This Side of Heaven... where angels love to tread!

The New Radicals was led by singer, songwriter and producer Gregg Alexander. I've read some of his bio online and it seems that he was somewhat of a bad boy that it's hard to believe he wrote some of the songs that I included in this week's music selection.

• You Get What You Give
• Someday We'll Know
• Gotta Stay High
• Mother, We Just Can't Get Enough
• Flowers

His band was formed in 1998 but sadly disbanded in 1999.

THIS IS TOO SWEET FOR WORDS!!! A six-year-old boy told his father he wanted to marry the little girl across the street. The father, being modern and well-schooled in handling children, hid his smile behind his hand. "That's a serious step," he said. "Have you thought it out completely?" "Yes," his young son answered. "We can spend one week in my room and the next in hers. It's right across the street, so I can run home if I get scared of the dark." "How about transportation?" the father asked. "I have my wagon, and we both have our tricycles," the little boy answered. The boy had an answer to every question the father raised. Finally, in exasperation, his dad asked, "What about babies? When you're married, you're liable to have babies, you know." "We've thought about that, too," the little boy replied. "We're not going to have babies. Every time she lays an egg, I'm going to step on it!"


*courtesy of Hanneli David

Yes, my friends, we did get some donuts from the Cider Hill Farm located in Amesbury, MA.
We only drop by to buy some donuts after coming from the bank. This time I only got a dozen since there was a line behind me also waiting to get their share. We didn't go apple picking because the weather was erratic, the sun trying to come out behind the clouds, then sudden bursts of rain soon followed. We thought, we'd come back some other time for that. We bought some pots of Mums, too (Chrysanthemums) pink and yellow in the middle.

The first 2 years after we moved to our present home, my husband planted yellow, purple, pink and white mums which were really a delight that passers by, whether they're walking or driving would slow down to enjoy the view. I will have to look for those photos to show you next time.


I guess we have to prettify (Is there such a word?) the house since my youngest daughter, Dreya, is coming home on Columbus day weekend (Oct. 7-10th) and she's going to bring along some new friends that she had made in school who are from out-of-state.

*Photos borrowed from the web. Thanks!

T'is fall once again, the season where time seems to try to stand still to prepare for the upcoming winter months. Mother Nature truly knows that fall should be the perfect introduction to winter. It slowly eases us towards getting ready for the changes that are about to happen in the coming weeks.... the weather, the landscape and even the overall emotions that subtly pervades the atmosphere.

I wanted to go apple picking yesterday but the weather was so rainy, that not even the thought of warm apple cider doughnuts can get me out there. Honestly, these donuts taste better than any doughnuts sold in the big chain donut shops... Hmmmm, seems to be getting nice outside now. See, if I can get my husband excited about going out and do some grocery shopping and who knows hopefully get my donuts (wink... wink)







*I borrowed the Autumn landscape photo from Andy's Lens. Visit the site for more captivating photos of Massachusetts.

We all need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who we are!



1. Try everything twice. On Madams tombstone (of Whelan's and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph: Tried everything twice...loved it both times!



2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches;)





3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!



4. Enjoy the simple things.



5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.





6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.



7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.




8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.



9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.



10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.





And if you don't send this to at least 4 people - who cares? But do share this with someone. Lost time can never be found!





*Thanks to my officemate, Mimoza, for sharing this with me.

Just couldn't pass up more of Basia's songs which I am sure you will enjoy listening to this week:

• Baby You're Mine
• Third Time Lucky
• Time and Tide
• Until You Come Back to Me
• Brave New Hope
• Miles Away
• Simple Pleasures
• The Sweetest Illusion
• Yearning
• An Olive Tree

*The above photo was the cover of one of her CD's released in 1995. Though it may not have all of her songs but what was included was most of her best songs.

I got kinda lazy when I posted my Basia songs a week and a half ago (it was already late at night or early morning to be exact) so to make up for it, I am posting the titles of the songs since my friend Sasha was asking who the artist was. Basia is one of my favorite female artist for her strong vocals and songs along with the likes of Astrud Gilberto, Angela Bofill, Sade, Pauline Wilson, Bebel Gilberto, Chaka Khan, Flora Purim, Anita Baker, Enya, Vernie Varga & Jaya (Pinoy pride!) and many more whose names escape my rambling mind at the moment...

Basia's Song List:

• Copernicus
• Cruising for Bruising
• Drunk on Love
• From Now On
• Half a Minute
• New Day for You
• Promises
• Reward
• Take Him Back, Rachel
  

My search for a video by Rusted Roots' "Send Me On My Way" song brought me to this you tube version of how the videomaker heard the lyrics. The song by the way is so island/tropical happy and so catchy... listen & I'm sure that you'll like it.

Just in case, here's the original lyrics to the song:

Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root

On my Way (12x)

I would like to reach out my hands
I may see you, I may tell you to run

You know what they say about the young.

Well, pick me up with golden hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
You know what they say about the young

I would like to hold my little hand
How we will run we will, how we will crawl we will

I would like to hold my little hand
How we will run we will, how we will crawl

Send me on my way
On my way (8x)
Mm hmm

I would like to reach out my hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
You know what they say about the young

Well, pick me up with golden hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
You know what they say about the young

I would like to hold my little hand
How we will run away, we will crawl away

I would like to hold my little hand
How we will run away, how we will crawl

Send me on my way
On my way
(8x)
Mm hmm

I would like to hold my little hand
How we will run away
How we will crawl

I would like to hold my little hand
How we will run away
How we will crawl

Send me on my way (5x)

I would like to reach out my hand
I may see you, I may tell you to run
You know what they say about the young

*Courtesy of Hanneli David

My blogger friend Sasha made a comment on my cbox recently that I love to read and asked me what books I have. This blog will be in response to her query.

Yes Sasha,you are right in your observation that I do love to read for reading has brought me a lot in life that a lifetime lived wouldn't be enough to experience. I guess one can safely say that we vicariously live through the characters of the story, feel whatever emotions being depicted and sometimes come out a little bit different after the last sentence has been read.

As for the books that I have, I have listed them at Library Thing which anyone interested and curious enough can browse. I don't have all my books listed as of yet, since I still have to make a complete inventory. I am able to list only a few and all the books listed are books that I actually own and have in my possession.

Most of my books are about metaphysics, the occult, spirituality, healing, Eastern and Western religion, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Science and other alternative reads (I call them alternative because it is not usually accepted in the mainstream). Of course, I still do read fiction but only at certain times if I get too drowned with the heavy stuff.

Right now I am halfway through this book, "2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl" written by Daniel Pinchbeck (read here for excerpt courtesy of disinfo.com). This is a recent release and I just had to borrow it when I saw this in our public library.

To quote what's written on the front flap: "This literary and metaphysical epic unifies the cosmological phenomena of our time - from crop circles to quantum mechanics to the worldwide resurgence of shamanism - in support of the Mayan prophesy that the year 2012 portends an unprecedented global shift."

There is also a link to the LA Weekly about a written article of Daniel's book. For those who haven't heard of what the year 2012 signifies, I would refer you to this site, aptly named 2012 Unlimited. If what you are reading resonates with you, then read on.... If not, just leave the site and go on your merry way.

Last Sunday Sept. 10th, we celebrated Doms'and Dreya's birthday together with a brunch from the Wiggins Tavern at the Hotel Northampton at Northampton, MA. Thank God it turned out to be a nice day since we had rain for most of the past few days. Though we just saw our 2 girls a week ago but it seems like it was ages since we've seen each other. It was a nice treat for us to be together though brief it was.

We opted to have brunch since Karrol had to be back to school at 3:00 PM for her first get-together in Glee Club.

I chose the Wiggins Tavern which is located at The Hotel Northampton after a thorough search online for a decent place to have brunch in town. Luckily, this place was located within walking distance from Dominique's school and we could just enjoy a leisurely stroll from her place towards the hotel... that is if plans go accordingly. However, since we were running out of time (we have to leave Northampton by 12:30) my husband decided to drive and it was just really so close....

According to one review that I found, the Wiggins Tavern was voted the best brunch in the valley and they also have a sign that says so but taking self-promotion aside, this is something that I have to experience myself.

We entered thru the back door coming from the parking lot and it wasn't really that bad because you can already feel the ambience that the hotel is trying to show off to its guests. It has an old charm to it and it doesn't have the feel of big hotels and the bland atmosphere of chain hotels.



The Tavern in itself exudes an old-world charm like you've been transported in the 1800s with its brick walls, wood-planked floorings, oriental rugs and the huge fireplace makes for a very comfortable setting to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. Though the ceiling to the Tavern is low but this adds to the cozy and warm atmosphere.



Even before you get past the host/receptionist your sight will be greeted by the buffet table which is really filled with choices galore of breakfast and lunch fares. We were brought to our reserved table fast enough and our waitress was attentive to our needs. While at the buffet table, it was hard to choose since everything looks so temptingly delicious. Needless to say, everything that we had was really excellent and like my husband said, he still has to taste something bad.

For a list of their Sunday Brunch, here it is:

Assorted Danished, Muffins, Scones & Croissants

Bagels with Assorted Cream Cheeses

Sliced Smoked Salmon

Seasonal Fresh Fruit Display

Eggs Benedict

Fresh Scrambled Eggs

Assorted Quiche

Strawberry & Blueberry Blintzes

Breakfast Potatoes

Bacon & Sausage

Belgium Waffle Station

Carving Stations of Two Items

Omelet Station

Whole Poached Salmon

Chef's Garden Salad with Several Toppings

Seasonal Vegetables

Variety of Luncheon Entrees: Chicken, Beef, Pork or Fish

Potatoes & Rice Pilaf

Array of Cold Salads

Bountiful Dessert Array

Assorted Chilled Fruit Juices

Coffee, Tea, Herbal Teas & Brewed Decaffeinated Coffee

The restaurant quickly filled up with hotel guests and visitors while we were there. The flurry of activities from the waitstaff is truly an indication that the place is really well known and liked. Also, not only was our waitress very attentive to us but also the busboys and other restaurant staff always coming over to ask if we need anything else. Though at times it can be frustrating especially if you have a mouthful of food and trying to answer them along with a smile....but you can't really say anything bad for their service.

So, if you ever find yourself in the Northampton, MA area, I would highly recommend The Wiggins Tavern for brunch dining. Also, if they can make brunch this good I am betting that lunch and dinner fares are also excellent.

I'm told the story is true: A woman was giving birth to a baby in an
elevator at a hospital. When she complained about the location, a
nurse said, "Why, this isn't so bad; last year a woman delivered her
baby out on the front lawn."

"Yes," said the woman on the floor, "that was me, too."

Who said, "If I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at
all?"

But on the other hand, not all "bad luck" should be considered a bad
thing! Like someone said, "When life gives you a kick, let it kick
you forward."

In the 1920s, Ernest Hemingway learned something about "bad luck" and
getting kicked by life. He was struggling to make his mark as an
author when disaster struck. He lost a suitcase containing all his
manuscripts -- many stories he'd polished to jewel-like perfection --
which he'd been planning to publish in a book.

According to Denis Waitley in his book Empires of the Mind (William
Morrow and Company, Inc., 1995), the devastated Hemingway couldn't
conceive of redoing his work. All those months of arduous writing
were simply wasted.

He lamented his predicament to friend and poet Ezra Pound who called
it a stroke of good fortune! Pound assured Hemingway that when he
rewrote the stories, he would forget the weak parts; only the best
material would reappear. He encouraged the aspiring author to start
over with a sense of optimism and confidence. Hemingway did rewrite
the stories and eventually became a major figure in American
literature.

Don't pray for fewer problems; pray for more skills. Don't ask for
smaller challenges; ask for greater wisdom. Don't look for an easy
way out; look for the best possible outcome.

When life gives you a kick, let it kick you forward.
__________

http://www.lifesupportsystem.com

The month of August my husband & I celebrated our 20 years together. It really is hard to imagine that we have been with each other for that long. I guess that when both partners are pretty much happy together, you'll never really notice because each day is always new & full of surprises. Though we might also have our share of ups & downs, but it always turns up for the better after awhile or as time flies by. There's really no secret here...... just genuine love for each other is all there is.

For this reason, I've selected songs from various artists that I love to grace this blog the week of Sept. 3rd - 10, 2006:

1. Let's Stay Together - Al Green
2. Always and Forever - Luther Van Dross
3. Our Love - Al Jarreau
4. Inseparable - Will Downing
5. That's All - Rod Stewart
6. Cherish - The Association
7. One Hundred Ways - James Ingram
8. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Michael McDonald

The past month & most especially the past 2 1/2 weeks were very hectic what with my 2 girls going back to school (both are now in college) so I didn't have the time and more so, the energy to expend & do anything else but give my full attention to their needs. I guess that I am at that age wherein just thinking about what they might need to bring to their dorms contitute a lot of brain power that eventually drains a person of their vital essence. But anyway, now that the house is quiet and my husband is busy watching his sports, I can spend more time on my blog. Who knows, I might even be able to change the template which I have been aching to do for some time now....