time

It's odd isn't it, how it can seem to drag on forever... and then you want to stop it because it flies by far too quickly. For my Chicklet, who makes me proud and amazes me everyday... soon, you'll be ready (though I might not be). “Time is swift, it races by; Opportunities are born and die... Still you wait and will not try - A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly.” -- A. A. Milne and for my Honey, who feels like home... "The hours I spend with you I look upon as sort of a perfumed garden, a dim twilight, and a fountain singing to it. You and you alone make me feel that I am alive. Other men it is said have seen angels, but I have seen thee and thou art enough." -- George Moore I love you both more than I can say.

the sounds of the peace... love... life

Peace and love.. life goes on! I’m looking to restore my inner peace after the pain that ripped through my ankle this morning when it went in the opposite direction as the rest of me. They say music soothes the savage beast… so, may as well listen to some tunes... On February 5th, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi passed away. On the same day this was sent into the Universe … Across The Universe Lyrics Jai Guru Dev The Maharishi’s body was cremated today on the banks of the Ganges. May he find Peace. May we all find Peace. « Happiness radiates like a fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you. Allow your love to nourish yourself as well as others. » - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi « Knowledge has organizing power. Pure knowledge has infinite organizing power. » - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi His words fed the souls of his followers. In his honor, I’ll be spending some time donating rice to feed the hungry as I sit with my sprained ankle elevated… maybe if I meditate, the pain will go away. I’m sending good thoughts for the man who makes me feel this way… I know it will all go well today honey. «The important thing is this: to be able, at any moment, to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.» - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi And finally… A Happy Birthday to the little man who has me wrapped around his little now 3 year old finger. WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! You are gonna break some hearts... Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

tap... tap... tap... is this thing on?

Yes... I'm still alive. No... I didn't end up in Mimi's dungeon. I've run away and joined a rock band named GLIDER and I've been recording an album with them in Marakesh. ok..ok.. Truth is, I was tagged my Mimi, The Queen of Memes with The Band Meme and I hate the dungeon. The trolls keep losing the "guests'" luggage (well, that's what they say but I just think they steal our shoes and prance around in them) and I'm quite fond of my luggage (and shoes). I heard of unspeakable things they've done to previous "guests" as well. Besides, the dampness of the dungeon makes my hair frizz and I look horrendous wearing rollers, so... I decided to play along. If you want to play this and Mimi hasn't already tagged you... I doubt that's possible - she went tag nuts err.. I mean, she generously shared the assignment with everyone she could think of. Here's how it works: The Band Meme The premise is that you're about to release an album cause you're in a Rock'n'Roll band and in order to come up with your CD cover you go to: 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random The first article title on the page is the name of your band. 2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3 The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album. 3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/ The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover. Then... 4. Use your graphics program of choice to throw them together, and post the result on your blog and leave a link to it in the comments of this post. I had fun fiddling with this stuff... The full quote I ended up with was: You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, "Why not?" - George Bernard Shaw I like this quote. I've done one for Chicklet who has been, for the last 2 days, fiddling with the keyboard she got for Christmas. (You see, when I was a kid, I wanted a keyboard and I ended up with a Hammond organ... sheesh! So, I gave Chicklet a keyboard for Christmas.) What came out was ominous... I see a punk band in her future... Monothematic Delusions is a solid punk rock band name... don't you agree? You better... or she'll find you and do unspeakable things to your most prized possessions with glitter and hot pink paint. So, where have I really been since the 28th of December? I spent the last days of 2007 and the first days of 2008 with 'the one'. And I hunted for lizards for a boy who has captured my heart. On my return flight, my luggage took a trip of it's own and it lead me to meet the luggage fairy (don't ask, but he -yes he- did explain a few things). And since going back to work, I've been having computer difficulties which has limited my access to the net, and, to borrow an expression from my friend Meri, that "sucks donkey dong". Most of the time I have had online has been used to check on e-mails and donate rice... Yup.. it's still going strong at 14,056,707,390 grains of rice so far. I hope your New Year brings you what your heart desires, and the motivation to reach for your dreams. Dream of things that never were... Go for it! I'll try and catch up soon. Now you'll have to excuse me... I'm off to install a troll detection system in my shoe closet. Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Dona Nobis Pacem - Blogblast for Peace

World Peace.. do we achieve this through a blog post? Probably not.... so why? what's the point? What can you do in your own small way to bring Peace to this world? Well, as Mother Theresa said.. remember, we belong to each other. Hug your child, smile at a stranger, hold a door open, reach out to an old friend, make someone laugh... and maybe, just maybe, the times we live in will change. "Peace is every step..." - Thich Nhat Hanh Take a step today... Go on, just do it... Thank you Mimi... You rock! Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Get off your butt and stop complaining...

I have to thank Connie for sending this to me... If I start complaining... please kick me. Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

For Dixie and Matt

I’m an only child as some of my older (not aged, I mean long-time… well, and older.. I mean really, Vinny... you are older than me - smooch) readers know. Last year I met a woman (well, I met her virtually…) that has changed my life, although I don’t think I ever came right out and said it. I’ve had more laughs with her in one year than with some people I’ve known my whole life (and no, it’s not cause I come from a sense-of-humour-deprived family… they laugh with me all the time – or is it at me???). We’ve also cried together. When her father passed, I mourned him with her… when my mom passed, I knew she was there. I felt her over thousands of miles… We’ve spoken on the phone, chatted and e-mailed about the weirdest things... and some of them have been fairly steamy (I know, shocking ain’t it!) and I suspect that’s what you do with a sister. My ‘sister by choice’ has to do something that no mother ever wants to do. This Monday, her son Matt (a fine looking and sweet as sugar young man), my ‘nephew by choice’ is leaving the nest. She has to hand over her baby, her only son, to the United States Marine Corps. He’s going to boot camp in Parris Island where he will be drilled and trained to become a part of a whole, a team. A man. My logical ‘industrial-firefighter-safety-manager’ self knows what a truly inspiring, rewarding and valuable journey he is embarking on. And believe you me, it’s something I firmly believe and have told her many times over. That being said, my heart… well… it aches that I can’t reach out and hug the both of them until they turn blue (it’s a Marine colour right?). I have the greatest respect for the fine men and women of the military. I make sure and thank each and every one of them that crosses my path when I travel. I view Remembrance Day as one of the most important holidays on my Nation’s calendar and took my Chicklet to attend the ceremonies in Ottawa last year so we could stand at the foot of the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb and pay our respects. Members of my family have served, my father was in the Canadian Army in the 1940’s, my cousin was in the Navy… It dawned on me that someone, somewhere, will cross Matt’s path in the near future and hopefully walk up to him and offer their thanks by shaking his hand. But, as you might not actually get a chance to do that... I join my dear and wonderful friend Vince (you know, the dude who’s older than me and hangs out on a Big Leather Couch) and ask that you please pay her blog a visit. Show your support, offer Matt your thanks, your wishes for a safe journey. Give one of the most giving and loving women that God has deemed just and right to send into my life a hug and comforting words. Show the rest of the family, the adorable and smart-as-a whip Kaitlin and her devoted just-as-good (cause no man is ‘better’ than my sis) other half Tony you care and appreciate the sacrifice they are making. (Thanks to the ever wonderful Kyra for this... You rock!) Dixie, my sister-by-choice, there are no words in any language to tell you just how much I love you. You are a force to be reckoned with and I know you will be the shining example of a proud military Mom. You’ve given your family the best a mother can give, Love. Matt, I am so very proud of you. You’re the kind of man I hope my Chicklet fancies enough someday to see fit to marry (when she’s 30, I am soooo far from willing to let go of my baby). Stay safe. Thanks Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Daddy's Poem

A dear friend sent me this.. I felt compelled to post it and not just forward the e-mail. Her hair was up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees a dad who never calls. There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats One by one the teacher called a student from the class. To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, a man who wasn't there. 'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out. 'She probably doesn't have one,' another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.' The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom. And looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on. And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique. 'My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories he taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone. 'Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart' With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud. 'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far. You see he is a Marine and died just this past year When a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught Americans to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.' And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day. And to her mothers amazement, she witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes. Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. 'I know you're with me Daddy,' to the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt. Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far. Take the time...to live and love. More soldiers are coming home draped in their flag. Thank a soldier or a veteran today. Stay safe Sgt. Dub. Lest we forget. I love you all more than my luggage. Hugs, smooches and gropes!

I tried.. but I have something to say...

They sing it so much more eloquently... To every thing, turn, turn, turn There is a season, turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under heaven A time to be born, a time to die A time to plant, a time to reap A time to kill, a time to heal A time to laugh, a time to weep To everything, turn, turn, turn There is a season, turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under heaven A time to build up, a time to break down A time to dance, a time to mourn A time to cast away stones A time to gather stones together To everything, turn, turn, turn There is a season, turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under heaven A time of love, a time of hate A time of war, a time of peace A time you may embrace A time to refrain from embracing To everything, turn, turn, turn There is a season, turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under heaven A time to gain, a time to lose A time to rend, a time to sew A time to love, a time to hate A time for peace, I swear it's not too late "Choose The single clenched fist lifted and ready, Or the open hand held out and waiting. Choose: For we meet by one or the other." - Carl Sandburg "You can't shake hands with a clenched fist." - Indira Ghandi "Peace has to be created, in order to be maintained. It is the product of Faith, Strength, Energy, Will, Sympathy, Justice, Imagination, and the triumph of principle. It will never be achieved by passivity and quietism." - Dorothy Thompson "If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies." - Moshe Dayan "How can one not speak about war, poverty, and inequality when people who suffer from these afflictions don't have a voice to speak?" - Isabel Allende "This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before." - Leonard Bernstein Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Wordless Wednesday... well almost...

'The most eloquent silence; that of two mouths meeting in a kiss.' ~ Unknown ~ Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

looking for love...

Oh my lord.... This video is especially for Mimi and the participants of the Saturday Comeback Challenge... For those of you who aren't aware of this lovely fun competition please visit Dating Profile of the Day... Mimi finds the funniest REAL personal adverts posted by clueless singles who hopefully will fail to add to the gene pool. Folks are asked to send in their snarky responses to the list of pitiful attempts at attracting the opposite sex... we assume. These are what I envision as the video portion of her blog. Are these guys for real? Get a load of the guy who'll stay up at night and watch you sleep.. OK.. he creeped me out big time! *shivers* He gave me the skeevies! This is a skit.. I repeat.. this is a skit... Meet Bobby... he knows... Now... where DO people find love? BestAudioCodes.com Lookin' For Love Johnny Lee I spent a lifetime lookin' for you Single bars and good time lovers were never true Playing a fools game, hopin' to win Tellin' those sweet lies and losin' again. Chorus I was lookin' for love in all the wrong places Lookin' for love in too many places Searchin' her eyes, lookin' for traces Of what I'm dreamin' of Hoping to find a friend and a lover I'll bless the day I discover, You - lookin' for love. I was alone then, no love in site I did every thing I could to get me through the night Don''t know where it started or where it might end I'd turn to a stranger just like a friend. I ask you dear reader, What are people looking for exactly? What kind of love? What is love? Will the kind of love they’re looking for influence where they look? Can you actually go out search for love? I mean, is it a quest? Is it like trying to find The Holy Grail? What IS the Airspeed Velocity of an Unladen Swallow? Oops.. sorry ... wrong topic. It happens when I ask too many questions. I ask a lot of questions, kinda like a 6 year old… So… I was saying… I started to think I was getting entirely too much enjoyment from the first video. What if these poor souls really are looking for that “soulmate” so many people are convinced is out there… ok... I may be one of them… not the saps in the video!!!!… sheesh.. the soulmate proponents! I’ll admit to being a romantic but let me make this clear… it does NOT make me a softie! Travis... stop rolling your eyes... I am not neither. “Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Travis is rolling his eyes at me!” Oh, then I watched it again… I got over the guilt. I’m sorry, but I really don’t think these guys are looking for a soulmate. Which is why I had no qualms whatsoever laughing at the personal ads Frank picked for this week’s challenge over at Mimi’s. I ask you dear reader, have you found love? Is it the deep and abiding love? The “Honey I love you even if you drool in your sleep” love? Hey, I challenge you to find someone who doesn’t drool in their sleep... and oh my is that spot on your pillow NASTY! Ok, bad choice. Is it the “I love you even though I hate the noise you make when you breathe” kind of love? Oh wait, that’s a couple I know… sorry. I know! Is it the “I’ll sit and watch the chick flick and refrain all snarky comments, won’t look at the time, sigh and roll my eyes’” kind of love? Now admit it ladies… that’s LOVE! Either that or he’s trying to get in your panties, or thong, or jeans cause you went commando that day. Look girls, you go commando… you have to expect that reaction. Like my mother always said: “They’re not made of wood dear… they have urges…” (um.. mom… wood? *snarf* ... at this point I believe I would get a look that would make me retreat in fear). I actually don’t expect y’all (Look ma, I can twang.. or was it tang? – the only way you’ll understand this comment is if you visit Mimi’s Saturday Comeback Challenge once the answers and winners are posted) to answer all these questions… And if you want to see this week's winner and my fellow participants.. please visit the ever gracious Judge Frank who it seems thought my response to that particular dating profile was funny *blushes*. Gotta love a fellow Canadian. But, if you were going to answer one… is it a quest? Were you victorious? And what kind of love floats your boat? (ok.. so, it’s a three-parter.. bite me!....... really… go on! Bite me…) Oh yeah, I was trying to make a point the other day. Well yesterday, about love... As I was researching “all things love” while writing this little exposé (what? You don’t know what I’ve got exposed… or do you? – checks out the window- hears a “woooooooohooooooo”.. damn I forgot about that!), I found a quote. I copied and pasted it but forgot to save where I found it… *blushes* I had a blonde moment, ok! Sheesh! Actually, it was my migraine’s fault… that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. It summed up my point so very well: “Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection. It is real. It gives you strength and grows beyond you - to bolster your beloved. You are warmed by their presence, even when they are away. Miles do not separate you. You have so many wonderful little films in your head that you keep replaying. But near or far, you know they are yours, and you can wait.” Yup… Like I was saying yesterday… Love … the true and abiding kind shared equally between two people won’t leave you “broken and wounded”, it’s not for a day… Don't get me wrong.. passion is the added ingredient that spices things up... But you need commitment and true intimacy, not just sex, for passion alone is infatuation... and THAT fades away. "Immature love says: "I love you because I need you." Mature love says: "I need you because I love you."" - Erich Fromm 1900-1980 Oh… and folks.. do check out The Dearest Doc’s actual first official Dr. Blogstein Radio Happy Hour… He’ll make you laugh! He will engage you (Right Tisha? *wink*)! He may even have a roaming reporter from the UPSTAIRS JAZZ BAR AND GRILLE--THE FINEST IN MONTREAL NIGHTLIFE (not that he’s asked me to or ever commented here.. even though I’ve seen his lovely thumb hanging out in the sidebar… just sayin’…) It’s a date folks! Tonight… 9 PM EST... on Blog Talk Radio! History in the making! Who knows, you might find your soulmate there - not to put any undue pressure on you Dearest Doc. But you better deliver darlin’! Cool links to funny folks... My fellow participants in the Saturday Comeback Challenge: Mimi Lennox Your host and First time contestant Ian Healy from EDog's Everything's Page Bud Weiser from WTIT Lyn from Last Minute Lyn's Life Spinnerz from http://sp1nners.blogspot.com/ Limey from http://a-limey-in-lime-rock.blogspot.com/ Karen from http://reasonenough.blogspot.com/ Anyhow from http://anyhowblogs.blogspot.com Uncle Artemus from http://uncleartemus.blogspot.com/ SGT DUB from http://sgtdub.blogspot.com/ Love you all more than my luggage (but what kind of love… hmmm)! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Rest

My mother has joined the ranks of the Angels. Her soul was freed from a body that caused her a great deal of pain at 13h35 this afternoon. I was there to hold her hand and kiss her as she passed. She is now with the ones she loves who have gone before her and prepared her place. I feel her guiding me in the right direction. Thank you for all the kind and wonderful words of love and support... I love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!