BT ( before Twitter)

There certainly has been lots of emotion in the celebrity world in the last few days. The RIP's have been overwhelming not only us but the internet also. On Thursday morning when it was announced that Farrah Fawcett had died, it and the SC governor were the Big News until late afternoon. I was on the phone to my girl they announced that Michale Jackson had passed away after announcing an hour earlier that he had been taken to the hospital. Seconds after the annumcement Twitter was down and it took a while to recoup.

It was interesting to watch this new mode of grapevine go into full alert and spread the news. I have been on Twitter for a while now and I LOVE IT! Way more than Facebook and I think I am on Twitter, to stay.

When Billy May's death was announced on Sunday - I found his Twitter account and that of his son, Young Billy Mays. It has been such a fun thing to see people reach out to YBM in a way that was not possible not that long ago. The tributes and photos and stories have been coming his way all week and the kid is just overjoyed. He post ed that his house burned down a while ago - he lost everything and his dad talked to him about how life is and that he would be ok. YBM said when his mom called to tell him about his dad, he panicked for 2 minutes and then remembered the Talk with his dad and knew it would be ok.

I know there are many sites that are doing the MJ tweets but with all the dark clouds that have plagued him over the years - it is hard to know what to feel. Does the character of a man carry as much weight as being the King of Pop? There is so much darkness that has followed him for so long. To be honest, Billy Mays passing has taken up more of my time. Sounds like he was a good dad, husband and pitchman and I ahve enjoyed the past few days. His funeral will pass with little fanfare and will not be front and center and attract 1 million+ people but not sure you won't feel the Love just as much.

I think it was Monday night that YBM was tweeting out loud and said to make sure those around each of us, know how much we love them. He had talked to his dad the night before he died and he was appreciative that he had the opportunity. I have wondered what all these people said when they met Jesus. What happened when the King of Pop met the King Of Kings? Alot of the tributes are saying that heaven is a bit cleaner and brighter now. When all is daid and done, we will all walk the Same Path but while we are here, I think YBM's is right - Life is short, make it count...

child's play...

Some days, it is about nothing more than being with the ones you love and feeling the hot summer sun against your skin. A little picnic, a little swimming and a coconut snow cone with sour pucker powder - and you have yourself quite a day.

On the outside, it would appear to be a simple act but I am not sure. Pablo Picasso said, It takes a long time to become young again. I agree. As we grow and mature, some of our best parts become tame and censored. We become adults and do adults things. We boo hoo the idea of play in favor of Big People play which at its best, is no match for the abandonment of the play of childhood. Poppa and I fully let go today - and the results were pretty darn good.

Today it was about getting in touch with our inner child - I think we did a fine job. If we can continue to play, really play everyonce in a while, we are going to be just fine...

issues...

He's got issues. He would tell you so. Oh boy, does he have issues but we all do.The thing about him is that he leads a pretty healthly, emotional life. In that I mean he is good at balancing the 2 things that one of my favorite writers, Scott Peck says is why people see a mental health professional.

Most people who come to see a psychiatrist are suffering from what is called either a neurosis or a character disorder. Put quite simply, these two conditions are disorders of responsibility...when the neurotics are in conflict with the world, they automatically assume they are at fault. When those with character disorders are in concflict with the world, they automatically assume, the world is at fault.

Scott Peck's. The Road Less Traveled, is a stunning look in to the human thinking process. When I saw a copy for 50 cents at a yard sale Friday, I had to grab it up. Someone I know will need a copy someday and I will pass it off. There are already several copies in the zd memorial library for the family to read later.

We are all neurotic and we all have character disorders. We all probably lean in one direction, more predominantly. Having issues just makes you human, ignoring or denying them another thing. The truth is, life is not fair and it is hard. It is not always your fault and it is not always everyone's else fault. Sometimes, it is your fault. Sometimes, it is not. Own up when it is and don't, when it isn't.

We all know/related people who live exclusively in either of these camps and they are tough to be around. If you question yourself ofter, you won't find yourself in this spot. It is not that painful and you might learn something. Don't be afraid of being human, be afraid of wanting to be superhuman. Anyone need a good read, let me know...

complain...

To complain,(Wiktionary)
To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment
To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge or

grumble
grouse
grump
bitch
beef
gripe
whine
kvetch
moan

Spent Saturday afternoon with Miss M at the Kiddie Cove at Wahooz's while Keaton partied at Tristen's birthday party. The Kiddie Cove is for the 48 inch and shorter crowd. There is also a $2.99 price tag to play but you can get in from free - security is somewhat lacking. As Miss M ran up and began to play, I noticed that she was the only one with a paid armband on. I thought to myself, it doesn't matter, no matter what everyone else does, at the end of the day I go home with myself and that is who I have to live with. There were a few boys who haven't been 48 inches tall since 1977. There were scaring the little kids and since they seemed to be brain challenged, I pointed that out to them and suggested they get out of OZ and mosy along. One did, one didn't but knew I was watching him and he didn't stay long.

The day before, DH and I saw a older woman on the Begging Corner with a sign that explained she was a single grandmother, raising 2 gkids. She was receiving a donation as we drove by, you couldn't help but feel sorry for her. I thought about giving her something myself. When DH came back to pick me up, he saw that she decided to move on...and got into a Lexus. We watched her drive to a stop and rob a block away and go into the store. I so badly wanted to go in and find out what her Story was but I let it go.

A day earlier, I sent a email to the mayor of our city expressing my my dismay at a huge sewer fee increase and a larger property tax increase. I must have been nicer than I thought because he not only replied but was complimentary on my tone. He explained that EPA is breathing down the throats of our dear town and compliance is not a suggestion. He didn't say much about the 3% tax increase - hopefully the City Council will see that the city can't afford to spread the paying population, too thin.

So this week, I was all those complaint adjectives and more. I don't like myself when I am this place because gratitude is nowhere around. I forget what I know and go in to some deep, dark place that encourages me to rage against the perceived badness being perpetrated against me. We all complain. Some of us live in a constant state of complaint - that will ruin your life. Pretty soon, nothing will be your fault - it will always be Everyone or Someone elses fault.

Hoping for a better week and a clearer vision of what is important and what is not. Doing the right thing when it seems that most are not and getting my head back in the game, where it belongs...

the green, green grass of home...

I would make a horrible criminal. According to Cops,you have to be out well past midnight and that just isn't me. Up, yes but out and about, no. When I am out after dark and on my way home, I longingly look into people's windows and unsecretly, long to trade places with them. With TV sets on or seeing the light on in the kitchen - I can't wait to get home. My home, where the deer and the antelope play. Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word and the skies aren't cloudy all day...but I digress.

Sometimes, when I am stuck in traffic - I look at the car next to me. I wonder how many are in the family and what their Story is and I always end my time telling myself, I wouldn't trade my life for theirs for anything. Even if all the cards were laid on the table, and I could see that it would be a unfair trade and I should take it before someone changed their minds - I still wouldn't be interested. Just like I can wait to get home, the life I have is the one that is mine. It is meant for me. It is not perfect but it is mine. It is where I have staked my claim, until death due us part.

Metaphors aside, home comes in many different colors, shapes and sizes. There is no one size fits all. It is where I can laugh or cry, to my heart's content. I rant and rave and chill out. It is home and to me, it is a little piece of heaven...

Jon + 8 or Kate + 8...

Even if you haven't watched the show, more than likely, you have heard the buzz about the Gosselin family.

Starting out five years ago, a cute little show about the daily goings on of 2 sets of multiples and their crazy parents. How they fed them, what they did. We loved it because it wasn't us and our smaller families looked just fine after 1/2 hour of this toss and tumble show. Their house was to small, they live in Pennsylvania where winter stays for a long time...we couldn't get enough of it.

Now, five seasons and 2 bigger houses later, they have filed for divorce and have left 8 little people in total chaos. After plastic surgery, hair implants, numerous summer and winter vacations and a stinkin HUGE house, the sunshine they were walking on is gone...and it looks like it is gone for good.

When this all came out in the tabloids a few months ago, I was watching a rerun of Gene Simmons, Family Jewels. At that point, I decided that the networks should only make reality shows (if they have to make them at all) with people who already have money. Take money out of the equation because no matter what, it is the driving force when you are seeking it. You have to have the money so the show will not take you down... or at least not in the same way and I think, with the same force as a tsunami.

If you have seen the show, I don't have to explain Kate. You don't have to have a therapist license to have seen trouble coming but you also don't need a comfy couch to know that it is not money but the love of money that takes you down and takes you down hard.

As for the show Monday night's episode attracted 10.6 million viewers, the largest audience ever for the TLC show. Kate said, "How does the show go on?" said Kate. "The show MUST go on!" Of course she does, but I am not watching it any longer and don't want Miss M and the boys to either. They loved the show, we would watch it together - but no more and I am not the only one. From Stellan's mom, Tonight, we are not watching Jon & Kate Plus Eight like apparently the rest of the world is to Pioneer Woman, who is having her own JK8 issues, everyone is talking about it. You really can't have your cake and eat it too. Sometimes, there are consequences. The show may still have high rating but I imagine not for long. The deed is done and it is all skate again. We will move on to happy shows that don't reflect what we have to see in our everyday lives. That's why we started watching in the first place and if that was enough truth for you - here's a bit more. We are made out of the same stuff as these people. It could be us just as easily as them. Late yesterday an announcement was made that theshow was going on a 6week hiatus to allow the family some privacy. Let's hope Jon and Kate decide to make it permanent...

take my picture...

We all hate to have our picture taken and if we don't, there is something wrong. DD rented a room from a girl who had huge pictures of herself in the front room and her bathroom. I mean large, poster size - 4 x 5 feet pictures of herself. It was spooky and from what I gathered, she felt she looked darn good.

There are days that we feel pretty good about what we see in the mirror. A particularity good hair day or something that makes us look thinner. I purposefully wanted to be in this picture and didn't even have to think about it. Miss M is at the age where she wants her picture taken most days. She loves what she sees and is not shy about documenting every outfit. I want to get as many pictures as I can before that changes...and it will. We start to get shy and especially us girls, think we are too whatever - way before it is apparent to anyone else.

When I look at this, I see 2 happy people. One because she is footloose and fancy free, not caring as long as her nana is watching her and a happy nana. When she looks at this picture Down The Road, she won't need to see my face. She already knows what I look like but she will remember how we were together and I hope, that makes me smile then as much as it does me now...

missed it by that much...

Keaton called late Saturday afternoon and said they were on their way home. They thought it would around 10PM but it turned out, it was much later. I didn't expect to hear from them until Sunday so it was a wonderful surprise that we got to see them yesterday. We headed over in the afternoon and everyone still had vacation hang over. Hard to get going again and the laundry that was just waiting to be done, wasn't going to do itself.

We head out for a informal Father's Day dinner to the new burger joint in town. New to us, I heard FG has great burgers. After everyone had their fill, some went to refill drinks, some went to the bathroom and one went searching for answers. DH, the FF (french fry) guy - will search out any fry process that is unfamiliar to him. He found his mark and zeroed in. I was still looking for my first stranger but where Keaton has asked that I not do it when he was around, I wanted to honor his wish but I gotta say when Channel 7 showed up, I had a most difficult time. I really, really, really wanted the camera guy who came with the reporter to be my first stranger but it was not to be. Poppa got the information he was looking for and I got to spend time with my kids.

I woke up early this morning, the sun was up but it was still early. In this Season of life, I had the wonderful priveldge of being able to take a few moments and make myself reflect on another day that I opened my eyes and got another chance to be. Not knowing what the day will bring, I am thankful for it, realizing that nothing is promised, nor implied. It is day to day and if I am honest, moment to moment. Maxwell Smart used to tell Agent 99, I missed it by that much. Not me,I am the luckiest girl in the world...

notice....

Seth talks about Spotto, a game that involves finding yellow cars on the road and shouting the appropriate term as you see them.

What you discover after just a few minutes is just how many yellow cars there are. A lot.

We notice what we choose to notice.

How true is that? Buy anew car and that will be all that you will notice going down the road. Get a different haircut, and everyone will suddenly, look just like you. I consider myself to one who notices stuff but then someone will build a building and I won't notice until almost Opening Day (yes, it happened this weekend!)

As I went into this weekend, I decided that this would be a great time to start the 100 stranger project. When we pulled into the parking lot and saw this little fellow and his sister/brother sitting in saddlebags waiting for dad to come back, I knew I had my guy. I stayed in the car while DH did his business and waited...and waited...and waited. He never came out and it was time to go. Still don't have my first stranger but there is a bit of weekend left so I am hopeful.

We notice what we choose to notice... That statement scares me. I am not sure I can be trusted with choosing the right thing and I want to choose the right thing every time. I want to notice what I need to see and not miss a thing. I want to know what to ignore and where I am spending too much time and where I am spending, not enough. I am not a cause person, never have been but I understand the momentary urge of seeing all the blue/grey vans that were out there when I bought mine. I see that in myself and I don't want to stay in those shallow waters. did it take some effort to see a couple of dogs on a motorcycle in saddlebags? No, that was pretty easy but I want to put myself on high alert and be purposeful in what is around me. I have felt the few times where I knew I blew it. I was short in my attitude or distracted by what I needed and afterwards, I knew I hadn't done what I was suppose too. Maybe it is about living and learning, about making better choices with each step and choosing to notice more wisely...

off the table...

No project is conceived in a vacuum, no decision in isolation and no negotiation with a clean sheet of paper.

But do you know what you're not willing to consider?

If a newspaper company is planning its future, is shutting down the printing presses an option even being considered? Or is it off the table?

Plan a rabbi's wedding and you probably shouldn't even bother to pitch BLT sandwiches or lobster. It's off the table. Not being considered. from Seth Godin

I pretty much had my week figured out. I can honestly say, nothing has gone according to plan. It made sense, was not overly aggressive and was, well, perfect for what I needed. Everything I wanted to do was replaced with things I didn't want to do. When I came home from a little fun photo shoot yesterday, my computer had crashed and all I had was a black screen. I knew it was going to be a long day.

So not surprising, I was up at 300AM and couldn't sleep. Turned on the news, lo and behold, the screen was covered by protesters in Iran. I was aware of the election over there and that Ahmad-Crazy Man had declared himself victorious but pretty much was not interested ...until this morning. It seems that this country could be brought down by the big, bad internet. Twitter may be the catalyst that brings it all together. 70% of the people in Iran are under 30 and they are all taking to the streets and Tweeting their little hearts out. No longer willing to exist in the small world developed just for them - they are taking it all in and spreading out. Fascinating, who would have imagined that this kind of technology could bring down governments. It's not your mama's world anymore and dictators beware, the people are on the move.

Makes me feel better about my week. Thought I was in complete control and found out very quickly that not only was I not in control but I would have to work in the opposite direction. Feels better at the end of the week than the beginning. Right now, I am where I thought I would be a week ago - wonder where I will be tomorrow? Wonder where Ahmadinejad will find himself tomorrow? What is off the table? What is on the table and what do we do with what we know?

summertime and the livin is easy...

Spoons from Pete Wilson on Vimeo.

Spoons is a fast-paced card game of matching and bluffing played with an ordinary pack of playing cards and several ordinary kitchen spoons or various other objects. Spoons is played in multiple rounds and each player's objective is to be the first in the round to have four of a kind, or to not be the last to grab a spoon

Objective
To get four of a kind and take a spoon. Once one spoon is taken, everybody attempts to get the remaining spoons.

Pastor Pete showing how it done. Can't wait to try this with the kids! Summertime and the livin is easy...doesn't mean we aren't in it to win it.

PS. Computer is down so am remote from DH's machine. Trying to see if Best Buy can get me back up and running later on today. Wish I had time to play Spoons and experience that easy livin stuff but for today, must be on the run. Hoping to be live again tomorrow. Have a good day...z

off the table...

No project is conceived in a vacuum, no decision in isolation and no negotiation with a clean sheet of paper.

But do you know what you're not willing to consider?

If a newspaper company is planning its future, is shutting down the printing presses an option even being considered? Or is it off the table?

Plan a rabbi's wedding and you probably shouldn't even bother to pitch BLT sandwiches or lobster. It's off the table. Not being considered. from Seth Godin

I pretty much had my week figured out. I can honestly say, nothing has gone according to plan. It made sense, was not overly aggressive and was, well, perfect for what I needed. Everything I wanted to do was replaced with things I didn't want to do. When I came home from a little fun photo shoot yesterday, my computer had crashed and all I had was a black screen. I knew it was going to be a long day.

So not surprising, I was up at 300AM and couldn't sleep. Turned on the news, lo and behold, the screen was covered by protesters in Iran. I was aware of the election over there and that Ahmad-Crazy Man had declared himself victorious but pretty much was not interested ...until this morning. It seems that this country could be brought down by the big, bad internet. Twitter may be the catalyst that brings it all together. 70% of the people in Iran are under 30 and they are all taking to the streets and Tweeting their little hearts out. No longer willing to exist in the small world developed just for them - they are taking it all in and spreading out. Fascinating, who would have imagined that this kind of technology could bring down governments. It's not your mama's world anymore and dictators beware, the people are on the move.

Makes me feel better about my week. Thought I was in complete control and found out very quickly that not only was I not in control but I would have to work in the opposite direction. Feels better at the end of the week than the beginning. Right now, I am where I thought I would be a week ago - wonder where I will be tomorrow? Wonder where Ahmad

apology...

On his CBS’ “Late Show” on Monday night, Letterman said his joke about one of Palin’s daughters being “knocked up” by Alex Rodriguez can’t be defended.
and then...
Sarah Palin says she accepts David Letterman’s apology for the joke about her daughter.

It took Dave a week to see that his joke went too far. As he said last night, if you have to explain a joke, it isn't funny. He did not know that Sarah Palin's 14 year old daughter was at the ball game and that it clearly was not aimed at her. He took responsibility, maned up and did the right thing.

I wish this was the case everytime any of us find ourselves in this situation...and we all do. Whether by joke or remark - sooner than later, you will be either in David Letterman or Sarah Palin's shoes and each comes with completely different set of emotions and responses.

If you find yourself a general in the Letterman camp - it doesn't take a brain surgeon to make an apology but it does take one that can admit they are capable of being wrong and want to make amends. You have to live with yourself and if you can be honest to both yourself and others, you will have less to worry about. I am not talking about having to check every perceived word to see if it has caused harm - I'm talking about the times you know, you have gone too far.

When you find yourself in the Palin camp, you have an equal but completely different responsiblilty and that is to forgive. To accept someone's apology for going too far and letting it go. Someone who let his good judgement slip away for a Moment but was able to see the errors of his ways and apologize.

I am proud of both Dave and Sarah, for different reasons. I have seen people who wouldn't say they were sorry and those who would not accept any kind of apology. Do the right thing, no matter what - it can feel pretty darn good...

hold on...

Last week was one of those that you never want to have again. Ever.

Had higher hopes for the the weekend but Saturday and Sunday both brought their own drama and will make it spill into Monday and beyond.

As Saturday morning's drama started to unfold, I kept passing Gage's 25 cent bible on the kitchen table. We took 24 bags of all kinds of stuff to Love INC's thrift store Friday afternoon and while we were there, we shopped a bit. Everybody headed to the book section and the boys made all their purchases there while Miss M branched out a bit into the toy section. Gage informed Poppa and me that he was now collecting old books and he wanted this bible. Price is right, you can't beat a quarter and we all went our merry way. The boys were in the car with us and Miss M and her mommy went their own way. As brothers do, there was some fighting going on in the back seat and the bible now needs a bit of repair. Boys fighting over a bible is not such a bad thing in my book so I offered to take it home and do a little repair. There is sits for now.

So in the middle of Saturday's drama, I pass this bible. I pass it several more times, each time looking at it along with the salt and pepper and riping bananas. I tell DH, This bible is staying here for the weekend, don't move it. I didn't know I would need to see it on Sunday but as it turns out, it was exactly what I needed. It is still there. Not sure how long it will stay there. Every time I pass it, I am reminded of what is really important and what is making me believe is very important, right now. What will pass and what will last. What I really need in the long term and what feels like long term but isn't.

A big mess to clean up this morning as I grab my keys and head out the door. That bible is still there reminding me..it isn't going anywhere. That is what I am holding on too. The rest will pass...

diptychs...

I love the way two photos presented side by side in a diptych can tell the story of a moment, Shutter Sisters.

They were playing the little hand-held IQ game that was leaving with them on the trip this morning. Gage wanted to play too but was playing none too quietly while waiting for his turn.

I love the idea of two photos telling a Story. One photo tells a complete Story but two pictures gives you a bit more detail. Do you want a little or a lot of mystery? There is more drama with one but if you want to tell a bit more of what is going on, every once in a while, you might might to go with the two.

If there is such a thing, this week will be a diptych one for me. While I am so happy that the kids get to go on vacation, I will miss them so. The Oregon Coast is not that far away and before popa had to work work four days next week, he offered to drive me up there to see Oregon and the coast. No desire to see the coast but would love to see my kids there.

It will be an interesting week. Not sure what I will do. Thinking this would be a great time to start the 100 Stranger thing - got plenty of time to do it. Will definitely be putting together a diptych for this time - I already know what it looks like. The first one is the three kids outside throwing kisses to me and the second one is me, grabbing up all those kisses and putting them where I can always grab one up. I hope all of us have a week to remember and in a bit, share together...

what is wrong...

with this picture? There is something missing. Maybe it is someone? I can't quite put my finger on it... While it is a lovely picture, it seems a bit off balance. Wait a minute, it is starting to come to me...I know what it is. There are only two instead of three. Gage is missing.

Not really, we know exactly where he is. At home with mommy. He and mommy didn't get to go on our downtown adventure today because he choose to made some not so good decisions. When we got in the car to leave, Keaton said Gage had a fit when he found out he really wasn't going. Can't remember when this has ever happened but today it did. It felt weird without him but we had a wonderful time hanging out downtown and then at the Mall. It was a great day, just felt like we were missing a part of us.

Consequences really stink. I have the worst time especially when it comes to the kids but I know in the long run, it is best for them. Gage will not soon forget this day...if ever. He knows what he missed and I have got to say, he did not give anyone grief over his not being able to go. I couldn't believe how he acted when we got home and Keaton and Morgan reported on the fun events of the day. None of us like it when the ship sails and we are waving from the loading dock instead of from the top deck. But we never forget. It is one thing to know you are going to be in trouble and quite another when the repercussions are actually experienced.

We had a great day and Gage learned a great lesson. I think it was a win-win for all in a way I never could of imagined but I can't wait until the next adventure with with my three little heartbeats..

old school...

It"s been 35 years since there has been a motorcycle in our driveway but that all changed today. We had gone back and forth, about when and if. He has paid his dues - we have a house and the kid are gone. On the other hand, when you have very little time to give to your family, everything seems like a threat.

It doesn't help that DD's best friend lost her dad in a motorcycle accident when the girls were in their early 20's. It makes a big impression and last forever. I have been a buffer between DH and DD for a long time on this whole motorcycle deal.. I understand both sides and if I had a say, I would choose not to own a bike again but I am not sure I can force that on a grown man. Actually, I know I can't.

Even if a fear is legitimate, sometimes you have to push through. Your fear is just that - yours. We all do things that are dangerous that seem crazy to others. I am more worried about the threat factor. We have had big, huge discussions about time away from family being invested in a motorcycle and I think he really gets it. If he forgets, he has me to remind him and remind him, I will.

The salesman was asking me about the bike and the seat - I stopped him dead in his tracks and explained, I was never going to be on the bike. When we were dating, we have a good crash. I was hurt bad enough with a leather jacket on, I will never go there again. Never. Once was enough for me. That is my fear and I will totally own it.

I hope we can all love each other through this and that old fears and feelings can be be reconciled. While I will worry every time he leaves the driveway, my prayers and love will go with him. Time to let him, ride like the wind...

Sept 14th , 9PM...

It is no secret that the Cheers and Jeers section of the newspaper is the highlight of the week. There, assembled in a little over 1/2 a page, is the best and bright of we humans. The Jeers section makes me go into automatic craziness. These are the people who would be unhappy if you hung them with a new rope. They are the kind to whom, it is never enough and they are always, always the victim. It would never cross their minds and if it did, they wouldn't acknowledge that the steps in their brains, don't go up to the top floor.

I miss Jay, I miss the Monday night headlines. I really, really miss Jay.

But since I know he is coming back this fall, I will have to find my own headlines and that is proving, not so difficult to do.

In the Cheers section, you pretty much know what you are going to get. Public thanks is an interesting thing. I see it in the digi world as well as the Real World. The special thanks to the newspaper boy for not throwing the paper in the water or many thanks to the senior citizen bus driver who carried the groceries to the door. I guess I like my thank you's private with little fan fare. If you have done something for me, I want to thank you to your face. When you do it publically, it is like forgiveness - if it didn't happen to you, it isn't about you. The ownership is only yours, if it is about you. For that reason the Cheers section is not a place I hang out for very long...but today, it was all worth it. Technically it was a Jeers/Cheers but it still counts.

Jeers and Cheers - Jeers to the sub-human puppy dumper who left five beautiful little cow dogs in my yard in the middle of the night! My son awakened at 530a.m. to the sound of whining. They were beautiful, healthy little dogs but we have a bloodhound and a pit bull and had no place to keep them. Huge cheers to the Nampa police officers! The animal control officer comes to work at 8a.m. Dispatch asked if I could keep them until then. I explained that I was standing in the rain with them and had not had my coffee. Two officers came right away and hauled them to the pound...

Can we really see outside ourselves so much clearer than our own selves? Imagine if we worried more about what we are doing than what others are doing? It never hurts to be reminded that we are human and that comes with a whole lotta whatwasithinking?

art and strangers...

I love, love taking pictures of art and strangers...when they don't know it. The art doesn't mind so much but the strangers take a much different view. That is why I was so excited to get my Spy Lens from Photojojo. It looks like you are taking a normal photo, head on, but you are really taking a photo on what is on your right or left or straight up. I am so ready to wanted around DT Boise and give it a whirl.

It is not that I want to take pictures of people for sinister purposes or, to sell them. You also get better pictures when people are unaware. It is the emotion I am looking for, not to invade people's space. I know that some will take advantage but those people have more issues than having a spy lens.

So imagine my surprise/horror when I found the 100 strangers site (www.100strangers.com). The challenge is to take 100 pictures of strangers...after ask permission to take their picture and to learn a bit about them Egad, talk to them. That is so out of my comfort zone, just thinking about it makes me cringe...but thinking about it, I am. It would be a great experience to push myself and hear some great Stories. I say that because percentage wise, you have to walk away with Something spectacular and that I am up for.

Who takes paper cups and makes these little masterpieces. Crappuccino, true genius and the art is too cha cha. I heart you Susan. You make me want to be a better person, at least to 100 people...

proselytizing...

Don't let what you know get in the way of what you could learn. zd...And People, we have a lot to learn.

If you teach Sunday school, honk because you love Jesus, want to be just like him, watch this carefully. If you think you are doing all you can for Him, or because of Him, watch this carefully.

For a few minutes, have nothing in your mind but what He did for you - nothing else. Not what you should or shouldn't do, nothing and listen to this man and see if it impacts you in a way completely different from what you think,

r e s p e c t...

What Aretha Franklin sang about years ago and Prez Obama talked about in Cairo today - respect. It used to be in great abundance, not so much anymore.

Yesterday Gage got the Citizenship Award of the Year. We were over the top proud, more so at the citizenship part. Both boys now will have their names engraved permanently at school - quite a big deal for us. That award is given because of the way they deal with their classmates, respond to their teacher. The basics of respect have been taught well and I am also proud of my kids for making that happen.

Before the assembly started yesterday, we were all asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a slight pause and then you could here in the most authoritative of voices, Hats Off. Sitting to the right of me, a younger man with a Marine-type haircut reminded those in the audience of the proper respect in no uncertain terms. He was tough but adamant. I imagine that he has provided for our country in the most difficult of situations. The guy about the same age as the Marine, sitting three rows ahead of me, didn't move immediately when he heard the order but finally took his hat off. It could have been an issue but I loved the exchange. Respect doesn't come naturally, and Real Life can be a great teacher.

Then on my way home, a funeral procession. I can not tell you how many people can not be inconvenienced to pull over for a few minutes as a hearse and grieving people, file by. It has been a practice of mine to take these random moments to pray for the families as the cars drive by and thank God for this very moment in my own life. I have been in that hearse many times. I know what it feels like and to have people stop - give up their time in respect to us, restores your faith in your fellow man for a few.

If you buy into the theory that respect doesn't come naturally, it is all of our jobs to train those given to us about this basic of emotions. You hear the sirens of an ambulance coming, you get over now. It could be your family it is trying to get to to save. Pray for them, and those who will respond to help. It will make you a better person and all of us could use a little more of that...

ownership...

What is tough about the concept if it isn't yours, don't take it? If you didn't buy it or it wasn't given to you, it is not yours. Not yours to take, keep, give away, sell or insert your own excuse here. The same can be said for art.

That being said, I love these rail cars. DH works with these cars everyday and we are embarking on a art project of our own. He is taking the pictures and I will put a book together. We are not going to sell them but make a coffee table book for ourselves. Is that being a hypocrite? Right now, I don't think so.

Why is it we humans feel the need to be creative in public. I imagine that graffiti has been around a long time. These days, it is almost tolerated, the art part anyway. When DH was going to work last weekend, the police were at a house around the corner who had their fence spray painted sometime during the night. Not art but scary stuff. Claiming territory as their own and warning those around, to go elsewhere.

Our homes belong to us...and the bank and this notion that those who don't even live in this neighborhood are claiming ownership, seems unbelievable. Instead of taking ownership of things that don't belong to you, try taking ownership of things that do.
Take ownership of your own property, your family - maybe even your mouth.

Take ownership of your kids, and take care of what you have already been given. If you have ever been robbed, you know the feeling. When my sister had no money, she sent my father the fishing trophy she won as a little girl for Christmas. He was robbed - they opened all the presents and the trophy was gone.

Is the art the same thing? I really don't know but it is a part of our culture that isn't going away. Who knows, maybe someday they will be great artists and paint on canvas. We can only hope...

tug of war...

Computer trouble again. my it guy said we need to reload Windows so better do it now. Even though everything is backed up to Mozy, still have an unsettling feeling when you have to start all over. Always feels like I am looking into someone's window while they are living their lives.

Will have to reinstall all my software and that is when you really know how much you need to really know to run your life. My photo and digi scrapping stuff, my checkbook register and Wiktionary.

A true tug of war, much like yesterday's Field Day. Don't ask Gage because he is still pouting because GIRLS RULE and boys drool...yes, we girls won twice. He doesn't want to talk about it - there are 18 boys and 6 girls in his class. The girls needed us! Felt good to pull like crazy. Felt even better to win. Miss M and I had quite the chips on our shoulders.

Will see if I've got the courage to pull the reload trigger. Hopefully, see you tomorrow...

what did you know...

..and when did you know it, is pretty much the way our judicial system works. Whether a defendant, victim, defense lawyer or prosecutor - an entire case can be made or can completely fall apart, if it can be proven or dis proven.

I was on my way home Saturday afternoon when I saw this lady and I gotta say, my first thoughts were none too flattering. You obviously notice she is not wearing a helmet and then think, so driving a no protection scooter and wearing a tank top and shorts, make perfect sense. You can't see it very well but Boyfriend is driving a considerably larger bike which may or may not matter.

We shot ourselves in the foot and wonder why it hurts. I'm not asking for the moon, just a bit of common sense. I ask myself the very same thing. While I wouldn't be caught dead in this girls' shoes, I have plenty of other areas in my life that should be examined.

What did you know and when did you know it...It reminds me of my favorite definition of sin. He who knows what to do and does it not, to him, it is sin..From my old KJ days. It doesn't matter if Tom, Dick and Harry are doing it, what is your deal?

We talk about communtity and being in it but when it comes to somethings, we aren't even close to being on the same page. Spent some time with a lot of different folks this weekend at a couple of grad parties and I can count on one hand the people that I would be able to community with for more than an evening. Interesting and a bit sad.

When I was a senior in college, I went and visited a college with a law degree in mind. I think I would have made a pretty good prosecuter - I think. Being a lawyer is half theory and half showmanship. It is about being able to find out what they knew and when they knew it. I love to ask questions when I know the answers and even more when I don't. As for Miss Scooter Babe, I just want to tell her mom and have her get in Really Big Trouble, might even save her life...