tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-615646710544619042024-03-12T23:14:23.356-05:00Every Day IS Opposite Action Day!!!your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-46923920239790439042018-12-02T00:16:00.002-06:002018-12-02T00:16:55.827-06:00the way eye see it...<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGhVIVB2nRN6Xy29tCZY-dDJI6ZQ9cV5KzMvoLDbMqEL7xTEUDZzCckyDEeay5tk5X9bX6h_03WbeF_cuOmvBUbIwz2a4U5wi8uU0Uqvb4QHHaa0eyteO3gm9bH0kp_8KuXLCAl9vhg/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGhVIVB2nRN6Xy29tCZY-dDJI6ZQ9cV5KzMvoLDbMqEL7xTEUDZzCckyDEeay5tk5X9bX6h_03WbeF_cuOmvBUbIwz2a4U5wi8uU0Uqvb4QHHaa0eyteO3gm9bH0kp_8KuXLCAl9vhg/s320/image.jpeg" width="319" /></a></div>
Lots of people ask me "WHY?"</div>
<div>
with a look i can't quite describe in their eyes... </div>
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amused? aloof? </div>
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no, probably just confused....</div>
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<br /></div>
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I GET IT! It is confusing to see the world through my eyes. But </div>
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see what you think of this...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJNCUPMiByDsF6Rrnxap1c4C6DZu7MQbvY1tZ2Jn2_KR7KZC0Y2rKF8r_x67uL2MGeRMCIntLOGGQFvXAsHtVvGt3XGgslJjD1vpRpJWg3aOv9FxrO43tFxt6gxFrp3NTuU6RqY9s2g/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJNCUPMiByDsF6Rrnxap1c4C6DZu7MQbvY1tZ2Jn2_KR7KZC0Y2rKF8r_x67uL2MGeRMCIntLOGGQFvXAsHtVvGt3XGgslJjD1vpRpJWg3aOv9FxrO43tFxt6gxFrp3NTuU6RqY9s2g/s320/image.jpeg" width="319" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">Whether it's at </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">the </span><span style="text-align: center;">time of pick up/collection -what ever you want to call it... </span></div>
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or during the cleaning/sorting of it (the littler I've collected off streets and parking lots around my hometown)...</div>
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These things -they speak to me. <br />
This one with a little help from a highly inspirational Post-it TV commercial....<br />
<div style="padding-bottom: 40px; padding-top: 56.25%; position: relative; width: 100%;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.ispot.tv/share/AlLg" style="bottom: 0; height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; width: 100%;"></iframe></div>
<br />
Coupla things this randomly twisted piece of scrap metal/litter off the street AND a very inspiring Post-it commercial remind me...<br />
-every single time I try---> I am getting closer to the goal<br />
-one is 42% more likely to do something if one writes it down...(oh,I can't tell you how many times my dad tried to get me to "write my notes after class for better retention"... he was a pusher of good study tips which I promptly disregarded).<br />
-jumping is fun. jk.. not really... hehehe<br />
<br />
ok. we shall see what comes next...<br />
Have a good one!<br />
Your Favorite Oxymoron.... Leslie Cooper </div>
your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-91453897335248600722018-11-14T20:16:00.001-06:002018-11-15T22:38:31.369-06:00Tearin' it up...Been arting up a storm lately. Actually, its pretty much the only thing i do besides work and physical therapy for what feels like a loooong time now (*and still doing "regular" therapy every other week-ish).<br />
<br />
In early August, somewhere between work and street walking (hahahaha jk! although i did call it something like that once... you know how i get with words... oh dear the looks i get from people.)<br />
oh yeah -> So, between my job and my trash/litter/road hazard-picking habit SOMETHING in my left leg BROKE! I woke up one morning and the little pull/tug i'd felt the previous days had swelled up my whole dang leg! I couldn't bend my knee and the pain was excruciating.<br />
<br />
Turns out I had partially torn the medial head of my gastrocnemius. (It's name comes from the shape... the bulging calf muscle looks like a stomach. Ha!) I got a lovely knee high bootie (hehe) to lug around until further notice. Rest was prescribed.<br />
<br />
Now, it's not like I normally do much of anything. I'd kind of re-hermit-ized after my dad died. Cocooned by grief... asleep... a part of me hibernating while I kept trying to move forward through my daily life. But, lots of time at home with restricted movement... Alone with restricted movement? That's not necessarily where I thrive. After a long day lugging the orthopedic boot around though... I was sooo exhausted i had no choice! <br />
<br />
Eventually the pain lessened, and I wasn't completely wiped out after clocking out. So, off to physical therapy I go. And, thats where things started to move <i><b>in</b></i> me again. <br />
<br />
Moving right along...<br />
Your favorite Oxymoron,<br />
Les<br />
<br />
**to see pictures of some works-in-progress... <a href="https://instagram.com/p/BqOlDAknMRM/" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/p/BqOlDAknMRM/</a>your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-23186035284422497532018-11-07T20:10:00.000-06:002018-11-07T20:10:41.105-06:00so much.Coming back together<br />
again...<br />
just like the first time.<br />
<br />
REmembering what I've learned.<br />
REcalling...<br />
REcollecting...<br />
Reconnecting the dots.<br />
<br />
Stringing back together<br />
untangling the yarns<br />
weaving old with new...<br />
inspiration.<br />
i see double.<br />
<br />
REflected ...<br />
and bemused.<br />
my muse...<br />
i am<br />
myself<br />
<br />
reVived<br />
again<br />
<br />
round 'n round<br />
circle dot<br />
<br />
❤️les<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Its been a long time... haven't quite known how to make my comeback to the blogOsphere. That’s a word right? but antyhoo... I have no clue how things will flow here but I’d like to give it another shot.<br />
So much has happened. So much has changed... although sometimes it seems everything stays the same. so cracy...<br />
<br />
I lost my dad. It happened on Thanksgiving of 2016. And worlds crumbled. It was sudden and drawn out at the same time... Such a major loss for our family... a huge hole in my life. Oh how my heart still aches as i type this. He was a GREAT man. A kind and loving father. He gave me life and saved my life a few times. I deeply miss him. And, he's still with me all the time...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-11015879785748498442016-08-17T11:54:00.001-05:002018-11-15T22:44:33.651-06:00Unloading purposefully<div>
Sometimes I get soooooo mad soooo angry -boiling with rage.... that I DO forget how scary it is. </div>
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How no one EVER REALLY KNOWS (for sure) if I will stop with just yelling and slamming things around.</div>
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Because at those times.... </div>
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If I had a gun in my hand???</div>
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There is no doubt it would be going off!<br />
At SOMETHING... At anything.<br />
That is the thing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are OUT OF CONTROL....<br />
It doesn't matter what you've got.</div>
<div>
The shrapnel flys.... No stopping it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And when I'm mad </div>
<div>
-i want it to hurt-</div>
<div>
but ONLY because... I forgot what I know.</div>
<div>
Not because I've changed my mind about how much I love you. </div>
<div>
But, because I forgot to "shoot" this out beforehand.</div>
<div>
I forgot to unload the gun before I came in. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
And in the moments of madness </div>
<div>
-i really don't know me. </div>
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Because I can't even see straight! And, I <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">couldn't aim if I tried! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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So.... My goal is to FOCUS in my moments with other humans. Especially my loved ones.</div>
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And to FOCUS my energy on things that are effective for me. </div>
<div>
Like making noise (singing) and moving (dancing) and making lots of messes (art).</div>
<div>
If i don't make a mess on purpose.... I'm gonna make a mess accidentally.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ready to unload!😜</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your faveOxymoron ❤️les</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
PS I still owe apologies…<br />
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your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-57801362701810837322016-07-18T12:02:00.001-05:002016-07-18T16:08:21.035-05:00this is why i pick up trash and try to create beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Self portrait 2012 ~ Leslie Cooper</div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">at Clearview Womens Treatment Center~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Art Therapy with Marlene Frantz (thank you!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaTXRG7dxTCVYnt5NflUTyNX3_THm66xD7jSVJqgOEIHGhieZMs35lqTIeq7qmSj9mbqYBQ6hwV83BJl0rHT90DhuNwNNy147voOFz6uZRrx3AN9iz6nkd7mU71BPOt7v1UqjrWrnSw/s640/blogger-image-1605286647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaTXRG7dxTCVYnt5NflUTyNX3_THm66xD7jSVJqgOEIHGhieZMs35lqTIeq7qmSj9mbqYBQ6hwV83BJl0rHT90DhuNwNNy147voOFz6uZRrx3AN9iz6nkd7mU71BPOt7v1UqjrWrnSw/s640/blogger-image-1605286647.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">i fought calling myself an artist...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">i fight to CALL myself an artist.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">but, the idea is still a joke (to me) and</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">it starts the bile a churnin'.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">when i am working.... i can forget. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">so.... i work ~ all the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and~ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Broken ~ LiVES /lIVZ/</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">i am proof.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay7ANVWnlOSu2wGN1wA4S16Y-PGB4dhYeEtJ3CCWk-uMT_fbowTLZYn-QAgVErDWIAMuWLjpw3dcycPUKe_-xlD_IlskQ6odTqSEmTkBxQd5_JEEWKmI2RuTVNGyV_d2yyqQPNHyP5A/s640/blogger-image-1197509712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p1DZoLMHHHMfOrwy1M2dc41dlmZ86XDuvOYRbCAJOoaKm66n6Em2FBo9uciktUKB8k2rhRSw5Oc_OH3vQ0v_-zY16d41C8ChybXSIlW6UucDFLmEfTW-rznbgJBs1OE_TrmoM4Jk-g/s640/blogger-image--1562264674.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0jYOQUyjF8wawjOWIcYWgWFwB4g74i0-fMCS9bgaNLD3zZRRsV2_n3SsB9IC7_QS7ZTwjtogBhhHmuYuKbi8Wg_EcCNZdfYLieCbWl9P9cOxAylXlYugy5fKa6R_22IuhezRttsu4A/s640/blogger-image-64677034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0jYOQUyjF8wawjOWIcYWgWFwB4g74i0-fMCS9bgaNLD3zZRRsV2_n3SsB9IC7_QS7ZTwjtogBhhHmuYuKbi8Wg_EcCNZdfYLieCbWl9P9cOxAylXlYugy5fKa6R_22IuhezRttsu4A/s640/blogger-image-64677034.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpJHiULfShYCs34SadMegv5uyWBmArPagv1SqNgngvuRCxzG5k3VfzxXDoQfMImE7M0v1yaZXCHxh_y0cZErTsA3VmP4w04ehOR2aET0_ikW3ey3MSbxrfuzquphE-o79VRc0cEXx-Q/s640/blogger-image--1904983158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpJHiULfShYCs34SadMegv5uyWBmArPagv1SqNgngvuRCxzG5k3VfzxXDoQfMImE7M0v1yaZXCHxh_y0cZErTsA3VmP4w04ehOR2aET0_ikW3ey3MSbxrfuzquphE-o79VRc0cEXx-Q/s640/blogger-image--1904983158.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpJHiULfShYCs34SadMegv5uyWBmArPagv1SqNgngvuRCxzG5k3VfzxXDoQfMImE7M0v1yaZXCHxh_y0cZErTsA3VmP4w04ehOR2aET0_ikW3ey3MSbxrfuzquphE-o79VRc0cEXx-Q/s640/blogger-image--1904983158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vg5PPZari-S0RKzJQjpMv_3usWc9cmJzFaNrTNtjhoWMhwEyC1ipw3OjD1dqmgQDHhrkbNcQnDMjnmemFTx_-NQiQ-Xe3HGkMg6z5wuRjvC3PMCnLK5QYBrt_er1YV10L9Lfs0Gg3Q/s640/blogger-image--252643100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vg5PPZari-S0RKzJQjpMv_3usWc9cmJzFaNrTNtjhoWMhwEyC1ipw3OjD1dqmgQDHhrkbNcQnDMjnmemFTx_-NQiQ-Xe3HGkMg6z5wuRjvC3PMCnLK5QYBrt_er1YV10L9Lfs0Gg3Q/s640/blogger-image--252643100.jpg"></a></div></div></div>*art and accessories made from litter... trash i collect off the streets where i live. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">*10% of every sale will be donated to Foundation 45. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/foundation45help/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/foundation45help/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">#suicide #prevention</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">#mentalHealth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Online sales to begin soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeVXuYEA3f2EfqUzyD1-Kk9HEyB9NnsrV1heipuFvYbuv6v3rnKxtPVT87AsooQ6l8lkG2QJZbQlAQLTlhty-PsakXVv-DdursYLhRaV-MiEi0ppzC6Jp5zKsOKuI6yY3ehD0QWzIXw/s640/blogger-image-463324621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeVXuYEA3f2EfqUzyD1-Kk9HEyB9NnsrV1heipuFvYbuv6v3rnKxtPVT87AsooQ6l8lkG2QJZbQlAQLTlhty-PsakXVv-DdursYLhRaV-MiEi0ppzC6Jp5zKsOKuI6yY3ehD0QWzIXw/s640/blogger-image-463324621.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">❤️les</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">~your favorite oxymoron</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK7tzvuzKgV3q5PcEYG3oUv7vTgqy9lGd81SZzl760W6Yzn0crZwe_WmQ0qrS2wmrZo3mb_HSFkGuGGmAFMiREU7scDSbwoN6UZu33ITgUz0fQ1QxnJYGq2QkKK3Rg5TWvELa45SZQQ/s640/blogger-image--1162970811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK7tzvuzKgV3q5PcEYG3oUv7vTgqy9lGd81SZzl760W6Yzn0crZwe_WmQ0qrS2wmrZo3mb_HSFkGuGGmAFMiREU7scDSbwoN6UZu33ITgUz0fQ1QxnJYGq2QkKK3Rg5TWvELa45SZQQ/s640/blogger-image--1162970811.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-62203891147082396722016-05-31T18:26:00.001-05:002016-05-31T18:30:21.507-05:00May is Mental Health Awareness month!<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYu_0KCy4HdOzzr_83h4f9Jq7t7c3UsqtCrVdY8oJJek6tghAyps-OXpfI3hUOuZvNfQqCbMaHyybinekVqr3GUp7L6IDga6f-ncvHZh6aFhJwvfm1L58gMsqgDxIqSfuiDBYfBYTzA/s640/blogger-image-1093978520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">May is Mental Health Awareness month! </span></div></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And I think it's apropos....</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Because it was this very month </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">~ i became AWARE of MY (VERY OWN) MENTAL HEALTH!!!!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">i can say with pride and satisfaction that </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">i saught Mental HEALTH....</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">and then i caught it.... that son of a gun. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOew95vgKwTS9D1OmnabUPo4Z50p4qs5LgW0cBz1w080wxsiVojmeC4PQvIdGRTgYGTJmLL1X_Uz6utEKnGWccjuu5liO4TOebAJnxaioXVP_V0EHDEsHa15oeR-zhDALSTnDTq4MTg/s640/blogger-image--831350285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOew95vgKwTS9D1OmnabUPo4Z50p4qs5LgW0cBz1w080wxsiVojmeC4PQvIdGRTgYGTJmLL1X_Uz6utEKnGWccjuu5liO4TOebAJnxaioXVP_V0EHDEsHa15oeR-zhDALSTnDTq4MTg/s640/blogger-image--831350285.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And now ~this month of May ~2016</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">~ living at home w/ my parents again..... </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">~working for my dad again.....</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">~in some (minor) debt again.....</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've got nuthin really to show for anything!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nothing tangible or of much "monetary worth" ... I own nothing. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But, after SO MANY YEARS</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">~ thousands of hours and probably ~MILLIONS of dollars!!!!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">~on therapy and the other fun and costly accessories of .... what do we call it now? MENTAL iLLNESS. (I've been pretty busy the past several years...😏)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ruGjFFLZN9lJG49KRN7vMQpxtopjz9tIdXsbpvdV_wYpSby1jYmuvMJL7xarI77p1qFDMJbT5JVZKxorIBAy4zLyi-1F_vmMJShe2LZb5Q2hvsHjaiwcj6X4uJgzf_e4RMLibVUgyg/s640/blogger-image-1654906717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ruGjFFLZN9lJG49KRN7vMQpxtopjz9tIdXsbpvdV_wYpSby1jYmuvMJL7xarI77p1qFDMJbT5JVZKxorIBAy4zLyi-1F_vmMJShe2LZb5Q2hvsHjaiwcj6X4uJgzf_e4RMLibVUgyg/s640/blogger-image-1654906717.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">THIS MONTH </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">~ i completed something HUGE!!!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Because </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">~ i have learned how to be </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">~at home with ~ mySelf. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(And I've discovered some pretty cool things about me ~while I was at it. 🙀)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYsf-8wtSEq8WIKzNADZnFT6WdBJn9quDqqpgmLQVqbBD-eTFE-WcOHxVfJjlMB7xTxKgLyjNOmjAaMtlaooKV54hfEFf0P4AWYJ2FTOzw_frdSw8jBhdtSt48ghsYyvbLXgoIvykvw/s640/blogger-image-864961833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYsf-8wtSEq8WIKzNADZnFT6WdBJn9quDqqpgmLQVqbBD-eTFE-WcOHxVfJjlMB7xTxKgLyjNOmjAaMtlaooKV54hfEFf0P4AWYJ2FTOzw_frdSw8jBhdtSt48ghsYyvbLXgoIvykvw/s640/blogger-image-864961833.jpg"></a></div>Wow! What a month! What a life....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy Mental Health Awareness month to me! And, if you can't say the same.... Know you ARE NOT ALONE! And there is sooooo much to hope for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So.... Keep an out! 😜i got some good stuff up my sleeve.... Who NOSE 👃🏼 what's next?!?!?!?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Comfort and joy~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">❤️les</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Your Favorite Oxymoron </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div>your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-87794864293402823822016-03-07T00:02:00.001-06:002016-03-07T00:03:33.076-06:00Birthday break ~ well deserved"Give yourself a break!" <br />
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"Don't be so hard on yourself."</div>
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These two phrases ~ I've heard too often lately. </div>
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And then .... I go trying to explain that THIS is the good part.... So, it's ok. Because.... Yeah yeah yeah....used to be.... Blah blah .... now i know....cause I figured it out! Lemme show you.... </div>
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But, I can't.... Cause I'm not quite there yet. </div>
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And I haven't taken enough time to slow down and see that.... </div>
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Because time is tick tick ticking .... </div>
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And I am running on fumes here.... </div>
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And I can't be in the same place when my birthday hits.... </div>
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I can't take more time to "get well" because I am well! </div>
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I could get a job at Target now.... I can. But, I need to prove that I can do what I can do. I have to keep moving until I prove this.<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> I have to finish something. I can't cross this finish line.... Hands in the air "eye LIVED THROUGH 38 YEARS OF THIS" style..... If I don't prove that I have something to offer. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> I can't be a parasite again this year.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">And.... Woah.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I don't want to be a parasite? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Yeah, maybe I need to give myself a break. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Maybe I should go a little easier on me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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And, I've got some clarity now.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I need to earn a living. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I need to do certain things to LIVE. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I need a roof (my own).</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I need to keep moving on my projects</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">in the pace that suits me.... For health not for money.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And, guess who has a job? And a roof! And a safe space to move ANY direction at ANY pace! And ANY time!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Me! I got a job with an artist.... </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">where I can use my skills and learn a whole bunch more! And.... We have fun. ☺️</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Roof wise ~ I'm covered at the moment. And, with a coupla options for "my own" to look at in the next few days. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Also, I know I'm not a parasite. And, I was being too hard on myself.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, I'm gonna give myself a break. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Happy Birthday week too me! ☺️</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">❤️les</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not proofing this one. Break time. </span></div>
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your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-16196412058025564302016-02-12T18:12:00.000-06:002016-05-31T20:05:17.650-05:00Here I go…. On the road again!<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.5em;">So.... I just spent an AMAZING week in the Piney woods of East Texas..... And I've got my return visit on the schedule. 😊</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Now.... I’m heading back to big D (suburbs of Dallas actually) to celebrate with my sweet niece!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Little Leah, she turned 7 ~this week!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Man…. She is really sumthin….</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I mean SUMTHIN ELSE!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I can’t wait to see her face tonight 😍and ask her to explain a Vinn diagram to me. (I had to choose chocolate/white or both! For the cake!!!! Can you NOT wait?!?!?!)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I LOVE THIS!!!!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Happy LEAH’s BIRTHDAY to me! 😜😍❤</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">(🙏🏻thank you Jesus!🌈You continue to amaze me….)</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Man…. She is really sumthin….</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">I can’t wait to see her face tonight 😍and ask her to explain a Vinn diagram to me. (I had to choose chocolate/white or both! For the cake!!!! Can you NOT wait?!?!?!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">❤️les ~ your FAVORITE oxymoron</span></span>your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-70267001251898375432016-02-02T23:28:00.001-06:002016-02-03T13:21:30.964-06:00Post-haste and the nature of being me.... I'm on a roll!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, I just spent a long time (longer than you would dare to imagine.... i promise.) working on <i>this</i> blog post. *more than once 😏</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And, fumble.... it is gone. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And, OUCH it stabs so sharply through this heart of mine.... </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then I remember. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can just write a new one. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, here I am.... writing anew.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now I'll tell you a tidbit about what I've been up to!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am writing ~full time~ these days. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And, as it turns out.... I am in better physical shape than I was when I was farming full time!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's true. I sometimes wear kneepads when I go out writing.... I'm not as young as I used to be. (wink)</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No, really, I do. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've got all sorts of unusual practices intertwined with my writing. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I keep trying to explain though.... </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This life I am building ~ My <i>very own</i> LIFE WORTH LIVING ~ is <i>seeking health and happiness</i>. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And, finding the best (most effective) ways of living. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In my world.... almost NOTHING about the traditional way of writing sounds good to me!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">~sitting in one spot ~inside ~hunched over a computer or notebook ~while my whole body screams in revolt.... </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No thank you! </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am seeking a life where I can live comfortably. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I am so over</i> t<i>orture!</i> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also, I am feeling really positive about the projects I've been working on.... I think I am really close to some next (real) big steps!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now, my living situation.... Many are curious. Many have questions. </span><div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Where are you living now? How long will you be there? Where will you go next?</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Great questions! I have no precise answers. Sorry. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have this great new truck (thanks pops! he gave me his "old" truck)!!!! </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And, I've discovered a real need to drive and diversify. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, all those folks who have said they would LOVE for me to come visit???? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Guess who would LOVE to take you up on that offer! </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am also available for house sitting/pet sitting. AND, I've got references. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've been told.... I am pretty good at "holding couches down" for the night! Or even the occasional afternoon. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, I hope to visit lots of friends in the next little while.... </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I do not want to intrude or impose my life on anyone. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm just trying to keep things moving.... in any direction! </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana", sans-serif;">Keep those wheels turning.... </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana", sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana", sans-serif;">In just 1 week (last week) in 2 different cities ~ I tried 3 wheels ~ 2 times!!!!</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana", sans-serif;">It is not as easy as it used to be....</span><br>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/L74XD7fWqYQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L74XD7fWqYQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana", sans-serif;">You can just ask my face. </span><br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vG_imbE25ay1MNAdxoj-7toHc2Mg6y04py_IqMT5NEp9Fe-R6J_oq2BtOh9f19CItV04qI39aOVQOhHzezdAsW8RGdgtgJfqh9UrhHzTLciVxw0SaB67UUqk8DTD4RepUYGGQm5jvw/s640/blogger-image-953255880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vG_imbE25ay1MNAdxoj-7toHc2Mg6y04py_IqMT5NEp9Fe-R6J_oq2BtOh9f19CItV04qI39aOVQOhHzezdAsW8RGdgtgJfqh9UrhHzTLciVxw0SaB67UUqk8DTD4RepUYGGQm5jvw/s1600/blogger-image-953255880.jpg"></a></div><div>A couple of my exciting projects include.... </div><div>Finishing up my "big" book. </div><div>Working on some songwriting and singing.... and overcoming some terrific stage fright.</div><div><br></div><div>Shorter and more frequent posts to come.... That what I'm gonna try this month.</div><div><br></div><div>Have a happy day!</div><div>❤️Les ~ Your Favorite Oxymoron</div><div><br></div>
</div>your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-37344886225671752342016-01-08T11:25:00.001-06:002016-01-08T13:46:47.007-06:00There once was a girl who spun yarn.... And had a dream....<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And.... Guess who that was???? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I made this video.... In January of 2011. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was not an easy task! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AND.... I WON!!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I won an online contest.... to win a flock of sheep! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I really truly had NO CLUE what that would mean.... for my future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making this video.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It started a process.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I HAD TO BE ME!!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IN FRONT OF THE WORLD!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, I had to ASK FOR HELP.... from friends and strangers!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to ask people to vote! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To WATCH the video....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TO LOOK AT ME.... AND LISTEN....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AND.... If you truly believed it was true.... Please, say it was the best!!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE MAKING OF THIS VIDEO.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's when I started fighting for my life....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for what I needed to live in this world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It started the process of ME FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those sheep....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They changed my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They brought me back to life! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They taught me how to live with death. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AND,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After just a short time with those <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">woolly life-savers.... I decided I wanted to </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">LIVE A FULL LIFE!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next order of business after learning to be a shepherd.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And loosing 100 lbs during the first 365 days at my new job.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was TIME.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to LEARN HOW TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now.... Talk about hard work! Whew. </span></div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/tJN5w_FMlec">http://youtu.be/tJN5w_FMlec</a> </div>
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your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-46858589972468707692016-01-04T23:40:00.001-06:002016-11-02T03:43:15.256-05:00Introducing.... Ima Poet <h2>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">One reason I write…. A touch of manure…. And big time HOPE! </span></h2>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>
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<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I see it so clearly now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">
I can write <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">it</em> right.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I can write <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">it</em> down</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">
and out.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And give <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">it</em> up!</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Make something beautiful out of stupid bull….<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">poop</em>.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">
(manure)</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not let <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">it</em> poison me or make a big stink...<br />
And upset the neighbors….<br />
Etcetera…. And on and on….<br />
And onnnn….Ahhh! </span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But, turn that <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">poop</em> into something more!<br />
Turn <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">it</em><br />
and,<br />
allow <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">it</em> to change…. </span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Organically<br />
Physically.<br />
Chemically.<br />
Tangibly.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Give the <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">poop</em> some air.<br />
Give <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">it</em> room to breathe.<br />
To do <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">it's</em> thing….</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">It</em> becomes fertilizer!<br />
<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">It</em> will help <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">me</em> grow.<br />
<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">It</em> will give <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">me</em> strength to grow<br />-stronger and wiser.<br />
And fruitful!<br />
And multiply!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">I</em> grow as <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">I</em> go!<br />
And <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">I'm</em> <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">going</em>….<br />
Right now.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
This moment is <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">MINE</em>.<br />
<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">I'm</em> claiming what <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">I own!</em><br />
<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">I'm</em> searching for <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">my miracles.</em><br />
<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">I'm</em> grabbing on and holding.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">And, I WILL SHARE MY WEALTH!</strong><br />
I have a wealth of knowledge.<br />
I know what I'm worth.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have….<br />
Life saving,<br />
Life giving,<br />
Life living knowledge.<br />
I have <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">Living Hope</em>!</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">I'm</em> not gonna hoard it….<br />
Keep it all for <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">mySELF</em>….<br />
To use and dispense at (my) whim.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nope!<br />
I want to offer my Hope…. to the world.<br />
<br />
It IS free!<br />
We can ALL own it. </span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I Hope.<br />
I Pray.<br />
I have Faith.<br />
<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">It is True.</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);"><br /></strong></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Warmly and with lots of love,<br />
Your Favorite Oxymoron....</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px);">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Leslie Spinderella Cooper</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> ~ A Poet</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(written December 13, 2015)</span></div>
your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-90224390412856387752016-01-01T23:43:00.001-06:002016-01-02T15:47:01.076-06:00So.... here we are.... It's 2016!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And, I've already accomplished some (SERIOUS) procrastination! And, we already know, when I do things.... I do them hard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SO, that's why I'm not gonna shame myself into waiting another minute. I will start this new year with a post on my old (neglected) blog. I do not have to have my next (new) big thing ready and waiting.... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can handle the space . . . . between . . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">now . . . . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can handle the quiet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The waiting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't have to let fear paralyze me before I get my foot out the door. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can utilize each moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The chaotic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The calm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I do not believe fear is overrated. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fear saved my life many times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fight and flight .... each in several ways.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(I know those responses will go off <i>without a hitch</i> when needed.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">AND....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, I'm gonna <i>go out on a limb</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, I'm gonna go <i>far out man</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, I'm sharing with you, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">what I'm aiming for....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>January 1, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am setting a goal.... two actually!!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. <b>I will publish a book in 2016.</b> (I'm working on several things.... SOMETHING will be in print in time for Christmas gifting 2016.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. The <b>next New Year's Eve</b> that comes around.... <b>I will be preforming for the public</b>.... <i>on purpose!</i> (Still overcoming some incredibly ginormously uncomfortable stage fright.... AND working on writing some songs!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, there it is. It looks really crazy.... And, I guess it is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am just trying to aim all that crazy in the right direction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am learning how to make my "crazy" work for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">AND FOR OTHERS! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've got lots to share!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy New Year! That last one was sumthin else! Wasn't it? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Warmly,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Leslie Cooper ~ Your Favorite Oxymoron</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-81032257670783322432015-10-24T16:32:00.001-05:002015-10-24T16:32:20.598-05:00I'll be back soon!!!Lots of HUGE things in the works!!! Just wanted to shout out "what what" to my peeps and let you know things are moving right a long... And, I'll get something together (in the next coupla days) to summarize what's been going on.<br />
<br />
Hugs and love to ALL!!!<br />
<br />
Your Favorite Oxymoron... Leslie Cooper!your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-27880427013486784122013-12-31T23:45:00.000-06:002014-01-01T14:48:25.222-06:00My presence is my present... <div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Happy Season of GIFTS!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There are many important gifts this season. Gifts to be given, gifts to be received, gifts to be remembered, and gifts to be realized. I'd like to share a bit about the gift I have been enjoying lately and a little about how I came to realize it.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">First off, I do want to acknowledge that it has been quite a while since you've heard from me. I want to assure you that it's not been for lack of working toward my goal of building a life worth living... Or out of a desire to keep to myself. I have actually thought of blogging many times since my last post. I was sure that fear or shame were behind my inactivity. As I begin to write this post though... I believe it’s more likely I just hadn't found the right </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">words. Or possibly, I hadn't had the experiences necessary to put those words together and feel like they were correct and complete. Now that I have lived a little more and learned a lot more, I feel that I can express myself and be happy in the fullness of my expression. Now… I'm gonna express myself!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, this gift I'd like to speak about… it’s a gift I was given the <i>moment</i> I was given life. The gift of <i>that very moment</i>. The gift of <i>each moment</i>. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I don’t know at what point in my life I was blinded to it. Thoughts about my past or fear of my future began taking over my moments so early on that it is hard to find many clear and happy memories of my childhood or even adulthood. Years of my life were eclipsed by my inability to realize the moments available to me. What a vicious cycle…</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As the cycle continued, it increased in its vigor and in its ability to obscure my present. I tried for years to overcome my pervasive depression, anxiety, etc. I tried several different therapists, countless psychotropic medications, self medicating with alcohol and other awful self destructive behavior… Most of these attempts at happiness or at least a life that was somewhat “livable” only opened the doors to more sadness, shame and most of all fear. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I began weekly classes, aka “skills training”, in </span><a href="http://behavioraltech.org/resources/whatisdbt.cfm" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #042eee; letter-spacing: 0px;">Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT)</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> in December 2011. One major attention getter for me in my initial exposure to DBT was a silly little picture and description of the DBT House of Treatment. You can see a picture of it </span><a href="http://foxcounselingseattle.wordpress.com/2010/05/11/dbt-house-of-treatment/" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #042eee; letter-spacing: 0px;">here</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. I guess what hit home for me most was </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">all</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> of the previous years in therapy that seemed to go nowhere </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">besides</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> the frequent downward spiral. DBT teaches four main skill sets ~ Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance. For me, these skills needed to be in place BEFORE I hash out all the old and try to plan for a </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">healthy future. And, I would soon realize how polar opposite my conditioned responses were to (almost all) situations around these topics and the preferred course of action. But, what about this MINDFULNESS business? At least the other stuff, although so </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: line-through;">ridiculously</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: line-through;">embarrassingly</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> simple, made sense. Mindfulness seemed like a waste of time. A really REALLY uncomfortable waste of time. Or maybe I should just say… It freaked me the freaky freak out! And I just <i>couldn’t</i> “get it” during the first 10 months of weekly “skills training” classes, additional weekly sessions with my “DBT coach” (still seeing my regular therapist 2-3 times a week). So, after several downward spirals turned into devastating cyclones, my family gave me an ultimatum. This ultimatum took less than a week to spit upon (very different language than I was <i>spitting</i> out at the time). When all was said and done (on this point at least), I made a decision to spend some time in California. Not “on vacation”. Not “visiting friends”. Not “taking some classes”. With the help of my family, I checked myself in to <a href="http://clearviewwomenscenter.com/"><span style="color: #042eee; letter-spacing: 0px;">Clearview Women’s Center</span></a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">, a residential mental health facility. It was one of a handful of places where I could completely focus on what <i>I needed to learn</i> in an environment that was <i>safe for me</i> and<i> a little</i> restrained. At Clearview, which has built an entire program around DBT, I would finally come to understand the meaning and benefits of Mindfulness. I learned to breathe at Clearview. I learned to be a witness to my body and mind and not to run from this awareness. I was able to identify triggers for my extreme emotions and I began to notice the role of my physical self in relation to my emotions. I also got lots of practice looking at situations and finding ways to deter or halt my emotions or satisfy some need in a healthy way instead of losing control. I learned about expression through art. I began to see the benefits of healthy relationships. I began to see patterns… good and bad. I became a DBT cheerleader! During my three months at Clearview Women’s Center, I gained a better understanding of what I needed in order to finish out my “basement level” or Stage 1 in the DBT House of Treatment. And, though I was not ready to </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">leave, the money was gone and insurance had denied a final appeal for coverage and I had to leave with no “roof” over my head. I did have a foundation though </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">and</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> it was solid enough to get me through the tumultuous times to come </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">with</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> the knowledge that a rainbow was on the other side of the storms.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If people asked, and even when they didn’t… I’d say that the Clearview Women’s Center had <i>almost</i> everything. The thing they were missing was some interaction with animals. Not just petting them or playing with them (although that’s always a bonus when around animals)… But, as I knew from experience with my sheep (and other animals in my life), the benefits to be gained by working with and around animals are just SO great.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some examples:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1.The act of taking care of something besides yourself~ humbling AND empowering</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2.Problem solving~ dealing with the unexpected</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3.Learning new skills~ building mastery</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">4.Visible & tangible signs of progress</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">5.Learning how to ask for help</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">6.Teamwork~ working with others toward a common goal</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">7.Exercise!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">8.Sunshine! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(you know I'm not finished yet!)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Now that I’ve got you wondering where on earth this blog has wandered… </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My moments… Several months after returning to Texas and getting back into my weekly DBT class and therapy 5 times a week… I was still missing so many of my moments! I had been threatening to volunteer somewhere… probably something to do with animals… maybe people too… like therapeutic horseback riding… or blah blah flimsy blah no commitment blah no plan blah blah. Then another blessing shot through space from my DBT coach/therapist iPhone to mine. “Oh, you want to volunteer? I heard about this…”, “DING!” Oh yeah, and this happened while sitting about three feet from one another during session. No pretending I didn’t get that text! Ha! Kinda kidding… I<i> was </i>terrified <i>but</i> a week later I was at the volunteer orientation for a horse rescue/therapeutic riding center. The next thing I knew I was on the schedule and the last pieces of the Mindfulness puzzle fell into place and into practice. When I began sharing space with these horses it came suddenly and naturally. I didn’t lug in old baggage and I had no expectations. I was aware and willing. I was thoughtful and purposeful. I did my best. I was not ashamed or afraid. I observed, described and participated ~ and I did it non-judgmentally, one-mindfully and down right effectively. And, most unexpectedly, I accomplished all of these things even when <i>humans</i> were in that space too!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I just <i>thought</i> I knew how beneficial working with animals could be. I have a feeling I have only scratched the surface…</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Stay available to your moments this NEW year!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Your faveOM~Les</span></div>
your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-47056812327494480282013-08-01T10:58:00.000-05:002013-08-01T10:58:16.132-05:00Gratitude<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/544654148655383015/"></a>your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-80847149357269383712013-07-22T00:05:00.000-05:002013-07-22T08:31:40.848-05:00I'm RUBBER and you're GLUE... And whatever you say in front of a 4 year old <b>STICKS</b>! Hahaha! Thank goodness my sweet niece has only heard good things from me so far! Whew.<br />
<br />
So, now that I've got your attention... I'll share the fun that Little Lou shared back with me! And quickly, cause I'm so very tired.<br />
<br />
~ <i>"Oh, I just love this piece of art work Aunt Les!"</i><br />
<br />
~ <i>"You should draw an elephant standing on top of a rhinoceros with a ..."</i> My reply, "I'm not sure I can draw all that." And >>> <i>"Well, if you don't think you can draw that... you can just draw them abstract!"</i><br />
<br />
The grand finally was shared with me <i>via</i> my sister.<br />
<br />
~ <i>"Daddy, I am going to do some abstract art. Pull up a chair and let me tell you about abstract art."</i><br />
<br />
On this note, I will say goodnight!<br />
<br />
Goodnight!<br />
<br />
Aunt Les,<br />
Your Favorite Oxymoronyour favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-34833450516833399022013-07-11T23:06:00.000-05:002013-07-11T23:37:37.894-05:00How fast is a 2 legged turtle???Well, I guess it depends on which legs still work... and if the other legs are still hangin' on (dragging it down... literally) or if they are just out of the picture... And, does it count if it's moving backwards??? What if it's has the back legs and they keep dragging the tenacious little turtle in the wrong direction? What if the turtle figures out how to get the head and the tail to work with the lonely legs to form a four appendage team? Is the turtle allowed to buddy up and form a strange little sack race type stance?<br />
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Thank goodness I'm not in charge of the rules in <i>that</i> race! <br />
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I have no idea why <i>this</i> particular question is plaguing me as sit on my bed ready <i>& willing</i> to go to sleep at a reasonable hour (for the second night in a row! go me!)... I <i>know ;-)</i> this... <i>I</i> feel like a <i>one</i> legged turtle around 50% of the time. A <i>two</i> legged turtle? 75%... <i>but, they are both on the same side... </i><br />
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I guess a turtle with <i>any</i> appendage is better off than a turtle on its back. Then all the legs <i>could</i> do is flail about... until it finally gives up... <br />
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And, this brings me to the serous stuff...<br />
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My aunt, Ada Lou, is sick. She in the hospital. She is my mom's oldest sister, a tough woman, who has combatted an array of diseases since an early age. I'm talking an almost constant battle with one serious thing following another. What she will not be able to kick is (to me) scarier than any of the others... something I have seen take my Uncle Chuck and their mother... my MawMaw. <br />
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Ada Lou has Alzheimer's Disease.<br />
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Alzheimer's Disease is <i>so</i> ugly. It is <i>so</i> scary. And, I think (at this point at least) that's all I want to say about it.<br />
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But, if you don't mind, keep my Aunt Lou and her family in your prayers. And my mom, Betty, who has witnessed way more of the ugly than I'd ever wish on <i>anybody</i>. <br />
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Be gentle to yourselves and your families this weekend...<br />
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Goodnight,<br />
Leslie,<br />
Your Favorite Oxymoronyour favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-7429132251292509262013-07-09T00:23:00.000-05:002013-07-09T00:34:40.928-05:00DANG!I can't tell you how many times I have told someone I love (and random people on the street... probably)... "Remind me of this when I forget!"<br />
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SO... if anyone actually attempted the <i>gentle</i> reminder??? I am <i>sure</i> I would spit fire! Who knows what could be turned to cinders... yikes<br />
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I've just been wondering... When you have so many things to remember and practice BUT they aren't things that come up on a regular basis... H O W D O (I AM CURSING MYSELF RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I JUST SAW MY ANSWER WRITTEN IN THE SKY!!! Metaphorically of course...)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>PRACTICE!!!</i></b></span><br />
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SON OF AN UGLY DONKEY! I should have seen this one coming...<br />
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I'm gonna have to get back to you on this one though. I've got to get up early and do my (orange) yoga practice. Long story. Need sleep. And practice.<br />
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Nighty nighty!<br />
Les,<br />
Your Favorite Oxymoron :-Pyour favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-46348540651757223502013-07-08T11:50:00.000-05:002013-07-08T11:56:27.590-05:00opposite action... sometimes it's BACKWARDS!?!Well, have I got a<i> doozy</i> for you?!?!? I <i>re-</i>recognized this weekend that Opposite Action <b><i>isn't</i></b> always the <i>"action"</i> you think it <i>should</i> be! Well... LA-a-ah-TEE-DA (as Grandpa always said)... I <i>really</i> wish <i>someone</i> had written a rule book for me here! Funny <i>(aka SAD)</i> thing is, I might have gone ahead and read it! I <i>know</i> I would have <i>bought</i> it! haha... Who <i>knows</i> if I would have understood it!?!? [insert smiley face with one of those ptdhhhhhhhhhAHHH!!!s] Well, I guess it's time for me to explain myself...<br />
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Sometimes... Opposite Action... is saying, "I can't.", "I don't understand.", "No thank you.", etc.</div>
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Maybe I am the only one who seems conflicted here? All I know is that sometimes my immediate and SUPER POWERFUL instinct is to say... "Sure!!!", "I'm so glad you asked!", "I'd love to!", "I'll get right on that!", "No problem!", and on and on and on and on... I have an instinctual feeling that I should <i>DO. </i>Even some things that I am just not capable of doing.</div>
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It seems the mountain I am about to climb will sound more like... "I don't know if I have time.", "I don't know how that works.", "Are you speaking English?!?!?!" and my <i>favorite</i>... "NO!" </div>
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So, this <b><i>is</i> one of the greatest quandaries of my life</b>... When to <i>STRIVE for GREATNESS</i> and when to say... <i>"I give!"</i>???<br />
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My example includes frustration, confusion, fear, shame, procrastination, hope, great ideas, trust, last minute cover my butt's, disappointment AND a lesson. Unfortunately, the lesson is not my first and probably not my last on this particular subject. So, here goes...<br />
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I was asked, to my great honor, to create a picture for the front of my mom's 4th grade Vacation Bible School class. The theme is ironically FEAR. Ha! And, I had HUGE ideas bubbling up in my head for a week or two! Well, because I want you to keep on reading, I will try to be concise... I started way later than I should have. I was WAY too detailed! Just to give you an idea... I was trying to make the roller coaster car sparkle NOT with glitter (which seems so obvious now...) but by using a heat fusible fiber and shaping it to give dimension. The greenery was made from the funny papers wadded up and smeared with green acrylic paint. And the sky needed wool! I mean DUH! Also... pictures of my nieces/dads hands enlarged and used to be <i>lifelike</i>. All of this was going to hang on butcher paper for a week and then torn down and thrown away. I was sure I could do it. And I knew there was NO WAY. Oh, and do we think that I let anyone know what was going on or NOT going on with my door hanging? No... not until I had given up and sat staring... day dreaming about how it <i>should have been </i>and trying to figure out how I could make it work... and watching (almost tangibly) the panic build in me as I tried to figure out how to tell my mom that I just couldn't. When I finally got the words out (and tried like mad to not make my mom feel bad for asking me!!!) we were in to the final 24 hours before the kiddos would walk through that door...<br />
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Don't worry... Mom and Pops got their heads together and whipped together a perfect door hanging! And, I tried to explain myself. I was honored to be asked. I wanted to do it! I think I will be capable of doing something like this in the future. This time... I learned a lesson and got my butt saved again. <br />
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So, Opposite Action Day and Opposite Day ARE NOT THE SAME! The idea behind Opposite Action is to do the most effective thing possible. Effective Action Day just doesn't have the same ring to it...<br />
:-P<br />
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Have a great Opposite Action Day!<br />
Leslie,<br />
Your Favorite Oxymoron </div>
your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-42365239826687685702013-07-05T15:46:00.002-05:002013-07-05T16:18:36.386-05:00Soylent Green! It's PEOPLE!!!I have no idea how <i>that</i> title relates to this post... aside from the fact that I have been drawing some "people"... I think they are... "my people"... Sounds very science fiction-y/futuristic(?). ;-) I guess. Maybe that is the relation? (<a href="http://youtu.be/SVpN312hYgU" target="_blank">Soylent Green</a> is an <b><i>awesome</i></b> movie by the way!) <br />
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Here be de peeps!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcPHe3MZ5XVv_3Wc8dpgSfxIDQtWFp1ovUd61HZHUcngEs6hEUbski1Qatt1LrZqdUuQNLj9tsbfE0Nl11y8SGqXdrOCPvoYw2RrAjuB6ZBe-BFWSWIBzKOO-l3gzMELArpTka1tJGw/s1600/when+your+hot+your+hot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcPHe3MZ5XVv_3Wc8dpgSfxIDQtWFp1ovUd61HZHUcngEs6hEUbski1Qatt1LrZqdUuQNLj9tsbfE0Nl11y8SGqXdrOCPvoYw2RrAjuB6ZBe-BFWSWIBzKOO-l3gzMELArpTka1tJGw/s400/when+your+hot+your+hot.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When You're Hot, You're Hot (soft pastel) 7/3/13</td></tr>
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They are all named after songs so far... Although the songs have always come during the cropping of the pictures so they really have nothing to do with the creation of the drawing. But, I thought you all should experience the songs that now sing along with them. :-) </div>
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So... here is Jerry Reed singin' her song...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/Bzewk-FMgS0" target="_blank">When You're Hot, You're Hot</a></span></span></div>
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And now... The Archies singing... <a href="http://youtu.be/nwgbfriHWt8" target="_blank">Sugar Sugar</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">i'm gonna make your life so sweet!</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL0wGsFaZLxbrPiq1fW07WBemJ_efxD_DFVq8tcf-plKVvEKd_5vY78g7mesfGo_j7cxhvqfpi-KOMzZMNBTI7aDVhG1f4_52AsjR3LuPS49AJWTvmU1_pFvGMuZblxf3nz6PjOJhhA/s1600/candy+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL0wGsFaZLxbrPiq1fW07WBemJ_efxD_DFVq8tcf-plKVvEKd_5vY78g7mesfGo_j7cxhvqfpi-KOMzZMNBTI7aDVhG1f4_52AsjR3LuPS49AJWTvmU1_pFvGMuZblxf3nz6PjOJhhA/s400/candy+girl.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candy Girl (soft pastel) 7/3/13</td></tr>
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I have one more. AND... I haven't quite decided if it's finished yet... look for it and possibly more (???) in the future! Hahahah! <i>Future</i>... I crack myself up. Haha...</div>
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Hope everyone had a fabulous 4th! The sheep and I were a little under the weather yesterday. Today? Today <i>I</i> am just tired. They are about the same but I believe I have had a lightbulb about them! Anyway, I <i>am</i> looking forward to working on the door decoration that my mom asked me to help with for her Vacation Bible School (VBS) class that starts Monday. And, I have a very important art therapy assignment that I am looking forward to working on. </div>
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Be careful out there! It <i>is</i> a holiday weekend so keep you eyes OPEN on the roads. Alright? Alright. </div>
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Leslie Cooper,</div>
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Your Favorite Oxymoron ;-)</div>
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P.S. I just named the "collection" (ain't that fancy???) Soylent Green! It is my first "collection" and for some reason that whole syfy theme fits with "my (alien) people" in appearance and in <i>my own</i> "alien" existence... berry berry eeeeenteresting...</div>
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your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-65768240458886769762013-07-01T12:41:00.002-05:002013-07-01T22:23:27.367-05:00Ready for Departure??? NEVER!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">Ahhh… Getting ready for a departure…</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is an event for me to get ANYWHERE, let alone in a hurry… and on time? Yikes! Mornings especially are not my forte. Haha. So, this morning as I tried to beat my mom to the punch on the "Are you asleep in there?" (the shower.) and the "Maybe you should start putting things in your suitcase?" questions... I thought of a couple of strange and very "leslie" topics. I thought I might share while I wait for the plane to board.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does anyone else have trouble waking up in the morning? Does anyone lose track of time in the shower BECAUSE THEY ARE FALLING ASLEEP OR DAYDREAMING? (just to be clear.) I have a couple of strange tips for those of you who are not morning people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1st ~ If you love a warm shower but it seems to hurt your chances of snapping out of a dream? You can… Talk yourself through the steps in a really goofy voice. Sometimes I use a combo of -ish accents. I'm talking British, Scottish, Irish. You know? Or you could go more vampire/French. Whatever your proclivity… ;-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2nd ~ Again… If you love a warm shower but need to wake up… Nearing the end of the cleansing process try this: Tell yourself, in your preferred dialect, "Now I will begin to start turning the water down in small increments." And every time you do adjust the water a tiny bit to the cool side... say it again! Don't get it TOO cold! If you do… there is a chance you will just jump back under the covers! A nice, gentle, cool temperature will do a body good. At least in the hot Texas summer…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3rd ~ If I had a third to start with the plane ride with the kid pooting next to mom and the sad girl next to me… I forgot. I'll let you know if I remember.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, as I just revealed… I am back in my part -o- Texas! Hello Dallas! Hello Luby's Cafeteria! Hello Daddio and Sis and Bro-in-law and my GIRLS! I'm goin' to eat some of the best macaroni and cheese in America!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leslie,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your Favorite Oxymoron<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZhoIYmtj-ykH-VuWT-wPeTSGV4p-vA30zAc1Akxc_aPsPeGveT7r491OzPO5vV_IkxEtYtQpXax-MmI2YoVOrRSEUdH8bh88cnU8NZGhpOibv3ADEs4UwRTFrpJo3umwmsqX6-8KTw/s1600/IMG_3639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZhoIYmtj-ykH-VuWT-wPeTSGV4p-vA30zAc1Akxc_aPsPeGveT7r491OzPO5vV_IkxEtYtQpXax-MmI2YoVOrRSEUdH8bh88cnU8NZGhpOibv3ADEs4UwRTFrpJo3umwmsqX6-8KTw/s400/IMG_3639.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't let my girls wait on me now can I? I <i>am</i> the fabulous Aunt!!!</td></tr>
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your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-55167500724902144942013-06-30T16:16:00.000-05:002013-07-01T22:28:04.108-05:00Who's your best friend?Here at the NAMI National Convention I have seen a few therapy dogs. I met one named Max (I believe) yesterday after a fantastic workshop. He had been sitting quietly behind me the whole time. Afterward, I asked the lady who he companioned if I could pet the precious pup. And, I immediately fell in love... At one point when I took my hand back (because I needed it to talk! ha!) I looked back down and I saw the pup looking up at me. It was a look I couldn't really describe but it has stayed with me. So, I drew it... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQhb37-E6zFGMqNMFHK6Mc9IBEMsWdJJ_IZoph-l5WF6x6ZTi_lqGFmAszAdu1sKdwh4AAsGScZcHR-dFcfxR6jY-iAm6VEMs9UzIcLulFQwUWPv5zYxBdhnH7b4MyCPwJTnxC_tXJA/s1600/IMG_3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQhb37-E6zFGMqNMFHK6Mc9IBEMsWdJJ_IZoph-l5WF6x6ZTi_lqGFmAszAdu1sKdwh4AAsGScZcHR-dFcfxR6jY-iAm6VEMs9UzIcLulFQwUWPv5zYxBdhnH7b4MyCPwJTnxC_tXJA/s400/IMG_3676.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love a happy mistake! I got to make this cool collage!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2N6SFEFquYs3N-o74UOdTENPjS36eAdZWxKIFhupH30aq3lQUoZCPbHVOatuR6ivZIU8rXGFXhNYFSwx9d8mwN_sgvhFeAMi2wzhKeggMvBdKOhzQ_1Vf3YxJoljyJhn4xVSfyJm9w/s1600/IMG_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2N6SFEFquYs3N-o74UOdTENPjS36eAdZWxKIFhupH30aq3lQUoZCPbHVOatuR6ivZIU8rXGFXhNYFSwx9d8mwN_sgvhFeAMi2wzhKeggMvBdKOhzQ_1Vf3YxJoljyJhn4xVSfyJm9w/s400/IMG_3678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
After I finished the drawing I thought maybe, just maybe, it was a symbol of my experience at this conference.<br />
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I saw this pup and the pup saw me. We connected. We shared something. I'd love to see him again... (be his Facebook friend? Sorry, you know how I get when I'm uncomfortable.) Ok, seriously! (the ! was for me! and I'll get back to that!!! soon!!! ok... maybe next post! gotta hurry now!!!)<br />
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So, this experience? I have made wonderful connections. I have met fabulous people! I have connected and shared and would love to see and work with these people again! Maybe I have met some new best friends? Maybe I have seen my future somewhere in all of it? Maybe I have been touched??? I know I have been touched. And, I hope to spread the love. I hope you feel it. I can't wait to tell you more. Now? I need to change clothes and head to my last session. <br />
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Thank you for reading. I really want to connect. <br />
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Gratefully,<br />
Leslie,<br />
Your Favorite Oxymoron<br />
<br />your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-91292560508261209102013-06-29T23:58:00.000-05:002013-07-01T22:31:33.962-05:00Bird's Eye View of My Mind RIGHT NOW!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYM1i8qdHvG1IUIx82iLhVa_za0R8ZxKzviiLAxdKNQQyM6_AlWsGupOD2Z7Hr9BfcP88DkeYDKGT0tTcMeur7yTeCkdbIZRf4Puyw5s7H3WexBpZWuuNVzsvuhT_czehyP76YfKafQ/s1800/IMG_3640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYM1i8qdHvG1IUIx82iLhVa_za0R8ZxKzviiLAxdKNQQyM6_AlWsGupOD2Z7Hr9BfcP88DkeYDKGT0tTcMeur7yTeCkdbIZRf4Puyw5s7H3WexBpZWuuNVzsvuhT_czehyP76YfKafQ/s550/IMG_3640.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
And... so it is! <br />
An oil pastel drawing I did at the end of the day today. And, like I told ya the first day of the NAMI Convention, I will try to post a picture of something AT LEAST! <br />
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I am blown away by the forethought and work that so many people have put in to this thing. I really hope to be a part of the innards ASAP! <br />
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And, here's to the last day tomorrow! May all have many insights to take home with them. <br />
<br />
Thank you,<br />
Good night!<br />
<br />
Leslie Cooper,<br />
Your Favorite Oxymoron<br />
<br />
P.S. Any guesses on the type of bird'd eye this could be??? (Liz? any idea on the plural?)<br />
;-)<br />
<br />your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-61660792843415579192013-06-28T23:39:00.000-05:002013-06-30T15:30:45.200-05:00Investing in me? I've been wondering...I don't know much about investing. Especially important kinds. Today I saw a scene that collided with the incredible information I heard ALL DAY LONG... and, it got me pondering the pond. Uh, I mean the river.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0374z9cyBur3xP77kKso9rwNc-ZG_QueGRWFkaug57Aic9n-3f6t7vRf2uX1BXsc8BU1N3UoOQ4sV1PmsqyXkQSBlw1q8jwUWKxhplMzSmOl6FqcC8ZsuEdEsbz25rEcKnzbiu5qWHg/s905/IMG_3638b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0374z9cyBur3xP77kKso9rwNc-ZG_QueGRWFkaug57Aic9n-3f6t7vRf2uX1BXsc8BU1N3UoOQ4sV1PmsqyXkQSBlw1q8jwUWKxhplMzSmOl6FqcC8ZsuEdEsbz25rEcKnzbiu5qWHg/s405/IMG_3638b.jpg" width="513" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>I was just wondering if the investing going on or in/off/whatever ;-) would be considered top-down investments or (the ever so similar... in appearance) bottom-up investing? <br />
<br />
Or does it even matter cause I just wanted to put a picture of a duck-butt on my blog and we should all possibly reconsider???<br />
<br />
Well, it <i>probably</i> means something <i>more</i> along the lines of: <br />
I saw a duck dining on the river and really wanted to share it's unique posture on my fabulous blog... and it is quite late... and it was an amazing day filled with <u>so much unbelievably good information and news</u> that I couldn't possibly pick one to talk about. <br />
<br />
Yeah, that sounds more like it. <br />
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Thank you for investing in me whichever way you look at it! I am so pleased to be able to share these moments with you. Even when I can't see which way is up!<br />
<br />
Sweet dreams from Your Favorite Oxymoron!<br />
Les</div>your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61564671054461904.post-5626268475724197742013-06-27T12:05:00.001-05:002013-06-30T15:36:29.212-05:00Surprise!!! I am at the...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NAMI Convention</span></div>
Yup, that's right! My mom and I flew down to San Antonio, Texas yesterday (yes, we flew!) in order to attend the National Alliance on Mental Illness. And... that is why my ears are ringing right now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoJG0wGMcC_GYX1IU0XP_Ht71_Gpxj44t1rY72XvU8FT8yGLDlWEFQkucXleuyJhmvAa1cmX6T5Qrtb6kNL4NhRVS6tgcjhgQRcGJAh0MxS88D2-pUEOz5pfVmkcfKdWuH1EyVTgiQQ/s800/Jun+27,+2013+11:32:16+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoJG0wGMcC_GYX1IU0XP_Ht71_Gpxj44t1rY72XvU8FT8yGLDlWEFQkucXleuyJhmvAa1cmX6T5Qrtb6kNL4NhRVS6tgcjhgQRcGJAh0MxS88D2-pUEOz5pfVmkcfKdWuH1EyVTgiQQ/s400/Jun+27,+2013+11:32:16+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a> I have been PLANNING and PLANNING and PLANNING to blog about <b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">this</span></i></b> AND everything else! I swear to you!!! I have unfortunately added more incomplete posts to the list... I may just copy and paste all of them on one blog and write to be continued on them! Ha! That is actually sounding like a great idea! </div>
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So, ladies and gents, guess what? My ringing and mind-blowing pressure in my ears has subsided! And, I thank you... But, I thank ME too!!! I remembered how important it is to step back and use a skill! Now, that I remember how freakin' FREAKY this kind of stuff makes me... I will be heading in to a Special Presentation on Advancing Recovery with PLENTY of distress tolerance skills (especially grounding!) at the ready! </div>
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And, speaking of presentations... First, I will be attending <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">REVIVING PALIN OLD THERAPY: PROMOTING MENTALIZING IN RELATIONSHIPS</span></div>
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I will try to post as often as possible! Even if it is just a pic or a quick note! I have a feeling that I am going to be pretty busy (and TIRED!).</div>
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Oh, and thank you to the precious girl who asked if I had signed up for the Young Adults Session Guide!!! The cutoff is 30... :-( They were so cute!!! And, they thought I was one of them!!! Love it!</div>
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Your Favorite Oxymoron!</div>
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Leslie</div>
your favorite oxymoronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854564440694001553noreply@blogger.com0