Cheddar X for November

I wanted to end the year with a profound post, but then thought, why start now? So instead I stole this from my sister, Victoria's blog, although my answers aren't near as interesting or as fun as hers!

We Eat Cheddar X

1. 1. What do you make sure you keep in your fridge at all times?
Diet Soda...my husband is a big soda drinker, so I always make sure we have that on hand. And cheese! We both love cheese so that's another must staple for the fridge.

2. What is the oddest thing in your fridge?
An open can of evaporated milk. Nothing odd about it except I got it to make fudge a month or so ago. Tried the fudge. Failed miserably and promised I would try again. I never got around to it, but the can is still there...guess it's time to toss it out.

3. What is the oddest thing in your freezer?
You really need to read Victoria's answer on this one! LMAO!! For me it's the only non food item. A big ice pack. I pack my husband's lunch, but he has to keep it in his office so I use a thermal bag and put this big ice pack in it to keep everything cold.

4. What is your go to comfort food?
Strawberry Milkshakes or ice cream.

5. What food reminds you of your childhood?
Meatloaf. I always loved my mothers meatloaf and no one has ever come close to making it as good as hers. When I go home, on those rare occassios I get back there, my mom always asks what I want to eat and I say, meatloaf!

6. How often do you eat out?
Very rarely. I prefer to stay home and eat a relaxed meal watching a movie with my husband. When we do eat out it's really eating in...I got get something and bring it home.

7. What are you most likely to get at a drive thru?
Strawberry Milkshake...unless it's Chick Fi Let and then it's a number 7 for Keith, supersized and a regular chicken sandwich for me.

8. What's your favorite fast food?
BoJangle's chicken and dirty rice.

A Class Act!

A lot of people could learn a lesson from Joe Paterno's response to the Texas A&M Yell Leader who tried to get a cheer going that JoePa should be on his death bed. JoePa is one class act!

SAN ANTONIO —Texas A&M apologized to Penn State after a student leader mocked Joe Paterno by telling a crowd that the 81-year-old coach needs "a casket."

Paterno and his Penn State team face A&M on Saturday night in the Alamo Bowl.

One A& M yell leader, during a pep rally Thursday night, told the crowd that Paterno was "on his death bed" and "someone needs to find him a casket." The remarks drew boos from the crowd.

A&M team spokesman Alan Cannon said Friday he did not know the name of the yell leader, though the student has been sent home.

The yell leaders - similar to cheerleaders - are A&M's official "spirit" organization and lead fans' cheers during games and other school events. They are elected by the student body.

Paterno, at a news conference Friday at the Alamodome, said he was backstage with Aggies interim coach Gary Darnell when the comments were made, but did not hear them.

"I think everybody has to take things with a grain of salt," Paterno said. "Some young guy went up there, trying to be funny. Maybe he's accurate, I don't know."

Texas A&M's interim president, Eddie Davis, and athletic director Bill Byrne later apologized to their Penn State counterparts.

"I honestly didn't hear it, and I don't particularly care about it," Paterno said Friday. "Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you."

Paterno, a 42-year head-coaching veteran, is about to enter the last year of a four-year contract that expires following the 2008 season.

Door Bells ring, are you listening?

I needed to go to Aldi's and had gone back to get dressed. No sooner did I start than the door bell rang, so I quickly pulled my nightgown back on and went to the door. Before you get too excited it's a long, plaid, flannel one. It was was the mailman with a package for me, from my sister, Victoria. It was my Christmas box so, of course, I sat down to open it right away. Wow!! What a treasure box!! Okay...time to go finish getting dressed. Ring, Ring!! The doorbell again....Keith says he saw a couple women walk up and I thought maybe it was a couple of my friends, so threw the nightgown back on and went to the door. When I opened it two strangers stood there smiling vacuous smiles and I said, "yes?" and the one said, "Hi, I'm sister _____________" (dang bible thumpers!!!). I responded, "that's nice and shut the door." Back to finish dressing... ring, ring!! Yep! The doorbell again!!! This time it was Mr. UPS with Keith's present from Victoria. I had to laugh and told him maybe I'm not supposed to get dressed and go out today. I finally did manage to complete the task of dressing and made it to Aldi's and back. But still I feel I really was supposed to remain in my nightgown all day and not do anything except sleep!

Postal system

I have come to the conclusion we either have the worst postal system OR we are being scammed every Christmas. Have you noticed how every year at Christmas time a Christmas card mailed 30 years ago - 40 years ago - or even 50 years ago is miraculously found and delivered? Amazing! Every year! I have come to the conclusion the postal system has a box labled specifically for this little trick every year. Once in a while, maybe, but to find one every year? Hmmmmmm....well, I used to believe in Santa Claus and the tooth fairy too. Just food for thought.

Merry Christmas

Twas the open mic before Christmas

What a hoot!! I was actually surprised we had a group last night, with it being the week before Christmas. We brought in some treats and the line dancers across the hall were having a party. Every once in awhile one of them would stick there head in the door and invite us to come make up a plate and enjoy some of their food. In the end we did get some poetry in, we did get some music in, and yes, we did get some food. I should have taken a picture of that....dang!!! Anyway, here are some fun pics of the poets for everyone to enjoy.

Our poets and guests for the night were Aaron Johnson, Kwan Johnson, Cyndy Harris, Ela Boettcher, Marie Grady and Kathleen Roy...and of course, me!

Kiss my grits!!

Well, it was bound to happen sometime. I mean, I've been here in SC for 6 years and it was inevitable that one day I would wake up as a southerner. Back north when winter hits and you wake up on a cold frosty morning you make a breakfast of oatmeal, cinnamon toast and hot chocolate. I've never really liked grits until I started making my own...they were either too watery thin or too thick. So, yesterday when the cold snap hit Sumter, SC and I was in the Piggly Wiggly mailing a package, I picked up a bag of yellow grits on my way out. Not only did we have grits but we had an egg on it and yes! I even whipped up a corn bread!!!! My husband says I make the best cornbread he's ever had, so I guess that says something for my transformation. But, today when I was once again making grits I realized a southerner was creeeping out of me...I need to get back north before the transformation is complete!!!!!!! In the meantime, you can just kiss my grits!

Rambling thoughts from a disconnected mind

Well, by the title you can tell this is going to be one of those hodge podge posts where I just types whatever comes to mind. At the beginning of the year,myself, my sister, Victoria, and our friend, Bernie, make a resolution of sorts to post at least once a week. Last year I did pretty good, but this year was so full of strange happenings there were times I didn't have time to write and other times I just had no desire to write. I think Victoria did the best this year, and Bernie? We're still waiting for a post and pics of your latest cruise.

The open mic has been going well and each time I am surprised people actually show up! We have so much fun I look forward to the monthly get togethers. The one night that is all mine! No husband! No cats! Just poetry, music, and friends. I can be dead on my feet before the open mic, but once we start the life just seems to grow in me until I am energized beyond belief. I am sad, though, that one of our poets will be leaving us and moving to Florida. Her husband returns home on the 7th and soon after he is being reassigned and they will have to move. She promises to keep in touch and I am going to make sure I do the same.

As most of you know Keith fractured his foot months ago and we have been having a lot of problems with it not healing properly. So, they are trying something called a bone stimulator, hoping that will get the bone to heal and we can avoid surgery. The surgery is not a good thing as he will have to be off his feet for at least two months! If it does come to this we are going to see if it can be done over the summer so he won't have to miss anytime at school teaching. Hopefully that is something we won't have to worry about.

Well, for all my friends and family up north who laughed at me when we were having temps over 100 degrees here this summer... remember I told you it would my turn when winter arrived. Just talked with my mom and they have 7" of snow in Erie, PA right now... 3" in Conneautville where my older sister lives, and I'm sure CT, where Vic and Bernie live is having it's share... so for all of you ... I have my windows open and am enjoying the beautiful day!

Until the next time.....

Open Mic for November:

We had planned a slam for last night forgetting we were only two days away from thanksgiving, so of course, people would be off doing things with family and travelling. Instead Meghan hosted an open mic for us and we all had a great time. This will be Meghan's last time with us as her husband returns from Korea on
Dec. 7 and on the 12th or 13th they leave for Florida! We will certainly miss her! She brought much needed life into our meetings. So, these will be the last open mic pics that include Meghan. Thanks for joining us, sharing your life and your poetry, and for the great job you did last night.

And yes, we did have a very special guest last night. Mr. Jack Wrecker who generally greets the line dancers, was unemployed last night, so sat in for the poetry session. What? Hope? Did you think I meant you? Aw, you're always special!

A 40 year obsession:

My husband has been obsessed with Pamela Franklin for over 40 years. I first saw her in The Prime of Miss Jean Brody and became quite enchanted by her myself. That was supposed to be Maggie Smith's big film, but this little twerp, Pamela Franklin, stole the show.

So, over the years we have watched many Pamela Franklin movies and Keith has collected memorabelia. If you asked him who he would like to meet the answer would be, Pamela Franklin. He has the occassional dream in which she appears, but last nights dream was the best.

He and I were at a party or some event and someone asked him who he would like to meet and he said....Pamela Franklin. The person said, well wait a minute. Then he said I was signaling for him to come outside to a patio because I had someone he wanted to meet. When he went out I called over the person and when he saw it was Pamela Franklin he immediately fainted! When he told me that I laughed and laughed. Wouldn't it figure that is probably what would really happen if he ever did get to meet her. Poor Keith!

Driving Lessons vs Life Lessons

While my dad was not the perfect father he did teach me one thing well and that was how to drive. Anyone he has taught says he is the best teacher and everyone who rides with me comments on my great driving skills. My husband even says I am the better driver between the two of us. What I’ve come to realize is that the driving lessons were also life lessons. The same things he taught me to avoid accidents while driving were also the same things that would help avoid disasters in life. Did I heed them all? Of course not! But here is my interpretation of the driving lessons.

Driving: If the person in front of you puts n their breaks then you apply yours also! Keep a safe distance to avoid a collision.

Life: In a relationship – friendship, love, etc – if the other person puts on the breaks and either slows it down or breaks it off it’s time to put on your own breaks to avoid a broken heart. You can’t force a relationship to move forward anymore than you can force the vehicle in front to move on without damaging one or both.

Driving: Turn in your own lane. Don’t swerve to the next.

Life: You can stay on your own path without disrupting that of another. Each person has their own path and it’s not anyone else’s right to interfere.

Driving: Look before you back up.

Life: Watch your own back because no one else is going to.

Driving: Watch for and obey the traffic signs. Stop means stop, not slow down and coast through.

Life: People don’t always say what they mean, so to keep from getting blindsided watch for signs and heed them.

Driving: Use your signals and use them correctly. If you are going to turn right put on your right turn signal.

Life: Don’t give mixed signals. Be upright and honest to avoid confusion and hurt feelings.

Driving: Implied stops – when entering or exiting a parking lot or even your own driveway, just because there is no stop sign, doesn’t mean you don’t have to stop. These are implied stops. Use common sense.

Life: You don’t always know what coming so keep your eyes open and pay attention to what’s going on around you. Use common sense.

Driving: In a parking lot treat every parking space as if it is occupied. Don’t try to take a short cut by cutting through. Treat the parking lot as if you were the road and stay in the correct lanes.

Life: Taking short cuts may get you somewhere faster, get a project done faster, but it won’t be the best you could do and it may end up in disaster. Do things right the first time.

It's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown

For those who want to know what the great pumpkin really looks like and how the story ends go here.

Steal this!

Since my husband fractured his left foot, I've been driving him to and from work in my little Ford Escort. Yesterday he looked out and didn't see it in it's usual spot and asked, "where's your car?" Unfortunately it's still there, I told him. "I left it unlocked, keys in the ignition, and put a big sign on the back that read 'Steal Me" and someone did....they stole the sign and left the car!"

Now I'm not saying my car could use some body work...a good paint job would do wonders...but I haven't washed it since moving here because I'm afraid the dirt is the only thing holding it together. The amazing part is the engine is prime! When a mechanic looks under my hood...the cars hood! they are amazed at the great condition and comment that I must take very good care of it. I do...except for washing it. The heat has taken some of the paint off and it is splotchy so I really think a good paint job would take care of it. But, then I wouldn't be able to pick it out from all the other little cars in the parking lots! I guess the dirt and the splotchy spots will remain....for now!

Squashed

To say my husband and I have some some punny conversations is an understatement. We had one the other day I felt deserved to be memorialized here. To explain he often calls me Zucchini so I have started calling him Butternut - two different squashes that aren't as boring as the age old pumpkin most often used...

Me: (calling from my cell phone to let him know I was in the parking lot at the school to pick him up) "There's a Zucchinni out here waiting for a Butternut."
Him: (Laughing) okay, I'll be right out. Oh, I did delete that email you sent me so you'll have to resend it."
Me: "Hrmph! I'm squashed!"

Okay, can we groan in unison.....

Then on the way home we were discussing me maybe needing a new battery for my car and I said I hate to go to car places because they talk down to me. He replied, "But you're so short just about everyone has to talk down to you."

No, I did not hit him, but only because I was driving.

Have a safe weekend and remember to fall back...at least turn your clocks back an hour.

It's Walmart - what do you expect?

True Story from someone in Little Rock...
We had a 'going away' party yesterday for a lady at our Little Rock claim office. One of the supervisors called a Wal-Mart and ordered the cake.
He told them to write:
'Best Wishes Suzanne' and underneath that write 'We will miss you'.
As the picture shows, it didn't quite turn out right. It was too funny not to keep it.

October Poets:

To say last night was interesting would be an understatement. We had two challenges for this month. One was to do a poem about crickets. The Senior Center, like any public building gets fumigated and this time of year a lot of crickets come in and of course, end up dead. The head of the center sweeps them up every morning, so challenged our group to write a poem about crickets. What amazed me was how many different poems could be written around a cricket! We accepted the challenge and came through. We were even left a little box for inspiration (you'll see it in the pictures below).

The second challenge was to write a scary poem. I'm afraid we didn't follow through as well on this one, but we did have some who did and did a great job. Some managed to combine both a cricket and a scary poem in one. Multi-tasking poetry (smile).

As the night moved on I realized bringing in candy might not have been such a good idea. Adults on sugar can get just as crazy as kids on sugar. (smile). We did have fun and at the end each shared a little about themselves. It's nice to get to know each other on more than just a poetic base, but to learn where we come from and a bit of background. Thanks Jamar for making that suggestion.

Next month Meghan will host a Poetry Slam. I'll be sending out details next week, so watch your emails. Slams are a lot of fun, so even if you don't want to participate come and watch...you may even end up being a judge!

Our challenge for next month was given by Meghan and she wants everyone to write about hay bales. So for those of you who have never seen a hay bale it's time to google! There were some who hadn't.

Here's hoping the muse is kind to everyone and we have more quality poetry next month!

Our poets last night were: Jamar White, Meghan Robb, Aaron Johnson, Colette Jones, Beth Langley, Marie Grady (stock photo), and myself. Our guests were Kwan Johnson and Cynthia Harris and or course, The Cricket!

If anyone would like to put a voice the name and face check out Beth's myspace page.

Do you know the way....

Last night after Jeopardy, and yes I am such an addict I even watched the Kids Week and am proud to announce I am smarter than a 5th grader, Keith put on a football game. The teams were Hawaii and San Jose (college football). Keith was for Hawaii becuse they were 6-0 to that point. I said I was for San Jose and he said, do you know the way to San Jose? I looked at him and said, "of course not! you know I don't have any sense of direction" and reminded him of the card I sent my dad last Father's Day. On the outside it said "thanks for trying to keep me headed in the right direction" and inside it said "but I still don't know north from south or those other two directions." He looked at me and said, "nooo, I meant are you for them because of that song." Oh well, yeah.

Now not too long ago in the distant past Hawaii was known as the Rainbows and they had these cute little rainbows on their helmets. I took it as a bad omen for San Jose when, due to a rainstorm prior to the game, a rainbow appeared over the stadium. But Hawaii had changed their name to the Warriors so maybe, just maybe it was a sign for San Jose.

As the game progressed San Jose pulled ahead by two then three touchdowns and it was their game. Except Hawaii remembered their 6-0 and that they wanted to make it a 7-0 and in the fourth quarter tied the score to 35-35 and the game went into overtime. San Jose chose to receive and Hawaii chose to make a touchdown. The ball is now San Jose's and yes! they're going to answer back with their own touchdown. Well, they would have if some rude Hawaii player hadn't intercepted the ball in the end zone! End score Hawaii 42 San Jose 35.

What surprised me most though wasn't the game, or the score, or even the end zone interception. It was the hair! I have never seen so much long hair on a football field! One guy had really frizzy hair that went all the way down his back! So, I ask my husband are they allowed to grab the hair to make a tackle? I mean, it seems if you put it out there than dangnabit it should be up for grabs. He didn't know, but I never saw another player grab any hair. I thought jocks were a clean cut crowd. What also surprised me was how many fat players were out there. Long hair and fat bodies. Hmmmmmm....

My husbands big complaint about the game? It was so cold there the cheerleaders were all bundled up!

Antibiotics are our friends!

Well, as per the routine as of late, the sinus infection turned into chest congestion and then into bronchitis. The doc gave me a script for the good old ZPack last night and I started them today. They knocked this out of me in record time last time, so hopefully it will work again. I hate being sick. I'm in the middle of a project or moving furniture from room to room to rearrange the house, and of course, that has to be put on hold. Not much in the mood for writing - between being sick and the antibiotics making my head wacky I'm not capable of much coherant thought these days. Hopefully, I will write again soon. Our poetry group has been offered two challenges for the October session - one to a write poem on crickets and the other to do a scary poem. So far just looking at myself in the mirror these days has been scary enough. Sick people look like hell!!!! Or maybe it's just that we think we look as bad as we feel. Anyway...just wanted to update everyone. Stay healthy!!!

Sinuses/love/and other stuff :-)

Thursday morning I woke up feeling a bit out of sorts and knew something was up. Later that day my sinuses started their partying and by the evening I couldn't talk without coughing and choking. Even with drugs this continued through Friday. Today I still have some issues and a very scratchy sore throat that makes talking difficult. So, I've decided to write instead.

On my sister, Victoria's, blog she asks three questions. One is what does love mean to you. Recently I've been thinking about that myself when it comes to my relationship with my husband. Love to me is being able to disagree while respecting each others opinions. Anyone who says they never fight doesn't have a real relationship. Anyone who claims their spouse is perfect needs a reality check. No one is perfect...no,not even me...but relationships are built on being able to love each other even while having differnt opinions. Some of the best marriages I know are people who admit they don't always like what the other does, but they always love them. I used to tell the kids that when the old - you don't love me line - came out of their mouths. I would tell them, I don't like you very much right now, but I will always love you.

Another thing that makes me smile is he calls me Zucchini instead of that tired old overused squash others call their husbands or wives...you know...pumpkin! We have a variety of names for each other that no one else would even think of and to us they all mean I love you.

So, while life is not perfect I am still finding it interesting and fun. As I told one of my younger friends, last tuesday, with each new era I find more things to enjoy and make more discoveries about myself, so I don't regret the years moving on, but look forward to what awaits me next. Life is one big adventure and each experience is something to build on. I think I'll keep this life awhile longer.

Expressions in Verse and Music - September

To say we had a great time last night would be an understatement. The interaction was wonderful and the poetry and songs as usual were top rate. Every month, the open mic, surprises me and delights me. Even though I am a words person I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves. They express the joy of the night. We had a hard time breaking up last night and ran to about 9:30 when I finally had to close up shop. Conversations continued in the parking lot after, so yes, I would say the night was quite a success. Enjoy the pics.

Finding Solitude

I always have to laugh when someone asks me to do something with them, and I say no, I have other plans and they get irked and say something like, 'I can't believe you'd rather do that than do what I'm doing.' I laugh because I'm thinking the same thing about them. We all have things that make us happy. I used to enjoy going around from bar to bar, cafe to cafe, whatever listening to different bands, etc. But that was mainly when I was with the music company, in Florida, and that was part of my job. Hey, a tough job but someone had to do it. Lately though, I've been reverting back to what I liked to do 30 years or so ago. No, not snow skiing! Finding solitude.


When I lived in Erie, PA I had relatives who lived right off the bayfront. Now there wasn't access to the area where I went because it was all private property. Luckily for me, my cousins not only lived there but had a welding business there. When I wanted a quiet place to sit and think, write my poetry, or just comtemplate the meaning of life I would cross through their property, unlock the gate at the bottom that lead to the bayfront and find my peace.

Recently while reading a blog of a friend in CT, she spoke of a place where she finds her solitude and her sanity. Unfortunately the day she went things weren't what she remembered or sought.


While her space will be back for her, since the motorcycle club won't be there all the time, mine has permanently changed. Erie in it's infinite wisdom decided we no longer needed the beauty of the bay but instead needed a parkway - why they call it a parkway when you can't park there is beyond me - that connected one side of Erie to the other. The access to the bayfront is gone and their are condominiums where there was once quiet serenity. The last time I was home I was saddened by the changes that weren't really for the best. We already have streets that go from one side to the other, but this one has no stops which, I guess is important to some people. But I miss the access to what was one of the most secluded and beautiful spots in Erie, PA.

I've found some spots in Sumter, but nothing to match what once was in the bayfront of good old Erie. I still seek that spot where I can find complete solitude to commune with nature, my thoughts,write my poetry, and find that peaceful easy feeling once again.

Oreo

Down the street lives a family with an adorable black and white dog named Oreo. Now Oreo has a problem. He is an only dog. Sort of like being an only child and both his parents work. Now, the husband has a habit of leaving the gate open and Oreo will come down here during the day. Why? Because he can go into our backyard and play, through the fence, with the dogs on either side of us. Each of our neighbors has two dogs and it's so funny to look out and see Oreo running up and down one side of the yard or the other and the two dogs, on either side of the fence, racing with him. He looks so happy! He will often sleep outside there and eat leftover food the stray cats don't finish. He's one happy dog. When his mom gets home and finds the gate open she knows where to find him and comes down to take him home. Sometimes she sends her husband, because after all, it was he who left the gate open. So, Saturday night there's someone with a flashlight walking around our yard. The doorbell rings and I'm thinking it must be the police or something. I open the door a crack, chain on the door and say, "yes?". "It's just Oreo's mom," came the reply. She realized the flashlight must look suspicious and said she didn't want to scare us, but she'd just gotten home and her husband had once again left the gate open and Oreo got out. We laughed about her always knowing where to find him. He's a very sweet dog and we don't mind him hanging out and she's happy knowing she won't have to go far to find him.

Spring Cleaning in September

Yep, I'm spring cleaning! When we moved in here we shared a bedroom, then Keith needed a breathing machine due to his sleep apnea and the sound of it kept me awake all night. On top of that. if he woke up in the middle of the night, he liked to turn on Coast to Coast. Which was fine, except with the breathing machine being so loud he had to turn up the radio volume which, yep, you guessed it...woke me up!

Now, I'm not saying there weren't times I woke him up, because I did. If I had an asthma attack or coughing attack in the middle of the night he woke up too. So, for our sanity and the sake of our marriage I moved into the bedroom at the end of the hall. That way if he needed me - he has a heart condition - and he couldn't call he could bang on the wall and I would hear him. (It's right next to his room). This would be great except for one minor detail. The CATS!!

They have a little game called spring board and guess who's the springboard? They charge down the hall, jump up on me, turn around, spring back off and charge back the other way. Of course, this wakes me up. It's such a joy to wake up at 3 a.m. with a couple cats springing off you. So, I decided this is not working for me!

We have another bedroom across from the the main bathroom we were using for a library. I spent a couple days taking books, videos, magazines, etc off shelves and moved two of the bookcases today and moved my bed into the other room. I still have a lot of moving to do, but that's enough for today. Now the cats can charge down the hall all they want, but they won't have me to kick around anymore!

Of course, my moving kept getting interrupted by trivial things....making lunch, cooking dinner, doing dishes....sigh... so now I am done for the day and will pick up where I left off tomorrow.

The big picture is I will move my bedroom into the library, the library into my old bedroom. Then I will move the wooden table (in the kitchen) into the middle of the new library to give us a place to read, stack books, write, etc...there is a half bath in that room which makes it really nice.

Then I will move the dining room table (that's in the small area off the kitchen) into the kitchen to give me more working area for cooking and baking. Whoops! I keep telling people I don't cook! Then I'll move the loveseat under the window, in that little area, and put the coffee table and a standing lamp there for a quiet reading area where the cats and I can look out into the backyard. My queen anne chairs will then be set around the living room. It should give us more space. I'll then clean up the area around my husband's chair (he stacks things around and on top of things) and give him a space to keep it all neatly.

Keith says my energy level exhausts him! He teases me that I am slowing down though, and I am. No one can do the same things at 59 that you can at 29, 39, or even 49, but hey, I don't know many 59 year old women who can move heavy bookcases from room to room by themselves, on top of all the other stuff I moved. I just do it a little slower these days.

So, that's what I did on my Saturday. What did you do on yours?

Ashes to Ashes

Since my husband and I are getting older, and many of our friends and relatives have died in the past few years, we talk about our own pending deaths and discuss what we would like done. We both agree we want to be cremated. At one time I was going to take his ashes and take them back to Erie, PA where we grew up and spread them over the railroad tracks as he loves trains and especially the old lines that used to run through Erie. Well, he is also very interested in the Russian Orthodox religion and the Soviet Union in general. Today we were discussing the movie "The Russia House" and I commented that I should find an online friend in the Soviet Union and when he dies send his ashes there to be spread around in strategic locations. He liked that idea, so I said if I die first I want my ashes sent to Ireland. After a pause he asked, "couldn't I just pour a bottle of Guinness Stout over them and flush them down the toilet?" Laughing I told him that worked for me! Of course, that means instead of a trip to the soviet union he gets a couple pieces of incense tossed in with his ashes. Hey, we all have to go sometime so we might as well go out laughing.

The child or the mother?

I'm still not sure who should be hogtied here. Yesterday I went to the laundramat. I do that every week, but this week there was a mother with a young son...between 5 and 6 maybe. He had two hard plastic balls that he bounced on the hard concrete floor....continuously!!! Clack, clack, clack, clack,.....for about 10 minutes. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and said, please! stop! The child did - the mother laughed and said something to the child I couldn't here. He then went over and proceeded to bang the plastic balls against a metal pipe. I looked at her at this point and said, please, that is irritating and is giving me a headache. She laughed. I looked at the child and he stopped and went and sat by his mother. She again said something to him after which he threw one of the hard plastic balls, across the room toward me. It missed and rolled under the table. I looked over at her laughing and said, ma'm, this is not a playground and you need to not encourage him to act badly. She laughed and told her son to come with her they would move. Her wash was way at the other end of the laundry, but she was watching a talk show on the tv at the end I was at. Anyway, eventually, they came back and she told him to go get the ball. He refused so she came over and crawled under the table and took it. I said nothing and she didn't encourage him to act out after that either. Now, it seems to me that this child, while being aggravating did at least listen to an adult who asked him to stop, but his very immature mother found it amusing and kept egging him on. She did settle down when she realized her child was listening to me in the end and not her, but still.... if she is an example of what is parenting our children of today it helps me understand why children are so disrepectful of adults and act out in school the way they do. Their parents teach them well!

Who said cats aren't smart?

Every morning, between 5:30 and 6 a.m. I go out to get the morning paper, and feed two stray cats who come around for breakfast. I like to feed them early because if they don't come at that time they'll surely be there as we're leaving and then I feel guilty if I don't take the time to give them breakfast.

So, the other morning I go out to get the paper and I'm calling Scarface! Little Friend! and I hear a meowing from the guys house next door. On his SUV is his cat that I usually see sitting inside looking out the window. The cat keeps meowing and indicating it wants to go in. I told it I was sorry but I didn't live there so couldn't let it in and it would have to wait until the guy got up to let it in. Well, my two strays didn't come around, but next time I looked out the cat, from next door, was sitting outside our door meowing to be let in. Well, I had said I couldn't let it in next door because I didn't live there so it figured it would just come in where I did live. I opened the door and saw Scarface out there, so went to feed him and the neighbor cat decided it would be better off going home. Whew! At least it didn't get into a row with Scarface aka Snagglebutt. Haven't seen it out since, so figure it's sticking close to the home fires and not venturing out these days.

Other than that...it's still too hot and humid for me. I love it when people say it's not the heat, it's the humidity. Uh uh! It's the heat AND the humidity. Still playing chauffer to Keith while he has to continue to wear the walking boot. He goes in Thursday for another Xray to make sure it's healing right. Please!!!!!

That's all the news from the homefront here. Hope everyone is well.

Updates! Updates! Get your updates here!

Happy Labor Free Day to everyone. Stay safe! Don't drink and drive! Don't use your cell phone while driving!

So, what's been going on with all of you lately? We've been having an interesting time. As most of you know my husband, Keith, where's a brace on his right leg. Well, to add insult to injury he twisted his left ankle getting out of his car a few weeks ago, at the school, and injured his left foot! At first they thought it was just a sprain but had to wait a few days, to let the swelling go down, before they could Xray it. We finally got it xrayed and the doc said he saw no breaks or anything. Then the next afternoon we get a call that another "real" doctor had looked and found a small fracture in his foot.

Okay, so now we go to the orthopedic doc who gives him this big boot (sort of like one of my old ski boots but higher) to put on the left leg. So, here he is trying to get around with both legs trapped in one device or another. He had to take a few days off away from the school and then when he went back I drove him and spent the days there. He wasn't confident in his balance at that time. So, while there to make myself useful I cleaned his office. Now, I'm not saying it was horrible, but when I was done (it took me the entire week) the secretary of the dept. brought people down to see the office! Everyone cheered me! Comments like "wow" I can actually see the floor!" or "I can walk through now" and other such things were said. Yeah, it really was a dramatic difference.

Other than that it's still been too hot here for me, but as I keep telling my family back north who is having a good time heckling me when it's only in the 70's and low 80's there....winter is coming! And then it'll be my turn to laugh at them!

I came across this saying the other day and loved it so will end this missive with it.

"Life isn't about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments take your breath away."

Expressions in Verse and Music: August edition

We had a really nice turnout last night and a very interesting and exciting night. Great poetry and music as always! And some really in depth conversations about the poems and poetry itself. We even had two guests who came to be the audience which we all appreciated! It was great to have Joyce Williams rejoin our group and to welcome, Meghan Robb, our latest poet. I am constantly amazed and delighted to see the diversity and dynamics of this group. We have highschool students up to seniors in their 80's! Black and white, male and female, single and married, and we all find common ground in poetry as well as learn about each other. If music is the universal language then poetry is the universal soul. Thank you to everyone who made last night so spectacular!

At Ease Article

Date Published: August 13, 2007
e-mail article print article

Open Mic catches on in Sumter, held at 3 venues

By LEAH SMITH
At-Ease Staff Writer
Lsmith@theitem.com

Bonnie Johnson is a poet. She's always enjoyed writing poetry, and while living in Pennsylvania, she started to share it.

"My first book of poetry, "Where Willows Weep," was published by Ye Olde Font Shoppe in Waterbury, Conn. in 1996," she said. "When the book came out, I was the featured poet."

Then there were also the open mic nights in which Johnson enjoyed participating, both in Pennsylvania and in Connecticut.

One night while at Drews Blues Cafe, Johnson, her husband, Keith, and their friend Cynthia Harris were talking about poetry. As Johnson bemoaned the fact that she'd been unsuccessful at finding such an outlet in Sumter, Harris said, "Why don't you start your own?"

The group called over Drews Blues owner Marcus Huggins and asked if they could have such a event at his cafe once a month. Huggins was all for it, and Sumter's Open Mic Poetry Night was born.

That was in June 2006. Since that time, Open Mic's popularity has expanded and two more venues for the artistic outlets of original artists have been birthed.

"I left there in March 2007 and have been doing the Open Mic at the Spectrum Community/Senior Center since then," Johnson said.

Johnson, concerned about one of the venues becoming an obviously free one, spoke in March with Kim Dault at the community center (who just so happens to be Huggins' sister) and Dault told Johnson she was welcome to hold Open Mic there.

Johnson eventually changed the name of that event to "Expressions in Verse and Music," a title she believed would be more inclusive and draw a greater variety of artists.

"Open Mic at DBC (Drews Blues Cafe) is now being hosted by one of my poets, Colette Jones," Johnson said. "She took over two months ago and we support each other's forums."

Johnson said groups who turn out for the events can be as small as three or as large as 15. People come to read their poetry, sing their songs, play guitar or piano.

"We encourage original poetry and songs," said Johnson. "It's family-oriented and we keep it clean."

Johnson said she's seen all ages attend: high school as well as college students, people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, students, teachers...

"We'd like to encourage people who'd just like to listen to come too - poets and guests," said Johnson.

(You will probably recognize the pictures in the article in the paper from the many I took at the open mics. I sent in about 20 pics and let them choose the ones they wanted to use.)

Black Snake Moan

I don't often do movie reviews because we watch so many. Keith has an extensive library of videos and as many as we send out to friends, sell at yard sales, etc the stacks keep growing. Recently he got one called Black Snake Moan. I wasn't sure I wanted to see it, but OMG! If you haven't seen it this is a must. First, if you love blues music you will want to watch it just for the back ground and music. But, the movie itself is intense and draws you in without you even realizing what's happening. You understand from the start this movie is a metaphor and everything in it is a metaphor. If you're a literal person who takes everything they see, well, literally, you may find this movie disturbing and even racially motivated. If you look at everything as representing a part of the human life experience you walk away feeling awed and humbled and understanding that life itself is one big metaphor. You understand that everyone has a dark side that can take control, but if you have something strong enough to hold you or pull you back you can conquer the darkness and control it. I don't want to give the plot away or ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it, but I will leave this offer open...if you have seen it and want to discuss it this page is open for discussion. I would say this is one of the top movies ever made!

Here are some comments others left about this movie:

Craig Brewer is now officially a writer/director for whom I will see any film by, no matter how bad it may look. His debut, Hustle and Flow, was one of my favorites from that year, with its emotionally charged storyline and realistic, fallible characters. I wasn't quite sure what I would end up thinking after seeing this sophomore effort. The cast seemed great, the trailer used music effectively, however, it seemed like there was a good chance it would cross into absurdity, and fast. Fortunately, Black Snake Moan hits all its marks dead-on. The acting is astonishing, the writing superb, and the editing style, as well as juxtaposed music, riveting the whole way. Brewer seems to be a master at getting his characters to have the right mix of both compassion and malice as they set forward on their paths toward redemption.
Samuel L. Jackson is fantastic as the older bluesman farmer trying to reconcile his life with God and that of the flesh and the pain it has brought him. There are the moments of stoic sternness as well as those of kindheartedness with his captive/patient. You never really look at the setup as comical or unrealistic because he sells what he is doing so well. Also, the character of Rae is not chained up for very long, despite what the trailers would have you believe. The situation starts a bit awkward until we see that the chaining was for her own good and is actually used for only a day or two. As for that chained girl, Christina Ricci really shines. I never really saw her as anything special, but this role is a true breakthrough for her. This girl is so troubled that her past sexual abuse has scarred her very deep down. Any time she is away from her love she starts seeing flashes of the man who took her childhood innocence away and itches to be touched by any man available to let the image go away. Her nymphomania is not for pleasure, but rather for survival from the haunting nightmares always hiding behind her eyelids. Ricci fully inhabits the role and shows all the emotional trauma to great effect and realism. Mention must also be made of Justin Timberlake, again showing some real acting talent. Where this guy came from I have no clue, but hopefully he will continue taking more films and steer away from the mostly crap music he churns out.

Towards the end we have a truly enthralling sequence with "This Little Light of Mine" singing out, and earlier, the interaction between captive and captor, when the chain is first introduced, shows some top-notch work. The truly magical moment, though, is when Jackson sings (yes that is him throughout, like it was Terrence Howard in Hustle) the titular song while a thunderstorm roars and the lights flicker. If I don't see a more beautifully shot sequence all year, I won't be surprised. What these two people do for each other is wonderful and shows what humanity is capable of. One thing I think I really enjoy with Brewer's work is the fact that he doesn't show sinners becoming redeemed heroes. Instead he shows us that no matter how bad you have been, or how bad life has been, everyone can strive for redemption and to be better people. We don't have saints here, but fallible people looking to right their ship. If the course stays true or if it falls back into darkness, no one really knows, but at least they can say that they tried as hard as they could.

It's Just a Fluke!

As I've stated before I really enjoy a mindless mystery/whodunit to distract me for the stress of every day life. Recently I picked up some books at the Brick Street Coffee House. They help out with the Friends of the Library by selling donated paperbacks for 50 cents each and hardcover books for $1.00 and they carry good stuff. Last time I was in there I noticed some books that looked like fun reading by an author I hadn't heard of before. Joanne Fluke writes about a woman who runs a bakery called The Cookie Jar, but in every book she somehow manages to stumble upon a dead body. Then of course, in spite of her cop boyfriends protestings, she must solve the case...and she does. The problem is this...the books are titled "The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder", "The Blueberry Muffin Murder", "The Lemon Meringue Pie Murder", etc etc etc...you get the picture. The books have all the recipes for the baked goods mentioned in the story and I've been tempted to try some, but decided it was better if I didn't. So, what's the problem? I've gained 5 pounds just reading the books! Reading about all those gooey, sweet, high caloried desserts actually put pounds on me! Talk about the power of suggestion! Just thinking about baking them put my body into the it's time to pack on some pounds mode. So, if you decide to read these books, because they are quite humorous, just remember I warned you!

Dumb Dog!!

Yesterday I went out to get the mail and the neighbor dogs were barking. I looked and saw a big dog in our backyard. The dog was at the gate trying to find a way out of the yard. Now, let me explain. On one side of the house there is no fence or gate closing off the backyard, which is obviously how the dog got into the yard in the first place. But, once back there he couldn't figure out he could also get out that way. He waited for me to open the gate to let him out! Okay, now I'm not saying dogs are dumb, but this one wasn't the brightest lightbulb in the pack!

Comments

I have now set comments so anyone can leave one. You do not have to have a google account. So, let the comments begin! Click on comments and then when you get to the comments page choose other if you don't have a google account.

Open Mic - July

When the evening opened with a thunder and rainstorm I thought oh, boy! No one will show tonight. But, I went anyway figuring at least I'd be there if anyone wandered in. We didn't get as many as I had expected but still the turnout was good considering the weather. I had received a phone call last week from a keyboardist who had planned on coming, but I'm sure the weather kept her home as she had more to lug around than the rest of us! Hopefully she'll join us next month! Last month a challenge went out for someone to write a song about our esteemed treasurer, Thomas Ravenel, who was indicted on cocaine charges. And the surprise of the evening was the one who accepted the challenge was Dr. Cynthia Harris, who generally comes as moral support, but who wrote and sang a really funny song called 'Blow'. She put it to the tune of Ode to Joy which leant to the humor of it.

And Beth Langley had just returned from a trip to CT where she and her group had been cutting a new CD. We are waiting with anticipation of it's release and she has promised to bring a copy to play for the open mic group. I am constantly amazed at the talent around us. We also learned Beth not only writes, sings, and plays guitar, but she is also an accomplished pianist!

I am always grateful for the support Colette brings to us. Even when she is dead on her feet, as she was last night, she still comes by to share her poetry, words of encouragement, and can always get a dialogue going about the various poems and songs performed.

Had to laugh when Aaron walked in last night, because two very funny things happened. Last month he had his son Kwon with him who was a big hit with the poets and before even saying hi to Aaron the first question was, where's Kwon? Also, my good friend, Hope, who runs the center was there for awhile last night and when Aaron walked in and she heard his name she said, 'so this is the infamour Aaron.' I guess he does get a bit of space on my blog each month.

Kathleen is working on a musical with her students and shared a very moving song written for the musical about a young girl going off to college. If her song is any indication of how good the play/musical will be it will certainly be one worth seeing.

I was disappointed Linda didn't bring her guitar this month, but at least she came to support the rest of the poets and musicians. All in all we had a good turnout and fun night. Pictures posted below.

Sicko

Last night I watched one of those talking head news shows and they were discussing Michael Moore’s latest movie Sicko. One of the talking heads was arguing the 47 million Americans without health care. His argument was a good example of how to lie with statistics. First he said the govt. had gotten the 47 million down to 45 million. I thought whoopee doo! Then he said that 14 million of them were eligible for free health insurance but hadn’t applied or taken it….hmmmm…. and then he said that left 31 million of which 40% were just currently unemployed so they didn’t count because within 6 months they would probably have jobs and have insurance through the job. That to him left only 12 million Americans uninsured. Wow! Talk about playing with numbers!

So, let’s see how this works. Michael Moore’s movie comes out and shows the facts that 47 million Americans are uninsured. The govt. played with the numbers and got that down to 45 million. Okay, I’ll give them that.

But to say that there are all these other millions out there who don’t apply for the free insurance is just pulling numbers out of their asses! And then to say that 40% of the remaining will have insurance once they go back to work doesn’t take into account that yes, they are currently uninsured and also that many will not find jobs that quickly, will be on unemployment without insurance, and some of them will have to take minimum wage jobs that will not give them insurance thus leaving them ‘employed’ but uninsured. I won’t pull numbers out of my ass and make up percentages, but just use common sense and it all makes sense.

Hmmm...can't put in a title which really doesn't matter since this is a random post anyway. So many strange things on the news lately it's making me wonder if they're making up half the stories. Good tabloid press and all.

Even my favorite cafe got a bit weird last time I was there, so I've quit going again for awhile. I think they're trying to get in a much younger crowd...from the music last time I would say between 13 and 19 which seems strange since they once catered more to the family crowd. So now I have to find a new place to hang out once in awhile on the nights I feel like going out. I'm sure I'll go back once in awhile just not on Friday nights anymore. I loved the band the way it was when they played a mixture of music and songs, but last time no matter what song they played, there were three really young boys who played along with screaming guitars and going off on their own riffs that had nothing to do with the song. Too much guitar soup for my taste. You know how they say too many cooks spoil the broth? Well, too many guitars spoil the music. Especially when half of them want the spotlight and are battling for the lead guitar position.

On the fourth we had our usualy fire works display at Dillon Park. Now that's only a few blocks from here and if I liked fireworks, which I don't, I could just stand in my yard and watch. Well, it got really loud this year so Keith said maybe I should go see if Little Friend (the stray cat that hangs around) would like to come in and get away from the scary sounds. LOL! I opened the door and zoom! she was in faster than a speeding bullet. We let her come in to this room as it has an outside door and a door to close off the rest of the house. That way there are no cat battles. The other day Bug came down while she was here...they sniffed noses and he walked to the door where he likes to watch out the storm door. She backed up and looked for a place to hide! She weighs maybe 5 pounds and he weighs 18 pounds. I think she was afraid he'd sit on her. I eventually took him back up and all was well with her little world again. Haven't seen much of the original stray, Scarface, but he still comes around to scrounge a meal every once in awhile.

Yesterday the cats who live here were lucky to still be alive after I got up. When I came out to the kitchen I found they had knocked a bunch of their crunchy food all over the kitchen floor, dumped a bowl of water over it and then tried to cover up their mess by ripping up newspaper and putting it over the wet mess. That was fun to clean.

Then...I went to the dining room table and found my music had been knocked off and was all mixed up on the floor. One of my books on tape was a mess and I still can't find one of the tapes and they had emptied a box of plastic bags! I won't even get into the living room mess. Today things were much better. I guess after I screamed at them yesterday they decided they shouldn't do things like that. What I did find amusing is they knew they had made a mess with the cat food and water and actually tried to hide the evidence.

Well, have a nice weekend. I put off going to the laundramat during the week so have to go today. Whoopee!! Way too much excitement for a Saturday.

Urban Legends

My husband, Keith and I were watching The Wonder Years and he asked if I had ever gotten in trouble when I was in school. Of course not! Well, maybe the time I got into a fight in the hallway and ripped a girls blouse off. Now, he's a few years behind me but I guess the story sort of grew in those years. He remembers a girl telling him about a couple girls, a few years before them, who had gotten into a fight and ripped all of each others clothes off. Honest! It was only her blouse! And it wasn't intentional. She slugged me and tried to run so I grabbed the back of her blouse and spun her around...not my fault it was cheap fabric and ripped that easily. The principle was not pleased. Thank goodness all we got was detention. I don't think my parents were even called in for that one. I can't remember what the fight was about but I do remember the crowd we drew and the looks and gasps as her blouse tore and ended up in my hand. ah...the joys of school days!

UPS!

Before I write today's missive and ZephyrBird Speaks out about UPS, let me preface this by saying I once worked in customer service for UPS. I tracked pkgs, C.O.D. money and called people about lost and damaged packages. When someone called in we asked for the tracking number. Sometimes they didn't have it, which meant a bit more work for us, but it could be tracked by the first three letters of the last name and the address. It meant going to a different screen, typing in the information, but yes, it could be done. If you were a good customer service rep and understood sometimes you actually had to work for your paycheck.

So, today the UPS guy drops off this huge! I mean huge! package on our front porch. Well, not even a porch...it's as wide as the steps and a square to stand on to open the door. He leans it agains the railing pretty much blocking the door. I knew it wasn't for us so pushed and shoved and eventually got it to move enough for me to squeeze out the door all the time calling to him as he ran to his truck that this isn't ours! He refused to stop! When I got out there he was pulling away and I ran down the stairs after him but he zoomed down the street. Grrrrrr....

So....I try to find the tracking number. That all important number. It's on the bottom of the pkg! I try to get down but my arthritis is so bad in my right knee it doesn't bend. Oh well...I tried, they'll just have to work harder as I did get the name and address to where it should have gone. I call the local number only to be told they don't handle misdelivered packages and I would have to call the 800 number. But you're right up the road I say! We don't do that here, call the 800 number. I call the 800 number and get a recording. I press 0 to get directly to an operator. I get another recording...

UPS: are you tracking, mailing, or....whatever...

ME: I want to speak with an operator.

UPS: I will be happy to get you an operator once I know what you need done please say you are tracking mailing..etc...

ME: fine I'm tracking a pkg.

UPS: What is the tracking number.

ME: I don't have one! I just want to talk with an operator.

UPS: I will be happy to get you to an operator once you give me the tracking number.

ME: Fine! I'll keep the damn package!

UPS: Please hold for an operator.

UPS: This is so and so how can I help you.

ME: The UPS man left a huge very heavy pkg. on our front steps that is not ours. I just need it picked up and delivered to the correct address.

UPS: What's the tracking number?

ME: I don't know. It's on the bottom of the pkg. I have arthritis and can't bend to get it.

UPS: heavy sigh...well, when you get it call us back and we'll be happy to pick up the pkg.

ME: you can track it by the name and address

UPS: heavier sigh...when you get the tracking number call us back.

ME: Fine! I'll keep the damn package.

So right now there is this huge, abt. 150+ pound package sitting on our front steps blocking our front door. If anyone wants it come get it. I have no idea what it is but hey...call it a mystery package.

UPDATE! Thanks Hope, even though I solved the problem without the help of UPS I'll call for the number to let this woman know what happened. So here's what I did...

I checked out the name on the label, called the guy, he thanked me and came over with his son to pick up the pkg. He said UPS delivered the item before but when he got it the package was destroyed and the wood hanging out and broken so he refused it. He said if I had gotten them to come get it they probably wouldn't have delivered it to him anyway!

What political party are you...

This one surprised me!

You scored as Anarchism, <'Imunimaginative's Deviantart Page'> Anarchism 67% Communism 50% Socialist 50% Green 50% Democrat 33% Nazi 17% Republican 0% Fascism 0% What Political Party Do Your Beliefs Put You In? created with QuizFarm.com

Keith took this one too and disagrees with results for him...says he can't be the anti-christ...oh wait... i mean anarchist!

You scored as Anarchism, <'Imunimaginative's Deviantart Page'> Anarchism 92% Democrat 67% Green 50% Communism 42% Nazi 42% Fascism 25% Socialist 25% Republican 25% What Political Party Do Your Beliefs Put You In? created with QuizFarm.com

My World View

I seem to be stealing a lot of posts from my sister, Victoria's blog these days! At least we came out different on this one.

You scored as Postmodernist, Postmodernism is the belief in complete open interpretation. You see the universe as a collection of information with varying ways of putting it together. There is no absolute truth for you; even the most hardened facts are open to interpretation. Meaning relies on context and even the language you use to describe things should be subject to analysis. Modernist 88% Postmodernist 88% Existentialist 75% Romanticist 75% Materialist 75% Fundamentalist 75% Cultural Creative 50% Idealist 38% What is Your World View? created with QuizFarm.com

The history of the ZephyrBird

the history of Bonnie (stole this from my sister, Victoria's site)
A double duty MySpace post again:

MY HISTORY

01. Raised in: Erie, Pennsylvania,

02. Planned baby: Yes and No...my parents had my older sister, Linda, and wanted a second child, but wanted a son. My dad had a son, Michael, from his first marriage and wanted another with this marriage. They got me instead. So they tried again and got my brother, Vinny. But to this day my dad will tell you I'm the best son he ever had!

03. Birth date: February 05, 1948

04. Any siblings: (Kept Vic's answer) Yeah, how many depends on how you count them. I grew up with 5 kids in the family, but I also have an older half brother and a little sister who died when she was three.

05. Younger or older?: One older sister and half brother is older. Two brothers and one younger sister still living and one younger sister who died.

06. Hair color: Basically brown, but turing a bit gray these days

07. Hair length: Generally kept it short but am letting it grow this year.

08: Eye color: changes with my moods but basically blue

10. Shoe size: 9

11. Mood: depends on the time of day. right now the cats are shut upstairs and I have some time to myself so more relaxed than usual.

12. Smell: Yes, I do...with my nose

13. Height: 5'4"

14. Lefty/righty: ambidextrous but mainly use the right.


LOVE LIFE

01. Do you remember your first real relationship: yes

02. Do you believe in love: Yes, but I believe you have to grow in love. Falling is painful no matter how you do it. (kept Vic's answer here again)

03. Why did your last relationship fail: I got bored.

04. Shortest relationship: Like number 01., I had a lot of "short relationships", ahem, er, well, whatever, as a teenager. (chuckle..kept Vic's again - I think we're too much alike)

05. Have you ever been heartbroken: Oh yeah!

07. Have you ever fallen for your best friend: Yes, and the relationship was on again off again over 43 years - until he passed away over a year ago. We were friends to the day he died.

08. Have you ever told them: Yes, he knew because he had the same feelings for me. We were just too passionate and volatile to keep a sustained relationship. So we both kept ending up with other people.

09. Are you afraid of commitment: I've never been committed! Oh wait..what type of commitment are we talking about here. I know there are people who think I should be committed :-).

10. You ever had a secret admirer: Uh...how would I know if it's a secret?

11. Do you believe in love at first sight: No. I believe in attraction at first sight but love has to grow.

12. Ever been in love: Yes - many times. True love, now that's another story. I finally end up married to that one.

THIS OR THAT

01. Love or money: Love

02. Hard liquor or beer: Beer

03. One night stands or relationships: When I was younger one night stands, now that I'm older I really enjoy having a real relationship.

04. Television or internet: Internet. I could live without tv, not without internet.

05. Pepsi or coke: Pepsi

06. Wild night out or romantic night in: Romantic night in

07. Colored or black and white pictures: Black and white for artistic pictures. You can do more with lighting and shadows. Color for rememberance pictures like family, vacations, etc.

08. Phone or in person: In person. I've worked so many years in customer service talking to people on the phone, that I really hate the phone at times.

09. AIM or Myspace Im?: My blog here - but I do have a myspace account also.


HAVE YOU EVER

01. Have you ever been caught sneaking out?: No, but I got caught sneaking back in!

02. Have you ever skinny dipped?: Yep. And I have a funny story for this one. When husband number 2 and I lived in State College, PA we had a pool in our backyard. We had a big fence with a lock and one night around midnight decided to go skinny dipping. Next thing we know our neighbor is at the poolside talking to us. We quickly swam to the edge and asked how he got in. We had forgotten to lock the gate and hearing us out he decided to come and visit. He finally looked, realized we were both naked, said "OH" and quickly left. We had a good laugh but I don't think our neighbor was laughing.

03. Have you ever done something you regret?: Oh yes, and unfortunately some of those things are ones I still dwell on with the "I should have ..." although there's no hope of ever changing them. (kept Vic's answer here)

04. Have you ever bungee jumped? yeah, right before I went over Niagra Falls in a barrel...are you freaking nuts? NO!!!!!

05. Have you ever been on a house boat?: Yes, they are very cool but wouldn't want to live on one.

06. Have you ever finished an entire jaw breaker?: Can't even fit one in my mouth!

07. Have you ever wanted someone so badly it hurt?: hmmmmmm...yeah

08. Have you ever been streaking?: No - that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

09. Have you ever run away?: Once from husband number 1. I went three blocks away to my Uncle Cab's house and dumb hubby spent an entire day looking every where else for me. Not the brightest light bulb in the pack.

10. Have you ever caught your parents doing it? No, but my sister Linda did. And also it took me half my life to realize why my parents, who had no money for extravagances, would drop off FIVE KIDS at the movie theater on Saturday afternoon. (Vic's answer worked for me)

11. Are you missing someone right now?: I don't know if I could say right this minute, but I do still miss my friend, Rick. Even though he died a year ago last March I still find myself wanting to call and tell him things. Thinking, Rick will enjoy this and then realizing he'll never enjoy anything again...so yeah.

12. Are you talking to anyone right now?: No...I'm busy typing.

13. Are you bored right now?: No, not right at this moment.

14. Are your parents still married?: Yes

15. What's your greatest joy in life?: Wow! that's a hard one. I enjoy life and never knowing what adventure I'll be having next. For right now it's enjoying time with my husband talking and laughing.

FRIENDS AND SELF

o1. Best friend: my husband, of course. I believe if you're married that person had better be your best friend.

02. What do you do when you're together: Watch movies, have fun discussions, play chess.

03. Share the same interests?: Yes and no. We both like old movies and chuckle over words like Swell! that were overused in the old movies. We both enjoy chess although he beats me every time. Says I have a strong open and middle game, but fall apart on closing it out. I'll learn one day. He's a numbers person (math and stat professor) and I'm a word person (poet who hosts and open mic here in Sumter, SC)

04. Which friend can you tell everything to? Keith and once upon a time, Rick.

05. Do you have a low self esteem?: LOL!! no...that is one issue I don't have.

06. Do you get depressed about things easily?: No I don't and it's a wonder. I get frustrated and angry and then figure out what I can do about the situation. I'm a believer in being a survivor not a victim. If I can't fix it I accept it. If I can fix it then it gets fixed.

07. Do you live life to the fullest?: Not as much lately as I once did. Slowed down a bit with age, but ...you know I'm going to change that...yes, I do... I still make things happen and to me that's living life to the fullest.

08. Are you comfortable with the way you look?: Yes, I am. Oh, I know I'm overweight and could lose a few pounds..okay, more than a few pounds, but at the same time my family and friends love me regardless of what size I am and that's what counts.

09. How do you dress?: I'm still mainly a jeans and t-shirt person. I remember how relieved husband number two was when I showed up for our wedding in a dress. His comment was he had been afraid I'd show up in jeans and a t-shirt.

10. Are you scared of growing up old and alone?: No, each year holds new surprises and excitement for me. I enjoy whatever age I am and even at 59 soon to be 60 I don't feel old. Only older. I've lived with people and lived alone and enjoy both. So being alone doesn't scare me.

11. What do you want to be when you grow up?: A Poet Laureate

12. Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?: Up north I prefer the outdoors as we get more seasons and more temperatures that make the outdoors more fun. Here in the south it's either waaaay tooooo hot or raining, so I find I'm spending more and more time indoors.

13. Favorite season?: I like them all, but I think Autumn wins out as favorite. I love the changing leaves, cooling temperatures and the need to wear sweaters. (kept Vic's answer again but will add and besides Halloween is my favorite holiday)

14. Do you like walking in the rain?: Yes!

15. Are you a vegetarian?: No. I'm not a red meat eater, but will eat a cheeseburger on occassion, but I do like chicken and fish so couldn't call myself a vegetarian.

Repost this as "The History of (your name)"

Open Mic:Expressions in Verse and music

We celebrated the first anniversary, of my starting the open mic here in Sumter, SC. Since we started at Drew's Blues Cafe, and then moved to the community center, I brought in a platter from DBC to mark the anniversary. We had poets and singers and a wonderful night. We had some fun with our friend, Colette Jones. She does this wonderful poem called Grab Bag. She was challenged by one of her co-workers, while standing in line in the lunch line to write a poem about all the candies there. Well, she did! So to honor her and give her some visuals as she performed the poem we presented her with a bag of some of the candies she mentions in her poem. Of course, I was so into the performance and the chat that I forgot to take a picture of her with the 'grab bab!' Duh!!! Others who joined us for the night of festivities were: Linda Rowe (singer/guitar player) who entertained us with songs from the 60's! Aaron Johnson who brought his son, Kwon(I hope I got the spelling right), surprised us all. He performed his, as usual, wonderful poetry then asked if he could sing one. Well, jaws dropped when this beautiful voice sang an equally beautiful love song. You could have heard a pin drop. Hopefully we'll here more of his singing at future open mics. Kathleen Roy was her usual entertaining self who kept us laughing with her insightful and humorous poetry. Beth Langley, singer/lyricist/guitarist, played and sang original works with us. We always enjoy her songs and were pleased to be among the first to hear one of her latest. Always fun! Always entertaining! We had two new young men, Walter and Roshad Helton, join us, who I hope will come back next month, even after realizing what a crazy bunch we are! We had the battle of poems at one point when Kathleen read one talking about what it's like getting old...so I had to counter with my "I'm Not Getting Old" and Aaron had read a poem about seeing things differently as he got older...and we discussed how much fun it would be to actually write poems that were opposite and read them as a point/counterpoint type reading. All in all it was so much fun I hated to see the night end. Thanks everyone for making the night so special! See you all in July!

A new beginning

I'm trying to see if starting a new blog will open up the comments again. If so I will repost some of my older postings from the other blog. If not I'll continue to try to get the comments working on the previous blog. So this post is a test. Had this been an actual post the message would have made slightly more sense.