a good Man...a life well lived.

Yesterday Travis, that Thoughtful Wolf, was cool enough to send me an email, letting me know that Bill Walsh had died of leukemia at the age of 75. (check out his tribute) It was the first of many I would receive throughout the day as my friends and family learned the sad news.

Personally, I don’t hold celebrities…actors, politicians, and especially athletes to any higher standard. So…for the most part what you think about Michael Vick, Michael Rasmussen, Kobe Bryant, or my beloved Barry Bonds…really doesn’t matter to me whatsoever. Who are we to be the moral judge of exceptional athletes? They make decisions for which there are consequences. As do we all. If they break the law…let the long arm of the law deal with them. I love to watch their work…but I do not reflect on their moral code nor hold them up to be role models for me or mine.

Bill Walsh will be an exception.
Bill Walsh was a man of the highest caliber.

Not only a universally recognized genius in his chosen field, but also an insightful coach to men of amazing talent and incredible ego. Accolades and accomplishments are nationwide this morning…not just here in the San Francisco Bay Area. He was admired, respected and well deserving of the praise. His West Coast Offense was legendary. And his program to bring men of color into the coaching and front office roles will be his legacy.


Indulge me in my own personal little memory…

I met The Coach once about eight years ago at one of those NFL corporate team building seminars. Held in a posh hotel in downtown San Francisco the program focused on how to manage a “team” with a whole bevy of “stars.” The names of the conference speakers were not publicized…just promised to be members of the NFL. That could mean ANYTHING. Initially, I was an unwilling participant. Leaving the office at 6:00 in the morning, driving two hours, knowing full well we wouldn’t get back until long after dinner, and spending the day with eight of the most ego-testicle men in the world just did not appeal to me. But my boss John, President of the company, signed me up and insisted I attend. He eventually arranged for one of my female coworkers to attend to appease my contention that it wouldn’t be any fun.

We arrived in the conference room arranged with about 30 tables set for ten. There were actual place cards…assigned seating. I am usually the one to tell everyone where to sit. I’m none too happy with these arrangements. We dump our conference materials and coats at “our” table…and everyone heads for the breakfast buffet. I hang back…and am just about to start switching the place cards when John grabs my arm and steers me towards the coffee….”just leave it alone”…is all he says. Standing in line, he comments that there are only three women attending the conference. Okay…things are looking up. I fix up a cup of coffee and walk around the room checking out who else is there. Mostly high-tech, bio-med, and financial firms…an unlimited supply of testosterone.

Back at the table we realize there are ELEVEN seats at our table…one with no place card…coincidently at the spot to my right. The guys start up on how the stupid the hotel staff are…can’t even count to ten…can’t get good help anymore…when suddenly it dawns on me. I leaned across the table and told John we were one of the few companies that bought a whole table…I was willing to bet one of the speakers would sit with us. The guys doubted me…John just shrugged. John doesn’t really follow football.

Some dweeb is tapping on the podium mike…welcoming us all…so excited to have us here…whatever. I turn back to my breakfast…I have been to dozens of these corporate gigs…I don’t want to be here….I am bored already and its only 8:30. Things were about to change.

Suddenly I feel the room shift. I look up, the guys have quit eating. I turn around to the dais as most of the room stands applauding and cheering…so now I can’t see a thing. As I stand I catch a glimpse of who has caused all this commotion, Jim Plunkett, Jerry Rice, and Bill Walsh. The crowd goes wild. No kidding…it is bedlam. The cheering, shouting, clapping, and stomping goes on for easily a full five minutes. Hundreds of 40-50 year old men…decked out in GQ attire are acting like 13 year old girls at a Beatles concert. Our VP Gary has to tell John who they are. I am stunned. I just stand there. I canNOT believe it. Introductions are interrupted by more cheering and clapping. Finally, the days schedule and events are being announced and the speakers take their seats.

And…yeah…you know it…Coach Bill Walsh sits right next to me. Be still my heart.

My co-workers…these scientists, agricultural geniuses, and captains of industry were rendered MUTE. No one said a word…they all just starred down at their plates and didn’t move. I actually laughed out loud, and introduced myself to Mr. Walsh. I told him what company we represented, and that we had driven in from Watsonville. He graciously shook my hand. I think I said, “wow.” Held my hand in both of his. He said, “please…call me Bill.” I finally let go of his hand.

We turned in unison and looked around the table. Still and Silent. What a bunch of little boys. Coach and I looked back at each other... I just raised my eyebrows... he winked, he was accustomed to this. I am having the time of my life…I am now in complete control. I introduce each of my co-workers around the table and told Coach what role they played. MOST of them looked up and made eye-contact…a couple even reached over to shake his hand. John said something along the lines of, “we are pleased you are joining us” …no one else said a damn thing. Coach began eating and asked some questions. He was gracious and engaging and made each of them feel comfortable. At long last everyone was talking and laughing and enjoying the conversation. We learned Bill's father was in agriculture...so he felt a bond with the guys...and shared many memories from his childhood.

The program was interesting…if for no other reason than who was speaking. However…they were all three articulate, entertaining and truly a pleasure to listen to.

At our table, Bill was very attentive. The hotel staff was making sure he was taken care of…and he made sure his tablemates were given equal deference. During lunch I leaned forward and my hair started to slide over my shoulder heading for my soup.

“let me” …Bill reached over and gently moved my hair behind my shoulder. Making me blush with flattering comments about my hair, he played with it a little bit…pulling it through his fingers and letting it fall onto my back. Everyone at the table is watching and I give them a “whaaaat??” expression. But I can tell from the heat…my face is bright red.

After lunch, listening to Jim Plunkett…my back is to Coach. I realize that he is once again rearranging my hair….taking from between my body and the chair….so that it is all hanging down over the back of the chair. I don’t even turn around. I know the guys are watching Bill Walsh play with my hair. After Plunkett’s talk, there is a break for everyone to get books and photos autographed. John comes up to me and says “what’s the deal with Walsh and your hair…do I need to speak with him about it?” I look at my boss like he was a crazy man. “Don’t you DARE say a word.” Basically if he hadn’t been married…Bill Walsh could’ve played with anything of mine he wanted…anywhere, anytime, anyplace.

The crowds getting autographs were deep...and the time was almost up. Everyone was about a foot taller than I am…and not letting me through. Coach musta spotted my dilema, cause he said to Plunkett…”make sure you sign katherine’s book….and points me out. The sea of suits part and there I am in front of Jim Plunkett. (just remembering makes me quiver)

As a kid I would watch Jim Plunkett quarterback for Stanford…back when they were the Indians and had a little crush on him. I followed his career and comebacks cumulating in his MVP performance in the very first wildcard team SuperBowl win with the Raiders. What a game THAT was!!

The 50-something executive standing next to me won’t shut up. He asked if he could see the SuperBowl ring Plunkett was wearing…Jim smiled and shook his head no. The guy was obnoxious and loud in his quoting of stats and games...and just making sure everyone in the room knew he was a know-it-all-asshole. After autographing my book, I thanked him and mentioned that it really was some ring. He got a big ole grin on his face, and without breaking eye contact…took it off …AND HANDED IT TO ME. Wow. I am wearing Jim Plunkett’s superbowl ring. WOW.

This is a big ring…silver and diamonds…and the size of a doorknob. I can put two fingers thru it and its still sliding around. The jerk next to me is sputtering…whining like he’s a three year old…”how come you let her have the ring and not me…I asked first…” I stretched out my hand admiring the ring on my fingers…looking up at him with a smug smile…totally reveling in his hissy fit. Everyone around including Coach, is watching this little drama…and laughing at this poor guy…who is STILL wanting to know why I get to hold the ring and he can’t.

As I start to hand back his ring, Plunkett says “Because she is wearing high heels, and if she starts to run, I can still catch her.” I pull back my hand holding the ring close to my chest…. "really?…you think?" and I slowly take a step backward. Plunkett’s laughing…he ain’t worried….but the whiney guy grabs my shoulder like I’m really gonna make a dash for it. I glare at his hand and he lets go. Laughing, I give Plunkett back his chunk of silver and say, “well…either I’d kick off the shoes…or I’d just let you catch me.” Without a backward glance…Bill Walsh takes my arm and we return to our table.

(over the next year or so our company delivered various agricultural products to the Coach…and he sent 49-er stuff….and tickets once in a while.)

Bill Walsh was a man who led a life well lived.

Manic Monday with Mo ~ Miss

When did I stop being “Miss” ?

Up until a very short time ago…I took for granted the common, everyday, ”may I help you Miss?” “you’re next Miss” “do you want fries with that Miss?”

Certainly when visiting in the south, or with people who have a military background (or from an incredibly smart ass child) I would hear the occasional “Yes, Ma’am”. Said with a sweet magnolia accent, or while standing at attention, or dripping with distain to an insistent Mommy the whole “Ma’am” thing was perfectly acceptable.

Store workers, food servers, airline attendants each treated me with some sense of solidarity. I seemed to be of the same era as most of the people I came in contact with.

No More.

These days all I get is “Ma’am” with that annoying differential tilt of the head as they take my money, my order, and provide assistance. Everyone is starting to look like they are twelve. No one cards me anymore…even when there are 6foot signs saying everyone has to show a valid ID. They are just waving me through…not even a courtesy glance at my driver’s license. Sheesh.

Yesterday a very attractive young men jostled me in the crowded aisle of an antique store, knocking a bag out of my hand. Taking my elbow and looking all concerned he apologized profusely. “Oh Ma’am…I am so sorry Ma’am… are you alright? Can I help you Ma’am?” What the hell happened to being laughingly flirtatious with a gentle hand on my back. Oh no…he is all respectful and courteous and acting like I am his e-phn’ grandmother.

C’MON…its not like he was twelve and I am eighty!!! There was MAYBE fifteen years difference between the two of us. I mean geez…I know I am no Demi Moore…but he certainly wasn’t boy Kutcher…and really… I don’t look like Methuselah YET. (by the way…who in her right mind gives up Bruce Willis for him ???)

I jerked my elbow from his limpy little hand, picked my own purchase up from the floor, smiled sweetly, and said, “ Ma’am?…are you joking?…are you twelve?” And gracefully strolled out the door.

For Mo Info...surf over here.

Photo Hunting ~ Creative

These are earrings designed by my "Creative" 19 year old this week. (apologies for the poor photo quality...but they have already been given away ...I had to put the call out and have the pictures sent via cell phone from the lucky recipients.)

I have posted (oh okay...bragged) about how in her senior year Little Missy was the kicker on the Football Team...and was also the Homecoming Queen.

This summer....home after her first year of college she is working two jobs.. get this....Orchard Supply Hardware and Victoria's Secret.

These earrings are made from gold thingies, garnets, pearls ...and brass washers from the hardware store.

How apropos.

Feast One Hundred and Fifty Three

Appetizer
Describe a toy you remember from your childhood.
I had many of my Father’s toys. Lincoln Logs, Erector Set…until my brother was born…and then they were his. (laughing) I had somewhat unusual dolls for a brunette whitegirl…a black babydoll and a blonde Raggedy Anne. I always had books. Even as a baby...I had books. Half a dozen Cowgirl outfits with matching hats and holsters for my six-shooters. As I got older we played lots of board games…and creative stuff like clay and wood burning kits, and leather making stuff. Bikes and skateboards...tents and camping gear. Don't worry...we were never deprived...we watched far more than our fair share of television.

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how observant are you?
Frequently in the 9 plus range. It seems being observant involves more than just eyesight. There are instances when I notice and retain insignificant details for years….but can’t remember people’s names a week later. Sometimes if I’m not paying attention. I experience sorta a sensory overload. I don’t do well in places like casinos although I am perfectly okay at a concert…even with the multimedia.

Salad
Where would you rather be at this very moment?
Ahhhh….the Dealer passes….

Main Course
When was the last time you learned something new?
About ten minutes ago. I just learned a new trick to download the pictures off my digital camera onto Little Missy’s laptop.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I have ____________ but I haven’t ____________.
I have HP7, but I haven’t started it yet.
(okay…I let the Cub read it first, since both the girls have their own copies)

Thursday Thirteen ~ dieciocho

desired male attributes
(working my way thru the alphabet....backwards)

reliable
robust
raunchy
realistic
resipiscent
remote relinquishing
romantic
republican
reading
resilient
risk knowing
reciprocal giving (smile)
rapscallion

R is one of my favorite letters

Wordless Wednesday -

Manic Monday with Mo - Wind

okay...this is late...and kinda lame....but how many movies, stories, television shows can you think of where the girl gets two husbands...and I don't mean the porn ones....sheesh.
(I never realized how sad these lyrics are)

Away out here they got a name
For rain and wind and fire
The rain is Tess, the fire Joe,
And they call the wind Maria

Maria blows the stars around
And sends the clouds a’flyin’
Maria makes the mountains sound
Like folks were up there dying
Maria...Maria...They call the wind Maria

Before I knew Maria’s name
And heard her wail and whinin’
I had a girl and she had me
And the sun was always shinin’
But then one day I left my girl
I left her far behind me
And now I’m lost,
so gone and lost
Not even God can find me
Maria..Maria...They call the wind Maria

Out here they got a name for rain
For wind and fire only
But when you’re lost and all alone
There ain’t no word but lonely
And I’m a lost and lonely man
Without a star to guide me
Maria blow my love to me
I need my girl beside me
Maria...Maria... Blow my love to me

photo hunting ~ tiny

I have carried this Tiny Harmonica (or one exactly like it) with me since....um....1973.

The logo is upside down in this picture so that you can see the notes. It is a four note harp in the key of "C". I can play a tune or two....but not well.

Feast One Hundred & Fifty Two

Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how much do enjoy watching sports on television?

Soccer –
if Little Missy is cheering and giving me color commentary – 7.
Otherwise -2

Baseball – 3.
Unless it’s the World Serious. (on purpose) or the All Star Game this year cause it was here and Sugar Cookie and J-boy 1 were there.

Football – 8. I like football….don’t get to go enough in person.

UCLA – 10.
any sport

Golf and Bowling –1
(no way no how)

Soup
If you could completely memorize any one work of fiction, which one would you pick?
This week? It would have to be HP7….I would make a fortune!!

Salad
What is your favorite breakfast food?
Bacon…B-A-C-O-N!!!

Main Course
Name something fun you can do for less than $10.00.
Remember this old joke…

A bunch of single Mom’s were having a Girls’ Night Out. They went to this really great dance club where the men were delicious and attentive.

After an hour or two of high flirtation and sharing of drinks….one rather extraordinary gentleman stood up and came up close to one woman and announced, ….”For $10…I will do anything you ask of me….however you must tell me in exactly three words.”

The woman thought for a minute…handed the hunk a ten dollar bill. With joyous ecstasy on her face…she leans into him and says…..”Clean my house”


Dessert
How long does it usually take you to fall asleep?
Normally….less than ten minutes….
this week…close to thirty….
lots of things pinballing in my mind….
tonight....about one....

Thursday Thirteen ~ diecisiete

desired male attributes
(working my way thru the alphabet....backwards)

strong
steadfast
sheltering
safeguarding
skin caressing
stars and stripes honoring
scholar
scrumptious
serendipitous
smile bringing
solitude respecting
sensual
seeker

sheesh...some letters I struggled to make thirteen...and some I struggle to eliminate down to thirteen...

Wordless Wednesday ~ paperweights

I must only use this power for good

Find out your Harry Potter personality at LiquidGeneration!

If its Tuesday....If must be the Mo Show!

Yo Yo all you Fo Mo's

Its time again for the Mo Show ProMo

Today ~ 3:30 on the left coast

Follow this link

to listen live and call in to talk about:

"how our lives are enhanced by our furry femline friends"

this link will take you to this week's study guide.

One very lucky caller will recieve a free copy!

(I'm just teasing....c'mon...don't be angry)

Hear you there!

Manic Monday with Mo - Marble

I knew exactly how I would celebrate Mo’s Manic Monday on Marbles. However my mind has been elsewhere since last night and so my post is kinda fragmented.

I collect paperweights. Not the cutesy animal shapes or the tourist souvenir type of paperweight. More so the handcrafted “art glass” kind of paperweight.

One of my all time favorite glass artists, David Salazar began making marbles a few years ago. I have a few of his marbles (including the three shown here) in addition to several of his paperweights.

Every year Salazar participates in “Open Studios” here in Santa Cruz. Within the glass world he is internationally known and respected. And yet at his studio behind his home he is the most cool, down-to-earth, personable artists you’d ever meet. I actually watched him create this underwater scene marble with the seahorse. I had asked if I could purchase this one…he agreed….but told me it wouldn’t be ready for a week or so. I’m a patient kinda gal when I have to be.

A few days later the phone rang and this guy says: “Hello this is David Salazar. I make paperweights and you bought one from me during Open Studios” Before he even got through saying “paperweights” I was interrupting with “I KNOW WHO YOU ARE” (I could hardly contain my excitement…David Salazar…was calling ME at HOME”) He kinda laughed…and I realized I better calm down before he thought I was a crazy stalking fanatic groupie.

Turns out he got my number from my check…he didn’t like the way the seahorse turned out and wanted to give me my money back….or let me pick out a different marble. I told him I still wanted the one I watched being made….so he lowered the price….WAY lowered the price…and even agreed to sign it…which he doesn’t usually do when he is not totally satisfied with the results.

The Moon and Stars marble is one of his signature designs. I have a similar paperweight from 1989…before he was famous…which is worth a bit more than I paid for it. The Red, White, and Blue one I bought on Independence Day in 2002 at the Capitola Art and Wine Festival.

If you want to see more of Salazar’s marbles….and other works…check it out.

heavy sigh with a heavy heart

This picture was taken just about two weeks ago.

(I snagged it from his blog)

Yesterday afternoon our dear friend and former coworker, Tim died at the age of 39 …the cause at this time is unknown.

Tim leaves his wife Julianne and his two young sons Harry and Thomas. His family…and Julianne’s were special and played at important role in his life. Tim was a great guy…a loving husband and enthusiastic father....with an amazing knack for technical troubleshooting. On the side, he was an onfield photographer for the San Francisco Forty-Niners. A long time ago in a galaxy far far away he was an eagle scout. (that’s suppose to be a secret….but I helped hire him and it was in his background.)

He was a good friend to me. He knew how to keep a secret and how to see through the bullshit. He had a great sense of humor and more than once made the craziness of our job bearable.

so many are gonna miss you Timas…

see you on the other side.

it IS all about mememememe ~ the FIVES

Ms Kai….BuzzQueen of the Mounties tagged me on this one. Besides being a creative and cute Mommy and Mountie Matron…she graciously acquiesced to my shameless begging and wrote this most amazing post.

Here ya go….

Five things in my refrigerator:
(I need to clean out the refrigerator)
1. homemade caprese (for salad or bruschetta)
2. tortillas flour and corn (a staple in my life)
3. fresh artichokes
4. cans of coke (NOT pepsi) with all the caffeine, sugar & taste
5. Blue Moon Beer (brought and left by someone who apparently thinks he’s gonna get invited back)

Five things in my closet:
(and I need to clean out my closet)
1. tons of “nice” clothes I no longer wear
2. dirty towels.
3. framed letter from Thomas Watson Jr.
4. seventeen pairs of sandals (I didn’t count the other kinds)
5. my poker chip case

Five things in my purse:
(this was a great reason to clean out my purse)
1. seven hair ties and bands of various styles and colors
2. leather notebook to write down things I don’t want to forget
(directions, tasks, profound thoughts)
3. used embroidered handkerchief (I HATE Kleenex)
4. pictures of my kids
5. souvenir pen from Take your Mommy to Work day

Five things in my car:
(the truck is actually pretty clean)
1. twelve hair ties and bands of various styles and colors
2. a dozen CDs
3. canvas bags for groceries
4. blue Motorola walkie talkies which were used maybe once.
5. a bunch of AAA maps

Five things in the world I want to see before I die:
(I’d say something about cleaning up the world…but this past week of Al Gore makes me throw up)
1. My children grown and happy
2. my very own totem pole
3. Alaska
4. The original Magnolias and Irises by Louis Comfort Tiffany
5. World Peace
(must be the beauty queen in me….laughing laughing laughing)
(no wait…really…wouldn’t World Peace be something?)

Now I'm supposed to tag five people, in keeping with the theme, of course...however I checked 22 people and I’ve concluded that just about everyone has done this one ALREADY....

Photo Hunting ~ Shadow

yeah yeah....I just WISH my legs were this long!

Feast One Hundred & Fifty One ~ doce

Appetizer
What is your favorite fruit?
Really crisp and tart green apples…
with really sharp cheddar cheese.

Or berries
Or melon
Or grapes
Or tangelos
Or nectarines
Or pomegranates…
that someone else has peeled for me…

(I have to admit one of the true blessings of living in California is the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables we have access too…..)

Soup
Who is someone you consider as a great role model?
My Mama. Even though she’s a tiny woman under five feet she is a tower of strength. Her example gave me a firm foundation for what I have needed to know about mothering. She is a survivor and truly the most universally beloved person I have ever heard of. Blue haired church ladies, teenagers, criminals, bridge players, poker players, CEOs and drunks in bars all love my Mama.

To hell with Raymond
Everybody Loves Maggie.

Salad
If you were to spend one night anywhere within an hour of your home, where would you choose?
San Francisco…after seeing a show and having a wonderful dinner.

Main Course
Name something you do too often.
Check the ephn’ Google Reader.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I really like ___________ because ____________.
I really like having some time off work because I am finally coming back to my self.

tag...you're it (think cousin it)

Ms. Skit (aka Barb at Skittles Place) has tagged me. I've enjoyed reading this little gig on sooo many other blogs that it would be truly bitchy to avoid it. Plus I admire her much...her blog was one of the first I ever visited on a regular basis. She is an incredibly strong woman who bravely shares the serious issues of her life…and entertains with the more frivolous ones.

1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. (I’m probably not gonna obey this rule cause just about everyone I read has already been tagged…some of them TWICE)
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog. (see number four)

Eight Things About Me:

I live within a minute walk from the Ocean…within a few minutes drive to the Redwoods. Just about everyday I walk along the cliffs or on the beach with the surfers, cyclists, strollers, seniors, skateboarders...and wannabes. This is just about the only place I can't use life's everyday distractions to protect me from my thoughts. The Ocean is the only place I find the perfect combination of God's power and peace.

From my father I got the belief we should create a student exchange program within the United States. One semester of high school spent in a part of the country different from where you live. The kid from California goes to Louisiana….from Kentucky to New York, from Florida to Montana…you get the idea. The medical coverage, language, currency is all the same…and it is easy to get to your child in an emergency. They may have to learn a new language (smile) but it would be far easier than French or German or Spanish. We are such a country of blessed diversity. Cultures, manners, environment, nationalities…et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Think of what an informed, cohesive, appreciative generation we would produce!

Teddy Roosevelt is by far one of my historical heroes. He was a true Man. He had an amazing vision for our country. He was an excellent father, and acknowledged how the affairs of the heart influenced his life. Not to mention his efforts to preserve our natural wonders and creation of the National Parks system for which I am grateful.

My all time favorite novel is Shibumi by Trevanian. The main character Nicholai has (among other things) an ability to perceive undercurrents to which I can somewhat relate. There are hundreds of pictures of me with my eyes closed, Volvos with dented doors, and I experience an asphyxiating loss of sensory input when I am angry. (you have to read the book)

Nothing infuriates me to the point of violence except for the intentional hurt or harm to children. I would support (and participate in) the PAINFUL death penalty for any and every predator, molester, and abuser of a child at the first proven offense. These people do not get better and they can not control their evil.

I’ve been unmarried (not necessarily single) for just about 22 years. I recently decided I might actually want to be married again. (long story) I am amazed to discover the vast difference in the attributes of a man I would marry as opposed to the attributes of the men I would date.

I collect people. I like to bring small groups together (for brunch, barbeque, poker, whatever) who would not cross paths in real life if left to nature or their own devices. Usually it works….well….most of the time.

The Lord is my strength, my song, and my salvation. I am pro choice, pro stem cell research, pro immigration reform, pro amnesty, I do not vote along what is considered conventional Republican, Christian issues. And while I may not agree with everything you say or do I will stand by you and your right to e-phn be who you are. This is the United States of America. There are active entities (both foreign and domestic) who threaten our personal freedoms. Pay Attention.

Thursday Thirteen ~ dieciseis

desired male attributes
(working my way thru the alphabet....backwards)

tall
thanks giving
tear wiping
tent camping
testament reading
tattoo accepting
totem pole allowing
touch loving
toy playing
tulip growing
tongue using
truth telling
thinker

ok…this was really difficult to narrow down to 13…I started out with more than 40 “T” words….

Wordless Wednesday ~ my ONLY cat picture

Yo... Fo Mo's.....

All you Friends Of MOrgen...

today....the first full one hour broadcast of the

Mo Show on Blog Radio

3:30 in the afternoon Pacific time

Today's topic is Why Do We Blog?

I know why I blog...what scares me is what all the other answers will be!

Click for where y'all can find the Mo Show

Hear you there!!

Manic Monday with Mo - Seven

The number seven is prominently found in a significant number of faiths and cultures. In the Judeo-Christian faith especially. The one which comes to my mind first is the Seventh Day.

Randomly…..

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Genesis 2:2-3 NIV

Not wanting to wade into a debate on which day (Saturday or Sunday) is more appropriate…and fully acknowledging that other faiths including Muslim and Buddhist… purport a weekly day of rest...I want to point out that it is even number three on of the Almighty’s Top Ten.

Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
Exodus 20:8-11
( as a child my father and I FREQUENTLY debated over which took precedent…this commandment or the one about honoring your Father and your Mother…which FOLLOWS this one…usually when he wanted me out doing yard work or cleaning the garage.)

You gotta admit in the United States the concept of the seventh day of rest dictates much our culture. Banks and post offices are closed. Many stores are closed…and most other have limited hours of operation. I’ve been in parts of the Midwest and the South where you can’t buy alcohol on Sunday. And stores where they will sell you a bucket…but not a mop.

From Wikipedia:
Protestants are increasingly concerned that the values of the marketplace do not dominate entirely, and deprive people of leisure and energy needed for worship, for the creation of civilized culture. The setting of time apart from and free from the demands of commerce is one of the foundations of a decent human society.

Do you acknowledge a day of rest?

Do you keep the Sabbath?

Cruising Memories

I just read a great little post at The Goat Rodeo on Cruising Commandments…and confess I have personally broken a few of them. The one I am MOST guilty of violating is letting the kids run around in packs.

The first time we all cruised as a family was several years ago over New Years. For us it’s a really big week…a couple days before New Years is SugarCookie’s birthday…and a couple days after is Little Missy’s. Your basic week of non-stop celebrations.

While on a cruise…I require everyone to meet up in the morning…EVERY morning to check in and plan. There are always a couple of educational, historical site excursions I force everyone to go on. I also mandate they convene one hour prior to dinner at the same bar, at the same table…all gussied up….and that we always have dinner together. During the week I make a point of doing something special with each one by themselves. Other than that…they were pretty much on their own.

I learned the first time out...on Day One to buy the kids their own soda card. A soda on board costs a few dollars EACH…so it adds up astronomically. For about $25 you can buy your kids a soda card entitling them to unlimited sodas for the duration of the cruise. Cool.

As the week progresses....the girls are hanging out with a group of late teens/early twenties…having a high old time. Up to all hours dancing and whatnot. Soaking up the sun and fun during the day. The boy is running in a pack of about ten young cubs. They spend most of their time in the pool…or rock climbing or in the video game room. Please note the games in the video game room are paid for and pay off in little tokens. The same little tokens used in the casino slot machines.

You may know your children can gamble on a cruise if they are over 18…but they are not suppose to drink if under 21. Also cool. Unless your daughter who (in full attack makeup and dressed in Nordstrom’s finest) smiles at the tall cute blond bartender on night one of the cruise. Said bartender updates her stateroom keycard in the computer to show that she is over 21. What incredible customer service. Pretty much she could now order alcohol at any place on the ship. Sigh. Thankfully she drinks in moderation…and did not abuse the privilege…I don’t even know until New Years Eve.

Her younger sister actually looks older…and more than once I spot them side by side at the slot machines. I figure hey…its their allotted spending money…when its gone its gone. A Life Lesson on the evils of gambling. (I’m thinking this on my way to the roulette wheel.)

It wasn’t until New Years Eve that I clued in to all that had been going on. This was the night we were all wearing our most elegant gowns and tuxedos. I even brushed my hair and put on makeup. A pretty big deal for one who spends her life in jeans and sandals. I was requiring extensive photo taking and mandatory memory making. I went into their stateroom to check on their progress…and just inside the door is a table with a MOUNTAIN of tokens. No kidding. Ends up being a bit over three hundred dollars…. In 25 CENT tokens. There is NO WAY they are this lucky on the slot machine.

I don’t actually have to say a word. They know full well my “don’t e-ph with me now" face. In unison the girls point to their brother. “Its his”

He does the little boy innocent…”whatdididonow?” as the girls try to slip by me and out the door. I block their escape (not too difficult in a stateroom.) The oldest (the one I gave birth to and who has experienced my wrath more frequently than the others) knows they are totally busted… takes charge and tells the tale.

Apparently my little entrepreneur had been helping out his buddies. THEIR parents neglected to purchase the soda card at the beginning of the cruise….AND they had limited their sons’ soda purchasing ability. However they had not limited the videogame token buying ability. Yep. For the past five days…my kid has been supplying his buddies sodas for the bargain price of six tokens ($1.50)…’cause after all….he (and his sisters) have unlimited soda buying power. In turn, he is providing the girls with an unlimited supply of tokens for the casino. (isn’t it just so sweet when your kids share with one another?)

I have no idea how to parent in this situation. Part of me is appalled at the violation of the soda card. Part of me is horrified by the taking advantage of the other parents’ ignorance. And part of me is just so damn proud. I resort to the wimpy “we’ll talk about this later” and fill my little black beaded bag with as many tokens as I can jam in. Its so heavy I can’t use the shoulder strap.

So fast forward a few hours… we are all at the big New Years Eve Bash. (if you’ve never done a New Years cruise…I HIGHLY recommend it. ) The bars were five people deep and the waiters were running ragged. Being 5’2” in a thirsty mass ten minutes before midnight doesn’t work out so well. There is no way I’m giving up our prime location table to get a drink and I’m about ready to give up…when one daughter pats me on the shoulder…and the other says, “hang on…I got this”. I watch them slide around the crowd to the service edge of the bar. The tall cute blond bartender immediately leans over to my girls. Smiles all around. Somehow they all seem to know each other. I now have a Jack in my hand…looks like a double…and the girls each have some exotic looking concoction. Somehow the tall cute blond bartender seems to know the stateroom number to charge without asking. I just raise my eyebrows. Daughter smiles, shrugs and says….”the computer says I’m 21”

T-minus-one-minute-to-midnight the boy shows up with a couple of his friends…sodas in hand. One of his friends has a very attractive father in tow. Ten….Nine…Eight…Seven….

Photo Hunting ~ Fake

The smile on J-boy1's face is totally Fake.
and SugarCookie is a Fake redhead....
in real life she is a blonde.

Hey Ms Bee...
Do you know what it's called when a blonde dyes her hair dark?

Artificial Intelligence.

don't ask...don't tell

I usually manage to be just offensive enough to avoid this kinda thing….however once again Mel compels me to play nicely with others.

INSTRUCTIONS: Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot, like so:
1. I Was Born2Cree8
2. Skittles
3. Last Minute Lyn
4. melsdream
5. wading though my stream of consciousness

Next select five people to tag and tell them:
(or those I am curious about who I haven’t seen play this gig)
maremagnum

kat’s random thoughts

Lee’s Labyrinth

more random than average

altjiranga mitjina

Now answer the following questions:
What were you doing 10 years ago?
1997. Seems like SUCH a long time ago. I was just about in over my head while involved in a battle between the UFW and the California Strawberry industry. The only time in my life I kept a loaded gun in my desk drawer.

On a happier note: I was in training for Fairy-God-Motherhood….being blessed with the addition of Little Missy and the Bear Cub into our lives.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
I recently posted all about this.

Five snacks you enjoy:
popcorn with balsamic vinegar
greek olives
cherrios
v-e-r-y thinly sliced sharp cheddar cheese
dried cranberries with raw almonds

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:
Amazing Grace (multiple verses)
Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (proved so yesterday)
Pure by Superchick
Wonderful World/Over the Rainbow (yeah Mel…me too)
the ENTIRE songtrack of Phantom of the Opera

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
selective philanthropic endeavors
trust funds for SugarCookie, Little Missy and the BearCub
(payouts staggered at various ages)
financially fix up the folks for life
a house on the Point.
cruise vacation for the whole famn damily~four generations

Five bad habits:
playing with peoples minds
cursing, swearing, et cetera
bragging on my kids
not calling people back
eyes glazing over when stupid people are talking

Five things you like doing:
romantic intimacy
reading
writing
poker
needlework

Five things you would never wear again:
hot pants
big floppy hats
hockey pads
bug eye sunglasses
an incredibly attractive but totally stupid man on my arm.

Five favorite toys:
digital video recorder
digital camera
new mechanical pencil
atomic clock/weather thingie
the thing in my dresser drawer
(no Ms Skittles…NOT in that order)

Thursday Thirteen ~ quince

desired male attributes
(working my way thru the alphabet....backwards)

understanding
unparalleled
ubiquitous
useful
uxorious
unrelenting
unusual
urbane
undulating
ultimate
universe-gazing
umbrella-holding
uber-geek

in answer to previous comments...ah no...to the best of my knowledge this man does not exist...(heavy sigh) and if he did I most certainly would NOT be sharing him....laughing

I try with a little help from my friends

seriously.

Just exactly when in a dating relationship should you admit to a guy that you blog.

And then at what point do you let him know where it is so he can read it.

or...don't you...???

Wordless Wednesday ~

Manic Monday with Mo ~ Independence

I had sooooo many different references for Independence swirling around in my brain I couldn't really nail down just one to post on. Then while surfing thru Reader for this morning's offerings, it occurred to me...that regardless of how you feel about our involvement in Iraq or Afghanistan...if you lived there you would not be allowed to blog.

In fact, most of you reading this would probably be punished, tortured, and quite possibly executed for expressing in ANY way the thoughts and feelings you so freely post up on the "world wide web". Your opinions. News commentary. Jokes. Even your sharing of the precious moments of your families, how you live, and who you love.

Take a moment to think about all that you have done...just today...that would have been forbidden "over there". Appreciate the Independence we are all so blessed to enjoy.

I considered listing the actual blogs I read that contain material which is punishable by death in the middle-east or elsewhere.

But you pretty much know who you are.