101 Questions Answered

1. Spell ur 1st name backwards: lorac (reminds me of a Dr. Seuss character-Lorax)

2. The story behind ur blog title: A Revision-Not only are my words revised but I am revised as well.

3. Where do u live: in a comfortable condo in Canada

4. 4 words that sum u up: spiritual, loyal, fun, intelligent

Describe your.........,

5. [Wallet]: unorganized

6. [Hairbrush]:pointy

7. [ Jewellrey you wear daily]: wedding ring and watch

8. [Pillowcase]: black

9. [ Shoes]:I need new heels, badly.

10. [Music playing right now]: Trooper's Two For the Show (Canadian group on an oldies radio station)

11. [ What are you wearing right now]: jeans and a centennial t-shirt

12. [Hair]:I have a hair appointment tomorrow!

13. [ In my mouth]:?

14. [ In my head]: Blogging is fun!

15. [ Eating]: Nothing at the moment, but I am getting hungry, now.


16. [ Some of your favourite movies]: The Long, Long Trailer with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, there are too many really...To Kill a Mockingbird. I watch movies from different time periods and always find something that I enjoy like musicals with Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly and silent films such as Buster Keaton in The General. I liked Jim Carrey in Man in the Moon and Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind as well.

17. [ Something you're looking forward to] Supper, I am actually writing this enroute to Thanksgiving supper on Monday.

18. [ The last thing you ate] Soup, tuna sandwiches and salad.

19. [ Something you are deadly afraid of]: Sometimes, breathing...

20. [ Do you like candles] I do but seldom light one except during a bath if I am feeling stressed.

.: Do You Believe In:.

21. [ A Thing Called Love] Definitely

22. [ Soul mates]: Definitely

23. [ Love at first sight]: No, this is not love but infatuation. True love involves the inner person.

24. [ Forgiveness]: Most definitely


.: Other Stuff:.
25. [ If you could have any animal for a pet]: I am a cat person and but we have one already so I wouldn't mind a Japanese Fighting Fish but I am afraid that the cat would enjoy it more.

26. [ 4 Places you wouldn't mind relocating to]: I thought a lot about this one, even engaging my husband’s opinion, since, hey, he would be going too:
1.Florence, Italy- I would love to be in the midst of Renaissance art.
2. Manhattan, USA-This one is my husband’s idea. He said he would like to be in the middle of an urban center where you took a taxi everywhere. He has been watching alot of Seinfeld lately but this sounds good to me as well.
3.There is a beautiful valley around where I grew up. We both agree that living rurally in this valley would be the place to be. It would be near my home town, my family, the reserve where my Mom grew up and where I have cousins and it is beautiful and peaceful. It would be like going back home.
4. an acreage-south of our growing city there is another valley that is reminiscent of the first one I mentioned.

27. [ What are some of your favourite pig out foods]: potato chips (usually substitue a low fat version called Crispers), licorice,popcorn

28. [ What's something you wish you could understand better] The Bible

29. [ Anyone you miss that you haven't seen in a long time] My parents-they have both passed away.

.: In The Last 24 Hours have You:.
30. [Cried]: No

31. [ Gotten Sick]: Yes, I have not been feeling that great lately.

32. [ Eaten] Yes

33. [ felt stupid] A little bit

34. [ Hugged someone]: Yes

35. [ Wanted to tell someone you love them] No, I don't say it enough.

36. [ Met someone new] No

37. [ talked to someone you have a crush on]: No

38. [ Had a fight with your parents]: I wish

39. [Dreamed about someone you can't be with]:No

40. [ Are you the centre of attention or a wallflower] a wallflower who wants to be the center of attention

41. [ What type of automobile do you drive] Ford Windstar, I wouldn’t recomment it though.

42. [ Would you rather be with friends or on a date]:I like the dates I have with my husband.

43. [ Do you attend Church] Yes

44. [ Do you like being around people] sometimes

45. [ Who of ure friends have you known the longest] Mango, we have been friends for 35 years now.

46. [ Who do you argue the most with] Another more recent friend. We argue all the time and personally, I love it.

47. [ Who do you always get along with]: My husband and I are compatible.

48. [Who has the coolest siblings] Of I know, my husband's 3 brothers.

49. [ Who is the smartest] I would say my husband, if this refers to #48

50. [ Who is your hero]: Jesus Christ

51. Have you ever been searched by the cops? Kinda

52. Do you close your eyes on rollercoasters? I don't go on rollercoasters!

53. When's the last time you've been sleigh riding? 7 years ago, when the kids were younger.

54. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? My husband.

55. Do you believe in Ghosts? No

56. Do you consider yourself creative? Yeah

57. Do you think O.J. killed his wife? Possibly

58. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? Jennifer

59. Can you honestly say you know anything about politics? I know a little

60. Do you know how to play poker? yes

61. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? No

62. Do you kill bugs that are in the house? Yes but occasionally I'll throw them outside.

63. Have you ever cheated on a test? I did. I saw the answers beforehand and I still feel bad about it.

64. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around... do you go through red lights? No

65. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? It is hard to keep my mouth shut with certain confidants.

66. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? Is that baseball?

67. Have you ever Ice Skated? yes and I wear a helmet. I don't risk a brain injury.

68. How often do you remember your dreams? Sometimes

69. When was the last time you laughed so hard you were crying? so long ago I can't remember.

70. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatles? I better be able to, I have a housefull of Beatles fans-Love Me Do, Help, Strawberry Fields, Eleanor Rigby, Let It Be

71. Do you know who Ba-Ba-Booey is? No, is it a friend of Barney's?

72. Do you always wear your seatbelt? Yes

73. What talent do you wish you had? I would like to be a writer.

74. Do you like Sushi? no

75. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident? no

76. What do you wear to bed? Pyjamas

77. Have you ever been caught stealing? No,I have never stolen anything

78. Do you truly hate anyone? No

79. Rock and Roll or Rap? rock and roll

80. Do you have a relative in prison? No

81. Have you ever sang in front of the mirror like your favorite singer? No although I think I might've tried.

82. Do you know how to play chess? Yes but am a novice.

83. What food do you find disgusting? Octopus and squid

84. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours"? No

85. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back? Perhaps but not in a mean way. (Not you, Mango)

86. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? I think so

87. Have you ever been punched in the face? No

88. When is the last time you threw up from drinking too much? Decades ago

89. Have you ever walked out on a movie at the theater? Yes and it was Shrek but I wasn't feeling well.

90. Did you ever sit through a bad movie, just to see how bad it can get? No. Some types of bad, I can endure, others I walk out.

91. Would you consider yourself obsessed with anything? Yes, you know the b... thing

92. Have you ever met someone famous that you really wanted to meet? No.

93. Have you ever been stood up? I think so.

94. When's the last time you screamed at the top of your lungs? Never

95. Did you ever do something that you didn't want to, just to fit in? Probably, but it was a long time ago.

96. Do you consider yourself "the biggest fan" of something? No, not the biggest.

97. I Want: to be worry-free

98: I Wonder: what people think of me (but am afraid to find out)

99. I Wish: that all my family becomes Christians someday.

100. I Always: worry

101. I Am: Done. Now it is your turn

These questions came from Dan_ielle's site.

Thanksgiving in Canada

Today, I am happy that we are invited to my in-laws for Thanksgiving as we have spent many of them turkeyless.

I have only cooked a turkey a couple of times. My children do not like turkey. They complain that it is too dry, probably an indication of my self imposed inexperience. Then there is the fact that no one likes all the turkey recipes I try out afterwards like Calico Creamed Turkey and Leftover Turkey Salad.

The years that we have no turkey, I crave it really bad and the turkey at Denny's is just not the same. One year, we walked by a place where there was a charity Thanksgiving meal going on and I was really tempted. It is not good to be envious on Thanksgiving Day.

I had my husband's family over once for Thanksgiving and found it so stressful that I am afraid to to do it again. So I am very thankful for the people that actually do all the work of making a feast then invite others and only ask for a salad and pop in return.

(Yes, yes, I'll do the dishes)

To Get the Speed of your Blog Page Analyzed for Free...

Go here.

Matthew 19:3-6

"Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?
And He answered and said, Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning, made them male and female,
and said, For this reason a man shall leave his Father and Mother and be joined to his Wife, and the two shall become one flesh?
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."

Yesterday a co-worker and I were discussing the many divorces that occur these days. The point was made that often no one is aware that there are serious problems until a separation occurs.

I commented that if the problems weren't kept hidden perhaps others would be able to help.
Upon further thought, I realize that often there is not a lot of support for couples to stay together. If someone admits to having marital difficulties, sympathy and empathy might be expressed but not the importance of staying together. Seventy five years ago, marriage was understood as being permanent, but many don't believe this anymore.

Excerpt from a Life

October 25, 1974
Mango could have gone to her school dance but she didn't. She came over instead. And man what a ball we had!
No one was at home so we moved the record player to the living room. Then we sang individually to DeFranco records and had impromptu choreography. We critiqued one another. Mango is doing good.
For one of her comments of me, she said that I was really good and should be a choreographer. That made me feel really good.
It was lots of fun plus it is exercise. I think I lost a few pounds from it (at least one)
Then we (cassette)taped our Peace-In Show. Its really good! Honestly.
I had so much fun tonight. I'm glad Mango didn't go to the dance. She's my best friend but I can never tell Laurie that...

Friendly Friday

Hi Friends of the Friendless Marching Band! I hope that you are ever eager to extend your hand of friendship to friendless bloggers.






The featured blog of the week is Stringbeanjean of Haunt Me. I liked this blog because:

• of her experimentation
• I marvel at her random creative thoughts
• her posts are short and good
  
• like one of her commenters remarked, it is like finding a secret garden
• okay, she told me that she doesn't want any friends so approach cautiously. These types of friendless people usually deserve a close and appreciative look regardless.
  

There is only one friendless site this week. Please submit any that you discover.
Remember that the definition of a friendless site is that they have less than 5 comments per post and/or less than 10 visitors a day.

For any disgruntled featured friendless sites, please note that this is intended to be an honor but if for some reason you do not feel it is so, you have the option of renouncing your title. Please submit your renunciation speech as Marlon Brando did for his refusal of an oscar stating...
" I,(fill in your name), very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award. And the reason for this being..."
I will post your very polite comment on this page and remove all links to your site. Your site name and reasons why I chose your site to feature will remain.

Some sites that might offer help for those wanting more blog friends are:
BlogExplosion- a blog community that looks fun and offers many new ways to meet new bloggers. There are games and a forum plus bloggers are able to rate other blogs.
Problogger
-This is more for helping bloggers earn money but it has good tips for increasing readership, as well.
Rothacker Reviews
-This offers blogging/writing tips
Michele offers a Meet 'n Greet on the weekend. It is a fun place for bloggers to socialize.

If anyone knows of other sites that can help combat friendlessness, please submit these as well.

Random Act-A Poem for the Beautiful

A long time ago
there were girls
(mean girls they are called now
and they were)

hiding tacks in their pockets
while feigning smiles for front pages
I trembled and fought
fully for my life then

It was only a childhood battle
but if I could have looked forward
I would have seen
an adult whispering for her victory still

Random Acts of Poetry-Oct 3-9,2005

Feel like getting into poetry, now is the week.
If you are feeling spontaneously inspired, I would really love to get poemed. Leave me one in the comment section.

A Second Random Act- Here I Am

Control
Control
Control the thoughts
Control

Think amusing
analytical
comforting
true
thoughts

Read the Book
Meditate
Pray

Move the body
Look around

Get over there

A Random Act

The music comforts my own frail attempts
at soothing and teasing, making play

I see no eyes
but feel the watchful rhythm

Is it safe?
others doubt the improvisations

but the music means no harm
only hear to make your presence known

Proverbs 9:7-9

"He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,
And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning."

Excerpts from a Life

December 9, 1974
In typing, Bob T. usually says or asks me something. I don't like him or anything but-
Guess what? I lost another 5 lbs. That makes a grand total of 170 lbs. Haha. I'm determined so everybody better watch out! Can I do it? You bet!!

December 10, 1974
Saw Chevy while getting books out for science. Also saw him after science. He wore his tannish sweater.
Glen S. started talking to me in typing about horses. It may not really sound like much but I never really talk to boys...

Petey Lives!!

I haven't been at work for a week, so I have been uncertain about Petey's situation.(Petey is our workplace Japanese fighting fish, who was under the weather the last I saw him. Read about him here) How I rejoiced when I saw him swimming around in his old familiar habitat. He ate well, fluttered his fins and even charged at the bright red tipped pen we tease him with. This is a sure sign of his recovery. Yahoo!

Friendly Friday

Hi members of the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band. I thought we were due for a casual Friendly Friday! So have a relaxing march to these remarkably cool friendless sites.

The featured site this week is From the Edge to the Center.

I like this blog because:

• Stephen is a fellow reading enthusiast
• who gives great book reviews
• I am almost convinced to try a graphic novel
  
• the accompanying pictures of his current books are creative and inviting

I found this week's options difficult to choose from so also check out artificial Human of Arizona. He is a great photographer but that is not all.

Thoughts of a Longcat is written by a British composer who mixes his ordinary music with the offbeat. He also cycles around London giving a close look at life there.

New band recruits are welcome.
Remember to submit more friendless sites for next week!

Fan Fiction YA GOTTAAAH LUV LOOOSEY

Night light shines on Lucy as she rocks her baby. Her eyes slowly shut while baby does whatever baby wants to. Babies are too unpredicatable for stage directions.
Ricky comes into room, wearing his tux.
He whispers,"Lucy, tum to go to sleep." and first takes little Ricky and places him in crib. Then leads Lucy to bed, she stumbles over an unseen toy and falls into bed.
Ricky smiles at his sleeping family.
Flashback to his family back in Cuba.

Carol enters. She is wearing a colorful kerchief around her long, black hair. Little Ricky is playing the congas on the floor.
"There is my son, the future dentist." Little Ricky flashes her a big smile and plays louder.
"You will take your mama to America someday." she says as he continues to bang on his drum.

Back to the present, Ricky watches his son falling asleep.( If baby is not sleeping then have a long shot of the crib) Carol joins him at the cribside and has a conga drum around her. She hands it to Ricky who smiles and put it around his shoulder.

"Don't play now. Too loud. You'll wake everybody up." She backs up, stumbles over an invisible toy, does a back flip and disappears. Remember to close the trap door after her exit.



Well, something like that...

Serious Post

I think I am due for a serious moment but as I sit here waiting, I realize that the only thing I feel inspired to be at this particular moment is a predictably, zany housewife who might look like Charlie Brown's psychologist but really only wants to get into show business.

I just bought seasons 4 and 5 of I Love Lucy today and am still getting flashbacks of Lucy in the arms of William Shatner, so perhaps I better wait a day...

Lucy in the Sky with Shatner??

This is what happens when you pass on a love for Lucy to a 12 year old son with a penchant for Star Trek and the Beatles!

No, he didn't make this but with his interest in film as well, I see something akin for the future...

Does anyone have a caption for this photo?

This is a typical during meal preparation: I am visiting on my headset phone while the cat hopes for some tasty treat to fall.

Well actually, she doesn't like brocolli so maybe this is a sign that she really does like me.

I am Not Alone

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:3435

Excerpt from a Life

Oct 21,1974
I'm still trying to lose weight! I eat absolutely nothing between meals. Some nights, I exercise. I really have got some will power. Whenever, I feel like eating something I think of Chevy, Chevy, Chevy.

Petey Update

I was working last night, so the first thing I did was check that Petey, our pet Japanese Fighting fish, was still in his bowl. When I had worked last, not only was Petey treated for constipation but he was also put in a new bowl with different rocks etc. They had thought this might help him with his sluggishness.

The good news was that he was still alive. The bad news was that he was lurking near the bottom of the bowl. A few of us were concerned that the new bowl was the culprit. Were the new rocks toxic? Was the concentration of chlorine remover incorrect?

When the person that had changed his bowl came in, everyone told her that she should change him back to his old bowl. She was not happy with the insinuations and said whoever wasn't happy with it, could change it themselves.

Concern grew. The fish bowl changer told me that the other women were blaming her. I reassured her that they were not blaming her, only trouble-shooting as trouble-shooting is an important part of our job.

Soon she was busy changing Petey's habitat back to the original.

Later, as Petey swam around, she said," I hate to admit it but he does look happier."

Friendly Friday

Hello Friends of the Friendless Marching Band!
Thanks to those that have submitted sites to be visited this week. The Marching Band continues to spread cheer and goodwill to the friendless blogs of the blogsphere.



It was a pleasure to read the featured blog Over Another Hump from the beginning to get to know Frances McKay. She is a retired schoolteacher who lives in a small town (population 21) in the Australian outback.

I liked her blog because:

• of a sample of her flash fiction in "Read Smell the Roses?"
  
• I learned of Australia
• I wondered if Frances really did uncover a dinosaur?
• I enjoyed her poetry and found more of it on Nature Writing

I am having fun visiting these bloggers. I hope you are too.

Other sites submitted are:

• a woman whose Inner Thoughts I found interesting because of a crush she has.
  
• a 15 yr old whose friends sometimes lead to Complicated Truths.

Please submit more sites for next week and have fun blogging!

13 Morsels

13 Super Sweet Morsels about Carol 1. I don't feel like doing anything today! 2. I have been blogging since Feb '05. I love it! 3. We had our carpet cleaned today and you wouldn't believe how much it cost but I still haven't given up hope on getting a digital camera. 4. I am the proud owner of a grumpy cat. I haven't owned a cuddly kitty since the age of 13. 5. I work part time with a group of great women. We have a pet fish named Re-petey. 6. I always answer quizzes honestly and end up being the nerd. (or cabin boy!) 7. Each member of my family wants their computer time. Everyone has their own web page. 8. I like to read. I have a web page of book reviews I've written. I enjoy book analysis. 9. I keep bookmarks of retired blogs. These bloggers have mysteriously disappeared but I have hopes that they will return. Sometimes they do! 10. I would like to have a cooler template but I like this modified version of a standard one. My youngest daughter's knowledge of html helped. 11. I am a loyal friend and blogger. I gotta stop that overvisiting. 12. My children and I are Lucy fans. My husband uses our "I Love Lucy" times to finally get on the computer. 13. I am the conductor of the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band. We meet on Fridays to visit friendless blogs. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, IÂ’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


Carol says, thirteen things is all I ask for, and what do you get in return? Linkage! If you do it, leave a comment here and link me to your Thursday Thirteen. I will be sure to update my entry with links to yours, and then you can continue the chain if you like! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.


I found this at Utenzi's blog.

I Don't Wanna Talk About It!

I don't like to talk about being unpopular. I have never been popular and do not expect to be but deep down there is a strong desire to be approved by others. It hurts to have a need that I think others can fill but not I. This hidden, damaged part of me is a result of growing up with imperfections and having no one teach me the power and necessity of self-love.

I know this desire to be liked is superficial and that on a deeper level, it is of little consequence and is even detrimental to the artistic side of me.
I am learning that others can't give me what I need. I need to fill that void with my own love and approval.
I am learning to gratify the surfacing pulses of creativity in ways that are uniquely Carol.

If others want to peer over my shoulder, then I am honored but it is not my right.

Inspired by this blog slant.

More News About Petey

Actually, his name is Re-Petey. (named so because the original Petey came to an early demise) He resides in a bowl at my workplace, a Japanese Fighting fish.
Today it was believed that he looked constipated. My co-worker asked me to look at him to confirm her suspicions.
I know nothing about a fish's constitution so I looked and said, "Ah..."
Another co-worker had read on the internet that a green pea can help a constipated fish and it just so happened that the first expert on the matter had a leftover pea from supper.
So when I left, they were writing a note for the day staff not to feed Re-Petey because in a starved state he would be more likely to nibble...

I Missed it

I did this quiz today in honor of Pirate Day which was yesterday and discovered that I am...


The Cabin Boy/Galley Wench

You, me lad, are an activist! You will not only change the world, you will make a dyed-in-the-wool Pirate dream of you in a sheep costume. You are the embodiment of the love that dare not hoist its sail! Ahoy thar! You could make a two-patch Pirate turn his head - but then he would lose sleep over it and what good would that do anyone? An innovator, you are WAY ahead of your time - and everyone else's. You are sensitive and artsy-fartsy. You say things like, "artsy-fartsy" but there is always a slight giggle in your voice when you say it - like Paul Lynde on Hollywood Squares delivering a staggering punch line. Speaking of "punching" the only "punching" you would do is punching up that outfit with some accessories - say, a little bandana and some glass beads. You're not the Pirate we want in a fight, but we want you there for the crying game that follows! You go, girl.

I am currently reading Sea Wolf by Jack London. It is about a schooner captained by the meanest man I have ever read. The point of view is from a character called Humphrey or Hump. He becomes a sailor unwillingly and begins his ghastly ocean adventure as a cabin boy, too.
"It was unparalleled, undreamed of, that I, Humphrey Van Weyden, a scholar and a dilettante, if you please, in things artistic and literary, should be lying here on a Bering Sea seal -hunting schooner. Cabin boy! I had never done any hard manual labor or scullion labor in my life. I had lived a placid, uneventful, sedentary existence all my days...I had preferred to use my head rather than my body, and here I was, in no fit condition for the rough life in prospect."


Do this quiz, to find out who you are on the ship.
What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!


Pearl discovered this treasure. She commemorated the day with a nasty pirate poem. I loved her pirate picture, too. I better set the date on my calendar for next year.

Fragile Difference

If all I need is Strength and Ability
to character my soul to breathe
then there is no need for Another

The two solemly enter
the gates of the Other
to cover me as I lay
whispering words
to be well
and to love
for we know
I can not do it alone

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven;
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

Excerpt from a Life

Oct 19,1974
Today it was nice outside. Mango and I went bike riding. She came over. We fooled around on the tape recorder,sang on it etc. All the DeFranco songs!!

Oct 20,1974
Mango came over. We made a Peace-In Show on tape.

Oct 21, 1974
Mango and I worked on our Peace-In Show. I would really like to be a comedy writer but...

Friendly Conga Line

Due to the high demand for more conga enthusiasts, the line will be on going... join in at any time!

Friendly Friday

Hi Friends of the Friendless marching band!
How about something different this week?


I was thinking, we haven't had a "Get Aquainted" time.
So today, instead of visiting the friendless, we are going to do the conga!
That's right, the conga!

Dancing instructions are as follows:

• Sign your name and instrument in the comment section.
• Then visit the person before you (for some of you, this part will be familiar).
• Leave a comment on their site saying at least 2 things that you found interesting about their blog!
• Band members that don't have a blog, can still participate by visiting and commenting.
  
• The first person tells me 2 things that they find interesting about my site.
• I will visit the last site just before midnight, ie if I can stay awake that late after doing the conga all day.
• Have fun!!
• Don't forget to submit friendless sites to me for next week. The ones I received this week, will be included in the next Friendly Friday's roster!
• New members are always welcome.
• Visit this previous post if you are wondering what this is all about.

Don't believe this cartoonist!

Should I Get the Tee-Shirt?

Cyborg Name Generator

The Cover

My son excitedly wanted to be on the computer. He needed to find a picture of Kirk and Spock for his sister, who volunteered to draw a picture on his textbook cover.

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you. Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me.

Title from Oscar Hammerstein's Song, "Getting to Know You"

My Son received a list of questions from school. I immediately saw that this had potential for a blog.

1. If Scotty could beam you out of here for the day, where would you go?
If I could be instantly transported, I would choose the Louvre in Paris. I was in Paris in 1983 on a whirlwind tour but the Louvre was closed during our stay!

2. What is one of your personal passions?
Christianity

3. If you had $1,000,000 to give to your favourite charity, what charity would it be?
I would give it to the Church.

4. If you had unlimited time/nerve/money, what athletic activity would you like to pursue ?
Cross country skiing. I took a continuing education class on it several years ago but didn't pursue it because

• I had no one to go with
• it was still too steep for me
• no skiis?

5. Decide three features/things that your fantasy vacation would have.
luxury, culture and leisure

6. Decide three things you would like to have with you if you were stranded on a desert island?
food,books and a cell phone

7. If you just won $1,000,000 what would be the first thing you do?
Pay off the mortgage.

8. Who living or dead would you most like to meet?
Jesus

9. Name a celebrity that you find particularly attractive?
Colin Firth (Pride and Prejudice miniseries)

10. What are your pet peeves?

• Telephone solicitors.
• When vehicles and appliances need expensive repair just when I finally decided to buy a digital camera.

11. Life is full of embarrassing moments. Share an embarrassing incident that happened to you.
Experiencing a mental block!

12 If you were alone and in trouble, and had only one quarter to make a phone call who would you call?
Home.

13. List three descriptors that your friend would use to describe you.
Fun, intelligent but neurotic (well, would ya?)

14. Add your own ideas to the following sentence stem: "If I were in charge of the world..."

• I would have tougher punishment for criminals.
• Athletes and actors wouldn't be paid so atrociously much. People would be rewarded fairly for their abilities and contributions
• including mothers who stay at home.

Who Is?

"I'm not good enough"
so I place myself behind a screened door
a traced outline
blurred face

I am only an idea
perhaps a nice one
friendly but sparkly dark
eager to feel the good

Then, I see faces
pressed against the screen
fingers tracing an image
against the darkness, wondering who is?

John 1:1

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Excerpt from a Life

October 12,1974
Mango came here in the evening. We drew a picture of one another. Mango's picture of me is good but mine of her isn't!
For the past week or so, I have not had any snack at night. It's not so hard to go without it but I really eat at supper. I shouldn't.

October 13,1974
Mango came over in the afternoon. I drew a better picture of her. It looks like her! Don't think I'm conceited or anything but I have to write my true thoughts. So there's no pretending to be modest. Dad said I might be an artist yet. I hope so. I gave it to Mango. She gave me the one she did of me.

October 15,1974
In the afternoon at school, Laurie and I were sitting in the library filling out a form when I saw Chevy coming in. He walked to this table right beside us. When he walked by, he bumped my chair. He was so close, that if I wanted to, I could've touched him.

October 17,1974
I like Chevy sooooo much. I wish I was not sooooo fat. I'm trying to lose weight, but it feels as if I'll never get there. Never lost nothing. Guess how much I weigh?
185 lbs. Wow so much. If anybody read this, I'll die. Now you know how fat I am. Do you think Chevy is that stupid or hard-up. I just don't know. When I look back at this, I hope I don't weigh more. Carol, lose weight now! When I am older, it will be too late.

Friendly Friday

Hi Friends of the Friendless. I hope you will enjoy these new friendless sites and leave an encouraging word or two for them.


The friendless site of the week is Danielle of Estranged Love.
I like her blog because:

• it is refreshing to read a 19 yr old's perspective
  
• that doesn't use the manga style
  
• she is honest, introspective with a good sense of humor as well
  
• I like her "Layers of Me" on August 15, 2005
• I like the relaxing look of her blog

I wish Danielle would post more often.

Other sites submitted:

• Brenda of Planet Brenda. Hey, she has more friends than me! I guess that proves that friendlessness is relative. Brenda is a humorous blogger with good accompanying photos.

• Orfeo from Orfeo's Underworld is an Australian who mainly blogs about his deep appreciation for music.

Yes, that is me with my tuba!

Band members, do you have any pictures of you with your instrument? Go ahead, be creative. Then post it proudly on your blog with the caption "I am a member of the Friend of the Friendless band!" I will post it on my blog as well.

Anyone is free to join the band. Just leave a comment with your instrument of choice then go and visit. To find out more about the band and the origins of Friendly Fridays, go here and here.

Reminder, I need some sites to visit this week!

Katie

A few years ago as my husband and I were walking along the side of a road, we noticed a salamander creeping along and stopped to look at it. On the way back, that same salamander lay crushed. I felt an eeriness because it had caught our attention only minutes earlier.

Yesterday, my daughter came home from school with sad news. One of her classmates had been killed in a car accident that weekend. "She was so friendly, always smiling". Later in the evening she pointed out her obituary. I looked at the sweet girl with blonde hair. My daughter commented that she was the shortest person in school.
As I lay in bed, I recalled a moment last week when my daughter and I were in student services to rearrange her class schedule. A petite, blonde girl had come out of one of the offices. I noticed her because she reminded me of someone from my childhood. She saw that I was looking at her and smiled.

I came downstairs to ask my daughter if that was her. It was.

What Do Ya Do All Day???

6:30 am. The alarm goes off. I had a great sleep, no "middle of the night warm milk mug" by my bedside. The kids are all awake, excited about school. I check my blog while they get ready. I am really only a reminder. "Do you have your snack? Do you have your lunch? Do you have your..."

7:00 am. We have a Bible and prayer time together. We will be going through Ecclesiastes this year as I think it is a good book for teenagers to learn about what is important in life.

7:15 am. They are gone. I start the laundry then have my own prayer time. I have breakfast and read a couple of sections of the newspaper.

8:00 am. I fill out a bunch of school consent forms and write out recipe cards for the Ladies Meeting on Friday. I thought it would be nice to do them by hand but it is taking a long time to write out 15 Cajun Cods.

9:oo am. Ah, it is a decent time to phone my pal, Mango. We talk while I do the laundry and take the dishes out of the dishwasher, reminiscing about the childrens' chores.

10:00 am. I get off the phone to write two more recipes out.

10:30 am. I do an exercise video.

11:30 am. I start today's blog!

11:55 am. The service advisor for our van phones and says the van needs a $698 job done. Sigh... I tell him that my husband will be home in 5-10 minutes, will he be there? Yes, he says.

12:00 pm. My husband is home. He phones back and gets an answering machine. Hmmph!
Ok, time to start lunch.

1:00 pm. Service advisor phones back, the warranty has expired. I am angry. I deserve some blog time.

1:30 pm. I get off the computer to wash the dishes, continue with laundry while talking to another friend on the phone. I am bothered by the van.

2:45 pm. Eldest comes home from school, excited to talk. Others follow soon. Snack time-popcorn and oranges. Chores are assigned. The youngest gets off easy- setting the table for supper. The middle girl is to clean all the mirrors and the eldest will make supper. I am still doing laundry and writing recipe cards (one more to go) but squeeze in time to read a blog.

3:40 pm. We go over the many school forms that say "review this with your child." They do their homework.

5:30 pm. I look at a couple of blogs while supper is being made.

6:00 pm. Supper is served.

6:30 pm. We leave for Bible Study. We are studying the book of Jude.

8:40 pm. The kids are making their lunches and getting ready for bed while I sit down to finish my blog of the day and look around.

So what do ya do all day???

Soapmaker

I was sensually impressed by a magazine cover of a woman surrounded by soaps she had made. I imagined myself surrounded by the smooth pastels and natural scents.
When I heard of a soapmaking class, I immediately signed up. The process seemed easy enough at the one day workshop.
Afterwards, I bought a couple of additional instruction books and lye. This attempt was not as successful. The lye leaked out of my flimsy mold leaving an unesthetical glob. Soapmaking was not appealing after all.

That was ten years ago and I still love handmade soaps but it is the end product I enjoy and not the process. Someone else can endure the burning lye, not I.

Then I learn that to be the woman on the cover, I still have to endure failure and unpleasantness in order to achieve.

Labor Day

This is the last day of summer. My children return to school tomorrow.

It was a good summer though I wish we could've done something really special for our holidays. My eldest enters grade 12, so this is probably the last family holiday for her (sob). She loves politics and would've enjoyed seeing Ottawa but staying closer to home suited her fine.

I am glad that my children appreciate what we do together. When we gather to watch "I Love Lucy", we all have to be present. They enjoy her as much or perhaps more than I. We laughed through many episodes this summer.

My eldest was in summer school. She worked very hard, getting up at 6 am to bus it across town for her class. She faithfully spent her July doing math. She did so well that her registration fees were reimbursed.

Otherwise, we had a great, lazy summer: sleeping in, on the computer, reading.
When we weren't 'doing nothing', the children helped with the housework.

Tomorrow, we will be hurled back into the discipline of early risings and homework and I'll be all alone with the laundry.

Acts 4:33

"And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all."


painting by Connie Kassal

Excerpt from a Life

Oct 1,1974
Chevy wore a blue top today.
I know he knows that I like him. For sure!! And believe me, he doesn't act like he likes it. I don't know if I should forget him or not. What do you think?

Honestly, I don't know what to do! If he hates me, I'll cry. I've liked him for 8 months going on 9,it can't stop now. Or can it? I can see why he would not like me, as I am very fat and ugly, but when I like a guy, I think he doesn't see me like that. But I guess he does!
Oh God, he hates, hates, hates me. Oh no. I wish he would swear or laugh at me, then I would forget him fast.

Oct 4, 1974,
While we were typing to music, I looked up and there stood Brick (an old nemesis from Junior High school) with Chevy outside the classroom. Brick was telling Chevy something. It looked as if they were laughing at me. Oh God, I'm sure! I tried to keep on typing but it was so hard...

Oct 7,1974
I've been thinking, maybe Chevy doesn't know I like him. Could be my imagination.

Friendly Friday

Hello Friendly band members!
I hope you had a good week and are ready for our march.

The featured friendless site today is Youssoff.
I like that this blog because

• Youssoff has been blogging for over a year.
• Youssoff is a sheep.
• there is a lot that a sheep has to say.
• there is a lot to learn about sheep.
  
• I like the sheep games.
• it is very unique
• it is fun

Two other blogs were also submitted. I hope you will visit these as well.

There is Vanesita at "It's Peru, Baby." She writes interesting pieces of her life in London now.

Jessy at "Longing for More of Jesus..." could use encouragement. I find it hard not to be moved by someone who is trying hard to overcome her weaknesses.

Have fun meeting these bloggers. I hope you will meet someone that will be "bookmarked" for a deeper friendship.
Remember to march with your eyes open for more friendless sites this week.

Celebrate!

Fireworks are for rejoicing.

Today was our province's "party of the century," as our premier boasted. I had forgotten about the significance of the day until my daughter reminded me to wear my centennial t-shirt this morning. Then I forgot again until I saw my husband sitting in front of the television this evening watching the "party of the century." There is a wide variety of talent in this province.

We watched the televised fireworks while I lamented that we had not planned to see them live.

I am happily attached to my home. Home is important.

She needs a life

He laughed, I am told,
as he slipped in that phrase

It's true
I don't sea kayak or hike up mountains
I haven't worked overseas
or taken my children around the world

But my mind has travelled through storms
and lived
I have meditated, my back against a mountain
and seen it removed

Then there is a plan to journey around eternity
with my family some day

Friends of the Friendless Band Update

New band members this week include:

K8 the majorette
Mango the flag bearer!
And I thought that perhaps I should mention that I am also the conductor! (A band can have only one of those)

Sign up at any time!

Thank you Pearl for your submissions to the Friends of the Friendless.

Miracles

Miracles are defined in the Canadian Oxford Dictionary as "an extraordinary event attributed to some supernatural agency."
According to Vine's, a Bible dictionary, miracles result from a power which performs "works of supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means." Also, "they are done as a sign of Divine Authority."

Jesus did miracles. Their purpose was to prove that He was the Son of God. In John 5:31-39, Jesus declares the witnesses to His divinity-His Father, John the Baptist and the works He performed (miracles). Acts 2:22 states that God showed his approval of Jesus by the miracles.

The apostles and those that received miraculous gifts through the laying on of the apostles' hands were able to perform miracles in the New Testament. The Bible didn't exist as we know it now. The Old Testament was intact but the New Testament was in the process of being written. The miracles confirmed to mankind that these were the Words of God. Mark 16:20 and Hebrews 2:3-4.

Are miracles being performed today? There are rumors of miracles but how many actual miracles have you witnessed and confirmed the authenticity of ?

Miracles cannot be explained medically or scientifically. They are instantaneous. Miracles are when a blind man suddenly sees. John 9:1-7 He isn't just a face in the crowd; people can verify his infirmity. John 9:8-9;19-20

Or when a woman hemorrhaging for twelve years suddenly stops bleeding. Matthew 9:20-22

Or a lame man is immediately able to walk and leap. Acts 3:2-8

Are faith healers really performing miracles? Can not healings be prearranged and purposes twisted to suit the healer and not God?

The purpose for miracles in the New Testament has been fulfilled. The Word has been written and confirmed. The perfect has come. 1 Cor 13:8-12

Often, an answer to prayer feels like a miracle but these are not out of the natural realm of God's love.

I Know Some Things but...

Death

There is an elderly man in the congregation who has been unable to attend services because of health problems. The church went to his house tonight. He has lost a lot of weight and looks close to death. His daughter cried as she sat next to him while another cuddled close.
Afterwards, my daughter asked if he was dying. I said yes. She said that was what she had heard and that was why we gathered around him.
There is a beautiful poetic scripture that says, "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart." Ecclesiastes 7:2
I need to really ponder this message today, my birthday.

1Peter 1:24-25

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth for ever."

Excerpt from a Life

My major teen-age crush was on a "real" boy I nicknamed Chevy. My early journals are filled with descriptions of the clothes he wore and where I spotted him in school. I thought he looked like Tony DeFranco.

Sept 18,1974
"When we went into the cafeteria, I started looking around for Chevy. While we were walking to our usual place, I saw him. He was actually looking at me. Oh wow, you may think, but to me it was wonderful. We sat down. Laurie said he was watching me walk to the table. Wow, was I happy but I wasn't going to tell Laurie. My back was to him and I couldn't see him so Laurie told me when he was looking. Man was I happy. I felt like I was on cloud 9 but for some strange reason I wanted to leave..."

Friendly Friday

On Friendly Fridays, the Friends of the Friendless marching band gather to visit the Friendless, which are listed below.

Mompoet is the featured Friendless Blog this Friendly Friday.

I like that

• Mompoet is a Mom and poet, well her blog name says it all.
• she asks good questions.
• she is a committed blogger, blogging since August 2004.
• she says she is 43 and will be for another 3 years because she prefers prime numbers.
• she thinks overbites are cute.
  
• she is a fellow western Canadian.
  

I wish
• that Mompoet would put more of her poetry on her blog.

The only other friendless site this week is Yoooook'n, a Japanese blogger that has been blogging since April 2005. She has been getting a lot of spam and I am sure she would appreciate real visitors. She is new to English but is doing quite well. I wish she posted more.

Okay band members,take up your instruments. Let's march to these friendless sites, playing a friendly, encouraging tune.

Band Practise

Band members, remember the friendless and submit any interesting sites you find for next week!

I have been up since 5 am.
I drank warm milk to try to coax my body back to sleep, but my mind would not leave its wakefulness so I tried a relaxation technique but it too did not lure me back into unconsciousness.
So here I am, after a quiet hour on the computer, cozy and relaxed, enoying the sound of the rain outside.

Shhh, everyone else is still in bed.

Band Updates

• Band members include so far: Carol the tuba player, Marti the clarinetist,True Jersey Girl the drummer, Zeb the guitarist, Raehan the accordionist, Kenju the pianist and Mompoet the featured kazooist.

• Multiple instruments are an integral part of this band so don't feel you cannot join just because there is already an accordion player.
  
• Note changes in band outline-Friends of the Friendless are encouraged to submit one friendless site a week. A Friendless site should be at least six months and be updated regularly. All the sites submitted will be posted on Friendly Fridays when band members are asked to visit the friendless and leave a comment telling them that a Friend of the Friendless has visited. In addition, one of these sites will be featured on that Friday.
• The original post on the Friends of the Friendless band will be revised with each new update.
  
• This band is an evolving idea so bear with the updates.
  
• Remember to practise and
  
• most of all, have fun!
  

Proverbs 15:13

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."

My Japanese name is Akuro.

Take The Kawaii Japanese Name Generator by Shuichigami today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

Aaaak, I'm a friendless Friend of the Friendless...

but not to worry, I have an idea!!
And it's not too late to submit other friendless sites.

Friendly Fridays

Inspired by Wednesday's blog, I have decided to start a Friends of the Friendless Marching Band.

Join the band by leaving a comment and stating the instrument of your choice. Multiple instruments are needed so don't be discouraged from joining just because your favorite instrument has already been chosen.

Friends of the Friendless band members are asked to find a friendless blog and submit them to me via a comment.I will visit these blogs and feature one of them on the following Friendless Friday. The other friendless sites submitted will also be listed that Friday.
A friendless site should have less than 5 comments a post(but mainly goose eggs) and/or if there is a site meter, less than 10 visitors a day. They should be over six months old and updated regularly.

Friend of the Friendless are asked to visit the posted friendless sites each week and leave an encouraging word. Tell them that you are a member of the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band.

Friends of the Friendless

If anyone is familiar with the 1950's sitcom, I Love Lucy, there is an episode where a marching, formerly friendless band discovers Lucy Ricardo crying and hiccupping on a park bench. They assume she is drunk and in need of friends.
It is a funny concept to me so I have played around with it, imagining myself as part of the Friends of the Friendless band, playing a tuba. I am given an opportunity to witness to a potential candidate on what the Friends of the Friendless has done for me.

"I was a person in despair, alone on a park bench just like you. Okay, I wasn't totally friendless and I wasn't exactly on a park bench but close enough, right? Anyways, this band came marching by and said if I needed a friend, I could play the tuba. I sat there looking at them, noticing that they were an odd bunch. I asked myself How badly do I want to play the tuba? I couldn't resist!
We're in need of a drummer, what do ya say?"

guilt

You wouldn't want to hear.

You have forgotten how different we are in the spirit.
The only time I talked about it
I sent lessons in the mail
but you wrote back. "It was good enough for my grandmother..."
I learned to keep quiet.
Decisions about life and faith are yours to make, of course
but still I feel this last time was the last opportunity
now it is too late
for I won't try another deathbed conversion.

I feel sickened
and cowardly.

Sad News

I just found out that my Grandmother, whom we stayed with when we went on holidays, has cancer. I noticed that her color wasn't right but she didn't complain of any pain or discomfort. Her daughter took her to the doctor the day after we left.
I am feeling Grief for I probably won't be seeing her alive again but abundant Gratitude for the we got to spend together this summer. My sister said that it was God's timing.
Amen

Naked

Look at me-
blossoms draped
over the back of a scar

Will you run
to the beginning
or bypass it all?

Gurus abound
silver hair flowing
past tattooed spines

But-Who will listen
to the Christened ones
who cannot conceal their fall?

Excerpt from a Life

In August 22, 1974, Mango, my sister, Rlynne, and I had a dream come true. We were able to attend a concert of our favorite teen idol, Tony DeFranco. The following is a epic account of a 70's teen idol experience.

"Mango and I spent the afternoon getting ready for the concert. Grandpa took us at 6:30...They opened the doors and everybody hurried in. We each got two (booklets)-The Secret of Tony DeFranco and the DeFranco's. We went to portal 14. There were two girls there. I asked them if they were fans...These guys came and told us to go to the bar or something. We went and sat down on these benches. Darla and Pam (the 2 girls) sat with us. They made a tiger for them...The lucky ducks got the first row. Our seats were in the 7th...The warm up act lasted 3/4's of an hour. Then there was a half an hour intermission.
This girl "Nancy" was talking to (us). She is one of those "followers". She kissed Tony. Learned or taught? from them some jazz steps. Had dinner with them. She also played tennis with Vince Van Patten. Met Andy and David (Williams), Jan Michael Vincent, Sonny and Cher, Raquel Welch, Michael Brandon, John Wayne, Simon Turner. But after you think about it, could it be the truth? She also said she was in Paris, Russia. Lives in California. I wonder.
Finally on they came. Hoo boyyy. They sang Abracadabra.... Mango and I were going crrrazy!
Tony said "You are just a great audience. Do you know? Do you want to hear more? No? Hit it!" Was that cute. At the end of "Sweet Sweet Loretta" they all threw their hats. Everybody screamed including me. Tony looked sorta sadly disgusted or in disbelief at all the screaming and grabbing for them.
Their dancing was terrific...They played "Save the Last Dance for Me".
"Hold Me" Oh yah, wouldn't I just love too...Boy they are all cute, wonderful. and so human. You know what I mean. Just like REAL people. Not snobby stuck-ups.
Oh yeah, Pam got asked up to the stage. Tony kissed her.Wow, was she lucky!! But it seemed as if it was Tony's job or duty to kiss her. Believe it or not I feel sorry for him. But of course, he's the luckiest guy around.
The last song was "Heartbeat, It's a Lovebeat" They all said God Bless, Bye and blew kisses.
After it was finished everybody ran. We followed "Nancy" because I guess we thought she could lead us to them. But she didn't want us to. It was raining.I had to stop to put on my jacket so we lost "Nancy". Just as well. I doubt if she could help.
Everybody was at the stage door. We shouted "We want Tony!!" Keeping on and on. This lady came and told us they were gone. "Oh yeah, sure." We kept on. More people came.Soon somebody started to scream and we all thought Tony was coming but he wasn't so the chanting went on. Some girls and 1 guy inside were laughing at us. But kept on. Of course, it was still raining and everybody was getting soused. The manager or president or something came out. We kept on. He was getting mad. He told us they were gone. About 10 minutes ago. Somebody called him a liar and that made him even more mad...Finally Mango, Rlynne and I left to go and phone. We met Pam and Darla. Teased Pam. Boy was she happy. Played a trick on these other girls. Pretended we saw Tony and started screaming. Hahahaha...
I saw Mr. DeFranco. I whispered to Rlynne that it was their father...So everybody crowded around him. He asked if we liked his kid's performance. Oh yeah. Sure. Great....We all shook his hand and got his autograph. I think he was really happy about being so popular."

The Middle of the Story

I have been lamenting my timidity and quietness lately.

After watching an adventure movie this evening, I noted that one of the characters was fearful but overcame this trait to become the hero. My daughter said, "Of course Mom, the main character is always the one to change."

I realize that I am the main character in my life and I eagerly await the heroine's transformation."

Holiday Part Two

We rolled along through the prairies, my homeland with its subtle varietion of fields and vegetation. It is pleasant to drive with the sky for a covering.

We traveled one day with my Grandmother who is 89 years old. She repeated the story many times of when her daughter said that she was an antique now. Grandma shook her head, “Being 100 is an antique and I still have a way to go. Easy to say, but hard to live.”

We visited with her brother and his wife who are both in a nursing home. When they found out where we were going, they wanted us to pick up some Parnos sausage for them which could only be bought there. My great uncle repeatedly asked his wife how much sausage; she would say 3 and he would decide upon 4. After listening to this same routine several times, Grandma decided to get 4, for her brother's sake but when we arrived at the small town, there was a note on the Parnos Meat Market saying that they were closed because of the owners' health reasons. I felt disappointed as well, craving a taste I only imagined.

Then we went to the Indian reserve where my parents are buried. Grandma and I tended the grave. It really helped to be able to do something for them. The wild rosebushes on their plot were still thriving. These just appeared, we did not plant them. (I wondered if they were from the seeds of the flowers we tore off after my Mother’s burial to give to the people as they filed past us. I like the idea that this is the fruit of an impromptu display of gratitude to those that attended.) There was this huge plant right in the middle of the roses. I didn't know if it was a weed or a flower so I was going to leave it. It was ugly though, wilted from the heat. Finally Grandma and I both decided that it must go. My husband put on his work gloves and ripped it out from its roots. Now the view of the burial plot was beautiful again.

We stopped to visit my native relatives. I don't like just dropping in but it seems to be the laid back way of doing things there. I especially wanted to see my sculptor cousin. I have yet to catch him at home lately but his wife and children pulled up as we were talking to another cousin and she gave us a tour of his studio. I was so pleased to see his latest works. He is keeping busy as an artist. He is devoted to his craft and heritage. I admire that he is not hindered by the struggles.

As we were returning from our trip, there were a few showers and a beautiful rainbow afterwards.

Oh and we talked with my great uncle’s son the next day, telling him of the sausage and how disappointed his parents were. He told us that he had already told them that long ago.

“Easy to say, hard to live.”

Still on holidays

a long drive today...

The voice trains my ear
to block the punch
endure the breaks
and unsettle
the shouts and whispers from the crowd

Bleeding only
to win,
I hear him fighting and pursuing each victory as hard as I

go on
go on

The rounds end in collapse
my frame around my trainer's voice
You have done well

Holiday Part One

We stayed at our first luxury hotel. We are normally tenters so this was a splurge for us. We were treated to designer soaps and shampoos, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and a monogrammed bathrobe.

The weekend was special because it is a privilige to witness the joining together of a man and woman. The bride glowed with excitement while the groom calmly enjoyed the day. My husband's touch during the prayer, blessed our own wedding memories.

It was our anniversary yesterday. Nineteen years ago, I was the bride, inspired by a husband's gaze.

This was my first luxury.

My turn for a holiday, 3 hours north to a wedding and south again then 10 hours east to see my Grandma and other family members.

Words I Learned from Jane

Alacrity-speedy willingness
Acquiescence-agreement
Volubility-speaking incessantly
Deportment-demeanor
Officious-domineering
Tractable-easily handled, docile
Invective-strongly attacking words
Censure-reprove, harsh criticism
Diffidence-shy, lacking self confidence
Forward-bold in manner, presumptuous
Verdure-green vegetation

I love summer's verdure. I have indulged my sunny days in the gardens of Mansfield Park. Perhaps on another, I can wrap myself in the stylized foilage of Emily Carr.

One of the possible results of growing up with censure is diffidence. Invective speech can cause fear in a child that even as an adult is hard to leave behind.

The acquiescence of a tractable character is easier to obtain than with a officious one. The domineering person dismisses others' ideas while the tractable person is easily convinced. Officiousness dearly seeks the company of the manageable.

To some, I am voluble. I speak non-stop. That I could speak with alacrity would be surprising to others. They see only the quiet and diffident deportment. They could not imagine that I am capable of being forward, as I am with my close friends, speaking sometimes when I ought not.

I hope I do not forget these felicious words; they are fun to play with.

A lioness

if she was taunted,
would the queen slink?
more likely she would shake her head
before closing her jaws abruptly.




however





this lioness that resides within
responds quietly to the stalking
her roar could frighten but instead
she gnaws inside her den, aware of her fierceness

If you could see
my eyes,
the reasons
and intentions
within the reflections of black,
then you might notice yourself
smiling back
understood
but instead
we never meet
although our hands greet

Mark 9:7

"Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud,

'This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!' "

Excerpt from a Life

July 28, 1974
We left at about 1:30 for Reinbolt. We went to see Grandma's grave. Went inside the church. It was a different feeling to go into a small church with no crowds of people. I said a prayer in there for our safety. Rlynne was playing the organ and looking through books. I asked her if she had any respect. She told me to quit trying to act holy.

That's how I want to try to act.

From the present:
The movie Jesus Christ Superstar had left a big impact on me. Mango and I saw it eight times in our small theatre's three day run.
Okay, maybe I should say Ted Neeley's portrayal of Jesus left a big impact on me, but nonetheless the religious reaction was as real and sincere as fifteen year old Carol could be but unfortunately the desire for holiness didn't last.

Be Baptized

In Acts 2, Peter the apostle gave a sermon to the people who had witnessed and assented to the crucifixion of Jesus. After being convinced that they had not only murdered an innocent man but that this man was the Son of God, they asked in verse 37, "Brethren, what shall we do?'
Peter replied in verse 38, "Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
In verse 41, "So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls."

Baptism is the act by which a person is united with Jesus into His death. It is a burial with Christ. "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

Examples can be found in the book of Acts of people becoming Christians. There is the Ethiopian eunuch in 8:27-39, a woman named Lydia in 16:13-15 and a jailer in 16:23-34.

Faith demonstrated by a simple act of obedience is the entryway into Christ.

"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:27

Confess

Faith that Jesus is the Christ and that He was risen from the dead is the foundation of Christianity. Romans 10:9-10 states "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."

A person desiring to become a Christian must confess the faith that is in his heart. An Ethiopian eunuch in the Scriptures was asked if he believed with all his heart, he responded with a beautiful, simple confession of his faith. "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:37

Faith needs to be expressed.

"Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God." 1John 4:15

Repent

After reading the Bible, you will become aware that you haved not lived up to the Biblical standards. This is a natural response for no one is able to meet God's righteousness apart from Him "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

Still God requires people to turn from their sins to Him. Repentance is the desire and willingness to change the direction of our lives. Mark 2:17 and Acts 3:19 show the necessity for repentance.

Changes are needed but fortunately, He does not expect us to succeed without His help or our faith. Roman 1:17 says that "the just shall live by faith" which is a living faith that overcomes weaknesses through belief in the power of God. This doesn't mean that the Christian walk is going to be easy, for you will continue to struggle against sinful desires but after becoming a Christian, a faithful dependance, a willingness to follow and a belief in His mercy will ensure eventual victory. We will never be perfect but instead there will be a process of being transformed or perfected by God's Word. 2Thessalonians 5:23-24

"O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. " Romans7:24-25

Believe

Scripture asserts that there is a God and that He created mankind. Man sinned and God had a redemptive plan for His creation, His Son Jesus. Genesis 1-3. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice necessary to save the human race. Hebrews 10:12, 1John 4:10, Titus 2:14

The gospel, the good news of the kingdom, is revealed to us in the New Testament. These Words were given by God so that we might know His Will and follow His Son to a joyful eternity. Faith is the result of hearing God's Words and being assured of their trustworthiness. Psalm 118:30 states that "The Word of the Lord is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him."
Faith is demonstrated by obedience to our loving Creator. Hebrews 11 is a list of men and women whose actions testified to their faith.

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

Hear

Several years ago, I wondered how I was to know God's will. I thought He should have a voice that guides me. After getting extremely bad advice from this inner voice, I sought elsewhere for direction.

As Romans 10:17 states, faith comes through hearing His word. John 17:17 says that God's word is truth. His Word is a rock to stand on. If you read and believe that the Words of the Bible are of God then you have a measure of faith. Keep on reading for you will discover that these Words are more dependable even than your own thoughts and opinions. Perhaps you will see that you can trust your life to this Author and do as He desires of you.

If you want to have faith, read God's Word. Let him talk to you directly.
Desire to know the Truth above all else, seek and you will find.
The Words of the Bible are powerful. Romans 1:16 states "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also the Greek."

Experience being led by the power of God.

Romans 10:17

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Excerpts from a Life

As I was reading my journal today, I came across an entry on July 12,1974 when my friend Mango and I had been to a nearby city, Norton, to shop.

"Mango got T-shirt ("Male Chauvinist") at Bay. I got one at Zellers. Its blue (Thin is In")"

I remember feeling that I was making some kind of statement. Actually we both were but I am convinced that Mango was as unsure of her statement as I was of mine. I wish that I had a snap of both of us in our purchases that day.
I wore that tee a lot. I liked the strange, quizzical reactions I got from people.

I know it is hard to see from this picture, but this t-shirt has a thin woman sticking out her tongue at a fat woman. This was my way of sticking my tongue back.

Actually, both choices are against chauvinism.

The Wind Comforts Still

The mother silently opened the bedroom window
to a warm summer day
while her daughter slept.

Awakening,
she is comforted
by the billowing yellow curtain
in the gentle breeze.

Thanks Trisha!

today I have been trying unsuccessfully to create a sideblog

I could've
been reading
or writing chapter two of my first novel
or trying to figure out how to network my laptop
or working on what shoulds to do

but you know what?
it is the end of the day and I am glad
for the time spent with my children,
she is so pleasant
and he is so creative and funny
the other is doing so well in summer school
hey I bought the groceries
took the garbage out
I exercised
and now I realize that I am also glad
for the time spent with html

Kickboxer

There is a women I work with that likes to boss others around. I find her difficult. She is tough and mean to those she doesn't like or respect. Getting along with her is like sparring. It doesn't seem fair to those who don't believe in being mean back.
Then there is another part to her that is rarer to catch like the look of fear when she is troubled because matters aren't going her way or the smile that appears fifteen minutes after being confronted. She seems amazed that you still are talking to her.
It is those moments that teach me to to look closer.

Words for Her

I was contemplating the reason why I write. I surprisingly concluded that it is because I like myself the most when reading the words I have written. Not at the moment of writing though, it takes about six months for objectivity to kick in but after that I am able to enjoy and say, "I like her.
I hope for the time when once the words have flowed from my belly, written or spoken, I will immediately respond by putting my arms around her saying, "How wonderful !"

I Ought to Surprize Them

Below is a quiz that I suspect is a joke as I did it twice with opposing answers yet the results were the same. I am interested to know if anybody doing this test, received differently than I.
Or is it that my computer knows me so well that I can be computed only one way.

Slow and Steady

Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment. They expect you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it.

How Do People See You?




I suspect that these series of quizzes were written from some one who does not have an appreciation for the finer introverted characteristics. Else they might have said:




(My daughter designed this picture of her Mom by the way. I like her interpretation!)


Steady

Your friends see you as the finest of characters
discerning
careful and sure

Your friends are willing to wait for your
keen judgement

A Private Person Wonders

I need to know
this or that
why I feel
how I think

I need to speak loud enough
to hear

Then sensibly turn
my moments outward
to understand
the other murmurs

This why
and how

Psalm 104:24

"O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches."

Excerpts from a Life

July 5, 1974
(copied from my traveling diary)
We are now 58 miles from Calgary. There are so many buildings and signs and we are here in a parking lot. It's 1 pm. Ate dinner in parking lot.
Went to Calgary Stampede. First thing we did was watch the rodeo. That was kinda boring. In between events they had some stunt drivers and this guy on an old airplane who stood on the top of it and did all of these stunts. Such as standing on hands, hang by toes.
Then we went into the midway. Rlynne and I got pins made with our picture on it. We went into one little sideshow. This little man was in there. He was pretty short. We didn't go on any rides (it was raining)
Got a hanging poster that says "To know him is to love Him!"
We went through exhibits. Went on a free train ride. We went through the barns. There was one really large steer.
Rlynne got a cowboy hat.
I took picture of the midway. Then we went to the Indian Village. I took a picture of Mom, Dad and Rlynne on the bridge by Elbow Lake.
Mom took a picture of me in front of a tepee.
Then we went and sat in the park inside the fair. Took a picture of the Husky Tower.
There was a country and western group playing in the park.
We went to watch Chuck Wagon races. Watched from outside of gate.
Then went to watch the Indian Dance.
After that walked through the fair. (It stopped raining for a little while but started up again)
Watched fireworks and then left.
Kept camper in park. That's where we slept.(By the way,there were so many cute guys you didn't know where to look first)

Freedom

shout
hurrah
laugh
for the change of season

beat you again

I feel languid
but lived in

who cares

I am fallibly alive
disturbed by the paradox
but
learning
to love it

Proverbs 16:2

"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits."

She Has None

She sits fearfully when she thinks no one is looking. She needs to control the events of her life but now she is being taught the difficult lesson that every controller must.
Her baby was suddenly taken from her womb and lay in a respirator. It will be a difficult journey for the mother as she learns about life from her child.