I get through my commutes with audio books.  They are my lifesaver.  Sometimes, bumper stickers will offer up some amusement during my drives.   But, you know, I pretty much see the same people with the same bumper stickers everyday.  There is one bumper sticker I get behind most often than not; “Maryland. Live for the weekends.” Hmmm.

Live for the weekends? 

Is that the best Maryland has got? 

Someone got paid for thinking of that? 

Virginia is  for Lovers and Maryland lives for the weekends?  WTF?  What about those days in between? That doesn’t really induce a happy thought about Maryland, in my opinion.  Virginia hints if you go there you are going to get laid.  Colorado invites you to a “higher state”.  Idaho boasts “Great potatoes. Tasty destinations.” Washington State succinctly says, “Say WA!”

Forgive me.  I love Maryland.  I really do.  I was born here and I was so happy to return.  Maryland has mountains and beaches.  Skiing and deep sea fishing.  Farms and urban areas.  Vineyards and blue crabs.  I just think the tourism folks could come up with something more…just more.  Something that does justice for the loveliness that is Maryland.

I just saw they did come up with “Maryland of Opportunity”.  It’s better but it just doesn’t grab you and pull you in.  I have no suggestions either.  Maryalnd is lovely!  Maryland is stupendous!  See?  Those don’t do it either.

Hopefully, the person with the bumper sticker will cover it soon or remove it.  Cover it with a politcal bumper sticker; those are easy for me to ignore.  If not, that’s okay.  I may be working for “The Man” and running the Rat Race, but I have two very good reasons for doing it at home.

Yes, it’s another vampire book.  Unlike Edward Cullen, Matthew Clairmont is not stuck in a teenage body.  Matthew is actually manly and doesn’t fall for a teenage girl.  If you like Harry Potter, Twilight, Practical Magic then I think you would enjoy this.  I won’t say anymore.  Just click the link and read about it yourself.  I’m enjoying this book too much not to spread the word.  I’ve already got two co-workers reading it and they are loving it too!

Read about it here –>      About the Book.

The sign I received this week was smaller.  A little supportive pat on the back, if you will.  I’ve been stressed lately. Some things are up in the air on top of the stresses at work.  It’s not easy being Alice working in Wonderland.

I am currently listening to a book in the car and reading a book at home.  Both books referenced a phrase.  The first time I heard it, the phrase really stuck out to me.  It stayed with me all day. The second time I heard it, I smiled.  I got the hint. 

“Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” It’s from St Matthew.  I will try to chill and find things more in the present to concentrate on.  I don’t need to be fretting over what may come in a week, a month or a year when there’s a bathroom to clean now, my daughter to feed now or dining table to de-clutter.

It’s a good phrase to tuck into your pocket.  Remember, my friends, you are not a super hero. You can’t do everything.

We shall endeavor to take each day as it comes.

Um, in general it appears it sucked the chrome off a bumper for most of my peers.  For me, it wasn’t the best but that was off-set by my little one.  Watching my daughter grow has just been an absolute joy.

Now then, I have read two things recently about the Year of the Rabbit.  The first read that unlike the Year of the Tiger, the Year of the Rabbit would be steadier and calmer as things regained it’s footing and got back on a positive track.  The second thing I read was that the Year of the Rabbit is not as bad as the Tiger but just as bumpy; it specifically mentioned political unrest (Egypt). 

I’m going to opt to go with the first item I read.  I will be positive that things are going to start getting better this year.  It can’t be bad all the time.  Things eventually have to get better and I think this is the year. Right? Right.

Everyone with me now….deep breath and positive thoughts.

Meet Red Clover (trifolium pratense).

Red Clover is a clover, you know, look at the name.  It was the color and the size that made Dorky and I doubt that it was kin to the Clover family.

I have heard of Red Clover in my perusal of teas in Whole Foods or other granola-type shops.  Mr Red can be found in all sorts of teas.  Fertility teas come to mind and, I think, teas for menopause.  Red Clover has some kind of something in it that mimics estrogen. I’m no scientist so don’t think I’m going to spew scientific words here as if I would know.  If you want to learn more about Mr Red Clover then I suggest you look him up. (I’m restraining myself from going into a diatribe about due diligence.)

Another thing I know about Red Clover, which I learned from my gardening and lawn care endeavors, is that clover is very good at putting nitrogen into the ground which makes grass very happy.  It’s the reason I don’t spread the weed-killer to get rid of it.  I figure the clover (I have white clover in my yard) puts nitrogen in the ground and when the neighborhood bunnies come to eat the clover they fertilize my grass too.  The whole cycle of life, you get it. I don’t mind the bunnies now that I purchase seasonal plants which they don’t like to eat.  We all get along now.

Back to Red Clover…

I will end by informing you that it is the flower of Denmark and the State flower of Vermont.  I bet you didn’t know that, and knowing is half the battle.

“I don’t hardly know her but I think I could love her.” Crimson and Clover by Tommy James & the Shondells.