Life's Rich Pageant

Life is such an incredible journey. Everything we have experienced in the past leads us to where we are at the present moment, and these moments will, in turn, shape our future. Things that don't seem to be relevant at the time can help us down the road in ways we would never have dreamed. There's always something 'round the bend, just beyond our line of vision. At times we may get a glimpse of it and at other times it may come into full view, so clearly we will wonder how we had never seen it before.

Things seem to be coming together in an interesting way. Single events fit together like puzzle pieces and feel right. Past experiences that seemed unremarkable have taught me things that prove useful in current situations. I feel blissful and at peace. Amen.

Appreciating Impermanence

 Each one of the flowers pictured above is a perennial, meaning that it will return and re-bloom each year, for a few days to perhaps a week. Annuals, on the other hand, bloom for an entire summer, although they only last that one season.  Each has its benefits: the annuals provide reliable, long-lasting color whereas perennials return yearly, but only for a fleeting time.  

There are a few annuals in my garden, some nasturtiums and marigolds in the veggie garden and several pots with lobelia, alyssum and impatiens.  Annuals are nice, but my passion has always been with perennials. Such a stunning assortment of forms and colors! The trick, one I've yet to master, is to have a mixture of perennials that will provide constant bloom throughout the season.  Every year I learn more about each plant: where it will be happy, what other plants complement it and when it blooms. Eventually, I hope to have color everywhere in the gardens from spring to fall, using only perennials.

When each flower appears with its colorful beauty it would be easy to feel disappointment at the short time we are able to enjoy it, or frustration at the fact that it doesn't last longer.  Over the years I've learned that it's important to appreciate them while they are blossoming, but realize that they'll never last as long as I'd like. Nothing does, whether it be something good or something bad, a lesson that is important to keep in mind.

For Comparison's Sake

Compare and contrast the two below photos:

I'm not calling anyone obese, or even overweight, but I'll let the photos speak for themselves. 

How long will it take for Dexi to fill out? Millie has been with us for nearly 4 years and look at her.  Sure, a lot of it is fluff, but there is plenty of substance under the fur.  I'm sure Dex will fatten up, especially now that he has lost his hormonal........urges.  Sorry Dexi! 

Finished Table

The finished result of the table refinishing project, it's being put to good use.

(Note the coaster under the water glass; Thanks Wilson, you're the best!)

Kitty Porn (aka Dexi's First Photo Shoot)

He'd been hanging around the neighborhood for weeks, scrounging a meal wherever he could.  I fed him as often as he came around, against my husband's wishes. Each time, he'd appear with a new ear injury or fresh wounds on his nose from a battle. I decided his life would be much easier if he was neutered and took measures to make an appointment for him with the local spay/neuter catmobile.  They insisted on a name before they'd neuter him and Dexter was all I could come up with on the spot.

Naturally, we couldn't just put him back outdoors immediately following the surgery, so he was confined to the 3-season porch. The girls were quite unhappy about this interloper and there was a lot of growling and hissing going on through the glass door that kept them apart.  Once his feline leukemia and FIV status was determined to be negative it seemed appropriate for them to meet; the hissing and growling was replaced by slinking and skulking around after him as he explored the house. He's a respectful house guest and keeps to himself. The girls keep an eye on him from a safe distance. 

He's very thin, weighing in at 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs) before he was neutered. We'll fatten the boy up in our house! Both Gracie and Millie, though considerably smaller in stature, weigh at least a couple pounds more. Dex is light as a feather to pick up, but I'm sure that won't last long. 

He's full of personality and I'm sure as he becomes more comfortable around the house he'll develop even more antics. For now he's a catnip junkie, eats everything in sight, loves to have his tummy rubbed and has the tiniest meow for such a big boy. The family is once again complete. <3

Next on the List

A college graduate has very different needs than a younger student, particularly one who has worked in the IT department at school. Much more sophisticated computer equipment comes home,  and with it,  the need for more desk space. After many months of browsing Craigslist for a new desk, it became apparent that it wasn't a desk that was needed; we needed a table.  Preferably something older and a little funky.  No MDF board or veneer, something solid that would stand the test of time and be as good looking as it is useful. 

A table finally appeared that would fit the bill. It was located in Salem and the price was right: $40. Yes, it needed a little TLC, but it was solid wood, had a small leaf for expansion should the need arise and was in decent shape. Nothing a little sanding and urethane couldn't fix. 

Above are the "before" photos. The sanding turned out to be a bit more work than anticipated, but what's a few extra hours on something that will be so useful? Fortunately, the trestle-style bottom part of the table was unblemished and only needed a light sand and some oil. The top needed to be taken down to bare wood, but once it was, it looked amazing. The best part, for me anyway, is oiling the wood after the sanding is complete, when the grain stands out and looks so beautiful. After the oil sinks in for a day or so comes the urethane to protect the surface against moisture and spilled drinks. 

Forty dollars and a weekend later we have a beautiful multi-purpose table that will  be a useful as it is nice looking.  Perfect for computer equipment, sewing machines or as a kitchen table, I know it will see many years of use.