RHYTHM OF THE " RAIN "

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Rain .....spreading a little  "JOY"

by: Kat ( Mary ) Carlson   _  author/publisher



A picture is worth a thousand words.  Here in southern California,  "LIFE"  everywhere is rejoicing in the fact that raindrops are falling from above.  This gorgeous rose exemplifies 
what excellence in proper nourishment can produce.  She's a beauty alright !


I guess we all take for granted the "normal"  things that always seem to just -be- there and available  ..... until ......it's no longer there.    Some things we have no control over !  Well,  that's an understatement,  really. 


As I sit and type this a.m.,   I  am "listening to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain",  it's a "sound"
I can get used to.  Anyway for a while around these parts it would relieve stress on our minds.
Sometimes though,  it can over produce and become reckless.  So some of us in this valley are hearing reports of very heavy bouts of rain that may or may not cause "flooding".  We here in the lower parts of the valley ( river bottom) remember the last downpour of that "nature" (dimension) and gear up in whatever way we can for readiness.


The road where I "usually" walk " & " where these stables are located can become a "river".

This is my beaten path each morning around 7:00 a.m. ( The end of Rice Rd., & corner of Meyer St. )

It's a bit scary and there's lots of talk.  At the yard sale I conducted Saturday 9/12/15,  along with the "great" camaraderie,  ( oh,  that was a "pip".........:),  an awesome reason for my Yard Sales to begin with _ I discovered the topic of possible "flooding" on more than a few hearts and minds.  Especially, concern for our animal friends.  My neighbors next to me are the proud owners of alpacas and emus.

Alpacas

   

Emu ( I think his emu is Peppy,  the other one is Pepper )

It's gotta be tough for their providers.  Everyday  they bring "love & devotion " to them to see that they have what they require.  I am keeping them in my heart & mind at this juncture.  That's " Life",   we cherish the very good times,  right ?


So,  the awesome sound of sweet rain descending on my patio at this moment brings "Life" and soothing.  "I'll take advantage of what is ",  join me folks.   Even as we do think of these overlooked things,  our minds can take in a lot more that is "ours" for the "precious" MOMENT !  Seize the opportunity !! 

Make it an "awesome" day !!!  Even moment by moment !  It's a "trip" !!

 

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

NEVERTHELESS

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Start the morning off "right"

by: Kat M. Carlson  _ author/publisher




"Maybe  I'm right and maybe I'm wrong,  and maybe I'm weak and maybe I'm strong,   but
"NEVERTHELESS"   I'm in LOVE  with you  !!



Ah,  romance,  can't live with it and can't live without it.   I gotta say,  I'm all for it!   The most significant and important thing I have discovered currently,   is,   it is possible to be in
"LOVE"  with ourselves.   Only strong,  vital,  "head together" type of personalities,  can pull this off.    When our hearts are rooted in real  "honest LOVE",  can you or I be in a position to become  one who,  absolutely,  deeply ,  considers him or her self,   capable of receiving that "emancipation".   What a "glorious" experience !!!  ......:)


It is my opinion that if and when "marriage" does take place ,  one's own "emancipation",  will keep this kind of " marriage",  going  "STRONG".   As is always the case,  when you don't really 
need something,  it's then you can truly have it,  and appreciate it's value.   But until or even if "marriage" does not come about,  one is "happy"  within and ,  in LOVE with LIFE !


Ah,  "real "LIFE".  well,  when you find it,  bravo for you !!   A "superb"  "extraordinary " relationship !   It transcends all matter,   and makes you "free-to-be". 


Well,  I'm on a roll here,  but  "hey",  why not !   It is "terrific" news,  isn't it?  " Being  in love with Life itself?"  

                                                          Just flat out ,  "BEING" ?


GO    FOR   IT    !!!!!

  

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

RECAP # 2 ( YARD SALE )

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"SMASHING SUCCESS "

by: Kat ( Mary) Carlson  _ author/publisher


All in all,  our three family "yard sale" turned out well.  The turn out was as well as could be expected and probably a great mix of young and old.  Just a really "cool" representation of  Ojaians.  Some attendees were familiar,  and I made new acquaintances today. 



That's first and foremost and real benefit to me.  Since I am retired , and alone ( not complaining about "that"),   it's a "treat" to connect with many who share tall tales, and just very general interest about our community.  A particular subject today had to do with "floods",  since many of us live down here in the river bottom.  It hasn't rained in a very long time.  We are, however, getting news about this years projected weather.  And the main projection is lots of rain.


 I woke up early this morning,  4:30.  I brewed some coffee,  put on some music,  and just relaxed before getting into the task of pulling my sale together.  The tables were set up yesterday,  and practically all my "junk" ,  I took by loading up my wheelbarrow.  Having a wheelbarrow here
on the "ranch" is super important.  By 6:30 am,  I headed down to the gate area,  and put the finishing touches on what may become a tradition for me.

This friendly couple were the first lookers & buyers .....

 

  
At some point in my picture taking,  I accidentally,  clicked the "wrong" button,  so these next pictures turned out black & white

Included in this picture is Joel ( back),  my neighbor,  who owns the emus and alpacas I've shown before on this blog 

 

Also, in the middle of the picture is Karen,  my courageous landlord.  She owns and runs these two properties by herself.  That's the equivalent of 8 acres !  Five of those acres are mostly avocado groves.  You may have seen a picture of me with her swimming pool in the background.

I asked this young man to pose for me in front of my sign ( the shirt he is wearing is one he purchased from me)

 

  

This is another attendee of Rice RD.'S THREE FAMILY yard sale

 

Ojians came out in droves and everyone looked like they were "having fun". All that was left and not purchased is put away,  and the tables will be put back in their place tomorrow morning.  This is the end of successful day in the LIFE of Kat Carlson.  

I'm game for another one in October,   it's  "too" much fun !

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

YARD SALE # 2

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Tomorrow's Yard Sale is going to outfit 3 families,  me, then next door and then the next door after that !!

 

 

 

 

by: Kat ( Mary ) Carlson  _  author/publisher



We are ALL gearing up for a rip roaring three family yard sale.  The weather man has been kind in that the predicted temperature will only be 90 degrees F.   Oh,  lucky,  lucky us.  Because you see,  already this week we've had 100 - 104 degree weather.  My thoughtful next door neighbor loaned me his very large patio umbrella.  I just finished rounding up a nice stand for it.  That's a 
gift,  I didn't expect,  ............. thank you, Chuck!


So,  in less than 20 hours,  folks will be pulling up next to our drive-ways,  and "looking for "treasures",  as they say,  they can't live without.  Lots of people,  remark,  I don't  see anything I can't live without!  Ojai is a really wonderful, Garage Sale, Yard Sale paradise.  We are a simple folk,  yep, that we are.  These kinds of activities also bring us together on weekends,  affording us the chance to say "hey"...................:)


You know,  country living is the real deal!   We call a spade a spade !   So,  when you "click" with
your neighbors,  that's something special !!   The size of a town calls for genuine representation of one's self.   RIGHT ? 


Which brings me to a anecdote,  an relative remarked to me,  after I reported to him that my Sale is tomorrow,  well,  Mary,  I'll "pray" that it is successful.  That kind of remark,  made me very upset,  and now,  after putting it aside for a day,  ( I practice waiting on clarity when I get upset like that ) so a few moments ago,  I got a glimpse of this "happy" concept ,  truth will out,  I do live for each moment of each and everyday.   That is key  for me to have a strong value system.  First things first.   Enjoy the moment !   So,  when I arrange this type of deal,  the fun is in preparing,   signs,   setting up,  meeting & greeting.    It's a wonderful experience.    I haven't actually given much thought to how much I'll derive monetarily.  I've prepared,   so,  I know,  it will be adequate, or more.   So-be-it !    I exchanged a life of anxiety ( oh yes,  I was EXTREMELY anxious for most of my life),  but not anymore.  ( Sigh)  Now,  it's full of richness and wealth of a different kind. 


I know I am going to enjoy tomorrow !!  Because I enjoy "TODAY",  so,  it's in-the-bag!  That is not-to-say,  "Life is Predictable",  uh uh,  not so much ! 


I plan on taking pictures of the festivities.  Now,  ..... the weatherman could be nice and surprise us with "cooler" weather,  huh?  ...  The three families involved are getting this together for the very first time.  Y-a-a-a-a-y !!  Picture time on my blog/post coming up soon.  Stop by and visit !!!!  I'll take your picture ....................:)

Happy Trails

 

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


 

A " CHAT " WITH MR. ROCKEFELLER

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It will be "wonderful" to sit here again during the day.   It's w-a-a-a-a-y too hot in the recent days....like today,  104 degrees F.

 

by: Kat ( Mary) Carlson  _ author/publisher


 i  just have "the" luckiest breaks,   like , for instance,   this morning after doing a smidgen of grocery shopping at Von's ( Y in Ojai,  CA ),  I looked desperately for a "cool" spot to sit while I waited for a ride with Gold Coast Access,  (transit).  


I sat next to an interesting distinguished looking "young" man.  I had purchased a  freshly baked yummy bagel  for a light snack.  Reaching into the bag,  the "gentleman" and I exchanged pleasantries.   Our talk took us to eatery's around town where the "silver headed" folks gather ,  exchange how-do-you-do's, and  then,  oh yes,  we go there.  We often engage in conversation about,  Health,  then family,  world news ( NOT), and successes,  ( a lot is said about our children's whereabouts too.   If all takes off well,  we open up about where we "hail" from.


I find this type of "LIFE" thrilling.  Our planet is a fabulous place,  and everyone has a "great "
story to tell.   So, on and on our minds clicked and now I know about his successful daughter Susan,  and I know he is from Illinois (originally) AND  I know his name is "ROCKEFELLER".
Introducing my new acquaintance .....

Mr.  Rockefeller standing in front of "Von's" ( * note a great smile )

 

  
There IS a Mrs. Rockefeller.  Too bad I didn't get to meet her.  She sounds like a busy ,  lovely woman  helping others.   A friendly shopper saw me taking a picture and offered to take a picture 
of both of us. .......

Nice looking couple  ( if only he wasn't married ).........:)

 

After this chat,  Mr. Rockefeller was off to a former engagement, .... while I waited for my ride.
Below is another shot of this beautiful shopping center. " Von's Market at the famous " Y " at
Maricopa and Ojai Avenue ....
  

As per usual, a" day with surprises",  in Ojai Valley !

 

Fortunately for me,  my next-door neighbor happened by before long and it wasn't necessary for me to wait longer.  I was certainly hoping to beat-the- "HEAT" !  It turns out I just barely did.
When I reached mi "Casa de Kat",  and went inside to check the temp "outside"  ( dual thermometer)  it was 99 degrees at 10:00 a.m. 


The leaves from the tree where I sit in the beginning shot is singing this tune " The Falling Leaves".... ,  like you wouldn't believe !  Nothing to do but WAIT,  & watch.  In fact I did sit out and got really into the whole "falling leaf"  syndrome.   I found just "tuning into" the whole operation , incredible,  and was fascinated by it all.   LIFE is awesomely mysterious and wonderous...( children do this & now I do too).   The patterns and routines,  the sights and sounds,  meeting new & wonderful people,   all make me "grateful" ..."I AM ALIVE"._ " Fairy tales can come true,  it can happen to you,.....IF YOU'RE YOUNG AT HEART"_ sung by Mr. Nat King Cole.

 " I'll be seeing you "............

 

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

GOBBLELY Goop

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It's the jolly trolley again

 

by: Kat (Mary) Carlson  _ author/publisher


On frequent occasions like this,  today,  September 8,  2015,  _ I succumb to what I call "gobblely
goop".   Oh my,  it does come in handy at very frustrating times.  _It goes like this ....


Handel's Messiah,   Braxton Hicks,  June Gloom,  Girl Talk,  Paper Moon,  Gravel Girdy,  Jolly Roger,   Old Black Joe,  There's Trouble In River City,  Rocket Man,   Do You Know the Way to San Jose,   I Honestly Love You,  Outrageous Fortune,   Trouble I Paradise,  Holy Moley, Tank Top,  Crime Team,  Truth or Dare,  Dirty Rotten Rat,  Orange plume,  Psychedelic Lights,  Freedom Train,  Kukla Fran and Ollie,  Mr. Greenjeans, Mickey Mouse Club,  Franklin D. Roosevelt, Frequent Flyers,  Happy Days,  Pluto,   Mars,  Twirly Gig,   Xylophone,  Memorabilia,  Aggravation It's a Jolly Holiday With Mary,   Who -the - heck- Knows,   The Munsters,  River Kwai,   Allegheny Moon,  Holy Rollers,  Double Trouble,  Six Million Dollar Man,  Grease Lightning ,   Little Shop of Horrors,   Laluce Latrek,   Home on the Range,  Happy Birthday Baby,  By The Light of the Silvery Moon,   Righteous Brothers,   Ranger Danger,  Afternoon Delight,   Round Robin,  Beyond the Blue Horizon,   Animal  House,  Andy Rooney,  Fun-in-the-Sun,   Sexy Mama,    ABCDEFG_HIJKLMNOP_QRSTUV_WXYZ,   Now I Know My ABC's,  Tell Me What You Think of Me,  Maybe Baby I Got You,   Do You Know the Way to San Jose
A Blast from the Past,  Mule Train,  Philip Morris ........................ & on & on.  These phrases just 
are pulled right out of the air.  FUN !!!


Now,  you or I can do this as long as you want.   Sometimes it behooves me to continue and just play it by ear.   My brain, ( mind)   gets quiet at times like this and doesn't scream at me to fix this or fix that thing,  or rather not demanding when it gets frustrated.  this may not ever happen to you,  I can't say,  but once in a while,  it does happen to me.  That's when I utilize this exercise. 
However,  it pays to be creative and come up with something completely different to diffuse my brain/mind.   If you like, try doing this for fun.   It is surprising what comes out so spontaneously.
  

On occasion I laugh out loud .............

This will end my "gooblely goop" session ....

 

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

MEINER'S OAKS

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Do you know the way to MEINER'S OAKS ??

 

by: Kat (Mary ) Carlson  _ author/publisher


Maybe I should start with I am having the best time tonight,  laughing my "fool" head off.  I tell myself,  they're coming to take me away,  tra la !............................:)   Does it matter,  I say,  "NO",
a resounding "NO"  !!!  LIFE is just a bowl of cherries !  Got to pop some popcorn,  I'll be back
soon. 


I'm back,  where was I ?  Oh yes,  Meiner's Oaks.   Quaint little town of Meiner's Oaks.
Today I went to M.O. to catch the trolley,  only to discover when I arrived that this is LABOR DAY,  no can do.  Here are some pictures I took of a favorite of everybody's.  A popular hang out for many,  many eons.

See the sign,  it has been Jolly Kone forever.  They have the best soft ice cream cones and taquitos.

Yummmmmmmmmm _  truly!  How a little place like Meiner's Oaks has supported this favorite
haunt is a mystery.  But it's a fact.  We, here in Ojai Valley adore our "lovely" towns and vistas.
Someone said to me tonight after reading me last blog ........ "you mean people actually ready that " CORNY"  stuff ?   I laughed so hard,  I answered,   " I don't know"............:) More corny stuff
below .....

How do you like us so far ?  Showing a little bit more of our main street,  El Roblar.

   

Trolleys do not run on Labor Day

 

 They forgot to tell me that ! Oh well,  all's well that ends well.  I got some real nice shopping done at Ace Hardware.  And I got the "Red Carpet" treatment,  people always do there.  It's a right friendly place,  sure is ! 

Bye- bye!