Weekend Coffee Share, Reaching the Joy

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer . It got into the 20s in Northern Florida last night, so today calls for a hot chai tea. Grab your beverage of choice and pull up a chair! We had a fire going last night and are sure to start the fireplace again this evening.

I’m all done with Christmas shopping and preparations! I’ve been relaxing and enjoying myself the last few days. All of the gifts are under the tree, and it even now looks fuller than above. I got Bixby a chew toy that he will get on Christmas Eve. I’ll be going to a family service at my church tonight that includes a live nativity. I’m looking forward to it!

My dad sent a Visa gift card for Christmas, so with those unexpected funds I bought tickets to a Christmas Event called Dazzling Light at the Jacksonville Arboretum for myself and my boyfriend to attend Thursday, because he takes me to so many fabulous places; he deserves it! Needless to say, we both loved it and felt like kids again! This includes the hot chocolate that warmed me as walked the grounds from 8 to 9 p.m. We were in 50 degree weather then, but the cool humidity made me crave something warm.

Let it snow!❄️

I haven’t been there in years, but even at night the place is magical! There was music food, and lights in many varieties as well as exhibits the kids could play in. Let’s not forget the pretend snow to play in! I used to play in snow as a child, forty-plus years ago!

All in all, we both had such a great time, and Chris really appreciated this surprise! I’m so glad.

Lately, I’ve started painting when I get a creative bug and my hand and shoulder hurt too much to write. I’d done two coasters before today, and my son wanted to help me do some ‘modern art’ today. Of course, I said yes and got out the materials in my garage “studio.” We both contributed! It was an excellent mother/son activity!

Halfway through, he told me modern art started out as US CIA/ government propaganda. Well, he’s close. He really is into some interesting things! He asked Siri and she found us an article. Read about it here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/modern-art-was-cia-weapon-1578808.html

Our product!

It was so fun making art with my son, and such a wonderful bonding experience! I’m truly enjoying this Winter break, and not a single silent moment has me bored.

Fun at the Jacksonville Arboretum!

I am wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, happy holiday, and a Happy New Year! May the joy of this season be yours.🎄⛄

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Weekend Coffee Share, Family, Friends, Food, and Art

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. Pull up a chair for a coffee chat!

It has been a busy week with my health goals and work. My personal time mostly involved paying bills and trying to consciously relax myself in order to sleep at night. Part of that process has been essential blue oils and breathing exercises. One night it all worked, the next it didn’t. The night I added yoga to the mix made falling asleep easy! I still woke up way too early, though.

Of course, waking and then tossing and turning is a result of my shoulder issue. However, Wednesday afternoon the orthopedic doc gave me an intra-articular steroid shot through into my shoulder joint. Well, the next day I could move it more, and my spirits sure felt better! I’ve been assigned to 5 more weeks of physical therapy.

Hopefully, it all works so I won’t need surgery. Good thing I did get some relief, because Friday, I coordinated picture day at school. It was quite a busy day, but I had some student helpers and other staff also helped. I was glad when it was over!

My son is starting orientation for a new job Monday. Such happy news! We celebrated with a good dinner Thursday.

Besides having my son’s job to celebrate, I’m glad to report that this weekend was packed full with activities designed to de-stress and relax me!

Saturday was a great day for a massage; I started with green matcha tea and juice, ending the day with a dinner of Japanese Hibachi with my boyfriend. Sunday, I had brunch with some gal pals, and it was scrumptious! I hadn’t seen some of these ladies in a few years, so it’s great to have a regular brunch meetup with them now. I had quiche, grits , salad, and an indulgent cup of coffee ( a rare treat for me these days)!

Yum! “Broads Who do Brunch!”

Later in the day, I had the honor of attending the Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit. Our neighbor got us tickets. It was a beautiful, touching experience, and I’m so thankful I got this chance!

Beyond Van Gogh, in the Jax Downtown Immersive Art Space.

I hope you all have a great week ahead!

Weekend Coffee Share: Animals, Art, and Loved Ones

Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Natalie the Explorer. It has been a calm week before the storm of teacher pre-planning coming next week. Grab your favorite morning beverage and let’s chat!

It has been hot as the Dickens around here. I’ve had shoulder therapy appointments and one day of helping get 6th graders familiar with our school grounds. I made some calls about seeing an Ortho doc and hopefully getting x-rays. Tuesday evening was a pleasant, fun excursion to the Cummer Museum of Art. Chris, my mom, and I had a taco dinner before we all went to the museum.

My favorite sight was their tree in the gardens.

The gardens and the St. John’s River are in the background

One morning this week, I enjoyed the wildlife on my porch before the humidity took up residence for the day.

This one appears to be shedding!

Huge, but lovely moth.

At the same time part juggernaut and part cuddle buddy, unafraid of huge dogs but frightened by thunderstorms, Bixby does it again. One day, Mom tells me that before I woke up, Bixby was out back, and she was in the kitchen. At one point she heard Bixby outside whimpering like he was hurt. Well, when I woke up and went into the living room, what did I see but a dead wasp on our floor! And Bixby, he’s just fine.

I swear, this dog might be a honey badger!

So, that’s my week in a nutshell. How are things with you?

Chichin Itza, Mexico. A visual share and #weeklysmile

Chichin Itza means the mouth at the well of the Itza (Mayans). It is located in the Yucatan of Mexico. We took a ferry from our Royal Caribbean cruise ship to Playa del Carmen, then we walked 10 minutes to the tour company’s buses for a 2.5 hour drive. Ours was a van, much better. I didn’t know what to expect, but the tour was nothing but enlightening. Join me for some highlights!

Playa del Carmen murals tell a story.

Pre-tour, we learned a lot of Mexican history through our tour guide and interactive tablets.

Our tour guide, Carlos, was quite knowledgeable in the history and lore of this area! I couldn’t resist a cheesy photo.

This dog visits the temple and sits at the top frequently!

Local wildlife.

The sports arena.

These are skull designs.

My photos don’t do the etchings justice.

To the left are the vendors, providing a chance to support the local economy. The jaguar whistle lures us in…

This week on my cruise vacation has been amazing! From this portion of the week, I feel so enriched learning about the culture and history of Mexico, the Mayans, and Chichen Itza.

Enchanted. #RDP #wordoftheday

Pixabay photo

Enchanted, (c) 2019 by Pamela Schloesser Canepa

It seems infused with spirit,

this place.

It is not cold or dead

or alone.

In the absence of the light,

can you hear the whispers?

In the silence of winter,

Can you feel the warmth?

The footprints others leave

on our heart.

We are surrounded,

ever changing inside

always choosing

to let in the light

or the dark.

To which do open your heart?

 

*Written in response to the daily word prompt at Rag Tag Community Daily Prompt