TO DO , EASY..........TO JUST BE, CAN I ?

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                   Good morning..........

 

 

by: Kat ( Mary ) Carlson _ author/publisher



First off,  I discovered only days ago,  that I often mix up this daily blog with "Who I Am".
So seems like this morning I am facing off with myself and pondering ( as I have done time and again ) "who am I " ?   This question has been something I became "resolute"  about,   some time ago!   Now,   at this particular juncture in my  "LIFE" ,  I find it "arising" again.



So  having "value",   I consider this  "vital"  and  "LIVE THE QUESTION",   not so much " Who am I,   as much as........can I just "BE" ???  "DOING" is something I am good at.  "BEING",  takes practice.   Lately,   I practice that more & more. !!  In fact,  I find myself saying often ,  I have to fight for "NOT FIGHTING ",  "ME" !!!!!!!!



At these "special" times,  I surrender and get-in-touch with total   "PEACE & REST",  &  find my  "BEING " .    THIS DAY,   or rather  "right-this-minute",   I bow out,   but,     "I AM COMING BACK ,     "I AM"  says so  !!!!!




"LOVE IS THE ANSWER",  ............. SO "BE" IT !! 

 


(_A Wink & a Smile_).......................................................................:)

MAY I APPROACH THE BENCH ?

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Good morning EVERYONE,   it looks like a pretty good day  from here,.....OJAI,  CA

by: Kat ( Mary) Carlson _ author/publisher


May I approach the bench,   how's that for a topic ?   Well,  there actually were other topics to choose from this morning,  but that is seldom the case.   So, know what,  I just picked the title I liked best.........:)   If I had chosen "Smoke gets in your eyes",   it would have had lots to do with songs that move me.  ( that's a lot of them,  folks, oh, sooooo many) !   the similarity of both topics is,   I looked to  my inspiration in  "prayer",  and sometimes,   I start crying,  tears of  "JOY" !  " May I Approach the Bench"   won  out this morning.



My "walk" started "real" early yesterday morning !   It began at 6:00 ish a.m..   It turns out I am glad I did.   These "pictures" might explain why!

I'd like to introduce " Boomer " for the first time here in blog land ! We had the pleasure of meeting yesterday morning &  this lady named  "Vicky".......

told me a lot more about the stables I visit each morning, "Boomer" & more stuff

For 50 years,  this special lady has mucked and helped out in her corrals,  for her two horses & others corrals as well!

Vicky returning from a knee replacement is hard-at-work once again !  Kudos for our new friends at the corrals!

This "friendly" face has been around the block,  shall we say ?  I dare say,  he was looking for something-to-eat & approached me with expectation.....cute,  huh?

When my visit with everyone here at the corrals, I continued my usual walk up-the-hill and back again,  enjoying the early morning sounds of "Nature", waking up.  Walking toward my house, and getting pretty close, I looked up to the right, high above.......

there they were nestled on top of this tree,  9 birds ushering in this morning or just waiting there ( or whatever birds do) in their own world.......:)   Anyway,  I liked it, and grabbed a shot !

Now, I go on with the promises of this New Day,  Saturday June 13,  2015,  with renewed energy!   

" ENJOY "   This center behind me is where I shopped a little yesterday !....:)

(_A Wink & a Smile_)............................................................:)


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ARE YOU SURPRISED ?

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Relaxin'  after a "l-o-n-g"  "HOT"  walk,  last weekend....a SELFIE !!

 

 

by:  Kat (Mary) Carlson _ author/publisher


Sometimes early in the morning,  as is usually the case,  ( I go to bed early,  remember?),
I putz around the house,  this morning I moved my dining room table around,  putting it in a different direction.  " I like it",  ( "I just love it when a plan comes together", huh Spud?).
And sometimes I write long-hand letters to friends who do not have computers,  so no emails to them.  I still "love-to-write"  long-hand.......:)


In this particular letter to this particular friend,  we close by saying,  "hug yourself for me" !
I smile and do that "very thing" !   A " big hug" from mi amiga MARGARET !   Well, mi amigas y amigos,  I have been writing about this "whole concept" since August,  2014.  In my daily blogs over on WORD PRESS, http://lilymakesmesmile.com,  (http://akneadedtouch4u.com &  http://chooseurwords.com) this topic has really been written about by "YOURS TRULY".
The "animal kingdom" started this concept  "l-o-n-g"  ago !  Those "intelligent beings" "KNEW",  it's a JUNGLE,  out there ?    YES?  Stroking & more stroking is absolutely necessary
for them in many ways.  Part of their "survival" ends up being their ritual of  "STROKING" their young and also themselves.


NEXT : this pic is of a special friend of mine:  Miss  "LILY",   a frequently featured "image" on past blogs (* see URL above )

For absolutely sure,  this "lovable feline" captured my heart and the heart of many others !

 

 
 
"Ain't she sweet" ?  Oh yes, "sweet & funny", "clever and mysterious", "spunky & self-assured"
all of the above & "even more".  To know her "IS TO LOVE HER".  Kudos to you,  "LILY", my amiga in the animal kingdom......Special tribute.



So, back to "ARE YOU SURPRISED ?",   this I have come to "know & believe & practice",   hugs for yourself   "TO "  yourself ,   along with telling yourself how important you are &  how much you appreciate your very own self,   is a definite "KEY" to "SURVIVAL"  in this "JUNGLE" we live in !   It's never wise to wait for somebody else to supply you with the staple of "LOVING", &  providing  your very basic need.    I DO KNOW,   that   "I AM LOVED"  by my "CREATOR",  &  I believe that is also a reason to reflect this  "powerful decision"  on one's  "SELF".    NOW,  this was not a  DECISION  made by GOD based on merit,   but based on plain ,  pure,  "L-O-V-E".   Whenever I ask,  why do you love me... the answer is always,    "because I want to" !!   I don't  love  myself based on "merit",  "I do it",  ... "because"

I just "do" !

 

 

 

( _ A Wink & a Smile_ )...................................................................................:)




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LET'S TAKE IT OUTSIDE, SHALL WE?

Think I can "hail" a taxi,  or "hitch" a ride in THIS neck of the woods ??...............)

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by: "ME" _ Kat ( Mary) Carlson  ....author/publisher


Probably have to shed that coat too,  in an hour or two.  Weather changes in OJAI VALLEY are completely reliable.   I go through numerous "outfits" per day,   simply because,  first there's sunshine,  then comes the "glorious" clouds,  then maybe some wind kicks up.   So,  inside I go to
get comfortable by taking off this and putting on that................................:)   Laundry,  well,  I've sort of taken care of that,   I have a system !.......(sometimes) !



Upon pondering this blog,   I went through several gymnastics,  even thought about alluding to an "altercation" hence the title, " Let's take it outside",  I felt feisty .... ( really quite a lot of fun,  finally)    Change,  well,  it comes whether I like it or not,  but,  mixing-it-up, .. .. IS, ... and,   in the final analysis,  a very good thing,    " huh "__? ? ?


I'm in the "process" of deciding on ,  if I want a TV or not !   Since I moved here  (Ojai),   I just haven't really needed one.   Besides,  I am not at all a TV buff.   There are moments when I want to watch " All in the Family "  with Archie Bunker!  (sigh).    And I have entertained the thought of  renting " The Honeymooners " from the library.  (Jackie Gleason).  


The squirrels chasing the rabbits across the road is often a "highlight of the morning" for me....plus other things do come up frequently throughout my day,  that tickle-my-funny bone.
Now,  it's  not  nice  to mention "alpacas,   but have you ever seen one ?  They are extremely "lovable",  true enough !   Emus , too ,  they are the "alpacas" roommates  ( pasture mates) below...

This is an "alpaca" !

This is a barnyard friend,   an EMU !!  ( more emus & alpacas in the back )

Each morning I walk,  I walk up to their pasture on my way to the main road,  and of course they greet me or I greet them,  ( same difference)  and my morning is enhanced by their presence ! .....:)   Always the horses and other animals are eager to see  humans coming in the a.m.   because ( and I thought they were happy to see me)  well,    turns out they are "hungry" !  ...:)   Nevertheless,  I AM "happy" to see them.   Farm animals make pretty good friends in that they are , well,  "friendly " !!


My friends around the world are taken aback by the variety of animals so near to me and available for viewing and having a "conversation"  with ! .........:)    All in all, I "get- a -kick"
out of the turkeys going "gobble-gobble",   the goats going baa-a-a the roosters  "crowing",
,  the crows   "cawing",    the birds singing  ( incredible warbling ),  on my morning walks.   The whole world is waking up and the "sounds" of the "wild" ( nature)  are "such" a blessing and wakes- me -up to "LIFE"  everywhere I " look & listen" !   There are "no" distractions from
worries,  it just is- what- it- is,  and it just makes me,  "thankful"!


Again,  this time with you in the morning,  is a "treat" for me,

Listen to the "MUSIC",    in whatever  fashion  it comes in !

(_A Wink & a Smile_)..................................................................................................:)



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by

ROLL OUT THE BARREL

www.tommyjohnsonmusic.com

Does Tommy Johnson have "some" piano playin' for you ?????  I just  "LOVE"  his piano playin' !!
Tune in _ I recommend,  "Rhapsody in Blue", "Old Cape Cod",  &,  of course you won't want to miss "Boogie Woogie", (the "real" Boogie Woogie" man ) !


More piano playin'  available on You  Tube , is the music of Carmen Cavallaro & Ernesto Cortazar 
I simply adore piano !..........:)

http://1topnotchkat.org

Music is "divinely" inspired.  Last night after dinner & popcorn a "sometimes" special treat,  I tuned in to PANDORA RADIO

 

I was " happily"  entertained for "several " hours !   This particular radio station was called " Andrea Bocelli Radio,"  _  it provided a variety of songs,   all of unique quality and geared toward "relaxation" & " inspiration ".   I was "moved" and "taken to musical heights" !!!  Andrea Bocelli  has inspired me for a number of years.  I hope this tip will be something that will enhance your listening ear !


 by: Kat ( Mary ) Carlson _ author/publisher


An extra advantage of living in this "gorgeous" community of "trees". & wildlife of all varieties is
"weather".   Here, the weather is "pronounced "  ( anyway it is to me).   I walked to the mailbox, yesterday afternoon, &  after a "subtle rain"  for hours, the wind  kicked up !  I looked around and was "spellbound"!   It seemed to be " saying" something,  yet I wasn't quite clear on what that was !  One thing that "was" clear _ to me, in the "big city" I no doubt wouldn't have even noticed the "mystery"  of  "sounds" ,  like the "swooshing",  and "bustling" of leaves,  indicating movement, but one cannot see where or what it is that is "moving"  everything around. !


I gave a lot of thought to this phenomenon.   Naturally,  you & I cannot  "see"
GOD,  our Creator & Provider,  we still " know & trust"  that " HE is!   On one of my "early morning walks up-the-hill" in  Glendale,  I did get-in-touch with the "REALITY" , that "everything that was "MADE".....     I mean......."EVERYTHING"    was made,   by the POWER & substance of FAITH.    That "knowledge" gave me the awareness that I "CAN"  trust  " FAITH"  itself.  It isn't up to me,  but only to let " FAITH"  do it's JOB !  That was a new awareness & set -me- free _( after a fashion) !   It,  quite simply,  became a "new & different " perspective  on the subject of  how "FAITH"  & other  "gifts"  work. 

On my walk two days ago,  the side road I took houses two dwellings,   so I went there to get the picture of TOPA TOPA,

 

 " the mountain side" seen all over OJAI that depicts this profile of the "INDIAN CHIEF " !  ( see previous blog )    Our "love" & "respect" for this VALLEY is rallied about "everywhere"  you go and by most of us FOLKS  who have the privilege of living here!


"In days gone by , and yet again today & tomorrow,  I honor this time with you.....".

 (_A Wink & a Smile_)....................................................................:)


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" YOU ARE MY SPECIAL ANGEL"

http://1topnotchkat.org

Recognize that song title....60's music,  it DEFINITELY has " definitive/life changing,"  meaning for this "GIRL"

by: Kat (Mary) Carlson _ author/publisher


Having not been " on my game "  this morning,  I stopped  "looked inside" and said,  " Good  morning,  Jesus _  " Mary,  I love you",   was the reply,   & this song from a wonderful time in my past,  "  You are my Special Angel ",   came to my heart & mind.    Naturally I cried,  tears of  " JOY".  The night I heard this song,  started my journey that has led me to this " happy" state of being.  Music has always been a medium for my relationship with the  "author & finisher"  of my "FAITH". !!    Every "step of the way",  songs after songs  speak directly to my "heart",  & I become
 stronger & stronger opening up to "Life" _  ( Abundant Life )!


Much of my "journey"  has been "rough" ,  although I was _"SHORED UP"_  with the _"POWER" of "LOVE", _ to give me the "Faith " to meet each challenge.   In the "not-so-distant"  future I suspect/predict a "BOOK", that will share this  "magnificent story"  of  " over coming " & 
triumphing over the POWERS  of "DEATH" !    It is a "new day" for me in this "world" and each & everyday,  is something to "behold" ,  "cherish"  &  "CELEBRATE"......"FINALITY OF WORKS" !


Back to the drawing board "so-to-speak" & meeting the challenges of "unspeakable heat",  our first "HOT DAY" in ,  Ojai,  yesterday,   was 97 degrees,  and still no "air-conditioner".    Yep,  a challenge,  "pure & simple" !    Today I will be getting a break,  with only 83 degrees "tops" !   I'll start my walk earlier as I did yesterday and then prepare for a trip to the bank & market.   Life goes on and "I-for-one" am looking forward to it with  "delight"  & " music,"  of course!!    I would say "keep on the sunny side,"  but that sounds too much like yesterday !  Whew !

Ah,  yes,  this should help !!,  huh?

 

 

Somehow this, too,  is one of my favorites !!!   As seen by passers-by,   and  "me"  of course,  it's "my"  hill !.....:)

Have a " wonder-full " day,   "friends".................
 


(_A Wink & a Smile-)............................................................................................:)

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ESPECIALLY FOR YOU ( MIRIAM )

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               A LITTLE  "taste" of  OJAI,  CALIFORNIA



                                   by: Kat (Mary) Carlson _  author/publisher


"ONE STEP CLOSER",  "I SUPPORT LIFE," ,  " LIVING WORDS"   ( to name of few)

I'll send a "few" selfies, etc..,  this one... I took after a " l-o-n-g", hot walk. 

I have always liked this one ,   I met these great people on my ( where else ),  WALK,... of course !

Right where they are standing is the same hill I walk "up & down" everyday.!  Below,  ( I'll show you ) are some horses in their corrals

Yep,  the same guys,  "here every morning," (owners rent these stables )

Hi, "me again", another selfie, and still on my patio

This view "IS" from my patio ( on a cloudy morning.)......nice, huh?  These are MY trees, orange trees and lots of other ones, THIS kind of view is "ALL OVER OJAI

Another shot of my "front yard"......&  "driveway" to another driveway to the main road

These animals  ( Emus & Alpacas ) are pastured at the "END" of  "MY" driveway

This "gal" came along & I asked if I could take a pic       

 I am sending  "just-a-few" of my "MANY" , "MANY" pictures!

Check out my blogs_  by: Kat ( Mary ) Carlson

(_ A Wink & a Smile_).......................................................................:)

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