Click on the image above and see how you can help OLPC ......happy holidays everyone..... or click on the link above and learn more about this great program.

One Laptop Per Child

".....and endure the betrayal of false friends" ~ Emerson

"To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded."

bitter sweet thanksgiving

In my extended family, interpersonal relationships are strained, and where it started and how it is now is just one stupid thing after another and some real issues, with a few outside and inside forces that decided the final coarse which has been set into stone. Just mentioning this as background, I am not complaining, I accepted this many many years ago. The bitter sweet comes in, because I will be in the city with my daughter, and my men will be at home in Ohio. Odd to be away from those I love, but on the other hand, exciting to be in the city with my girl this time of year.

It's only a day. I don't eat turkey anymore. We may lay low, we may hit the town with a vengeance. In any case, I will enjoy it fully, moment by moment, even if inside my heart breaks a bit, it will never show.

can't remember when I last ate

(art by my daughter)

I guess this is the beginning of yet another life struggle. Mind you the cast of characters have changed somewhat, little does that make anything better, in many ways it makes it all worse.
I will try my best to do and be my best, but it's damn fucking hard. I have to look deeper and harder for the strength on so many levels it's mind boggling at the moment.

a good thing to know

On Thursday, I attempted what no sane woman should ever attempt. I made the effort to teach my sixteen year old son, who only has his temps, how to drive a stick shift. Not any stick shift but a brand new car, still has temporary tags, no less.

When I was at the dealership, I wanted a deal, I always want a deal that my nature. So in order to get the deal I wanted , the special rate, and the special price, I had to take delivery that day. All they had on the lot was a stick. So I bought it. Not thinking too much about the stick because well, I learned on a stick, and I remembered that some guys think they are fun. No big deal.

Well Thursday, my patience was tested, I was scared out of my skin, and frustrations were running high. In the middle of a deserted Target parking lot, we tried over and over again.....he could shift into second once we got going, but the starts were anything but smooth. "That was really good," I would say, trying not to discourage. Several more jerky starts and stalls and he hit the wall, he said, "That's it, that's enough for the day."

Fast forward to today, and he and his father went out and had a perfectly wonderful time. No stall outs at all, and a young man who returned beaming with confidence, almost ready to take to the open road. At first I thought, well, he took what I "taught" him and improved.....that was not the case. He made that pretty clear to me. Ha ha. I am not a teacher, I may be many things but not a teacher.

random thoughts about Obama's win

I feel joy. I feel an abundance of joy for the entire world, and a special joy for those whose lives have been shackled and held down due to the color. I cry tears of joy, and feel unbelievable relief that the Bush presidency actually will indeed end.

Barack, Michelle and their two beautiful young girls, will be a welcomed change to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Heavy sigh..... peace and safety to the Obama family. The world loves you, because you love the world. Be blessed.

driving election day

"To change the world start with one step."

memorial for Gracie

low down on JayZ

To the booing audience JayZ said “let’s change this picture” and it changed to Obama.

We found our way to really great seats, right in front of the boxes, big screens everywhere. Every single seat in the place was taken; nearly 20,000 fans filled Quicken Loans Arena for the "Last Chance for Change" rally. Wearing a black leather jacket, baseball cap and huge diamond chain in the shape of Ohio, Lebron James encouraged the crowd to participate in next week's election.

"I want everybody in here, moms, dads, aunts, uncles to get out and vote," James said. "November fourth is the most important day of our lives."

….and then it happened…..the reason this concert was free: they played the whole Obama 30 minute piece. The crowd reaction to several points made by Obama was weak. Not even a cheer for ending the war, which really surprised me. This indeed was not a politically active crowd. The majority of this crowd was anxiously waiting to see JayZ, period the end.

Plenty of fashion statements filled the packed arena. Some that turned even my head in disbelief. Many, but not all, women were wearing tall stiletto boots; tights and some piece of clothe resembling a skirt but the size of a small dinner napkin and a skin tight sweater. Oh and I don’t want to forget the 2008 fashion staple “the scarf.” Everyone, yes everyone, had on a scarf.

On the political front, I was surprised that there wasn’t more effort by the Obama campaign to promote voting on the concourses. There was nothing, no free stickers, no posters or postcard maps to the Board of Election, with direction on how to vote early or how to vote on November 4^th.

All that being said, the most lasting impression I took away from the show was how low- key it was from beginning to end. Even after the last song, people just started leaving. No screaming for an encore, no cell phones in the air (replacement for lighters) asking JayZ to come back, to play more. He came back anyway.

Best song of the night -”99 problems.”

Best quote of the night - ''Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk,'' JayZ said to the relatively quiet arena. ''Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama is running so we all can fly.''

mean people are unnecessary

This is me living by my own rules, what I have told others to do for, like, forever. Do not put up with ugliness and meanness.

As my life becomes more and more busy, this bull shit negativity must be eliminated. Therefore my blog is now for mostly for my family and myself and a few friends. Please visit once in while. Post comments if you want. This election is almost over, and painting season should begin soon.

I love you all.
Mom

always something you don't expect

Just another beautiful day in the metro parks, in the distance you can see a river and an old bridge. We took the pups yesterday and they had a fabulous time. Icey, had to be rushed to the vet, because we noticed some marks on her face....turns out that she has demodectic mange, sometimes cause by stress. So I looked back over the past weeks, and remembered her being circled at least three days in a row at the dog park. A dog named JJ is to blame. I knew she was stressed at the time, but had no idea that it could or would effect her physically.

So the dog park is off the list for a while, and she needs to go through treatment, which is a series of "dips." I feel badly for her, but we are confident that it will clear up after several "dips."

I can still walked them, but it's not quite the same as running free at the park. So this is really kind of sad.

a walk in the park

I had a great day aimlessly wandering and snapping some pics....

my right my sign

I don't like when someone steals my stuff.

dissent

On the flag it says: There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.

We are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels – men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, may we never confuse honest dissent with loyal subversion.

erase hate week: the post office

A while back, I posted on my blog and on an un-named political blog that I had no black friends. In response to my post, I was picked apart, insulted and ridiculed for my honesty. It was right there and then that I realized that solving racism is an individual issue. It was my issue and I had to own it. Each and every single person who tried to discourage me with their mockery, made me more determined to do everything and anything I could to break the cultural and social barriers that exist in my life. Mind you in my case, it’s not entirely black white rich poor issue; any difference from middle class white will qualify. Since the time of that post, I have made changes in my behavior. I have befriended a few African American people, and Native American Indian, and a Saudi Arabian woman.

My recent conversation with the Saudi woman I find interesting because it took place in a United States Post Office. It was a crowded but quiet office in white suburbia, and a Saudi woman wearing a black head scarf was in line in front of me with her daughter. I could see others starring intently at her, without any glimpse of kindness showing in their eyes whatsoever. So I decided to break the ice with a comment about her daughter’s jacket, by saying how cute it was.

We continued talking for the next twenty minutes, all the while, the others remained unusually silent. I could feel their intent stares on my back; they were listening to every single word. I learned about her family and how they share clothes and hand-me-downs, and how her sister lives in California. She was about 27 wearing a full black head scarf and she was very mindful of her child, a darling four year old little girl. We laughed and enjoy many niceties. Before she left she made an extra effort, she walked over and with a big smile she thanked me. She thanked me for being nice.

As part of my daily life, I am consciously aware and always looking for more “break the barrier” opportunities. They are everywhere, I just need to recognize the opportunity and follow through with effort. Sometimes all it takes is a smile.

Erase Hate

not liking the bail out

700 pts Stencil font

Last week, I decided to make a sign for Obama to put in my office window. I had ideas of grandeur, as I actually believed that this sign would be seen from far away. Turns out, this five foot by one foot sign, in fluorescent green and pink, is not easily seen except from the office building across the way. I am hoping to see others (Obama) signs appear.

Simple "how to" directions are below this post. I know I have Obama fever, I think maybe, just maybe, my ring tone was the final clue......I am totally in the tank for Obama and proud of it!

Get your Obama ringtone here.

To make this sign in Word:
print one letter per page
use font: Stencil
font size : 700
Attached to poster board and diplay.

drill, drill, drill, by eve ensler

" I believe that the McCain/Palin ticket is one of the most dangerous choices of my lifetime, and should this country chose those candidates the fall-out may be so great, the destruction so vast in so many areas that America may never recover. But what is equally disturbing is the impact that duo would have on the rest of the world. Unfortunately, this is not a joke. In my lifetime I have seen the clownish, the inept, the bizarre be elected to the presidency with regularity. "

entire article here

monday

Anyone who wages this battle against the bulge, know just how difficult it can be. Ever hear , oh it must be the scale, or maybe you are gaining muscle. Ha. I fell off the diet, I stopped walking for a week, and am now trying to get back on track. I hate when this happens.

high road to 270

Barack Obama launched his presidential campaign and appealed for voters to rise above partisan division, embrace a politics of hope and believe in “change.”

However, just as Barack predicted, day after day, the McCain /Palin ticket continues to rack up exaggerations, insults, attacks, and lies in attempts to avoid issues. During this year’s Republican convention there was an onslaught of false statements, snide remarks and one-liner put-downs aimed directly at Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The McCain/Palin duo is embracing the Rove-playbook. We are witnessing the same old political hogwash of Bush, Cheney and Rove, only this time thinly disguised with the label “mavericks.”

Many Obama supporters are looking for Barack to fight back. Their frustrations have them wishing for a rock‘em, sock‘em, knock down, drag out fight, but they are not going to get it. Barack Obama will not lose his cool. Barack Obama will not be slinging traditional political dirt back and forth. He will continue to campaign, as planned, he will stay on message and keep his promise, and he will remain the only candidate of change. Obama will take the high road; a road that Republicans don’t even know exists.

Just as Obama masterfully won the democratic nomination, I trust that Barack Obama and his team have the strategy to secure 270, or more, electoral votes and win back the White House. So hang tight, volunteer, get out the vote, donate what you can. Barack has this one covered.

911 lesson for peace

Today is the seventh year anniversary of September 11, 2001. That day was sunny and bright. No one was aware of what was about to take place. I placed the photo of the flyers here, to hopefully show the human side to the casualty numbers. It's an attempt to show the personal grief and effort of every single family member and friend, as they painfully searched for those who would not be found.

The only way for me to process and own what happened that day, and in the seven years following, is to give to those innocent civilians in Iraq. I believe that America every bit guilty as those who attacked us on that sunny day seven years ago.

Donation are appreciated : http://www.operationiraqichildren.org/

http://www.nomorevictims.org/

About Operation Iraqi Children :

Inspired by their conversations with soldiers as well as Sinise's tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, Sinise and Hillenbrand founded Operation Iraqi Children, a grass roots program to provide concerned Americans with a means to reach out to Iraqi kids and help support our soldiers' efforts to assist the Iraqi people. Since then, Sinise and Hillenbrand have expanded their program to include children in other nations, such as Afghanistan and Djibouti, served by American troops.

What Obama said

OBAMA: " Let's just list this for a second. John McCain says he's about change, too. Except -- and so I guess his whole angle is, "Watch out, George Bush, except for economic policy, health-care policy, tax policy, education policy, foreign policy, and Karl Rove-style politics. We're really gonna shake things up in Washington." That's not change. That's just calling some -- the same thing, something different. But you know, you can -- you know, you can put lipstick on a pig; it's still a pig."

my reality

It's time for me to get back in line with my life. One child back on campus, two back in high school, time to work and enjoy the season, and start painting again. I actually have had quite a block for about a year now, and after my garden dies down, I know I will be needing a creative avenue.

There is a small chance of an awesome adventure in my near future and I have to weigh carefully the risks and rewards prior to making the commitment. I will take the next week or so to think about it.

Peaceful, productive and helpful existence in a non-peaceful world is what I am seeking. It's a difficult task, when face daily with the bombardment of negativity, unethical behavior, nastiness, violence and lies.

Right now, it boils down to day by day time management and personal management and setting priorities so that I don't wake up one day with regrets.

city girl

Million dollar view for my daughter, not bad work if you can get it. Waiting for a photo on a clear day, because then you can see Manhattan and the East River perfectly.

motorcycle moma….ha!

As a young child, I stood by and watched as my three older brothers and father all learned how to ride motorcycles. When I was a teenager, I expressed my desire to learn to ride; my mother would say to me, “Do you want to spend the rest of your life with one leg or one arm?” Not really, I thought. Basically she scared the living daylights out of me and I became fearful of bikes in general.

Fast forward many, many moons, and my daughter, while in High School, says to me, “I want to learn to ride a motorcycle.” I replied without a thought, “Ah…. no way, not going to happen. Do you want to spend the rest of your life with only one leg or arm?”

OMG! I looked around and saw myself in my daughter and my mother in myself. Even with that visual, I stood my ground for the remainder of her senior year. The next fall she was of age and living in the Big Apple, and I just knew she wasn’t going to let it go. She did all the research on her own and told me what “we” needed to do, and we did it. I would never have done any of this without her. It was her steadfast and strong desire (some may call it relentless nagging), that pulled (forced me to give-in before going insane) me along, and helped us accomplish “the goal.”

Last weekend we completed the Basic Rider Coarse together, and passed all requirements for a full motorcycle license. We have matching full face helmets, hers is flat black, and mine is shining black. We have matching over the ankle boots and riding gloves. These items match for no other reason than we both needed everything for the class and we shopped together at the last minute.

My daughter actually scored better on her evaluation than I did, so she has bragging rights, but she returns to college soon and the bike, pictured above, will be staying in Ohio. It was an exciting, and at times, a nerve racking experience. I am so happy that we were together sharing the drama; the extra moral support was incredibly comforting to both of us.

In my house, girls are the bikers, and the boys are on the sidelines …..girls rule - boys drool….. at least for the summer of 2008.

new old love

limelight hydrangea

Limelight has unique bright green blooms in mid-summer that holds its bright and refreshing color right into autumn when the blooms change color to a rich deep pink. The new hardy hydrangea is from Holland. It is a breathtaking addition to my garden!

Scroll down for larger photo- this photo looks like a wedding to me.

r.i.p. Heath

Saw The Dark Night on Imax today (road trip to Pittsburgh). I left the theater truly and sincerely sad about Heath Ledger's death, as he was brilliant in this role. Brilliant.

2 thin 2 win

Okay, this does it. This is so freaking ridiculous that I am hereby pledging to take a break from the media and anything to do with the primary campaign for now. I know who I am voting for, and I will continue my support to that cause. I won’t be a part of petty conversations that have to do with the nit-picking of Barack Obama. Most recent attack Barack's weight. The article in the WSJ-Too Fit to Be President?- just makes me want to cringe.

Most obese people have eaten themselves sick. America is obese; diabetes is soaring to epidemic levels. By the year 2030, 11.2 percent of U.S. adults are expected to have the condition. Obesity is the strongest modifiable risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. This is a major problem for our country, our children and our health care system. The numbers are staggering.

Yesterday in Costco, we noticed several people who have become so large they no longer can walk on their own. Can you imagine, eating so much that you become so fat, yes fat; you can not walk on your own?

If you read my blog at all, you know that I am working to get into shape; yes I have weight to lose. Yes, it is difficult and yes, I think that Obama deserves credit for not being fat. I think instead of being picked apart, he should be praised. Also I think that anyone, who knows how difficult it is to stay fit, would be the first to understand that praise is very well deserved.

From the WSJ article we are to believe that Americans, cannot relate to Obama, and therefore may not vote for Obama, because he's not fat like us and because he exercises and eats healthy foods. That is total bs. The article is nothing more than another smear campaign based on unfounded prejudices. America, more then ever, deserves, wants, and needs an intelligent and healthy president, even if he is thinner than 66% of the voting-age population.

I am still in shock and still very, very disappointed in the general population.

McShame: Gay Couples and Adoption

New York Times McCain Interview (Published: July 13, 2008)

Q: President Bush believes that gay couples should not be permitted to adopt children. Do you agree with that?

Mr. McCain: I think that we’ve proven that both parents are important in the success of a family, so, no I don’t believe in gay adoption.

Two weeks after McCain’s interview was published the McCain camp has back peddled all of about one millimeter. But have no fear, in an interview with George Stephanopoulos, McCain was asked the same question again. McCain provided the same answer only using different words. McCain said, “I’m running for president of the United States because I want to help with family values. I think family values are important when we have two parent families that are parents of the traditional family." McCain does not seem to understand that a gay “couple” has TWO parents. McCain was bumbling, repeating himself and trying to play a word game to dodge giving a direct answer. In the New York Times interview McCain answered the question clearly and directly, with a resounding, “no I don’t believe in gay adoption.”

John McCain’s statement, “I think that we’ve proven that both parents are important in the success of a family,” which he made to the New York Time is unfounded. Again McCain implies that “both parents” can only mean a man and a woman. Nonetheless, "30 years of scientifically valid research universally demonstrates that LGBT families are just as nurturing for children's growth and development as heterosexual families," said the Family Equality Council.

Other sources, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association have issued statements supporting same-sex parents.

"Gay and lesbian parents are as likely as heterosexual parents to provide healthy and supportive environments for their children," the APA has said.

The AAP has said "scientific literature demonstrates" that kids with gay parents "fare as well in emotional, cognitive, social, and sexual functioning as do children whose parents are heterosexual. (They) seem to develop normally in every way."

In 2006 there were over one half million children in foster care in the United States. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/stats_research/afcars/tar/report14.htm (Please keep in mind that foster care numbers are fluid, the link provides greater details such as; ages, sex, race, where they are placed, how many entered, how many existed, it is all very interesting.)

Gay adoption problems exist for both gay women and gay men, however, it may be slightly more of an issue on the gay male side, since they have zero means to reproduce. In either case, it remains an issue of intolerance and hatred. Obviously, when we live in a country where parentless children need homes, and there are couples who want to adopt and provides homes, yet the government says no because the couple is gay, we have a problem. This is intolerance defined to a level of stupidity and is totally unacceptable. A free country has no room available for an intolerant bigoted government. The remedy is simple common sense. Realize the existence of humanity in all and exercise fair and equal rights. Let homes be found for these children and let families flourish. One more reason I support Barack Obama for President.

monday the 28

So tomorrow is another start to the new week, only this time my week starts in my new office. Weight is always on my mind and I have held steady this last week without really trying. So that is a good thing. Tomorrow I will be back on the exercising, and in addition, I will be walking up four flights of stairs to my office.

I am a bit burned out on the sassy water, but I have to admit when I was drinking 2 quarts of it a day I felt a whole lot better. I tend to get hooked on coffee which is really bad for me, because then I don't eat and I don't hydrate. So on board once again. Sassy h2o and one cup of jo at the office as my reward for walking/biking and four flights of stairs to work.

Can't wait! : )

is an Obama make-up even possible ?

To those voters who supported Hillary and lost, to those who say they will vote for McCain to just spite Obama ; is there anything Obama can say or can do to earn your vote?

horse's mouth

Senator McCain has been accused of many things during this 2008 presidential campaign. When accusations are out there spinning out of control, it can be nearly impossible to find the truth. Thanks to technology, we can actually see and hear the candidates statements, as some would say direct from the horse's mouth.

McCain on his economy knowledge



McCain when asked about what he said about his economic skills



McCain's voting record on Veterans benefits

weigh in

I am down a total of 6.8 pounds. I have to restart the four day jump start, but I have continued exercising, eating much smaller portions, and eliminating the junk. I am very determined to be back in shape by fall. No excuses!

can u find?

1. AK47
2. American flag on fire
3. Traditional muslin attire
4. Osama Bin Laden
5. Afro
6. Turban
7. Disrespect
8. Bigotry
9. Lies
10. Shock Journalism

Bush's Cell Block

I passionately support stem cell research. I believe that all the possible positive potential far out weighs, in every way, any ethics debate. Stem cells hold the promise of treatments and cures for more than 70 major diseases and conditions including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injuries, and diabetes.

The only controversial stem cells are those taken from human embryos. The difference is that most non-embryonic cells have partially differentiated. Meaning they have started down a clear developmental path to becoming a blood cell or a muscle cell, whereas, the embryonic stem cell is capable of generating all cells in the body.

The Senate, after many vigorous debates, was able to pass the consensus stem cell research bill with bipartisan support. That in of itself is a rare occasion. In return, President Bush vetoed the stem cell research bill, saying that scientific advances now allow researchers to pursue the potentially lifesaving work without destroying human embryos. This bill would have expanded federal funding and allowed research on fresh stem cell lines drawn from surplus embryos destined to be destroyed by fertility clinics. Embryos slated to be tossed into the trash.

What are the candidates’ positions on this scientific research issue? John McCain opposes stem cell research and other types of scientific study that involve the use of human embryos. In sharp contrast, Barack Obama believes America should explore the potential of stem cells, including embryonic, to treat the millions of people suffering from debilitating and life threatening diseases.

This research is important for the United States on a health level, scientific level, and knowledge level. Also, it is important that our country continues to develop advancements in medical technology in order to remain competitive in the global market.

Many people, including myself, are anxiously looking forward to the day when this bill will be signed into law, by our new President, Barack Obama.

Stem Cell info

Senator Barack Obama short video clip

sore loser

This thought has crossed my mind, and it seems there is a personality trait among some, that when they lose, they actually begin to dislike those who won. I have seen this before, but generally it is between people who actually “know” each other, and have long standing differences.

I do not quite understand it, but I have never been fond of that behavior. Maybe that’s why when I see it, red flags go up and screaming alarms sound, and a big bright sign lights up saying: “this person has issues." Internal warning to self: Watch out possible snippy, bitchy, aggression, may occur.

The sad (funny) thing is: that the winners are happy no matter what the loser says, but the loser losses even more by being sore, thus labeled “Sore loser.”

oh yeah.. tomorrow is monday

Week one : lost 4 lbs. I have a long way to go, realistically I would like to lose 20 more pounds. Ideally, I would raise that number to 30, but I doubt that will happen. I am excited and pleased with my progress.

reflecting

Lately, I have been asking myself about race. Funny, the whole idea of “a conversation about race”, back when Barack Obama brought it up, didn’t ring any bells for me. I was so into Hillary, the first woman to become president that, I paid little to no attention to what Barack Obama was saying.

Now I am looking around at my life, and I realized I don’t have any black friends. I have known friends of friends, but no one that I would consider “my friend.” I even mentioned this to one of my girlfriends and she laughed, she thought I was being funny. I was being serious.

I raised my children without knowledge of the term “black.” When they were young, we were living in California and they went to a very diverse pre-school. All different shades of brown, tan, ivory, they were just whoever they were, no color label. No problem. No issue. We were sheltered.

It wasn’t until we live in Texas, that we realized there was still a lot of racism out there. We actually heard the “n” word at a party; it was so foreign to us, so ugly. My husband and I talked about what we heard that very same night. We were very shocked and really just totally stunned. We decided if we didn’t speak out against racism when we heard it, then we were just as guilty as the person spewing hatred.

Since then I have, and still do, speak out. At this point however, I would like to know more about racism on a deeper more personal level. I hope to better understand someday. And by understand, I mean, like, when you talk to a friend and over time you just tell it the way it is. You don’t try to prove anything, or try to be perfect, or politically correct, just the real deal. You talk it over together, and eventually you both understand each other. That is what I am missing in my conversations. I am guessing I am not alone.

it's sassy water not kool-aid

Monday, I am staring the Flat Belly Diet...and this water recipe is part of it. I am considering putting up my before photo, but I don't want to gross everyone out! Here's a clip about this diet that was aired on Good Morning America.

Drink 1 full recipe of Sassy Water each day.
The ingredients in Sassy water aren’t just for flavor: the ginger helps calm and soothe your GI tract. Even more important, the simple act of making this Sassy Water every day will serve as a reminder during the Jumpstart that life is a little bit different and things are going to change.

Sassy Water
2 liters water (about 8 ½ cups)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
12 small spearmint leaves.

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and let flavors blend overnight. Drink the entire pitcher by the end of each day.

No to McCain

“Hillary Clinton, she’s my girl,” that is what my friends have heard me say with pride and affection many times. On the contrary, they also heard me say with passion and disgust, “No way in hell! No-bama-no-way! Not going to happen!” But alas, to my own surprise, it has become crystal clear to me that Barack Obama is the best choice for President over John McCain.

My first choice, Hillary Clinton lost; she didn’t win, and is not running against John McCain for the POTUS. I understand the lingering disappointment, frustrations, and anger over the 2008 Democratic primary. I share those feelings; however, I am enough of a realist to see that voting McCain, just to protest the primary process, the MSM, Barack Obama or the DNC, is akin to drinking poison.

If McCain were to win the general election the Republican Party would remain in power. That in of itself should provide enough reason not to vote for John McCain.

There is not one single segment of the United States that isn’t currently in dire straights: Economy, Iraq, Education, Transportation, Housing, Veterans Affairs, Civil Liberties, Research and Development, Immigration, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Internet Security, Foreign Policy, Trade, etc., you name it! Casting your vote for continued Republican leadership in Washington would be harmful to the USA and the entire world.

Additionally, John McCain strongly disagrees with those who advocate withdrawing American troops from Iraq. John McCain opposes stem cell research and other types of scientific study that involve the use of human embryos. John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned. John McCain believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman.

One last thought as I close this post…..Imagine, just imagine, what it would be like to have people in power that actually cared about our country? Imagine what it would feel like to have a sense that everything is going to get better, that things will change. A Barack Obama win will place seasoned politicians and intelligent leaders, many of whom we admire, into positions that introduce, shape, and drive policy and solutions. In the end, new leadership, various personnel changes, political appointments, and a restored sense of national pride, will be what delivers the much needed and desired “change.”

Vote Barack Obama, 2008

unwritten partial

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

manana is monday

I have to fess up because, well that's just the way I am....I have not gotten anywhere with "War and Peace. " I do not know what I was thinking... but, as you may be able to tell, I love to garden. At any given time, I will gladly pick playing in the dirt outside opposed to , sitting still long enough inside to read.

I have been walking every single day to and from work, and I bike now and then. I am getting much stronger, but not loosing the extra weight. So manana ( Monday yet again), I will be adding the point system for food to my exercise program. Anyone who is familiar with Weight Watchers will know what I am talking about.

There you have it a nutshell. Oops forget to mention we have to move the entire office, we start the wiring manana, and today we will attempt to rid our garage of "stuff." Things are quiet around here for a change, and I like it.

living differently

* example of American waste not my home

I just have become so over-whelmed with the whole idea of too much of everything. Everything cost too much, everything takes too much time and everything goes too fast. So it's time for a fundamental shift in my perspective....which I will admit shouldn't be that difficult since I have virtually everything I could ever want. Nonetheless, it doesn't mean that this will come easy, or that I will succeed, I just want to try. Several articles have started me on this path, along with my Daughter, who told me about "freegans" last year. Freegans are people who purchase almost nothing at all, they dumpster dive and reclaim discarded items. That would be the extreme end of the spectrum for me, if I was younger maybe but I still think it would be too severe.

Another idea is the buy nothing new concept. The Compact, as written about in USA today, is a group of people who take the pledge to not buy anything new. It started out with just a few people and has spread throughout the entire world. I tried a variation on this theme. I said I wouldn't buy anything new, unless I was out of town. It worked for about four months, I didn't take the pledge seriously, but it was fun while it lasted. I have since completely refuse to buy wrapping paper. I wrap gifts using the shopping bags I have acquired and I sometimes use the handles as a decorative bow.

Perfecting the Art of Frugal Living, this is about artists over the age of 62 living in NYC on a very small budget, sometimes under 30,000. per year. I am an artist, so this was of great interest to me. I do not currently make a living from my art, however, I have sold several paintings, and would like to spend a bit more time at it. The article ends on a high note, with a comment that sounded very familiar to me,"The first thing I do when I go out of my building," she says, "I look at the sky, white clouds and a blue sky, my heart goes pitter-pat." In the last month, I told a friend of mine, that I can be happy just looking at the sky.

Here's a twist on the idea of re-using for those who are the of the 5th avenue sort, When Conscience and Closet Collide. It struck me funny , but actually I believe this is very telling and that we may just be on the cusp of a fundamental change in our America. I am a child of Parents who lived in through the depression, they wanted us to have everything they couldn't have. We were raised as consumers. The material girl, the material generation. I am not so sure that the compulsive consumerisms that fuels our economy will continue. I see a difference in my own children who are frugal, they save, they ask for very little and sometimes buy used clothing or used video games. They even quiz me on the price of items I buy. It is as if they are saying to me, in disapproval, " that's not worth that much, you paid what?"

So that's my take for the day. I'll be letting someone else take over my part in the consumer arena. Note: I was raised as a garbage picker, or a treasure hunter, however you like to say it. To this day I still keep my eyes open on trash day, and when I find something - I feel good! It must be in my genes.

Great George Carlin Video about "stuff"

Peace~

day one of work

Cleared out all the debris, removed garden clothe, moved clay(soil), trimmed a tree that doesn't show in the picture. The area against my neighbors white garage is shade all day. I'd like something there with height. Evergreens with Hydrangea in front? I may have to put some sort of trellis up to break up the view. With all the work I did it barely shows. I will be stiff tomorrow. Plus I rode my bike for a short three mile ride, when I got back home, my legs felt like they were made of rubber. (On the right is a mock-up I did with the computer.)

the garden project 2008

This is the before shot, first looking north, next looking south. It's a odd place and difficult to get to as you can see the narrow entrance in the left photo. It's going to take a lot of manual labor. Lucky for me I work for free.

my buhhda with offering : )

Here's my happy Buhhda after a rose petal shower. I don't know why, but it makes me happy just looking at him all covered in rose petals. I guess I am one of those who is just easily amused.

I have a huge nasty garden project coming up, behind our garage. It's uneven, odd shaped, difficult to get to, and full of clay. I think I will show progress on this blog, for any interested, stay tuned. Next post with be the before shot....it's a mess.

namaste~

fat butt walking

Well, I haven't gotten very far with anything, except moving. I suffered a 3-week set back due to a sprained foot, but I have been walking to and from work for the past week and a half. One way is two miles up hill, that's in the morning, and then it's two miles downhill coming home. I can't believe it, but now I look forward to walking in the morning. Like right now, I have this feeling of anticipation, like an excited, "wow, I get to walk tomorrow morning." That thought makes me happy! I used to dread exercise. But I think the idea that I am going somewhere that I have to go, and not just in a circle, has worked wonders for my attitude. Even when I drive places I do to like to back track. I also feel good because I am not using gasoline. We moved the office three years ago from downtown to the suburbs because of the wasted time commuting and increasing crime.
Anyway, I am eating better, drinking more water, drinking "naked juices" those are really good, and feeling much better over-all. I should be losing some of my winter blubber as I continue. Right now, I am just happy being excited to continue....

diving in

It's May, it is a still, chilly and cloudy gray day. I am anxiously waiting for my Amazon order to arrive, "War and Peace." I have heard about this book my whole life and I have decided it's time. It is time to read it, tackle it, get through it, and hopefully love it. Some pals on a blog have recommended, a note pad and pen to help in keeping all the various people straight, I'll do that.(thank you) The book is 3.8 pounds and 1296 pages. I can't wait to just hold it! I love the feel of a good book.

Here are some reviews on this translation:
“A major new translation . . . [which] brings us the palpability [of Tolstoy’s characters] as perhaps never before. . . . Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky’s new translation gives us new access to the spirit and order of the book.” —James Wood, The New Yorker

“Shimmering....[it] offers an opportunity to see this great classic afresh, to approach it not as a monument but rather as a deeply touching story about our contradictory human hearts.” —Michael Dirda, Washington Post

keeping my free speech quiet

On very good advice, I am taking a break from expressing my thoughts on this blog. Hopefully, I will be back soon. Keep me in your good thoughts.

holy crap the po po

Thursday May 8th. I was visited by two plain clothe detectives who said that they were following the orders of Mr.[Doe] the City Law Director stating that he is considering filing criminal harassment charges against me, in reference to my neighbor with the huge addition. The officers repeatedly stated that the issues I presented to city officials were unfounded, but when asked what "unfounded" meant they replied, "any complaint that is found not to be valid is unfounded." They kept asking me if I was going to continue with unfounded complaints. They used the word "criminal" often and were threatening and intimidating to both myself and my 18 year old daughter. Many of my neighbors have agreed with my complaints, additionally, I have always maintain a respectful and professional tone. When I pressed for more information they changed the subject and said they didn't know anything about this or that, that they were just here to relay a message. "We just follow orders." I believe I am within my rights to contact my elected representatives. I said to the two goons," Well, I am not a lawyer I didn't interpret the code as they did, and that is why I bought it up to the building department attention."

I am appalled and confused as to what they were trying to do. I am going to speak with my attorney next week, and decide what, if anything, I can do.

pick up from pratt 08

2 of 3

bull

hawk up

bitter pill

This is what my view from my garden used to look like. I loved this view for ten years. In the summer it was absolutely gorgeous! Along comes an asshole who has, destroyed his historic home, and the neighborhood by an addition, he designed and the city approved. We call him white trash with cash. I am so angry that, it is hard for me to express myself. The thoughts that travel through my mind are hateful at best. I have come to believe that more people are assholes then not. That jerks are raised by jerks to become grown-up jerks and then they reproduce and raise more inconsiderate asshole jerks. I can't even talk I am so pissed off at this man. I am losing my patience with the lack of true consideration and respect for others in our society, I really am.