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   "Let us read, and let us dance -- two amusements that will never do any harm to the world." Voltaire Thank you to Sarah  for the pretty ribbon adorning my journal! My new blog is here! Come visit. 
Helpful items you may be interested in:
"Invalid Item" "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
Henry David Thoreau |
| 433. Happy New Year ... Starting Over... | ID #478553 |
| Posted: 1-2-2007 @ 4:17 pm EST | |
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 Hope everyone had a wonderful start to the year! Mine was kinda ... slow speed and not really so interesting, except we were with friends and that's always a good way to start the year. We did end 2006 on a good note. Spending the last couple of days of it looking at a possible new landing site, we found a beautiful little town that felt quite comfortable and a realtor who seems happy to help us find what we need. I do have a good gut feeling about it and I'm going with that. To top it off, on our way from there to our friends' place, we took a small detour and went by Niagara Falls. Although it was a frigid, dreary day weather-wise, it was wonderful to walk along the little sidewalk on the American side of it and snap a bunch of photos. Then, to top that off, we went to lunch (and to warm up) at the Niagara Hard Rock Cafe. I have wanted for years to go to a HR Cafe and finally ... found out why I've wanted to go. It was such fun walking around the restaurant (nearly empty since they we had to wait 10 minutes for them to open), looking at all of the incredible memorabilia, and snapping more photos. They didn't object and were likely amused by the 40 year old woman acting like a teenager.  So they're $10 hamburgers ... they're wonderful $10 hamburgers! And we got to listen to great music and eat with the Beatles and Elvis and the Rolling Stones and Jimmy Page and ... well, with their stuff, anyway. There is actually one within 50 miles of here, also, that I haven't been in yet. Guess I'll have to do that before we move. For the starting over part: I've decided that instead of going the full 500 entries in this blog, I'm going to start fresh with the New Year. So this will be the last entry here. As soon as I have a new link, I'll post it above. I started this one on January 24, 2005, so it is nearly two years full ... a good restart point, as I see it. I don't feel a need for a break from blogging, since I've done that much of December, so it should be up and going by tomorrow. Quite the opposite, I'm feeling recharged (even after nearly a week of traveling) and ready to push my goals for 2007 (crossing my fingers now that the charge is long-lasting like the Energizer Bunny). "Many believe - and I believe - that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put all my hope in Him. Michelangelo |
| 432. in peace | ID #477369 |
| Posted: 12-27-2006 @ 11:45 am EST Edited: 12-27-2006 @ 11:46 am EST | |
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 I actually did some writing last night! 1,381 words, which is about 1/3 of my total for the month. Well, I never get much done during December. It's a nice month for a break and a change in routine. I don't really have anything to say, but didn't want to get too neglectful. We had a nice, quiet Christmas. It rained all day, but it didn't matter, as we stayed indoors and enjoyed each other's company and some wonderful ham with the trimmings. Today, we're heading out to enjoy the sunshine... See, nothing to say. There are only four days left for "THE BLURB that caught attention"  and only a few entries. Jump in! All entrants receive a review of one of their items.I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that you're looking forward to the start of a new year. February 18 starts the Chinese Year of the Pig. "Those born in pig years tend to have excellent manners, make and keep friends, work very hard, and appreciate luxury." Let's hope it will be a happy, peaceful, productive one. http://www.infoplease.com/spot/chinesenewyear1.html Rest in Peace, James Brown and President Ford |
| 431. implications | ID #476948 |
| Posted: 12-24-2006 @ 11:30 am EST | |
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| 430. live and love | ID #476797 |
| Posted: 12-23-2006 @ 12:07 pm EST | |
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 Only a couple of quick notes... Thank you to Scarlett  for the Creativity Badge! It was my pleasure to help decorate the Blogville News this month since I didn't have any writings to add. I look forward to sitting down and reading this special issue. Congrats to Budroe in 2012!  for being Blogger of the Month! And a HUGE thank you to Scarlett, also, for all of the work involved in putting the Newsletter together each month!  My aunt sent a link to this online Christmas greeting and I want to pass it along because it's truly beautiful: http://ecard.ashland.edu:80/2004admission/index.html "I live and love in God's peculiar light." Michelangelo |
| 429. the expression it leaves | ID #476695 |
| Posted: 12-22-2006 @ 9:37 pm EST | |
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 This is from the town where we're considering moving next year; I took it yesterday during a 'check-the-area' 3 day trip. It's a gorgeous big lake and this doesn't do it justice. It's actually the only pretty thing in the town, other than the tons of trees. Ever decide where to move just by doing internet research? I can't say I highly recommend the method, but maybe it can work. To be honest, that's not the only way we decided ... we've been in the state often, or at least through it often. It's the general area we like and the people are friendly and it's beautiful (maybe not so much in the gray of winter on a cloudy day, but otherwise) and 3/4 of us will be close to friends and there are plenty of outdoor activities to fill family adventure time. Still, it's an iffy proposition to simply pick up and choose to land somewhere you have no roots and no actual reason to be there. We've often picked up and landed because hubby's job put us there, but this is the first time it's been our choice. Funny thought, really. I guess there's a certain security in someone else telling you where to land. At least if you don't like it, you have someone else to blame. After checking the area and finding benefits and downfalls, we've returned to our temporary home base to ponder a bit before leaping. Wherever we choose will be a huge leap of faith. Guess we'll just hold on tight. I'm wiped out tonight ... will start catching up a bit tomorrow. Hope everyone is well and enjoying the season. "I pretty much try to stay in a constant state of confusion just because of the expression it leaves on my face." Johnny Depp |
| 428. obsession, joy and torment | ID #475327 |
| Posted: 12-15-2006 @ 4:59 pm EST Edited: 12-15-2006 @ 5:01 pm EST | |
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 My husband was telling me earlier today about a 13 year old girl who is quite an accomplished painter. She comes from a family of atheists but her paintings are religious and are inspired by visions she receives. She ended up converting her family to believe in God because of her art. What a beautiful gift. She also learned to not only play the piano well within a week and a half, but also began writing her own music within that time. Astonishing. It made me a bit sad, though, to hear about this young girl with genius artistic abilities. It is wonderful, in one way. But she will be a bit of an outcast because of it, as all genius types are. Lauren Gale  wrote about Ives St. Laurent in her blog, "Invalid Entry" , the other day. He was also a child prodigy and seems to have much trouble relating to others socially. While reading Lauren's entry, I thought also of Johnny Depp, an incredibly skilled actor who is also quite interview-shy and very modest. One of my favorite moves is The Aviator, about Howard Hughes: a remarkable man -- a genius plagued with so many psychological disorders it's amazing he accomplished as much as he did.Why? Why are genius types so maladaptive to the rest of the world? Why are they so often social phobic? Pretty simple, I think. It's hard for them to find anyone to truly relate to on their level. We are such social creatures. The longing to connect with another person is so much a part of who we are that many of us cannot function productively without a mate of some kind. Everything others do affects us deeply. It's not surprising then, that anyone who can't find a connecting mate (whether it's a love interest or good friend) who can truly understand and empathize would develop disorders to use to cope with the world. On a similar but different (non-genius ) level, I came to the realization that art people must associate with other art people in order to not feel like outcasts after finding and becoming a part of two different groups for my two different obsessions. First, I found a music-related group who turned out to be as odd as I was in my fascination with a particular band. The surprise turned into quite a relief. Then I found this site, and the more I got to know other writers, the more similarities I found and out went the oddball feel (to the most part ... artists do need to be a bit odd to be artists).I think a large part of social phobia is from not being connected enough to people enough like you; people who truly understand. It is not at all a fault of the individual. It is not a defect or disorder. It's an unfulfilled need. The Christmas season is so often a source of depression for too many -- for those without strong enough connections. The internet, though, is a wonderful thing. There are groups for everything under the sun out there for the finding. Perhaps that 13 year old and Mr. St. Laurent should check out Mensa groups. There are others of their abilities and now it is possible to find them. For those dreading the rest of the season, maybe check the Yahoo group listings or some other such sites and find someone with whom you can connect. It makes such a world of difference. "Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment." Claude Monet |
| 427. A Christmas Gift | ID #474960 |
| Posted: 12-13-2006 @ 7:26 pm EST | |
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| 426. simplicity | ID #474470 |
| Posted: 12-11-2006 @ 2:33 pm EST | |
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 I'm only running through today. For the next two or three weeks, that's about all I'll be able to do. I'm actually running ahead of schedule this year, I think. My newsletters are printed, signed, and in the mailbox today (did them while watching Pirates last night) except a couple I'm getting addresses for. Shopping for extended family is done and ready to be mailed off tomorrow. And today I'm cleaning and finishing details and hoping to get back later to catch up with blog reading (after I finish the newsletter!). I still have a decent list of to-dos for today and tomorrow, but then I should be able to unwind and enjoy the festiveness of the season. I hope all of you will be finding time just to enjoy, as well. I did find a link I want to share: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061210/ap_on_hi_te/apn_fountain_pen_lives In Edinburgh (where I so truly want to visit!) a private school has brought back the art of writing with fountain pens, saying it helps students concentrate better on their work. Intriguing notion and one I'm tempted to try. I have one. I haven't done much with it, but it's here ready to use. I think it could be a fun Christmas holiday project for the kids. Oh, and if anyone reading this is close to Vegas and into Seventies music, check out this show: http://www.myspace.com/originalidols I so wish I could go to this. Good news is there will be a 2007 tour around the country, so I do plan to get to at least one. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo da Vinci |
| 425. more than I can accomplish | ID #474002 |
| Posted: 12-8-2006 @ 9:45 pm EST | |
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 This is an early attempt at animation. I think Writer's Digest has been raiding my port. The issue I received yesterday has articles about:1) being a rebel writer to get noticed, including such off-beat grassroots promotional techniques as setting up a Myspace account and posting on online discussion groups (yahoo answers would be one) 2) being wary of how much you say in a blog (even mentions not needing to be as mysterious as Thomas Pynchon) 3) and one promoted on the cover as "Become Your Characters" (same title minus the final 's' of an interactive I started long ago) No, I'm not really arrogant enough to think the WD editors perused my port for story ideas.  It did strike me as funny, though.I've been playing with graphics today, along with trying to print out the family newsletter I do each year. My daughter and hubby, after reading it this year, both asked me if I had fallen off my rocker. Okay, so I'm a writer. I did it as a story. But not just a story; as an old English/Celtic-style story. I thought it came out rather humorous and would at least catch attention more than "Hi, this year went by so fast... blah, blah..." We'll see when the reviews come in ... uh, I mean the replies ... if everyone else thinks I've lost it, as well. Ah, well.Back to the graphics ... I made a beautiful shimmering star but it's too big to load here. I actually made it for the other myspace site I run and it looks not bad against the dark green background. I have plans for one for my blog, if I can keep the file small enough.I'm rambling tonight. It's been one of those "do 20 things at once all day long" days and I think I got a fair amount done but I'm not quite certain. *shrug* (That stuff in a purple bottle really does clean rust stains off fiberglass showers! Well, with elbow grease added, it does.) This weekend is "big get ready for Christmas weekend" to include the shopping I'm not doing online and finishing house decorating/cleaning. My goal is to have everything out I have to mail by Tuesday. *crossed fingers* I believe that would be a record for me and I'm not holding my breath. Talking with the sandplay therapist I work for today, I mentioned how untogether I am and she promptly corrected me. If I were, I would not get as much done as I do -- it only feels like I'm untogether because my brain is scattered in 20 directions. Maybe that's the big difference I see. Maybe that's how people have neat offices and clutter-free homes and time to sit and watch TV with their feet kicked up. Maybe that's how they remember to make those calls and mail things on time. They focus on one or two things and let it go at that. Hmm... novel idea, and it might be nice for a change, but what would you give up to do it?"I hope that I may always desire more than I can accomplish." Michelangelo |
| 424. an oasis in the heart | ID #473605 |
| Posted: 12-7-2006 @ 11:46 am EST Edited: 12-7-2006 @ 11:52 am EST | |
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Yesterday's entry was seriously not intended to be so controversial. It was a simple statement, really, but it wasn't taken that way, I guess. This is all I meant: 1) Celebrating Christmas and saying so is my right as a Christian. 2) Every other religion has the right to proclaim their Holy days. 3) Those who work in the public should not be forced to give a greeting that is embarrassing for them or prevented from giving one they mean. I would rather hear "Merry Christmas" "Happy New Year" "Happy Hanukah" "Happy Kwanzaa" ... etc. than a blanket statement that does throw them all together and conceal each one separately. On my radio station this morning, someone called in and the DJ said "Happy Holidays" to which the caller returned "Happy Hanukah."  I can't tell you how glad I was to hear him say it. At the end of the call, the DJ told him "Happy Hanukah." Good for him.Why? Because as karabu pointed out, our diversity is part of what makes the country great. I have said that in many entries. I love history and culture and myths and symbology and support any and all religions that help people deal with their lives. I don't at all believe in stifling this diversity and I think throwing a blanket "Happy Holidays" over everything does so. There is a huge tendency is recent years to make anything that is majority criminal, with everyone else trying to squelch it. Only the majorities are allowed to be publicly negated. Why? We are people just like everyone else and being a majority does not make us wrong. It doesn't make us right, but it also doesn't make us wrong. Why should we not be allowed to fight for our rights just as anyone does? Where is the glory of our diverseness if one segment of us is always persecuted for what we are? You can not make a fight for equality about taking away the freedoms of the majority. That isn't equality. It's reverse discrimination, and it's wrong. Christians came here because they were sick of being persecuted in their home countries. How can we let the country they founded (and that is historical fact) turn around and begin persecuting them again? How are the Christian majority in a country supposed to feel when they open their arms to diversity (and yes, most of us do or it would have gotten nowhere) and help stand up for different faiths to be able to believe and practice as they wish just to turn around and suddenly start to get slapped down for their own? That can't happen. That's why I will say Merry Christmas and be glad to hear Happy Hanukah in return. My emoticon shows not only my Christian faith, but also my Celtic origins. I am a large part Scots-Irish and they were traditionally earthy, mystical people with pagan beliefs. I also have Native American ancestry; also an earth-based spiritual belief system. I believe they are very connected, that long before there was religion, there was spirituality. The spirituality is what I connect to most. My Christian teachings are what pulled me into that spirituality. Denying it would be denying part of who I am. As C.L. Hanna pointed out, Christ = Love. Granted, it is often misinterpreted by faulty humans intent more on dogma than on spirituality, but that does not lessen its true meaning. Her post says it better: "Invalid Entry" "Faith is an oasis in the heart which will never be reached by the caravan of thinking." Kahlil Gibran |
| 423. Happy ...uh, Merry .... uh... | ID #473412 |
| Posted: 12-6-2006 @ 11:11 am EST Edited: 12-6-2006 @ 11:12 am EST | |
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Heading away from the cashier, I heard a quick "Happy Holidays" and looked back, a bit stunned. The cashier was an older lady, always friendly and smiling, but she seemed rather embarrassed at having been 'forced' to end each transaction with that greeting. |
| 422. covered ears | ID #473251 |
| Posted: 12-5-2006 @ 3:26 pm EST | |
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 When do we know if it's okay to cover our ears and refuse to listen? I think sometimes it is. After all, we are bombarded with so much information on a daily basis; so much so that we don't always realize what it is we're hearing. Occasionally, we have to shut it out. What we hear and read and see affects our brains indefinitely, more than we know. I can listen to a song I like, and every time I hear that one negative comment made about it years ago as an off-hand remark. It affects my hearing of the song and can be highly annoying. I've had a favorite Beatles song for many years, since I first heard it back in ... 1970-something, and since finding how much someone close to me can't stand it, that's the first thought in my brain when it starts to play. Now, I still love the song, but I don't enjoy the static. There are many examples. Does that mean I care too much about what others think of it? Maybe. Yes and no. I can't help wondering why I love it so much when someone else detests it. I don't mind if they do, but it makes me wonder. I also wonder how often I've done the same to others. Tonight is our regional Nanowrimo Victory party: a get-together with people I've only met online. Scary. It shouldn't be, I suppose. We're all writers and it's a wonderful, encouraging group. So why did part of me wish I'd woken with my son's cold today?  The other, bigger part is quite glad I didn't (knocking on wood) and is excited about going. Someone suggested we bring our book drafts and share part of it with the rest. Hmm. I can honestly say that although I may take it with me (to let me son read so he doesn't get bored and hang on me or sulk), I highly doubt I'll be doing a reading of it. I can't stand reading aloud, and ... it's a first draft! Do I really want to affect people's brains that way?Okay, so it's not actually related to the beginning of this entry, so it kinda sounded like it pulled it together, right? Anyone wanna come sit and have coffee with us? Never mind that it suddenly dropped to 18 degrees overnight. Also not related... I have several friends here having kind of a rough time, so I have to share this link that someone shared with me not long ago when I was: Anybody want a hug? http://www.freehugs.org:80/ |
| 421. whose conscience approves | ID #473011 |
| Posted: 12-4-2006 @ 12:46 pm EST Edited: 12-4-2006 @ 12:52 pm EST | |
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 "It would have been nice not to have to get out of the car and open the door manually" Apparently military security missions are causing garage door openers not to work around a few bases. It's a shared radio frequency problem. My reaction to the guy above? Aw, poor baby.  Imagine, having to step out of your heated car into the cold weather for a couple of minutes in order to pull your garage door open so you can pull your car into your garage and traipsy on in to your comfortably heated house. Horrible, really.Yes, well, my cousins had to spend three hours unburying their car as well as their driveway the other day in order to continue with their activities. Still not horrible. They were safe enough doing so, and I figure the guy above was, as well. Many don't have garages in which to park their cars. Many others don't have cars, or even warm comfortable houses, for that matter. Is it a big deal that people have to open their doors manually? Why is it even in the news? For $250 they can change their unit out so there is no interference with radio waves used for national security. If they have electric garage doors in the first place, that shouldn't really be that much of an issue. What a bunch of whiny spoiled people some of us have become. Heaven forbid national security should interfere with an ounce of our comfort. "To be good neighbors," the base they referred to turned it off for the moment and they're trying to figure out how to not interfere with garage door openers. Please. Like they don't have more important issues. Open the darn things manually or change your unit. Let's straighten out our priorities. Yes, people "support" the military, but only when it's not inconvenient for them to do so. It's amazing how lazy we have become. I shook my head the other day at a commercial advertising an automatic shower cleaner unit where you can hit a button after each shower and it cleans it automatically. Wow. So cleaning the shower isn't my favorite thing, but you know, if we would do all of that stuff ourselves, we wouldn't need to pay gym memberships, would we? Well, some would for the sake of physical therapy, etc. But when we pay others to do all of our household and lawn work instead of jumping in and doing it, and find every way possible to make things easier, we end up paying more to find a way to exercise to defeat 2 pounds of fat we don't want and just can't have. Yes, I'm being facetious. I have been fighting with this Money Pit for three years, If something happens that has to be taken care of, I learn to do it. I can fix a toilet if it's fairly minor. I can help my husband build our own sidewalk, and retaining fence, and deck and I've mowed the grass as necessary (not here, since the kids are big enough now, but I have). I do the showers and dishes and landscaping and painting and staining and carpet cleaning and ... well, I'm just saying that I don't have the time or energy to think about a gym. When I need exercise, there is plenty to be done here, or I can go for a walk with the kids and/or dog. Maybe I read too many historical novels where the only "exercise" came from real work. Now, granted, I do use a microwave to heat leftovers and water for tea and a bread maker instead of doing it the long way ... ease isn't a bad thing altogether. But too much of anything is not good. Too much work is not good, and too much laziness is just as bad. There has to be a balance. (Yes, that's a keyword here. I use it a lot.) I balance the microwave and bread maker by buying actual ingredients and cooking (though that's also not one of my favorite things) instead of leaning on convenience (processed and preserved) boxes and expensive frozen meals. I balance my unwillingness to spend a bunch of time in the kitchen by doing fairly quick healthy meals such as stews and casseroles (yes, casseroles can be healthy if done right). And I cringe hearing about someone I know who gets government assistance and only buys expensive convenience foods instead of bothering to actually cook. There is such a tremendous difference in a grocery bill that way. Laziness is sincerely hurting this country. So are those toothpick-sized women in the limelight who are so spoiled they're rather useless, and all of the clothing manufacturers who set sizes based on them. Go read susanL  's entry: "More Weighty Issues" if you haven't yet. Then you'll understand why I'm posting this letter I wrote yesterday to the company who distributes clothing for one of my fave bands:Hello, I'm writing to let you know I have to return half of my order. The sizes marked as "ladies" are actually child-sized ... ridiculously small. I'm not a large person. I'm 5'5" and within the weight recommendations for my height, but there is no way I can squeeze into a ladies medium or the "one size fits all" shirt. On the other hand, the small tour T-shirt is huge. It will work, but I can't imagine why the sizes are so opposite. Are all "ladies" supposed to look anorexic and have no busts to fit into "medium" shirts? Looking back, it's not as nasty as I felt it was while writing it. I agree with Susan. We need to yell about this, about anyone thinking a woman should look like a toothpick. Okay, so it's Monday and I'm ranting. I guess that's what happens when I'm called at 6:30 am by my daughter whose bus has broken down and the driver has them standing outside in 30 degrees waiting on another. Throwing clothes on while trying to see, I'm fussing at the poor maintenance of the buses (breakdowns are quite frequent) and the stupidity of having them outside instead of in out of the strong wind in a tree-filled area. Shoving into my shoes and coat and going out to go get her ... just before I start the car, I see a bus heading that direction. At least they didn't have to wait long. The other kid is home sick today.I know, still not a big issue and now I'm whining. So how's your Monday going? "I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death." Leonardo da Vinci article source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16035362/?GT1=8816 |
| 420. all that is true | ID #472615 |
| Posted: 12-2-2006 @ 4:45 pm EST Edited: 12-3-2006 @ 10:52 pm EST | |
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 Grandma used to have these on her tree, so I was so glad to find them a couple of years ago for mine. I've been fighting a migraine all day (reading by flashlight needs to be limited, I suppose) so copying something I answered through email. Welcome to the 2006 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends! You know the drill. Highlight, copy, and paste (not forward) and change my answers to your answers. Be sure to send back to me. Enjoy!! Everyone has time for a few moments of fun! 1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate - and maybe a few sips of egg nog on Christmas, but not otherwise 2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Most are wrapped. Santa leaves one main thing for each kid unwrapped. Following tradition. 3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored lights, but with extra emphasis on blue. The porch has all blue lights on years I can make myself do it. 4. Do you hang mistletoe? When I was first married, we had this huge German mistletoe I hung every year. I still have it but it's too fragile to hang. Haven't thought about buying more. With a family of leeches, I don't think of ways to egg that on, lol. 5. When do you put your decorations up? December 1st or as close after that as I can make myself and the kids do it. I can't (won't) Christmas decorate in November. 6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Ham! I'm more interested in the ham than in dessert. I also love the lima beans Grandma made but have trouble finding that kind. 7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? The whole thing ... going to bed on Christmas Eve thinking about the magic of the whole thing, getting up to be surprised, having stuff scattered all over the living room so we could barely walk (there were 4 of us and a small l.r.), watching the parade, going to Grandma's and taking one thing with us to show and seeing what everyone else got and visiting.... and listening to Grandpa sing Holly Jolly Christmas on Christmas Eve when we were doing caroling nights. As a teen, it would include Candlelight Christmas Eve services. Talk about beautiful, especially from the choir loft. 8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I have no idea. My big sis might know, lol. I do vaguely remember talking to her about it. 9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Hubby's family always opened all of them on Christmas Eve, so we 'compromise' and open one thing on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning. Yes, I got the better part of the compromise on that one, but then, I do most of the planning, too. I just think it's more magical that way, and more true to the story, since Jesus was born at night and the Wise Men came in the morning. I suppose that might vary with interpretation. 10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? First, since I bought a tree of many parts (only because I didn't realize), my son gets to put it together because he likes puzzles and construction, lol. Then I do the lights and we all put up the ornaments that are our faves: a rather eclectic mixture of angels, hand-made doves, icicles from Mom, a ton of Star Trek (most don't go on -- too many), and the ones the kids get every year. Oh, and White House ornaments. And the shiny bright blue balls my sister's family gave us one year... tons (we would need 2 trees for it all so it varies year to year). 11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Well, I love to watch it fall so gracefully and blanket the yellowing grass. It would be great if we didn't have to go out in it, 'cause then it's just scary. It does bring memories of snow caves in the front yard and snow ice cream, though. And shoveling. Hmm. 12. Can you ice skate? Yes I love to ice skate. Have only done it about 3 times and would love to do it more often, but I wear my wrist braces now when I go so I don't risk not being able to type! I said I could do it, I didn't say I could do it without falling, lol. 13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It would have to be the little white Bible I got as a young teen. Many others, but won't try to list them here. Although the HUGE poster of Eric Estrada was quite a memory. 14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? The magic. It's funny how you can go out just before Christmas and sense a whole different attitude that literally flows through the air around people. It's the way we can sense the hope and joy of life more at this time than at any other, I suppose. Also, the music. Instead of (or at least along with) the regular driving beats and sometimes iffy words, we get to hear happy, uplifting songs coming through the speakers in stores and the radio. Maybe that's part of the reason so many are in better moods. 15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? The fruit-shaped marzipan Mom used to make every year, with some help. I suppose I should make some this year, if I can remember how to make anything that takes longer than 15 minutes. *blush* (note: This does not taste the same as German marzipan. I found that out by buying some in Germany and trying not to make a face. Not at all the same.)16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? see #7 17. What tops your tree? An angel that I bought in November 1987, just before I got married. We had to replace her lights last year, but otherwise, she's still original. 18. Which do you prefer-- Giving or Receiving? Giving. I don't like to shop, but I like when I can find "just the right thing" for someone. 19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? sacred: "O Holy Night" - secular: "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" (keeping Mom's answers) and so many more! I just love Christmas music! 20. Candy Canes? I like the flavor but can't stand sucking on the sticks. Ew. I'd rather have a peppermint candy.    Oh, I'm published! Not by myself this time. http://www.sageofcon.org/ez7/poe/poe.htm There are some amazing poets on here, so it's a real honor to be among them. In fact, they said they had so many submissions for this issue, it took them longer than expected to try to make the picks. "All that is true, by whomsoever it has been said, has its origin in the Spirit." Saint Thomas Aquinas |
| 419. THE BLURB that caught attention | ID #472476 |
| Posted: 12-1-2006 @ 10:05 pm EST | |
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I did have nice, quiet, relaxing time with my windows open and a gusty wind pushing the 70 degree air into my windows while I sat and read someone else's work by flashlight. Short entry to begin the month, but it took forever to put the contest together. Happy December! |
| 418. how we look | ID #472164 |
| Posted: 11-30-2006 @ 11:01 am EST Edited: 11-30-2006 @ 11:06 am EST | |
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 *a work in progress* My fingers are trying to cramp. My elbows are nagging at me. My eyes are near revolt stage. The kids are tired of soup and sandwiches. And my house needs a thorough cleaning. But ... I have only 609 words to make it to 50K by midnight. At 11:30 last night, I argued with myself about continuing on to just GET there already or giving in to my eyes and fingers and elbows. Well, I gave in and went to bed, after updating my count on nanowrimo.org. I think I might not have, but my plan is to actually run past the 50 and finish the novel today. It's that close. Another 2,000 words approximately, and I'll be able to write "The End" knowing darn well it's not the end but only the beginning, since major editing will be involved. I won't start that until January. Through December, I'll be sitting back and basking in the accomplishment. Well, not quite. I'll get back to Rehearsal and clean the house and consider decorating for Christmas and pushing to finish my shopping (which will be largely online except for the books I intend to give my nieces and nephews -- I don't mind book shopping), and finish gathering Goodwill donations before the end of the year, and ... go with hubby to scout out possible moving sites, and ... run a contest. I've had a contest idea in mind for quite some time now and I'll put it up tomorrow, in celebration of the end of Nano. It's quite interesting doing Nanowrimo over several years in order to get the comparison factor. The first year I tried, I made it only to just over 30,000. The task seemed impossible, and so it turned out to be impossible. Also, I was writing a story for which I barely had a concept of a plot in mind. While writing, I had to work out the plot. I don't normally work that way. I generally have the whole thing in my head, with fully developed characters, before I write a word. It was quite a struggle. Last year, I worked on a story I'd had in mind for quite a while, fairly well developed in my head, and it flew by with no problem, reaching over 60,000 in the month. In March, I did it again here on the site, with the second book of Rehearsal (which I'm still plugging away at) and hit 50 without much of a struggle. This year, the warrior mention in my handle is for a reason; it was an uphill battle all the way. I had to keep throwing in characters to pull me in further, which will hopefully also keep readers pulled in, and I finally broke down and included a couple of characters from Rehearsal, as well. Well, they fit. It works. I'm not touching it after "The End" until January, when I plan to do intense editing. Every year in May, I talk with 8th graders about being a writer. This year, I'd like to have something available that they can read. Good timing, really, since this year my son will be part of the group listening. Although it's a different genre, it will still be in my name, but I'll likely go through Lulu instead of Infinity.Speaking of, I better get the On Our Own newsletter done today, also! Yikes! Tomorrow is play day. Congrats to debbieday for hitting 50K! Nov.28: 4,033 Nov.29: 4,305 = 49,391 "It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves." Carl G. Jung |
| 417. to embrace all | ID #471987 |
| Posted: 11-29-2006 @ 1:43 pm EST Edited: 11-29-2006 @ 1:45 pm EST | |
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Note: this is not my photo. I received it by email and although I wouldn't normally post such a thing, I think this is important to share. Copyright info is included to the best of my knowledge.  Text: Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt, of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group at Balad, Iraq, cradles a young girl as they both sleep in the hospital. The girl's entire family was executed by insurgents; the killers shot her in the head as well. The girl received treatment at the U.S. military hospital in Balad, but cries and moans often. According to nurses at the facility, Gebhardt is the only one who can calm down the girl, so he has spent the last several nights holding her while they both sleep in a chair. Photo Courtesy of David W. Gilmore Jr./U.S. Air Force "Love... It surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be." Kahlil Gibran |
| 416. relive the thrill | ID #471766 |
| Posted: 11-28-2006 @ 2:39 pm EST | |
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 This is where I want to be right now. Not necessarily at this particular concert, but at any good concert. It has been forever since I got to go see a live performance ... in fact, this is the last one I saw, in December 2005. Nickelback keeps cruising around somewhere close but not quite close enough and I know some people can drive 2-3 hours to a concert, but I don't especially want to do that on my own. I was invited to go with a couple of friends to a Sister Hazel show next month, but since it's in Michigan, it's not doable, and neither is going to Vegas or the UK next month to see either of my two faves perform. I think in my next life, I'll be a roadie and get to see shows all the time. Or maybe a bird since they don't have to pay airline prices. Do birds hear music the way we do? There are live bands that play in smaller venues around here, as well, but they play in bars that are filled with smoke.  Can't do that, either. We seriously need small music venues that are not smoke-filled and drunks-filled. Some of us only want the music.Well, I'm still way behind on Nano and have 3 days, including today, to do 9,000 words, so that's it for now. If I'm not here tomorrow....  to vivacious and Wendopolis for hitting 50K!!! I'll get there. I may not sleep for three days, but I'll get there. How else am I supposed to put that blue WINNER banner on my blog???Hm, maybe I can wear one of those surgical face masks so I can go down to my local bar and grill to hear music this weekend. I don't see that happening. I'm not extremely vain, but I'm a bit too vain for that. Nov.27: 1,963 = 41,053 "Helped are those who create anything at all, for they shall relive the thrill of their own conception and realize a partnership in the creation of the Universe that keeps them responsible and cheerful." Alice Walker |
| 415. thorns in the path | ID #471514 |
| Posted: 11-27-2006 @ 11:38 am EST | |
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 Nothing increases stats faster than controversy. I don't often post anything very controversial: I'm not much of a controversy type, I suppose. I don't like to ruffle feathers unnecessarily and I think people should live and let live as long as it's possible to do so. We all have our little things, though, that make it necessary to speak out. That's a good thing, and we should do that, whether people agree or not. I'm always glad to receive an intelligent reply in form of an argument about something I said. It means I made someone stop and think and that they can do me the same favor. There is always a danger for a writer of being misunderstood. Artsy pieces are the most likely culprits. Most work in general, and most of my own work, is very straight-forward, with no real interpretation needed for basic understanding. Now and then I get more abstract and metaphorical, and my ratings on these pieces are never very high. It's fine. I realize abstract and metaphorical pieces are only understood by those who think in the same way. The world in general is quite concrete. If I put a title in all small letters for a particular purpose, I get reviews "correcting" me. I use fragments on purpose -- not in non-fiction; only in fiction where it fits -- and this is a definite no-no for many grammar sticklers. I'm actually a grammar stickler and not sure everyone appreciates that when I do reviews, but the rules of "correct" writing must be broken for art to occur.Sometimes it is broken further than I want to accept. One book I was forced to read in a class was ... well, the title is escaping me right now; it was a female post-modern author and the story dealt with artist-types in the 1920s, including a cross-dresser, and bounced between Paris and the US. I still don't see the point of the thing that was seriously near-torture to have to read. However, it was well-praised by the critics (aka those who seek out the strange to glorify). I didn't get it, but apparently many did. We all have our different levels of understanding. Our brains run on different pathways. I think, though, there are better and worse ways of handling "not getting it." We don't know what authors have been through that makes them write in the style they choose or about subjects they choose. I personally have issues against erotica. I think it's not mentally healthy to dwell on "stories" that are based on casual, loose relationships with no gist other than that one kind of "fulfillment." It tends to lead toward more acceptance of valueless relationships that are only pleasure-based. I am an odd type of parent, I suppose, for being more concerned about my children not watching movies with this kind of situation than about them watching violence. (There is a limit on that, also, of course, and it depends on the point of the story.) I want them to see what healthy relationships are about, not those based on the pleasure principle. Back to the main issue ... this is my personal view. If I find a port filled with erotica, I simply navigate away. Granted, there is a place for certain events to occur, but how and why is important to me. If it's there just to be there, I see no point. However, I don't call for this type of writing to not be allowed on the site simply because I don't believe in it. I can't say that my view is right and there is no call for this sort of thing entirely. Maybe there is and I don't get it. Maybe it was my raising. Maybe it's my genetic makeup. Who knows? The danger is in associating the author too closely with the story. I have items I would hope a reader could disconnect from who I am personally. What I write is fiction (most of it is) ... and I have characters doing things I would never in my life do. I also have characters doing things I wish I could do. But I am not my stories. I am not my characters. There are parts of me in them, but picking out which parts is even difficult for my family. They are there to say something; to offer some kind of enlightment or education.I see the point of Pynchon avoiding the public and of using pen names to keep an author's life separate. On the other hand, maybe it would be more helpful to educate readers about the difference between a story's theme and the author's inner being. I have stories I want to write that aren't as neat and pretty as what I'm doing now. I have thought of writing them under a different name because I know there will be heat from it when I finally get to them. I have problems with that, though. It feels like lying to me, and although I was accused of that once (by someone without a clue who speaks without disturbing her brain), it's not who I am. (Sarcastic at times, yes.) I roll my eyes when authors suddenly come clean about a series they've been writing as "someone else" -- it bothers me. Will I lose readers by switching gears? Possibly. However, artists must be true to themselves. Otherwise, art is lost. Where is this going? I don't know. It's Monday after a long weekend and I'm rambling. Nov. 25: 2,194 Nov. 26: 2,636 = 39,090 ... and only 4 days to hit 50!  "Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood." Kahlil Gibran |
| 414. the root | ID #471126 |
| Posted: 11-25-2006 @ 12:27 pm EST | |
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 I have images I want to make and Cnotes I want to add ... but there are still 6 days left for Nano and I'm still behind.. Thankfully it's still sunny and 60ish so the deck staining has to be continued today. My up-and-at'em-bored-easily child thinks we really need to go out today. I think Thanksgiving weekend traffic is not something I want to join. We may compromise and go after the day's rush, although it will have to be a rush outing, as I have a word count to consider. Sarah has landed in Turkey and returned to Blogville!Gen has finally returned from ... uh ... wherever he has been seeking inspiration and has posted again! I love abstracted reality. He has a real knack for that.After losing a detailed review I spent a half an hour on a couple of weeks ago that got lost somewhere in cyberspace, I've collected myself and returned to the reviewing on which I've been slacking. The warmup this week is refreshing my spirit; hence, the spring photo above that was taken over a year ago in another state. About the Pirates 2 comment by Gen -- I was going to email a reply but thought I'd do it here instead:Yes, it was an unexpected cliffhanger and many people were turned off by that, but I truly think it fits in with what they were trying to do. It is really quite avant-garde, being that it has many abstracted reality themes intermixed with the outward fun, comical adventure-drama mix. It's meant to be watched several times to catch everything that can't possibly be caught with one viewing. Ingenious, in all reality. Many won't get it. They will see it as "a scam" instead of looking deeper. There is history and mystery, intrigue and suggestions that apply to today as well as they have applied over time. The "scam" ending is actually a hint. I left the theater stunned by the "ending" that didn't end, but couldn't shake the whole thing from my mind because it didn't end. Clever. It made me go back and continue pondering. I saw it three times in the theater (and I almost never watch a movie more than once even at home if we own the dvd), and I can't wait to see it again, and again. It's brilliant -- one of the most intelligent productions I've ever seen. I need to write a review but will wait until after December 5th when I watch it for the fourth time, to be able to hopefully do justice to the artistry. Off and running now... Nov.24 -- Nano: 4,619 = 34,260 "Expectation is the root of all heartache." William Shakespeare |
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