The Stalker

http://callmelindi.deviantart.com

Stalking is something that happens to other people.  You know famous people, important people.  I never figured that would be me.  She is beautiful, I will admit, and I suppose I'm partly to blame for my situation.  I took pity on her and friended her because...well she lives with a bunch of real dogs.  

Now I find her waiting for me when I get home.  She appears from out of nowhere whenever I venture outside.  She boldly shows her affection for me and tries to force her way into my home. To get my attention, she throws herself at my feet, and when I try to leave her, she chases me down and trips me.  She even attacked my hubby.

To make matters worse, she lives next door and can scale the fence in two seconds flat.  Who knows...I may have to become a hermit.  Where is the "unfriend" button?

This is the face of a stalker!

She really is beautiful.

You know I'll find you!

Her moods can be as explosive as the pistol she was named for, but in all fairness to the lovely Beretta, she has calmed down some, and I no longer fear a feline home invasion.  Maybe living with six humans and a pack of dogs is sometimes just too much for her and she needs a little one-on-one with a cat person.  I can understand...that would make me a little nuts too.  I guess she could use a friend.

Quote of the Week

Do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in few.
- Pythagoras

Some words of wisdom from another of the great Greek philosophers.  Also for those who remember some of their grade school geometry, this is the fellow for whom the Pythagorean theorem is named.  Philosophy and math makes an interesting  combination plus he also founded a religious movement called Pythagoreanism. 

Okay, how many of you have known someone who, however likable, could talk for an hour and you were none the wiser for having listened?  Out of all the words they used, most are repetitious and only a very small percentage of them actually contained any real information.  Sometimes it's as if they are on an audio loop and you would desperately like to push pause.

I could spout out a lot of words about why I think this happens based on the individuals and their different life circumstances, but I won't.  I'll just leave you with this thought:  Talk less and say more.

 

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.  – Alexander Graham Bell

Bell, a creative man with a sensitive nature and talent for the arts, produced his first invention at the age of 12.  He invented a machine for dehusking wheat, normally a laborious process.  He was later, and most well known, for inventing the telephone.  

I wonder what he would think about how his invention has evolved over the years.  When you couple this with the quote from the Chairman of IBM a few weeks ago, I think both men would be amazed at the Smart Phone which combines the computer with the telephone.

It seems to me that Bell's quote is quite clear.  We miss opportunities by focusing on the past rather than looking ahead.  The closed door is the past.  We can't change that.  The open door represents future opportunities.  When the door opens, step inside.

Beneath the Poplar Tree

I planted this tree a little more than 20 years ago as a seedling that I dug up from the woods next to our house.  It started out in a large soft drink cup and when it outgrew the cup and looked like it was going to make it, I planted it.  My guess is that it's nearly 2 feet in diameter and at least 50 feet tall.  Although the tree did all the work, I am very proud of having grown it from a mere sprout. 

So many people around here now are cutting down perfectly good trees and leaving their yards looking sad and naked.  It just breaks my heart when I see those lovely, healthy trees destroyed, leaving only ground out stumps and piles of sawdust.  I guess it is the fear of what might happen one day.

We are having a tree taken down, too, but for safety reasons only.  If it were healthy, that old maple, with all it's interesting character, would remain there shading the house for many years to come.  Fortunately, it is on the north side of the house and the neighbors have a large elm nearby so there will still be some shade. 

This is why it has to go.  It is so hollowed out it's a wonder it's still standing, but to look at the top of the tree, you'd never know it.  We (mostly me) have been putting this off for a long time but each year the hollow gets bigger and bigger and sooner or later, something will set up housekeeping in there, or it will go over in a big puff of wind...not a pleasant thought.  So Friday down it comes [sniff].

For now, cheers from beneath the poplar!

Quote of the Week

The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. - Unknown

No matter what our education, or social or economic standing, there is one thing that we have in common and that is the continuing need for self-improvement.  Whether we have room for anything else or not, we all have room for that.

Quote of the Week

A bad attitude is like a flat tire, you can’t get very far until you change it.  - unknown

Our attitude influences our day and if it's having a bad day, so are we.  Like a car on a drawbridge, your life comes to a standstill.  So don't let yourself smack into the wall of a bad attitude. 

Freaky Fungi

I found these interesting looking critters under the dogwood tree this morning.  They are called Mutinus Elegans, more commonly known as Elegant Stinkhorn, and while they are found up and down the East Coast, I've never seen one before.  However, with the aid of Google I was able to identify these unusual fungi.

They are reported to have a foul odor but considering how close I got to take the pictures, I didn't smell anything.  The brown coloring is actually a slime which flies and other insects feed on which disperses the spores.  Yuck!  Because of their odor, they are not considered edible for humans.

Interestingly, in a study of a variety of mushrooms, the stinkhorn showed antibiotic activity against all six of the human bacteria tested including E.coli and Salmonella.

Has anyone else seen these or have them in your yard?

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. - Thomas Watson (1874-1956), Chairman of IBM, 1943

He was one of the richest men of his time, and was called the world's greatest salesman when he died in 1956.  He had no idea when he made that statement just how far computers would go or to what extent they would change the world. 

Quote of the Week

Facts are the enemy of truth.
- Don Quixote - "Man of La Mancha"

The facts and the truth should be one and the same.  However, many times what we believe to be the truth will later be dispelled by the introduction of the facts.  Often this is unintentional brought on by misinformation.  Other times this occurs when people dig in their heels and insist their version of the story is the truth.

Rosie's 16th Birthday Party

At about 4 months old, Rosie joined our family in October 1997.  He was such a sweet little thing. He was about 6 pounds with big feet and big ears.  They didn't seem to match the rest of him, but I knew he would grow into them.  He was going to be a big cat.  If you think Rosie is a strange name for a male cat, you can read how he got his name here.

After many years of chronic allergies, sinus problems and several rounds of diabetes, we arrived at the celebration of his 16th birthday on June 1, 2013, although the actual date is unknown.

 

I went to my local Walmart for supplies.

 I opened a can of chicken to make chicken salad - especially so that Rosie could lick the can.  It is a treat he enjoys very much, and after all, it is his day!

 That was good, mama.

 

 This was a 10 oz. can of chicken.  As you can see, it is just "head sized".

 

  Clean up time!

  How do I look?

 Birthday cake, courtesy of Food Lion.  No, Rosie did not eat the cake.  He's more of a french fry, pizza crust kinda cat.  We call him our carb kitty.

And now, here's Rosie lapping up his birthday treat.

Happy Birthday, Rosie!

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. 
"Pooh?" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand. "I just wanted to be sure of you."   - A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

As I was searching for today's quote, this simple, short conversation between these two characters struck me and made me think.  It's true.  Sometimes just holding someone's hand can make all the difference.  Friendship, love, or just knowing someone is there for you, that simple gesture is a comforting reassurance.

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

Dig the well before you are thirsty. 
- Chinese Proverb

This has many applications and means that you should be prepared to meet whatever life throws at you.  Be proactive...don't wait for an emergency, they never happen at a good time.

The Unofficial Start of Summer

Image Source: Wikipedia

While Memorial Day is often viewed as the unofficial start of summer and celebrated with picnics, parties and barbecues, it is a holiday that all Americans should take to heart.

It is the day when we honor the many men and women in the military who died while serving their country.  We owe these men and women a huge debt of gratitude because they were willing to give their lives that we might remain the free country our forefathers envisioned and dedicated their lives to making a reality.

So as we take to the roads, the beaches and the back yards, let us take a moment to remember them and say a special thank you for their sacrifice.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

Quote of the Week

Image Source:  Wikipedia

Experience is the child of thought, and thought is the child of action.  
 - Benjamin Disraeli

Benjamin Disraeli, the 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, was a British Prime Minister in the mid 1800's, as well as the author of numerous fiction and non-fiction writings.

I must admit this was one of the more difficult quotes to get a handle on.  Here are my thoughts on this.

If thought is the child of action, does that not presume that we have acted without thinking, and that upon reflection (thought) we discover that the result of that action is experience.  

In other words, when we think about what we have done and draw conclusions, what remains, good or bad, is experience.

It's Magic!

Captain Jim's Magic Show

I've written about Magic Carpets and Magic Apples, both the product of rubbing my two brain cells together.  But this, ladies and gentlemen, was magic up close and personal.  Not on TV, not from an elaborate stage.  Nope, this was my first live and in person magic show.  

Our dear friend, Sallie, generously opened her home and arranged some magical entertainment for our enjoyment for our latest Cheers get together, and it was a blast.  

Captain Jim has an interesting story, and magic is his second career, but that's all I'll say as he prefers to weave his story into the show.

After he had introduced himself and told a little about the show and how he got started, he chose a volunteer from the audience.  "What is your name?" he asked.  

"Jim," replied the volunteer.

"Hmmm...you know JIM stands for Jim Is Magic!"

Moving on to the next act, he chose another volunteer.  "What is your name?" he asked. 

"Jim," responded the next person.

"Really???"

Three of the four Jims in our group were present that night, and you know it can get interesting when someone calls out "Hey Jim".  All heads turn and three guys respond.

Getting back to the show, Captain Jim did mind tricks, rope tricks, card tricks, appearing dove tricks, and made objects move through solid surfaces, each with carefully chosen musical accompaniment. 

It was a magical night of illusion and fun.  Many thanks to Sallie for setting this up.

Quote of the Week

There's a lot of love in his heart.

A full heart has room for everything and an empty heart has room for nothing.  -Antonio Porchia, Voces, 1943, translated from Spanish by W.S. Merwin

Antonio Porchia, 1885-1968, was born in Italy, but spent most of his life in Argentina.  He was most famous for his book "Voces" (Voices) originally written in Spanish and then translated into English and Italian.

If your heart is empty then you have no love, and without love you cannot accept anyone or anything into your heart.  Love is a like an endless circle.  The more you have, the more you can give, and the more you give, the more you have.


 

Quote of the Week

Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. - Albert Einstein

Image Source: Wikipedia

This German-born physicist was best known for the mass-energy equivalence (E = mc2). He was also the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. Interestingly, he was visiting the U.S. when Hitler came into power.  He did not return home to Germany, but instead remained in the U.S., becoming a citizen in 1940.

If you counted the kernels on an ear of corn or the bristles on your hair brush, would that matter? If you counted the stars in the night sky or the the coins in a child's piggy bank, what difference would it make? These things can be counted, but of what importance is their numbers in the big scheme of things. Things like love, respect, integrity and dignity cannot be counted. These important aspects of human life are not measured in quantity but in quality. Let's strive to measure up in ways that cannot be counted.

In Plain Sight

Betcha can't see me now.

Do you see the spider...hidden in plain sight?  Some of the best camouflages are found in nature.  I think this one is a Wolf Spider, and he recently participated in a capture and release program.  He was captured in the basement and released into a natural area outside.

Here is his release photo.  The capture equipment consisted of a flat piece of metal and something to contain him during transport.  As you can see he has been accessorizing with items found in the basement.

Freedom!

He quickly departed the table for the safety of the ground below.  They are fast!

Oh what a tangled web...wait, that's not mine!

He did allow us to remove some of his new-found accessories so he could hasten his escape.  Hopefully he found suitable quarters elsewhere.

I'm planning a change in my blogging schedule, but at this time I'm not sure what days I will be posting - other than Monday's Quote of the Week.  Thanks for reading Roses to Rainbows, and I hope you'll stick around while I sort this out.

Quote of the Week

After I'm dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument than why I have one.  Cato the Elder (234-149 BC)

Marcus Porcius Cato, a Roman Statesman, went by many names such as Sapiens (the wise), Priscus (the ancient) or Major. The "Elder" was added to his name to distinguish him from his grandson of the same name. 

He was not only a soldier and a statesman, but also an author and historian. His only surviving work, however, is a manual on agriculture which dealt with all aspects of farming, even including recipes. 

This quote seems to speak for itself.  It is better to live admirably and not be recognized publicly than for people to question why you received any recognition in the first place.

Running Behind?

It would seem Mother Nature is running a bit behind everywhere this year.  In many areas it is still snowing.

It appears to be a late Spring here too.  While it was a relatively mild winter with only a dusting of snow and a couple 5-minute snow showers, we had a cool March - or so I thought.  The first picture was taken today, and the dogwoods have been out for a few days.

As you can see by the second picture, they were in full bloom by the end of March last year, so that makes them about 3 weeks later this year.  

However, March 2012 was warmer than usual, with temperatures overall about 20 degrees above average.  In retrospect, that makes this year about average.

How is your Spring compared to last year?  

Average, warmer, colder, snowy?

Quote of the Week

The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me. ― Ayn Rand

Life is full of ups and downs and the occasional detour.  Whatever you aspire to, if you are determined enough, you will eventually get there.  Just remember, you are the only one in charge of you, and the only one that is going stop you is you.

Upside Down Sophie

If we could all just relax like a cat.

It's Friday!  Have a great weekend.

My How Time Flies!

Is it that time again?

Time sure does fly.  Twenty-six years ago today we tied the knot at the courthouse before the Justice of the Peace and immediate family.  It was a full day beginning with signing the loan documents on the house we still live in today.  After the ceremony, we loaded the car and headed to the beach.  While it is a day of many memories, oddly this one stands out.  It was the only time my Mom ever asked to borrow my car.  She made a last minute trip out to get a flower for me.  Since it was a simple ceremony, no one had thought about flowers.  

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie.  I'm looking forward to another 26 years.

Quote of the Week

Our job is to give people not what they want, but what we decide they ought to have. 
- Richard Salant, former President of CBS News

Salant was twice president of CBS, first from 1961-1964 and again from 1966-1979.  He was credited with raising the professional standards and expanding the news programming at CBS.

As we sit glued to the TV for the evening news or reach for the morning paper to find out what is going on in the world, maybe we should pause to wonder...is this the truth or just what someone wants us to believe?

The core of journalism is the search for and reporting of the truth.  Yet what is the truth? 

I will leave you with this bit of truth.  A wise woman once told me "never believe everything you hear". 

A Season of Growth

When you put aside your fears you grow stronger.

When you put aside your doubts you grow more confident.

When you put aside your prejudices you become more open minded.

When you put aside your negative thoughts you become a more positive person.

Embrace your new identity.

I wrote that about a year ago as my analysis of this quote "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."  When I reread those words, I felt compelled to share them again.

Sometimes there are issues or situations in our lives that cause us to feel afraid or lose confidence in ourselves.  We may have formed opinions based on something we have read or simply accepted what we've been told we should believe.  

We often fear what we don't understand, and our doubts and prejudices can grow from that fear.

As we enter into Spring, a season of growth and renewal, let's enter into a new season in our lives as well.  We, alone, are responsible for ourselves, so let's put aside the negatives, embrace the positive and reap the rewards. 

The Hyacinth and Greek Mythology

These beautiful and fragrant flowers are native to the Eastern Mediterranean from Turkey to Israel and Northeastern Iran.  As pretty as they are, their bulbs are poisonous, containing oxalic acid which can irritate the skin.

The Hyacinth also has history in Greek Mythology.  It was said that Hyacinth was a young boy loved by both Apollo and Zephyrus, the wind god.  Hyacinth was throwing the discus with Apollo when he missed Apollo's throw and was struck by the discus and died.  This was not accidental, though, for Zephyrus, being jealous of Apollo, caused a shift in the wind which forced Apollo's discus off course, thus causing Hyacinth's death.  Apollo did not allow Hades to take Hyacinth, instead making him a flower.*

The hyacinth is sometimes associated with rebirth; maybe this is why.

*information source:  Wikipedia

Quote of the Week

Image Source:  Wikipedia

You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality. - Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand, a Russian-born philosopher, novelist, playwright and screenwriter, moved to the United States in 1926. She was most well known for her fictional novel "Atlas Shrugged". 

Reality: The state of things as they exist. You can choose to ignore a situation or pretend it doesn't exist. However, by doing this you leave yourself vulnerable to whatever is coming down the pike. You've heard about ostriches sticking their heads in the sand? Well, it's not true that they do that, but it does demonstrate the concept of avoiding reality. While you are not acknowledging what is going on, the reality is that the situation does exist and sooner or later you will have to deal with the outcome.

Too Busy?

 

I've been busy at multiple tasks this morning, and thought there's no way I can get a post up today.  I don't have any ideas, and I'm just too busy to take the time, so I figured I'd just share a picture.  In looking for just the right one, I found this one of Dood when he lived outside.  

It reminded me that no matter how busy we are or how long our "to do list" is,  we should remember to take time to relax and enjoy the good things in life.  

So as you face the busy day ahead or look forward to the weekend activities, take a little time to stop and smell the flowers.

What Is It?

Semi-Wordless Wednesday. 

I took this picture on April 1.  What is it? 

Quote of the Week

Image Source:  Wikipedia

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.
  - Sir Winston Churchill


That being an apt statement in the days of Churchill, just imagine with today's technology how quickly lies and half truths can make their way into the minds and lives of millions of people.  

Thanks to the vast media of today, misinformation can circle the globe and be acted upon before the truth of the situation has begun to be sorted out.  As with Newton's law of physics which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, actions without all the facts can have unintended consequences.

Happy Easter!

On this Easter Sunday… Forgive someone.
Tell someone you love them.
Let your light shine.
- Author Unknown

What Did You Say?

What did you say?

Did you ever play the game in school where a phrase is passed down from one kid to another?  When it reaches the last person and he repeats what he heard, "the monkey ate a yellow banana" may sound like "the donkey's name is bandana". Well quite often we have that same experience. 

At dinner last night, it went something like this as I put my plate into the microwave to reheat it (I like my food to be hot).

I said "I want to put a little heat on that".  What hubby heard was something completely different, so while the microwave was running, he repeated what he thought I said.  When the microwave was stopped, I said "What was that about feeding a rat?"  He laughed and repeated himself, "What was that about beating the rap?"

After I cleared up the confusion, he said "I was wondering what you had gotten into while I was at work."  In case you are wondering, we can't blame the microwave for our auditory issues.  This happens with or without interference.

It's amazing how twisted our words can get.  If this happens to you, please share.

Quote of the Week

Image Source: Wikipedia

Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.  - Pericles

Pericles (495 - 429 BC) wore many hats.  He was a Greek statesman, a politician, and a military leader.  He also promoted arts and literature, and had such a profound impact on the Athenian society, that he was deemed "the first citizen of Athens."  

Pericles was the ruler of Athens from 461 BC until he died of the plague in 429 BC.

His political legacy is that of Athenian Imperialism which denies democracy and freedom to all but the ruling state, and this is said to have ruined Athens.

When the government or the ruling class are the only ones with rights and privileges and freedom, the remaining populace are but subjects.

Nursery Rhyme Redo Redone - Potatoes

Image Source: Wikipedia

One potato, two potato

Red potato, blue potato

Three potato, four potato

Got to have more potatoes

Five potato, six potato

Any way you fix potatoes

Seven potato, eight potato

Aren't they great - potatoes

Nine potato, ten potato

Let's have them again - potatoes!

Spring has Sprung: The Vernal Equinox

Spring, otherwise known as the Vernal Equinox, arrived today at 7:02 a.m. EDT.  Every year, I post in honor of the arrival of Spring, and every year I learn something new.  

The word Equinox comes from the Latin words "aequus" meaning equal and "nox" meaning night. This means that the day and night are of equal length everywhere, and that the sun rises due East and sets due West.

There is a bit of folklore that says that on the Equinox you can set a raw egg on its end and it will stay upright.  Some folks performed experiment, and they were successful, but when they repeated it 3 days later, the results were the same.  Perhaps the days immediately surrounding the Equinox work equally as well.  So, having a dozen eggs in the fridge, I decided to give it a try.  Well guess what?  All my eggs fell over onto their little white faces.  Not one would stand up and salute Spring.

What are some of the signs that Spring has sprung, well besides the daffodils and tiny red buds on the maple trees, that is?  This is when the worms come forth from the ground, and ladybugs are seen on the fresh new sprouts.  The birds are gathering bits of straw, string and whatever looks like good nest building materials to create homes for their new families.

Yes, Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal of life.  Although depending on your location, Nature and the calendar may not always be in agreement.

Quote of the Week

Some people come in your life as blessings.  Some come in your life as lessons.  – Mother Teresa

Image Source:  Wikipedia

Many people pass through our lives, some briefly, some longer, and a precious few stay forever.  It is not the length of time that determines their impact on us.  Sometimes a brief interaction can have a dramatic and long-lasting effect such as a kind word or helping hand of a stranger.

Others may bring life lessons in responsibility, accountability, faith, and trust.  Some of these lessons may be painful to learn.