The QUEEN! and other royalty.

For a long time, we have referred to my dear grandmother as "the Queen"!

She truly is a marvelous woman and has the dignity and grace that is the quintessential epitome of royalness.

Even though Mae's circumstances have changed so much of her world (i.e. the isolation that immediate hearing loss leaves one with); she has remained true to her character. She still tries to stay up to date with current events and when the conversation is one-on-one she offers insights and wisdom that are well-thought out. She keeps herself occupied and while she's frustrated with her lack of production- she doesn't dwell on it or make excuses.

The problems of adjusting our habits to accommodate her limitations have got to be frustrating to her. We so often forget to turn and speak to her directly- and oftentimes I realize it too late and the conversation has totally passed her by.

We had a guest yesterday that came to see all of us- but, particularly her. The seating arrangement in the living area has been carved out to accommodate her comfort- but, doesn't allow for the participants in a conversation to focus in her direction.. thus- the natural tendencies to focus lively dialogues in the direction of the ones participating in it leave her "out". I think we all realize it; but, remembering to turn aside and loudly emphasize a potent part of the conversation to her often disrupts the flow of speech and for this- I regret. There were several sweet little anecdotes that I'm sure she would enjoy and because she was actually physically there in the room (and we assumed that she heard them) when the guest left and one of us mentioned one of the stories- Mae was completely blank.

To her credit- she's not upset. But, it's so unfair.

Then... there's that other queen... Elizabeth.

Watched the newly released movie last night! What an eye-opener! I'd not read anything about the movie except that Helen MIrren had been awarded an Oscar for her portrayal. Didn't realize it was about "THAT WEEK" of Di's death. Lots of interesting perspective into the possible mindset of HRH.

Great movie. Great acting. GREAT scenery.

Also watched "The Last King of Scotland". The title alone intrigued me. Again, hadn't read anything more than Forrest Whitaker had won the Oscar. Very difficult to watch the graphic parts of this. Well made; but, I don't like watching psychos.

Think I'll have to watch something lighthearted and not near so thought provoking next! Hmmm.... "Night at the Museum"? That title appeals!

Random Rabbit Chasing

I need to exercise something awful! Both physically and mentally.

I'm healing (it seem so slowly!) but still have unexplained pain, fatigue and nausea. The nausea is the weirdest and most bothersome. The least bit of activity (especially the contortionist positions of putting on the compression stockings) seem to trigger it and some sort of dizziness. I don't know if it's from the gallbladder or the hyster- but, it sure puts a hiatus on participating in much "life".

The rib area pain still catches me off-guard; but, I'm more than accustomed to anticipating it and have an arm or pillow ready to press against it. I must look akin to Napoleon! Haha!

All this to say- I've got to do something to clear the cobwebs from the brain. I find that writing works! In reading over my journaling- it seems disjointed and jumps from topic to topic; but, that's the way I seem to be functioning these days. Thoughts are random and sometimes it takes great effort to "force" a complete thought without fluidly taking off in another direction. Now, why is this? My pain med is non-narcotic and I only take it late in the evening, I'll be glad when this hung-over feeling goes away.

One of the random thoughts that keeps repeating is Lady McBeth's quote: "Out, OUT, damned spot!" I was hopeful that I'd quit spotting within a few days of the surgery... alas- it can go on a few more weeks. Ugh. At least it's nothing like what it was even a month ago... imagine! I thought I was going to have to endure two immense menses a month for the rest of my life!

A pleasant diversion that one of the sisters left me is a whole bunch of slides that were discovered during the "great move". There are pics from Mae's trip to Mexico with cousins Sue & Ray; lots of Key--- family trips, Christmas holidays, birthdays and even some of my darling son that I'd never seen! Why the family always took slides rather than traditional pictures is beyond me-- but, at least we have technology to recover them... now... if I could only stay focused long enough to scan, edit and title them. By the time the scanner completes the task (and it's a newer scanner, but it still takes a couple of minutes) my brain has chased another rabbit and it may be a while before I complete the whole batch.

Have sat up too long for now. Must go recline. Thanks for the encouraging emails, friends! I leave you with a photo of me in a state of bliss! Dreaming of canoeing down the rapids! This is about as close as I dare get to them these days! Note the stylish cats-eye glasses! Doesn't my front yard look different!

Blasts from the Past...

This darling little image is from a music box that was a gift to our very dear Grandmother Nancy.

The tune it plays is Eidelveiss; a favorite that we sang together over and over.

But- the little girls were always representative of the three Key--- sisters. Though we were never that close in age- any time we found art that had three little girls featured- we always "claimed" it!

I'm happy to say that many years later- though we haven't always been geographically or emotionally close; when a crisis crops up... we are quick to make contact to reaasure one another and to reaffirm the appreciation and love we hold for each. This week- I have heard from both of them.... and I know that no matter how HARD and difficult our futures can be; we are in one another's corners.

So- I offer this comforting glimpse of beloved sisters. And, can only say that seeing both of them this past month (in real life) was not only physically healing but heart-warming as well.

Celebrate the shared moments and sisterizms.

Aloha, Don Ho....

Life is so coincidental and spontaneous. Earlier this weekend, Doralisa and I were talking about Hawaiian dialects spoken by her family who grew up on the Islands. My reference is of course, Don Ho- and I interjected that into our conversation.

I loved "Tiny Bubbles" growing up (among other songs) and remember fondly watching his specials growing up.

Tiny Bubbles

Tiny bubbles in the wine,
make me happy, make me feel fine,
tiny bubbles make me warm all over
with a feeling that I'm gonna love you 'til the end of time.

So here's to the golden moon,
and here's to the silver sea,
and mostly here's a toast to you and me

Tiny bubbles in the wine,
make me happy, make me feel fine,
tiny bubbles make me warm all over
with a feeling that I'm gonna love you 'til the end of time.

Tiny bubbles in the wine,
make me happy, make me feel fine,
tiny bubbles make me warm all over
with a feeling that I'm gonna love you 'til the end of time.

With a feeling that I'm gonna love you 'til the end of time.

Anyway- his death this weekend is poignant and coincidental to our conversation. Click on link above to read of him through yahoo.

Life's like that, I reckon. Anyway... aloha, Don.