Yes, the sun is shining. Finally. Even though it's only 25 degrees out there, I couldn't stand it anymore. I can no longer wait for spring to bring itself here, so I went out and brought myself to spring.

When I awoke this morning, I still had the headache -- I really needed some fresh air. And since the doctors have told me repeatedly that when I have the kidney thing I need to "keep moving" and not just lie flat on my back in bed, I got up, put on my little walking shoes, and off I went.

It was fucking freezing out, gang, but so sunny and the birds were singing everywhere. It was so uplifting and it really helped me connect with the power of visualization. Even though there is still plenty of snow blanketing the yards, I could literally see spring coming and replacing all the snow. I could see it, you know? I know that it will be a mere heartbeat and everything will be in bloom again. Yay.That's the power of visualization.

Maybe it seems like a lame example, since we always know that the seasons are going to change, but I mean the mental power of it -- the power that you can actually feel as you're visualizing something, you know? I felt that in spades this morning and it made me feel so hopeful. Because it reminded me of times when I was so sure of other things I was visualizing and they also came to pass.

So, I'm guessing I need to apply that power to this short story and the one after that and the essay I need after that! bing, bang, boom -- right, folks? I don't know about you, but it's funny how I can lose sight of a thing that I can be so sure about. (I do this repeatedly.) A case in point, here's a shot of my bedroom wall:


It is scrolls of reminders of how reality works. (i.e., focus on this, you get this; focus on that, you get that; be sure you know what you're really focusing on, etc.) Could this BE more in my face, gang? I look at it everyday and STILL I'm prone to losing sight of it and getting bogged down in the mire of thoughts in my head that ignore what my brain already knows.

Crap. Well, onward, right?

Okay, here is my latest craziness: Al Capone Sweets, filterless cigarillos, with the tips dipped in cognac


I need this new habit like I need a(nother) hole in the head, but it just struck me as something I wanted to try and then I liked it. (Jay remembers me as a bonnie young teenaged cigar-smoking lass. I said, "No, I didn't smoke cigars, ever; I smoked those cherry-flavored cigarillos with the plastic filter tip." Where do I come up with these ideas?? I don't know, but clearly, I've been coming up with them for decades already. I guess it isn't gonna quit now!)

All righty, then!! I'm gonna get crackin' around here,gang. I'm going to try to start feeling better (84 fluid ounces of cranberry juice and 2 Percosets later...) And bright & early tomorrow morning, I'll be off to Wonderland in 3D IMAX. Can't wait! I hope you have a really productive day wherever you are, gang. Hang in there! I'm on your side! Thanks for visiting! See ya.