A Blue State of Mind

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams." Oprah

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Location: The Western U.S, United States

I spent 48 years caring about what people thought of me. I'm not spending the rest of my life caring about that anymore!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Water Water Everywhere


It's raining in Phoenix again and I couldn't be happier! Rain and a full moon makes Debo Blue a very happy woman.


I know it's believed that a full moon is often accompanied by humans acting weirder than normal, but in my line of work it's known that it doesn't take a full moon to make humans act silly and foolish and rudely. And there's a standard joke in this town the more than three inches of rain can shut Phoenix highways down because our residents don't know how to drive in rain. I believe we CAN drive in the rain, stopping at red lights is what we have troubles doing.

It's way early in the morning, or way late at night depending how you look at it. I'm lying here reading. My window is open and I'm enjoying the breeze. I've even turned off the radio just so I can hear the sound of rain fall.

I know this weather is a nuisance for all the participants in the Phoenix Open but I'm selfishly enjoying it and trying to maximize my enjoyment of all things rainy and breezy because I know, without a shadow of doubt, that we'll be praying for weather like this beginning in May and lasting 'til October.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Karma

Three year old "Butterfly" is singing at the tops of her lungs a compilation of Michael Jackson songs.

She's also congested and has a frequent cough.

I mentioned that she's singing didn't I?

I didn't mention that it's after midnight and I'm absolutely worn out.

Somewhere I pissed off someone. And I'm being paid back tonight.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Hold On-A Poem

Hold on to what is good even if it is a handful of earth. 
Hold on to what u believe even if it's a tree which stands by itself. 
Hold on to what u must do even if it is a long way from here.
Hold on to my hand even when I've gone away from you....
-Nancy Wood 

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Seasonal Help

"To everything there is a season. And a time and purpose under Heaven"

The Scripture is found in Ecclesiastes and simply means we're gonna have good days and bad days. Good seasons and bad seasons. A time to cry and a time to rejoice. A time for war and a time for peace.

When I was coming up (means growing up), we sang in church songs that foretold of hard, trying times. Times when the sun wouldn't shine. Times when we thought His face was no longer turned toward us. And those same songs promised that if we held on and didn't give up we'd make it through. Be triumphant. Win the race. Weeping may endure for the night but joy was coming in the morning.

I once was young, but now I'm old(er) and I've had to endure a whole lot of heartbreak and sorrow but you know what? My bad days never outweighed my good days. I've endured season after season. And I know for a certainty this season will change. I just have to hold on. Tie a knot in a knot. Keep praying and keep believing He's gonna make it all right.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Mozart, Me And A Little Night Music

The migraine has gone. So too are the clouds, at least the big black piece of sky I can see from my window. The rain has diminished some of our dust and pollution so the moon's brilliance is so much more stronger.

Mozart's still playing but I keep hearing Stevie Nicks:
"Thunder only happens when it's raining. "
"Players only love you when they're playing."
"Women, they will come and they will go."
"When the train washes you clean you'll know."

My version of a little night music. With apologies to Mozart.

Mozart, Me and Rain


I'm still in bed. Well actually I've come back to bed.

That migraine that started yesterday decided to stick around today so I got up and ate, took my meds, watched "The Princess and the Frog" for the eleventh time and snuggled right back in bed.

Mozart's playing on the radio, I'm surfing and updating the iPhone & iPod.

It's been raining on and off all weekend but our rain storms are not really storms. It will rain for a few moments, then bright blue skies until the next little "storm" comes.

Outside my open window I can hear birds chirp and dogs bellow. I smelled something burning a few minutes ago but don't know anyone crazy enough to be grilling in this weather. None of the houses in our blocks have fireplaces so maybe someone is grilling.

These spring showers will bring blooms to this otherwise dry and dusty desert. Then it will be time to start thinking about Easter. But all that can wait. Today is a day for whimsy, total selfish behaviour and resting.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

My Toyota Woes

About five years ago I bought a new Toyota. One of those cute little things that looked good and was economical both in value and costs. Of the two previous cars I owned, this was my first foreign made vehicle purchased. I had two uncles who worked in the Motor City for GM and it was drilled into my head to buy American to save their jobs and support American workers. Well, my uncles no longer employed, I decided to buy this little Toyota and haven't had any problems 'til today.

My car comes equipped with "idiot bells" that warn you when the lights are on and the engine is off. There's a bell to alert you if the key is still in the ignition when the driver's door is opened, even if the motor is still on. I appreciate these idiot bells because I was continually leaving my keys in my cars and having to have someone bring my other keys or find help opening the car.

So, I've been reading about Toyota's woes, and am anticipating Congress sharpening their teeth on trying disgrace Toyota but I wasn't that interested because my car was running fine. Plus, there's not that much Congress can do to Toyota because of their progress and prowess in the auto world (my opinion).

Today I was in the car and had turned off the motor but left the key in the ignition. The idiot bell immediately sounded and I promptly removed the key and set it atop my tote. I got out of the car as quickly and gracefully as a woman of my weight and girth could, I pushed the auto door lock and firmly shut the door leaving my keys and my purse sitting in the front seat.

Now, don't you think Toyota should install a sensory (idiot bell) that indicates to really, REALLY stupid people that they've locked up everything in their car? I'm writing my Congressman to start a recall.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Feedback Really Is A Gift

Jeni was discussing this on her FB page this morning and it stirred memories of feedback I received for using too much cologne.

Jeni mentioned that some people, or one in particular, uses so much cologne that by the time he leaves the bathroom the smell has leaked out down halls and traveled from room to room, lingering long after that person's left. I personally love the strong smell of cologne, it's both soothing and sexy to me.

My father always used cologne. He wasn't a "dabber" either. He was a slosher. This meant he poured the cologne in his palms then sort of threw it on his neck, biceps and wiped the excess on his undershirts.

I remember him using a variety of scents but the two that I liked better were Drakar Noir and Givenchy for men. My dad was a big, strong, very dark skinned man and these two scents seemed perfect for him. Anyway, when Daddy was getting ready for church and had sprayed up we joked that there were never any birds around the house because Daddy had run them off because of all the cologne he had used. Momma was always fussing at him for going through cologne so quickly but it never changed. Daddy loved women's fragrances too and would wear it if he wanted. He was a big Black man, who was going to mess with him about it?

I used to spray myself like that because I liked it and didn't know any better. I remember when I fell in love with Emeraude, the best selling fragrance at Walgreens. I would shower in it. Then I discovered Avon's Sweet Honesty and Soft Musk. And I stayed with Avon for several years until one day I smelled Giorgio. Talk about life-changing! Here I was about to buy a $40 bottle of cologne and I was only working part time. I would spray Giorgio in my hair, behind my ears, in my shoes. I would even saturate a cotton ball, wrap it in foil and when I thought the earlier spraying had worn off I'd open the foil and voilà-full again.

Ok, here's where feedback comes in. I had used my boss' office phone one day and left. When I came back he commented that he knew I had used his phone because he could smell me on his phone. Well, I swooned because he was smiling and I thought it was sexy. It wasn't until his admin teased me about a month later how she had to wash his phone because he complained that the phone smelled so strongly of my beloved Georgio. And she kept the teasing, I mean kept giving the feedback that people know which elevator I had ridden because of the strong remains of Giorgio.

Well, that same week, almost fifteen years ago changed how much cologne I spray or dab each morning. I've long since left Giorgio and tried others. I don't have a signature scent, I tend to empty the bottle then move to the next one. But I have stayed with Sublime and Sheer Veil. And, I Limit myself to four sprays: one to each forearm, once behind an ear, one on my skirt's hem. Now the only way people will know I rode an elevator is if they actually saw me there.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Project Planner

I'm one of those people who love to plan things. I plan most everything in my life within my realm of control. As early as my high school years I can remember being an ardent fan of planned events. God knows I didn't inherit this from my parents and most of my siblings love living in a controlled, chaotic environment. I have everything timed and organize activities that will work within the allotted time. Traveling is so much easier now that I plan out every last detail. No longer do I worry about what site I didn't find time to sight. And because of having to endure having my luggage lost in Little Rock, I even organize how my suitcases are packed.

I remember why I began organizing my travels- it was my first time to Portland, OR. My momma had cleaned and ironed some dresses she thought I'd need to attend church services but I left most of them home thinking they were too dressy for the occasion. Imagine how stupid and raggedy I felt when I arrived in my casual outfits surrounded ny some of the most elegantly-dressed women on the planet! I was horrified, Momma was embarrassed and I vowed then and there I'd never EVER let that happen again.

So the next year, for the convention I had begun planning what would be taken about four months prior to the trip. I inventoried my clothes, decided how many outfit changes I would need, which shoes would match, if certain tops could be worn withies than one outfit etc. Keep in mind, this was before the days you were forced to pay for your luggage so luggage amount and weight meant nothing back then.

Anyway, after listing the clothes and adding the required accessories, I planned which outfit would be worn in the mornings, and which would be worn in the evenings. I typed the list out and placed one in each suitcase AND carried one in my makeup bag. Does anyone remember carrying those cute little makeup/overnight pieces of luggage? Well I packed the list in that too just to make sure. I should have put tags on the clothes like they do for photo shoots but I wasn't that advanced back then.

And since then, every trip is planned the same way. My little jaunts to Vegas? Written out. My trips everywhere else? Written out.

Next month, if the Lord says the same, a few of my family and friends are taking an Eastern Carribbean cruise. And just like that second trip, I'm already planned, listed and ready to go. Spontaniery? Flying by the seat of my pants? Leaving things to chance? Not me. Y'all that can do it without planning have my respect. I would have to be fed sedatives if I had to travel without an itinerary and daily dress plan. It keeps me rested, it helps me stay sane.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Hello Young (and old) Lovers Wherever You Are

Finally home after a busy day. A great, busy day though. Had an awesome dinner at Claim Jumper with the two kids and BFF Pete. Most of the tables were filled but service was exceptional nonetheless. Now we're all cuddled up watching the Princess and The Frog. I'm wondering who's going to succumb to sleep first- us or the kids. My money's on the kids LOLOL!

This song came to mind this morning and I posted it ony Facebook page. Here it is again:
Lyrics
Hello, young lovers
Wherever you are
Oh, I hope your troubles
They are few

All my good wishes
They go with you tonight
Yes, I've been in love like you

Be brave, young lovers
And follow your star
Be brave and faithful and true

Cling very close
To each other tonight
Yes, I've been in love like you

I know how it feels
To have wings on your heels
And to fly down the street
In a trance

You fly down a street on
A chance that you will meet
And you meet not really by chance

Don't you cry
Don't cry, young lovers
Whatever you do
Save those tears because
I'm all alone

Yes, all, all of my memories

They are happy tonight
Yes, I've had a love of my own
I've had a love of
My own like yours
I've had a love of my own
Of my own, of my own
I've had a love of my own

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Summer Love

Sitting out on the porch. It's a little chilly but not uncomfortably so. I've just placed about six stalks of bacon-covered asparagus on a mesquite and charcoal fired grill. The kids are getting their fill of grilled hamburger and hot links whole the adults wait for the asparagus and ribs to finish. Most of the others are chilling in the kitchen while the banana pudding is chilling in the 'fridge.

Summer comes early in the 602. Tomorrow's high is expected to reach almost 80 degrees and is expected to stay up for a few weeks. So I look at your pictures of snow (even the light dusting some of you received) and shiver and wish-ever so little- that I was there with you. Well, in the same climate. You know what I meant. But sitting out here, looking up at the clear black sky, listening through the open door to some of the conversations in the kitchen and I decide this is a WHOLE lot better!

Tomorrow's Valentine's day and love is celebrated all over the U.S. I love the idea of love. The business of love. The courage and strength of love. I'm very lucky and exceptionally blessed to be loved. And I'm not too selfish and self absorbed to keep it all and not reciprocate. It was love that saved me. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son. That whosoever believeth on Him should not perish. But they shall have everlasting life.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

In Praise of Technology

I'm typing this post from my iPhone for two reasons. The first to see if I can, the 2nd is because my laptop is way over on the other side of the bed and my watery eyes and runny nose have made my mobility considerably limited. Plus, I'd have to power it up, wait the few minutes to load up everything. Yeah, I'm that pitiful tonight.

I don't know why I've never thought to blog from my phone. I mean I do everything else; Twitter, Facebook, surf the 'net, play games, listen to music. The list expands as I download more and more apps. Last summer I was torn betweenthe iPhone and my Blackberry. I never imagined I'd find a phone to surpass my expectations and pleasures of owning a BB yet here I am, loving all things Apple.

This phone has really changed my life as it pertains to everyday chores and habits. I've long ago stopped buying CDs unless it can't be found on iTunes or downloaded from Amazon.com. A history buff, I've downloaded a daily history app, several games, an interactive app that highlights artifacts found in the Louvre, an app that calculates how many calories I've earned or burned and other things too private to mention. And where most of my music resided on my iPod, it has been relegated to furniture, having been replaced by the iPhone. It used to be I would only listen to the iPod in my room or with headphones. That all changed this Christmas when I bought an iPhone alarm clock radio from Sharper Image. Now I can listen to Slacker while I read or doze to any playlist I desire.

Last week Apple unveiled the iPad and like hundreds of thousands of people around the world, I watched and wondered if I would ever need something like the iPad. Probably not right now. I'll wait for it to be tested and recalled and updated before laying down $500. But I must confess-I'm SO glad I didn't buy the Kindle now.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Cream And Oolong


I've discovered, having survived to witness my late forties, that life is cyclical. Sometimes it can be as smooth and calm as a comforting oolong cup of tea: full of variety and bursting with flavour. Other times it's as tumultuous as cold cream being added to a hot cup of black coffee: swirling and chaotic.


Starlight, star bright. First star I see tonight.

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have the wish I wished tonight.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Early Monday Morning Thoughts


Sitting here, breakfast is finished, Lemon/Chamomille tea is now lukewarm, I've checked the headlines of MSNBC, CNN, followed up on Grammy winners and fashion and researched the ongoing feud between Anderson Cooper and Wyclef Jean. I'm ready for bed but it's Monday morning and I'm up because I couldn't sleep. I've visited some sites I haven't been to in a long while. Fermi's feline brood look perfect, Jenn is blogging again (but I haven't seen her on FB in a long while), I've teased Dave about his lack of medical supplies but read Doc's comment for a belly laugh!

Several things contributed to my sleeplessness:

-I fell asleep with my window open and the ensuing dampness and cold that slipped in and surrounded my head and shoulders
-the gang(?) of feral cats that I've been trying to keep nourished were bickering constantly
-I went to bed around 10p, way ahead of my normal schedule of 1:30 or 2am.

So now here I am-morning hunger sated with ground turkey, eggs and cheese and the chamomille tea I received as a gift about a week ago. If I go back to bed now, I'll be able to get roughly two hours or more of sleep and be ready to start the work week all over again. It may not happen but I'm going to give it the old college try.