Weblog 335
June 15, 2012~ 12:00 am
Another week washes over the dam, and life rolls on. There was a break in the heat, though not the humidity on Friday and Saturday. Wayne has been going through drawers and drawers of letters and photos and keepsakes, sorting things, throwing much away, attempting to get down to what is essential for his move to this place. His days have been filled with nostalgia and stepping into the Wayback Machine.
Daughter Holly sent along some fabulous pictures of a hummingbird moth hovering in her front yard butterfly garden.
I myself SAW one of these wonderful creatures in her garden last year... the first one seen with my own eyes in my life! They're so darn CHUBBY and large, they do INDEED look like hummingbirds. (As long as life produces surprises like that-- if along the way we are treated to spectacular miracles like these-- the ride is certainly worth it. And for the lucky ones like Holly, there's even a camera ready to capture the moment.)
We did see Holly and the grandkids on Friday evening, and Kay was very excited to show me her missing TOOTH! Another front one, but on the bottom. That garnered her a five spot from old gram, and she danced about and ran to get the note from the TOOTH FAIRY, left behind with small gifts. In my mind...... the Tooth Fairy looks something like this....
.....with perhaps a few more glittery sprinkles thrown in. (Actually, that fantastic figure is one of the many ball-jointed, one-of-a-kind dolls made by terrifically talented doll makers. I found this image on the web while searching for 'strange faces'. These little gals stun me each time I happen upon one in my searches.)
Then Kay took me outside to the very climbable front tree, so show the fairy houses she and her mom built so the wee folk would have some comfortable lodging. Little sticks and homemade benches, a 'reading room' on one side of the trunk, peebles leading up a curved path to the base of the tree.
I remember the reading nook in the old Carnegie Library on the South Side, where just about any Saturday you could find me curled up and reading in the 'Children's Corner', leafing through LARGE SIZED, illustrated wonders all about fairies. Oh..... I just loved them!
And I like to think of Kay, imagining their tiny cottages, moonbeams shining down on those pebbles.....
After pizza, Wayne decided to play a few rounds of an impromptu and totally made-up 'JEOPARDY' game with the two kids- complete with the Jeopardy theme sung TWICE by Wayne, as we sweated over the Final Jeopardy answers. The second time, he'd sing it LOUDER.... and if interrupted, he'd start it all over again, only LOUDER STILL. LOL!!!
Bill picked the categories: Vampires, Frankenstein, the Bermuda Triangle, Werewolves, Zombies and Mummies. Bill did quite well, but Kay sought out the help of her mum, being at an 'age disadvantage'. I'd 'flub' my answers to get a laugh, but Bill was dead serious, and always upped whatever my own wager was. We had a grand old time, with Bill calling from the front yard as we walked to the car, 'WE'LL PLAY THIS AGAIN, RIGHT?' Oh yes, Bill. We will. :)
Saturday we rented a film. One I'd heard about for the first time while listening to Fresh Air last week. The movie has an odd history because it's been in the can for quite some time, but was never released to the theaters due to litigation problems. Instead, after years sitting on the shelf, it was released to DVD for the first time this month. I had very high hopes.
What a cast! I have to say it's one of the most compelling movies I've seen in a while, but lordy lordy...... WAAAAAAAAY TOO LONG. It's almost 3 hours in length, with a multitude of side themes that never really add to the tension, they simply wear the viewer down. Scenes played to the point where the director is merely beating a dead horse over and over. However.... the dramatic confrontations between the stars are memorable and real.
The movie has SO MANY peak moments that it finally exhausts the viewer. Its simply too taxing trying to figure things out, having been hammered by one too many heated outbursts.
I thought it was a problem with editing, while Wayne felt the writing itself was at fault. It's a film with excellent performances and an emotional kick to the stomach right off the bat, shortly after the film begins in one of the most wrenching scenes ever-- but like a person with too many talents and not knowing where to concentrate those gifts, this film makes big splashes, then sadly begins to drown of its own weight. Rent it though. And allow enough time to watch it.
I've been careful to say nothing about the plot because the film rests on having its horrific scene pick you up and shake you in its teeth... I don't what to ruin that impact.
My mother turns 92 this Thursday. I'll stay for dinner with her that evening, and take some lovely cupcakes for the gals at the table. Saturday, sister Kathy is having the family over for a larger get-together. Not just Mum... there's a clump of July birthdays, so we're having one big celebration. I hope...... I hope...... it's not beastly hot again this week, but I doubt I'll get my wish. The blasted humidity is building again, and then...... oh lord.....August. {{{{{SHUDDERS}}}}}
June 16, 2012~ 7:00 am
By John Cleese (British writer, actor and tall person):
The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent events in Syria and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.
The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.
The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.
Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."
The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose."
Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels .
The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.
Australia , meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!" and "The barbie is cancelled." So far no situation has ever warranted use of the last final escalation level.
A final thought -" Greece is collapsing, the Iranians are getting aggressive, and Rome is in disarray. Welcome back to 430 BC."
SENT TO ME VIA EMAIL TODAY. I HOWLED!!! LONG LIVE CLEESE!
June 17, 2012~ 5:45 pm
In these miserable, hot days full of bad news on most fronts... it's so REFRESHING to find something that has wings... that LIFTS A BODY UP.
What a HAPPY LITTLE FISH! (That's a Yellow Tang, in case you're wondering, and it appears he's always smiling. And the lyrics I've added are from an old song that seem to be just the right accompaniment to me, because the way to salvation doesn't have to be all thorns and scourging, it can be work.... with laughter and joy inside it, best of all.)
"Forget your troubles
C'mon get happy
You better chase all you cares away
Shout hallelujah
Come on get happy
Get ready for the judgment day."
Judy Garland sang that in 'Summer Stock', but it's apropos for this story as well. I read this today and felt GOOD ALL OVER! Bravo, to wise-cracking Father Gregory Boyle and the good work he does every day in the BEST of spirits.
(I'll have to get his book as well. It's called "Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion"...... what a guy!) Read the article and I promise you, you'll feel YELLOW TANG HAPPY yourself!
***
(Return To Weekly Archives)
Another week washes over the dam, and life rolls on. There was a break in the heat, though not the humidity on Friday and Saturday. Wayne has been going through drawers and drawers of letters and photos and keepsakes, sorting things, throwing much away, attempting to get down to what is essential for his move to this place. His days have been filled with nostalgia and stepping into the Wayback Machine.
Daughter Holly sent along some fabulous pictures of a hummingbird moth hovering in her front yard butterfly garden.
I myself SAW one of these wonderful creatures in her garden last year... the first one seen with my own eyes in my life! They're so darn CHUBBY and large, they do INDEED look like hummingbirds. (As long as life produces surprises like that-- if along the way we are treated to spectacular miracles like these-- the ride is certainly worth it. And for the lucky ones like Holly, there's even a camera ready to capture the moment.)
We did see Holly and the grandkids on Friday evening, and Kay was very excited to show me her missing TOOTH! Another front one, but on the bottom. That garnered her a five spot from old gram, and she danced about and ran to get the note from the TOOTH FAIRY, left behind with small gifts. In my mind...... the Tooth Fairy looks something like this....
.....with perhaps a few more glittery sprinkles thrown in. (Actually, that fantastic figure is one of the many ball-jointed, one-of-a-kind dolls made by terrifically talented doll makers. I found this image on the web while searching for 'strange faces'. These little gals stun me each time I happen upon one in my searches.)
Then Kay took me outside to the very climbable front tree, so show the fairy houses she and her mom built so the wee folk would have some comfortable lodging. Little sticks and homemade benches, a 'reading room' on one side of the trunk, peebles leading up a curved path to the base of the tree.
I remember the reading nook in the old Carnegie Library on the South Side, where just about any Saturday you could find me curled up and reading in the 'Children's Corner', leafing through LARGE SIZED, illustrated wonders all about fairies. Oh..... I just loved them!
And I like to think of Kay, imagining their tiny cottages, moonbeams shining down on those pebbles.....
After pizza, Wayne decided to play a few rounds of an impromptu and totally made-up 'JEOPARDY' game with the two kids- complete with the Jeopardy theme sung TWICE by Wayne, as we sweated over the Final Jeopardy answers. The second time, he'd sing it LOUDER.... and if interrupted, he'd start it all over again, only LOUDER STILL. LOL!!!
Bill picked the categories: Vampires, Frankenstein, the Bermuda Triangle, Werewolves, Zombies and Mummies. Bill did quite well, but Kay sought out the help of her mum, being at an 'age disadvantage'. I'd 'flub' my answers to get a laugh, but Bill was dead serious, and always upped whatever my own wager was. We had a grand old time, with Bill calling from the front yard as we walked to the car, 'WE'LL PLAY THIS AGAIN, RIGHT?' Oh yes, Bill. We will. :)
Saturday we rented a film. One I'd heard about for the first time while listening to Fresh Air last week. The movie has an odd history because it's been in the can for quite some time, but was never released to the theaters due to litigation problems. Instead, after years sitting on the shelf, it was released to DVD for the first time this month. I had very high hopes.
What a cast! I have to say it's one of the most compelling movies I've seen in a while, but lordy lordy...... WAAAAAAAAY TOO LONG. It's almost 3 hours in length, with a multitude of side themes that never really add to the tension, they simply wear the viewer down. Scenes played to the point where the director is merely beating a dead horse over and over. However.... the dramatic confrontations between the stars are memorable and real.
The movie has SO MANY peak moments that it finally exhausts the viewer. Its simply too taxing trying to figure things out, having been hammered by one too many heated outbursts.
I thought it was a problem with editing, while Wayne felt the writing itself was at fault. It's a film with excellent performances and an emotional kick to the stomach right off the bat, shortly after the film begins in one of the most wrenching scenes ever-- but like a person with too many talents and not knowing where to concentrate those gifts, this film makes big splashes, then sadly begins to drown of its own weight. Rent it though. And allow enough time to watch it.
I've been careful to say nothing about the plot because the film rests on having its horrific scene pick you up and shake you in its teeth... I don't what to ruin that impact.
My mother turns 92 this Thursday. I'll stay for dinner with her that evening, and take some lovely cupcakes for the gals at the table. Saturday, sister Kathy is having the family over for a larger get-together. Not just Mum... there's a clump of July birthdays, so we're having one big celebration. I hope...... I hope...... it's not beastly hot again this week, but I doubt I'll get my wish. The blasted humidity is building again, and then...... oh lord.....August. {{{{{SHUDDERS}}}}}
June 16, 2012~ 7:00 am
By John Cleese (British writer, actor and tall person):
The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent events in Syria and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.
The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.
The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.
Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."
The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose."
Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels .
The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.
Australia , meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!" and "The barbie is cancelled." So far no situation has ever warranted use of the last final escalation level.
A final thought -" Greece is collapsing, the Iranians are getting aggressive, and Rome is in disarray. Welcome back to 430 BC."
SENT TO ME VIA EMAIL TODAY. I HOWLED!!! LONG LIVE CLEESE!
June 17, 2012~ 5:45 pm
In these miserable, hot days full of bad news on most fronts... it's so REFRESHING to find something that has wings... that LIFTS A BODY UP.
What a HAPPY LITTLE FISH! (That's a Yellow Tang, in case you're wondering, and it appears he's always smiling. And the lyrics I've added are from an old song that seem to be just the right accompaniment to me, because the way to salvation doesn't have to be all thorns and scourging, it can be work.... with laughter and joy inside it, best of all.)
C'mon get happy
You better chase all you cares away
Shout hallelujah
Come on get happy
Get ready for the judgment day."
Judy Garland sang that in 'Summer Stock', but it's apropos for this story as well. I read this today and felt GOOD ALL OVER! Bravo, to wise-cracking Father Gregory Boyle and the good work he does every day in the BEST of spirits.
(I'll have to get his book as well. It's called "Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion"...... what a guy!) Read the article and I promise you, you'll feel YELLOW TANG HAPPY yourself!
(Return To Weekly Archives)
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