Monday, January 10, 2011

Claim Jumping

Thank you all so much for your comments, e-mails and phone calls. Each and every one of them is dear to me because of the love and concern that prompted them. While it may be hard to understand...just knowing that y'all are in my corner is helping me to heal...that and my faith. Knowing my savior sees to all my needs is humbling.

Silly as it sounds, one thing that has helped is going back and reading comments on old posts. Rereading the words and seeing the names of those who have had my back from the get-go was comforting. It was also wonderful seeing new names pop up who became old friends. I'm hoping 2011 provides even more.
I wish I had more to post on, but this past Saturday was the first time I've really ventured out...then the snow came! So unless y'all want to hear about my cleaning secrets...I got nothin'. I guess y'all know what that means...doncha? Yeppers...it's SQUIRREL TIME.

I spent time each night secretly visiting y'all. I'm sorry I wasn't leaving comments, but sadly the words just weren't gushing out. I did take notice of what seemed to be THE main gift this year...new cameras and lenses. Seems photography is the new thing in blogland, but people I gotta tell ya...it ain't my bag. I can play around on Picnik with the best of them, but I'm just too old to learn any new tricks. Wait...let me rephrase that...I'm too old to want to! That my friends is the beauty of aging gracefully. One is expected to be a tad dotty, outspoken and outrageous...traits I intend to totally embrace in 2011. That said...here goes!

I had fully intended to do a post on my lofty ambitions for twenty-eleven, complete with the word "change" to represent what I hoped to accomplish. Jakie's passing New Year's Day changed all that...and me.
While visiting blogs and seeing the changes that were occurring on them, I came very close to closing mine down. I thought to myself...now how on earth can I compete with all these beautiful photos and wonderful layouts. Who is gonna want to come and read some crazy lady's rants when she can't even take an in focus shot? Is this one of the changes I'd have to make to entice new followers? Was I going to have to rethink (and y'all know how much I hate thinking) and change my whole style of blogging to get to be one of the cool kids or at least get to sit at their table as a tag-along? Then it hit me...or rather I hit myself. Deb (I asked myself), when you started blogging what were your reasons? Easy question to answer. I started blogging for simple reasons. To create an identity for myself that didn't begin with Debbieanddanny (always said as one word), to promote our business, journal memories for my family, and finally, to have fun...lots of it. Along the way I found a voice and a love for words...not just in reading them, but in writing them. It certainly wasn't to create work for myself and trying to change my blog would require a lot of work that I'm not ready to put in (have I mentioned I'm a little lazy?).

I'll be 60 (gasp!) this coming May. Hard to believe I know...don't look a day past 55...right? Point being, at this stage of life...I don't want to change to fit in. I like me...maybe a little too much and I enjoy living the life I've been given. In the words of the great Popeye...I y'am what I y'am. I refuse to offer up anything less than the real me and I pray when we get to meet face to face, you find I'm the same person you've read.

To repeat myself, therein lies the real beauty of aging...no fear of offending. At my age, I can say what I want and do what I want and I double dog dare you to try and stop me. I'm going to continue to write as I darn well please, with my tongue fully ensconced within my cheek (or as a dear reader said, with it sticking out at the world) and I may or may not improve my photo skills (never isn't in my vocabulary), but if I do...it'll be 'cause I want to...not 'cause I have to! One thing for sure I will be doing is not posting as often. I found by not being on the computer as much these past days...a lot more got done around the Casita de Trash...a lot more!
My epiphany really came while staring out the window of my office last week. I watched the squirrels jumping from tree limb to tree limb...never stopping to wonder if the limbs would hold them or if they'd even make it. It reminded me of how Jakie would jump when my oldest melonhead would pat his chest. Jake never stopped to question whether Joey would catch him or even doubted OM would...he just jumped and ran straight up Joey's legs to a pair of waiting arms and a hug.

This is the word I've chosen for the new year...JUMP!

In 2011 I intend to jump start my life, jump on it whenever possible, to jump and jive without breaking a hip, to high jump life hurdles, jump outta a cake, but never off a ledge, and to jump for joy. I don't intend to jump the shark, jump the gun, jump to conclusions, jump ship just 'cause the going gets rough, jump off a cliff...just 'cause everyone else is doing it, or jump on the bandwagon. Heck...I'm gonna try and be the bandwagon!

I may jump off track from time to time...but that won't be a surprise to anyone...including me! I promise up and down to jump right back!
Y'all are the jumper cables of this part of my life and if you care to join me...when I say jump...you say how high!

The sky's the limit!
I'll close with a little of one of my favorite songs and a quote.

~I could hurt someone like me, out of spite and jealousy

I don't steal and I don't lie, but I can feel and I can cry

A fact I'll bet you never knew, but to cry in front of you

That's the worst thing I could do."~Rizzo-Grease

~I have just met you, and I love you~Dug-UP (I know this is what Jake was saying to me the first day we met and he chose me.)

42 comments:

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Dear Deb,

I am so sorry, I missed your post about your little man. My heart goes out to you. I know the pain you are feeling. Hannah has been gone a year and a half now and Kodak two months 1/1. They are members of our family and when they are no longer with us it hurts.

I will say a prayer to St. Francis for our little guy, he is waiting for you and you will be reunited one day.

Now, GIRL, your blog is fabulous, it is you, it is real, it is straight talk!!!

Having said that, I had a moment or two or three like that a couple of months back. All the beautiful blogs, fancy fonts, professional photography, house is pristine filled with treasures . . . BUT the reality it is, our blogs are us and I am who I am (is that a song from Popeye, ha ha ha ha) and I have a good life!

You keep talking sass, girl, and I will continue to read you and blog right alongside you!!

I know there's more I want to say but I got my hubby's cold and am not feeling all that great but I wanted to stop by and send you a big ((((HUG))))

You truly are a wonderful lady, Deb!

xxoo
Marsha

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Typo, say a prayer for YOUR little guy :)

red.neck chic said...

I have heard that you can take all the pictures in the world... through the best of cameras... but if you don't have the "eye" for your subject - then they still aren't good.

And Debbie? I think you have the perfect "eye". I love seeing and hearing the world through you.

I love you. Now - jump. I have a trampoline that's all duct taped together... we'll just jump and jump and jump and jump...

;-D

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

So glad to have you back, Deb. I know what you mean about cameras and photography. Heck, I've only been taking photos with my iphone for pretty much the whole last year! So you've got me beat - have never edited a photo of mine besides rotating it :) p.s. like your word for the year - are you a big Van Halen fan or what?

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

p.s.s. love you and your blog Just the Way You Are, Deb!!!

Malisa said...

Well,I am JUMPING FOR JOY that you are back and that I have the pleasure of calling you friend! I love your word for the year...it says so much about you and your love of life. Girlfriend, I never thought of your blog as a photography blog. I think of your blog as a place filled with humor, friendship, and encouragement. God gave you the gift of writing. Be proud of that gift! I don't know about you (that may be a little lie), but I am the rebel girl. I don't want to follow the path everyone is following...I want to blaze my own trail! And don't you ever forget that you and your words have had a huge impact on my life. After all, you are one of my beautiful guardian angels!

Love you!
MALisa

the old white house said...

This is why we love you Deb... keepin it real and keepin it sassy! I will come back here time after time, pictures or not. you make me laugh, and you make me think (everyone here at 612 thanks you for that little tidbit) you are a creative goddess...
Jumping is good, it gets the blood flowing. I don't have a word for 2011, I might think of one, maybe not. I'm hoping the menopausal vitamins that I'm taking will help me remember to stay focused long enough to think of one! My family thanks Z. for pointing my in the direction of that drugstore aisle!
Take care and I loved this post... thanks for all the insight! Theresa xoxo

Olive said...

I love just as you are my poet. Never change. I have gradually started to post less and I get more done that way also! hugs♥O

Olivia said...

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I would rather read your thousand words then see a picture. You make me laugh,feel,be comforted and sometimes cry. A picture cannot do that for me. Love your blog just the way it is. Except pictures of your grandchildren they tug at my heart. If you think more pictures are needed let it be those little darlings. Thanks for just being you.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

And that's why I love you, I love calling you friend, because you are honest and real even when I ask for an honest opinion, I know I will get it. It may hurt but then I shouldn't have asked. There's no beating around the bush, you are straight forward and wouldn't want it any other way. Great post and I'm jumpin on board with you!

DEB said...

Sweet Deb....LOVE you girl...Just the way you ARE!!!!! I dont always comment...(i guess i am a part-time lurker.lol) but I come to you for smiles..laughter..& sassiness (is that a word) & for keeping it "real"!! You always touch my heart..& I LOVE that:) Posting less is fine..life is busy..as we are headed to my darling hubby's sweet brothers funeral tomorrow..
(so happy hes without pain & in God's heaven now)
just as long as you post sweets!
One of these days...I AM going to go a junkin in your neck of woods..just to meet you & Cat daddy...on my bucket list:)
We love you...
Deb:) xoxox

Sue said...

Hey Deb,
I've been buried the past two years in work, business and trying to survive the economy. There is always comfort for me in my grandbabies and my furry friends. Losing one of my furry friends is just heartbreaking, especially when you are an animal lover. I'm hoping this new year does get a "jump" start, and turns itself into a kinder, gentler place for us all to live in!! A little more peace in this crazy world of ours would be welcomed!

Take care, Sue

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Deb, no need for change, love you just the way you are... and your blog, you always make me smile when I visit here!!!
Your pictures are always gorgeous too!
hugs~~ Daphne

Anita said...

Aw heck, Deb, I carry my pictures in my heart, so it's okay if they aren't focused...I can make them anyway I want :) No apologies needed. I am sure hoping this new year is fabulous for all of us. And sure glad to jump along on your ride. :)

Pam @ Frippery said...

Debbie, Don't you change a thing!!! You are perfect just as is! I had thought about shutting it down this year as well. I was getting sick of it all and wasting too much time trying to "fit in." Then I thought, no obligation, I will post on my time and do more visiting than posting, which is what I loved to do at the beginning. I also knew my blog wasn't reflecting the real me. Pinks and bright and more girly. So I set my girl Sadie loose and she JUMPED on it. In 2 hours she had nabbed some of my fave photos and still kept my slightly naughty girl pic too and amazingly I had a new header that is so much more me than I could have done in a million hours in Photoshop. Cause I would have to learn how to use Photoshop first, hee hee. I say JUMP girl. Each new decade can bring new opportunities to JUMP at. Every year is a JUMPstart to a new way of living. Let's close our eyes, grab hands and JUMP together. No doubts, just like little Jakie, just trust and love. Hugs, Pam

time worn interiors said...

Girl! It's the trash mouth we love! I love blogging and I love taking pictures! Sad thing about my blog I usually post pictures and no text cause I'm to lazy to type! For real! So see we all have our little ways that only we understand! Only pictures I really care about seeing are of those sweet grand babies! And you do a great job with those! You worry to much! Girl, you are the life of the party! Believe me, I been there in the flesh! lol! Can't wait to see you again!
Theresa
aka:tot
p.s. If it weren't for you I wouldn't be TOT!

Laura said...

A list of squirrel alerts:

1. How did I get so lucky to meet you?
2. I'll be 60 in May too. I think we should have a SENIOR prom.
3. One of my favorite songs is the Pointer Sisters' JUMP.I dedicate it to you.
4. If you changed anything about your blog, life, thinking, creating, and word arranging,
the world would crack in two.
5. No matter what anyone says or how they spin it, staying off the computer means more time for living and getting things done.
6. No matter what camera I use, half my photos are blurry. Maybe I'M blurry?

You are loved and as my mother used to say to me,

Hope Your Team Wins,

LB.

Gracie's Cottage said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gracie's Cottage said...

Oh I'm so sorry about your Jakie; I've been awol from blog reading for a bit and missed your post.
I know what a huge hole in your heart there must be.
Hugs to you, and please, don't change a thing about yourself...as I tell my grandgirlies "I love you just because you're YOU!"

Jan

sassytrash said...

Deb...you ARE the cool kid...and don't you forget it!!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Deb,
Don't ever, ever, ever change!!! You are one of the most down-to-earth, in your face, fun lovingest, sweetest gals I know. Because you are who you are, and you keep it real, is why I read your blog and love you so much.

Keep doing what your doing and jump as high as you can!!!

hugs
Sissie

WhisperWood Cottage said...

Change? Don't you dare! We love you just the way you are! You are the perfect you...something that no one else can ever be!! :)

The Flying Bee said...

Are you kidding? My blog world wouldn't be the same without you in it! You are awesome! Who cares if you don't take the best pictures...you kick butt with your words! I love reading your posts...they always put a smile on my face. I love you Debbie...don't change a thing!

xoxo,
Adrienne

sweetpea said...

don't you dare change one single thing about you! don't you know that's why you are so loved by all who know you and even those who only know you via your blog? HE broke the mold after HE made you and that's no lie. nothin wrong with plans to soar in 2011 but only as high as YOU feel you need to.

hugs,

shelley

Debra@CommonGround said...

Deb, I've been a little "absent" myself this last week or so, so I missed your post on your little guy passing. I'm so sorry. I DO know how you feel. I still grieve for a little white girl that I lost over 2 years ago. She was my little shadow, and of all the kitties I've had, she had my heart like none other.
I'm praying for God's sweet and loving touch on you and Danny. And Debbie, please be yourself. That is who we all love.
xoxo,
Debra

David said...

Just blog your own way. Don't let it become a burden by doing anything that you don't enjoy. But when it comes from the heart, let it flow. Cause that's what we're used to from you and that's why we read.

clustres said...

Don't you change a thing....please!

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Deb ~
You totally make me smile and to be honest with
you I haven't even noticed your pictures!
I love to visit your blog because I love to listen to you
chat through your words !!
You are real and I LOVE real !!!
I cannot wait to meet you this year !

xoxo
Lori

Unknown said...

I am so saddenned by the loss of your Jakie. I cannot even imagine your pain. Prayers for all of you and thank you for your comment! love winter whites with hot cocoa...

Karen

Sue (Vintage Rescue) said...

Good to have you back, and glad you shook off those bad vibes. There's NO NEED to change! Yeah, we'd all like more followers, and better photo skills, but keeping it real, and saying true to your voice is much more important! Rock on!

Six in One Hand said...

Debbie,

I luv ya just the way you are!!!
THose rants that you do make me laugh until I cry and smile even on the worst days. Keep it up!!

Kathy said...

Deb - I love your honesty, your sass, and the pictures you paint with your words (I'm not the best photographer either...but we try!!!). I haven't been blogging as much either, and have missed the inspiration I get from others - so I'm planning on visiting a few each day, and doing what I can with mine - nothing fancy there either!

Bunches of hugs to you!!

Kathy

Cassie said...

When I read your post, Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" popped into my head. I love your blog. The best pics you post are of your family, if I may say so. But what I love the most is that you can put into words EXACTLY
what I'm thinking at times, but could never communicate it the way you do. There are no rules that dictate how often we must post (thank God!) so I'm taking what you give me, when you give it!
ps, love your word for 2011!

Marilyn said...

Deb ~ Don't have a Blog - Don't comment much (Heck, I'm still learning how to comment!!) - I guess I'm still considered a lurker??
The biggest thing I have noticed is how open everyone is - how understanding everyone is - how accepting everyone is - I wish I could convey to all of you who are thinking about quitting just how much you mean to so many of us who are just learning how to follow.
Marilyn in Missouri

Anonymous said...

We come to read, don't worry about the photos...photos shmotos...Now I have to go back and find out why you are so sad...so sorry. I am gonna go check around..okay?

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

With words like that.....who needs a camera? Beautifully written Deb...

Unknown said...

First I would like to say I'm so sad for your loss. My Pokey has been gone 3 years now and I still grieve for him. He loved me for me just like your Jakie.
And I think the good thing about blogging is we each are our own. I don't leave alot of comments because you get so many but I love reading your post. So please don't leave us.
Hugs to you,
KarenSue

Rebecca said...

Hey Sweetie... what do I hear here! Maybe the first time I have heard "talk'in trash".
Since when is this a competition... man I hate that. Pictures are great if you love to take them and enjoy it but you know the Lord has blessed you with the gift of writing or speaking or talking! That doesn't mean you can't take good pictures... if you have a mind to. Good gosh girl do I have to come down there.
You have such a gift of joy on the written page and that comes right from the hand of God.
I have got 2 years on you... so I guess I speak even though not asked to.
I love you thus I love your blog... just the way it is,
Now will you send me your address again, I have this package sitting here and it needs to go.
When you get time :)
Blessings
Rebecca

Rebecca said...

PS... didn't mean to jump down your throat...

Janet said...

so glad to see you back in the saddle! i love this post, possibly my fav...at least in a very long time!

i know you said you may jump off the track from time to time...my plan this year is to jump ON the track from time to time!

sure hope to see you this weekend...fingers & toes crossed!

Kate said...

Deb
I did not know about your loss of Jakie. I hope that your heart is on the mend real soon. I love love coming by your blog and reading your posts. I love when you stop by and leave me some talk it brings warmth to my heart. Here's to us jumping for you in 2011 and jumping with you!

xoxo
Kate

maryboys said...

"Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering."
-- Piglet, Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne

so glad that in the end you know that your blog is just what it should be - you:)

mary