Our Journey

It has been a journey, after 25 years together, it has definitely been a journey.

My husband, Kelly turns 48 today. We don't always celebrate these "HAPPY BIRTHDAY'S" anymore, for they seem to have sped up and now we say, like most people our age, "Where has all the time gone?"


If you do not watch/listen to the YouTube video, allow me just a few lyrics:


..."Faded wedding photographs"...My favorite, that's T.J. at 4 years old in the middle of us.



..."Our children all have grown"... Each their own person, on their way to a life. Their life was molded out of ours, but they each have chosen their own individual ways and we like that. We have allowed them individuality and an opportunity to express themselves. We hope without too much pressure to be anything more or less than who and what they are, and want to become.



..."Mountains we have climbed to get this far"......This one was memorable. A short hike, a picnic, some nice music, a long talk, and of course Zion, along for the journey.

..."We learned to take the laughter with the tears"...Enough said.

..."You stood by me, days and nights that I was gone"...I'm not talking about when I was out of town, it was all the times that my mind was not present. Again enough said.

..."You sacrificed, believed in me, and you stood strong...

..."Cause with our love there's nothing left to fear...

...After all these years...

Happy birthday honey and I will love you forever,
your Wildflower

Lyrics that I Love...

This little rascal is Lyric David Nelson. He is my nephew, and he is a pistol, just like his Grandpa was! He never knew his Grandpa, he died long before he was born. His mother Amanda is just like Lyric, another pistol, she fires off whatever is on her mind, when ever, where ever. They were inspired to name this feisty little guy Lyric because his father is in the music business and loves music like the rest of our family.

I love music...music I find is a great way to relate, with others, and with myself. I listen to music all the time, some songs over and over because I like them so much. I am also always in search of new tunes. Tunes that will uplift me or help me to express myself, with whatever type of mood I happen to be in.

I listen very closely to lyrics, if I can't make them out, I google them. I want to know the words of the songs I am listening to, for a couple of reasons, 1) so I really understand the song, and 2) so I can sing, and sing LOUD, when necessary til my little heart is content!:D

I think I feel a deeper connection to life because of music. It can move me to tears, make my heart feel like it is pounding out of my chest, make me feel more romantic, and even make me feel like running, the problem is...I haven't done that in years! I listen to the beat, the tempo, the instruments and I have playlists on my computer, iPhone and iPod all categorized under headings such as: Chicks TCS (that can sing), Easy Old School, Butt Rock, OHW (one hit wonder) Fav's, Sleep thru Snoring, you get the idea...

Music is like poetry, the words, sure, but the instruments all working together to create a sound that either it works, or it doesn't. And then in what setting does it work? How do you feel? What mood are you in? What are you doing?

So one of my favorite artists was Michael Jackson, the guy had talent beyond anything of this world. I wonder...has my brother been to a concert yet? Has he met Michael Jackson, the King of Pop? Many songs remind me of my brother, rather albums, entire albums.

Some pic's of Dave with Michael Jackson Lyrics...


I Said You Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
You Got To Be Startin' Somethin'


Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night


We pray for our fathers, pray for our mothers
Wishing our families well



Whatever happens, don't let go of my hand


Just Beat It,
No One Wants To Be Defeated


Though you're far away, I am here to stay
But you are not alone, for I am here with you
Though we're far apart, you're always in my heart
But you are not alone...

Stop Look and Listen, NOW!

I have had the good fortune of slowing down...actually quieting down, these past few months. I do believe this is a first in my life! This is the kind where you are able to Stop, Look, and Listen. By nature I am busy-minded.

I am loving and learning a lot from the Eastern practices of the world--meditation, awareness, the now, you know, weird things like that. I have not made my "pilgrimage" to an ashram...(yet):).

I respect all races, and religions for their goodness and differences. I dislike dogma, self righteousness and judgment inflicted on others that puts one above, or otherwise exercises control. To me these things seem to get us into trouble...for the most part.

As I had mentioned in my previous post that life seems to come full circle when we look for it. There is so much meaning in the small things in life. And yet when we rush through, how much do we miss? I am sorry to say, I missed so much. I missed little things, fixing breakfast for my kids, appreciating the Fall leaves, really listening to a friend.

Oh, I forgive myself, I am trying to live NOW! I'm grateful I have recognized these things...NOW!

Circles Never End

I think Life Comes Full Circle! If you don't think so, maybe two things are happening: 1) You haven't lived long enough, or, 2) You're not looking?

Do they mean anything? They do to me! The meaning of things become much clearer to me when I see certain things come to pass. Tragedies, relationships, love, life lessons, triumphs. There is an interconnectedness in all things if you look for it.

My experiences are mine and mine alone, and not worth sharing for they would really be meaningless to you. However I have found a deepening of appreciation for my life, my experiences and especially my relationships, because that is what makes my life enjoyable as I have contemplated these circles.

Some of my circles are complete...some are incomplete, but the good thing is circles never end...

My Practical Mother is Shirley 67!

"There's been an explosion!" "Hurry come quick!" We all scamper to the shrieking sounds of my mother's voice and the string of Bangs going on downstairs!! No matter, mom is up to another one of her shenanigan's, this time she lit fireworks...just BEcause.?

This happened often growing up with mom. Fake poop, throw up, mice. Cigarette loads, the kind that went off in the guys face when they lit up at work. A string of compounded four letter words and ending with "Shirley!" would ensue. She had a reputation. My mom loved to play practical jokes...it runs in the family. And we loved it! Many stories to tell...

Oh and speaking of story telling, she can hang with the best of 'em. When she tells a story she is so animated and giggly that you don't know what is more funny, her or the story!

My mom turns 67 today. She works nearly full time hours at our Salon & Day Spa. She has been faithfully dedicated by our side since one year after we opened. Twenty one years of working with your daughter and son-in-law--now that's dedication, or brain damage?!


Mom was also a young mother. I was her third, and last, at the tender age of 21. By that time she had proficiently learned how to cook, clean, can, sew, garden, and work in the fields during harvest season on the farm. This picture was taken last year on Thanksgiving Eve as she is trying to teach some of us the finer art of all her "KNOCK OUT COOKING". This woman can STILL work most 20 and 30 year old's under the table.


But as I look back at my mom's life and all she has been through what I love most about her is her resilience. My parents divorced after 37 years of marriage. Shortly thereafter her son was killed and her father also died. She sustained many losses and handled it with quiet grace. Never does she talk about herself unless asked, and even then she is more interested in you than in going on about herself. She will serve until she is exhausted.

The practical jokes have left our family for quite some time now...they are slowly coming back, time does heal and we are grateful.

Mom is the life blood of our family. She is principle oriented and is never afraid to stick up for what she believes is right. She is loved and respected for that, even when it was not popular under many circumstances. She does not like pomp and circumstance...and particularly if it is about her. Luckily my practical mother has practically NO SAY in what I blog about!

We can all learn a few things from this "generation". This breed who felt no entitlements, worked hard for every penny they earned, believes in going the extra mile when they do a job, and if a "job's worth doing, it is worth doing well. Both my parents taught me to work hard and now my children and I are the beneficiaries of such a wonderful example.

Happy birthday Mom and wishing you many many more. I love you, I love you, Shirley most surely I DO!!!