Slightly Off KIlter

Normal is overrated

  • So Many Books, So Little Time

    I probably wouldn't like all of the books that author Sara Nelson likes to read; we appear to have very different tastes. But that doesn't stop me from agreeing with, understanding, and liking much of what she has to say in So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading. I was especially… Continue reading

  • Midwinter Holiday

    I recently followed this discussion of Christmas on a mailing list: A:   Although I like the family gatherings and Christmas, I am outraged at how commerialized this holiday has become. B:   What does this mean, exactly? I always hear about the commercialization of Christmas. What do people mean when they say this? That… Continue reading

  • Watching the Squirrels

    Hearts Gladness is… After nearly 15 years in this house, finally, grey squirrels in our backyard. Now, grey squirrels every day at the feeder, sometimes two at a time, choosing nuts, eating sunflower seed. Watching the squirrels eat. Watching the cats watch the squirrels. Continue reading

  • Treasures III

    Treasures are positive things that strike my fancy, things that make me feel happy or thankful or interested; things that are worth remembering; memories encapsulated in just a few words. Please feel free to start your own lists of Treasures, on your own weblog or here in the comments. Continue reading

  • Circle of Words – #50

    Circle of Words was inspired by Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. The book is in journal format; the book (and the original meme) end with this set of questions. From the meme's founder: This is the last week of the Circle of Words questions. I will leave them available so you may start back… Continue reading

  • Old Year, New Year

    The ultimate Friday 5 for 2003, as may be expected, addresses the end of one year and the beginning of another. What was your biggest accomplishment this year? What was your biggest disappointment? What do you hope the new year brings? Will you be making any New Year's resolutions? If yes, what will they be?… Continue reading

  • Christmas: Past, Present, Future

    [ this question courtesy of Past, Present, Future Round 45 ] PAST: Best. Christmas. Ever. PRESENT: How'd you spend the day, yesterday? FUTURE: What do you really want to find under your tree next year? Continue reading

  • Christmas Memories, Christmas Traditions

    “Who, and what are you?” Scrooge demanded. “I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.” “Long Past?” inquired Scrooge: observant of its dwarfish stature. “No. Your past.” Hearts Gladness is… Good memories My memories of Christmases past are good. Lights sparkling on the tree, sometimes (although not often) snow. Unlike our cousins, who usually spent Christmas… Continue reading

  • Today I am an Adult

    [ Found yesterday at Spark ] When was your childhood over? Do you agree with the concept of adolescence, or did you go from being a child to being an adult? Excuse me… did you say "over"? What are childhood and adulthood? Are they determined by a simple range of ages? Does "childhood" end at… Continue reading

  • Amber

    Hearts Gladness is… My wonderful Richard offered to buy me an amber pendant for Christmas; they were each sooo gorgeous. I never knew about green amber! I thought about it and thought about it and finally said no… They were all stunning but…I never wear pendants or any other kind of necklace. Still, the offer… Continue reading