Psychosis Or Normalcy

 

Luke is calmed by the use of watching movies or listening to music with his headset. It works wonders when his autism seems to be making him upset. How many of us do not have autism and are relaxed by music?

(Disclaimer: Original post written 12/2012). When I was growing up, mental illness was shunned.  We did not talk about it in my household.  The first time I was exposed to the  mentally ill was when I visited my two aunts at their job. They were nurses in a mental hospital for chronic patients in Kentucky.  As a young girl of 17, I was immediately drawn into the strangeness of this new world. ( Today a person would not be allowed to visit like I was able).

Random Acts Of Kindness

Something cool happened to me yesterday. Keep reading for the awesomeness vibes you are about to uncover here! 

Imagine a world without hurt. Everytime I turn around lately,  the world’s a bit more cold, distant, aloof. The pain is palpable.   

I am full of life and know this feeling comes from deep within. It is a blessing from God. I know when I crash, however, it can be as if my breath is taken away from me. 

Last night I attended Neil Diamond’s 50th anniversary concert here in Seattle. I loved every minute.  After the concert, my friends and I stuck around the venue late walking around. A medic working with the musicians came up to us and asked me specifically if I was a big fan.  I said yes. Before I knew it he handed me the oxygen mask Neil Diamond utilized right before he came back onstage to give his encore.   

Random, don’t ya think? It was very sweet of him. It was a breath of fresh air figuratively for me and physically for our star. I wonder what I should do with it. I need your ideas!!!!  I am one happy girl right now.          

Stupid Blog Writing

I am driven to write. There is no exception even when unhappy with my words. I can not compare myself to those that have editors or proofreader’s to read their work before it is published.  I even hate freshly pressed endorsed by this platform.

Why do I write these days?  I received that lone comment that gives me pause.  Hearing from a woman dealing with two rare brain tumors brought tears to my eyes.  She seems to have a strong will and a determination in her spirit. If you are reading this, I am glad you decided to follow me.

Alabama

 

I was born on Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. We left when I was six months old. My parents weren’t from Alabama. When dad retired from the army, we moved back from Hawaii in the 70’s. Last week, I celebrated my 54th birthday here for the first time in 25 years.  I wonder what has changed in all those years.

Shopping In Hawaii

Where in the World has Alesiablogs gone now?

My girlfriend caught me telling her, “No more pictures please!” She laughted at this photo so I thought I better share.

So I guess you know where I am at..right???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Now to my blog post…..

Christmas Card Demise

He took the picture and dared me to post it!! Ok I took the dare!! I told him I look terrible in this photo. But then I thought who cares! That’s me. 

Here goes my blog post now! I hope you get offended! 

Why is it you think a Christmas message on FB is even remotely as good as getting a card in the mail? Answer that for me. 

Tip one- write a card. 

This year I wrote a newsletter. The only ones who will see it are friends that I have corresponded with via the UPS during the holiday season. That’s a treat like no other!! And no my Christmas message is not on my blog! And yes.. you can bet I bragged on my children. 

Tip two- share a note how the family is doing.

Most of all sharing about my faith in new ways is the gravy of my message.  It is the glue of my life.

Tip three-do not be afraid to put on notice what makes you happy in your life in the card or maybe what’s not going so great . I don’t mind hearing it. At least you took the time to write me. 

We all change . We are all moving forward.  What’s the alternative? I find grace to be my answer. How about you? Hope I get lots of cards this year, but I am afraid it is becoming a lost art. I guess a phone call is good, but the Christmas card is even better!!

Tip four-Take a break from all social media once in awhile and just reflect and maybe listen to Christmas music instead. My ideal music venue is the record album!!! How many of you remember vinyl? Stop you say!! Ok. Yes. I love music via my computer and radio too!! Happy holidays everyone and thank you WordPress for the snow flakes…

Contemplation

I study my birds on a rainy day. Figuring out their patterns, directions, and their timing is for the professional bird watchers. I have a hunch if I figure this out too, I have a chance to capture the iconic bird pose. Since slowing down to a pace easier on me physically and frankly mentally too, my timing on many matters has taken a contemplative approach. Contemplation is good. Birds in my backyard do it when they study the pole leading up to their food. 
There was a time I made decisions way too fast.  I could give many examples, but will just say some of them turned out bad for me. The most utmost of personal matters when it comes to  health and  family decisions should be done slowly if no time constraints are put in place . 

Yet, timing is everything. That is what we have been told all our lives. I sure have been. 
It really should not be in most cases except quite possibly the American Presidential Elections( chuckle ). As I ponder my camera angle, who is going to be the next president is the last thing on my mind…(hint). I already voted. 
Yet, contemplation does not seem a part of the vocabulary in the American households of today. Everything is about going faster and quicker in every aspect in this life. 
Today , my bird friends yet again teach me a lesson in life. Thank you guys (as she stares out the window one more time) noticing the squirrels have arrived … uh oh!! Hurry up guys!! Hurry!!

It is not fair

 

A view of Nuremberg, Germany from inside its castle walls is where I am beginning this post.  Hi Guys!  I know long time no write !  I have been busy.  I went on a long overdue trip.  And I must say it is not fair to have family so far away.  Time goes by so fast before you realize life led in my past is only found by tracing those steps backwards.

The Best Part Of Me

Simply spoken, “Mom, we don’t need that chair. I can stand.” My son is thoughtful.

The chair was not in use, but I respected my son’s wishes. The best part of me I can say with quiet certainty are my sons.  

I just had a wonderful trip to the southeast where my son is attending an amazing university. I decided to visit and ‘pick’ my son up. This was to spend time with him before flying to our home in Seattle.  

It was a great adventure capturing the sights ( birds duh!) and sounds as noted in the photography on this post. 

I am learning life is not all about fast pace as I once thought.  The quiet moments speak to me more and more.  This past week I attended a memorial for a friend from my nursing days here in Alabama. Her life was one of simplicity, the love of nature,  and putting others above herself.  She served  through her church in her later years after retiring with 40 years as an RN. We could learn a lot from this lifestyle.  As I met her great grandsons, I knew right away with their respectful mannerisms–the best part of her was still here on this earth.  I bet she would have agreed. 

Photos by Alesiablogs in the great state of Alabama. 

The Case Of The Missing Fish

There is a story here, but you have to think deep or perhaps very shallow. You choose. 

Life involves much contemplating. Fred the heron from the PNW is listening carefully and will make a decision soon.

Ok. I guess I didn’t get that. What did you say? I am all ears. 

Got it! Yep. Your mine. 

Dumbfounded Fred is sad. There is always next time. Well. Not always. Perhaps Fred there are bigger fish to fry. Your turn will come.  Life brings rewards at times and sometimes we are left empty handed. Fred’s face says it all. No words needed. 

Thanks from Fred for dropping by and attempting to fish with him. Wish him luck!  I think deeper waters brings a prize!