OK - here are my questions to the Republican Party after hearing Rush on the news saying he hopes Obama fails. Unpatriotic and sensational - just what we need in this country. Shouldn't we be using our moral and ethical side to be part of something greater than ourself - work together to solve problems - you know act according to the golden rule in everything we do? Is this too wimpy now when lots of money and fame etc are what makes us worthy? Whether Republicans like it or deserve it, Rush is a spokesman for them - many who listen to him don't consider him just an entertainer. Is this what Republicans want? Anyway, today I heard Rush say Obama shouldn't trash talk the economy. If he doesn't like trash talk, why is he trash talking Obama, especially when he has been President for a few days. Give me a break! Republicans in my mind (whether deserved across the board or not) right now stand for Wall Street greed, fiscal irresponsibility and NO explanation of how their tax cut plans to fix the economy work. Based on common sense spending rules, you take in revenue, you spend it on the areas you deem necessary/important, if your spending exceeds your revenue, you generate more revenue or cut back. How does a tax cut fit into this equation. I think you should help the American people understand how your economic solution of cutting taxes helps the economy. It is counterintuitive. If it helps businesses by giving them more reason to build their businesses in the USA and create jobs - I think that is the idea. However we have seen over the last 8 years, when tax cuts favored business, those unregulated businesses created jobs overseas, gave bonuses etc and the so-called trickle down economics did not work. How do you expect the American people to buy the old news 'tax cut' strategy? Didn't we just prove it did NOT WORK! Come on guys - work with Obama - and if you disagree with him, help the American people understand how your differences with him are any improvement over what happened over the last 8 years. Come on, please - you are public servants - do your job!!!! Get rid of the trash talkers, PLEASE! It just doesn't help - we need to solve ourproblems.

Mom and Dad

Today I was thinking about my Mom and Dad. I added a new picture of them to my blog. This was a loving moment in the kitchen of their home at a facility for independent living for older people. These two had a love that was so strong, so caring, so tolerant and understanding, they were an inspiration to me and my siblings. With so many couples having problems, getting divorced and not trying to work out difficult issues, my parents never gave up. Most families experience difficulties and stress for different reasons. When those times came, my parents pulled together as a team to keep the train rolling. I know they are looking down on me from heaven and sending me strength and love to deal with my own issues. I am so lucky and grateful to have had such wonderful parents. To anyone one there who still has living parents, give them a call to find out how they are doing.

The Person in the Glass

At work today, there was a leak over my head, so I had to use someone else's computer to work. While I was in his office, I saw this interesting narrative on his wall. I liked it so much, I am going to post it on my blog. It is a good philosophy of life., in my opinion.

The Person in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self and the world makes you royalty for a day, JUST go to a mirror and look at yourself and see what THAT PERSON has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or spouse whose judgement upon you must pass. The person whose verdict counts most in your life is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may think you are a straight-shooting chum and call you a wonderful soul, but the person in the glass says you're only a bum, if you can't look them straight in the eye.

That's the person to please, never mind all the rest, for you are with you clear to the end. And you have passed your most difficult, dangerous test, if the person in the glass is your FRIEND.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of life and get pats on your back as you pass, but your final reward will be heartaches and tears, if you cheat the PERSON in the the GLASS.

JANUARY 21 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Last Wednesday was my birthday. Even though it was the day I was born, I have decided that I will remain forever 21 in my head and my heart despite knowing how to do the math to calculate my actual age! I try to remember the joy my parents felt at my birth and make that part of my mindset. Even though they have both passed away, they always made me feel like I was a joy in their life. It makes me happy to remember that.

January 21 is the day I was born

Twas on a rainy stormy morn

My hair was red, I smiled at birth (maybe)

Mom and Dad were the happiest parents on earth.

My life has been full of good and bad luck

Nevertheless I continue to truck

Another year older, a new ache and pain

My deterioration I can't seem to contain

But I will not give in, I will accept my fate

Just trying to appreciate how full my plate.

I'll blow out the candle on my vegan cupcake

Make a wish that my future voyage is sweet and I'm ahead of my wake

Winter Thoughts

It has been SO COLD here recently. Everyone at work has been wearing blankets, coats, gloves and my cats have been sleeping on the heat vent. Even though today it is a little warmer today - (feels like a heat wave) - it is still winter and only January. Sometimes what helps to stay motivated are the memories of good weather times of the past and looking forward to the new ones to come in the future. As usual, this calls for my old poems. The first one is about winter and the other 2 about being outdoors in nice weather.

one winter night

Enjoying the warmth of the fireplace
one blustery night not long ago
candles aglow
closing my eyes
laying my sleepy head on the dog
remembering a glistening evening
in the moonlight
some clouds - no wind - still - silent
Snowflakes gently falling
on my blue wool cap and mittens
stopping to gather winter bounty
Ice skating on the pond
hand in hand gliding in circles
just us
around and around
singing a joyous winter song
our music floating high into the crisp cold air
and straight up to the sparkling stars
such magic as this an uncommon delight.

Far Away

Far away from the teeming city
the stars individually shine
the silence of the night peaceful
the hillside dark and tranquil.
By day the heat rising from the fields
I can almost hear in its steaming
the babbling brook - bubbling melody.
Along the pinetree path
the crackling of a stick underfoot
startling me by its harshness.
The buzzing bugs - ear-tickling
white noise for napping.
Night falls once again - the moon glowing, lulling
under the black country sky
to sleep ..... dreaming of this place.

Camping
The sun was just slipping down behind the hills
the last wisps of pink clouds fading
I sat on my rock watching nature's final performance
Daylight disappearing
Alone and in the dark the stars shone high above
The air was starting to chill - I started to shiver.
Snuggling into my sleeping bag
laying my head back onto my soft pillow
I spotted the Big Dipper and traced it with my finger
Silence ...... Peace ...... Warmth ....... Sleep

More Old Writing

Supergirl
My powers are gone
my wings have been clipped.
No more flying for me
those inspirational tirades - history
come humility - gone vanity.
The phone booth is vacant
the hot line rings dead
I'm just another working gal
trying to stay ahead.
Just one of the crowd
nothing so damn special.
Don't SOS me for help
not ready, willing, nor able
my cards - they're on the table
!No habla Espanol aqui!
Try my replacement!
All washed up
supergirl no more
such a GD bore .........
living is such a chore.

One Night
You took me in to your log home in the snowy woods. I could see the twinkling of your lights through the trees. Cold, covered with snow and shivering I timidly knocked on your door. You opened it up, I saw your face and I knew that this was where I would find a safe haven from the storm. You removed my coat for me and led me to a big comfy chair. It was dark green and had large inviting cushions. Then you made me some vegetable soup and hot chocolate. A meal never tasted so good. We sat in front of your fire, you and I, getting acquainted, talking about so many things, bonding, learning. You got out your guitar and wrote a song for me. I felt pampered, desired and safe. I knew I should go home, but something about you made me want to stay forever. When the sun set, you ushered me to your big green couch, set me up with a pillow and blanket, told me a bedtime story about a princess and a castle and a fire-breathing dragon. I closed my eyes and slept more soundly than I had ever slept. Your warmth, caring and strength lulled me into a safe slumber. The next morning, a strange thing happened. I told you I wanted to stay here with you forever, but you said that was not possible. I turned my head not wanting you to see the tears that had suddenly sprung from my eyes. I wanted to yell and scream, "please don't make me go. This is real - it is right!" But instead, without a word I put on my brown coat, hat and gloves, opened the door to the gray cold morning. I did not say thank you or goodbye or anything. I just walked away.
When I reached the edge of his woodsy land, I turned around for one last look hoping to see him in the doorway calling me back. All I could see was the dark smoke billowing from his chimney and the endless trees stretching before me.

Dylan and Gwyneth

Well, here are the newest members of the family taking up residence in the kitty condo. The cute little guy on the top is kitten Dylan and the lovely black and white cat is Gwyneth. Our dog died last November after 16 years with us and it seemed kind of quiet around the house without a pet. Since I wasn't ready to take on the responsibility of another dog right away, the cats seemed like just the ticket. My daughter took the cats as part of a pet rescue program and was fostering them until they could be adopted. She has moved away and asked if we would like to foster/adopt them. I wasn't sure at first, but from the first time I interacted with them, I pretty much knew it was going to happen. Now that they are really living here, I know even more that it was the right decision. I look forward to coming home every day and seeing them - they are very glad to see me especially since that is when they will get some more food. I have posted another picture of them on the blog and will eventually be posting a few more.

They looked up at me with those curious almond eyes

patiently waiting for their dinner

no animals to stalk

no need to pounce

no bones to chew

my little carnivores have it made

basking in the sun

chasing a shadow

eyeing a fly on the window sill

elegant in movement

quietly padding along

an unsuspecting prey may get it all wrong

Cats are a lovely mystery - even though I've read the guide

What I really want to know - am I a part of their pride?

or just another human to sometimes sit beside?

Ann Coulter

I saw Ann Coulter on the Today show this morning and will someone give this woman a hug? She is obviously distraught and paranoid about the news media, liberals etc. That segment was probably one of the most laughable and BORING interviews I have ever seen. She apparently blames every problem we have in this country on single mothers. The great thing is that in the past (before Obama), this would have made me angry because it is so ridiculous and there are ignorant people in the world that may believe. But now that Obama is there, she just looked pitiful to me - desperate. Anyone who truly thinks they know a simple solution to such a complex problem will never help the situation by ranting and raving about it. So, therefore, her importance and credibility as a person to listen to is just BORING - not worthy of my attention. The think that did irk me was the cross she wore around her neck. I was raised as a Christian and I was not taught that scapegoating, yelling and intolerance were part of the teaching of Christ. I would love to know which Christian Church she belongs to that advocates this sort of behavior. Just needed to talk about this a little. Now that I have, I can only ask that someone who knows her and cares about her find her today and give her a hug and tell her everything will be all right if she just has a little patience. "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness". Here are my final words - a little poem/song I wrote a few years ago - to end on an upbeat!!

The Chum Song

Do you ever feel down? Do you ever feel blue

like somebody somewhere just pissed on you?

Don't bow your head or fall to your knees

Ya just gotta know you can call on me!

Chorus

I'm your chum and I'll stick to you like gum

chew chew chew the fat ya know you can tell me that

What are friends for?

When the bloom is off the rose and you want to suck the hose

your sister's in the bathroom and you gotta blow your nose.

Just point your chin high straighten out your back

I'll make it so damn easy to keep your life on the track

Chorus

I'm your chum and I'll stick to you like gum

chew chew chew the fat ya know you can tell me that

What are friends for?

A chum is just a pal not a mum or dad or cat

who knows you and still loves you when you strike out twice at bat

when you wear a funny hat or get grumpier and fat .... who else could take all that?

Chorus

Just your chum and I'll stick to you like gum

chew chew chew greasy old fat ya know you can tell me that

That's what friends are for.

Yeah, that's what friends are for.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009 has arrived with its usual public fanfare. I, for one, am not a person who does New Year's resolutions. I prefer to make mine any old time - mainly when I am actually ready to complete them. I find that just because it is a new year does not mean that I'm ready to 'resolve'. We spent our last evening of 2008 eating, playing games and watching TV with another couple - a tradition we have had for quite a few years now. It is always a special evening - this year was no exception. This is my first year as a vegan over the holidays and they were very lovely to make sure that I had things to eat. My own Christmas celebration included a vegan lasagna and a vegan green been casserole. Both were quite good. Well, now the holidays are over and the real winter begins - no more festive distractions.

That's it for now -

So, in ending, I will resolve not to resolve.