Soar-Dream-France

Sunshine and Wine, or...

 

 

...coffee and bread pudding with white chocolate whiskey sauce?

It was a little chilly, too early, and too dark for the former this morning, so I opted to celebrate with the latter.

I am happy to be WAVING to MORE BLUE this morning.

 

 

It's a lot to celebrate, even if it wasn't the BLUE WAVE that so many were talking about.

 

 

I believe that we have taken a first step to reclaiming democracy. At the very least, there are some checks and balances in place to the runaway executive branch with the Democratic reclaiming of the House. As big as this news is, don't lose sight of the huge numbers of women, minorities, and diverse cultures of those entering the House this round that are going to make a huge difference.

The words that blasted at the Women's March in 2017 echo in my ears and heart: RUN-RUN-RUN for Office. And, we did! I am proud to be a woman and an American today. All I have to say is: MORE!

 

I'm also proud of Louisiana. Our state passed a law requiring unanimous juries. Now I can say, I'm proud to be from Louisiana, not ONLY the blue dot that is New Orleans.

Even in the disappointments in Florida, Texas, and I believe Georgia; I know that we haven't seen the last of these amazing candidates: Beto O'Rourke, Andrew Gillam and Stacie Abrams. Even in defeat, it was reported that these candidates brought out votes that were needed to turn the House.

 

I look forward to seeing each of these bright, accomplished, fearless, candidates in future national races!

Today, let's celebrate and congratulate! Tomorrow, think about whether you see any thank yous that are in order and make them!

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

 

Special Voting Days-VOTE!

 

Voting days are always special for me in New Orleans. I'm an early bird, so it isn't unusual for me to be the first person at the polls in my neighborhood when they open at 7am. I'm up. I've had my coffee. Pretty soon, I'm on my bike to ride over to my polling place at a church on Dorgenois Street a couple blocks on the other side of Esplanade Ave.

It's a short ride through the neighborhood that I always enjoy. There are so many sites along the way.

My neighbor is one of the poll people and I've gotten to know many of them over the years. I've lived in this neighborhood since 1980.

The upcoming midterm elections have given me cause to think about just how important it is to me to be able to vote. I've watched: recent district gerrymandering; blatant voter suppression; fear mongering; hate mongering; and, downright lies and fabrications everywhere. 

I remember times when my polling place was moved and I wasn't notified. I just got on my bike and went to the new place. As I spent more time in Cadrieu, I registered to vote absentee from France and have done so regularly.

 

 

So many things have been implemented to make voting easier on everyone. I LOVE early voting!

It should be EASY to exercise your right to vote!

 

There was an election in 2016 when I was on jury duty. I was so pleased when arrangements were made to take all of us around the city to our polling places so we could vote!

 

 

 

 

 

When I read that the largest group of voters in the USA are the non-voters; it makes me sad. What people don't seem to understand is that NO VOTE is a vote.

 

 

It's like no decision is a decision.

Regardless, there is an outcome that you have to accept responsibility for whether you like it or not. 

I've heard many people use NOT VOTING as a way to say: "It's not my fault. I had nothing to do with this!"

The fact is:

YOU have everything to do with this.

 

This particular voting day in the opening photo was even more special. It was the day the new Whole Foods Broad Street had a celebration for the neighborhood before their GRAND OPENING the following week. 

What could be better...voting in the morning and having fun with friends in the afternoon?

It's always wonderful to celebrate ANY event with Eric and Steward! Even the smallest happening is cause for celebration!

 

 

Get out and VOTE! Our Democracy is at stake! Let's celebrate tomorrow!

I'd say it's a lot more important than to wear or not wear a mustache, wouldn't you?

 

Happy Monday!

 

 

It's Not a Crystal Ball

 

I have a penchant for gazing into and through. Sometimes I can even do it with people!

But, usually I practice it with clouds, roses, windows, and doors. It can be fun. I'm always amazed at what I discover.

The best part is that each of us may see something different.

 

 

How wonderful when there are no right or wrong answers.

 

Enjoying my final fling roses, I made such a discovery in the bigger bud. I wasn't sure it would open, but it did and voila.

I saw something there that made me smile!

Take a peek! What do you see?

Happy Sunday!

 

Boys and Birds

 

These two foster boys are absolutely the cutest, sweetest, and best entertainment around.

After I finish with Brian Williams, Rachel Maddow, and Ari Melber; these boys give me all the love, joy and entertainment I need after watching the sadness in the states!

 

Step away from the computer, Laury!

Go look at the birds!

 

 

 

 

Sometimes, the layers of news add to the layers of other personal issues and happenings for those I love and have loved in the states. It can be overwhelming. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The very best decision I made for myself in Chatette arrangement, was to put the computer where one of the old nasty radiators used be.

I am looking out at the Lot each morning and throughout the day. It reminds me of: the importance of the moment; the beauty and magic of just this spot; ongoing joy; and, all the reasons for why I'm here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The boys join me regularly.

 

This life is worth fighting for.

 

Fighting for this life, means dangling again.

We shall see where it all goes.

 

Happy Saturday!

 

 

A Rose Hips Run

 

Of the so many items on my "Things I Love About Fall" List, rose-hips are certainly in the top five!

Up and down those ten stone steps to haul the wood in for the poele...I noticed lots of red on my wild rose over by the barn. I couldn't resist. Memories of pretty rose hips displays and rose hips tea, got me down the tracks and over to the barn to scoop some for this fall.

I already knew that tea was NOT in my future. It's a lot more work than I was in the mood for, but I was certain I could come up with some special and pretty display.

 

 

 

All those thorns can be hazardous, but I had my pruner and gloves so I was ready. I found a couple of wayward walnuts on the way home, but most were black and greasy and not worth picking up.

It was the same problem last year. I was hoping for better this season, since walnuts are number one on my fall favorites list!

 

 

Once I got them home, I searched for a container to do them justice. I thought that rose hips and walnuts with a hint of ivy would look really pretty in a martini glass

Then, I had a new issue to contend with this fall...where to put them so they'd be safe from the playful deux freres.

I think I've found a good spot, but the jury is still out on that one. I still have visions of rose hips rolling over the floor! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sammie cat already had roses beside her photo, so instead, this fall pretty rests beside Dali.

 

Happy Friday!

 

Always Entertaining

 

No, that's not a kitty meatloaf sleeping in one of my brand new pans! Ollie has been finding lots of new spots to hang out as it's gotten cooler. I'm often looking around for him. Gotta tell you, this is the last place I expected to find him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He just seems to blend in and almost become invisible. He is often right in front of my face and I don't see him.

 

Apparently, he loves my new pots and pans set as much as I do. I confess to being in love with these.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are absolutely the prettiest pots and pans I have ever had.

And, they are adding to the "natural" Chatette decor.

Opie often watches all the action from afar.

 

 

I've got box boys, ladder boys, and now a pot boy!

 

Happy All Saints Day!

 

Happy Thursday!