December 15, 2010

Oh, Miracle! Oh, Miracle!

Okay, I've done it again! I came up with another one of my quirky poems for the wee one.

Oh, Miracle! Oh, Miracle!
(Sung to the tune of O Tannenbaum…. or Oh, Christmas Tree)


Oh, Miracle! Oh, Miracle!
How much I love you! Oh, Miracle!


You make me laugh! You make me cry!
You are so sweet! But sometimes lie!


Oh, Miracle! Oh, Miracle!
How much I love you! Oh, Miracle!


We have such fun out in the sun!
We play some games and dress up as dames!


Oh, Miracle! Oh, Miracle!
How much I love you! Oh, Miracle!


You came to me, such a tiny pea!
You’ve grown so big, oh jiggety jig!


Oh, Miracle! Oh, Miracle!
How much I love you! Oh, Miracle!


I’m so glad that your hair’s not flat!
It is so full oh rat-a-tat tat!


Oh, Miracle! Oh, Miracle!
How much I love you! Oh, Miracle!


I’m so happy, oh now you see!
You made my life so full of glee!


Oh, Miracle! Oh, Miracle!
How much I love you! Oh, Miracle!

December 1, 2010

A day of shopping with MeeMaw

This poem was created for my Aunt Rita. Every year her family in Washington creates a poem or just reads a poem (I can't remember). My mom asked me to help her out with one and this is what I did... Shhhh, I think it's supposed to be a secret that she didn't create it herself. This one is from the mind of her little granddaughter. So in the spirit of the holidays...

A day of shopping with MeeMaw (that's what her grandkids call her)

It was a day that started just like any other
I was off to go shopping with MeeMaw, my Grandmother
The PT was shining and all aglow
We were all dressed up and ready to go

In the length of time it took
For me to get dressed and read a book
My MeeMaw was dressing and warming her tea
In anticipation of picking up me

There are many, many times, you see,
That I try to be as naked as can be
My mommy, God Bless her Soul!
To be naked is my goal

Soon after I was all bundled and warm
The tap at the door was my queue to perform
With a little shake, a rattle and a roll
MeeMaw and I were ready to stroll

Going slow and steady the Cruiser went
What a view my window lent
In my car seat with my snacks and my juice
The world was going by, "Whoa, was that a blue goose?"

Driving slower and slower and then a little turn
We were at our destination, the store, for toys I did yearn
Into the basket I was softly placed
All strapped in with MeeMaw's belly I faced

Rows and rows with shelves stacked so high
What, oh what will MeeMaw buy?
Then what upon my eyes did appear?
A little toy pony; I smiled from ear to ear

Oh, how I love my MeeMaw, so kind and so sweet
She just made my day of shopping fun and complete

The Pow Wow...


Since Miracle has some heritage we try to attend as many Pow Wows as we can. We used to go more often when she was younger and then more sporadic as she got older. Here is one day we went when she was only about two years old...
It was just too hot to function...

It was just too hot for the wee one
How could I have thought it would be fun?
What a little trooper mommy has
Full of life and sassafrazz

Our day had begun just as any before
We got our juice, our snacks and then it was out the door
We sang in the car all the Wiggles songs she knows
Including Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

When we got there
The crowd was pretty bare
We scoped out the restrooms and the arena
She was excited and giggled like a hyena

We walked through all the booths
Looking at things like little sleuths
Oh, hurry 'cuz we gotta run
The Grand Entry has just begun

We found a good spot on the bleachers
Next to all the other hot creatures
The sun was blaring down
Right on her nappy little crown

She sat on my lap enthralled
With all the dances that were being called
After a bit she began to fade
She was in dire need of some Gatorade

We left the arena to get something to drink
That turned into lunch, yes fry bread, I think
We found a good spot under a friendly tree
She was revived and danced with glee

After we were done we went back under the hot sun
This was not a good combination
After a little while she began to spaz
Mommy understands the frustration she has

Time to take the shirt off and go
Everything she said was NO, NO, NO!
Quickly we hightailed it to the car
Luckily we didn't have to drive far

Back home in the cool of the house
My little Meeko again quiet as a mouse
It was just too hot for the wee one
How could I have thought it would be fun?

October 11, 2010

The Kleptomaniac

Kleptomaniac: A person evidencing kleptomania; first used in 1861.

Kleptomania: A word of Latin origin meaning a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive ; first used in 1830.

When Miracle was quite younger she would go through my purse (and anyone else's purse that was at arms' reach) and pull out the credit card and any other "plastic" she could find. She always proceeded to put them in her gazillian purses that she would carry around at any given time.

I always thought that was pretty cute and I was always able to find the cards and get them back from her. That little trait has carried her through to her current age of 16... errr, I mean 7 1/2!

So one day when she was four years old, we were at the market and she was thumbing through the gift cards at the end of the aisle. I didn't think anything of it, but a woman had witnessed her taking one of the cards off the cardboard backing and putting it in her pocket.

Of course the lady had to come and tell me, which I was very thankful for. Miracle, at the time, didn't realize that was something that you actually had to pay for and that it wasn't just a card to be played with. We resolved the issue at the time and haven't had an issue since.

So, once again we were at the market yesterday. Lo and behold, Miracle is once again at the gift card rack. I went about my business and when I went back to her she was zipping up her little red satin purse and I asked what she was doing.

"I did nothing, Mommy" was her canned reply. I asked another two times and she even opened up her wallet... I hate to call my own daughter a liar, but with that kind of reply, the gavel comes down and the word "GUILTY" comes to mind.

I trust that she actually didn't take one, but I reminisced just a little bit about that quiet little girl in the market that day getting a little lesson from the teacher that called her out. Since there hasn't been any issues since then, I'm thinking she made a lasting impression.

You just hope your children don't grow up with habits as those... Who knows where they will end up... County Jail? Prison??

I'm being dramatic, but still....

June 8, 2010

The Side Hug

Hugging is such an important part of our society as "pack animals" or in my opinion should be!! I don't think people do enough of that hugging because of what society has portrayed touching to be... or possibly could be if taken in a negative context. And, unfortunately, for some the horror of some acts of touching has taken them to some very dark places. People of the inappropriate types of touching should be shipped off and bombed to Kingdom Come... but I digress!

Like laughter, I think hugs are a very valuable tool for us to use, take, and give when we need or when someone else is in need. Just having that human to human touch or that human to pet touch can really send some good feelings back and forth.

You see the work in progress when you look into the other person's eyes and see that little sparkle. You see it when they return your look with a smile. and vice versa. That Human Element is working at its best when there has been a warm, successful exchange. Now, if you can ever experience a group hug, then you have truly experienced something extraordinary!! I'm not talking orgy style here, so gitcher minds outta the guttah!

Recently I experienced a Side Hug, that I think I truly needed!! This particular Side Hug lasted a good 45 seconds or so... just long enough to experience some Human Element exchange in a moment of friendship that was very comforting at a time that I think I needed it.

Yes, I soaked it up and didn't even realize all of its potential until it was almost over. But, about a week and a half later, the affect of my Side Hug is still lingering. That's some pretty powerful medicine, if you ask me!

I don't think this person even realizes it as I've not mentioned it... and probably never will. That's okay... hopefully, it made them feel just as special for that brief moment as it did me.

So, to you my friend whom you don't know who you are...

Thank you for my Side Hug!

May 21, 2010

Bargain Bin Bargain

So, we've all done it. We've gone to the clothing store knowing we can't over spend -- or at least going in THINKING that way.

I went to Target for some regular home supplies, some Miracle lunch snacks and toiletries. I thought I would take a look at the sales racks as I always find at least one thing that I just can't pass up.

Well, I found that one thing. I have been needing a solid black skirt of lighter material. I wanted something not too dressy and not too casual. I found what I thought I was looking for, but it was a little shorter than I wanted.

I looked at the price tag and read $4.98...

MMOOOAAAHHAAAA
(evil laugh at the thought I was almost actually STEALING this skirt!)

I didn't have time to try it on, but it seemed to be my right size.
I took it and we were gone. As I customarily do, I threw it in the wash. I hung it in the closest and sort of forgot about it. Until today.

I went in to put on my "stolen at a great deal" skirt and to my surprise.... It has shorts built in!!! Uh... what??? Did I get a sporty skirt or something???

Yeah... so now, if I really want to get crazy and feeling in a really exercisy mood, I can hike up my skirt, tuck it all up in the waistband and hop on my bike to get to work!!! When I get there, I can untuck my skirt and wear it normal again.

Brilliant!!!!

April 13, 2010

Me and my Miracle

We love this song and so much of it just sort of goes along with our journey together this far...

Soft thunder from across the meadow
Rain buckets on the kitchen floor
An old letter and the coffins empty
But all these storms I know we'll weather
All these storms we'll ride together

I never dreamed it would be so hard girl
Never saved up for a rainy day
Never thought that we
Might howl and shiver
But all these storms I know we'll weather
All these storms we'll ride together

Pick up your heart my love
Pick up your branch and dove
Canon in the name of the lord
We got a hole to mend
We got a fire to tend
We won't let these troubles grind us
We got friends and prayers to mind us
We got seven years behind us

Long rumble coming across the meadow
Rain pouring and the buckets full
Sky cracking and the house shaking
All these storms I know we'll weather
All these storms we'll ride together

Pick up your heart my love
Pick up your branch and dove
Canon in the name of the lord
My lady look alive
Our ride will soon arrive
Lift up your eyes my dear
We need some light in here
Jam ‘til the jam is through
We've got a hole to mend
We've got a fire to tend
We won't let these troubles find us
We got prayers on the road behind us
We got heavens horse's bridle

All these storms we'll ride together…

STORMS
by Railroad Earth

March 24, 2010

My Norton Commando burn!

I was talking to Miracle the other day in line at, of all places, Disneyland for another exciting ride on California Adventure. We were comparing, of all things, our owies and how we got them.

One in particular sort of made me cringe and crack me up at the same time. For any motorcycle enthusiasts in my little world of peeps, the biggest rider faux paus is getting your leg stuck on a very HOT tail pipe while trying to remove yourself after a really long ride! Wow that was such a painful experience, but unlike childbirth, I have no scar any longer... no "badge of honor", if you will.

Well, that happened to me when I was about 19 or so. My brother used to take me out on his Commando all the time and everywhere!! We really had some good times going to rallies, riding Ortega Highway, going up to the Rock Store, Cook's Corner, and just meeting up with other riders.

One time we went to a rally up in L.A. against the helmet law! Yes, those were much different times back then. I miss those times and reflect on them fondly as probably one of three things I had in common with my brother... and one of the three things he let me do with him.

Ride on, Jeff!!!

March 8, 2010

The Bullet Counter...

Suffice to say I'm not a movie critic, but I LOVE to critique movies. I grew up (am still growing up), the daughter of an engineer. Okay, here's some props to my POPS: He was one of the engineers on the first Space Shuttle Enterprise as well as the original Apollo Program. I was able to watch the liftoff of the Shuttle on TV in 1976 -- and yes, I remember it and yes, I'm dating myself!!! I got his logical mind minus the smarts, I guess. But, hey, who's complaining!

So, I was watching Alice and Wonderland this weekend. OhEmGee! What another great Tim Burton creation! Miracle and I both love Tim Burton and his genre of movies, his talent, his creepines, his creativity... so on and so forth!

BUT -- I am an undeniable bullet counter. It started as a wee one in the family room of our subaburnite house in "not that many people know where" hometown. My dad used to count the bullets in movies. I expanded that since I didn't -- still don't -- know how many bullets are supposed to be in guns. Now I see, subconsciously I guess, some mistakes in movies with the editing. Sometimes it's a bit of a pain in my royal because I notice them one after another and it turns into a mini challenge for me the rest of the movie. Thankfully, it doesn't hinder my enjoyment of the movie.

Spoiler: If you don't want to know what I found then stop reading --NOW!!!

In one scene Alice is riding on the back of the bloodhound, Bayard, to get to the White Queen (Anne Hathaway's funny in this and I don't really like her all that well, but I digress). She takes off with her bandage on her arm. In the next couple scenes the bandage AND scratch are gone. In the scene following, still atop Bayard, the bandage is back. Needless to say, I had a wee giggle to myself and fought the urge to Facebook about it since I FEARED being escorted out of the theater.

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are the best, of course and that goes without saying.

If you haven't gone to see the movie yet, you must go see it if you are even remotely a Tim Burton fan. If you are not, then you might not get it.... or, at the very least, be amused or entertained.
Happy Bullet Counting!!!


Changing the name...

So, I've decided to change the name of the actual blog... my blog, this blog.

Instead of Single Mommy Rants, it's now Single Mommy Musings... I hope there isn't another one out there with the same name. If there is... oh, well. Infringement issue? I wouldn't think so since blogger doesn't have you license your blog... Yay for me!!!

Anyhoo... I've decided to change it as Rants just really does seem to have a negative connotation and this blog isn't intended to be that of a negative nature. I may have a "negative" day or something, but it's not intended for me to just type out and hash out negative subjects as that wouldn't help in my "healing process"... Hahahah!

I don't want to end up looking like this lady ===>

Happy Monday, all! Enjoy your week! Today is Working Women's Day so try to celebrate it anyway you can... Cheer's to that paycheck!!!

March 5, 2010

Friday Funneez....

Okay, so I had to post these today... cuz... ya' know everyone needs a little bit o' fun in their lives!







Happy Friday, everyone!

February 25, 2010

Her giggles...

As with any parent, I feel my daughter is the cutest, the brightest, the most caring and nurturing of the bunch. I think all of our kids are the "top of the line"... [That's a play on words from my sister-in-law about a fellow employee that has to buy "top of the line". I hear it and it cracks me up! Sorry, I digress!]

I wanted to get down as much as I could about the love of my life: my amazing daughter and partner in crime! Crime, because that's how we roll...

I love her giggles that start out small then grow to be twice
her size and just as infectious.

I love her new thing now where she, completely out of the blue, yells at you to play the quiet game and who can stay the quietest the longest. I get a kick out of the progression of her facial features and her body language as she absolutely tries to hold in the laughter. Her nose starts to wrinkle. Her eyes squint up and her lips curl up and over her top teeth. A little brown Hotei totally comes to mind.

I love her high energy and how she is nonstop pretty much most of her waking life. But, then too, there isn't much quiet time in our waking life unless she's playing the quiet game.

I love how her little round body can move and groove to some pretty tricky beats. She loves to sing and dance and prance in her Sunday best with the highest, most gaudy shoes she can find. The uglier for me, the better for her! Although, she gets the jiggiest when she is just butt nekked and free... all the while giggling uncontrollably.

I love her early appreciation of music. We used to drill her on a handful of about 10 black musicians and what instruments they played. From the time she could speak, her daddy started this ritual wherever we went. She got to the point she could identify by sight with some as well. Those were some fun days.

"What does Miles Davis do?"... "He plays the horn"
"What does Bob Marley do?"... "Listen to Bob"
(all drawled out and mellow-like)
"What does Jimi Hendrix do?... "He plays the guitar"
"Who is James Brown?"... "He's the Godfather of Soul"
"Who is George Clinton?"... "He's the Godtather of Funk"
"What does Stevie Wonder do?"... "He plays the piano"

I love how she can endure, persevere and is overcoming her obstacle to learn. Near the end of last year she could not read. Now she reads beautifully and is working on her comprehension. Even with her struggles and extra workload, she trudges on and is still excited to go to school and is willing to learn. I can only hope and pray that tenacity carries her through life and takes her where she wants to go! I could really learn a thing or two.

I love how she is my little protector. She is always concerned how I feel and how others feel. She remembers the way things used to be and in her own mind and in her own little world, that was the best heaven a little one could ask for. Still are those quiet moments that we share together some memories of our old house wtih the great room in the front and the pool in the back and daddy bar-b-quing. She misses those younger times -- sheesh, she's only seven!! Now with daddy having a girlfriend that quite possibly will be moving in soon, she's concerned with my feelings. I hide my true feelings of resentment and anger trying to make her at ease when I feel her stresses. She's my Amazon, my little warrior princess -- and has a strong right arm comparable to Kimbo Slice!!!

I love her curiousity! Dang, but it trips me out sometimes. When my dad was in the hospital and then home after his surgery to remove cancer (yay to being over a year cancer free!!!), she was right there being his rehabilitation nurse -- telling him to drink his water, be careful when walking, making sure he ate his lunch... She is all about cuts and bruises and even the dog pooping. She's always wanting to know how things work and why and then cringing at the sight and the explanation, only to go back for more.

I love how she is a survivor. She came into this world in such an unfair, unfortunate way, but she fought hard and beat the odds. This little vulnerable creature was born to an older, misguided creature who decided not to take care of herself while carrying my precious package. See, I was told by a Lakota friend that children choose their parents. Being that Miracle is half Dakota, this story seems to apply to her. She was up there floating around in the heavens for about eight some odd years saying, "okay, would you hurry the hell up and be ready to be parents so I can be born?!?!?". It's unfortunate, or not, that she was not born of blood and bone to us, but born of the heart and on a much more difficult path to come into our lives.

Phew, enough of that!!

Here is a huge thank you to my little sassy frassy girl
and to all the kids and parents that we have in our lives.

We are just that much more rich for it.

February 14, 2010

Valentine's Day...

I'll be open and darn right rootin' tootin' up front with it... I hate Valentine's Day and today is that day. I'm happy for all out there that have a true, bona fide Valentine -- a husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, partner, friends, kids, dog/cat... I have a few of those on my list as well and they are the ones that make me truly happy.

I don't need to have the conventional Valentine to make me feel complete or validated. That's actually farther from reality than most might think of my situation or one similar.

What is my problem, then, one might ask? As I type this out... maybe I'm not so sure either!

The thought of the day creeping up along with the typical diamond commercials and the happy wishes exchanged amoung people here and there only come as a big bang reminder on THIS day that yes, I am alone. I may be alone in the conventional way, but I am surrounded by many people (and pets) that I feel truly do love me. That in and of itself reminds me that I am very much NOT lonely.

Right now as I sit and type this I'm without my most special Valentine. I didn't wake up to her not so little feet padding across the floor, calling to the dog, running down the stairs, rifling through her toys.... Maybe that's why I'm in this "Groundhog Day" funky Valentine mood.

So, I guess this will be my New Valentine's Day resolutions:
  1. Continue to just love everyone unconditionally
  2. Appreciate what I have and share it
  3. Enjoy the day for what the day is
  4. Teach my daughter the strength in herself, even without the conventional Valentine

I guess I can go on forEVER, but will refrain for now...

So, in the spirit of the day and my new outlook, have a very happy Valentine's Day however you celebrate it!





February 8, 2010

VTech cordless phone giveaway


Enter for your chance to win a VTech LS6245 Cordless Phone System (ARV $79.99) from @yourmamareviews, an awesome'blog with great product reviews and amazing giveaways!

Get all the details here:


Hurry! Giveaway ends 2/8 -- That's today!


Good Luck!

February 1, 2010

A Dog's Purpose...

This was sent to me by a friend and since I absolutely love my dog so much, I thought I would copy, paste and share...

We humans can learn quite a lot from this and from our furry, four-legged friends!

Supposedly this came from a 6-year-old from somewhere in some state or country. Either way, I'm not here to question its validity, but how profound!!


Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, ''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

January 18, 2010

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday

How did my daughter and I celebrate such a day? It's actually a very special day to me and always has been.

I've always respected Martin Luther King, Jr. What he stood for, preached for, fought for... means even more.

Why, you might ask? Well, I was just two years old when he died so I have no memories of anything while he was alive.

I think, for me, it's because of my family. In every family there is history and where there is history there are stories that are told to you as a child that stick with you. These stories help build your respect for your family, those around you, and can also help build up some respect for yourself.

One of the stories that has stuck in my mind since I was young was that that my aunts and uncles, were discriminated against because of their skin color... and yes, including myself. Some were "forced to ride in the back of the bus". I know that sounds so cliche, but some of the stories I've been told of their experiences makes me respect and love them that much more. It's just what I've been told...

I will NEVER forget being called a pickaninny by, of all people, a teacher because I was running where I was not supposed to be at school. I had no idea what it was until I went home to ask my mom.

So, how did my daughter and I celebrate today? We went to a pizza place where we were with a very beautifully diverse group of friends in a place that was filled with beautifully diverse people... having a really fantastic time!!!

Not in the too distant past would that have been possible. It wouldn't have been made possible now without the Martin Luther King, Jr.s or the Rosa Parks...

Embrace our differences and love each other for how well we treat each other...

January 14, 2010

The New Year...

So I'm well into the first month of the new year. There's not much about this month that has been exciting -- yet -- or even mildly noteworthy. I just feel responsible to write something here so I don't lag behind too far.

There's so much in my head at the most inopportune times, but alas, I forget to write things down and that trickles into not posting anything at all.

Time is passing by so quickly... so much has happened in the last few years and it's all gone by in such a blink... a fraction of a blink it seems.

My wee one is not so wee anymore and she's just turned seven in this new year! Seven!!! I can still picture the day she came into our lives and even that seems like a fraction of a blink for the timespan.

Wow! Am I getting old...?

I'm hoping this year brings about a lot of change and hopefully good change. Lordy knows, I sure need some good to come my way. I feel there's plenty of good in my family and my friends... in the fun things that we do, in the good times, in the people we meet along the way. Along the way as in this life journey we are on.

Okay, enough mushy stuffy...

Happy belated New Year to all... at least to any or the very few that may pass by and read this.

Woo woo!