When Pigs Fly....

Ever wonder when I started using this title and what it related to?
Dare to Dream Flying Pig

My grandmother used to tell me that I could go and do a 'special activity' without supervision "when pigs fly". She had some HUGE hogs that I remembered (I was about 8 or 9 at the time) trying to ride. Her farm hand, whose name was Spider, used to yell at us that we were 'gunna git hurt trying to ride Speedy (a HUGE mean hog of about 400 pounds). That was my grandmother Virginia's home. My grandpa's name was John. There was a lot of things that happened on those visits. Some were not pleasant at all.
The BEST thing I remember was getting to sleep on the sleeping porch. For those that don't know what that is, it is a screened in porch that has bedroom furniture and other items stored on it. You could lay there in the heat of summer and be fairly comfortable with a fan....all the breeze (if there was a breeze) seemed to help with the humidity of high summer in Arkansas. It was wonderful listening to all the creatures at night making their rounds.

The special activities were things that I wanted to go do by myself....hiking and hanging out in the town, fishing in the creek, or walking to other places that were a 'piece down the road'. The hiking being denied I can understand. She had a piece of land in the Petit Jean Mountain Range in Ola, Arkansas. You could hear the mountain cats yowling all the time. Bears were pretty common, too.

I chose this forum to write down thoughts, dreams, and recognitions. Sometimes the theme is along what is happening with my family. It also makes it easier to keep my family and friends informed of what I am doing in my life without inundating them with huge emails and picture files.

I miss my grandparents. I really do. My other grandparents were Mary and Arthur. They lived on a farm in Dardanelle, Arkansas. It was HUGE. Lots of places to roam. My parents would take us back to visit every summer and for many of our holidays. There were a lot of times that I just hated going to Arkansas. I look at it now and realize that I gained a lot of core values from ALL my family members. No matter if it was wrong or right. I was able to determine what was good for me.

The pig in Chinese astrology is noted for being very caring."This Sign believes in the best qualities of mankind and certainly doesn't consider itself to be superior. Pigs also care a great deal about friends and family and work hard to keep everyone in their life happy. Helping others is a true pleasure for the Pig, who feels best when everyone else is smiling."
Yep..that's me.
I am learning that I want to be happy instead of making everyone else happy because I cannot MAKE others happy with themselves.

There is a lot to the Chinese astrology that is interesting in its exactness in describing the nature of humans...we are all animals at heart! LOL
There are many different elements that describe a personality, too. There are elements such as water, earth, fire, and wood that help you determine more depth of the signs. The year of birth is always important.
The pig is considered good fortune and prosperity in some of the Asian cultures.

So for me...When Pigs Fly... means I have taken wings to find that I am happy with me. Things in my life are changing and growing. I have wonderful friends and family that help me on the way of this adventure and discovery called "Circe's Life".

I really am happy and am enjoying the moments as best I can.

I am looking forward to the coming year.
Lots of things are changing fast.

I hope you find your wings, too.

Love to all....

Circe

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than
suffering itself."
From the book "The Alchemist"

Christmas Day

A very soothing and productive day. I am fortunate that I am able to do exactly as I feel like doing.
My other half of Christmas was a wonderful gift from my roommates, Bob and Sharon. They did most of the removal of the wallpaper in my kitchen.
I helped...but they did most the work.
Currently there is a little bit of underpaper left on the walls. Bob adn Sharon are talking of finishing the removal of that tomorrow. I have decided to paint the walls a soft yellow to match other walls in my home. I just do not like do plain white walls. We all knew that, however. Isn't that right?

I went and visited some very old friends for a little bit today.
Had a wonderful visit and got to talk of Nona and Joe's grandchildren. Life is turning out good for them. I do miss seeing them but Nona is always available to talk to me. Life just takes a different path sometimes.

My Dad and Stepmom sent a DVD that has proven entertaining. It is an aquarium for your TV and a Fireplace for your TV.
Hmmmm.
I think I smell an activity for the kitty cats in the gift!
Buddy Lee did stalk and pounce or attempted to pounce on the fish slowly swimming by on the screen. Kinda funny actually. Buddy first started by sitting next to the speaker and turning his head this way and that way to listen to the sounds of the 'tank'. Next thing I knew....POP! He went down to the floor into a crouch stance near a 'rock' at the bottom of the picture...er... tank. Then SPROING! He jumps up and places his front paws (no his claws were not out, Marty) on the screen.

Buddy Lee has learned to hunt. He keeps finding the little lizards and treating them as appetizers. Buddy is teaching Kali the same manouvers with the lizards. :-/ *sigh*

Last night (Christmas Eve) was wonderful.
I got off work early! Stopped by the fabric store because I had something I wanted to make for Bob and Sharon, my sister Jacque, my friend Chris, and for myself.
Strangly enough....what I was seeking was in short supply!
Luck was with me though. After searching through PILES of material, I located some nifty fleece! I made poncho's for us to wear after running. This will help take the chill off until showers can be had. Bob has a green poncho with different beer mugs all over it.
Sharon's looks like she belongs in the 60's...soft blue grey color.
Chris has a Sponge Bob SquarePants poncho.
My poncho is all artsy christmas bulbs. I really like mine the best! I like collecting a new ornament each year for myself!
I mad a wrap for my Brother in law, Doug. I also am making a shawl type wrap for my sister Jacque. Now Doug and Jacque won't fight over whose fleece wrap belongs to whom. Doug looks like Clint Eastwood in his. Jaque's is a soft pale green....delicious looking.
I made a custom apron for Annavee (my middle sister) and gave her husband, Gene, a fishing pole that has it's own carry case. It breaks down for easy travel. My family in Washington State received cards with a small piece of artwork in them that I had made.
My children receive a little money from me because I knew they would dreally like what they got with it. OR they would place what money they got into necessary places right now.
I gave Kassy a bracelet I made, Antje and Madhu received earrings I had made, and I can't remember at the moment what else I had made for others.
Ah well...

The other thing of Christmas is to realize ( for me that is.. ) how much I am surrounded by wonderful, caring and intelligent people.
I don't go looking for the people to entertain my mind. I have discovered that they are around me and they really enjoy being with me. The ones I count as friends travel just as much as I do to see as many of our friends as possible.
No questions asked...no guilt being played, just come and stay as much as you have time for. It is equal in the travel times and distances.
I am accepted just for who I am ...which is something I do for my friends...I don't question the motives. If I am uncomfortable I tell them and then do something different.
They have ALWAYS been welcomed to join in with me or I will catch up another time.
I realized today...how many wonderful people I have in my life.

The best things of this holiday?

I am healthy and I love you all.

Now...about New years Eve...

Seems my plans are changing...a constant event that is.
So many choices....so many people that call to have me around.
"What is UP with you?"
Lots of things my friends...lots of things.
I don't date...but I have wonderful friends that I like to spend time with.
I have toys to play with and lots of kites are involved. My bikes are toys...my rock climbing gear are toys...my running shoes...my computers...my sewing machine...my new oven and microwave...And LOTS of other things!
I am SO spoiled!

Funny thing is though, I wouldn't trade my life for anything or anyone else's.
Loving who I am has been a hard road to get to. Loving my life and being at peace in my heart has been worth the trouble to get here.
I recommend it for everyone!

"Get to know you!" Something my Momma ALWAYS used to tell me. "Once you discover who Circe REALLY is you are gonna love her!"

Momma...you are so right and so wonderful.

Thanks to all of you.

Kisses, Hugs, and many hours of Laughter!

Circe

Christmas Eve and all through the office...

a few of us are here and no calls in the queue.

PLEASE??? I wanna go home!!!
IF we have no calls come in we may, just may, get to go home early!

It is crisp outside...the boss has just said his goodbyes... and the coffee isn't tasting so good right now.

I want to go home cause my family is coming over.

I want to finish up helping cook...which I haven't gotten to do at all.

I actually want to paint my fingernails. :)

I hope you all are having a fine holiday around your loved ones.
If you are not around your loved ones...I hope you can feel the hearts and hugs and kisses I send your way.

Merry Holidays to you all.

Circe

Time in a bottle

I find that I KNOW what I want to give as a gift for most people I know.
There are a very select few that I have NO clue what to find for them.
That is when my bottle routine comes out.

I go to these little 'hole in the wall' places with no one in them. I search around and looka t what is on a shelf. Close my eyes and reach and touch an item. With out looking at the item...I try to see a face in my head. Sometimes the vision comes out like a Genie from a Bottle. Sometimes I can see the person reaching out for what I am holding.
Ocassionally there is nothing. Rarely there is nothing.

I like it when the visions or impressions come out like a wisp from a magical bottle.

How many of you knew that I collect Music Boxes and bottles?
Crystals are a given. My whole family KNOWS I love gemology. I have lots of mineral samples and gemstones.

I found that I still have the ability to search for the gifts.
This year...I made them.
That was an inspiration.
They were not much but I so rarely give away any artwork that I do.

I hope you all enjoy them.
Yes..there were a couple of bought items...but that is because I knew the items were needed.

Happy Holidays to all of you!

Circe

Let it snow...let it snow...let it snow!

ooooo gosh golly gee dern...it is WONDERFUL outside today.

A few memories are invoked in my processes to day.


I still love walking and looking at the lights...but I want to go without my glasses. I like looking at a fuzzy world sometimes....not clearly defined.
I love the cold. Makes getting home and snuggling up even better!
I love candles and looking at all of the Christmas bulbs that have come to me throughout the years. Each holds a very special memory and I like remembering how I felt when I saw the bulb for the first time.

The time I remember the most was when Daddy was actually home on Christmas morning when I was 15. We all got up early cause Daddy had a flight to catch. He used to be a Captain for Delta and it was rare that he was home for holidays.
We are all up and sleepy at 5 AM.
I had 'sneaked' into my gifts so there were no real surprises.
What was a surprise and so wonderful was sitting there watching Daddy's face opening his gifts from us.
He was happy to be there on a holiday!
I love the way my dad smelled.
His hugs were the best.
I always wanted to be hugged and told I was loved....even when I screwed up.

That Christmas morning...the outside was dark...my nose was red...sleepy and excited...and yawning...and happy ...and warm....and getting to smell my Dad in my hug.

I have this thing of EVERYONE I know. I smell them cause of the memories it brings back to me.
Smelling my grandmother’s sheets as they dried in the sun hanging on the clothes line.....sunshine smell.....and for some strange reason freedom. My mind expanded while playing in those sheets.
Smelling the cooking in the home kitchen with my Mom singing....comfort smell and sound. Momma singing was always happy and comfortable.
Smelling my times in the forests in Arkansas.....undergrowth and warm and humid.....peaceful smell.
My Mom's rose garden....SO many different scents...and flavors. Did you know you can eat rose petals?....that was the smell of beauty.
Smelling my sister’s hair while they slept. That was the smell of kin...and joy...and pride.
The smell of our dog Whiskey (yes he was a Chihuahua)......that was the smell of fun.
The smell of the oil for my French horn.....that was the smell of talent....and the sounds of the home held much music from voice and instruments...and joy.

Happy Solstice to you...

I would like to wish Chris and Zak a wonderful celebration in their 3 year marriage today.
I would also like to send my heartfelt joy and heartfelt love to all on this Winter Solstice Day.

May you all find the paths to the doors of loved ones always welcoming and warm with the joy of love.


Circe

okay..it's like "HELLO!!!!"

There are times that are just frustrating.
No matter how I try or look at the situation.
No justification.....it really isn't what I want to experience or go through or settle with


BUT


It HAS to be done.






The horrid wallpaper in my kitchen is coming off on Christmas day.
I am excited about it and timorousness at the same time.
I HATE wallpaper. Gimme a wall to paint any day. I can do any type of faux finish there is and get creative enough hat I can make up something that looks 'inspired' with little effort.

My wonderful roommates are going to help me out on Sunday.

Anyone else want to join in on the madness?
Bring your favorite beverage if you do...Bring a snack if you want to.
Perhaps after all is said and done...there will be a movie night.
You don't have to be married....Singles are ALWAYS welcome...

They seem to last a little longer than the married folks do. By the time Bob, Sharon, and I get done...you will have wished you were married so you could claim "family things" to do on Christmas day.

I don't usually ask for help on projects. My roomies are wonderful people...and it is great that they want to do this too.

You all know that I am pretty independent. Stubborn enough to not admit when I am over my head on something...because I am 'learning the process'. Well this time....I could use help. It isn't that big of an area...but it has been driving me crazy for 5 years now.
I liked the wallpaper the first 2 weeks in the home.
Now I think it has come to pass to be removal designation and demolition.

Besides...Maybe I will meet a 'Mr. Wonderful' that just CAN'T resist all the homey projects that I can come up with through this?
Hey to all my single Girlfriends....come along too...Maybe this will end up a matchmaker 'strip me now' event!

LOL

Gotta have a sense of humor about these projects we set forth for our lives.

To be comfortable within ones own space/dwelling/home you have to enjoy it...all of it.

Me?
I want to get it ready to sell and move.

I want a house with a yard. Prefer to be in Port Townsend....but that may have to wait a bit.
It takes too long for me to get a Masters to do an abroad job like Marty does. Doubt I could find a room mate as nice as I am either....except for Bob and Sharon, who would watch all my stuff for me. TRUSTINGLY watch and RETURN it to the rightful owner....LOL
Marty?
The TV is your fee....and the bed frame.


hehehehe


Honestly folks...I want to have the wall paper gone. I want to paint the walls a lighter color to brighten up the room.
I would appreciate any and all help with this.
I do have a couple of steamer type items...(yes Marty...I am going to use the Floor Envirosteamer you gave me last year) that I will try on the walls to assist in the removal.
Otherwise...this is gonna suck!

I am asking for time to be spent with me.
Even if all you do is sit and talk.

Contemplations.....is it memorex?

Reflections of a mind can be a tricky thing
Sometimes real and somethings unseen
I dared to relive my past in new eyes
Was I really willing for that disguise?

Emotions removed I see a silly child
Involved in her mind and heart gone wild
Approval desired and sanctuary sought
Heart pain felt and mental pain bought

A young childs soul was growing then
Possesion of the body was wearing thin
Cannot truly tell if it was all real
Or was it a focus of a mind surreal?

This day came with a sigh and regret
climbing from my bed I wept
Cats still curled upon my feet
snoring softly, sound asleep.

This is the recognition that my old life is gone
Awareness of my choices and actions now moving on
Reality is that I have all I need
To move on and feel with reprieve

Some say I used a crutch to get where I am
It is all a matter of a purpose to serve an end
Can I still find love in my heart for those that caused pain in my mind?
I don't know....but I have found my time.

I know it was there and now it isn't heavy to view
I have heart, I have mind, I have life to review
It is only in memory that I relive that past
It is in my heart that I moved beyond and now am moving fast

Someday I will no longer seek
to find that pain as havoc that reeks
For now I see it all as a film
Memorex.... or was it a different realm?

Times of heart and soul that dance
I look upon myself in a surreptitious glance
Carefully valued and carefully stanced
Not just a performance for you to see
I am here standing....just happy to be.
Come and dance along beside me.

WWWHHHHHEEEEEE!

Ran a Hash trail on Saturday afternoon. Now THAT was fun! It has been a busy week with all of my physical activities. I like hiking and riding on trails. Always did as a kid, too. When my parents couldn't find me...it was because I was off trekking in the trees at the pond at the end of the runway or in the trees somewhere out on the property. Yes I like to climb...yes I like to read and write, ride my bike, and run (sometimes), and I like to camp...all in hopes of getting rid of excessive mental thoughts and just BE in my skin.

This time there are plans that came out of being on the trail.

I really want to live in a place that has trees all around it...and trails...and green fields. So after I get my bestest friend home from Korea...it will be time to sell my condo and look for a different place. Not exactly sure WHERE just yet....but I really like the idea of eventually being in Washington State, Colorado, or maybe even upper Oregon....some where around there. It is gonna take a few years but that is okay.

Daddy?
Are you ready for your eldest daughter to look at her living up around you?

I have thought about it really hard. I will miss being around my friends and my children and my family that live here.
I just want to be in that area of the country.
I have friends and family that live in those areas too. I know that some of my friends plan on moving in that direction eventually.

Don't get me wrong....Texas has been wonderful. I have so many friends here....real friends. I know a lot of people too.

I want adventure of a new area and I want to LOVE where I will live.
I like the activities of city life...but I like the activities of skiing, rock climbing, trail running, mountain and road bike running, and camping the most. I can be happy in either situation.
I know enough people in my life that will come to visit me, too!
I can always travel back to visit my loves that stay here also. Everyone knows how much I like to travel around...and I have no problems with doing so by myself.

I recognize that I have a lot of talent and love. Why stay in one place and keep it all so local?

I really love my life, my friends, my family....and my choices.

There has been investigation on my part, and applications sent, in regards to adoption of a child.
In the long run...it isn't workable financially for me now.
I can, however, do fostering or Big Sisters. I do like the idea of the Big Sisters at this time. I love kids. Always have. My daughter doesn't want to provide me with grandbabies...just yet ;) and my son hasn't found the woman of his life ...just yet.
My niece doesn't want to have children. I love the kids for their decisions in their lives...and I am SO very proud of them, too!

This is something I want to do FOR ME. Now my step brother has 2 twin boys and 4 step children....and I think that Candice (eldest step daughter of David and his wife Renee) may be momma #1 of the great-grandchildren for my dad and stepmother. My step sister Debbie had a wonderful baby boy named Jordan 3 months ago. Barry and Debbie are truly blessed. They had their son at Debbies' spry age of 47. AMAZING! He is SO very cute.

There have been a lot of changes in my life and in my growth emotionally.
I also have offically lost 50 pounds. Yeah me! Slowly lost the weight so that it will stay off of my body!
I want to loose another 40 but my roommates Bob and Sharon think that may be too thin for me. We will see.


I have had enough of writing for now.
Time make a few gifts with my talented self so I can share the wealth!
hehehehe

Love to all...and LOTS of laughter!

Circe

Friday night wanderings

Some wanderings are done physically and some are done mentally.

I was driving in my truck on the way back from Absinthe Lounge tonight. I was dropping off a pair of earrings that I had made for a charity event. The earrings are made of Sterling Silver with Cobalt Blue Sea Glass, carved frosted Quartz and Hematite. Very unique as all my jewelry designs are. The earrings are being raffled off for Toys are for Tots donations. I believe the new owner of the ear baubles will be pleased at the simple elegance of the jewelry.
I really enjoy creating pieces that bring pleasure and compliment the wearer of my designs.

That is where my mental wanderings went to.
Creation of art.
How much I pour my ideas and feelings into what I physically create. I do this in MANY areas of my life.
I love to paint...either walls or pictures.
I create music with my heart and mind and breath by playing a French horn, a flute, or singing. I miss playing a Doumbek (Middle Eastern Drum used in playing for Bellydancers). Even dancing is creative...no plans of movements...just feel the ryhthm.

The feeling of CREATING is soothing to me. I love to sew and cook too!

There is a need within ones soul I believe to create...to beautify one's world...to sooth, to heal, to experience a beginning of something and see the beauty in its own right of existence.

There is also the creation of a human. Something that is so much a part of two people. To create a bond of love...of comfort...of friendship...and of laughter.
All are healing within themselves for a soul that is traveling in our world of different expressions.

Driving is creation also. It brings you into 'flow' of life...going places and arriving to be greeted with joy.

Life is creative in the way we choose to live and express ourselves.

As I said early in this...I was driving and thinking. Just thought that I would share my view at the moment.

For my friends and family that I do not see often.....please realize that the creation of the friendships and the love that I have for each of you is truly unique...and beautiful.

Much love and joy to all...

Wish lists

This is in case you ever wondered what I dream about getting!
Notes are wonderful!
Hugs are better...
Kisses are always in my memories...

Spending TIME with me is what I want the most.

Love to all.

Circe

Now this is the best view of all. All the overhead lights are out and this picture is taken with just the light given from the christmas lights and candles. I didn't use a tripod, but I bet there will be more pictures to follow!  

This is the 'finished' fireplace decoration. There is more...but I love doing this each year.  

This is the roomies best loved position.....in public that is ;) 

Bob took the photo of me in front of the fireplace...As she sat by the chimney with care...all in the hopes that St. Nick would soon be here! Hello Santa Clause! I promise I have been a good girl.  

Pictures of Christmas Deco at Sanctuary

Hope you enjoy the photos!
Unfortunatly I didn't use the tripod. But I am sure that there will be more photo's to come.

All decked out for Christmas....sorta

The fireplace is hung with lights and bulbs.
Memories of yesterday all a glow.
Candles glowing and heart felt cheer...
all are waiting for Christmas to appear.

Yep!
That's right... my fireplace is decorated up for Christmas!
I have some things hanging on my picture screen too!
Sharon says she is going to go get some of her decorations from Ft Worth. My roomies, Bob and Sharon, are even considering (gasp placed here) a Christmas Tree!
I haven't had a Christmas tree in 4 years!
I am excited at the prospect of it too.

I love Christmas lights and I need to replace a strand or two myself.
I like to walk around and see how the houses are decorated. This year I may have to ride my bike!
A few years ago there was an Interlochen tour of lights in Arlington. We all gathered at Antje's home ( it was known as The Sanatorium ) for a ride. Antje had Debbie and Jeff C as roommates then. It was a BLAST riding around and seeing all the decorations.

That was about 4 years ago.

I don't think that this time of year is so bad at all.
My roomie and I just watched "Elf". Kind of a silly movie but it had some good points to it.
1) Always smile
2) Sing a song to spread the cheer.
3) Always believe in something.
4) Tell the people in your life you love them...and tell them often.

Good principles to live by.

I will post a picture of my fireplace as soon as I get new batteries.

Kisses to all
Circe

Manic Monday

Gosh...It's 12:15 AM and I am NOT ready to go to bed.
The quiet and the smell in my home is wonderful. Roommates made it home safely...with LOADS of goodies.
The group of friends that I cook with (Sunday Super Club) came over.
This is a first.
Almost EVERYONE brought a bottle of wine.
LOL
I made a roasted lamb, Fennel Dijon mustard butter to coat it with, and a great gravy made with wine and chicken broth and the rest of the Fennel Dijon mustard butter. Also roasted veggies (Anise, Turnip, Red Onion, and Sweet potato with roasted pine nuts and almonds).
Antje made Red Cabbage, and French onion soup.
Kim made a great round of Kimmie Brownies and Basmati Rice. My sister Jacque and my brother in law Doug came to! The desert from them was homemade peanut butter pie. My daughter Amanda showed up to enjoy the food! Very proud of her trying the soup. :)
There were in attendance :
Circe, Jeff Carmichael, Antje, Kim, Melanie (Jeff C's cousin) and her friend Jeff, Kassy, Amanda, and Jacque and Doug.
Bob and Sharon arrived VERY late :) cause they were in Lampasas, TX visiting his Sister and family (includes an adorable 5 year old girl named Mattie).

I titled this as Manic Monday because the theme of late is that I DON'T want to go to work.
I want to create.
I want to tear up the kitchen and remove the wallpaper. I want to paint on the walls and on canvas. I want to make jewelry, I want to do massages, I want to ride my bikes, I want to go climbing, and I want to just think things through.
Manic Monday cause it is SO routine.
Mostly cause I cannot see an end to endless data information uploads and answering calls.
Sometimes I really hate hearing a phone ring. That is at work folks. MY phones are fine :P

My daughter looks good and My sister Jacque is doing better than I thought she would be doing. It was hard seeing her hurt so bad. It was wonderful having everyone in the home again!
Even my cat Kali came down to check things out. She is getting more social :)

I had so much fun this weekend riding....doing a photo shoot..Cooking...cleaning... Visiting my friends. :)

Life is calm on the weekends....but the work week is here and I need to sleep again.

Kiss Noises
Circe

On-on

Today was a blast! It is Saturday December 4, 2004 and I went to Johnson Branch State Park with some wonderful friends of mine.
Lefty and Mouthful were going to ride in the 6 hour endurance ride. I decided on Friday evening that this sounded like it would be a blast…since weather has been difficult to get onto the trails to ride.
Running/walking the trails is great for a Hash event (dang it Beaver Breath…I HATE Mesquite and briars STILL!)
Hash names are very weird at times, but a fun personality can handle them!


Anyway back to the story of my trial on trail :)

So Lefty (aka Mike) and Mouthful (aka Antje) and I (aka Slinky) left their house at 8:00 AM. I was up at 6:30 AM on this crisp, cold, bright Saturday morning to get to their house before 7:30 AM. Jeez…a SATURDAY and I am up and ready to go on trail!
There is a very focused Lefty packing sustaining food for the ride….Mouthful (bless her) had coffee ready when I walked through the door.
I love coffee….yes I do.
We got everything loaded…dogs ready…and off we go!
Johnson Branch takes about an hour to get to from Mike and Antje's home. It was a nice easy ride for me…but I couldn't sleep on the way there even if I had to!
Total Excitement! It has been about a month since I have been on the mountain bike. My bikes name is "Sera n Dippity" …actually I'm Dippity and the bike is Sera :)
Please note the picture of the bike at the end of this post… It fits.
LOL

I was riding with Antje just for the mountain bike training. Mike was riding for a time and practice… there was also a Guy named Shannon who was riding there too! (he hasn't got a bike hash name yet :)
So…Antje and I take off…gosh it was beautifully cold and the rustle of the leaves under the wheels is awesome.
The trail is very twisty technical at the beginning…or rather where WE started! Maybe it just got that way when Antje and I discovered somewhere around the half way mark that we were going backwards to the race!
Help me now!
So far…no falls…a couple of walks across wet crossings (to cold to get wet in my opinion) and I kissed a tree with my shoulder when Jenna Dog ran between my wheel and the frame while on a down stroke of my pedals!
I missed the dog…but not the tree :)
*sigh*
Yes, the tree is still living and standing in it's proper place.
After a while Antje and I are noticing a LOT of riders are going opposite of us…and everyone is telling us we are 'going the wrong way'. At this point…I start answering "well heck! SHE'S leading! I'm just the follow through."
After a while of this I was climbing another 'little hill' and supporting a well timed falling tree (Antje moved so I could get OUT from supporting the dead falling tree) and we ran into another couple of racers.
All going the wrong way from us :)
The loop is actually easier to ride backwards folks!
I do agree with Mouthful on this.

We get to another part that crosses a fire road (AFTER Antje has gotten a breathalyzer test from Mike when we crossed paths) and I am not familiar with this trail mind you. I'm thinking this is a cool trail to take!
So we hit the other section. I noted the fire road had a sign that CLEARLY states: EXIT <--
We go straight :) *sigh* to finish the trail.
This is where it got weird.
Antje is zipping along and I had to pull over for 3 racers that were going the 'wrong way for us'. I finally get to start pedaling again…and SOMEHOW got off trail.
Dang it.
I am hollering "ARE YOU?" and I can't hear a THING from Antje. Lots of leaves and dead fall can silence a forest pretty well.
No more falling trees on me though :)
So I keep going and it is a bit rough. I KNOW I am off trail now.
Shoot….where to go?
Uphill of course!
Came across the fire road and remembered: EXIT <--
So….I turned --> to go up hill…forever uphill.
There actually were a few really cool down hills that reminded me of Cleburne State Park. I had a REALLY bad spill there once and that scene did cross my mind.
I didn't fall though and relaxed well on the trail.
Then I start going up up up up up.

This was reminding me of a trail I rode in Arkansas once. It is located in Russelville, Arkansas and was designed by The Army Corp of Engineers. It is really close to the Dam on the Arkansas River. The name if the trail is Old Post Road Park Bike Trail and has great views from the top. I think the name of the expert loop was insightful..."the Black Bra". This is a very boulder filled loop and some of the downhills are off of 5 ft dropps. GREAT air time! The lower part of the trail (practice loop) is 2 1/2 miles that ride through beutiful Cedar trees with glimpses of the river.
You can see Dardnelle Rock acroos the river. There is actually a story of these two Small mountains written in song.
The title of that song is " Running Bear and Little White Dove ". Do you know the song?
It has a 2.5 mile uphill at a 4 degree pitch. I rode the whole thing then whitout 'touching down' my feet. The downhill was WELL worth it.
Get the picture yet guys?
I LOVE going down. MUCH easier and more thrilling!

I finally got to the top of this one long steep hill and was so happy to finally catch a glimse of the van through the trees. I could hear the dogs barking a welcome to me of "…come sit with us!" so I thought this was cool!
I was cold and very tired.
I did remember hearing The Taskmistress (aka Beth aka Whore Paint) in the background of my mind the WHOLE way!
Pedal Pedal Pedal!
It was slow pedaling but it WAS constant.
Goodness my legs were on burn mode and my back was in spasms for some odd reason.

I made it to the truck. Petted the dogs…took them on a walk and waited for my friends to return…which they did eventually.
Antje rode the long loop. I got credit for the long loop :) (yeah me!)
Mike rode 2 times on the course. The Guy named Shannon was going out for more after 2 1/2 loops.
You rock Shannon!

We left after nibbles and chatter… Antje got kisses from Mike…and the dogs.
Once in the Escape Pod (Mikes VW conversion van that is AWESOME) I noticed I was wasted out tired!
Almost went to sleep on the way home except Bailey Dog is nervous in riding in cars and is worse than any locked down 3 year old.

Ah….we are back at Lefty and Mouthful's wonderful home.
Mike is loading my bike in my truck and I am ready to go home for a nap.

Wouldn't you know it?
I can't sleep.
Jeez…I was thinking about how I felt on the trail. My power and my silence…when I wasn't wheezing for breath ;)…and how good it feels to be active.

I love riding on the trails…the trees, the smell, the feel… all are about my connection with my world.

I am happy…REALLY happy.
On-on…again

Circe
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.
The second is to look things in the face and know
them for what they are."
~Marcus Aurelius~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lefty getting ready to ride! He is preparing some very energy sustaining sandwiches! 

My view from the back of the van on our way to Johnson's Branch. 

ah...to rest against a pole... 

my name is.... 

my day at Johnson's Branch 

This is the new kitchen appliance! 

They're here!

Well, this is a first for me.
My stove and microwave gave up their lives...finally. You see they came with the house.
Now I have a NEW OTR (over the range) microwave and stove!
First time I have EVER purchased such items.
I am a kitchen appliance virgin!
The house came with the washing/drying machine combo, the dishwasher, fridge, and stove/microwave set up.
Believe it or not...when you purchase an older home these items can go with the previous owner.
(Thanks to Momma and my sisters for the advice!)
I bought my first home 5 years ago at the end of this month!
(12/29/99 to be exact)

2 years ago my home warrenty replaced the washer/dryer combo and I had no choice in what came in.

I went and did research on these babies. Compared prices...the whole investigative thing.
For the money and the product...I got a GREAT deal!
This is one of those things I am learning to do.
NOT purchase on impulse and because I WANT it now.
Over all. Everything has worked out great!
I will post the pics shortly.

hehehe
I did the same thing on my digital camera. Great product for the money I was willing to spend.

I am so proud of myself right now that I am going to heat up my Stromboli and enjoy it!

New OTR Microwave and New stove! So very cool! 

Stove BEFORE and new microwave