November 4, 2013

  • Not To Mention All Those Muscles

    Cactus Jack 049

    Oh Jack, you is so handsome.

    It’s not right to hog all that handsomeness.

    You need to share it with some of the ugly dogs.

    Update: We are slowly settling in to our little place here on five acres. I am liking it way more than I thought I would. Even all these monstrous trees are taking on a less dominating spirit. I am hoping to capture a bit of their Autumn glory, if the sun holds out for me.

    Another change I didn’t expect, we are more than likely going to change churches. This breaks my heart, I adore Victory for its beautiful spirit to love the peoples without judgment. In my BIG DREAMS thinking, I really thought we could make the five hour round trip every Sunday, but my body tells me otherwise. Thankfully, I have been able to livestream, but it’s not the same as being with the peoples.

    So, we checked out a LifeChurch in Broken Arrow, only thirty plus minutes away. It knocked my equilibrium a bit. Not expecting to be moved. I mean, seriously, it was one of those soul shaking moments. At the same time, my heart was grieving, for I knew it was time to release a place that has allowed God to bring much healing to my soul. A place that restored my heart for gathering together. A place that proved to me, Christians can come together without judgment and manipulation. It’s not really a giving it up, as much as it is a time to walk onward. We really are one.

    It’s kind of the same thing with Xanga. This place has been such a source of love and laughter for me, but I feel as though I am lost. I can’t really find my place here in the new Xanga 2.0. Maybe it’s just me and the season I am currently fumbling through. And the fact that I am totally technologically inept. I am not ready to walk onward yet. I am holding out and hoping I eventually find my groove. I thank you for being so patient with me.

    Well, there are ten more boxes out there calling my name and I hope to conquer them by the end of the day. And hang the photos in the hallway. And go play in the Autumn sunshine. I love you, peoples.

    wild woman signature

October 25, 2013

  • Little Corners of Glory

    I feel like I’ve been unpacking forever.

    The tedious part of moving.

    It seems I am just making a mess, so I move slow, finding the perfect place for everything.

    I have too many things, I am finding.

    The kitchen is pretty much set up.

    The bathrooms are functioning, two are actually decorated.

    This is the part I enjoy,
    creating little corners of glory
    with beautiful pieces from friends.

    012

    030

    017

    032

    013

    039

    wild woman signature

    Crows and Sunflowers by Ocean Starr Cline
    Sunflowers and Chili Peppers by Dona, my fbb
    Abandoned Oklahoma Homes series by John E. Glaze

October 11, 2013

  • I’m Gonna Need That Recipe

    bench 016

    Wandering in many weeks past the grand opening,
    I am feeling a bit late to the party.

    Confetti and deflated balloons laying about the floor,
    probably not even a piece of leftover stale cake.

    Or those little weenies in cocktail sauce.
    I love those things.

    I’m not really in the partying mood anyway,
    spent most of today under my electric blanket
    recouping from two good days of unpacking and mowing.

    It was easier leaving Watering Hole Ranch this time around
    the right people are in there now.
    I adore this young couple.
    She has an indigo soul and will treat that glorious place as it should.

    They kept the horses.
    I am good with it.
    Plenty of tears, but it is the right thing.

    We placed three of the rescue dogs,
    three more to go, which will leave three here at home.
    Manageable for this weak-kneed body.
    Much wailing (esp over my Yosemite Sami), but it is the right thing.

    Seems I can’t even type her name without bawling.
    Pardon my neurotic.

    It is very different here at the new place,
    no horizons, or
    open spaces.

    but there is beauty,
    things I need
    things that will further evolve me.

    In time, I will know.

    Unpacking is coming along
    slowly,
    but I am determined not to be driven.
    No reason to push it beyond its own pace.

    Or mine.

    Our twenty year old daughters are temporarily crashing the empty nest,
    the reason I am not at this very moment lounging with the Arizona lizards.

    We are helping them to transition,
    they are helping me to reestablish,
    their muscles covering my own physical weakness.

    I am grateful.

    Life is still good,
    just different.

    wild woman signature

    The camera battery is charging. Over the next few weeks/months, I am hoping to give you all a casual tour of the new place and show you the changes we are making. I wrote this post last night, but didn’t publish it until this morning because I could not figure out how to change the size of the photo. Anyone know? That tiny little photo just ain’t tickling my fancy. Now, are you sure there are no more of those cocktail weenies left?

August 17, 2013

  • The Scrubbing of Stains

    This is a new thing for me
    this lounging to the roar of the john deere

    I take it all in
    the hum
    the sky
    the glories of cut grass

    seriously,
    is there anything more dizzy
    than the smell of green

    yes, I could get used to this
    side of mowing

    it’s always been therapy
    the noise
    deafening the uglies in my head

    but, like all things
    change is here, and
    releasing must take place
    lest my knees be permanently grass stained

    let go or be drug, dragged?
    who cares

    during my lounging
    I found myself smiling at the sun
    you know, big toothy grin smile

    who freaking smiles at the sun

    he was feeling giddy, the sun
    eighties in August just doesn’t happen
    in this red barren land

    I drink it in
    all this lush green
    like a smoothie for the soul

    #23 grass
    anvilsandedelweiss august scavenger hunt

    anyway, seems I may not be dying. for the last few days I have not been able to partake of fortification
    haha,
    made myself laugh
    my meds ran out, as well as my doctor and I have yet to switch to another one since we will be moving
    so I thought I could just temporarily use an over the counter for a couple of months. seems I can’t take pill for pill. my hunky researched and discovered I need to take four to one.

    it’s after 5pm and I have not been wincing in pain,
    nor tossed my tostada. *happy sigh*

August 7, 2013

  • Let There Be Cast Iron

     

    Lucy is on roller skates delivering jars of homemade salad dressing with a shopping cart.  And Ricky stands on the side shaking his head.  She never fails to make me laugh.  Even after all these years. 

    I think Ricky and my Hunky have a lot in common.  Though I do believe I have slowed down a bit, I still keep him on his toes.  I say it’s a good thing.

    My Skillet: Rise dvd came in the mail today.  Unwrapped and shoved into the same box as the vacuum cleaner I ordered.  The cover is cracked, but so am I, so it’s all good.

    I picked some sweet peppers, tomatoes, onions and cayenne peppers this morning.  Pico de gallo will be waiting for my Hunky when he returns.  I am loving my redneck garden beds, but I do think they need to be deeper for my sweet peppers.  My plants are not able to grow as tall and full, though they are still producing good fruit. 

    I had one lone tomato plant reseed itself in the ground beds from last year. I have never had that happen before.  Beautiful plant and the fruit is looking good.  Ah, the glory of nature.

    I had a sweet online talk with one of my daughters last night. She is a second year apprentice for an equine/camp program.  They are facing the challenge of replacing the hay and buildings they lost after a summer volunteer purposefully set three of the barns on fire.  All of the horses were out to pasture, but the small animals were in the Critter Corral barn and burned to death.  Makes me dizzy to think about it.

    Our youngest son is working at Ransom Wind Ranch in western Oklahoma that was born out of this particular program.  He will get to travel with Lew Sterrett on a trial basis to see if he is a good fit. This is a freaking awesome opportunity! 

    On another happy note, the potential buyers found the extra funds they need for closing costs/down payment and have signed our counter offer.  We have signed the offer paperwork for the downsizing property near Tulsa.  If they accept, we will close September 23rd. 

    I am happy.  I can feel her giddiness.  She adores this place.  This is a good thing.

    And I am excited for the next leg of the journey.  The drop in mortgage, will allow us to hire a lawn service, which will free up so much of my Hunky’s time.  We have a lot of fence line to care for and my ocd likes it clean.  With all of our boys out of the house now, it’s just too hard to keep up.  Me and my weak-kneed self can now only handle the riding mower and there are days even that is more than I can handle.  

    If the buyers want to keep my horses, then they will stay here.  Yes, we’ve been down this boo-hoo road before. Lots of tears, but I do believe they will be happier here with plenty of room to graze.  If not, then I will take it they are to remain with me.  I will be okay.  I will be okay.  I will be okay.

    I am so looking forward to customizing the kennel by adding play yards, heat/air, doggie wash station.

    The hen house.  *giddiness*

    The red shop building is already insulated and has an office.  I have plans, but I am not sharing them yet.

    And that pool.  Here in Oklahoma, we should easily be able to take a few dips before October.  At the very least, I can sit on the side and dip my toes while cabana boy brings me a fruity drink.  Okay, no cabana boy.  Maybe I can talk Cactus Jack into being my cabana boy.

August 5, 2013

  • Waiting (edit)

    We have an offer for Watering Hole Ranch waiting on our realtor’s desk.

    He’s not in the office yet, so we do not know if it is anything close to what we need to make a deal.

    These are the folks who have wanted the ranch all along,
    but they have been unable to sell their house.

    She would call and check in on the status of WHR every now and then,

    She even cried when we sold it awhile back.

    She was ecstatic then the deal fell through and saw that we had put it back on the market.

    THIS is who I want to live here in this glorious place.

    Someone who loves it as much as I do.

    I find it funny she works in a veterinarian office.

    She must be an indigo soul like me.

    It would explain the tears she has for this place.

    This glorious place.

    I will update you when I know more.

    Thank you for listening and holding my hand through this never-ending, glorious thing called life. 

    edit: We got the offer. 

    Forty thousand less than the asking price.  (!!!)

    We gave them our bottom price we need to cover the loan and realtor fee adding in furniture options. 

    More waiting.

    Maybe I should have thrown in a chihuahua.

    What’s something you’ve been waiting for?

August 3, 2013

  • The Drunken Saintvi Survey

    I didn’t have any blackberry brandy to pour into my mason jar,
    but broke out a bottle of my best Boost.  Party on, rockstars.


    What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
    Crushed ice. I have addiction issues.

    Have you ever kissed anyone named Matthew? No, but if my Hunky changes his name to Matthew, that’s good enough reason to go smooch on him.

    Where was your profile picture taken? In our northeast pasture.

    Can you play guitar hero? No, but I play a mean air cello to Skillet.

    Name someone that made you laugh today?  My Hunky.  He text’d our son who hates to be stood up and was a no-show at the restaurant, Imma do me. Imma feed my belly.

    How late did you stay up last night and why?  9pm.  I go to bed with the chickens chihuahuas.

    If you could move somewhere else, would you? I can move somewhere else.  But, the desert will have to wait until my desire for it can out weight my maternal guilt.
     
    Ever been kissed under fireworks?
    No, but kissing my Hunky sure can set the Oklahoma sky ablaze.

    Which of your friends lives closest to you? The xanga friend who lives closest to me is @bohemianlotus. She is about an hour and a half away and WE HAVE YET TO MEET. Though, we did come close to meeting at a dog rescue fundraising event.

    Do you believe ex’s can be friends? Probably, but they make better insurance beneficiaries.

    How do you feel about Dr Pepper? Warm and fuzzy. Reminds me of my friend Christie. She always had a cooler full when we went to the rodeos. 

    When was the last time you cried really hard? Yesterday. Crohns had me feeling tied down and useless.

    Where are you right now? In my room with the chihuahuas.

    What bed did you sleep in last night? My bed of death.

    What was the last thing someone bought for you for dinner? A grilled bean burrito.  Viva la frijoles!
     
    Who took your profile picture?
    A drunken monkey. (me)

    Who was the last person you took a picture of? Do laughing chihuahuas count as peoples?

    Was yesterday better than today? Not in the physical realm.

    Can you live a day without TV?  We don’t have tv.  We only watch it when we have weekend getaways at the hotel.

    Are you mad about anything? Irrational guilt. Crohns disease. Child and animal abuse.

    Are you upset about anything? Watching someone I love struggle with mental illness.

    Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Why else are we here other than to relate to one another.

    Are you a bad influence? Only to my Hunky. Sometimes I make him say naughty words. I think that’s why he married me.

    Night out or night in? Considering I cannot EVER keep my eyes open beyond 9pm, a night in.  I was quite the party when my friends would drag the strip.  I would be asleep in the backseat and people thought I was passed out drunk. Oh the wild life of an anemic girl.

    What items could you not go without during the day? A flushing toilet and my aloe toilet paper.

    Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? The guy who stuck an iv in me and tried to make my heart explode. Maybe I should have brought him flowers.

    What does the last text message in your inbox say? I have a flip phone and have never sent a text.  Fancy high-tech girl.

    How do you feel about your life right now? Despite the crohns, life is still pretty glorious.

    Do you hate anyone? I don’t think so. But, I do get a bit riled at the mention of a name or two.  But, I am working through my Yosemite Sam emotions.

    If we were to look in your xanga inbox, what would we find? saintvi surveys.

    Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? Could I actually pee in the cup, might be the better question.

    Has anyone ever called you perfect before? Yes. I have found the people that put you up on the pedestal, are the first to stone you. I make sure to let folks know I fart. And that it does indeed stink.
     
    What song is stuck in your head? The I Love Lucy theme.

    Someone knocks on your window at 2am, who do you want it to be? It better be the Publisher’s Clearing House team with that freaking huge check. Otherwise, I am letting loose the hounds and whipping out the wasp spray.

    Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50? I got that honor at the age of 45. 

    Name something you have to do tomorrow?
    Buy 60lbs of dog food and kick my son out of the house. 

    Do you think too much or too little? My ocd brain hits tilt every now and then.

    Do you smile a lot? Enough to make the Walmart peoples nervous.

    Who was your last missed call on your Mobile phone? My phone is dead and buried in the bottom of my purse.  

    Is there something you always wear? My heart on my sleeve.  And those imaginary woodland fairy flowers.

    What were you doing 30 minutes ago? What I am always doing thirty minutes ago, praying I make it to the toilet.

    Did you have an exciting last weekend? We had a showing on our ranch. They were here for more than two hours.  They are working on getting financing.  Waiting on an offer.  *crickets chirping*

    Have you ever crawled through a window? I brought my rebellion right through the front door.

    Have you ever dyed your hair?
    Does a clown wear a red wig?

    Are you wearing a necklace?
    Yes, the one @chronic_masticator made for me.

    Are you an emotional person? Empathic and capable of complete melt down to complete shut down.

    What’s something that can always make you feel better?
    A hug from my red dun mare.

    Will this weekend be a good one?
    We drop our youngest son off at a ranch for a new position making the nest empty again.  Party on, Hunky.

    What do you want right now? Healing.

    Have you ever worn the opposite sex’s clothing? I buy men’s shirts and rip the sleeves off.  Redneck fashionista.

    Have you ever worked in a food place? I freaking rocked Taco Casa.  Used to make tacos in my sleep.

    What’s on your schedule for tomorrow? Still kicking my son out.

    Does anyone know your xanga password?
    My oldest daughter and @seedsower, but I doubt either one of them remember it. But, this could explain all the random Wild Woman footprints all over xanga while I am in the shower.


    Let @saintvi know if you partake of her survey.
    And don’t forget the mason jar.
    At the very least, break out the red solo cups. 

July 30, 2013

  • Just Look For the Dust

    She stayed away,
    for weeks
    hoping the day would come
    and pass without notice.

    Denial
    she can be dangerous,
    her blindfold a bogus comfort.

    She never really meant to forget.

    Sun was setting
    and despite the impending darkness
    she refused to make other provisions.

    Until that twist of panic
    won over, she strained to see
    the way before her.

    Not knowing
    tends to distort the horizon.

    If the trail fades away
    and another path must be taken,
    she hopes to see you somewhere down her red dirt road.

    Just look for the dust.

    I had not planned on creating a new blog location, but the coyotes are howling and I would hate to lose you lovely mangy varmints.  We’ve traveled a long time together.  Shared the same canteen, washed the grit off in the same watering hole.  If this watering hole doesn’t dry up completely, then I will continue to kick up the dust here.

    wildwomanoutwest.wordpress.com


    I’ve not been able to settle in and hang pretties on the wall, as of yet.  Not for lack of trying.  WordPress is moving like molasses in January and keeps locking up.  I paid my $99, but still have ads and do not seem to have the freedom to customize my front page header with my own photos.  I know I have been foggy here of late, but I’m struggling to figure it all out.  Mostly because it keeps locking up and won’t let me click where I need to click.  And what are those green underlined links on the words of my post? I am open to any advise and insight.  Otherwise, WP is going to get a taste of my inner Yosemite Sam.  *kick grumble spit* 

July 12, 2013

  • No Need For That Sedative Tonight

    I just put all the canine to bed for the evening. 

    Jack is burying himself under his blankie in the recliner.

    Ralph and Ed are fighting in the background. 
    The episode where Ed is wearing his Captain Video helmet.

    Back when comedians relied on real talent and make you belly laugh,
    even while the sound is muted.

    We got rid of our Dish Net when the kids all left for school,
    it just wasn’t worth it.  We didn’t watch it, other than the History Channel and HGTV.

    I do miss American Pickers, American Restoration and Pawn Stars,
    but it makes it a nice treat while we are on our weekend trips
    and can watch them in the hotel. 

    Am I totally boring you, yet?

    I ordered some new DVDs yesterday.
    I Love Lucy complete series.
    Color Purple.
    Long Long Trailer.
    Ponderosa, season one, prequel to the old Bonanza series.

    I tend to watch the same movies/series over and over.
    I’m a cheap date since I never need to see anything new.
    I make up for it in neurotic chihuahua chew toys.

    I cooked some this week.
    It felt good to be back to the stove a bit, since being so weak.
    Did I just say I missed cooking?

    I do miss having a gas stove and using my cast iron.
    I have one of those smooth top ranges and am afraid it would make a mess of it.

    Anyone ever use cast iron on a smooth top?

    I fried up some corn tortillas for tostadas.
    I could live on tostadas since I gave up tacos,
    because I gave up beef, for now anyway.

    Refried frijoles are my tummy’s friend.

    We are headed to Stillwater tomorrow.
    I’m on the hunt for a vintage camera or two to add to my collection.
    It’s my favorite collection,
    other than my neurotic chihuahuas.

    Got something you collect?

    Hey, wake up!

    I realize I have more than likely put you to sleep,
    but I wanted to tell you good night
    before I hit submit and crawl under my covers
    and drift off to my woodland fairy dream world.

    Good night, you mangy varmints.

July 5, 2013

  • I Guess Farmy Isn’t a Word

    The chihuahuas and the terrier are all scattered about the recliners while I wash their blankies.  We survived the fireworks.  Cactus Jack spent about twenty minutes taking cover under my bed last night.  He finally wandered over to his own bed, considering that just maybe, the Canine KGB was not actually trying to kill him.  Today, anyway.

    There was a hint of rain this morning, but looks as though it has passed, for the sun is starting to stream through my windows.  It will be good traveling weather today.  We are headed to Ft. Smith, AR to carouse around the downtown, pilfering through their junk stores.  Try a couple new restaurants.

    We made a trial run Thursday/Friday using our youngest son as the ranch sitter.  The ranch part he can handle, it is the two little four pound chihuahuas who give the trouble.  They have deemed him the Devil and refuse to let him touch them.   But, he managed to get them all to bed night before last and released in the morning without anyone dieing from canine heart failure.

    He even called to let me know they were all safely in bed.  I didn’t even ask him to do this for me.  This makes me a little weepy.  He knows me, and my love for these neurotic little beasts. 

    We had a nice two days checking out Pryor and Claremore a bit closer.  The property we are interested in was so charming and hobby farmy.  Love it.  The house has been completely redone inside and out. The only thing we would have to do is remove all the carpet, even though it is new. 

    I discovered the master bedroom has a separate sitting room that will work for my sewing machine and the perfect place to set up the doggie sleep crates.   Little things tickle me.

    The house, dog kennel, horse barn, insulated shop and chicken coop/run are all so clean and organized.  These folks have taken immaculate care of their property.  It’s a good thing, my ocd has declared.   And the in-ground pool, it will be glorious to swim in water without the thought of lurking pee.  Another good thing to empty nest.

    I have been pricing out white vinyl privacy fencing to go around the sides and back of the house so the dogs will not be able to see the neighbors and bark.  Or a salt packet blowing across the yard.  Or nothing.  The property is only five acres, so we want to be good neighbors.

    Have you noticed I am talking like we already own it?  Yes.  I have issues.  But, I have to visually see myself living there and think through the issues.

    No, we have not put in an offer, though we want to.  We are waiting to hear back from the potential buyers who looked at our place a couple days ago.  We were number two (aren’t we always) on their list and they were looking at more properties while they were in state this week.   So we wait.  If we happen to get an offer, we will then go for the little charmy hobby farmy place.

    My Hunky has already come up with a name for our new place, wherever it is.  We wanted to use the same letters as our current Watering Hole Ranch so we could continue to use the metal letters my son-in-law made me. So, using the letters W, H, and R he came up with WILD HOWLING RANCH.  I love it. 

    Though, I am not so sure our potential neighbors will find it so endearing. 

    Okay, I need to get the doggie blankies out of the dryer and get myself ready for the road. Enjoy your weekend and don’t forget to throw your head back and give a little howl.

    edit: Well, change of plans. Just as we were ready to throw the suitcase into the truck, our realtor called.  The potential buyers want to look at our property again today at 1:30pm.  So, we will just have to leave for our carousing around 3pm, but will stay in Ft Smith another night.  So, it works.  Yes, I might have thrown a teeny tiny mini fit.  Sometimes, my Yosemite Sam gets a bit riled when my plans have to change.  But, it was short-lived and I have slipped back into my pjs to start prepping the house.  Just needs a bit of freshening. Thankfully, the grounds look good.