nay you and yours have a wonderful 2011 full of smiles and giggles...
Lyrics | Little River Band ~ - Cool Change
pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering? 
wuh, it's a lotta verbal diarrhea, but she can link to this site instead of typing it all over again.
2010-12-25
Christmas with the grandsons 2010-12-19
Jaxon and Drew
he's very proud of his new cousin. [the baby, Drew, is the exact image of Jaxon at that age]
Valorie and the dudes
Val has the neapolitan equivalent of sons... chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla...
Papa - Mema - and 4 of the 6 grandsons
it's not easy getting everyone together for a photo.
left to right: Mema, Drew, Jaxon, Papa, Nolan, Gavin.
2010-12-16
2011 congressional budget
2011 congressional budget with links thanks to jamie dupree -------
m'sippi finally made it to the #1 position in something besides obesity.... if texas doesn't watch out... we're gonna take the 'everything is bigger' title away from them.
The Omnibus Arrives | Jamie Dupree Washington Insider
m'sippi finally made it to the #1 position in something besides obesity.... if texas doesn't watch out... we're gonna take the 'everything is bigger' title away from them.
The Omnibus Arrives | Jamie Dupree Washington Insider
2010-12-14
2010-12-12
ceremony rituals initations oaths traditions
the more i ponder, the more i realize.... ceremony, traditions, initiations, rituals, oaths.... all those things people use to 'enter' a marriage, political office, religion, club, organization..... things that are strictly human creations.... are the biggest problem of humanity. it is where the majority of our social problems originate.
the need to belong has produced our division.
do i need a piece of paper from my government to know i am in a relationship? do i need the blessing of a church leader to know i will remain with my partner for life? no.... society needs those 'things' to try and define my life.
i am not saying these are not needed for society, i am saying when too much importance is placed, when people start believing that the ritual is more important than the commitment [think about how much some spend on planning weddings and how little is spent on planning the life together, or how much effort and money is spent to keep the 'undesirables' from being recognized by our government as a legal couple] --- therein lies the problem.
ceremony, traditions, initiations, rituals, oaths --- these are created to make a person feel important, vital, needed.... that somehow, you are special to have been allowed to enter this group, to be part of the inner sanctum.
1] you are not special....then again,
2] if you need these to feel special? to be part of the group? you are special... in a sadly pathetic existence.
think carefully next time you feel the need to enter an organization...
what are you entering?
what is your reason for joining?
what is the purpose of the initiations?
what is needed to make you part of the group?
if your answer to any of those questions is NOT "to make this existence better for the future" then you should reconsider:
WHY do i feel the need to be part of this group?
2010-12-08
2010 and changes
facebook has a little doo-hicky thingy that does a smattering of status updates... here's mine definitely a long, strange trip... people lost, people born, home lost, so much lost, and i have so much for which to be grateful... i am rich beyond measure
2010-12-02
Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream
(Adapted from Baked Explorations, Recipe featured in Food and Travel, November 2010 Edition)
Makes 34
* Chocolate Whoopie Pies
* Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream Filling
* 490 g (3½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1¼ teaspoon baking powder
* 1¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of (baking) soda
* 90 g (¾ cup + 3 tablespoons) dark unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
* 110 ml (4 ounces) hot coffee
* 110 ml (4 ounces) hot water
* 350 g (1¼ cups + 2 tablespoons) firmly packed light brown sugar
* 170 ml (6 ounces) rapeseed (canola) oil (can be substituted with vegetable oil)
* 1 large egg, room temperature
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 110 ml (4 ounces) buttermilk, room temperature, shaken
1. Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F). Line 2 baking sheets with non-stick baking paper or silicone baking mats, set aside.
2. Using a fine mesh sieve, into a large bowl, sift the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Using a whisk, whisk to combine well, set aside.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together the cocoa and espresso powder until well combined.
4. Add the hot coffee and the hot water to the cocoa mixture and whisk until both powders are completely dissolved.
5. In another bowl, stir together the brown sugar and oil until well combined and then add it to the cocoa mixture; whisk until well combined.
6. Add the egg, vanilla and buttermilk to the cocoa mixture and then whisk until smooth.
7. Using a large spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the cocoa mixture, scraping the sides and the bottom of the bowl as you fold.
8. Use a one tablespoon-capacity ice cream scoop with a release mechanism to drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2.5 cm (1-inch) apart.
9. Bake, rotating baking sheet halfway through, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cookies are just starting to crack on top. A cake tester inserted into the centre of the cookie should come out clean.
10. Let the cookies cool completely on the sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream Filling
* 5 large egg whites
* 300 g (1½ cups) caster (superfine granules) sugar
* 440 g (1 pound or 4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1 cm cubes, cool but not cold
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* gel paste food colouring, optional
1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whisk the egg whites and sugar together.
2. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water but do not let the water touch the bottom of the bowl.
3. Heat and continuously whisk the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved and the colour of the mixture is milky white, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Remove the bowl from the heat and attach to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the egg mixture on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy.
5. Replace the whisk attachment with the paddle attachment, gradually add the cubed butter and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy (If the buttercream looks like it is splitting, don’t worry, it will eventually come together).
6. Add the salt and vanilla and beat for 5 seconds to combine.
7. Colour the filling by mixing in (at medium speed) the food colouring, 1 drop at a time, until the desired colour is reached.
Assembling Chocolate Whoopie Pies
1. Line a baking sheet with non-stick baking paper and set aside.
2. Transfer the Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream Filling to a large pastry bag fitted with a Wilton 1M pastry tip.
3. When cookies have cooled completely, pipe a large dollop of filling on the flat side of half of the cookies.
4. Sandwich with remaining cookies, pressing down very gently.
5. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
6. Chill for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream
(Adapted from Baked Explorations, Recipe featured in Food and Travel, November 2010 Edition)
Makes 34
* Chocolate Whoopie Pies
* Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream Filling
* 490 g (3½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1¼ teaspoon baking powder
* 1¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of (baking) soda
* 90 g (¾ cup + 3 tablespoons) dark unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
* 110 ml (4 ounces) hot coffee
* 110 ml (4 ounces) hot water
* 350 g (1¼ cups + 2 tablespoons) firmly packed light brown sugar
* 170 ml (6 ounces) rapeseed (canola) oil (can be substituted with vegetable oil)
* 1 large egg, room temperature
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 110 ml (4 ounces) buttermilk, room temperature, shaken
1. Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F). Line 2 baking sheets with non-stick baking paper or silicone baking mats, set aside.
2. Using a fine mesh sieve, into a large bowl, sift the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Using a whisk, whisk to combine well, set aside.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together the cocoa and espresso powder until well combined.
4. Add the hot coffee and the hot water to the cocoa mixture and whisk until both powders are completely dissolved.
5. In another bowl, stir together the brown sugar and oil until well combined and then add it to the cocoa mixture; whisk until well combined.
6. Add the egg, vanilla and buttermilk to the cocoa mixture and then whisk until smooth.
7. Using a large spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the cocoa mixture, scraping the sides and the bottom of the bowl as you fold.
8. Use a one tablespoon-capacity ice cream scoop with a release mechanism to drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2.5 cm (1-inch) apart.
9. Bake, rotating baking sheet halfway through, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cookies are just starting to crack on top. A cake tester inserted into the centre of the cookie should come out clean.
10. Let the cookies cool completely on the sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream Filling
* 5 large egg whites
* 300 g (1½ cups) caster (superfine granules) sugar
* 440 g (1 pound or 4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1 cm cubes, cool but not cold
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* gel paste food colouring, optional
1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whisk the egg whites and sugar together.
2. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water but do not let the water touch the bottom of the bowl.
3. Heat and continuously whisk the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved and the colour of the mixture is milky white, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Remove the bowl from the heat and attach to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the egg mixture on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy.
5. Replace the whisk attachment with the paddle attachment, gradually add the cubed butter and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy (If the buttercream looks like it is splitting, don’t worry, it will eventually come together).
6. Add the salt and vanilla and beat for 5 seconds to combine.
7. Colour the filling by mixing in (at medium speed) the food colouring, 1 drop at a time, until the desired colour is reached.
Assembling Chocolate Whoopie Pies
1. Line a baking sheet with non-stick baking paper and set aside.
2. Transfer the Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream Filling to a large pastry bag fitted with a Wilton 1M pastry tip.
3. When cookies have cooled completely, pipe a large dollop of filling on the flat side of half of the cookies.
4. Sandwich with remaining cookies, pressing down very gently.
5. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
6. Chill for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
2010-12-01
patience
as i was pouring my last cup of coffee from a french press i was reminded of the priceless value of patience... the best moments of life require patience, resilience, and recognition....
first up on the itunes this morn was 'someday never comes' by ccr..... while we may not remember complete days, we do remember moments.... 'someday' may never come... some moments do --- do you recognize those moments for the nirvana held within?
the first time your baby smiles ... just for you, a lover's embrace that took 30 years to create, hugging a friend, a gorgeous sunset, a breathtaking sunrise, warm silk, that euphoric moment of orgasm.... and most importantly --- grandchildren.
everything precious comes with a price.... sometimes that price is as simple as patience and breathing... taking one day at a time -- recognizing and enjoying the moments of peace and tranquility when they occur... and thanking the Creator for another chance at a new day.
soooo, as i enjoy this last cup of coffee... allowed to steep while i was enjoying the first two cups... i wish for you a smile.... and the opportunity to recognize the moments in your life of contentment and peace --- don't let the world intrude as you truly enjoy each small moment of happiness.
First thing I remember was askin' papa, "Why?", For there were many things I didn't know. And Daddy always smiled; took me by the hand, Sayin', "Someday you'll understand."
Well, I'm here to tell you now each and ev'ry mother's son You better learn it fast; you better learn it young, 'Cause, "Someday" Never Comes."
Well, time and tears went by and I collected dust, For there were many things I didn't know. When Daddy went away, he said, "Try to be a man, And, Someday you'll understand."
And then, one day in April, I wasn't even there, For there were many things I didn't know. A son was born to me; Mama held his hand, Sayin' "Someday you'll understand."
Think it was September, the year I went away, For there were many things I didn't know. And I still see him standing, try'n' to be a man; I said, "Someday you'll understand."
Well, I'm here to tell you now each and ev'ry mother's son You better learn it fast; you better learn it young, 'Cause, "Someday" Never Comes."
2010-11-26
Drew Brooks arrived on Thanksgiving
our 6th grandson arrived healthy but a bit bruised.... he didn't want to exit the womb and needed prodding from Dr Nobles and crew.
2010-11-22
from a fine First Lady to ex-gov palin
oh... if ONLY Mrs Barbara
since ditto-head pa(l)in will never get the message as long as there is big moolah to be made.. here's a great cookie recipe credited to Mrs. Barbara Bush.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup butter
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 2 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
* 2 teaspoons vanilla
* 1 (12 ounce) package chocolate chips
Directions:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
1. Blend butter and sugars until fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs.
3. Sift flour, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture.
4. Stir in oats, vanilla and chips.
5. Drop by tablespoon onto a greased cookie sheet.
6. Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes or until golden.
7. This recipe makes about 6 dozen cookies.
link for cookie recipe
since ditto-head pa(l)in will never get the message as long as there is big moolah to be made.. here's a great cookie recipe credited to Mrs. Barbara Bush.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup butter
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 2 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
* 2 teaspoons vanilla
* 1 (12 ounce) package chocolate chips
Directions:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
1. Blend butter and sugars until fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs.
3. Sift flour, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture.
4. Stir in oats, vanilla and chips.
5. Drop by tablespoon onto a greased cookie sheet.
6. Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes or until golden.
7. This recipe makes about 6 dozen cookies.
link for cookie recipe
2010-11-21
36 hours
we have a new PUPPY!
after many delays [strep for every two-legger on the hill] Ranger and i went to get the newest addition to the family... i figured it was now, or wait till december [son and d-i-l are due to have their baby boy next week] so, i woke friday morn, grabbed our backpacks and we headed east to dahlonega, georgia.
uneventful trip east, save the regular traffic snarls around atlanta [i do NOT like large cities... seems once ya start selling property by the square foot the number of idiots increases exponentially] ... i observed one particularly nasty traffic tie-up from atlanta going west, and made my lil prayers that it wouldn't occur on our trip home. as we were going past that fiasco i glanced over and saw a hitchhiker waiting on a ride west and thought 'babe, you can walk faster than they are moving'
dahlonega is a gorgeous town... we must return when i have more time to spend wandering. checked into the smith house and i find out it's owned by the welch family, my great-grandfather was from this area and moved to m'sippi when a child. yeah, i have cousins everywhere. | "old books and chocolate? side by side? is the heaven?" From dahlonega and back |
next morning we picked up our baby and headed home... stopped in north atlanta to let the 4-leggers relieve and stretch. Bubbles did great the whole trip [no accidents] but did NOT like the lead i had her on and refused to load and unload... so i had to pick her up with Ranger right beside me making sure i didn't fall and wondering why i was loving on a dog other than he. all i could think was "oh boy! gonna be a l--o--n--g trip.... i am going to need help----- where's a hitchhiker when ya need one?"
well lo-&-behold the guy that was looking for a ride west was back in the same spot.... with a sign that read "New Orleans" JACKPOT!! i backed up and he looked inside at Ranger [who let out his obligatory rrrrumble] --- i smiled and said "have i gotta job for YOU" the look on his face was priceless. i explained the situation to danny and he agreed to help me with the puppy at the pit stops.
yeah, yeah, i probably know what you're thinking.... it's dangerous to pick up hitchhikers... nah. what i was thinking :: why is the speed limit fifty-five miles per hour on i-20 from the GA-AL line to talledega? and why are drivers from texas, hinds co m'sippi, and north atlanta all unaware of common courtesy when driving? did they have the same driving instructor? if you know the answer to any of these questions... leave a comment... now back to what you might be thinking...
i have always been one to give someone a ride, i've met many great people and heard wonderful life stories... as far as danger? in my life i've been hurt most by those i know, those who profess to love me... those put in a position to care for me... i was molested at 6 years old by a step-uncle... burned by a baby sitter when a toddler... raped as a teen by 'friends' .... robbed and cheated by 'family' .... hurt by those that will never know what loving and caring for another really means. you are taught to be afraid of strangers... but i've found, strangers sometimes treat me better than those that profess to love me.
i let danny out at jackson, he was heading to biloxi for the winter, not new orleans [he figured nola would be more recognizable than another city] arrived safely back in the hamlet of wesson... stopped and introduced Bubbles to the grandsons... all is well in my world... ok, if not in my world.. it is well in my soul... and THAT is all that matters.
the end
| From dahlonega and back |
2010-11-15
2010-11-08
why me........
why not you?
i get really tired of people that think this world is supposed to be fair...those that question "why do bad things happen to good people?"
i've yet to meet anyone that deserves only good things to happen to them. if most of us got what we truly deserve?...wow, how different the world would be today.
the 'good' and the 'bad' happen -- that's just how it goes... we have a choice... a choice in how we perceive this world, a choice in helping those less fortunate, a choice in living the life we've been given, a choice to leave this world better just because we existed... a choice to take the good and the bad and improve the life of another, a choice to rejoice in facing another day, another obstacle, and a chance to lay down when the day is done and know -- i did my best ...
a choice to wallow in misery and cry ---
"why me?"
2010-11-05
2010-11-01
election 2010
read a post on investors.com by Thomas Sowell Posted 10/29/2010 07:11 PM ET... Will Voters Set U.S. Free From Obama's Hold?
just have a few comments on his points.
These include threats against people who simply choose to express opinions counter to administration policy, such as a warning to an insurance company that there would be "zero tolerance" for "misinformation" when the insurance company said that ObamaCare would create costs that force up premiums.
Zero tolerance for the right of free speech guaranteed by the Constitution?
i do admire that he made sure to add "misinformation" and i for one am totally concur on "zero tolerance" for misinformation... because isn't misinformation just a nice way to say "YOU LIE!!" ??
As more businesses reveal that they are considering no longer buying health insurance for their employees, as a result of higher costs resulting from ObamaCare legislation, the administration has announced that it can grant waivers that reduce these costs.
horsefeathers... these companies are most likely revealing this because it will reduce costs... giving businesses an easy way out on commitments made to employees.
Recent proposals from the Obama administration to force disclosure of the names of people who sponsor election ads would likewise open all who disagree with Obama to retaliation by the government itself, as well as by community activists and others.
only the right to a private vote is protected... i am not so sure the right to sponsor election advertisements SHOULD be private. seems to me, if you want free speech to be protected you should be able to live with the consequences of your speech. period.
We have a strange man in the White House. This election is a crossroads, because either his power will be curbed by depriving him of his huge congressional majorities or he will continue on a road that jeopardizes our freedom and our survival.
strange? maybe.. but "the decider" scared me more, and look at the mess he left us with.. sheesh... talk about "gettin' when the gettin's good"
anyway, the only thing that jeopardizes our freedom, is a misinformed citizenry.
and while i'm at it... take a look at Summary of Latest Federal Individual Income Tax Date
The amount of individual income taxes paid fell substantially in 2008, by $84 billion, and nationally, average income tax rates were at their lowest levels since 2004. The average tax rate for returns with a positive liability went from 12.68 percent in 2007 to 12.24 percent in 2008.
did all these 'less taxes paid' help the economy? are you better off than you were in 2000? if you're not better off than you were in 2008... it's that "trickle-down" hitting ya on the head. get an umbrella, it's only going to get worse.[oh, and don't buy gold... if it gets as bad as the infopundits are spewing.. you're gonna need lead and reloading equipment... that gold has a higher melting point than lead.. so do yaself a favor. buy lead.]
back to the point i was making... thanks to the Bush Era Tax Cuts... we are at a crossroads... do you feel that the price for living in the USA should be less? are you willing to give up public education? public utilities? libraries? highway funding? medicaid? medicare? social security? financial aid so maybe those that have the ability can get a higher education?
i hear people complaining about capital gains tax... the tax rate varies from 0% to 15%... that is not a bad tax to pay for income.
also, the top 1% in 2008 averaged about $1,205,000 per income tax filed, while the bottom 50% averaged around $15,000. so YES... if you make more, you should pay more... how many of you can live on 15K a year?
a loaf bread costs the same, whether you make $1.2M or $15K.
2010-10-31
my back pages bob dylan
BOB DYLAN /songs/my-back-pages
Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin’ high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
“We’ll meet on edges, soon,” said I
Proud ’neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
“Rip down all hate,” I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull. I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now
Girls’ faces formed the forward path
From phony jealousy
To memorizing politics
Of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists
Unthought of, though, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now
A self-ordained professor’s tongue
Too serious to fool
Spouted out that liberty
Is just equality in school
“Equality,” I spoke the word
As if a wedding vow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now
In a soldier’s stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I’d become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
My pathway led by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now
Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now
Copyright © 1964 by Warner Bros. Inc.; renewed 1992 by Special Rider Music
2010-10-30
prayer and asking
i've been having wonderful conversations with a couple of young missionaries this week.... they don't have all the answers and neither do i ... and THAT is the way it should be.
the last meeting, i was asked to lead a prayer... told 'em... my prayers aren't long... and they're not what others view as a prayer... he said, "that's okay, just speak from your heart."
this is my 'prayer':
the last meeting, i was asked to lead a prayer... told 'em... my prayers aren't long... and they're not what others view as a prayer... he said, "that's okay, just speak from your heart."
this is my 'prayer':
i thank You for this day.
amen.
2010-10-27
the pain of joy? or the joy of pain?
saw this article in my facebook feed::
while the plight of the subject is sad... the mind set of the subject is heartbreaking.
she saw her misery in the joy of other people.... believe me, you will always fall short with that attitude and magnify your pain to levels that kill the soul.
"keeping up with the jones" -- most people don't see the implications of trying. you will only see the exterior, not the struggles, not the sacrifices. you will only see the accomplishments and never know the haunted soul.
what i'm trying to say... when your mind is set on comparing your pain to the joy of another... your pain will block out any possible chance of sharing their joy... you are on a path that will kill your soul.
nor is it wise to compare your joy of the past with your joy of today... let each moment be it's own pleasure... it's own measurement of life and living.
even with your most painful moments... this too shall pass.
dance
the pain of joy on social websites
Diane Colling, an occupational therapist and fertility patient, was scrolling through her Facebook page last week when, once again, she was bombarded by a friend's exuberant broadcast about her pregnancy. "Your daughter will hold your hand for a little while, but will hold your heart for a lifetime," her brother's pregnant girlfriend posted.
"I know it's not meant to hurt, but you feel like you're getting kicked every time you see these," said Colling, 28, who lives in Baltimore County and has been trying to get pregnant since 2006. "I have to unfriend people for a while. If I was smart, I wouldn't go on Facebook anymore, but I'd completely lose connections with family and friends."
while the plight of the subject is sad... the mind set of the subject is heartbreaking.
she saw her misery in the joy of other people.... believe me, you will always fall short with that attitude and magnify your pain to levels that kill the soul.
"keeping up with the jones" -- most people don't see the implications of trying. you will only see the exterior, not the struggles, not the sacrifices. you will only see the accomplishments and never know the haunted soul.
what i'm trying to say... when your mind is set on comparing your pain to the joy of another... your pain will block out any possible chance of sharing their joy... you are on a path that will kill your soul.
nor is it wise to compare your joy of the past with your joy of today... let each moment be it's own pleasure... it's own measurement of life and living.
even with your most painful moments... this too shall pass.
dance
2010-10-25
had a friend suggestion on facebook
had a friend suggestion... considered it, i'm all for expanding the variety in my 'feed'... looked at the wall postings... they were single minded... but that's okay, some people are wired that way .... then i looked at the info page. wow... in the bio was the following blurb concerning PRIVACY NOTICE:
again.... wow!
Any person, and/or institution, and/or agent, and/or agency, of any governmental structure, including, but not limited to, the United States Federal Government, also using or monitoring this website, Facebook, or any of its associated websites, you do NOT have my permission to utilize any of my profile information, nor any of the content contained herein, including, any and all comments made on postings by myself and/or others, along with my photos + videos, and/or the comments made about my photos, or any other "picture" art posted on my profile. You are hereby notified that you are strictly prohibited from disclosing, copying, distributing, disseminating, and/or taking any other action against me with regard to this profile and the contents herein. The foregoing prohibitions also apply to your employee(s), agent(s), student(s) or any personnel under your direction or control. The contents of this profile are private, legally privileged, and confidential information, and the violation of my personal privacy is punishable by law. Thank you for your cooperation.
got paranoia?
wonder if that blurb includes copying and pasting that blurb?
this person will probably get pissed (and file a lawsuit) that i c/p'ed it... oh well,
if ya don't want it shared... do not post it on the innerwebs.
it's only "private" if you keep it to yourself... once released.. it's out there... just like this person.
huge following on the page... but i've learned that US people adore the absurd.... just look at the followers of palin and glenn beck....
bless'er heart
2010-10-22
Dargon Tunes - Dance
starts at 00:15 ... this is one of my FAVORITE songs. love singing it to the grandsons as we twirl around.
2010-10-18
what can your Representative do for you?
most of you know that i am "mobility impaired" which means i fall, a lot. Ranger is my service animal and goes everywhere with me... i mean everywhere. the only time he's not with me is when he goes to the vet for his weekly bath, or when he goes to relieve himself.
august of 2009 i took my youngest grandson for his 2 month checkup and shots. 15 minutes in the waiting room and a woman walked out of the office and told me i had to get my dog out of the room. without going into details about the whole incident... i explained Ranger's job and advised her to go to the ADA website and see the guidelines concerning Service Animals. she returned, told me i had to leave or she would call the police and have me arrested... i told her to put it in writing.
i filed a complaint with the DoJ in september 2009. website said it would be reviewed in 3 to 6 months. i called in january 2010, "no, it hasn't been reviewed yet"... i called in february, still "no"... i kept calling the DoJ, kept getting "not yet, but soon"
i called in may 2009.... same answer. i called the office of the 2nd District of Mississippi Representative Bennie Thompson on a monday... that wednesday i got a call from the DoJ telling me that since it was dealing with a health clinic that received federal funding my case would be handed over the the DHHS.
and i waited... and waited for DHHS to get in touch with me... for 5 months ... i called about every 2 weeks, but could never get anything other than a recording. i left messages, i wrote... no response from the DHHS atlanta office.
then i called my Representative again.. on a tuesday... 2 days later i received a call telling me that i would receive a registered letter and i should have everything returned 20 days from the day the letter was typed.
i did.. hoping that things will move swiftly... but, if they don't... i know who to call to make things happen.
yes, i will be voting for Bennie Thompson every time he runs for re-election.
2010-10-17
with Liberty and Justice for All.
"one nation under god" is where most citizens get hung up... so desperate to keep that added phrase in the Pledge they forget the words that follow::
"Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for ALL"
the most important words in the Pledge, yet the most neglected in the argument on health care, education, and taxes
just came across this quote [20011.30.01]
"Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." ~Abe Lincoln 1861
"Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for ALL"
the most important words in the Pledge, yet the most neglected in the argument on health care, education, and taxes
is it just that those with the ability and intelligence must resort to student loans to better self in the land of the free? tax money that is given to the banks by the federal government to lend to tax payers, and guaranteed by the taxpayers if the student defaults. that has been remedied. it (hopefully) won't have the middleman making money off students.
is it just that those with ability, but unable to get a loan, must wait till the age of twenty-seven? (unless you're a single parent) doesn't that seem like the system is designed to keep people in "their place"?
is it just that when ~46% of an educational districts budget is based upon the local tax base that some affluent districts will spend more per student than those with a less than adequate budget? really? how is that just? it's more a matter of 'luck' as to who your parents are and the position they've attained in this life.
is it just that some are lucky enough to have adequate health care? yeah, i said LUCKY --- right place, right time, right connections, right qualifications to get a job that has health benefits.
we have all benefited from those with 'less' fighting those with 'more' -- your 40 hour workweek with overtime was earned by laborers banding together to fight for the rights you take for granted... yeah, even that health care, and the right for children to attend school and not be forced to work in factories and fields. someone... somewhere... at some point in our history believed in "Liberty and Justice for All"
i will tell you the most arrogant, ignorant, close-minded statement i've ever heard "i made it on my own with NO help from anybody"
when someone says that i always reply, "bullshit"
if you are reading this, someone helped you... probably using tax dollars from US taxpayers. now that i think about it.... can you name one person you've met (in person or in the virtual world) that hasn't benefited in some way on the backs of the US taxpayer?
just came across this quote [20011.30.01]
"Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." ~Abe Lincoln 1861
2010-10-16
Bare Necessities -- LOUIS ARMSTRONG
"wherever i wander... wherever i roam....look for the bare necessities of life"
i've really got to do more than
read political and health news, stare at the screen looking at appliances, checking prices on lights/plumbing/doors/windows/yadayada when i get on the innerwebs... honestly had no idea about the google buzz. meh. i'll forget where it's at.
Sarah Palin: Democrats Are 'Residents Of Some Unicorn Ranch'
shows how much she knows--unicorns became extinct when social security & medicare became law.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
2010-10-15
2010-10-14
the definition of fucktard
she WORKED for a financial company, yet had to watch foxnews to form an opinion. 2010 will go down in history as the year of the idiot.
"I was unaware of what was going on around me until I retired," says Shelby Burnett, who formerly worked at a financial company. "And we started watching Fox News, and getting more informed on what was going on in our nation."
Tea Partiers In The Bible Belt Explain The Fire In Their Bellies : NPR
"I was unaware of what was going on around me until I retired," says Shelby Burnett, who formerly worked at a financial company. "And we started watching Fox News, and getting more informed on what was going on in our nation."
Tea Partiers In The Bible Belt Explain The Fire In Their Bellies : NPR
2010-10-13
2010-10-11
The paradox of our time
i've been told that bitterness and anger show in my postings... i feel it's more a cynical nature knowing people will fuck up, just a matter of when and to what degree... most humans are never happy, never satisfied... never willing to help their fellow creatures "just because" --- it seems everyone wants something... even those professing love and charity fail to really think about 'what would Jesus do?' i don't know for sure, but i can hazard a guess that He wouldn't be fighting an increase to "render unto caesar" for infrastructure and betterment of society in general... and i would hazard another guess that He would expect us to help those less fortunate than self... and i'm pretty sure He wouldn't be traveling in a personal jet owned by his ministry to visit the missions in other countries, i view him more as a traveling coach instead of business.... but, that's just my view of "wwJd?"
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.
-Dr. Bob Moorehead
copied from the notes of a Facebook and stumbleupon friend Kimtan Mostas| The paradox of our time
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/paradox.asp
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.
-Dr. Bob Moorehead
copied from the notes of a Facebook and stumbleupon friend Kimtan Mostas| The paradox of our time
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/paradox.asp
2010-10-06
life
i've reached the point in life where i spend most of my time asking others "just what the fuck were you thinking?"
i've yet to get a satisfactory reply... well, at least not one that can be heard..usually some mumbling.. followed by the sound of footsteps leaving my area.
i've yet to get a satisfactory reply... well, at least not one that can be heard..usually some mumbling.. followed by the sound of footsteps leaving my area.
2010-09-25
so the gop has a not-so-new pledge
this is the pledge to america ... first sheet draft that the gop has put forth, not gonna bother with all the pages, from what i've seen in snippets around the innerwebs, it's nothing new... i think they're getting lazy, anyway... will read this and comment:
America is an idea – an idea that free people can govern themselves, that government’s powers are derived from the consent of the governed, that each of us is endowed by their Creator with the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. America is the belief that any man or woman can – given economic, political, and religious liberty – advance themselves, their families, and the common good.
i like they used Creator instead of god... do you wonder as i do, are they REALLY thinking of giving "economic, political, religious liberty" to everyone? or just those that believe as the gop does?
America is an inspiration to those who yearn to be free and have the ability and the dignity to determine their own destiny.
but only for those that yearn to be free and come with money, we don't want the poor, time to rewrite the poem on the Statue of Liberty.
"give us your energetic, your wealthy, but only one or two a year if they make under $1 million, bankers or oil men if ya got'em. keep your wretched refuse and your unwashed... just send those with offshore accounts, maybe their own gulfstream... the Lamp is extinguished and the Golden Shore is closed, dammit"
Whenever the agenda of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to institute a new governing agenda and set a different course.
it really became destructive when the patriot act was swallowed as being for our safety and best interests.
These first principles were proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, enshrined in the Constitution, and have endured through hard sacrifice and commitment by generations of Americans.
hopefully the gop will recall that hard sacrifice was made on the parts of slave, and immigrants (some illegal) also. ya think they will?
In a self‐governing society, the only bulwark against the power of the state is the consent of the governed, and regarding the policies of the current government, the governed do not consent.
i did not consent to the patriot act, yet i am a law-abiding citizen so i accepted it, nor did i consent to the iraq invasion, i felt our troops would be of better use guarding our shores, ports, and borders, instead of sending them on a thinly veiled snipe hunt for wmd's that was actually a revenge because "he threatened my daddy" and because hit-em-in-the-face-with-buckshot cheney had it planned for decades.
An unchecked executive, a compliant legislature, and an overreaching judiciary have combined to thwart the will of the people and overturn their votes and their values, striking down long‐standing laws and institutions and scorning the deepest beliefs of the American people.
very true, just look at what the last POTUS”s have done to our society. now that SCOTUS says "corporations are people too", and some of the tea party's groups list self as a social welfare organization (per their tax status) we (when i say we, i mean those that make less than 500,000 a year), dear friends, are fucked.
An arrogant and out‐of‐touch government of self‐appointed elites makes decisions, issues mandates, and enacts laws without accepting or requesting the input of the many.
does cheney come to mind to anyone else after that sentence?
Rising joblessness, crushing debt, and a polarizing political environment are fraying the bonds among our people and blurring our sense of national purpose.
yup, carrying multiple invasions when there are better solutions will ALWAYS make debt rise, especially when the likes of halliburton and blackwater run unchecked on expenditures, by golly they got to write their own checks with cheney and bush in their corner
Like free peoples of the past, our citizens refuse to accommodate a government that believes it can replace the will of the people with its own. The American people are speaking out, demanding that we realign our country’s compass with its founding principles and apply those principles to solve our common problems for the common good.
whooooaaa there nelly, where were you when gwb was telling many that we were not patriots if we didn't agree with his bullshit?
The need for urgent action to repair our economy and reclaim our government for the people cannot be overstated.
took ya this long eh? again, where were you when congress was kissing up to wall street like a someone without a date the day of the homecoming dance?
With this document, we pledge to dedicate ourselves to the task of reconnecting our highest aspirations to the permanent truths of our founding by keeping faith with the values our nation was founded on, the principles we stand for, and the priorities of our people. This is our Pledge to America.
you really think you can? keep the values our nation was founded on? wow, i'm not returning to slave labor and women without the right to vote no matter how much you say the past was better.
We pledge to honor the Constitution as constructed by its framers and honor the original intent of those precepts that have been consistently ignored – particularly the Tenth Amendment, which grants that all powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
i do hope you will, because ALL people regardless of race, religion, nationality, and sexual preference are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... i wanna add to that the ability to marry and divorce any consenting adult they choose... AND to serve in our Armed Forces -- even if they refuse to make advances towards the opposite sex.... com'on... foot tappin' in bathroom stalls should not be for just those elected to political office.
We pledge to advance policies that promote greater liberty, wider opportunity, a robust defense, and national economic prosperity.
sounds good... but i don't think you have in mind what i have in mind when you mention greater liberty.
We pledge to honor families, traditional marriage, life, and the private and faith‐based organizations that form the core of our American values.
traditional marriage, eh? ya mean the gal's gotta get preggers (to show she's fertile) before the ceremony will occur? or maybe ya meant that the brother's gotta marry and take on his brother's widow... that sounds like 'big love' to me. maybe you mean the dad will get good livestock? or maybe an oil rig for his daughters hand in marriage?...i KNOW you want older men to marry hard working teenage girls so they can produce more kids to work the farms instead of illegal immigrants. cha-ching!
do you REAAHHHLLY mean to honor ALL private and faith-based organizations? … or just the ones that the gop deems american enough? as for american values... once again, let me be clear, read my lips, and i did not have sexual relations with that woman.... how far back do you intend to go with these “values” of which you speak? because for the most part, my ancestors got the shaft from american values.... we weren't white enough, nor rich enough, nor educated enough to run with the likes of the majority of the gop.
2010-09-15
twitter why have i forsaken you
been away from twitter for so long now… i have forgotten how to keep responses under one hundred and forty characters. soon as the house is finished, sometime in february, i will return. so don't despair. i'll be back.
~m
~m
2010-09-14
finally starting the construction.
wide angle view of the site and the cement trucks getting ready to pour footings
2010-08-04
got this in an email this morning ... at least they're literate
- i will admit, i haven't read the books, not the genre i prefer...... don't intend to either, and if i were a betting gal, i'd bet my bottom dollar that none of the senders have read the books... but after i read the whole email i thought "well, at least the senders are literate... or someone they know is, hopefully"
- Everyone of voting age should read these two books: Don't buy them, just get them from the library.
- From Dreams of My Father: "I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites."
- From Dreams of My Father : "I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race."
- From Dreams of My Father: < /SPAN>"There was something about her that made me wary, a little too sure of herself, maybe and white."
- From Dreams of My Father: "It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names."
- From Dreams of My Father: "I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself: the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela."
- And FINALLY .........
- and most scary:
- From Audacity of Hope:
- "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
- If you have never forwarded an e-mail,
- now is the time to do so!!!
- We CANNOT have someone with this mentality running our GREAT nation!!
- I don't care whether you are a Democrat , a Republican, a Conservative or a liberal,
- We CANNOT turn ourselves over to this type of character in a President.
- PLEASE help spread the word!
"The men the American people admire most extravagantly are the greatest liars;
the men they detest most violently are those who try to tell them the truth."
H.L. Mencken
the men they detest most violently are those who try to tell them the truth."
H.L. Mencken
i do like the last quote they attached to the bottom, think it's quite appropriate.
2010-07-29
Brooks family 2010 vaycay PCB, FL
the above link is to a few of the photos taken while in and around the beach ... 5 grandsons kept the 5 adults VERY busy.
2010-07-26
going south… with a bit of east thrown in
all creatures were heading south east, including a sea lion we saw lolling offshore. totally odd for florida… think it may have escaped from an aquarium ...
not once did i see pelicans flying north…
which left me wondering--- what impending natural disaster is about to occur?
~m
breakfast buffet ala nature
breakfast on the last day of vacay was a frenzied affair. i chose coffee and observation
~m
sunsets
left PCB, FL today ... here's a few of the glorious sunsets viewed from our balcony (done with my phone camera)
did a HDR on this and got closer to natural color on the next.
the last one is now my screen saver on my iphone
did a HDR on this and got closer to natural color on the next.
the last one is now my screen saver on my iphone
2010-07-24
PCB,FL
getting all together for the group photo... i warned the photog, nick, that it wouldn't be easy ... he took 631 photos ... and we have 10 where everyone had their eyes open ... not all were looking in the same direction... but the eyes were open.
2010-07-20
what was i thinking!?!?!?!?!?!
today, our family embarks on vacation... the papa and the mema, son, daughter-in-law (expecting a boy in november), daughter, and 5 grandsons --- ages 11, 9, 7. 2.5, and a 13 month old...
Panama City Beach may never recover.
Panama City Beach may never recover.
2010-07-18
this was in my email this morn... one of those mass things.
so, instead of the monkey taking care of himself, i responded this way::
yes, i can get more accurate...
and i will, also.
yes, i can get more accurate...
politicians = whore
|
Subject: ACCURATE IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDERYou can’t get any more accurate than this!
Which side of the fence?
If you ever wondered which side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!
If a Republican doesn't like guns, he doesn’t buy one.
If a Democrat doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
considering most gun laws originated in the 60's to keep cheap handguns 'saturday night special' out of the hands of middle and lower income..i feel there should only be registration laws, for criminals will get a gun regardless of the laws.. and now our genius Mississippi state legislators have decided that making sudafed a prescription will cut down on meth manufacturing... really? all i see is more robberies of stores, warehouses and shipments (and probably more murders) because a criminal is going to do what is necessary to continue making a profit
people will not take care of common sinus problems, it will turn into a secondary infection, and then we will have MORE burden on our already straining health costs.
people will not take care of common sinus problems, it will turn into a secondary infection, and then we will have MORE burden on our already straining health costs.
If a Republican is a vegetarian, he doesn’t eat meat.
If a Democrat is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
most meat is loaded with hormones and antibiotics, so large corporations can produce more at a cheaper cost, which then is fed to the poor and middle class causing numerous health issues.... which places MORE burden on our already rising health costs.
If a Republican is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a Democrat is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.
don't worry, the RNC will fund your trip to a lesbian t&a bar.
A Democrat wonders who is going to take care of him.
tho, now... don't expect your unemployment compensation to be extended if you can't find a job in the allotted time frame ... sharron angle says you're just spoiled.
If a Republican doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Democrats demand that those they don't like be shut down.
unless that republican is owner of the show... then he chooses what to feed the public... case in point... NPR recently canceled a radio show in my state due to 'inappropriate content'
If a Republican is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A Democrat non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.
the believer gets upset if the ten commandments is not visible on public grounds for all non-believers to read, and believes all children should be allowed to pray at school... which is all well and good.... but what if the students choose to pray to satan?
If a Republican decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A Democrat demands that the rest of us pay for his.
at one time, this would have been okay, but private industry has found (walmart for example) that if you employ someone 'part-time' there is no need to provide adequate insurance, and the working-poor taxpayers have grown to an unmanageable load for our health care providers... loyalty between company and employee is gone... employee's are a disposable commodity... 30 years to a company means you will now receive 1/2 of the pension you were once promised and your deductible for the 'insurance' is $5000 per person on a $33,000 pension.
seems the only decent insurance to be had is working for the government... USPS, etc... but that will soon come to an end... then EVERYONE will be hoping someone helps with the rising costs of eating hormone and antibiotic laden foods that large corporations are dosing the public with
seems the only decent insurance to be had is working for the government... USPS, etc... but that will soon come to an end... then EVERYONE will be hoping someone helps with the rising costs of eating hormone and antibiotic laden foods that large corporations are dosing the public with
A Democrat will delete it because he's "offended".
and i will, also.
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