Deep In The Forrest

How about a few 'down to earth' type updates, just the daily 411. The changes in the weather seem to have taken their toll on my sinuses today, I've been trying to keep it clear to no avail. Hopefully that's all it is, a few minor sinus problems rearing their ugly heads :) Other than that, I've just been really busy at work and trying to stay afloat in the other areas of my life, trying to stay motivated enough to maintain some semblance of a workout schedule. Then of course Taxes have been a major pain again this year, but hopefully that will resolve o.k. Just gotta do what we gotta do sometimes. I still try to find a few minutes each day to enjoy some relaxing quiet time, to stay grounded and relieve some of the stress. Last night we made eggplant Parmesan (healthy version). What I mean by that is that we try to put better ingredients in it and watch the sodium content. You have to look for hidden evils in the stupid ingredient lists sometimes on food, like "...

A rare look at early Justin Timberlake. Well, I can't help him out here at all, but in his defense I guess you could say he may be 10 or 11. Still, don't you just want to roll on the floor laughing?? You GO Justin!!! ;)

[Parental Warning - Mature Content I Suppose] Ok, I decided to 'get cracking' on another installment of this because I enjoyed writing about songs in my playlist and why I chose them so much. If you want, you can read the first part below from 3/20. Otherwise, let's get this party started. Today's Random Ten! Ooh look it starts with a really good one: 1. Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix My love affair with Jimi Hendrix and his music began long ago. There has always been something haunting to me in his words, his enchanting chords and just to look at his facial expression in the photos that have been around since he's been gone. "Little Wing" began as my special song, once again because of "Z". We would be riding a back road late at night, holding hands and Z would look at me and just say, "Butterflies and Zebras and Moonbeams" and smile that smile. One night as we left work for one of our late-night back road ventures, he handed me a version ...

As I was sitting here feeling like writing something but not quite sure where to start, I came up with a little idea. I thought that I would go to my My Playlist.com Playlist , the one entitled "Jaxxx's Boombox" (it's actually on the blog way down, bottom left if you ever feel like jamming it). My idea was just to hit "random" and do an explanation of ten of the songs and why they exist on my playlist. This has the potential to drum up some memories or interesting stories. I'm totally going to play it fair and really do the first 10 randoms that pop up, so it may or may not prove interesting, I am going to roll the dice and see what we get though. This isn't a "Meme" at all, but if you want to do something similar, why not. It could give you a creative spurt or bring back some interesting memories for you. Go for it. Ten Random Songs on Jaxxx's Boombox and Why! 1. Drop Dead Legs - Van Halen This song takes me way, way back. Although it ...

"The Grass Is Not So Sure" The grass is not so sure. It offers forth a green, maybe two as an offering for the goddess of spring. Mother Nature blushes with her curious glory. Some trees are bold enough to open an eye, certain lovely flowers too- peeking out above the dead and gone... watching, waiting patiently for their stage cue. The sky is brighter day by day... creatures big and small come out to play. Their intuition is strong and pure, but the grass is not so sure. *In honor of Spring, (c) 2010 Jacqueline Wood

It's not exactly sunny around here today, and it's not exactly raining either. However, since I am a fan of rain sounds as well as relaxation and meditation, I thought I would share this. Do yourself a favor and take 6 1/2 minutes to just soothe your soul. Bet it helps (either that or makes you need to pee). Just try it. Close your eyes and listen. Click Here If Video Doesn't Load More later when I, myself feel more relaxed. :)

Generally, I am quite a heavy sleeper. Last night, however, I awoke to the sounds of a violent thunderstorm. As I listened to the thunderous clatter, and noticed the flashes of lightening, I took advantage of the moment and turned over to a more comfortable position. Though I realize the power of nature, for some reason I love thunderstorms. I could sleep for days in a good one. So, as you can imagine it wasn't long before my deep-seated slumber returned. When I walked outside this morning to leave for work, the sky was clear but the evidence of heavy rains and winds was apparent. I dreaded letting the dogs out because I could foresee that in a matter of seconds, the German Shepherd at least would be a complete mud ball. That's the breaks I suppose. So it's been a bit of a busy week at work, and a lot of thoughts and confusion abound, but I always find time to escape "within" and relax, whether it is sitting at the park during my lunch hour and meditating, or just...

T he weekend weather was just about perfect , all sunny, just a few illuminated clouds, temperatures in the mid-60s. I can't think of anything negative to say other than there was not enough of it as usual. Since the temperatures were so nice, I of course requested the escort of my esteemed bike, "Jimi", and we took a few scenic routes. Most of my readers have heard me mention before, but I will say once again that it was as if I cranked my bike, rode out off my street and went through a "Bob Ross Painting", out the other side and beyond. I describe it that way because when you're on the back of a bike, neck-deep in the serenity of well traveled back roads it seems sometimes that it's all done in oil on canvas, and that you can nearly see the brush stroke of God himself. At least that's how I see the beauty of the universe that surrounds me. Now that the winter is dripping from the rooftops and windshields of America, I thought to myself this morning...

Recently, as I have been reading around the net, a few articles I encountered have found me all misty and philosophical (what doesn't?). So I thought it was about time to write myself a letter again. Since I have done the "Letter to my 10 year old self" before, I thought it time to send one out to the lovely 17 year old me. (Clears Throat) Ok, here goes... Dear Jackie at Seventeen, This is odd for me as I don't quite know where to start. As you well know, I am rarely at a loss for words. Don't worry, just let me think for a moment... The world as you know it has changed so very much. Right now everyone is telling you that you have your whole life ahead of you and how great it is going to be, so I don't want to be that person just repeating the same old tired lines. You are full of hope, promise and you're so very boy crazy right now... that's going to get you into more trouble than you realize, but I can't tell you to avoid lessons, it wouldn't...

People of the world, and especially our roads and interstates, never cease to piss me off. I was just noticing today as I made my usual way to work that it seems like people still love to dart out in front of people just so they can slow down to a creepy-crawl and annoy the hell out of someone that they spot who they think is in a serious hurry. Well I am glad they have so much time on their hands to terrorize their fellow man. These of course being some of the same pinheads that speed up just to keep you from getting over, or they jump in front of you in the tiny bit of space that you had given yourself to ensure safe distance from the other car, and then immediately turn or jump off the interstate. They were TURNING. Why on earth was it absolutely mandatory that they be in front of me to do this? Then there is just the general everyday army of stunt people racing at breakneck speeds to get to their destinations. Believe me I don't care, just speed on. It's your ticket and I...