Bumbershoots

They've been called many things...brolly's, sunshades, rainshades, parasol, and even gamps..

I have a penchant for distinctive umbrellas.  Not too many know this.  They excite me particularly on rainy days.  I don't say that facetiously - The Hmong use them a lot in the sun, so does Nicole Kidman.  I like how they hide the face, how the droplets fall off the edges in circles around the feet.  I like the rain - I'm sure that's part of it for me. Sometimes the rain helps to get the sorrow out.  I have sat down and bawled in the rain.  My friend, Lori, shares the feeling that umbrellas are talismanic.  A beautiful picture of an umbrella in the rain actually has a remarkable and powerful influence on my feelings.  Some of these photos of  Lori's have moved me to tears.  Let me share...

Umbrellas provide sanctuary from the frantic world around you

 Rain and umbrellas conjure up mystery and loneliness

Umbrellas hide you from the world 

they give you privacy



 Protection

 The mystery of those hidden beneath the forest of rain blockers

 An assortment of coloured umbrellas,
Fending off the rain,
I wonder if those, concealed underneath,
Have had lives disturbed by pain,
With the greyness of the sky above,
Their bodies crouching low,
What is the message that greets the eye
Where do all these 'bodies' go,
There's a feeling that they may be hiding
Not only from the rain,
But that is just a 'thought' of mine,
And I could be wrong - again!

© Ernestine Northover  

sometimes it's perfect for the outfit

There are articles about how to use an umbrella in New York., The embarrassment of hiking with an umbrella, Even umbrellas with lifetime guarantees. 

And My eyes now look like black umbrellas
On a rainy day parade
Sometimes it just goes away
But this time it just stayed

some drinks taste better with them

Nature has them naturally

Deals are made under them

some are just pretty to look at

they're used to advertise

they make bedrooms look cozy

and women chic

sometimes they die

and often, make the skies cry

First 8 Photos, and last, by Lori Prosser

The Box

Just a moment ago I was sitting here staring at this blank screen wondering what I would write.  Then I remembered that there was a box sitting in my living room, pulled from an old attic of mine that I had yet to open.  Upon opening I pulled out a letter addressed to my older sister from a close cousin of ours.  There were three more after that one, from her.  There was a letter that I wrote to another cousin of mine - never sent.  Letters and poems from my best friend in grade school.  Poetry I'd written, pictures I'd drawn, Letters to Santa.  Boy, have I been smiling!  I did not know these still existed. 

I'm excited to see what else the box brings, but it's age and it's home for the past 30 years is causing my asthma to rear its ugly head. The time of day is making my eyes heavy, so I will continue with the box tomorrow.  This now confirms to me, what I should do with the pictures and poems, and miscellaneous writings of my children's - keep them.  I will put in storage their childhood musings, one box only for each child, no more - for them to find in an attic one day.  This discovery is fun, and I can't stop smiling.            

                                                                                                                                       

Moving from a house to an apartment can quickly teach you to hold on to only that which is most important to you; to keep only that which is used and enjoyed.  I have learned to purge, and decorate only with objects I absolutely love.  I've decided to sell my tea cups.  A collection I've added to for 20 years, but have no good way to display.  I'd have to clean them frequently and I'd rather spend my time in a good book or with friends on a patio somewhere.  Tea cups also break. This one was one of my favorites, and broke just this morning.  I'll treasure the memory though, of when it was given to me.  It was given by a man that later became my husband.  Our marriage has since broken also, but at one time, like the teacup, was intact. Things break. Maybe I'll hold on to just a few of my favorites to use with a small group of girlfriends and have them over for crupets.  Yes, I am English...they will be crumpets.

                                                                                                                                

I can't seem to part with any of my books just yet, so I've put up more bookcases.  Down came most of the pictures, and up went artwork that I admire.  Gone are all the various candles of different shapes and sizes and only one displays itself on my mantle - a golden shimmery elegant one that I love.

Less is more.  Don't make room for clutter.  It takes very little time to clean a home that has only the essentials,  and items you use regularly.  With the clutter gone, you will be free to have more time to do that which you really enjoy. For me, it's time with family and friends, time to cultivate deeper friendships, learning to cook a mean quiche, and time to blog. 

A clutter-free, organized life ripples out into many unexpected areas as well, and the result is a much happier and productive life. Use an organizer that has all your important dates in it, dr. appointments, grocery lists, gift ideas, even lists of things you don't want to forget to google. (that is my longest list!)  In the "box" I found a list that my dad and mom kept of things they needed to get done at the farm.  I must have learned from them. 

Over time, organize your closets with sturdy, decorative boxes and matching hangers, as well as shoe shelves.  Have only kitchen storage containers that are glass with matching lids!  Plastic gets discolored, and it makes grabbing leftovers for lunch a breeze!  My furniture is the color of salt so I can change the color scheme with the simple change of pillows, and not have to think about whether the color is out of style or if I'm bored!  My dishes are white so whatever I prepare looks lovely against it.   :)  

  

Take your time and declutter, then add that which you love, only.  I work long and hard during the week so I can relax and play on the weekends without guilt.  Make your home a place of relaxation.  Do one room at a time.  Remember to throw away that which you do not use.  Memories are in the heart and mind, not in the object.  If it helps - take a picture of it, then give the item away. 

What will I do with the box's contents?  I will read each paper deliberately and with pure pleasure, then send some off to my cousins and childhood friends,  put a few into each of my children's boxes, and toss the rest.  The feelings are in my heart.                                                                               

Old letters.  Future generations will not have them, now that there is email and Facebook.  People will not find old letters in attics that have gone yellow and stir up feelings from long ago.  I used to save my weekly allowance to buy pretty stationary and stamps.  I can still see the red gravel under my shoes as I trecked the long driveway to the mailbox each Saturday to drop off my week's musings, and with hope of finding a letter addressed to me, preferably on pretty stationary.   Pen Pals were a great source of joy for me as well.  It gave me an excuse to buy more stationary.

I am glad I came upon this old box of mine.  The writings will forever be preserved in photos and in blog, and now I can send them off for someone else to hold and smile.                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                             

Did You Hear The One About The Two Mexicans

 

Two Mexicans are stuck in the desert after crossing into the United States, wandering aimlessly and starving. They are about to just lie down and wait for death, when all of a sudden Luis says...

"Hey Pepe, do you smell what I smell. Ees bacon, I theenk."

"Si, Luis, eet sure smells like bacon. "

With renewed hope they struggle up the next sand dune, and there, in the distance, is a tree loaded with bacon.

There's raw bacon, there's fried bacon, back bacon, double smoked bacon... every imaginable kind of cured pork.

"Pepe, Pepe, we ees saved. Ees a bacon tree."

"Luis, maybe ees a meerage? We ees in the desert don't forget."

"Pepe, since when deed you ever hear of a meerage that smell like bacon...ees no meerage, ees a bacon tree."

And with that, Luis staggers towards the tree. He gets to within 5 metres, Pepe crawling close behind, when suddenly a machine gun opens up, and Luis drops like a wet sock.

Mortally wounded, he warns Pepe with his dying breath, "Pepe... Go back man, you was right, ees not a bacon tree!"

"Luis, Luis MI amigo... What ees it? "

"Pepe.. Ees not a bacon tree. Ees. . .

Ees. . .

                                                                                                         

Ees. . .

Ees. . .

Ees a ham bush...."

I just found this terribly funny!  I'll bet you did it with the accent too!

Just Call Me Boo

                                                                                                                                         


Juliet:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

I have always found the topic of names to be fun. Your name can make it or break it for you.  If it wasn't for HIPPA, I would love to share the varied names I have come across at work that make me just shake my head at some parents.  What were they thinking?!

Here are some confirmed real, and funny ones:

                                                                           

Anna Recksiek

April Shauer

Armand Hammer

Ben Dover

Billy Rubin

Brandy Anne Koch

Carrie Oakey                                                                

Chris Coe

Chris P. Bacon

Claire Annette Reed

Constance Noring

Duane Pipe

Earl Lee Riser

Gaye Barr

Harry Arrmand Bach

Hugh Jass

Lou Pole

Lou Zar

Missy Sippy (and her mom, Mrs. Sippy)

Oren Jellow

Willie Waite

My Name Is:

MELINDA

Gender: Feminine

Usage: English

Pronounced: mə-LIN-də  [key]

Combination of Mel (from names such as MELANIE or MELISSA) with the popular name suffix inda. It was created in the 18th century, and may have been inspired by the similar name Belinda.

I was born "Polly" for a day, later (the next day) to be renamed,  "Melinda".  I was called Lollie by my little brother and sister because they couldn't pronounce my name. My family and relatives all call me either Lin or Linnie.  I've been called Mel by a girlfriend in college and the Dr. I work for.  One friend calls me Melvin, and I have met only one other Melinda - and I work with her.  When I was little, my mother used to declare my name loudly so it could be clearly heard by others (I could tell she loved it).  When my dad calls me Linnie, it sounds endearing - same as when my friend calls me Melvin.  I also have a friend who calls me Betts.  I call him Don.

                                                                                                                                 we often sit like this...

Here are the top nicknames that men want:

Ace, or Chief. 

Hero or Superman.

Big Guy, or Hot Stuff.

Tiger, or Stud.

Prince, or King.

Top nicknames your gals want:

Baby, or Honey.

Boo, or Shorty.

Princess or Cowgirl.

Home girl, or Chica.

Have you ever heard how to get your porno name? You take your childhood pet's name and the name of the street where you lived as a child, and that's your porno name.  Mine is, Jade Madison.  What's yours?

                                                              

or, check here.                                                                              

                                                                    

My name was first used in 1935, and was at it's height in 1973.   

Etymology:
Melinda is a modern hybrid of Melissa (“mel” means “sweet”) and Linda, or Melanie (“mel” means “dark”) and Linda.  Funny, I have never been called Linda.  As I young girl I wanted my name to be Melody.

Pronunciation: mel-inn-dah.   Duh.                                                 

When I was born, it was the 118^th. Most popular name.

Here is an analysis of my first name:

• Your first name of Melinda gives you a responsible, systematic, and practical nature, able to excel in technical fields or as a teacher and you would also enjoy the practical arts.(I am a responsible, systematically-thinking Respiratory Therapist.  I'm not always practical - tend to think with my heart, not my head.  I'm working on that.)
• Being methodical, you work best where you have the time to do a good job, although you can be too fussy at times finding it difficult to react spontaneously to new ideas from others.
  (Fussy?  Me?!  I do like to think before responding, isn't that a good thing, or am I being fussy?) 
• You rebel at being rushed or put under pressure.
   (You betcha). 
• That is when you can become somewhat inflexible.
  (stop it already) 
• You appreciate home and settled conditions and take on a lot of responsibility to ensure that your home life functions efficiently.
  (My home is my castle.  Everything has a place, even when I misplace it). 
• This name restricts the innate expression of an artistic, musical nature.

        (I was a music major). 

• Although the name Melinda creates the urge to be reliable and responsible, we emphasize that it limits your versatility and scope, tuning you to technical details.
  (I am what I am) 
• This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the elimination system, and through worry and mental tension.

 (Guess I'll drop the last name, and weaknesses in the elimination system?  Comeon!)

And just for fun, find out what your name is in Hawiian.

Mine:

Melvin – Melewina

Melinda – Melinaka

Maybe he calls me Betts, 'cause I cook like Betty Crocker?

The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life

She has graciously granted me permission to enlighten you with her talents.  I have gone through hundreds of her photos and pulled those that made me want to look twice - be it the color, the angle, the texture, or simply an emotion it evoked.  Here are just a few to wet your taste buds with, more to come...

 Sacred

                         

I was raised by the song

Of the murmuring grove

And loving I learned

Among flowers.

Friedrich Holderlin

                                       

Those who are in a frenzy utter

many wonderful things,

which a little later,

when their frenzy has abated,

they themselves do not really

understand,

as if they had not spoken them,

but God had sounded through

them as though through trumpets.

  

                            Marsilio Ficino

I have nothing to say

and I am saying it

and that is poetry

John Cage

Our theories and ideas are born from our suffering.

when sitting, just sit,

Above all, don't wobble.

Man models himself on the Earth;

The Earth models itself on Heaven;

Heaven models itself on the Way;

And the Way models itself on that which is so on its own.

 

Nothing happens for the first time.

 

the fragrance of the grass

speaks to me . . .

and my heart soars

The wheel outside the door is just the moon.

   Those objects hanging from the eves,

                   just Autumn clouds.

                           Liang Li (A.D. 850)

 

The smallest ingredient

is the most powerful,

the slightest act

the most potent.

People must have puddings

       I don't know what Nature is: I sing it.

        I live on a hilltop

        In a solitary whitewashed cabin.

        And that's my definition.

Fernando Pessoa

                                                                                                            I think it was from the animals

                                                                                                            that St. Francis learned

                                                                                                            it is possible to cast yourself

                                                                                                            on the earth's good mercy and live.

                                                                                                                             Jane Hirshfield

No matter how much suffering afflicts us,

we can always find a modicum of pleasure,

and that is sufficient.

Restoring Paradise

 

Ye elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes and groves, . . . and you whose pastime Is to make midnight mushrooms . . . by whose aid, Weak masters though ye be, I have bedimmed The noontide sun . . .

SHAKESPEARE,  The Tempest

                                                              

Music is feeling, then, not sound;

And thus it is that what I feel,

Here in this room, desiring you,

Thinking of your blue-shadowed silk,

Is music.

The world being illusive, one must be deluded

in some way if one is to triumph in it.

W.B. YEATS

For we are the stars. For we sing.

For we sing with our light.

For we are birds made of fire.

For we spread our wings over the sky.

Our light is a voice.

We cut a road for the soul

for its journey through death.

Passamaquoddy Indian poem

Eden is that old-fashioned House
We dwell in every day
Without suspecting our abode
Until we drive away.

Emily Dickinson

Lori Prosser, Photographer.

She lives in the U.S. and in England with her husband

and her three sons.