tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50474410242469858982024-02-18T19:26:02.617-08:00Zensanea gently twisted view of life from the home front with kids, husbands and neighbors all adding to the madness.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-62860704017768552432018-12-26T11:34:00.003-08:002018-12-26T11:34:39.200-08:00STICK FIGGURS #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-3539713427675056572018-12-19T05:36:00.002-08:002018-12-19T05:44:08.782-08:00HOW ENTERTAINING<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Entertaining - as it is defined in
the dictionary - means, "To receive as a guest, esp. at one's table; show
hospitality to."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Entertaining - as
it affects our household, is something decidedly different!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As the holiday season begins to
surround me, I am, for some inexplicable reason, overcome with the urge to
throw parties, invite family for extended stays, and just generally do a great
many things that I really should know better than to be doing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My inability to pull off a truly elegant
affair (Or even a simple get-together) with aplomb is the stuff of
legends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A family reunion does not find
my kin fondly reminiscing about childhood pranks and laughing warmly at inside
jokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, those present are much more
likely to be snorting, guffawing and rolling around on the floor with hilarity
over the latest or largest of my famous 'Fetes that Flopped'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, a jolly group they are too, as they wipe
away tears of merriment and gasp out their personal accounts of attending one
of my disastrous to-dos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I suppose I really should have
caught on early in my party career that I wasn't destined to be a Martha
Stewart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first attempts at party
giving were definitely less than successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Actually the first was a dinner party for 12 - only my husband showed
up, and I could tell HE didn't want to be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second was a bridal shower for a friend,
only the bride, the groom and her mother showed - the wedding itself was called
off the following week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sign?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You tell me.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I was intrepid, and a bit stubborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I kept right on trying, much to the dismay of my potential guests and
the glee of my story telling family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Things did improve, sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People began to show up anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I actually had to feed these people,
and show them a good time, and get them out of my house at a decent hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm still learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But the story that gets told most
often actually involves a party I DIDN'T plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It started with my invitation to family for the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lived 12 hours away from our nearest
relatives and so had invited them to come for Thanksgiving and Christmas
whenever they could. (It works out best that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the most children, and for some
reason most of our extended family recoils at the notion of being invaded by a
rust covered station wagon that spills forth, after 12 hours of captivity, 4
crummy looking kids (with attitudes) 1 pretty crummy looking dog (with a
bladder problem) and two REALLY crummy looking adults (one of whom has PMS and
the other of whom has a wife with PMS) and all of the paraphernalia a trip
entails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go figure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This particular year, no one had
indicated any interest in making the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So we went ahead with our Thanksgiving dinner as usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was about <st1:time hour="14" minute="0" w:st="on">2:00 p.m.</st1:time> and we had just finished over indulging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We suggested to the children that they could
do the dishes, and they had retired to the kitchen to engage each other in a
fight to the death over who had to clear and who had to scrub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were working on expanding their
vocabularies by exchanging colorful epithets concerning their various grooming
habits and work ethics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two younger
children were shrieking and racing between the dining room and kitchen grabbing
food off the table and either feeding it to the dog or rubbing it in their
hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband had removed his shirt and
was leaning back in his chair clad in his undershirt and unbuttoned pants,
thoughtfully scratching his stomach, while I, more fashionably dressed in my
torn sweats and his old flannel shirt was much more animated - hollering
threats at the kids in the kitchen and making futile swipes at the ones running
by, as I simultaneously attempted to eat everyone's unfinished desserts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had just noticed that all of the
children were now in the living room engaged in a thunderous pillow fight. I
was pretty sure that the dishes were NOT done, (The fact that they were still
on the table was my first clue) and my spouse and I were in the middle of a
heated debate on whether or not it would be sacrilegious to teach the kids to
play "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" on their armpits, when the door
burst open and there in my entry were my parents, two of my sisters, my
brother, 2 brothers in law and my sister in law, as well as five of their
children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Needless to say, I was
unprepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did the immediate
area resemble a nuclear test sight, but, as we weren't planning on company, and
it was a holiday, I hadn't made the kids clean up their rooms (which made them
eligible for 'blighted area' status) AND I hadn't done any laundry for about a
week (with a family of six - well let's just say it is NOT a pretty
sight!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they slowly entered,
carefully picking their way around the debris, no one said a word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, my Ms Hostess personality kicked in,
"I could sure use a drink!" I blurted out, "Does anybody else
want one?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn't exactly what I
meant to say, but it did the trick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone started laughing and the kids resumed their pillow fight, the
guys retired to the family room to see if they could harmonize their armpit
chorus, and the ladies helped me polish off the wine and the pumpkin cream pie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We spent the entire weekend visiting
and I didn't get to the laundry until the following Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up 'Entertain' in the dictionary
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has another meaning as well
-"to hold the attention of agreeably, to divert; amuse."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey! Maybe I'm better at the entertaining
thing than I thought!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HMMM, maybe I'll
plan a party....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-16422347745524271602018-12-13T14:51:00.000-08:002018-12-13T14:51:02.484-08:00DINGBATS #17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-1246209582131387932018-12-09T05:45:00.000-08:002018-12-09T05:45:11.050-08:00ON THE EDGE #11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAelWWot-Y2_3Ox9D4a0zF_RVMfzkFlkhc4oXDx4WOuPAaoBLVh2AmeCJ-XGksPdLFSB9OWnjIFYIincGekMZUIx_XMKW6VVc5v3zi5fbAEaOIelmxsSjAsQEcR1ArZiIS4AlaBR0T-k/s1600/OTE1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAelWWot-Y2_3Ox9D4a0zF_RVMfzkFlkhc4oXDx4WOuPAaoBLVh2AmeCJ-XGksPdLFSB9OWnjIFYIincGekMZUIx_XMKW6VVc5v3zi5fbAEaOIelmxsSjAsQEcR1ArZiIS4AlaBR0T-k/s640/OTE1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-57706040858849877972018-12-03T10:37:00.004-08:002018-12-03T10:38:34.651-08:00DINGBATS #16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-21349634796151370102018-12-01T08:12:00.001-08:002018-12-01T08:12:46.130-08:00THANKSGETTING<span style="font-size: large;">So, Thanksgiving has passed and the dishes are finally done. We had some wonderful guests join us and were having a delightful time right up until one of them introduced a topic of discussion that left me with cold chills and icy thoughts. He suggested we go around the table and share the memories of our past Thanksgivings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, I first pictured the many food fights, drunken speeches and puking at the table stories from my children's youth that would no doubt be recounted in glorious and graphic detail. Sure enough, they came rolling out amid much laughter and merriment - particularly the "Mom's Sweet Potato Recipe" story.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I froze, after all, these were people we loved and respected at our table and what in the world would they think after hearing this particularly telling story? I mean it had all begun innocently enough . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My mother had called as we were fixing dinner and by the time the conversation was finished I had hung up on her mid sentence and begun contemplating using the electric knife to carve through my wrists, or sticking my head in the oven with the turkey. Instead I opted for a few more glasses of wine and continued fixing dinner. By the time I started the sweet potatoes I had opened a second bottle of wine and was feeling much better about life. The potatoes were mashed and creamed and ready for me to add the marshmallows for taste. I picked up the bag which, unknown to me, was fully open. I held it up by the bottom and promptly dumped 3 quarters of the bag straight into the pot. I commented "Oooops!" louder than intended and all of the kids came to see what happened and nearly choked to death laughing at me. With no other choice I went ahead and stirred in the large portion of marshmallows and then without thinking, topped the whole thing off with the rest of the marshmallows for serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After dinner (and another glass or two of wine) I announced I needed to lie down for a few minutes before cleaning up - I promptly passed out and didn't come to until they were watching Frosty the Snowman on television and waiting for me to have some pie.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It turned out to be the favorite dish of the day - and the most retold story of my life! The kids tell all of their friends each year and share it at gatherings like we had this year. I admit the more I hear it the more I laugh as well. And I know why my kids are always offering to refill my wine glass all day too!!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-74424501198584285702018-10-07T14:30:00.000-07:002018-10-07T14:39:38.234-07:00LONELY<br />
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To men, women seem to be a mass of
conflicting messages all wrapped up in a very attractive container.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None more so than those who choose to stay at
home and make raising a family their main focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I admit there is probably good reason for
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take, for instance, one of the
most common conundrums of the stay-at-home situation - loneliness.<br />
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Being lonely is an occupational
hazard of being a mother; especially when you have very young children still
hanging about. The thing is, you are generally very busy, what with all that
charging around in a vain attempt to keep your little ones from shedding every
stitch of clothing and dancing in front of the picture window buck nekkid (not
that they aren’t the cutest little nudes, what with their rosy pink bottoms and
sweet little toes - but that nice elderly woman across the street is prone to
strokes) and keeping them in snacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or,
more accurately, keeping their snacks in them - and not in the couch, the
drapes, the television, the DVD player, etc..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Also, holding a train of thought
can be exhausting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Telephone
conversations, out of sheer survival instinct, must be kept to a minimum
length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, while you are
enjoying a delightful story being told by your chum, your little cherub is in
the bathroom, seeing if the cat will flush, or fishing out his poop to bring to
you, or he’s back up in the window, leaving interesting prints on the glass
using his warm breath and bare bum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,
of course, if you should happen to have more than one preschool child at home,
your isolation is only multiplied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
And yet, for most of us in that
situation, our most pressing desire is to just be left alone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In a fit of gallantry our husbands
take our request literally, and pack us off to the grocery store, dry cleaners,
Laundromat, where ever, sans kids and company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, pleased with their ability to problem solve, sit the kids down in
front of a rented movie and turn their attention to getting that kitchen organized
once and for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they are genuinely
surprised when we offer them a one-way ticket to a place paved with flaming
bricks as soon as we have returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
we are genuinely taken aback at their protestations of ignorance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
For us, ‘alone’ doesn’t mean
‘isolated’ - that we’ve already got!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What we’re looking for is ‘alone’ as in ‘no longer being pestered
constantly about trivia’ (like, “Is Curious George a Chimpanzee or a spider
monkey?”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t know of one mother
who doesn’t fantasize about just sitting on the couch with a good book and her
family surrounding her reading their own books, playing cards, watching T.V.
(PBS, of course) etc. and losing all track of time due to the peacefulness of
its passing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also don’t know of one
mother to whom this has EVER happened!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
see, it’s not the presence of the family that threatens to drive us batty -
it’s the constant droning (anyone who has spent a sleepless night in a quiet
room with a mosquito can relate to what I am saying) nonsense. We are lonely
for conversation that doesn’t include whining or unintelligible jokes or
spilled drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are lonely for the
feeling of being an adult again. And yes, we are lonely for time to call our
own so WE can drink enough to spill and get away with it!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-6064661257755543322018-10-05T06:15:00.000-07:002018-10-05T06:15:52.035-07:00DINGBATS # 15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8DF93wUQEaLMBK-W3JCaEEovLtfLmne4qaU42nmsIgeGclKSWV0lDDhXr_mjsnzuUZ1RxDchnMSSiPdCv8kApiGYMzGL5CQZWSkfiGArN-CuHnz3eydQeySGbsE-3-ajqhtJuXEgNMs/s1600/dingbats-zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8DF93wUQEaLMBK-W3JCaEEovLtfLmne4qaU42nmsIgeGclKSWV0lDDhXr_mjsnzuUZ1RxDchnMSSiPdCv8kApiGYMzGL5CQZWSkfiGArN-CuHnz3eydQeySGbsE-3-ajqhtJuXEgNMs/s640/dingbats-zoo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-90338855993928320962018-09-26T15:20:00.005-07:002018-09-26T15:20:55.040-07:00ON THE EDGE #10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckZAKosuN5qUgbJzytx3SgXdv0bl1euHvE-cmpx9UlRjnXamQvOR6fWtdp8p2tHli09cMiPsMVe3WqnTC7Iyf5k0woYq-zpO_zIj06gbvMumfTlwGfVqnlPKH-fJ3yBtvOXhcv7B5qxo/s1600/ote+blowdryer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckZAKosuN5qUgbJzytx3SgXdv0bl1euHvE-cmpx9UlRjnXamQvOR6fWtdp8p2tHli09cMiPsMVe3WqnTC7Iyf5k0woYq-zpO_zIj06gbvMumfTlwGfVqnlPKH-fJ3yBtvOXhcv7B5qxo/s640/ote+blowdryer1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGh_KXMKAI-wfxrpcgfi5XRv84IfCI1cZ82NNrEPoa-VYHfmkDS4lNtTE6upIojO9ehf6G8vEL05dOxxFRIguAO94NfWzt2oLJ0q7aavxvh7h0axN4aHZu2oDq4WK2Az-9dN_HnFJG_aw/s1600/ote+blowdryer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGh_KXMKAI-wfxrpcgfi5XRv84IfCI1cZ82NNrEPoa-VYHfmkDS4lNtTE6upIojO9ehf6G8vEL05dOxxFRIguAO94NfWzt2oLJ0q7aavxvh7h0axN4aHZu2oDq4WK2Az-9dN_HnFJG_aw/s640/ote+blowdryer2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-56418798711617044272018-09-25T10:32:00.000-07:002018-09-25T10:47:50.788-07:00WILL YOU WALK WITH ME?<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you walk with me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Along the shores of another plane</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And speak of things both wild and sane</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you walk with me? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you walk with me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-eoRCrtXJrh1c1uBFpIL2V18Qlf8lXN88A54nu4SG3DPCkaXs7MzOG-QHP_ZM49fD_zueBd1hT_7YRZCHUqxcakAnpoqsG6q9S4eGy2DA5NaZuP2ceRkhy1ZLAwDSghOExHYOWGUdnM/s1600/Walkingtogether.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="246" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-eoRCrtXJrh1c1uBFpIL2V18Qlf8lXN88A54nu4SG3DPCkaXs7MzOG-QHP_ZM49fD_zueBd1hT_7YRZCHUqxcakAnpoqsG6q9S4eGy2DA5NaZuP2ceRkhy1ZLAwDSghOExHYOWGUdnM/s640/Walkingtogether.jpg" width="392" /></a>To dream, to speak, to fond embrace</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A charge against that darkest space</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That steals the soul, the mind, the heart</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To cruelly taunt one set apart</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you walk with me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you walk with me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I lay my head upon the sky</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drink my fill of the desert’s dry</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I curl upon the tempest sea</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And reach out to eternity</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you walk with me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you walk with me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Into swirling mists void of time</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Abyss of light, nowhere to climb</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hand to hand, heart into heart</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spirits one, yet two - apart </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you walk with me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you walk with me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No step nor tread nor move increase</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In perfect love, in perfect peace</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Come . . . walk with me.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-65995748113610444922018-09-24T15:19:00.000-07:002018-09-24T15:19:16.383-07:00STICK FIGGERS #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygaWE91xzM1OnNG8HjMJcw-qulx1NlLLt2d8NU8Yi2Kvgy2DlnCurmUEytYCuOXhAjZmdayDrl4NS4mY8MAvpMiN8L4OllymUflmT-1iKb8ARze3eLye05ogb6OWS8crmI6_k3DlFHiE/s1600/stickfigures+higherstandards1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygaWE91xzM1OnNG8HjMJcw-qulx1NlLLt2d8NU8Yi2Kvgy2DlnCurmUEytYCuOXhAjZmdayDrl4NS4mY8MAvpMiN8L4OllymUflmT-1iKb8ARze3eLye05ogb6OWS8crmI6_k3DlFHiE/s640/stickfigures+higherstandards1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAzY7bFJwC7nPm6iCZMFUOvAUDm_tYtw9BkWzD_SIOh5a3YqxapHPICkggYDL0hd6rLQuHyP3osaNAh0R-2hBJdnskJAkv87SICLwfFExcJ01KqmcoAulQSr2wSSLLHSyMOKc_bjiaiE/s1600/stickfigures+higher+standards2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAzY7bFJwC7nPm6iCZMFUOvAUDm_tYtw9BkWzD_SIOh5a3YqxapHPICkggYDL0hd6rLQuHyP3osaNAh0R-2hBJdnskJAkv87SICLwfFExcJ01KqmcoAulQSr2wSSLLHSyMOKc_bjiaiE/s640/stickfigures+higher+standards2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-91938935837227077582018-09-20T06:39:00.004-07:002018-09-20T06:39:45.816-07:00PLANNING THE FAMILY VACATION<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 30.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbMaTsbtgOj_cEp8VXKtEAfDlIGTV36lLkv2Wk75dbGUFJmhc_BdSrLnvtRgxgl-QgiPcRvKxOIC71ONtDL3eIlfkhrMbLVzVocJi-0_6yDYxvEaZsDCwa6nxiBZStY98WJHuP5PWPMw/s1600/InkedInkedtravel+book_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbMaTsbtgOj_cEp8VXKtEAfDlIGTV36lLkv2Wk75dbGUFJmhc_BdSrLnvtRgxgl-QgiPcRvKxOIC71ONtDL3eIlfkhrMbLVzVocJi-0_6yDYxvEaZsDCwa6nxiBZStY98WJHuP5PWPMw/s1600/InkedInkedtravel+book_LI.jpg" /></a>In order to achieve the seemingly elusive goal of
the perfect family vacation, where fun, relaxation and familial bliss are the
result, it requires more than luck and determination. Beyond the selection of
destination, careful planning and travel there are several simple steps that
one can take to ensure that a group trip becomes a cherished memory of
togetherness. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
All wrapped up in the first step of any vacation are
the basics of one’s plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is the
choice of where to go, how to get there, and where to stay once all have
arrived. If there are children involved, there is the added task of making sure
that wherever one chooses to go is kid-friendly and yet will have something for
everyone to enjoy while there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the
destination has been chosen – for the purpose of this plan it will be
Wacky-Land, a generic, amusement park attraction known for its rides, family
entertainment and high energy fun, fun, fun – the mode of transportation to
reach this tourist Mecca must be decided. Train, airplane or automobile, is
best chosen according to the number of people, their ages and amount of
personal belongings required and balanced by the overall impact on the vacation
budget of each method. The same basic formula, plus the added considerations of
convenience, amenities and location, will aid in the selection of
accommodations for the family for the duration of the Wacky-Land adventure. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
Next there is the seemingly minor consideration of
sharing the plans with those joining the trip. That is, the fun of telling the
kids. There are many schools of thought on this matter. One could involve the
children from day one, allowing them to express their opinions, ideas and
desires as the plans take shape around everyone’s input. There are those who
prefer to make an announcement the day all are being herded into the car, with
luggage, to begin the vacation. Still more opt for a happy medium, explaining
the program a few days or weeks in advance. Each methods has its pros and cons,
each group must decide for themselves what works best for their situation.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
A major step in planning, one that can aid in
keeping things flowing smoothly or become the first cause of tears and
recriminations, involves packing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Packing with children in mind takes a bit of creative thinking, a fair
amount of patience and strong negotiating skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When packing clothing for kids, less is more,
but one should try to get maximum mileage out of what is brought along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every item should be easily laundered, the
better to rinse out at night and hang to dry in the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they are all mix and max, so much the
better, dressing is easy and messy mishaps do not eliminate entire outfits. In
this case one can usually get by with a couple of pairs of pants, several
shirts and an overcoat or jacket. Along with that, plenty of underwear and
socks, a pair of pajamas and a very comfy pair of shoes or two should be
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One’s negotiating skills come
into play when it comes to packing traveling amusements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally, children want to take almost
everything they own with them on vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For obvious reasons that is not possible. Talking them down to only one
or two of their favorite stuffed animals, dolls or toys can be hard, but it
must be done. Packing activity books, crayons, paper and music will take up
less space, and offer more diversions anyway, and remember – there are always
games one can make up that require nothing more than one’s eyes, ears or hands
to enjoy.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
Now with all the prep work done, one is on the road
and tempted to think that all the potential for trouble has been left far
behind. Wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is still the
destination itself to deal with. Take heart, though, with a little awareness
and minimal effort any possible problems can be anticipated and averted before
they become painful issues.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
The timing of one’s arrival can make the difference
between a jolly, happy well-rested, little group and a surly, sleep-deprived,
over excitable bunch. Arrive too early and spending the rest of the day at the
park is pretty much unavoidable, too late and everything will have to be
postponed until the next day. Arriving shortly after lunchtime allows one
plenty of time to get to the room, select or assign sleeping arrangements, use
the facilities and freshen up. One can then proceed to the park, take a stroll
around to check out the set up, maybe experience a few of the rides and return
to the room for a good night’s sleep in preparation for a full schedule the
following day.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
Making the most of one’s time at Wacky-Land is easy
if one keeps a few simple things in mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Essential to the experience is setting aside
time for breaks each day of your visit. An hour or so nap break in the
afternoon has saved many a vacation and many a vacationer’s sanity. While it is
a good idea to have a plan to help one fully enjoy all the park has to offer,
it is an equally good idea that one is willing to deviate from that plan.
Things may come up that are more tempting than what is listed in the plan; one
must go ahead and do them, it is a vacation and doing what one wants to do is
what it is all about. Don’t be afraid to split into smaller groups for a while
as well. If Dad and little Billy want to ride the Mega-Fast-Mountain-Coaster
and Mom and little Sally want to ride the Happy-Fun-Singing-Boats, then by all
means split up, ride the rides and then meet up again and share the experiences
with each other. The top of the list item should read, above all, “HAVE FUN!” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: left;">
As one comes to the last day of vacation, spirits
may be sagging at the thought of leaving: this is the time to acquire souvenirs.
A souvenir, remember, is a small token that helps one to recall an experience,
it is not necessary to bring home one of every trinket offered in the shops. To
make the trip home less dreary, one can have a roll or two of the photographs
taken developed prior to leaving and they can be shared among the group on the
way home. Include this final portion of the trip as interesting and essential
to the entire process: continue to take photos and videos to record the end leg
of the trip as well. Make sure to build in a day or two after arriving at home
to decompress and readjust before returning to a full daily schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allow the experience to sink in and fade
gradually. Have the kids make a display about the trip, or let them watch the
home movies or look at the pictures. Sit back and realize that while the goal
of the trip was to survive, that goal was not only reached but it was
surpassed. All survived, thrived and returned with happy memories of fun,
laughter and family togetherness. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-20920393931517182432018-09-19T05:41:00.002-07:002018-09-19T05:41:43.298-07:00ON THE EDGE #9<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHlOJhzzKnMPrwbJEts-T8pzFSiYamzxXdLAweBJwkyR1a3kJ16AVsYqi11dH14atessen8zg5IH4nPOpbntkGeQYJRFAzEJO4FdCUNu0-pTmxqX1Zl5OU2j87YyQuRT-NAjiYBZUqjA/s1600/OTEa+nut1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHlOJhzzKnMPrwbJEts-T8pzFSiYamzxXdLAweBJwkyR1a3kJ16AVsYqi11dH14atessen8zg5IH4nPOpbntkGeQYJRFAzEJO4FdCUNu0-pTmxqX1Zl5OU2j87YyQuRT-NAjiYBZUqjA/s640/OTEa+nut1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-6785689823815626162018-09-14T08:09:00.002-07:002018-09-17T17:56:56.068-07:00OPTIMISTICALLY POSITIVE<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Maybe it's society, maybe it's Facebook, or maybe it is just me but it seems that the latest "non-judgmental" attitude is all about being "positive". Was is interesting is the definition of positive that these purveyors of positive are peddling.<br /><br />Being the word lover I am, I, of course, did a little research on the word and its origins. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITX26aKrvx-cl6-hWZArPBA97uhNXjM-kHdii7V36miKrB6Bk3aWf3bCoX7JlqdFoxYYGF0YkGQeFDTqeRPAjMhCs80aLJh6TwQO7jl-e65Q5HMHDJMjG_nv4ToL5aEurKFD_vGTJRGA/s1600/Thumb-Scan-Success-Up-Yes-Free-Image-Positive-Symb-3315.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITX26aKrvx-cl6-hWZArPBA97uhNXjM-kHdii7V36miKrB6Bk3aWf3bCoX7JlqdFoxYYGF0YkGQeFDTqeRPAjMhCs80aLJh6TwQO7jl-e65Q5HMHDJMjG_nv4ToL5aEurKFD_vGTJRGA/s640/Thumb-Scan-Success-Up-Yes-Free-Image-Positive-Symb-3315.jpg" width="334" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">To Whit:<br />POSITIVE<br />as adjective <br />1. explicitly stated, stipulated, or expressed: a positive acceptance of the agreement. <br />2. admitting of no question: positive proof. <br />3. stated; express; emphatic: a positive denial. <br />4. confident in opinion or assertion; fully assured: He is positive that he will win the contest. <br />5. overconfident or dogmatic: The less he knows, the more positive he gets. <br />6. without relation to or comparison with other things; not relative or comparative; absolute. <br />7. Informal. downright; out-and-out: She's a positive genius. noun <br />as noun<br />8. Photography. a positive image, as on a print or transparency. <br /><br />The word itself originates with the Latin word posit or positus which means to place, put or set. Or something that is posited; an assumption; postulate.<br /><br />So, to fully understand the word and its roots I went on to check out the word postulate.<br />POSTULATE<br />as verb (used with object), postulated, postulating. <br />1. to ask, demand, or claim. <br />2. to claim or assume the existence or truth of, especially as a basis for reasoning or arguing.<br />3. to assume without proof, or as self-evident; take for granted. <br />4. Mathematics, Logic. to assume as a postulate. noun 5. something taken as self-evident or assumed without proof as a basis for reasoning. <br />6. Mathematics, Logic. a proposition that requires no proof, being self-evident, or that is for a specific purpose assumed true, and that is used in the proof of other propositions; axiom. <br />7. a fundamental principle. <br />8. a necessary condition; prerequisite. <br /><br />Because as painful as challenges are they help us to reach a higher level of positive thinking. Challenges make us stretch our indomitable spirit. <br /><br />Now, with all that being said, I believe people are simply using the word as interchangeable with being optimistic. This is, of course, a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome. They tend to also hold dear the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world or without a religious overtone, that goodness pervades reality. <br /><br />Ok, enough of the English lesson. Exactly what is my point? My point is that one can be optimistic (or positive) without burying one's head in the sand. The unfortunate aspect of the 'positivity movement' is the outright denial of struggle in life. <br /><br />I lost my son, my best friend, my grandmother and the job I loved all in the space of less than eighteen months. Recovery was not a matter of walking out on my patio with a cup of delicious coffee in the morning and watching the mountains remove their nightcaps of clouds as the pink and gray tendrils of dawn gave way to a pine scented invitation to live life fully and love greatly. I didn't need exhortations to find the positive in these tragedies - that would come - but in the inexpressible pain of the moment I needed to hear something more comforting than perhaps I was getting too tightly wound in the axle of negativity. Well DUH! Life had sucker punched me in the face. I wanted to hear how much it stunk, how much people cared that I was hurting, that life will throw salt in your wounds sometimes. I just wasn't ready to hear that my feelings of anger and betrayal were somehow simply the result of not looking at things in the correct way.<br /><br />I have mentioned before that I suffered a great deal of abuse in my life. I have suffered rape. I have lived in my car. I have been abandoned time and again. The worst betrayal though comes in the shape of so-called friends who don't want to listen when the burden is too much to bear alone. When the bad things threaten to take away their fluffy bunny shield against real life. So they choose their self-righteous mantle of 'positivity' and banish anything that may mean they have to face reality in order to actually help someone.<br /><br />I LOVE life, I love the ridiculously postcard view of the world from my office window. I love my home, my family and the life I have carved out. I have always been optimistic (would I still be here if I wasn't?). But even the definition of positive contains the contradiction of surety without proof or logic, of being dogmatic to the point of being wrong.<br /><br />If you ask me being positive is not about never looking at a situation realistically. In fact, I believe it requires one to be realistic. When I look out at my mountains in the morning - sometimes it takes my breath away with the beauty and majesty of it all - and right in my backyard. Sometimes, as I watch storm clouds gathering so close I can almost touch the thunder, I feel fear and dread. Sometimes (like, say, mid-March on a grey day) it is kind of bleak and annoying. Just because I cannot always break into rapturous prose at the daily sight doesn't mean I've lost my positivity or appreciation. It means I am human - and as we humans tend to do, I look within and make the decision to mirror those mountains for the day or to defy them and feel what I really feel inside.<br /><br />"Every day brings challenges to those who dare/risk/push the envelope. Being the most optimistic person in the room will help you transcend them to your next level of greatness." - R.Sharma<br />(I will, no doubt write more on this subject again. Love to hear your thoughts before then)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-23111859083442375932018-09-12T09:48:00.004-07:002018-09-12T09:49:25.857-07:00DINGBATS #14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-36706354867325468092018-09-11T02:34:00.000-07:002018-09-11T02:34:09.890-07:00ON THE EDGE #8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-37745492094123638922018-09-07T12:35:00.001-07:002018-09-19T05:42:40.889-07:00STICK FIGGERS #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaWcQykHuQ2Z2kEBjTsRyksgZSmMYXr2ypEpN_dMXGWA0U7kRb633mb_UI5breck86XIjy7cODOtif3pyk32c4mRNDgwdf1WQ2QZx_rQhCoaNWpe-859CfAVqjMSy6DM_9U3GA9MFO-8/s1600/stick+figures2_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaWcQykHuQ2Z2kEBjTsRyksgZSmMYXr2ypEpN_dMXGWA0U7kRb633mb_UI5breck86XIjy7cODOtif3pyk32c4mRNDgwdf1WQ2QZx_rQhCoaNWpe-859CfAVqjMSy6DM_9U3GA9MFO-8/s640/stick+figures2_LI.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-45651742859518645892018-09-07T12:33:00.001-07:002018-09-07T12:33:31.043-07:00STICK FIGGERS #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchIvaneCOg6DjMpT56XpXEs-ZxVcde5r-ubYg6bvdvxKtMFkY6kHLedcQxi30q88PVFy8qywwzTlbeS4SbqU3WT8PFldzSZAcpGcOQs71NeZTplu47BYhSx9Rt8s_gn39FWQ_A3xTt0w/s1600/stick+figgers1_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchIvaneCOg6DjMpT56XpXEs-ZxVcde5r-ubYg6bvdvxKtMFkY6kHLedcQxi30q88PVFy8qywwzTlbeS4SbqU3WT8PFldzSZAcpGcOQs71NeZTplu47BYhSx9Rt8s_gn39FWQ_A3xTt0w/s640/stick+figgers1_LI.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-12421414247555377422018-09-04T07:07:00.000-07:002018-09-17T18:04:23.671-07:00A SHAMEFUL SECRET?<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><br />OK I'll admit it. I want to be Kloe Kardashian. Set aside for a moment that she is wealthy and famous and has what appears to be a wonderful connection with a wonderful, loving family - wait, don't. That is part of the reason I want to be her. I don't care much about the fame but it would be nice to be part of a large loving family like that and to have enough money to not have so much debt anymore. But I digress.<br /><br />I am in awe of her determination, commitment and thick skin. I want to have her sick body (at least the five foot version of it) and the discipline it obviously took to achieve it. I love her attitude and her just go on and get through the tough times personality. I don't think of her as a cheap celebrity or skanky or any of the much worse things she has been called by (her term) "haters".<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4AnEDcOXkMrqso3xx4XNncmeG9G4Rd-JFjI9ZQLSZvl88h2FgPk7neclsnQulKafYbCMc0H7VvuobEyXaaNaeNap0mYE9yCMnZ5q5CosbxGMMEWneAytSCO7GS7qvX-2DH1OpkBj6cc/s1600/dream-big.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4AnEDcOXkMrqso3xx4XNncmeG9G4Rd-JFjI9ZQLSZvl88h2FgPk7neclsnQulKafYbCMc0H7VvuobEyXaaNaeNap0mYE9yCMnZ5q5CosbxGMMEWneAytSCO7GS7qvX-2DH1OpkBj6cc/s320/dream-big.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I tend to think of them more as jealous. She and her sisters have found a way to make themselves interesting to the public and a way to make that interest pay off - I say good for them! I wish I was half as clever and a third as smart! I think I would be doing very well. As it is I work out as much as I can with a severe back problem and walk everywhere possible. I take care of myself. No fancy facials or massages; no tanning booths or hair salons, but at least I am effective enough with my personal ministrations to look like I am trying.<br /><br />I have put up pictures of Kloe's latest photo shoot near my exercise area and in my bedroom and, yes on my refrigerator. If she can muster up the courage, and disciple to work hard and look that amazing, certainly I can lose 30 pounds and get better posture going for me. Thanks for the inspiration Kloe.<br /><br />I say we should look to the Kardashians - especially Kloe for inspiration, for advice and for anything else they are willing to share with the public. They may not be movie stars or Famous physicists but they DO have talent and personality and more know-how than your average wannabe.<br /><br />So here is to Kloe and all of her sisters. You are my role model(s) and my idol(s). Keep up your good work and if you want to share any secrets to success - I am all ears and a bit too much fat. but I did get a 2380 on my SATs!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-85110124539525989112018-08-29T10:21:00.001-07:002018-08-29T10:21:53.042-07:00ON PLAGARISM<br />
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Insidious thief would rape your thought</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deny your rights
if he be caught.</div>
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A foolish knave a voice does steal</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To twist the
words he cannot feel?</div>
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Think he it be his rightful due</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To filch what
dull self cannot construe?</div>
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When no authentic muse has led</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To seize from
another is fine instead?</div>
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Without ability to feel his own</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll take what
someone else has known.</div>
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That intelligence is not his in fact</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He makes apparent
in this heinous act.</div>
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Emotions, laughter, heartbreak, sorrow</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps he’ll
knock at your door tomorrow.</div>
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To take the pictures your life would weave</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claim them for
his own and leave.</div>
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Posing haughty as advanced pedant</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with wisdom
hollow, weak and scant.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Garner kudos, praise, and prizes dim</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of them
belong to him</div>
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Such arrogance and disrespect bespeak</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hollow, empty,
thoughtless sneak.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now I’ve said my piece to you . . .</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll probably
come and take this too!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-6169511256917122642018-08-26T12:23:00.004-07:002018-08-26T12:23:51.202-07:00DINGBATS #13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-39928391664480452232018-08-17T07:55:00.000-07:002018-08-17T07:55:09.343-07:00ON THE EDGE #7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-33744341316931740062018-08-11T11:51:00.002-07:002018-08-11T11:51:22.668-07:00ME?....A SAINT?...NEVER!<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Well, I might
just as well come right out and say it . . . I am never going to be canonized a
saint!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason I am so sure is not
what you may think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, there are
the reasons that pop right into mind, such as my professional standing as a
sinner (well, there are a few commandments that I've managed not to completely
disregard in my lifetime!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fact is, the
reason is much more subtle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The realization
came on me slowly at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
reading a book, "Modern Day Saints" by Ann Ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a delightful book that contains not
only the story of the lives of saints, but actual photographs of them as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I discovered laminated holy
cards for my two-year-old to look at and chew on without ruining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, my older kids brought home some
different information on saints and holy people (also with pictures).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started noticing something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One and all, each of those saints depicted,
male or female, young or old, martyred, dead of natural causes or illness, it
didn't matter...they were all photogenic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean they looked fabulous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Smiling serenely, gently posed, caught in attitudes of prayer or
meditation, reflecting thoughtfully upon a book or crucifix or simply gazing at
a sight too ethereal to be caught by camera.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What with all the
fancy new options available for cameras - instant pictures, red-eye reduction,
auto focus, auto flash, etc., it makes me wonder why there isn't some sort of
warning system for misguided males who are about to take a picture of a woman
that would have been mentioned in the Bible as justification for violating the
fifth commandment!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could call it
the auto-NOT feature!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that I
would run right out now and buy that camera no matter what the cost!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because this is what is going to prevent my
ever being included in a collected book of saints (well, this and that
aforementioned sin thing).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure it
would send the Pope and most of the Cardinals in Rome, a slew of televangelists
and most of the Bible Belt straight to an early meeting with their savior if
they were to have to go through the available snapshots of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now that would include a most
remarkable selection of photos of my backside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Truthfully, it is not because I have such a magnificent rear-view that my
camera-nut-of-the-moment cannot help himself either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, actually it is because the man has a
truly bizarre sense of humor (and, if you ask me, an ill-concealed death
wish!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In each case, I
am bending over, presenting a most unlovely view if myself which he has zoomed
in on (he keeps insisting that he used a wide-angle setting!), creating a
distorted image and causing him to be beside himself with hilarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His favorite consists of a close-up of me
backing out of the doghouse (don't ask).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am wearing a pair of stretch pants that are white with a metallic
sheen that had a wondrously reflective quality (PLEASE don't ask!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flash bounced off my posterior creating
an incredibly accurate simulation of the aurora borealis - up close!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine THAT on a holy card!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To be fair, he
has also taken a good many portrait shots of me during this time as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, he read somewhere once that
"natural" is better than "posed" for portraits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He interpreted this to mean "catch your
subjects by surprise".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So most of
those shots show me in the middle of saying, "Huh?" and staring at
the camera in confusion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yes, he has a
favorite among these as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On that
occasion, I was sitting at the dining room table working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids had come and gone at various
intervals, leaving behind the remnants of their snacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just absentmindedly popped a cheese
ball, maybe two (or was it three?), into my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He strolled around the corner and yelled,
"Zen!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whipped up my head,
causing my reading glasses to slip to the end of my nose and in an unbelievable
incidence of bad timing, the combs holding my hair in a knot on top of my head
popped out, resulting in my having a large, messy wad of hair ooze down over
one ear and . . . CLICK . . . it was all over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The picture is,
indeed, a classic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sitting there in
a spectacularly lavish state of disarray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My cheeks puffy with food, nose wrinkled in the effort to catch my
glasses, hair disheveled, mouth agape, paper askew, an expression of startled
confusion on my face . . . surrounded by plates, bread crusts, chips, cookies,
crumbs, empty packages, pop cans, glasses, bits of popcorn, cheese curls and
candy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He thinks I
should use it on the dust jacket of my first book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I'm afraid
they'll use it on my "WANTED" poster!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-65208348363355173672018-08-09T12:13:00.001-07:002018-08-09T12:13:04.352-07:00DINGBATS #12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17066786697109566866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047441024246985898.post-8061634376687204562018-08-02T15:44:00.001-07:002018-08-04T14:17:05.727-07:00ON THE EDGE #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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