* BAKING, SHOPPING? NO, TRYING TO GET WELL FIRST! *

I wish I could say that since my previous post on December 7th, I've gotten all ready for Christmas....

I was doing really well, too. Not rushing around like a nut, not getting all stressed. I'd started working on my Christmas cards back around Thanksgiving and I knew I'd have them mailed EARLY this year! I still had plenty of time to bake cookies to take to work, and give to friends, and have some for us at home, too.

Then on Sunday, the 11th, I noticed I was getting a sore throat. Uh Oh! That's almost always the beginning of a sinus infection, but at least I get meds and it goes away fairly fast. But NO, not this year! Every day I felt a bit worse...and to shorten this as much as possible...I finally saw my doctor this morning and I have pneumonia!

When I was in my 20's and 30's, I would get either bronchitis or pneumonia almost every single year! But then I hadn't had more than a cold or sinus infection since then...until now. I recognized the symptoms and was 99% sure I had it, but I also did want the doctor to see me and make the correct diagnosis.

So, I got another round of new meds and by this evening was so much better! It's a wonderful feeling to have a bit more energy and actually feel like being part of the family again! Ron has been great, though, taking care of everything.

Now, I just need to rest up and get ALL BETTER, so I can experience a bit of last minute of shopping and baking, etc!

- Until then, I leave you with photos from Christmases past - 

Becky's cookies 2011

Becky's cookies 2011

Becky's cookies 2011

Mmm..Mmm, Can you almost sniff the aroma of fresh baked cookies??

I can't wait to start making them!

found on Pinterest

WHOA - FIVE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS! YIKES!

* YES, I AM ALIVE AND WELL *

It's been almost a month to the day since I blogged, and my background definitely needs an update, but no time for that tonight. Hopefully I'll get back soon for that. 

Just wanted to say that I am here, I'm doing really well, and just crazy busy!! 

Hope all of you are well, too, and happy, and living life to the fullest...

I leave you this evening, with this picture of me from quite a few years ago....

It shows the "real" me, don't you think?!

Bye for now!!!

* Just Like Bob Seger's Song...I'm Still the Same! (forgetful, silly, crazy, etc.)

A re-post from November 7, 2016

and my memory is certainly not any better! 

In replying to someone on Facebook, I wrote:

"I haven't forgotten about your email...just sort of 'misplaced' the thought to remember!"

~~~

Yes, it's another "Becky-ism!"

You could use this phrase with most anything you forgot about. Just insert the correct words: our lunch date, your text message, repaying that money I owe you, etc. Ha!

* SO THANKFUL FOR ALL THOSE PEBBLES *

Some people have someone in their lives they refer to as their “ROCK."

 

 

 

 

Well...I’m extremely fortunate to have

so many pebbles that come together for each other...

 

 

 they form a big ROCK!

 

 

You, bloggers and friends, may not even know it,

but you have been my pebbles and rock for a long, long time.

 

 

 

 

 

* WELCOME TO ROUTE 66 AND OTHER COOL HIGHWAYS *

Today I discovered that a very interesting fellow I know has been reading my blog! I was quite surprised and pleased that he took the time to do that, especially since my blog posts sure ain't what they used to be.

Looking back at some of the ones I wrote during the heyday of my blogging...2009, 2010, 2011, 2012...I think to myself: Wow, I was really writing some good stuff back then, if I do say so myself!

I must've been a lot more creative then, and "writerly feeling," than I am now. Lots of "reposting" comes to mind for future days...

For now, though, This is for you, Scott...

from "I'm not your mother, Becky!"

 

Meander down that long and winding road!

* A Prayer or Two *

Below is a post from my blog on October 4, 2011.

Doesn't seem possible that it's been SIX YEARS ago!

 

I was going to attach You Tube videos for both songs, so you could hear the beautiful music and lyrics, which have been haunting me again lately.....but unbelievably I could not find either by ANY singer that I liked enough to post! If you know of some, please let me know.

~~~

When most people think of the The Beatles, I doubt if "prayerful music" comes to mind. We all have our favorite songs of theirs, ranging from the very first pop/rock tunes until the final more contemplative recordings.

Somewhere in my past....maybe 15 or 20 years ago....(That would now be 20 - 25 years ago) two of those songs became prayer-like to me. The music and lyrics would pop into my mind, just when I needed them. I'd either sing out loud or only "in my head," depending on whether I was alone or not.

Those two songs are:

The Long and Winding Road

Let it Be




I've read various so-called explanations about the lyrics of these songs, and it doesn't matter to me what the "real" meaning is or isn't. I know what they mean to me and that's all that counts.

What about you? Do you have certain "prayerful" songs that aren't considered hymns?


P.S. After posting this, I decided to change my blog title and description. Now it says who I am at this stage in my life. I like it! How about you?


"There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is." ~William P. Merrill

* THE FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN? *

Hello All ~

Although tomorrow, September 22nd is the first day of autumn, it certainly doesn't feel that way in my little part of this great big world. In fact, we're having a heat wave...We did have cooler temps here and there a while back, but we knew it wasn't time yet for that to continue. It's been 90⁰F + here, plus very humid! I am SO ready for my favorite season to return...and fast.

Hopefully, to help make it feel a bit cooler, here are some favorite photos I've taken over the past few years:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~~~

 

 

 

I found this quote online somewhere

and it just spoke to me...

 

Goodnight!

 



* CLAUDIA LOST HER BATTLE *

A very dear friend of ours, Claudia Mundell, lost her fight with cancer earlier today.

http://claudiapage-bookie.blogspot.com/

She and I "met" through blogging and shared lots of things in common: writing, tea cups and tea pots, doilies, wind chimes, enjoying time out on the deck, and our canine companions. We actually met in person one evening in one of those serendipitous ways! Claudia, you will be missed by so many, but at least your writing lives on for all to enjoy.

I've been told there will be no services, which makes me sad, but that must've been Claudia's wishes.

I don't know if anyone has her blog password, so for now, the last post on it is from July 12.

In the days to come, I hope to post more things about Claudia, but for now, just wanted to get the word out. 

* You can type Claudia in the "Search this blog" box on the right column, directly below my memoir cover, and see more posts about this lovely woman. *

The link below will take you to the post I wrote past May, right after I learned about Claudia's cancer.

http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2016/05/our-dear-friend-claudiaaka-bookie.html

** THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN! **

 

I've been waiting to see a total eclipse of the sun my entire life & finally, here it was today, right where I live!

 

I had planned on attending an event a few miles away, where I would've received the special viewing glasses, and would've been able to feel the excitement and awe along with hundreds of others...but I decided it was just too hot and humid and that I better stay home. Ron and I DID see a total eclipse, though, similar to the one in the photo!! We just couldn't watch as totality approached, because of not having the glasses. And I believe it would've been fabulous to experience it with other people, but I'm not disappointed at all.

 

When it reached totality, as in the photo, that's when we could stand and stare at it without harming our eyes. It was quite a sight, but ended way too soon...only lasting about ONE minute! The areas it lasted the longest was approximately TWO minutes and 40 seconds.

 

 

I'm already thinking about the next nearby total eclipse. In only seven years - 2024!

 

 

Here's what's being said about IT!

 

On April 8, 2024, the shadow of the moon will once again completely block out the sun across the United States, this time from Texas to Maine. Portions of Mexico and eastern Canada will also experience a total solar eclipse. This will provide a second opportunity for people in the U.S. to experience one of nature’s most beautiful displays.
 

 

 

Blog friends, if you want to experience the 2024 eclipse with me, just give me about a year's notice, so we can make sure hotels are available....We'll be in nearby Illinois!

* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER "NOSTALGIC SUNDAY!"

I'm happy to say that I'm at home and I'm still able to work on my blog! I always used to use Internet Explorer, but I'm using a different one, and it seems to be the one I need to stick with. 

I haven't had "fun" blogging in a long time, but I hope to discover that joy again, and soon, like as in...Now! 

So, my nostalgic thoughts this evening are of past years when so many of us were blogging consistently...as many of you still do.

I always enjoyed the:

• Writerly blogs
• Tea cup blogs
• Photography blogs
• Food & Recipe blogs
• Humorous blogs
• Serious blogs
• Motivational blogs
• Etcetera!

I plan to be back soon, posting on my blog, and reading as many of yours as I possibly can. Have a beautiful, blissful week everyone!

All my crazy friends mean the world to me!

You know who you are! 💗

* I'M AT WORK, AND THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A PROBLEM *

     It must be my laptop at home....but it "works" for everything else online!!  &*$%#@

* BLOG UNDER CONSTRUCTION *

I'm changing the look of my blog and not quite sure if I like what I've done so far....

   Thus, the sign about my remodeling!

(I also deleted the photo of a room needing a complete remodel. I didn't explain myself very well when I first posted this at 3:27am!)

* NEW FOLLOWERS & BLOGS *

I'd like to say Thank You and Welcome my newest follower - Nick!

I clicked on your picture, Nick, and it listed the names of blogs you follow, but didn't list a blog of yours. Do you have one?

Has anyone else noticed that Blogger has changed in that way? We used to be able to click on a follower's photo, and it would take us to their blog. Voila'

And what if we don't remember the blog names of "older" followers?

I'm confused and confounded! I know....it doesn't take much, but still...this is something I'd like to know about. How can we find certain bloggers? How do we find the way?

                                     

* THE UPS & THE DOWNS...THE ZIGS & THE ZAGS *

As some of you know, the past few months/years have been a bit stressful in many ways, and yet every now and then, there always seems to be something to be completely ecstatic about.

My favorite online dictionary, http://www.dictionary.com/ always has a Word of the Day and yesterday's, June 7th, was one of my all time favorites: Serendipity.

Such an appropriate word! A couple of really great things happened to me this week...in fact, both on the same day: Tuesday, June 6th. My spirit would've been lifted by just one, but the two of them together were simply serendipitous! 😊

1) Tuesday I was interviewed for a part-time job, was hired, and I start next week.

2) And also on Tuesday, I was notified that a story I submitted will be published in the upcoming book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Really Did That?

I'm extremely excited about both, and especially the way they both happened....You know, those "meant to be" things?

The job came about because of a friend, in a zig-zaggy kind of way.

And, I haven't had anything published anywhere since 2013, and my most recent Chicken Soup acceptance was 2008!

Now, if I can just lose about 20 lbs. really fast so I can fit into my business casual clothes!

* MEMORIAL DAY *

In America, today is Memorial Day, 2017. 

Every Memorial Day I take time to remember why we celebrate. Many years ago, it was known as Decoration Day. That's because it was the day families and friends laid wreaths and other patriotic decorations on the graves of loved ones....those who died in wars.

Some men came home from wars, but many others did not. I am alive today because of one man that did not make it home....my mother's first husband. He was killed during WWII, and although that was heartbreaking for her and her two young daughters, my brother, Mike, and I wouldn't be here if that hadn't happened. A few years later, she met and married our father. When Mike and I were born, we already had an instant family....one that consisted of two teenage sisters for us!

courtesy: Becky Sept 2011
 at our friends' lake house

During our barbecues, picnics, and parties celebrating the beginning of summer, let's remember why it's possible that all of us are here today. 

I don't write a political blog, but I will say this, if you've never been to Washington, DC and seen Arlington Cemetery and/or the Vietnam Wall, you've missed out on a couple of extremely powerful sights that you will never forget...and you will surely have chills...




"I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, 'Mother, what was war?' " ~ Eve Merriam

*this was a repost from 2014*

* HAVE YOU EVER? *

Have you ever posted pictures of your feet on your blog or Facebook? I've seen quite a few pictures of women's feet, nicely polished toenails, lying on a sandy, white beach, or on a boat, or deck....and they are so pretty!

And I immediately wonder....     

Have you ever seen such funny looking feet
 and toes in your entire life?! (yes, these are yours truly!)

Somehow I guess I inherited these crooked little toes (remember reading about my Aunt Grace in my memoir's chapter "Piggyback Toes & Coffee Can Spittoons" ?)

BUT, I don't think anyone else in my family can do such tricks as I can! Someone may possibly refer to my right foot in this picture as doing my version of the Vulcan Salute!

And because of these strange looking dactyls, I never wear open-toe sandals or flip-flops. Never! Because I would hate to scare little children. And I certainly don't want anyone pointing at my feet and laughing and/or shuddering!

It's a good thing my husband is not a "foot/toe" kind of guy...otherwise where would I be at this point in my life?? I shudder to even think about it!

* DO YOU EVER? *

Do you ever get excited about house cleaning?? I must admit that I'm not much of a housekeeper. There is usually clutter and dust bunnies just about everywhere. I can't seem to keep up with it all.

I used to try a lot harder, but gave up years ago when I realized that my husband was never going to change, so why bother knocking myself out, when it'd look the same all over again in a few days, hours, minutes!

BUT, when I AM in the mood...look out! I was so excited when I went to sleep Saturday night because I'd finally bought new "cleaning stuff," and knew I'd be using them when I woke up Sunday. Weird? Not for me.

I'd been using watered-down Windex and watered-down all purpose spray cleaner for so long, they certainly weren't doing the job. And I'd completely ran out of one of my favorites: Soft Scrub with bleach. So, can't you understand my excitement when I knew I could actually do a great job of cleaning the kitchen?! And because of that, I was happy!

The radio was tuned to a favorite station and I think I actually whistled while I worked. It was one of those glorious, perfect days...sunshine & ideal temperatures...and did I wish I was outside? Nope! I gazed out my patio door from time to time and reveled in the beauty of it all, especially the birds at our bird-feeder, floating and swooping, waiting for their turn...all those except for those ill-behaved Blue jays!

This was not taken that day,
but at least you can see part of my kitchen!
Have I mentioned I LOVE this apartment?
 

In no time, the stove-top shined, the counter-tops were spot free, & the sink glistened!

Yesterday and today were semi-rainy and cloudy and I didn't feel like doing a thing.
Hey Mother Nature...please send more almost-perfect days. I want to keep cleaning!



* THANK YOU *

Thanks to those of you who alerted me to the fact that there seemed to be a "missing" post on my blog.

I started one the other day, then changed my mind and hit the Delete button....which obviously didn't totally delete it because it looks like there's a blank page or an error.

Hopefully, I'll have something new to post soon....But for now, I'll say,

 

 

* IT'S EASTER IN APRIL *

Easter always arrives on a day in March or April. Personally, I prefer April, just because chances are better that the weather might cooperate and there will be such outdoor beauty to behold.

 

I couldn't find a picture of any of the traditional Easter cakes I made just about every year when my boys were growing up, but I found this online. It is similar...somewhat!

Mine would have white frosting, tinted green coconut just on the top, a few jelly beans, just on the top, and a few yellow chicken peeps (the original!) on the top! I know I have printed photos somewhere...but that's a whole other project...to find them.

~~~

I'm feeling a bit melancholy today....and I've been like this for a while now. I'm pretty sure I know what is causing it and I just need to work my way through it, as I've always done when things have gotten me down. (It has nothing to do with any health issues of mine or my family, so no worries.)


Last night I was jumping around my blog and others', and read a few really old blog posts...tablescapes, thrift store finds, photos of this 'n that, especially humorous ones...and I loved sensing the joy I felt when I wrote them, and I want that back. It's not that I don't have any joy at all right now, but anyone who has read my blog with any regularity knows that I haven't blogged much worthwhile in a LONG time.


I certainly didn't intend on this becoming a "downer," so I'll leave with some cute and/or funny things.

                            Happy Easter Everyone!

* I CAN'T QUIT LISTENING TO THIS *

This song came to my mind the other day, because of something I read on a friend's blog. I chose to share this version when I saw it was sung by the Harlem Boys' Choir. Such beautiful voices...so profound...

(When my church used to play this years ago, I never could sing along because I'd be in tears...haunting words and glorious melody...I hope you enjoy.)

 * I had to turn my volume way up...you may need to, also. *

It seems like most of my posts are about time flying by, and I intend to stop it! Yes, indeed! I'm going to stop it right now...Writing about it, that is.....since there's nothing I can actually do about slowing it down. You know that saying, "It is what it is."

I hope to begin blogging again with some type of routine. 

I miss the writing, which is a very good thing.

 

 

You Tube



 

I've got some ideas beginning to percolate, too, which is such a great feeling! I truly thought I'd lost the desire to write.

 

AND, I miss my blog friends! Yes! I miss reading your blogs and staying connected!

~~~~~

The two following sentences were included in my post of January 2nd of this year:

1) I do hope to fit in some other creative-type pursuits.
2) And I truly want to become consistent in living an organized life.

 

I'm working on those and succeeding quite a bit, especially the "organized life" part. Have I mentioned that Ron and I moved again?? I feel like a military wife....a very old military wife! Ha! In fact this last move...and I DO mean LAST....is part of what inspired me to start writing again...so, as usual, Everything Happens For a Reason.

And as I wrote on the upper right column of my blog, in November 2016: I'm not sure what my dreams are, but I'm anxious to find out. Maybe when I get to that fork in the road, I should take it!

P.S. Did any of you click on the percolator to hear its sound? I had to turn my volume all the way up to hear it. Loved it. It's such a neat reminder of an every day occurrence in my mother's kitchen when I was growing up.
 

"SOMETIMES ON THE WAY TO YOUR DREAM, YOU GET LOST AND FIND A BETTER ONE." - Unknown (as seen on River's blog, "Drifting Through Life")

*** Aaaacccckkkkk! Please let me know if you see a few sentences in teeny-tiny print! I keep changing the font size over and over and over.....and I keep seeing it as tiny! This blogger is *&@#$!    Yep, it's fixed finally!

* WELL, MY TIMING SEEMS A BIT OFF...*

I can't believe it's been eleven days since I posted a little note, saying I'd be back later that evening to share some news. What can I say? I just realized what and who I am. I'm a forgetful procrastinator. Put those two things together....and you got trouble!  J

The big news is not about me at all. It's about our son, Mark. Some of you might remember he's been a student at Washington University in St. Louis for a number of years. And now, after his dedication and hard work all those years, on March 10th of this year, he officially became a Doctor - a Ph.D in the PNP Program...Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology. (Uh, just where did he inherit his intelligence? I'd have to say it's from MY side of the family!)  Here is the notice on the WU website: http://pnp.artsci.wustl.edu/news/articles/430 
(Those of you who are also on Facebook, I apologize for the duplicate news posting!)

What comes to mind could be those wacky PhD characters on The Big Bang Theory:
Dr. Sheldon Cooper
Dr. Leonard Hofstadter
Dr. Raj Koothrappali
But, I can assure you that although Mark ....aka Dr. Povich...is an extremely intelligent guy, he is not a nerd!

Mark has always been the child/teenager/man that every parent dreams of. I guess you can imagine how proud and happy Ron and I are.

 

 

          

* Hey, I'm Still Alive! *

Quick message: I am alive and well....

I will try to get back to my blog later this evening to share some news.... (no, I'm not newly published or anything like that!)

Until then....Charlie says.....

Nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah!

 

Bat Dog!! 

* ANOTHER FORK IN THE ROAD ON MY JOURNEY OF LIFE *

Hello dear friends!

As you've noticed I haven't been blogging much lately, and I'm here today to tell you that I'm taking an official break for a while.

Nothing is wrong, so please don't worry!

It's just that life has that amusing way of not always going the way we've planned, and for the next few weeks or months, my time will be spent, happily, in a different direction.

Every time I've joined a new group, worked at a new job, moved into a different home, I've made new, life-long friends. It's amazing.
And you, my blog friends are right up there at the top!

Please feel free to e-mail me, if you have a spare moment, and keep in touch! And I will try to do the same.

Au revoir, for now!

 

* ICE STORM COMING MY WAY? *

Hello friends!

I've been a little under the weather since Tuesday morning, and glad I don't have any big plans for this weekend...for two reasons:

1) I haven't felt that great. I've been sneezing and freezing (when it was still warm out!)
2) We're supposed to be getting a big ice storm.

So, Charlie's been keeping me company, we're hunkered down, and trying to stay warm. J

Wherever you are, hope you are feeling fantastic and enjoying good weather!

*One of my favorite quotes below!*

"When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of ‘ME, TOO!” be sure to cherish them. Because those weirdos are your tribe." - Nanea Hoffman

* JANUARY 2017 *

I have no specific plans for 2017.

I don't make New Year's Resolutions.

I may or may not blog very often.

I may even begin a new blog, although at this point I don't know what it would consist of.

I do hope to fit in some other creative-type pursuits.

I've even toyed with the idea of taking a musical instrument lesson...again.

And I truly want to become consistent in living an organized life.