Summer Hiatus

I’m heading to the cottage earlier than expected so didn’t have time to create a moving, tear-jerker of a “farewell for the summer” post.  Not that I could have – I’m struggling with my blog.  While I happen to find my life interesting (and life in general) apparently I’m temporarily (?) incapable of translating such interest into words.  (The written word – I’m still capable of speech.)  My sojourn at the cottage grants me a bit of a reprieve from this dilemma.  Since the internet connection is iffy, I won’t be doing any regular blog posting. 

By summer’s end, it will be interesting to see how many bloggers are still hanging in there.  Many of those I follow(ed) are either blogging sporadically or have packed it in.  Burn-out?  Blogger’s-block?  Facebook?  Twitter?  I should really update my blog link list.  Thus far, a combination of sentimentality, wishful thinking and laziness has kept me from doing so.

I promise to come back – and I keep my promises.  Or try to…

Wishing you all a wonderful summer.

Grown-Up

In spite of my advancing years, I feel I have yet to achieve the status of “grown-up.”  I’m still struggling to attain certain traits I associate with the word – traits such as maturity, wisdom, dignity, stern expressions, serene acceptance, composure…  On the other hand, I still rather enjoy the childish aspects of my personality.  I’m reluctant to give them up.

However, when I finally make the momentous decision to do so, Kid Confidential: An Insider’s Guide to Grown-Ups will be my guide.  This wonderful book is written by Monte Montgomery and illustrated by Patricia Storms.

I’ve mentioned Patricia on my blog before.  If it weren’t for this talented (she not only illustrates children’s books and magazines, she writes them), funny and a little bit crazy (delightfully so – that’s why we’re friends) woman, I would never have started blogging.  So, you have Patricia to either curse or bless regarding my presence in the blogosphere.

On her blog, Patricia is currently hosting a Kid ConfidentialBook Giveaway Contest.

To quote the lady:  “Here’s how it works. I will give away three paperback copies of this awesome book, plus 1 hardcover. That means four fabulous lucky folks will win! But you can’t win if you don’t comment on this blog post. And I request that your comment be either A) When you realized that you had finally became a grown-up or B) When you realized that you would never become a grown-up. Contest starts today, and ends Sunday May 6th, midnight, Canuck Toronto time (whatever that is). I will put all the names of the folks who have commented into my magic tin, and pull the winning names out, and announce them on this blog, Monday May 7th.”

To inspire you, here’s the comment I left:

“I’ve known for years I will never become a full-fledged grown-up.  I don’t simply possess an inner-child, I am a child – in many ways.  Burping, potty-talk, giggling, stomping my foot in puddles, mini-temper tantrums, indulging in “treats,” reading children’s books, defying orders, kicking piles of autumn leaves…all these things still delight me.  Being a grown-up is highly overrated.  I’m quite content retaining my sense of wonder and my belief in miracles and magic.  (But I do know there is no Santa Claus.)”

Do pay a visit to Patricia’s blog to learn more about the book and to leave a comment.  You’ll not only make both of us very happy if you do, but yourself as well - whether you win a copy or not.  Patricia is a treat.  A sweet, funny one.

Does Size Matter?

Perhaps after almost five years of blogging, it’s time to let you in on a secret.  While my blog posts (being rather light in terms of subject matter) might lead you to believe otherwise, I am not an airhead.  I read the morning paper, watch the news and listen to TedTalks.  I follow world events – Syria, Iran (uranium stockpiling), the Kony matter, our F-35 jets fiasco, the U.S. Republican primaries, my own government’s right wing agenda, the ups and downs of the stock market & the world economy, various social and medical issues and on and on and on…  However, I choose not to write about these things.  It’s enough that I read, think and worry about them.  My blog is reserved for lighter fare.

So, here’s yet another airhead post from an otherwise bright & informed individual – but one who would prefer you did not ask her for detailed explanations re: the above matters.

Had to buy a new bathing suit for my pool exercise class or risk literally coming apart at the seam – the rear one.  Not a pleasant visual.  Chlorine does quite a number on material.

I had success – in part.  After the dreaded fitting room part of the process, I bought two bathing suits - one a size 10 and the other a SIZE 16!!!  WTH??!!  (Yes, I checked the tag, numerous times.  If it weren’t for the size 10, I might have wept.)

I also needed some plain white and black 100% cotton t-shirts – impossible to find in the Women’s Dept.  Only t-shirts with cotton AND spandex were offered.  If I wanted to crush and flatten my upper torso, I’d buy Spanx.  (No, I wouldn’t…not ever.)  Headed to the Men’s Dept.  Yes, I found 100% cotton t-shirts but Men’s Small went to my thighs.  I was in a bit of a snit at this point, but had a “eureka” moment.  Try the Boy’s Department! 

Success.  Bought two packs (one white, one black, three per pack) of Boys’ Extra Large t-shirts.

In summary - I wear anything from Boys’ X-L to Women’s size 16.

So, in answer to the question, “Does size matter?”  Apparently not - and certainly not when it comes to clothing and my body.

Part-time airhead – over and out…

photo credits: google images

Guest Blogger...Travis Erwin

Surprise!

There are good surprises, like going to the grocery store with just enough money in your pocket to buy ground chuck, only to discover T-Bones are on sale. Then there are bad surprises, like coming home from work to find both your mother-in-law and her eggplant casserole parked at your kitchen table.

Surprise hating kids of all ages will shimmy and shake every present under the tree to remove the mystery from Christmas morning.  While others will not even touch their gift for fear the weight or feel will spoil their yuletide magic.

To surprise or not to surprise. It can be a polarizing subject on matters such as sonograms and the gender of a baby.

Me? My stance is firm. Both feet are planted in the soil of it’s better to be surprised camp.

But I’m not stupid. I realize there are exceptions. Twenty five people jumping out at a 90 year old woman is never a good idea, even if it is her birthday.

Now I’m still a good many years shy of 90, but if I’m truthful I’ve had my share of life threatening surprises … like my employment at Pearl’s Feed and Seed.  I went to work at the dusty Texas feedstore at the tender age of 16. My boss was, and is, the most morally bankrupt man I’d ever met, but I didn’t know that when quite surprisingly, I landed the job that changed my life..

Here is a scene from my recently published book THE FEEDSTORE CHRONICLES which explains how I came to claim a job I never set out to have.

There we were, talking to Doyle, when Hunter opened his mouth

and said, “Are you hiring? I need a job, and it would be bad-ass

to work here.”

I don’t know what overcame me. Maybe it was the sun streaking

through the fly-specked window. Or the dust motes floating lazily

around Doyle’s head. Heck, maybe it was just the fact I didn’t

really like Hunter Tomkins, but for whatever reason, a compulsion

hit me. “Doyle already promised to hire me,” I blurted. As if

willing him to go along with my lie, I stared Doyle straight in the

eye. “Didn’t you?”

The corner of Doyle’s lip curled upward in a smile. Winking at

me, he said, “Yes, I did. Travis starts Saturday morning at seven thirty.”

Doyle later confessed he hadn’t really needed to hire more help,

but he’d been impressed by the way I’d cock-blocked Hunter.

He also told me my arrival had royally pissed off Jerry, his lone

employee before I hit the scene. I soon found out, Doyle enjoyed

few things more than annoying those foolish enough to call him

boss.

Here is the blurb from the back of the book. 

If The Feedstore Chronicles brand of comedic mischief and morally ambiguous hijinks, sounds like something you, or someone you know would enjoy order a copy or ten for all those on your Christmas list. And if they happen to be surprise-hating, package shakers fill the box with marbles. That will show ‘em. 

The Feedstore Chronicles is available in paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and for order at most other book retailers.

Introducing Friday's Guest Blogger

Tomorrow (god willing and if I can figure out how to do it) I’m hosting a guest blogger – Travis Erwin of One Word, One Rung, One Day. 

I’ve known Travis – in the virtual sense only – for many years.  He is a fellow writer who possesses talent, determination and perseverance. 

His “One Day” has arrived!

On November 1, 2011 his book THE FEEDSTORE CHRONICLES was released.  So far, I’ve only read some wonderful & humorous excerpts but it’s on my Amazon Wish List.  A Christmas present for Beth – with love from, Beth.

Please tune in tomorrow and welcome Travis.

(And if I foul up Friday’s posting, please tune in another day…)

Travis – if you read this (and you should) reply to my email.  I need help!

Friends in Hot and High Places

Yesterday I met the delightful Reeny of Reeny’s Ramblin’. She is as amusing, intelligent and witty in person as she is on her blog.

Quite frankly, we both are. I guess that’s why we hit it off. ;)

We met at Kensington Market on one of the hottest days ever. It’s a testament to our compatibility that we stuck it out in that brutal heat for as long as we did. I shared my suntan lotion with her because, yes, I am that generous – and I enjoyed her company that much. And because it’s not a pleasant experience watching another person fry.

Reeny is probably still wondering why it took 45 minutes for our simple lunch order to materialize. I didn’t tell her then but I’m admitting it now – when you’re with me, shit happens. They had misplaced our order.

While strolling through the outdoor marketplace – chatting, burning in the sun despite the lotion and dripping sweat (we were beyond lady-like perspiration) - we came across this intriguing although slightly grungy looking establishment.



I love their slogan. (Click on the image to enlarge so you can see it clearly.)

The Hot Box Cafe: “Although cannabis is illegal in Canada, this is Toronto’s first and only pot positive café where you can light up in a safe environment and not feel guilty. If you’re 18-plus and enjoy the “greener” things in life, you can hang out on the “potio” where it’s BYOP (bring your own pot.) The café is actually a restaurant so you must purchase something in order to hang out and there’s a one hour limit, and absolutely no drinking, dealing or mooching -- but this keeps things relaxed and safe.”


In Toronto? Who knew? Not me. Figures.

Reeny and I just took pictures of the place. Truly. ;)

Q&A

Why do I have trouble coming up with a blog post while others post on a daily or at least a regular basis?

Obvious answer. I don’t possess a niche.

“Niche: a place, employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best fitted - finally found her niche - : a specialized market”

I am not creative in terms of art or crafts, do not possess photographic talent, am not particularly good at the anecdotal, refuse to bore people with my daily activities (trust me, they are boring) and if on a spiritual or soulful quest, unable or reluctant to articulate the hows and why of said journey. I don’t tackle political events or world issues and when I do get personal, the post often ends up cryptic and/or incomprehensible. At times I may achieve the status of amusing but not laugh-out-loud funny. I don’t stick to the literary nor do I possess the skill or appreciation to write about the world of art. I love music but my eclectic taste puts me beyond the realm of authoritative critic.

Where does this leave me? Confused.

But I did post today. Perhaps my forté is the niche-less post.

“The niche-less post.” Reminds me of that infamous phrase from an Erica Jong novel. Don’t want to risk an R rating, but trust me, it’s memorable – to those of us of a certain age. ;)


Image credit: www.all-about-forensic-science.com/forensic-Q-and-A.html

Hiatus?

I’m wondering. If I go all out and declare an official hiatus from blogging, might such a deliberate move hasten my return? As in, turn things completely around…

Illogical, nonsensical thinking? Well, yes, but life so often plays out in such a fashion. My life, anyway.

As well as still being very much involved with my mother and her issues, other events have taken place this past week – some so sad and heartbreaking, some simply routine & mundane – all requiring my time and attention. My ability to compartmentalize has just about reached its limit. Something has got to give – I’m just hoping that particular something doesn’t end up being me. (I think my kids believe it already has. Tread softly around Mom…she’s losing it…)

When I have some time, I hope to begin checking in with other blogs. This attempt will no doubt be sporadic as will the leaving of comments. But one should blog for pleasure, not from pressure. Correct?

And now, excuse me while I compose yet another cover letter to accompany yet another faxing of my POA re: my mother to yet another utility company. Apparently, requesting that her bills be sent to my address for payment is highly suspicious. While I have yet to figure out how I could possibly rob these companies by simply paying these bills, I’m giving it some serious thought. I’m that pissed off.

Checking In

Apologies for what is basically a drive-by blog post. What it lacks in substance will be made up for in length. (Groan and continue reading or cut your losses now.)

Having just spent slightly over two weeks at the cottage where rainy days FAR OUTNUMBERED sunny ones, I’m only back in TO this week before heading north again. If you’ve missed my in-depth, scintillating comments, take heart. I plan to visit all my regular reads while also attempting to complete my massive Back in Toronto Before I Go Away Again To Do List.

Highlights of My Cottage Time

Had a lovely birthday party and, yes, I did jump off the dock in celebration and a picture was taken. However, my a** is hanging out of my bathing suit so no picture is being posted of that.

Saw a deer grazing just behind the cottage. I was very brave and ventured out to take some pictures. The pictures are just awful. Again, no posting.

While walking through the forest between our cottages, my sister interrupted two chipmunks engaging in chipmunk pleasure (a euphemism - I consider this to be a PG rated blog). Not sure who was more surprised – all three of them scurried away. I’ve always considered chipmunks to be noisy little critters. I also thought they were simply frolicking when I heard them rustling in the leaves. Who knew?

I only spotted one loon this summer which makes me very sad and also explains the lack of loon calls – which I love and missed. What happened to his partner? I’m hoping by the time I return he’s found another mate. (That would make one of us – this particular loonie (me) has yet to join the “looking for love in all the wrong places” club.)

Got some writing done during those rainy days (yeah!) – also received some legal papers for my review and comments which I have yet to complete.

Our trips into the local town and the garbage dump were (are) always a pleasure for me. Fashion-wise, I have found my niche. I fit right in. I must confess my cottage wardrobe is appalling - ancient, ratty but very comfortable.

Basically it was a quiet, pleasurable time away with the added bonus of being surrounded by family and friends.

I received some blog comments, emails and calls regarding my absence - which really wasn’t very long - but my next one will be. Since my internet connection has improved by approximately 95%, I may attempt to blog while I’m away this time. However, the monthly cost of the new internet connection gadget I’m using is based on byte usage and I suspect uploading blogs uses a fair bit of bytes. (I like that – “bit of bytes.”) I’m waiting for the first bill to see the damage incurred by my limited usage during those past few weeks. While I certainly enjoy blogging, I’d have to really love it to pay for the privilege of reading each of your blogs.

So if you don’t hear from me, don’t think of me as gone – think of me as being in a better place…

P.S. Wedding this Friday! My eldest sister’s eldest son. Time marches on. And there will be dancing! I wonder if I’ll be able to dance in my new shoes? They are big girl shoes – with heels. Hell, I’ll dance in bare feet if need be.

Enjoy your summer!

What's Happening Here?

You may (or may not) have noticed I’m having some trouble coming up with blog posts. The frequency has definitely declined. Not sure why.

Sometimes I think if my blog was anonymous and/or I was a less private person, it would be easier to come up with ideas. I could blog about what I’ve done each day, reveal my deepest, darkest secrets and what I truly think about life. (My own and in general.)

And then I think again.

You’d be bored to tears reading about my daily activities. And I am very much a private person. Were my blog anonymous, I still couldn’t reveal all. I think even the occasional personal posts I write are always somewhat cryptic.

I wonder how much I’ve actually revealed about myself these past few years? Have I let it slip or have you managed to figure out that I’m actually 80 years old? That I’m an ex-con who wasted years of her precious youth in the women’s penitentiary for a crime of passion? That I’ve been married four times? That some of my posts have been blatantly plagiarized? (Okay, that one is not true – plagiarism is a sin to me.)

Although I think I’ve just been giving you the tip of the iceberg, inadvertently I may have been exposing the entire enormous ice cube.

Stop the press. I AM RAMBLING. This is not a coherent post.

See? I am having trouble…

(geez…i hesitate to even publish this…we’re having a crisis of confidence here…)

Adults Only

I’ve never received a nasty comment on my blog but a friend of mine recently did. The comment was left by someone who prefers to remain Anonymous. (Of course.)

While I am very much aware of the story behind the comment, the entire situation is one I had decided never to address on my blog.

I’ve changed my mind. When a friend of mine receives a comment of that nature – a friend I see on a regular basis and whom I admire tremendously – this whole ridiculous matter takes on a new perspective. While I still refuse to address the particulars of the issue, I would like to state a few simple but obvious (to me) truths about blogging.

Do not assume you know someone simply because you read their blog. You don’t.

And as a logical consequence re: the above statement, you do not have the right to judge that person.

Do not presume to know the entire story of an issue after having heard only one side. And if “stories” are being told outside of the world of blogging, keep them there.

If you feel a compelling need to leave a negative comment, have the courage to do so under your own name.

Better yet, if you’ve decided you don’t like what a particular blogger has to say (for whatever reason) don’t read their blog. It’s that simple.

The social aspect of blogging may very well be a small microcosm of life itself (an extremely small one) but we are not children. This is not a playground for the airing of personal grievances or for name-calling.

And, finally, life is too short to engage in such nonsense. Surely there are other matters in our lives of greater importance. There certainly are in mine.

If you care to leave a comment, please do - preferably not anonymously. But take note. This post is “it.” I will not be playing these sort of games on my blog.

Oops

When I write for my blog:

I dangle participles.

I end sentences with a preposition.

I screw up subordinate clauses.

I begin sentences with And or But.

I use too many dashes – (parentheses) and ellipses…

I split infinitives.

I make typos.

i lose the caps.


But (!) I am also quite capable of writing a grammatically correct sentence. (Or should that read, “I am also quite capable of writing a sentence that* is grammatically correct”?) However, there’s a certain sense of freedom and abandonment I experience when I write a blog post. There are no hard and fast rules. Or, at least, there’s no teacher or editor standing over me brandishing a ruler. My knuckles are safe.

Ain’t blogging grand?

Do I think blogging, MSN, text messaging, Twitter (or whatever…) will ultimately be responsible for the demise of the English language and proper grammar usage? Nope. Not as long as people continue to read books. Best teacher ever…

Owning The Elements of Style (Strunk and White) also helps.


* Should I have used "that" or "which"? Check with The Elements of Style.

Au Revoir

I do believe I’ve come to the end of this particular road, folks.

And by that, I mean blogging and BooksEtc.

It’s been a pleasure traveling with you all but it’s time I ventured down a different path. You’ve been a fascinating, wonderful, supportive group. I’ve made many friends – both in the real and virtual worlds. In fact, blogging helped me get through a particularly rough patch in my life.

So why stop now?

I started blogging almost two years ago. When I began I was a different sort of person with a different kind of life. My blog reflects this.

Some changes in life are forced upon you - some changes you must force yourself to make. Both provide opportunity for change. I’m about to attempt the latter. I need to do this.

I’m looking both inward and outward – which seems rather contradictory, doesn’t it? I mean that I’m taking stock of my life - who I am right now, what I want to do and who I want to be in the future. The future I once envisioned no longer exists. I must take the necessary steps to create a new one.

I can no longer just let things happen – and cope. I have to make things happen - discover and create a way of life that feels right for me. Not for others. For me.

This entails less time spent at the computer blogging and more time spent writing. I’ve missed my writing. I’ve neglected it. We shall see if I still possess that creative spark. No more excuses. Extenuating circumstances cannot be blamed for my writer’s block. I have allowed myself to become blocked.

I must also become more involved in things outside myself – in the “real” world. What things? I have certain ideas in mind. Will they pan out? Who knows. But I’m optimistic. And I have to try.

I’m not as nice or as strong or as brave as my blog might have led you to believe. But I am smart enough to recognize that it’s time I made changes in my life. (Actually, I should have done so long ago but I’m not about to burden myself with guilt about this.) Perhaps I’ll begin with baby steps, but still…

I will miss you all – the camaraderie, the laughter, the learning, the reaching out to one another. All of it. But sometimes you just know that moving on is the best thing to do.

Having said all this, I don’t plan on deleting BooksEtc. If I’ve learned nothing else these past two years, I’ve learned that the unexpected can occur. I could be back. Not any time soon, but some day. (Perhaps with a new blog?)

Hence, the post title – Au Revoir – which, although it means “good-bye” in French, also (loosely) translates as, “until we see one another again.”

(Dear God, this post is long. In terms of my rusty writing skills, I must at least take a refresher course in editing.)

My thanks and best wishes to you all.

And I’ll simply end with “Au Revoir.”

Petite Anglaise - Catherine Sanderson

(A book that may be of particular interest to bloggers…)


“If I’d walked past him on the street one day, without the crescendo of emails, the electronic foreplay, would I have even given him a second glance? To what extent had I let myself get carried away by how inherently romantic it was to fall for a reader who had worshipped Petite Anglaise from afar before he’d ever seen my face?” (excerpt p.176)


Petite Anglaise is an intriguing, delightful read. Catherine Sanderson has written a personal memoir based upon the changes in her life brought about by “a click of a mouse.” An Englishwoman living in Paris with her partner and their young daughter, Sanderson starts an anonymous blog out of boredom and frustration. Writing about her emotional traumas is a form of release – soothing to her soul and bolstering to her ego.

Petite Anglaise (her nom de plume or nom de blog) soon becomes an extremely popular blog – her large audience fascinated with her openness and willingness to reveal so much of her private life.

And then Catherine falls in love with one of her regular commentors. The feeling is reciprocated. Since I don’t want to spoil the story, I’ll stop here as to what ensues.

With this engaging, well-written memoir, Sanderson tackles the issue of the blog personae vs. the “real” self and the conflict that arises when these “two worlds collide.”

We all put our best foot forward in our blogs, even when lamenting our woes or completing a list/meme of our “Ten Worst Traits.” (Why would we do otherwise?) And an anonymous blog grants great latitude but when this anonymity no longer exists (i.e. when we actually meet fellow bloggers) we are then forced to deal with how we have presented ourselves on our blogs, the perceptions others have of us, who we truly are and how these different “selves” must be reconciled.

Are you brave or foolhardy to allow the virtual creation of yourself to lead you to unknown paths and adventures? Interesting question because in essence, both the virtual and “real” selves are you.

Petite Anglaise provides a captivating glimpse into the life of a blogger who has most definitely ventured beyond any barriers I have set for myself (intentionally or unwittingly) in the blogging world.

I’m not sure whether to applaud this author/blogger or shake my head in amazement at her willingness to be so open – to bare her soul in such a manner. Either way, her story is an enjoyable read.

As an added bonus, once you’ve finished the book you can continue to follow her adventures by reading her blog at Petite Anglaise.


(And with every review this book gets, Catherine Sanderson’s stats are going to sky rocket!!)

What? Again?!

Had I had my wits about me last week – -

(pause….“had I had”….interesting…i quite like the sound of that…)

Back to my wits or lack thereof. In my last post I should have signed off for a longer period of time because now I’m going away on holiday.

My recent absence was unexpected and due to personal/legal/what in the name of God is happening now reasons. Rather along the lines of, “What fresh hell is this?” (To quote Dorothy Parker.)

I was in a tizzy. I still am but I’m getting used to it.

Anyway, tomorrow my tizzy and I are leaving for some R&R.

I’d like to think that in the blogging world absence makes the heart grow fonder but I suspect it’s more a case of “out of sight, out of mind.” Still, I miss my blog friends.

Hope you’re all having a wonderful summer.


For the first time ever, I’m disabling comments. I’m of the opinion that you really aren’t entitled to receive comments if you’re not leaving them elsewhere. And I simply haven’t been able to do that recently.

Of Breast and Blogs

This month I had my annual mammogram – the old flatten them into pancakes routine.

(Ladies – remember your monthly BSE and to book that mammogram appointment. And check out this link re: the benefits of taking Vitamin D.)

New machines had been installed and rather than x-ray films, the results now appear on a computer screen.

Upon hearing this bit of news, my ears (yes, my ears – nothing else) perked up.

I turned to the technician (and in doing so, slightly disturbed her perfect placement of one of my bosom buddies) and asked, “Hey, could you email me the images so I can post them on my blog?”

We both laughed.

I was just kidding. Sort of. The images were fascinating.

Have I no shame? Are there no limits to what I will consider using as blog fodder?

(I actually do have limits. The above (amazing) digital images are not of my breasts.)

A Non-Post

So, if you’re a regular blogger (or a semi-regular one) and you feel it’s time to post something that is read-worthy (is that a real word?) but you can’t come up with any ideas and the more you try to think of something the blanker your brain gets so you start feeling a bit of pressure because you know there are important issues and events in the world to write about but you just can’t seem to focus on one and you’re a tad weary of writing about yourself and so then you start wondering why the hell you would let blogging (or not blogging in this case) make you feel even the tiniest bit guilty and it all starts to build up - what are you going to do and WHAT ARE YOU LEFT WITH?

A run on sentence.

Or, you could simply not post for another day.



(This one’s for you, Trish and Sherry!)

Hey, Folks...

Allow me to state the obvious. I’m back.

“Bold, bouncy and beautiful” as ever. Kind of like that L’Oreal commercial – but not. It describes luxurious, long curly hair which I possess only in my dreams.

In fact, none of those “B” words are particularly appropriate. I just thought it was an upbeat, catchy phrase to use to get back in the flow of things.

To be honest, it wasn’t so easy returning this time. I contemplated both a serious and humorous post. Neither seemed fitting. That other business is still ongoing but I wanted to come back. If I waited until matters were settled, I might as well throw in my blog towel. I’m not prepared to do that. This is a niche in life that is all mine.

Please bear with me while I catch up on your blogs and my comments.

Bridging Distances

The above picture is of a t-shirt I received from my blogging buddy Attila the Mom. Her son created the beautiful artwork at the age of 10.

How wonderful is it to receive a gift you are not expecting, from someone you admire tremendously and who obviously thinks you are worthy of receiving such a gift? PRETTY DAMN WONDERFUL!

Thank you, my fierce bunny slipper wearing friend. And thank you, Matthew.

The organization where you can create and purchase such wonderful gifts is called The Nth Degree.

Their philosophy?

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Disability Culture…The Nth Degree is about turning light bulbs on. We are about helping folks to recognize that there is no such thing as "Us and Them", just one big "Us". We're about increasing awareness and understanding; as much about the celebration of our individuality and our differences, as the search for common ground…
Finally, The Nth Degree is about feeding our sense of humor… Laughter is the elixir of life and the universal language. Shared, it levels walls; opens minds, assuages fear.”

Also mentioned in the philosophy blurb is a quotation from author and spiritual leader Ram Dass:

"We're all just walking each other home."

I like that. Very much.



P.S. Ted did read my post G’day, Mate! and left a comment addressed to all. I knew he was checking out Mom’s blog!

G'day, Mate! (For Ted)

I was checking my stats to see if The World Traveler (son # 2 – now in Australia) is keeping tabs on his mother.

I discovered that someone from the Down Under continent has been visiting this blog - actually, more than one person.

I’m still getting (perverse) hits from Australia (and elsewhere) re: that Little Girls and Big B*llies post.

But it would not be MY BOY Googling that kind of stuff!

(He would be the one using my url.)

Anyway, Teds, if that’s you checking in, here’s a picture of your puppy dog.

Major is fine. He’s as strange as ever and he misses you.

We all do!

P.S. So sorry to hear how hot and humid it is there. Poor boy. Those of us in Toronto have been bombarded by another “warning/alert” status snowstorm.