Happy Halloween

By Ronnie

The word, "Halloween", actually has it's origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from the term of, All Hallows Eve, which is November 1st, ("All Saints Day"), a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints.

It is believed that on that day, the spirits of those who had died throughout the year would come back in search of living bodies to possess, being their only hope for the afterlife. So on the night of October 31st, villagers would dress-up in all manner of ghoulish costumes and loudly parade throughout the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible, in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess. They went from door to door collecting food for the dead very successfully, as everyone knew if they refused to give, it was a sacrilege. If treats were not given, terrible tricks were done.


I have so many fond Halloween memories of all the fun, costumes, activities, and of course, the goodies. Those were the days when we got popcorn balls from the lady on the corner, caramel apples from the lady two doors down, and then there was the lady that always gave out a nickel. My brother and I always tried to make two trips to her door, but she kept remembering us. When we got home after all the trick or treating, my mother always had a big pitcher of hot apple cider waiting for us to drink while we dumped our goodies on the table and made piles of the things we liked best. Then the trading would begin. Every year, my daddy would tell us how awful chocolate was for us and he'd volunteer to eat it so we wouldn't get sick. He was so funny with that serious look on his face.

And this, My Dear Owl Friends, is one of my favorite, but shortened, trips down Memory Lane, and I would love to hear some of your stories.

BOO,
Ronnie

Mischief Night!

Tomorrow is Halloween, which means tonight is mischief night! I remember as a teen going out on mischief night loaded with eggs, chalk, silly string and drink of choice. Yes I was one of those teens that would throw eggs at a parked car, draw a pumpkin in your driveway, spray silly string on your front gate and drink so much, that I would throw up on your steps. And of course left everything as is, as clean up was not part of mischief night.

I will admit, it was fun, and at the time I did not regret it one bit. As I think back, all I can see are all those random houses that we left our mark on, and those house owners that had to clean up our mess, Especially the throw up..

And I still don't regret it... Geez what a rebel I am.. :O)

So today we owls will be mischievous in our nest. Throw eggs, Spray Silly String, Have someone sit on a whoopie cushion, etc. Whatever your imagination can conjure up, go for it, as we only live once, and since its mischief night, we can't get in trouble....

And if you have any Mischief memories. Please share...

Tomorrow we are having a Halloween Party in the nest, please arrive at the nest with your avatar in costume. You will also be required to wear a costume, whatever you choose to be (you can be what your avatar is or something else), please describe for us what your wearing as a costume in your comment, and whatever you might be, all your comments tomorrow should be in character.

I will judge the costumes and all the comments, and whoever is the most creative and stays in character all day, will win a toaster,
courtesy of photobucket :O)

If one is not up to joining the nest in costume, that is fine, just come along for the Halloween ride.

All can join in.. Fun on the nest!

Gift Giving

by Lynn D

Ho Ho Ho

Well it is that time of year again. You know? Shopping and gift giving seek and search time. I know it is not even Halloween yet but I am already thinking it is time to start this process.

I was talking to my friend today and she was telling me about drawing names in their family and that this year money is especially tight for all of them. We were trying to figure out ways for her family and mine to come up with ideas for very little or no money. Well we have kind of hit a wall. So I thought why not do a blog and see if we can pool our brain resources and see if the nest has any ideas or even fun traditions that we might share and maybe adopt.

I will share one that another friend and her family started about 2 years ago. They came up with a plan of drawing names, only the gift everyone has to shop for is pajamas! Yes PJ’s. They have turned this into an art form. They draw the name and then the hunt is on. They try to find pajamas that reflect the persons personality. Sometimes they are very sweet and sometimes they are poking fun! I know my friend was addicted to crossword puzzles, so the person who drew her name last year got her some crossword puzzle flannel PJ’s.

They open their gifts on xmas eve and then the rule is everyone has to wear them to xmas dinner!

That is one example what kind of ideas or traditions can you share?

Can’t wait to hear from all of the creative owls in this nest!

Time Warp?

by Jodi

Because it is Halloween week, I thought I would share one of my all time favorite clips from The Rocky Horror Picture Show!!!



There was a time (about 25 years ago) that every Saturday night my friends and I would end up at the Majestic Theater in Madison. We went every Saturday night for about 6 months straight!!! What a freakin' hoot!!

I hope this brought back some fun memories for those of you that have seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show. And if you're a Rocky Horror virgin, well get up and do the Time Warp!!!

Apple Orchard

by Renee Eve

What is your favorite fall outing?? I love going to the apple orchard, and getting a Queens Apple, which is an apple that is cored, with hot caramel, nuts, whip cream and a cherry. We do the train ride to pick out pumpkins, We watch my kids throw Hay in the big barn. I go thru Story Book Village with my little one now, the older ones go to the spook house with my husband. We eat Cider and Doughnuts and of course take home some Cider and doughnuts???

Favorite Fall Recipes??? I would love a good crock pot chili recipe for Halloween night, I'm SO SICK OF PIZZA, and I would love to make homemade bread to go with the Chili.

As you can tell I love the fall, and all that accompanies it, even raking the leaves :O)

If I Had Only Known

Chosen by Tinka

My sister loved Reba McEntire and so do I. My dad always had the radio turned to a country music station playing songs from morning until night so I guess I came by my love of country music honestly. Reba McEntire wrote the song for this video when she lost her whole crew on a flight between shows. Reba should have been on the plane but stayed behind because her baby was sick. It just wasn't her time.

I so identify with the words to this song. It is one month today since my mother's funeral. It seems like yesterday. My sister's and mother's deaths were not unexpected and I did get a chance to say "I love you" but I don't think any-one is really ready for 'the last day'. I am still thinking of things I would like to have said. Am I the only one who would like a second chance at saying something special to someone he or she has lost? Am I the only one who ponders. "If I had only known"

To Clean or Not to Clean?

by Iteach

mop
dust
dishes
windows
disinfect
vacuum
laundry
iron
neaten
put away
throw away
fold

What do you think of those words above? Personally, they are not my favorite words. The cleaning is such an endless cycle. Should I save it and do it all one day? Or should I spread it out through the week? These endless cleaning questions clutter my mind.

Do you have a favorite chore? The only one that brings me joy is vacuuming. I have no idea why, but I have always enjoyed it. What do you enjoy about cleaning?

I am eager to hear all your cleaning fetishes.

Our Secret Strength

Bon'O took this picture, and I loved it so, hence my blog

~~~~~

Written with admiration for MEK

Did you ever think you would not be able to handle something that was sent your way. For whatever reason, it just seemed so overwhelming when it was presented to you, that you just said "I can't do this" and even if those words passed thru, you knew in your heart you would have to handle the task at hand no matter what.

It has happen to me many times, and it has happen to you. We are so much stronger than we think, our beings are so resilient, that I really think our minds trick us into believing we cannot do it, when all along we can.

When we are going thru our deed, we find the strength within us, a strength we had no idea we had, a strength that was there all along, it was just hidden, as we as beings like to hide things, keep them a secret, until we need to share. And when the time comes to share, the secret emerges. Strength in numbers.

Its like when a tree changes with each season. A tree starts to grow in the spring, and in the summer it is at full bloom, when fall begins, it must weaken and the leaves start to fall. During the winter the strength of the tree has diminished. However when spring rolls around it finds the strength to rebuild, to grow, to be what it is naturally to be. A tree with life, and many leaves to share with all.

It is resilient, as we are. Resilient when we need to be. The tree finds the strength, no matter the elements or the odds. And so do we~~

Tediousness to the Extreme!

by Bebbi

I Love McDonald’s Monopoly!!!! I have played it for at least 20 years. Every year, lots of emails go flying around between myself and my kids! Phone calls, text message, emails and buzz …we all are excited!! My son goes every day and eats the food with all the game pieces. I stop by and grab diet cokes, my daughter does her own too. It is so much FUN!!! I delight in getting all the pieces except the good ones (and dream about getting the good ones).

Even my dad gets into it. Every year he calls me up and says, “Well, I have Indiana and Kentucky, I just need Illinois and I will win.” For many years, I got so excited and then realized he was B.S.ing me. It may not always be the red ones, but he does it every year. I get my love of this stuff from him.

The hardest years for me were the “scandal” years! Oh, what anger and disappointment I went through to find out that the game was RIGGED!! McDonald’s understood the hurt and anger and did another game just for the loyal, such as us.

If you notice on the attached picture which is a little bright (sorry!), I circle the ones I need. Now, I am sure this probably doesn’t change year to year, but somehow, each year I am excited to get all but the “ONE”. Also, I have a little ceramic container that I keep just for my “extra” McDonald’s pieces.


This year, because I am dieting, I go a few times less, but I still have gone. I delight in opening the little game pieces. I used to delight in sticking them on the game board, but this year they created handy little pockets. Also, as I enjoy my meal, I LOVE to text in my numbers to my electronic game board.


So anytime you see the little McDonald’s game pieces, just think of the absolute joy and complete fulfillment some of us more tedious personalities get from this tiny little life’s pleasure. Also, if you ever want to know which ones are the ones to win, just ask Bebbi!

What do you take silly delights in doing?

"Disney Memories"

by Zona

I love Disney movies. They have always been able to take me away from the troubles and stresses of the day and set me down gently in a world of make believe. There's a special place in my heart for Disney animated movies...and certain scenes have stayed with me for years. Thumper's foot pounding on the ice in "Bambi"...the pumpkin turning into a beautiful coach in "Cinderella"...Baloo scratching his back on the tree in "Jungle Book". And then there are the songs! "Bare Necessities"..."Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo"..and of course, "When You Wish Upon A Star". I have so many wonderful memories and good feelings associated with these films. They have brought me joy that will last a lifetime. What is your favorite Disney movie or song? Does it touch your heart the same way now, as it did when you were a child?

Goodbye Mr. Blackwell

Joan Collins, Mr Blackwell's Pick for worst dressed in, 1983

by Goldie

The man famous for his “Worst dressed list” has passed away. I often laughed at his comments and thoughts on various celebs and their attire. I will miss the chuckles and my feeling of being ‘catty’ when I agreed with his assessments. RIP Mr. Blackwell.

This makes me think about where I would be on the list. Certainly I am not the worst dressed, but I won’t make any fashion magazine anytime soon. You see, something happened to me. Middle age. While a part of me still strives to look presentable and even a bit fashionable when in public, the other side of me just doesn’t care.

I don’t do high heels and I go for comfort above all else. So my shoes are mostly Born’s or Clarks. I keep a pair of slippers under my desk and wear them around the office if no clients are in. I keep a sweater nearby in case I get cold. I don’t do feathers, sequins or 20 pounds of jewelry. My jeans are not falling off my hips and my belly is not bare.

I wear sweats and fuzzy slippers at home, with no bra. So if you come to my door- well you are in for a treat! I wear jeans that have stretch to them and shirts that are not clingy and tight. I don’t feel the need to show cleavage when it is 20 below zero- I bundle up from top to bottom and my boots don’t have 3 inch heels on them! My underwear stays in place because I have enough fabric to cover all my butt, no string up the middle.

I am the vanilla in a chocolate world of fashion. So I guess I do know where I fall on the list. I wouldn’t make the list- no one would notice me! In my humble opinion, that is a good thing.

However, there has been a time or two when I look back and think- OMG what was I thinking! Like the time I wore a pair of red and black velvet pants with a black see-thru blouse over a black bra. That was definitely one of those “happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” outfits!

Anything you wore thinking you were ‘all it’ and now wish it was all a bad dream?

The Middle, Gets Me~

believe it or not i'm actually discovering America
I took this picture and his caption from his myspace page

Ah, turning 26, I looked at him yesterday, and just could not believe it. My middle one, the one that is my godchild, he turned 26.

I remember when he was born, it was struggle for my SIL as the cord was not positioned right, but all went well. When my first was born he was a absolute beauty, perfect in every way, I was so excited as I was nineteen and could not wait to be a aunt. Then three years later, the middle one, not so cute, I remember saying to my SIL at the hospital, "Is he going to stay this way" of course she said "no" and appeased my question, as I was so nervous, my first ever godchild, I felt it such a honor, my nerves got the best of me. We laugh at it today, its a running joke, and of course I look at him now, and see all the beauty in the world, such a handsome young man, he is, and filled with the brightest of yellow.

He is the jokester of the family, he just has a way with words, his wit is so quick, at times I am stunned. When there is trouble among us, its he who I call, he who can take a situation and reason it out, so very calm he can be, so logical. When my anger arises towards my brother, it is he who tells me to "let it go" as its not worth harboring anger. He who should be angry as well, however is not. His sensibility is beyond his years.

New Years Eve, dad has no idea that a boogyeyed jokester has bobbling eyes

He the middle, the first and the third, are tied together with a bond. They look out for each other, they are a team, it is quite amazing to watch them together. This bond will take them far, and I truly believe it is a bond not to be broken.

When my parents were married 50yrs we had a grand party, and so many of my family stepped in to help, as I am alone, my brother lives for himself, so I had to do it, a party for 100 family and friends, not a easy task. It was he my middle one, that carried me thru, caught me when I stumbled, brought me higher than I ever thought I could be.

I had written a program for the event, and acknowledged all that helped, and to my middle one, I said "To Vincent: My night and shining armor, I thank You" I meant every world and still do.

He is the one I turn to, He is the one that gets me, He is the one that accepts me for all my faults, He is in the middle of my heart, the eldest to the right and youngest to left. And so my heart is filled, Love, and with every beat, the Love grows.

When Aunt Jo passed my father was by her coffin, one of the last to see her, as he stood there alone, I turned to my middle one and simply said "Vin" our eyes met and I pointed to my father, he walked over to my father put his hand on my fathers back, stood there a minute with him and then gently directed my father out of the room, still with his hand on his back, and walked him out to the awaiting limo. He never faltered. If in life you get lucky enough to look into someone eyes, and just know what one is thinking. You have made it, You have felt it, We have felt it. So very strong.

Proud I am of all three. Life with them is like following the yellow brick road, you just never know what your going to find along the journey. And I am so up to following the yellow brick road for as far as they can go.

They complete me~~ Life ~~

I will be your "Safety"

Don't Leave Home by Dido

Chosen by Bebbi

Here is a video of Dido that I love called "Don't Leave Home". This reminds me of my kids and how I love them so much and would always want to be their "safety". Also, that a part of me never wants them to leave home. Part of my struggles with my impending empty nest.

Also, this is a nice one because it is about the Owl's nest a little bit and how we are each other's safety sometimes. It is so nice to have a place to go and be able to express my feelings to everyone, its so awesome. :)

Move on, Already!

Ok, so I am very ready to move on, it seems everything is in a turmoil, people are at odds, and tensions are running high. What I believe some don't, what others believe I don't. Its a 50/50 split, and there is no in between.

I don't remember ever feeling so at odds with others during a election year. Everyone I come in contact with, including clients, feel the need to bring up this election, and converse with me, on our world events. I am done talking about it. Life is so fragile, with any given moment something could go amiss. There is so much more to life than politics. The American people have gotten all caught up in this election. Its like a never ending web.
I don't like spiders, they scare me, and so does this election.

I will participate in this election and cast my vote, I will be a American and do what was given to me, the freedom to vote.

Will life really change? Will all these promises come true? Is the change they speak of really going to happen? What change exactly does everyone want? Does one really think one person can make all the changes set forth?

I think not, its all politics, which to me is bullshit.

We will be what we are, Poor, Middle Class, Rich. As that is just the way it is. Whoever is elected, we will be the same.

I believe as John Stossel believes on 20/20, not one man can change it all, spontaneous order will prevail, before any one man can do what is promised.


"Keep it together, within yourself"

Stevie Wonder's "Superstition"

Chosen by Just_Lin

I was actually looking for a different music video when I came across this one and I thought, "What a good subject for a blog!" I know as a child, I would never step on a crack because I might break my mother's back, but I don't think I have any real superstitions now that I am older.

I am kind of superstitious about one thing, though. Every once in while you hear of someone pulling some kind of scam where they will claim to be dying of some terrible disease when they really aren't. I just think that would be such bad mojo to even be putting that vibe out into the universe. It seems you'd really be tempting the fates and could end up with that disease or maybe one that's even worse.

So, dear Hooters, do any of you have any superstitions? Carol, SacBarb, or anyone else of Italian heritage, do you have an older female relative who will put the "evil eye" on someone? Anyone else have an older relative that may have had some interesting superstitions. It seems there were quite a few of them in "the old country", whichever old country that happened to be.

I'm hoping everyone will find this video to be as fun to watch as I did. The dancing! The clothes! The ladies who are wearing Olive Oyl hairstyles! I love it!

Ha, Gym Clutz

The Gym, nope, not for me, I am very much not the gym type of Jersey Girl, however If I was to go the gym (which by the way will never happen), the following would be me. So I am sharing with you, me, cpgem8 @ the gym.

To funny!

All that is missing is my glasses, and my gym clothes, Duh, I don't have any gym clothes :O)

The Cross Room

My religion is Catholicism, I attended Catholic school, and ever since, my beliefs in my teachings have become stronger. There are some issues of the Catholic Religion that I disagree with, however that does take away from my belief in God and his sacrifice for his people.

While attending Novena (A recitation of prayers and devotions for a special purpose during nine consecutive days) for St Gerard, Father Tom offered the following passage to the congregation. I never heard of this passage before, and upon hearing it, it just made so much sense.

I also believe no matter what Religion you practice or if any at all, the following will still have a meaning.

The young man was at the end of his rope.
Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.
"Lord, I can't go on". he said... "
I have too heavy a cross to bear".
The Lord replied, "My son, if
you can't bear its weight,
just place your cross inside this room.
Then, open that other door, and
pick out any cross you wish".
The man was filled with relief.
"Thank you, Lord", he sighed,
and he did as he was told.
Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses,
some so large the tops were not visible.
Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.
"I'd like that one, Lord", he whispered.
And the Lord replied:
"My son, that is the cross you just brought in".

It is quite amazing, when we think we have so much to bare, and then we are hit with the realization, that others might bare so much more.

♥♥Tango and Tia♥♥

by Tina~in_ut

My name is Tia and I live with my older sister, Tango, and a nice lady named Tinka. My sis and I are Bichon Frise doggies and we are really cute. We live in Canada…..Victoria to be specific! We have a wonderful life filled with love and laughter.

Every morning we wake up early and our mommy lets us go outside. We have business to attend to every day. Lately, we have been letting Tinka sleep in because she hasn’t been feeling well. (She’s old, you know!) When we come back in, we get to eat our breakfast. We love our yummy nummies, but that stuff that Tinka eats, ewwwwwwwwwww……shredded wheat and orange juice. I guess those humans like that stuff.

After breakfast, we get to watch Regis and Kelly. Mommy also sits in front of a computer typing things and laughing. We just watch her and shake our heads. It gets really boring when she is on the phone, especially when she talks for hours to Zona and VIG. We try to be quiet and play, but sometimes it’s just too much and we start whining for her to get off the phone and take us for a walk.

I like going for walks. It’s a bummer during the summer when the weather is too warm, though. We don’t get to walk as long because our fur makes us so hot. When the weather is perfect, we get to go for long walks or to see grandma or to see the gardens. Tango is lucky, though. She gets to ride in a stroller. I get jealous and it must show because I get to ride in it sometimes, too.

Bedtime is fun. We get to watch a movie every night before falling asleep. We are allowed to sleep with our mommy. I’ve heard that other doggies don’t get to sleep on the bed. They have to sleep on the floor. How sad for them. We are all bundled warm and cozy with Tinka.

All in all, we have a fabulous life. Our mom takes great care of us. Do you have an amazing human that takes care of you?

"OH, DEJECTA!"

by Just_Lin

I learned a new word the other day, "dejecta". I had to look it up but perhaps you won't need to.

We usually know dejecta when we see it, although sometimes we may not see it and end up walking right into it. Hopefully, we know it when we hear it and are wary of those people who are full of it. We don't want to take any of it, but, too often, we put up with it. It's probably getting stirred up a lot more than usual these days and it means real trouble when it hits the fan.

Some people think their dejecta doesn't stink but we all know better than that. Some people don't know it from Shinola. Others don't have theirs together. Sometimes we have to work through it in order to get to the bottom of it. At times, we may feel we are just shoving it against the tide or are treading knee deep in it. Hopefully, none of us are up dejecta creek without a paddle.

So, have you had to deal with any dejecta lately? Have you found yourself uttering the words "What a bunch of dejecta!" or "Don't give me that dejecta!" or "Whose dejecta is this?" Perhaps you know someone who has dejecta for brains. Please tell. I find everyone else's dejecta to be so much more interesting than my own. No dejecta!

Love as we feel it~

Whitney Houston, I Will Always Love You

Chosen by Zona

"This song speaks of a love that never ends...no matter how much time passes. I believe we have all experienced undying love...in one form or another. I get chills when I hear Whitney Houston sing this...it's a great song by a great singer."

Movie vs. The Book

by MEK

As some of you know by now, I NEVER read books just to read a book. About four weeks ago, I knew the movie “Nights in Rodanthe” was coming to a theater near me!! I was SO excited, cuz I just LOVE Richard Gere!!! He and Diane Lane had been in several movies together before, and I just knew this was going to be another wonderful, romantic movie that I would want to watch over and over again….

I was at my mother’s house and noticed that she had the book – I pulled it off the shelf and noticed the other books around it - Message in a Bottle, The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and several others – I got excited, cuz I had seen all those movies and had NO idea they were all written by the same person – let alone, the gorgeous man on the back cover……. So, I decided to read the book.

As I started reading, I envisioned Richard Gere and melted away in this romantic setting and fell in love with both of the characters. It was after midnight, I knew I had to be up before 6a.m., but I was NOT going to put that book down until I was finished – I only had thirty pages to go…….. When I finished the book – I was literally bawling my eyes out – it was SO sad. The first thing I said to my mother was, I sure hope reading the book doesn’t ruin the movie for me. My heart ached for days after finishing the book.

Fast forward to Thursday afternoon – I took my mother to see “Nights in Rodanthe”. Not five minutes into the movie – it was ruined. They messed up my love story – my fantasy – don’t get me wrong – the movie was good. I will probably watch it again when it comes out on cable. Yes, Richard Gere still looks AMAZING in blue jeans. But it was such a disappointment for me. If you haven’t watched it yet, I won’t ruin it for you.
I had thought about reading the other books on my mother’s shelves, but will I be disappointed in ALL of the love stories that I have grown to know?

So, my question to you all, have you ever read a book and then been disappointed in the outcome of the movie – or vice versa, the movie was WAY better than the book?

Emmy Lou Harris, In Rodanthe

He’s not one of us

by Lynn D

What does that mean? I wish someone would explain this statement to me in a context I can understand. I hear these words and cringe and my stomach drops, because I hear a message that the subtext is very dangerous and inflammatory. Oh some of you may think you are just being over sensitive, am I?

Does it mean he is not an American? Does it mean he is not a Republican? Does it mean he is not a Christian? Does it mean he is not patriotic? Does it mean he is not a human being? What is the point that is being made with this statement?

I keep running this through my brain and truly the only answer I can come up with is that it is being used to dehumanize someone. He is not one of us.

Then I sit and think am I one of us? What are the rules? Are there different rules for different people? What is it based on? Your gender? Skin color, name, and education? Political leanings, hair color, eye color? Who your parents are? Who your friends are? What are the damn rules?

When I hear people at political rallies yell out terrorist, kill him, treason how am I not to come to the conclusion that there is a fear message being spread and it is dangerous not just to the person who is being dehumanized but also to the rest of us? Who is next? Is it really this easy? Should I be afraid that I may be next or my children or grandchildren? Should I try to be like them and keep silent or spread the message or is this just trying to duck and cover?

Well I have decided I will not keep silent or spread this message because this to me is the very way we end up with people discriminated against and in a worst case scenario people dead.

So I am speaking up! I am an American, I am patriotic, I am a woman, I am an independent voter, I am a grandmother of grandchildren of mixed race, and I am an everyday person who thinks education and health care are important. I am a person who wants a leader who will bring all of the people together not drive a wedge because fear is the only way they know how to govern. We are a nation of people from all nationalities and religions so why are we letting ourselves be defined by these narrow minded questions?

Is it time for all of us to stand up and say this is beneath us and we want better? For me it is, and I am yelling it loudly! I WANT BETTER!!!

I am speaking out and releasing the fear. I will not let it control who or what I am and I will fight to my last breath for my children and their children. You are Americans and you deserve better

Something about Nothing!

Blank Screen, Nothing

There are times when you just don't have nothing to say. Even tho there is a lot on the mind, you really are wordless. So this blog will be about Nothing!

Nothing really happened today, as it was a Nothing day. Yesterday was Wednesday and guess what, Nothing happen then either.

The nest has been quiet some days, which just means
Nothing is going on.

The debate on Tuesday, I felt Nothing.

Rosie's blog, no new blog in a couple of days
Nothing.

Niente, Nada, Rien, Nichts
different languages, same meaning
Nothing!

When it comes to Nothing it really is like "Jerry Seinfeld" for his show was about Nothing, yet each week we watched and laughed, and what exactly did we laugh at, Nothing!

There is no theme to Nothing, no colors, no deliberations, no speculations
as Nothing means Nothing, kinda like a zero, which means Nothing too.

Now you all might say, "What is up with this blog, have I gone off the deep end". Well not really cause Nothing is a word, and a blog about Nothing can really be meaningful. It can be just how one feels. It really is what you take from it, if something is up, then something is happening, yet Nothing is really up, so Nothing is happening. Its kinda like "status quo"

A Nothing blog is a good thing, it is just well, Nothing, which is really ok.
As in life, at times, Nothing does happen, as it is happening right now. Nothing!

And Ronnie and Mo, you both threw it out there, and I quote "Nothing", and see, I can surely blog about Nothing!

:O)

DWTS, Jump the Shark?

by Maureen

Jump the shark.......It's a defining moment when you know that your television program has reached its peak. That instant when you know from now on, it's all downhill. In previous seasons, DWTS jumped the dolphin (I made that up!) with Wayne Newton and Jerry Springer lingering on so long. But at least they truly tried and they didn't make a total farce of the concept...learning to ballroom dance.

This season, they have jumped the shark...and it was a big-ass shark to boot!

I have watched a few of the episodes this season and with each week, Cloris Leachman gets more distasteful. She has even less dancing ability then I do...and I think she knows it. I truly believe she only signed up for the show because she wants airtime...nothing more, nothing less. She is physically unable to dance the dances, so she makes a farce out of the entire premise. She is the Sanjaya of DWTS.

If I were Kim Kardashian or Ted McGinley, I would be livid. Jeffrey Ross deserved to go when he did, but Ted and Kim DANCED. Maybe not as well as Toni Braxton, Lance Bass, Warren Sapp or the Hannah Montanna kid, but certainly better the Cloris. They didn't lop around the floor...they exhibited some talent and some rhythm. The longer she stays on, the less the show becomes about healthy competition.

I know there are far more important issues in the world today. I really am not that shallow but even in the worst of circumstances, we need an escape. We need to stop thinking for a little bit and just enjoy. And DWTS was just one of those frivolous escapes...until this season.

What do you think? Am I being too harsh? Am I just being a fuddy-duddy? It is afterall, just a frivolous escape for a few hours.

Just a "Fluff"

Boston Legal, I have been watching it for years, and each year I enjoy it more.

Denny Crane, Ha, yep just the name, cracks me up, he is absolutely, with no mistake a "serious nut", and truth be told I love every minute of it.

His facial expressions tell the whole story, but mostly when he is interacting with Alan, they feed off each other, like hungry bears eating their one and only meal. Bottom line, they get each other!

Here is a perfect You Tube clip of Denny and Carl, no more words needed!

Monday's

Monday's, always so rough, and they roll around so very quickly, just when Friday is here, I think, ok, two days, this is good....And then Monday is here!

You gotta shake the cob webs from your brain, brush the dust off, kick your butt in gear, and face Monday head on.

There is just so much to face, so many rumblings in the brain, and you just don't know where to begin. I actually don't think it matters where you begin, as long as you begin, I guess that is what matters most.

I want to walk more, I need to find those steps that Bebbi found, I need to be pointed in the right direction. I need to clear the brain, as Monday is here!

Not much more, this is it, Monday always does this, it freezes the brain.

Four more days to Friday, I am counting down, 4, 3, 2, 1... and then we start all over again...

~A song from me to them~

For Baby by John Denver

Chosen by Sandie

From the time each of my babies was born, I would rock them, cuddle them, lie next to them at night and sing this song. It's not one of John Denver's most popular songs and I'm not even sure he sang it first but from the time I heard it (when I was a single girl) it was special to me.

From Patrick, who would twirl my hair and suck his thumb to Tyler who would hug me so tight to Aubree who would stare intently into my eyes, I sang.

All three of my children will practically get teary when they hear this song as it now means a lot to them, too. They all say, "I remember when you used to sing that to me!"

So, one day when I'm long gone, I know my children will have a special song from me to them. Maybe they'll even sing it to their kids.

They do! Whabby and Huz~

Today is a special day for one of our most favorite bloggers, Whabby is getting married, and I could not be more overjoyed and excited for him.

I remember being on Rossland, and sharing my thoughts thru comments, and each day I would check to see what was new. As I checked daily, names of bloggers started to register in my memory, and I became familiar with those names, they were unknown people to me, however my interest was aroused, and its seems I was hooked.

Whabbear, I thought, what a funny name, what the heck could that mean? Now I should not even think of trying to figure out a pseudo, because with cpgem8, who the heck was I to decipher.

As I read the comments daily, I began to look for his comments, just to see what this Whabbear was up to. I noticed he was very witty, and extremely knowledgeable of our world events. He was very open on his life style and always interacted with other bloggers, Welcoming them, giving advice, offering a helping hand to those in need. He was never afraid of the unknown (as I was) he put himself out there in cyberspace, and continued to be a loyal blogger on Rossland. When Rossland was just a small community Ross would have "Blogger of the Month" and one month Whabby was nominated, and it was well deserved. I can still see his picture with drink in hand toasting his nomination, his smile so wide with happiness.

My memory is a little fuzzy, on how it exactly happen, but one day, Whabby, gave me a shout out, I stared at my computer screen not knowing how to answer. As not many acknowledged me, so it really was my first "blogger connect". I am not sure how I answered in my comment, but from that comment on, we became cyberfriends. We were now corresponding thru e-mail, this was so new to me, yet I was comfortable, as that is what Whabby does, he makes you feel comfortable even tho he knows you might not be, he extends his hand, and one just has to hold on. I guess that was when I was official to him, cpgem8 had a real name, and he took the time to find out.

When Ross, asked us bloggers to stop chatting thru comments, and to find another outlet for our "tediousness". I immediately went into action to find us a forum. I e-mailed Whabby, for I needed his thoughts on my idea. He told me to "go for it" that is was more important to keep us bloggers together and if it meant that we needed to branch off, so be it, and the nest began.

I remember so many times his posting's on how marriage was so important to him, and how it should be legal for all to be married, no matter the gender, or circumstance's, we are all equal, and our rights should all be the same. He once said, when the day comes that marriage is legalized for all and he would be able to marry Huz, one of his dreams would come true.

So today one of Whabby's dreams is coming true, and I could not let this day go by without acknowledging the marriage of two people so very much in love. Their lives will intertwine with each other, their dreams have now become a reality. The future is endless when one becomes two, as it is now possible for the marriage to be.


To the happy couple, I say Congratulations, may your marriage be blessed with Health, Wealth, Happiness, Good Friends, Family in Abundance, Sundays at the Lone Star, Weekends in Palm Springs, and of course lots of Good Bear Sex!!!

We all lift up our glasses and toast you and Huz, for this is surely a happy day!

Cheers!

Dingleberry?

by Iteach

Have you ever used a word and then come to find out you were using the word wrong?

Some where down the road, I heard the word dingleberry being used in a sentence. I just assumed it meant that someone was being goofy. So that is how I always used that word.

So-so stop being a dingleberry!

You are such a dingleberry!

No one said anything to me when I called them one, until my principal did.

One day we were in the office and he was being goofy.

So I said, "Mr. Ackman you are such a dingleberry".

He looked at me and said "Gross, no I'm not".

Then I said, "There is nothing gross about being a dingleberry, your just being goofy".

That is when he told me the real meaning of a dingleberry. I so freaked out. I had no idea it meant that piece of poop that hangs from your bottom.

My mouth hit the floor and my face turned red. I stood there and thought of all the times I called someone that name!

Yikes!

Have you ever used a word wrong?

I might be listening???

When I speak with someone, I choose to have eye contact, as I feel, when I do, the meaning of the conversation is much more than listening, we are communicating.

There is a slight problem with that at times......

The "face mole" yep, that dreaded mole on someones face that you cannot ignore, now when its just a small mole and flushed to the face I can surely ignore. However when it is one of those big ones that stick out, it is nearly impossible for me, and what makes it worst, is when there are several.

They can be so big at times, that they take a life of their own and as the person is speaking the mole moves with each facial expression, so it has now become alive, and I am now speaking to a mole on someones face.

All my thoughts are towards the mole, I might be speaking, or even trying to listen, but the mole is what is most important, as it is staring at me trying to get in the conversation, and hence, I allow it to wiggle its way in, I totally succumb to the dreaded face mole. And if there is more than one, we now have a angry crowd and I begin to coward away.

My eye contact with the person is no longer, the communication is gone. I hear this persons voice echoing in my brain, and I see lips moving, but for me the mole is:

Screaming....Yelling.....Shouting....Howling...

"HA, I got your attention"

and it surely did......

Friends Without Faces

We sit and we type, and we stare at our screens,
We all have to wonder, what this possibly means.

With our mouse we roam, through the rooms in a maze,
Looking for something or someone, as we sit in a daze.

We chat with each other, we type all our woes,
Small groups we do form, and together we go.

We wait for somebody, to type out our name,
We want recognition, as a face we can't see.

We give kisses and hugs, and sometimes flirt,
At times we chat deeply, and reveal why we hurt.

We do form friendships - but - why we don't know,
But some of these friendships, will flourish and grow.

Why is it on screen, we can be so bold,
Telling our secrets, that have never been told.

Why is it we share, the thoughts in our mind,
With those we can't see, as though we were blind.

The answer is simple, it is as clear as a bell,
We all have our problems, and need someone to tell.

We can't tell "real" people, but tell someone we must,
So we turn to the computer, and to those we can trust.

Even though it is crazy, the truth still remains,
They are Friends Without Faces, with odd little names.

Grateful we are, that we have these friends,
for the days and nights have no end.

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