Fall’s Grand Finale
13
10, 2021
11
10, 2021
An Alexander Day
It’s been an Alexander morning.
A terrible, horrible, no good, very bad start to the day where nothing’s gone as planned. I’m sure you’ve had those days too, but you may not be familiar with the term Alexander Day.
The phrase is original. The concept of a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day isn’t. The idea comes from Judith Viorst’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
If you are not familiar with the story, you MUST read this delightful children’s book. Adults will easily relate. Click here to read more about poor Alexander’s day.
I used to read the story to my children and students. The story is a wonderful lesson in attitude adjustment.
My Alexander morning, day one of a 10-week hypoallergenic food trial to determine if an allergy to protein is causing our dog’s constant scratching and resultant bloody sores, began with pumpkin all over the floor, me, and Finnegan, and the pill disguised in the pumpkin on the floor.
I ended up cramming the medication down his throat with my fingers. A very yucky thing to have to do.
A giant mess to start my day. Like Alexander, I had to decide what to do with this terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
I could grump all day or can change my attitude. I’m choosing to do the latter. The rest of the day can only improve.
Tomorrow has to start better.
8
10, 2021
Everybody Loves Music
A Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara
A praying mantis jumped on my glasses one morning on my way to pick up my first music class.
I tried to shake him off but he was determined to stay. I carefully picked him off and put him in the grass.
I guess he wanted to come to music class. It is the best class of all.
6
10, 2021
4
10, 2021
Philosophy of Change
Seasons change. It’s a fact. Winter gives way to spring, spring to summer; summer to fall, and then we’re back to winter again.
The constancy of seasonal changes is comforting. We anticipate those changes and welcome each season for what it offers.
Yet life changes, whether small or major, bring stress and fear, and worry.
Same as seasons, life is not static, but a flow of change, never staying the same. It’s messy, chaotic, painful, sad, dirty, and never perfect.
Bad things happen. So do good things. It’s part of life’s cycle.
The sad truth is we cannot control every aspect of our lives any more than we can control the seasons.
We roll with the seasonal changes. Complain maybe but accept whatever weather dishes out. Why not flow with changes in life?
Reacting with anger and frustration only causes more stress when in the case of most life changes, we have no control. Change steals our peacefulness. But it doesn’t have to.
Flexibility allows us to adapt to new circumstances and keep our happiness steady. Not much we can do about the weather except adjust our clothing and our thermostat. Why not approach life changes with the same pliancy?
Here are three options to try when life changes are stressing you.
- Smile – Smile even if whatever change has thrown your way is not funny. You’ll find a certain amount of detachment which can lead to acceptance.
- Breathe – Breathing allows you to calm down and think more rationally.
- Pray or Meditate – It refocuses the mind.
Most important remember:
Change is the only constant in this world. Whatever the catastrophic or minor circumstance at the moment, that will change…eventually. Confucius said it best.
1
10, 2021
Lizard’s Song
A Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara
When I went to unroll the hose to refill the duck pond this morning, I encountered a lizard. It was an anole to be exact.
I explained to him that I needed the hose and perhaps he should move. He was not convinced. I moved the hose and he jumped onto my foot.
As I began to walk, he moved to the ground. When I returned, he was waiting by the spigot. He seemed very happy when the hose was returned.
It reminded me of a children’s book – Lizard’s Song.
Lizard is quite happy living on a rock and spends his day singing “Zoli, zoli, zoli, zoli, zoli, zoli rock is my home, rock is my home!”
His friend Bear loves this song and begs Lizard to teach it to him.
After many tries, the Bear is still unable to remember the song. Lizard suggests that perhaps Bear change the words to “cave is my home, cave is my home.”
This works and Bear goes on his way singing “Zoli, zoli, zoli, zoli, zoli, zoli cave is my home.”
It is a sweet reminder to be happy with what we have. It also got a song stuck in my head this morning – Zoli, zoli, zoli, zoli, zoli, zoli hose is my home, hose is my home.”
It is fun to think of our three children singing this song as they read this. You’re welcome!
29
09, 2021
27
09, 2021
Fall Decorations and Black Bears
Summer’s officially over. Fall is here.
Porches and yards everywhere are adorned with pumpkins, scarecrows, haystacks, and colorful chrysanthemums to welcome the season. Our porch is ready.
Why are black bears part of our fall decoration? They are a holdover from our days living in the Rio Grande National Forest.
Fall in the forest means black bears, who are actually brown or cinnamon-colored, are everywhere looking to feed up for their long winter hibernation. Every year a bear or two would visit our cabin looking for food.
Sometimes one would even come up onto the front porch.
We kinda looked forward to their visits every year.
When we moved back to Texas, we knew we’d miss seeing them. So before we left, I went in search of a souvenir bear for our new porch to remind us. A friend gifted me Bert, the little grey bear stand.
I found Barney Bear at a gift shop called The Cabin. Now Barney greets our front door guests decked out for the seasons.
Happy Fall Y’all!
24
09, 2021
New Growth
A Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara
I have never been particularly good at keeping plants alive. Chicken, duck, dogs are all pretty safe, but plants don’t fare too well.
Beekeeper Brian received several plants at his retirement celebration. There were some herbs and a bell pepper plant. I cleared a spot for them in the front flower bed and am hoping for the best.
I am excited to report there are two small bell peppers!
Unfortunately, something else was even more excited than me and the peppers were eaten before their time.
Beekeeper Brian has taken overwatering the plants. He is using a milk jug with a small hole in it to water the plants slowly. Recently I noticed another pepper! He said don’t touch it.
I think I will ignore it completely and hope nothing else discovers it. I would like to have the pepper with dinner one night. I’m sure it will taste wonderful!
22
09, 2021
