A Taste For The Southwest

Isn't it funny looking back when you were a kid and, at decisions your parents may have made that you didn't like. As in moving for instance. Going to a place where you had to make new friends, leaving old dear friends behind. Also cousins and lots of them that I played and hung out with. So for me; when the decision to move to the Southwest was made, it was bitter sweet.

I had been to Arizona before and I did like the desert. There certainly were new and exciting things to see. But officially moving there, well at first I hated it. Hate is a strong word but, when your a kid that might have been a word you would have used.  It was for typical kid reasons too. I didn't like the school. I didn't have or make friends right away and as you could guess; kids can be mean and make fun of you.  Of course, being from Pennsylvania it didn't help; though as time went by I grew to like it. That certainly wasn't right away.  I don't think I realized just how much I missed the southwest till I moved to Ohio.

My husband is a native of Phoenix, and when we got married we traveled everywhere in the Coast Guard. The western part of the states are my favorite. And, when we lived in New Mexico for 8 years I grew to love it there; maybe the most.  It was once one of the best kept secrets, that really has got out since many people seem to be moving in.

I know you can pretty much get good (authentic) Mexican food now in many places. Or purchase items to make it yourself.  But, I'm not just talking food here.

Last week I was talking with a friend I haven't spoken to in maybe two years or more. We became friends with each other in New Mexico.  Her son and my boys are best of friend, actually more like brothers to this day.  Her and her family recently moved back out there from Georgia. She was telling me of all the new changes that have been made, in Edgewood and Moriarty (towns we lived in). She called in the evening time and we talked for some time catching up. Then from her porch she painted a beautiful picture of the evening sky. She was viewing the milky way. I had forgotten about the milky way and how beautiful it is to see. The wonderment of it all. The southwest night sky. The beauty of God's creation. Stars everywhere and very vivid. Some even seem as if you could touch them from the ground. This picture is very true in many areas there, especially at my Dads in AZ.

I didn't have any picture except that in my memory. So here is a photo I found on line. Taken by a young man who went to Philmont Scout Ranch in NM. I believe at least my eldest went there twice. On the link just below picture in can see more awesome pics.

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=39478

When I think of the west / southwest I do think of home.  It's a place you don't always feel the pressures of this life.  I guess you could say a closeness to God. A place to get lost in His beauty. It makes me think of what He has in store for those who have chosen His free gift of life. We just get the privilege to see just a glimmer of the beauty He's create for those who believe.

In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3
Until that time we'll have to be patient and enjoy the life He blesses us with each day. Including that of our taste buds. I made Chorizo With Eggs and Wheat Tortillas With Flaxmeal for bunch.
Remember to make the most of your time while you're here.

Lay Your Burden Down ~

There's a song artist named John Davis. He had a song out maybe a few years back called; Lay Your Burden Down. Here's a few lines.

Don't you know some hard rain is bound to come? There's gonna be some dark days you'll never outrun. * * * Brother, won't you lay.... your burden down? Don't you wanna find some way you won't have to drag it around no more?

There are hard times we face. Sometimes everyday. Some maybe harder than others. But it's a true statement, You need to lay your burden(s) down. Sometimes we don't see the answers but they do come. And, when they do its wonderful. Gods timing is truly perfect.  We do not need to drag it around. 

My journal entry this morning:

He is faithful and full of mercy. His love for us remains the same. He doesn't disappoint.

My heart feels broken

Only you can repair.

I've been waiting many hours

I'm feeling deep despair.

Searching, longing for answers

You can only bring.

I'm waiting on you Lord

Help my heart to sing.

9-12-08 VB

" I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2)

My proverb is: He is faithful and full of mercy. His love for us remains the same. He doesn't disappoint. A true statement from me you can believe.

If you're waiting for answers don't be discouraged. 

In the book of Daniel chapter 9. Daniel poured out his heart in prayer. His answer came in chapter 10.

10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.

When You Know Your Stressed~~

When you are going through things; and, might I add - letting them get to you. It not only effects you but, everyone and those all around. Take for instance - your dog. I've been so busy that I haven't been getting the girls out on a walk. I can walk them both at the same time, but prefer to walk them separate. They can and do walk well together though, Sophie (bullmastiff) walks best.

Anyway, this morning I thought I'd walk them both. So we headed outside. I already had Sophie's leash but needed to get Miki's out of the truck. As soon as I opened the door. Miki was in. Both do love riding. Miki was refusing to get out. She just looked at me. She probably wanted to drive off and not come back. I know this because I've felt this way myself. So I decided to shut the door and leave her there.

Sophie on the other hand was ready to go, and we did. We had a nice walk and since she doesn't run off, she's aways able to run out in a field on her own. Awesome. After Sophie's run we headed back to the house. Of course Miki still in the truck was sitting in the front passenger side. I asked her if she planned on getting out? She just sat there and acted annoyed.

(Playing feeling sorry for me).

Well I let Soph in the house; leaving the truck and door to the garage open. Thinking Miki would follow. Nothing. I went back out to check on Miki. Still setting there. "She's a Jack and stubborn." Finally, I had to pick her up and love her, she then was happy and wagging her tail ran into the house.

There are many morals to the story I could write. This particular post was actually started Friday, Sept. 5. It was a bad day all around. You know the sayings - when it rains it pours? After the walk, Jim (my husband) went for a doctor's visit and ended up checking into the hospital. He's still there and we're hoping he'll come home today. Monday, Sept. 8. He was pretty ill but definitely much improved and good that he was there. It's funny how things happen and work out for some reason. This is only part of what happened on Friday the rest I'll keep for my personal journal.

So the moral to the story: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5


It's now Tuesday. My husband was released yesterday from the hospital. Yesterday was as crazy as Friday. There was much more I want to add to this post. But, somewhere in it's timing there's not much more to add. Other than it's now Wed. and the above passage still holds true.

I will include this. Don't hold on to the stresses of this life. He is faithful who calls you. He will come to your aide. He does answer prayer.

Lastly, about Miki, she truly dislikes getting her picture taken. I used my phone. LOL Who would believe years ago you'd take pictures with your phone, and one that you could leave your home with. Yes, I'm old. . .Sometimes even wise.

Frank (The Film) _Updated 7/7/2017

Since (having) a garage sale is such a pain both physically and for me mentally. It's was nice to have a short break and a movie. There was so much stuff we wanted to get rid of that, we worked very hard. There's even still more to do and pull out. I'm sure I don't have to tell you about accumulation? We were open on Labor Day and plan on hopefully being open this coming weekend. I was so tired after selling $9, ha, that I was really looking forward to seeing Frank and, I'm so happy we did. (I did sell more via telephone - that made me happier).

I rented this film and I can't say enough great things about it. It's a wonderful family film that everyone can enjoy; no matter what your age is. Of course what caught my attention was the bullmastiff on the cover.
The movie is about a somewhat dysfunctional family and a dog. It made me love the breed even more. If that were possible.

Updated below.

You can check out the site here.  There is a couple trailers there to check out as well.  I had to update the link (today 7/7/17) the previous link was closed.


Hope you have an opportunity to see this and enjoy it with your kids or yourself if you don't have any.  You could also borrow the neighbors GREAT FUN!


Frank came out in 2007.  I recently purchased it at a bookstore in Tucson, remember them?  You might also remember seeing the bullmastiff that played Frank as the same one in See Spot Run another fun movie. VB

The Dove family approved.