A Revision

I'm Home

When Grandparents leave this world, often there is a literal branching off of the family tree. Aunts, uncles and cousins separate into their own section and there is not as much contact anymore except at funerals and weddings. So it is not only your Grandmother/Grandfather that you are losing.

For an introvert like me, the day after the funeral, I would have been content to stay cocooned with my Sister and her family but my Father's siblings entered my thoughts. They were hurting the most.

And is so often the case, these visits became a blessing to me.

My Aunt and her Husband were so happy to see us. My Husband surprised me by accepting a shot glass of whiskey but I protested when he was offered a second. There was laughter. Eyes were tender and real.

Then we visited my Father's younger Brother. He and his Wife were alone when we first arrived but soon two of their daughters appeared, one with her two young sons. As my Uncle held his Grandson, his family separated into their own family tree right before my eyes.

I am going to hold them to their invites though and help keep the forest alive. My Grandmother would have liked that.

posted by Carol at 10:06 PM | 8 @ I Love Comments

Band Update

Hello FFMB! This is an update to the band roster.

psst... will you do me a favor while I am out of town for a few days? Will you visit your fellow band members and get to know them through friendly comments? (I know you are all good at that!)

The list is from newest to the oldest member:

J. Andrew Lockhart (jal for short) is the newest member. We finally have a trombone player and he will also be the instrument repair man. Wow!
Kathy plays the tenor saxaphone. Isn't she great?
Azure is a new member that plays the mandolin.
Rhiannon is the pianist. She plays really mean marching tunes. (I mean really friendly marching tunes!)
Mompoet is the faithful kazooist.

Mango is the flag bearer and a very good one, too. She can be reached through my comments as she is a blog groupie with no blog of her own!

Pearl plays the korean drums every Friday, well..sometimes she is a little late but I know I can count on her.
Barbara is the flutist and man, can she play!
Stephen plays the baritone. He keeps everyone in line when we act up on the bus.
Erin is a drummer as well. She is a little whacky but we like whacky in the FFMB.

Zeb is the guitarist. He doesn't say much but he is pretty cool all the same. Reach him through my comment section.

Raehan, the thoughtful accordionist. She sent in a note excusing herself for the month.

Some of the members have regularly missed band performances for the last few months. I continue to hope that they will show up again some day but until then I will remove their names... gasp... from the roll call.

posted by Carol at 8:25 AM | 10 @ I Love Comments

Acts 2:32

"This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses."

Peter, the apostle, spoke these words to the people in Jerusalem that had seen Jesus' crucifixion.
The witnesses that Peter referred to were himself and the other apostles; Jesus had appeared to them after His death.

Two of the reasons we accept history as truth is because of the reliability of the eyewitnesses and the documents they wrote.

posted by Carol at 8:20 AM | 2 @ I Love Comments

Excerpts from a Life

Labels: Excerpts from a Life

posted by Carol at 9:02 AM | 19 @ I Love Comments

Friendly Friday

posted by Carol at 5:42 AM | 11 @ I Love Comments

My Grandmother passed away this morning. Thanks for all the kind thoughts.

posted by Carol at 10:37 PM | 12 @ I Love Comments

So Fine

I was having problems with the video, so I removed it for now. Sorry to disappoint all the McCartney fans!

posted by Carol at 10:07 AM | 5 @ I Love Comments

Baby Carol

posted by Carol at 11:18 AM | 2 @ I Love Comments

I Love You, Too

Grandma would tell me that I ran to her. Grandpa liked to tease and I was too shy for that. Grandma's gentleness was more to my liking.

When we were back home this summer, we went visiting relatives with my Grandmother. At one stop, she was into a deep conversation with a young cousin of mine from the reserve. I couldn't help but ask afterwards what they were talking about. She said that the little boy was talking about being bullied. She told him that he was intelligent and that the others were just jealous of him.

My Grandma is in the hospital now, not expected to live much longer. I am unable to be with her as she is in another province but I talked to her tonight. She couldn't answer but my sister, who was at her bedside, said she wanted to speak. I know what she wanted to say though and I will always be grateful for the many times she said it and the many ways she showed it.

posted by Carol at 9:47 PM | 9 @ I Love Comments

Turandot

My Husband and I went to our first opera, Turandot. This was written by an Italian composer, Puccini and was first performed in 1918.

It is about a beautiful Chinese princess, Turandot, who does not want to to marry because of a female ancestor who was mistreated by an enemy of war. Turandot reluctantly agrees to accept proposals of suitors but will only marry them if they correctly answer three riddles. If they fail, they are beheaded.
The story follows one particular prince, Calaf, who is enamored with her divine beauty and sounds the gong thrice indicating his desire to try for her hand.

The stage settings were splendidly stark; the cast decorated the stage. The emperor was lit in gold above the teeming citizens that were clad in grey. The voices were strong and spellbinding while the story's music moved slowly to the climax, steadily and fearlessly.

This debut has given me a desire for more.

posted by Carol at 5:19 AM | 6 @ I Love Comments

Hebrew 10:24-25

"And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

Christians ought to desire to be together, especially on the Lord's Day. The reason to assemble is not for an empty ritual but to show love to God and the brethren.

The Christians being admonished here in Hebrews were the ones that didn't believe in meeting regularly with other Christians. Perhaps they had a disagreement with someone or were disillusioned by hypocrisies or sinfulness in the Church. However, in the New Testament, these relationships were important and disagreements or misunderstandings had to be worked out. This is true today as well. A Christian is defined by God's Word and there are no lone Christians in the Bible.

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." Colossians 3:12-14

posted by Carol at 2:29 PM | 6 @ I Love Comments

Excerpts from a Life

The following are taken from my journals as a teenager. I was a secret admirer of Chevy and losing weight steadily in hopes of capturing his heart.
My friend, Mango and I are exploring our creativity.

April 9, 1975
Wouldja believe I was in the hospital since Sunday. I passed out on Sunday. The doctor says I have low blood sugar.

April 20, 1975
Millions of things to write about are passing through my mind. I don't mean for my journal but for stories. I wrote a poem called "One Year Ago Today." I'm not finished it yet. Yes, I feel inspired to write...

May 15, 1975
Saw Cindy and Aline uptown. Cindy said, "Do you ever look great. I bet all the boys are after you." haha

May 20, 1975
Before typing, JoAnne and I were talking to Laurie in typing. Chevy was in there! For a long time, he never looked up then he finally quit typing and rested his chin on his hands and watched. Oooh, my legs turned into jelly.
Mrs. Krislock, art teacher, asked me if I would like to draw something for the Reinbolt Exhibition. Felt proud.

June 1, 1975
Went to Mango's in the afternoon. We sang into the tape recorder with the records. (This was way before Karaoke!)
Our best song was "I Got the Music in Me".
Mango sings really good. She could make with her voice. I really mean that!
I sang "Love Lies Bleeding."
Mango keeps on telling me how great I sing. I'm flattered but I don't think I sound that great. Mango is the one with the great voice. She can get all the little notes I can't.
I wish our group, Trilogy, would make it!

Labels: Excerpts from a Life

posted by Carol at 3:39 PM | 9 @ I Love Comments

Friendly Friday

Hello Friends of the Friendless Marching Band. I hope that today's nominated blogs will inspire you to leave heartening comments! If you haven't already, sign up today to be a friendly band member.




Read Dreaming Firefly's poetry in Glowing in the Dark, In Search of My Direction.

Read Celestial Void's meditative thoughts in Are You Out There ?

Visit Azure of Breakaway who encourages all bloggers when she says, "if u don't speak ur mind then hu will??;-)"



I chose Celestial Void as the featured site this Friendly Friday because I like:

• his searching for relevance in every day occurrences
  
• that he looks at the reality of life
• his poetry wonders
  
• when someone expresses their loss and wants to learn from it
  

Display your banner to show support for the Friends of the Friendless. Or do you think we should sell chocolates?
Start submitting friendless sites for the next Friendly Friday!

posted by Carol at 6:54 AM | 9 @ I Love Comments

Beauty in Store

Old eyes
Orange hair
Orange poncho
High heels

I wonder at her confident brightness
pushing her cart past naive naked girls
who strategically compete with overflowing carts
of frozen fast pizzas and fries

I reach for the newspapers that catch these nude faces scowling
in their mundane existence,
not fringed smugly in orange
reaching for the People, on their day off

Following the shopper down the red worn carpet
the door automatically opens farewell
and I leave her in the parking lot as she clicks down the pavement
I shuffle off unmade

Labels: Poems

posted by Carol at 4:22 PM | 2 @ I Love Comments

Oh yeah...

Your Blog Should Be Purple

You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything. You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey. You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say.

posted by Carol at 5:15 PM | 5 @ I Love Comments

So You Like the Makeover...

Thanks for all the compliments, oh my...

I love "peas and carrots''! This is the name of this beautiful template by Richa. I may not be able to take credit for the new look but, boy, I put in a few hours, too. My Middle Daughter was a big help. There were a few problems with the graphics but after some figuring, tadaa...

There are still a couple of problem areas, but I hope to unglitch them someday. Its always those last few pounds...

posted by Carol at 7:01 PM | 5 @ I Love Comments

Overcoming Anxiety

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpassses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
Philippians 4:6-8

Evidently anxiety is not a new problem. Some Biblical remedies for anxiety are:

prayer

thankfulness

positive thinking

Prayer is a well practised stress reliever. It turns the mind from the problem but don't think that God will magically change the situation. Often, there is work to do. Prayer can strengthen the heart to find solutions.

Thankfulness is a reminder of the blessings in our lives. It removes the desire to complain about the circumstances.

The mind is powerful but needs to be protected from constant negativity. Your body will reacte to whatever it is told.

God's advice is trustworthy. Faith is the trust a patient has for their doctor.

Today, I am the patient, trusting in the goodness of God to heal me. Faith is built through the trials of life.

posted by Carol at 1:48 PM | 8 @ I Love Comments

Excerpt from a Life

These are journal entries from the 70's when I was in grade 10. I had a huge crush on a fellow I nicknamed Chevy and I went on a diet in hopes that he would like me.
Feb 17, 1975
"Boy, Chevy was really colorful today. He wore a purple top with a yellow shrink and these blue tweedy pants. It didn't look too good. Chevy's kinda skinny but it doesn't really matter."
Feb 26, 1975
"Didn't go to school. Same old thing again."

Feb 27, 1975
"Didn't go to school. Mango came over in the evening. Talked alot."
Feb 29, 1975 Saturday
"Well, Mango's off to a hockey game and I have to stay home because of my illness!"

March 24, 1975
"Well, I'm 140 lbs.

March 25, 1975
"Karen and I went to the cafeteria. Laurie and JoAnne were already in there. Laurie was mad because Chevy was watching them. His whole table was.
Karen sat beside Laurie and there was no place where I could sit where I could see Chevy so I just stood there. I was looking for him but couldn't see him. Then I saw him. He and his whole table got up and moved one table over, closer to ours it seemed to me.
I told Laurie that I had to talk to her so we walked out of the cafeteria. When we got back Karen said that Chevy watched me go out the door. I know its hardly anything but every little thing counts.
I am so sure that he likes me. Please!!"

Labels: Excerpts from a Life

posted by Carol at 7:25 PM | 9 @ I Love Comments

Friendly Friday- Lest We Forget

Hello Friends of the Friendless Marching Band! I am so glad to see you all, eager to spread your good comments to fellow bloggers that are in need.

The featured site this Friday is Mary of Uncensored Soul.
I like her blog because:

• I like her template-I can't help it, I'm noticing templates a lot lately
• she reminds me of my journals as a young woman, except I never travelled to Egypt on a whim
• >she is simple like a circle
• one of her interests is marching bands, say no more
  

Check out Samantha's Daily Thoughts of a Sotonggal. She is from Malaysia with an honest and friendly blog.

Get your FFMB banners here!

Labels: Friends of the Friendless

posted by Carol at 8:19 AM | 9 @ I Love Comments

Carol "Tha Book Keeper" Holynator

posted by Carol at 6:37 AM | 1 @ I Love Comments

Remember that talk about maxing out at The Bay

posted by Carol at 9:42 PM | 4 @ I Love Comments

Email from my Sister " Do this if you want to but not necessary"

"This is fun. Hope I receive it back from you"

1. What time is it: 12:15 pm.

2.Nickname: Mom (this was my Sister's good answer)

3. Piercing: None.

4. What is the most recent movie you've seen in
theatre? Go For Zucker at a Film festival. This is the review I wrote for it:

"Go For Zucker" is a German film about a dysfunctional family whose father is a pool shark that owns a brothel/nightclub. He is in danger of losing everything when he receives a telegram that his Mother has died. His brother, an orthodox Jew, who he hasn't seen in 40 years is arriving with the coffin. There are stipulations in the will that he and his brother must reconcile. The wall must be broken. The gambling brother lived in Berlin while the orthodox brother lived in Frankfurt. My husband thinks there might be a symbolic connection with East and West Germany. Hmmm...

5. Eye color: brown (same as my Sister's answer again. Am I the copycat?)

6. Place of birth: A small prairie city (a city in my home province is any thing over a population of 5000).

7. Favorite NEW foods: I like trying out new recipes. The last one was "Chinese Chow". Want the recipe, little Sis?

8. Ever been to Africa:Nope. Why do you ask?


9. Love someone so much it made you cry: Yes, especially when they are no longer here.

10. Been in a car accident? Thankfully, only minor ones, all in the parking lot!

11: Favorite Movie: Toss up between Dark Victory starring Bette Davis and The Long Long Trailer with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

12. Croutons or bacon bits: I use croutons more regularly than bacon bits. Actually I just put croutons on the grocery list a few minutes ago.

13. Favorite day of the week: Sunday!


14. Favorite restaurants: Foody Goody's- a Chinese Buffet. The kids love going there too not because they like Chinese food, for they don't, but they fill their plates with jello, pizza,(carrots so it looks healthy) and then ice cream etc.

16. Favorite Flower: gerber daisies









17. Favorite sport to watch: I don't like watching any, but I have watched hockey when we're in the playoffs.

18. Favorite drink: Milk.

19. Favorite ice cream: low fat mocha-chocolate with almonds

20. Warner Bros. or Disney: Disney

21. Favorite fast food restaurant: A local restaurant that makes great hamburgers and milkshakes. Mmmm.

22. What color is your bedroom: Would you believe taupe and deep red?

23. How many times you failed your driver's test?: Never,hah!


24. Before this one, from whom did you get your last email? Ms. Spam!

25. Which store would you choose to Max out your credit card this week: the Bay, my Daughter wants the latest Olympic wear.

26. What do you do most often when you are bored: Blog, but I do that when I'm not bored too.

27.When is your Bedtime: 11-11:30 pm ideally.

28. Who will respond to this e-mail the quickest?: Hard to say.

29. Who is the person you sent this to that is least likely to respond? My Sister wrote "Carol!" Well, I will show her...

30. Who are you the most curious about their responses to this questionnaire?: Everyone!

31. Favorite TV shows: I Love Lucy! and Seinfeld

32. Last person you went to dinner with: My family! We went to Foody Goody's of course. (Yeah, I know they have changed the name but it will always be Foody Goody to us)

33. Ford or Chevy?: Chevy, duh?

34. What are you listening to right now? Nothing

35. What is your favorite color?: It was orange but I might be changing it!

36. How many tattoos do you have: None but I wouldn't mind a henna tattoo on my ankle, someday.

37. How many pets do you have: I am wondering why my Sister wrote, "None." Last I heard she had a cat and a dog. Hmm. Time to touch base...
I have a cat.

38. Which came first the chicken or the chicken egg?:Definitely the chicken. God created the originals already grown.

39. How many people are you sending this e-mail to: back to my sister so she can eat her words and to all my blog friends.

posted by Carol at 12:14 PM | 3 @ I Love Comments

Envious

Yes, I am feeling a little green as three of my blog buddies have broken out of their blogger templates and are now delighting in their new found beauty.

Its all about content, its all about content...

Go check out Jennifer , Barbara and Stephen's new look!

If anyone has advice to give me on achieving template savvy, let me know. ie web sites on making your own templates or pre-designed ones etc.

posted by Carol at 1:15 PM | 17 @ I Love Comments

Which Sesame Street Character Are You?

Snuffleupagus You scored 54% Organization, 46% abstract, and 55% extroverted!

This test measured 3 variables. First, this test measured how organized you are. Some muppets like Cookie Monster make big messes, while others like Bert are quite anal about things being clean. Second, this test measured if you prefer a concrete or an abstract viewpoint. For the purposes of this test, concrete people are considered to gravitate more to mathematical and logical approaches, whereas abstract people are more the dreamers and artistic type. Third, this test measured if you are more of an introvert or an extrovert. By definition, an introvert concentrates more on herself and an extrovert focuses more on others. In this test an introvert was somebody that either tends to spend more time alone or thinks more about herself. You are somewhat organized, both concrete and abstract, and both introverted and extroverted. I bet you didn't think you were Snuffleupagus. Let's find out why. You are both somewhat organized. You have a good idea where you put things and you probably keep your place reasonably clean. You aren't totally obsessed with neatness though. Alloyius Snuffleupagus (and all Snuffleupagus') is not sloppy by nature, but he moves so incredibly slowly that it is impossible for him to be totally organized. You both are about equally concrete and abstract thinkers. You have a good balance in your life. You know when to be logical at times, but you also aren't afraid to explore your dreams and desires... within limits of course. Snuffy generally has very basic interests, but he explores his abstract sensitive side when he plays his snuffleflute. You both are somewhat introverted. Originally Snuffleupagus was very shy and was only Big Bird's invisible friend. However as he has aged he has started to build new friendships with new characters. Like Snuffy, you probably like to have some time to yourself. However, you do appreciate spending time with your friends, and you aren't scared of social situations. The other possible characters are Oscar the Grouch Big Bird Cookie Monster Ernie Elmo Kermit the Frog Grover The Count Guy Smiley Bert If you enjoyed this test, I would love the feedback! Also if you want to tell me your favorite Sesame Street character, I can total them up and post them here. Perhaps your choice will win!

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 18% on Organization You scored higher than 29% on concrete-abstra You scored higher than 29% on intro-extrovert

Link: The Your SESAME STREET Persona Test written by greencowsgomoo on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Who are you?

Labels: Quizzes

posted by Carol at 10:06 AM | 5 @ I Love Comments

Hello, my name is Carol and I'm a blogaholic...

Blogaholics Anonymous is a fun webring for bloggers who are zealous for the craft. It is not a twelve step program.

I am going to take a more serious look at the steps and traditions from Alcoholics Anonymous today. When I wrote step 1 last week, it turned out to be a reminder of where I have been and where I don't want to go.

Step 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Over 20 years ago, I needed a twelve step program. I was presented with the idea that God could help me. I did not expect God to be the answer. This was the beginning of my spiritual life.

Do I think He can restore me to sanity over something as perhaps, trivial, as blogoholism?
I do. I don't want to give it up entirely, just be moderately entranced.

1Corinthian 6:12 "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything."

posted by Carol at 9:11 AM | 7 @ I Love Comments

An Excerpt from a Life

These are excerpts are taken from journals I kept as a teenager in the 70's. I had a huge crush on a fellow I nicknamed Chevy. I was overweight at the time and became convinced that he would like me if I lost weight.

January 8, 1975
I didn't go to school. I feel okay except I have to keep on spitting.

January 9, 1975
I still didn't go to school. Oh man, do I miss Chevy!

January 17, 1975
I went to school for the first time in a long time. I had a ball. Chevy is still super cute.

January 27, 1975
I hate exams!
I hate studying!
I just adore Chevy's eyelashes!
Laurie said she is proud of me cause I lost so much weight. She's proud? I'm bursting with it. When I'm slim, I just know Chevy will like me.

Labels: Excerpts from a Life

posted by Carol at 7:20 PM | 3 @ I Love Comments

Another Day

We live near the airport flight path. Planes are a part of our view out the kitchen bay window.
Tonight, we heard a loud rumbling.
"What is that?" I heard as my Husband looked out the window and frantically headed for the back door. I followed.
In the northern sky, we saw a plane lit with an orange glow, sparks slowly emanating into the darkness.
It felt unreal; prayers quickly were said. I hugged my daughter as the plane rose and headed back for the airport.
We heard on the radio that everyone was safe.
Thank you.

posted by Carol at 11:10 PM | 3 @ I Love Comments

Ode to a Friend

Even when I don't hear from you
I know that you are there
waiting to hear from me,
dear friend...

Yikes! It is Friendly Friday, I completely forgot...just a moment, stay right here while I find my conductor's hat...




Gasp, my tuba has shrunk...well... it will have to do this week.

Hello my friends! How ya doozing? Are you ready for another fantastic Friday? I can hardly wait to see who this week's friendless sites are! Yes, well...um, give me another minute,'kay?


Ahem, I thought I would try a thematic approach this week. I like poetry, so this week, I have found a couple of poet bloggers. They both are enjoyable but the site of the week I chose is the one on the left ;)

posted by Carol at 7:39 AM | 7 @ I Love Comments

A Bad Day

My Son was excited this morning that a friend had invited him over after school so I was surprised to see him at the door this afternoon. His friend decided to do something else. As a result, he was in a growly mood. When I told him what his chore was, he protested loudly and ended up being grounded from the computer and television.
He calmed down after supper but still hoped to get back on the computer. He decided to play with a train set that should be given away as it is too young for him.
I was looking for him this evening and my Husband called from our bedroom that he was in there.
I opened the door to find the two of them bent over my Husband's more sophisticated train set.

It is good to be reminded that things work out for the best, eventually.

posted by Carol at 8:47 PM | 7 @ I Love Comments

CPR

Today, I took a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Basic Rescuer course.
Take this quiz. Perhaps, you would like to sign up, too.

Labels: Quizzes

posted by Carol at 8:53 PM | 3 @ I Love Comments

Clearer

I have lost 7/8 Battle of the Blogs. This is a game on Blog Explosion where you pit your blog against another in hopes of being voted the best.

Carol, what are you doing??

Anyways after being defeated so many times, I went on the Member's Forum to ask what was the matter. It seems that the game is more about form and template (or chance. One fellow said he votes for the blogs on the left side of the screen some of the time and those on the right the other times).

I breathed a sigh before it hit me, this is life and relationships. Many people are attracted to others because of form and template, the shape of the body, the beauty, clothes and eloquence.

I am glad they thought the content was good (smile) but the orange, well...Perhaps the orange will go, along with the font variations. I mean, it wouldn't hurt to get a new wardrobe and hairstyle.

Then, I look back over my years and have to almost laugh when I think of the people that have walked by me, all because they didn't like my form and template.

But I realize, the content has always been good.

posted by Carol at 9:55 PM | 10 @ I Love Comments