November 2023 Notes & Photos -

“Fear is often our immediate response to uncertainty. There’s nothing wrong with experiencing fear. They key is not to get stuck in it.” – Gabrielle Bernstein

introduction

In this space, we amplify the magical mundane details and downplay the plot points / story arc that advance the story. This is my interpretation of the magical realism genre. I take inspiration from my favo(u)rite book, One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez. It’s best enjoyed in audio format and let the belly laughs flow. You’re welcome.

and now, day-in-the-life photos:

An IG caption I wrote 50 weeks ago: “Moon jellyfish have a complex nervous system and they do not have brains. They literally float with the direction of ocean currents. Jellyfish stings are not life threatening. There is a way to soothe the burn of a jellyfish. Having your acquaintance soothe the burn may be awkward tho[ugh], proceed with caution.”

“Moon jellyfish are edible. Sea turtles & sharks eat them. We were thinking of picking up a few and throwing them on the BBQ for dinner that night. /jk”

“Take these broken wings, and learn to fly again.” -Mr. Mister, 1985

Oban, also known as Rubik’s Kid, in happy baby pose. Can you tell that his parents were definitely born en Los Ochenta?

I have made the same requested sweet potato dish every year since 2011, when I first came across the recipe on the Epicurious website during a Google search. I was searching for a non-sweet sweet potato dish, and this one definitely does not disappoint. Ingredients include blue cheese, cream cheese, butter, and toasted pecans. It sounds like a weird combo, but it’s a crowd favo(u)rite.

soundtrack of my life

Saturday, 13:38 – Walgreens – Rather Be by Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne
16:35 – Publix – I Love Your Smile by Shanice
16:56 – If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher

November 4, 2023

Tuesday, 18:47 – Publix – Everywhere by Michelle Branch
18:51 – Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry

November 14, 2023

Friday, 11:53 – Relative’s House – Linger by The Cranberries
12:43 – Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon & Garfunkel
12:55 – Hey Nineteen by Steely Dan
13:40 – Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
13:45 – Rocket Man by Sir Elton John

November 24, 2023

journal excerpts

“Still laughing at [a GOP politician in a purple state] and the GOP who were delusional in thinking there would be a red wave [in the purple state]. Apparently, they didn’t learn lessons from the 2022 midterms. [They’re not exactly known for introspection, just projection & deflection.]”

November 10, 2023

“The key to life is to confront, detach, and take action. And to love and to not dwell, to nourish ourselves not only in lifestyle but mentally and emotionally.

November 16, 2023

“…I also don’t like how my mouth feels after drinking Starbucks’ vanilla syrup.”

November 19, 2023

“Muffs is really in a cuddly mood. Last night I was randomly watching a YouTube video on pet roof rats. I heard a baby rat giggle. It made me want a pet rat, but I have my hands full with two rat hunters – two Yorkshire terriers.”

November 21, 2023

“I’m glad I toasted the pecans last night – one less thing to do.”

November 22, 2023

“I didn’t have coffee except for a few sips / one ounce on 11/21, but I did have a UCC coffee on the drive down to South Florida as extra insurance to stay alert even though I felt well-rested and alert before the drive.”

November 23, 2023

“precious moments”

Seeing a big bird fly with a snake wiggling in its claws on Saxon Drive.

November 20, 2023

Seeing an air plant attached to a palm tree in the park near their house. And seeing a staghorn fern attached to a tree on a street in their neighborhood.

November 23, 2023

Seeing a petite bird hiding under the bridge and then gracefully exiting the bridge.

November 30, 2023