Happy New Year '08!

Now and Then is Sunday scribblings New Years Prompt.
I have been fighting a cold for the last couple of days and today I feel worse, congested, sore throat and a back ache that is killing me. I would love to think of a wonderful 'Now and Then' post for all my blogging buddies...but the following is all my heavy head could think of...
New Years Eve '06- Then- I remember drinking delicious wine. New years Eve '07-Now- If I dare drink I will risk quite an asthma attack, (Maybe, I will put some Robitussin in a wine glass.) Then - I remember laughing with good friends.- Now - It wouldn't be funny for my good friends to risk catching this. Then-I remember wearing a beautiful sexy black shirt.-Now- My flannel purple doggie p.j.s won't be sexy but as cozy as can be. Then I remember enjoying shrimp cocktail Now So happy I have homemade Chicken soup!
Then- I gave my sweetheart a passionate New Years kiss Now- It will be a gentle hug.
Now.... besides my usual list of resolutions I will be adding one- that next New years Eve '08 (THen) I resolve NOT to be sick and feel like I do.... now.... this is really confusing me... It must be the sudafed talking. Everytime I get sick, I appreciate being well so much more! When I get back to normal....I swear each morning I will not take for granted waking feeling well and savoring that delicious first cup of coffee.
I wish everyone a happy and HEALTHY New Year! Hope this finds you feeling Super!

Save the planet (and your Ass!)

Writers Islands prompt this week-EARTH
I think there are two types of people on our EARTH... 1. those who think nothing of tossing their Big Mac litter out their car windows and 2. those who will drive to their destination with the lingering nasty onion odor( making them sorry they ate this food in the first place) ,just to do the right thing and throw it in a garbage pail.... If you're type one ,you probably could care less about our wonderful planet... BUT you Care about your own ass.(fat ass, if you don't give up the junk food) So... read this Brilliant routine from Mr. George Carlin.... and maybe... Just maybe, you will perceive it the way I do. Not as an anti-green rant, but as a warning. Warning You to show Mr. EARTH a little respect.....before YOU or your future descendants ARE shaken off his back like a bad case of fleas!

"We're so self-important. So self-important. Everybody's going to save something now. "Save the trees, save the bees, save the whales, save those snails." And the greatest arrogance of all: save the planet. What? Are these fucking people kidding me? Save the planet, we don't even know how to take care of ourselves yet. We haven't learned how to care for one another, we're gonna save the fucking planet?

I'm getting tired of that shit. Tired of that shit. I'm tired of fucking Earth Day, I'm tired of these self-righteous environmentalists, these white, bourgeois liberals who think the only thing wrong with this country is there aren't enough bicycle paths. People trying to make the world save for their Volvos. Besides, environmentalists don't give a shit about the planet. They don't care about the planet. Not in the abstract they don't. Not in the abstract they don't. You know what they're interested in? A clean place to live. Their own habitat. They're worried that some day in the future, they might be personally inconvenienced. Narrow, unenlightened self-interest doesn't impress me.

Besides, there is nothing wrong with the planet. Nothing wrong with the planet. The planet is fine. The PEOPLE are fucked. Difference. Difference. The planet is fine. Compared to the people, the planet is doing great. Been here four and a half billion years. Did you ever think about the arithmetic? The planet has been here four and a half billion years. We've been here, what, a hundred thousand? Maybe two hundred thousand? And we've only been engaged in heavy industry for a little over two hundred years. Two hundred years versus four and a half billion. And we have the CONCEIT to think that somehow we're a threat? That somehow we're gonna put in jeopardy this beautiful little blue-green ball that's just a-floatin' around the sun?

The planet has been through a lot worse than us. Been through all kinds of things worse than us. Been through earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, continental drift, solar flares, sun spots, magnetic storms, the magnetic reversal of the poles...hundreds of thousands of years of bombardment by comets and asteroids and meteors, worlwide floods, tidal waves, worldwide fires, erosion, cosmic rays, recurring ice ages...And we think some plastic bags, and some aluminum cans are going to make a difference? The planet...the planet...the planet isn't going anywhere. WE ARE!

We're going away. Pack your shit, folks. We're going away. And we won't leave much of a trace, either. Thank God for that. Maybe a little styrofoam. Maybe. A little styrofoam. The planet'll be here and we'll be long gone. Just another failed mutation. Just another closed-end biological mistake. An evolutionary cul-de-sac. The planet'll shake us off like a bad case of fleas. A surface nuisance.

You wanna know how the planet's doing? Ask those people at Pompeii, who are frozen into position from volcanic ash, how the planet's doing. You wanna know if the planet's all right, ask those people in Mexico City or Armenia or a hundred other places buried under thousands of tons of earthquake rubble, if they feel like a threat to the planet this week. Or how about those people in Kilowaia, Hawaii, who built their homes right next to an active volcano, and then wonder why they have lava in the living room.

The planet will be here for a long, long, LONG time after we're gone, and it will heal itself, it will cleanse itself, 'cause that's what it does. It's a self-correcting system. The air and the water will recover, the earth will be renewed, and if it's true that plastic is not degradable, well, the planet will simply incorporate plastic into a new paradigm: the earth plus plastic. The earth doesn't share our prejudice towards plastic. Plastic came out of the earth. The earth probably sees plastic as just another one of its children. Could be the only reason the earth allowed us to be spawned from it in the first place. It wanted plastic for itself. Didn't know how to make it. Needed us. Could be the answer to our age-old egocentric philosophical question, "Why are we here?" Plastic...asshole.

So, the plastic is here, our job is done, we can be phased out now. And I think that's begun. Don't you think that's already started? I think, to be fair, the planet sees us as a mild threat. Something to be dealt with. And the planet can defend itself in an organized, collective way, the way a beehive or an ant colony can. A collective defense mechanism. The planet will think of something. What would you do if you were the planet? How would you defend yourself against this troublesome, pesky species? Let's see... Viruses. Viruses might be good. They seem vulnerable to viruses. And, uh...viruses are tricky, always mutating and forming new strains whenever a vaccine is developed. Perhaps, this first virus could be one that compromises the immune system of these creatures. Perhaps a human immunodeficiency virus, making them vulnerable to all sorts of other diseases and infections that might come along. And maybe it could be spread sexually, making them a little reluctant to engage in the act of reproduction.

Well, that's a poetic note. And it's a start. And I can dream, can't I? See I don't worry about the little things: bees, trees, whales, snails. I think we're part of a greater wisdom than we will ever understand. A higher order. Call it what you want. Know what I call it? The Big Electron. The Big Electron...whoooa. Whoooa. Whoooa. It doesn't punish, it doesn't reward, it doesn't judge at all. It just is. And so are we. For a little while.by George Carlin

I would also like to add.... If this moved you... even if it just moved you to chuckle.... Make ONE change! If we all just add one more smart change to our lives... I think we can make a difference. I think we can keep Mr. Earth from annihilating us! check out 26 things we can do to help
Don't get me wrong-I DON'T do nearly as much as I know I should. I like a long hot shower, I drive everywhere, I use my clothes dryer A LOT. But, being conscious of what can help and trying each day to make a change.... is a start! ( I recently switched all my light bulbs to the compact fluorescents..... They take a while to give you light, which is sometimes a pain, especially when you get something in your eye and run into the DARK bathroom! haha Other than that, they seem great! )

Twas the day after Christmas

It's the day after Christmas and all through my rooms
I need a vacuum a mop, soapy sponges and brooms.
The washer is filled with tablecloths of sauces and such
because we ate like fat bastards foods tasty and too much
The eve had my home filled with family, laughs and fun
We relaxed in the hot tub when they left after one
With Papa in his apron and me in mine too
He cranked up his fry pot, I made a fondu
I served various fishes and Italian dishes
My sons eggplant parmigiano- DELICIOUS!
Fried Shrimp, baked clams, Calamari, OH MY
Creme puffs and cookies and warm apple pie
Realized I forgot to serve the garlic knots I baked
Probably spared my guests a Christmas belly ache

Christmas day was peaceful and quiet- like heaven
Still had Our fry-daddy Crankin', 'Fry fest '07'!
We opened gifts with our pets and 3 boys
listened to music, ATE, played games we enjoy
watched a movie, ATE, called friends far away
Swore to give up eating all together after today

The kids stayed up late and are still nestled in their messy beds
The dogs are conked out like they've been given doggy meds
The husband has gone back to work, he needs to make a buck
so we can attempt to pay Am Ex Christmas charges, wish us Luck!
I in my red jammies, just can't get my ass up
I need more coffee... just one more cup
Then I will plug in the Orek vacuum, get it rumbling
Wake my kids for their help, Yes, they'll be grumbling
Of course I'm not complaining about all we ate, bought and messed
Because my heart knows my family and our lives are truly blessed
What I would like to exclaim before I get out of sight
Is I wish everyone in our world could be blessed like this each night

Here's some pictures I would like to share-


Molly doesn't understand what she should do with her new toy


Cosmo however KNOWS what to do with a stuffed squirrel!



My buddy Ann made me these beautiful handknitted socks! I am loving them!




I feel so blessed to have met my friend Jenny through blogging. She sent me these beautiful handmade coasters! They will be used year round!

My Ballie and Tri-colored Cookies have been my breakfast for the last 3 days!


In this big box is a large set of much needed corning ware from my in-laws, who had brought over chinese food a few weeks ago BUT couldn't find any bowls in my kitchen to serve it in! Good thinking Mom and Dad!

Christmas Memories

When I think of Holiday Memories I seem to mostly remember the holidays I've spent since I've been with my husband. Christmas 1976-The year we first met, he lived alone and said he wasn't decorating or getting himself a Christmas tree. During that December, My brother-in-law was working in a nursery and as a joke before bringing over our Christmas tree, He first brought in this skimpy, tall twig with one branch on it. A true Charlie Brown Christmas tree. We all had a laugh and then they threw away this poor twiggy tree.
I picked it up and drove it over to my husbands apartment. We actually decorated it with tinsel, lights and a few sparkling trinkets and it added so much warmth to that little place, which eventually became my little place too!
I don't remember too many of my early Christmas memories. What I do remember is more from the stories I have been told. My Dad, who had contracted a heart condition from Rheumatic fever as a child, passed away 2 weeks before Christmas. I was three, my sister was nine and my brother, 12. I was told my mom was (understandably) so distraught she didn't buy presents or decorate or acknowledge that it was Christmas. My Aunt ( my Moms brothers wife) bought presents for my sister, brother and I and insisted we all come to her home for Christmas day. It is a very fond memory for my siblings. My sister told me this story when I was about 12 and that Christmas I wrote a very heartfelt letter of thanks to that Aunt who was the kindest to us in our time of need. She is still one of the sweetest people I know.
The only early memory that really is my own, Is the memory of not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve and waking up and snooping at the gifts under our tree. I recently wrote a poem about this that I am actually proud of! So, I would like to share it again for Sundays Scribblings appropriate prompt holiday memories

Tip toe barefoot undaunted by the night
darkened house lit only by Angel-light
Dry needles tinsel on faux pads of white snow
Cling to tip toes tip toes as she creeps down real low

Haunted by whispered naughtiness, she should be asleep in bed
Shhhh! Haunted by inquisitiveness, she must first peep instead

Quiet as can be, embellished surprises get a gentle shake
rustling sounds of papers echo however others do not wake
Not quite believing nonetheless conceiving this evenings magical delight
Tip toes, toes cold, tips back under warm covers finally asleep till first light


fun memory-One year our 'usual' Santa passed the job to our oldest son and was able to get a different perspective!


Sexy Memories-My 'Mr. Claus' would always get a bit naughty with me!
Wishing everyone a naughty Christmas Eve!

Hallelujah

I hope you will press play and I hope Rufus moves you like he moves me

I am moved by so many things this holiday season. I've always been an overly sensitive, overly emotional person. This season, however, my heart is on emotional over-load. Not just for the big heartaches like our lost & homesick troops, the less fortunate, sick and homeless. It also seems like even the smallest things can set me off with tears of sadness, happiness OR both simultaneously!. A small child's wonder as I watch her wait her turn to visit Santa. A baby in a stroller with a jingle bell hat who smiles at me as I wait on line behind him. The precious Memories of my children's past Christmas's and wishes come true. My children just giving me their usual daily hugs. And OH the music! While getting a manicure, James Taylors flawless voice singing 'have yourself a merry little Christmas' propelled me to embarrassing tears and to best buy, I had to hear it again and again. And Rufus....Oh Rufus! The mans voice just moves me in ways I can't possibly verbalize. I just can't get enough of Hallelujah. Although it's not a Christmas song, The beauty of his amazing voice along with the melodic vocalization of this meaningful word, has moved me to tears, to singing, to dancing (either alone or with whomever is in my path!)
For me, This season is about' being moved'. It is all about being charitable, being loving, Being with Family and friends, being giving AND forgiving. Being a compassionate Human being. It's about tolerance. It's about praying for Peace. It's about reaching out to others with tenderness, kindness and humanity. It's about being Extremely thankful and appreciative for every single blessing in our lives. It's about wishing friends like you a heartfelt 'Merry' Christmas and It's about expressing all these feelings with a joyful, passionate.....Hallelujah!!

to read more about 'this season' visit writers Island

Dance Dance Dance

I LOVE to dance!!

Please click HERE To see- My 3 sons & I, dancing with much Christmas spirit!
Then I hope you come back and click here and watch me dance with my other 3 elves. ( I mean family members!)
Hope this puts you in the spirit too!

Seriously though! It is funny that this is the sunday scribblings
prompt. I just decided to go back to dancing school!
I contacted the school I attended THIRTY-FIVE years ago! ( No! the teacher isn't dead by now!! He is still 'kickin'! )
Since I just can't get back into exercising... I thought why not do something I love! Something I don't think I will
consider merely exercising. I will let you know How it goes!
( In this older post
you will remember I talked about and showed a picture from dancing school. Despite Mr. Vic's cheerleader remark, I am going to embark! )

thanks for the elf laughs Sherrie!

In one small moment

The Moment she said the words.....memories flooded back to me. In one moment I was laughing and shampooing my clients color out of her hair. She was telling a funny story. She was reminiscing about her child's high-school days. He never woke for class, they would pour cold water on him. They would threaten him. A small moment later she mentioned they threatened him with the -Truant officer.- My heart stopped, I started shaking inside, the memory that had been tucked so far back from my heart and mind exploded. I don't know if she noticed how quiet I became, my laughter ceased. A sadness came over me over a memory of my childhood that sums up that childhood. That stabs me with pain. However, NOW that it has abruptly moved into my consciousness. Now that I have wept and agonized. I feel I CAN control the pain of this memory and all it brings with it. Maybe, By talking about it. Maybe, By writing it down. Definitely, By not being so embarrassed about a way of life that as a child I had No control of. In the third grade the 'truant officer' came to my home. To remove a frightened little girl who was hiding in her mothers closet and escort her back to elementary school. A little girl, who was solely responsible for getting herself up each morning. Getting herself fed, bathed and dressed. Walking herself the short walk to the bus stop and getting herself off to school on time. It is very understandable that playing hooky became her preference most days. I don't remember how many days of school I must have missed that particular year. Apparently, the school must have called my mom at work and she must have (I would assume) given permission for this 'official' kidnapping. My big sister was home that day too. At 14, she was a hooky champion as well. She pulled me out of that cluttered closet. She told me I HAD to go to school with this man. I was merely 8 yrs. old. I was hysterically crying. I was extremely terrified. I was, as I now am, shaking inside.
I remember sitting so silently in the front seat of his little red Volkswagen beetle. I remember going into my classroom and a few kids asking " Why would you come to school this late? It's almost time to go home."
In a quick moment I lied that I was sick in the morning but felt better now.
Today I assume a parent would be arrested for leaving a little child consistently unattended. Back in the '60's, no one seemed to notice or care. From Kindergarden on through..... I was given the momentous responsibility of....myself. alone.

I'm not sure if I will be able to hit the 'publish post' button tomorrow. Part of me feels, this may help the healing process, part of me feels devastated to disclose such an intimate glimpse into my past. I fear and resent pity. I fear being viewed as pathetic. I just need to rebound. I need to put the pain in perspective. I just need to mend.
writers island

Competition

I am not at all competitive. I love playing board games, but I love them just as much whether I win or lose. ( In my house, I'm just so happy if someone agrees to play with me! Wah! ) So theSunday Scribblings prompt this week, led my very congested brain in another direction....

Each competing for my dire attention
day by day by relentless day
each cramp my brains limited retention
causing me guilt for their dismay
I used to love to pamper them all
gave extra care in the spring and fall!
Now my efforts have somehow lost their groove
lackluster they give me no inspiration
Maybe I'll abandon them all! Just move!
No, I don't possess that determination
I guess I just have to deal with these demanding BORES
Even though I'd rather take a walk on the beach
I guess I just have to do my humdrum household chores
Can you Pass me the toilet-bowl brush and the bleach?

Zombies and Gypsies

Please press play!

Many mornings I drive my eldest son to work. He actually does the driving. I am a tense, defensive driver. He on the other hand drives like he is 80. Obeys speed limit laws, never accelerates to 'make the green' light. Is never harried by anything. (I don't know who he takes after, certainly Not his dad!) So the passenger seat is very relaxing on the way to his school. Right now, In my cars c.d. changer I have 2 Regina Spektor cds, One Bjork, One Alicia Keys, One Roisin Murphy. Spot # 6 used to have Fergie... BUT on our way to school my son, who LOVES music but HATES the above mentioned cds... Compromises, ( another 80 yr. old wonderful quality!) He brings His fleetwood mac c.d., Something we both enjoy. My favorite track is Gypsy. He good naturedly tolerates me singing at the top of my lungs MY rendition of Stevie at her best. Like the Lightening she sings about I often times sing it...' Twice! ' So this has been our routine since F. moved back home this past August. The 20 minute drive to the school he works in not only has us enjoying Fleetwood Mac, we also enjoy really nice conversations. ( well, of course Not while Gypsy is playing). Today I hit button #6 ( and cleared my throat).... But wait ... This isn't Gypsy! OH MY..... Another Artist F. and I both Love.... The Cranberries happily surprised me! My favorite Cranberry tune? ZOMBIE! My son didn't laugh as I tried to mimic her unusual style of singing. He just smiled and said 'Mom, you should sing, You could put your poetry to music... I can teach you to play the guitar too.' Does this make you melt also? Or, Is it just 'cause I'm his Mom? He is so cute. I stopped singing and thanked him but told him I didn't think the guitar would be good for my arthritis! ( Of course now I had to put Zombie back on from the beginning).
When we first began sharing my car and I thought about these cold early mornings, having to get dressed and take a ride, I never imagined it would become one of the highlights of my day. Till the end of my life.... Anytime I hear Gypsy or Zombie I know I will remember these mornings and treasure their memories.

Search Video Codes

only press play if you love zombies

Our Promise of Love

We said I do I do I do
We promised 'I'll always love you'
young pillow talk idealistic dreaming
romance rapture euphoric gaze gleaming
guarded inner identities revealed
vows before friends and god sealed
heart and soul-mates, our spirits unite
then life's bumpy road challenges plight
like a random coin chance had tossed
force some to abandon vows seek divorce
still others sustain, dance the to and fro
give and take hold on tight don't let go
ups downs sickness frustration
sadness stress financial devastation
raising kids extremely crazy
work ceaseless, love-life lazy
perseverance through thick and thin
Love comes Full circle, rapture again
faith devotion patience strength-galore
love and passion grow ever more
ripening promises made years before
Sharing life as lovers and best friends
Empowered commitment brings amends
'Till death do we part' our traditional adage
believe. treasure. promise enduring marriage
Each bearing witness to each others significant life
Divine is the intimacy of a husband and wife


for more promises go to writers island