1600 miles in four days … John, me, a friend & two motorcycles. Day one: 500 miles, Dumas, Arkansas. Terrible ‘all-fried food’ dinner but great company and lots of laughs. Day two: 400 miles and a night on Bourbon Street (New Orleans). Day three: 500 miles and a night on Beale Street (Memphis). Day four: 200 miles, a gorgeous, very scenic ride home!! Can’t wait until the next motorcycle road trip. Woohoo! 

in St. Louis, the sun is out, the temp is great, & there’s a mild breeze. I have latin music playing as I write, but my eyes keep straying to the front yard and all I can think about is being out there in the gorgeous weather.

I remind myself that I have an article to finish and the polishes on MYSTICAL CONNECTIONS to complete, but the need to run or walk keeps pulling me.

So, in the end, I make a deal with myself - I’ll get the draft of the article down, I’ll think about what threads still need to be woven into MC, then I’ll go for a run and let my thoughts percolate. I’ll savor the sun on my skin and let my subconscious mind fill in what might be missing in my work.

When I get back, I’ll be ready to tackle my tasks with a fresh mind set & renewed energy. Enough said, I’m out of here. Until next time - I hope you have time to enjoy nature. Hugs - Christine 

all the tabloids commenting on stars not wearing their wedding rings. What is the big deal? I’m an athlete, I don’t wear my wedding ring 24/7. Does that mean I don’t love my husband? Or that I’m not committed to our marriage?

Of course not. Come on people, get a life. There’s more to love and life committment than a piece of jewelry!! Can we please stop the insanity??? 

On January 30, John, Mike & I went to several shelters in search of a sister for Tango. While John & I watched this little black kitten in its cage, Mike found a small male who was gently patting the terrified kitten in the next cage. He was so gentle with this kitten and Mike called us over to watch. He looked just like Tango except he’s short-haired, Tango is long-haired. He seemed playful, yet sweet, so we decided to adopt him.

We got him home and opened the carrier. Within ten minutes, he and Tango were playing and hugging, and sharing nose kisses. Samba became the newest member of our family! And boy, what a perfect choice, they are best buddies. They take turns being the dominant one, they teach each other games, including the “I’ll snatch the food and drop it to you while Mom’s not looking …” one. They are a true gift from our other boys, Taco & Tequila - and they’ve brought lots of laughter into the house(s). They made the road trip from FLorida to St. Louis with ease and are now enjoying their second home!

What a joy they are. May you find your joys in life! Treasure them each & every day.

Hugs - Christine

Last Friday evening we lost our second buddy. Tequila passed away with John, Mike, and I there to say good-bye. Seems he never recovered from the loss of Taco in September. He just wasn’t himself, but took a turn for the worst the week prior to his passing.

He died with his paws wrapped around my wrist, his head in my palm as we lay face-to-face on the floor. His huge lime green eyes staring into mine with such love. We had placed him on a blanket, covered him to keep warm, and rubbed his head as we told him over and over how much we loved him and would miss him.  

My heart aches, my ears ring with the silence in the house. He was with us for 16 1/2 years, came to us as a tiny ball of black & white fur. He will be sorely missed. We are comforted by all of our friends thoughts & prayers, and with the fact that our little buddies are once again together, playing!!

Though we face this sadness at this time of year, we wish you a joyful holiday season. Until next time, hugs - Christine

With love - Christine

 

North-easterly winds are blustering, causing the muted unpolished emerald ocean to buck and roll, but the sun is shining an it is a delicious 84 degrees. Yesterday afternoon, I took a long walk along the edge, let the still warm water splash and curl around my toes, and rescued five beautiful purple star-fish. Today, I tried to run, but the waves were crashing only two feet from the burm. The sand was soft and overly-shelly, so again, I walked and enjoyed Mother Nature, my solitary running shoes waiting on the boardwalk.

Being out in nature does wonders for the pent up gloom of the last few weeks. I can feel the new revitalized enegy snapping through me as new scenes form in my head and beg to be written. Yes, I have other business to attend to, but all free time will be spent working out, dreaming up new scenes, and writing … one of these days, I’ll get it right and the passion I’ve poured onto the page will be there for you to share. One of these days!!

For now, I’m soaking up the sun, staring at the ocean as I get ready to start another chapter in one of my mss. Hmm - I just love the beach! Hugs — Christine