If you’re new to my blog, welcome! Here is an explanation of the tater tot posts.
Leaf
“I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling. The leaf told me, “No. During the whole spring and summer I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree. I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. So don’t worry at all. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, ‘I will see you again very soon.'”
That day there was a wind blowing and, after a while, I saw the leaf leave the branch and float down to the soil, dancing joyfully, because as it floated it saw itself already there in the tree. It was so happy. I bowed my head, knowing that I have a lot to learn from that leaf.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Rainbows and boobs
I’ve previously mentioned my love of my Rainbow Symphony decals. I was at the plant store with my friend Kristen a few weeks ago, and I came across another package of decals that I “needed” because I had to have all the rainbows.
Winter is coming, and rainbows will be my version of a happy lamp.
It was a package of groovy 70s decals with flowers, butterflies, and two yoga boob ladies.
Right on, man.
They’d have to go on the south-facing windows, I determined. Why? For starters, the south facing windows provide you with rainbows all day.
But most importantly, our obnoxious neighbor lives there. His kitchen window, in fact, looks right into that window.
The open window that looks into our family room. Facing the boob lady. He doesn’t appear to be the evolved type, if you get my drift.
So, just in case you think I’ve evolved into a great, soulful human being? I still have a lot of work ahead of me.
Perfect start to October
On Fridays, my friend Kristen and I have a tradition of getting out of the house together. It all started in 2019 with a monthly cup of coffee. We realized we needed each other more than once a month following the lockdown, so we decided once a week was necessary.
We both have a lot going on in our lives, and Friday’s replenish our souls.
We went to The Baha’i House of Worship last Friday. The message of this spiritual temple’s hallowed grounds is that everyone is welcome. You are invited to come here to pray, reflect, and meditate regardless of your beliefs, religion, or God.
I even brought my soul homework materials with me to do some spiritual work of my own. Of course, I didn’t get much done because we were too busy admiring the beautiful flowers, the butterflies, etched sayings on the building, and the large wall built across the street from the temple to obscure the view of Lake Michigan.
Regardless, it was a lovely experience. If you live in the Chicago area, I would definitely make time to visit. It’s open all year and offers a much greater experience than The Bean or Sears Tower. It’s also free.
After cleansing our souls, we traveled into the city to get biscuits and pie for lunch.
Our day dates aren’t usually this spectacular, but they’re always enjoyable because we’re together.
What I’ve Been Reading
Devotions by Mary Oliver
Menopause: A Comic Treatment by MK Czerwiec
Post Secret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives by Frank Warren
You Don’t Owe Anyone by Caroline Garnet McGraw
A Year to Live by Stephen Levine
What I’m listening to
What I’m watching
If you only watch one show on Netflix, make it this one. These people are so genuine and lovely, and Australia is absolutely stunning.
Ella and I watched all five films in the Twilight Saga in two days.
What I’m clicking on
‘Squid Game’ Is the Most Disturbing Show I’ve Ever Seen. How Is It So Popular?
Where Is the Best Place To Donate Your Stuff? |
Your privacy is the price of Facebook’s monopoly – The Washington Post
This Halloween, remember witch hunts were created by a patriarchy terrified of older women
18 Leggings That Aren’t From LuLaRoe Or Another MLM | HuffPost Life
Synesthesia | Psychology Today
How the Tylenol murders of 1982 changed the way we consume medication | PBS NewsHour
What I’m quoting
Happy October.
A Grace Full Life 
All wonderful but I love the Suzuki quote
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Me too. 🙂
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We are really enjoying Only Murders in the Building (thought I didn’t like the all silent one with nothing but sign language and subtitles nearly as much). Your lunch date looks fabulous; what a beautiful temple to explore.
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We only started watching the Only Murders in the Building last night! I had to add it this morning because I was hoping to discuss it this week. Mike got Ella and me hooked on it, and we both love it.
The lunch date was wonderful, and we both agreed that we’d like to return to the temple.
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My massage therapist suggested Love on the Spectrum, and I am so glad she did!
May I suggest Ted Lasso, if you have Apple TV+ (and if you don’t, this show alone is well worth subscribing).
Deb
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I don’t have Apple TV! I’ve heard so many good things about Ted Lasso that I wish there were another way for us to watch it. Based on the good reviews, we may have consider subscribing. We have Apple Music, and I’m wondering whether there is a way to bundle it with Apple TV. I’ll have to look into it.
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A new friend of mine asked if I’d watched Squid. She must have meant “Squid Game?” I haven’t looked at it yet. After what you said, I may skip it.
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It’s intense. We were only able to watch one episode before having to take a break. I’m not sure I’ll be able to watch another. Watch Only Murders in the Building instead. 🙂
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What a beautiful house of worship. Glad you’re getting out and about…. I’ve missed random day trips so much.
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Random day trips are a lot of fun. Because I didn’t travel this year, these are helping me feel like I have each week.
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I can’t even remember everything to comment on! Yes on TV – LuLaRoe and Murders in the building.
Pie and biscuits??? You are my kind.
Boobs and rainbows- LOL
Thanks for the reading suggestions.
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These posts cover a lot of ground. 🙂
Rainbows, boobs, pie, and biscuits. It was one hell of a weekend!
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LOL!
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🙂
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We are loving Only Murders in The Building…the most recent deaf episode was so clever and cool…that is a damn good show
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We just finished that episode last night! I thought that was clever too.
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I read that the actor playing the son is deaf..so makes sense
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Not to spoil anything away to those who haven’t seen the show yet, but the lack of sound helped me feel empathy for the son’s situation. More than if there was sound, if that makes sense.
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Absolutely…gutwrenching especially Nathan Lane playing against type.
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YES! That too.
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I’VE BEEN QUOTED. ON YOUR BLOG. OMG – you have no idea. So unexpected. Day made. I needed this – just scrolling along and HEY, I SAID THAT – what?! I died. Mini was studying near me in the study instead of her hangout in the living room because the light burned out in there and she didn’t want to change the bulb. She was like WHAT? WHAT??! When I started laughing. 😉 I’m seeing my quote on a t-shirt. Yes, no?
This post is just evidence that we need to buy more show watching platforms (is that even what you call it?) I really want to see the Murders in the Building thing now. And I have heard so many people talk about Ted Lasso. Let’s all pause to feel my pain, because it took us for flipping ever just to get Netflix. Bah. I might have to check out the Love on the Spectrum show.
I just filled Mini in on the Tylenol poisonings on 1982. I remember babysitting for our neighbors and calling my mom to say I had a headache. She wouldn’t let me take their Tylenol because the date on the bottle made her nervous.
I want those boob window clings – look I just used boob and cling in the same sentence. Only I would stick a few on Mary Ann’s car window just for kicks.
The Friday outings sound delightful. I have Thursdays off this school year, most of the time. I occasionally see a friend for lunch and that just fills my tank. Friends and outings are so enjoyable.
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It’s an excellent quote. 🙂
No Murders in the Building is well worth a Hulu subscription. Steve Martin, Martin Short, Nathan Lane, and Selena Gomez are so good. It’s a fantastic whodunit.
Love on the Spectrum is so heartwarming. Mostly because they aren’t acting. They’re being true to themselves, unlike most reality shows.
Rainbow Symphony. Get some. That’s your next project for Mary Ann’s car.
I don’t know what I’d do without Kristen and our outings. 🙂
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The leaf analogy. *sigh* That one hit me to my core. I’ve been thinking of my mortality a bit too much lately and that was a nice reminder.
Happy October!
I love that you have a standing date with Kristen and the one to the House of Worship looks amazing. Why do you think they didn’t want to see the Lake?
I was thinking of watching Love On the Spectrum, glad you are saying it’s good.
We started the Lulu docuseries but lost interest. Did you finish it?
You are quoting Ernie. I love that!
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Last month I read that passage and it brought me peace. I’m glad it gave you some as well.
So I’ve got a couple of theories. 1- Privacy, since this temple is a popular tourist destination. Before Covid, you could climb to the third story and see Lake Michigan, and possibly peek into their yard. If you desired solitude, don’t live across the street from a massive temple, but I digress. 2- They are constructing a nuclear reactor. 3- It’s the home of a celebrity. 4-They’re just an asshole.
Finish Love on the Spectrum. The final episode is lovely, especially the wedding (no spoilers here).
We finished the Lulu docuseries, which was pretty good.
I could be quoting others. 🙂
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I’ll finish both shows!!
Probably #4 🥴
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Probably. 😉
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Wooooooo! Fantastic quote from Ernie! \\^.^//
Yay! Another fan of Love on the Spectrum! I loved S1 and was so happy they got a 2nd season. Omg the ups and downs of that show. I just want everyone to be happy!
I watched Squid just bc I wanted to learn what the buzz was about. I fast forwarded thru the gore and the bad/lame stereotypes scenes and characters. Someone (Vox?) had an interesting article on what the show’s larger message is… sort of how *everyone* is now unhappy. All the classes – upper, middle, poor. Unhappy. You have to get to the end of the series to see this bigger picture though. Also, I was so POd at the ending but can’t discuss without spoiling. Anywho, the larger concept was what kept me watching (and fast forwarding to reach the worthwhile scenes). I’m not a fan of gore so I hope some bright filmmaker explores this theme in a different genre.
Have you seen Maid (Netflix)? Based on a true story. Again, I watched mostly to learn. More unhappiness. And a lot of bad decisions being made. It is weird bc I watched another series that involved nonfictional unhappy rich people making bad decisions.
I guess the invisible syllabus for the past few weeks was: “explore happiness/unhappiness and decision making”. Maybe everyone needs to visit your lovely, peaceful House of Worship. 🙂 Just seeing the photos of that place fills me with happiness!
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I love a good quote, and when it comes from a friend, even better!
It’s one of my all-time favorite shows. I’m hoping they’ll return for another season.
Ella and I were just talking about Squid Game with my parents today! This was our takeaway as well. Despite the fact that it’s sad and gory, there is a deeper significance. I don’t think the show is for everyone, but I believe the message is one to which we all can relate.
I haven’t watched Maid yet, but it’s on my list!
“Invisible syllabus!” I love that word! I often wonder whether we’re all in one big classroom, with each month being a new “exam.” Some months are more difficult than others. Some months, I feel as though I didn’t get the test notes. LOL.
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