Rain, rain go away

OK - I realize we needed rain. My grass was brown, my flowers
drooping. But, enough already!

I hate getting up on dreary days. Can't wear sandals as my feet get wet and cold. The a/c is on at work and it is FREEZING. Can't walk the dogs as it is RAINING and they HATE being out in the rain so they are restless. When the dogs do go out to go potty, they come in wet and track it in my kitchen. My house smells like wet dog. My basement gets wet. Driving is bad in the rain. Everyone has bad hair days when it rains. Everyone gets crabby when it rains. It's Monday and it's raining. I can't get out to check out my yard, flowers, tomatoes, etc. I can't find my umbrella or I leave it someplace when I need it. There are people losing their homes and businesses to the rain and flooding. Worms are on the sidewalk when it rains and they are gross. My grass will be 2 feet high by the time the rain finally stops and it will be difficut to mow.

Jeez.

No sun equals depressed Julie Ann.

It is suppose to rain all week.

Bitch, bitch, bitch.

Quiet Time

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at work this week!

It is a very busy time for us and I know that I am not alone in feeling overwhelmed and terribly busy.

To top it off I've been experiencing eye strain while looking at the computer all day. Time to check out the drug store reading glasses. Jeez.

I have lived alone most of my adult life. Now, in a committed relationship, I truly enjoy the time I spend with Phil. Since he lives over 70 miles from me, we are not together 24/7, but do spend considerable time with each other. I love it, because I love him. I truly enjoy his company. He is my best friend, confidant, and lover. I am looking forward to spending a lifetime with him.

Phil will be out of town this weekend. While I will miss him terribly, I am looking forward to a weekend by myself. I have books to read for my book club, HGTV to watch, dogs to walk, flower beds to tend, a massage scheduled - my days will be full and my evenings quiet. Sunday I'm planning a "bumming" afternoon with a gal pal in a small town filled with quaint stores and antique shops.

So my weekend will be busy, but also quiet and I will be able to do as much as I want or absolutely nothing. I will have "alone" time, which I need every few months.

Sounds wonderful.

(But, don't be gone too long, Gotti)

Church Ladies

About 15 years ago, while attending my UU church, I took a curriculum entitled, "Cakes for the Queen of Heaven." It was approximately 10 weeks of exploring the aspect of the feminine in the divine. Afterwards, I really wanted this same type of connection with other UU women, so I started a Women's Spirituality Group at church.

This was a great group of women. We met monthly and shared our stories and each seeked out her own individual spirituality. Two of our members decided to facilitate the next curriculum which sprang from "Cakes", entitled "Rise Up and Call Her Name." And, it is from this group, that my wonderful "church ladies" sprang. And, while the Women's Spiritually Group ended 10 years ago, the church ladies are still going strong.

Saturday night we met at my house for Lammas. We try to meet 5 or 6 times a year, loosely following the Earth-based holidays. From the original Rise Up group of 6 or so "core" members. We meet at each other's houses and share ritual, stories and food. We ebb and flow together.

Held together by an internet group, most of our communication is done via email. While most of us live in the greater Milwaukee area, Nikki has moved back home to California, Miki to the Detroit area, Sally to western Michigan. Shannon lives in Missouri and has never attended our gatherings, but still is a part of us. We have been joined by several new woman lately and they are welcomed into the circle.

We have seen each other through births, deaths, moves, divorces, commitments, grandchildren, child rearing, returning to school, additions, and everything in between.

Personally, I cannot even begin to express what this group of women mean to me. They have loved me and supported me, cared and nurtured me and kept me afloat during the worst moments of my life. They share my secrets, joys, loves, dreams and hopes. They laugh with me and cry with me.

What made this weekend even more special is that Sunday night I was able to meet up with Amy and Shannon. They could not attend our recent gathering as they were at a retreat. I drove down to Illinois and shared a quick dinner with them, along with Amy's lovely daughter, Lexie and her son, Nathaniel. I haven't seen Shannon in 2 years and it was great to see her. And, it is fun to see Lexie grow into a beautiful young woman.

So, here's to my church ladies! I love each and every one of you. Ya'll are one of the best blessings of my life.

Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again. The circle is open, but never broken. Blessed be.