I didn't wanna do it

I... I didn't.... I didn't wanna do it. I tried everything I could think of to ignore the need. It began with layers, layers of long sleeved shirts. It continued with wool socks. Okay, not really. I don't have any wool socks, but it did involve the putting on of shoes verses flip-flops. "Where's my left shoe?" I even closed all windows as a last resort.... but it did no good. With much regret and reluctant movement, yesterday I turned on the heat. Gasp! Dollar signs replaced my eyeballs. Cha Ching, Cha Ching.

Yes, it was cold enough here yesterday to turn on the heat in the apartment. It seemed too soon, but was it? If you can see your breath condensing in front of your eyes, can you truly ignore it? Like the elephant in the middle of the room.... no, no you can not ignore the fact that it was cold enough for artifical heating. Summer is over. (The death march begins to play slowly and softly in the background.) Shudder.

A month ago the cheapo toaster gave out. It was barely toasting anyway, so by the time it decided not to hold the bread down no matter how many times I tried, I was ready to throw it out. Luckily the window was still open.

Now the coffee pot has gone kapoot. It was a birthday gift over ten years ago... maybe even fifteen. It was a strong little trooper. Used almost every day. Lately use had slowed down to a couple of times a week. I used to play the role of corporate clone standing around with a coffee mug in my hand at all times. I fell for the propaganda about coffee being a symbol of working hard, when in reality it was hardly working.

"Will work for lattes."

I usually ordered an extra shot of espresso. Loved that jolt of caffeine. Now my body rebels, so I've gone decaf. I've also stopped buying lattes. It seems pretentious to order a decaf latte. The purpose of an espresso IS the caffeine, fer gawd sake. I am currently addicted to Folger's Cafe Latte mix, but only the mocha & almond flavoring. (I put it in my coffee rather than using it with water. I'm no wussie.) I have half a container of flavoring .... but no working coffee pot. So I worked around the problem. After all, I am a woman. Invention is our middle name.

The basic way coffee is made, at least in my world, is to pour hot water over coffee grounds. Simple, isn't it. Its the spilling and splashing that can be tricky.

I put the coffee into the filter holder, leaving it swinging out to the side of the pot. (In this position the water, aka coffee, will not be able to get out of the opening at the bottom of the filter cup.) The pot sits in its assigned place. I heated up water on the stove and then slowly poured the hot water into the filter. When full, I then pushed the filter holder into place over the pot.... and a tiny trickle of liquid worked its way through to the pot. Dark delicious coffee. I repeated this step about five or six times. I must really want a cup of coffee badly!

Its not efficient, but I did get two cups of coffee from it before it got cold.

Thursday's Thirteen #6

Crusty's Thirteen Morsels

1. If I had not read Leanne's blog I would have forgotten it was time for thirteen things about me. I remembered it was Thursday, but spaced out on the blog entry.

2. I got 3.5 gallons of gas for $10.00 yesterday. 'Errands to run' and the gas to do it with finished up in a tie. Perfect timing.

3. I splurged and bought an inexpensive set of watercolor brushes. They look like they will sop up the water and paint like a champ. I hate to do it, but if I have to I will delay cleaning the kitchen so I can test the brushes first. (weak smile)

4. I bought a couple of other things too. It felt good saying to myself "I'm an adult now and if I want to buy this stuff I will. hrmmph." I'm getting really good at being selfish. Not consistently, but I have a lot of 'moments'.

5. I buy up to four loaves of bread at a time from the Franz Bakery Discount store. I freeze them until needed. ($1.00 verses $3.79 retail) The Franz Discount store use to have everything priced at a dollar. One buck. Sigh. But it hasn't lasted... the pricing. Now you have to look to see if there's a different price tag for most items.

6. People taking phone calls at the IRS don't always know how to do their jobs very well. They give out mis-information/bad instructions.

7. I got two free ballpoint pens from my credit union. And yes, I got permission to take them. "Take as many as you want." I didn't want to look greedy so I only took two... but I had to think about it for a second.

8. I still have to put away the household items I bought yesterday. Space is at a premium I will have to maneuver things in order to make room. I think its called 'Creative Living'.

9. I finally remembered to get some sewing thread so I could do some mending. I may have to get my daughter to thread the needle for me. Last time I tried it was not easy. I had to have luck do it for me.

10. I use to have my own rollerskates when I was thirteen. It was cool to have your own skates. It meant you belonged a little bit more... a more dedicated skater.

11. I usually went skating alone. My hermit tendencies manifested early.

12. I could take a trolley to the skating rink from where I lived. The trolley line ran right behind our property. The trolley was creaky and totally put together using wood. Wood worn smoooth from repeated use...much of it turning white from the sunshine streaming through the large windows. Rocking this way and that... very easy to fall asleep.

13. I think its kewl how brussel sprouts grow so tightly on a stalk. I was in my late thirties before I saw a stalk of brussel sprouts in the buff. I thought they grew like cabbage does.

This and That

Boy, are there a lot of great writers in the blogging world. And there are some that are so damn funny (writing...their writing is funny) I check their blogs several times throughout the day. Sometimes its intimidating. I mean, these people bring laughter to the world... I seem to just whine. Oh well, too bad for you.

My life is so routine and predictable that some days there's just nothing to write. And sometimes days turn into weeks. Today I thought I'd try to come up with a little bit of that and a little bit of this.

that...this...that that that... this .... that.. well, you get the picture.

I'm learning how to share again. Today I get to share my income with others. 'Others' being corporate America.... money comes in, money goes out. Time to pay the bills. I've tried to simplify my life by getting rid of much, but getting rid of money is not one of my most favorite things to do, however, it does get me out of the house. With the price of gas being what it is, I get out about once a month. And today is my big day. Why...gasp....I might even blow $4 and buy a latte. hmmmmm. Or not. Scrouge, you know. Spend $4 on a latte and just pee it out within 30 minutes. Maybe I'll blow that wad on some Nag Champa instead. Yes... that's what I'll do. I'll go stand in the artsy-fartsy yuppie store (which I like) for a while and breathe in the atmosphere then buy the incense. I will have something to hold in my hand for a while and it will save me 10 or 20 trips to the bathroom. One right after the other.

The weather here is gorgeous.... fall-like weather. Cool at night with happy sunshine during the day. Looking at the national weather map I feel very fortunate to live where I do. But ya gotta love moss and rust here. I love the smell of wet moss. It gets my allergies going...adult onset of allergies. But its mild. When I smell wet moss I can visualize trapsing through a rain forest with everything green and freshly washed. Only my rain forest doesn't have any insects. I almost typed incest. Close enough to be an innocent slip of the brain/finger coordination thingy.

I thought I had more of 'this' to share but the moment I sat down the thoughts went poof! Maybe when I return from my errands I'll have some 'that' to write about. Anyway, I'm "poof" outta here.

Mountain Water

Nothing to talk about today.
Public Domain Photos

What the hell is this?

"Okay... grab 'em by the scuff of the neck and hold 'em down hard. They're going to get a dose of this whether they want to or not!! Not one sucker gets outta here without this damn concert, ya hear?"

I knew to expect the Katrina concert (yes, another one) to be on the three network stations.... but I was not expecting it to be on the independent stations as well. Talk about manipulation and control. Bullshit. I don't mind what entertainment people want to do, but to force it down EVERYONE's throat... doncha think that's a bit much?

Bullshit! Yes, its for a good cause.... Yes, the money will be put to good use... Yes, its wonderful that so many people suddenly got the spirit.... sputtering... but... but.... Don't force it down my frigging throat, fer gawd sake!!

Yes, there is a way out. Turning off the boob tube now, just on general principles!

(added later) Okay, okay... I will relent just a little. After all I got to see Morgan Freeman...so... okay.

Coming, Not Coming. Coming, Not Coming

The city was told by the Red Cross to expect 1,000 Katrina survivors and they began setting up facilities. Then they were told to stand down. Things were left as they were... in readiness. The city was then told to expect 500 survivors so the finishing touches were done. The last word is that survivors will not becoming after all and the facilities will be 'undressed' as it were. All to the tune of over $100,000. We have to pay it up front and then get reimbursed for it later. Hopefully.

Some of the volunteers are angry that they won't be getting their victims to take care of.... I'm glad that things are going well enough that no one has to get shipped out here. I can understand the frustration of the volunteers because they've put in a lot of work.

However, there are a few survivors coming as "private guests" of a church. The church is renting four apartments, which will be furnished by Goodwill, and they will help find the people jobs. Good luck to 'em.

Thursday's Thirteen #5

13 Super Sweet Morsels about Crusty Crone 1. I need to drop the habit of having the tv on in the background. 2. Once again I'm reminded that what ticks me off about others is the very things that I am guilty of doing/being. Sigh. 3. I often use liquid smoke when cooking a hamburger. 4. I keep two CDs in the machine... Mozart and Vivaldi, so I can mention it and perhaps sound a little couth. 5. My favorite (that means 'comfortable') summer pants have a growing crotch rip. And me without any thread. 6. I'm not going to tell you how I came to know about the aforementioned rip. 7. I'm counting the days on my fingers until my next "payday". It helps me keep track of the passage of time. 8. Its confirmed... you don't need talent to become a celebrity. 9. We've been having beautiful fall weather...loving it. Rain is due tomorrow. 10. I browse ebay's Self-Representing Artists listing in reverse order (when time to bid is running out) so I can see which works got any bids. 11. I like Debra Hurd's work. Especially the rainy street scenes. I found her via ebay. 12. Now I have to go find links to some of the things/people I've mentioned. 13. I like seeing pictures of people's studio/work areas. I'm nosey. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Leanne's Thirteen.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


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

Whose Minding the Store?

September 7th, 2005 1:11 pm
Foreign offers of help ready, waiting


By Elizabeth Williamson / Washington Post

WASHINGTON — Offers of foreign aid worth tens of millions of dollars — including a Swedish water-purification system, a German cellular-telephone network and two Canadian rescue ships — have been delayed for days awaiting review by backlogged federal agencies, according to European diplomats and information collected by the State Department.

Since Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast, more than 90 countries and international organizations have offered to assist in recovery efforts for the flood-stricken region, but nearly all endeavors remained mired yesterday in bureaucratic entanglements — in most cases, at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In Germany, a massive telecommunication system and two technicians await the green light to fly to Louisiana, after its donors spent four days searching for someone willing to accept the gift.

"FEMA? That was a lost cause," said Mirit Hemy, an executive with the Netherlands-based New Skies Satellite, who made the phone calls. "We got zero help, and we lost one week trying to get hold of them."

In Sweden, a transport plane loaded with a water-purification system and a cellular network has been ready to take off for four days, while Swedish officials wait for flight clearance. Nearly a week after they were offered, four Canadian rescue vessels and two helicopters have been accepted but probably won't arrive from Halifax, Nova Scotia, until Saturday. The Canadians' offer of search-and-rescue divers has gone begging.

Matching offers of aid — from Panamanian bananas to British engineers — with needs in the devastated Gulf region is difficult in a disaster whose scope is unheard-of in recent U.S. history, especially for a country that is more accustomed to giving than receiving aid.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said yesterday that to his knowledge, all offers of foreign aid have been accepted but must be vetted by emergency-relief specialists.

"I think the experts will take a look at exactly what is needed now," he said.

FEMA spokeswoman Natalie Rule said the foreign complaints echo those from governors and officials across the nation.

"There has been that common thought that because [offers of aid] are not tapped immediately, they're not prudently used," Rule said. "We are pulling everything into a centralized database. We are trying not to suck everything in all at once, whether we need it or not."

Soon after the flooding, the government of Sweden offered a C-130 Hercules transport plane, loaded with water-purification equipment, and a cellular network donated by Ericsson.

"As far as I know, it's still on the ground," said Claes Thorson, press counselor at the Swedish Embassy in Washington. He said that along with 20 other European Union nations that have pledged money and goods, "We are ready to send our things. We know they are needed, but what seems to be a problem is getting all these offers into the country."

So far, Thorson said, the State Department has denied Sweden's request for flight clearance.

German telecommunications company KB Impuls contacted another company, Unisat, based in Rhode Island, with the idea of contributing an integrated satellite and cellular-telephone system.

The $3 million system could handle 5,000 calls at once, routing them, if necessary, through Germany.

The donor, KB Impuls, would contribute the equipment and two engineers, supplied with their own food, water and generator fuel, to set it up. Unisat contacted another firm, New Skies Satellite, based in the Netherlands with offices in Washington, which agreed to contribute satellite capacity.

New Skies arranged transport, securing a C-130 cargo plane from the Israeli Air Force, to pick up the equipment and technicians from Germany and bring them to Louisiana.

"With one call, I got an airplane," Hemy said. For four days, she and the owner of Unisat, Uri Bar-Zemer, called contacts at FEMA, the American Red Cross, the State Department and members of Congress, trying to find someone to accept the gift.

Finally, the State Department told them that to receive flight clearance, the gift must have a specific recipient.

"I was ringing, ringing, ringing — and nothing," Hemy said. Finally, yesterday, she got a call from the U.S. Air Force Joint Task Force Katrina Communication Operations division, thanking the companies for the gift and inquiring about the system's technical specifications.

As of late yesterday the companies were waiting for a written order from the Northern Command to begin the mission.

Forget Diamonds, give Gas

Flower Power

free domain photos

Another link

Here's a link to an information dissemination site. The mayor's appeal is especially moving.

Stand back

Stand back

That seems to be the words of the N.O. tragedy. The mayor of N.O. said FEMA used it often. To our National Guard ready to come and help, it was stand back, don't come yet. Don't bring any water or food, stand back. Don't use those school buses to remove the survivers, stand back. A long line of school buses waited for two days to get the okay to go in and take people out. Is this true? I don't know... it was on the news. And with each passing hour more people died. With help standing back. Once the dirt has settled, I hope they form a good, unbiased fact-finding committee to track down and hunt out the truth of it all. There are a lot of lessons to be learned.

And why didn't the Mayor of N.O. know where the people were being taken on the school buses? That seemed very strange.

We (the city) are preparing to accept 1,000 folks from the area. A secret place (I think its one of our high schools that has been closed for years) is being prepared. And what will the people of New Orleans come to... yup, another large room full of cots lined up. Just like where they left... only not so hot or humid.

And the citizens are being asked to stand back. It is because of the physical and mental trauma the folks have been through already. A crowd of people rushing to help out might traumatize them even more. I can understand the request... but will the New Orleans citizens know they are welcomed? People are offering to take folks into their homes, but are told to stand back. I suppose that might be coming later. And one never knows if the people offering up their homes might be on the crazy side. Yes, we have one or two of them here.

I hope the folks don't have to sleep on cots for long. We have a glutton of vacant apartments around here. I know these folks would just like to have their own space and regroup in private. And I also hope families aren't being completely separated from each other...all this shipping people around the nation.

Well... I'm just standing back.

Where were they?

Where has the federal government been? Up someone's ass? Watching NBC news interview the fema director and the director said the government just now heard about the conditions in the dome. WTF!! Its been on the news for days. sigh. I guess if you don't have a valid excuse, then you plead ignorance. Well, I agree. Ignorance it is. Geesh H C!

I'm sorry but this is the only place I have to vent. Now that we have the internet to get the "real story", government officials won't be able to lie as easily. Some heads need to roll. (figure of speech only) How long do you think incompetency would last in a job if it was corporate America. They would have been gone. I guess that's why so many go into politics. You just have to be a good con man.

Crusty is getting frigging cranky. I know... like that's going to do anything.

James Ransome, Illustrator

When I'm not doing anything I like to watch Reading Rainbow with Lavar Burton (public tv). I enjoy seeing the illustrations. Today one of the books, Visiting Day by Jacqueline Woodson was featured. I liked the artwork so I googled James Ransome. He's won about every award there is... or so it seems. He's got a long list of them. I checked out his 'gallery' but unfortunately the thumbnail pictures wouldn't enlarge...but you can get an idea of his work anyway.

If you are interested in how he finds his 'right voice' check it out here.

Thursday's Thirteen #4

I thought I should number my entries like Leanne does, thus the "#4". I think I've kept up with her.

Thursday's Thirteen Things You May or May Not Know About Me

1. I don't know anything about HTML coding except to copy what I think I've seen other people do... I may have to come back in here and delete some of it if it doesn't work.

2. I moved some things I had under my utility table, where my pc is, to another room. The now empty space has opened up the room a lot more than I thought it would.

3. I love nuts... I married one once. But my favorite is unsalted almonds. Great for cleansing the ole system too.

4. I'm sleepy at 9:30am. I'm going to see if I can get a cat nap in right now. You wouldn't be able to notice it. (It didn't happen)

5. I cleaned off the dining room table and, again, it makes the room look larger. I don't have places to put things... no drawers, no shelves and the closet is stuffed.

6. I downsized dramatically so whenever I moved I could fit things into my two-door car. Why do 'things' still keep finding me?

7. If I wanted to, I could have a yard sale at the drop of the hat. By that I mean I live on a busy thru street and would not have to advertise it.

8. Around here people expect you to give things away at a yard sale. "A dollar??! That's way too much."

9. The gray in my hair is increasing.

10. I have long hair but that is only because I don't have sissors that will cut hair.

11. My spelling quadrant in my brain isn't working today. Not to worry, its been this way for a long time.

12. I want to see the movie What the (bleep) do we know.

13. I will be babysitting a little later today while 'mom' goes shopping.

(ooops... I forgot to link to Leanne. My bad. I hot-linked her name at the beginning of the post. sorry. I seem to be saying 'sorry' a lot today.)

Soft... gentle

randomartdesign suggested we post, if we're so incline, something soothing, something gentle, something soft. I have nothing to say as I wipe tears from my eyes and feel my heart sob silently. I am so inclined.


Now for the not so soft. I found a blog of someone from Mississippi, thanks to dejablu503. I haven't checked it but there is suppose to be a live cam working there. Here is an entry from the blog:
"Looting: The police are looting. This has been confirmed by several independent sources. Some of the looting might be "legitimate" in as much as that word has any meaning in this context. They have broken into ATMs and safes: confirmed. We have eyewitnesses to this. They have taken dozens of SUVs from dealerships ostensibly for official use. They have also looted gun stores and pawn shops for all the small arms, supposedly to prevent "criminals" from doing so. But who knows their true intentions. We have an inside source in the NOPD who says that command and control is in chaos. He reports that command lapses more than 24 hours between check-ins, and that most of the force are "like deer in the headlights." NOPD already had a reputation for corruption, but I am telling you now that the people we've been talking to say they are not recognizing the NOPD as a legitimate authority anymore, since cops have been seen looting in Walmarts and forcing people out of stores so they could back up SUVs and loot them. Don't shoot the messenger....

The aftermath

From Damnportlanders via dejablu503, a personal video clip from Gulfport.

http://zero.imt.uwm.edu/aftermath.wmv

Show them you care....

Send them a jar of Jiffy peanut butter.

What? Yeah, to show someone you care give them some peanut butter. Jiffy to be exact. That's what their advertisement says. What a bunch of crock. Crock? Peanut butter? I wonder if there's a pun in there.

Emotional advertisement. Pull at their heart strings, that's how to sell crap. I can see it now. The young man, horny as hell, gives the stupid female a jar of Jiff hoping it will do the same as lying the words "I love you".

Another option is to use guilt and pride. If you are a good parent you will give your kids (insert product name here). The logical next step is to know you are a horrible parent if you haven't given your child that particular product. Gasp!

If I stand here with a phone, jar of peanut butter, and a bottle of coke, will you know I care about you? Call me cynical, but I don't think so.

'Nawlins' local news sites

Here are some links to news stations in New Orleans, if you're so inclined.

http://www.wwltv.com/

http://www.wdsu.com/index.html

http://abc26.trb.com/

~~
On another note... I just saw a headline saying "HoBo Chic is in..." YaHooo...woot woot woot
Just goes to show ya, if you live long enough you, too, can be in style. HoBo Chic... well, HoBo anyway, is my very favorite-est style. I'm so in!!

This and That

First comes words of concern due to hurricane Katrina hurling herself through the Gulf Coast states and stomping all over peoples lives. Second comes a reminder to send 'good thoughts', in whatever form suits you, to all the other peoples throughout the world suffering from Mother Nature's menopausal tantrums. I do have one word of advice for our Southern folks..... MOVE!
(edit: My most humble apologies for the above comment ("move"). Another lesson for me to use my brain before engaging my mouth in an attempt to be witty. Sooo Sorry.)

After things have settled down for the Katrina recovery efforts, if you know of someone blogging from the area would you please share the link with me/us. And yes I do rubberneck accidents, always giving gratitude that it wasn't me. (Of course, if you play the odds, well...... gulp)

Raining! We have rain today. Maybe not the heavy duty kind, but it is a notch up from 'showers'. I'm a rain person and the webs between my toes have started to shrink. Oh wait.... maybe its just toe-jam. Shrinking would be a good thing, then, huh. DOH!

I would like to add a stats counter for my site and I've come across some free ones but I don't have a clue as to what to look for or what to get. Experience is the best teacher, but she grades too hard. And what do these people get for giving out free coding...anyone know? There's always a payoff and its nice to know what it is. (And "payoff" is not a bad word in and of itself. I know I usually like getting paid off...its usually for my silence.)

I have around 100 blogs bookmarked. I say 'around' because I am always deleting and adding, but not at the same rate. A couple of blogs that I've deleted in the past have been readded to my list. I'm easily swayed.

I was checking out Michele's place. She's one smart cookie... she writes a sentence or two asking for reader participation and they comply. One entry had over 300 replies. I wonder if she gets email notification when people post comments. That would be overwhelming. Anyway... I got sidetracked. I was checking out her "site of the day" which was Sugar Mommy's.

She's my kind of blogger, Sugar Mommy. She has young children and I don't (insert a snicker from a surviving-parent-of-adult-children here). Ah, the memories. But I knew she was my kind of peeps when she wrote about her FIL (father-in-law for those not familiar with the abreviation yet...SIL, BIL, MIL) deciding to stay in his house since he's a whole mile from the coast in Nawlins'.... she called him a dumbass. Yes, my kind of people. And I, too, hope he's okay.

(00) I just realized I started blogging before I finished my morning ritual of reading my faves. That's not like me. And its not like I had something big to write about here. hmmmm Interesting.

I gotta go now.... might be back later.
Doncha jus luv her!

Blogging Protocol

I need a manual of instructions for blogging. A book of manners, if you will. Maybe someone will answer my questions here? (thats a hint and an invitation, if you so choose to accept the mission.)

If you add a link to someone's blog, is it necessary to let them know?

If you pilfer...I mean 'share' something on your blog that you got from someone else, I know you should reference your source on your blog, but is it necessary to let the other person know you've done it? (and I'm talking borrowing some little tidbit...nothing huge.)

Once you've figured out how to get email notification when someone comments on your blog entry, should a response be returned by email or posted on the blog? Or both?

And here's a couple of other generalized questions...

In layman terms:
what the hell is an RSS feed and what does it do?
what is a blogroll and what does it do?
why do people give out free blogging space (or photo space)...what is their payoff?
do you trust PayPal and how do you get your money from it?
should I wear this pink outfit today or go with the yellow?

What's the deal here?

I'm not political by nature. I try to stay away from talks concerning politics... it makes for a nicer environment. For the most part, I rank politicians in the same category as car salesmen. They'll say whatever they think you want to hear to get what they want. In any event, I try to give the benefit of the doubt to incoming presidents until there couldn't possibly be any doubt. I've done that with the current incumbent as well. And there is now no possibility of doubt. Sigh.

But what's the deal with Bush appearing in front of handpicked audiences only? What's up with that? Is the big, bad Texan afraid of something? Is it nothing more than a "photo-op" kind of thing? A manipulation of public opinion? Gasp.

I've had an "aha" moment. Its because the good ole boy would no doubt lose his beans if he had to stray from the script. We would see his brilliance uncovered. It must be pretty dangerous.... his intelligence would be loose. Yes, that could be very dangerous.

Its nice how writing things down can often give you answers. I wonder what the Bush girls have been up to lately. Keeping them under wraps must be a real challenge, too.

Saturday

It is Saturday, isn't it?

I've been wasting time brousing thru EBSQ, a site for self-representing artist. It has a wide variety of styles... mostly visual arts, with a few "crafts" thrown in for good measure.

The artists I looked at in detail seem to be mostly self-taught. Being a self taught artist is no indication of talent or lack thereof. Its a bag of beans. Some are very good, IMHO, and some should try cooking as their mode of expression. One such artist stated she was an English and Art Teacher. That took me aback. "She's teaching this stuff?!" Poor students...what a rip off. However, to put another spin on it, I admire her willingness to make a fool out of herself. Wait... that's not a very good spin. I...admire...her....gutsiness, yeah...her gutsiness, her willingness to put her art out for public display. Ya gotta have balls to do that. Did I mention I have big balls? Beach balls!!


(I hope I don't get in trouble with the Maxine people. Its a compliment, guys, a compliment!!)

My bookmarks

I have too many sites bookmarked. I had quite a few before even seeing my first blog...now they are running amok like seeping water. Thank goodness for file folders, yet even using those it has gotten to be too much.

So... I have created subfolders. Folders abound, folders galore...folders upon folders. You get the idea. I now have a "favorite blogs" for those I read each and every day. Sometimes several times a day. It currently has thirteen entries. Everything else remains in the original "blog" folder. There are 79 entries in that one. What do you mean I spend too much time on the pc?

Many of the 'regular' blogs are sites that don't necessarily update regularly, so they can wait for a while, then I go in and catch up on several entries at a time. Still, there needs to be some pruning, but I must do that when I'm feeling ruthless.

More folders are needed. Actually, what is needed is for me to just clear it out.

Thursday's Thirteen

1. ohmygawd...it's Thursday already?! Well, I knew it was Thursday, but I forgot about "thirteen". 2. I stood at the open bathroom window in the middle of the night listening to the sounds. That means it was quiet and I could hear the crickets. It was nice. 3. I've been observing my mood changes. It changes without any outside influence at all. My 'thinking' hadn't changed either... just my mood. Interesting. 4. I love the apartment in the movie "Green Card". An inside outdoor garden. I guess that would be called a green house, but since its in an apartment, I bet there is a specific name for it. Anyway, I watched the movie over and over just to see the green house. 5. I've done the same thing with "As Good As It Gets". Watched it a gazillion times just to look at the studio and art. (Nicholson's character has a great painting of two elderly black guys sitting together.) The movie is excellent, too. 6. Its suppose to be hot today... 90 degrees. Maybe we'll luck out and the weatherman will be wrong...again. 7. I have thirteen paintings hanging on my apt. walls... six are completed. (hanging unfinished paintings is an excellent way of keeping them away from my 2 yr old grandson's curious hands.) 8. My grandson is at that ADORABLE stage. His bulky diaper switches this way and that as his short little legs try to run, his cheeks shake, and he is totally focused on trying not to fall down. So damn cute! (ah..er..his facial cheeks shakes. I don't know about the other ones.) 9. I need to start making some money to supplement my Social Security. I did up a budget and I've got $12 mad money left over. Mad money because I've probably forgotten something that costs more than $12 and I'm gonna be mad. 10. I've started four different thoughts here but they don't fit. Number 10, number 10...what could number 10 be about? 11. My printer is out of ink. Not sure when I'll be able to get another cartriage. BUT... I did get some batteries for my digital camera. Now all I have to do ....... 12. I haven't been listening to enough music. I need to get back to that. 13. If any of my readers want to do Thursday's Thirteen, please join in...if you want to use this form, see below where to get the code for it. Whew...that makes thirteen. I wonder if these will get better with practice. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

Grandma x twelve

I watched the boys today while mom took care of some errands and to check out a job fair. I managed, but mom came home right on time.... it had been five hours. I don't like to push my luck. Or theirs, either.

Tornado Boy (almost 2) and the wee one (4 months) seem to have a bond between them. It started upon the wee one's birth. I'm guessing the wee one came to help Tornado Boy get through life while dealing with his anger issues. In return, TB will protect his brother to the max. Its interesting to watch the births and see the baggage they bring with them.

The baby is grandchild number eleven. My son stopped by this afternoon and told me his new wife is pregnant. That will make number twelve. Then, if you add the 3 step children that has joined my son (he already has four children) ....that's fifteen. That's a lot. My son plans on having one more, too.

My son, who manages the apartments, brought more good news. Two of the tenents are going to be evicted. The ones who do crack. The third tenent, who also has some strange things going on, will probably happen next. They already have a ten day notice to get rid of the puppy they have. The rental agreement states no pets. (They had put new carpeting down and now the puppy, who has fleas, is pooping on it. She's also pooping in the grass. Tornado Boy stepped in it.) Since these tenents moved in there have been multiple incidents of loss... stealing ladders (they were chained and locked), porch things. People who look like holocaust victims go in and out of the places all hours of the day and night.... drug tranfers happen in plain site. Anyway, its a colorful life that I get to observe.

Oh gawd... I almost started to talk about the weather. Gasp. Its time to sign off.

But...but....but...

My daughter would take every thing I have and give it to strangers if they asked for it. (Actually, they wouldn't even have to ask for it.) And she'd walk away without a second thought about what is hers to give away and what is mine. Oh hell, what am I talking about....what is mine IS hers. At least in her mind. GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRR!

She asked for my plunger and then handed it over to one of the neighbors. WTF? She didn't even ask if strangers could use it... And I don't know why I'm reacting like this because after all it is only a plunger... BUT I DON'T WANT OTHER PEOPLE'S SHIT ON MY STUFF! Know what I mean?

There's a damn principle somewhere in here that I can't articulate... but I know its in there somewhere.

Yesterday she asked if one of her no-account friends could borrow my vacuum cleaner. WTF? Oh yeah... like I would get it right back. And who knows what she would be cleaning with it. The friend can't even manage her own affairs, let alone someone elses things.... HELL NO!

And GAWD... I'm turning into my mother!!!! Nnooooooooooooo!

Just to top things off... my daughter just let me know there's no gas in the car. Again. I told her over and over "I need the gas that is in the car". DOES IT SINK IN? HELL NO! "I'll put some gas in it, mom...honest." Well DUH on me. You can just start calling me Mrs. NOOOOOOOOooooooooo from now on!!

Guilty (blush blush)

"Why should God give you more if you are not grateful for what you have?"

~~Write It Down, Make It Happen

Vblogging

I just discovered vblogging today. Video blogging. Check it out here. Rather than writing about your day, with vblogging you film it. Way kewl.

There are cameras EVERYWHERE! No more nose-picking in private... or in your car.

There are such juicy treasures out there in webville... so many delicious blogs and personal sharings. I'm so impressed with a lot of the writings.... and I'm even impressed by the not-so-creative writings of those whose talents lie elsewhere, for their voices can be as entertaining and helpful as the others.

I spent a good deal of the afternoon checking out As Time Goes By, a blog about the joys of aging. Anyway, I think it was 'the joys'. She has a "timeline" series where she shares photos from her life with short narratives explaining them. It doesn't take pages and pages of dialog to express a whole life episode... just the facts ma'm. They can rip your heart out if you've got a even just a few ounces of life exposure under your belt. I teared up a few times, I can tell ya.

Anyway, there's a whole community sprouting up arounding aging. After all, we are in the majority now. And that's great... except its too bad it had to come at the end when we are more sedate. Well, at least some of us are.

I need to find a site-counter... something that lets you know how many times your site is visited. But I've become a little paranoid over downloading anything (or adding coding to your site). Plus I don't know why someone would create a site-counter and give it away for free... I would like to know what the unwritten cost is to doing that. What is their payoff for doing it. And in case you wonder, "payoff" is not a bad word, in and of itself.

A Pledge

"Elaine made a pledge to herself that she would not do anything she did not enoy."

Write It Down, Make It Happen (pg 211)
Henriette Anne Klauser

Thursday Thirteen

Here I go... trying Leanne's coding for my "Thursday Thirteen" entry.

13 Super Sweet Morsels about The Crusty Crone 1. I'm wondering if this coding will work okay or not. Have I "inserted" things in the right place? 2. If it doesn't work, then I can always come back and take it out. 3. I was finally able to stock up on my favorite incense yesterday, Nag Champa. My true favorite is Prasad's Patchulie (that I can't spell) but its difficult to find. 4. I woke up too early this morning. Oh my, I'll have to take a nap! 5. This seems like such a simple thing... thirteen things, but damn! I'm stumped. 6. I have no more excuses left for not drawing or painting something today. 7. I live in an area with a lot of addicts and gang members. Its 10am and someone is out there yelling right now. I can't tell if they are arguing or just communicating to each other. 8. I've called the cops to come see about a domestic violence situation in one of the apartments here. 9. I don't have a phone, which makes #8 even more amazing, doesn't it. I don't need a phone. When I had a phone the only calls I got were for someone else. Or to ask me for money. I have no need for a phone. 10. After I watch the daily painting program on the public tv channel in the afternoons I continue watching the Bearstein Bears and then Reading Rainbow. (Lavar's such a cutie and I love seeing the book illustrations.) 11. I need to do laundry. Its becoming a desparate situation. 12. I love PBS programming...usually. But British sit-coms are a bit odd. 13. Now I get to figure out if there is some stuff to delete from the coding here. Wish me luck. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)Note from me: I don't know if I can link 'here' or not, but I'll leave the words here just in case. Let's try this: Leanne's Morsels

"In order to thrive as artists..... and, one could argue, as people.... we need to be available to the Universal Flow."

~~ Julia Cameron
~~ The Artist's Way : a spiritual path to higher creativity

Unsolicited Advice

I was reading another blog about "hate emails" she receives. I guess I'm naive beyond just plain dumb. I would not have expected total strangers to 'ride someone's ass' as it were. What the hell are they thinking? If you don't like what someone says on their blog... and "their" is the operative word here... then don't read it. What? That's too simple? I thought so... to complex for them. Oh well....

Let me just say up front.... "They call me Crusty....Crusty Crone....and I'm not called that because I'm sweet. Ya got that?"

(insert evil wicked snickering here)

For consideration.....

"You will do foolish things,
but do them with enthusiasm."

~~Colette

Thirteen Thursday

Leanne's idea of listing thirteen things about ourselves sounds like fun. Its a way to join in... and the fact that it can be fiction of non-fiction is an added enticement.

**1. I don't know every much about blogging technical thingys ('You link here and I'll link there and we'll end up linking in circles') but I'm willing to bluff.

**2. I'm only on number two and I'm already drawing a blank. But its the first drawing I've done in a long time. Oh dear.

**3. There's a sink full of dishes waiting to be washed, but checking my favorite blogs comes first every morning.

**4. My first 'stop' each morning is at Sheila Hudson's blog and then on to her friends' list. It is thoroughly enjoyable and I love seeing the art work that is shared.

**5. I'm concerned about whether or not I can come up with thirteen items.

**6. I only drink coffee (I'm a Starbuck's snob) when I have some of Folger's Cafe Latte mix (mocha almond jive only) to add to it. Love the flavor!

**7. I'm "retired" and have just begun drawing my Social Security benefits. Its called "creative living" but I'm enjoying it... A LOT!!

**8. My favorite color is a deep rich yellow and all colors of green follow closely behind.

**9. I didn't realize what my favorite color was until I was in my fifties.

*10. I live in a tiny one bedroom apt. with the idea that the bedroom will be the studio. My bad. The bedroom is storage. Hopefully I will be able to change that shortly. Afterall, I'm practically making a commitment here in public. Perhaps I'll shame myself into getting it done.

*11. Three more to go....

*12. I love the rain, but some sunshine here and there is a nice change of pace. Sunshine makes people smile more.

*13. I haven't picked up a paint brush or pen in months... we're talking like six months or more. I don't know what my problem is, but I'm sure the head of the list is 'lack of discipline'.

I made it. Now I have to read it over to see if there's anything I want to change my mind about. Okay...its a go.

Fall is Coming

Autumn is in the air. I've been feeling it for a couple of days, now. The nights cool off and the days are mildly warm and happily sunny. However, its suppose to change this weekend and get up into the 90s. And yes, weather is all I have to write about. That's because the last few days have been perfect and deserved to be noted as such.

(Later) Looks like if the comments section is left open to all then I will be spammed. I've removed the ability to post a comment on this entry while I check around to see what I can do further.

Originality

What ever happened to original thinking? Has the human species been on earth so long that there's nothing to be original with?? I'm so sick of dumbassed reality shows. And lets get real here... they aren't reality shows. They are setups. The audience is not so stupid that they missed the brats on Nanny 911 saying something hateful and then looking off camera as though to say "did I say it okay?" Give me a frigging break.

And watching someone eat maggots...that's suppose to get me all tintilated? I don't think so.

Can't the networks come up with something original? Or must everything be overdone repeatedly? Over and over and over and over... only the names are changed to protect the guilty.

And did comedy die when I wasn't looking? Can't they come up with something funny without attacking someone? Always with the cheap shots. Its a sure sign that the writers are on sabbatical... permanent sabbatical. If they can't write anything funny without the cheap shots, then they aren't comedy writers and you shouldn't lie about it.

And what about Tuesday?

I almost lost Tuesday, too. Whazzup with this? I guess that's what happens when you don't have to keep track of what day it is... you know, when you're re-tired.

I'm just sort of bullshitting, though. I really didn't misplace Tuesday. It was here all along masquerading as Monday. I played along with it for a while, but then got bored. I yanked on the mask unexpectedly and Tuesday almost dropped a load of crap. You should have seen its face. TOTAL SHOCK... followed by disappointment. Tuesday's always disappointed when its striped to its bare essentials. (see...its essentials aren't all that big...but I don't mention it. Tuesday's a little embarrassed by it all.)

But ya gotta luv Tuesday. Without it the week would never end!

Sunday is missing!

Sunday is missing. I don't know what happened to it. I've looked everywhere but its no where to be found. Sigh. But I guess that's okay, because if I found it I wouldn't know what to do with it. What does one do with two days in one? Its Monday now... so what would I do with a Sunday as well? There's just too much to hold. How could I possibly cram 48 hours into 24? Its just not doable. (Is that a word?) Do-Able. Do I really care? No. This is my blog and I can have whatever words I want or don't want. Well, maybe not... I don't think I can not have words, otherwise what would a blog be?

Its all downhill... losing Sunday has turned everything upside down.

"SUNDAY.... SUNDAY, WHERE ARE YOU?"

Skip it. To hell with Sunday. I'm going to play with Monday today. Just watch and see if I don't!

Black as a Berry

That farmers' saying, black as a berry certainly fit Tornado Boy yesterday. He played with the neighbor kids ALL afternoon... and he held his own, too. The other kids ranged from five to probably eight yrs old, and TD comes in at 22 months. One of the neighbors has a wading pool and it was the center-stone of all play on this day. With all that sun and play, TD did indeed look like a ripe berry. A juicy ripe berry.

Tornado Boy was thoroughly engaged and totally committed to the pseudo freedom he had yesterday. And he was able to stand his own ground among these bigger kids. When baby-talk didn't return his toy, he fell back to employing his equalizer, which worked like a charm. Its a high-pitched, blood-curtling scream coming up from deep within the diaphram and hurled into the universe. It stops all activity immediately. And the toy (or whatever) that triggered the outburst is returned immediately. I saw it work successfully several times.

This age is so damn cute!! They will never look as innocent as they do at this age.

I watched the boys last night so mom could go have some fun. It was pretty easy. The minute mom left, TD took his very tired and tear-stained face (he still cries a little when mom leaves) and climbed up on the couch and was asleep within one minute. And he never woke again until this morning.

The wee one had some trouble getting comfortable enough for extended sleep. He has a cold and was all stuffy... it makes it hard to suck a bottle and breath at the same time. He has such a mellow outlook on life... calm and mellow. He spent some of the time giggling. Part of the time it looked like he was giggling at me and the rest of the time he must have had a spiritual visitor who was a standup comic. What an infectious giggle. Doncha jus luv it!!

Mom didn't come home until around 5am. She had to 'wait for someone not drunk' to bring her home. So I've been sleeping most of the day. Its so kewl to be able to take a nap whenever you want to...its just great.

Yawn...yeah I know. Its boring...but its done.

Another day, Another dollar

After reassuring the IRS they would get their money, you know, since they refused my first born, they lifted the hold and all is back to "normal". If/when I can show them I had already paid said amount, then all will be reversed.

I'm glad I didn't get all hysterical over it. I must be maturing. And life goes forward from here.

The I.R.S. came awalking......

The IRS came into my life today. Sunshine and rasberries.... NOT! My 2002 tax filing has gotten all screwed up and the ball began rolling because of a mishappen (yes, I'm wording this nicely) on their end of the stick.

This was the year I quit my job and cashed out my 401k. I knew I would take a tax hit but I was willing to do that. I just wanted out. I wanted freedom. I wanted no responsibilities. (BTW, I have never been successful with that one.) I paid over $12k for that year.

And here is where the records start getting screwed up.

The IRS sent me a form saying I only owed $9k and they sent me a $3K refund check. I remembered being very surprised but who am I to say the IRS is wrong. So I deposited the refund and went on about my way.

Several months later I remember getting notified that there had been an error on my tax filing (they didn't mention who made it) and that I owed them $3k. (I'm just rounding off here.)

Well, bummer but I was glad they sent the notice when I still have some 401k money left. They don't show it was received. ("Please Lord, don't tell me I forgot to send it in!") Now I need to verify if the check was ever processed and I don't have any records from that far back to even know what check number it was. Remember, I've been trying to downsize. I shredded a lot of papers. Now I have to see if I can somehow get information from my banking institution just using my faulty memory. This should be loads of fun.

In the mean time, they've put a hold on my checking account. I've made arrangements for monthly payments (and fees and interest and etc.) and they will lift the hold but it will take several days....maybe even up to 10+ days. And during this time I can look and see $50 in my account calling my name but I can't touch it. Sigh. And I was so happy when I looked at my account earlier today. Foolish me.

I hope I am able to find the proof I need to show the IRS I paid back the refund and this situation will disappear. And if I don't, then the best I can say is that all the arrangements have been made and I don't have to go thru that particular mess again. (I waited 25 minutes to be able to talk to a live person.) This is the best I could do regarding a positive spin on things. And I think its pretty good for me.

Actually, I'm handling this pretty well. Right now, anyway. There may be a time in the future when I'm feeling stressed and I bitch about it, but right now I'm doing okay. Its only money. wahhhhh

On a brighter note, its hot here.... got up in the 90s today and we might hit 100 degrees tomorrow. Be still my heart.

If nothing else, today has demonstrated how to stay in the centered place based on what's inside and not on external situations. We'll see how long it lasts.

Ooops...my bad!!

I think I might have egg on my face. It won't be the first time. I've had plenty of practice with it.

I just checked my profile/settings area and discovered a place where I can 'clear' it so anyone can post a comment. It needs to be tested to see if a comment can be posted without registering on Blogspot. I don't know if that's what "anyone" means or not. If everything works out then I will publically apologize for ranting about my misperceptions. DUH.

Added: ah...er....once again the Universe has given me a lesson demonstrating that 'I don't know what anything is for'. Sigh. The comments sections is now open to all. No need to register. My apologies to Blogger.

Added even later: I've updated the "about me" field in my profile, but (sigh) it hasn't changed it on the blog. Maybe its a timing issue.

Tree root growth rate

I was sitting on my porch (a slab of concrete with steps) having a break... you know, a break from sitting inside. Anyway, I was looking at the trees in front of a large apt. complex that was recently built across the street. The trees are young but look like they might just make it after a shaky start. I was wondering what is going to happen once the trees mature and their root systems spread. From that question came another one: Are there trees where the roots reach a mature level and then do not become any bigger...and by bigger I mean they don't spread any further? I think that would be something to consider when planting a "baby" tree next to a driveway or sidewalk.

I tried to google my question, but I just didn't have the focus to spend much time trying to find the page with the answer. Then I thought...'why not ask on the web...there are lots knowledgable gardeners out there'. Then I needed to decide where to ask the question. Here was the easiest place to ask. It also demonstrates my non-need for an answer.

To tell the truth, if I don't get an answer it won't matter. I'll no doubt forget I even asked the question in an hour or two.

As I peruse many blogs in an attempt to keep from doing anything productive, I've noticed many women say they love gardening...love getting their hands dirty and to watch their 'babies grow'. It sounds lovely but when I try to mentally put myself there...I get a very fuzzy picture full of drops of sweat, painful backs, and sunburned skin. Oh yeah, and very dirty fingernails.

Next time I get an urge, maybe I'll try keeping indoor plants healthy before I try anything outside. I use to always have leafy house plants. When first brought in they would appear green, full, and healthy. After acclimating they seemed to all slim down and lose compactness. They seldom actually died, but they weren't that 'happy go lucky' looking type of plant you see in the nurseries and garden stores.

I have to think about all this. I've spent the last couple of years trying to rid myself of an many responsibilities as I can. Caring the house plants bring some back. I'll have to really give it some thought. Perhaps I'll leave it up to the Universe. If I'm to try it again, caring for something living, then I'm sure a plant or two will come into my life. If anything happens I'll try to remember to post an update. And the operative word is "try".

Memories

I was looking at a group blog for people who like vintage items in and for their home. Someone gave a tour of their kitchen...lots O vintage there. In one of the photos was a picture of a coffee cup that was the same as the one my mother always used.

They scream Mother whenever I see one. She always had a cup half filled with coffee albeit mostly cold. It didn't matter. In fact a lot of the things shared on this blog remind me of things my mother had/collected.

It brought just a wee bit of sadness. We were not close...but we are alike in many ways. And unalike in many other ways. Maybe these few tears are for her passing. They've been a long time coming.

(And I hope I haven't broken any blogger-code by "borrowing" the picture of the cup...I cropped out everything else.)

Old work

This day might get by me without having an entry here if I don't do something and do it now. So I've flipped through my photos (nothing says 'entry' like a picture) looking for something to share. Here's an older painting I did of Cuba Gooding Jr from a photo. (yeah, like we wouldn't know its from a photo)



And a pencil drawing I did a couple of years ago..


If something comes up later tonight I'll be back to write some more. If not, then I won't. See how that works?

Children's Illustrator

I came across a delightful web site of the illustrator Janet Stevens. Lots of things to look at, lots of things to see.

I found it after seeing one of the books she illustrated on amazon.com, The Gates of the Wind, and then I went googling to see if she had a web site. And she did.

If I might put a plug in for her...if you are going to order a book for your grandchild (or child, that's okay too) from amazon, how about seeing if you can do it from her web site. I don't think it costs you anything and she gets a little kickback.

Thank you for your attention.

Added later: Here's another delightful web site...if you're a child at heart, and love great illustrations.

Food for Thought

It doesn't matter how badly you paint as long as you don't paint badly like other people.

~~George Moore

Don't skip over this quote too quickly or you might miss something profound....

White and attractive?

If you are not white and attractive (or white and wealthy), forget about it. You could go missing and who would give a fig...certainly not the national news.

But Blogger Power can assist....

Seems there is a missing pregnant woman in Pa. and there has been no national news coverage about it. White and cute Laci Peterson was all over the wires as is the blond teenager missing in Aruba. What's the difference? The missing woman in Pa. is black and hispanic.

I read a blog (that I can't find now...I was surfing) about it... it said bloggers had a petition going to pressure the national news agency to cover the story. I have seen short clips about the disappearance yesterday and today. However, when I looked on msnbc.news and cnn.com I couldn't find the story.

The golden people of the world, the beautiful people...through a fluke of genetics, get taken care of better. On the other side of the coin, they are also the ones kidnapped, raped, and murdered more often.

I'm not very coherent this morning, if at all, but I had to spew it out. LETS HEAR IT FOR THE UGLY PEOPLE OF THE WORLD!! YOU ROCK!!

Naked Rain Dance

What? You thought I would actually have animated visuals to use? That would be visual abuse in anyone's world.

I wonder how many times my blog will come up on google because I've used the word 'naked'.

I'm just a little under the weather. And isn't that an odd statement under the weather... I wonder what over the weather would mean. It would probably look like a plane ride or something. Flying high... bi-polar, perhaps? There seems to be a lot of people with this symptom, the bi-polar effect. Maybe it will be come the norm.

As you can see I come here today without purpose...I'm just leaving a footprint to prove that I exist.

And then reality

I've had the opportunity to be "free" for a short period of time. The other side of parental freedom is a type of singularity, as in isolation, alone-ness. Damn that green grass!

The last several nights I've not been able to sleep... not until the wee hours of the morning and tonight is no different. That's what's so great about being 'retired'...it makes no difference how long I stay up because I can sleep in for as long as I want.

I caught the rerun of Oregon Art Beat for this week. (All summer they are playing repeats and the viewers are the ones to select which shows are schedule.) Serena Barton was the featured visual artist. On first viewing I like her work.

A sense of Freedom

I desire a sense of freedom, a sense of parental freedom. The kind of feeling a parent gets once their off-spring are securely established as adults and are making practical decisions about their lives. They have their own lives that do not impact the parent any longer. A sense of freedom where the off-spring do not even consider calling the parent to solve a problem or change a situation. Now that's freedom.

My last "surprise from God" has chosen to remain tied at the waist. Its not necessarily an emotion bond but more a linked chain of finances and free babysitting.

It doesn't pay to take care of your child well....they will never want to leave home.

But let me not lose sight of the goal... a sense of parental freedom. Keep your eyes on the prize.
~~
"...people don't hold onto dreams if they don't have the capacity to fulfill them."
~Peter Seltzer

I signed on to my blog using faith that something will come to mind, something to share...something.....

But Nooooooo...nada. (I bet you didn't know I spoke a second language, huh.)

There's no water coming from the shower. A dribble, if that. I took the shower head apart to see if there was something to clean like a filter. Nothing there. Put the shower head back on and it looked like it was working again, but it fizzled back to a drizzle. A fizzled drizzle.

I needed a shower... I needed one bad....so badly that I opted for showering with the shower head half off. I thought the slim flow of water would be enough, but Nooooo. Well, depending upon how much is "enough"...it was enough to get the top layer off, but I skipped the attempt to wash my hair.

Everything here is fixed with a bandaid and gum... I don't hold out much hope for the shower to get any better than it ever was, but that would be better than it is now.

Maybe I'll think of something more later.....

London

Our hearts go out to our British friends.

Another day

I did some errands yesterday. One was to go to the Dollar Store. It was a nice feeling to know that I could purchase a few things. (I'm low maintenance) I wanted to pick up a few spiral notebooks so I could start doing "morning pages" as Julia Cameron calls them. Fortunately for me I checked at a supermarket before going to the Dollar Store. The supermarket had some on sale for $.29 so I got four of them. The Dollar Store is kewl, but sometimes things can be found cheaper elsewhere. In any event, its nice to have garbage bags and tin foil...little things that makes life easier.

And yes, you must expect entries of this caliber here...otherwise I wouldn't have anything to write about.

Speaking of writing, I've finally gotten around to reading Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones : freeing the writer within. She also promotes 'morning page' writing same as Julia. I am finding one thing to help me with this (scribbling whatever comes to mind when I first get up) is to keep the TV off. What an addiction! What a mindless addiction and waste of time. (At least morning TV is a waste. The public channel has some real kewl programs.) uh...er...and yes I do have the TV on as I key this. I have a weak character, what can I say.

And I must say, there's an awful lot of books out there about writing. I have been fortunate in coming across books that are entertaining even if you aren't a writer. If you are interested, I think Julia Cameron's The Right to Write is also very good. There are communities on the web dedicated to this book and sharing their experiences. And my last recommendation is Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser. Its a very enjoyable read.

One of my favorite places in the world, the west end of the Columbia Gorge where everything is green and mossy.

Too Hot!!

We've been blessed this summer with cool and drizzly weather. At least its a blessing to me, the 'non-outdoorsy-person'. But today we are suppose to get up to the 90s and stay in the high 80s for the rest of the week. Not my idea of fun.

So far today I don't have anything to say, thus the weather report. So here's some 'eye candy'.



I 'copied' the following from an art instruction book (can't remember title, sorry).


Okay, I don't want to spoil you with more.

Don't Hesitate

"If you listen inside, the brush will want to run toward a color. What you really need and want is very close, and the brush goes to it quickly if you don't think.

~Michele Cassou
~~Life, Paint and Passion : Reclaiming the Magic of Spontaneous Expression.

How old is grandma?

A friend sent me this email... It sounds good until a little more thought is given to it in certain spots, but that's just me.
~~
How old is Grandma???

Guess how old this grandma would be, based on the following clues. (Your answer could also indicate your age.)

One evening a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events.

The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.

The Grandma replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before:

*television

*penicillin

*polio shots

*frozen foods

*Xerox

*contact lenses

*Frisbees and

*the pill

There was no:

*radar

*credit cards

*laser beams or

*ballpoint pens

Man had not yet invented:

*pantyhose

*air conditioners

*dishwashers

*clothes dryers and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and

*man hadn't yet walked on the moon


Your Grandfather and I got married first, . . . and then lived together. Every family had a father and a mother.

Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir".
And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title "Sir."

We were before gay-rights, computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense.

We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege.

We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.

Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins and draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.

Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and
weekends, not purchasing condominiums.

We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.

We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches
on our radios. And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.

If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk. The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam. Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.

We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents. Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.

And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.

You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, . . . but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.

In my day:

*"grass" was mowed,

*"coke" was a cold drink,

*"pot" was something your mother cooked in and

*"rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby.

*"Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,

*"chip" meant a piece of wood,

*"hardware" was found in a hardware store and "software" wasn't
even a word.

And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap... and how old do you think I am?

I bet you have this real old lady in mind...If you do, you’re in for a surprise!

Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time.

This Woman would be only 58 years old!

Cityscape

Its Friday, the sun is out, the larder is full... what more could one ask for....



Photo of the Willamette River as it divides the city into uptown/downtown. Or is it downtown/uptown? Downtown, to me, always means the heart of the city where its all businesses and skyscrapers.

More Blessings

I've been blessed...again... and it looks like I won't be off-line after all. (see whining post a few days ago....or better yet, don't see it. It's not one of my better moments.) I didn't know I was so tense until I relaxed.

I came across a site that was having a Smallest Apartment decorating contest for those in New York City. I can't believe how small these places are...one said they only had 155 sq ft and another had/has only 186 sq ft. (scroll down the page half way to see the list of entries...check out the 5 finalist for sure.) The winners of the contest did awesome things with their place. Oh.. I came across this site via popstar64 on Saucydwellings, a Live Journal group blog.

And to top off this great day, it is finally sunshining here. We've been having lots of rain, which is my favorite weather, but sun shine makes a person smile more. But we'll see what I'm saying when it gets down right hot!

Thank you God for the blessing of wonderful friends!

We're not afraid

I wanted to share this web site called We're Not Afraid. People from all over the world are joining together. Please share the link with others you know.

I'm waiting for relatives and friends of these terrorists to say ENOUGH and to start turning them in for murder. Surely there must be some who stand on the sidelines that can alert the authorities.

Stella and her Groove

I just saw an interview on the Today Show with Terry McMillan, author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back. She is divorcing her "groove" guy because he's gay.

Based on surface information, I hope Terry wipes up the court room floor with his ass. Of course, he might enjoy the stimulation, but nonetheless.....

He used her to get a green card, then citizenship, used her for financial support and then the biggy....betrayed her by pretending to be someone else. He pretended to be a heterosexual man. And now he is trying to get the prenup annulled so she would have to support him for the rest of her life. Gawd, get real!

And on the other side, isn't this just a classic example of how, no matter how smart the woman, the emotion of love can cause all intelligence to disappear.

I've seen the movie "Waiting to Exhale" but I had not seen (or read) the Stella movie. I read an excerpt of the book on amazon.com and was surprised to see that Terry must not believe in periods or commas. I've read that 'run-on' sentences can be effective in some circumstances, but it just made me breathless. There was an entire page of narrative that didn't have one period or comma in it. But it seemed to have worked for her.

There's a blog I'm following where all common sense leaves as she searches for 'luv'. She is currently involved with someone who appears to be dysfunctional and a user. If they do hook up, she will be who he blames for all his problems. And she will be the mother figure for him... in more ways than one. I'm not going to share the link. You can understand why. Oh... and let me not leave you with the misunderstanding that I would avoid this 'blind luv' thing. Oh no... I've done my time with it. I think it helps me to read between the lines, as it were.

SF's 2004 Art Gallery Openings

I've spent quite a few hours 'attending' San Francisco gallery openings thanks to artbusiness.com's site. I still have about half to view. I'm glad I didn't have to attend in person. That would be a whole lotta walking and a lot of it for nothing.

Some of the art made me want to grab the artist and thumb their foreheads, in a grandmotherly way of course. How stupid is the public suppose to be anyway? Okay, you have a point, but still.....

There were plenty of works that I liked and if I had money I would be willing to purchase them, but for the most part... gag me with a paint brush why doncha!

They don't call me Crusty for nuthin'

(added later) I've left the wrong impression here. There was (and is) a lot of art that I liked. And for those with different tastes from me, there was plenty for them to chose from too. Still... a thump on the forehead would be in order, but only for a few. Whadda I know about art?

Bummer

I have been scrapping and scratching my way through this last long period of time thinking I would begin getting my retirement payments starting the middle of this month. I've even got it spent already. How silly of me. How absolutely silly. I won't get any money until the middle of August. The government isn't going to give out any payments until they know for sure that I haven't died first. Duh! And the odds of that happening are getting better and better.

Now its back to the ole drawing board... redo those plans... see if there are any plans.

Its kind of a bummer but I don't seem to be upset like I would have been thirty years ago when I was more naive. Now days I'm just senile.

I knew somewhere down deep that I shouldn't have started this blog. I don't know how long I'll have internet access.

I need a drink. Where's that water jug?

You know you're old when....

.... most of the art work you see on the web looks like deranged cartoon characters or soft-porn fairies. Yawn. Nothing but the difference of 40 years I guess.

What I learned today:

*-Nothing gets done unless I do it. (that's because I live alone, snicker)

*-Good intentions are nice, but they don't mean squat without follow-thru. I don't have any drive-thru, either. Now a drive-by, on the other hand... oh never mind.

*-No matter how many times a crackhead has looked through a car for misplaced drugs, hope springs eternal and they will look 'just one more time'. Nothing wrong with hope.

*-Oh, and from a pbs program, physical activity (exercise, even just walking) helps the brain grow new cells, new neurons, no matter how old a person. I'm in so much trouble!

*-I don't care for retro home decor. I spent a couple of hours looking at personal photos published by retro-bloggers (no, I don't know when to stop. Its an addiction to keep me from walking). The rooms looked so stark and uninviting.

What did you learn today? Oh wait... you can't comment. This #($&#$ site practices extortion by forcing a person to sign up just to comment....crummy side effects.

Be who you are

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
~~Dr. Seuss

Just be prepared to be alone.

A Rant... and its not going to be pretty

About half the police force were at someone's home this morning because a man (a euphemism) was holed up in an apartment and he had a gun. He wasn't just holding it but he had shot it several times. Four hours later the cops got tired, I guess, and they shot in some tear gas. That got him out right away. They then had to shoot him with rubber bullets to take him into custody.

Turns out the 33 yr old "man" had lost his job, had shot at his grandmother, who he was living with, and was threatening suicide. Oh yeah, and he was high on meth. Okay, lets go down the list here, shall we?

1. What in the hell is a 33 yr old man doing living off his grandmother, for gawd sake! GROW THE FUCK UP! And don't come telling me 'she needed you'. Yeah...she needed you to shoot at her.

2. Awwww...and the poor baby lost his job, those ole meanies. Do you think it might have had something to do with, oh I don't know.... YOU BEING A METH ADDICT?! GROW THE FUCK UP!

3. And the poor dear was threatening suicide. Yeah right...like he'd do society a favor like that. GROW THE FUCK UP! And like he didn't know that if he would have stood up in a window with the gun in his hand that the cops would have helped him succeed. Its called "suicide by police" you idiot.

But he was saved. Isn't that wonderful ... another meth addict saved so he can go back into society. Even though he had shot at his grandmother and shot a round or two at the neighbors, you know, just for the fun of it, the cops were able to take him in without hurting him. A happy ending for the dear boy...er..."man".

Now...if the guy had been a teenager who stole a pickup truck and tried to make a run for it, the cops would have killed him. That's what happened last week. The truck was finally stopped and the cop walked up to the cab and killed the teenager. He didn't have any weapons on him, but damn if that policeman wasn't "afraid for his life". But for someone actually shooting a gun, they use rubber bullets. I know I feel safer.

The city is being over run with crack heads and meth addicts. These people are crazy and stealing anything they can get their hands on...and it makes no difference if you get in their way...you'll be "going down" as in 'how dare you try to stop me'.

I have no patience or sympathy for crack heads and meth addicts, so don't come telling me "gee, I didn't know I would become addicted."

GROW THE FUCK UP!

No title Necessary (that means I can't think of one)

Reporters interviewing a 104 year-old woman:
"And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked.
"No peer pressure" she replied.

Holding London in our Hearts

What can I say. Nothing... nothing except to say I'm sure we are all holding the citizens (and visitors) of London in our hearts today. And may God have mercy on the Souls of the weaseling, cowardly, bastards who commit these acts of terror. May they choke the next time they use the word Allah.

It doesn't seem appropriate to write anything else right now.

Not a good day

Should one blog when they are having a bad day? I don’t know.

Outwardly, my day appears to be the same as all the rest of them, but inwardly I am sad. I don’t know why but I think it has to do with the condition of the world. Or more accurately, the condition of humanity. We are one sick species. Especially when we have all these talents and abilities that we use in perverted ways. Sometimes it just gets to be too much to bare… or should that be bear. I don’t know…don’t seem to care either.

Yesterday on the news I found out there are weirdoes and sickies out there that have diaper fetishes. Diaper fetishes for Christ sake. ‘do you have any pictures with the diapers pulled down more?’ What kind of gawd awful people have we made? And more importantly, what in the hell do we do with them? The underbelly of the internet brings them out to be seen.

The sexual perverts who turn out to be the nice guy down the street, the Little League coach, the priest. And the grandmother that bludgeons her grandson to death or the mother who goes berserk and kills her children, or worse, sells them to predators .

And I’m sitting here with all the windows open and the fan going trying to get the stink of crack out of my apartment that comes from the neighbors place. I can tell every time they fire up their pipe or whatever it is they use.

My heart is heavy.

Plus more depressing news. Seems most people feel those who are fat should be punished, made fun of and then run out of town. It use to be Oprah that was the big joke (pun intended), now its Kirstie Alley. (I don't know how her name is spelled, sorry) All it is truly is the comedy writers can't think of anything else so they take the cheap shots. I've stopped watching Jay Leno because of the lame comedy, if thats what you call it.

And if you don't have any money for dental care...there's another couple of thousand jokes and "yuck" comments. Like if people had a choice, they would chose to walk around with bad teeth. But lets make mean comments and have a laugh at their expense.

This species really needs to be eliminated. Maybe a "do over" would help.

About nothing....

I seem to be silent today. At least so far.

Just another day

"Big Head Boy" (c)



Sometimes I amaze myself. First of all, I wake up each morning...so far anyway. But beyond that I'm amazed that I can find something to write about here on the ole blog considering what a boring life I lead. It suits me, but its boring nonetheless. "So...whadda ya goin' to write about today?' you may ask. I don't know...lets see where it goes.

....

....

That's about it.

I watched the wee one today while mom and the Tornado Boy went grocery shopping. Then I helped unload the groceries. Mom put on a pitiful look and asked if I could continue watching the baby while she makes a quick run down the street. "I'll be back in just a short while. I need a break." Lucky for her I know what "need a break" means...so I caved and said okay.

The wee one was having a tough time with cramps. And if he is having a tough time, then so am I. Four hours of holding him...my shoulder hurts. And yes, I'm a wussie. But mom and T. boy are back and T. Boy is at his best....asleep. I'm set free to do whatever it is I do.

And amazingly the afternoon is almost over. Where'd it go??

Parenthood

Now don't get your thong all twisted, cause I'm speaking in generalities here... but why are parents always the dumb ones? Every one of my adult children don't think I ever know what I'm talking about. Granted, there may be a reason for that, but still....

I'm guilty of this with my own mother. Towards the end of her life she would often get in yelling matches with others (but not me, I wasn't around that much). Someone once asked her why and she replied 'because no one is listening to what I am saying!' So she felt she had to talk louder to get through. I bet if they would have stated her position back to her so she knew they understood what she was saying, a lot of yelling and anger could have been avoided. It wouldn't mean they agreed with her... but it would mean they understood what she was trying to say.

Her talents did not include good oral communication skills. Me either. Thank goodness for blogs.

You know what makes blogs so great? It's because you can take as long as you want to fully state what it is you want to say without anyone interrupting you.

I came across a web site of an artist I would like to bring to your attention... Natalie del Villar. (Her link is also on the sidebar.) I like her work and particularly her portraits. I encourage you to check her out. Thank you.

Some Eye Candy

I wanted to post some "eye candy", as I've heard it called. I know I like to see pictures of things on people's blogs. I've probably shared these with my cyber friends, but now I'm a blogger...my blog needs it. (I hope I remember how to do it.)



Above is a painting I did from the photo below:



A standard flower photo:


I guess that's enough for now.

HTML Goodies

Its a quiet Sunday here. The sound of small fireworks can be heard off and on and the smell of charcoal can be smelled. That is, smelled in between getting wafts of some other yucky odor. I think the new neighbor is smoking crack. I smell this strange "hot plastic" smell. Now I'm sitting here wondering if I'm feeling any effects of inhaling the odor. Could be psychosomatic, but I almost feel like getting up and doing the dishes. And we know that is not normal.

I want to mind my own business as long as nothing affects others...but if its going to effect me then...then...I'm not sure what to do. I'm toying with the idea of mentioning it to the property management company, but I don't know if they will do anything. Oh well....

I've added another link that can be handy if you want to find out how to code something. HTML Goodies Its on the side bar too, for later access.

Ciao for now.

Tools for Writers...or, I added a link!

WOOT WOOT WOOT!!

I added a 'hot' link... on the sidebar where it belongs... all by myself. Okay, okay...so blogger.com had good instructions...but I did it!!! There's no stopping me now.

If you are a writer or a wannabe, these tools may help. If you are an experienced writer, then you are probably already using them. (note: so I think experienced writers are going to be reading my blog...BWAH HA HA HA HA HA.)

My next goal is to really understand what a tag is and what it does.

More opportunity to practice acceptance

For those who may not know, I live in an inexpensive apartment (that means its kind of a dump) and it does me well enough. I don't require external niceties...which is good, considering my situation. The area is full of crack heads, drugs, prostitution...everything that goes with poverty. There were two empty apts for several months. They have now been rented.

I talked to one of the new neighbors. Actually, she talked to me and I just nodded my head. She was stoked...couldn't stand still at all and just running her mouth lickity split. Obviously speeding. She looked old, but that doesn't mean she is...it just means a hard life.

Turns out she was one of the people who asked me for a cigarette several months back. She hit me when I was in a bitchy mood and I told her in no uncertain terms to never ever ask me for a cigarette again. (She had come running across the street from where she was waiting for a bus the moment she saw me come out to the porch. She said she was the neice of the guy in the apt. next to mine...like that was suppose to make it okay.) I did give her the cigarette I was going to smoke however...but she knows not to ever ask me again. She said she remembered that.

If that sounds harsh, please understand that I'm post-menopausal and dangerous. Plus the fact that I'm asked over and over and over and over again for cigarettes... almost to the point of feeling like a prisoner in my own home. I don't have money to supply the community with smokes... I barely have enough for myself.

But now I have the opportunity to be accepting... up to a point. I have the feeling she might not be here long. I've heard that crack has a unique odor when being smoked, but I don't know what it is... last night I kept smelling wafts of something like heated plastic and wondered if it was drugs. (I know what weed smells like and this wasn't it.)

On a different subject: Today when I came to post here I no longer had several format options....I wonder what happened to them. For example, I didn't have the "thingy" to make the text yellow for ease of reading against the black background. There's a way to manually put it in, I think. Hopefully I'll find the code for it.

(later) I had this great html instruction site that I checked out. I found codes for changing the text color. I don't know if it will affect how hot links display if I try to make the entire text field a color. I'll test later.

PS Sexual offenders should never ever be let out of prison. Another murdered child was just mentioned on the news.

The Daily Dirge

I watched my grandson (age still expressed in months) today while mom and the wee one (2 months) went shopping. I'm not sure exactly how much shopping was done, but it took six hours and did not include any groceries.

I watch D at their apt. thinking I wouldn't have to be saying "no" too much. Yeah, right. Touchy, feely, pushy, pully... but we had a good time. He'd give me a glowering look and I would return my own devil eye at him. All it did was lead to fits of giggling on his part and then it would suck me into it too. But all in all, we enjoyed the time.

Oh a cute movie is coming on...gotta go. I'll be back later. I've found the coding to hot link using words and I want to try it.

(5 min. later) Not the movie I thought it was... not cute, but corny. Now, where was I.....

I came across a web site about the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. I still don't understand how his art became such a 'hit' but I'm working on opening my mind more. But the web site is kewl... with music too. Check it out.

I don't seem to have any more dirge to talk about right now, although I know its in me somewhere.