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

the edge of absurdity

This is my little salon decorated for Christmas. YES Christmas, not winter. Today with the sunday scribblings prompt 'Walk', I'd like to take a walk on the edge. The edge of all this Politically correct crap. When exactly did it happen? When did our society get so overly sensitive and INtolerant of the differences of others? I am so sick of going to my sons "winter" concert and not even hearing Jingle bells. A few years back the band actually played "in the good ol' summertime". Our children should learn about how different cultures celebrate their different holidays. It would be educational and very interesting. To bypass every ones beliefs by throwing the 'seasonal' theme into a celebration is denying our kids the education of diversity. No longer is Halloween a celebration in our district... It's the autumn celebration... No more costumes! That offended a few people! So instead of those few keeping their kids home on October 31st, Our kids give up a much loved tradition, further instituting a spiritless school environment.
Easter and passover are known as our Spring Celebration. Give me a break! Cupcakes for a birthday? ARE YOU CRAZY Man? There is SUGAR in those.... Get a crate of clementines and shove a candle in one! ( No wonder suicide is on the rise)
Now to top it all off we are getting on Santas case! Being Fat and saying Ho-HO-HO is apparently OFFENSIVE! Yeah.... There is an epidemic of obesity with the young because the are all emulating St. Nick. It couldn't be all the fast food in their diets and the sedentary life-style they're leading. It couldn't be cupcake deprival is making them crazy. NO! So, now some PC Morons ( btw... I would LOVE to know who THEY are) are proposing that we have Santa slim down and say HA HA HA! Are you Fucking kidding me? Doesn't anyone respect tradition anymore? When did it happen that more people hear HO HO HO and think of loose women instead of an old fashioned chuckle? Are the loose women out there starting this campaign? If so ... Listen up Mamas... If you're a HO deal with it, Santa means nothing personal. He is trying to be jolly in spite of the deranged community he is condemned to ring his bell in.

I found it interesting recently when my ASIAN nail technician (who speaks broken english and has often asked me for corrections) referred to someone Chinese as Oriental. I smiled and explained to him that now a days that is considered Politically incorrect... The term is Asian, Oriental describes a carpet.
( that was the example someone once gave me) He looked at me like my information was absurd, He replied "but She is from the Orient." I agree with him and doubt it was an Asian that started that whole PC alteration....... Who knows who starts these ridiculous corrections, but we can stop them by becoming more tolerant of each other. Give mankind the benefit of the doubt, don't assume he is trying to insult YOU, maybe he is just doing HIS own thing. I remember part of an expression from my youth... You do your thing and I'll do mine and if we should meet.... ( I can't remember I think groovy may have been the next word, if you remember please tell me) Let's change it to 'You do your thing and I'll do mine and if we should meet up in our community I will respect your beliefs and You mine.'

a closer view shows you my tiny CHRISTMAS tree and CHRISTMAS stocking, I also have a sign saying MERRY CHRISTMAS.

I respect and love my non-christian clients and friends and they respect that I celebrate a different holiday than they do, many Love experiencing that difference with my festive decor, music and treats.

Do Re Me ABC

Kim over at RED MOON tagged me with a meme whose rules are: Come up with an adjective to describe yourself for every letter of the alphabet. BUT all the adjectives must be positive - no self effacing!

So here I am in alphabetical order:

Affectionate ( I'm a hug and kiss kind of person)

Bubbly (the word my husband used to use to describe me, not so much lately!)

Cautious ( if you've read this blog... no need to explain)

Dramatic ( this can be good, no?)

Emotinal ( many would Say OVERLY emotional)

Funny (so I've been told)

Generous ( I love giving to others)

Healthy ( I'm proud that I am very healthy at 48)

Intuitive ( it must be a woman thing)

Jumpy ( I startle easily)

Kind ( sometimes too kind which can be a fault you know)

Little ( there is only 5' of me)

Maternal ( it's all I wanted in my life)

Nutty ( in a good way- ditsy would be appropriate too)

Obliging ( I think I'm very easy going)

Polite ( thankyou very much)

Quick ( I do many things super speedy,if you see me at Costco.. I'm the one running with the cart)

Repetitive ( I just remembered I ALREADY did one of these abc mems!, although the first word was there for me)

Sweet ( When people describe me it's either sweet or cute... I guess thats better than bitchy or ugly)

Thrifty ( Remind me to tell you the story of the TWO sausages)

Unscathed ( Do you know I have NEVER had a broken bone or serious injury?? This is due to letter 'C'.

Voluptuous ( let's just say.... I've ample supply)

Worthy ( I am a good person and deserving of good things in life)

Xdorable ( every time I'm stumped on a letter and ask my husband for a word he puts the letter I'm stumped on in front of adorable... so for letter 'X' I will go with his opinion!)

Youthful ( I am definitely young at heart and tend to dress a little trendy)

Zany ( no need for an explanation here)

I would love to tag Daisy Sherrie and Jen
Of course tag yourself if you have the desire.

The Letter

I wish I could write a flagrant letter
put my feelings of this caper on paper
I think it could help me feel better
better than your paper mache bouquet
arms stretched out giving and blushing
blushing generosity weakens me wispy
I play an inspiring letter-writing lullaby
lullaby plays above sheets of papers bare
bare save sprays of perfume streaks misty
misty mood music moves my pen in the air
Air perfumed by Autumns open-window breeze
Breeze blows easing sweaty palms tight squeeze
squeeze slightly moves lightly and starts to compose
compose a letter to procure my need to feel better
better than this tear-stained paper mache rose
rose this morning needing to write this letter
to let her know that her barren attempts have failed
failed to lift my hearts disappointments and valid pain
painful beyond our past still so far I've no disdain
disdain wastes energy better well spent
spent on writing this letter never to be sent
instead A conceivable note of thanks alone is sullenly mailed
mailed as autumns intoxicating air is slowly deeply inhaled


for more "letters" visit writers island

frugal youth

please hit play and listen to 10,000 maniacs- these are days

"Misspent Youth" is the Sunday Scribblings topic.
Hmmmmm... I am wondering .... DID I Miss Spend my youth? S.S. asks ... What kind of kid were you? Well, I was a VERY cautious kid. Looking back I can definitely say I spent too much time being cautious and worrying. I remember when we moved across town and I had to attend a new middle school. After about a week a girl I had just met asked me to come to her sleep over party. I said I have to ask my mom. My mom said "sure" but the next day I went to school and told her I wasn't allowed because My mom didn't know her family. How weird was I ?? I wanted my mom to say yes but I also wanted her to ask all the right 'mom' questions and statements of concern... ( which I of course am very good at now that I am a Mom... ) WHAT IS HER NAME/ WHERE DOES SHE LIVE/WILL HER PARENTS BE HOME/ I NEED TO MEET THEM /WHAT IS THEIR PHONE NUMBER/WHO WILL BE THERE/CALL ME IF YOU'RE UNCOMFORTABLE/ .... Who knows I could have had a great time and met more new friends. This is only one example of my weird cautiously spent youth.
My One huge regret or should I say THE main wasteful Squandering of my youth, was that I didn't attend college. At home It wasn't even discussed, EVER. I think now of how terrible it was that even at school a guidance counselor or a teacher never encouraged me. I wasn't a great student but only because I attended high school to basically socialize and ogle boys. I had a great method of cutting which never led to detention. ( which I will not reveal while I still have a kid in H.S.!) I know I had potential, Every report card, Every teacher... the same words "not working up to her potential". Geeez, What a stupid, cautious, weird kid. If I could go back I would have absorbed every lesson, every bit of information. I would have pursued college. I can't go back and do it again and who knows, if I would have taken a different path and gone off to college, I maybe wouldn't have met my husband and had all those great teenage years of his passionate kisses. hmmmm....... Educated? Loved? Educated? Loved? Come to think of it... I spent my youth well- I'm a well loved Dumb-Dumb!! :~))

loupee is on a loop

Before we went to our relatives house today to celebrate Thanksgiving and eat a nice dinner, I did something many would consider a bit looney.
I made a thanksgiving dinner. I prepared the stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes & stuffed mushrooms last night after a 7 hour work day. This morning I had that sucker stuffed cooked and cooling before we left. The reason? Favorite traditional holiday foods, The smell of turkey filling our home and of course... Leftovers.... For many years this was my designated holiday. I loved making the special foods my kids enjoy. Every year after the GiANT clean up was done and everyone went home, I would make a plate of all my favorite Turkey day treats, sit down in front of a favorite t.v. show and really, really enjoy every last bite of my delicious hard work.
A few years ago, I broke tradition, I needed a change. I decided to take on Christmas eve as 'my' holiday. Well, the last few Thanksgivings just haven't been the same.~ No turkey and stuffing at 11 p.m.. ~ No holiday 'smell' ~ Fridge bare on Friday ~ Complaints like... I missed your stuffing Mom and they didn't have stuffed mushrooms.
This all sounds quite reasonable doesn't it?? Well, my eldest son would disagree. His theory ( and I must say.. he has many and I totally enjoy hearing his take on EveryThing) His Theory is I am stuck in a loop. In this case... I am stuck in the Thanksgiving loop because that is all I know HOW to do on this holiday. COOK. (It was hard not to smile while he was explaining this to me) He thought it was lunacy that I would create all this work on my day off from work and from entertaining. I explained that I know the favorite foods we all have would have been missed and maybe I'm creating nice memories. He feels I've already created nice Thanksgiving memories and It's time to move on... and get off (or is it out of )THE Loop. Maybe he is right. After all, it is of course not only about the food. It is about family. It is about giving thanks. AND... As my Weight watcher leader would say when she is emphasizing getting a grip.... it isn't a holiWEEK... it is..... only a holiDAY.
oooh It's already 11:30?..... time to make up my plate of leftovers :~))

The Dream

For writers Islands 'dream' prompt I decided to post 2 older posts from February & March of this year. I was having such Weird reoccurring dreams then. I am so grateful that they have stopped and I'm back to sleeping like a baby not even remembering any of my dreams. Like the 2nd to last paragraph describes... this is my built in dvd mechanism.... playing an older adventure... A repeat for my long time buddies but a 'new release' to my new friends.

Feb. 18, 2007-
On many nights I have been dreaming about babies. The bizarre thing is, I am always being neglectful of the baby. I am going about my different activities, and all of a sudden, it's like the light bulb goes off and I remember I have a baby who has not been changed or fed or held! I'm not sure if it is one of my own babies or if I am watching someone's baby. It's very disturbing and I always wake feeling very upset. One night I had a similar one about puppies.
( baby dogs). This one was more horrific because unlike the babies who are soiled, hungry and upset- These puppies were totally forgotten about in my basement. After the whole summer went by I finally remembered them and when I ran downstairs to rescue them they had disintegrated and only Huge golden powder puffs of fur were blowing around like tumble weeds! It was like a horror movie! I woke up from this one terrified! My husband thought I was influenced by that horrible scene in the movie Superman Returns, where one dog eats another. I had watched that movie a few nights before the dream. That doesn't explain the numerous forgotten baby dreams. My girlfriend thinks it means that I have way too much on my mind and I have been very forgetful, so I am worried I may forget something important. I'm not sure she is right. I am wondering If I am the baby? Am I feeling I don't take good care of myself? I do feel dreams are important puzzle pieces, illustrating what we are feeling subconsciously. What do you think? What crazy dreams do you repeatedly have? I would really love to understand these dreams. But, for tonight, I am hoping to forget them and just sleep like a baby.

March 11, 2007
I recently wrote about dreams, because mine have been disturbing lately. So the prompt this week, Dream Journey- made me question what path I took to get here. What dreams have led me to these troubled ones? Is there a connection? The fact that my new dreams are reoccurring is reminding me of reoccurring dreams I had during my dreadful high school years. My high school dreams were about escaping. I was running through a fun house type of house. Opening doors only to realize it was a dead end. Panicky and frightened, I kept trying to get out. The weird thing is even back then I was holding a child's hand, Not as young as the recent nightmares, but still representing a dependent, innocent. I had this dream sometimes 3 times a week. Always waking disturbed and puzzled. I remember questioning my psychology teacher and his interpretation was, I was trying to escape a troubling situation and the child I was dragging was My inner child, the Naive, gullible part of me. ( he elected me "most gullible", because one day the bell didn't sound the same, when I questioned it, he told me the man that usually made that noise was out sick so it was a substitute making the new sound! I can't even believe I was ever THAT gullible!) A few months after I moved out of my moms home, I realized those dreams had stopped. Giving me a great understanding of what was troubling me. When I was feeling happy and less stressed so were my dreams. Through the years I have had a few memorable nightmares, In vivid color, as exciting and suspenseful as a hitchcock flick. But it's those reoccurring dreams that stick with me. It's so curious, that we can repeat the same theme and images. It's like we have a built in dvd player and are too lazy to think up a new adventure some nights. Just hit play and watch it again.
I don't think these "neglected baby" dreams have anything to do with escaping. The fact that they are reoccurring may be the only thing they have in common with those old dreams. As far as stress goes, I have been feeling less stressed than I have in years. I feel like a totally different woman than who I was in December. I made a few life changes and I make a conscious effort each day to stop and smell the roses, and stop and realize how lucky I am. So maybe the journey has become me forgetting about the inner me, because she doesn't need my help anymore. She is independent a little less innocent and happy, real happy and grateful for being so.

I Carry

Forever I carry you everywhere
I carry your joys worries and fears
I carry your opinions beliefs ideas
Dreams wished for or wishes broken
Sometimes shared sometimes unspoken
I carry your heart aches and pain
disappointments that remain
I carry your achievements and wins
hearty laughs devilish grins
I carry your humorous punk pranks
your thoughtfulness sweet-thanks
I carry your love and kisses on cheek
your quirky ways & moody streaks
I carry memories of your childhood lives
along with visions of your prospective wives
I carry muted prayers for your future years
lavish with health happiness short on tears
I carry the memory of each precious birth
willing you strength pride self-worth
I carry my eternal thanks to heaven above
For granting me the weight of unconditional love
Three sons I shall love from their infancy till I depart
Three sons I treasure carrying forever in my heart





This was the prompt for Sunday Scribblings

'weird' tag

Tag Name
Seven Random and / or Weird Things about Me.


I've been tagged! UL tagged me, and what a fun tag! Thanks Ul... I have many weird/random quirks... but here are the seven I came up with

Weird fact #7- I need distance glasses to see distance. I don't wear them often. They make me dizzy, so I don't see too well.
Weird fact #6- My memory is getting worse, I am convinced I have early onset of Alzheimer's although I can't remember what I keep forgetting.
Weird fact #5- As bad as my memory is... I can quote movie & tv lines from 20 or more years ago.
Weird fact #4- I startle way too easily. My eldest moved back home 3 mts. ago... yet every time he walks into a room, I Jump a foot hold my heart and say " I thought a strange Man was in the house!" .... ( I'm hoping this will motivate him to find his own apt.)
Weird fact #3- Stumped (or just too forgetful to remember how weird I am )... I asked my kids their opinion.... Unanimously they said "NEUROTIC AND OVER PROTECTIVE" ... there maybe some truth there.
Weird fact #2- Is ironic- I never took drugs during my youth because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to have kids( these kids who now call me neurotic and over protective)... Hind sight ( sigh)
Weird fact #1- For someone who doesn't do drugs I am pretty paranoid about..... just about everything. I am also Overly sensitive & Self conscious to a fault. How weird am I ?



Rules
Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

because I am weird... I don't want to follow the rules.... Instead Please tag yourself if you would like to do this

friendship

Thanks Writers Island. Your prompt this week was timely considering an hour before I looked to you for the prompt, I ran into my childhood friend at the Italian market. My friend only lives about 10 minutes from me. We still email occasionally.
We have only met a couple of times for lunch in the past 20 years. I sent her a birthday card just last month.
Yet, We were not only inseparable as children we were also blood sisters. Remember that Pre-HIV ritual that kids would partake in to confirm their bond of sisterhood? Linda and I met when we were in Kindergarden. Mrs. Woods' class. We didn't get friendly outside of school till the 2nd grade, when Our moms began working together and discovered their girls were in the same grade. We quickly became best friends as did our Moms. Each weekend I would sleep over at her house. She had the 'fun' neighborhood, full of kids around our age. Looking forward to each weekend helped me get through some difficult times in my own family life. In high school, I began living with her and her parents. My own Mom was going through some tough times and this arrangement made everyone happy. I don't know how it happened, but when I decided two years later that I wanted to move back home to my Moms home, everything fell apart. Linda's mom freaked out... calling me ( at only 16 years old) ' A fair weather friend'. ( They had had two deaths in their extended family). I was heart broken to lose my '2nd family' and more heartbroken to know that Linda was not suppose to talk to me. Even though she tried to respect her Moms wishes... In school during lunch period, we would try to chat and would think of ways to make things right again. When I looked back on this years later... I realized her Mom was going through her own traumatic difficulties which I know affected how she looked at the simple, harmless request of a child.
( I have a vivid painful memory of recieving the card I sent her for mothers day ripped into many pieces and mailed back to me) The trauma of her rejection added so much to what I was already going through at that time. And being an only child, I know this seperation was devestating to Linda. It is so unfortunate that we couldn't find a way to remain close friends. We went separate ways only a few minutes down the same avenue. Each time I see her my heart fills with warmth and it fills with a mournfulness over the wonderful times we missed out on in each other's lives.
I don't think we could ever be as close as we were as kids (for too many reasons too complicated to discuss) but like she said today to my 23 year old son whom she had never met before....." It doesn't matter how many years pass, each time we see each other I still feel like we're best friends". I love you Linda and I feel the same way about you. xo


Often when you've read about my childhood, you may remember...... Linda in the stories

left brain right brain no brain

I found the following cool link at looseleafnotes blog.
I would never have imagined that I would fall into the category of a 'left sided' thinker (math and science are on this side of our brains!).... but according to the following link- I am a lefty.
left brain right brain
Since I have an absolutely blank brain on this weeks scribblings prompt (but I hate skipping a week and I love hearing from you)..... I will just ask you to visit this link and see which side dominates you. This is kind of like stealing some ones else's homework.. but remember... I am in vacation mode i.e.- lazy, relaxed, brain dead.
oooh- just found this... Once you know if you're right or left go Here and see more characteristics AND what occupation you would be good at! Geeez I could have been a Bacteriologist! If only.
oooh again... I found another test below..... Again my score is left-brained, maybe I SHOULD enroll is bacteriologist school?

Brain Lateralization Test Results

Right Brain (30%) The right hemisphere is the visual, figurative, artistic, and intuitive side of the brain. Left Brain (64%) The left hemisphere is the logical, articulate, assertive, and practical side of the brain

Are You Right or Left Brained?
personality tests by similarminds.com

updated at 4 pm My brain is now awake. I thought of another good L/R tip.
For any one out there trying to teach their young ones their left from right.. Here's a tip that worked for my kids
Put your hands straight out in front of you... The thumb and index finger that makes an L shape- That's your Left hand!
Maybe everyone already knows this tip ,but If not... Hope it helps a child. :))

Lulus week off

We have been on vacation all week. It has been a lot of fun and it has really flown. On monday we went to the Borgata in Atlantic City. This was a late celebration of our 27th anniversary. My husband sweet talked the desk clerk and had us upgraded to a suite for the regular room price! It was one of the nicest hotel rooms I had ever stayed in. It definitely made the stay even more special. It made up for the fact that we lost every penny we brought to gamble. Why is it everybody thinks THEY will be the lucky one to hit it big? My husband was up for a while on the craps table.... but then I walked over and it wasn't long till he was Way down. I really think I am a bad luck charm. The last time we went gambling the same thing happened.
Another fun night was seeing "The Little Mermaid" on broadway. It is in previews and it was adorable. The actress playing Ariel really brought the cartoon character to life. Her name is Sierra Boggess. This was her broadway debut and she stole the show. I didn't feel this way about the actress playing Ursula. I was disappointed the she played her with too much humor, Instead, I would have preferred her intimidating and beastly. I was a bit disappointed in the show because I expected something along the lines of the incredibly amazing beauty and the beast. No comparison but I think little kids may disagree. Better than the show was the dinner before hand! If you ever visit NYC you HAVE to eat at my favorite Italian restaurant Patsy's The food is amazing. Their eggplant parm is better than mine and I think mine is pretty damn delicious! The wine was perfect the service perfect the shrimp scampi the best I've ever tasted. Even the fresh strawberries and whipped creme for dessert were the sweetest I've ever had.
Contrary to this fabulous meal was the dinner I didn't eat last night. We wanted to support a local town who has opened a theater with broadway actors. They actually commute here to Long Island from Manhattan. We know this is true, because there was a terrible accident on the railroad and the actors were delayed an hour. It was a long wait for the show to begin, but I felt it was worth the wait. We saw Jekyll and Hyde and the lead actor was fantastic. (Richard Todd Adams)
( I will get to the horrible restaurant in a second)
Maybe it was because the show started an hour late that we had a woman Snoring behind us the whole show! It was so annoying, yet No one poked her or said anything to her during intermission. Even her husband was napping, although he was at least a quiet napper. My husband looked at me when she started and I just started laughing. It seems these kind of people just find him. One time at a broadway show, he was seated next to a man who was eating noisy sunflower seeds. Another time a man was CLIPPING HIS FINGERNAILS! Who pays $100. a seat then grooms themselves?? My favorite time is when a lady sat behind him and then threw her large fur coat ON HIS HEAD! I am serious. People are so damn rude and inconsiderate, it amazes us. He took it off his head and turned and asked her "Can you please move your coat?" She said "where would you like me to put it?" I had to squeeze his knee to stop the response I KNEW he was going to reply! It now strikes me so funny, because it happens to him every where we go! One time when he was sitting in an aisle seat a whole bunch of little kids left their cheap seats and sat on the stairs next to him and Sang out loud with the broadway show! haha I'm surprised he still likes going to the theater.
Back to last night. To help support the town of Northport we thought we would also eat at one of their restaurants. We were recommended to Bistro 44. It was a small pub like restaurant. The menu was described as asian fusion. I didn't see much on the menu I liked. Shortly after I ordered my salad I noticed how many flies were buzzing about. Remember it is NoVember. I questioned the waitress and she said "yeah we have a real problem with them". Okay... We should have left then, but we ordered dinner. I've been loving the t.v. show Kitchen Nightmares. On one hysterical episode Chef Ramsey notices a zillion flies in the place. Of course he says
" What the fuck? Where are all these flies coming from?" WEll..... They were coming from THE filthiest kitchen I had ever seen. SOOOOO of course Little Paranoid, germaphobe LuLu began freaking out! When my dinner came it was disgusting and flies seemed to be the side dish. I sent it back and we left and got a slice of pizza. If you are ever in Northport, DON'T go near this flytrap. We were so sorry we didn't leave sooner. It cost us $90. for the salads and wine and the few bites my husband ate of his crappie dinner. An expensive lesson - If you have a bad feeling... Leave.
We only have a few more days off. I plan on relaxing, reading and eating at home!

Unforgettable bird

My son used to have a bird. He named him Bird. Some mornings I would open his cage and let him fly ... For some strange reason, he would fly to one spot..
My Head. ( maybe because my morning hair resembles a nest?)
Time passed and we got our second dog Molly. My son started paying less and less attention to bird. Bird was cool but a new puppy is much more fun. Bird started molting and never seemed to stop....I was constantly vacuuming feathers, Cleaning Birds poop and changing newspapers daily. One day Bird flew to my wall-papered ceiling and started pecking off the wallpaper. This became another favorite sport. One day while cleaning Birds cage bird bit me. Another time when my son went to take him out he bit him. Bird was beginning to piss me off. It became so that we were afraid to open the little door. He would aggressively peck at us. Of course, guilt set in. Maybe if we would have paid more attention to him, maybe we should have had his wings clipped. One day the cage cleaning resulted in him drawing my blood. That was it. Bird had to go. We packed up his toys and cage and food and yes... Bird himself. We brought him back to the pet store he came from, where they promised me they would keep him and take good care of him. That was about 2 years ago.
Somedays, as I sit with my morning coffee, morning paper morning hair & face....I think of Bird... think how I miss him on my head, his favorite morning place.

working girls fantasy

we all need money but isn't it funny
that it doesn't just fall from our skies
for hydration there's rain and for heat- Mr. sunny
but damn...Money just doesn't materialize

Wouldn't it be nice if for every good deed
A pay check would float down from above??
It could wipe away crime and limit our greed
encouraging human decency and love
My thoughts are quite dreamy and this poem really cheesy
but imagine the world if all the dregs and the sleazy
could have cash in their fist with my utopian twist?

Help the elderly cross the street
Dollars appear at your feet
Rescue a dog give a child praise
More money falls.. You get a raise
Pick up litter Plant a tree
here comes hundreds 1 2 3
No need to rob a bank for the rent
Do a good deed! It is heaven sent!

Forgive my silly ranting, delusions of grandeur and delirious dribble
I've just worked all day for my money, I'm too pooped to write a decent scribble

"50's waitress serves up BLUGCK"

I set out to be a 50's waitress, but all my clients thought I was a little girl

Thanks to my Friend Jen.... I dressed up for Halloween again. For many years I was hating Halloween. Like I wrote in a post last year, I think it was from those years of worrying about my kids out trick or treating.
Just the act of putting on my costume made me feel a little more in the mood to have my door banged on every 10 minutes. It helped me tolerate a bit more -my two dogs going ballistic with each knock. It helped me not give a shit that I ate about 10 pounds of snickers and rolos and milkyways. Not to mention... putting me in such a festive mood... I made brownies with orange icing... (they were delicious too!). So do I thank you Miss Jenny? Or should I get on my broom stick and fly over to Vt. and bop you one?
As for serving BLUGCK..... I decided to make chicken pot pies for dinner. Easy as.. well.... Pie
These usually come out yummy and the family makes soft emmm noises while blowing on their bowls.( Even after cooling for a while, they are as hot as molten lava. Yesterday for some reason ( GEE JEN- MAYBE IT WAS MY FESTIVE SUGAR HIGH!!)
These usually tasty pies weren't as tasty. My husband ate some of his with not one complaint. Then he gently pushed his bowl away from him and said a word that I am having difficulty spelling.. BLUGCK. ( He even gave a little shudder, kind of like Lucy did after the vitametavegamin)
The best part of my Halloween.... Seeing my youngest dressed up as Frodo (from Lord of the Rings)
Everyone tells him he looks exactly like Elijah wood... So no one mistook him for anything else and he ate his dried out chicken pot pie without one negative expletive.

Happy Halloween!

Gill the lovely blogger from Gills Jottings has awarded me this sweet treat!
The point of this treat is to pass them out to new, random visitors on your blog to make new friends. So in following these guidelines, I would love to pass the 'sweet treat' on to sweet Kimberly at Red Moon, Sweet Jen at Jens Humble Opinion and Sweet Deb at Jane Poe-Nevermore.
I've enjoyed sharing comments and emails with these new 'sweet' women and hope the friendships continue. Hope you will Check out their blogs because they are all intelligent and interesting. Thanks so much Gill! I enjoy your emails and comments and I love reading your witty, humorous blog. ( Anyone else... Please feel free to pass on the treat to your new visitors.)
Hope everyone has a sweet Halloween! I'm dressing up as a 50's waitress ( only 'cause I already have the dress) I guess I need to go buy some blue eyeshadow and lots of hairspray! If you're wearing a costume this year... Let me know who you will be!

haunted eve

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


*When I was a little girl I could never sleep on Christmas Eve.
I remember being haunted by guilt for my secretive spying.
That is what sprung to mind with writers islands appropriate halloween prompt...
My holiday is off, but hope you liked the poem anyway.
for more haunted thoughts visit
writers island

What dog are you?

What Breed of Dog Are You?

My Result: Chihuahua

No bones about it, you're an energetic, devoted Chihuahua. For your breed, size definitely doesn't matter. After all, sometimes the best things (diamonds, car keys, Godiva truffles) come in small packages. Honest and straightforward, you're never afraid to speak up for what you believe in, especially if it's a cause near and dear to your heart. Having such a passionate personality can come with a few drawbacks, though. You can be moody at times, and people often find it hard to live up to your high standards. But once you make a friend, it's for life. Saucy and intense, your energy and unfailing loyalty make you a great companion. Woof!

Take this test >

Hospital Clean

The Sunday Scribblings prompt this week is Hospital.
Many things come to mind...The stories of my children being born, our many emergency visits, going to visit my step-dad in the hospital and being told he had passed... yet I choose- how germaphobic I get when visiting a hospital. I don't know why this topic hits me, but it does. I am conscious of germs in most places. The sneezers & coughers who don't cover their mouths. Telephone receivers. The bottom of every purse. Hotel bedspreads and remotes. Those shopping cart handles! I am tempted to wear my disposable hair coloring gloves while food shopping. After I've visited any store, before I reach for my seatbelt, I pump my anti-bacterial gel which I keep in a giant bottle in my car-doors cup holder. ( small one in my purse)
When my kids were little, I would pack up their little healthy lunches and ALWAYS include an individually wrapped handi-nap. (Remember those?) My husband thought they would get beat up at recess for washing up before lunch!
But... Hospitals... oh my! I don't touch Anything in there. I open doors with my shirt sleeve, and push it further with my foot. I use my elbow in ways god never intended us to. ( It's amazing how flexible our elbows are, mine can turn the paper towel dispensers handle! )
It's true what they say... muscle has memory, from my past years of doing kickboxing... I can balance on one foot while I either open or close a toilet seat lid and flush with my foot while in a round house position. (Sometimes quite a challenge in a teeny tiny stall). Those same muscles allow me to squat hovering over the germs for as long as eh eh hem it takes. Of course this beneficial technique is not limited to hospitals, but in hospitals... I stand on my toes first to get even further away from the porcelain de germs.
Okay... So now you aren't guessing anymore.. You are convinced I'm a wacko. It's okay. I'm aware that this all may be viewed as a little bit over the top. It is a fact however, that hospitals have more staff and bacterial infections than anywhere else! Too many times my boys have been in the ER. Broken bones and stitches seem to go hand and hand with boys. Too many times, I've been freaked out by how filthy this place is. Dried blood on my sons hospital bed and on the floor. People vomiting with only a curtain separating us from their airborne viruses. Splatters of Everything imaginable in the bathroom. It is a germaphobes nightmare! I truly think if you aren't sick when you go there, you will be when you leave. I think they should hand out plastic gloves and particle masks at the door.( If everyone wore those I wouldn't look like a nut wearing mine!)
Years ago, weren't hospitals known for cleanliness? Wasn't there even an expression "hospital clean"? I am happy to report my house is not hospital clean. When did this lack of cleanliness in hospitals happen? Probably the same time as HMOs.
There isn't enough time and money to hire enough people to keep hospitals "hospital clean". The last baby I had, it was my husband who had to empty my overflowing garbage bag everyday. Once I did see the janitor he and his big dirty gray mop. I think he was adding More germs to the filthy place. In my opinion, they should have Vats of bleach and have bus loads of janitors in those cdc space suits. Wouldn't you pay a little more for a clean hospital stay? I feel sorry for hospital workers who are exposed to these "super" germs daily. In general, I think our world is dirtier than it was when I was younger. This recent news of the deadly MRSA infectionis proof. ( notice steps 1& 2? How wacko am I? )
When I heard of an outbreak in a long Island school, I immediately told my son to bring home his gym clothes so I could wash them again. ( I know my family thought I was being a nut). The next day I received an email and a call from our district saying ALL kids should bring home their gym clothes and empty lockers. They are disinfecting the schools. ( How wacko am I? ) Many years ago I did substitute duty in the lunch room of an elementary school. After each lunch period I was handed a spray bottle and a few of those brown bathroom paper towels and told to wash down my 2 tables. I asked what was in the spray bottle. Do you know what they were cleaning those filthy germy tables with? WATER. NO Bleach. NO disinfectant. When I questioned this.. The head lunch lady said "The kids don't like the smell of the bleach" How wacko am I? after that I told my boys... If your food falls on the table... pretend it fell on the floor... Throw it away! There too... the same janitor the same dirty pail of water and gray mop. What can we do to make sure these essential institutions clean up their acts? What if we speak up when we think standards are substandard? Let's hear your views scribblers.... Hope a lot of you are wacko too.

* <3 Happy 27th Anniversary Honey <3

The stranger

We visit and chat and email this and that
Connections that bond us- we develop a fondness.
Share and confess as friendships progress
Comfort sets in, so we confide within... the web of others.
Ignoring indigenous warnings of our cautious mothers
Lions & Tigers & Bears- OH MY!
Virex & Norton & Spyware-WE BUY!
Implanted alarm -- peril, risk and monstrous dangers
by placing trust in the clutches of strangers.
Strangers! Don't talk to them. Don't give out information.
Yet in cyber space we invest in intimate conversation.
Exposed, genuine, authentic emotion with no regret
To invisible faces & places we've met on the internet
So why do we reach out, support and confide
To the strangers we've met in this web world wide?
Against raw instincts and knowledgeable advisers statistics
Because People believe in good people and are hopeful & optimistic.


read more about strangers at writers island

Lulu's Young Frankenstein Review

33 years ago, My then best friend Linda and I went to see the movie Young Frankenstein. We were 15 years old. We instantly fell in love with this film and HAD to see it again. The next day we asked our parents if we could pleeeaassseeee have money to go again. They thought that was wasteful and silly since we had just seen it. So, we rolled our eyes( as teenagers are known to do) and Instead we asked if we could go bowling. This began our winter of love for eh-eh-hem "bowling". Each weekend we asked for bowling money. Each weekend we were dropped off and picked up at the bowling alley, which was conveniently located next door to the movie theater! As soon as they would drive away, we would walk next door, buy our movie tickets and laugh for 106 minutes! We knew all the lines and spoke them constantly disregarding the chance that our parents may wonder... "How would you remember all that from seeing a movie One time?" Seems a bit naughty and disrespectful, but considering what other 15 year olds were lying about... This was innocent misbehaving. After many lying weekends... We were caught! when my friends father arrived early to bowl a few games with us.
With that history in mind, can you imagine my excitement and delight when I heard Mel was bringing my beloved childhood movie to life on the broadway stage?! We paid the exorbitant ticket price and went to see the play in previews last week for ironically my sons 15th birthday. 15 Seems to be the definitive age to be introduced to this story. When he wasn't laughing out loud, He was smiling real big!
We ALL were NOT disappointed! The show was hysterically funny. The sets were magically elaborate. The cast was exceptionally talented. The musical numbers were creative and brought another dimension to the kooky characters.
Megan Mullally( from Will and Grace) was perfectly cast as "Elizabeth". In the movie The role was played brilliantly by the talented Madeline Kahn. It's so sad that she passed away so young. In fact, Peter Boyle & Marty Feldman also passed away too young. This show is such a tribute to their memorable, acclaimed roles. Hearing the buzz of talking before and after the show, it was apparent that I wasn't the only one that had seen the film over and over. Everyone waited on their favorite lines...
Like ...walk this way, NO this way.. and Pardon me boy, Is this the transylvania station? WHAT HUMP?! One of my favorite parts was the spectacular performance of the monster doing- "Puttin on the Ritz"... That alone was worth the ticket price!
I was so happy to see my sons big smile the whole time we watched the play! It was a perfect outing for his birthday. If you have young kids just know that There were a lot of sexual innuendoes and I don't think it's appropriate for kids under 12. But for the young teen and the young at heart.... It was amazingly entertaining and nostalgically magical!
Puttin' on the Ritz (Peter Boyle and Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein) on Transbuddha

need a laugh?

I want to direct Everyone to one of the funniest posts I've ever read.... Please visit Mr. Myrtle Beached Whale... It's like visiting a top notch comedy club.....
Let me know what you think!

Queen Lucy the first

"My first act as Queen/ King of the World will be..."

Sunday Scribblings claims they are lightening things up this week with this prompt. I disagree! This seems like THE most serious prompt so far... I mean think of the possibilities! If I was given the power of a Queen and could implement an act that could change peoples lives.... Geeez ... It's staggering. Where does a queen begin? Immediately, I though I Must end world hunger... But.... With war raging on and lives being destroyed... I must first bring Peace to the world. Peace... made me think of terrorism and racism..... I must fight hatred in our world.... Then I thought of the world, We must save the planet... But save made me think of Children... We must Save our children and protect their rights. Children made me think of schools... We must bring quality education to everyone! Quality.... brought quality health care to mind.....Everyone should be entitled to being healthy. Everyone... made me think of our pets... We must open more shelters and take care of all animals. Animals... makes me think of criminals... We must have steeper penalties to discourage crime. Penalties.... made me think of taxes....I demand Lower taxes for every worker and home owner! Home owner..... made me think of housing.... we all deserve contentment & affordable housing. .. Contentment... makes me think of cookies... Again we are back to world hunger... So I guess my first royal act would be delivering food (even cookies) to every hungry animal and human-being everywhere.
( I bet you're happy I'm an indecisive hairdresser instead)

What Lifetime movie star would you be?

Today one of my clients jokingly told me she wants to write a lifetime movie about the drama going on in her life.
She asked me..... "So, Who do you want to play YOU in my movie?" Her cute question made me want to share it with my blog world.
I can't think of what lifetime celebrity I can see portraying me.... I guess it may be because I'm not too familiar with who stars on the lifetime channel! It's usually Jaclyn Smith, right? I DEFINITELY don't see that match. ( I Wish I did) If I could pick ANY actress to portray me in this girls Lifetime movie ( or my own!)..... I think I pick Sally Field...( unless you can think of someone else??) I think she would be able to capture me perfectly. She is short, older and seems like someone people like to talk to.
You know how much I love reading what YOU have to say... So put on your thinking caps... WHO do you See playing YOU if they made a movie of your life?

Cryptogram SOLUTION

Back on October 4th I presented a cryptogram puzzle
Congrats to Giggles who was the first one to get it right!
Here is the solution....

A V T U / H / F Z / B Z / B V T / N T R P B J/
W H E N/ I / GO/ T O / T H E / B E A U T Y/

E R Y X Z P Y ,/ H / R X A R J K / P K T / B V T/
P A R L O U R,/ I / A L W A YS / U S E / T H E/

T C T Y F T U I J / T U B Y R U I T . / K Z C T B H C T K /
E M E R G E N CY/ E N T R A N C E./ S O M E T I M E S/

H / S P K B / F Z / W Z Y / R U/ T K B H C R B T ./
I / J U S T/ G O / F O R/ A N/ E S T I M A T E./

(author)- E V J X X H K / M H X X T Y
P H Y L L I S / D I L L E R

Once upon a time...

First Job, Worst Job, Dream Job...... Wow Sunday Scribblings this made me have to stop, think and try to remember!
(my 2nd attempt at poetry blog rhyming)

Back when I was in beauty school, only seventeen and learning my trade
My mom hooked me up in a beauty parlor, working on the gray brigade
Roller sets, blue hair rinse, teasing and lots of cans of hairspray
condescending boss and workers making me feel uncomfortable each day
Large dome dryers a buzz, teasing gray hair into tall balls of fuzz
Sweeping, shampooing, perming and horrendous comb outs
Wishing I was doing cool cuts and the newest blow outs.
First job jitters makes this my worst job as well
Finally get the nerve to quit after a very short spell.

Shortly after this job I actually developed the nerve
to apply to the well renowned salon and school Of Mr.P. J
I was Young, lacking experience but had plenty of verve
He took me under his wing and taught me his way
advanced cutting and perming and client rapport
The atmosphere was happy my coworkers I adored
I learned professionalism, confidence and much, much more.

Dream Job realistically wouldn't be too much of a stray
from what I am doing each hairdressing day....
Instead of me performing miracles on someone's head
I'd be performing them on a Broadway stage instead!
The only way my dream could ever materialize
Is if I win The lottery and talent is the prize.!

The kindness of strangers

Recently while my husband was working, A large produce truck backed into his parked car and then drove off! Luckily two construction workers who were working on a store across the street witnessed the accident. They quickly read the phone number off the side of the truck and called the company. They told whomever answered that they were calling the police and the workers had better come back to the scene.
They then noticed that the truck turned into a gas station a little way up the street. These 2 good Samaritans ran to the gas station and confronted the driver. He claimed they WERE going to go back, but they needed to get gas first. ( HOW LAME of a Lie is that one??) Then the 2 good eggs went into several businesses till they found the owner of the car. By the time the police arrived the truck drivers were back at the scene, so they weren't ticketed for a hit and run. My husbands boss rewarded the 2 noble men with generous gift certificates to the salon. I am so happy they were rewarded. It seems like lately most people don't go out of their way for strangers. Some people may have taken the phone number down and left it on my husbands car, But to actually take off running after the truck, urging him to return to the scene? How great was that? The workers told my husband that they couldn't believe how damaged the car was especially because one produce man was actually standing on the curb, guiding his buddy So he Wouldn't hit the car! Talk about Lame!
One of my own kindness stories- once while driving near my home, I saw an older woman walking in the street but looking confused and turning one way then the other. I pulled over and asked if she was Okay. She said "I walk up to the stores everyday, but today I'm afraid I'm forgetting which way to go". I showed her the direction but asked "would you like a ride?" She was grateful and I gave her my hand and helped pull her up into my passenger seat. It felt so good to help a total stranger. Later on, I was thinking I hope it was a good deed, 'cause what if she wasn't able to find her way back home!?!

Let's hear your kindness stories... Have you stood up and witnessed an accident or crime? Have you helped a stranger in anyway that you care to share? Goodness is contagious, If you've demonstrated acts of kindness, I think you can be sure those people payed it forward. I also think what goes around comes around, So you are sure to have kindness come to you.

fly away home

This weeks prompt for writers island is 'Renewal'. One way to translate renewal is as "A time of change" and "times they are a changin" in our home. I don't remember if I ever wrote about my oldest sons return to the nest. After living on his own during and after college, He decided to return to his home base. Frankly, It was quite a shock to us. He seemed to be enjoying his independence, and his visits home always seemed to end with him looking like he couldn't wait to get away from us! Remember when YOU were 23?
Too much time with your parents was... Torture! After all, What do WE know? We are TOO clean. We work TOO hard. We party TOO infrequently. We have TOO many rules. We spend our down time semi-comatose time.... (Don't get scared) WATCHING THE T.V.!! ( horror music please.) My son hates television. He enjoys music & very LOUD music. He is in a band that plays 'noise music' ( it makes heavy metal sound like easy listening). He enjoys chess, painting, cooking & yoga. He enjoys bicycling and living life to it's fullest. He is a free spirit. He doesn't want the traditional life that we live. He is hoping to go west next year, maybe California, maybe Oregon. He has visited these states and enjoyed them much more than NY. Much, MUCH more than Long Island. " Long Island is a strip Mall". I've heard that one... more than a few times.
So, even though it is mostly great....It has been an adjustment, a change.... having our baby back in the nest, For him as well as us. It is great to be able to hug him everyday. I had really missed him. I love that my 3 boys are hanging out together. I love the long talks we have, I Love that he appreciates my home cooking! I love that He plays scrabble with me without me having to beg! I love spending time with him.
I love when he comes home from work and tells me the cute things that happened during the day. He is working in an elementary school as a One on One Para to a Kindergardener with Autism. This cute story for example....He was helping another child unpack his lunchbox and all that was in it was a block of cheese! No drink, no bread. Cheese. A Big Block of Cheese! He got the child a bagel and he sliced some cheese and made him a sandwich! I'm so happy that he loves doing this job. I'm hoping it will help him make the decision to go on to grad school and pursue a teaching career. I think he would be an amazing teacher. He is the most tolerant, patient person I know. He is caring and kind. He is compassionate. I think he would be the type of teacher that kids would treasure. He is also a passionate artist, so he is debating if an Art teacher would be a better choice. I told him he could teach any subject or grade and still incorporate Art into the curriculum. He could be known as the teacher who lets you Paint your alphabet or draw the history of the world.
Wherever he ends up, geographically or career wise, I hope he will always know our home is his home. Home base. Here for him to fly to, whether his life is full of home runs or strike outs. We are here when he needs to re-group, re-think, renew.

Mom Overture

A Senior moment

"They don't make them like they used to." That statement is true for many things, but it can also apply to people.
Last week, during my sons homecoming band performance, his trumpet broke. The little piece of metal that holds the Lyre broke off. He temporarily held the Lyre in place with duct tape. When we got home from the high school I called our local music store. They told me if I brought it down, it would take about 5 days to repair. They didn't say how much the repair would be, but I'm sure I was looking at at least 50.00. I didn't take it in to the store. I waited for my husband to come home... he can usually fix anything, but not in this case. Saturday slipped away and so did the trumpet problem from my pre-occupied mind. On Sunday evening, My son reminded me that he needed the trumpet for monday at school. I remembered my friend at homecoming mentioning if I had a problem getting it fixed to call her... she may know someone..... So enters Mannie Gotleeb. ( How great is that name?)
I gave him a call about 5:00 pm sunday, apologizing for bothering him on the weekend... He sounded about 105 years old! He kindly told me to come right on over, but then in a crusty tone said.. " I may not be able to do it today!". I told him I wouldn't expect him to and that I so I appreciated him letting us drop it off on a sunday. He only lives about 5 minutes away from me. He answered the door before we were out of the car and was very friendly. He also MAY have been about 90. He invited my son and I to go downstairs to his "work shop". Mrs. Gotleeb was also very old, but busy chopping vegetables. They were adorable. In the workshop Mannie explained several problems he saw with the trumpet and was coaxing us to let him "fix it all up".. I was ready to say 'do whatever needs to be done' but I thought, maybe I should ask how much that would be. He replies.... "Well, it wouldn't be any more than 10 dollars." I told him how reasonable that was and left him the trumpet. He walked us to the door..... ( do you remember how Tim Conway walked as that old man character in the Carol Burnett show??) YeaH! That is an accurate image... As we walked he again said in a suddenly crotchety tone... "NOW, I'm not sure when I will get to this". (me)- "No problem Mr. Gotleeb, we so appreciate you doing this". Well, at 6:45 p.m. that same night Mr. Gotleeb calls and says " It's all ready... make sure you bring the trumpet player back with you". Again, he wants us to walk ( ever SO slowly) with him downstairs to the workshop. He looked so proud of his handy work. My son played him a quick tune. He did charge only $10. I insisted I had to give him a $10. tip as well for doing it so quickly. At first he said No,No! When I expressed how pleased we were to find him and how happy my son was to have his trumpet ready for Monday, he gave in and shyly smiled looking excited to receive the $20.00. He enthusiastically retrieved his business cards from the workbench shelf, and told me to tell my friends. That is just what I'm doing. Telling my friends, that kindness, honesty & superior work ethics can still be found today, Especially when we look to our sensational seniors.

Lulu's Book Club

I am so excited that a few of my friends and I have started a book club! We had our first meeting at my house. We plan on rotating homes every 6 weeks when we meet. There were only 7 of us, but we hope to add a few more members. The first book we discussed was " A thousand splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. As I mentioned in another post, This book was extremely touching and well written. Our next selection is "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I think I will be very Oprah-esque and Invite my blogging community to join my book club. Every 6 weeks or so when we choose a new book, I will post the title and hope that you read along. Then, I will welcome your book comments and discussions. I don't think I have enough readers out there to get a big turnout, but what the hell... let's see what happens. watch Oprah today to see the author and hear more about her book.

Since Laini and Meg need a well deserved break from Sunday Scribblings this week, I would like to take this opportunity
to share my book club idea with my fellow scribblers.

Puzzle Journey

How many of you will come on my puzzle journey? I love all word puzzles.... Crosswords, word searches, jumbles... my favorite however is by far the Cryptogram. While the whole world is into the Sudoku number craze... I still enjoy letters.
Each morning while I drink my morning coffee... I do the Newsday Cryptoquote. (hint Figuring out the authors name is sometimes helpful in solving the puzzle) Thought it would be fun to give you a puzzle and see how you do.... If you can print it out, it will be easier .... I will reveal the answer in a few days. There are hints on doing a Cryptogram at the end.. Good Luck, Hope you'll enjoy taking this journey into my cryptic world.

A V T U / H / F Z / B Z / B V T / N T R P B J/


E R Y X Z P Y ,/ H / R X A R J K / P K T / B V T/


T C T Y F T U I J / T U B Y R U I T . / K Z C T B H C T K /


H / S P K B / F Z / W Z Y / R U/ T K B H C R B T ./

(author)- E V J X X H K / M H X X T Y

Hints for Solving Cryptograms:
*One letter stands for another-
example A X Y D L A A X R is L O N G F E L L O W
( A is used for the three L's, X for the two O's, etc..)
*Single letter words will be " I " or " A "
*Frequent use of the same 3 letter word may indicate the word " the "
*An apostrophe is usually followed by a " t " as in contractions (don't) or an " S " as in possessives ( dog's tail)
*A question mark at the end of a quotation tells you the first word is likely- Who, what, when, where, how or why
*Certain consonants occur together, such as "th", "wh", "sh", and "ch"
*Also the position of letters at the end of a word may indicate common endings such as "tion","ent",or "ant", "ing" or "ed"
*In a two letter word, one letter must be a vowel.

Middle Name Meme

I was tagged by my buddy Sherrie to do a middle name Meme. The object of the middle name game is to list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name.

My middle name is Anne.
A It was a toss up between the Artist (haircutting ability) or the Arbitrator. In my family I seem to be the middleman in every dispute between each child or my husband. Peacemaker would have been more apropos ( if my name was say... Pam.)
N Nice.
N Nice again. I am too nice. Sometimes it is a fault. Sometimes being So nice means sacrificing my own happiness. Okay that was cheating the truth is I have another N word- NEUROTIC. I can get a little OCD and I do get quite anxious over nothing.
( Actually, Nutcase may have been more appropriate.)
E Expressive. I had a difficult time picking a word for E- I like to talk and am usually pretty animated. I guess expressive is the right word. Although, Eating would probably be more relevant to my life. I really Like eating. So there you have it...
The Meme game also says- At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name and tag them too. Instead I would like to say... If you would Like to do this Meme... Please.... just do it. It was fun.