tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:09:36 +0000Don't mess with the MAD GoddessKidsOlder and WiserStrange Ch- ChangesIt's All Small StuffCelebrations - HolidaysMarriage and FamilyRituals and PassagesRewards of GrandchildrenMars vs Venusaging gracelesslyHealth and Self CareSubstance and MeansEmpty NestingBattle of the BulgeForgetfulnessBeauty and Imagehttp://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)Blogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-4039249957641525535Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:35:00 +00002012-01-12T14:53:56.786-06:00It's All Small StuffEmpty Nestingaging gracelessly My virtual-world friends David and Veronica, over at GypsyNesters, were featured on Huffington Post lifestyle page today.  I’m thrilled at their success, both in their chosen lifestyle and their growing notoriety.  I'm a firm believer in what they have to say about life after raising children being the next chapter, and not the end of the book. On a personal level I’m happy because this http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2012/01/back-in-saddle.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-4479232646478823665Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:49:00 +00002011-09-09T19:49:22.218-05:00Rituals and PassagesEmpty NestingKidsIt’s eight-thirty on a morning that is approaching the pseudo-summer days of fall and I’m enjoying a gourmet coffee and cranberry-walnut muffin. A welcome breeze is rustling the leaves of a maple tree that wraps its arms around the corner windows where I sit nestled into a quilt covered futon. I could almost reach out to pluck one of those leaves from a branch tip, yet the limbs are not scraping http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-confess-i-have-had-secret-love.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-3068544497066846442Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:44:00 +00002011-07-15T11:44:16.885-05:00aging gracelessly <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2011/07/let-sun-shine-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-9204548726745149095Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:38:00 +00002011-06-22T11:38:03.528-05:00Mars vs VenusForgetfulnessBattle of the BulgeMarriage and FamilyBeauty and Image <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2011/06/bliss-connection.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-1156245571882460216Mon, 23 May 2011 17:06:00 +00002011-05-23T12:06:04.409-05:00 <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoHeader, li.MsoHeader, div.MsoHeader {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-link:"Header Char"; http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2011/05/get-down-and-give-me-twenty.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-4407255914390325588Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:20:00 +00002011-01-19T14:20:49.647-06:00 p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } I’m reading this book that says naming my private parts will empower me.  Now don’t laugh.  Men have been naming their “little men” for – well who knows for how long? I just know they do it.  If you don’t know that, it’s only because your http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2011/01/rose-by-any-other-name.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-3554309000018682915Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:28:00 +00002010-12-21T11:34:06.621-06:00Older and WiserBattle of the BulgeHealth and Self Careaging gracelesslyCelebrations - HolidaysBeauty and Image @font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } As the day of reckoning approaches I sit, wondering if I dare to commit in writing (one more time) my resolution to lose weight and get in shape.  We all know where the road of good intentions leads http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/12/road-to-hades-is-paved-with-good.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-1414073445217264294Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:32:00 +00002010-09-15T11:32:25.909-05:00Older and WiserMars vs VenusHealth and Self CareMarriage and Familyaging gracelessly @font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }  “What are your plans tomorrow,” the hubby asks me as we sit in our double recliner after our earlier-all-the-time evening meal. I briefly recall the recurring line from a cartoon my youngest child http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/09/sunday-drives-day-tripping-into.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-1665437254622003883Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:54:00 +00002010-08-27T10:39:35.602-05:00Rituals and PassagesCelebrations - HolidaysSigh . . . summer is drawing to it’s end in my neck of the woods and while I need the two or three months of temperatures above 74-degrees to thaw my winter frozen bones, fall is truly my favorite season. It is also the shortest season and I would gladly sacrifice a month at the end of summer and at least three months at the beginning of winter to make it the longest season of the year. You havehttp://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/08/thoughts-on-autumn-and-thanksgiving.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-4734000917006039531Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:23:00 +00002010-07-06T06:56:08.363-05:00Battle of the BulgeHealth and Self CareBeauty and ImageTo be or not to be; fit or fat, that is the question.  Whether to suffer the tortures of PX-90 for the cheesecake that slips past the lips to settle on my hips, or forgo the culinary pleasures of life – for the rest of my life? Eat the spare ribs, or spare my joints the pounding of a three-mile jog? If middle age spread were a ranch, mine would definitely be Texas sized.  Okay, maybe not quite, http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/07/when-pigs-fly-and-other-improbabilities.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-6416854113413385280Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:11:00 +00002010-06-01T08:22:02.710-05:00Older and WiserIt's All Small Stuffaging gracelesslyE-hem.  Excuse me a moment while I dust of my soapbox. As I stand here today, I have a simple request to make – nothing most of you can’t do if you’ll put your mind to it.  Each day, as you hear that endless stream of mind chatter that rattles around in your head, try to remember that not all of your thoughts require a platform – and  if you can’t keep it positive keep it to yourself!For those http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/06/are-you-more-than-sum-of-your-old-age.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-2423316207662292351Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:38:00 +00002010-04-24T10:17:00.595-05:00Rituals and PassagesMarriage and FamilyIt's All Small StuffEmpty NestingSubstance and MeansI’ve been quite busy since returning from my little island sojourn this past winter.  Living in a 28-foot by 8-feet-or-so space for several weeks was much easier than I’d anticipated. Sure, the quarters seem close sometimes, especially when spouses aren’t seeing eye to eye, but the perks of sunny skies and mild temperatures more than made up for lack of space.  With a pool side chair and a http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/04/what-lulu.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-5625720611876861027Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:25:00 +00002010-03-19T14:48:21.007-05:00aging gracelesslyCelebrations - Holidays       <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/03/driving-ms-blindasabat-saga-of-aging.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-152086484115911898Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:37:00 +00002010-03-04T10:38:56.082-06:00Older and WiserForgetfulnessKidsI told my daughter, a stay at home mom to two of my four grandchildren, that she has to get out of the house more often. She told me that was the old mom calling the young mom stuck in a rut. Since entering semi-retirement, I haven’t ventured far from the comforts of my country confines during these past winter months. I even managed to take all of my degree courses online this semester and thehttp://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/03/id-rather-lose-my-car-than-my-pride.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-2686481041608205470Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:12:00 +00002010-02-26T14:14:14.941-06:00What were the Gods thinking . . . or the Goddesses for that matter? If they were going to create men with a propensity to emit snorty, snoring rumbles from the time their heads hit the pillow until they shake themselves awake, why on earth did they make women light sleepers? Oh sure, it’s great to have an acute sense of hearing if you’re a mother. Most of us hone in on the changing rhythm of http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/02/on-deaf-ears.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-4526758037268841711Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:19:00 +00002010-01-25T10:24:40.572-06:00Mars vs VenusRituals and PassagesBeauty and ImageWell, it finally happened. I am off in search of adventure with my home on wheels, or the Gypsy Wagon, as she is fondly known. We've parked her on a small island off the gulf coast of Florida. What is it about palm studded isles that unleash the artistic muse? There are more artists here than Pablo could shake a paint brush at. I could hang out at Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens all day long.http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2010/01/in-search-of-mermaids.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-6797448367370286296Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:46:00 +00002010-01-03T18:06:04.168-06:00Older and WiserDon't mess with the MAD GoddessSubstance and MeansBeauty and Image I haven't done any holiday baking yet, 'cause - you know . . .in our midlife and beyond house, sugar, butter,chocolate and taste have all taken on a four letter pseudonym - EVIL. Did you ever notice the connection between evil and devil (or good and God for that matter?  Think about it.). Anyway, these things are evil in our house, the devil incarnate that makes my hips blossom and fills my http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2009/12/devil-made-me-get-fat.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-7148714646040085239Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:58:00 +00002009-12-22T11:10:09.862-06:00Substance and MeansCelebrations - HolidaysBeauty and ImageTruthfully, I don’t have to check this list twice. The only name on it is mine and I know I’ve been a good girl all year long. Furthermore, I’m not counting on some old fat guy with a white beard to navigate a sleigh full of treasures to me, no matter how jolly he is. I’m letting my fingers travel over the keyboard to some of my favorite shopping haunts – the places that carry all the things ahttp://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2009/12/making-my-list-and-checking-it-twice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-3171047710503306526Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:05:00 +00002009-12-02T10:05:47.424-06:00Battle of the BulgeCelebrations - HolidaysBeauty and ImageMy thighs are rubbing together when I walk . . . again.  I don’t know about the rest of you middle aged (and plus) chics but I’m getting fed up with this whole weight issue.  After numerous months of struggling to tip the numbers on the scale below, uhm, a number you don’t need to know, about eight weeks ago the excess bulk started coming off. And about two weeks ago, I noticed it creeping http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2009/12/tell-midlife-lady-what-shes-won.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-7169155490059273059Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:37:00 +00002009-10-27T14:37:59.385-05:00Health and Self CareBeauty and ImageMy psychology teacher recently told the class that the early onset of puberty has been attributed to increased exposure to light – albeit artificial.  It all has to do with our circadian rhythm, more commonly known as our biological clock. So if I’m following correctly, our body clock, which regulates our wake and sleep cycles according to the daylight to dark hours, contributes to the aging http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2009/10/if-warmed-wrinkled-puppies-are-cute-why.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-9056362851156069154Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:37:00 +00002009-09-22T09:42:26.581-05:00Health and Self CareStrange Ch- ChangesOnce again I’ve bumped into an old school chum in a place I never expected.  For years she was behind the counter at the family pharmacy in the neighborhood where we both grew up.  In this age of superstore chains, it’s comforting to see our little drugstore still in business whenever I get the chance to visit.  Though my husband’s and my prescription needs are filled by the Veterans’ http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2009/09/once-again-ive-bumped-into-old-school.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-7932353610839942114Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:21:00 +00002009-08-13T09:22:14.386-05:00Mars vs VenusStrange Ch- ChangesMarriage and FamilyEmpty NestingLast week I went in for my 50,000 mile check-up. When the doc asked how I was doing, for the first time in my life I answered, “Not so good.” Welcome to middle age and beyond. Everything from here on out is down hill and I feel like Sisyphus trying to keep that infernal boulder from rolling into the valley. Yea, though I walk through the valley, I may fear not . . . but I’m lugging around http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2009/08/stuck-in-middle-with-you.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-3082340910563155712Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:49:00 +00002009-06-30T12:55:29.088-05:00The Mad Goddess philosophy for life is based on one ruling principle: I am not responsible for anybody’s happiness but my own. I’m not talking about safety, well being, or the assurance of basic needs; just the general assumption that fully functioning, reasonably intelligent adults should be able to create their own happiness – and if they can’t, it’s not my job – regardless of how much I http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2009/06/laugh-and-world-laughs-with-you-cry-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112908205066997085.post-7890126865812610909Thu, 07 May 2009 17:33:00 +00002009-05-09T13:16:14.264-05:00Older and WiserMarriage and FamilySubstance and MeansKidsI’m an eternal optimist – always looking for a silver lining. I turn the other cheek with a firm belief that I won’t get slapped a second time, I believe that good triumphs over evil and I’m sure that a positive outlook is half the battle.Take this current economic downturn. Could it possibly have a more optimistic label? What our grandparents called a Great Depression, our parents called a http://themadgoddess.blogspot.com/2009/05/im-eternal-optimist-always-looking-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Judith-Ann)3