This story about flies may seem like I live in a trash dump, but, I assure, it's not so. Even newscasts mentioned the lack of rain has caused insects to come indoors searching for water. Recently, while painting in my studio, I started being bugged by tiny flying creatures trying to land on my eyeballs!

Okay, if it had ended there, I would be totally fine, but large black flies replaced the smaller pests. Probably ate the little guys. Soon there were flies placing themselves between me and my paint brush! As soon as I painted an area, a fly would sit down on the cool wet paint. Irritating! A pack of flies soon buzzed around my head and a few drowned in my cleaning water. It was beyond irritating!

What to do?

Hubby went out and bought some of those pest strips to hang from the ceiling. Yes, they still make those sticky things to trap flying insects. This morning I went downstairs and only two flies were stuck, but they weren't dead yet. Apparently it takes days for them to die this way --- complaining the whole time with mad buzzing!

In telling this buggin' tale of woe, I expect some smartassy comments about flies being art critiques and how I should quit while I'm ahead. Bring it on, Streamers!

What was the bravest thing you ever did?

I thought each time I was brave when I fell in love, joined the military, got married, had children, bought a first house......... All those things are brave in a normal "live your life" kind of way (except joining the military), but since the mine disaster, I've thought about people being brave in the face of danger. Those three miners who died trying to safe the original six miners --- they were extremely brave! Few can top that, unless you're a firefighter, a police or a rescue person.

So I ask again, Streamer, in your life, what was the bravest thing you ever did???

Yesterday I read an article about a 44 year old guy who was losing his close vision --- presbyopia --- and all the complaints that come with it. In the middle of the article, he turned it around to include looking at how he is short-sighted in his life, calling it his flawed inner vision.

What he brought up was something that I've been guilty of most of my life too. Apparently, he and his wife get very cranky on Sunday afternoon. So cranky that they have short tempers with each other and long faces. They call it the "Monday Creep" because it's from the dread of leaving the weekend and starting a new work week! Instead of relishing all the hours of precious freedom, they waste their time focusing on what's to come, not enjoying the present.

"Don't stop thinking about tomorrow/ Don't stop, it'll soon be here!"*

I do the same thing in not wanting to give up vacations! I get very upset when it's time to leave and get back to the daily routine. It makes me moody and introspective. When I worked, though, I did the exact same thing on Sunday evening. Maybe that's why so many people hate Monday mornings.

This guy made a great point about living in the moment and not worrying about the future. Although, it's easy to talk about, I'll have to really work on accepting the transition from relaxation and play to getting back to the routine of life.

I hope you're having a peaceful Sunday afternoon and evening, Streamers, and not thinking about tomorrow! ~~~ Hugs, Rita B 

*Fleetwood Mac.

The many blessings we all experience each week made me remember how much life is to be enjoyed!

"Westward Ho!" --- my travel journal from a month long trip around the southwest --- was found by my husband the other day. Hugs & Kisses to him! It had been missing since 2003!!! Just thumbing through the pages brought back some great memories and, hopefully, I'll find a few funny stories to share.

Yesterday was National "Roller Coaster Day" which brought back fond memories from my childhood in Ocean View. We grew up within walking distance of the beach and an amusement park! The park had a very noisy, and shaky, wooden roller coaster. Today it would probably be condemned as a death trap. Of course, we all loved riding it, but I realize now how dangerous it really was!

A news story that gave me a chuckle was a study found that children will eat anything if it's wrapped in a McDonald's wrapper! It didn't matter if it was a carrot stick, fries or a burger, they devoured it all. Parents should save those food wrappings and use them when serving healthy meals at home. Those McDonald's Happy Meals loaded with toys and junk food were a stroke of genius.

Last night I dodged another flying utensil!* It could have been a disaster because, when I turned on the disposal after cleaning up in the kitchen, a small paring knife was in it and the knife flew out with great force and lots of noise! For some reason I stood over to the side when I turned on the disposal --- which I'm not sure I've ever done before, but I'm glad I did last night.

Some of you may already know that I've been painting artwork like a wild woman for the last month! The funny thing is, I'm enjoying it again after not painting for seven years. It's strange, but I'm just going with it and praying it continues for many years. Creativity is important for the human soul.

Have a hot summer weekend, Streamers! Be safe and make some great memories. ~~~ Hugs, Rita B

*Read "Flying Spoon" from 3/23/06