Larry, Mo, and Curly !!!!

For some reason, Eastlink was down for awhile today, causing me to go into panic mode---- How can I check the blogs? How will I post?? But here I am, with absolutely nothing to write about, as usual-- bloggers block!! Did you hear the story today about the pilot on Air Canada who got locked out of the cockpit when he went to the bathroom---- Now how would you like to be a passenger watching your pilot beating madly on the cockpit door-- from the outside????? They had to take the door off its hinges!!! I would have come unhinged too!!
And then Radio Shack--- sent 400 of their empoyees termination notices by email!! How inhumane--- they said it was faster---- cowardly bosses-- shame on you-----what ever happened to pink slips?
And the other burning question, why do they call it Labour Day, when nobody works?

Me and Ozzy ????? Say it Ain't So!!

http://www.celebmatch.com/bestmatch.php


I haven't tried many of those personality type quizes, and here is the reason; Don't click on the blue names-- but come on, give me a break, Ozzy, have you seen him- I don't eat rats, and can't even tell you what so called songs he has ever sung--- I am not happy --- but Billy Bob Thornton, wow, I could handle that one!!!

Your best matches
Ozzy Osbourne
98%
Jeff Bridges
96%
Tim Allen
96%
Billy Bob Thornton
95%
David Bowie
94%

Cinnamon Bugs !!

"You're kidding, aren't you?" he asked wide-eyed, pleadingly, chomping suddenly at a standstill.
"No, it's true !" I snickered, trying not to laugh too heartily, as I arrived home from my outing atthe Board office yesterday.
" No, really, last night, when that restless leg syndrome lead me to the kitchen counter, and the unopened package of cinnamon buns that your mom bought Sunday at the Red and White- I noticed little black creepy flying insects crawling all over them---- The bag was tightly sealed, and I told Mema and Philip not to eat them, we would return them later today----- but you wanted me to hurry on my errand and get back, it just never occurred to me to warn you--- no really,", snicker, snicker--- The look of revulsion and disgust on his face was matched only by mine, as HE KEPT ON EATING!!!!

I Did It !!

Today I went to the Board office and asked the receptionist, " How do I get my name on the substitute list?"
she: " As a teacher?"
"Yes"
"Just fill out this form"-------- very simple procedure, address, professional number, years of experience--
After completing the nondescript form, I ask, "Is there any way I can have my name NOT on the list?"
She looked at me very strangely---- so I tried to explain that since my name begins with A, I would be at the top of the list, and would probably get a lot of early morning calls----
"I only want to substitute at Meadowfields---- and I can just let the principal know"
"Well there is a space to fill in which schools you would prefer."
"Yeah, but they'll call me anyway, because it gets desperate!"
Well, I don't know, I'll have to ask so and so, I'll just write a little note on it"
As I left, I saw her making a notation on the form, probably said-- don't call this twit !!!!!
P.S. If you see this book anywhere, will you pick it up for me? Just in case !! I'll reimburse you!!!

Old Habits Die Hard

Getting back to the wedding, the simple country-style wedding---- there was no microphone or speaker system making it very difficult to hear the actual vows and rituals, along with the bride in particular being very timid and soft-spoken, together with the fact we were seated near the back of the church, air-conditioner running, all those factors making it nigh impossible to hear---- but the people in front of us, a child of about six or seven, kept jaberring all through the ceremony, to the female adult seated next to her- who made no attempt to teach her courtesy and consideration---- --- the teacher in me took over, SHHH, I said with evil eyes and furrowed brows, in that voice you've all heard from annoyed teachers, shh!!!--- Dang, it doesn't work anymore!!!

Family ties

Just returned from another bout of gluttony at a wedding in Brooklyn, Frank's family's haunting ground--- and it reminds me of one of the many things that attracted me to him--- He calls her his cousin, Shannon, but on closer inspection, by me, the technocrat, she's actually the daughter of his cousin-- but he calls them all cousins or aunts and uncles!! As long as their great great grandparents were related, and they lived on the Hardscratch, they're all family!!! It used to drive me crazy as I had to know the correct relationship, and it just never mattered to him-- now I understand-- - No matter where in the world they were, every year they crowded into a car(no seat belt rule then) and returned to Yarmouth every summer to spend time with grandmother, aunts, uncles, and all the greats--- His mom had all her babies here, even though his dad was in the military-- it was a homing instinct--- Whereas, we, also military brats, never really felt that sense of extended family belonging, and shamefully, my children really don't know their cousins as kin-------- The picture is Frank's Aunt Nonie (real aunt), his mother's sister, who by the way, comes here EVERY evening to spend time with her sister, Mema---They greet each other with a hug, as if they'd been apart for years, and an "I love you", not token, but heartfelt!! When she leaves, a repeat performance. In betweeen the nightly visits, are the daily phone calls!! I was reminded today of family bonds, a quiet country simple wedding, put together by aunts and inlaws, no big show of expense, but lots of laughter, love and tears of joy!!
And when I read Mike's posts, he reminds me of myself, and maybe part of what attracted him to Rebecca was her innate sense of family closeness--- Although I miss him , I am grateful that he has also become a part of a very loving clan!!!!

Tonka Man

The newest member of our biker gang-- Tonka Man Aussie!! Fireguy asked me why I named my bike Aphrodite, the answer?? I didn't, that 's the name on the frame, but I like it!! Frank's bike goes by Tarantula!!!
Which segways into my rant-- inconsiderate downright dangerous motorists, who don't give us bikers any wobble room when they pass at the same time as oncoming vehicles--- it's scary, and life threatening!!
And makes me feel terrible for all the times I've complained about those ^*^*^ bikers taking up space on the highway, making for dangerous conditions!!

DICHOTOMIES

Troubles / Blessings Isolation/Availability
Public/Private Drought/Floods

Been thinking about dichotomies today--- in particular, isolation-- not as a place, but as a state of mind--- Reading G's post brought to mind a host of contradictions-- She is living in so called "isolation" - yet leads an extremely "social" life--- one that I would find impossible, with my need for seclusion and reclusion--- It's not that I'm anti-social, along a continuum between gregarious and reclusive, I would lean very strongly towards the right--- It seems living in an isolated community probably works best for those who are sociable--- and then I thought of my next door neighbour, whose car has not moved for three weeks, nor has anyone in this house seen her coming or going-- We live beside each other in solitude and detachment--- isolated-----

Not For the Weak of Stomach

Somewhere in that distant state between wakefulness and REM deep sleep, I heard the familiar sound of rhythmic retching--- my semi-conscious brain registered disgust and aversion, while reminding itself not to forget to remember----remember to scan the rug carefully before stepping too hastily into the product of those involuntary spasmodic expulsions—Somewhere between semiconsciousness and wakefulness, I forgot to remember---- squishy, gooey, gross between the toe beginnings of another day!!!!

DIVINE WISDOM

Now you know I don't mean he's the second coming, or the new Messiah, nah, I mean the powers that be in the realms beyond sure knew that this little soul would be much loved, needed, and appreciated!! Poor Aussie, Billy Dog and I were in a virtual battle trying to get in the most kisses and hugs, after ten days separation!! Unbelievable how 240 hours make such a difference in a short life-- he seems so much older--- and wiser---new haircut, shirt on backwards!!! (and housebroken) ;)
P.S. New pictures in Lexy's album!!! Mandy said she'd post tonight!!!!

Aftermath

The morning after the night before-- emotional hangover-- emotionally drained--parched and thirsty, but with that draining, comes clarity---it's not really answers I need---- and it's not about what he would want me to do---
The real issue is why nobody is asking--- the ones whose job it is to care, didn't-- I can live without knowing details, it's harder to live in a world that can accept so easily the taking of a life ---- if I just knew the book was open, and the story unfinished----
it's about integrity, and the value of a life---
But today begins the rebuilding of the levees--- taking care of Lexy, and looking forward to seeing Aussie--- reinforcements--- and the dam will be rebuilt-- until the next flash flood!!

The Deluge

It's always close, an effort to contain,constrain, the raging waters----tonight the dam broke---- could feel the pressure mounting around the dinner table, close friends, safety, warmth, then the topic changed- held back hoping the subject of conversation would pass--- it didn't----- the floodgates broke open and let loose a mighty torrent--- of unresolved torment--- who in this town watched him die at the least, killed him at the most, who dumped his body as if it was garbage so easily disposed of---- did he suffer---- how long did it take---- did he call for help--- how did he die---- why did he die--- why didn't they care enough to find out--- why is it a closed case with so many whys and nobody pays----- not retribution, justice---- who did this--- could I bear knowing----- I can't let it go---- it's always so close, -----who has the answers---- how can it be the end- there was no middle--- he deserves something more than closed----- close, closed, closure-------and so it goes----- It's always so close! On the verge of a flood!

Out To Lunch!!

Am on my way to Canaan, the land of milk and honey, for a feast and fellowship, spiritual and actual!! Will be posting much later--- stay tuned--- and oh yeah, I've been found out, and may have to pay big time for this minor indescretion --wink, wink, wink,----

I AM SO IN TROUBLE!!!!

I am so going to be busted, but I couldn't stop myself!!!! I was compelled to take the picture, and now, that demonic force is making me post-- I am powerless to resist--- couldn't decide on a title-- alternatives rolling around in my obviously possessed head were; "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie"---or "It's all Tuffysmoms Fault-- She Started it"--or "Will you Still Love Me Tomorrow"----- or--- "But you know I love You"
You see, it really was Tuffysmom who inspired me--- Her rant on men--- how is it, my father included, that men can fall asleep, semi-vertical in a chair, in the midst of a meal ???? Five seconds before this pic was taken, he appeared to be fully conscious, eating a hamburg, -notice the still clenched glass of milk, and plate-- must be something like birds sleeping on a wire-- hey, another title, "Like a Bird on a Wire"--I like Joe Cocker- and I bet he can fall asleep sitting up too- it goes along with that Y chromosome--- Never have I fallen asleep sitting, eating, bathing, and most nights I can't even sleep in bed, whereas, the beast beside me is snoring within five seconds of head hitting the pillow--- Now, my darling husband, I'm not complaining, you worked hard going for that bicycle ride today, just an observation, and maybe a tad jealous at the ease at which you succumb to dreamstate.
I'm going to try really hard to keep him from seeing this post and picture-- tonight I will even turn the computer off, and maybe get in a new and longer post before he comes home from work tomorrow-- he usually doesn't scroll down too far--- Let's see how long I get away with this-- !!!

A Blog about Blogging !!!

I was just trying to figure out what I did before entering the blogosphere--- and I simply don't know-- I eat as much, if not more, I watch tv, -- so what would I be doing in this time-- aha- eureka-- smoking????? Does the time spent at computer equal time spent smoking a pack of cigs?
I have traded addictions----- this one seems so much healthier--- reconnecting, new connections-- anticipation-- and a lot cheaper!
Everyday I take a stroll down blog avenue to visit my regulars, listed inside my blog folder--- Some extra specials remain outside of the folder. I usually drop by Quasar 9 His writings are of the scientific bent, but interesting and edifying-- I particularly love a picture he had chosen, called the treasure within, and I followed the link to the photography page- remarkable pictures!! From there, I stole today's picture-
Teachers in the group might want to try out a science site, and cat lovers might enjoy the cartoons and paintings of a lady in Belgium- If you've stumbled upon some sites that have captured your interest in a return visit, let us know, for those slow blog days, when those of you with lives are actually living them, in order that we, may in turn, live vicariously through them!!!!!

The Look of Love ???

" I loved Jon Benet" he said

---Dear God, protect our children from this kind of "love". Makes no difference whether he did" it", it is equally abhorrant that he wishes to take "credit" , or has somehow fantasized that he actually was the perpetrator--- whatever the case may be, he bears closer examination, and should not be a travelling elementary teacher, in Thailand, where the child-sex trade thrives, so "they" say-----Give him his 15 minutes of fame, figure out what's going on in his crazed mind, and keep our children safe--- they are all our children!!

Reflection!

We all have that transparent prism inside, the one that separates facts , processes them, then reflects back to the world our unique spectrum of colours-----manifested to the world by our biases, attitudes, and beliefs--- Ten years ago, my angle of refraction was of a vastly different slant-- I thought Patsy a little "loopy"-- and harboured suspicious thoughts--- back then my prism had faith in the "powers" that be- surely they know more than we, and if they suspect the parents, then they MUST know something we don't--- Ten years ago, I had faith in certain institutions- believed in basic goodness and integrity of those sworn to protect --- and honour justice---- Now I watch the same video I saw ten years ago, with new eyes- eyes opened wider, slanted differently, and I see a grieving , hurting, mom, trying to make sense of the horrific murder of her beautiful baby girl-- and then to be blamed------------ Sorry Patsy, for even letting through a glimmer of light that would reflect your guilt--- And about John Mark Karr, am reserving judgement on that one too--- Waiting for the full spectrum and subsequent reflection!!!! Reflection----

Is There a Word ???

Been trying to think of words that best describe what happens when Alexis sees her mother--- First thought, "magnetism"-- true there is a force of attraction impossible to resist, but it isn't an invisible force field-- nay on the contrary, it's visible, tangible, and visceral!! Isn't just the "eyes light up" kind of magic, no, every cell in body becomes electrified, hands and feet shake, squeals of potential pleasure emanate from wide open expectant mouth---- heaven and earth are powerless to resist the gravitational, autogenous, force of outreached hands- all four of them!! Then, pure bliss, as her little squirming body settles and nestles into her mother's safe harbour-- and she looks back at me--- a little smug, satisfied, "hmph-- I'm where I belong!"

Flying High !!!

I'll try to squeeze in a post while Jennah's home for her/my break--- On our way back from Keji, we stopped into Upper Clements Park with Austin, but it just so happened to be the hottest day yet-- and even I, a sun worshipper, could not take the heat--- so we only lasted a few hours---Austin could have gone on like an everready battery--- he would have been happy to stay in the ball room the whole time, but I thought he should be exposed to more "fun" - the planes, trucks, -- kiddie bumper boats--but no, he has somehow developed fears of noisy things, and although I managed to get him on a plane, he did NOT enjoy it, and would not go on any other rides--- even with the urging and coaxing of a beautiful blonde--- someday he's going to kick himself for that missed opportunity-- she was willing to hold his hand and stay beside him--- but no, he chose to go play golf with Papa--- May turn into a Tiger Woods yet----

Teahound Blognapped!!!!

Wasn't sure what to blog about today, until Teahound left me an SOS in the comments- her blog had disappeared-- vanished-- gone!!! How can that be? and where do missing blogs go---into the netherland with all those single socks? So I mounted Aphrodite (my bike) , for a blog rescue, and some exercise around the Brooklyn block--- stopped in at her house-- and --- her blog is gone-- all those hours of creative energy - annihilated-- scary stuff- could be the work of terrorists- all kidding aside, it is mighty frustrating, and I feel badly for her and us- don't know if it's her computer, or blogger, or unknown powers---- didn't know these things had an expiry date, or could just up and leave us someday---- Couldn't find a recent pic of teahound, but she's pictured above, back row, second from right- at her parents fiftieth wedding anniversary and renewal of wedding vows-- how many years ago?
Did you hear the airports have a new scanning device for detecting explosives, etc,-- but you have to be willing to be viewed naked??? Guess i won't be flying again--- I'll take my chances on terrorism, but naked,,, uh uh,, never-----

The Battleground !!

The Battlezone, battle of wits ,that is. Now that she creeps, crawls, and stands, we have to try and contain her domain--- set up boundaries- rearrange furniture-- how do ya like coffee table on couch--- need to prevent head injuries--- see all the toys on blanket?? She's not the least interested in the playables, no, no, she'd much rather find an "exit", or seek out the "untouchables".. I've been thinking of putting my breakables on the blanket, and her toys just out of reach-- making them more desirable-- how is it that at seven months old, human nature , begins a lifelong pattern of wanting what it can't have--- at least we know where she is at night, and who her friends are---- Her world is growing--- as we try to curtail her activities---- looks like she's already winning !!!! The big blue expanse of blanket remains empty , as she explores the danger zones!!

Butt Pads ?? My Arse!!!

Just returned from a second night of gluttony at dad's- barbeque hamburgs, sausages, potato salad, and cheesecake-- so this post will be short--- I need to get horizontal in aid of digestion!!! I'll let Tuffysmom tell you about our unexpected occurrence- just in case you're thinking I'm getting too crazy!!!
Back to bikes---- can't understand how we can send men to the moon, but can 't design a comfortable bicycle seat-- I think it's a premeditated scam---- get them to buy the expensive bike, equipped with substandard seat--- then after enduring hours of pain in the butt, return to store and buy expensive seat--- Now I find there is a whole science dedicated to finding the right butt "fit"--- Or I could listen to the advice from the professional biker we met at Keji-- the thin as a rake, buttless biker-- "Do you know you can buy spandex riding shorts with butt pads?" Yeah, that's just what I want!!!!!


I think I found a seat that might fight -----------------------------------------

Homefree- no more tags after this,please!!!!!

I've been tagged by Houseband00
One book that changed your life: Thief in the Night
One book you have read more than once: The Prophet- Kahlil Gibran
One book you would want on a desert island: Baha’I World Faith
One book that made you laugh: God Loves Laughter
One book that made you cry: My son’s Journal
One book you wish had been written: The Life and Times of James Marshall McRae (my Dad)
One book you wish had never been written: How to Shit in the Woods
One book you are currently reading: The Secret File of the Duke of Windsor
One book you have been meaning to read: Dr. Atkins Diet for Life
Now tag five people:
Mikki http://www.still-at-it.blogspot.com/
Tammie http://kicking-and-singing.blogspot.com/
Marsha http://www.tuffysmom.blogspot.com/
Gillian http://glisteningwater.blogspot.com/
Michael http://www.anotherwastedeffort.blogspot.com/

size DOES matter !!!!

I've been trying to avoid LJLC'S allusions to the "new appliance", but today is it-- Oops! I did it again- At restaurants (rarely go) I always wish I had ordered what the person next to me has chosen- and my learning style is "do it wrong first"-- but this time, I really went overboard!!!You recall I picked out the new fridge in a panic-- it arrived on Wed- "it" was a MONSTER ! Our so called kitchen is of the galley type, and this freaking huge fridge took over the whole space-- see in the picture, how it extends way beyond the countertop, and over the rug and up to the now cut out shelves--- I swear it didn't look that big in the gigantic show room-- and it came with a hefty price tag!! The cadillac of frigidaires!! So after the delivery men left, huffing, puffing, and cursing, I felt a sense of dread and doom--- it was just too big , spatially and financially- Ever loving Frank, sensing my displeasure, offered to go back to Rogers to see if we could exchange it--- Yes, I told him, you go, blame it all on me, but I just can't go back there- I'm much to0 embarrassed and ashamed-- I promise, whatever you choose, will be fine, I won't complain, just get rid of this monstrosity, please, pick something smaller, and cheaper, I promise I won't complain-- I'll just be so relieved--- Down he goes, comes home-- says- you need to pick out another one-- I respond -NO NO- I'm too ashamed, can't you make a decision without me!!! Just get one like our old one!! How hard can that be?? %$$**& So he did, and they brought it yesterday--------- and I can't take a picture of it because i want to cry whenever I look at it and realize that for the next ten years, at least, I'll have to somehow find room in that tiny little %%(%))_)&(&( !!!!! The good news, mini-frig was 1500 dollars LESS !!!!! But those cut wide open mortally wounded shelves are gaping wounds, reminders of my _______________ What IS the lesson-- don't be too cruel!!

Not Gonna Blog Today

I was hoping Beth would chime in with her story of the painting- so I want to leave yesterday's post up one more day-- for your viewing pleasure, check out Beth's other paintings and phototgraphs--phenomenal!!!
Beth's artwork--------- Beth's photography ------------Beth's Blog

Of Poets and Portals and Soul Connections

I thought I'd be writing about new appliances or communal toilets, but it happened again--- another soul connection !!! I had left a comment on Beth's blog- the friend of Chris who described him as "raw soul"-- she sent me an e-mail asking me if I would like to have this watercolour painting she had made--hadn't meant it to be about Chris , but that's how it turned out--IF I wanted it????Of course-- it's way beyond anything I could have desired-- I'm happy with scraps and remnants of Chris-- this is a feast!!! I am overwhelmed with gratitude and awe-- I think this blog business has opened up another portal in which the worlds of God are able to interact-- a whole new sphere of existence-- the "blogosphere"-- She named it 25, 26-- He was 25 years old when he died on April 26. I'd be interested to hear Beth's interpretation of the art--- Frank reminded me of the poem by Kahil Gibran, whom I discovered during my college years, the poem I used as inspiration to write a special message to Mike on his wedding day-- I've often turned to Kahilil Gibran's writings for reflection and inspiration over the years-- But here is the poem that seems to be related to the painting- in my mind anyway;

On Children Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let our bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

Good-bye, Adios, Paalom, Hasta la vista

Good Riddance Kenmore, "Sears Best" frigidaire-- you are about to be replaced -- tomorrow morning---no eulogies- you really didn't last as long as we had hoped - you're still a teenager!! A defunct teen- The popsicle Austin so badly wanted was turned to kool-aid-- and all my former freezer-burned foodstuffs are now floating in stinky, dank, thawed liquidy goo------
So we went to Rogers Furniture-- Yes, the most expensive outlet, but they offer one year- no payment, no interest--delayed payment for instant gratification-- the problem is I can't for the life of me remember the make or model I chose in haste-- You see, we had Lexy with us, and I broke cardinal rule number one-- always bring towel or kleenex when taking care of spitty-up baby---and who was waiting on us when it happened? Of course, one of THE Mr. Rogers himself, who was not impressed with upchuck- all over his appliances, rug, etc- neither was Frank, who happened to be holding her at the time- ha ha ha-- So I pointed to what seemed to be a very nice looking (expensive) model and said in a hurry, "We'll take that one!" Problem is: Those shelves above existing fridge now need to be removed or vastly shortened to make a bigger space--- I think we need all new cupboards now, and a new countertop, and those new glass top convection ovens caught my eye!!! Frank has a little work to do this evening=== he's out buying replacement blades for his saw---------------

"Hey Mom, I've got an Idea" $$$$$$

Says beautiful daughter in high pitched happy voice, standing on the stairs, gleam in eye, and that slinky stance ------ when put all together says to me--"How much is this idea going to cost me?" Yup- I was right-- it did, but how can I resist any request from my only daughter to whom I am still atoning for not being able to buy her a horse in her foramative years !!!!!! And Austin can use it too, she adds, for good measure--- it worked!!

And oh yeah, we'll have to use your bikes until we can get our own!!!!!! (Never) And I'll pay you back Mom!! (When pigs can fly!!) But little did she know that we in fact were already thinking of getting one of those cute costly little bike trailers, seeing all the fun they provided in Keji, and wishing we had bought one to take with us-- But don't tell Jennah, because she promised to pay us back, and if she does, it's all good- we wanted one anyway, and if she doesn't , I can use it for future laying on of guilt!!! By the way, we did not go on the highway,fireguy, we went on the sidewalk as far as the school, and drove around the parking lot a few dozen times, whereupon Lexy fell asleep--- hard way to get her to nap!! She's not looking happy because she just woke up and isn't quite sure what's happening!!!! But it was fun !!!!!

Saturday August 6, 1982

Of Kids and Dogs

Busy Day--Fireguy just left-- he arrived a few minutes after we returned from our bikeride to Traveling Man's--phew-- cleaned out the trailer finally--and best of all, had lunch with G and C--- Felt a little apprehensive before the dinner, thinking that maybe the nether blog world was meant not to intersect with the real world and that somehow the magic would diminish---but we had a great time and I thank G for planning (and paying for) it, and C for joining us---- Lots of laughs---
Back to Keji, and AA--after Austin, it all changed-- yes, the activity level was off the richter scale- up with the warbling birds, and go-go - go- all day--biking, walking, finding playgrounds, beaches, soccer, and golf~~~ But the biggest change---- a whole new world of smiles, laughter, and conversation--- the same people we had been passing by the previous week, on the way to the bathrooms, on trails, playgrounds, and beaches- you know how you wonder if you should say hi or look down, trying to detect subtle body language as to whether you should speak-----the same people suddenly seemed friendlier, engaging in conversations, smiling at us with Austin--- no uncertainty anymore-- the world was a happier place--- or was it us projecting our happiness, making ourselves more hospitable with the help of that little hand in ours--- And then the dogs--- same effect--- all social barriers removed-- instant connections, no inhibitions---- and I couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be if we could all hold on to that mystical feeling of holding a little hand when we interact with others.

Vegetation in Keji

Not of the "flora" type-- I'm talking human vegetative state--first three days in keji-- rain on roof- mesmerizing, hypnotic--- smell of fresh pine, ( no phone, computer, tv, bill collectors, telemarketers,) rain on roof, smell the newly bathed trees, fragrant flora, rain on roof--- read , sleep, eat, eat, eat, read, sleep, eat, eat, eat-- Didn't even feel guilty, justifiable vegetation- rain on roof--
And then the sun came out, and there were those two new bikes, symbols of our good intentions, costly symbols, poised at the ready-- mom did a terrific job of instilling in me one more of her phobias-- speed bikes with handle brakes !!!! You know how dangerous they can be-- you can fly head first over the handlebars-- blah blah blah-- So all I've ever dared to pedal have been one speed, pedal brakes----- safe----Until--- my new 21 speed bike, Aphrodite, set me free--- we rode over the winding trails, gliding down hills, carefree kids again-- then satisfying our guilt - back to reading, eating , sleeping-- until Aussie came------then it all changed---- BA and AA-- time markers-- I'll tell you about After Aussie tomorrow--

Safety Nets and Venom

Thought I'd be writing about Keji topics, but-- after reading the blogs and comments, talking to Jennah, and phoning Don to find out what had obviously been deleted from Chris's webpage guestbook- leads me here---- what to say? When I changed my template months ago, I also changed the word Links to "My Safety Net"- did you notice it to the left of the page?? Never dreamed I'd be needing it for a safe landing-- so thank you all, including Don, for caring enough to protect me from the vicious assault on my character and parenting in the name of God!!! Don saved the comment, but I could hear Chris saying, "Mom, don't read it!" He hated to cause me pain, so for him, I chose not to see it, and for you, much love and thanks for sparing me from the venomous spewing --- I would have been hurt-- you know me well-- and instead of pain and torment, I feel the love and caring of my blog family, and with tears streaming down my face, I say thank you--- for your love , compassion, and mercy--- and that I believe is the true essence of knowing God------- I am saddened that Jennah was hurt--- she didn't deserve that, thankfully Mike was spared----
When I opened the latest issue of Baha'i Canada, the quote on page one was in part,
" ....ye must show forth tenderness and love to every human being, even to your enemies, and welcome them all with unalloyed friendship, good cheer, and loving kindness. When you meet with cruelty and persecution at another's hands, keep faith with him; when malevolence is directed your way, respond with a friendly heart. To the spears and arrows rained upon you, expose your breasts for a target mirror-bright; and in return for curses, taunts, and wounding words, show forth abounding love. ....." Abdu'l-Baha

Will talk more about Keji tomorrow- hopefully!! Love you all!!

We're Baaaaaack!!!!!!!!

Yup-- had a great time-- but I'm stinking-- sweat and bug spray--gotta clean up!!! and catch up on all the reading !!!!!