Pretty Women Chapter 4

"Her mantra went like this: Glynnis was a good girl, who fell only when she tempted the words "I do." Then, with all her whitened glory, she fell like a leaf." Henri walked steadily towards Mr. Charleswood, took his arm and pulled him from the wheelchair. Mr. Charleswood stood trembling, scanning the crowd for a sympathetic face. Jolene moved to the front and Mr. Charleswood tried to give his explanation on his own two feet.

"When I first met her, she and this man Jeeves were marketing multi-level make-overs. Imagine my surprise upon opening the door to this pair. He with his greased mop, black leather jacket and that darned toothpick hanging from his lips; she with her bottled platinum curls, tight skirt and stilletto Payless pumps. I couldn't resist. I melted, convinced that I needed a pedicure. The man examined the Tang silver chalice on the mantlepiece while she applied the cuticle remover and smoothed the roughness from my heels. I was enchanted, we were married the next day. Jeeves was the best man."

Jolene drew closer to Mr. Charleswood. His eyes wildly roamed from face to face then rested on Jolene again. Henri moved in between them and said loudly to the crowd. "This man murdered Glynnis" and whistled. Armani, the missing dog, reappeared and bounded towards Mr. Charleswood. Armani chased the once crippled man around the graveyard.

"I am the chauffeur and brother to the deceased. William hired me after marrying my awestruck sister. He gave me a job to keep me quiet. William was the real schemer. He hired himself out to numerous faith healers who then would alternately heal him from his paraplegic state. It was in his contract to keep his ability to walk a secret."

At this point, Mr. Charleswood arrived back and collapsed on the dirt pile. Armani growled from behind, slowly removed the old man's slipper and dragged it away like a bone.

"I would never have married her if she wasn't such a pretty woman. I was duped. I am innocent. Glynnis and her evil brother were planning to poison me so that they would have the millions. They couldn't wait any longer. I heard their plans. It was self defense."

Jolene drew nearer to Mr. Charleswood and looked. Her eyes reddened as she saw the despair of a victim. A desire to protect rose up within her but in a single startling moment, his eyes reflected the fall of a murderer.

Jolene held his face in her hands then the police handcuffed him and took him away. She turned to the women around her. "Oh Glynnis..."

I'll Deal with that Tomorrow

My Husband and have term insurance with a renewal this year to almost three times the current rate.
We were approached by our broker to check out another insurance company to hopefully get better rates. This involved a physical.

The good news, the broker said when she phoned back, was that my Husband was healthy and received an elite rating but the bad news was that mine was declined.

I listened as she said that it was unusual to be declined as most people just receive a higher premium or a rider. It wasn't until after the call that I reacted to her statement.

My reaction was an intense fear that lasted 3 minutes.

Since then, I have been trying to get a letter to the broker so that the insurance company can release their files to my doctor so that I can find out what caused the decline.

Maybe I am overreacting but right now, I am in a downtime. This is when I shutdown from reality and its problems. I've been watching tv, reading, and trying not to think too much about my mortality and how I am not ready yet.

I tell myself it is the bipolar problem or the anxiety...

What I Bought and Why!

I have been three times already to the week long book sale at a local mall.

I bought:

1. Emily Dickinson: Selected Poems-I had the recent pleasure of being with some friends to read poetry. I chose Emily's A Book. Is it no wonder...
2. Tao Te Ching-A book of Chinese wisdom which I have never owned or read. Now, I own it.
3. Leonard Cohen: Selected Poems-Someone chose a Leonard Cohen poem to read on Sunday. It is in this collection and was later made into a song.
   
4. Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway-The bit on the active voice convinced me that this book was for me.
5. Scarf Tying and Living with Scarves-The cashier informed me that scarves are back in style. I never knew they went out.
   
6. Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson x2-I already have my own copy from the 80's but can't help wanting to spread the word.
7. Color for Men by Carole Jackson-Sometimes my Husband actually lets me pick out his clothes.
8. The Woman's Comfort Book by Jennifer Louden-Delicious ideas for my next downtime.

Which section would you head for?

Cranking It Out

Ever since forever,
I said to the jumping jack,
dangling from a box
in the middle of a stage,
"Don't be a showoff!

Minimize your words, s.o.
refrain those sunny aspirations
and if
you do well
and are well
Keep it yourself, sunbeams can't play forever!"


Now listen to the response to the person in the back row
"When the melody ends, I will jump and be glad for I have done well. I am well"

Joys of the Day

• My Son telling me about his favorite Mr. Bean episodes while I drive.
• My Eldest Daughter sketching a quick portrait of me with a grease pencil. She caught my pensive mood.
  
• My Middle One and I preparing chili together for supper.
  
• Relaxing with the O magazine tonight. I like the oversized, glossy pages.
  
• Mango and I talking outside while the wet snow fell around us.
  
• Petting my cat.
  
• My Husband and I having lunch at home together, just the two of us.
  

A Discussion

No glossy cherried lips or fur lined eyes
to hide myself behind
only bleeding dripping truth
from the corner of your mouth
"judgements and jealousies" the verdict

When I stretch my hand out to you,
you notice the tremors
but sitting back, relaxed,
the shaking remains hidden.

Should my words have remained in the chair?

"Be yourself", his smile announces
that my "judgements and jealousies" are now forgotten.
"Be yourself but that doesn't necessarily mean popularity"

oh-the sidestep

"Return to who you are."

Return to the spark of life
that encircled my heart from the beginning.

I do believe, ultimately, in solutions

Basalt Flows From my Belly

gurgling upwards
fearfully volcanic

waiting
for lava
to spew molten splinters

instead
a quiet eruption
shields the spectator

I share with you my first on-line publication in the poetry ezine, Poetry Life and Times.

Pretty Women Chapter 3.7

The teary eyed mob surrounded the accused.
"Jeeves!" Mr. Charleswood shouted from under the wheelchair. "You have the audacity to show your greasy mop here!" The crowd murmured and moved in closer. One of the overwhelmed women tried to rip a piece of leather from the shoulder of Jeeves' jacket but was dissuaded by his sudden movement and snarl, "I'm the chauffeur, not the butler!"
Jolene watched the man that Mr. Charleswood called Jeeves but whose name on the front of the jacket said, "Henri." From the back, he seemed rather familiar.

Baxter Duremburg, dismayed by the lack of interest in Glynnis' paraphernalia, uprighted the wheelchair and its rider. "Really, someone should call the police," he said and disappeared back behind his booth.

Pretty Women Chapter 3.6

Silently, the faithful filed past the closed coffin then proceeded to a booth where Baxter faithfully displayed copies of her books, pictures and figurines. The woman who had sat next to Jolene, was thumbing through the books, lamenting that she had not brought any cash. "We take personal cheques," Baxter smiled and held out the gold pen.

Marie bumped into Jolene, who was examining a Glynnis figurine in her clenched hands. When a tearful Marie whispered her disappointment that there was no mention of the salon, Jolene bolted towards Mr. Charleswood who was placed beside the coffin to receive the condolences. His eyes narrowed when he noticed the black haired, fat girl lurching towards him. Jolene stumbled and fell at his feet, still holding the golden Glynnis figurine, whose smiling head caught on Mr. Charleswood's slipper and pulled it off. Jolene lay unexpectedly at the naked, callused foot of Mr. Charleswood.

Quickly, to avert the growing crowd around his overturned wheelchair, he shouted, "That is him!"
His finger pointing at the astonished man from whose lips a toothpick fell.

Offerings

She flitters by
in blue transparency,
casting her liberality
to the crowd of gods
that wrestle at her feet

Love me , she whispers and they kneel,
Then
play my way
and we will get along
and the crowd says, Amen

and she turns to me, who refuses to bend

Oh, So Neat...

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Thanks Mompoet.

All Right!

You Are From the Sun

Of all your friends, you're the shining star. You're dramatic - loving attention and the spotlight. You're a totally entertainer and the life of the party. Watch out! The Sun can be stubborn, demanding, and flirty. Overall, you're a great leader and great friend. The very best!

What Planet Are You From?

Do you know how many times, I had to do this quiz to get this ultimate answer??
Just once!
I'm a megalomaniac, who'd a thought?

But Undiscovered

I Love That Person

Gritting
and eyes rolling over her back
she strikes at the dirt beneath her swollen belly
"If only I was thinner, then all would be
better"
she doesn't notice the hands that are outstretched
to catch

Her journal echoes
and I desire to meet her half the way
before the descent,

Pretty Women Chapter 3.5

Baxter Duremburg looked down at the flower laden coffin before him. "Who was Glynnis Charleswood?" he asked the transfixed audience. "She was an inspiration to women all over this great city of ours." He held a gold pen and silently traced small circles where her silent head might lie. Mournful cries of women came from the main seating area and were faintly echoed from the basement.
"She knew how to think the good thoughts. Didn't she?" his pen moved to and fro while he spoke. "When I first met Glynnis, her theory on how to be successful was only a glimmer in the blueness of her eyes. Even in those early beginnings, I was mesmerized by her control of the truth and the conviction with which she spoke her mantras."

Several of the women in the front row shrieked back in reply, "I am kind. I am loving. I am a pillar of light in this world of ugliness."

"Glynnis knew how to give what was wanted." Mr Charleswood nodded solemnly at Baxter's words and closed his eyes.
"She was well versed in what looked intelligent. She exuded confidence whenever she spoke." Baxter's pen pointed at the men and women before him. Marie's sniffling nose was up to the screen. "She made you feel that she really cared for you. She oozed sincerity."

Tears fell down Mr. Charleswood's face.

Pretty Women Chapter 3.4

Mr. Charleswood was wheeled in and the camera quickly zoomed to his pale, grim face. His eyes misted as he peered into the lens; the basement audience hushed. With the appearance of the mahogany casket, Marie automatically stood up. Someone giggled and the embarrassed hair- stylist sat down.
Jolene fidgeted to see the screen, just barely catching a glimpse of the wheeled old man sneering as he turned from the camera.

A handsome man in his mid-thirties walked slowly to the podium which stood behind the closed coffin.
A women next to Jolene commented to her companion that this was Glynnis' therapist while the other corrected her to say that he was her publicist. Jolene could only see half of the man's face as he announced to the crowd, " She was the epitomy of womanhood." His silky voice echoed over the heads in the hall.

Mind Her

Bear the spirit up with kindness
and a steady gaze
that will ease the pain in the arch of the eye.

Insistingly
speak the good words
and listen urgently.

Look,
she's waiting
in the mirror.

Wanna Talk?

Scroll down the page to my cbox.

Not a Serious Reckoning but...

I took the quiz, Pearl. Look what I got!

You know the Bible 100%!

Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!

Ultimate Bible Quiz
Create MySpace Quizzes

Only thing better would be if it said you are a doer of the Word. That is what really clinches the deal.

Pretty Women: Chapter 3.3

Jolene had to sit downstairs for the main auditorium was filled with the mournfully adorned wealthy.

As she squeezed past the downcast to one of the few seats available, she noticed Marie sitting near the screen where the service would be broadcast to the lower level. She was wearing a replica of a new updo like the glamorous wore on her waiting room magazines. Marie gaped at the empty screen intently as was her habit when she mixed the colors for Glynnis' level 6 with #10 highlights.

Jolene wrinkled the program in her hands, Glynnis smiled and frowned intermittently from between the creases of the pamphlet.

The last chair was taken by a tall man with a blue-striped, short-sleeved shirt. Jolene scowled for his greasy, black haired head would block her view of the service. He turned around to check the clock; a toothpick hung from his lips.

A Perfect Post

Every month Lindsey and Momma K host the Perfect Post awards where bloggers, such as you and I, get to pick our favorite post of the month.

This month I chose Kai's poem, My Star, to be my January's Perfect Post. Kai is a joy and inspiration to read. Her voice grows stronger and more confident every day.

Pretty Women Chapter 3.2

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three:Pretty Women Chapter 3.1


Jolene had to push the door hard to open and discovered that the basement was overflowing with clientele. Marie heard the buzzer and waved to Jolene over the coiffed heads, motioning for her to have a seat.
Marie's eyes were red as were the others.

"I couldn't believe the news," the woman in the chair sobbed. "Glynnis and I were like this," she held two fingers together and burst out hysterically. "We were always going to meet for lunch..."
Marie nodded, "She called me at my home number around eight last night to make an appointment. At this exact hour she would've been on the bed." Marie looked over to the tanning room. The goggles were mournfully placed where she would've lied. The puffed eyes followed Marie's gaze to the only vacant spot in the salon.

"You know what bothers me the most," Marie whispered. The room was silent. "That poor Mr. Charleswood had to hear the gunshot and the scream but was unable to move to get help. Can you imagine his agony as he lay there half paralyzed in his second story bedroom?"

"Yes. It was lucky that he had his cell phone nearby," a woman sitting beside Jolene replied. "The newspaper said that his dog, Armani, was frantic with fear when they arrived. Mr. Charleswood's bedroom door was closed and Armani was clawing and jumping at the door, trying to get in. He needed comfort from his master."

"Mrs. Charleswood ran into me a few months ago," Jolene added but no one paid any attention to the oversized girl in the corner.

Pretty Women: Chapter 3.1

You might want to read these preceding chapters to Pretty Women.
Chapter One
Chapter Two

Pretty Women Chapter 3.1

Jolene tripped over the newspaper that was thrown on their front step. She muttered to herself as she threw the crumpled pages into the house and hurriedly slammed the door so as not to miss the schoolbus.
Suddenly, she stopped. "Glynnis Charleswood Murdered?" The blaring headline and familiar picture from the seminar pamphlet slapped Jolene and she fumbled to re-open the locked door. "What?"

Jolene was in a daze throughout all of her classes with thoughts of the once shimmering Glynnis.

Glynnis, in her cabriolet, sidelining Jolene on her skateboard. Shouting but radiant as she stood over the bruised body.
Glynnis speaking her affirmations to hundreds of transfixed, pretty women seated in a row.
Glynnis falling from the stage after Jolene’s surprise appearance.
Glynnis, limping from the auditorium.
Glynnis dying from a gunshot to her head.

Bewildered by these memories, Jolene caught the bus home but wandered over to Marie's basement salon. She needed to talk.

Pretty Women : Chapter Two

In order to better understand and appreciate the following Chapter Two of Pretty Women, it is advised that interested readers first read Chapter One.
Or if you have done so previously but have forgotten it, please re-read Chapter One.

Please feel free to critique
or otherwise.

I hope you enjoy the continuing saga of
Pretty Women.

Chapter Two

When the trees began to drop their leaves in an exposing fall dance, Glynnis knew it was time to give up her caregiving position. "I married and nurtured him for how many years now?" she asked as she screwed up her eyes in thought. "For two years, I have looked after him, affirmed his every action, his every word and what has he done in return?
"Lived!"

Glynnis gripped the steering wheel firmly and her plan began. An outfit was bought for the occasion, a white cashmere sweater and Agatha tweed pants. Unfortunately, they were concealed by a stiff white lab coat which she took from its hook in the hall. The pharmaceutical research center was quiet being closed for the evening. She managed to find her way through the locked doors.

As she counted the white pills into a green emptied bottle, she daydreamed of the funeral and what she would wear. The excitement of wearing a black Dries Van Noten almost made her lose count.

The security guards saw Glynnis leave the center. She looked like a successful and well dressed research assistant. When questioned by them, she listed several possible chemical reactions which she had memorized from posters in the washroom. The security guards bent down cooingly as she looked up at them with her soft, doey eyes. They unlocked the door.

"I must make make an appointment with Marie tomorrow," Glynnis thought as she looked in the rear view mirror to apply the rumbleberry lipstick to her faintly hairy lips.

As she drove home, she thought of William waiting for her to return. His 90 year old body reclined on their burgandy leather couch, his feet resting on the ottoman while their dog, Armani, licked his well worn slippers. Glynnis had told him that she would be at another one of her seminars but instead, Glynnis excitedly thought, instead she was filling his prescription, an undetectable prescription. She had heard about this toxicological breakthrough through one of her fanatical converts.

"Do I know you, Mrs. Charleswood?"
Glynnis looked up in surprise. She had been fumbling in her Vuitton handbag for the medication she planned to give to William before he went to sleep. Instead of lying on the couch as she had imagined, William stood tall before her with a loaded rifle aimed at her pretty but disproportionate head.
Glynnis grimaced in horror, her trembling hands dropped the pill container. She almost had time to begin her mantra before she fell as a leaf.

Dear Diary,

I hit the snooze alarm. Three times to be exact. Even though I had to rush to get ready for an appointment, I managed to spend a few minutes on a crossword. (I have to get the 4x a week in somehow)

Did I mention that I am seeing a therapist? No, probably not, as I was intending to keep that information private but then more recently I convinced myself that writing a day in the life of Carol would be more amusing.

So I saw the therapist and I felt really good after our talk. He said, jokingly, I think, that I might need to experience more mania. He is a good bloke although he talks ALOT. I thought he wasn't supposed to say a thing but "um" and "eh" as he is Canadian too.

Then I came back to make lunch for Hubby (and Daughter who luckily got to sleep until noon).

The afternoon was fun-filled as I had to get groceries. I hate using their washrooms. There are real flowers on the counter but no toilet paper and the floors...well, I just won't go there. Then the greeter stopped me on the way out to inspect my cart. "What I did do wrong?" I cried. She mumbled something about items on the bottom of the cart. My total trip from the initial drive off to "everything is put away" was 2 1/2 hours.

My Middle Daughter made us all hot chocolate. Nummy. Had a snack break while I finished the crossword. Okay, I cheated abit. Acov might be a sea above the Black Sea and Prince Arn's mother might be Aleta. Main thing is I finished it, yeah Carol!

I talked to Mango briefly as supper preparations were hectic. My Eldest was my assistant. We had Shake'n Bake Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob (which is very expensive this time of year) and salad. Everything tasted great but I had no time for dessert as we were off to Bible Study.

We have been studying the book of Hebrews. Today we discussed the differences between the Old Testament High Priests and Jesus. Eg. Jesus took His own blood into the heavenly tabernacle just once while the High Priests had to take the blood of calves and goats into a earthly tabernacle every year.

I had a good talk with a young Christian who mentioned a Creationist web site. Hmmm. He held my interest and I showed him a picture of a giant gray rabbit that I had clipped out of the paper.

That was my day!

Tip on Improving Your Mind

I read an *article that said that doing crosswords four times a week can decrease the chances for getting Alzheimer's almost in half. As a result, I am trying to make it a habit. The people that I know that do crosswords have amazing memory recall.
You wanna try it?





* I am referring to the Canadian magazine Chatelaine, Jan 07 edition.

Ten Things That Define My Style

Thanks for the tag, Kai.

1. Being a Christian, born again through the waters of baptism, is the essence of who I am and who I want to be.
   
2. Being a Wife and Mother gives my days love and structure.
   
3. Where would I be without Mango and the others? We're good friends, honest, loyal and fun...
   
4. I like to play.
5. I like variety.
   
6. I am bipolar, diagnosed 18 years ago. I haven't had another manic episode since but do suffer from bouts of anxiety and depression.
   
7. My sad side struggles with feelings of inferiority but I am slowly learning to be happy with who I am...
   
8. but weaknesses can be a good thing.
   
9. My job demands that I get out of the house and use the left side of my brain.
   
10. I am an introvert, not too many people know what lurks beneath. You do.

I would like to challenge any women from the FFMB blogroll or from the Bipolar Planet ring to do this meme. Leave me a comment and I will post a link to your "Ten Things..."

• 
  

Dear Mother,

I used to write of the losses of the womb-
you let me leave although I was not ready
You knew that
but you closed your eyes and pushed

Then when I was struggling all alone
you ran to me, holding me with your eyes
I knew you wanted to keep me always
but you closed your eyes and pushed

There is a babe floundering at my feet
I can't let her go yet,
can I ?
I need to hold her with my eyes and feel her in my arms

then she will be ready

Jann Arden is a Canadian singer who struggled with her weight. Many of her fans who shared the same struggle felt emotionally connected to her. Unofficially she become their representative.

Then she lost weight... Some of these fans felt she had sold out to the other side.

Not all famous overweight, talented and confident women that lose weight are bowing to societal idols that preach "thin is in". They have health concerns, as well. Diabetes and high blood pressure run in Jann’s family.

It is her voice singing to other sensitive hearts.

Carol's Cool Video Premiere

I Just Gotta Do This

In the year 2007 I resolve to: To not care what people think about me. Get your resolution here.

Thanks Mompoet and Lazy Daisy for this fun way to make a resolution. I like it! What is yours?

LSV

I contemplated the sheaves of wheat on the casket that described his life so well. He had been driven to the city by his son for a surgical procedure that week. Looking out at the fields, he felt the wheat in the palm of his hand and rubbed gently.

My Father-in-Law died December 23, 2006 at the age of 91.

"What Fascinates You?"

Su asked

Minds of men
Layered thoughts
Tolstoyed novels inside a pen

You do

Colored pencil drawing by Daphne Odjig

Chat Room Announcement

With Kai's recommendation, I have added a chatbox, Cbox, to my blog. Scroll down to the end of my sidebar to leave me a message.

Mompoet Asks Some Good Alternative Questions for the Season

* Are you ready for a hug? You bet. A matter of fact, let's try a group hug... Ow... but watch that foot placement.


* What day is it anyway? Wow, this is a good alternative to "How many days are left?"
I would say it is Wednesday! Well early Wednesday, which means there is a lot of time left still for shoppin...and I hear Walmart is open 24 hrs.


* Don't you love solstice? I do, especially if we don't step on each others toes or is that the Butterfly?


* Would you like to join us at our house for Christmas? Draw me a map.


* What's your spiritual practice this time of year? I try to keep it the same all year round.


* Where'd you get that sparkle in your eye? I was just telling my hairdresser today about that sparkle and she kinda laughed just before ripping my brows off.


* I'm going to Costco this afternoon. Can I pick anything up for you? You are too kind, Mompoet. I wouldn't mind one of those boxes of chocolate covered cookies in a big gold box and send airmail, 'kay?


* Would you mind sharing your recipe for eggnog? Best to pick up a quart from Safeway.


* Have you seen my mitten? It might be in my lost mitten drawer. Let me check...Sorry Mompoet, they must've been stolen. Merry Christmas!

Tree Dance

Trees shake their needles-
and make me wanna get up
and dance in the winter sun


Coming back at ya, Andrew!

Andrew's Haiku:

Gathering Perspectives

Emily,
From winter's nothingspaces
to summery green play stations,
I join your gathering
Sorting the collection of collaged thoughts
and pasting coal-black dreaminess on red hearts
spelling love and sorrow

Original artwork by Emily

Your New Version of Blogger is Ready?

Thanks to Imran, I decided to do some homework on the new Blogger account.

Here are three highlights from the Dashboard:

1. Everyone is going to have to use the new version eventually. Google is saying in a couple of months!
2. You'll need a Google Account which requires an email address and a password. This will also get you into other Google services.
   
3. Once you have made the switch, there is no coming back.

Check it out and tell me, has anybody else made the switch?

Another Blue Party

BLUE
1. Closest blue thing to you: A dark blue binder filled with top secret Toastmaster information including the secret handshake!

2. Are you good at calming people down? Ah, making them hysterical is much more fun.

3. Do you like the sea? I have never lived by a sea. I visited once but formed no close relationship. I like reading sea adventures. Does that count?

4. What was the last thing that made you cry? Someone's honest confession of a fault.

5. Are you a logical thinker? I like to think I am, but then emotions get involved and I end up feeling ...

6. Can you sleep easily? Yep, with a little help from the blue pill.

Thanks Barbara, for thinking up these questions, just out of the blue!

Observation

Table set
peach red
tapered and flowered

extra crystal goblet
for a child's hand?

(I see you, David)

Three Months Later...

Carol's Sabbatical

As a child, my Grandmother asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I smiled and confidently replied, "Famous." I think that desire haunted me sub-consciously for years.

I learned through blogging that any popularity requires maintenance. I always think of a well-liked blogger who said she had to cut down her blogging to 5 hours a day. It takes a lot of time to not only write a blog but visit others as well. Blogging involves community but even 3 hours a day is too much. (It is good to ask oneself, how much time is too much?) Besides to me, "too much" eventually means burnt out.

I don't know how long I will be gone for. Enough time to breathe deeply, re-focus and hopefully achieve some of that elusive balance.

Maybe there will be a new mission or format for the FFMB. Maybe the band will be available only in re-runs only, I don't know. It sure has been fun, any way.


Regarding the Discussing Creationism series, I have learned enough to see what some of the differences are between Creationists and Evolutionists. To the Creationists, I say, educate yourself with facts on both sides. To the Evolutionists, I say, don't make Evolution your God. Man's ideas are awesome but not worth worshipping.

Ultimately, we might never know the answer while on this earth. It reminds me of this fellow who was talking about a mystery novel he had read. He said that he would never have figured it out on his own until he read the ending.


Lastly and most importantly, I want to share with you once again, the Biblical plan of salvation. I invite you to look at these passages. I am a member of the Church of Christ.

Hear
Believe
Repent
Confess
Be Baptized

Thanks for listening and take of yourselves, not only emotionally and physically but spiritually as well. Be open to the truth revealed in God's Word.
I love you all. God bless.
Carol

Friendly Friday Flashbacks

Welcome Friends of the Friendless Marching Band to our 1st Anniversary party...A mist overtakes the band as we are transported back to our humble beginnings where inspiration struck a tuba player during an I Love Lucy episode. On Lucy's Last Birthday, Lucy encountered the Friends of the Friendless Band. They mistook her for a friendless drunk and asked her to join the band. A weekly mission was born.

Friends of the Friendless Marching Band Statistics: (What is a party without statistics? Fellow band member and list-maker , *-R- nods and takes the minutes for the party.)

• There have been 47 Friendly Fridays.
  
• We have visited 117 friendless sites.
• There are currently 53 FFMB members.
• (Click on the *links for party participants! I'll try to keep them updated as they roll in)
  

The bloglist fades away and the band emerges onto the first Friendly Friday.*Mompoet was the first Featured site and has been a faithful kazoo player ever since.

The first blogger to join the band was Zeb. I love his enthusiastic all night guitar playing and music lessons.

Stephen of Edge to the Center was winner of the 2005 Friendless Site of the Year. He was the second featured friendless site visited. It sure has been an experience to play with this cool baritonist.

*Barbara, our flutist, has always been an enthusiastic band member. Remember the contests? Yep, Barb has always been on top of it. Is it her competitive edge that explains why she started the Blog Olympics.

Do you remember when Kathy was just Kathy and not the Humor Queen and blog reporter, *Lazy Daisy?

Who can forget * J. Andrew's heartwarming testimony for the FFMB? Conductor has to stop for a minute...excuse me for just a moment...

Sabrina, another featured friendless blogger, hands the Conductor a kleenex and her tuba. "Will you play us a song?" "Sure!"

The clanging of pots and pans, tambourine stops the Tuba Player from continuuing. (Okay, what was that remark, Jennifer?)*Sister Celtic arrives along with Emily.
"It is so good to see you all," the tuba player smiles.

Just that moment, Dave who plays the double bass, opens his bass cover and out jumps Lucy. Everyone screams at her arrival at the party.Okay, so this is a dream sequence...


























Lucy leads the band in a fun-filled rendition of Friends of the Friendless and other various tunes. Sorry Some Person, no Nickelback today.

*Imran, guitarist, and Su, the trumpeter, transcribe the lyrics.

We are Friends of the Friendless
yes we are
yes we are
We are Friends of the Friendless
be they near
be they far
We are here for the downtrodden
and we sober up the sodden
We are Friends of the Friendless
yes we are
yes we are

*Sarah clogs to the tunes while Pat Paulk plays along with his glass armonica.

Oh, look! Wandi is here and she has brought her Grand-daughter to the festivities. Yes, we can arrange to have face painting for all the young 'uns. Where is Art Puppy, anyways?

Chrixean,piano player, rouses the band to do on an impromptu march around the room. Kai
and Mar keep the rhythm.

Then DPTH International starts a game of "What Does My Blog Name Really Mean?" I jump in with an indepth analysis of my own. *David is trying to figure out what date he joined the band. "I dunno," and try to figure out the undercurrents to the names Sugarloaf Mountain and Bad Alice.

The auditorium is filled with music and laughter. Band members that we haven't seen in ages are present..., or is it another dream sequence?

Tuba player notices Kathy in the corner conversing with her invisible tiger sidekick. He never did join the band. Pity, I hoped he would be the mascot.

Anyways, there is reminiscing about past performances. Ah, yes...remember when we were the bronze medalist party hosts for the 2006 First Ever Blog Olympics. Many of us had participated in the events.

Who can forget Barbara's Birthday Bash. That was fun with so many participants.


Now Killired knows how to throw a party, even a pink one! The FFMB had a great time playing for that one.

The Conductor gets up to speak and there is a hush throughout the auditorium.

Dear Friends not only to the Friendless but to each other, I have been looking over the sites we have visited over the past year and am still impressed by the talent and creativity out there. It has been fun to discover these blogs. There are a lot more out there. The FFMB mission is not yet accomplished. It is up to you, FFMB, to be friendly bloggers to the unappreciated out there. Smile and look outwards for there are bloggers in need of this band. As a friend has told me countless times, "Its not all about you, y'know." Ouch!

Remember that this thank you card was designed by *TNChick,in between twirls.

Mango stands up and raises her glass of lemonade hi in the air,

"Hi Carol,
My toast to you:
Here is a toast to our fearless leader- a madcap intellectual with
a penchant for showband tunes.
She has gallantly led her collection of travelling troubadors into
the true final frontier- blog space.
Under her nimble direction we have gone where no one (at least very
few) has gone before.

"Everyone has a story to tell." Carol has shown this to be true. In
a world where people want to
talk but very few listen, she and her marching band have listened.
Stay tuned.

To Carol, everyone say, "Hip hip hurrah! Hip hip hurrah! Hip hip
hurrah!"

Sincerely,
Mango Lane




*Friday's Child is hosting a feast for the occasion. Anybody hungry?

It Has to be on Friendly Friday

I know the actual anniversary date is on Saturday, August 19th, but I just can't imagine it being on any other day but Friday.

Are you with me on this?

I know, I know, I send announcements saying Saturday...but a girl is allowed to change her mind!!

So
Friday, August 18/06 is the official date for the Big Blog FFMB Anniversary Party...but I have a feeling it could be an all-weekender anyways.
Yahoo!

Discussing Creationism Part XXIII

Can the Bible and evolution be reconciled?

The Bible states that God created the world in 6 days and that Adam, Eve and Noah were historical figures. Science can not accept this and instead teaches that the Creation of the world and the flood are myths.

Evolution teaches that man and ape decended from a common ape-like creature. The Bible teaches that Adam was created from dust.

After the flood, drastic changes occurred in all life. Evolution and Natural Selection teach that biological changes occur over millions and millions of years. According to the Biblical timeline, the flood happened about 1650 years after Creation, leaving not much time for the slow changes of evolution.

How could this have been?













Sources:
About.com Evolution and Religion Most interesting. Be sure to read the last paragraph.

American Atheists



Previous Discussions:
Discussing Creationism: The Initial Argument
Part II: Two Questions about the Ark
Part III:The Volume of the Ark
Part IV: The Weight and Sturdiness of the Ark
Part V:What is a Myth
Part VI: Gilgamesh
Part VII: The Biblical View of Noah
Part VIII: Gathering of the Animals
Part IX Evolution
Part X The First Evolutionist
Part XI The Notebook
Part XII Erasmus Darwin
Part XIII Aristotle
Part XIV Middle Ages
Part XV Kant's Quotation
Part XVI Kant in Context
Part XVII: The Beliefs that influenced Darwin
Part XVIII: John Henslow
Part XIX: Darwin's Infallibility
Part XX: Darwin's Thoughts on Apes and Human
Part XXI:Lyell's Principles of Geology
Part XXII: Natural Selection

Sign Up Now While

Many strange and wonderful ideas are flooding the FFMB headquarters.
Don't miss a beat, sign up to be a part of the First Ever Anniversary Party of the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band.

For details of the party and how you can participate and make this party the best that Blogdom has ever seen, press here.

No actually, press here.

The Movie Of Your Life Is An Indie Flick

You do things your own way - and it's made for colorful times. Your life hasn't turned out how anyone expected, thank goodness! Your best movie matches: Clerks, Garden State, Napoleon Dynamite

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

Brainy Kid

In high school, you were acing AP classes or hanging out in the computer lab. You may have been a bit of a geek back then, but now you're a total success!

Who Were You In High School?

Discussing Creationism Part XXII

Darwin observed the Artificial Selection used by plant and animal breeders to keep certain desirable traits in the breeding stock. By this process they were able to maintain a certain variety of the animal. (eg. in dogs-Labrador Retrievers or Poodles )

Darwin observed the varieties of life and their similarities and concluded that Natural Selection had occurred. The competition for survival and reproduction had caused the stronger variations of the species to survive. Eventually, a new species developed.

Natural selection is dependent upon the environment. Different environments would produce different species as different adaptations would be required to survive in them. Thus more than one species could develop from one ancestor.

During this time, Darwin became growingly agnostic. Not only was God not needed in natural selection but he felt that the intraspecies competition was incompatible with a benevolent Creator.



Sources:
Evolution by Edward J. Larson
Origin of Species by Charles Darwin


Previous Discussions:
Discussing Creationism: The Initial Argument
Part II: Two Questions about the Ark
Part III:The Volume of the Ark
Part IV: The Weight and Sturdiness of the Ark
Part V:What is a Myth
Part VI: Gilgamesh
Part VII: The Biblical View of Noah
Part VIII: Gathering of the Animals
Part IX Evolution
Part X The First Evolutionist
Part XI The Notebook
Part XII Erasmus Darwin
Part XIII Aristotle
Part XIV Middle Ages
Part XV Kant's Quotation
Part XVI Kant in Context
Part XVII: The Beliefs that influenced Darwin
Part XVIII: John Henslow
Part XIX: Darwin's Infallibility
Part XX: Darwin's Thoughts on Apes and Human
Part XXI:Lyell's Principles of Geology

Friendly Friday

Hello Friends of the Friendless Marching Band.

I gotta tell you something...sob...your conductor is...pooped. I have been conducting the FFMB for almost a year now and I have decided...sob...to give my tuba (and baton) a rest.

But first there will be a huge party on August 19th to commemorate the FFMB's first anniversary. I'll need your help with this huge shindig. Anyone can contribute. Sign up now.

Then make a post about the FFMB on Saturday, August 19, 2006. I will link to that post on that Saturday.

Suggestions of contributions:

• find friendless sites and state why you like them
• write a FFMB poem
• find a picture of the band
• make your own illustration (I love those)
  
• say what the FFMB has meant to you
• etc
  
• ...sob

I am counting on you guys to keep marching...

Inmod Store

What would you choose?

Make mine a spubble in retro red.

Ladies in Pink

A pink tee means they survived
breast cancer

This weekend, they walked 60 km
to a red carpet
of cheers

Discussing Creationism Part XXI

Before Charles Darwin left to go on the Beagle, he was given a copy of Sir Charles Lyell's Principles of Geology. This book was to have a great influence on his interpretions of what he observed while on his voyage.

Lyell was writing about the uniformitarian theory, first introduced by James Hutton, that the earth changed by natural forces over a long period of time.

Evolution requires uniformitarianism in order to work.

This was different from the catastrophic viewpoint. Catastrophism holds that earth was immediately shaped by world-wide catastrophes. (During the 1700-1800's, it was also believed that all of creation was destroyed and had to be reestablished during these catastrophes.)


No one can deny that some of the changes in our earth are due to slow acting forces such as erosion but the sudden changes produced by catastrophic events can not be denied either. Earthquakes and floods leave their mark, quickly.


Sources:
Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
Evolution by Edward J. Larson
Physical Geography
Science Clarified
Encylopedia Britannica

Previous Discussions:
Discussing Creationism: The Initial Argument
Part II: Two Questions about the Ark
Part III:The Volume of the Ark
Part IV: The Weight and Sturdiness of the Ark
Part V:What is a Myth
Part VI: Gilgamesh
Part VII: The Biblical View of Noah
Part VIII: Gathering of the Animals
Part IX Evolution
Part X The First Evolutionist
Part XI The Notebook
Part XII Erasmus Darwin
Part XIII Aristotle
Part XIV Middle Ages
Part XV Kant's Quotation
Part XVI Kant in Context
Part XVII: The Beliefs that influenced Darwin
Part XVIII: John Henslow
Part XIX: Darwin's Infallibility
Part XX: Darwin's Thoughts on Apes and Human

Friendly Friday

At tuba camp

I'm back FFMB. I could not spend another Friday without the band. (You will have to come back another day for the details on my holidays)


Let's start today's march with:

Simon at Simon on Books. I like this blog because:

• I like books
  
• and he give honest, concise reviews.
• the simple layout works.
• of his other site (even though it is not friendless)
  

Then there is Patrick of The Point of Departure. I like this blog because:

• it is insightful and thought-provoking
• of his variety of posts ranging from poetry, fiction and journalling on different topics
• he is just out of high school
• and wants to be an archeologist
  

Granimore from And So Begins My New Life. I like this blog because:

• it is different because
  
• he is a funeral director.
• he likes parodies like Weird Al
• and he made me wonder who the Angry Beavers are...

So, do you wanna join?
Just leave a comment stating that you wish to join then choose any instrument you like. (ability isn't an issue for this cyber band) We have three piano players, a harpist, a theramin and french horn player plus a variety of others so you get the idea that any instrument is possible.
On Fridays, the band meets to visit the chosen friendless sites which are listed anew each Friday. Then the band leaves friendly comments for our honored recipients. Let them know that you are from the FFMB.
Get to know other band members. There is sure to be someone you can connect with.
Nominate friendless sites. They can be bloggers you know or ones that you come across in your blog surfs. Think unique and creative. These sites have less than 5 comments/post and be posting currently. Leave me a comment with their address or email me at Carol_ffmb at yahoo.ca. I will let you know whether they have met the friendless criteria.

Display the FFMB banner, to let others know that you are a friendly blogger.

On Holidays!

Although my vacation is not that exotic
I still would love to take the FFMB along,
but until I master the art of making a travel blog,
perhaps, you would settle for visiting one another while I am gone.

Click on a member from the blogroll...
or maybe find a new friendless site...
and have fun blogging!

Performers

I am amazed by the courage and openness to sing in front of the whole country, discovering who they are by the process.

"I want to be a drama queen!"
performing each moment from the depths
of no despair

The Lighter Side of Discussing Creationism and Darwin

Take this quiz to find out how well you know Darwin.



One day the zoo-keeper noticed that the orang-utan was reading two books - the Bible and Darwin's The Origin of Species. In surprise he asked the ape, "Why are you reading both those books"?
"Well," said the orang-utang, "I just wanted to know if I was my brother's keeper or my keeper's brother." Darwin Jokes and Evolution

Friendly Friday

Hi DDMV...uh, I mean FFMB. I am still recovering from the Birthday Bash we played for on Tuesday.
Mango is helping me on today's friendly march...

We like Harold Davis's Photoblog 2.0 because:

• the photos are fabulous.
• he tells the story behind the photos
• as well as technical tips on how to achieve that same effect in your photos.
  

You have to register at Harold's blog in order to leave a comment so you might want to leave a message for him here.

We like Danielle's Love the Sea because:

• of those gorgeous underwater shots.
• of the African safari pictures
• that don't require a trip to the zoo.
  
• of her conservation efforts.

We like Ginny and Jacqui's travel blog Shangerz because:

• of the beautiful photos they're collecting from around the world.
  
• Carol got to play with the handy currency converter
• and Mango with the clocks.
  

Thank you Mango for helping me with the tuba today!




Remember to submit the friendless gems you find this week.

To join the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band, leave a comment stating that you wish to join then choose any instrument you like. (ability isn't an issue for this cyber band) We have three piano players, a harpist, a theramin and french horn player plus a variety of others so you get the idea that any instrument is possible.
On Fridays, the band meets to visit the chosen friendless sites which are listed anew each Friday. Then the band leaves friendly comments for our honored recipients. Let them know that you are from the FFMB.
Get to know other band members. There is sure to be someone you can connect with.
Nominate friendless sites. They can be bloggers you know or ones that you come across in your blog surfs. Think unique and creative. These sites have less than 5 comments/post and be posting currently. Leave me a comment with their address or email me at Carol_ffmb at yahoo.ca. I will let you know whether they have met the friendless criteria.

FFMB Banners are always available here.

Bringing it All Home

My Son and Daughter are having swimming lessons this week. They have not spent a lot of time in the water over the past years and as a result it has showed up in my Son developing a fear of putting his face in the water. The instructor told me that all they really need is more time in the pool.


Later, I attended a Toastmaster's Meeting and was disappointed when I ummed and ahhed my way through the improv speech. Fortunately, I was able to make them laugh which accounted for almost 20 seconds of my talk.

I asked my mentor, Paul, afterwards what he thought of my Table Topic and he said I did fine but not to worry as the ability to think of something quickly to talk about only takes a lot of practise.

The Party isn't Over, Yet!

Sorry, it took the band so long to learn this and Barbara for having to wait until the day is almost over but here the FFMB is doing what we do best, making music and being friendly.

As requested by Suzy, the FFMB will do a well rehearsed cover version of You're Having a Birthday originally played by the Beatles.

This one is for Barbara, still the birthday girl in these here parts.

Discussing Creationism Part XX

When Charles Darwin wrote Origin of Species, he did not want his theory to be dismissed so he did not mention that humans were included in the evolutionary process as well.

A quote from a private letter used in Cynthia L. Mill's book, The Theory of Evolution demonstrates his private beliefs at this time.
"Man in his arrogance thinks himself a great work worthy of the interposition of a deity, more humble and I think true to consider him created from animals...Let man visit Ourang-outang in domestication, hear expressive whine, see its intellgence when spoken (to), as if it understood every word said-see its affection to those it knows,-see its passion and rage, sulkiness and very extreme despair; let him look at savage (Fuegan), roasting his parent, naked, artless,l not improving, yet improvable, and then let him dare to boast his proud pre-eminence."


Darwin noted similarities between man and ape then concluded that not only is man not superior to the ape but they evolved from a common ancestor.

• First was Darwin's observation that apes are capable of emotion similar to man.

Both animals and man were created with a soul. A soul experiences sensual sensations or feelings which are based upon the body's physical and instinctive needs. These reactions ensure survival. Man, however has a distinct difference from animals in that he also has a immortal element created in the image of God. As a result, he is capable of moral and rational reasoning not based on the physical alone. In other words, he can choose between the bestial nature or the spiritual.

• Darwin was disgusted by the actions of the primitive Fuegan men that he met on his journeys on the Beagle. The beasts were better than these men.

Man can choose to live by the bestial nature. Abominable acts like the ones that Darwin witnessed are extreme consequences of a life without morality or God.


Previous Discussions:
Discussing Creationism: The Initial Argument
Part II: Two Questions about the Ark
Part III:The Volume of the Ark
Part IV: The Weight and Sturdiness of the Ark
Part V:What is a Myth
Part VI: Gilgamesh
Part VII: The Biblical View of Noah
Part VIII: Gathering of the Animals
Part IX Evolution
Part X The First Evolutionist
Part XI The Notebook
Part XII Erasmus Darwin
Part XIII Aristotle
Part XIV Middle Ages
Part XV Kant's Quotation
Part XVI Kant in Context
Part XVII: The Beliefs that influenced Darwin
Part XVIII: John Henslow
Part XIX: Darwin's Infallibility

Friendly Friday

Howdy FFMB. Are you ready for a rip roaring stomp around the corral?

Come on then, don't be shy. Shout it.
Yahoo!

I like Hasbon's blog because:

• of the colors and design of her blog.
• of her "About me" entry.
• she is going to take Molecular Biology at University
  
• and hopes to be a dentist.

I like Michelle's New Town, New Life because:

• she is blogging of her life in small town Saskatchewan, Canada.
• she has 3 adult daughters and...
  
• a 2 year old with a wonderful "smile for the camera."
• she is Wandi's Daughter-in-law's Mother! or her Son's Mother-in-law.
  

I liked UziCue's blog, Uzi's Musings because:

• she is on a Redhead webring. Cool.
• of her "Things I do too Much" list.
• she is not a quitter.
  
• of her Hubby's scary makeup artistry.

Don't forget that I need your help to round up more lonely hearts.
Here's how:

1. Nominate someone you know who doesn't get the recognition they deserve.
2. Surf by clicking the "Next Blog" on the top of your blog. Surf until you find a really good blog that doesn't get enough comments (5 or less qualifies)
3. Or surf by clicking on the "Search all blogs" on whatever topic you like.
4. Are you on a blog ring? Look there.
5. Go to your blog profile and click on one of your interests. This will take you to other blogs that share that same interest.
6. Tell me some more ways and I will add it on here.



Do you want to join the Friends of the Friendless but are wary of commitments. Here's what is expected of you friendly cowpokes out on the range:

To join the Friends of the Friendless Marching Band, leave a comment stating that you wish to join then choose any instrument you like. (ability isn't an issue for this cyber band) We have three piano players, a harpist, a theramin and french horn player plus a variety of others so you get the idea that any instrument is possible.
On Fridays, the band meets to visit the chosen friendless sites which are listed anew each Friday. Then the band leaves friendly comments for our honored recipients. Let them know that you are from the FFMB.
Get to know other band members. There is sure to be someone you can connect with.
Nominate friendless sites. They can be bloggers you know or ones that you come across in your blog surfs. Think unique. These sites have less than 5 comments/post and be posting currently. Leave me a comment with their address or email me at Carol_ffmb at yahoo.ca. I will let you know whether they have met the friendless criteria.

Lassoo yourself a banner.

Discussing Creationism Part XIX

Below is a copy from a page of Charles Darwin's introduction to the Abstract for his book, Origin of Species.

Click to enlarge.

Evolutionist, Cynthia L. Mills, in her book, The Theory of Evolution" makes this remark about Darwin's later revisions.

Previous Discussions:
Discussing Creationism: The Initial Argument
Part II: Two Questions about the Ark
Part III:The Volume of the Ark
Part IV: The Weight and Sturdiness of the Ark
Part V:What is a Myth
Part VI: Gilgamesh
Part VII: The Biblical View of Noah
Part VIII: Gathering of the Animals
Part IX Evolution
Part X The First Evolutionist
Part XI The Notebook
Part XII Erasmus Darwin
Part XIII Aristotle
Part XIV Middle Ages
Part XV Kant's Quotation
Part XVI Kant in Context
Part XVII: The Beliefs that influenced Darwin
Part XVIII: John Henslow

June's Perfect Post

I am late!
No surprise there!

The contenders were:

• Art Puppy for her Father's Day post but she has disappeared along with the post. If you can read this AP, I hope you will let me know how you are and if you have created a new blog.
• Sister Celtic for two of her husband, George's, photos of beautiful birds. (Barbara, bird-lover, go have a look!)
• TNChick for advice to women on being better wives.
  

And the winner is TNChick. Congrats to this great blogger!