524.

Happy Saturday everyone!

My day out starts fairly early, with an excursion that will likely last into the wee hours.

It promises to be full of excitement and... temptation.

Not in massive quantities, I hope.

A lady can only protest so much...

There might be photos later.

Safe travels y'all!

523.

Every heart sings a song, incomplete,
until another heart whispers back.
Those who wish to sing always find a song.
At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet.

- Plato

522.

I hope everyone who observes the Memorial Day holiday had a good weekend.

I did.

My weekend was so good that I have to share a secret: thus far, it was the best holiday weekend I've had since Mr. Bliss passed away.

Not that I didn't miss him this past weekend. I did. And I cried a little. (Mr. Bliss did love his holidays. He was also Air Force.)

But God always sends angels when I need them and I am ever thankful.

Saturday was book club with my sistas. It's always fun and interesting with those ladies. Even if one hasn't read the featured book, there is still a good meal to enjoy, personal tidbits to share, the pleasure of enjoying sisterly company.

We ladies arrived here from a diverse range of backgrounds.

A few of us hail from out west, some from up north. One is from the mid-west, one from further south of this southern region we all currently call home. Conversations are sprinkled with accents and colloquialisms that sometimes need explanation.

Our ages range from "over 40" to "60 plus".

Some of us are retired. One cares for a relative while studying for an advanced degree. Some work from home. One has a job she loves and it's such a cool place to work that club members sometimes go to work with her. One is a singer with a beautiful voice. Another member is a life coach.

Once a month we come together for the official book club meeting.

Other times during the month we gather for special activities: sporting events, wine tastings, festivals...

These ladies are my family. The mothers/aunts/sisters who have been there for me when I've needed them and I love them.

Sunday evening, a few of us book club ladies met up for an evening of live music at a local venue. One of us brought a male friend. He was a welcome addition of masculine energy to our feminine flow.

The gentleman and our sister who invited him are both musicians. Between the two of them, they knew every other musician in the joint. It made for an interesting mix of folk stopping by our table to say hello.

It was a much-needed evening out. Laughter, chatter, drinks (ginger ale for me), food, friends, music, dancing.

Perfect.

When the other ladies left, I stayed to hang with our gentleman friend. He turned out to be quite the conversationalist. We had such a good vibe going that a few minutes to closing, the owner took one look at us and told us to stay as long as we wanted.

Later, the owner engaged my new friend and I in a round of discussions that covered everything from ancestry to literature to world travel.

We stayed a full hour past official closing time.

I think I made it home before 4 a.m.

Monday was mmmm... divine.

To make a super long story short:

My new friend invited me to attend a BBQ with him. He took his guitar. Along with the other guests, I was treated to a live concert that blew me away.

Phenomenal!

He and I left the BBQ around 8:30 p.m. and headed to an all-night spot in town, where we hung out until the wee hours.

Again.

I definitely didn't make it home before 4 a.m. but it was before dawn...

521.

Today was such a beautiful day. It was sunny and just cool enough, breezy and idyllic. At least it was here.

How was it at your location?

My daughter and I went out briefly, to run an errand. But mostly we lounged on the sun-soaked living room floor and talked.

We talked about music, her friends, a party she's going to soon, a once-in-a-lifetime vacation I was invited to share, and life in general.

These are the kinds of days I love.

Amen.

On a more obscure note, there's a guy on the dating site who has been visiting my profile at least once a week for at least several weeks.

He never leaves a note.

He's not my type for a romantic relationship but I'm friendly and my profile does say I'm looking for friends.

Not sure what his deal is but I can't help but wonder why he visits so often.

Out of curiosity, I sent him a friendly note telling him I know he visits periodically but has never said hello. I asked him if he's looking for something specific (which I doubt is me), if I remind him of someone, or if it's something else.

I don't expect a response but I want him to know that I'm aware.

.

520.

A busy week ahead chez Bliss, in business as well as pleasure. Lucky for me, it includes pleasurable business.

My daughter and I spent last evening with a neighbor who has become family. We always share food, laughter, and love at her house.

Thank you God for those who embrace us with appreciation and warmth. With their help, we maintain the healthy glow that only Love and Light can generate. May we inhale it with zeal, to strengthen our existence; may we share with others when they are in need.

Several events over the weekend reminded me of why I try to remember two things: ears open, mouth shut is wise in many situations. In addition: don't believe everything you think.

I am always thankful for life's sticky notes. They keep me focused.

Bummer that I didn't take the necessary time to remember this morning's dreams. There is tomorrow, if I'm allowed.

And now back to the business of... business!

Good day all.

Amen.



.

519.

Just realized my phone was taking a long time to charge.

Checked it...

No movement on the charge-indicator icon.

The adapter end of the charger is plugged into the phone.

But the pronged end of the charger was not plugged into the power strip.

*sigh*

518.

God always sends advance warning.

Namely: a leak, the sludge, $13.13, the pungency, the contagion.

Duly noted (and thank you!) your Highness.  ;-)


.

517.

Seen today:

516.

I am thankful for my life of peaceful abundance, today and always.

Amen.



.

515.

In spite of attempts by busy bodies in my birth family to cast aspersions into the sunshine of my life, the past week was wonderful.

Last Sunday (May 4), my daughter and I drove down to Florence, SC to meet cousin N., her daughters, and her grandson, for a long lunch. I hadn't seen N. since our grandmother's funeral in 2000. I had never met her daughters or grandson and our children had never met.

Lunch overflowed with food, laughter, reminiscing.

After lunch, the cousins continued on to our hometown for a family birthday celebration.

My daughter and I headed to a four-day vacation on Pleasure Island, at Carolina beach. It was restful, rejuvenating, marvelous. I basked in the heat and sunshine, ate lots of yummy stuff, met interesting folk.

The teenager enjoyed herself too, in her own way. It involved lots of eating, sleeping, and selfies.

This most recent weekend was fantastic as well.

Friday evening, I had a fun and interesting movie/dinner date. We saw "Fed Up", the documentary co-executive produced by Katie Couric. (Excellent information given in the movie but I think it will do better on DVD.)

On Mother's Day, my daughter and I had a fantastic lunch with one of my godmothers.

There was also a weekend-long birthday celebration (for Baby Bliss) with friends.

I have shed many tears since Mr. Bliss made his transition. Every day that I find a reason to smile or laugh is a good day and I remain thankful.

My prayers for health and healing go out to all whose lives lack whatever it is they need to move toward wholeness.

Amen.