A Beautiful Surprise

It was way too hot today to be out scouting for photo ops in the desert or any of the outdoor venues, so WS (wonderful spouse) and I went to one of the local malls.  Mmmmm … nice and cool inside.  They also had a food court – lots of restaurants to choose from (grin).  We had the great fortune to sit front row of a wonderful guitarist and singer, Diane Davis.  I wish we could have stayed all afternoon but of course, we had the doggies to get home to.  So I asked if I could photograph her and she said she didn’t mind.  I think this shot captures her very pleasant essence.  Namaste’

 

Desert Critter?

This is what happens to cactus as it dies and petrifies.  My mom used to take pieces of these and put flowers in them to make planters.  Not my idea of fun after picking one of them up once and finding several scorpions underneath.  This particular one looks like some kind of lizard-type creature.  We didn’t prop it up or move it in any way.

So do you think I should give it a name and make it a pet?  (It will probably be there long after I’m gone).  Namaste’

The “Look”

It’s a well known fact that women are born knowing how to give the “look.”  You know what I’m talking about, guys.  The way she looks at you when you get dressed in something that doesn’t coordinate, or when you follow too close behind someone while driving, or you’ve just interrupted what she said, etc.  I could go on and on, but I don’t really need to.  You already know and so do the women out there, including me, who have perfected the art of the “look.”  I come from a long line of women who absolutely love to use the “look.”  And of course I’ve passed it on to my daughter and granddaughter 🙂

That’s why today’s photo is perfect for this subject.  I purchased this particular bottle of wine because she had the “look.”  And of course the name … Mad Housewife.  Too funny!  (It’s actually a great tasting Merlot).  Namaste’

The Answer to Yesterday’s Mystery Photo

For all of you who ventured a guess as to what yesterday’s photo was, many of you were close.  Ta-Dah!  Here it is.  This time in color with an explanation.  The photo is of an indoor swimming pool which has skylights in the ceiling.  The skylight was reflecting in such a wiggly pattern because the pool cleaner was running at the time.  I was kind of surprised at how this turned out.  So … thanks for playing my guessing game.  Namaste’

BTW, it’s 108 here today and none of my blogger friends have sent me any rain whatsoever.  Shame on you! 🙂

Any Guesses?

Today’s photo is up for you to guess what it is.  The only hint I’m providing is that lots of people who live in the desert have one of these.  Good luck!  If you care to register your guess you are most welcome to in the “I’d Love to Hear From You” box below.  Namaste’

Barrel of Boundaries

Setting boundaries can be a tricky thing, but we have to do it.  If we don’t, we can be manipulated so easily.  Especially women.  Why?  Because we are typically the nurturers, the caretakers, the keeper of the keys to the family.  The purpose of having boundaries is to protect and take care of ourselves. We need to be able to tell other people (yes, especially those we love) when they are acting in ways that are not acceptable to us. We have not only the right, but the duty, to take responsibility for how we allow others to treat us.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, humans lived in a matriarchal society, where the feminine energy was dominant.  Eventually that changed into a more male dominated energy.  Even though women have made tremendous strides in so many areas, setting healthy boundaries is pretty important.  And it’s equally as important for men.  Have you ever felt like you’ve given yourself away to everyone else?  If so, what’s left for you?  How can you give if you don’t have enough energy to take care of yourself?

I’ve been there … got the t-shirt, complete with the tear stains and I’m here to say … today … that I’m just not going there again.

Today’s photo is a Barrel Cactus in my yard.  I believe it has some pretty visible boundaries and you can bet I won’t be crossing them.  I respect this cactus for what it is.  Namaste’

 

 

Sunday Soul Collage

Today’s photo is a collage of some of my faves.  Having a gazillion (OK, a slight exaggeration) photos on my computer can sometimes lend itself to some creativity, so here’s my Sunday Soul Collage.  Some of these I took long before I started the 366 project.

WS and I went out to dinner and we both blew our new eating plan all to hell.  He had Veal Piccata and I had the Chef’s special pasta, bread & butter, and a fabulous glass of Merlot …. mmm … to die for!  We won’t even talk about dessert; I’m not fessin’ up to that!  But I have to say it was good for the soul.  Back to normal eating plan tomorrow.

Namaste’

Blah Blah Blah

Ever had one of “those” days?  When I saw this tag this morning, I knew it was the perfect photo for how I’m feeling today.  Anybody else feeling the same way or is it just me?  I think my brain needs some chocolate 🙂  Namaste’

I Want to Be More Like Matt

There’s this really cool guy out there, traveling the world, breaking down barriers through humor, love and dance.  Take a look:  The Unstoppable Matt

As for today’s photo, a little Friday humor is in order.  This is called “Getting My Ducks in a Row.”  The weatherman says we might get some rain this weekend.  Color me as happy as these ducks!

I’m off to get a cup of  java now. Happy Friday and Namaste’

Belly Fat Begone!

The reason I’m posting a picture of today’s lunch is that my WS (wonderful spouse) and I are on the South Beach diet.  Actually, I hate the word diet, so I’m going to stick with new, healthy eating plan.  It consists mainly of lean protein, plenty of veggies, some good fats, and basically VERY LOW carbs.  No white sugar at all.  Anything white we just don’t eat.  Now there are many, many, many diets and eating plans out there, but most are hard to stick to and require some real concentration (stress) on what to do and what not to do.  What to mix with what, etc.  These days I’m into simple.  So for us this is rather simple.  Anyway, I’m not promoting any diets here, but my WS suggested I take a picture of his lunch plate, so I did.

There is one thing I can recommend, though, even if you’re not watching your weight.  I’m using My Fitness Pal to record what I eat and how much water I drink.  Truly an eye-opener and it’s totally free.  It keeps count of calories, carbs, fat and protein.  For those of us who love chocolate (and we know who we are, right, Zannyro?) there’s always the Hershey’s sugar-free dark chocolate.  It does the trick for me.  Will I have to cheat once in a while and have a piece of carrot cake or something like that?  Yes!  Once in a while but not often.  I like how I feel now without the carbs/sugar.  Namaste’

Low-fat cottage cheese, grape tomatoes, Hebrew National 97% fat-free beef dogs, and baked zucchini with parmesan, olive oil and garlic.  I had one dog; WS had two 😉