJ7yKuCakQwO6seDYq5X1fBN5EMqwcPyTIotnemdTlGAYPgJ_vZzGGrOcB/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsSBMJJajE3M-PXAlQVEh6ncG0l2YGHdaYuZJOBna7pn3se9eYRW_1VtZKjpa05WW53NEQvmBxM-uAY2Q-2JJ7yKuCakQwO6seDYq5X1fBN5EMqwcPyTIotnemdTlGAYPgJ_vZzGGrOcB/s640/090.JPG" width="530" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>I have to Confess that I'm always trying to talk Shelly out of some of her Amazing Shop Props... I can become quite obsessed with something I'm Jonesin' for badly!  *Winks*  Whenenver she's ready to part with this perfectly decayed Antique Chinese Lantern, I want first Option... I will throw down with you to get it... so don't even look at it with equally Lustful Eyes okay, or it's Game On between us?!  *LOL*</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTqiougFPNaFCYJfFHW6tdobaYPkwhRKHsC708N-fuvvw42VX652Q68j6swCdAiSTEn7oH4QpRFHQYjx4oOGPifFcguNXH_yg01wKnTklWp3xHzl1kIyb92cdmU1adOHOTN__-pcuZuP9/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTqiougFPNaFCYJfFHW6tdobaYPkwhRKHsC708N-fuvvw42VX652Q68j6swCdAiSTEn7oH4QpRFHQYjx4oOGPifFcguNXH_yg01wKnTklWp3xHzl1kIyb92cdmU1adOHOTN__-pcuZuP9/s640/087.JPG" width="574" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Clearly something like this was meant for Bohemian Valhalla eventually... so I'll wait patiently... like one of those predatory Cats of the Serengeti.   Yes, even though patience isn't usually or typically one of my Virtues, when it comes to Junquing, it can be... I've been known to wait and attempt negotiations for YEARS for a coveted piece that was a Display and NFS initially.  This would be one of those pieces.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdRwipUv6at3h6hGFLG5O_k2mcnXBgTpH0lNMYTlGg8RkgHeFoxMDyeiEkFNpICHpQ1Nc6DjYLlwpY1UgOfWMgKJ6Lyq5FyMRpq1v14hk1BnliGAM5iE-ik0iLNSi73gH6YAxKvr97w_W/s1600/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdRwipUv6at3h6hGFLG5O_k2mcnXBgTpH0lNMYTlGg8RkgHeFoxMDyeiEkFNpICHpQ1Nc6DjYLlwpY1UgOfWMgKJ6Lyq5FyMRpq1v14hk1BnliGAM5iE-ik0iLNSi73gH6YAxKvr97w_W/s640/109.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>But in the meantime I'll Appease my Junquing Appetite with what IS presently for Sale and I Adore... like colorful Spools of Vintage Velvet Trims that could adorn some Bohemian Treasures Creations... and...</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqAqwJhTcAYanqIs-9l7pGALb0rhv2RcySIY6z5xWyuStkhQFEO4JijSTeKJrdX1Qe5jxepll-UN5nG9w1q7S5E_O9-zpDQ12XPbWpPmFdHenV6zmqM3sD9DVjRbSvzL14KCtNR4B87nJ/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqAqwJhTcAYanqIs-9l7pGALb0rhv2RcySIY6z5xWyuStkhQFEO4JijSTeKJrdX1Qe5jxepll-UN5nG9w1q7S5E_O9-zpDQ12XPbWpPmFdHenV6zmqM3sD9DVjRbSvzL14KCtNR4B87nJ/s640/080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Velvet Pumpkins!!!   Yes, this is where I 'scored' a Quartet of them from the Pumpkin Patch in my Friend Tricia's Booth, Created by the Talented Karen Lackey.   I just Adored the Vintage Seambinding and Old Spool touches for the stems... and so far this Season... once again... I haven't had the time or opportunity to begin Creating some of my own with the supplies I've been Hoarding in what seems like forever to get around to it!  *Le Sigh*</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsUcvCwca0VtAsezGaKPJmU7dIklHF0VuPzA2uH3W-xkqkcpZru2aiLLuL5Fdc_XGgTFW8wb7UznPoJ5HVGH6Hnd6yCTqkTfbNBXMMdxMGVKIqvdR2iEbfCo_dWjGUPRYX8BTcWDPwcQI/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsUcvCwca0VtAsezGaKPJmU7dIklHF0VuPzA2uH3W-xkqkcpZru2aiLLuL5Fdc_XGgTFW8wb7UznPoJ5HVGH6Hnd6yCTqkTfbNBXMMdxMGVKIqvdR2iEbfCo_dWjGUPRYX8BTcWDPwcQI/s640/075.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>So its a good thing some of my Talented Friends have... and are offering them at a great Price... to satisfy my Annual Appetite for Velvet Pumpkins... of which I already have a Hoard that exceeds the limits of Sanity, but with each Creation being Unique and OOAK you know how it goes.  When you're an Incurable Collector slash Hoarder of Art and have Magpie Tendancies, the Collection of those things you J'Adore can get a tad bit out of hand can't they?  *LOL... come on, I KNOW I'm not the only one!  You can come Clean here and Confess... we're not Judging!*</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb0oJzQBMYD3ie6yqbR10w34uCAhDTKFeD4oQoiVm28obV0pNpA7zT_sOeEWphuUvINtghqnwhjdrVAwNDVWFi8he8vLSXtTKCHurHAWIzuuLQp6TiGoamI9W5xOHyCZiJ6XbTlyoW9t8/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb0oJzQBMYD3ie6yqbR10w34uCAhDTKFeD4oQoiVm28obV0pNpA7zT_sOeEWphuUvINtghqnwhjdrVAwNDVWFi8he8vLSXtTKCHurHAWIzuuLQp6TiGoamI9W5xOHyCZiJ6XbTlyoW9t8/s640/076.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>I stopped at a Quartet of them, which wasn't easy given the Amazing Selection and each vying to come Home with me!  Luckily I had Friends that I could bounce decisions off of... and since they're not as Passionate about Velvet Pumpkins they could be the Voice Of Reason and just be decisive for me!  *Whew*  Yeah, Dawn, THAT one...  {insert rolling of their eyes}  *Bwahaha!*  You'd think I was choosing a Husband or a House with how Agonizing it can be for me to Commit!  *LOL*</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2SAXCwflgHErTBtGIl1OReGpbgAdnkd2gXckWLaoHtGiY8MNUNArq2ocMHAUDBMQLRMos3YJADnRw1AUzxNAF0gbPQq5oNKrOMcfoBN1DTI_rG62yFOQCA4zXJ8IzxrXFTVvK-CFUvi4/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2SAXCwflgHErTBtGIl1OReGpbgAdnkd2gXckWLaoHtGiY8MNUNArq2ocMHAUDBMQLRMos3YJADnRw1AUzxNAF0gbPQq5oNKrOMcfoBN1DTI_rG62yFOQCA4zXJ8IzxrXFTVvK-CFUvi4/s640/088.JPG" width="524" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>So maybe it was a good thing that Fabulous Old Chinese Lanterns weren't for Sale... because I used up the Budget for Velvet Pumpkins already!  *Smiles*</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1dRVab9U82EhnM5QLur8t1zf2iTW7kQI51Lwh4T3lhoN4NMhFS6ak7KtptOzkT22Rr1o6DavYEGznvFGior3B9xGgsd2QicM-ioh4Z1J5RXLNDU6XF5_t6SAAum92h0pxu7tzV31XpnP/s1600/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1dRVab9U82EhnM5QLur8t1zf2iTW7kQI51Lwh4T3lhoN4NMhFS6ak7KtptOzkT22Rr1o6DavYEGznvFGior3B9xGgsd2QicM-ioh4Z1J5RXLNDU6XF5_t6SAAum92h0pxu7tzV31XpnP/s640/091.JPG" width="540" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>And then I moved to my Friend Angela's Space and I felt totally Set Up, like I always do, because her and I share an Identical Aesthetic and she could literally be my Personal Picker any day of the week and Pick just about everything and anything I would anyway without even being there!  *LOL*</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH_RgXjWMobtZ_ADbbg1k48xM5RkFxkvkOqALe0APLNP3eSTIOOnmFpQ9R0i3v4dT3S5yxDZ6EztKQ3EIvQqJcLkiKCrAeDRL9P-TmGuLCAbIOEWro-2k_8NDAhobqauic-1xv4eP4J0m/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH_RgXjWMobtZ_ADbbg1k48xM5RkFxkvkOqALe0APLNP3eSTIOOnmFpQ9R0i3v4dT3S5yxDZ6EztKQ3EIvQqJcLkiKCrAeDRL9P-TmGuLCAbIOEWro-2k_8NDAhobqauic-1xv4eP4J0m/s640/108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>And I've REALLY got to talk to her about these Curtains... REALLY... I now NEED them desperately!  And since I clearly have no Time or Opportunity for Curtain Creating... well, you know...</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hej0Ysfo9raBivm8N01LhNdlNxC6RquUFaQKYcVTYtRhyphenhyphenx55rfLShBTHf5opI58tg9_UIpMRiP9JG6GzvKiCcjyRPDNTqpjwb3Wkip7qs3Sy_SfXUO_HHqvnU5I8p54xGDmSWGpahtku/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hej0Ysfo9raBivm8N01LhNdlNxC6RquUFaQKYcVTYtRhyphenhyphenx55rfLShBTHf5opI58tg9_UIpMRiP9JG6GzvKiCcjyRPDNTqpjwb3Wkip7qs3Sy_SfXUO_HHqvnU5I8p54xGDmSWGpahtku/s640/107.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Actually I haven't even had the Time or Opportunity for Curtain switching out and hanging since I'd already talked our Friend Punky out of her Curtain Creations out of her own HOME months ago and they're still ready and waiting to be hung!!!  </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOabDTsIfjo4wSIiPa_WHiSobB2smDXrAHH_9x8ARvcYwXSRRzmQM-TjHTYTcs3H6sVCpNGW1ADroOLaXojv5IeXa1dXVOgUEZh03a_BxCNic2fLYHxZcJjuQGuqgMDL9-T9CGKhYeGPn/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOabDTsIfjo4wSIiPa_WHiSobB2smDXrAHH_9x8ARvcYwXSRRzmQM-TjHTYTcs3H6sVCpNGW1ADroOLaXojv5IeXa1dXVOgUEZh03a_BxCNic2fLYHxZcJjuQGuqgMDL9-T9CGKhYeGPn/s640/093.JPG" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em> Yes, I did, I have no Shame... she Shared an Image of her newly Decorated Livingroom and I'm like, "So... those Fabu Gypsy Curtains you made Punky, how much ya want for em?  After all, you can always make some more... you're a way more prolific Artist than I and they're exactly what I want!"   *Winks*  </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSEia3X0_091uZ1RR1fZsTkNfDtl1TGJLHIht3EyBYDPE57F5RXu77TyR9rkOYj2b-KEq1-oTK21dXH446cuiNMYcvGgtlW0OjPYc_Q0MR3etZlaa66DHVqbmCynqCVC9gUQsDzvTRn5Z/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSEia3X0_091uZ1RR1fZsTkNfDtl1TGJLHIht3EyBYDPE57F5RXu77TyR9rkOYj2b-KEq1-oTK21dXH446cuiNMYcvGgtlW0OjPYc_Q0MR3etZlaa66DHVqbmCynqCVC9gUQsDzvTRn5Z/s640/103.JPG" width="596" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>True Statement... Actually everyone is a way more prolific Artist than I, that's a well known fact by how long you'd ever have to wait for a Commissioned Piece... which is why I don't do them anymore.  You could have a Baby faster, no lie or exaggeration, ask anyone I know!  And it's not for lack of Desire to want to Create... or ability to Create what I Love... I live and breathe Creativity and the longing for it.  In a Perfect World I'd be Creating all of the time... uninterrupted... and therein lies the Clue as to why I don't.  Constant interruptions and other commitments or obligations and what seems like perpetual Crisis and being in reactive mode twenty-four seven lately.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBykSmTeEZMRWL4tWPwjB1LEftdbfuCe9Lza3OPtKL737lyR8hDM605WPnnRJWhtJgtBhvM7fyDLEijpVaUtzRizcqhvgaOEAQwW738zEGLQqCMj6hUUstu_0cI8aa3FEiNpqYFH4smgTG/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBykSmTeEZMRWL4tWPwjB1LEftdbfuCe9Lza3OPtKL737lyR8hDM605WPnnRJWhtJgtBhvM7fyDLEijpVaUtzRizcqhvgaOEAQwW738zEGLQqCMj6hUUstu_0cI8aa3FEiNpqYFH4smgTG/s640/074.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>The Son FINALLY moved out of my Art Studio Cottage and across the Valley, so I had the Vision of scratching the daunting Process of Converting the Storage Cottage into another Art Studio and just reclaiming the original one.  That lasted about a minute and a half... because a Dear long time Friend of the Family who is preggy with her first child was in desperate need of a place to stay.  So she and The Son asked if she could move in after he got moved out?  </em></div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpqTAdaekR9L5RjaNXV29E1kdWeGVUh3x9CQZuMvN1RVH24F-RjEri6yu2UR6YlGpC6oZezyE-GRypqrYupsSp-tf_eZMphkKhGMs5UjH494DalQ-HRminSlm79dpGdkesTpboEIEnQlv/s1600/099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpqTAdaekR9L5RjaNXV29E1kdWeGVUh3x9CQZuMvN1RVH24F-RjEri6yu2UR6YlGpC6oZezyE-GRypqrYupsSp-tf_eZMphkKhGMs5UjH494DalQ-HRminSlm79dpGdkesTpboEIEnQlv/s640/099.JPG" width="595" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center"><em>It will be a Blessing to us and to her to have it so, given our circumstances and hers... and naturally the answer was Yes, I didn't even have to think about it.   I Love this Young Woman like a Daughter and so does The Man... and she's Adored by the G-Kid Force and The Son.  It just seemed the Cottage had a Greater Need for her than as mere Creative Space... and that's how we Roll anyway.  I remember being in a similar Circumstance to hers many Moons ago and the network of Dear Friends who were there for me was never Forgotten... this is just paying it forward.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsVNuzLDiJMoErMxTAyQh4fXJfUFlI8uDdYP7CqyxlwUVWNUzfce0-g96lbNzjtb91MusLPTO15hu7FmxhKIVi5lNRWzvfuXsYCuDZB0v5xgernzZMFOnJuEJ978hFFA-m8HOxhNb4YNN/s1600/117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsVNuzLDiJMoErMxTAyQh4fXJfUFlI8uDdYP7CqyxlwUVWNUzfce0-g96lbNzjtb91MusLPTO15hu7FmxhKIVi5lNRWzvfuXsYCuDZB0v5xgernzZMFOnJuEJ978hFFA-m8HOxhNb4YNN/s640/117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>And with The Man and The Son now gone, Old Woman living Alone with little Kids on a large property in an Older Neighborhood {ie: The Hood}... not such a good thing.  Preggy Young Woman living Alone anywhere, not such a good thing either.  I always Dreamed of starting my own Hippie Commune anyways, perhaps now is the time?  *Smiles* </em></div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5qxrihoVzpo9I4ZNMD4Up0oDQt-oHXwllryf2xY5_Qpn4CKyatlQwAZ_Du4QybrfmFw8qZ1wVJfoKS_PKbA7qnTS9Eyse_I9mWkgcWpgG309b6veWUogJKzfP-qyuO0b9jXTdQJt0KiR/s1600/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5qxrihoVzpo9I4ZNMD4Up0oDQt-oHXwllryf2xY5_Qpn4CKyatlQwAZ_Du4QybrfmFw8qZ1wVJfoKS_PKbA7qnTS9Eyse_I9mWkgcWpgG309b6veWUogJKzfP-qyuO0b9jXTdQJt0KiR/s640/118.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center"><em> With all these Cottages on the Property and an Old House with beaucoup rooms and a s***storm of Medical bills and Alternative Placement Costs piling up, why not?   Sharing expenses in a Collective and especially during hard times just makes more sense to an Old Gypsy Hippie Chick, ya know.  It's my preferred way of Life anyway, the more the merrier.  That way we don't get Individually devoured by what's coming against each of us by the Hand of Life Dealt in this Season.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAGbgaHJhS-NgQZ7VUUQFPjAIXvMfQQJ6ssyvStXpURhAbWCQGQ1u_Z8WGg1-eEOtP_-uDXinEN2SCgZerAEkCwVa3msUFENX8gi83x8jqBYgP9o5mUQUWkzLekzzrkm57JdhbCS_IwcH/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAGbgaHJhS-NgQZ7VUUQFPjAIXvMfQQJ6ssyvStXpURhAbWCQGQ1u_Z8WGg1-eEOtP_-uDXinEN2SCgZerAEkCwVa3msUFENX8gi83x8jqBYgP9o5mUQUWkzLekzzrkm57JdhbCS_IwcH/s640/115.JPG" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I've got another long time BFF that is considering a move back to Arizona anyway and we all know each other since forever, so we'll just be the fledgling Commune 'Steel Magnolias' Core of Lifelong Friends that long ago transcended Friendship and became 'Family', so why not all live together and pool Resources in times of need for us all I say!?!  I'm actually looking forward to it, I've been waiting for Reinforcements in this here Hot Mess we've been up against.   And they said they've been awaiting the Calvary too... maybe it was never coming and we're meant to just pull tighter as an Inner Circle all the more?!  It's kinda lookin' that way anyways. </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKJRQtK0I9ZG7365N9iUIHqxM2_UHT1GH5nnCwyYqdV6_vtiFAJodCXMmM4Lojng9jtYaT8pC7S0mZ90EdPpjqt6RGMlYq8LM20OMVvLEVdhtFTaTbB5XVs5C_4GjRJStuxR-qD3xpKvr/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKJRQtK0I9ZG7365N9iUIHqxM2_UHT1GH5nnCwyYqdV6_vtiFAJodCXMmM4Lojng9jtYaT8pC7S0mZ90EdPpjqt6RGMlYq8LM20OMVvLEVdhtFTaTbB5XVs5C_4GjRJStuxR-qD3xpKvr/s640/127.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The Man would probably have trouble with a houseful of Estros under normal circumstances... but if he's ever to be able to transition back to Independant Living I'm going to need lotsa Help to even remotely consider the possibility, that's just a fact we've had to come to terms with.  It may also never happen... another fact we may have to come to terms with in the Future.  So... this is it... and we're making the best of a bad situation, all of us... so lets circle the wagons and then Enjoy the Inner Sanctuary we've Created for us all in there!  </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgs0hrlSoh2jKDXFh8SsZo07JAMsgCWD9vVNkUlSCib1m6CRsemKTHgu-45xFPkJRugyiAC5QYNSn72MrmIrxl6FvsG23rMjWLiwwCfrIUFMqgDBnlSnE6e399pd-hS4jLjYyJMz-__Ckr/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgs0hrlSoh2jKDXFh8SsZo07JAMsgCWD9vVNkUlSCib1m6CRsemKTHgu-45xFPkJRugyiAC5QYNSn72MrmIrxl6FvsG23rMjWLiwwCfrIUFMqgDBnlSnE6e399pd-hS4jLjYyJMz-__Ckr/s640/126.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I see it as Creative Living at it's most Extreme actually... sometimes you just hafta Roll with it and Make it Work.  I Loved how Shelly made this Gorgeous Old Deconstructed and Derelict Chair into a Fabulously Decrepid Outdoor Planter.  That's Creatively Bold and Brave, to just take it outside of a Comfort Zone and let it 'Be' in Nature for the Elements to have their way with and just Enjoy for however long it lasts, maybe just a short Season, who knows?  That's how I'm feeling about Life in General right now, so it was a Perfect Illustration.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVDvOPsK2aCMHucur_TgODHna714u6ChvqTH5xzE-BhAo1TgjL1P3olOeEab6wLqUm3fMOZKB1Gv4t7NsbOb_lYPcPoM75gaE79HFPQIN53ywPClRbxW1VxuH5iCJ0MwfYfxnDiSbCEp0/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVDvOPsK2aCMHucur_TgODHna714u6ChvqTH5xzE-BhAo1TgjL1P3olOeEab6wLqUm3fMOZKB1Gv4t7NsbOb_lYPcPoM75gaE79HFPQIN53ywPClRbxW1VxuH5iCJ0MwfYfxnDiSbCEp0/s640/120.JPG" width="584" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>And having a Posse of Junquing Buddies to Roll with from Home can be a Bonus... as well as the backup for The Force's Care when I have to take care of other business without a tired or hyper and bickering entourage of G-Kids in tow.  You know, the Ole 'It takes a whole Village to Raise a Child' that one of the Presidents Wives touted, I don't even remember which but it made for a good Commercial and Political Spin I'm sure... and since she isn't likely to be a Volunteer, well... we'll see who will Occupy this here Village shall we?!?  *LOL* </em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3jUnq18xGCpLvaHqFxTUhKk5WZTjfxWMXnrSCFCOyo600TtzsivB25opb1PuG6mHxq4dvTUU08Okz5qX4yHWkEWKyFoNuaYPTo136bx5WLVDsZ463IMFWQnh9bBvpIz_WgXCIotiRaKt/s1600/137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3jUnq18xGCpLvaHqFxTUhKk5WZTjfxWMXnrSCFCOyo600TtzsivB25opb1PuG6mHxq4dvTUU08Okz5qX4yHWkEWKyFoNuaYPTo136bx5WLVDsZ463IMFWQnh9bBvpIz_WgXCIotiRaKt/s640/137.JPG" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Yes, unending Stress and Strains haven't exactly brought out the Best in any of us... you really find out what your Inner Demons are when they come out to play during your weakest moments and the Dark Side is clearly evident!  And you find out what everyone else's are too!  *Winks*  Damn, we had more Inner Demons than we realized... and here we thought we were just Fabulous and filled with Inner Peace and the Right Spirit of dealing with anything and everything!  *Bwahaha!  Yeah, you get delusional like that about yourself sometimes... and harsh Reality is a Wake-Up Call!* </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61pWB_gYvJEYyuJ_koiI3TqtjFJ8Qs5XG1sRhTrFR2hVsfRB5_7f3dm0vNtnu-6IN8inrLVa_WZM2QIXENzyac-0InJbZ9JMRfI6FY3cP9RPGmmUeP_R6ZaTQecTqKzgqc5kY0ib0Taw8/s1600/125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61pWB_gYvJEYyuJ_koiI3TqtjFJ8Qs5XG1sRhTrFR2hVsfRB5_7f3dm0vNtnu-6IN8inrLVa_WZM2QIXENzyac-0InJbZ9JMRfI6FY3cP9RPGmmUeP_R6ZaTQecTqKzgqc5kY0ib0Taw8/s640/125.JPG" width="508" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>You wanna know what lies inside that you never recognized?  Go without Sleep or sufficient Rest for a prolonged period, take away most Hope or Dreams, stir with Difficult Situations and People, heavy doses of meeting with Resistance when you're trying to do the Right thing, be on Caregiver Burnout big time, and top if off with burdens too heavy for you to bear alone and a lack of present Help in times of Trouble... you'll Crack under the Pressure, I can Guarantee it, I did.  And I always envisioned myself as a tough and strong Woman because I've already been thru a lot in Life that didn't manage to break or kill me.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwjMO4nJSMKkjWJ2ZeYBJ2N3pb4D8Yq00vPmHhX0vcb7KEwphltoJkwibEeeeb3mElU8E0uN9kO7uWllQrnGCCfnBmDxxKKc4M1k2MVmYTSxiWUkclNqMpIw7YI8NwfqzXXnObkIuxtUx/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwjMO4nJSMKkjWJ2ZeYBJ2N3pb4D8Yq00vPmHhX0vcb7KEwphltoJkwibEeeeb3mElU8E0uN9kO7uWllQrnGCCfnBmDxxKKc4M1k2MVmYTSxiWUkclNqMpIw7YI8NwfqzXXnObkIuxtUx/s640/086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>But lately I'm realizing my Super Hero costume isn't fitting so good anymore and is in tatters in fact.  I don't even want the Job of wearing it anymore frankly because I'm incapable of Saving the World... even my World.  I tried... and everyone knows I did... but it was a lofty Goal and really always was too much.  I'm prone to too much as you can tell... in many ways... and being Stoic and Prideful has hindered me receiving Help so much of the time.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1xKyMqlmh06dnA8M7LhVrfEvxHXpK2lfISSf1HB56d1klNoloSTBwr1kAyo_eFeSVKpVeQPyWiRbOm7k7nKTHa6pkXGK-5ChpZiaYy9LPu-g5Lugv_bk-heS9_jRa1wqo2_-JjGSi7xs/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1xKyMqlmh06dnA8M7LhVrfEvxHXpK2lfISSf1HB56d1klNoloSTBwr1kAyo_eFeSVKpVeQPyWiRbOm7k7nKTHa6pkXGK-5ChpZiaYy9LPu-g5Lugv_bk-heS9_jRa1wqo2_-JjGSi7xs/s640/100.JPG" width="558" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>The 'Falling Apart People' always seemed to get their Help first and move to the front of the line ahead of you if you were trying to hold it down and keep it together from a place of Strength and Faith.  Even if inside you were falling apart too at the seams and needed Help equally as much or perhaps even more than they do. </em></div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AAS-4kvMrdNSp3NlYDlGQvAdfbX3T-oGlyE73AxybMXdslwTnAb2i1iSS0k5SbK7rdh7tUTpTxJ7wA4z_6BFWcfG3ExOzCWEMU-opDnKuHx_uBYcMU6h3tcg0uOpLAMxKcI92kvfUHxo/s1600/136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AAS-4kvMrdNSp3NlYDlGQvAdfbX3T-oGlyE73AxybMXdslwTnAb2i1iSS0k5SbK7rdh7tUTpTxJ7wA4z_6BFWcfG3ExOzCWEMU-opDnKuHx_uBYcMU6h3tcg0uOpLAMxKcI92kvfUHxo/s640/136.JPG" width="572" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center"><em> So I changed tactics and just allowed myself the Luxury of Falling Apart and not caring about showing Weakness publicly anymore... it has been very Liberating and does Attract and get more Attention than Suffering in Silence.  I should have known... it wakes folks up to the Reality of your Situation and how Grave it really is and that you're at Breaking Point now.  Folks that can have Influence and offer the Help needed from albiet constantly dwindling limited Resources available.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9c-Jeb9a7guKNLHqU-F-l4aJ4uTlOPw18jzG0WfajJYv9dZejP6cM697PfoRhbN4gpICtCabh88v0qCOeN4d0AWejIDGH9NRNjb_qPAu0naJG7UPZWLKN-rWr5HDMiruZfOCNIcD05Eg/s1600/139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9c-Jeb9a7guKNLHqU-F-l4aJ4uTlOPw18jzG0WfajJYv9dZejP6cM697PfoRhbN4gpICtCabh88v0qCOeN4d0AWejIDGH9NRNjb_qPAu0naJG7UPZWLKN-rWr5HDMiruZfOCNIcD05Eg/s640/139.JPG" width="554" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Back in the Sixties there used to be an Old Hippie Mantra going around that I used to just Laugh about as a Joke... 'til I realized it ain't no Joke and is still unfortunately relevant today.  'Get yours while there's still some left!'   Tongue in cheek it was good for a giggle... 'til you ever really needed Help and then realized that Resources are limited and dwindling all the time... as Earned Benefits and Charity are eroding or being rescinded so the demand is greater than the supply available.  If you need Help that's very important to consider, or you won't get any, period!</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3hFYWjL7YakQyG0ZQ_EPfdSuDUUwgsPANLJGWuhSuDJZ14wQvfSB1lC6PwXtjHU1AsaR7_Oj3NAWfMkFt6ArVoh911XYirftRMrkTRuAbnovCtmqBhpnEmHZbhEMfJ0MtRfD2jROx7lh/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3hFYWjL7YakQyG0ZQ_EPfdSuDUUwgsPANLJGWuhSuDJZ14wQvfSB1lC6PwXtjHU1AsaR7_Oj3NAWfMkFt6ArVoh911XYirftRMrkTRuAbnovCtmqBhpnEmHZbhEMfJ0MtRfD2jROx7lh/s640/095.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>I think all of us fiercely Independant and Self-Sufficient Types always Hope we'll never actually NEED Help and can do for ourselves just Fine.  We've always been able to make do and take care of our business, so we left available Resources for others we felt probably needed it more than we did.  Its humbling to realize you're now one of those 'others' and dependant upon what Help you CAN receive, if there's any left before what is allotted has run out?  I don't like being put in that position, not one bit.  I'd rather stay fiercely Independant and Self-Sufficient with no dependancies upon outside Sources that I can't actually depend on and are subject to Change without notice.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx9ETmJFwRDPXYQNWvGFlxsA8h0Ayp9pGPK4ziv7YPsuuxJesmxH-q8r6mtb6mHsRQDPaC7ZuUqhtMi_xQ7ovUWHStaizKE60R5icNnFaq5NAfjEDW8vW0m8_rygtdzg-fVlK3oMy23lX/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx9ETmJFwRDPXYQNWvGFlxsA8h0Ayp9pGPK4ziv7YPsuuxJesmxH-q8r6mtb6mHsRQDPaC7ZuUqhtMi_xQ7ovUWHStaizKE60R5icNnFaq5NAfjEDW8vW0m8_rygtdzg-fVlK3oMy23lX/s640/123.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>If you've never had a Need you cannot fill it's kinda like an itch you cannot scratch, or a thirst you cannot quench... it is very uncomfortable and annoying, because you want to be able to take care of it yourself, but you find you can't and there's no way around that except to solicit Help.  And Imagine if there isn't any... or if there is, it's limited and in high demand and you might not ever get your turn... so the discomfort can be extended to a point of Madness and desperation.  Now it's way more than just uncomfortable and annoying... and your outlook will totally switch.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y98C_A73wBcQZsBMUNjadcCia2Z8qypb37FCrTf_Xh0IlmsWosuzSDS2WgdDflLZfTGjazKn5DNCSa8movf67vgL1mYjrWTWBzYnWYzayYZwXKe6LQajpJQlcRak37kFpyd8UClrZBmo/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y98C_A73wBcQZsBMUNjadcCia2Z8qypb37FCrTf_Xh0IlmsWosuzSDS2WgdDflLZfTGjazKn5DNCSa8movf67vgL1mYjrWTWBzYnWYzayYZwXKe6LQajpJQlcRak37kFpyd8UClrZBmo/s640/124.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>You will find a way to get yours no matter how Polite and easy going you usually are.  You will be a person on a Mission, because there's a lot at stake and you can't afford to be ignored or forgotten because Time is of the Essence and things are at Critical Mass for you and yours.</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tpMBAZQh1OoUBrAE80yI1WsrL_UUHmFl7bGO_caIhrMCPwHvhe1EhR9Xq7DS9dgaiCuiMoKcXmbGttZQs0wC7AdlNS69sVn2GRJ-sdrwqM_9OADErWcbGW9BV_PW3kscjavYjsbf_EAK/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tpMBAZQh1OoUBrAE80yI1WsrL_UUHmFl7bGO_caIhrMCPwHvhe1EhR9Xq7DS9dgaiCuiMoKcXmbGttZQs0wC7AdlNS69sVn2GRJ-sdrwqM_9OADErWcbGW9BV_PW3kscjavYjsbf_EAK/s640/071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>You'll feel a bit like the Robot on 'Lost In Space' flailing your arms and blinking your lights yelling 'Danger Will Robinson!' or whoever's name is coming up that is in Danger, could even be your own!  *Winks*  You can feel quite Lost in Space actually.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76P8IHkVbpf1NracO8FcOXC1tRZ1oOi_nUzR-zXHulg4oY33KLN7R6j7aI0s0vnx19nkaAj00MBBKbifmqyaOTEd_jhG10kt9Nv9tFkCDfPNT1b92cJJ6ey1W4CnUL0ztgOMoNYJvlTv7/s1600/130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76P8IHkVbpf1NracO8FcOXC1tRZ1oOi_nUzR-zXHulg4oY33KLN7R6j7aI0s0vnx19nkaAj00MBBKbifmqyaOTEd_jhG10kt9Nv9tFkCDfPNT1b92cJJ6ey1W4CnUL0ztgOMoNYJvlTv7/s640/130.JPG" width="541" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>My Friends and Family have NEVER seen me at that point of losing Composure and not just Dealing with my stuff... but they have NOW!  It scares them... hell, it scares me!!!   I keep getting told that I have to remember that the Lord will not give me more than I can handle and to stand on that in Faith... I have, but I do I keep reminding the Lord I'm THERE NOW, at the more than I can handle junction, so the brakes must be pumped on what He is Trusting me to handle unless He intends to break me completely?</em>  <em>A Falling to Pieces me has already happened, so I don't know how much more broken I can be actually and remain Functional or of any use to anyone in smitherines of Self?</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHdjHSW3ULMgSdAbTRJyxVKqqADPNReyM_G61KuSyunbNK0amfRlTPvIxf1HyXDkGERtX4g7B0sfMKe_EE0EzOINKS1jQ4nHR0RB9fTESuajArY5D1MroaqlfLyG2mfbKWsH64w6thDXR/s1600/113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHdjHSW3ULMgSdAbTRJyxVKqqADPNReyM_G61KuSyunbNK0amfRlTPvIxf1HyXDkGERtX4g7B0sfMKe_EE0EzOINKS1jQ4nHR0RB9fTESuajArY5D1MroaqlfLyG2mfbKWsH64w6thDXR/s640/113.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The G-Kids wanted me to go to Church with them today... I just couldn't... wouldn't... they've been walking to various Churches nearby, Church hopping.  We can't go to the one I belong to since distance and circumstances is a huge factor right now and The Force isn't always cooperative.  They want what they want, they're Kids after all, they Love the Lord at Kid level Spiritually and thats Okay, they're on Track Spiritually and that's the Important thing.  The Man would usually stay behind with any Kid Under Protest on Sunday Morning and allow them to Attend Church elsewhere if they wanted while I went to my Services in Peace to be Spiritually fed and renewed... The Man isn't here as back-up now, so it is what it is, but it does make me sometimes feel Caged.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pUAEe-E_tu8wdnKaIsYuCEoJ2PbnJggI1iD9IwBDw86Vv5PaVenoViYeEZ7ljl_6_LBilaCZqpKFnMOH_D1_yIjZhwjkmER8CZWLwzNGj-BOKTRz97oooMyD7pSTj9r5Ac7WWcfG_mKJ/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pUAEe-E_tu8wdnKaIsYuCEoJ2PbnJggI1iD9IwBDw86Vv5PaVenoViYeEZ7ljl_6_LBilaCZqpKFnMOH_D1_yIjZhwjkmER8CZWLwzNGj-BOKTRz97oooMyD7pSTj9r5Ac7WWcfG_mKJ/s640/078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em> I keep in touch with my Pastor and First Lady by Phone, Pray Daily and Tithe Faithfully, I watch my Favorite Ministries on TV and Meditate upon Scripture, but I won't drag Kids to my Church under Protest, I never have, never will, it doesn't work and can hinder their own Faith Walk, Faith cannot be Forced and thrust upon an individual or they will resist.  That's all I'm up to right now and can muster Spiritually outside of daily Home Worship and Intimate Relationship with God, so my Faith Walk has just changed but not weakened.  I do feel bad about that lack of enthusiasm to take them or join them somewhere and try something new Spiritually, when they're Inviting me to come along.  I'd be doing it for them though, not at all for me... and right now I'm on Empty for Sacrificing Self for others, we've done that for YEARS.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLN3Qzsa5s-F3UxcLCkqktbD-mieJNOgE_EJXMpaoo8VKaii_nl4GL7LYFLU_xikDEq-3wS4DRO8ow65yxKCGZDtIfOe1Xof41Kt9HtpIV9F5daYwymgg37RraKzC0-B8er9zTpIykA4g/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLN3Qzsa5s-F3UxcLCkqktbD-mieJNOgE_EJXMpaoo8VKaii_nl4GL7LYFLU_xikDEq-3wS4DRO8ow65yxKCGZDtIfOe1Xof41Kt9HtpIV9F5daYwymgg37RraKzC0-B8er9zTpIykA4g/s640/098.JPG" width="532" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em> I'm glad the G-Kids are eager to attend any Church nearby, but I'm just not interested in converting or being converted right now to whatever Denomination is Appealing to the Kiddos this week due to Activities or join a new Congregation.  Kids will naturally gravitate and want to go where they're just having Fun and the Message is secondary until they become more Spiritually Mature.  </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi-Ij_ejy_FudNGWf91fAf5Mec1dS4QOMOoNUb5ZYXMUFs79bcChXv-zGErODXRBz91HNM8-aqI2l3qLCPSK1VgMJebwWsye0P7ed8Ih8jcwhKYnYJKXT4VGhjlg7U6-c_nVQQHNwY2h5/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi-Ij_ejy_FudNGWf91fAf5Mec1dS4QOMOoNUb5ZYXMUFs79bcChXv-zGErODXRBz91HNM8-aqI2l3qLCPSK1VgMJebwWsye0P7ed8Ih8jcwhKYnYJKXT4VGhjlg7U6-c_nVQQHNwY2h5/s640/133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>These are all Good Churches doing the Lord's Work in our Community, but I'd rather attend my Church if I could with regularity and the drive didn't wear the G-Kids out so that they protest going along.  Actually I don't even want to be around anyone who will say something pious with the best of Intentions or have to reveal Personal Issues to Strangers or put on a facade of 'All Is Well Praise God', it would be a lie and a total deception of the Truth, I can't be fake like that or uber Churchy for Show.  I'm being totally Transparent here, no Preaching please, I can't handle it right now even if you mean well.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vKCk1Lj_mr-BUQOtRfRO-Znevip2bJUjzMZft5T1rpCM-UZNP4Oa-sJ_j0LpdwvFL8j8jOWjQ3KSfMfAmaD3QjAGj7Prp0s4LNKQ_ZmIhgIhR1gNg9u_egFflPwFaaZjwB_i2ndooYL-/s1600/132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vKCk1Lj_mr-BUQOtRfRO-Znevip2bJUjzMZft5T1rpCM-UZNP4Oa-sJ_j0LpdwvFL8j8jOWjQ3KSfMfAmaD3QjAGj7Prp0s4LNKQ_ZmIhgIhR1gNg9u_egFflPwFaaZjwB_i2ndooYL-/s640/132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I understand that I'm dealing with a level of  Depression, but I don't really Trust Western Medicine since handsful of Pharmaceuticals to me just equals added layers of potential 'Issues' and further Medical Expenses we can't afford.  I'm dealing with enough 'Issues' right now without meds hampering my ability to Function further or mask real Life problems by dulling reaction to them.  </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5fsqPoGVNsaQKTl_tq6LSMfaqwK_2yEVmVvTExuiYhhYJRjm3lArcdU-VTlVDC9syIg3aVp9QHWnksMMfGArHEGkogkWJfZ_YsAjuZL3pEgajucyKPb8VPMcyxS5vTqCtddPqte2gWFD/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5fsqPoGVNsaQKTl_tq6LSMfaqwK_2yEVmVvTExuiYhhYJRjm3lArcdU-VTlVDC9syIg3aVp9QHWnksMMfGArHEGkogkWJfZ_YsAjuZL3pEgajucyKPb8VPMcyxS5vTqCtddPqte2gWFD/s640/097.JPG" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>That's how I feel about it, right, wrong or indifferent.   I've Witnessed enough folks taking their 'Happy Pills' that still aren't Happy because their Issues still Exist when the pills wear off... and now they're dependant upon pills too to get thru their days of dealing with their Life Issues.  If I can manage without Pharmaceutical Hazes I'd rather.  I need to get in to see my Chinese Doctor for Eastern Medical Holistic Remedies... when there's a break in The G-Kid and The Man's Medical Issues and Appointments that is, they got a slew of 'em.  </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsBhmbTvzRVxchNFK6xFYbIyOtGl-OgrW-GfB-lNv1aLCjhYeKMHFoVsng3fZwchRMbdn4SbRJb6Cz5dYoILYHsdA_qqUGOishi1iiS0SGiaguCTK3huCW7We7wiEjoTjqC6VJFt4Q_5y/s1600/121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsBhmbTvzRVxchNFK6xFYbIyOtGl-OgrW-GfB-lNv1aLCjhYeKMHFoVsng3fZwchRMbdn4SbRJb6Cz5dYoILYHsdA_qqUGOishi1iiS0SGiaguCTK3huCW7We7wiEjoTjqC6VJFt4Q_5y/s640/121.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I know my Posts lately sometimes take a Dark turn... but it's my Personal Online Journal and I go where ever the Post eventually takes me.  These are always Spontaneous entries and my Therapy Sessions and Personal Journey... once I get thoughts and feelings out I Feel ever so much Better!  And perhaps some can Connect because they've had similar thoughts and feelings they've suppressed and kept hidden, so if it Helps even one other presently Tortured Soul, it was worth baring my Soul. </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6pf2jvDOE9QZQg-YUr5z7O47ERz-zfOgjTLQnvooQZPAh3yp2O-egppMO4vC6TtGaYZlJxoNtOivDN6fuEVBAd-ihwhySO99L0dgMQqfPBeMASCGkelzEtwJoVYxBsIoahAKHxmasuqZ/s1600/122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6pf2jvDOE9QZQg-YUr5z7O47ERz-zfOgjTLQnvooQZPAh3yp2O-egppMO4vC6TtGaYZlJxoNtOivDN6fuEVBAd-ihwhySO99L0dgMQqfPBeMASCGkelzEtwJoVYxBsIoahAKHxmasuqZ/s640/122.JPG" width="540" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Socially it's always more Comfortable for everyone concerned to just focus on the Positives of Life and so I totally 'Get' why most Negatives of Life are kept Private and sequestered or stifled.  So there's more folks than you know who are walking around with a Smile that they don't really Feel all of the time... or perhaps it is Genuine while they're out and Escaping their Troubles momentarily, but when they get back to Dealing with it all, Smiles will be scarce if they can muster one at all.  Some situations aren't Smile worthy or would be totally inappropriate to Grin your way thru!</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPisixEmFHwgBO-DdfHzs5Gupd14GNrXXTQGyqqljGQ_-oBStmelruLV_8snVsBLh-RHo7ChGFj6SYuy0_iQkra8aHrhJ3SLRpPcWwGP_538XEj3zhxz5VTsIM7N9Bk136f2s9kfZxHU2/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPisixEmFHwgBO-DdfHzs5Gupd14GNrXXTQGyqqljGQ_-oBStmelruLV_8snVsBLh-RHo7ChGFj6SYuy0_iQkra8aHrhJ3SLRpPcWwGP_538XEj3zhxz5VTsIM7N9Bk136f2s9kfZxHU2/s640/101.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>That's why I like to Get Away to places and around people that make me Smile and remember why I Love Life so much.  I'd rather be Smiling, that is my Natural State of Being actually... Joyful... and filled with Wonder and Appreciating all that is Beautiful and Good.   This Darker me just doesn't cut it but I have to acknowledge that it exists and explore how best to deal with those thoughts, those feelings and range of emotions that aren't Optomistic, Positive and Lovely.   This Post is really dedicated to anyone and everyone who Shares those Sentiments... may the Light in you always Manage to Shine through, even if for now it's just a Glimmer or what it Hopes to be again.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian</em></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div></div>

Autumn At Rust And Roses... And Feelings...

    * DISCLAIMER... BEWARE Long Post with a mixture of Light and Darkness!*     Another Fav Shop that has re-opened after the long, hot Summ...

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