Noury's Creative World…

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby.  Keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:8-14

Merry Christmas to all…and to all a good time with your family and friends.  Safe journeys.

Your Happy Contessa

P.S.  I am off to visit my lovely daughter and will be out of touch until around the 28th December.  Yes she has a computer, but I am there to treasure every moment with her.  Thank you for always reading and really appreciate all your comments.

Happiness is…Having a food disposal that is clean, doesn’t leak and does what it is supposed to do.  No, I didn’t have to buy a new one.  The one you see is the one that yesterday looked very, very sick.  Thanks God for my honest Mr. Fix It.  When he first saw it he said that maybe I’ll have to buy a new one, but first he was going to check it to see if just by cleaning it, it should be able to perform.  When he dismantled the thing, I thought oh boy, there goes the Christmas present for myself.  Really bad, beyond words.  It was installed all wrong.   There was stuff all over the place.  Use your imagination.  But the nice little old man (probably he thought the same thing about me, this nice little old woman can use all the help she can get) went to work for over an hour, and by the time he was finished, it looked real good.  My checkbook is $125 smaller, but what the heck, I have a healthy and good-looking disposal.  That little old man is worth his weight in gold.

The picture on the right shows Christmas greetings ready to be mailed!  An adversity brought the opportunity to sit down and write these greetings.  As they say, every problem comes with an opportunity for something good.  The issue here is to find that something good.  I usually turn on my tv set after 5pm, so watching the monotonous and depressing news was not an option.  My novelas in Spanish have their night-time slot., so I needed to do something while Mr. Fix It (that’s the name I gave him) was busy, so I thought, why not to do two cards while he is busy.  Two became fifteen by the time he was finished.  So I try to look for the golden thread on some situations.  It doesn’t always work.

All in all, the disposal issue is somewhat like my generation.  We might look rusty, out of shape and sometimes our parts decide not to work, but if we take the time to be centered on the important things in life, we can keep on going like the phoenix that rose from the ashes.  Wow, that’s radical, but sounds good.

The moral with the cards I guess is…if  I tackle whatever it is that I am dreading doing, with the doing,  it becomes done!  That one was simple.

Happy with a working disposal and some cards done…

Your Happy Contessa

P.S.  I am sure you have noticed some errors or missing words in my postings, but it is not easy to write and then try to edit yourself.  My apologies.  Fill in the blanks when necessary.  Thank you!

 

Food disposal decided that it has had it with working without being nurtured.  Water all over the cabinet where disposal resides.  Calmly I told myself that it is better water on the cabinet than some other stuff.  Broke a glass too, so I told myself again, all the bad vibes were dispelled when the glass broke.  I don’t know for how much longer I can keep psyching myself up.  I am running out of good stuff to tell myself.

But, on the other hand, had a great time with the nice people I cooked for.  You know of course, because they gracious, that they said food was delicious.  How nice to have lovely people in your life.

Going back to being calm.  I decided that it feels better when you see all the goodness in your life versus the rotten stuff that happens to challenge your goodwill.  I remembered again the definition of insanity.  It is having pain or problems, thinking you should have none.  I have a somewhat degree of insanity right now.  The toothache (mild) does not contribute to my blue aura.  Like to keep that aura blue, because the moment it starts getting red, I am in big trouble.

There you have it today.  Short and very profound.

Your Happy Contessa

Here you have it…my dinner table already set.  I am a person that lives by making lists.  And that was top on my list for today.  Sometimes I find old lists that I have misplaced, and believe it or not, tasks on the list have been accomplished.  Thank you great neurons that populate my brain.

Oh yes, dinner.  I had intended to cook a homemade something,  even looked for the recipe on almighty internet, and was already salivating this old with a new twist dish.  Right at the supermarket, all of a sudden I changed my mind.  I imagined eating the food, and for some reason the thought didn’t seem that appealing.  Made a 360 degrees turn and I am cooking a homemade something else.  It is a comfort food, and I am doing my own version.  No internet involved.  I am a risk taker person most of the time.  I am sure it is going to be great.  Have you noticed how guests always say that food was delicious.  Who knows how food really was.  I really don’t mind, because to start with, I don’t like to cook!  But Ron always said “This is the best dish  you have ever prepared.”  He did it even if I just made toast.  So I am used to believe that I really cook good, but I am very partial.  As long as I have good music (there is a channel on cable that has holiday music), candles, oh yes, candles,  the table looks pretty, and company is good (I don’t invite anyone to my house I would consider not so good company, otherwise my cover might be blown, and they would figure out that I am not a great cook) and something is cooking on the stove and I look decent, everything is under control.  If it burns, or whatever happens with the food that doesn’t meet my standards, there is plenty alternatives down the road.

It really doesn’t matter what I am cooking or not, I think, what matters is the act of getting together with people you enjoy being with and that totally get you.  They know your weaknesses and ignore your silliness.  Perfect.  Dinner will be served, and we’ll be having a great time breaking bread and talking about good old times and the better ones ahead.  Remember, this is going to be my 62nd Christmas.  Hooray!

We will toast to the goodness of life and the blessing of having each other in our lives.

Your Happy Contessa

P.S.  Dessert is pumpkin pie from the nice supermarket around the corner.  I told you, I don’t like to cook.

Yes!  finally the spirit of joy and happiness of Christmas has arrived in Happyville.  It happened yesterday afternoon at Home Depot.  I had promised a ten-year old boy about three years ago that I would prepare and give him his own tool box.  You know, all he mostly does as all kids his age, is play high-tech games and the only things probably he exercises are his eyes and hands.  But what do I know about anything.  I got so excited when I found the tool box!  There was one that included more than a hundred tools, so I told the good-looking guy (how do they manage to find all these attractive guys, I always pondered,  and to add, they are very nice) that that package would traumatize the young man for life.  Probably he would never look at a tool ever again.  Even I got intimidated.  Going on with the story, I then proceeded to buy individual tools.  Hammers are so ridiculously priced and so big.  Then I remembered the good old Dollar store.  Bingo!  No hammers there.  Got a measuring tape and a screwdriver.  I found an extra hammer in my two tool boxes (didn’t think I had one?), but I still think it is too big.  It was this whole experience that got me to think how excited this young man was going to be when he sees his own tool box and probably I’ll take him around his house so we can find a screw and I’ll show him how  a screwdriver works.  Hope mommy and daddy approve.  Daddy doesn’t look like the handyman type.  I am going to find some letters to put his name on the box.  Isn’t that cool?  I can’t wait.

Oh, the ice scraper is for me.  I am ready for the next whatever decides to come down from wherever it is that ice and snow come from.  Just wanted to show you that I mean business with this weather.

The picture on the left was given to my daughter by her paternal grandmother when she was I think one year old.  It is very special.  Simple, but very meaningful.

Ron, my belated husband, used to tell me that his parents used to put oranges in his and his brother’s Christmas stocking and other candies.  I love the simplicity of things.  You are more prone to remember those.  I think life is getting more and more complicated and demanding, maybe that’s why sometimes Christmas seems to me overwhelming.  But remember, I have seen 62 Christmases.  One of the most memorable one was when I was around ten years old.  I got only one gift.  A humongous doll.  Almost as tall as me.  I will never forget that.  Nowadays you need to have a gazillion of stuff under the tree, otherwise, kids are not happy.  That’s what we the adults think.  I think I am becoming a little scroogy here, so I better stop while I am ahead.

Wow, and to think that was worried about having something to write this morning.  Life is full of surprises.  Good ones.  Remember, always half full. 

Until next time

Your Happy Contessa

What do these three images have in common?  They are driving me out of my comfort zone too early in the morning.  Oh, before I forget, my lovely dentist did some x-ray (got zapped for the 4th time in a week) and found out nothing is wrong with my so much altered dental system.  You should have seen the x-rays.  I looked like a creature from outer space.  Thanks to the suggestions of a good friend, I did not have any problem driving in ice mixed with rain conditions.  Roads were pretty decent.  And some pills are helping to ease the pain.  Something looks swollen there.  I am dragging the pain with me to continue with my life.

Let’s go back to the three images above.  Oatmeal, I am deep breathing as I think about eating this good for me stuff again this morning.  Then I remember that my mother suggested I add vanilla extract to it and then she said, it makes it taste a little like vanilla ice cream.  ?  I have to admit, it makes it taste better.  So I’ll postpone the oatmeal issue until after the beginning of the year.  One down, two to go.

Christmas greeting cards…why am I having such a difficult time doing that?  I guess I miss Ron’s assistance and I don’t have him to share the complaining as to why we have to do that.  Sorry, but it is the truth.  If I do five a day, I should be finished in a few days, but even that train of thought is not working right now.  Maybe I’ll send them after the first of the year.  Two down, one to go.

Ads…so many and so little money to spend.  Do you think the people who love you will be understanding if you just say “Merry Christmas” and “I love you very much.”  I am laughing right now because that thought will get a you know what reaction.  As they say “show me the money.”  Do you think I can postpone this until the first of the year?  Last one down.

I am back to square number one. 

As my good faithful oatmeal is waiting for me, I leave the rest to your good Imagination Department.

Roads look good from inside the house, so I should do my before I leave the house chores, get ready and stretch  a bit my comfort zone.  My mind goes blank just thinking about walking into a store.  Am I alone with these feelings?

Au revoir,

Your Happy Contessa

A toothache…2 am…tried to psych myself that it was a product of my imagination…but the Imagination Department was a bit weak at that time of the morning.   Around 6:45 am, made coffee, got the newspaper from the frozen lawn and by 8:30 am had to call the dentist.  Brave ladies they are.  They were at the office.  Good or bad?  I thought.  After some back and forth conversations, the dentist will see me today at 12:30.  I don’t have an ice remover, so a wooden spatula will have to do.  You can imagine how I feel about having to drive with this kind of weather.  But the toothache is more powerful than any fear.  Remember, it is those creatures that adapt to change that will survive.  Today the rubber meets the road.  Literally.

Oatmeal is waiting for me downstairs.  I am getting a bit tired of this good for you breakfast.  Have to find a substitute for another healthy one. 

Too much going on at the same time.  Can my limited mind handle all of this?  Now my daring self is saying “Bring it on.”  Yes, I can handle it all.  Wow!

All of a sudden the oatmeal doesn’t taste that bad.  Yes, I am eating as I type.  Told you.  I can handle anything.  I am impressed with my other daring self.

In case I did not mention it, it is bloody cold inside and outside the house.  If I turn on the heater more than 70 degrees, the static is out of this world.  Just as I was turning on the computer, I got a second degree of electric shock.  No wonder the little circle was kind of wimpy today.

Well, here you have it.  Toothache and all I am moving on.

Carrying all my woes,

Your Happy Contessa

Well, where should I start.  Had a meaningful visit with my mother and brother in South Florida, where had to wear a hat to go to bed (the draft coming through the windows was just incredible).  Celebrated her 85th birthday, where she entertained us with her singing old songs,  and in her own ways she let us know she was still in charge.  That’s my mama on the left and my brother Rafi on the right.  Obvious, but wanted to make sure you knew who is who.

We went to the giant Wally World everyday.  I almost lost it on the last visit.  So many people!  Couldn’t do much anything else, as it was a bit chilly for the writer and mama and Rafi.  To wrap this one up, it was a good visit and I hope next time I’ll be living a bit closer.  Oh, I forgot to mention in case you are wondering…the patting at the security check didn’t materialize.  X-raying my internal organs was more than enough for them.  I did not eat anything before I left for the airport so I wouldn’t expose anyone to decaying material.  How thoughtful of me.  And also a sprinkle of sarcasm.  It was kind of sad to see what has become of us as a society.  I read the following once -“It is not the strongest or smartest of the species that survives, but only those that accept change.”  I am for survival.  Let the process continue.

My friends, I am back like the spy that came from the cold, have to do some shopping and focus on my next adventure on Amtrak next week.  I am going to the city where we have the largest conglomerate of greed and egos, all mixed up together to look down at us and decide our fate.  Yes siree, I am off to Washington D.C. next week.  I love that city.  So much culture, diversity and restaurants from almost every place in the world.  My favorite, Indian cuisine.

Having had breakfast (oatmeal), having paid some bills, I must get ready to face the tundra outside and get on with the business of my day.

I missed you all and glad to be back.  Thanks Raylene for taking me to the airport and getting me back home safe.  I appreciate you very much.

Your Happy Contessa

I am going South to be with my mother for her 85th Birthday! 

My mother, as all mothers are, is a very special person.  I wouldn’t have thought that whenever she was chasing me and my sisters with a broom in her hands and my grandmother will be asking “who is she killing today?”

Her life is full of drama and traumas.  Just like yours and mine.  So it makes her a normal inhabitant of planet Earth.  I inherited from her the spirit of giving.  You couldn’t pay her a compliment on anything because before you knew it, there she was giving it to you.  She did her good deeds without any advertising and my father always had an open account at the hardware store and the “mercaditos” (small grocery stores) because she was always fixing someone’s house and sending bags full of groceries to a particular person or family.

We always had eggs and chickens to eat, because that’s how the people from the country will come to visit her and try to return favors she would have done for them some time ago.  One of them, I remember vividly, wanted to give me a chicken because I was the oldest daughter and visiting home (I used to live in the Virgin Islands at that time) and she wanted to honor me.  I looked at mama with horror  painted on my face, and she took the chicken herself so the lady would not feel bad.  I just smiled and gave the lady a big hug.

Every Saturday there will be a line of people waiting for my mother to give them food and some money.  “Los limosneros” (beggars), as they were known, were some of my mother’s favorite people.  She was not a socialite, because she came from a very humble background, and kept to herself, but her heart was and still is very giving.

I know all of us, or most of us, have, had or will have issues with our mothers, but as a mother that I am now, I totally understand why. 

My daughter gave me a sweatshirt for Christmas when she was around seven or eight and she painted the phrase “I am the Mom, that’s why” on the shirt.  I still have it and will treasure it forever.

I honor my “mama” and all mothers,  because we have been given this unique opportunity to know what real pain and real love is.

Mama, Feliz Cumpleanos, Happy Birthday and Bon Anniversaire.  Te quiero mucho.  I love you very much and thank you for being my mama.

Your Happy Contessa

P.S.  Due to the fact that there is no cable or internet connection where I am going, I will be absent for a few days.  I should return early next week.  Thank You!

This is the most expensive piece of equipment I have ever purchased in my life.  I had to buy the house to get it.  So today it has become the handiest one ever.  No batteries or electricity needed.  Just legs and the will to go up, down, up, down.  I figure that because my walking partner and I decided not to walk outside today (the wind puts the temperature in the 20’s),  I had to be creative.

Last night, before falling asleep, I figured that if I go up and down twice every fifteen minutes, that should help me to avoid getting my derriere grow sideways and to a larger size.  Even though God knows I could use some help in that department.  But let’s keep it at that for the moment.

The things one has to do to keep alert, alive and motivated.  Otherwise, I could jump in my car right now and hit I-95 South as fast as I could.  But the reasonable thing to do at this moment is just be still and keep warm.  I have to venture out today, to mail Christmas greetings, pay my water bill (today is the last day before I pay a penalty) and get some food.  The chicken soup is long gone, and oatmeal for breakfast and dinner is getting old.

There you have a glimpse on one cold day of my life.  But, I am grateful that I am still around for whatever reasons I need to be.

Have a sunny and warm day.

Your Happy Contessa

P.S.  I learned how to do spell check!  It was killing me every time I spotted a typo.  Let’s hope it gets better.  Even though the principle of GIGO still applies.