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 |   My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
| I do not know quite what happened or when , but my hubby and I now qualify for seniors' discounts at some venues. This creates a quandary; in order to save money, but not face, we have to admit to our age. HMMMM..... We definitely do not consider ourselves to be old. In this day and age when people as a whole are living longer and healthier lives why are 'young seniors', those in their fifties, like moi, considered 'old'?? It's so true that age is just a perception! "Maturity" is very objective/subjective, and I object! |
| Fun Fact Friday! On this day in 1964, the game show Jeopardy debuted on NBC-TV. What are some of your favorite game shows? How do you think you'd make out on 'em? My favourite game show is Whose Line Is It Anyway? The American version of this original series debuted in 1998 with comedian Drew Carey as the host. It was an improv show in which Carey assured the audience," the points don't matter." He asked fellow comedians to act out and create spontaneous skits and sight gags using props,. audience suggestions, and more. His cast of regulars Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady, and Ryan Stiles were brilliantly hilarious! They named their different challenges: Scenes From a Hat, Greatest Hits, Props, Hoedown, Helping Hands, Questions Only, Let's Make a Date, Party Quirks, Weird Newscasters, Duet, and Song Styles. My favourite episode ,which was not easy to choose because all of the episodes made me guffaw and chuckle, was the one in which the weight loss/diet guru Richard Simmons guest starred. Drew challenged everyone to employ props, but Richard volunteered to be the props. Now Simmons was famous for being loud, flamboyant, energetic, and he cut quite the distinctive figure in his curly hair, hair band, shorts, and sequined tank top. Carey set the skit's scene. He explained to his three comics and Richard that they were to pretend to be a couple on a luxury cruise liner making the most of a day of sunbathing, water sports, and entertaining. Colin and Ryan portrayed the couple while the other two, Richard and Wayne , were the living props. Colin proceeded to use Richard as a telescope gazing into Richard's wide open eyes as he tilted his head. Then Wayne and Richard became a set of deck chairs . Colin directed his spouse Ryan to sit in the shiny deck chair aka Richard.. Obliging Simmons held his arms up as the chair's arm rests. He spooned Ryan, who jumped up exclaiming, "This one's wet." Then they decided to jet ski. Richard imitated the bouncing and jarring of a jet ski with his head bobbing up and down as Colin pretended to ride him. When Colin stepped away from his ride, he mimicked smoking a cigarette. Yes, Richard was campy and he enjoyed the physical closeness of the men. He embraced his guest role enthusiastically. I still laugh when I watch YouTube clips of this program. One scenario had the comedians rethinking famous movie lines. They came up with : Go ahead, make a cake, and Frankly Scarlet , I don't give a lamb. Haha, they were asked to create bad names for racehorses, so, they offered Ass backwards. How would I make out on this show? I cannot imagine! I've always admired comedians who know they are funny, but do not laugh ,and act out their parts with such dedication and skill. How do they do this? How do they stay in character? Could I be witty and quick-thinking? I'd be tempted to laugh, that I do know. |
| The Wildcard Round! This week's winner, from all eligible entries, gets a Music MB! What tunes are on your "road trip" playlist? Um, nothing, no saved, or pre-recorded music is on a playlist. At one time, I did travel with a library of cassette tapes, and there I am dating myself! Eventually, the format changed to CDs, and once again I had a favourite collection in my vehicle. When the electronic gadgets converted to teeny tiny personal devices that held hundreds of tunes, I chose to skip this technology. To this day, my cell phone remains music- free. Oh, I'm not anti-music by any means. During a road safari, I choose to be entertained by random songs presented to me via a radio DJ. So, I tune into radio stations. For years now, I have subscribed to Sirius radio. I listen and sing-along to whatever plays. No one genre, or era takes precedence. I enjoy variety. I like the spontaneity, I never know what I will hear. I also amaze myself with the melodies that I recall. So many songs evoke memories, and their lyrics remain stored in the vault of my brain until a few familiar notes release them. How does my mind correlate the words with the matching music? Last year, I discovered that Sirius had comedy channels . What? This meant I could listen to jokes, and stand-up routines instead of tunes. I love this! Even better, the comedy spans several generations. Not everyone in the family appreciates humour though, so I indulge my funny bone in private. This is fine by me. I am free to laugh out loud without judgement. I exercise my prerogative to speak to/with the various comedians; I may question an observation, I may agree, I may answer the queries, I may think aloud, whatever. Of course, I realize I am in no danger as long as I continue to understand that the radio voices cannot hear me. |
| War Chest Wednesday! From the vault... Is there a form or genre in writing you're afraid to try? What about it scares you or causes apprehension? I'm not afraid to write in this certain genre, I am reluctant. It has never appealed to me, and I cannot imagine myself pursuing it, or dipping my toes into its water. I'm not willing to bare myself. All right, enough of the innuendos. I am referring to romance/erotica. When I think of this genre, I see Harlequin-brand dime store paperbacks with tired, predictable covers of women with décolletage, and muscle-bound men. I once joked that the males were based upon that male model, what's-his-name. They always had flowing locks. and powerful-looking physiques. Just the hair colour, or period dress was altered. All the stories followed the same old script; a man and a woman began their acquaintance loathing each other only to fall inescapably, maddeningly in love. Changing the location, the historical time frame, and the names somehow created an original tale. As I said, these books were not my ideal reading material, but friends and family members of the female persuasion ate them up. I found the wording for the intimate physical act, okay, sex, made me titter. Words like 'thrusting', 'throbbing', 'heaving' were thinly veiled descriptions. The bosoms were inevitably heaving. The manhood inevitably throbbed. It just seemed so artificial. Who doesn't partake of a little nookie? Ya, there are so many euphemisms for that. Maybe it's just me and my somewhat biased opinion, but these romance stories lacked great writing. The considerable emphasis was placed on the steamy sex, or the intention of steamy sex. The character development was shallow. Do they intentionally hope to titillate? Was there a storyline? Recently, I flew across the country in a jam-packed plane. Sitting next to me, or close enough since the aisle could best be covered in the word microscopic, was a middle aged woman who chose to read an e-novel via her cell phone screen. I must admit I've never witnessed this before. Even the larger phones are not close to the size of a book, or a tablet. Her particular handheld phone was of modest proportions. She opted for humongous font size, and thus only a few words were illuminated on the screen at any one time. I soon noticed that she was either an extremely slow reader, or one who savoured each and every word as it appeared, and lingered. I realized, or surmised that she was reading one of the aforementioned type of stories, a romance. Those over-used words 'throbbed' and 'heaved' hovered in bold black. All I could wonder was how enduring her battery could be. Oh, and at her pace, the climax built agonizingly slowly. |
| Talk Tuesday! Why does blogging appeal to you? Why does blogging appeal to me? Um, er, I'm repeating the question to stall for time, time to compose a reply. Well, yes, if I'm answering this prompt then technically I am blogging. Wait, I've got it. I blog because quite simply I like it. This is the truth. I am drawn to blog. I feel compelled to blog. In the case of this particular blog, I enjoy the daily challenge of a prompt. Every twenty-four hour period, if I wish to participate, I must write about a different subject, or offer my opinion, or create something off the top of my head. All of my brain-storming is fresh. Often, I fly by the seat of my pants and wing it. Spontaneity reigns. As Poirot, states, "I am exercising my little grey cells." Use it. or lose it. Sometimes, I view my blog response as if it is a letter I am composing for a friend. As I search for just the right word, or turn of phrase, I imagine a conversation, all be it a one-sided talk. Obviously, I'm not communicating face to face. Like a letter, my blog may be read at any time. Perhaps I am a bit strange, but I always liked homework; the research, the preparation, and the learning something new. Blogging reminds me of this. I anticipate my daily assignment. |
| Motivational Monday! Actor/Comedian Martin Short , born on this day in 1950, once said "I think loss can fuel how you lead your whole life." Is this true? In what way or ways has loss affected your writing? I suppose I do write sometimes to remember certain people , important people that I have lost. They are lost to me because of extenuating circumstances such as time, death, re-locations, perceived slights, distance both physical and practical, and growing both in maturity and life choices. The children I gave birth to and raised are gone now. They are busy adults with careers, partners, offspring of their own, and all that this encompasses. I write to capture moments of their childhood, poignant memories that are still fresh. When I was knee deep in the demanding trenches of motherhood, my time was devoured by the millions of everyday minutiae that comes with surviving a family. With my only son being the epitome of "accident prone", I was rather pre-occupied keeping him alive. There were inevitable times when my three kiddos disagreed and drama ensued. At different junctions, we moved our household, and started anew in a fresh town. I often chose to sleep in my precious me time. I needed that respite to recharge. Writing took a backseat to more pressing concerns. Any creating occurred in spits and spurts. I tried to maintain a journal with highlights, and I penned long letters to family and friends. Deaths take an intimate toll. They remind me of what was, and what could have been. I write of laughter and regret, things shared and left unsaid. Memorials resurrect the deceased. They honour a life lived. Perhaps I write to remember because it's possible that my memory may fade, or disappear. My family will have proof that I recalled everything, and that not much slipped by me unnoticed. I also write as proof positive that I never did lose my mind. We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect. ANAIS NIN |
| The Sunday News! What's your take on the #MarchForOurLives events that have been happening all over the US today? These protest marches have been taking place all over the world, not just in the U.S. Toronto, Ontario, Canada also hosted a rally in support of the gun control movement. Similarly, Canadians across the country have marched in solidarity with their American neighbours. From news clippings, I gather the March For Our Lives galvanized crowds of people. The support was massive. Reporters described theses rallies as being one of the largest show of youth protests since the Vietnam war. It's a "political awakening among young people", an organization by students to voice their concerns about school deaths caused by the carnage of guns. As with any good public protest, there are catchy slogans and placards. "No more silence, end gun violence." "Books Not Bullets." "Heaven Can Wait, Change Can't!" "Act! Fear Has No Place In Our Schools!!!" Many of the participants chose to print the stark words, Never Again, on their palms. I believe this has given students a raison d'etre, and created a community of like-minded citizens. They feel a sense of unity in their vocal discontent. They feel empowered to evoke a change in perception, and gun policies/laws. They are learning about the positives of action. They probably sense they have some control, and a visible presence to counter-act fear. With these marches, the protestors are showing they do not fell powerless. They are embracing this adage, Be The Change You Wish To See. Their rallying cry could well be, Twisted Sister's, "We're not going to take it." |
| Creation Saturday!! Your blog is being turned into a book! But part of your publishing contract states that this image must be its cover. Tell us why this particular photo suits the content of your blog...convince us why this was your idea from the start; use excerpts from previous entries or comments on them if you think it'll help.   Oh my gosh, my blog is being published in a book!? Wow, this is such fantastic news. This is such a breakthrough moment for me. I am flabbergasted. I love the book cover art. This cover depicts a serene oasis, the perfect spot to sit and peruse my writings. This bench sheltered in the shade of a stately tree beckons us to relax. Time stands still here. What a wonderful atmosphere to loiter and lounge. There's no shame in embracing the lazy to linger here. Drink in tranquility, breathe, and decompress. Leave your worries behind, and consider the opportunity to cleanse your mind, declutter, if you will. Open yourself up to new ideas. Laugh a little, too. I welcome you to the mystical magic of reading where you will lose the everyday, and discover an entirely new way of thinking. |
| Fun Fact Friday! On this day in 1972, daredevil Evel Knievel broke 93 bones after successfully jumping 35 cars *Shock*. What would you say has been your biggest success that also came with a great personal cost? I cannot fathom earning a living in this manner! I suspect he not only risked his neck to jump several cars, but he achieved a world record in the most human bones fractured in the pursuit of that feat. Where was Evel's mother when he decided to tempt fate? Did he try all manner of crazy things at home as a fearless child? Were his first stunts accomplished on his bicycle? Was it an oh well boys will be boys mentality? Did she just stop opposing him, and instead purchase a top of the line helmet? The bandages and first aid supplies must have been ferried home by the truckload.My autistic cousin Paulie worshipped "Ebel Kniebel". Our Nan created a white jumpsuit complete with a long, flowing red cape for him to wear as he imitated his hero. Luckily, Paulie never had the inexplicable urge to jump his pretend motorbike over anything higher than a curb. Once in a while, he did fling himself from the back of a sofa though. So, to answer the blog question, I dunno. I certainly have never felt a hankering to commit death-defying stunts like Mr. Evel. Does ascending and descending a set of stairs count as a dangerous feat? I attempt this everyday with varying success. My knees are leery of the steps, and more times than not they balk, and stumble. It's as if they perceive those stairs as an insurmountable hazard worthy of caution and distrust. With each passage, I sacrifice peace of mind, and smooth sailing. To physically leave my home, I must bypass nineteen steps to reach the street level. My accident(s) survivor , surgery scarred, and arthritic knees moan, groan, and protest the only way they know, with excruciating pain. I force them to carry me out and about. All I ask is that they get me from Point A to Point B. No running is expected, a sedate limp is effort enough. So, on most days, my greatest success is returning home free of a new injury. I don't have a catchy name like Evel, but then I'm not attempting to break any records, (or more bones). |
| The Wildcard Round! Today's winner, selected by the Virtual Dice this weekend from all the eligible entries, gets a Number 1 Fan MB! Prompt: Who/what is the best cereal mascot, and why are they better than the runner-up? Ah, a trip down memory lane. Thinking of cereal mascots resurrects buried snippets of television commercials and their catchy jingles. I recall Frosted Flakes and its spokesanimal Tony the Tiger growling, "They're Gr-r-reat!" Sorta confusing though 'cause Esso fuel also had a tiger as a mascot with the slogan, "Put a tiger in your tank." Hey, a local company that sold bedding, towelling, and fabrics used a tiger to make sales, too. Hmmm, too many striped mammals... My eldest daughter loved this particular breakfast cereal when she was a girl, Fruit Loops, but she insisted they were 'Fruity Hoops'. Toucan Sam certainly is a brightly coloured bird. Lucky Charms has the green-attired leprechaun spouting , "They're magically delicious!" While I admired his energy, I've never liked this cereal. I'm not a fan of anything marshmallowy. Come to think of it, he seemed a bit too lively, almost frenetic. Okay, there was the Captain of Cap'n Crunch fame, a jovial pirate. Huh, this cereal touted that it stayed crunchy even in milk. Actually, this so-called edible commodity was sharp enough to cut the roof of any tender, unsuspecting mouth. It tended to cling to the teeth requiring extra removal efforts. I find the French name humorous, Capitaine Crouche. Remember this? Trix are for kids! The white rabbit with the ginormous ears admonished persons not children. He seemed manic and frenzied. Corn Flakes have a rooster. Not particularly creative for a breakfast since we relate rise and shine to a crowing rooster anyway. I believe I like the three sprites/elves known as Snap, Crackle, and Pop representing Rice Krispies. They, of course, epitomize the noise of this cereal, but they have catchy names. In the television ads, they appeared mischievous, somewhat like children. They acted happy-go-lucky, too. Nowadays, my knees make more of these noises as they groan and moan. For the runner up mascot, I elect the bee of Honey Nut Cheerios fame. He seems very bright and positive. Wait, I'm also partial to Sugar Bear of Sugar Crisp cereal. He was definitely laid back, and cool, with a swagger. I liked his voice. Oh, there certainly was a great deal of subliminal messaging/marketing when I was a kid. Did I survive the brainwashing? The kids of today will never know the anticipation associated with finding the included surprise/toy/gadget in a box of cereal. Yes, it was an obvious marketing ploy intended to force mothers to purchase more cereal for their hungry kids, but we kids loved it! It was a bribe, treat, extra that enhanced the breakfast food. I especially enjoyed the cartoon cards that were created and folded in such a way that I could super-impose different heads on different bodies, thus creating any number/combination of strange creatures. |
| War Chest Wednesday! From the vault... Would you allow your government the opportunity to give you anything and everything you want in life in exchange for allowing them to perform experiments on you randomly? This begs the question, what sort of experiments? Will they be physical in nature accompanied by pain/torture, and permanently debilitating? Could they involve mind games with psychological pressures of isolation and deprivation? Wait a minute, would I be poked, probed, and prodded? Why do these ominous words all start with the letter 'p'? I can think of some other 'p' words I associate with experimentation, petrified and permanent. I run the risk of being burdened with permanent scars both physical and emotional. Is any of this worth selling my well-being and health? Do I really need/want short term comforts/luxuries? Would my life of "anything" be prematurely shortened due to these experiments? Apparently, this blog prompt provokes many questions. Obviously, there are many considerations. Government is not always a stable, benign entity. Political parties and their agendas come and go. Would an agreement be honoured by a future government? Would it be honoured by the ones initiating it? There are, unfortunately, government excesses, oversights, mismanagement, and blatant mistakes. Things can and do happen. Nope, no, nada, no way, I would not agree to become a government lab rat. This sounds as if I'd relinquish control of my body and my rights to further the gains of strangers. What do they hope to accomplish, and at what cost to me? I'd like to believe that I am impervious to bribery, that there is nothing I crave so intensely that I would jeopardize myself. I want to live my life on my terms, for better or worse. |
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