Rosa's Rambles

Jigsaw

2011-04-27T23:16:00.003-05:00

Hello!

Short post .. to dust off the cobwebs on this blog and for this ramble bouncing about my head for a little while now.

Have you ever thought about life as a jigsaw puzzle? A much bigger picture we are all only tiny pieces adding a little bit to the overall scene. We are puzzle pieces each with our own unique make up, shape, visual input to the bigger end.

Imagine the amazement life brings then when we meet individuals who fit us so well be it in friendships, or love, or even born family bonds .. and even those we sorta make work by working at it till its a wedged in fit and somehow even though it might not be the right fit the puzzle still turns out alright :)

Now I know there are a few flaws in my theory for I think every person can improve our life .. be it in good ways .. or making us stronger for the bad ways.. so to have only a few pieces truly fit is I acknowledge as incorrect as many can mold our position overall. However for the purpose in which I have this ramble .. imagining us as pieces of a bigger picture is one I can visualize.

Just a thought to ponder as new faces and old come and go out of our life that what a treasure it is to be part of something much larger than our curves and indentations, and how astonishing it is to find someone in the whole worldbox of jigsaws that is an ideal fit to who you are.

That's my wayward ramble for today.. thanks for reading it :D

Jigsaw:

Life it shapes us
molds our position
rounds out our edges
and shows disposition

making each person
our own special shape
unique to fill in
our own special place

amazing is when
life blesses a bit
that perfect jigsaw
soul with you fits

their own indentations
mesh well with your curves
with two fitting together
bigger picture is learned

Life is a puzzle
we all play a piece
when souls click together
that's truly unique

Treasure your jigsaw
family and friends
fitting with you for
a joy never ends

( c ) Rosa Gardner

2011-03-21T19:09:00.003-05:00

Deeper Look

In a room for waiting,
a tired man does sit
his clothes are dirty rags,
that barely seem to fit

he has a haggered face,
with whiskers needing care
the lady he sat next too
is disgusted that hes there

With obvious wrong judgement
she rises from her chair
and settles again across the room
no compassion shared

What makes us so foolish
to react without the facts
to judge those less fortunate
shows very little tact

Heart leads my actions
I take the empty seat
and strike up conversation
and learn hes very sweet

A down on his luck guy
struggling with life's fate
lost his job and home
to unintentioned mistakes

Made amends and paid his dues
a changed man of good heart
taking the steps to recoup for
his life's positive restart

With a voice most loud I say
to that lady across the way
Did you hear what he shared today
now ain't it somethin' you moved away.

What makes us so foolish
to react without the facts
to judge those less fortunate
shows very little tact

Don't move away like he's a crook
there's more there with a deeper look
He's not a vilain , nor a bum
this sweet dear man is SOMEONE

( c ) Rosa Gardner

Handle Writ Care

2010-12-29T12:00:00.002-05:00

Hello!

I'd been in my new home about three months when I finally got around to sorting out the last box of "stuff" I'd brought from my old home. The box contained photos of family, various saved holiday and birthday cards with loved ones penned signature, and odd collection of "what was I thinking saving this" items.. however deep in the contents I came across a stack of envelopes with a small balloon string holding them all in place. I didn't know it at the time, but this would prove to be one of my greatest rediscovered treasures.

Inside the envelopes were letters from my Father, all hand written and shared at a time he had recently moved out of state and was corresponding home. His content was generic in its ..exact details and yet specific for matters of his point of view on tackling the issues of life he faced then, coping with distance from his family, the sights and sounds of a new place.

As I sat and read each letter, I marveled at how this small effort of a note hand written from my Father could a decade after his passing still bring me such comfort and joy. Would I have found equal happiness in a typed out correspondence... perhaps some but it was seeing my Fathers handwriting that touched me.. I gazed upon the paragraphs of his needing to get the trucks oil changed soon, and how the forecast called for more sunny days and mild temperatures ( Dad's sense of humor in letters home in December ) I read about the couple in trailer next door who's dog had a limp from fight with another critter.. in each letter Dad offers advice generic style ..."That issue you wrote about facing dear daughter"..and then just as generic styled offers his advice... " when you have confidence to stand firmly upon your own two feet, only then do you posses the strength to face the hurdles of what life has dealt you " I sat on floor of my apartment.. dumbfounded .. amazed... how a letter written 10+ years ago could still apply to what I'm facing now. I mulled this over for several days on how I could pass on this positive and thus this blog idea was born.

It's that time of year when we package, ship, and send abundances of packed up treasures to those we know and love for holiday cheer. In our haste to abide by the hustle and bustle of season, so many of us pick up store bought cards and quickly scribble our name at the bottom.. the purpose of today's post is to share that it isn't always the store bought gifts that bring the greatest wealth of treasures.

In a time of emails, text messages, fax, web cams , all menagerie of electronic instantaneous communication.. the hand written form is fading.I believe that instant communication has its place and does indeed better our way of life, but encourage you to also believe that the treasure of a hand written letter should never fade and fall out of practice. In this new year to come as you bustle to and fro in your rush of daily lives.. take just a moment to think of someone you care about ..sit down and pen them a few lines .. share the mundane business of what you think is important and know that quite possibly that small bit of time to talk about your take on handling life's experience's could be a important life treasure. Besides just think of the smile it might generate to find a "letter" in the mail amongst all the bills :))

Today's Poem:

When the world moves fast
and instant is eased
least not forget
tis another text to please

hand written dialog
just saying hello
may prove to be
a life's treasure you know

paper and pen
tools to make life better
for nothing makes me smile
like receiving a letter
( c ) Rosa Gardner

Thanks for reading! Have a great day :)

Vented View

2010-09-17T01:28:00.000-05:00

When those you once trusted betray,
and leave your heart in painful dismay,
when ones you felt would see your view,
understand nothing and walk away from you
when hearts you embraced turn cruel and cold
Still for hope you must reach out and hold.

When trust is crushed, and judgements misplaced
still strive for positives and don a smiling face
strengthen your heart and reinforce your faith
believe theres still good to be found in this place

when broken, burned, and battered about
rise up from the ashes and have no doubt
when sadness encroaches it may take a while
but joy will reign again and life brings a smile .

Life's Thrills

2010-05-18T06:47:00.007-05:00

Hello!!

Yep! Inspiration for a post has hit me at last and the consequence I pay for such a long dry spell? I'd forgotten my password for this blog! ha ha But persistence prevails and here is that wayward ramble rattling about my head long enough to post it to blog :D

Life's thrills- Those pinnacle moments in one's life that mark a notch in your heart and mind far exceeding the other highs and lows that occur in living. For example, your first kiss, a heartache,loss of virginity, the birth of a child, not necessarily a major moment in standard sense of life ... as my examples may imply.. but a moment in life to you personally that ascends to that highest level obtainable to be both sentimental and memorable for eternity to you. Those moments that..change you.

I have pondered my moments of life these past * insert number here * years and call it age or call it life's changes bringing forth a melancholy reminiscence of things, I began to wonder how interesting it would be to learn of what is a life's thrill to others.

I have had the standard example of course of first kiss, birth of my two sons, loss of family, death of marriage.. those moments of extreme high or low that stick with you for life. But I have also had monumental life thrill as in the night I heard David Csiszer perform "Simple Kindness" for the first time. To hear something I had written from my heart be sung to such fantastic musical melody.. a song born from friendship... That was a Life Thrill.

The very moment I stepped through customs and onto Australian soil having gone alone and succeeded is a moment I shall always recall with all the thrill as the moment it first occurred. My journey to Winnipeg as well as my first visit to Oregon to see Jaycatt and our first face to face moment in the airport is a moment in life I shan't ne'er forget. ...Bothell moments... Also, seeing my Father suffer his heart attack in front of me and my frozen inability to move as I watched my brother and Aunt do CPR on him a moment of time intense in my life. Reciting my poetry live in SL the first time was a thrill in life that reached that peak level. DJ-ing for the first time, and more recently my decision to move brought me such a moment. To venture away from old and the norm.. to fresh beginning of unknown.

We all have memories.. childhood stories, adolescent adventures, and grown up life tales the highs and lows of living but how many have those moments set higher ...or sadly lower.. than the rest? What are some of your life's thrills?

Life's Thrills:

Moments of time captured to heart
memories of feelings ne'er to part
snapshots of impact nothing can kill
cherish forever your life's thrill

Highs and lows the moments that change you
recalled in the mind most clearest in view
great joy and elation felt at its peak
or moments so low, no words to speak

minds memory hearts elation's
recalling feelings of times creation
personal scrapbook of life to fill
cherish forever your life's thrill

Have a wonderful day and thanks for reading

Time Marches On .....

2009-06-28T06:29:00.003-05:00

Hello...*echos*..hello hello hello .... Yes its been quite a while since I have written on this blog.. events in my life killed my muse... I was in a pretty low place for a long while and firmly believed this blog should only be about positive or at least negatives with a slant of humor for things to say. I had to grieve.. heal ...and begin again. Its been a journey of many emotions I hope never to go through again. I am not the same as I was, nor ever will be. But I am stronger ... and in that .. lies a nice positive :) Sooooo here begins Rosa Rambles blog post #93!!

Time Marches On ..........

There was a time in my life where I , like most of us do in our youth, felt I was immortal.. ne'er a thought crossed my mind about the ramifications of daredevil stunts, or crazy zany shinanigins. Climbing a tree as a tomboy with the only thought in my mind being. how fast can I get to the top?? A world of ramp jumps on rickety bicycles willingly attempted for the mere taunt of a double dog dare! I even met my future.. and now ex .. husband on a dare. Yes.. there was a time...

Funny thing about time marching on .. you dont notice it ......you dont hear it .. it just quietly plods along till one day you have THAT moment! Mine arrived June 23rd as I walked down the exit ramp of the same gigantic roller coaster Id been ridding for years before..

My legs were wobbly......my hands were sweaty ... and my forehead pounded like a jackhammer inflicting that one track thought to my mind .... DOH! DOH! DOH! DOH! When did this happen?

My love to ride the roller coasters .. daredevil heart.. I stood in line for 45 minutes.. watching those before me ascend to 310 feet in the air ... and plummet at 80 degree angle some 200+ feet to the ground below. I heard the screams.. the wails.. I had no thoughts as to my personal impending peril .. I looked to my kids and smiled and heard myself saying " This is gonna be sooo FUN!"

I board the coaster.. strapped in .. lock us down.. employee comes to check were intelligent enough to fasten a seatbelt.. yeah yah ya .. come on .. push the button already lets get this party started! wooot!......

We clink clink clink clink up the steep 310 foot ascent... a sound that recalls in me more feelings of comfort from my younger days than fear of what im about to subject myself too... the smooth release from the chain that drew us up the hill .. that rush of the wind on your face as your falling ... im still living in the moment the exhileration of senses.. anti gravity hang times.. we reach the bottom and rocket forward tilting sideways at 93mph.. and hit that first loop... and BANG .. i get that forehead slam of DOH DOH DOH ... down another hill and my tummy suddenly has that very green and not so good feeling ... another quick tilt to the left and I slide in my seat jarring my hip into the side of coaster.. OUCH .. hey .. when did that hurt before?? ... and the last super high speed spin and jet launch to from 70mph to 0 mph in 3.2 seconds.. finds my back being cracked and that eyeball widening experession is shown upon my face as my kids say " WOW that was...hey mom .. you ok?"

Sighs..... 20 years ago I was a daredevil ... not a care in the world ... 20 years later im standing in line for colossal coasters with quite minds thoughts of did I bring the asprin from the car... wheres the nearest trash can in case I need to hurl .. and my worst moment .. when I heard myself volunteer to hold the bags and save a 10 locker fee to avoid placing myself on a coaster that hurls me 80mph upside down 6 times to avoid the now certian headache Id endure as consequence.

*hangs head* Hello My name is Rosa and I am a former daredevil?? Ha ha probably not, for despite the headache, the hip ache, the back cracks, and the very concious awareness of walking all day in a theme park of giant steel monsters.. I still found joy in the adventure :) Time marches on and has left me with a bit more awareness of my limitations but the daredevil in me lives on and I'll still take that chance........ now and then........in pursuit of that one thought goal .. how fast can I get to the top !!

Todays Poem: (Penned in a very lonely lost low moment of my life ) But life's much happier now
Dear Ol Lonliness:

Oh dear old Loneliness, why do you plague my life
weight upon my broken heart and fill my day with strife
Why do you show me others who have someone to hold
share their daily lives in pairs and hear sweet nothings often told

why must I face this role in life and on the path to roam
is it fates destiny that I'll always be alone
souls they come and souls they go each time I hope I'll see
a heart that truly cares and desires my company

but life is cruel, and timmings bad
moments of memories will be all thats had
Will I grow bitter and close up tight
withdrawl from friends and never feel right

I ache for a touch that never will be
I pine for a heart that doesnt for me
Tears, they flow and flood my soul
is this all there is or does fate have a goal ?

the music still plays but ive lost my feet
the melody rings yet the dance isnt sweet.

Thank you for reading :)

The Best of Intentions

2009-04-29T11:34:00.002-05:00

Who says the darndest things only come from kids?

Recently my teenage son and I ventured out to our local zoo to take in the sights, sounds and adventures.. little did I know it would be my own best of intentions that would cause the appearance of more adventure than wanted.

My son and I , while waiting in line for a tram ride at the zoo, a group of young kids, about 3-4 graders, and their parents came to occupy the bench next to ours. They were enjoying the zoo and decided to pick that particular time to recall all the birds they'd seen thus far in their day...from robins to barn owls they voiced the sound each animal had made. I happen to look over and see my son who was wearing a expression that indicated he wasnt all that pleased haha An avid video game enthusiast, my son had willingly left his controller to come and spend the day with me. He leans in and whispers some comment about the bird noises. I replied perhaps a bit too perky, they were just socializing ...its good to do that.

My son mumbles in typical teenager attitude.. he didnt want to be "social" today..and then it happened...that moment ...when you have the best of intentions........and it comes out the worst nightmare HA HA . As a large crowd of zoo visitors passes by my son and I .. I say to him.. ( intending to encourage his get out of the house and socialize idea ) " Aww it feels good to get out and expose yourself more to new people!" We heard the inital "gasps!" and a few giggles but it was the look on my sons face holding back a laugh I knew was imminent to explode that turned my cheeks three shades of red !

So in this time of woes and wonderments about life, love, and friendships its good to see Fate still has a sense of humor to keep us all smiling ;)

Todays Poem:

Best laid plans inside your head
realitys paths you travel instead
hear what I mean , not what I say
foot in my mouth, oh lord did I pay!

One Quarter Thinking

2009-04-03T21:26:00.003-05:00

Hello! *looks at date* well see there I squeaked this entry in under the Wow its been a month since I last wrote line :) Thank you to all of you who faithfully continue to read my rambles I apprecaite you greatly!

Okay so its taken a few weeks , I admit to some distractions and some real life agendas keeping me busy a blog topic idea hadnt yet struck me however today ......it did! and without haste here I am to share it all with you :)

Here in my town, I'm sure probably in yours too , we have a food store that has shopping carts you must pay a quarter to use and are returned your quarter upon returning the cart. A nice idea that cuts down on those unreturned carts that dent cars in the lot . Well today as I walked up to slide my quarter * which I spent 5 minutes trying to find in my purse* .. into the slot I noticed there was one already there!! A free cart! well its free anyway as you get your quarter back when you return it but ... a step in my procedure saved.. that little thing ...that made a smile !!! I looked around for an absent minded shopper to call out but I was alone. Just the shopping carts and I . I took the cart , grinning for that hey that was nice moment ... and went into the store. I did my shopping and loaded the items in my car... returning the cart to the outdoor collection area I by habit took the quarter out and pocketed it as I walked to my car.

Three steps later my concience taps me on the shoulder and I am reminded of the great feeling " I " had in finding a quarter already there so I turned around and walked back...reinserting the quarter in the slot . Driving home this thought hit me ...........what would most do ? Would they take the 25 cents? would it be by habit? by greed? by need ? what would you do if it were you?

Thanks for reading :D

A penny saved
is a penny earned
a quarter found
is a lesson learned

instant feel good
thrill was had
by thoughtful someone
or forgetfully sad

what would you do
if morals are in question
would it be an action
you'd be proud to mention

Thanks again for reading !

Fresh View, New Perspective

2009-03-14T05:57:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone! Well looky me I have remembered how to post a picture in this blog!

Its those little victories in life that really make us appreciate how far we've come in our life right?

So if you looked at the pic on the left, and its just human nature to do so , you will see that yep, I have some new glasses. Thank you's to all my friends who have sent such kind and positive comments regarding how they look, or how I look in them lol. Most appreciated!

But I find in additon to my new view of my old world ... I'm getting a fresh perspective on more than just eyesight.

Sterotypes and prejudgments... I've always strived to be a pretty positive person in my life, look for the good in all things even when bad times happen.. theres a silver lining right? When the optomitrist told me I'd have to wear glasses all my life now, I'm not proud to say I was feeling " Oh great... now im going to look dorky and get judged for stereotype of wearing glasses labels you".

Prejudging........that was my first mistake! I have found the reactions I've recieved in this new attachment to my appearance to be in fact the very opposite of what I'd expected. Its left me feeling more than a bit guilty for my self assesments and stereotyped expectations, whereas I never intentionally judged anyone I know who wears glasses, I guess society had me feeling wearing glasses was a handicap and boy was I wrong!

Having a clearer view of the day to day things I do I'm jsut a happier person, I am more productive in things I accomplish... I find with a sharper view I notice more things now that I may have let go unseen before. I do not feel handicapped for having these eye opening lenses I feel in fact like I am participating in the world more being able to see clearly and appreciate what I can do now with clearer vision.

So thats it, my little profession of ignorance... I let what I thought society's viewed stereotype of wearing glasses hinder me from seeing the real view of how wonderful a impact having glasses really is for society's citizens! Do you have any prejudgements in life you've found to be just the opposite?

Its okay my visions fine

I can still read the sign

a little fuzzy, perhaps so

but still clear enough I can know

eye exam I need to have glasses??

surely not! .... folks will harass's

Don the frames .. my view pristine

prejudgements wrong now I've seen

happier world when vision's its best

not a bad thing at all ....I'll loudly profess.!!!

Thanks for reading :)

Gold Star

2009-01-30T08:29:00.002-05:00

Greetings to all of you kind hearts who continue to come and read my wayward thinking! One of these days I really must learn some technical skills and figure out how to see just how many of you there truly are ...of course my imagination is probably far kinder to my ego than reality might prove to be hahahha!

You know when your in school the teacher would give you a gold star for a great accomplishment! Or one of your parents or family member would give you a "gold star"
for a personal accomplishment, as we get older the stars become trophys, and as we get older still they might occasionally come in the form of a attaboy at work or friends thumbs up! wtg! but every now and then .... you have a moment that you really wish.. it wasnt too cool to brag about your accomplishment!

As I sat in the dentist chair this week at the end of my cleaning I heard the hygentist say " Wow, this is what we really like to see...all your teeth are in great condition and no cavaties :) " So many times in life we have a wonderful thing happen but .. its not considered socially acceptable to run out in the street screaming WOOO HOO I have no cavaties!!! So here today.. I'm making my own opportunity to brag my gold star moment that life might not care so much about!
41 years old and still no cavaties!no dental work done *yet* lol(applause ) and I'm giving you the chance to do the same! Mark your moment of pride! share your story of spectacular show off! Post your particular period of praise! and consider this your Gold Star for it all!!

Thanks for reading this silly little ramble of mine! You all are the most wonderful friends!

Todays Poem:

Golden Moments here and past
a hearty praise said to last
so proud of you and who you are
wtg! *pins Gold star *

2009

2008-12-30T00:35:00.002-05:00

A scant few days are all that remain of 2008. Its at this time of year we all do it, we get reflective on our lives and what we've done or didn't get around to doing, or wish we'd done... and yes ..wish we'd not done. I am no different. Its been on my mind a lot this holiday season just where life took me in this past year. I have had a lot happen and have had not enough happen. Thats life I guess. Its been a difficult year and yet... in the growth I'm finding... it will most probably turn out to be one of my best years of my life.. in the long run.

2009 is fast approaching and we toss around those words like resolution, promise, goal.. things we say to better our view on where we are and give ourselves hope we'll be even better in the new year. I could easily turn this post into just that .. a list of things I hope better in my life in the new year... Lord knows.. I could use it ...but .....instead Im striving to leave you all ending 2008 with a smile where this blog is concerned. So here for your funny bone tickling pleasure
is my slant on the top ten New Years Resolutions of 2008

1) Time with Family and Friends: yes lets time them!! When that alarm goes off in the morning jump right in with a stop watch and cheer them on through their morning routine! coach them into a better time of up and out the door!

2) Fit in Fitness: Yes... lets do that shall we! Let us feel the burn of the starbucks coffee on our tongue as we try to drink it way too soon. Let us put in ten more reps of hand to mouth as we hold the fork that slides the yummy starch laiden pasta into our mouth! Let us break a sweat in the 15 minutes of jumping and leg kicks and cave man grunt yells it requires to slide into those "what the heck am I thinking" jeans!

3) Tame the bulge: I dare say this is a piggy back to 2 ...perhaps thats why its got a bulge? Lets give it due credit however and offer this helpful piece of unsolicited advice... if running to reduce your bulge should blacken your eyes from slap impact... disregard resolution number 3 :))

4) Quit Smoking: I have never been a smoker... I have known several who have. Smoking can have positives and negatives... Be skinny.. long and lean like a chimney shape.....but puff heavily like a chimney. I know quitting is hard and really shouldnt be a laughing matter.. to those of you who are striving for that goal.. in all seriousness I wish you the very best! to those of you who have achieved this goal! Congratulations!

5) Enjoy life more : I think this one is going to have to be on your own personal perspectives.. If 2008 was spent enjoying life by beliefs and morals.. then to enjoy it more in 2009 would imply breaking those moral boundries and expanding those beliefs... I cannot in good concience encourage any of you to go out and break boundries and exceed your good morals :P

6) Quit Drinking: I see why this resolution pops up every year on the list.. its not specific enough. Quit drinking conveys we simply stop partaking of all liquids. We'd all fade away without proper fluids! I say pick a liquid and make that your goal. I will quit drinking *****
if you try , perhaps we'll find a bit different resolution on next years list hmm?

7) Get out of Debt: Now here is a good resolution. Society has us in such a hamster wheel does it not... We need money to purchase things to meet our basic needs... we have to work to make the money... in order to work we need things like clothes, food, car, those misc items required to keep our morale up to satisfactory levels sufficient to allow us to be productive at the job we need to work to make the money to meet our basic needs... when the math is unbalanced and the supply is less than the demand... its no wonder were swimmin in "Da B's Tea " ( De B T ) .
Bee's Tea sounds so much more pleasant ...go with me on this one.

8) Learn Something New: Well .......I think New Years Day at 12:01 would cover this resolution for most of the partying population... isnt it at 12:01 when those overly intoxicated souls try out their best pick up lines? Okay perhaps not. this actually is a good resolution... everday is potential for learning something. education, socially, financially, globally... dream big ! If youd like to start small ... how about learning how many minutes it takes to finish off the pint of ice cream in the freezer?

9) Help Others: HELP ( Hand Everyone Less Politics ) ??? ( Have Everything Legally Paid ) ....( Happy Ether Lan Port ) ... ( Hang Essentials Low Please ) ( Hand Exceptional Lease Price )however you choose to abide by resolution number 9. Best of luck to you in your efforts!

10) Get Organized: When I master my PDA,...pdq.....so I can AFK... from the PC . When I can open up my inventory and not have to spend 5 minutes looking for my shoes... when I can open up my rl closet and not spend 5 minutes looking for my shoes. When my hanging file folders no longer double as storage bins of useless misc. sentimental treasures.. then......and only then ...can I claim victory over resolution number 10.

I hope you have all enjoyed this little attempt at making you smile. If I dont happen to see you
before the new year dawns.. may you find 2009 brings you many blessings and triumphs! I love the toast that always says .....may the worst day of your future.....be the best day of your past!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Take Care Everyone! Thanks for reading.

Todays Poem:

Lines Ive said , words conveyed
another poem on this blog is laid
rhythmic text to is played
entertainment to you I gave

New Years Dawns so very near
and resolutions were soon to hear
promise this, and strive for that
quit smoking, and lose the fat.

In all you do and all you say
in how you try to change your ways
never forget this ..as I end ..
its for how you are ....I'm glad to call friend.

Thanks so very much ! God Bless and Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-21T07:47:00.002-05:00

Its Holiday time, our thoughts and ambitions focus toward giving and sharing and enjoying the gifts that this time of year brings, more than the latest eletronics or fashions, the coolest new music cd's, or those clever creative gifts imagination and whimsy can combine to bring. The gifts of life, love, laughter with friends and family. The greatest gift our faith humbles us to appreciate recieving.

In my home growing up we had a particular way of enjoying Christmas morning... Dad who was an early riser would roust us kids at the * come on as a kid especially teen years who gets up that early* 5 or 6 a.m. we'd all share donuts or pastries and OJ * dad had coffee* , I suspect now in my adult age this was to give him an edge.. caffiene to wake him up while us kids yawned and marveled at his energy?? Hmmm.... anyway.... we enjoyed pastries and OJ and then traditional gift opening.

Opening gifts in my home was always the same... someone usually picked by Dad.. passed out the gifts to various family members... then one at a time , often starting with the youngest..which I was so that worked out well, opened one gift...everyone else sat and watched. Dad would tell me later... this was to ensure we kids grew up with lessons of value for showing kindness. Seeing someone appreciate what youd done went a long way toward encouraging the desire to want to give more to others. Youngest to the oldest wed go around our small circle opening gifts.. some years were lean and it wasnt long till were done.. some were well blessed and it would be a hour before we were through... but all christmas's left me personally with the same feeling.. joy.. Joy for family, joy of giving and being given too .. just feeling happy for the joy of everything.

In later years we started to have the custom of writing a letter to family member and putting it in the tree. A heartfelt wish or telling to that individual on what they meant to our lives and giving thanks for Jesus and his gift he gave us all.

What traditions do you have in your holiday celebrations? Posing by the Christmas tree for photos? Specific food dish that is prepared just so ? A object or trinket set out in same spot year after year in comfort or tribute to someone special? Drop a comment down and share some of your traditions for the holidays :)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Thanks for reading :)

Todays Poem:

GASP! :

Who is that roly poly man
dressed in a suit of red
hes got a great big rosy nose
and white fluff surrounds his head

he totes a bag of red satin
laiden down with joys and treats
and boots as black as night
are attached to his feet

He's placing gifts under the tree
each one is brightly wrapped
and as he bends each time down
bells jingle on his cap

I am so excited and happy
to watch him do his task
there's much I'd like to know of him
but now's not the time to ask

I am crouched down in awe
here hidden on the stairs
silent and bewildered
at what I'm seeing there

He doesn't know I see him
and I am very glad
for I am just in awe to find
that SANTA's really DAD!!!

Merry Christmas!

Bell Ringers

2008-12-10T08:54:00.003-05:00

Its the holiday season and as we bustle in and out of various shopping establishments, and stroll the busy sidewalks its not silver bells we hear on the street corners but those devoted bell ringers.. those diligent individuals who give their time to stand in the cold for hours at a time indulging the looks of shoppers who greet them with a range of annoyance to excitement.

Adults who look upon them, some with guilt that they have no money to drop in , or have money they dont want to part with... the bell ringers smile and cheerfully bid us "Merry Christmas" calling out for all to hear " Happy Holidays". They dont seem to mind the adverse
weather, they are resistant to the snubs of those who simply wont give.

A small reward now and then is when the young kids will run up.. excited to drop the little amounts of change in the bright red bucket they see more than a smile on a kids face, they see
joy of a heart thats giving! What is it about life that changes us .. from that young child happy to drop our pennies into a bucket for others ... to the adults who clutch our loose change in our pocket as we hurry on by?

I am sure there are a great many people in this world who give of themselves to better the lives of others and of themselves.. but for this post.. I am tipping my hat to the bell ringers. The time they give for small change.....makes a big change for many. When your out and about this holiday season and hear a bell or a shouted " MERRY CHRISTMAS" .. take a moment to give a nod to the bell ringer and appreciate what they stand for..there .

Thank you for reading.

Todays Poem:

Wrapped in scarf and big thick hat
ring the bell and kindly chat
stand in boots and feel the chill
watch the little ones giving thrill

Takes the change little in size
makes big change in many lives
endless hours stood in cold
was there ever once a Thank You told?

Breaking Point

2008-11-21T15:24:00.002-05:00

Human spirit can endure the most amazing things... we hear stories of impossible survival and feats of super human performance I know even I have found in life's trials and tragedys I am stronger than I ever thought I would be...but what makes that breaking point to where the spirit just stops trying?

When life deals you punches in such a frequent rate you find you've fallen to the ground and have little care of rising up from it all. When you find the doctors news regarding the latest test isnt the hopeful diagnosis you'd been wanting ....when you find what you thought was your true love finds his own love in someone else... when you work hard at something your whole life and
in course of a day.. forces you have no control over blow in and leave you with little left.. when you give your heart away only to find .. its not wanted. How does the human spirit take such pains and push through to a brighter day?

Is it faith? Is it how were raised? Is it our genetics?? What drives us to keep going when every thought in our heads tells us to quit? What drives you in the dark times to keep a bright outlook! Ive had two people in my life ...take their own life due to sorrows they found unable to cope with... Ive seen how it solves little and leaves even more pain. Life is pretty low at this point and a quick fix to escape it all for good might sound good in theroy but I think theres a
little human spirit yet left to push through and do my best to prevail for brighter times.. but it
just leaves me curious.. what sparks that human spirit in others ???

Todays Poem:

Darkest days suspend thy head
banish thoughts its easier dead
hard times come.. but hard times go
and better days.. you'll have to show

lost at love and it sure smarts
but with every ending there's a new start
friends rally and do their best
to cheer and enourage and ease the stress

Human spirit is alive and thriving
pushing the darkness to brightness surviving
darker days might reign on this day
but tomorrow's news.. " It'll be okay!"

Thanks for reading

Color Blind.....

2008-11-14T09:04:00.002-05:00

Is it just me or for the past several numerous years have we listened to politicians preach to us about being color blind? Wasnt that a lesson we as people were taught since civil rights.. to ignore the color of skin.. .to embrace one race.. the HUMAN race.. I think that was the overall concept conveyed by some of our countrys more prominant leaders right? So my question is
in all that energy spent on obsolving segregation and promoting one unified race.. of humankind.. why was the vast majority of the headlines regarding the United States Presidental race all screaming " FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT!" ??? Any thoughts?

Color Blind:

Red or white
yellow or black
were taught that color
is not where its at.

Man is man
or so they say
the color he is
should not convey

when i voted
for presidents position
the color of their skin
was not in my opinion.

So why when Obama
takes the title earned
the color of his skin
most headlines now spurn.

Thanks for reading.

Reality Bytes....

2008-11-14T08:04:00.002-05:00

We see articles and hear stories all the time about those who indulge in the internet and get swept away to lose touch with reality.. it bites hard on the life
you knew and disillusions you to feeling your virtual reality is reality. I have to say after nearly five years living in both worlds.. I can neither fully agree or disagree with ither of those broad statements.

When I first came to indulging a online game my real life was not in any serious turmoil, it was a suggestion to "talk to folks" give a online game a try.
Being a social type of person, I took to this bonified "chat room" like a fish to water. I enjoyed the interactive banter, the thrill of kind hearted text statements causing smiles in others. It was fun. It was in moderation. It was good.

However, in the four plus years I have participated in online games I have seen many a friend fall victim to some level of online addiction. I upon recent hard look at my own life the past four years would have to in all honesty claim I am probably one among them.

Initally online socializing was not in seeking anything other than simple curiousity to see what its all about.. time passes and life changes as it always does and suddenly that moderate log on.. turns into a daily occurance in seeking that self esteem boost that real life no longer brings... and time passes.. to the point you
wish your real life held the same happy group of souls your virtual life does..

you develop emotions and attachments to people in manners You convince yourself are geniune....real.... and for some cases... it really is ... but in some.. when real life deals a blow that sets you reeling... having your best friends be thousands of miles away.. makes that need for a shoulder to lean on a bit more difficult. And if you fall in love... reality can certianly come bite you hard in its reminder.. your relationship as real as it feels, and seems...and you believed... is nothing more than im's and pixels bridging two lonely souls in virtual space.

Im not in any way saying real life and virtual life cant both be shared and enjoyed in healthy moderation.. and for most of the worlds gamers.. that is a good working chemistry and I would be the last person to discount the importance of virtually made friends impacting your life happily! However, just caution any of you who, like me, find all the best friends all around the world being the sweet treasure they are to your life... just cant be there when you need that real life contact.

INDULGE in games!! ENJOY and have fun!!! I whole heartedly encourage that as I did find a bounty of great blessings in my times I dipped a toe into virtual reality!! But just be cautious in doing so is my point of this post ... keep a perspective of
whats real and give some time to reality's presence too, and its my hope any of you reading this will be spared a reality byte :D

Todays Poem:

Reality Byte pretend or real
the warmth of friendship is what I feel
addiction or attention daily gave
bonded friendships is what I made

sincere meant joy each log in gained
or real lifes attentions unintenitonally refrained
moderation, jubilation can be shared by all
too much of one or the other and happiness will fall

Onliners enjoy each moment
be it the day or night
but keep a realistic eye out
to avoid Reality Byte!

Silly Pet Peeves

2008-10-14T13:11:00.002-05:00

Pet Peeves:

Main Entry:
pet peeve
Function:
noun
Date:
circa 1919
: a frequent subject of complaint

Pet peeves! We all have them! Come on, admit it.. even you ...yes you in the cubicle.. even you have at least one pet peeve! What are those tiny little things in life that get to you just enough to not be a big deal but still make you want to scratch your head and go " HUH?" !!

Here are a few of my sillier ones:

FUN SIZE - Who invented this? Okay sure .. as a kid its "fun" to pocket a sweet candybar bite in one hand to snack on when syblings arent looking... its compact size allows you to stuff more in a halloween treat bag when out trolling for your innocent adolescent annual sugar rush.. or gained you instant popularity points socially in the school lunchroom when you crack out the "fun size" goodies hungry eyes zoom in on...but lets face it ... when you reach adulthood... is this tiny little size really living up to its name anymore? This little fun size becomes a adult nightmare! Its so small, how could this possibly fill you up! Its so small you simply cant stop at just one .. what kind of chocolate fix would it be if you stopped at ONE!!! Before you know it youve consumed three or four or .....more and repeat this process often as .. they are small you can fit lots in a treat bag !! Next thing you know your at the gym sweatin like a pig, sit ups, push ups, treadmill all to drop those pesky extra chocolate fix pounds... your mind drifts off to a visual of that little candy treat and you can only ask yourself ......"Are we having FUN yet ?" :)

Wedgies and Rideups:

Why is it we can land on the moon, build massive technological wonders that fuel the progress and advancement of mankind.. but we cant seem to manufacture a pair of undergarments that wont migrate for the great divide of our bodies southern hemisphere!!! I positively hate when this happens.. your walking along... disillusioned to the full belief that you are cool! You da man! when * flooop!* there you are... in the middle of public and faced with a choice of how to solve the perdicament! Do you try a new walking step in hopes the excess cloth thats now bunched up your backsides will take part in a miracle and magically drop back to form fitting comfort? Do you duck in what you imagine to be hidden corners, hallways or doorways in hopes of manually manuevering the offending garment back to covering its intended assests? Or do you just take caution to the winds and reach round and solve the issue regardless of public comment or opinion. Hear ye! Hear ye!! All you engineers, scientists, and inventors! Can you apply your skills to "cover" this issue :))

Sneezing while driving:

This is one of those things that doesnt happen often enough to be a widely voiced pet peeve but it exists none the less! Your tooling down the road, 4 lanes of traffic, high rate of speed, darting traffic and along comes a sneeze and your fearing for your life as you struggle to keep your eyes open until the event is over! If your like me who always sneezes 3-4 times in a row... road rage is stressful enough in todays traffic.. lets NOT add the element of suspense to it by sneezing and find yourself steering a large box of careening metal with your eyes closed!

There are many more I could go on with but for the purpose of this post .. perhaps this is plenty! If you share any of these with me .. let me hear about it !! If you have some of your own you would like to vent about .. let me hear about it !! If you have no pet peeves whatsoever and your perfectly happy and content with llife and all its moments.... wait 24 hours till the happy pills wear off .. then . Tell me about it!!

Have a superduper day!

Todays Poem:

Pet peeves rear from time to time
annoying moments in life to find
some are silly and make no sense
some are logical, I do confess

Each can cause our head to question
amusing views that warrant attention
we ask "Huh?" or wonder why..
how on earth that could fly...

No fancy mirrors
or tricks up the sleeve
just lifes humor
showing its latest pet peeve!

Thanks for reading.

IT Always Knows ....

2008-09-30T14:39:00.002-05:00

My Dad bless his heart used to have a saying " IT always knows" . I know you know what I mean. You get yourself just a little bit ahead and something happens to cause that surplus to dwindle. Dad would get a little in savings and one of us kids would pick that particular time to be exceptional daredevils and get a injury or a common ailment that would see a physican happily taking the surplus off our hands.

Last weekend I got my first paycheck from my part time job. Its not anything special to boast or brag amount wise but it was hard earned and more importantly it was "Paid" employment. But just as Dad always said ..." IT" always knows... I got a nice happy grin putting it in the bank .. then .. my computer router dies......then my cell phone dies.......and I find I have to take a academics test to continue to do my job that gives me the pay to feed "IT". Do you have an " IT" in your life too? I think " IT " should stand for Infernal Taker ! What do you think??

Todays Poem:

IT always knows when I get ahead
even when its under the bed
IT takes from me sometimes a lot
or just a little it knows I got

If Im stealthy and tip toe around
will a fortune for me abound
IT seems to always sense my glee
thats when "IT" comes to take from me.

Have a nice day! Thanks for reading :D

Life Changes

2008-09-16T08:55:00.002-05:00

Seasons come and seasons go
happy times will ebb and flow
ride the wave of good times wake
many blessings from life to take

Life changes it always does
for good reason or just because
when it does I stumble and stagger
feel depressed and think " no matter"

But as a circle comes round anew
life brings good changes too
the key to traveling life with a smile
Keep a positive mind for every mile

Have a good day

Big Decision

2008-08-31T16:04:00.004-05:00

Hey! Its nearly September already!! My goodness gracious the year has simply flown by! Its been quite a busy time this past year ... triumphs! travels .. tragedys... and ongoing trials filled the months for me. I've faced a lot of first's and believe it or not .. I'm about to add one more to my growing list. I am going to VOTE! * pauses for gasps and cheers* .

Yes I have been remiss in voting ... and upon reading all the information I can on the candidates I myself am a bit loathe at myself in my lack of doing this long before now ... I grew up nieve to the real difference one vote can make. I was busy focusing my prioritys on family and my domestic responsiblities.. not even comprehending the value my one voice could pay the process of voting for those who would lead us in choices for my home. *hangs head* I neglected it then I'm nurturing it now! I have my registration card and im reading about each candidate. Its a priority to be as informed as I can when the time to cast my vote comes. I am excited to add my voice to the decision and yet I'm nervous in adding my voice to such a big decision. How do you feel when you vote?

Thanks for reading :)

Todays Poem:

He said ..she said ..
fingers point, debates rage..
weeding out the data
from speeches sour or sage ..

Which one rules the country
have to pick before to long ..
which one leads the nation ..
has morals and can be strong ?

Democrat , Republican
pick a side to stand
I dont see the partys ..
I'm voting for the MAN

screaming bout the issues
ranting o'er our stance
he who leads the country
steps a very tricky dance

One human being ..
protecting his home
one human being ...
seeking peace for when we roam

Presidency is Power
the job has pressure too
I'll cast my vote this election
for who'll best know what to do

Poet Night

2008-08-11T01:05:00.003-05:00

Live Music Poetry Jam 4 ..

I've been here.. I've done this ...so why do I still have butterflies?? Tonight I join with my very good friends and amazingly talented musicians Jaycatt Nico and Patrick LaSalle in the realm of Second Life to once more slip into the beatnik theme and share my poetry. A while back after seeing a few poet readings in Second Life I had the notion to combine two of my loves... 1) Live Music and 2) Poetry. I bounced the idea off Patrick and Jaycatt and was met with wonderful support.. and Live Music Poetry Jam was formed. Without Patrick and Jaycatt the poet nights would just not be the same. I am deeply grateful for their help and guidance :)

Poet Night it has arrived
back on stage to kick the jive
nerves I feel to share my heart
friends support will not depart

words of expression, spoken in rhyme
layed out in hip themed beatnik time
although i am nervous and hope its a hoot
with my friends there .. success ..cant refute!

Thanks for reading :D

Silent Treatment

2008-08-07T13:13:00.002-05:00

Hello! *brushes off cobwebs* yep.. its still here ... my blog ...Ive had much going on of late and sadly dear old Blog posting was casualty. The username typed.. the password entered.. and my 75th post .. now begins ;)

Who formed the concept of silent treatment? Was it a torture expert from a foreign country? A special agent in mental battlements? Its not even aptly named in my opinion... Treat ..implies something special and something good ..ment... leaves one to assume it was intentional. How is silence a meant treat? I wonder if we harnessed the power that Silent Treatment has over people if it could power a citys electric supply for a while.

What purpose does a Silent Treatment serve? Who comes up with this sort of idea .. communicating.. with silence. I understand theres a time to be silent. Theres a place to hold your tongue... but if communication is key ... why do so without words :D What do you think? This is just a ponderment on my part :) Break your silence and Treat me to some soundoffs :D *be gentle*

Thank you for reading

Todays Poem:

Say not a word
make not a sound
make a point
but cause a frown

fold your arms
and lips zipped tight
this aint progress
to make it right

speak your mind
when something ails
communicate
or solution fails

Have a super day!

Humble Pie and Sweet Rewards

2008-07-15T10:35:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone! Greetings to you from the Pacific Northwest. I've always wanted to say that !!! and now I have * Crosses yet one more first time for that* off my long list. I am on vacation * insert woot here * I have reaped the sweet rewards of friendship in the awesome hospitality of
Jaycatt, Hunter and Frogg :) As well as that of Patrick and Lyndon too :D I have consumed great slices of humble pie in my awe of the views here in the Pacific Northwest! In the extrodinary talents of my fine friends as Ive been privilaged to enjoy their concerts live! and in the gift of such a wonderful blessing to be among great people I care about :D I have made memories in sitting down on the train next to a stranger and disembarking the train waving adieu to a new friend. I have lived more in that past 2 weeks I think I have in last 2 months!

I have been on planes, trains, buses, and cars.. I have seen Mountains, Oceans, Forrests, Sand Dunes, Bridges, Buildings, People, Pets and breathtaking moments! I danced at a live music concert.. yep....me ....dancing in public and get this ......I was asked to !! *pinches self its not still virtual reality* I have seen awesome art and some questionable items disguised as art! I have taken long walks in exploring and short drives of discovery in short I've had a marvelous time
and will blog highlights in the days to come! Thanks for reading!

Todays Poem:

Every post a poem I leave
rhyming lines for you to see
saying sentiment from the heart
four short lines to get a start

vaction memories I have made
blessed and lucky I came and played
weathers kind so sunny and clear
PNW is happy I'm here :D

Soon I'm home and back to the norm
ready to weather life's coming storm
Pleased to enjoy any travel like most
but always be partial to great west coast!

Thanks for reading.

The Wave

2008-06-10T18:50:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone!

In my zest to better my health through physical fitness I have been passing my option to drive to work each day and have been walking ( About a mile in distance ) during one of my trek's to work this past week the following scene played out :

Walking on a sidestreet close to the curb, as there was no sidewalk, I happed to be passed by a US Postal Service truck.. I lifted my hand and cast a gestured wave..the driver smiled at me and waved back ... which caused me to smile too ... as I got a few feet further I passed a man bycycling and again .. lifted my hand to wave and as he passed he smiled and said " Good Morning to ya ! " ... closer to work I passed one final person a elderly man walking his dog .. I waved and smiled because by now I'm feeling pretty upbeat about the kindness of others and the man smiled, said " Hello! Beautiful day isnt it ??" and a short conversation about the weather was held between two strangers.

As I finished off the last bit of my journey to work I pondered...What about a wave is not a good thing! At sports events crowds do "the wave" which brings fun! and joy!, when you are "waved on" its usually a sigh of goodness that is felt, surfers share great adventures and happiness ridding that big "wave" and a simple shake of a hand from one person to another still can bring the greatest of feelings! If I'd not waved and just stared at my feet when I passed by I'd have missed out on all those feel good moments! The opportunity to share a kindness and meet someone new. So bravo for the wave! Here here for taking a chance to say Hello! and Applause for those kind hearts in the world who open up to smile and wave and make the day a bit brighter for others! *Waves*

Todays Poem:

The Wave

Hand held up in the sky
shake it a bit to passers by
add a smile and kind hello
brigtening a day as you go

Nod your head, wink your eye
Kindly greetings hello goodbye
little things that we can do
help to beat away the blues!

Wave your hand, speak your heart
for new friendship, make a spark
if any advice ever to save
its never forget the power of a wave!

Thank you for reading :))

Anticipations

2008-05-27T12:36:00.007-05:00

Anticipations:

Oh its an exciting time of life right now ... okay its not the race down the stairs to see if Santa brought us our youthful wishes or that wild and crazy excitement of a run down the hill to the lake to go swimming.. or skinny dipping but its a kind of excitement of... knowing one task is ending and your about to embark on a cool new one!

The school year is winding down... a few more days and summer break will begin.. for students and us as staff the anticipation of knowing a vacation is soon to be makes each day seem unending when its really not that bad at all.

I am excited for the anticipation of my revisit to see Jaycatt this summer in the Pacific Northwest,he is such an amazing, and awesome friend to me! We hope to make it to the coast this visit where I will be able to dip my toes in the ocean! A practice not uncommon to tourists but I am sentimental and look forward to the personal accomplishment of , having been on one side of the ocean during my trip to Australia, I will get to touch the other side of the ocean in this lifetime. I enjoyed the beauty of the land when I was there last year and I really look forward to seeing it again. Also on this trip I am happy to revisit my very close friend Tom! He is so fantastic and fun! I might even get to see him play music with one of the bands he performs in :) I love live music and dont get to appreciate it much in my hometown, It will be very cool to see a good friend and have a good time :))

Life has brought some expected turns and unexpected hurdles this year and so this fall I get to hit the pavement again in search of full time employement! I have great anticipation to find something that is both fun to do and finances figure well I remain hopeful that as far fetched as those goals seem.. I will find something that
fits :)

Thank you for reading!

Todays Poem:

I mentioned my friend Jaycatt earlier in this blog.. he recently got to visit Disneyland!! ( Did I mention I'm so jealous! ) so todays poem is about a Disney Day

Our Disney Day:

When I was in Tomorrowland
I felt that life was truly grand
but you weren't there with me ....

When I was in Fantasyland
enjoying all the rides
I was thrilled with the excitement and overwhelmed with pride
but you weren't there with me ....

When I was in Frontierland
hanging with the country bears
I was having so much fun without a single care
except that you weren't there with me ....

When I was walking on Main Street
I smiled at all the faces I'd meet
but you weren't there with me ....

When the day was over
my journey back to camp was done
I lay in bed remembering
the day and all its fun

when suddenly it hit me
a thought that wouldn't part
why,... all day long you'd been with me
I carried you in my heart!

70th post-Friends are like Sidewalk Chalk

2008-04-30T12:37:00.005-05:00

Hello!

Wow! 70 thoughts and comments.... I guess the blog is aptly named :)

Soo I was at work the other day .. doing my job ... when I happen across some children drawing their colorful masterpieces on the pavement .. as I stopped to admire all the stick figures and crazy squares and spheres, the colorful expression that was a visual to their imagination...... a thought popped in my mind....

A bit of symbolisim perhaps as I let the idea grow in my mind .. if we, as idividuals were the
pavement ... were strong.. we can be firm ... dependable ... and occasionally we crack up a bit ..
If we .. are the pavement then all our friends who effect our life.. would be the sidewalk chalk.
Single colorful lines that blend and compliment one another until the cement is a bonified piece
of artistic beauty! Alone were all pretty nice .. but when we let friends in to brighten our canvas.. thats when we really start to see the beauty in who we are ! Just my silly rambling thought. I hope wherever your day finds you as you read this blog ... theres been an abundance of color on your pavement :)

Reds and Yellows.. Greens and Blues
friendship bears such special hues
color my world with your special touch
brighten my existance, very much

visuals etched for all to gain
proudly displayed , until the first rain
Purples, Orange, Brown and White
my colorful friends, make life allright :))

Thanks for reading

Picaholic

2008-04-06T11:55:00.004-05:00

Hello my name is Rosa ...it has been roughly two weeks since my last blog post. *hangs head*

Hello my name is Rosa and I am a picaholic.....

We all have our addictions in life .. some smoking, drinking, shopping.. even boots can be a addiction as we've all recently learned in Bax land.. but I would have to say my greatest addiction is pictures. Photographs, snapshots, paintings.. I am hopelessly drawn to this marvelous preservation of great times and happy memories.

In my home I have many photo albums claiming space in my closet, packed full of randomly taken photos! There are the family portrait shots .. a visual of the progressive changes of ones timeline, there are the scenic photos, these I find interesting to look at years later and see how the land has changed, and then there are the goofy photos.. those quick candids taken in the spur of the moment that never fail to make you laugh when seen no matter how much time passes by.

In the realm of Second Life ... for as long as I've been a resident I have happily indulged my addiction to photographs.. my first year in world Id easily spend more than half my weekly stipened on snapshot uploads.!! I learned putting them on harddrive was less costly to my inworld bank balance but quickly took space on my hard drive . When Flicker was introduced to me .. I thought Id died and gone to heaven! A entire site soley for photographs?? What a fantabulous idea!! Having only a freebie account then I was limited to how many photos I could share. Then one special rezday a sweet cheesey girl and a man who loves his PI gave me one of the best gifts I'll ever receive.. a pro account on flicker! *swoons* The flood gates were opened and a treasure trove of stored photos were uploaded, shared, commented on and gave me the nicest thrill to share :) It was a good addiction fix :D and one I admit today I delight in daily.

I dont know what exactly it is about photographs that I find so appealing, perhaps its knowing I've captured a moment of happiness that can be forever remembered, perhaps its preserving the faces of those close to my life, photos of Dad still comfort me at times, perhaps its simply more selfish and I just like to enjoy taking the photos. Whatever it is .. I'm happy to say .. I'm a picaholic.

Todays Poem one I think I've posted before but suits todays blog topic perfectly.

Photograph:

A tiny box
you hold in your hand
a device which to capture
the face of a man

It stops time
and suspends it forever
small square memories
for generations to treasure

Capture beautiful sunsets
gorgeous mountains and trees
or some of God's other creations
perhaps you , or maybe me

Is it a comfort
for us sentimental types
there is a way
to preserve memories of life

For the next time there's a memory
that you've just got to have
click the button on your tiny box
and remember it always in your
Photograph.

Thanks for reading

Ironic Idiot

2008-03-22T08:21:00.005-05:00

Welcome Back :)

How many times have you been out and about in life and encountered a person behaving so oddly youve muttered.. " What an Idiot " or other such unfriendly titles ?? We know these types .. they follow the beat of a off beat different drummer .. the sort to do those things in life that you just shake your head. I had an experience yesterday that left me indeed shaking my head ... sadly ... at myself.

The Backstory:

Bad weather is forecast to arrive, a large snowstorm with huge accumulations.. a typical grocery day is transformed to a city wide stock up now day so crowds are liken to that of pre christmas toy shopping size ..

The Scene:
I am driving into the parking lot ... the traffic is thick.. I drive down one aisle searching for that much coveted parking space... the snow falls so fast my wipers are keeping a steady back beat on the windshield.. I reach the end of the aisle and begin my turn left to begin a trek up another aisle when a elderly man in a giant truck cuts me off ... I mutter in startled suprise.. "Idiot!" .. and turn up the closest aisle open to me and find myself being further irked at the long line of cars coming at me .. the aisle way barely wide enough for my car .. let alone two ... im doing my best to be positive.. yet feeling greatly annoyed at close quarters to get through this aisle.... when a gentleman honked his horn and gestured his hand at me in a manner most unbecoming .. I was in disbelief people could be so rude ... I looked at him as our vehicles passed..... now I am not a lip reader but .. did he just call me "Idiot " ?? I reach the end of the aisleway I've been forced to drive up and find a parking spot ... I get out and begin walking into the store ..

The Realization:

As I walk I am .... as I tend to do ... watching my feet... the snow is begining to stick and a snowy scattered blacktop is my view... as I reach the end of the aisleway ive parked in I see there on the ground .. half covered in snow ... a giant yellow arrow... *gulps* .... a DOWN arrow ...

There are many moments in life we find help us grow as a person... be it stronger, closer, wiser or in this case.. finding humiliaty can bring out your softer side ... I had driven UP the down arrow ... this wasnt a intentional action .. yet ... there I had been pushing my way along ..
annoyed at the agitated folks who showed negative behavior.

The Moral:

The next time life finds you crossing paths with an Idiot in Action.. remember this entry and think twice about your reaction... it might very well be a good hearted person having a bad day :)

Thanks for reading !

Todays Poem :

Up and Down cars scurry around
rush and bustle to and fro
seeking out a coveted spot
and dealing with the snow

sudden block I am in shock
I turn an unexpected path
honking horns and gestures made
enduring people's agitated wrath

stand my ground Ive done no wrong
bewildered at the scene
a lady just trying to drive here .. * brooklyn accent *
whyz you got to be so mean

Make my way to end of aisle
my error seen, my jaw it drops
cheeks take on a crimson hue
I doubt it ne'er will stop

Respectable Names

2008-02-26T18:07:00.002-05:00

Hi there ! *does a turning spin* Yep! As you can visualize its really me.. I know .. I was in a blog slump again! I like to write when I have something worth sharing .. not just write .. to post everyday.. for those of you who come and check this blog for anything new faithfully.. I salute and respect you !! Speaking of respect this brings me to my blog post idea ...

I recently read a article in the newspaper.. was it a Dear Abby column or a local community column.. of where in the paper I dont recall however the topic was the improperness of addressing a group of mixed genders as " You guys". Much opinion was expressed in this
article for how women were finding more and more offense to be referred to as "you guys".

As I read this article , I found myself cringing for I too have greeted a room of mixed genders as " hi you guys" .. not once did I think it to be offending the ladies of the room. As I continued on further in this article I thought .. isnt it a bit turn of the tables.. or ironic .. or whatever you would prefer to label it .. that for as much toil and effort women of society have put toward breaking the glass ceiling there would be such fuss made over the collective " you guys" greeting. Does it threaten the idenity of a woman to be addressed in that manner??

One more example of how the power of words can effect a persons feelings. I can think of many far worse words that have been applied to address the female population of our planet that would no doubt be quite offensive .. but I struggle to see in the approach of a collective group greeting how "you guys" should be taken harshly. How about you ? Does your opinion differ
I'm not saying my opinion is right .. or wrong .. its just .. my opinion. What's yours?

Todays Poem:

See a crowd , greet hello
but just how, I do not know
Hiya folks might play it safe
but if not all parents .. then its too late

Hey there friends could work I assume
unless their all strangers that fill the room
Greetings peeps could fit fairly well
chatting with Easter chicks in a padded cell

Salutations Society!! You could say with a smile
but the time for reply could take quite a while
I guess its the best , although not exciting or fun
to simply address and say " Hello Everyone! "

Thank you for reading.

Routine Change

2008-02-07T19:56:00.000-05:00

Hello!

We all have had change in our lives at one time or another ... Change our clothes , Change of hairstyle or color , Change of mind, Change of season, even Change in our pocket! However, despite it being only mid February fate as found me adapting to a new change in life.

For the past two years .. and then some.. I have spent a good portion of my morning in a pleasant online voice chat with one of my very best friends, Jaycatt. We've talked about everything from politics to puddytats .. from Second Life to Real life .. its been a tradition,
a routine, a blessing. Due to some wonderful new additions in Jays real life .. our morning chat time is in for a change.. today was our last morning to skype chat and I nearly missed it
battling with the tech support of cable company. We will still talk .. whenever life allows us to fit the time in .. but its a change. One I cant help but feel a little meloncoly for .

I've recently gone back to work, its a part time job, hardly any hours .. but after being the stay at home mom for all this time .. it too is a change ... I dont mind change I think.. it just takes a little time to adjust to the difference of what was once felt the norm.

What is it we seek when we implement change.. is it a fresh perspective.. a new path to travel,
what is it some of us fight when change is implemented on us .. is it a loss for the way it was .. a reluctance to alter our path.. Sometimes change is good , and sometimes when its not .. you just have to look for the brightside of what the change will bring.

I hope whatever change your life aquires, may it always leave you smiling.

Todays Poem:

I share my home with a creature so unique
we get along quite nicely although we seldom speak
Its really such a special one but far from one of a kind
you see its fellow creatures almost anytime

It's eyes are big and round its hair can grow quite long
others of this creature seem as if their hair is gone!
It roams my house thoroughly studying all in its sight
it's favorite spots for which to go are those of great and mighty heights

It's days are spent just sleeping but it works out allright
for it keeps a watchful guard from the end of my bed at night
How lucky I am to have him, who loves me thin of fat,
one things sure that I can say, I will always love my cat!!

Thanks for reading :D

Nostalgia

2008-01-25T18:19:00.000-05:00

Hello!

My goodness as usual its been quite a while since my last post... perhaps I should have made a new years resolution to post with more frequency! Anywhoooo.....I am here now and thought I'd write a little something.

Its Friday ( insert expected whoops and hollars for the impending weekend here ) and on this particular Friday I found myself out and about in the world tending to my grocery shopping, ever a bargin hunter, in todays times and budget who isnt ? , I was traversing the town from store to store when I happen across a display of kids books... do you remember the "little golden books" I had several for my kids when they were little and they served well for boredom diversions and everyday entertainment .

My kids are no longer little ... one is grown and they other in high school ... so when I happen to see a familiar title book on the display .. the " The Monster at the end of this Book " story staring the old Sesame Street character Grover ... I was instantly swept up in a wave of nostalgia . My boys had enjoyed this story when they were young .... I found myself looking at the price .. $1.99 ... WOW only $1.99 for this great book! I picked it up and instantly put it in my cart ....... Common sense then whispers to me ........your kids are too old for that ....why are you buying it .........Nostalgia says .." It was special for you once " ........so for a few moments I stand there .. debating myself .......to buy or not to buy .......in the end Nostalgia won out and I justify it by saying ........oh , I'll save it for when my kids ...have kids. I purchase the book and head for home..........half way there the thought hits me ........I'd just bought the first item for "grandkids" ! EEEEEP!!! Nostalgia .......can be a wonderful thing !! but ......can also make you face a reality you might not be so ready to accept lol

Have you ever done something impulsive.. purely out of nostalgia ? If so , I'd love to hear about it ! In the meanwhile .......Thank you for reading :)

Monster Memories:

Long ago we sat to read
little you upon my knee
Monster tales inside a book
Eagerly we'd take a look

Grover on each page would say
Dont turn the page , no not today!
But turn each one with giggles we'd do
to laugh at Grover saying " How could you!"

Learned your letters and new words galore
and at the end you'd always say "more !"
Seeing the book, was like an old friend
Happy to go through your pages again

Monster tales, despite the age
makes a smile with every page
Nostalgia came in a storybook
Awaiting now a new eyes look .

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T12:21:00.000-05:00

January 2008. Wow! Its 2008! A whole year lays before us ...the potential for great opportunities.. reached goals.. obtained dreams! Its a beautiful view isnt it ?

Its the one I hope to cling to when reality tries to peek its head into my view ...
when hurdles crop up and delay my goal or prevent my dreams from coming true ..if only for a little while ... still that focus on the possibility is what will keep a smile rising from a frown.. and in the months of this new year to come .. I hope to always at least try to do my best to see the positive in what my path brings me. And sure, sometimes.. life seems a bit hard.. and dreams can seem bleak but still always ..try .. to see the glimmer of light, that hope of the "what if " or the "someday" and you will push through.

However your looking toward your new year I hope that it will find you happy and healthy. Thank you for reading.

One of the greatest people I know, my Aunt Mary , taught me the importance of positive thinking .. she influenced me greatly growing up and I credit her among the blessings that have brought me to be the person I am today. Todays poem is for her.

My Special Aunt-

I know a person who is thoughtful and kind
always has thoughts of you on her mind
her smile is bright and can light up your heart
like the morning suns rays of the new days start

Her intentions are good
even when "meddling"
her understanding aire
is so very settling

When looking at her
I see a very nice lady
if you dont see it too,
you just must be crazy!!

So many roles she's played in her life
a teacher, a Mother, a friend, a wife
Each role she's played with greatness so fine
how lucky I am God cast her in mine

She touches us all in a special way
brighting up the darkest of days

when I look at Mary and the qualities she's sharing
love and grace, sweet kindess and caring
whether she knows it or not
she helps the tough times seem worth bearing

So as I end this tribute to a lady oh so fine
when it comes to Aunts that are special
My Aunt Mary tops the list
every single time!

Virtual Morality

2007-12-29T11:26:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Okay so picture this ........

Your going along down a road .... you see this pretty cool looking house... you are amazed at its design, curious about what it looks like inside... you go up to the front door ... open it... and walk inside ... exploring all around the rooms contained inside ...

Are you sitting there thinking.. you cant do that! How rude! Invasion of privacy .. breaking and entering??.....at the least trespassing! and in the real
world all would be accurate. But what about in virtual worlds. Is there the same
level of respect and morality for property, possesions, people... in virtual enviroments?

We see ban lines and security systems with an annoying frequency in online world of Second Life , I thought .. why do folks feel they need this here.. and I was taken back in memory to the times I'd gone "exploring" and entered places.. tromped across virtual lawns.. and sat on steps not meant to be public area.. all in the name of fun.. to explore.. enjoy.

So my question is ... Is there a virtual morality? Does etiquette we freely and with respect give to souls in rl .. carry over to a virtual enviroment. We like to look like RL *although some of us *me included* have fabricated our virtual self to be far more attractive on the outside than our rl self * lol , we like to create things in virtual world that are like rl ... fashions, home designs, products, etc.. we even have started seeing corporate presence of rl companies in virtual realm so if all those things carry over.. should morality as well? Has it already?? What do YOU think? I have no right or wrong answer to offer here.. simply a observation that I felt made a decent blog ramble .. I hope if nothing else .. you enjoyed the ramble :) Thank you for reading.

Todays Poem:

Privacy Protected
Personal space assumed
Do we really have control
of who invades our room?

Security lines are erected
ban list starts to grow
is there a proper do's and dont's
on virtually where to go ?

Explore the builds and landscapes
freely its space we walk about
is this no big deal to all
or of morality is there a doubt ?

Point of View

2007-12-22T16:11:00.000-05:00

Hi !
Seasons Greetings! I'd normally say Happy Holidays .. as thats the sentiment I'm really wishing to express , however I haven't been able to in good concience say so after reading a certian virtual angels blog rant ..*smiles at Velveeta * http://voicesinvelshead.blogspot.com/2007/12/merry-christmas-or-not.html but suffice to say I wish all of you who come to honor me with your time ... I bid you the happiest of this holiday season.

Today my rambling thought is point of view ... I shall explain.. I know you're going to need it follow my wayward rambles :D Earlier this week I went to dinner with my two sons..
they are adult and teen age.. as we sat there at McDonalds.. I observed a Dad and his two young sons enter .... the Dad's gaze was darting.. seeking.. taking survey of the empty seats.. where would best be to position themselves... distant in case the kids are loud... close for better keeping an eye on kids as they play in equipment... you could see his expression was one of seriousness and responsibility... Scan the view down to the two young boys.. whos eyes were wide eyed, sparkling and focused. They were spying that climbing gym, with all its many tubes and slides, colored balls for jumping in.. their expression was one of ovious joy and excitement.

It got me to wondering.. about the different points of view we as different generations, different genders.. upbringing's.....we take for the same expierence's. When did life create in us that maturity to look at things responsibly.. and if were focused on that .. do we lose sight of the fun?

Sure we make jokes on this now and again .. I cant tell you how many times Ive mentioned to my own kids.. how their preference of volume for their music is quite possibly a bit excessive for listening and that .. I wasn't sure of course but seriously doubted the population within a mile radius of our home would appreciate hearing their musical entertainment choice.

One day I was particularly pleased to find I could squeeze myself back into a pair of pants I'd long since kept in the back of my closet for that "someday I might fit in these again" you know that pair you wore back in school that you thought made you look just too darn hawt! Well my elation of fitting in was short lived when my son inquired of me "They had jeans back then!!" Apparently.. this is a revelation to find jeans were in fact quite popular back in the day .. right along side the bone in the hair fashion and clubbed meat tenderizing ... sigh ..

But I'm digressing as I often tend to do, from my topic at hand ... Point of view ... watching the Dad and his two sons.. it really got me thinking...looking at life and its situations with maturity and responsiblity is indeed very important.. but if I were to make a wish.. I'd hope that in each and everyone of us .. we never lose that sparkled eyed point of view.. the one that lets us see the fun in each situation. The innocence of letting go to enjoy the moment even if its fleeting ... let that kids at heart in you .. out to play now and then ...sometimes thats hard to find the joy in the tasks of life that are not so pleasant.. but if entered into with a light heart and a willing smile .. just imagine the cause and effect the effort might bring! Thank you for reading and Merry Christmas and Happiest of New Years to you all :)

Todays Poem:

GASP!

Who is that roly poly man
dressed in a suit of red
he's got a great big rosy nose
and white fluff surrounds his head

He totes a bag of red satin
laiden down with joys and treats
and boots as black as night
are attached to his feet

He's placing gifts under the tree
each one is brightly wrapped
and as he bends each time down
bells jingle on his cap

I am so excited and happy
to watch him do his task
there's much I 'd like to know of him
but now's not the time to ask

I am crouched down in awe
here hidden on the stairs
silent and bewildered
at what I'm seeing there

He doesn't know I see him
and I am very glad
for I am just in awe...
to find that Santa's really DAD!!

Good Penmanship

2007-12-11T18:38:00.000-05:00

Hello! Yes....sigh... I seem to always start out my posts with apologetic excuses for lack of posting .. and todays entry .. seems no exception :) But here is the rambling thought that popped into my head and triggered the notion for a blog entry .

I was at the auto shop this week , signing a credit card reciept for car repairs.. I grabbed the pen and set to signing my name ... when "it" happens... what "it" is .. I cannot explain but its that
thing... that ... occurance.. that finds me unable to write my name in good penamanship. You know what Im talking about ... we scribble our names down in such rushed fashion or annoyed haste at the debt we just commited ourselves to that .. our handwriting takes on that of a new rollercoaster ride blueprint. I can sit and address Christmas cards and have the most legiable handwriting... but task me to pen my name on a reciept or document and I'm Sally Scribble.

So the thought occured to me to ask .... just how important is good penmanship? Doctors write illegiably (except to the nurses who decifer it .. I wonder if theres a secret underground covert training facility to teach them to break the scrawled instruction code ) ... and the world seems to turn and move on .... when reading a application... or a filed document how important is it to have good penmanship...? What do you think ??

In closing.. I've already asked a few of my friends this question, however I think it might be interesting to see what others think as well ... If you could make up your own personalized 12 Days of Christmas.. what would you pick to be your 12 days.?

Thanks so much for reading!

Todays Poem:

Jotted hand quickly scribes
cross the T's and dot the I's
loop and flow the lines precise
sign my name so very nice

High and low the pen does travel
creating a line to never unravel
second gaze at my completion
has me wishing that writngs deletion

Scribbled text my name is inked
my good penmanship suddenly extinct
right there on the dotted line
my scribbled name I did sign

Random Facts

2007-11-29T14:39:00.001-05:00

Hello!

As kids we often would play the game of tag.. one person starts.. runs around and tags the others so they too have a turn to be "it " .. it would seem so I've discovered the blog world has a version of this as well and I guess this is my attempt at being "it " .. now be forewarned I cant say that this entry is going to be "all that" or that after reading you will say " that girl is really "it" .. or even " shes sure got " it " going on ... but .. since I have been tagged in good faith and the spirit of friendship I will give this a try .. whatever "it" may turn out to be. Thanks for reading ...

Here are the rules. (1) Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves. (2) People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. (4) Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1) I am a rambler. I tend to chat on and on about anything and nothing. Where some find this an endearing quality and enjoy the aimless wanderings of my verbal expression, I tend to wonder lately if I shouldnt explore the observation/conversation ratio! hahaha In the end however .. I am who I am and I suspect I will always be a rambler.. its what I am.

2) I have a odd sense of humor. Innocent comments made in conversations are often taken as humor to my minds interpretation... sometimes its gutter level humor .. sometimes its a different angle on everyday observations.. not everyone gets my humor .. but those who do .. understand me best.

3) I am a doodler. There was a study done once I heard that the things you doodled said something about your personality.. I dont recall where I heard that or when but i remember it .. I cant seem to let a blank page be a blank page.. I feel compelled to put on it drawings, or rhymes verses.. usually flowers and faces.. but doodles can be just about anything .. I wouldnt say my drawings are particularly good from a artistic point of view .. but they often are whimsy and humorous ;)

4) I am a shutterbug. I love to take pictures... be it in real life of strange building angles, or flowers, my favorite is people..or in Second Life where virtual goings on's are snapped and collected like evidence of the goofy highlights of online adventures. I think the sentimentalist in me comes out and I am forever wanting to capture the moments of life to preserve them for generations to come. Life gives us so many moments .. I find photographs are the best way to hold on to some of lifes best memories :)

5) I am technically shy. Technology.. high tech.. computer tech..mechcanical tech.. these things are not high on my list of "wish list" to do. I will find every possible reason to avoid anything that asks me to be tech minded.. however .. once I do attempt it.. learn it .. and perform the tech tasks.. I often find I'm a much happier person for the effort and always come away learning something cool. Doesnt change the fact that I still will shy away from tech type tasks in the future.. if I can. Ha ha. Someday I will embrace it better....

6) I double tie my shoes . As a little girl my Dad would often try to encourage me to keep my laces from coming undone by stepping on the large loops I let hang down my shoe onto the ground.. he wasnt cruel about it , but did this often enough that I got into the habit of tying my shoe in the typical bow .. then tying the loops of my bow into a second bow .. this assured me that the laces would not come undone and that Dad wouldnt have anything in which to step on . Lesson learned. Habit formed.. I am a double loop tier :D

7)I love music . I enjoy all kinds of music .. a few genere's are less desired than others but all types have something to say.. or entertain. I am the kind of person I tend to tune more into the lyrics of a song than the music ... however I am becoming more aware of the music of songs as well lately and find it quite amazing all the rhythms and changes that go on during a song. Ive spoken before how music tends to transport you from present to past memories .. I cannot sing to save my life but music ... will always give me a song in my heart ;D

8) I am a dreamer. Like most of us im sure.. I find the hard times of life are easier coped with when you have a positive dream to look forward too. Life isnt as happy as it could be right now... hang in there .. for the dream of a better one is possibly right around the corner. Is this a unrealistic point of view... some might say so ... I know ... even on my worst days.. all I've had to do is think about my dream for the future and the day just seems more tolerable. This can be a vacation to look forward to .. a life change to plan on ... a bad day at the job and your dreaming about a nice evening once you get home. when negatives happen.. I find im the kind that dreams about the positives to come.

Well there you have it 8 random facts about myself... I'm not at all sure it was pleasant reading but .. I've completed the tagged assignment from my friend. Now I'm to list 8 bloggers to do the same? I doubt I have 8 names to list so lets see how many I can come up with .... that Eric's not already tagged... well I'll say Velveeta.. who doesnt have a blog now but this is a great reason to get one started.. Misty H, who I enjoy reading.. Mera and Reina who Ive enjoyed their blogs.. that brings me up to ... four... oh my ... hmm well lets add on Akela and FireEyes,Dylan Rickenbacker , Ersz.... and say wow I've squeaked out 8 names! Yay me !!
Thanks again for reading and have a great day!

Todays Poem:

Typing facts to random know
new sides of me to you I show

Eight random things in which to reveal
personal expression of how I feel

What did you learn anything new
perhaps, I hope a fresh point of view

Random knowledge gained from my text
my tagged duties I now have expressed

@->-- Rosa

Special Places

2007-11-22T11:58:00.000-05:00

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving! For those of you celebrating it on this day.

Today my ramble is about special places, you know that place you like to take yourself too when your feeling just a little low, or foolish , or just to meditate on the many blessings your life has dealt... as kids .. at least for me .... our bedroom was always the place to go and think about things.. a safe haven from youthful trial and triumphs, as I got older.. there was a spot in my Dad's flower garden he'd built... it was my favorite place to go whenever I felt down.

Dad's flower garden is gone now ... and nowadays.. with the aid of technology a special place can be just about anywhere ... from a quiet park just around the corner ....to a virtual home in cyberspace... wherever you find contentment and peace of mind. Im thankful for many blessings in my life ... even when somedays I struggle to see they are there ... on this day set aside to be thankful.. what are some of your special places your thankful to have in your lives?

Todays Poem:

When I feel low, I often go
to a park just down the way
I sit upon a pretty bench
and nothing do I say

my mind it wraps around the scenes
calm and tranquil feel
and all the days anxiety and stress
fades and begins to heal

woes may weigh heavy
and try to bring me down
but always in my special place
there is often joy to be found

Where is your special place
that you love to go to sit
and rejuvinate your spirits
when the day youd like to quit

For my friends and family
who've no special place to start
you've always got a spot with me
forever in my heart

Thank you for reading !

A Year In The Blog ....

2007-11-20T07:50:00.000-05:00

HAPPY ONE YEAR ROSA'S BLOG!!!

Today marks one year since I began this blog and looking back over the past 57 posts its quite amazing to see whereas I'm still very much the same .. also just how far I've grown. I can remember conversations with Jaycatt and Eric expressing my doubts at putting my own thoughts out on a public format to be read, reviewed, and even commented on ... I have to say
despite my inital resistance.. I'm glad I took the chance and went for it ! So what have I learned in this past year.. what revalations has the past 12 months of expression gained my life .....

I have learned that sometimes .... taking risks that seem impossible, improbable , or insurmountable are the greatest growth of self. I've enjoyed the process of writing my aimless rambles down.. thoughts that pop in your head that often come and go are offered a platform in a blog , in which to be at least looked at and hopefully mean something to a reader.

I've learned to my astonishment that one voice of rambling expression can reach many souls of kindness! One of the best compliments I've ever received in my lifetime came in consequence of this blog ... a wonderful person in their own right.. telling me that my post that day had made a difference in their day.. Dont we all live for little moments like that! Each new day is a possibility to make a positive difference! If not to the world.. then to just one person... you fall asleep at the end of the day smiling knowing you didnt waste the day if you were able to be a positive to someone, somewhere!

I've learned the power of words by participating in the blog world.... its so fantastic how much you can gain by reading peoples blog posts.. in information, insight, as well as inspiration! A once thought impossibility for me personally has turned out to be one of the best things I could have done for myself.

I've learned humbleness, and humility in that my opinion or comment isnt always the way everyone see's the point .. and that diversity can be a good thing :) An outlet for many points of view is quite the productive platform I think.

I've learned therapy... I am in non texting life.. a serious rambler... its something I wish I weren't.. and try daily to improve on ... but in the end.. its a hard fact to accept.. I just talk too much ... I can be annoying ... and thats sad. This blog enabled me to type my wayward rambles happily .. posting thoughts that normally I'd be jabbering away about to anyone in earshot .. has this blog helped me to be less of a chatterbox in real life ....no.. unfortunately.. a motormouth.. is always in gear ... however.. it has been good to have a new outlet of verbal expression!

So Happy One Year! to this blog.. and great and many thanks to all of you who have come and read my efforts of expression! I enjoy writing, but its hearing good folks like you enjoy the reading .. makes this blog a great positive and I'm grateful. THANK YOU for reading!!

Todays Poem:

Rambler:

I am a Rambler
although its not by choice
fate it seems has blessed me
with a very chatty voice

I use it to tell stories
packed with details abundant
and hope that to the listener
the moral's not redundant

Of nothing I can ramble
and tangent on for days
and tell you all nothings details
in many different ways..

I know I can be tiresome
the way I ramble here and there
but know that I am grateful
to have you with which to share

Thank you for your ears to listen
your eyes for indulgent reading
your support and participation
to me it holds such special meaning.

THANK YOU

Round Robin

2007-11-02T10:53:00.000-05:00

Hello!

When I was little * yes I really was young once * I can remember getting family letters "round robin" style.. where someone started the letter and passed it on to another who added something on and passed it on .. so by the time it circled round everyone was caught up on everyone else.. such a neat idea!

Way back when in my earlier days on the game Second Life this concept was applied to writting a poem. I found the expierence to be quite fun and had always wanted to do it again.. and just recently I was provided with that opportunity! I spoke to my friends Dylan Rickenbacker, who kindly asked Erszhebet Maertens, and I inquired of Raydon Writer all of whom graciously agreed to participate in creating a round robin poem. I found this a lot of fun and can't wait to do it again :) Thanks to all of you for helping to make a great project I hope you liked it too!!

Todays Poem

October 2007 Round Robin Poem:

FALL:

Leaves fall from trees like tears from my eyes
sad to see summer's goodbyes
vibrant colors delight our view
the start of new seasons hue .... (Rosa Gardner)

The wine and the ivy, they are in flames
And across the windswept sky
My eyes are following a flock of cranes
Southbound sailing by. ( Dylan Rickenbacker)

Awakening in darkness to start the day anew
Grey English mornings of frigid foggy dew
Strangers scuttle to work with mourning in their eyes
No basking in Indian Summer to heal their souls' cries (Erszhebet Maertens )

The harvest moon rises through the dark
And I see the light of the stars long since gone
The dawn creeps up and leaves its mark
The land around me is slower to respond

Warmth of the sun is slower to come
The leaves on the trees wither without
And the dews grasp has a longer run
Though the world continues its shout

Come back! We need your light!
The sun tries to do whats right
Returning to the land that calls its name
Valiant efforts to repeal its shame( Raydon Writer )

Fall has arrived! Defeated summers days
to dot familiar landscapes in colors all ablaze
a hot cup of tea, a warm pumpkin pie
the sweet smells of fall , sure to make you sigh
Time to be thankfull, share blessings its true
for as I welcome Fall, I'm glad your with me too!! (Rosa Gardner )

October 2007 Round Robin Poem - FALL

Thank you for reading

Storytime...

2007-10-31T14:25:00.000-05:00

Hello!!! For a change of pace I thought I'd try a story of a visual rhyming nature.. I hope its entertaining and special thanks to all my friends who helped me make these wonderful memories! Thanks for reading ~ Rosa ~

Once upon a time.. in the land of rhyme.. there sat a creepy place ..

rumored to have the strangest crimes

some really bizarre case....

one such case I'll share with thee

the unsolved dead dustbunnie mystery

A bullet through is fluffy skull

while he listened to Patrick play Jethro tull

the usual suspects were rounded together

and interogated swiftly for good measure

rosa scoured all the land..looking for the culprit.. be it a woman or a man ..

She found some footprints leading from the scene ..

but it turned out to be a kitty and hes not at all mean.

She interviewed some models.. in the middle of a show...

but they couldn't help her.. they really didnt know ..

she interviewed a Coyote... hes wise beyond his days ..

he said check out the racetrack and the concert by the bay ..

the crowd was really moving .. jamming to the groove

the whole place was jumping it was a dead lively mood

she was going to interview . the green cyclops lad..

when she learned ..of another crime that had been had ..

the same little pawprints were found close by

made she thought quite recently.. by quite a little guy ..

the crime scene it was gruesome.. blood was everywhere

it even brought a dragon.. who tried to pretend he wasnt there ...

She asked a purple princess for her purpley advice ...

who pointed to the headless horseman and said ask him.. hes nice ..

she interviewed the robot.. whos head was very round..but he just couldnt help her .. no evidence was found...

then one day a goth man she'd never ever seen,
approached her and said Ive got info on bunny crime scene..

It wasnt the handsome one .. who rides just like the wind..

It wasnt the beauty who's also pretty deep within..

It wasnt the lucky guy who danced with two babes..

it wasnt the squid with cougar singers played..

it wasnt the wise ferret.. or his pretty friend by his side ..

it wasnt the new human around.. for hes a very special guy

he told her tales of horribe things.. done deep underground

where unspeakable acts were performed

and screams they had no sound

he told about a wizard.. who worked his magic spells..

he was mostly harmless and called himself MIDEL

he transformed into beings.. that truly make you whince

and that he's mostly harmless of noone could convince.
but then she met DUKEMAN .. a superhero guy

who had mad Bball skillz but really couldnt fly ..

he told her of ol bonechill.. a long forgotten soul

who danced all day without his skin at the shelter I am told

she started to piece together ..the dastardly feat..

and how his evil plans were just about complete.. but he didnt bank on Moral Dilema..

their awful rawkin sound

(que Velveeta singing her solo here )

or on all the others.. who live around this town

so he was arrested by sheriff Alan Hearn

and sent to Linden jail , where his lesson he will learn!

But with all you've read and seen ... all of it I'm afraid........

................................ all 'twas just a dream .........

THE END

Playful Poet

2007-10-24T17:41:00.000-05:00

Here is the "main kick" I built upon my land, a simple place with style , for my avatar to stand... I'd had this little notion, a idea on which to think.. would it be fun to try .. or maybe it'd just stink..I opted to share the plan with my dear sweet buds, who hastily assured me , my idea wasnt a dud. I am a simple poet, in my heart of hearts, and with one supported notion, the poet house.. we'd start . I created the rough draft, which was very misaligned.. Jay came in and fixed it all, in precious little time... I applied the textures.. ..badly off centered.. Patrick came in and fixed them all .. I swear he is my mentor . I colored the floors and stage .. it didnt look so great.. Patrick came in and suggested a change I agreed.. with. "little" debate :)) So we sent out invites and listed in events.. the night arrived quite quickly.. my poems to now present .....

This is Patrick LaSalle, bassist oh so fine.. layed down a groovy backbeat to my poetic lines.. He MC'd the evening with style unsurpassed.. kept us all a smilin from the first moment to the last ..

This is Jaycatt Nico... the coolest cat around .. when he sits at the keys.. you know your rhythm bound! He played a swinging melody to accentuate the rhyme.. and helped to bring us all a thriller diller time !!

the poet night would have been a bomb, without them both there .. I was thrilled for their help and in the evenings fun to share ..

Thanks again to all of you who graced the beatnik scene.. your presence and your clapping... made me feel a Queen! :)

Now if you look back carefully, I havent forgot to share,

a poem of a post with you.. for look again its there..

in this special entry. youll note that every line..

makes the whole page my poem for the clever way it rhymes :D

Thank you for reading

Respectful Ramble

2007-10-13T10:12:00.000-05:00

Hello Ramble Readers! Thank you for coming back to see whats on my rambling mind :)

Earlier this week, while sitting at my desk I was happy! A live music show played in my ears.. my avatar danced... instant message conversations displayed.. all programs were functioning within normal paramiters.. I was "connected"! When suddenly.. the monitor goes dark, and eventually the tower shuts off .. upon restarting im told I had a driver error in my graphics card.

which made me ponder.. how much of what we use/do in life..we take for granted..
that tiny little driver.. locked deep away in my pc tower .. quietly toiling away so that I may click buttons and see all the viid colors and textures in whatever preferred enviroment Ive qued up on my screen. how much respect do I pass to this miraculous tasks being done. We start our day with automatic this and remote control that, and think its all basic needs, but where would we be without all the little things functioning to enable us our luxuries of modern convience. How many other things in our day to day life do we enjoy without so much as a pause of appreciation of all the little things that have to work in order for us to enjoy them.

Here's hoping we all take a moment now and again .. to rememebr where we've been.. to really appreciate where we are now :)

Thank you for reading

Todays Poem:

Little gremlins in machines
stop them running smooth and clean
all those little pieces parts
working together to let us start

take a moment, give a pause
for all the little jobs of awe
life is good, we have it made
just give credit where dues needs paid

lots of people do their share
for better world in which to care
some are famous, some unknown
without us all no progress shown

do our best each day we live
but not forget all others who give
as a world would we surely fall ,
without each of us giving our all

Positives at the Perfect Time

2007-10-04T18:22:00.000-05:00

Hey there to all of you, and thank you once again for returning to read my rambles.

For my last post being about the power of words, I seem to have suffered a weakness in that its been a while since Ive felt words powerful enough to share on a post again. Not that this post will be dramatic in any shocking manner but just that I have a ramble in my mind and felt it worth sharing.

The other day I was out job hunting, having been a stay at home mom for quite some years Ive found I'm not as qualified to do most of the jobs being offered, to go from being the cook, maid, chauffer, nurse, psychologist, babysitter, etc. to a underqualified applicant its not hard to see where that could discourage ones positive spirit. So I was out applying at places when one employee application required me to take a pre-assesment employee test. This was approx. 70 questions to judge what I would do in certian simulated circumstance situations. Sadly, I chose to reply my answers according to my personal morals, not company morals. * and isnt that sad in and of itself they are two different things * ... and after a hours worth of my time to answer these questions I was told I failed to pass the pre assesment test.and my application wouldnt even be looked at now. I found it frustrating, and tried to console my bruised pride by a bristly.. well I wouldnt want to work for a place like that anyway... but always one to try and perk up a low point I opted to treat myself to a personal luxury... a Latte!! Mmmmm! latte!

I ordered, and paid and set the cup in the cup holder of my car.. started on my trek home.. upon the first turn my lid slides off the cup tips and latte is now the new fashion statement on my dress.... moments like this.. can really ruin a day.. but on this day I found something pretty cool ... as I pulled over to sop up the mess, I picked up the cup lying by my feet.. notice theres still some coffee in it and immediately think .. ha ha , its still half full. It was in that moment that I realized.. no matter how bad my day was .... I still was going to be okay because.. I saw the cup " half full" not half empty. Did it change the fact I had a horrible day.. nah. But it did become a positive at the perfect time and that helped me to survive :)

Now dont get me wrong , Im far from 24/7 , Polly Positive... I have my negative nelly moments a lot too, but I do believe if you try .. to look at things positively or see a brightside.. it makes the hard times.. a little easier to cope.
What do you think? Is your cup half full or half empty ?

Todays Poem:

Life it comes in highs and lows
we never know just where it goes
one day up so pedastal high
next day down so low you'd cry

Positive thoughts powerful notion
help to battle negative emotion
when the day seems to downward pull
imagine your cup is still half full

not always easy to view it so bright
when lifes hardship attack with such bite
but hang in there!!, is great advice
stay strong till life's again nice

Smile and greet strangers and friends
get up the next day and do it again
so everyday friends I hope you will find
life gives you Positives at the perfect time.

October 2007- Rosa Gardner

The Power Of Words

2007-09-21T10:55:00.000-05:00

How powerful are words? How much power should we allow them to have over our life?

How important are words in cases such as reporters comments after investigating a story? A trial testimony given for or against the charge can be a very powerful words and greatly effect ones life. A pleasant compliment or sharing ones feelings for another .. those sentimental speeches spoken from the heart can make the words said very powerful and effective.

On the flip side of that coin is how powerful should we allow words to be when words are less than positive. When someone insults you , or tells you something about yourself you dont particularly enjoy hearing even if they may be right, should those words have power over or effect your life? Where do we draw the line from letting the positives of one persons opinion enrich our self esteem and the negatives knock us down? How often have we heard that cliche' advice.. "Just ignore them" , or " Dont let it get to you " and yet if it were positives.. we'd feel perfectly accepting to welcome the words and appreciate them shared.

So my ponderment is .. how powerful should words be? Is there a black and white in accepting or ignoring words said be it national news storys or just one persons opinion about you, or too many grey areas. Words can rule our lives.. in the forms of rules or laws.. and they can be weapons too in the form of lies. Words can con, and manipulate and words can touch the heart in lyrics of music or poems .

Words can be sickness in gossip and rumor and words can be miraculous in teaching and inspiration. Words are so many things.. how much power do they cast in ones life? How much effectiveness do words have in your life?

Todays Poem:

Words came into my life today
made me laugh from things they say
taught me lessons important too
from the words we see and do

Words spin tales in stories bold
makes us young when we are old
words can lift and spirits soar
leave us longing to read more

Words are black and cause us pain
when cut down were never the same
fueling low self esteem
words can sometimes seem so mean

Words are powerful and effect us a lot
words stay with us some never forgot
how powerful are words in your day
how powerful are words that YOU say?

Whatever words effect your soul
never lose sight of one special goal
to let your words be honest and true
and may positives only dominate you!

Thank you for reading :)

Blues Buster

2007-09-13T17:45:00.000-05:00

Hello Ramble Readers! Thanks for checking out my latest meandering wayward thoughts!

Okay so no matter how positive a person you are in life , we all get the blues.. it happens. You find life has dealt you circumstances you find yourself sighing and each step of that particular journey seems to be like trudging a steel toed boot full of sand through a vat of molasses. You can do it!! But its gonna take a while. The blues can bring you down... so todays post is about How do you bust your blues? I realize You cant always cure them.. some circumstances just dont disappear but you can find ways to feel good and bust the blues away a while! Heres a few of mine:

1) It goes without saying and this shouldnt even be counting that good friends can help you chase away the blues. Thats not to say they will be like some super hero force, quick changing from street clothes to spandex and lycra * although wow what a visual huh? * and flying in to whisk you off to happyland where the blues cant reach ...but they can sit with you for hours when you need to vent , tell you jokes that are totally lame just to make you smile for they know once one smile gets in .. you will start to feel better, they can stand firm for you to lean on when your own steps shake or falter.. they can care for you and show you to the world.. You matter! Good friends.. a geniune blues buster!!

2)My second bustin blues battle tactic is Music! Music literally carries me away! For me, I can so easily get lost in the moments of music be it the lyrics , which for me liking to rhyme poems a lot is often what grabs me , or the melodies music just absorbs me and I drift away into happier mood instantly. When my Dad passed away I was as low as Ive ever in my life been. Id lost my lifes best friend, my confidant, my advisor, I was numb and struggled to see any positives remaining in life without my Dad there to share them with me, but I found solace in music .. you know how your going along and the radios on and a song comes on that "takes you back" this was the start of music busting my blues.. a old song that my Dad loved came on the radio.. suddenly Im singing along with it.. memories of Dad flooding my mind.. when reality hits me .. its in the memories that I kept my Dad with me .. yes he was gone but not forgotten. Music like in the case of a happy feel good beat can lift your spirits as well, how many of us have found ourselves dancing or smiling from hearing YMCA or WIPEOUT or *insert your most favorite rockin song here*. Despite Blues being a form of music ... Music .. busts the blues away for me!!

3) My third way to bust the blues is photographs. If im low and feeling sorry for my current lifes circumstances sometimes seeing photographs, old, new, or taking current ones can perk me up and have me feeling appreciative of what in my life IS good. I soppose thats cliche'd as " count your many blessings" and perhaps thats true I just know .. seeing captured memories of times and events when lifes circumstances were happy.. makes me feel good and renewed to focus on the positives I still yet have in life :D

My last way to bust the blues and although its listed last.. certianly is not last one I turn to, but Ive found GIVING whoops the woes of life pretty darn well! I might be having a rotten day.. but you cant deny that warm feeling you receive when youve done something unselfish for another person. I am a hopeless romantic type so I have a unrealistic dreamlike faith in human spirit, but I like to live life feeling if I am a giving person sooner or later someone I help will pass it forward to help someone else they know and anytime you can be catylyst to a positive how can the day be negative right! :) So Giving is one of the ways I like to bust the blues:D

Are any or all of these a cure for the blues of life, No... but if but for a while .. they allow a smile.. then isnt it worth it to try ?

Now I've shared some of mine, wont you share some of yours? Maybe I will learn a few new techniques to try when life deals me my next bad day! Thank you so very much for reading and I hope your day is Blues free * unless its jamming to music * ha ha ha

Todays Poem:

Eyes brim with moistness
on the verge of tears
the blues have come to visit me
and intensify my fears

life in all its power
has dealt a day thats tough
and made me feel so very low
I've really had enough

Busting blues I begin
sharing laughs with good friends
blues are rough they hang around
making my smile become a frown

Music blasts and memories fly
to my sadness, wave goodbye
lyrics call and speak to me
renew my heart so happily

Blues are knockin steal my laughs
I find them again in ol photographs
captured memories of great life times
soon will have me feeling fine

Mean ol blues get me low
fill my day with negatives so
but battle back from where I live
I gain a smile each time I give

Blues can turn my skies to gray
cause me grief and make a bad day
Busting blues in positive fashion
smashes them all with powerful passion

Find your ways to battle back
when mean ol blues your day attack
Smile and sing or take a picture
make positives a permanent fixture

Thank you for reading :)

Crossing the Line

2007-09-08T07:23:00.001-05:00

Hello to all of you who bless me by repeatedly coming back to gaze your eyes upon my scattered ramblings! I apprecaite you :) Thank you.

You know how you go along in life and suddenly realize there's an awful lot of conversation about a particular topic with many people at different times over time?
If your still with me after that lengthy intro let me elaborate a bit more for clarity.. You cross paths with one friend .. in the course of convo they mention as an example " I really admire your smile......." fast forward to another conversation with another friend later in the day or even the week and your told " I really admire your smile ..." .... and so on and so on .. until your suddenly thinking.. "Hmm..." . I've been expierencing this sense of dejavu on topic matter for a couple weeks now.. having been told by a handful of my friends in conversations.

The repeating comment in all encounters was I was thought to be a brave person for having gone to meet virtual friends in a real life setting. I have crossed this line a total of three times now in life and always being caught up in the excitement never stopped to look at it from a bravery point of view. It got me to wondering .. am I really brave or is it just a natural progression of a great friendship... So I'm making it a blog entry to ask.. "What would you do ?"

Would you travel in real life to meet a online friend?
I say friend because aquaintance leaves the impression of a level of unfamiliarity of the individual.. you know them.. but not really well. Do you think its possible to really know a individual.. online.

I met Braddie and Rysidian after having known them online for about 2 years.. I faced my fear to fly and took my first airplane trip of my life and journeyed to Sydney, Australia to spend 3 wonderful weeks in their country and company. I suppose to the outsider it looks very foolish to place that amount of trust in two individuals Ive only known over internet supported communications.. for me though.. I just put faith in my judgement of their character. I trusted them. and as it turns out .. I had a wonderful time. Now I do feel its important to note my cautiousness when the idea first surfaced to visit them in real life I questioned them quite personally.. even joking with them.. I had to rule them out as axe murderers. The point is , after 2 long years and daily contact.. I felt a level of trust enough to take that step and cross the line of virtual reality to reality.

Id like to claim... " oh well I knew the person a really long time before meeting them in rl " to all my exxamples, however with the next two I would simply be lying. I knew Jaycatt and Frogg for a while, yes.. but not even a year when I actually met them in person... Jaycatt and I talk in a voice messenger program every single day. Its like a phone call every morning with the same person over and over and over.. you develop a sense of trust with this person.. you might not have gained in just text only. I was not fearful at all to meet Jaycatt.. I just "knew" him and knew I was in good hands to visit. I admit I didnt know Frogg as well, having little interaction with him online.. but I placed my faith in my trust in Jays good judgement and my own assesment of Frogg and just trusted it would be all good. And it was!!

Meeting Patrick, Id known him even less time than Jaycatt and Frogg, however with the aid of voice and web cam daily.. again I think you get to 'know' a person better, the camera allows that body language info to get through, whereas in text that just isnt there. I held no fear in going to meet Patrick whatsoever so its hard for me to look upon it as being brave.

My third time crossing the Online to Reality line was SLCC. Now my reason for going was the music. Most of the performers were my friends, ones in which I'd already met, so I viewed it more as a reunion of sorts than a meet and greet strangers event.
I didnt even stop to think about the many new faces Id be encountering in the course of the weekend, my mind was wrapped up in teh excitement of "Oooh! I get to see Jay, Frogg, and Patrick again! " When the moments came that I actually met several folks from Second Life...the atmosphere was so warm and friendly.. I felt no fear or anxiety at all over the moments. So again.... thats difficult for me to view as being brave. So in conclusion I am really curious... If it were you .. would you travel to meet someone youd known online? If so , do you think its brave? What factors get you to that point of ...yes, I'd do it? If not, what reasons make you reach that conclusion? I thank you for your time and reading this ramble :) Bless your heart!!

Todays Poem:

Open up that long shut door,
first step taken to gain more
cross the line of time and space
to stare reality face to face

Is it brave to travel here
shake your hand and have no fear
Is it foolish to open up
expose my real life and personal stuff

Sheltered in my online world
its easy to be a virtual girl
trust and faith place me in real life
making choices that just seemed right

Would I meet just anyone..
even friends ive just begun?
I think with time and daily care
its the bonds that grow that take me there

Is it brave and am I wise
or is it foolishness wrapped in disguise
does excitement shadow common sense
and have me leaping o'er the fence?

Brave or not with delight I exclaim
on each trip taken, I was grateful I came
Gained so much from each trip
from life's sweet cup.. Ive taken a sip.

Rosa Gardner September 2007

Thanks for reading.

Overdue Overview

2007-08-30T14:45:00.000-05:00

Its been a few days now since Ive returned from my most enjoyable weekend at the SLCC and long overdue to blog an overview about my adventures.

Train Trip Trials:

After having my last two trips be the wear and stress of catching a plane, delayed flights, canceled flights and running to catch a flight I was rather looking forward to the leisurely pace of train travel... I arrived to the station which heres a big plus.. leaves from my own hometown.. no driving half hour to hour just to get to depature spot! My train was due to arrive at 3 p.m... a nice convient time to leave.. not to early.. not to late .. except .. the train was late. They never tell you why its late .. only a curt announcement that train number xxoo is delayed. The mind is free to imagine whatever scenarios it wishes as to the late arrived. However, once my train arrived I was amazed at the mad rush of the gathered crowd to board. The way I saw it was : Theres a conductor there to see your not boarded yet.. hes not gonna let the train go till were all on ..why rush.. not to mention this is the vehicle we are about to plant our tuskus's on for the next 3 Plus hours why rush to sit down :D ... travel went along fairly smoothly until we hit the outter regions of chicago when our nice bright sunny day instantly darkened and so much so the interior lights in the train switched on .. lightning flashed like camera flashes and thunder boomed like a wicked bass line our train was clipping along at a brisk pace when suddenly you hear a loud crashing like noise and our train rocks side ot side causing the passengers to rock as well... it lasted only a moment but stayed with me quite some time as the adreniline subsided.

Pedestrian Pick Up:

Bless his heart, Patrick LaSalle had kindly agreed to pick me up at the train station and give me a ride to the hotel. Cordinating his position in a moving car with mine as a pedestrian on the sidewalk via cell phones.. provided a comical moment of the trip. A seasoned navigator giving directions to a novice with no sense of direction... you can imagine the challenge :) But we managed just fine.

Meet and Greet:
One of the most amazing things I found about the SLCC was the meet and greets! Our ID badges became the perfect conversation starters or ice breakers.. it became almost common to see total strangers walk up to one another and say ' And you are ....???" look at the badge and say " OMG!! WOW !!" and hug or instant fall into a deeply friendly conversation, when simply moments ago they were total strangers.
I found a great sense of humbleness in all the blessed souls I met, I dont think of myself as anything or anyone particularly special in the world.. so to meet folks who offer up reactions such as " OMG!! Your Rosa Gardner, I cant believe I get to meet you " or " WOW! You were on my list of "MUST MEET" people!! it leaves me most humbled and admittedly blessed to think anything I could have said or done as myself , caused anyone else to smile. It was a nice feeling. I too took away some great memories of first time meetings with long time Second life known friends. Such as EricAtRandom, Travis Lambert!!, Sumar Morgan, Moopf (this was one of my best highlights), OneBigRiver Stork, Cylindrian, Persephone, Pulaski, Garth and Pituca, Onionpencil, and more too numerous to list further. Id never been to a convention before but I likened this to a annual family reunion.. from the open friendly atmosphere.. that "acceptance" ambience... Imagine a whole weekend of thinking every new face you see is a potential friend already known.

Live Music:

Oh good heavens! If you were to plan a weekend in paradise.. it would have been the live music at SLCC. All my favorite live music performers all in one spot playing the music I love to hear! I couldnt have thought of any better place to be! Special thanks go out to my close friends Patrick and Jaycatt for allowing me to tag along for all the behind the scenes moments of the rehersal and performances! I was richly blessed by not only your generosity and kindness but the joy of your music as well.

Performers I was fortunate to enjoy were :
Patrick LaSalle, Lyndon Heart, Rick, ( Music Monkeys), Jaycatt Nico, Frogg Marlowe, Cylindrian R., Kaklick Martin, Ankari Holder, Niko Donburi, Shiger Seattle, Jaynine Scarbrough, kouroush, and more :)

Sightseeing:

I was extremely lucky to have THE BEST tour guides to go exploring with, long ago residents to the windy city I got to take in the the sights and sounds of Chicago with Patrick LaSalle and Lyndon Heart. Patrick kindly accompanied me throughout all of Grant Park, bless his heart going all the way down to Shedds Aquarium at my desire to see the architecture again.. he acted as offical photographer for my adventure and helped to make it a totally wonderful time. Patrick and Lyndon both journeyed with me to check out Millenium Park, seeing the spitting image face fountains, the cloud sculpture * aka .. the bean * the band shell, and several wonderful sights around the town! A marvelous time made so not only by the fine sights of the great city but the wonderful company of whom I was blessed to share it with. Thanks Patrick <3 and Lyndon :)

Summation:
Take one virtual realm, mix with reality in the windy city, add 1,000 people give or take ,give a dash of live music and info lectures and sprinkle in some incredible moments of warmth and laughter and let simmer for the weekend, you have a great recipe for a very enjoyable SLCC adventure! I know it was for me :)

Todays Poem:

Stormy Skies began the trip
Mother nature giving lip
Reunited with dear friends
constant smiling to see them again

Overwhelmed to meet and greet
so many faces but such a treat
breaking bonds of online
realities memories we shall find

Hearing music that rocks the place
every listner a smiling face
Virtual Exchange and Music Monkeys
playing tunes both mellow and funky

Seeing sights of far away town
taking in all the joys around
sharing the views with wonderful men
marvelous guides, Im blessed to call friends

Online to Reality a trip just four days long
Immortalized forever in memories never gone
Online to reality the lines of boundry passed
Creating special friendships we hope will always last.

Thank you for reading.

Audio Compliment or Atrocious Attitude

2007-08-08T15:32:00.000-05:00

Hey! You came back... thanks!

The other day, I had something happen to me which I personally found to be a pleasant feeling, but it did get me thinking and thought why not post about it to
get other points of view.

The other day as I was coming out of the public library, I heard a man whistle, now my first reaction was to look around me .. for surely a whistle at my age.. in my shape... couldnt have been at me .. but sure enough it was!! A man passing by me on the street had whistled at me and smiled. I kept walking saying nothing but I must confess.. the instant warm feeling of "wow ...I got whistled at" was pretty surprising. As I drove home I thought about this.. what is that borderline between a Audio compliment such as a whistle .... and a Atrocious Attitude such as a cat call or more. What makes one woman smile and feel good she was thought of in a attractive way and another feel offended and angry??

When did the whistle first get started? Is it the same or different for men? If a woman whistles at a man is it any more or less a compliment or crudeness than if a man does so to a woman? If a man whistles at a lady he is "interested", if a lady whistles at a man she is thought of as "wild" or "daring"??? In the grand scheme of life is this of any real importance? Probably not , but its interesting to see the way actions are preceived in the minds of society.

Im not saying there is a right or wrong to this topic, just pondering what other points of view might bring :) Thanks for reading

Todays Poem:

Dear ole Whooty Owl
sitting on your perch
what is it about your sound
for humans always works

Woot hoot whistle smile
compliment the ladies style
howl, shout, bark , drool
go to far and your a fool

Receive a random whistle
and your days suddenly bright
self esteem is on the rise
you smile and feel so right

Audio Compliment..
friend or foe ..
Atrocious Attitude....
'tis only YOU who truly knows

Trials and Triumphs

2007-08-02T01:32:00.000-05:00

Hello! Yep this picture really helps sum up my feelings the past few weeks... you dont know whether to laugh or look away! Today, was a day I have been truly dreading ....today was my birthday. Now dont get me wrong.. I love birthdays!, I love to fuss over them and make the day memorable for the lucky one to be celebrating:) But this birthday was especailly difficult for me as it marked the fourth decade I have been blessed to be here. Ive run the spectrum from high to low on emotions about this milestone and wanted to fight its arrival with every excuse possible .. I finally decided to make it a postive.. not wallow in a negative and treated myself to a day at the zoo today. Being out and doing something fun .. redirected my fretful mind to more enjoyable thoughts to ponder, like is the animal in this pic smiling or silently sizing me up thinking " I bet I could take her " ? I had many blessings fill the hours of my day and by the days end.. I settled into a quiet acceptance of lifes eventualities and took pride in the things Ive done and pondered whimiscally of the adventures life might yet bring me :)

My favorite animals in the zoo, these little guys have all it takes to bring a instant smile to my face. Wonders if hes wishing that bit hes chewing on was really a straw into a Iced Mocha at Starbucks?? Or maybe thats what Id be wishing :D

Jaycatt bless his heart treats me to a special birthday gift of live music :D He played such terriffic tunes as "Seasons", "Rainbow Connection", and the hitchikers guide theme which I know has a different name but I call it the Hitchikers theme :D , just to name a few! A wonderful performance and most greatly appreciated!!

Semaj inspired by great music , hops on to perform a virtual duet with Jaycatt :) *note the purple piano WOOT!! *

More audience participation :)

The day ended on a marvelous note.... literally... as Shadrack ( http://www.shadrackband.com/ ) performed a show at the Slip, any show they sing is always a most wonderful treat but tonights was especially so as they delighted with a special rendition of "Happy Birthday" and a particular favorite of mine their "snap crackle pop " song ;) Great music, Good friends... Oh Happy Day!

Thank you for reading and Bless Your Heart !

Todays Poem:

Its the little things that life can give

makes a blessing each day you live

Its rejoicing in a role well done

and beginnings of a adventures fun

Numbers can label and cripple esteem

till second look taken helps to break free

lifes a constant its rules we abide

let go of age and just enjoy the ride!

Rejoice in the memories of triumphs past

grow stronger from trials, lifes lessons to last

Silly sometimes I tend to be

so caught up in pity Im blinded to see

age is no sentence on lifes events

but merely a number of its days you've spent

dont be like me and let it cause strife

live each day happy and life is allright!

August 2007

First Time For Everything!

2007-07-28T12:57:00.000-05:00

Hello! Now that I have learned how to post pictures into this blog I thought I'd share a few of the "firsts" I achieved on my recent journey to the Pacific NorthWest. I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed doing them :D

First Time in a Lava Cave:

This was Fantastic!! It was so cold inside the cave, like about 42F, and very dark! As you can see, a lantern was needed to traverse your way through ;)

View From The Seattle Spaceneedle:

This was a wonderful view!! It was as you can see a bit hazy and gray but still I found the views just awesome! I cant wait to see more of this wonderful city!

First Views of Deception Pass in Washington:

This picture speaks for itself! I had the BEST day seeing this beautiful place :)

First Time Hearing/Seeing Jaycatt Play Seasons:

The song is the sweetest melody!! But seeing Jaycatt play it in person was sweeter than anything!! He even taught me how to play some of it! Yay!!

First Time Seeing the Difference Between A " Hill " And A "Mountain" :

I kept seeing the "hills" and thinking they were as large as a mountain, but it was seeing the MOUNTAIN! I truly saw the difference! :)

First View Of Eugene:

What an Awesome View huh? This was taken from the top of a place called Spencers Butte * I think thats its name* and it gave the most amazing view of the city below! Thanks Jaycatt for taking me up here !

10 Day Blessing Part 3

2007-07-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

Hello! Yep its me again.. with more from my wonderful journey to the PST time zone!
For this entry I'm condensing several days events into one summarized entry to save space...ummm... looks at you shyly...well....ok ok ok... its to save typing for me:))

July 4th-

After Frogg had finished his live show there was only time enough for Jay and I to hop in the car and head out to run a quick errand at his workplace and then off to the cookout being held at his Fathers home. It was at this cookout I was most fortunate enough to meet Jaycatts real life sister Littleturtle Davis, what a marvelous and great lady she is! I liked her right away very friendly and sweet!
she wasn't expected to be at the cookout so getting the chance to meet her afterall was a nice treat:) I also was privilaged to meet Jay's Dad and his dear friend Nancy and her husband. Very nice people with the kindest of hearts. We all enjoyed a most delicious meal of marinated chicken, Jay's fennel pasta salad, and "damn rolls" courtesy of Nancy, oh and the tastiest cookies ever!! Jays oatmeal, chocolate chip walnut! After dinner we filtered out onto the brand new deck to watch the fireworks show.

Fireworks show:
An AMAZING SHOW! Unlike any I have ever seen in my life!!! From the balcony which was high in the hill the view was from one giant hill * looked more like a mountain to me * on the left to a giant hill on the right I had a panoramic view of all the fireworks shows going off in the city! I was so blessed to see it and forever grateful to Jaycatt and his Dad for the opportunity!! Thanks again Kitty!

July 5th- Thursday this day brought another fine day of bright sunshine and blue skies, a visit to the ROSE GARDEN which was a most stunning and beautiful place, the aroma that greets you as you walk into this garden .. a bouquet of rose scents envelope your senses.. the vivid colors of vast rows of blooming roses was an amazing sight to be seen and most happily enjoyed! Jay showed me a Fred Meyers store.. it was interesting as it was very close to the "meijers" we have back home.. we picked up a few odds and ends needed for the coming days and I treated Jay to lunch at a place called IZZYS. A nice meal buffett style. condensing this day up to say it was filled with many nice moments of good conversation with Kitty, a nice time to share conversation without the constraints of the internet. Megg Demina arrives on this day!! YAYYY!

July 6th-
Belive it or not but TWO women and TWO men managed to get around and ready ON TIME for our set out goal time. We are heading for a place called Silver Falls today. Our first stop was at a quick mart to get some drinks for our journey, its Megg's first time in America and so Frogg picked up a sandwhich with some swiss cheese on it for her to get a taste :)) A quick stop at the gas station for a fill up and our happy delight at Jaycatts fine performance of "cleaning the windshield" hehehe we drove to Silverton to see the falls! We started at the North falls, a bit of a steep decline down.. we traverse the trail that took us to the most beautiful waterfall, tall and flowing such a stunning sight!! Stopping several times to take pics and oblivious to me ...video... * looks at Jaycatt!!! * ... I loved this place and thought it an amazing view! We got to walk on a trail that even took us behind the flow of the fall the "mountain" hill was so overgrown head room was headed with caution, jagged rock face loomed near as the path widened or narrowed. From this waterfall we went back "uphill" to the main lodge.. now going down didnt seem that much of a difficulty at all ..however the steep inclines and *sighs* ..stairs going back up had my knees speaking to me in the most unlady like manners! hehehe We hiked up to the main lodge where we enjoyed first of all, for me at least, a much grateful rest, and secondly a little cafe held many options for the four of us for lunch treat.

Frogg and Megg each tried the Garden Burger.. I'm not all that sure precise on what was in it but I did rather enjoy the phrase describing it as "Garden on a bun" :D
Jaycatt had a double burger and oh my goodness did it look deliciously yummy!! and I opted to indulge in the tuna salad and added two small snicker doodle cookies on because I just cant be "that " good :D From the lodge we hiked/walked over to the Upper North Falls, to enjoy. This fall had a larger flow of water than the first, and a feature we all liked was the "cave " like area of the path that went behind the falls. Many pictures were taken here :) I'm continually amazed at the beauty that is in this state and how lucky each of its residents are to claim this as "home"

We hiked back to the start again and took a small detour down to the stream that flowed.. stream, brook, river.. the calm before the fall of the ledge storm.. Jaycatt wedged his camera in a nearby spot and set the timmer and ran just in time to jump in view to capture a nice group shot of the four of us. I also having seen a man in the area with tripod and very large camera lens's asked him to snap a shot with my camera too capturing a second shot of our happy group :) After the hike back out we hopped in the car and headed off to the Oregon Garden!

Our weather continues to bless beautifully on this day, crisp blue skies, sunshine, and a day thats warm but now sweltering! We pay our $10 admission fee, it seems a bit steep but includes tram ride tour that travels the 21 different gardens on display. We enjoyed the garden greatly but one of my best memories will forever be walking in the "weird things" garden when I spotted a rock that said " a map".. recalling the lyrics of the Candy Mtn. melody song.. " I found a map".. this was an especially funny discovery.. a little later on as we meandered our way through the beauty of the gardens.. we came across a bench which had a large carved mountain as its back, we again joked about Candy Mtn. and took pics. it was about then the idea was had to collect pics from the lyrics of the song to run at the show for SL later that evening :D Once back at the gift shop, Jaycatt purchased a small siamese kitty and Megg a tiny Frogg and we were headed back the long ride back home, I confess I dozed off for a good portion of this ride so any silly antics or memories are forever kept to themselves :D

MORE LATER thanks for reading

Todays Poem:

Waterfalls and Gardens
great beauty we behold
creating special memories
and stories to be told

sunshine beams happily
smiles constant shine
spending time with special friends
all day feels so fine

the day it passed so quickly
but ne'er from the fun to part
relive it anytime I like
from the memory in my heart

Second Look

2007-07-18T17:05:00.000-05:00

Have you ever taken a second look at anything? Theres two kinds of second looks I think.. the first kind is more of a double take.. you see something thats so odd, or unique you quickly look back at it a second time to convince yourself its real. A outrageous outfit.. a dog ridding a skateboard... a halloween costume where the person holds their head. All examples of one kind of second look.

The second kind is the take another look at something... or see it again with a fresh perspective. So often we get so accustumed to the way things are around us it becomes very easy to take things for granted.. until along comes circumstances that warrant us looking again .. and its amazing the new views seen on old sights.

The first example that comes to mind is the age old cliche.. stop and smell the roses... so many of us to and fro with busy thoughts in our minds.. the days agenda ...the morning meeting, what to make for dinner... how many notice the smile from the counterperson who made your morning coffee, or the kindness of nice manners from the attendent you paid for gas.... do we notice the rich green color on the tree growing along the road.. or the wild flowers beaming bright with blooms?

If a homeless person bumps you and holds out a hand, are you annoyed and keep walking or do you take that second look and see a person, needing a hand and drop some money? When I got the blessing to visit the pacific northwest I saw sights and views more beautiful than I could have ever dreamed.. it made me start to wonder about my own "home" and its views and the things here I see daily but simply look right through. A sky line I'd complained was too flat and held no views .. makes the most beautiful canvas for sunrise's and sunsets.. the empty field I once thought of as nothing there.. holds court to the most beautiful wildflowers that stretch up to greet the sunshine! and on a more personal note I took a second look at me .. where I had been feeling woeful at the upcoming decade number of age Im soon to reach.. I was thinking my role.. my importance in life was nearing completion.. a lost feeling overcame me and I couldnt see what was there .. but taking a second look.. I see a rich life worth celebrating, and a new beginning of great adventures..

So in closing of this deep and aimless ramble.. if you find yourself looking upon something and seeing nothing...........take a second look... you'll be amazed the things you will find when the right point of view :)

Thank you for reading.

Todays Poem:

Darkness fills the empty night
there is nothing I can see
but wait upon a second look
fireflies play with glee

Horizon lines lay straight and low
no views to catch the eye
suddenly fill with vivid hues
such beauty there to spy

Aggressive drivers on the freeway
merge before lane ends..
slowing down to let me in
the kindness of unknown friends

Rush to go to and fro
so many things to do
but in your haste time dont waste
stop and take a second view

Amazing is the sights to see
things for granted that we took
treasured now once again
the blessings of a second look.

10 Day Blessing ( Part two )

2007-07-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

Hello! Got the popcorn, preferred beverage, candy stash? Great then your all set for part two of the adventure.. here goes:

Helping me to find the baggage carousel I need, we wait for my bag to circle round the conveyor belt, I swear I think it was the last bag off the plane! Ugh!! Going through a oddly built revolving door Jay and I leave the airport and following Jays route he takes us on a footbridge of sorts, we can see the steady flow of drop off and pick up traffic below us and lush beautiful green vines overhang the side of the parking garage. Beautiful sight, especially with the bright sun beating down to spotlight it all.

Bless his heart, Jaycatt having heard from Patrick that I'd yet to eat that day so sweetly and thoughtfully brought along a ice chest filled with deli sandwhiches and ice cold drinks!! A heavenly meal both in taste and the company I enjoyed it with :)
A two hour drive from Portland to Eugene passed very quickly with great conversation, and my excitement at the awesome view, a very pleasant trip back to Jays house.

We arrive at Jays house, oh my goodness gracious he has a beautiful home! Id seen this house inside and out several times already in skype, photos and shared videos Jay had sent, but somehow being there in person.. it was all new! I dragged my suitcase in the house into the hallway and past the kitchen and started up the stairs to where Jay was kindly letting me crash for my stay when there standing at the top of the stairs I see a second familar face.. It was Frogg :) He was a really nice guy and so friendly to me, bless his heart.

Jay shows me the room I will be staying in for my visit, I am in what they call their music room, its a big room, with a view of Jays neighbors house, my futon is quite comfy and I like it! Its pretty cool to see the piano's and guitars in this room and know this is the place they create all that awesome music I have heard in Second Life. Once I unpacked a bit and Jay toured me around his place we found ourselves back up in the music room where Jaycatt treated me to a special moment I will never forget! He played "Seasons" for me! It was amazing, I just sat there stunned at how fast his fingers fly over the keys on each note! and whats even more amazing is he took some time to teach me a bit of the song so I could play it too! How very cool is that? We also sang Rainbow Connection together, just for fun and that it was indeed! I loved it!

Jay and I left the house to make a store run for some odds and ends, but before getting to the store Jay took me round the town a bit, we went to Spencers Butte a large overlook of the city high on a "hill" cough cough and oh my goodness gracious! what a view it was!! I was amazed :) We took some piccies there too! From there we went to a beautiful little place called Auton Park. This park was beautiful! A large place, had a pond in the middle, ducks and geese wandered all around in masses and the sunshine just made it feel very nice and peaceful, well except for the "landmines" you had to watch your step for courtesy of all the geese around. We saw a solar system the park designers had done on scale, the sun was at the park and the remainder of the planets spread out in scaled distance around the town. We took a stroll up the Peter Defazio Bridge, a nice spiral starting point and across a very cool looking pedestrian bridge.. I have a feeling my jaw will be dropping a lot on this trip lol Jay tells me that Peter Defazio is a much liked congressman and the bridge bears his namesake out of the fondness the residence have for the man and the job he does. We saw these unique looking bikes, 2-4 people could ride at once, they resembled cars more than bikes but interesting enough to warrant a check of the price to ride.. PHFFT! $20 per person..per hour!! I dont think so ! After the park we went to the store and stocked up on some odds and ends, ingredients for Jay to make his famous " Burgers extrodinare" and some yougurts, and etc. Back at Jays place a nice relaxing time while Jay cooked. We watched the movie Over the Hedge as we had dinner, I'd not yet seen it and it was a awesome to share it with Jaycatt and Frogg watched too :D Wonderful end to a long but happy day!

July 4th, 2007- HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!! And as a side note in this journal a Happy Birthday Wish to our Second Life Friend, Semaj Kasei too on this day :D

Up about 7 a.m. PST* for me its really 10 a.m.*, I found Jaycatt in the kitchen tidying up from last nights delicious dinner. Not anticipating anyone to be awake it was a most pleasant surprise to find Kitty there :D We chatted awhile and enjoyed a nice visit, He was also talking to his sweetie Xankarth on the laptop as well. After a bit, I went up to shower and get ready for the days delights. Once ready to we said our "moanin"'s to Frogg and set off again to the store to gather up special list of ingredients Jay needs to prepare a special pasta salad and the baking projects he has as well. Jays planning to make a Fennel Pasta Salad, pumpkin bars, and some very yummy sounding cookies! Lots of good stuff, I can't wait to sample!
Back home a small fortune for Jay later and he's dived in with both feet to get started, I am using the cooking time to update this journal, and chat with Jay. The house smells wonderful as he cooks, the fennel pasta salad has the most delicious aroma. While Jay prepares his tasty treasures I got a terriffic treasure of a different kind too, Frogg bless his heart, kindly gives me some awesome advice on my struggles to learn the guitar, his ideas were most kind and helpful then, he played a few of his songs! how cool was that!! He even blessed me so by playing "Josies Smiling" a song of his I've long since held as my favorite Frogg Marlowe tune!
A awesome afternoon, but not over yet as jays still cooking, I bounce down to chat or help out if I can. His cookies were in the oven and making the house smell so yummy, we took the time to step out into Jays backyard where his beautiful landscaping was blooming beautifully! We took some photo ops! As the afternoon went on Jay and I sat down to watch a movie called "Best In Show" it was a comedy made to look like a documentary about a dog show. It wasnt long after the movie ended that we went upstairs to the music room to watch Frogg do his live show for Second Life. Seeing a live show .. LIVE.. its an expierence I can only describe as AWESOME! and as a extra special treat, Jaycatt got to join Frogg on the last 3 songs they played! So I got to see them both play! I was in a very happy paradise!! A wonderful privliage, and great pleasure to see! I loved it !!!

More to come later............

Todays Poem:(possible ive shared this before but its fitting for this post )

Music Man

With pic in hand
this guitar man
stands upon a stage
to play us all his melodies
and words of written page.

There sits a soul intent on a goal
facing ebony and ivory keys
and tickles them delightfully
in tunes that truly please

Music flows across the air
mesmerized we all just stare
it takes us to minds eye places
leaves us sitting with smilng faces

His words of song , touch the heart
His notes of rhythm play
So blessed be all who listened
to the music men today.

10 Day Blessing ( Part One )

2007-07-13T17:19:00.000-05:00

Hello! Wow! Its been a while since I have posted on this blog, and albeit I know thats not particularly nothing new for me .. I actually have a good reason for the absence this time... I was on vacation! Not just any vacation but 10 days of blessings in Paradise! Oh I had the most marvelous time! I kept a journal of my advenutures and the many delights that I encountered upon this journey and I will post bits and pieces here to share.

This will be over time of course as thats a heck of a lot of typing!

Tuesday- DAY ONE
Day one of my long awaited summer trip to Oregon and Washington. Up at 5 a.m. EST and departing my hometown, enroute to the airport to catch my flight, traffic at that early hour is light and uneventful. My second time to fly in my life I'm not without my nerves and jitters but hope they will soon pass just as they did last time

Checking in at the Northwest Airlines Counter I receive my boarding tickets and the news that my flight is already on a two hour departure delay ...*sigh*.. Good thing I brought along a thick book. Small town airports are often quiet but at six thirty in the morning , the chatterbox in me longs for some friendly folk.. Id even settle for awake grumpy ones ha ha ha ha After a two hour passing of time by reading the "Hitchikers Guide To The Galaxy" book Jaycatt had sent to me for Christmas last year, and a phone call to Patrick to chat and explain about the flight delay, we were finally cleared for boarding! YAY!!

This plane was larger than the one I'd flown on during my Australia trip *first leg* It was a Boeing 757, 2 seats in the row wide, I was in seat 10D a window seat! How lucky was that , but just as before.. my seat was on the wing.. I am becoming fast aquainted with the take off and landing workings of plane wings and flying.haha

I was sharing my row with a very sweet old lady who bless her heart, tolerated my rambles of conversation beautifully and even chatted a few lines back herself * when she could get a word in edgewise * :D We flew to MN, the view was great, the thick puffy cloud blanket that had been the constant view now thinned and as we descended further, disapaited entirely revealing a patchwork landscape of green fields, blue swimming pools and a maze of many roadways. Some confusion on my part with my ticket, I was thinking my depart time from MN was about 1 p.m. I tried to call Jaycatt again to let him know my progress however kept getting a recording it was out of service, a second check in with Patrick finds bless his heart that he himself contacted Jaycatt on my beyhalf! So my worry to inform Jay is removed, thanks Patrick hon! Your so great!!

We disembarked in MN at Gate C, A quick check of info monitors showed my next leg of trip departing from gate F. I had a bit of a walk ahead of me but plenty of time.. there were many stretches of conveyors that would propel you quickly, there were golf carts driven by employees like taxi cabs to ferry you to various gates, and good heavens!!! even a monorail tram to cart you to various destinations.. however thinking I'd lots of time to kill till my flight time I opted to walk and pretend it was my usual treadmill time, a second look at the info monitors as I strolled my way along showed instead of the 1:15 p.m. depart time I was now departing at 11:25, I quickly calculated the time difference to realize I had 20 min to get to gate F 14 and I was currently at gate D! I hustled and arrived at the gate just in time to hear final boarding call.. I shudder to think if id stopped to eat and use restroom as had been my thoughts, I'd have missed my flight!

It's been amusing to see many of the same people from my hometown flight * first leg* on this flight to Portland, and whats more amusing is they have all been assigned seats very near my own..Its like a little travel group of familiar faces of people... I dont even know .. Strange eh? Speaking of seats, mine is 23C, A isle seat and I can assuredly say a definite position of pros and cons on this subject.
Pros:
I can put my leg out in the isle ot stretch on the long flight, its proven very handy to be on the isle for when I finally got brave enough to walk the long isle of the plane to a very much needed restroom.. ( I shall put here, only a notation of the slight squeal that was heard from the restroom while I was in there peeing and we hit some bad turbulence ) Beverages served are complimentary so I enjoyed a nice cold tomato juice! Food sadly though is pay to enjoy. $5.00 gets you a box of snacks, everything from Goldfish crackers to stick sausage and various other "munchies", you could get trailmix or pringles for $2.00. Exact change was stressed as the preferred payment and I having nothing smaller than a ten dollar bill, simply made the most of my tomato juice :)

Getting back to the pros and cons of isle seating a DEFINITE Con: My poor elbow has been hit, bumped, slammed, nudged, budged, or collided into more times than I care to count * whimpers* Its now 2:55 p.m. EST and were not too far from PORTLAND! Portland Yay! Where I will get to FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY meet Jaycatt! Its been such a long trip in planning, I'm very excited to at long last meet him. WHY Oh why is it always the last few moments of a trip that seem to take forever!

P O R T L A N D!!! At 12:50 p.m. EST we landed in Portland, Oregon! I would be remiss to go a line further without describing the awesome view I saw as we entered closer this destination! The pilot informed us to look out the right of the plane to view Mt. Rainer and Mt. St. Helens side by side in the distance on the horizon.. they were snow capped and beautiful, with wonderful puffs of clouds playing all around them, then just as Im getting lost in the view of seeing my first mountain in person the pilot breaks over the intercom to say " And in about 30 seconds on your left a up close and personal view of Mt Hood" I turned to direct my gaze to the left and found myself making a bit of a spectacle of myself when I quite in shock exclaimed " OH MY GOD!! Look at that! " . you know one of those overly helpful bits of advice just in case any of the creaning passengers gawking to get a peek out the window missed the lound pilots annoucement to look *makes sarcastic face* .. umm yeah ..well anyway..
Mt Hood, stood majestic, snow capped, and so close I could see detail on the rocks! An Amazing sight, I was instantly in awe. A self professed rambler I could only just sit there with my jaw dropped open, eyes blinking and yep... for once.. speechless!

Disembarking at the Portland Airport, its beautiful weather, the skys clear and blue and the suns shinning, its in the mid 70's range temp wise. I entered the airport my mind thinking "Im here ! whew! Im done! I made it!" but reality pokes my brain and says " ummm you still have to find baggage claim and jaycatt "

I started my way down the isle following the signs to baggage claim, seeing a exit sign one way and baggage claim the other I opted to explore the exit path just to see if it was also option. Midway down this path, I see a familiar and much wonderful face! Smiling and walking toward me ...its JAYCATT!!! A long awaite and massive hug is given! and received :)), smiles will be a permenent facial expression for me for days now! He looks GREAT!

More to follow later ....... Thank you so much for reading :)

Todays Poem:

Hurry scurry take a flight
views to see are quite a sight
patchwork landscape, mountain scene
make eyes sparkle and smiles gleem

meeting people, friendly faces
traveling like me to far away places
Seeing sights that are so pretty
the best so far the sight of "kitty" :)

Countdown

2007-06-25T11:30:00.000-05:00

We all have had a countdown of some kind or another in our life.. the parental countdown most of us expierenced from our parents when we'd pushed the envelope a bit to far.. " I want you to apologize to your brohter!! in 5...4...3...2...1 "

How many of you joined in the countdown till the end of the school year and summer began! In XX more days we could kiss math and spelling tests goodbye and enjoy swimming and baseball and any other mischief the summer let us find.

We've watched the countdown of progress .. joining in with the announcer and fellow spectators to marvel as the space shuttle is launched propelling our future high into the heavens.

Every Sunday my Dad and I would listen together to the Country Music Countdown on the radio, and I can receall many times in highschool listening to the Top 20 Countdown of pop music hits.

I had a countdown of my own when I marked the days until my long awaited trip to Sydney, Australia. The many months of waiting seemed to pass by easier to my imaptient heart by partaking in a "countdown".

Countdowns most always lead to something positive, a long awaited pleasure is about to commence , a most anticipated event soon to happen.. I have found myself very blessed to once more be in the midst of a countdown!

In just a VERY few short days I will be boarding a jet to whisk me westward to enjoy a most long awaited trip, to meet Jaycatt Nico. Its been so long in planning it was always one of those pleasant " yeah someday " type dreams .. my countdown was long and steady, year, to months, to now simply days.. its very exciting! I met Jay almost 2 years ago now in the world of Second Life. We've been such great friends ever since, Im elated for the opportunity to finally meet him in the real world. Maybe he'll play his song "Seasons" for me live. wheee! So many things Jay speaks about us going to see, I cant wait to take in all the sights and sounds of it all!

In addition to meeting Jaycatt I am pretty excited to meet several other folks and friends I've known in Second Life while I'm there , Frogg, Jay's roommate and a pretty sweet person in his own right, Megg, a new friend to me but already one I cherish greatly! Maken, my brother in SL I'm excited to see him! Nancy, Jays very close friend and my new friend! Littleturtle, Jays sister in real life and one terriffic lady! (Of course I am using only the second life names of all these folks as Im not sure how proper it would be to list their real names)all such kind folks I know meeting them will only bring added wonderment to an already wonderful trip!

I'm also particularly excited to meet my friend Patrick LaSalle! He's grown to become such a very special friend to me, a most wonderful person, meeting him in real life will be the preverbial icing on the cake:) I am so excited to see myself the mountains I've seen only in pictures! Amazing scenery I know I will be the typical jaw dropped gazing in awe tourits at the first sight of them! So my countdown continues.. I will keep making the "X's" on the calendar knowing soon...
my countdown will end! What countdowns do you have going on in your life ??

Todays Poem:

Numbers decrease, my heartbeat races
soon to depart for far off places
butterflies flutter, my tummy flop-flips
about to enjoy a most wonderful trip

Years to months, months to days
days to minutes, my spirits will raise
X's made in a box for each day passed
countdown to a time we'll make memories to last!

Thank you for reading!

Levels of Laughter

2007-06-23T07:17:00.000-05:00

Hello!

You know it never ceases to amaze me to find there are actually people who read this blog of mine. Bless each of you for the time you spend to browse my aimless ramblings
I appreciate all the kind words so many of you shared and it both gladdens me and encourages me to keep going. Thank you!

Levels of laughter, in real life we can see by facial expressions and body language as well as audio the degrees of laughter a person expresses.. we can tell a chuckle from a belly laugh. We expierence the low level "heh" from the slap your knee cant breath I'm laughing so hard "hah" . But what about over the internet.. theres so many abbreviations here .. what level is the true expression.

For example .. is "lol" a bigger laugh than "LOL!" ... is there a guide somewhere that lists if "LMAO" is a greater laugh than " LMFAO" ... and lets not forget the ever popular "ROTFL" .. sure we know what the abbreviations mean and can visualize the actions.. but is laughing your arse off , more than rolling on the floor laughing. Is it REALLY funny if humor is met with a "ROTFLMFAO" ?? *scratches head*

Perhaps its a numeric scale.. "lol" is less than "LOL!" for it has less spaces in text? "LMAO" has just as many spaces.. as "LOL!" and yet.. seems to be expressing a higher degree of reaction.. does ones arse falling off seem greater than the bold and sturdy "!" .. *makes pondering face expression"

Is the "lol" a courtesy laugh.. like the bad knock knock jokes a friend might tell, or is it a geniune hearty laugh of "oh goodness that was funny". It's ironic I would find myself posing an entry on the humor of laughter but I have found just that in trying to express laughter in text. Even those who simply type "laughs" ..its not important to know what degree the "laughs" was.. after all just knowing a person is smiling is a nice thought in itself, however it is a curiousity..and in some ways might effect the way the conversation continues. If you tell a joke and it gets a "meh" or "heh" is that more or less encouraging to tell another as opposed to seeing a "lol" or "HAHAHHAHA" ...

Internet expressed emotions.. what are your experiences? I hope this entry has brought you a smile, or perhaps a chuckle, a lol, or LOL!, possibly even a "laugh" whatever it has or hasn't I appreciate your time spent in reading Thank you!

Todays Poem:

Letters penned across the screen
forming words that wish to be seen
viewed by eyes curious and kind
conveying visuals in ones mind

Humor shared in abbreviation
help influence the conversation
words and sentences sent in text
my feelings now I have expressed

Smiles grow and fill the day
from the meaning words can say
never doubt letters or of them scoff
enjoy the emotions of "LMAO"

Thank you for reading!

35th Post

2007-06-18T07:14:00.000-05:00

My my my, does that even seem possible? I have had 35 ideas of something to say to put on this blog? Amazing! Or the info on my blog is glitched and Im far from being that sucessful in posting frequency , either or .. Hooray! A new post!

Lets talk today about Excercise! Its easy peasy to say the cliche's , "Its good for you! " , "You'll feel so much better!" ,and the ever famous and in my case most appropriate " No pain no gain". Im sure the intent of that is no pain of the workout, no gain of a good body shape. In my expierence though its only half right.
Oh sure theres pain or exhaustion in the toils of the workout but the only gaining is me still finding the scale number the same every weigh in. Im not gaining.. but its not dropping anymore either. * sigh*

I saw a excercise video commercial recently that had me pondering.. what is the target audience of these type of tapes. Not a single one of those featured in the video had a ounce of flab on them. All beautifuly thin people. I think If Im overweight the last thing Id want is to watch a bunch of chiseled sculpted bodies bounce around showing off all the things I dont have . I understand they are possibly meant as motovation, the ol' " Wow if i do this I could look like that too! " and that would be a good ploy to sell more tapes, however.. It'd be nice to see a heavy person on there. Equal opportunity workout babes and beaus lol Show me the person built like me doing the excecises.. that might induce motovation, 15 min of watching stepford aerobic barbie and Im just wanting to sit in the recliner eatin little debbies and cheering " you go girl... Ill just umm.. take five.."

When you see little blonde barbie girl jump and bring her knee up to her chest with all the grace and finesee of a prima ballerina.. then bend down and touch her toes and NOT make that " UGGGGH!" groan so many of us do .. how is that a positive towards good health when your struck with the realized thought after trying it .... I cant do half the things on this tape right now!! Its a interesting test of willpower being at those crossroads. Some sink to depression *im too heavy to even do the workout to get thin* and some grasp the positive outlook of .. I just need to keep at it, then I can do it. I will never be the barbie babe on the video others will envy but perhaps one day when the pigs fly over the rainbow I can look upon myself and see that hourglass figure .. without needing to lift or seperate anything first *giggles*

I have been working hard lately at working out.. being far more dilligent of my dedication to put in the time...to get my health in shape, sure I'd like to look good and have the WOW! whiplash double take figure. Its societys most admired image, however I am not that girl. I am ME. Gone is the goal to have the perky bouncy mounds on the chest, replaced is the goal to just keep them above the waist level. No longer do I want sexy hips that swing but hope instead to one day sit with sexy in a swing :D Where once my intent was to have drop dead buns.. Im now perfectly content to simply drop dead on my buns at the end of the day. Good health is important, keeping the heart working smoothly.. thinking looking the barbie doll physique is important.. not for me ..my hearts not in it :)

What are your views on good health and physique?

Todays Poem:
Up up up the hill
steep climbing as if hiking
we've worked up such a sweat you see,
and all we're doing is cycling.

Up and down our feet go round
on the pedals as they spin
racing down the other side
we dont realize just how far we've been,

and so we journey along the trail
with nature as our companion
and with every stride we take
for our healths sake , we're a champion!

It's fun for all the ages,
so if, for it , you have a liking
why not try a new hobby,
and take your family cycling!!

Thanks for reading :)

Child's Walk

2007-05-31T18:52:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Its ironic sometimes how life has a way of surprising you. I was having one of those rare days where I felt the need to organize the clutter I call my desk , including my desk drawers. Fussing over selecting proper places for all my pack rat treasures I happen across a poem Id writen after seeing a family at the mall several years ago. They seemed so loving and close and I began to ponder the many roles represented. How many roles we play in the course of one lifetime.

I have myself, been a Daughter, a girlfriend, a wife, a mother, *with motherhood we all know comes every profession under the sun * well okay not EVERY profession I cant picture most moms on the corner swinging their dishtowels and heckling Hey baby wanna time out!! *wink wink* but I digress... * Ive been a friend.. and not by my own choice Ive been viewed in the role of a foe. Ive been a trendsetter, and a follower, a office aid, librarian, tutor,the list I'm sure with a bit more thought could go on and on. With each role my life grew, and with that growth I did as well

As I reread this poem, I found it interesting , even though Id myself written it so long ago , I took away new meaning from the words and that I thought was kinda cool!

So here for you to read or scroll down and end the misery *lol* is the poem I wrote so long ago. I hope your lifes roles provide you with as much joy and growth as mine have and wish you all the best as you continue to "role" on in life.

Bear in mind I wrote it long ago .. before i was ummm rhyming better .. .*blush* ..
also it has kind of a 'deep" theme in that steps = time not literal steps.. ok enough rambles..

Todays Poem:

Childs Walk

I started to walk with my child today
he's wee small yet,not much to say
his feet are just shy of touching the ground
and he stops every few seconds to smell all the flowers around

A few steps later, to my surprise and delight
my child has shot up great in his height
A little ways further up the path we go
since he's been in school just see how fast he grows

I'm full of joy and pride when my child speaks my name
as with enthusiasm he rambles on about how he won the baseball game
Our feet together strong and steady as we travel on our way
He's full of smiles as he tells me of the date he had the other day

I look up at him and my how much he's grown
So proud that he's finished school, sad that he's going off on his own.
The next few steps are faster, he tries not to get too far ahead
He wishes he could visit more, but things are busy since he's wed.

And as we continue walking, he sees my head hang down
He tells me of a wee new babe that turns my frown upside down
A few steps more and with my steps growing slow
my older age is starting to show

Were nearly at the end of our walk, when my child proudly says he's a Dad!
A beautiful precious healthy boy, is what he and his wife have had.
as we round the last bend of this walk my child and I
I realize how fast time passed and I fight the urge to cry

I have to tell my child I can walk with him no more
My body is so tired and weak and sitting in this chair,
my feet are just shy of touching the floor
uncertain now what my path has in store

My child smiles and puts his son upon my knee
and begins to push my chair around as my eyes weep with glee
when we've stopped to smell the flowers growing all around
With eyes we express our grattitude, speaking not a sound.

So when I thought my walking days, with my child at an end
how blessed I found my life, when I see my child... had grown into my friend!

Thank you for reading.

Birthdays :)

2007-05-28T08:29:00.000-05:00

Hello!!

Birthdays, one day out of the whole year... to recognize your length of existance on the planet, in the universe, your presence in humanity, the blessing of your life. Some like to let this one day pass like just any other day.. prefering no fuss and even quietly wishing the day over and the next day begun.

Still there are some, and I fall into this catagory, that like to recognize the day as special no matter what the age of the birthday guy or gal. I think birthdays are blessings! Milestones of achievement perhaps, one year that you've had more with those you love in life, one year more that you've been given to grow in personal exploration and growth, how could you not want to celebrate that blessing! Birthdays are to be fussed over from 1 to 100 and up in my opinion.

Granted you dont want to make a overly big deal each birthday and especially if its for one of the "dont make a fuss" types.. respect is respect of course.. but something different for the day .. a card quietly sent in the mail, a cupcake placed on the desk of a coworker, taking a friend out to lunch :) I think birthdays should be fussed on, now having said that I dont always handle that so well when I am the one on the receiving end. I am much more content to be the one fussing than the one fussed over.

This week, I was thrilled to fuss over two special birthdays! First my youngest son, my "baby" turned 16 years old. He being a teenager preferred to spend the day amongst his friends and his girlfriend, home only a brief time I still couldnt resist making the day special by a cake and singing Happy Birthday after all it was "sweet 16" *tucks away gray hair *. The second Birthday was for my dear and wonderful friend Braddie, my virtual brother and one Im elated to see daily again back in the world of Second Life. We put together a surprise party for Braddie!!

I could not have done any of this without the tremendous help of many great friends! Jaycatt! Patrick!! Rysidian!! and Bashiri!! your help was both invaluable and greatly appreciated thank you!! Braddie is a big sci fi fan so we themed his party to be so as well, decorating the venu of Amphibicatt Gardens in banners, balloons, and a silent mock spaceship battle I enjoyed creating the decorations and found it all well worthwhile when Braddie commented so positively upon them.

It was great fun to see so many friends attend and to do so in such unique costumes.. Jaycatt was excellent in a MechaCatt avatar, blue in color with purple trim :) FireEyes and Reina looked stunning in his green goblin skin and suit and her beautiful purple dress and deeley boppers :) Patrick looked awesome in his avarian troll skin and "scotty" star trek uniform lol it was a great look but I could be biased due to his purple hair :D, Rysidian donned his blue star trek uniform to make the "cast of characters" quite a special group to behold. Eric in his "marvin" avatar and Sumar as Gir made such a cute pair! Even Sporked and Bashiri rocked out in mechabot fashions to make it a wonderful night!

A most special treat of the night, rather icing on the cake to braddies surprise celebration was the live music performed during this party. I was so elated to have been a part of this and hope more such occasions will be repeated again soon! Patrick started things off with several minutes of his own solo show entertaining us with such musical delights as Running down a dream, Authority song, Save Tonight , and his awesome rendition of Shot through the heart to name a few.. then a very special treat, Jaycatt joins Patrick on the virtual stage and through the wonders of modern technology.. both of them performed together on such hits as 29 ways, Heard it through the grapevine, fever, start it up and more,I particularly enjoyed their duet of "Happy Birthday". It was most excellent show given Patrick could not hear Jaycatt for the world, to hear the show you quite literally believe them to be in the same room playing. Isnt technology amazing!! Following the duet portion of the show, Jaycatt continued to wow the group with a solo performance of his own, treating us all to such tunes as Seasons (yay I love this song ), Journey of the Sorccer, Madworld, and much more! I had a blast! and hope Braddie enjoyed his special celebration of his day!

Whats your best birthday memory? I didnt have many party celebrations for my birthdays in real life, I suppose the lack of occurance in that I'd have to say my best birthday memory would be the massive party given for me in Second Life a few years back by Braddie and Rysidian and many more I'm sure . They filled an entire volcano with purple lava, and sacrificed me to it hahaha only to find out I wasnt worthy! 'Twas great fun! All the guests came donned in purple and that it was a well kept surprise made it all the better!! I think a very close second would have been the party Jaycatt threw for me the last birthday I had, he and Frogg both performing live music it was definitely one of the best birthdays ever!! Frogg even played my all time favorite of his songs Josie's Smiling, sadly due to tuning circumstances a song rarely performed in Second Life. I was greatly appreciative of the gifts of such wonderful friends. What are some of your birthday memories ??

Todays Poem:

A long ago tribute to Braddie on his birthday, seems appropriate on this post to post it now.

Gentle, kind, wit and style
Brad he always makes me smile

Heart of gold, and hair of blue
How blessed I am being friends with you

You have that special something
that everyone must see

Whatever I may do
your always there for me

My eyes sparkle brightly
my heart fills with glee

When I think of you my friend
and what you mean to me

So Happy Birthday Braddie my your days joy never end
On a day we bring you presents,you gave the best gift just being my friend!

Thanks for reading :)

More Journal Rambles

2007-05-21T15:28:00.000-05:00

Yep, you guessed it .. yes another entry from my trip.. hopefully those of you reading this blog find it enjoyable series of posts and those of you who dont.. know where the "X" button is :D thanks for checking out the blog *hugs*

- Three more hours to go to SYDNEY!! Hooray!
It does not pay to be THAT exhuberent over the arrival it seems as those three small hours passed the slowest of any I think I've ever lived in my life. I've listened to all 52 songs on my small mp3 player, I did word search puzzles,, I drew pictures, finally I dozed off waking up short while later to check the time and find .. 15 minutes had passed ... Sigh Not that I'm excited or anything.

SYDNEY!! SYDNEY!! SYDNEY!! SYDNEY!! SYDNEY!! SYDNEY!! SYDNEY!!!

OMG! I'm here!! Thank you Lord! I arrived in Sydney home to the famous Opera House
the beautiful darling harbor , the popular Tarrongo Zoo, and best of all for me, home to Braddie Pendragon, and Rysidian Rubio my wonderful friends!!

I was feeling more than nervous to disembark knowing I yet had customs to pass through before, the sight of Brad and Rys. I ask a member of the flight crew what the procedure was and explained it was my first time. He told me ....
1) Immigration
2) Baggage Claim
3) Customs
4) Exit
So encouraged by his instructions and the kind pep talk he rather nicely added I disembarked the Qantas aircraft. Entering a corridor the walls white and the carpte blue, I made my way down, stopping briefly at a large picture window to grab a picture of my plane. From here I continued down the corridor and turned left, following signs for baggage claim and customs and hoping immigration was there too.
traveling down the corridor some twists and turns later I walk by a conveyor belt you could just stand on it and be carried down the corridor but after 14 hours sitting in upright position I was glad for the excercise.

At the end of the corridor was a "duty free" shop you could browse or another corridor , I stuck with the signs for customs, at the end of this corridor was a friendly elderly man in a gold blazer he was saying G'day to all the incoming pasengers he had a very heavy Australian accent I found it very cool!! I took the chance to ask him , where is immigration? as the crew member had told me to go there first and he answered.... "No no no, heres what you do " ...
1) Customs
2) Baggage claim
3) Immigration
4) exit
Nodding confidantly I walked on, more confused that ever what I had to do first. two helpful pieces of advice which to follow.

MORE LATER;)

Todays poem:
Ring:
It starts when the bells begin their chimes
sometimes they'll go a couple of times
then in a flash the connection complete
pleasant exchanges to each other we treat

Our voice is carried for many great miles
Just so we can catch up for a while
we inform on our progress, both old and the new
we unload our sadness and share happy times too

what a marvel technology
can to us truly bring
how small the world has gotten
with but the start of a telephones ring

THanks for reading!

More Journey.. Are we there YET??

2007-05-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

Hello again! As it would seem I find another opportunity to lodge another entry of the trip I took to Australia, at my current rate of entries, I expect you'll read my arrival there about Christmastime lol! Okay perhaps nothing as dramatic as all that but here is more to the journey.. last chance to click the back button...now.

- 12 a.m. LA time and we were taking off!! Thats 3 a.m. for me! I had the window seat but at 12 a.m. there was nothing much to view but darkness. My seat is comfy, it reclines thats a plus.. but im concious not to lay back too far and cause annoyance to the passanger behind me. I am settling in.. trying to relax for the long hours ahead.. it had been about an hour since take off when imagine my surprise they begin to serve us Supper! HAHA! this cracks me up! Supper at 4 a.m. est time!
I'm not in America anymore Toto! The choice was Lime Chicken or Penne in Mushroom Sauce- I picked the pasta in mushroom sauce it also came with a cold bean salad but I passed on that. With 12 plus more hours to go ..beans was the last thing I should eat! *blush*

I kicked off my shoes * hope thats allowed* and curled up best as possible in my seat and drifted off to a shallow slumber .. about 4 1/2 - 5 hours I woke up later with a nasty crick in my neck. This might annoy most folks but I found myself laughing as usual my warped sense of humor.. all I could think of was .. how I wanted to say "oh "Crick"ey !! " hahaha ok I forewarned you it was lame humor.

There was a little video showing us some excercises to do in our seats, to prevent blood clots in the legs. The encourage the ratio 3-4 min every hour. Excercises such as rotating the ankles, pulling knees up like your stepping, etc. There's not much to see out the window as yet, its still too dark out but I can see the wing and each glance I am just awe struck at its size!

Its now midnight Aussie time * whee heee Im going by aussie time haha* and the flight crew just gave us a snack pack! This consisted of Bottle of water, Roll of peppermints, bag of potato chips, and COOKIES!!! The water was much welcomed as the air is very dry on plane.

Our breakfast came about 4 a.m. Aussie time which a choice of hot of cold was given. Cold being cereal (Raisin Bran ) melon salad, muffin and juice. the Hot which was my choice was vegetable melody * fancy title for omelette * it was a cube of mix moshed ingredients. eggs, green veggie something, tomatoes., it also came with melon salad *musk melon orange and green* lemon poppy seed muffin, orange juice and pork sausage link and a roma tomato stewed and seasoned. I followed it with a cup of hot tea which by the time i was brave enough to drink it , was luke warm. After breakfast we have just three hours to go till we land in SYDNEY!!

More to come later .............thanks for reading:)

Poem:
I was here .. and now im gone
Ive left these lines to carry on
tired of typing in this blog
Ill post more later, but now I'll log. :))

Continued Journey

2007-05-17T15:29:00.000-05:00

I have made these entry's about my trip to Australia so few and far between I am taking longer to tell the trips journey than it took to take the journey hahaha! For what its worth, here is another entry in the continuing story. *insert usual disclaimers about it being a ramble here *

- 9:45 p.m. Los Angeles Time
We've landed! I say we meaning the lot of us passengers who arrived on the plane. This is the farthest I think I have been from home in my lifetime, BUT! It's the closest I've ever been to Australia and seeing my dear friends Braddie and Rysie! This is the leg of the journey thats most exciting as I know they will be there on the end of this next flight.
Los Angeles Airport is pretty big. I dont say this for endless walking, the Lord was kind to me and had me enter LAX from my Chicago flight right next to where I will depart for my Sydney flight, but I say it for in Chicago when we landed we seemed to taxi on forever before docking and disembarking and when I landed in LA we seemed to dock and disembark quite promptly.

A long wait in LAX that didnt seem like long at all such a flurry of commings and goings to observe, it was quite fascinating the many walks of life travelers at a busy airport can represent. I stood in line at "check in" for flight 108 Qantas to Sydney, where they exchanged my perfectly good green American Airlines ticket for a red and white Qantas one. Which minutes later they merely ran in and out of a small machine and spit it back out. As I sat and waited for announcement to board I heard this loud hum, shrill, whatever you like to call it and looked out the window and saw it! The Qantas Jet!! OMG it was the biggest airplane I'd ever seen in my life!
It was awesome, massive, why the wing alone was bigger than my house! It was all white and gleeming under the lights and I saw the Kangaroo logo on the tail. I know this will paint me as a bit childish but I was so excited! Wanting to tell the total strangers in the wait area with me " THERE IT IS!!! " but to keep quiet and maintain my illusion of maturity seemed the better decision hahaha.

As I continued to sit there I saw a well dressed *flight uniform* man walk past toting a cute two piece luggage set, it had the Qantas kangaroo logo embossed onto it , and I thought "oh cool, looky that!" then within 10 minutes 9 more staff had arrived and all sat next to me in the wait area. Now perhaps I was feeling jet lagged, after all I was two flights into this three flight trek, perhaps it was the late hour a mere 2 a.m. my time.. whatever the reason I found sitting there with 10 kangaroos *logos* surrounding me in a circle and hearing the staff speak in heavy thick accents ... between seeing the plane, surrounded by kangaroos, and the aussies accents I got such a case of giddyness I couldnt stop giggling and smiling much to the bewlidered ponderments of my fellow travelers haha.

Finally we were boarded, my seat 47K a window seat, and ironically on the wing I'd first seen of this monstrosity. I had worried about the restroom location being such a long flight and climbing over ppl to gain isleway access however as we readied to take off only a man on the isle seat arrived to claim his seat so the middle seat remained empty and my row was just two rows away from the lavatory. Now I didnt use the middle seat or set my junk in it but something about that extra elbow room on a 14 1/2 hour stretch I was indeed blessed by the circumstance.

More trip in later entries.. thanks for reading.. * shakes you gently* You can wake up now :)

Todays Poem:

Bonsai

Small one in the pot
what do your branches see
One of love to care for thee,
or searcher for tranquility

Which description better
to describe the bond we share
You provide me peace and comfort
I provide you loving care

As you grow so strong and green
your life it seems to thrive
to think i felt I couldn't care for you
I am so glad I tried

As I go about my life
whenever I see you I will sigh
Thank you for the gardening fun
my tiny little Bonsai

A Rosa Ramble

2007-05-16T13:41:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Yes, I know .. *prepares to receive chastizing* its been a while since my last post. Hi my name is Rosa and I am a blog procrastinator... I guess I kept waiting hoping some divine inspiration would hit me and I'd log on to type out something terribly witty and thought provoking... leaving you all with a smile and positive thought for your day.. but today, aint a gonna be that post ;D

In real life its a busy time of year, many milestones are being reached in these few months of spring and summer and I suspect I will emerge in the fall a stronger person for all the events, however at the time of this writing I just feel old. haha

My oldest son is graduating highschool in a few days, my first born, first of all I cannot fathom where all the years went, its cliche' I know but it really does seem like just yesterday he was a little one taking his first steps and now hes on that last step before being a man.. its one of those hallmark moments you just have to stop and take in for a second. Hes was a great kid and has become a good man. I'm excited for him embarking on this new phase of his life.. and yet .. I also find myself enveloped in wistfulness that "my baby" is all grown up. Its a special time.

Add to that my youngest son is about to turn 16 yrs old, another milestone of sorts in life, your sweet 16. Hes going to be taking on drivers training.. 'nuff said. haha
My youngest is 6 feet tall and dwarfs me terribly now.. again.. I look at this milestone of life and cant help but feel a bit wistful at how my life is flying by.

Add still to this that late this summer I will hit the big 40 birthday and Im finding the thought a bit daunting. Now I dont find anyones age important to my finding them a friend or good human being whatsoever, so why is it that I find myself feeling so reluctant to reach this age myself? Am I going to instantly find my parts and bits breaking down like a car so uncannily does just days after the warranty expires?? Will I have some sort of invisible label that all but me will see, a bright flashing tag "SHES 40!!" no.. so it boogles my mind as to why this particular age seems to burden my thoughts. If any of you have any positive advice on letting go of wistfulness on this , by all means send them this way :D

I as Ive mentioned before in this blog am pretty excited about some travels I'll have this summer, the first of which is the long awaited and happily anticipated visit to see Jaycatt. I've known Jaycatt for a couple years now, having met him in the world of Second Life and I think this visit has been in the planning for most of that time.. Im not sure just what we'll do while I'm there, I know Jaycatt's been planning some amazing things to see and enjoy and I look forward to it all in his treasured company. Jaycatt is my best friend and Im so happy to finally get to visit him. I know it will be a blast. It will be great to meet him and Frogg and Maken, Littleturtle, and Nancy.

As if all of this doesnt overload the joy meter, Im blessed to find myself with the opportunity to meet my wonderful friend Patrick LaSalle. Second Life again can be credited for this meeting, having first seen him performing as a live musician, Patrick has been my companion in SL for a while now, sharing all the craziness and seriousness that is found in the virtual world. He has been such a awesome friend to me, I am most definetly a stronger and happier person for the blessing of his friendship. He endures my rambles about my family, friends, crazy ideas, my sense of humor and was quite sweet in tolerating it when I put out butterflies all around his plot. Having only been to the LAX airport as my " claim to west coast travel" fame. Im greatly anticipating seeing his town and its surrounding sights.

Of course like so many of you might also be going I am looking forward to the SLCC convention in Chicago. So much of my time in the game of Second Life is spent at live music shows.. I am quite thrilled to have the opportunity to partake of a real life expierence of hearing so many of my favorite sl musicians play. and meeting many of the sl friends I've made over the years. Its going to be great fun times!

If your still with me and ive not bored you to tears in this post.. let me close with this one quote.. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop (620 BC - 560 BC),

Todays Poem:

Since Mothers Day has recently passed I'll share a poem I did back in 1995 after
a day Id spent with my oldest child.

Mothers Day-

I'v covered you up and tucked you in
I couldn't help but grin
You said your prayers and kissed me goodnight
then I turned out the light

I thought about the day we'd spent
just you and I alone
how quickly then it dawned on me
just how much you'd grown

You no longer were this tiny babe,
I'd held so close to me
but you've grown into a 'big boy'
and I am so proud you see

I prayed to the Lord in thankfulness
for the blessings of the day
and said a special thank you
for treasured moments along the way

And when my prayer ended
there was only one thing more to say
and that's in being a Mom to a child like you ,
Everyday is "Mothers Day" :)

Great Mood !

2007-04-29T14:22:00.000-05:00

Today I am in a great mood ! Typically the next natural queary would be to ask , whats got me in such a great mood. I suppose it could be lots of things ..such as after months of dreary gray skies.. its refreshing to see the bright blue hue in the sky .. the sunshine is a most definite welcome change from the dingy gray a drug out winter had begun to show.

my great mood could simply be from the pleasure of good friends company! I find myself smiling more and more these days in the happy times I'm finding in the company of my friends. Ive been amazed at how strong a bond of friendship can be formed with individuals only met over the existance of online communication. I find myself deeply grateful for this treasure and how its enhanced my personal life.

Or perhaps its the observation of seeing others be kind and compassionate, watching good people help others , cant help but make you feel good too I say :) Or maybe its the excitement of coming events..

I am truly tickled purple to think that in just a very short time I will be taking my seat in the airplane that will carry me across the usa to finally meet my best friend Jaycatt! We've talked about this visit for quite some time and with the ticket purchased.. its FINALLY going to happen * Thanks Jaycatt* I am so excited to finally meet him in person! , as if meeting Jay were not enough to overload my WOW meter, as an added bonus its possible I will find the opportunity to meet several other sl friends I have known. Frogg, Maken, Littleturtle, and with a bit of a drive on his part ... bless his heart, my wonderful friend Patrick :) Maybe this is part and parcel of my great mood..

Perhaps its the excitement of knowing Im going to be attending my first convention in the SLCC. For the first time this Second Life convention is being held in a city reasonably close enough to warrant an invested interest in attending. The chance to meet so many of the wonderful people from Second Life, I have called friend .. its simply a dream.. to know the blessing to meet so many souls , I may never have known without Second Life. Im greatly looking forward to the live music that will be played during the convention.

Todays Poem :

Roses are red
Daisies are white
Its a truly great day
when ones feeling so right!

Heres hoping your day
is full and quite stunning
May you start the day smiling and hit the ground running.

E-mails

2007-04-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

Hello!

*Dramatic Entrance Music*

Yes , yes, Its me. I know , shocking isnt it.. I'm actually making a new post without a months time lapsing. *waits for the ooh's and ahh's * ...

Today as I was sending out some emails to some pretty wonderful friends it dawned on me just how much joy this wonderful little technological feat brings to me . Now having said that Im in no way saying it beats the good old fashioned hand written letter. We should all endeavor to send more of those to friends and family whenever possible:) However I do confess that emails can bring quite the enhancement to the day.

It boggles the mind how I can sit in my office and type words on a screen , click a button and send them to a friend in a far away place and hopefully make them smile.
I am very well blessed to have a great group of kind souls who so sweetly tolerate my addiction and graciously allow me to invade their workdays daily.

So taking a moment to say thank you~

Travis, you so kindly endure every virtual window I send and in doing so give me the best view of good friendship :) Thank you

Sporked, ever the one to skip the #6 the you have taught me much about friendship and been the best ambassador of true Canadian hospitality ;) Thank you

John, kind spirit your kindness is only outshined by your compassion :) Thank you

Gryphon, dear friend! you are the essence of a true southern gentleman :) Thank you

Eric, postive person, always with a kind word to share bless your heart :) Thank you

Lyndon, sweet soul, patient and perservering. Youve taught me a lot :) Thank you

Semaj, If Duke had a team of great friendship players.. you'd be the MVP :)Thank you

Patrick, new to the send, your friendship makes the day shine with smiles:)Thank you

Special mention to Ursula :) Such a great lady!

Acknowledging these fine folks is in no way to lessen the wonderful bonds of friendship I share with so many of this online realm but for this blog entrys purpose I just wanted to simply say Thanks to them for the great kindness they
share with me daily, its much appreciated.

So how has email effected your life? Are you a daily communicator or a infrequent texter? Whats been the best or worst email you've ever read? Where do you see email
5 years from now?

Todays Poem:

E-mail Thrill

I awake quite easy,
and sit afore my PC
with excited curiousity
to see who may have sent to me

Then my mouth
it widely grins end to end
as "YES" I see it
email from friends!

I gaze across its content
the words they flow with ease
the tone is oh so friendly
and the meaning it does please

And so my day starts happy
as I write back right away
thrilled to have their email
and read what good friends had to say!

Thank you for reading

journal rambles

2007-04-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

I have been neglectful once more in my postings of this blog. It's ironic in that blogs are views and comments on times of life and lately its life thats left no time to blog :)

Todays entry I'll forewarn is a ramble in every sense of the word.. I have been asked ( surprising to me ) to post more from the journal I kept on my journey to
Sydney last fall. So proceed at your own risk.. as I ramble about events I found
amusing in process of my trip.

" I am on the plane bound for Los Angeles, its roughly 7 30 p.m. chicago time thats ...( you can do the Math for EST ) the layover in Chicago I'm blessed to say didn't seem bad at all. A woman came and sat close by where I had claimed a seat, she was a friendly sort, chatting with anyone who'd reply. She had observed me taking pictures out the window and had wondered just what I was taking snapshots of. Apparently seasoned travlers no longer feel that "WOW" factor to click pics of the huge planes that to and fro in front of you during the wait. I explained I was getting shots of the plane. This oviously must have been a tell tale sign .. and I felt the big green NEWBIE arrow tunking my head for she and several others in hearing range all looked at me ratherly oddly.

As this woman and I got to chatting , because she was friendly and I like to ramble, I found out she'd come from North Carolina and was nearing the end of her six hour layover (yikes) she asked if I was staying in LA or moving on from there. My mind races... all the prowarnings of dont give out info to strangers pinging my thoughts but I answered and said "moving on " she said "ME TOO! ". I just smiled. what does one say to a stranger who has the same travel itenary? She asked "Are you going overseas?" .. again not wanting to be rude but not wanting to be too informative I come back with my linguistically impressive " Yeah". she said " ME TOO! ". Again.. I smiled. She asked "where?" .. I say "australia" she said " ME TOO!" this is getting to be rather amusing as her enthusiasm for our similiarites was growing to such levels she was literally bouncing in her seat with anticipation for the replys to her quearys. She said " what part" .. thinking this would be the last of the questions I would answer without giving way too much info I said a rather curt " Sydney" and about choked holding back the laughter when she quite vocally dejected said " Awww Im Melbourne" hahaha.

She wandered away to mingle with others .. apparently Id out lasted her interest in conversing with me .. I passed the time doing my word search puzzle book and I know Im new but I was totally fascinated with the plane traffic out the window. I think of all the souls on each one coming and going... people going to and fro for business or were they like me taking a scary but exciting adventure, or in the case of the staff, just another day at the office. With a little imagination I was quite entertained till the time rolled round for boarding :)

I now can say I've been on a cruise boat, a luxury train, and a airplane, and where they all have pro's and con's for traveling and space to move, I liked the train most. However I do admit I am really enjoying the views ive been getting on the flights. My seat this flight is 13 F . a number I wasn't wild about but its turned out okay as I am close enough to the window seat in front of me , I can still see out the sunset is SPECTACULAR!!

End journal ramble

Todays poem:

Todays poem has no themed relation to the days post.. but its one I dont think I've yet shared in this blog, its a bit sad, but hope you enjoy it just the same. TY

A Special Love

She sat in the chair with a smile on her face
the source of her joy noone could trace
She was lost in fond memories of a special love shared
with a man who enjoyed showing he cared

the walk in the park
the movie in the dark
she remembers the days their filled with such joy
she remembers the fair he won her a toy

she remembers the nights
their filled with such passion
she remembers the the parties
the fun they had crashin'

she remembered the night
he sweetly proposed
on the way home
she had asked him to go slow

he turned to give
a small kiss to his mate
and when he turned back
it was too late

he swerved to avoid
hitting the car
but he'd turned the wheel
a little too far

the tree came up fast
and hit oh so hard
where was the girl
she'd been thrown from the car

she looked up and saw
the rose that he'd gave her
still clutched in his fingers
his very last favor

She stood up and sighed
with tears in her eyes
and placed a rose
by her loves side

then she closed the top
of the coffin that day
to seal a special love shared
then taken away.

Expectations

2007-03-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Isnt it amazing how often we base our thoughts and actions based expectations. What are expectations precisely? Websters would tell us that they are the art or state of expecting. There are common sense expectations .. we expect we will wake up in the morning, the sun will rise and fall over the course of the day, and breathing for the day will be required haha!

Some expectations are surprising, like a expected business deal thats far more successful than projected,or the famous " It will never happen" happening that catches you off guard and bewildered.

Expectations of friendships sometimes we get so comfortable in our set ways we
forget to show expected courtesies to those that matter the most to us. And before you know it, a friendships taken for granted ):

Recently Ive had something very wonderful happen regarding expectations. As many of you know I am a resident of the world of Second Life, and several months after I joined I had the chance to meet two very wonderful individuals who over the course of time grew to be more family than friend. I even traveled to Australia to meet them in real life. About two years ago, circumstances found them leaving Second Life and I missed them dearly.. despite seeing them daily in other venues of technology, it was their presence in SL that I still sorely missed. My expectation was that Id never see them come back and it was a sad circumstance to accept. However here it is two years later and fate in all her kindness has found the return of my "virtual brothers" to Second Life and I am positively beaming!! A shout out to Braddie and Rysidian and massive grin, Im so glad your back !!

Dolmere , bless his heart, a while back inquired of me if I would participate in the ongoing blog challenges that were being issued to many of us bloggers, I struggle sometimes for topics that I think would be interesting for you who read these rambles so a challenge of a topic to comment on didnt strike me as a bad idea, between my real life demanding me and my fall damaging me temporarily I never got
far on my participation. In steps Dolmere once more * that guy needs a cape and sexy D on his chest* for as many times hes helped out someone. Passing me a link with all the , thus far challenge topics. The most recent was about Expectations .

What Were Your Expectations of SL?

When I started Second Life, to be honest I really had no expectations. I was playing the Sims Online at that time and not being at all a nerdy or tech type girl this hyped new 3D virtual world held little of my attention. However I am *as some of you know all too well* a chatty person and upon the request of a friend to try it I found myself born in SL . I guess if there were any expectations at all for me they were assumptions building in SL would be as click and drag easy as it was in TSO I soon ...very soon.. found I was quite mistaken. LOL It was quite a different world from TSO , it was quite a different world from what its grown to be now. Expectations then.. I had none just wanted to explore. Expectations now ......... I would hope the bonds made in the world of Second life will continue to strengthen, I hope the technology grows to match the volume of residents that inhabit the grid and I hope that while embracing the presence of corporate companies and real life profits in Second Life , it not lose sight of the small town community sense of caring and closeness for one another. Things I still catch glimpses of from time to time while in world. Thank you for reading.

Todays Poem: In regards to expectations

A Man's Fantasy:

I slipped off the blanket,
and saw her there in all her beauty
with all that shes packing
she's really quite a cutie

The curves she had going
could drive a man just wild
but she held them tight and strong
with grace and beautiful style

And when you got her started
not a bad sound did she make
just the low and steady hum
as different postitions you would take

She kept a steady pace with you
still strong as from the start
she still gave it all she had
when most others would have fallen apart

But now the fun is over
as your wifes voice bellows from the kitchen
come insdie right now she says
and stop playing with that ENGINE!!

Rants, Vents , Ravings

2007-03-15T16:31:00.000-05:00

What are the things that set us off? One minute were quiet calm mild mannered and the next were gesturing wildly with our hands and spouting off tidbits of relevant points on conversation topic ! What is it that makes us so passionate or aggitated! Driving in the car.. crusing along.. music going... cranked up... when you tool up behind a driver proceeding a slightly slower pace than you...a once happy carefree
lovin the day individual turns into Verbage Vendettas muttering such phrases as
" Get the lead out " , or " Damn Sunday Drivers" , or "come on sweetheart move it or lose it" or much worse lol

Good stress relief to verbalize? Anger management? What are some ways you cope
with lifes frustrations as they fall across your path ??

Todays Poem :

D- Is for Dilema
not knowing what to do
R- Is for Recovery
healing's hard its true
A- Is for Attitude
It's all in how you play
M- Is for Managing
attempting words to say
A- Is for Anger
just leave it at the door

Fill your life with truth and love
Let DRAMA know the score .

Thank you for reading

Kindness Of Strangers

2007-03-11T07:55:00.000-05:00

Okay , yes I know its been a few days again since my last post! I really must work on getting more frequent in these writings, *insert excuses here* and so as you can see thats why I've not posted in a while :)

Today I'm wanting to write about the kindness of strangers, I recently was out at the supermarket, if you are a regular reader to this blog you know how I "love" to do the grocery shopping adventure *smirks*, still favoring my sore arm the normal grocery day turns into a physical endurance test rivaling a rocky movie. When your used to having two hands to perform simple tasks with one and a half ( weak strength) it humbles you in a hurry. I was struggling to put up my items from the cart on the conveyor at the store.. not so much a struggle as it just took a lot longer.. in the middle of this task the lady behind me steps forward and starts to assist me in my tasks, and smiles at me. Now I know what your thinking.. she was in a hurry and I was too darn slow ... but I am going to prefer to think more positively that she was a kind hearted person who just wanted to help, regardless of the reason my day brightened by her kindness. I got up to pay for my items and was fumbing to get out my cash to pay, who designs purses with so many snaps, buttons and hooks!!! the cashier whos only job is to ring up my items walked around and bagged all my food and put the bags in my cart. Again.. was my slow pace holding up the line? I could think that but as I hear the " Have A Nice Day" cast to me as I exit I prefer to think it was just a random act of kindness.

Ive reached my car and unloaded my cart, all ready to head out, when I see this elderly lady struggling to push her walker / shopping cart through the mushy slush.. shes doing "ok" at it but she looks like shes tired. I walk up and ask her if she needs any assistance.. The warm smile she flashed as she accepted nearly melted me!
she leaned on my good arm side as we guided her walker through the slush to the entrance, the gesture to help done I bid her "Have A Nice Day" and she says to me " I just did! Thank you ". I know its such a simple thing to say but Wow did I feel so good!!

Kindness of Strangers, the phrase "Little things mean a lot" comes to mind as fitting! :) A random given greeting, an assistance of help, simply a smile as you pass by a stranger, little things.. that mean a lot :D A compliment freely given for no self gain at all. I always love the driver who stops to let me enter the lane from the parking lot Im exiting, that unwritten rule of the customary "wave of thanks" for the gesture. Total strangers.. performing choreographed sentiment that leaves the day just a little bit nicer. :) I know I sound like a whimsical daydreamer whos unaware of what the "real world" can be like. I know theres examples out there that would far outnumber any random acts of kindness I could list, but I like to think on the positive side :) Here's hoping you find random acts of kindness in your day! Thank you for reading :D

Todays Poem: ( Another poem for my Dad, I miss you everyday the kindest of hearts )

Untitled-

When I was but a little child
so innocent and young
how I loved to play with Dad
it was always so much fun

When I was but an older one
now well past the age of ten
I'd always turn to Dad
for advice now and then

When I was but a teenage youth
struggling in the "rat race"
for peace of mind and comfort
I'd always look to Dad's kind face

Now I am a woman
with little ones of my own
I can now look back and see
just how much I've grown

When I was but a child
with so much in life to learn
I was blessed with a Dad
who was both loving and also stern

I was but a child once
and now I am full grown
my boys are but a child once
I'll teach them all that I have known

Now as I raise my little ones
share all the lessons that I've had
to have them grow up strong and bright
would make me very glad

And if I'd do a good job
and one day asked what advice I'd had
I'd simply stand and proudly say
I just picked it up from Dad!

March Music

2007-03-04T08:38:00.000-05:00

Its March Music Madness!! Many of you know I play an online game called Second Life and part of the joy of that is the expierence of Live Music shared there. I am very pleased and excited that during the month of March there will be so many great chances to enjoy Live Music!

In Lusk I know, Gog Gremlin has worked hard to get quite a line up of wonderful musicians to perform and I look forward to attending as many of the shows as possible! I know they will be fantastic!

I'm excited as well for the line up of concerts that will be held at AmphibiCatt Gardens! I was tickled purple when Jaycatt agreed to the idea of having performers come play at the venue during the month he and Frogg were taking some time off! I have had the greatest time contacting musicians and inquiring about performances! It will be a month of great music with all the talented souls coming to share their music!

Its been such a blessing to have so many agree to play, such amazing talented souls! Flaming Moe bless his heart, I've always loved his music! His rich sax sounds thrill and amaze :) Its great he will play!

Charles Coleman, Im blessed to call my friend, will bring a great sound to the venue with his awesome vocals and fantastic guitar playing his concerts are always soo much fun!!

Mel Cheeky, what a beautiful songbird! One of my dear friends its very cool shes agreed to come share her music!

Melvin Took, I have not heard this performer near enough in Second Life, I hear such wonderful things about his music I'm delighted that I'll get the chance to attend his concert!

Spaceman Opus, A new performer to live music but performs an awesome show! When I first found out he was a musician in Second Life I made a point to go check out a show, I was glad I did!

Lyndon Heart, Well for any of you that know me.. you know its no secret how I feel about this man and his music!*big smiles* He has a contagious energy that gets your toes tapping and your soul clapping, I was thrilled beyond words when he agreed to share his music for an evening at AmphibiCatt! *swoons*

Patrick LaSalle, another fairly new performer to Second Life Live Music, Patrick has a sound you cant help but love! The man can play guitar!! Ive heard him a couple times now in Second Life and couldnt be happier for the blessing to enjoy his music again!

Louis Volare, Wow! A very talented musician! Im looking forward to this evenings show, his music is beautiful, nice mix of classical, jazz, new age.. and he brings an array of personalities to the stage thats always entertaining :)

Heath Elvehjem, March is sure to be a month of great blessings as Heath is one of those musicians who lights up the night anytime he plays! His music is so beautiful and powerful! Im really looking forward to this show!

Frogg Marlowe & Jaycatt Nico, the biggest joy for me the few Fridays of the month that this duo still will be sharing their music! Yes they are both good friends that makes it special but they are amazing musicians and every show they do is a night of magic and fun! I love to dance the boogie to If I Grew Wings!! *shakes my pixels*

So there is the reason my March will be so filled with great music! I apologize as this post has taken on more of a promoters type slant rather than a personal commentation of life. However I am most excited for each show! I will be getting to host a couple and it will be the first time for me in that role. I'd be fibbing if I said I wasn't a little nervous but its great music and with good friends! Yayyy!

Thanks to Jaycatt Nico for his generosity in making this all possible, without your caring it might have been a sadly silent Month! *hugs*

In closing because many of the musicians are also people I consider friends,
Todays Poem is :

Musical Friendship

True Friendship is like a beautiful song,
it lifts you up , when things go wrong .
A snappy beat and good personality,
can just make you feel good naturally,

shares the joy your soul does find,
dances happy visions in your mind ,
excitement reigns when you hear its sound,
forever smiling whenever its found

Words alone may touch the heart ,
and melody too can play its part ,
but when together its geniunely true ,
they create a bond special and new.

Thank you for the special way
you brighten up my everyday.
May the music of your life beat steady sweet
Your friendship is a treasured treat.

Thanks for reading!

Not forgotten

2007-02-27T12:52:00.000-05:00

Hello! Just a short post to say I've not forgotten my blog!

Sometimes life has a way of getting busy, or topics to write about seem to escape

the mind :) I am guilty of both lol.

Recently I did my best to demonstrate the power of gravity, slipping on a wet floor

and proving the fact, what goes up must come down...I fractured my elbow, twisted my

wrist and bruised my ego lol Leaving me with my left arm immobilized it gives new

meaning to one handed typing :) I know some might question why I'd attempt to

continue doing things on the PC or daily tasks in RL but my point of view is this

even in the circumstance of misfortune the good Lord still let me keep the use of

one hand, so why waste it :)

To look on the bright side:

I'm becomming pretty good at one handed typing.

While my arms in a sling, it takes me half the time to get my coat on :)

Slippers over tie shoes becomes an acceptable fashion :)

Any others you can suggest?

anyway here is my post about the lack of my posts lately , Thank you for reading!!

What are some of your reasons for delayed posts?

Todays poem is:

Hurry scurry hastily
bustle round the place
oblivious to slippery spot
I'm quickly on my face

Pain arrives instantly
to make its presence felt
but to Pride and its emotion
the biggest blow is dealt

Immobilized and restricted
life can seem unfair
keep positive point of view
and see all you still can share

Time will heal the pain away
Pride will soon return
Knowledge scores a point today
as with expierence I learn!!

Thanks for reading!

Journal

2007-01-31T10:23:00.000-05:00

Hello! As once stated in this blog I am determined to post a few entries from my journal I kept when I traveled to Australia. If for nothing more than to have more than one written account of that journey. This is the disclaimer part of my blog entry, the warning that this may read like a dull narrative or it may read like a suspense.. this is your chance to scroll now or forever hold your yawns and sighs!

As you may recall from an early post I started off at the small airport in my hometown and the events that happened there (see previous post) this picks up where that left off.

~ Exert cont'd~
Finally our flight was called to board and we were a small group, only a small number of us remained of the large crowd that had once gathered in this waiting area.
As I walked down the corridor I thought, "It's finally happening! I'm finally going" but then I reached the plane and was a little shocked at how SMALL this plane was on the inside. Never having flown I was picturing a large plane like the ones you see in movies and tv. I thought as I boarded this craft , a schoolbus seems wider than this! But once I sat down in my seat * 5 A *, it didn't seem that small. I had a window seat which was very cool.

I thought the taxi down the runway part, was much like ridding in a car, albeit a very tall car! I was really surprised how quick we accelerated and how fast the plane was going then we lifted off and that was pretty darn fun!! I got to see houses,cars, swimming pools, all the things you'd expect but just cooler from so high up. Like a big patchwork quilt laid out on the ground! My first airplane ride!
so far .. so good!! We were above the clouds, it looked like a blanket of coolwhip! The flight from my hometown to Chicago was only 27 minutes, for this first time flyer that seems utterly amazing to me as it normally would take 4 hours by train.

Our stewardess was named Joyce and due to the short flight all she served for beverage was water which was fine by me. Upon landing we were all lined up to disembark, again all of us cramed into the tiny corridor of the plane made me reminiscent of desending the schoolbus at the end of the ride.. as Im approaching the exit door, the cockpit door opens and there sitting as pilot and copilot were the very same two men who'd so kindly talked with me in the waiting area back before the flight!! I found that quite funny! leave it to me to haphazzardly ask a random employee for guidance and have it turn out to be the pilot and copilot!

We arrived in Gate G6 and my next flight was to be departing Gate H12. It was a bit of a walk considering it was just the next letter of the alphabet ha ha, but I found my way * Yay me!! * and to confirm my job well done I ate more humble pie and asked a counter attendant if I was in right spot.

More on this trip in later entries... I hope you enjoyed this read.. if not * shakes you gently* .. Wake up ..it's over... Thank you for reading!

Todays Poem: Since i learned a lot on my trip, here's an ode to teachers...

Teacher

My eyes grow weary from the work on my desk
my thought process is in a terrible mess
from the pile of papers I lifted up my head
a quite distraction is what I needed instead

My eyes they gaze about the space
and on several others of the human race
I looked upon white collar and blue collar too
I looked upon leaders of me and of you

I started to see how important my task
to do a great job..one that would last
the work that I do in the field of education
brings great results if not great apprecaition

I sat there in awe of whom I share this room with
the future of our country in a class of school kids
of all the things I could have been...
a President, a sales rep, a doctor, a preacher,
I am glad I stuck with my first choice,
for I am proud to be a teacher!

Grocery Shopping

2007-01-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

This weekend I went grocery shopping, you would think this a pretty mundane expierence. Go to the store , place items in the cart, purchase, and go home. But life has a sense of humor, or I do.. and a normal mundane task became a grand adventure :)

The day began with a quest.. donned in my jeans and sweatshirt I found myself immersed in the first step of the journey... the search for "the keys" .. yes this was a difficult task, I had to face great perils in this quest.. the walk of remembrance.... doing laps in my house in hopes the little gray cells would kick start as to where Id left them last... the hard fought battle against the collectible.. that one entity in the home that seems to be the catch all for all small loose items that disappear... otherwise known as .. the sofa... at last in the pocket of my lighter coat I would claim victory at finding the missing key!! *Silly Michigan weather*

Phase Two:

I ventured out into the cold.. this is not an expression it was freaking cold this weekend!! and the next phase of my journey.. this task in laymans terms was remove snow and ice layers from the car.....but it was an aerobic workout and endless loop of physical ran through my mind as I unburried and scraped the cars windows..

Phase Three:

Driving to the store..what is it about driving a car that can change the most mild mannered person into mario andretti? Sitting at the stoplight the car in front of me a black suv.. then me.. then a car behind me a little two door red flashy type model.. the light turns green.. we sit.. for about 10 seconds.. and the red flashy sports car honks horn...what purpose does this serve? Is the driver living in some denial state that impossibilites can come true.. like I could drive through the car in front of me like it was phantom.. and let him on his merry way? Trying to see the brightside.. I simply rolled down my window and waved at the impatient man. funny how that didn't seem to make him happy. I always love a good wave :)

Phase Four:

Entering the store is like a military covert operation..carts at 9 o'clock..
products fill the layout.. must focus on mission.. supply list in hand.. I set out..
delay number one.. a sweet old lady in a motorized cart.. who happens to want to head in same direction as me.. I dodge.. she weaves.. we end up in this to and fro dance in the middle of the entrance.. till I finally say.. you first.. and hold my ground as the lady rolls away..second delay, traffic jam.. a collection of shoppers who know each other but not often enough to keep up and immediate shopping stoppage occurs to stand and chat.. bypassing this jam I enevitably always end up with added items in my cart from the "ooo! that looks good :) " impulse buys. swiftly I complete supplies collection and make my way to the purchase line.. the eye is quickly darting from line to line.. which is the shortest.. which is the longest.. a lady of little patience is being very vocal as to her displeasure at the five minutes she must wait in line, shes vocalizing her presence to the cashier and anyone else in unfortunate earshot, threatening to take her business elsewhere if shes not served soon.. I turned to her and said " If it were you up there ringing up all these people would you appreciate a attitude like that? If you have no more patience than this perhaps you should shop elsewhere and spare us all your dramatics". sheesh! Today I opted to stand behind a elderly lady with many items in her cart.. I found it nice feeling to help her stack her heavier items on the conveyor and reload them to her cart..especially after talking so rudely to that annoying lady earlier. After ringing up my own purchases, and leaving with one less arm and leg * rimshot*.. exiting this mission will prove to be the greatest task yet.. for its snowed in the time I was inside store and little shopping cart wheels do not good snowtires make.. weighted down with groceries the cart wheels sink into the depths of the fresh fallen flakes.. questions the lord.. how out of shape do you think I am. the aerobic workout unburring the car wasn't enough now im getting great upper body flexes pushing this metalic basket to my car.. which WHAT WAS I THINKING parking a mile away.. Miss " oh the walk will do me good" .. UGH!
old man winter comes up to bite my cheeks and blow my hair like medusa as I struggle to load all the supplies before my fingers lose feeling from the cold..I battle the traffic once more so many ppl in a hurry to go nowhere fast.. once home the repeated trips to and from car to haul in the contents of supplies, careful sync timming is impressively done to manuever my way around the dog and through the door before it shuts again on each trip, unload the items and put them away. No fame and glory is given for this completed adventure .. but I collapse happily in just the thought "It's done" :D

Todays Poem:

Untitled

I started down the long narrow way
my four wheels turning slow
you have to watch the other ones
who dont know where to go

I have hardly even started
when I see it - traffic clutter
I work my way around them all
as people's anger sputters

I see that now Im half way through
I might just get this done
I've nearly completed this task to do
and I haven't crashed into anyone

Then I pull my heavy load
into a waiting line
I look for something constructive to do
while I wait and pass the time

Just a few minutes more
and then my wheels I can park it
for I'll have survived another day
of shopping at the supermarket!

Thank you for reading

Inspirations

2007-01-24T08:53:00.000-05:00

Hello!

I had a friend point out to me recently that I have not put an entry on this blog in quite a while. It surprised me to know people were actually reading this blog, and that anything I may have written was interesting enough to be missed. This inspired me to not just copy & paste an exert from my journal, kept on my trip to Australia into this blog but to make a actual thought of the day entry. So my thought for todays post is Inspirations and Musings. What inspires you to do something new, something spontaneous, creative ?

For me Ive felt the tug of inspiration from a few different examples, just daily life can bring the muse of creativity to spark, making new friendships, loving times with older friends, the trials and triumphs of love, and especially music which in and of itself is created from inspiration, can inspire me to be creative. All of these can express themselves in positives brought about by inspirations.

Walt Disney World exists on the inspiration of one mans dream. A living example of how inspiration can bring about great joy and positives, monuments, tributes, even poetry can inspire to create something new. These things can touch the heart and in some cases even the soul to feel, and the expression of those emotions is what I think fuels the muse in us all. What do you think?? What fuels your muse?

Todays Poem:

This poem was written after I felt inspired listening to a friend discuss the
highs and lows of an abusive relationship. *note it is not a personal accounting*

Domestic Violence

She stared at her face by the mirrors light
surprised to see such a terrible sight
she grabbed her makeup to begin the routine
got to do it right, for she's sure to be seen

She puts on her eyes, and a painted on smile
hasn't had a natural one for a long long while
now she's off to get dressed, its long sleeves you know
she always wears them wherever she goes

Today is the day she tells herself in silence
today is the day I break away from this violence
she rounds the corner in a determined fashion
and meets face to face an expression of compassion

Apologies spew out of his mouth,
they seem sincere and yet
she cant forget what she's been through,
but what if forgiveness is truly his intent?

She thinks about the memories the good times they used to share
he says he wants them back again he says he truly cares
and so she stands there thinking and looks into his eyes
she thinks she sees a chance there.. or is it anger in disguise?

She gambles on a changed man and agrees with him she'll remain
but clarifies she's leaving him if it happens once again
he now wants to celebrate and so he throws a party
when the mornings sun rays hit her limp and lifeless body
from his tiny jail cell... all he can say is ...." I'm sorry "

Thank you for reading

Milestones

2007-01-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

We all have them! Milestones, losing your first tooth as a kid, first kiss, first.. well you get the idea..usually milestones are joyous, celebrated cherished, most of us take great joy at birthdays.. they are milestones.. one more year weve had to enjoy life! And anniversarys too are great moments of celebrating the time shared together with your love. It was recently I saw a very close friend of mine expierence a different sort of milestone.. one Id had myself and never quite saw both sides until now. Most of the time milestones are moments of great happiness, sometimes they are difficult to take. My friend was coping with the milestone of the passing of a loved one. It reminded me even more of how much time has passed since my Fathers death. and more recently my brother. I know the days are hard in missing their no longer being there, but ever one to search for a bright side to all things.. I realized yes its sad to remember how long its been since truly missed family or friends have departed, but I cling to the cheerful thought that if I still feel this strongly a year, two years, ten years after they have gone.. and memories of them or how they enhanced my life are still fresh and vivid in my mind.. are they really gone. Alive in my heart, and in my memories.. where I still miss my Dad more than I could ever say with each passing milestone of his departure I lighten my heart to say , " Look at me now Dad! " and continue to strive to be the person I know he believed me always to become :)

What have been some of your milestones and how have you coped or celebrated?
Thank you for reading !

Todays Poem:

My Good Friend

I have a good friend
who's been with me since birth
and all my life he's been there
I never truly knew his worth
the times of life he's shared with me
are my life's fondest memories

he has always been there
with his love and wise advice
which always seemed a comfort
when my life was filled with strife

Throughout my life my good friend
has always been close by
but now our lives are changing
I said I would not cry

There's things I need to tell him
things I need to say
my good friend I care about
is moving far away

I want to say I love him
for I do with all my heart
I want to say he'll always be my greatest friend
despite the distance that keeps us apart

I hope this poem has done that job
for it's so important that it has
this man who is my good friend,
I still call him DAD!

Have a wonderful day :)

Change

2007-01-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

I guess change has always been around.. with each new practical invention.. we latch onto a preceived easier way of life and the old way is often obsolete.. how many still watch a black and white television.. a hand written letter sadly is becoming a lost pleasure with the ease of emails. Fashion trends come and go and we ebb and flow with the change. Most changes are subtle ..and we dont notice or feel the impact as much like daylight disappearing as the sun sets, we know its happening but its gradual..we are ready for the change.. Sometimes change can come quickly and catch you off guard like a loss of a loved one.. and you scramble to adapt. Change is inevitably always good, it makes life eaiser.. or if its made life harder it makes you a stronger person for copeing... and anytime self improvement comes thats a good change. I have had both kinds of change in my life the gradual ones I've dealt with just fine.. slow.. gradual.. accepted. The sudden ones, as in the loss of my Dad,and most recently my brother, milestones in life being reached, routines being changed, as well as the highs and lows of friendships have been harder to accept, I get caught up in the fight to preserve the old way and lose sight of the truth to that old cliche' I remember it being taught to me as a religious guidance so my apologies if I misquote.. "When God closes a door, he opens a window" Ive been dealing with many new changes and where knowing they're all good, I was still lost in the fight to keep the "old way" .. if change comes to your life.. embrace it, know that even in sad reactions your getting a positive.. your stronger and somewhere theres a window of opportunity opened awaiting your next new adventure!!

Thank you for reading!

Todays Poem:

When my Father wanted to sell the house I'd grown up in, a mobile home wed built onto as budget allowed, my "home" I was inspired to write this ode to say goodbye, its a bit on the lengthy side so better bring some popcorn along :)

Farewell

I found you when you were so small
but still there was room for us all
you protected us well my friend
we were safe and dry from end to end

nailing, pounding, pampering, painting
you stood tall and firm never once waining
all around you we placed in the land
trees and flowers all done by hand

you sheltered them and protected them
and happily watched as we tended them
you watched us grow from year to year
we all grew up and not once did you hear

Thank you for all you did
my safe friend when I was a kid
holder of my memories, keeper of my heart
it is so hard knowing we must now part

no longer will i feel the warm safety of your walls
or go bumpty bump down your thin halls
Ill no longer be in your charm and grace
no longer walk into that happy place

you'll soon see new people inside your walls
still you'll have room for them all
and with luck and blessings too
your new family wil be just as nice to you

Just as nice as the owners of late
who created in you such a nice place
Take Care of your new family and please dont sway
stand tall and firm as in years of yesterday

You'll live always in my memories
and in all those I've known
I will never forget you ever
my very happy "home".

April- 1995

Yeah Im sappy I loved the house! But I realize its the people inside it that made it a happy home. Thanks for reading !

Quick Thank You

2007-01-01T11:34:00.000-05:00

Just a short note to say a BIG thank you to EricAtRandom for his kind words on his blog regarding my little spot here in the blog world. Most kind, and much appreciated Eric Thank You! Now go check out his blog *see link to the right* and also Jaycatt Nicos too! Thanks for reading!

Quick Note Poem: what would a post be without a poem

I was here but now Im gone
Ive left this note to carry on
Enjoy your reading here today
then go to Erics blog and Jays!!

Journey

2007-01-01T10:58:00.000-05:00

Hello!! Happy New Year!!
Wow 2007! What will this new year be like? With a number like 007 will it be frought with gadgets and seductions? Will it be lucky and packed with victories and personal success? Who can say, but I for one certianly hope that 2007 finds me equally as blessed in treasures of good friends, and strong enough to face wherever life's journey leads.

As mentioned in previous post, I recently traveled to Australia, and kept a log of my adventures. For todays post I plan to share a bit of that journey with any of you reading this blog. Its not edge of your seat action, its not James Bond thrills, its just my muddled, rambled minds thoughts as I took each step toward my destination and the fears and triumphs I observed during the course of my trek. In other words this your chance to scroll to the end NOW and spare yourself.. otherwise proceed at your own risk :) and Thank you.

It was my first time to fly, my first time to travel alone, my first time to be random pat down in security check.. *so much for my disillusion Im sweet and innocent looking* ...Exert from journal...*this is after I've made it through security and tearful goodbyes.. and am sitting in waiting area for first flight.

..I gaze about at my fellow passengers, the majority on this weekday morning, are seemingly business types it's surprising to me how many are on cell phones ha ha However just as I've been writing this a seemingly nice elderly couple has sat next to me. The gentleman was simply that, asking politely about the avaliabilty of the seats by me in a casual fashion.

After a while of nervous fidgeting, fearful anxiety gazes at the gate door and deep breaths I noticed several of those who'd been sitting in our area were filtering to another corridor, I wondered if I'd missed a gate change announcement while writing this log and got up to investigate, I walked the long corridor to where the others had ventured, and stopped at the end of the formed line... a few moments pass and I begin to have that "umm this doesnt seem right " feeling and tap the lady in front of me on the shoulder to inquire as to the purpose of this line... sigh.. of course I was wrong! Finding out this gate was bound for Philadelphia, * Lord thank you for giving me the courage and wisdom to ask questions of strangers* I quickly walked back to my seat I'd had prior to my investigation. It wasn't long and two uniformed men came and sat down next to me, they wore dark pants and white shirts with gold bars on their lapels, you knew they were airline employees. They chitter chattered together and as time ticked by I started to wonder when it rolled round to take off time and I'm still sitting there if I was indeed in the right location....once more I humbled myself to muster up the courage to ask the question. I explained it was my first time flying and all the details spilling out like a bucket of water tipped over once it starts.. theres just no stopping the flow till its drained....OH BOY! they turned out ot be so friendly and helpful and further made it nice by making conversation, the nice man told me to drink lots of water, relax and take in the view. The second man asked me what my final destination was and I answered "Sydney, Australia" the two men...and several others who oviously had been also listening all said "WOW" at the same time! I found this to be a funny moment :)

Theres more to this but I will post it in a later entry due to the length of this current post :) Thank you for reading!!

Todays poem:
Since todays post was about facing fear and doing something worthwhile in life Im sharing my poem called

THE CLIMB

My eyes the gaze upon the shape,
a pointed peak a widening base,
indrawn breath taken in air thats still,
each step towards it defies my fears will.
to tell my friends hey let me bail,
fears so strong I can't prevail,
but keep at it to succeed I do,
to climb the rock so strong and true,
my heart is pounding fears cadence song,
run, now run before something goes wrong,
a battle of wills fighting the feelings,
I gear up and step on this rock I am seeing,
with matrix stillness all things go then,
as Ive touched this rock the moment ZEN.
adrenaline high as the thrill kicks in,
I climb to the top shout to fear.
"I WIN".

Courage

2006-12-26T12:48:00.000-05:00

What is your idea of courage? Whats a good example to you of something courageous? Could it be the soliders who are in Iraq fighting to defend our land ? Or those who protest in political rings rallying for rights and laws to improve or empower unjust circumstance or positions? Is it the first time parents be it by birth or adoption, to take on the commitment of caring for another life? Standing up to a bully in youth or adulthood, or taking that first drive with your oldest child just learning to drive ? Where is that line between courage and stupidity? Is a daredevil courageous or insane? Is a good smaritain that runs into a burning building to save a pet a helpful bystander or a crazy idiot?

I have faced something similiar in my own life as far as that fine line. I play a online game called Second Life ( www.secondlife.com ) and met two wonderful friends in the course of playing. I have always had a great fear of flying .. that thought of being trapped in a metal container so high in the sky..no options to escape.. in a train or car you can go out a window.. in a boat you can swim away.. in all you could phone for rescue but a plane .. was placing trust of your life in the pilot and the mechanics of the craft with no rescue plan. As I grew to know my friends in Second Life it was suggested to meet in real life outside of the internet constraints. Being that they were from Sydney, Australia this had me facing a great fear!! I'd have to fly! I had always traveled with a family member .. never despite my growing age, had I traveled anywhere alone.. yet here I was about to take the journey of my lifetime. I will post exerts of that journey in this blog later .. but for this posts purpose its mentioned to say.. Some thought I was crazy.. to fly across an ocean to meet two people I'd only ever known over a internet connection. And some including myself , viewed it as a big step of courage! I'm delighted to say the trip was a huge success and one I'll cherish all my life. My point is .. courage could be anything from journey across an ocean to taking that first step again after a fall , what is courage to you ??

Todays Poem:
The Holidays are wonderful time to enjoy friends and familiy , depite his being gone five years now.. the holidays still seemed empty without my Dad, this poem is for him

Into my life there came a man
a rock he was to me
raising me with wise advice
and love abundantly

I didn't lack for discipline
the word patience he defined
he had a way of teaching me
a blend of stern and kind

throughout my many years of youth
he was always there for me
offering his guideance
and support unwaveringly

and as I grew to be full grown
this man I'd come to see
he had grown himself you know
he was a great friend to me

Through my lifes trials
my rock stood firm for me
humor,love, and wisdom
he passed on these legacy's

it's so hard to say goodbye
one last "HUG" and love you lots
I will miss your being here
my good friend, my Dad, my rock

But our Lord has called you home
I'll be sad, for it is tough
You see, where I looked and found a rock ...
God saw a diamond in the rough.

Thank you for reading!

Appreciation

2006-12-16T20:14:00.000-05:00

Appreciation! We've all shared it at one time or another in our life. Sometimes saying "Thank You" is all it takes to brighten the day of another, two simple words that mean so much. Its more than just manners to say "thank you" its the appreciation given for a kindness shared. One of those little things that mean a lot.

But there are sometimes, you just want to say a little bit more than "thank you" in appreciation for wonderful things! I am quite new to this blog world, and as I have posted more and more I've come to enjoy this great expierence and know I never would have known this process and its joys were it not for two very special people. Where I am greatly blessed by all the friendships in my life and do not wish to leave anyone out, this post is about showing appreciation to the two kind souls who have helped me most with my testing the blogging waters :)

Jaycatt Nico-
THANK YOU! Thank you for your kindness and friendship! Your positive comments and support were a great encouragement, seeing you enjoy your own blog http://jaycatt.blogspot.com/ so much inspired me to think perhaps it was a fun thing to try! Your enthusiasm and praise were just wonderful and knowing I had a friend to lean on for advice.. you are the best!!

EricAtRandom-
THANK YOU!! Where to begin in expressing appreciation for your neverending guidance, support, encouragement, and friendship! My blog looks beautiful because of you! You showed great patience in helping me step by step through getting it just right:) I am so grateful for everything you've done to help make this attempt at blogging such a pleasant and exciting start. Your creative input and the contagious energy of your own blog http://ericatrandom.blogspot.com/ helped me to see blogging was a world worth trying. Bless your heart and thank you both most kindly!

Todays Poem:

Computer Headache

I sit at my desk with a rather large frown
sad because my hardrive is down
all my co-workers have all had a good lunch
but all I got was a megabyte crunch

My monitor is dimming..my modem is flashing
Oh Lord help me my whole system is crashing
my program was lost, the back up deleted
just two more lines and it would've been completed

The office is empty I am all alone
just me and my mouse that sits by the phone
Technology is super...technology is great
It must have been humans to make these mistakes..

So why tell me why if the system is so straight
why tell me why do I suffer from.. COMPUTER headache ?

Thank you for reading!

Books

2006-12-13T08:18:00.000-05:00

Books! Books! Books! Who doesnt love books!

Who remembers being a young child in school and being all excited it was Library day! Books on the shelf in the library are like picking a dozen donuts from the bakery display you just know all of them are good and satisfying but which ones to start on!

I confess I'm not a very well read reader.. theres many great books and book series out there I have not read but the upside to this dilema is that I can discover them now. I love the world of possibliites books can bring. Escaping into stories of adventure we ride along with the main character.. gasping as each page turned brings us closer to the details of his current peril!

Losing ourselves from days reality as we read stories of fantasy.. flying on a magic carpet or ridding unicorns through the pages of magical lands, faries fly alongside us as we expierence the journey imagination takes us on.

We test our minds in mystery's, flipping the pages back and forth to make sure weve caught and deduced the clues only to chuckle when at the end its revealed in the final pages
..the butler really did do it!!

Reliving events of the past in books on history placing ourselves at the great battles, grasping a better understanding of the choices our leaders made in defending our lands. Marveling at the great strategy's of leaders past.

and last but best.. comedys. I truly loved reading Erma Bombeck! She had a way of writing she could take a common everyday event and lace it with her unique brand of humor and turn it into a great comedic adventure! I could sit and read her books for hours! If ever I were to have any ounce of ambition for being a writer in life.. its Erma Bombeck Id aspire to be most like. I just love when humor can be found in even the darkest of moments its that positive spark that always shows ...hope remains.

I have rambled on today.. but thats the name of the blog afterall!
Thank you for reading!

Here in closing, is todays poem:

Books

Some will judge its content just by its outter look,
Some will find interest with the presence of a hook,
Some will venture inward and find treasures of all kinds
Each finds something different it all depends upon their minds

Some have come to knowledge and wisdom far and wide
Because some have had the desire to discoer what's inside
Some will teach great lessons or have adventures of every kind
Oh their tales will come alive when imagination rules your mind!!

Let your own life be an adventure, solve a mystery or learn to cook
All these things YOU can do , You'll find the fun in BOOKS!!

Pack Rat

2006-12-07T07:37:00.000-05:00

Hello my name is Rosa and I am a packrat! It doesnt matter what the item is,
my sense of sentimentality or optimisim for "perhaps someday I'll use this"
has me forever stuffing things into closests or drawers. A old delapadated chair
thats long since seen its last days still sits in a room in my house simply because
its sentimental of Dad. Where is that line between being conservative and being a packrat?? Clothes, long since outgrown hang in the closest for eternity for that "I might fit into it again someday" hopeful goal. Then theres the forward thinking packrat, this I credit to my Dad for teaching me , an example would be .. a common store recipt for groceries.. saved in a book or drawer for the "years from now it will be cool to look back and see how prices have changed" reasonings. Perhaps thats a bit extreme in patrack-isim but still an example just the same :)

Packrats were a happy bunch, content to sit on unpractical treasures for years
clining to our validations of why it has to be kept. We start calling rooms in our
house "the junk room" where all our "someday" cherishables are stored. And if
by some miracle the day arrives we actually do use the long kept item, its like scoring a touchdown! So happy keeping it all that time proved to be worthwhile! The odds of this happening are of course slim, .....but...you never know!!
I recently had to "clean out" my packrat room...yes i have a room...*hangs head* and
being a packrat not much progress was made each item met with the same reasonings..
"I might use this" or " I've kept it this long, why part with it now" haha!
Are you or do you know a packrat too ??

Thank you for reading!

Todays Poem: Mothers Memory

I walked into my childs room
and my eyes they gazed about
just four walls at first it seemed
and a small window to look out
The bed was made quite neatly
the floor was swept and clean
all my life I'd pictured this
but 'twas only in my dreams
I felt the walls looked empty
without the posters many
once a room filled with noises
now I heard not any
I still could picture the entire room
burried under scattered toys
I still could hear "clean up this mess!"
booming from my voice
I turned around and saw
there in the doorway frame
several tiny straight lines
underneath my childs name
several lines upon the wall
doesn't look like much at all
but for a parent who sees through tears
each line was a precious year
starting small they'd start to rise
cant count them all through blurry eyes
up to the top they go so fast
how quickly then the time was passed
I turn to leave from this room
how sad that my exit has come to soon
I retrieve my kerchief that I came for
and full of remembrance open the door
How I long to linger here
and relive the memories of this room
but I have to hurry back downstairs
to hear my only child say , "I do ".

Pictures

2006-12-04T07:58:00.001-05:00

I love Pictures! I love pictures of family, friends, places, I even love pictures of other people I dont even know. Its wonderful to look about those frozen moments in time to see a glimpse of what life was at that particular moment. I am a self professed shutterbug, guilty I'll plead to wandering around family gatherings snapping up candid shots , sometimes to the point of being annoying!! I enjoy greatly the scenic nature pictures, the vivid colors that Mother Nature paints
on the canvas of the world :) Sights that when noticed, simply take your breath away.
I used to spend tons on film developing.. tearing into the developed shots like a little kid with the first opened christmas gift, I just couldn't wait to see how they turned out!! It was nirvana when I was given a digital camera for my birthday! View pics right away and endless photo ops!!
Pictures are like windows to the past, preserving memories always to last. What do you think?

Thanks for reading!

Todays Poem: Photograph

A tiny box
you hold in your hand
a device which to capture
the faces of man

It stops time
ans suspends it forever
small square memories
for generations to treasure

Capture beautiful sunsets
gorgeous mountains and trees
or some of God's other creations
perhaps you, or maybe me?

Is it a comfort
for us sentimental types
there is a way
to preserve memories of life

For the next time there's a memory
that you've just got to have
click the button on your tiny box
and remember it always in your
Photograph!

SNOW DAY

2006-12-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

I awoke Friday morning to gleeful shouts of " SNOW DAY!!" what is it about those two words
that can bring such joy and sparkle to the morning. I think it must be a magical occurance for
how else to explain the transformation of two individuals who were dragging their feet, non chalantly making their way through the morning routine to suddenly become bouncy, wide awake, energetic and happy. It was like getting a bonus that the snow day happened on a Friday!

Two words, just seven letters changed an average end of the week day into 24 hours of possibilities that lay before them. As a kid Snow Days are much wished for rarely recieved
magical days, that reprieve to get out of the anxiously dreaded Math test, or spelling quiz
a day to forget about the academics of the day and plot strategy for snowball fight victories.

As an adult they take on a whole new expierence.. schedule juggling for working parents,
anxiety of "I still have to travel in this?" realization. and the strategy for snowball victories
is replaced by strategy of how to keep up with the kids all day.

Snow Day,...... perhaps its God's way of giving us all a blessing of ..time. Time to slow down in our busy morning. Time to think more about our kids.. Time to spend with family and make joyful memories. What are some of your Snow Day memories???

Thanks for reading!

Todays Poem: Destruction Crew

I sat there in my easy chair
while the destruction workers lunched
how quickly the noise quiets down
when all at once they munch

the breaktime is now over
the destruction task resumes
what I wouldnt give right now
for a nice and quiet room

From where I stand I can clearly view
the damage roof to floor
my patience of the work they do
is tolerant no more

It time to put an end to it
its time their work must end
I never want to see or hear
this kind of work again??

And after I have said my say
to the members of the lot
I'll follow it up by saying
"Now off to bed boys, its eight o'clock!"

Weathering Life

2006-11-29T15:20:00.001-05:00

In the storms of life, good friends are your umbrella :)

Isnt that a great quote? I've always thought so ! Recently I have expierenced just how true
that quote is. This entry is to express my thanks to those of whom have helped me in my recent storms. Thank you !

Sunday was the memorial for my brother who passed away, it was a nice service, the scouts
who he had been so supportive to help and lead performed a wonderful tribute for him, I watched the waves of faces parade by me and I found myself flooded with memories of better days when he was here. Several people stood up to pay tribute or celebrate his life, even I myself gave a speech although I dont recall what I said .. Oceans of tears flowed on this day
in sadness for our loss. After the service I stood outside the door and forced a smile to greet
the steady flow of well wishers and loved ones.. each one gazing with a sad face upon me in condolences and care. So much emotion, so overwhelming, my inclination to run away is strong
but I stay, and shake hands, give hugs, smile and thank all the faces that have come..

Sunday night my Aunt suffers a terrible heart attack and once more I find myself in the role
of a pillar or trying to be. Monday morning brings news that a nephew has needed emergency appendectomy ...Later, I'm home.. I'm numb... I sit down at my computer..looking for an escape from the sadness. But instead of an escape I find my umbrella .. my friends.

Jaycatt, Eric, Semaj,Gog,(Brad&Andy) Sporked, Bashiri and Banny youguys are the best! In them I have found dry shoulders for my tears, clean ears for my ventings, and strong arms for hugs! It matters not that they are virtual. I can still feel the umbrella of support, and love. They share with me laughter and compassion, wisdom and comfort. My storms have been rough but I have been
greatly blessed in the shelter of your friendships. And for that, I greatly Thank You !

Todays Poem: (Dedicated to my True Friends)
My True Friend-

Life is full of seasons
it changes now and then
one might search forever
just to find that one true friend

In my life I'm lucky
to have found a friend so true
my life is daily blessed
by the specialness of you

This poem is meant to thank you
for all that you do
it is so very nice
being friends with you

No matter where you are or what you do
this message to you I send
Virtual or right next door
I'll forever cherish you My True Friend.

Thank you for reading!

Beauty

2006-11-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"- I've always loved this phrase :)

Beauty............so many meanings for one single word.

What is beauty? Physical definition society might try to describe it as the preverbial Barbie doll appearance, the flawless skin, hourglass figure, long flowing perfect hair and gravity defying perkiness :D But then again this is the real world and I'm far from meeting the Barbie standard. Beauty isnt a word that comes to mind when I face my image in the mirror each morning... with my impressive case of bedhead wildly flowing in chaotic directions, my hourglass figure?...perhaps better viewed with a wide angle lens and as for defied gravity...I lost that battle long ago lol... so it truly makes me smile when my husband can gaze upon all these features and say " Hi Beautiful".

I can remember when 911 attack happened, all the carnage and horror of that day .. the sheer chaos of the streets smothered in debris and dirt yet there in the midst of it , to some beholders, there it was .. beauty. Beauty in the courage of total strangers to risk their lives to aid and assist, beauty in the lives of the people who survived and in the compassion they gave to the loved ones of those who didnt.

Beauty is in the sweet slumber of a newborn baby, and in the legacy of a long and happy lived life :) Beauty is the homecooked meal you didnt have to make yourself, and its the happiness found and cherished from sharing the company of dear friends.

In keeping with my tradition of a poem per entry below is todays selection, its about one of the places I found beauty in my life. What is Beauty in yours??

Poem: Daniel's Flowers

On Monday he brought a dandellion
and placed it in my hand
to others it's just a weed
to me it's truly grand

On Tuesday he brought a daffodil
he'd picked from at our place
the flower was quite lovely
but the beauty was on Daniels face

On Wednesday he brought a pink rose
he'd broken off my bush
although I wasn't thrilled with the how
the why just made me gush!

On Thursday he brought me wisher weeds
just an old dandellion to others
a simple fluffy ball of puff
a loving gift to his Mother

On Friday he brought me acorns
and asked if we'd plant them in the ground
he said they'd grow to be a tree
we's someday play around

On Saturday he brought a leaf
so big and very green
to some its just a broken leaf
but its the best leaf I've ever seen!

On Sunday when I looked around
all the wonder of God's powers
so much beauty in this world
and I've found mine in
Daniels Flowers.

Thanks for reading!

2006-11-22T16:55:00.000-05:00

Tribute:

Recently I lost my oldest brother, this entry is in his honor.

What is a Brother?

A brother is a prankster who sometimes seeks revenge
but he always does his best for you time and time again
A brother is a confidant someone to share my youth
a brother is a mentor teaching honesty and truth
A brother is a lifelong friend there for you from start to end

He is truly a special man always helping if he can
A brother is a blessing a smile from God above
for is it not a blessing to be surrounded by ones you love
A brother is a wonderful gift always ready to give you a lift
he's a caring individual who tries with all his might
to give his little sister a very happy life

What is a brother? I asked it once before
A brother is all these things and yet he's so much more
How fortunate I think myself to have the brother that I do
I say thank you for loving me I will always love you too.

Thanks for reading!

Abbreviations

2006-11-21T07:27:00.000-05:00

With the positive comments and feedback I received after yesterdays entry I am encouraged
enough to try a second attempt today. Thank you to all of you who shared your kind support
and encouragement.

Today's Thought: Abbreviations

Is it just me or does anyone else notice more and more words are becoming abbreviated?
When did this happen? Abbreviations have always been with us ... Mister to Mr. Street to St.
Avenue to Ave. but as we've grown, technologys brought us more and more gains.. our text
has taken on so many abbreviations its like a language of its own. I'm guilty of this myself I
often shorten the word in typing, its less time?, do we think were saving ourselves merciless
seconds of keystrokes ... I admit I am a new and nieve resident to this happy place they refer
to as "online" but there are days I just find myself wishing for a full word.

I wonder how far off we are from the day when entire conversations are shared in just
abbreviations.

Dave: "'ello"
Tom: " 'sup "
Dave: " Nm U? "
Tom: " Wz afk"
Dave: " O I C "
Tom: " thks"
Dave: " Ok bbiab afk 2 KFC c u l8tr "
This day will come,if not already.... wait and see :))
What do you think??

Todays Poem: Thanksgiving

Sitting at the table
on the day we're to be thankful
I think of thanks I'm giving
Just for this life I'm living

My eyes opened this morn'
my lungs filled with air
I am alive!
and of my life can share

Mama's in the ground
Daddy's by her side
thankful thoughts I give to them
for how they've touched our lives

Friends I see your faces
and smile so deep my soul is touched
I'm thankful for you one and all
I love you all so much

Thankfulness and Grattitude
big words with bigger meaning
It's thankful thoughts
of friends like you
that leaves me ever beaming :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanks for reading!

Random Ramble

2006-11-20T16:25:00.000-05:00

Well here I am, my first post on my brand new blog! Pay no attention to that odd clunking
sound you may hear its just my knees knocking as I brave this attempt :) I have no idea what this blog will become but very special thanks go out to my friends Jay and Eric for their support and encouragement. Thanks guys your so great!

Random Observation:

Why do uniforms have name tags?

Why do you think this is.. Not for the wearer.. they know who they are! Not for the consistant income of the seamtress or now a days, machine who labored to stich the letters onto the fabric,
or the finely crafted pin bearing the name of the person wearing the garment.. How often have we had a package brought to our office or home, and refered to them as ..
"The UPS man", "FedEx guy", or more universally used "Delivery Man"? The waitress that
takes your order at a resturant * these ladies are amazing, keeping all those orders straight so you get your double burger extra ketchup, minus mayo, heavy cheese, with onion on the side just the way you like it* becomes known as "the lady" or "the waitress". So why would uniforms have name tags?

Perhaps, for respect. How bright would it make the day to be told "Thank you (insert name) "!
Imagine the smile you might receive :) Such a little effort , for such a big respect?? Just my random observation.....what do you think?

I was encouraged to post some of my poems in this blog Im skeptical, but not to let down those who feel I should here is a poem:

Expressions

Expression shared in verse and rhyme

written words the soul will find

convey the feelings of the heart

spark emotions from the start

Words do flow and speak thy mind,

of thoughts and wishes of the time

Visuals gained from my text

my poetry I have expressed!

Thanks for reading!