to start off a new year right

December 2014 we flew to Los Angeles and spent a week there, then on to Fiji for another 4 glorious days on an island that was absolutely breathtaking. The Fiji people were so friendly everywhere you went you heard Bula!  We did rent a car and circled the island, which was quite the task considering there are NO street signs.  Thank goodness for gps on our phone.  Suva was a bit to busy a town for me, but then it was only 2 weeks before Christmas.  We could not have asked for better weather.

On to Australia, for the remaining 3 weeks- we were able to get north to the Great Barrier Reef, we took the Great Ocean Road trip again- oh how I love the Twelve Apostles- we stopped at a hotel not far from it which worked out great because the first day the wind was just torrential!!! The next day a beauty gust, the sun was out and we could just sit and ponder.  We had such a magnificent time on that trip- its time to do another long one in December/January again.

Of course the GBR is something you must do at least once in your life- for me.. I need to do that at least 12 more times..haha

oh how I love the ocean and snorkeling and exploring, so I was thinking maybe Greece, only because it would be warm, and the pictures I have seen look amazing as well.

We shall see where we are come December

Face it!

You are not for everyone....

The world is filled with people who, no matter what you do will point blank not like you. But it is also filled with those who will love you fiercely. They are your people.  You are not for everyone and that's OK.  Talk to the people who can hear you.

Don't waste your precious time and gifts trying to convince them of your value, they won't ever want what you're selling.  Don't convince them to walk alongside you.  You'll be wasting both your time and theirs and will inflict unnecessary wounds, which will take precious time to heal. You are not for them and they are not for you, politely wave them on, and continue along  your way.  Sharing your path with someone is a sacred gift, don't cheapen this gift by rolling yours in the wrong direction.

KEEP FACING YOUR TRUE NORTH!!!!

Merry Christmas... 2013

yes.. the most wonderful time of year.. when people are at their best.. they are giving, caring, loving..
I like how certain days can actually change peoples attitude.  Sadly it doesn't last though. But it does give you hope because obviously those people are capable of being all those good things.. they just choose not to be on the rest of the days.. which makes me just wonder what makes them choose that.. what do they gain from being someone they are truly not.. OR.. is it that the one day.. they are being someone they are truly not and the rest of the days they are being their true self.. ya.. ponder that.

so of course.. with the new year around the corner I am already hearing.. so what's your new years resolution.. ugh. really.. again.. cause do we ever really keep any of those!.. yes.. I did quit smoking last May and surprisingly did not start up again.. and yes I still struggle with that.. its not easy..
some of the things I do want to change but not just for the new year.. I call them life changing..

1. to have the courage to live a life TRUE TO MYSELF, not the life others expect of me
2 to not work so hard.. to enjoy PLAY! to make time to play..
3 to have the courage to express my feelings (when I am having a bad day) and not cover it up with a smile and ya I am fine
4 to continue to stay in touch with my (true) friends.. far and near (true friends not just acquaintances)
5 to allow myself complete happiness with no guilt!
6 to stop looking at my self worth in a business like manner.. no more balance statement analogies!
7 no more excuses!
8 to be content with the path that I am currently set on and to be more willing to change when needed!


okay thats just a start.. I'll keep adding to this!

lazy or just busy.. either excuse works for me!

I have been lazy about blogging especially my trips whether road or flight!  I have been to LA a few times since I last blogged and each time I am keenly aware at how large and overwhelming that part of the world can be. I was just there this last month and did some shopping, amazing how the economy sucks so bad there yet customer relations hasn't gotten any better.  Sadly I find its gotten worse, and the housing market.. they say it's getting better but I don't see it.  I found a few websites for auctions, yes you too can own a home for under 150K of course its gutted and it would be a complete reno but hey.. the bones are there and of course LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!

I found myself at the DMV and keep in mind when in a large city everything takes that much longer! Yes what I can do here in my small hometown in about 10 minutes takes me 4 hours and even then I have to come back the next day because they only offer that service til 4:30pm and it's now 4:35pm! YES,  after a 4 hour wait the representative had the audacity to say its 5 mins past.. I almost jumped over the counter.. the only redeeming thing was that she did state that when I come back tomorrow I won't have to wait in any lines and can just make my way to the front.. uh huh sure.. (I'll believe it when I see it!)

The more I visit big cities the more I appreciate where I am.. small town girl.. and that's okay with me!

Another move??

Yes I moved again.. a bigger better house.. has 3 bedrooms, and a fantastic view.. I have to admit though.. I have never moved so much in my life as I have these last 3 yrs.. but then life is about movement.. LOL.. I should not take that so literally though hey.. well the new place is great.. its a much healthier environment..its not that much larger then the other house we were in.. its just all the space is now usable..the old house had a basement that really wasn't used for much other than storage.. here I have a storage room off the garage.. but the 3 bedrooms is so nice to have.. especially now I have room for an office.. and a spare room. Cats have settled in nicely.. as have the humans..

So hopefully this place will hold us for a few years.. be able to save some money to one day maybe buy our own place.. we will see how that goes..

Blessings to you all..

Blessings come in all forms

I had to remind myself that blessings come in all forms.. what we perceive as good.. and bad.. even though I may see it as a bad thing.. good things may come from it.. Need to keep hanging on to that Faith.. cuz that's what this is about right.. Faith... Hope.. and Love.. if it's not.. don't burst my bubble!.. Don't think I can handle that right now.. my ego is a bit bruised.. and of course I see it as bad....but I know.. I have done this before.. things that I think are horrible end up being the best things.. because I learned from it.. and it makes you stronger.. maybe I need to look at the direction I am going.. maybe I need to change it.. ? so much in this head of mine.. feeling a bit overwhelmed.. trying to sort it all out.. of course I won't be able to do that all in one night.. and clearly I have not been able to do it in the last 40 so years!! LOL.. really I am laughing out loud!..
I still wonder..

I still dream...

now to make it reality! that's the part I haven't figured out how to do yet..

if you have any pointers.. I am all ears!

da da dum.... BOOM!

Move went.. seems I unpack well.. looks like I have been here forever.. yes.. everything put away.. no boxes around.. pictures hung.. all things sorted.. go figure.. I am a little anal about making it feel like home.. guess that's not a bad thing.. I have to admit though.. when I make a move like this.. I see how much stuff one can accumulate.. and to be honest.. its a bit disheartening.. but then what does one do when Christmas rolls around.. I love the decorations I have.. and yes... that's about 6-8 boxes right there.. and again.. because I have moved to a smaller home.. looks like I will be purging that too.. a part of me still thinks I made the wrong move right from the get go.. I should have just bought that 5th wheel.. would have been cheaper..AND it would force me to keep my sentimental stuff to a bare minimum. Well that's what I think anyway.. and then too.. can you imagine moving day.. okay unhook the hoses.. hook up the trailer to the truck.. let's go... yeah.. all of 10 minutes.. that's so tuff.. haha...
So the first few nights here have been uneventful, in the sleep category that is.. meaning.. I think I am going to sleep.. just doesn't feel like it.. and then last night I had horrid nightmares, and actually took down my innocent bed lamp.. go figure.. not that it did anything wrong.. but obviously I was threatened by it.. poor cat.. that's all I am going to say.. scared the bejeezus out of me.. can you imagine what it did to the poor kitty... ya.. enuf on that subject or who knows when spca will be knocking on my door.. ya he has such a rough life.. I wanna be MY cat.. that little fella has a GREAT life.. right now.. I am watching him climb up my roof.. oh don't worry.. he gets down just fine.. but I have to laugh.. I am about ready to get my shoes on.. and hike up there with him.. would love to see the view he gets.. has to be something.. I mean.. he goes up there pretty much everyday.. wonder if I can get down just as easy as him though.. prolly not.. I might fall and break something.. like my ego.. haha..
ah well.. so.. today was cleaning day at the previous location..and yes.. I had a good cry.. that house holds many wonderful memories.. and amazing views.. it gave me the opportunity to heal..even though in my head.. I feel like I still need much of that in my life.. ah.. who knows what tomorrow will bring..
and isn't that a good thing!... we don't know what is in store for us.. we have hope, we have faith.. we have our imagination.. and I have much prayer.. that I will continue to be blessed...
FAITH

HOPE

LOVE

PEACE

SERENITY

COMFORT

Feet, Feat, Fail

In a few short weeks I will be moving out of the house I moved into back in May of last year... its been an amazing home.. it truly has been my home.. my security..my place where I found some peace.. and a place that has allowed me to heal...needless to say..I am not ready to leave this sanctuary.. literally.. I am struggling with this choice...sadly I did not make this decision alone.. which I guess makes it that much harder.. I can only hope that it would be a good move.. bringing me into a larger city, might allow me to find a job.. or who knows.. maybe its just a step to be able to save some money so I can move on yet again.. funny thing about me.. here I thought I was all about having "roots".. now in my heart and head.. I am toying with the idea of getting a trailer.. and just buggering off.. so tired of this rat race.. trying to make ends meet.. I figured at this age I would have been a lot further along..but there is always something or someone that gets me off my path..
Questioning.. where do I want to be? what truly makes me happy? is there such a thing.. can one truly be completely and utterly happy.. I use to think that.. I use to think there is always a rainbow.. and I have always danced in the rain.. yes I am using metaphors here.. when the going got bad... I did the best I could do and made the best of it..
I guess I should start looking within.. seems that's where the happiness eludes me.. I talked to a friend today.. and he said.. maybe your healing is over.. and its time to let someone else have your spot.. guess that's what bugs me.. I don't feel healed.. so far from it... tired.. tired of looking around.. trying to figure it out...
as an old saying of mine.. "feet don't fail me now!"

which wolf?

One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, ‘My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.’

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ‘Which wolf wins?’

The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed.

Apples Go Splat!!: Peachland Beach Run

Apples Go Splat!!: Peachland Beach Run: "Bridget and my first ever Race Number for our first ever Running Race. 664 belongs to Bridget and 520 belongs to me. The Results from my r..."

17th May 2011

Found this ticket in my Wallet from the Sydney Aquarium.

Hummingbirds

Once again, i had some time to try and get some Humming bird photos. Today they were in particularly comfortable mood and kept coming back for more.

http://applesgosplat.blogspot.com/2011/06/humming-birds_18.html

Apples Go Splat!!: Trepenair Forest

Apples Go Splat!!: Trepenair Forest
Today's photo comes from the 24th May, 2011.

Tod Mountain Ranch

What a great place this is.. had to laugh my sister decided to go for the weekend to this horse ranch, and of course when she asked me this was over 2 months ago I was feeling great... So when I looked up this "dare to live the cowboy dream" I was all in.. couldn't wait..
So I got back from Australia.. sitting on a plane for 15 hours which I might add was brutal, on the back.. been seeing my chiro since.. and wow.. thank goodness for that. So here I sit.. well attempting at least, in this amazing lodge.. overlooking the sun peaks mountains.. gorgeous area. Saw a bald eagle yesterday, literally perched on top of a pine tree. Yes pics will be added later seeing how I am posting this while still on location. Sadly the back seized up last nite and I opted out of the 2 hour ride, the wrangler Steve said he would take me out this afternoon for a short ride, just to see if I can handle it with the back.. and if I can.. we may stay out a bit longer.. sweet guy!

The morning ride just left.. got some great pics of the horses.. we did take a walk on those same trails they are on right now, ran into a few deer.. literally..
think they spooked us more then we did to them.. haha

Dinner was amazing, Silas runs a tight kitchen, the man can cook, and cleans like theirs no tommorow!!! All the people here are sooo helpful and kind... everything is available.. beer, wine, pop, you name it...they got it..
Breakfast was poached eggs and bacon with of course coffee. The furniture here is all log .. I am in heaven.. of course I joked with Tracy... and how the room will be empty..taking the bed, lamps and anything NOT nailed down.. she giggled.. but somehow I think I may be searched before we leave.. LOL

pics to come!

CANUCKS RULE!

I love the fact that the BC hockey team has made it to the Stanley Cup playoffs.. I have to admit I am tired of hearing my American friends tell me how they have our cup.. its about time it comes home.. Needless to say those same friends really don't want to hear how most of the guys on those teams are CANADIANS.. hey just saying!

so tonight game 1 of the playoffs.. and exciting game.. makes me wanna go get a jersey.. I love being a FANATIC.. and yes.. I do it well.. my nails have the glorious blue/green colours.. and heck if I could find someone to put on the logo.. I would.. was even thinking about colouring the hair blue!.. but then some would call that CRAZY.. not like I haven't had weird coloured hair before.. (pink and purple) yeah.. and punk was SOOOO not in then... okay I will quit my ranting for now.. and like I said in previous posts.. I have some catching up to do with pics of my last vacation..

Stay tuned... LOL

My feet are getting itchy...

I started this in October of last year.. sadly I did not finish it.. so I won't edit it.. just add at the bottom.. so here it is...
Not only that but it's starting to get a bit cooler up here where I have decided to lay my head..ya...I call it home.. for now..one thing I have learned.. is it's all temporary..I mean who knows what will come down the line in a year or two.. face it.. we hope that we will stay planted.. we make the plans to be rooted..and yeah that's all good.. but I def want to see some more of this big amazing world! I think that's why I am getting a bit itchy.. and then too doesn't help that I started a new job.. so I feel a bit stuck.. funny when I think about that though.. I usually get a bit restless I guess you can call it.. having a boss that calls the shots.. takes a bit getting use to..I have been spoiled..
anyhoo.. back to my travel plans.. first what I think I need to do.. is learn to live LIGHT (it has nothing to do with wanting a big screen tv)..haha..meaning.. can I pack only one bag..and whats a necessity.. funny how when I say that this list comes to mind..and I know there's no way that's all gonna fit in one bag.. unless its one of those gianormous bags..

So funny thing about this job I had at that time..still doing it.. I was doing taxes and had a great time.. lots of learning which I am always up for.. and funny enough.. it also allowed me to take that much needed vacation.
A two week getaway.. flew to Australia.. now for some real blogging..

North... or almost north?

I am as north as I can get... for now... who knows.. maybe in a month or two.. I will have ventured further... north.. and maybe west.. I know that life is way too short.. and can be taken way too serious...not that you shouldn't think things thru but what I mean is.. don't over analyze every move you make.. sometimes moving in one direction may feel like a completely wrong thing to do..but its in the movement that one learns.. and as long as your learning and growing .. and experiencing.. how can that be wrong.. I look back at some of my choices.. and I have to say.. sure.. there are movements I regret.. but then.. if I didn't make those.. I wouldn't be where I am today.
I know.. brilliant.. hey.. LOL.. ya.. that's me...
I need to remember... there may be choices that I made that make me feel regret, but how can it be bad.. when clearly I am exactly where I need to be.. question is.. for how long??

which way is up??

saw something the other day.. posted on a status.. every which way but loose.. made me chuckle.. cuz I remember the orangatang in that film.. loved it.. brought me to my next thought.. and that was an old burt reynolds film... well I say old.. its not that old.. smokie and the bandit.. my mind continues to wonder.. as I try to harness what it all means.. or at least trying to make sense of the direction this brain wants to go..

thoughts.. north.. fast.. quit monkeying around.. ya.. amazing how this works.. needless to say thats not the order it came in.. but .. it got there..

so I found myself online.. looking at my sisters pictures from my summer visit with her.. I was there a couple times in the summer.. due to my mom's health..no worries she doing ok.. but to go back and see these pics.. the feelings that I had when we were taking them.. the exhileration.. all came back.. I guess the reason why the thoughts of those two specific movies was because when I saw those films.. I thought how much fun they must have had making it.. and wonder.. when the actors/actress view it again.. do they have those same feelings to.. or.. was it just a job..

I don't want my life to become a job.. I want it to be an adventure.. something I can look back on and feel the exhileration and excitement..

tomorrow....

A new day.. a new dawn.. a new year.. a new decade?

fade in... instrumental booming... thunder like noises.. and the words.. 2010.....
yes... 20-10... it does sound strange.. and it is odd.. cuz I certainly pictured it more futuristic.. I mean.. where's the flying cars.. and the jetpacks for us to go zooming about this great galaxy... I thought we would be like the Jetsons by now.. LOL.

Okay so we get a picture of something in our head.. of how it should be.. and then when its not so.. what now? but then you wonder.. whats it matter? It is .. what it is. Seems to be what I say alot lately.. no expectations.. but is that good?? I don't think so either.. I think its good to have some expectations.. or some idea of how you want it to be..

I know we are all different.. but by what degree.. how far are we from each other in our thoughts.. our desires.. I do wonder..

So welcome in 2010.. I expect you to be a great year.. loaded with excitement, and love... and maybe a newer truck for me.. and not the flying kind either.. haha

Cheers!

Hand is about to grab the cross

The aurora