Life is a funny thing.

Life can toss you about like you’re a can on a ship in the midst of a horrific storm for a while and then – without any warning … things calm down. Calm to the point where you wonder when the other shoe is going to drop.  But I have no fear of that … I have peace with many things but most importantly with myself. Life is a funny thing.

I think a huge part of that is that my house is no longer filled with silence (and well, sadness all the time) … this little angel, below, arrived on 24 January and has helped me a great deal … those of you who follow know that I lost my precious Nica on 24 September 2013.  And while Alexa hasn’t nor will she ever take Nica’s place — she has certainly brought peace, laughter and energy.

She’s quickly stolen my heart … and the fact that I know that Nica would love her just as much as I do … makes me smile.  Someone recently asked me why I never said that I owned a pet.  That’s an easy one … when you have a dog, you’re invested with and in them.  When you own a pet – well, there’s very little investment.  Of course, my angels are the children I will never have … my only regret in life (thus far).

So, here we are in February and my goal of writing weekly – in January – fell far short; however, I’m committed to this blog and here we are … plus, I return to therapy this week in my quest to regain my footing on the path of return to my complete happiness. 🙂  Life doesn’t have to be complicated – that’s why there is therapy.

I’ve been filling my time with reading, photography and telly as of late (oh, and work, too – but it’s not really work when you love it – right? 🙂 ) … So, here are some books and shows on my radar right now …

This show. THIS SHOW. Sleepy Hollow has been the biggest surprise for me since Major Crimes.  I wasn’t too sure this show could capture my attention, but its tie in with the American Revolutionary War and its twists and turns — well, it’s only gotten better episode by episode.  The season finale was a HUGE SURPRISE ( I won’t spoil it if you haven’t seen it)!  It returns later this year, but you can catch up with it on Fox.

I love Reign (CW) … it’s a glimpse at one of the most turbulent times in history, but its historical accuracy is far from the truth; however, it makes for a good watch.  It is, however, a glance at how alliances were forged across Europe by royals always trying to ‘one-up’ each other — and those who had money buying their way into the palaces of Europe.  I’m hoping it isn’t cut from the line up … the CW is known for doing that all too frequently.

Then there’s Sherlock on BBCone … FINALLY.  And I must say … it’s been brilliant thus far … of course, I cannot talk about it too much since I’m already one episode ahead of its showing in the states and I’m not one to spoil a good show!  Episode #2 (The Wedding) … wow.  It could be my favourite, but the season has only just begun!  I always find it amazing that the writers are still able to outdo themselves and so far, so good!

And you didn’t think I’d leave out Downton Abbey did you? So far … I’m engaged, but if it gets crazy again with death — I don’t know if I can hang in there.  Way too much death last season.  And I’m very interested in knowing what Barrow is up to … they’re tempting us, but keeping is quiet; however, you can tell he’s up to something (and of course, I know a little more because I’ve seen a couple of episodes more than you PBS Masterpiecers have seen).  

This little gem – unexpected, but greatly welcomed.  It’s purportedly based on the real-life Ian Fleming’s life — I guess we’ll see how closely it follows the line.  Dominic Cooper (more recently known for his role in Captain America: The First Avenger) stars as the womanising Ian Fleming, but full of imagination and ideas.  I must say, I’m hooked already.  It’s a made for BBCAmerica series … I wonder if they’re testing the waters for an audience back in the UK as well?  I guess we’ll see … but for now, I’m intrigued.

These are the books currently on my reading list … unlike some avid readers, I cannot read multiple books at once — I find it doesn’t allow me to immerse myself fully into the purpose of a book.   Alison Weir’s look at The Life of Elizabeth I … well, it’s a good read.  And 1776, I’m looking forward to reading this one because of its theme and the trailer for book-turned-movie The Book Thief caught my eye and I decided that I had to read it before I watched it.

I’ve decided that I’ll do my main posts at weekend and at midweek, I’ll be posting quotes because – as you’ll learn – I love words that are not always my own!

And now, off to start my Sunday … Alexa is fast asleep, in her bed under my desk, and we’re going on a driving adventure later because today looks to be promising!  I hope everyone has a great ‘what’s left of the weekend’ and a great week ahead.  I’m ever so thankful for the happiness that 2014 has brought and will bring … and on that note –

I am,

I wanted off the roller coaster.

 

The finality of my grandmum’s death arrived last week. The emotions I had but could not express completely when she passed – came in the form of an emotional hurricane.

The human mind is incredibly complex as I’m sure most people are well aware.  My mind, in an effort to protect me, subdued me at that most vulnerable time and I’m not sure I’m thankful or not … it seems irrational for me to have had my complete and utter meltdown two months since her passing.

Dr Carolle says that when we have a healthy emotional state, but our mental state is hazy — our psyche can do a great deal in order to protect us from having a complete breakdown. And this is just one example of that.

I don’t mind being emotional, but last week … oh, last week I knew that I wanted off the roller coaster.

I can report that the skies are blue and things are now calm … acceptance brings about great change. I’m still emotional when I think about her no longer being here, but it’s easier now than before.

So, although things have slowed from the previous weeks – things are still on fast-pace and I’m looking forward to the end of this month — I transition to summer and I’ll be able to make me a priority. 🙂

I am absolutely, totally addicted to ELEMENTARY now.  I am absolutely loving how different writers perceive Sherlock Holmes in the modern world.  My other obsession is SHERLOCK on BBC.

I cannot get enough of either, but SHERLOCK is on hiatus whilst the two leading actors do other projects, but we’re being tempted with its return late this year or early 2014.

If you’ve not watched ELEMENTARY – it’s on CBS on Thursdays at 10 o’clock.  Johnny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu are ideal for the roles, but I love the placement of Dr. Watson as a female character … innovative and quite brilliant if you ask me.

We’ve reached the point where Moriarty has arrived to unsettle Sherlock.  And of course, that means the end of the season … but fear not … MAJOR CRIMES, RIZZOLI & ISLES and FALLING SKIES return in a few weeks! 🙂

Last Sunday was Nica’s birthday … she’s 13 now.  Which according to some people means that she’s actually 91.

I’d really love to know who or why someone or some group decided to sit down and debate that idea of 1 dog year = 7 human years. Seriously.

Anyway, she had her traditional birthday fare … a yellow cupcake with vanilla frosting, a plain hamburger from MickeyD’s, some french fries and a few ‘sips’ of Coke.  I raided PetSmart last week and bought her 15 new toys – which I might add were immediately strewn around the house and remain so. 🙂

People who don’t have dogs have no clue – they laugh at things such as this; however, aside from my parents, my cousin Heather, a few friends — Nica has been a constant source of unconditional love and she makes me smile and laugh frequently. 🙂

I’ve a few things to accomplish today and so, I’m cutting this short … I hope everyone reading has a great weekend! 🙂  And don’t forget to hold tight to yer mum’s — you’ve only got one and hopefully,  you’ve a great relationship! 🙂

xoxo –

 

Dear Jimbo: Please turn to page 2 of your playbook.

So, the last couple of weeks have been extremely long, difficult and tiring.  And this coming week will be extremely intense as well.  Lots of things that I must do — and quite frankly, I don’t want to do any of them; however, I’ve no choice nor voice in the matter(s) — and so,  I’ll just push through it all and hope for the very, very best.  If you pray — prayers would be good … now and for the long haul.

I’m still on my journey to happiness; however, every so often you really hit a spot and it’s really hard to go around, over or under it … so, as I said, you have to push through it and hope for the best. 😉  I feel confident that I’ll be fine, but sometimes … confidence is overrated.

So, when you’re on your road back to happiness, there are usually a handful of things that make you happy.  One of mine is college football season and of course, my FSU Seminoles.  I am 1000% a Seminole and love, love, love, love, love my FSU teams – especially football; however,   I am so disgusted with FSU’s loss to NC State last night.

I have no words for it other than Jimbo Fisher is an IDIOT.  His conservative play calling for the last two weeks has almost cost FSU two road games at night.  FSU pulled it out against USF, but against NC State … all he could say in his post-conference was “We didn’t do this…”  “We didn’t execute this…” and ‘we, we, we…” … No Jimbo – it’s more like YOU, YOU, YOU. I’m so pissed off about it I could scream for days on end … if I had the strength to do so.

One thing I know for sure: Jimbo Fisher is NO Bobby Bowden. Coach Bowden always took responsibility for a game like we witnessed last night.  He laid blame on the players when they didn’t follow the game plan, but he never tried to wrap it up in a “We” package.

The only responsibility Fisher took for the travesty of a game HE called was, “We have to coach them better…”  other than that it was “we, we, we…”  The most important thing Jimbo Fisher needs to know is that he cannot play against ANY teams with his Sunday School conservative play calling.

These same teams – given the chance (and in the past they had their chance and blew FSU out of the stadiums whilst we were down those five seasons) wouldn’t think nor blink twice about running the score up without any mercy.  So, I’d say this … Dear Jimbo: Please turn to page 2 of your playbook.  – Sincerely, The Seminole Nation

Nobody and I mean nobody is going to be ‘nice’ to FSU on the football field.  They’re not going to take a knee – as Chris Thompson did against USF at the end of the game … they’re going to score, score, score and score some more!

So, for the sake of your own job, our players and the fan base that seemed to be coming back … LET’S PLAY OLD SCHOOL FSU FOOTBALL AND TAKE IT TO EVERY SINGLE TEAM WE PLAY!  The little slogan you have, “It’s Our Time” needs to really mean something – so make it mean something.  Because I’m already – and it’s only been 12 hours since we lost to NC State – reading about how FSU was overrated.  Is FSU overrated? I think we’ll know by seasons end if that assessment – being made by the usual suspects – can stand on its own.

I still believe FSU can polish off the rest of their regular season with wins over everyone — including Florida.  And yes although I’m still pissed off from last night, I’m still over here bleeding Garnet & Gold … because I’m a Seminole. Period. 🙂

No, I’m not going to talk about the first Presidential Debate between Mitt “the 47% I don’t care about” Romney and President Obama … all I can say about any of it is that Hillary Clinton would have made a better choice four years ago and yes, right now.  Hillary 2016. 🙂  And that is all I have to say about that.

So, on to the telly scene … Once Upon a Time didn’t disappoint!  The spell broken, but the purple haze and Mr Gold’s secrets … There isn’t much one can say about last weeks season premiere other than it left me wanting more.  There was one moment when Regina seemed to be at the mercy of the crowd and whether she’d live to see another day.

So, tonight, we learn about what happens when anyone tries to leave Storybrooke. Which brings Barbara Hershey back for a guest appearance as Regina’s oppressing mother, Cora.  I hope they keep it tightly wound — because that’s what keeps me coming back for me each week!

And of course, now to The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHoNJ) … yes, I know, but I like it – what can I say? After last week’s reunion (part one of three), now more than ever, I am Team Everyone, except Teresa.

Anyone who has watched the show can truly see just how low Teresa will go to keep the upper hand.  One thing I have always been taught is that those who’ve passed and cannot defend themselves are off limits. But apparently that rule, as well as a bajillion other rules, do not apply to Teresa.

Although there were lots of great moments like … “Sit over there in your Christmas Pageant dress and shut up!” … “Spell Napalm … she can’t spell it because she doesn’t know what’s in her blog because she doesn’t write it…” and “Three rolls of blubber … ” — perhaps the best moment is when Rosie hears Teresa talking about her deceased father … I loved watching Teresa leave skid marks on herself as Rosie proceeds to tell her she’ll kill her for crossing the line.  Priceless. Ahhh, look it’s in pageant green! 😉 LOL!

Apparently there’s now a third part … which we never heard about before and so, I’ll just say this: Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seatbelts, sit back and relax because this ride is about to get CA-RAY-ZEE. 🙂

At long last Bedlam has returned to BBC … although, Jed Harper (Theo James) is no longer on the show – as is most of the original cast … I’m going to still give the show a chance.  The first episode of the S2 was hard to watch because … well, the original cast is gone.

It seems that with Jed’s untimely death (for some reason, I don’t remember him dying in the S1 finale – anyone else?) passed his gift on to another young lady, Ellie (Lacey Turner) and she’s made her way to Bedlam – oh, yeah – that’s changed as well.  So, we’ll see how it goes … and if I continue to watch.

As for some of my regular favourites … The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, Major Crimes and Hex continue to keep me happy!  Oh, I almost forgot  Last Resort … for me, the jury is still out on this show.  I like the premise of the show and I was captivated for the first two episodes, but we’ll see if I remain captive. 🙂

It’s fall people and depending upon where you live … you either have the great weather or you’re still roasting.  The best weather is mid-to-high 50s – just chilly enough for a nice FSU hoodie and fun activities outside!  I love late October and Halloween, but it’s not my favourite time of the year … that’s coming really soon — sooner than I want it to come! 🙂  I guess I probably should get busy working on my 2012 Christmas CD … since I always start November off with Christmas music! 🙂

Hope everyone has a great week! 🙂

Shalom,

wise and witty prescriptions for living

What would life be without the wise and witty prescriptions for living from the doctor himself?  I think everyone should fill their quote libraries full of quotes and Seuss-isms from Dr Seuss … his approach to life and the many complex social issues … they’ve endured time and I imagine will span infinity as well.

Things are going much better as of late … of course there are hiccups here and there, but overall — my journey is less bumpy and that means that I’m happier, relaxed and have a clearer head. 🙂  I, honestly, don’t know why people think therapy is a bad thing … it’s one of the most liberating experiences you can have because the person isn’t going to agree with you like most of your friends would or judge  you like some of your friends would.

Perhaps the most important thing I think I’ve learned and it really should be no secret that no matter how old you might be or where you are in life – you can make a change and it’s important to know, realise and understand that  it’s never too late, ever. 🙂

Caroline Manzo.

Okay, so I watched one of my guilty-pleasure shows last night … The Real Housewives of New Jersey (#RHONJ) and yes, yes, yes – I know, but I’m sorry – I love this show.  And the episode last night … it was one for the books.

Finally someone told Teresa Guidice (I laugh everytime I hear Andy Cohen say her last name the new way — ROFLMAO) exactly what people with common sense have known about her forever … she’s absolutely, totally, undeniably, without question, 110% DELUSIONAL.

I love Caroline Manzo and I’ll always be Team Caroline because she’s never had anything to hide.  Teresa, on the other hand, is all about deny, deny, deny … and when the truth catches up to her – it’s lie, lie, lie.

And the best part of the entire evening battle … when Teresa was offended about a joke made at her expense in a publication and everyone — and I mean everyone —  looked at Teresa and repeated her words right back to her: “It was only a joke” … “It didn’t mean anything” and that sent Teresa over the edge.

Kathy tried her very best to point out that a joke at one’s expense isn’t really funny if you’re don’t perceive it as a joke; however, Teresa maintained her stance that she meant nothing about the 1/16th Italian poke at Caroline in her cookbook and that she had said she was sorry.

I love the fact that Caroline won’t back down to Teresa. Obviously, none of us knows everything that’s going on with Caroline and her sister, Dina; however, I’ll say that Dina has crossed a line and it appears that we’ll see and hear all of that in next weeks episode.

With a sister like Dina, Caroline needs no more enemies.  It’s a sad commentary when your own flesh and blood turn on you … shame on you, Dina.

How prophetic was this tweet in November 2011?

As for my other tv shows … The Exes continues to make me laugh and laugh and laugh; Major Crimes – are the same writers from The Closer working on this show? I’m not sure it’s going to make it; It’s about to get really good on The Real Housewives of NYC … cannot wait for tonight’s episode because of the shot fired by Aviva (not a big fan of hers) … “Quite frankly, you’re both white trash.” Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy; Leverage, for me, always delivers … it’s quirky approach and the mystery between Nate and Elliot – haven’t you noticed it?

As for Fall TV goes …  Once Upon a Time returns 30 September and I’m so excited for it; The Secret Circle won’t return to the airwaves for a second season – at least not anytime soon and well, that’s it other than Falling Skies and Rizzoli & Isles are on hiatus as they sleep on their little break … and that’s about all I have to say about my favourite telly shows well, except for …

Season 3 of BBC’s big hit Sherlock won’t be coming back anytime soon as its filming begins in 2013; however, the good news is that it is coming back — why the wait?

Both of the leads – Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have been in very high demand since the shows premiere.  So, if your Sherlock Holmes fan — looks like you’ll have to wait until Summer 2013 for the third season, but – in my opinion – well worth the wait!

There seem to be a few movies coming out really soon that I think I want to see … Lawless, The Possession, and House at the End of the Street … I’m not always that big on horror flicks, but I really want to see The Possession and House at the End of the Street.

The Possession centres on demons that must be dealt with by Rabbis — from Jewish lore and passed down for centuries these stories have been kept secretive and apparently this is a true account of what this dibbuk has done to several owners.

House at the End of the Street – it looks like it’s one of those, “Don’t go in there!” types of movies – which I like and of course, could never watch alone!

And Lawless, well that just goes back in time to prohibition — tommy guns and moonshine – you know that it’s going to be as great as The Untouchables and Bonnie and Clyde. My sister bought me a few Fandango movie gift cards and well, I think it’s time to put them to use! 🙂

So, that’s it … just more ramblings from a happy-go-lucky bloke who’s happier than words could ever express, but who knows the journey is far from over!  I hope everyone has a great week and here’s to watching re-runs on other channels whilst the Republican National Convention “dominates” the mainstream airwaves.

Shalom,

I think I have a really good eye…

The past week has been one of the better weeks I’ve had in a long time and I really feel like it’s going to keep heading in that direction.  One of the most important parts of getting back to my happiness  is being able to think without your mind racing and dragging you back into that dark place.

One of my new obsessions is BBC’s Sherlock … I had seen promos for the show, but blew past them. Then I watched and got hooked.  And I’m officially all caught up — just waiting for Season 3 now.  I said all of that to say — the quote you’re seeing, above, is from Sherlock.  It’s what he does when he really needs to sort things out and well, I totally understand that mindset.  I love my ‘me time’ because it allows me to clear my mind and that’s a healthy thing to do.

I’ve been busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger with updating/adding pages and exporting my blog content to my new Blogger account — it’s nothing more than a double press — I want a bigger audience and I’ll eventually connect both of those blogs to my own personal website … The Big Pixture — which I’ve been working on to update! 🙂  All of this kinda stuff takes me one step closer to my happiness … it’s the creative side of me that has been buried for months and it’s starting to push its way back … to the front! 🙂

I’ve started to really get into interior design — several of my friends have solicited my opinions and then did the work — and it turned out great. It’s really easy to design when it’s not your money being spent!!!   I think I have a really good eye and love figuring that kind of stuff out … if you have a creative thread in your soul — it shines through in all areas: art, cooking, graphics, design, et al.  It’s kind of amazing to know that being a creative person helps jump start the journey back into the light!

Today is the Wimbledon Men’s Championship and alas, my favourite – Rafa Nadal, is not there. 😦  He never truly even got out of the gate.  I wonder if the entire hype regarding making history at the French Open kinda rattled his mindset?  And with him out, I didn’t even really get into Wimbledon this year – and I always watch every single match live or TiVOed.  I am glad that Serena won her 5th title — I like her a lot now; however, I didn’t care for her that much in the earlier part of her career because of the attitude (which she still has, but she handles it so MUCH better now).   So, hopefully Rafa settles down and focuses on the tourneys left for this year – including the US Open in NY!

Nica poking out from under the bed covers this morning …

So, yesterday was a ‘day for the dogs’ … literally.  I bought a new bed and lots of goodies for Nica.  The two things she loved more than any of the other things were her new bed and the new lining for her ‘house’ (that’s what I call her crate and it’s the only word she knows for her crate).  She rooted around in her new bed and then promptly found a t-shirt of mine lying in the bedroom and proudly carried it to her new bed … and then did the same with a pair of socks to her ‘house’ … it’s amazing, to me, how my scent provides her with comfort when I’m not around … I’ve had to be really careful about what I drop on the floor – clothing wise – because she’ll drag ANYTHING to her bed or ‘house’ … if you have a dog, you know exactly what I’m talking about! 🙂

So, I’m ready to get my day underway … lots of little things I need to do and I cannot procrastinate today! 🙂  Here’s to a great Sunday and what’s left of the weekend!

Hugs,