‘When you create you get a little endorphin rush. Why do you think Einstein looked like that?’ - Robin Williams

Is there such a thing as Bloggers Anonymous? I might have to post a pre-blogging picture in case I start looking like Albert. I wouldn’t mind if it meant I also got the brains and wisdom that go with it. Besides, I have a penchant for grey hair (happy Meribah?). But I draw the line at a mustache. Nope, nope, nope! You know Einstein once said: "A person starts to live when he can live outside himself." And I think that this blog will allow (or force… depends on how you look at it) me to do just that, so here’s to living! He also said: "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." So I’m trying and don’t hold it against me if I mess up, or I’ll send Bruno after ya! ;) At Angell's request, the blog attendants will walk amongst you and serve some Tayloraid. Don't request nuts, unless you have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it. It's not too late to leave your baggage at the door (but I might not give it back). Guess I’ll start today’s offering - and no, this is not the Church of the Holy Onion, I don’t know nuttin’ about it and I’m a perfect angel (no snarfs please!) – with a pious confession that I actually said a Hail Mary for the Fighting Irish on Saturday night and to my amazement.. It worked! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! :: Hugs Travis and launches into a jig, hop and the Celtic twirl :: And no, although you have achieved a blog hat trick, i.e. 3 mentions in a row, I will not give you royalties.. but you do get my unending gratitude for your friendship and help. After what seemed like a dismal start by Notre Dame, and quite a few expletives on my part (yup, I swear.. ) the Irish delved down deep and managed a spectacular turn around in the final minutes of the game, and boy did it feel good. They won!! Fighting and coming back from the brink.. never giving up.. There are a few of my dear sweet friends who are going through some mighty struggles. I want them to know I love them, I pray for them and I will kick their arses if they lie down and give up the fight. ‘Come to the edge,' he said. They said, 'We are afraid. ''Come to the edge,' he said. They came. He pushed them... And they flew.’ - Peter McWilliams There are days when you want, wait, correction… There are days when I want to curl up and hide. There are days when I do a bit, but there’s my Chicklet, my family and this bunch of crazy nuts that are always there.. out there.. and there is a thread made of the most incredible matter known to man that keeps me tied to the world, ensuring that I will never be lost.. it was not forged with a precious metal that has been mined from the bowels of the earth.. it is not some new fabric weaved by a woman in a sweatshop on another continent.. that thread is LOVE. Sappy ain’t I.. especially since I’m no softie.. but it’s true. ‘In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.’ -Albert Schweitzer I hope that I might in some way return the gift that has been given to me by so many… And on a lighter note (not the one I was using to light the flaming walnuts)… From the mouths of babes… (again, not the ones in those magazines that come wrapped in brown paper..) Ten Commandments A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five- and six-year-olds. After explaining the commandment to "honor thy father and thy mother," she asked "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill." Drawing God A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's artwork. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "but no one knows what God looks like." Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing the girl replied, "They will in a minute." Too Rough A little girl asked her mother, "Can I go outside and play with the boys?" Her mother replied, "No, you can't play with the boys, they're too rough." The little girl thought about it for a few moments and asked, "If I can find a smooth one, can I play with him?" Kissing on the Playground An honest seven-year-old told her parents that Billy Brown had kissed her after class. "How did that happen?" gasped her mother. "It wasn't easy," admitted the young lady, "but three girls helped me catch him." (This sounds like something the Chicklet would say.. I don’t know where she gets it!) Bathroom Breaks On the first day of school, the Kindergarten teacher said, "If anyone has to go to the bathroom, hold up two fingers." A little voice from the back of the room asked, "How will that help?" ( A smartass after my own heart!) ‘You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.’ – Robin Williams I love you more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes