Black Rose for Friday the 13th

Happy Friday the 13th to my fellow Non-triskaidekaphobiaites. In addition to Friday the 13th and the celestial alignment of 4 planets, my black roses are also in bloom. I love unusual roses like these black velvet roses and my Julio Iglesias roses*.

Black rose



Crimson roses for contrast

*Julio Iglesias Rose

Do you have any favorite roses or flowers? Thank you very much.

Wildflowers for Almost Wordless Wednesday

Welcome for Almost Wordless Wednesday, and I hope you enjoy these photos from a recent hike in Rice Canyon, located in the Santa Monica Mountains.

A seasonal stream created by recent rains.

This might be a California Saxifrage, I am not sure, even with my wildflower guide reference.* Isn't "Saxifrage" a cool word? Those botanists sure have all the fun.)

Desert Lotus clinging to rocks.

Lavender, of which there are some 250 different types. And yes, it smells wonderful, as does the sage and eucalyptus.

Buttercup Bush approximately 8 feet tall.

Golden nugget poppy

Lupine

A glimpse of the semi-wildlife.

Thank you so much for your visit, and what natural beauties have crossed your path lately?

*"Mac's Field Guide to Southern California Wildflowers" because, as pointed out by Are You Kidding Me, accuracy in flower names counts.

Purple Flowers for Mother's Day

I extend my Mother's Day greetings to you and I hope you enjoy these flowers from my garden.

This is a sterling silver rose, my cousin had this type of rose in the bridal bouquet at her wedding where I met my husband. It has a very sweet smell which I love. To me, a flower without a scent, is like a pretty girl with no personality!

A new addition to the garden this year, I like the relief of white flowers next to the purple.

I love my irises, they are 5 years old and going strong.

Another new addition, they are called "bell"-somethings and are a welcome relief from petunias which bore me. (Sorry, petunia lovers).

This post is dedicated to Anna, a young mother and lover of all things purple, who will be missed this Mother's Day and is everyday.

When It's More Than the Blues

Personal Health Questionnaire for Depression Screening*

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following
problems? Yes No

1.During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling
down, depressed, or hopeless?

2.During the past month, have you often been bothered by little
interest or pleasure in doing things?

About three months ago I answered a solid "yes" to both questions when I found myself in the grips of a depression as bad as when my brother died 27 years ago. I was in the perfect storm- hormones, work, family, responsiblity, my own mortality, and even my work with several suicidal patients seemed to be contagious.

The scary and sad part was, that even though intellectually, I knew I was in trouble, deep weeds as they say, I was not well enough to do anything to help myself for a couple months. It took all my energy to meet my daily work and home obligations, and learn to set down my own troubles and focus on something outside myself to function. My work is a source of satisfaction and pride, and that helped keep me going. I am also mindful and appreciative of my blessings, especially when friends and patients have struggles much greater than mine. I recognize my cup truly runneth over and this insight helps sustain me.

I felt better enough to seek some help, and I am finding my joy and balance again. It's a slow process, but certainly beats the alternative. I am enjoying my hobbies again, like gardening, and crafts, and have actually completed an embellished tank and jeweled bookmark.

I am thankful for the genuine love and support of family and friends, near and far who humble me with their caring. You all are part of this inspiration and support, for which I truly thank you.

I hope by "cleaning out my closet" with sharing about my depression, that I might help someone who is struggling, or help those close to the person recognize it and reach out.


*The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) sets are self-reported depression rating scales. For example, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a self-reported, 9-question version of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders.[12] The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) is a shorter version of the PHQ-9 with two screening questions to assess the presence of a depressed mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in routine activities; a positive response to either question indicates further testing is required.

Cross posted at The Motivation Station as Cleaning Out My Closet, When It's More Than the Blues

Funny Hotel Sign for Almost Wordless Wednesday

Santa Cruz, California
I'm glad "heated poo" is seasonal. The smell must be...intense.
Please "favorite" me at Signspotting.com for April 12th and Thank you!

Scenes from Santa Cruz and Monterey for Ruby Tuesday

The Central Coast of California is stunning and awe-inspiring in the truest sense of the word. Plus, the "reds there are quite robust." ;o)

Santa Cruz Lighthouse and Surf Museum
Capitola Wharf Boat Rental
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Happy Ruby Tuesday and thank you for visiting, and May The Red Be With You!

Michael and Bubbles "I Don't Get It" Art for Almost Wordless Wednesday

During our family's recent visit to the Los Angeles County Art Museum, we not only got to see Jeff Koons' Blue Balloon Dog, but also his "Michael Jackson and Bubbles" sculpture. It's garish, sideshowish, and more than a little sad, kind of like the subject himself, may he RIP. Bubbles too. On that front, it's successful, even with the aversion factor, because it engaged us. Things that make you go hmmm.

And for all your background hunters like me, on the left is Warhol's Campbell Soup painting, to which my kids were like, "What the heck??"

Anything make you go hmmm lately? Thank you so much.

Oh Say Can You See My Blue Balloon Dog?

Lately, I have been as blue as this Jeff Koons balloon dog. Thank goodness for the restorative nature of art.

I have survived a recent yard sale and vow to never do That again. Ever.

I am dealing with another milestone in parenting, our oldest has his drivers learners' permit and is attending drivers education. Drivers education doesn't come with a prescription for the parents, but it should.

Work has been incredibly busy and stressful as I transition patients to a client who did not renew their contract. Saying goodbye to long time patients has been much harder than I anticipated, and the kind things they have said to me are very touching and moving- "I'll never forget you", "You've always been so helpful", "I'll miss talking to you". Very kind things.

This is my 501st post and it's been over a month since I've posted. Can you say Loser? I knew that you could. ;o) Thank you.

My Last Quarter in Pictures for Almost Wordless Wednesday

The madness started at the same time as "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1" hit the theaters.



It started to build to a crescendo with both of the boys performing in December recitals.



We hit the road south to visit The Hotel Del Coronado decorated for the holidays.

The boys like to adopt this superhero recruiting pose for photos. The big Santa doll seems unimpressed.

Several weeks ago saw us at Universal Citywalk for our youngest son's birthday party.

The boys and a few friends went indoor parachuting at IFLYHollywood.

The oldest was a natural.

All the boys loved it.

We weren't the only ones out enjoying the beautiful weather, Stephen Hawking was also there that day.



How about you? Any wizards or scientists cross your path recently? Thank you so much.

San Diego Silliness for Almost Wordless Wednesday

Expert grammarians, please advise. I think this sign for the male restroom is incorrect, that it should read, "Gents".

Sign from the botanical gardens in Balboa Park, San Diego, California.

The teens proudly display their new pet, a giant beetle. I hope the cat doesn't mind sharing her litter box.

Snow Kidding in Los Angeles

We knew something was up last weekend when the 12 y/o asked, "Why can I see the rain?"

That's snow up in them thar Santa Monica Mountains.






The snow made the backyard look like it had been sprinkled with fairy dust.

Happy Twenty-Eleven to you and yours. Thanks for the visit.

Holiday Remnants

Some vignettes from my last two weeks include-

Two recitals and a Winter Concert for the boys, including the oldest singing "The Christmas Song", Adam Sandler's "Hanukah Song", and the "Carol of The Bells". A highlight for our son in preparing for his winter concert, was when the Choir Director told the "Basses, hold onto your Dongs". I think the Show Choir guys have started a FB paged named that now.

I was out and about doing errands, and in a truck filled with boxes and presents, was a portly gentleman with a gray beard, trying to exit a parking lot onto the road, and of course, I had to let him in, because he Looked just like Santa Claus. And, Mrs.Claus was sitting right next to him!

I was feeling behind my Christmas preparations until I saw car yesterday at the grocery store that had a Christmas tree strapped to the top. We are doing just fine on our holiday preparations.

The holidays are different this year, we really scaled back the decorations because of the unrelenting rain in SoCal, we are visiting my parents this weekend instead of them coming here, and our youngest is going through puberty, and grappling with the St.Nick conspiracy after almost 13 years.

We tell him, if you don't believe, you don't recieve.

May your days be Merry and Bright, and thank you for the Gift of YOU!! Martha

Wordful Wednesdays - More Grumpy Old Ladies

I'm up to here --- with grumpy old ladies like the Devil with the Blue Hair who was taking up two seats at the crowded movie theater, and acted So PUT Out when I asked her very politely to please move her bags and detritus, so my husband and I could actually sit together.
Well, I wasn't quite so polite when I told her that if she didn't want to sit next to people, maybe she should have waited until the movie came out on DVD, and then she could watch it in the comfort of her home. All by herself.

Another grump was the Devil in the Red Sweater who was walking her dog on the soccer fields despite the many signs reading "No Pets Allowed". When I politely told her that dogs were not permitted, she told me that I didn't have permission to be there at my son's practice.

She started to tell me how nasty I was, (ah if she only knew), but she soon got a clue at how Jersey I could be, when I said to her, "It's all about you, isn't it? You don't care about the rules, the rules don't apply to you!" Her husband got her under control and led her off the field and tried to give me the "hand". Doesn't work, pal, you got the leash on the wrong bi+ch.

I am also up to here --- with grumpy patients who don't want to take responsibility or solve their problems. I can't care more about their problems than they do, that's for sure and a lesson I learn daily.


And how was your week?

Got Gratitude?

Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., the former start of the holiday shopping season. (The holiday shopping season now starts back in September, when the back to school sales are over.)

So, in the spirit of Thankfullness, (Or is it Thankfulness? No, that's not right.), so in the spirit of Gratitude, (a much more manageable word if ever there was one), here's my list of the "good stuff".

I am thankful for -

My husband and sons who make me laugh.

My health and well being. Ex Deus Machina.

My parents and siblings who taught me self reliance and don't me drive me too crazy.

My teen and young adult nieces and nephews who actually listen and laugh at my jokes.

My friends, both near and far, virtual, and up close and personal. You are a gift.

My nursing career and the skills to help patients and families help themselves.

My pets who think I am the center of the Universe, well, because to them, I am.

To the Mayans or Aztecs or whoever invented Chocolate.

The roof over my head, the food in our pantry, and the extraordinary abundance of the everyday.

So to you and yours, Thank you today and everyday.

Humorless Old Ladies, Related and Not

I've had two recent encounters with humorless old ladies, one related, one not, that has left me determined to, never, ever, ever, lose my sense of fun, or ability to laugh, joke, or even break into a smile.

My first case in point, is an unknown elderly lady at the gym I recently joined. This lady appears very nice and cordial to all who cross her path, except for an apparent aversion to me. She assidously avoids eye contact with considerable and observable effort, and, on the rare occasions where our glances will unexpectedly meet, she SCOWLS at me. Yes, a Full frontal SCOWL, every single time. I thought, maybe I look like someone she knows and very obviously Dislikes. Intensely Dislikes.

My other experience was with my mom who can be a real PITA. When she came to visit us a few weeks ago, we were both in my car, ready to go shopping. Literally, just as I was ready to put the minivan in gear, my mother said, "Maybe we shouldn't go shopping."
I replied, "You've got to be kidding, we are already in the car on our way."
She said all Huffy like, "Don't talk to me like I'm one of your peers."
To which I told her, "We're leaving, and don't lose your sense of humor."
She pouted all the way to the Antiques Mall.

Next time, I'm parking the car and going back in the house, by myself.

Heart of the West Pow Wow for Almost Wordless Wednesday

Earlier this Fall I attended the Friends of Hart Park Annual Pow Wow, a celebration of Native American Culture with tribes from all over the Southwest and Plains states.


There was lots of dancing and drumming.

Lots of dancing and colorful traditional dress.



This pretty rainbow hued dress reminded me of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Coat.



Here is my personal favorite, a "jingle dress", made with rolled up pieces of metal, traditionally from tobacco tins.



I greatly enjoyed my first visit to the Hart Park Pow Wow and look forward to next year, especially the bead and crafts booths. (Yes, I bought some lovely turquoise, shell, silver, and coral beads. I am like Mrs.Spit in a good yarn store, hopeless and helpless when faced with the raw materials of my craft.)

What cool cultural goings-on are happening in your neck of the woods?
Thank you so much, and if you would like to see my Jewish Mother culture at work, please stop by The Motivation Station today for my homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe and more. Thank you again.