Tigger’s End of the Year Wrap Up December 31, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Humor.comments closed
Here’s Tigger with an End of the Year Wrap Up:
* Like an almost empty roll of toilet tissue, 2013 is winding down ~ soon to be nothing more than a whisper in the wind.
* Endings intertwine with beginnings, giving us cause to cross our paws and reflect on What’s What.
* Here’s to unleashing our jolly happy sassy selves to ring out the old and ring in the new.
With a Moo Moo here (wearing a lei, no less):
And a Moo Moo there:
Here a Moo:
There a Moo:
Everywhere a Moo Moo:
Happy Moo Year!
Just remember:
If your year-end becomes a “3 sheets to the wind” wind down . . . someone has to clean up after the seasick cow.
And it’s not going to be ME-OW!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Will you stay awake to greet the New Year? Or crash before midnight and meet it on the morrow?
Ending the Year on a Sweet Note December 30, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Food & Drink, Happiness, Vegetarian Recipes.comments closed
The happiest Happy Hour nibbles we enjoyed this Season ~> Mojito Fries!
Sweet Potato Fries seasoned with Lime Salt and Fresh Mint with a Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce on the side.
Definitely a taste to savor and celebrate.
Isn’t it wonderful to end the year on a Sweet Note?
Or four?
Aah . . . that’s better!
Over The Top Toys for Tots December 29, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Art & Photography, Humor.comments closed
Everyone attending Holiday Splendor at the Ringling Museum and Ca D’Zan brought Toys for Tots.
When we arrived, we stared agape at the ponderous pile as we dropped off two classic board games ~ Chutes & Ladders and Candyland.
By the time we left, the massive pile of presents had grown higher and wider and larger and taller still.
And this Over the Top Toys for Tots collection point was just ONE of many drop off points in the area.
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Christmas at Ca D’Zan December 28, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Art & Photography, Poetry.comments closed
In contrast to the simple Cracker Christmas at Historic Manatee Village, the decor at Ca D’Zan deigned to dazzle.
Red, Green, and Gold sparkled throughout the Ringling Mansion.
An enormous tree reached to the mezzanine.
Greenery brightened with holiday lights splayed across the portico.
Fireplaces bore festoons of festive greenery.
Even the scullery and butler’s pantry bore evidence of Holly and Jolly.
Giant poinsettias acted as understudy for flickering flames.
The massive tree stood tall, overseer of all things Christmas.
One last look as we close the door on this opulent display.
* * * * *
The theme for Haiku Monday this week is RELAXATION.
Peace is one breath, one
thought away. Relax. Let the
past go. Just for NOW.
To play along ~> swing by Amanda’s blog (Funky Frugal Mommy) ~ Haiku Monday Theme and post your Haiku in the comments section.
Then relax and breathe.
Aah . . . that’s better!
A Cracker Christmas! December 27, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Art & Photography.comments closed
On the Eve of Christmas Eve, we took our nieces to Manatee Historic Village and Park to view the Cracker Cottage decked out in Holiday Finery.
We all enjoyed the turn of the century charm presented in vignettes throughout the cottage.
Even the kitchen was be-ribboned with holiday cheer.
And the pantry included a suitable size tree decked out with home-made hearts.
Evidence of plenty graced the plain planks of the kitchen table.
A lizard in overalls scaled Wiggins General Store, the anchor of the village.
And Jolly St. Nick sported some sporty attire.
Happy Holidays to ALL and to ALL a Good Night!
A Jangle and Tangle of Keys & Change December 26, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Art & Photography, Word Play, Writing & Writers.comments closed
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
Would you let go of something that isn’t working? Or reach out to latch onto something new?
Would you swap your house, your career, your hobbies, or something more subtle ~ like your definition of “happiness” or of “success”?
What doors would you open? What doors would you close? What doors would you LOCK tight and mark “NO ADMITTANCE”?
Would you keep the keys?
* * * * *
A Quartet of Writing Prompts from Poets & Writers:
Change: Our lives are constantly changing as we navigate what we can and can’t control. Every day there is a new beginning and ending ~ in big and small ways. We fall in love. We lose an eyelash. Change is complex and emotional because it reminds us of our humanity and our mortality. Write a poem about how your life is changing. Be specific.
Keys: Keys remind us that the world is untrustworthy and unsafe, and that locks are needed to protect loved ones and possessions from humanity’s less appealing inclinations. Keys are also filled with memories ~ a first apartment, a new car, access to a home no longer occupied by a friend. Choose a key from your keychain, or perhaps one abandoned in the back of a kitchen drawer, and write a detailed description of the key. Segue into broader, more meaningful thoughts.
Homes: Our homes are extensions of our souls ~ the vibrant oil painting of a French villa hanging in the dining room, the tattered couch stained by a child’s bowl of ice cream in the den, the dead, blackened peace lily on an empty bookshelf. Write a poem about the home you were raised in. Focus on the decorations, the furniture, and the items that reveal the most about the people who lived among them. In our homes, everything means something.
Collections: People often collect strange things for unknown reasons ~ ceramic elves from Europe, antique trout fishing lures, bamboo back scratchers from around the world. What we collect often reveals our idiosyncrasies, and therefore our true natures. Recall someone in your life who collected something intriguing or odd. Try to define the attraction, and in the process, bring that person to life.
Related sites: Minto Florida
Merry Christmas! December 25, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Gratitude, Happiness.comments closed
Franklin Pierce was the first American president to decorate the White House with a Christmas Tree.
In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” in just six weeks.
The first state to officially recognize the Christmas holiday was Alabama.
Christmas became a national holiday in America on June 26, 1870.
“Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving before it became a popular Christmas song.
“It’s A Wonderful Life” is shown on TV more than any other holiday movie.
If you received all the gifts from the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” you would have 364 gifts.
More diamonds are sold during the Christmas season than any other time of the year.
Have a Bonny Day filled with Warmth, Light, Love, and Laughter!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Source of Christmas Trivia: e-mail from AMOB
Let’s Make A Deal December 24, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Art & Photography, Humor, Joke.comments closed
C’mon, let’s make a deal. You give me an extension and I’ll leave a _______ in your stocking. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Cartoon Source: Mike Jenkins, published inThe Flat Hat, circa 1978.
These days, Mike, who happens to be the beloved big brother of one of my college roommates, is a member of the International Society of Caricature Artists, which means he can poke fun at anyone anywhere around the world if they misbehave or procrastinate. Including Santa.
Laughter is the Best Medicine December 23, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Joke.comments closed
A 65-year-old man walked into a crowded waiting room and approached the desk. The Receptionist said, “Good morning, sir. What are you seeing the Doctor for today?”
“There’s something wrong with my tally wacker.”
Irritated, the receptionist said, “You shouldn’t come into a crowded waiting room and say things like that.”
“Why not? You asked me what was wrong and I told you.”
“Instead of causing embarrassment to other patients, you could have said there was something wrong with your ear and discussed the specific nature of your problem with the Doctor. In private.”
The man nodded and walked out. After a brief pause, he re-entered the waiting room and approached the receptionist.
The Receptionist nodded. “Good morning, sir. What are you seeing the Doctor for today?”
“There’s something wrong with my ear.”
The Receptionist offered a smug smile and said, “And what is wrong with your ear, Sir?”
“I can’t piss out of it.”
The waiting room erupted with laughter.
Mess with seniors and you’re going to lose.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Source: e-mail from unknown author (sent by Joe M.)
The Four Stages of Life December 22, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Joke, Life Balance, People.comments closed
Stage One: You BELIEVE in Santa
* * *
Stage Two: You DON’T BELIEVE in Santa
* * *
Stage Three: You BECOME one of Santa’s Elves
* * *
Stage Four: You RESEMBLE Santa
Aah . . . that’s better!
Spirit Lights The Way 