Good morning SweetMotherOfMars, I am making my weekly hello. I do read the thread when I can but there is a great deal of posters in the group so I would rather get to know you all this way.

The news is alarming and as you say good/bad. We have had two friends jump kick the New Year week with tragedy's. I am only hoping this will not be indicative of the entire 2008 for them.

Have a great day all.

Why thank you SweetMother for taking the lead. I feel so much better knowing that it is not just I who has been lurking without checking in for a few days. Two weeks is just a few days right? Been on the road since the 23rd. Got back a couple days ago. Many reasons why I have not been posting much, but one that I thought was interesting I will point out. The Wyoming winds have indeed been scorching my soul just as LanSr pointed out last week while I was traveling north in Kansas. I know there is going to be changes. Ive got no choice. But not sure of all the details which makes it a bit scary. LanSr said it is a good thang. I so hope he is right. Loosing everything and starting over seems daunting; but at 50? I try to look over the next couple months – try to keep putting one foot in front of the other – but so many days they just feel like they way a ton each. Jumping off the cliff I can handle. It is the unknown at the other end that is scary. So with God as my net, the next 3-5 months is going to be interesting and challenging. With that said, it is most interesting that LanSr sensed such changes. I hope he is also correct that such will be a good thang.

Speaking of change, normally this time of year bring temps in the single digits. Yet we have been 50 plus the last few days. There were even flys buzzing around the garage yesterday. And it is 18 in North Carolina. Jaki, wanna pop up north where it is warm?

Welcome to the new folks who have joined us; blessings to all of you TBDian who make this such a wonderful place. Have a wonderful day everyone and remember to bless someone - especially a stranger or child - and you will be blessed. Hold and dont let go of the giving and blessing spirit just because the official season is past.

Good morning, gang (those of you who are already up and at 'em and those of you who will be awake four or five hours from now).

Just finished reading the latest AP reports about what folks are going through in the Western states. We need to keep them all in our prayers.

Meanwhile, it's another gorgeous sunrise here in San Antonio.

Checking in! it's a whopping 42 this morning. A veritable heatwave!!!! So I guess I won't be packing my duffle and heading u to the warm winter wonder of Wyoming to see my dear LR, tho I so appreciate the invite :> I know a frog in Michigan who needs a tropical vacation, so expect to be hearing from him soon!

I got my art show installed, and am already getting inquiries... now all I need are some actual buyers. One fellow I know likes one of the paintings so much that perhaps he and I need to do some hoss trading or somehting to get the price where we can make a deal. It's one of the ones from my personal collection that I decided I could let go if the opportunity arises... maybe it has??? Well, I'll talk to him at the end of the month if some brilliant afficionado hasn't snapped it up.

My house looks so vacant with all my work on display somewhere else... I am used to practically tripping over the stuff there's so much of it in my little casa. I have two really old paintings I put in my LR, and the little B&W one in the kitchen has the whole wall to itself... how lonely looking! This will get me started on the next two on Monday :>

I guess I ought to do some work before church, as I have my other job today and then a group meeting tonight for our class planning stuff with my group from last semester. We are discussing how to continue as a work group to encourage creative process, and need to pick a curriculum or something to follow. Bizzy day!!!!

Now where's that frog hiding?????

Good morning Sweetmotherofmars I hear that sadness/relief about what happened to your friends and poor kitty. My thoughts are with you.lost_romantic my friend I've missed you. I know you have the courage to see life thru its challenges. We are here to help. Your a good man and I believe that will always come back around to you.

I too have not been checking in here as much. Really trying to apply myself at work and all that. I love this site. Arkadash - you, Froggy and Joe Horizon are sooooooo good at making me laugh.

I am going to stay home today. Maybe work in my studio. I have this abstract that I am trying to learn how to not master if that makes any sence. I am going to take some time for myself today and let the rest of the world spin without me. Read, paint, primp and eat good food.

Oh, SweetMotherofMars, sending my empathy for the fire, and loss of a dear kitty. At least no human life was lost. To editor, sending hope for better times for your friends' troubles. LanSr- always prayers/gratitude coming for 'ya, and Arkadash- what a gorgeous sunrise pic-gracias. Great hearing from lost_romantic again- you WILL find answers! "These are the times that try mens' souls". Please focus on the wise words of the Dalai Lama: "NEVER give up, no matter what is happening, or going on around you". For measmyself, and Jaki, your art is essential to your spirits, and I'm sure that all here wish you well with your artistic endeavors. We attended a fun dinner party last night, and I see that I've gained 9 pounds since enjoying LOTS of holiday treats! Time to intensify my workouts! Have a brave week ahead, all!

Welcome home LR .. yah had me thinking of you while your on the road trip. So nice to "read your voice again"..!

Froggy